Jun16

Freaky Friday Anyone?

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Freaky Friday Anyone?

2/23/12: So, this is a post I did back in June of 2011, when Hairscapades “debuted.” Now that there are so many more of you, I figured I’d dust if off and sticky it to the front page to see who else will play along :) .

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You love you hair,  you know your hair, you’d never give up you hair.  Buuuuuuutttt, wouldn’t it be cool if you could trade with someone for a week or two? No matter how much we love our hair, we all probably have that one person with whom we’d love to trade hair for one week.

If you could trade hair with one person, any person (your neighbor, your best friend’s 5 year old daughter, a YouTube or Fotki maven or an A-list celeb) for one week, who would you chose and why?

Yeah, this shot of Corinne Bailey Rae and her lush, defined locks had me drooling (twist out?).  I’d trade with her in a minute.  My hair is so fine, I’d love to have her thick, full, fluffy and defined hair for a week to see what kind of styles I could accomplish=).

Whaddaya think?!?!

Feb24

Two-strand Twists

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Two-strand Twists

I really feel like doing some twists this weekend. I did those really haphazard twists about a week before I got my hair pressed, but want to do a nice set that will last for a week. I also really want to try the Sofn’Free Nothing But Mold & Hold Wax to see if it will help prevent my twists from unravelling at the ends.

Anywho, we’ll see if I’ll actually take the time to do them. I’m not making any promises. On another note, I was looking through my older picture files seeking inspiration for a post. Came across this pic of my twists from May 2011.

And these were the messy twists I did 2 weeks ago.

I wonder how long my twists will be a year from now?!

Feb24

Cinnabun Tutorial

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Cinnabun Tutorial

I used to do this style on my relaxed hair with pin curls, rather than on twists. However, this video by Glamazini essentially demonstrates the technique I used for my Afro puffy twists above. The cinnabun is a great protective style for medium length and longer hair and can be done using twists like demonstrated in the video or on loose hair (WnG, twist-out, braid out or TnC). Also, the video is just pretty entertaining!! Enjoy!

via Glamazini

She is getting it in!! Too funny :) . LOL!

Feb23

Charelle’s Final GOC Update

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Charelle’s Final GOC Update

by Charelle (Tenth Wave) of CandyCurl

Like everyone else, I can’t believe that we have already reached the end of the GOC. I joined the GOC as part of the 10th wave in the middle of September, and being a part of such a wonderful and supportive community has been such a joy, inspiration and motivation. When I started the GOC, I was straightening my hair once a month and struggling to find cute ways to wear my natural hair. I didn’t have a stable regimen and I didn’t really deep condition regularly or have products that I used regularly. Because of the GOC, I now have a consistent regimen; I henna once a month and I’ve learned, most importantly, that I don’t need heat to be happy with the way my hair looks.

I straightened my hair towards the end of January to get a trim and to see how much it has changed since the last time I straightened it in September. My hair has gotten a lot thicker and longer since I began the GOC. The longest part of my hair is just about APL in the back and, for the next GOC, I hope to get the longest part of my hair to BSL. My ultimate goal is full MBL, so I’m thinking it may take another year to a year and a half to reach.

I am so happy that I found Hairscapades and I look forward to reaching my goals, as well as seeing everyone else reach their goals, in the future!


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If you would like to see all of the updates of any of our GOCers, just enter their name in the “Search” box on the right ——->>>>! The results will return all of their updates (and guest posts) since the beginning of the GOC!! See where it all began and how they’ve progressed over the course of the challenge!

Feb23

Hendigo No Go

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Hendigo No Go

Yeah, it’s time for a two step henna/indigo. I tried mixing my henna and indigo my last treatment to try and shortcut my normal process for getting my crown hair dark brown/black. Didn’t work out too well.


Look at my calico cat roots!

I probably had far more henna in the mix than indigo and my ratio should have been more indigo heavy. Regardless, I’m not even going to try a hendigo again. I’m just going to go with my normal two step process this weekend or the following. I will post a bulleted picture tutorial for those of you interested in how I do this once a month in the coming week or so!

Feb22

Mini-Hairscapades HairStory Questions

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Mini-Hairscapades HairStory Questions

Do you have a mini-Hairscapader in your house? Wanna share his/her story?! Well then, get on it!! Answer the questions below and e-mail your responses, along with 5-6 pics, to me at hairscapdes@gmail.com.

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What’s your child’s name and age? Tell us a little about her/him.

How do you care for her/his hair? What products do you use, how often do you wash/condition, what techniques do you use (i.e., how do you detangle), etc.?

Do the same products that work for you work for your child’s hair?

What is a typical style? Do you employ protective styles? If so, how often?

What challenges do you face with your child’s hair?

