May30

Mish Mash Mosh

Posted on by
Mish Mash Mosh

I didn’t get home from work until almost 9 p.m. last night and I was just as frazzled as my hair. *lol* Not every day is a good hair day! In fact, my hair was in four pre-pooed twists (AO HSR/Vatika oil) that I did on Sunday. I still haven’t gotten around to washing it out. I know some people may be bothered by going to work with a little frizz and fuzz. Maybe it’s my nerdy ways, but I really don’t think much about it. Generally speaking, at work, my hair is pulled back and very “unspectacular.” I don’t feel a need for it to look fabulous every day. It’s like when I go to the gym, I usually layer up with clothes that are huge and swallow my shape, even when I’m ripped. Or, how I generally don’t wear make-up. I know what I look like, I know what’s under those layers, what’s in that bun, what a little make-up can do. And, I’ll “whip it all out” on occasion *lol*, but I don’t feel like I need to flaunt “what I got” all of the time. I’d rather save my “big reveals” for special occasions and get that, “Wow, she cleans up real good!” reaction. LOL!! Hmmmm … this was kind of a ramble. But, I was just thinking of how boring (and fuzzy) my hair generally is during the work week and how it doesn’t bother me or make me feel like I’m tucking my hair away and not having fun. I realize that my lack of self-consciousness about my hair and inclination to tuck it away is based on the same personality trait that keeps me layered up at the gym and make-up-less most of the time. It’s just who I am … and probably a manifestation of my Ugly Duckling syndrome (Shallow Hal … look it up ;) . *lol*).

Okay, back to the late day at work last night. I got home mentally exhausted, hungry and not particularly savoring the thought of a Lean Cuisine for dinner. I walk in the door and, to my surprise and great pleasure, Wei had brought dinner home from the city! And not just any dinner … “salmon” steak from Veggie Paradise II, which we had just been discussing my love of the day before!! Definitely one of those, “I love me some him” moments:).

Mmmmm … and the leftovers always taste better on day two!!

In other news, my girlfriend gave me free tickets to see A Streetcar Named Desire last Wednesday. It was really good and Nicole Ari Parker was SPECTACULAR!! She played the heck out of Blanche DuBois (yes, that’s who the character on Golden Girls is named after)! I’ve known of the movie for years … who hasn’t heard, “STELLAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!” But, I really knew nothing of the plot. The play was originally written in 1947, yet the topics it addresses are surprisingly modern! I won’t give anything away though. I’ll just say, check it out if you’ve never seen the play or movie. On a side note, Belle Reve, the family estate of sisters Stella and Blanche, is also the name of the prison for metahumans in the DC Universe (you know I had to slip in that comics reference!). Oh, and one last thing! Towards the end of the play, the actress on the right who played Stella walks to the edge of the stage, squats down and we hear her say, “Give it to me.” Next thing we know, she stands up with what is obviously a lit cell phone in her hand, pockets it in her dress and finishes her lines. The crowd broke out in applause. #GANGSTA!

Before we went to the play, we actually made it into the city early and were able to hit the Tracy Reese sample sale, which was a couple of street blocks away! I picked up a really cute pair of aqua blue, high-waisted and belted harem pants for $50! I’ll be sure to post pics soon ;) !

And finally, to wrap up this mish mosh mash post (you get it now, right? I’m all over the place ;) !), the humidity on the day of the meet-up was a BEAST!! I mean, you could see the air. Ugh. So, I decided to try something that I had picked up in November when I went to an Aveda retailer salon to get a heat protectant for a tension blow-out.

Curly Nikki had raved about the Aveda Anti-Humectant Pomade in the past and, of course, I had to snag some since I was already there! Well, given that it was winter, I really had no need to use it! But Saturday? Good Googa Mooga!! Yeah, time to break-out the anti-humectant!

via Aveda.com

Benefits:

This satiny pomade repels moisture from your hair, helping to prevent frizziness and flyaways. Tames curls to give hair a polished look. Excellent in humid weather. Work through hair before or after styling.

• Repels moisture
• Prevents frizziness
• Satin finish

via Amazon

Ingredients:

CAPRYLIC/CAPRICTRIGLYCERIDE, ISOPROPYL PALMITATE, C18-38 ACID TRIGLYCERIDE (MIXED PLANT (MELANGE DE PLANTES)), BIO-DIGLYCERYL POLYACYLADIPATE 1 (SOURCE: COCONUT (NOIX DE COCO)), BIS-DIGLYCERYL POLYACYLADIPATE-2 (MIXED PLANT (MELANGE DE PLANTES)), CASTOR OIL (RICINUS COMMUNIS), PHENYL TRIMETHICONE (SILICA (SILICE)), CYCLOMETHICONE, FRAGRANCE (PARFUM), GLYCERYL LAURATE (MIXED PLANT (MELANGE DE PLANTES)), RICE BRAN OIL (ORYZA SATIVA)

So, I opened to jar to find a translucent white product that strongly resembled and smelled like … wait for it … grease. Yeesssss!! LOL! I placed a little tiny bit in my palm, emulsified it and applied to my dry hair, as directed. I had done a twist-out with Aubrey Honeysuckle Rose the night before and, again, my hair was completely dry the next morning!! Yea for Aubrey!! Once I got to the spot, I fluffed the twist-out and I think the pomade really did help to preserve the definition in my style. I usually would have been a big, tribble-like, frizz ball in that type of humidity …

Instead, my hair looked pretty decent!