GIRLS: Have you ever relaxed/texlaxed your daughter’s hair? Why or why not and, if you relaxed her hair, what prompted the decision to return to natural?

or

BOYS: Do you have plans to cut your son’s hair at some point or particular age? Please explain why or why not.

How does your child feel about her/his natural hair?

Anything else that you’d like to add?


Feb22

Rece’s Final GOC Update

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Rece’s Final GOC Update

by Rece (Fifth Wave) of A Hair Story

Over the past month or so, I’ve done a few different buns. I usually find a style I like and I wear it for the entire week. I must say that, although I’ve been bunning, I fell short this month when it came to moisturizing my hair.

To end the Grow Out Challenge (GOC), I figured it would only be right if I did a length check.

It’s funny because, in the beginning, I was dying for my hair to grow. I would have done a length check every week if I could. Nowadays, I’m not that interested in doing a length check. I think it’s mainly because my hair has reached a length where I have more options.

Before we get to the pics, let’s keep in mind that I trimmed my hair twice (maybe three times) during the GOC. It was so necessary! My hair would have really suffered if I waited until now to trim it. Of course I wore the same melon colored shirt to keep it consistent.

I’d say it looks like about 2 inches of growth. Maybe a bit more.

After I did my length check, I blow dried my hair a little and I trimmed it AGAIN. I am at the point in trimming it where I don’t have to trim as much. For some reason, the right side of my head was very bushy at the ends, moreso the back than the front, which is what prompted me to trim it. Weird, because I sleep on the left side.

I’ve enjoyed the GOC and seeing everyone’s hair progress. Don’t forget about me. I’ll still be chronicling my journey over at A Hair Story.

XOXO,
Rece

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If you would like to see all of the updates of any of our GOCers, just enter their name in the “Search” box on the right ——->>>>! The results will return all of their updates (and guest posts) since the beginning of the GOC!! See where it all began and how they’ve progressed over the course of the challenge!

Feb22

Mini-Hairscapader: Kai’s HairStory

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Mini-Hairscapader: Kai’s HairStory

Prepare to fall in love all over again ladies … and, all you baby fever having ladies like me? Hide your ovaries!!

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by Monica (mother)

What’s your child’s name and age? Tell us a little about him.
My son’s name is Kai and he is 3 1/2. He loves animals and puzzles and cars … typical boy stuff, lol. He is the smartest kid I know (and I’m not biased because I’m his mom … the boy is a genius).

How do you care for his hair? What products do you use, how often do you wash/condition, what techniques do you use (i.e., how do you detangle), etc.?
Normally, I wash his hair once a week, usually on sundays before the school/work week begins. I begin with undoing the style he had for the previous week and slathering some sort of conditioner on his hair prior to shampooing. I then shampoo, apply a conditioner and detangle with the Denman Toddler D89 (amazing brush btw).

We mostly use Shea Moisture products, the Curl Enhancing Smoothie and the Shine and Hold Mist. For shampooing, I normally use the Suave Kids 2-in-1, because it has awesome detangling properties, prior to conditioning. But lately I have been using Cara B Shampoo. It does the job naturally without the harsh chemicals. For conditioning, I use whatever is closest to me, most likely Tressemme Moisture Rich or Suave Shea Butter Almond conditioners, anything with a ton of slip. Although, I’m really looking into starting to use more natural products. For styling, it’s either the Curl Enhancing Smoothie or Bee Mine Curly Butter. I don’t usually add additional product throughout the week, because his hair is in braids. But, I do spritz it every couple of days with the SM Shine and Hold Mist or Cara B Hair Mist.

Do the same products that work for you work for your child’s hair?
Kai’s hair is definitely a different texture than my own, so some of my staples don’t work well with his hair. But one line that I love that works for both of us is Shea Moisture. His hair loves that stuff.

What is a typical style? Do you employ protective styles? If so, how often?
His hair is usually in some type of braided style. I recently started to become better at cornrowing and have tried different techniques and styles that I have seen online. I also occasionally leave his hair loose a la Jaden Smith (RIP to that gorgeous mane of his). This is reserved for special occasions or pictures because in true toddler boy fashion, he rolls around on the ground, sweats and gets something stuck in it, which ends up causing a hot tangled mess at the end of the day.

What challenges do you face with your child’s hair?
I think the most challenging thing is picking styles that don’t look “girly” as he is mistaken for a girl ALL THE TIME. I also have gotten a lot of slack from other parents who don’t approve of boys having longer hair, my own family members included.

Have you ever relaxed/texlaxed your child’s hair?
No, I have not because a) he’s a boy (not that that has stopped Katt Williams) and b) I don’t relax my own hair. I prefer his natural hair because I feel like it fits his personality.

Do you have plans to cut his hair at some point or particular age? Please explain why or why not.
I get asked all the time (ALL THE TIME). I actually did cut his hair a few days after his second birthday and regretted it very soon after … like, almost immediately. He just didn’t seem like himself afterwards (that was probably all in my head). I decided to grow his hair back out, which in the long run worked out because he had that bald patch in the back like a lot of babies. After the haircut, his hair was able to grow out evenly. I still get asked when I’m cutting his hair and my answer is, “When he lets me know.” I don’t fuss over it or make him feel as though he needs it to complete him. It’s just another part of him that he thinks is “handsome.”

Anything else that you’d like to add?
I started a blog to help other parents of boys who aren’t quite ready to cut their hair or don’t plan on cutting it anytime soon. The blog is called Hair & Heart: www.hairandheart.wordpress.com.


Feb22

Flaxseed Gel (FSG)

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Flaxseed Gel (FSG)

Early in my discovery of this little online natural hair community, I came across the acronym FSG on a thread on naturallycurly.com. I think I was in search of something to enhance my curls. Anywho, it took a little digging, but I learned that FSG stands for flaxseed gel, a natural and nourishing alternative to commercial gels.

via LiveStrong.com

Flaxseed oil, derived from the seeds of the flax plant, is rich in essential fatty acids, which can be beneficial to your health in a number of ways. In addition to helping with skin disease, cholesterol and digestive problems, flaxseed oil may also assist with hair growth and the replenishment of brittle hair or dry scalp. While evidence supports the use of flaxseed oil to promote healthy hair, there is no solid proof of its effectiveness.

Why Flaxseed Oil Helps Hair

One of the reasons flaxseed oil can promote hair health is because it is rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids. Omega-3 essential fatty acids are known to support scalp health, while a deficiency can result in dry scalp and dull hair, says Jim White, R.D., a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, according to “Men’s Health.”

Flax seeds also contain lignans, disease-fighting compounds that may help fight hair loss. But because lignans are found in the shell, whole seeds are a better source than oil.

As an alternative to the oil discussed primarily in the article, you can also make a natural hair gel by boiling flaxseeds and straining them to use the resultant “goop.” To further enhance the beneficial effects of this little DIY gel, you can add essential and carrier oils and/or aloe vera gel and, if you want to enhance your curls, try adding a small amount of  MSG/Magnesium Sulfate (i.e. Epsom salts). However, you’ll want to be careful with this last additive as it can be drying for some, especially if too much is used.

Want to see how it’s made? Naptural85 demonstrates her flaxseed gel recipe and techniques in this tutorial.

via Naptural85 

Not much of a DIYer, but love the idea of a natural gel? Check out this naturallycurly.com thread that piqued my interest in 2010 and led me to the highly sought after FSG made by Botticelli Babe, which spawned her Esty shop, Botticelli Botanicals.

As to my experience with flaxseed gel? Well, I tried making it one time in the fall of 2010 with flaxseeds I already had in my fridge. I think that I boiled the seeds for too long as the gel was very thick and a little hard to distribute. I never revisited making it again … but out of sheer laziness. However, I’ve read so many good things about it that I’ve been thinking about trying it again in late spring/summer for my WnGs.

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Do you use or have you tried FSG? What is/was your experience with it? What’s your recipe?

Feb21

What You’ve All Been Waiting For …

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What You’ve All Been Waiting For …

LOL! Yeah, I know that many of you may have been wondering what my engagement ring looks like. As he told you here, Wei proposed to me with a ring given to him by his grandmother via his great aunt. It’s a simple and classic solitaire on a slender 14K gold band. When I think of what it took for an African-American male in the south in the early 1900s to save his money to purchase an engagement ring like this for his fiancé … there just aren’t words for how special it makes me feel to be able to wear this symbol of love and perseverance.

I love it. It makes me smile every time I look at it twinkling brightly at me … even despite the piece of thick tape currently wrapped around the band. *lol* You see, Wei’s grandmother told him that it was a 6 1/2 and, since that is my shoe size, he expected it to fit. He was truly distraught when he realized that it didn’t. Imagine how funny it was when we went to a local jeweler looking for a ring guard on Friday, only to discover that it is a size 8 and my ringer finger a 5 1/2. Well, the jeweler didn’t have a guard to fit and I wasn’t leaving my ring there while we travelled to DC for the meet-up. So, it stayed in my purse for the majority of the weekend. I pulled it out and jerry-rigged it with some tape (no, not duct! ;) ) so that I could wear it today.

I hope to make it to the jeweler tomorrow so that it can be re-sized and I can wear it with the confidence that it will stay where it belongs! Until then, I’m keeping my eye on it and feeling my heart swell with joy every time I think about spending the rest of my life with the love of it.

Feb21

Sofn’Free Nothing But Mold & Hold Wax

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Sofn’Free Nothing But Mold & Hold Wax

When I wear my hair in styles that call for smooth edges, like buns and updos, I had come to rely on Eco Styler Olive Oil gel mixed with Shea Butter for hold. I would emulsify the shea butter in my palm and then add an equal amount of gel, mixing the two together. Next, I would smooth my edges with the mixture and tie them down with a silk or satin scarf until I got to work. This would usually hold my edges down for the morning, but by lunch time, the flyaways would start to make their presence known. And, by the end of the work day, my edges were usually pretty fuzzy.

So, although Eco and shea butter worked okay, I was still in search of something that could hold my edges and keep them looking relatively sleek all day. Therefore, back in November, I picked up some Organic Root Stimulator (ORS) Olive Oil Edge Control Gel. I’d read some good reviews about it that indicated that it worked really well to control, hold and smooth curly, frizzy, fuzzy edges. So, when I saw it in Sally’s, I grabbed a jar.

“Haaaaaaaaated it!” LOL! Just kidding. However, I wasn’t at all impressed. It really did nothing for me and was even less effective than the Eco and shea. So, I promptly returned it to Sally’s for a full refund (this one wasn’t going under my sink to collect dust).

Then, last month, Sofn’Free sent me a box jam packed with products from their new GroHealthy line for natural hair, Nothing But. Among the goodies was a nice size (8.8 0z.) jar of Mold & Hold Wax (compared to the 2.25 oz. ORS Edge Control gel). Here’s the rundown:

What they say:

Your natural hair has a mind of its own. But our Mold & Hold Wax lets you gently twist it around your little finger. Use it daily or after shampooing to create and maintain twists, locks or knots. And since it’s made from nothing but honest ingredients, there’s nothing flaky about it either.

  • Flake-free
  • Perfect for twists, locks, knots and braids
  • Infused with natural moisturizers

Ingredients
Water (Aqua), Ceteareth-20, PEG-7, Glyceryl Cocoate, Polyquaternium 46, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Polyglycery-3 Diisostearate, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, DMDM Hydantoin, Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynel Butylcarbamate.

Directions
Apply to roots and twist with fingers or comb.

As evidenced by the side of the container, this product is also petrolatum, mineral oil, sulfate, paraben, colorant and phthalates (I don’t even know what that last one is!) free. However, it is not cone free. So if you are strictly CG, then you wouldn’t want to use this product as it contains dimethicone.

The Review:

The product is clear with very little scent (it has a slight smell that is almost indiscernible unless you sniff the jar and doesn’t linger). The consistency is thick, but not quite waxy. It is definitely thicker and more viscous than a heavy gel like Eco Styler or ORS Lock & Twist, but not as thick as beeswax.

I decided to try it on my edges two weeks ago when I was wearing a bunned style. I applied a very small amount, like that pictured above, to my fingertip. I emulsified it across several fingers and smoothed my edges. I then tied my hair down with a satin scarf. When I arrived at work, my edges were nicely smoothed. But, more surprisingly, at lunch and then at the end of the work day, they were still nearly frizz free!! Additionally, I didn’t experience any hardness, flakes or tackiness. I continued to use the product for the following three days with the same result.

So, the next test was on my pressed hair. I used a little bit of this every few days when my edges started to look a little fuzzier than I liked. After several applications, I still don’t have any flakes in my hair, stiffness, tackiness or the appearance of product build-up!! This is my hair Monday afternoon, after applying a little more Mold & Hold Wax to the edges and tying them down with my silk scarf while I fudged around on the computer all day.

Final Thoughts:
This Sofn’Free Nothing But Mold & Hold Wax is a keeper!!! I am sooo impressed with this stuff (probably because I didn’t expect to be)! The product is very effective for me and is free of a lot of the bad stuff. Though it contains a non-water soluble cone, I use DevaCare No Poo weekly. Since that contains coco-betaine and I also tend to “clarify” with a diluted sulfate shampoo once every 4-8 weeks, I don’t expect to have a problem with build up. Finally, the amount that I need to use to smooth my edges is so minimal and the jar is so huge, I expect that I won’t need to re-up on this for 6 months to a year! And, at only $8 a jar, even if I did, it wouldn’t break the bank! So yeah, if you are still on the hunt for an effective, reasonably priced edge control product that holds all day without stiffness, flakes, tackiness or the appearance of build up, you might want to check this one out!

Edited to Add: Right now, the Nothing But line is only available online and in select BSSs. However, the company website indicates that it will be available in Rite-Aids around the country beginning in April 2012.

(p.s. I plan on doing an “epilogue” on this product the next time I do twists! I mean, it was made for that purpose and if it holds them anything like it holds my edges, we are in business baby!!)