Now, the face in this pic is another matter entirely.

So yeah, after the first round, the score is 1-Aveda Anti-Humectant Pomade, 0-Humidity. The fight’s not over yet though folks. Summer hasn’t yet officially started and we have a long battle ahead of us. So, don’t turn that channel;)!

Alright, gotta go!! I’m going to be off schedule today, but hope to put up a couple of the last few April GOC updates later today … just in time for you to start sending in your May updates ;) !

HAPPY HUMP DAY!!

*********************************************************************************************************

So, what’s up with you ladies? See any movies or plays lately? Score any great clothes or shoes? Try any new products? What was your week’s Mish, Mash, Mosh?

May29

April GOC Update: Miss Leah (#7)

Posted on by
April GOC Update: Miss Leah (#7)

My hair has taken a backseat to the wedding… So sad, but at least I’m keeping my hands out of it. I’ve been bunning and co-washing almost daily. My sister bought me a “Turbie Twist” hair turban for by birthday. This  is straight from the heavens!

It soaks up the water for real, which means “dry neck” mornings again. lol. I took those mini-twists out 4 (front half)/3 (back half) days after I put them in!! Itched toooooooo much. I won’t be doing that again.

Just took the twist down … I wore it like
this for a day (sleepy face).

I’m going to a hairdresser on Saturday for a hair trial for the wedding … PRAY. lol. I’m gonna be like Shelli of Hairscapades and Michelle of Radiant Brown Beauty and say, “You ain’t trimming my hair Chick … .” Sike! lol. They didn’t say that, but I’m gonna make sure I tell her, “NO SCISSORS around my head!” I can already feel a debate!

♦

Want to see how the trial run at the salon went? Are you sure? Then check out Never Again Part One, Part Two and Part Three on A Diamond Through the Fire. Warning, you may want to sit down first.

And, if you missed Leah’s first GOC-The Sequel post, you can find it here.

May29

The Big Chop: Toya’s HairStory

Posted on by
The Big Chop: Toya’s HairStory


Describe yourself in 100 words or less.
My online name is Natural Beauty. I am a mother, health enthusiast, writer and an activist for natural hair. Those who know me would say that I’m very strong-willed, opinionated and analytical.

What prompted you to go natural?
I had gotten bored with my bone straight hair and had even bought a crimper to make it look curly. I was still too scared to do the big chop. I believe what influenced me was seeing other people go natural and how beautiful their hair looked. I made the ultimate decision on a mission trip to Tampa, Florida. I lived in a poor neighborhood, was a counselor to the homeless and at-risk homeless and taught art to kids from low-income families for six weeks. It was then that I realized how vain I was being.

How long did I transition before I went natural?
I transitioned for about six or seven months. I just got tired of the two different textures and went for it.

When and how did you big chop?
I big chopped in January of 2006. I just went to a salon, had my permed ends cut off and the hair stylist styled my hair in coils.

How did you feel immediately before and after your big chop?
I have to admit that I was scared and thought that it would look ugly, since I have a round face. I had pretty long hair and cut off more than 9 inches. I just kept telling myself that it’s just hair and it will grow back, I could always return to a perm if I didn’t like it. Afterwards, I felt elated, free and confident. I had my hair styled in coils and it actually looked really cute on me.

How do you feel now?
I still feel very confident, true to myself and I love my curls. Since the big chop, I’ve had the blessed opportunity to influence others to go natural and to love themselves. I just hope that I can continue to do that.

What is your current regimen? Go to products?
I like to do hot oil treatments with either Moroccan oil or Khoret Amen oil from Carol’s Daughter every two weeks before a wash. Carol’s Daughter’s products are a staple for me. I also use the Tui Shampoo and Tui Smoothie for deep conditioning. I use Motions Wrapping Lotion and either Carol’s Daughter Hair Balm or Nubian Heritage’s Shea Butter with Goat’s Milk and Chai for my twist-outs. I also recently started doing henna treatments at least once a month.

What are your hair plans/goals?
My number one goal for 2012 is to just keep my hair moisturized, because it has a tendency to get dry, and gaining more length and volume would be a plus.

Do you have a hair crush? If so, who and why?
Yes, I love Esperanza Spalding’s hair because it’s so big and full. I want my hair to be like that. I feel like we have similar textures and, with some growth, I can realistically get there.

Who is your favorite natural blogger, YouTuber, and/or Fotkier and why?
My favorite blogger is Curly Nikki, because she just has so much useful information on her site.

Anything else that you would like to add?
I’m just glad to be a part of the natural hair community and you can find me on my blog at www.celebrateyournaturalbeauty.blogspot.com. Thanks and I love your blog!

May29

April GOC Updates: Michelle & Chloe (#13 & 13.5)

Posted on by
April GOC Updates: Michelle & Chloe (#13 & 13.5)


We’ve had a good start to the challenge!  Hair, for the most part, has been “easy breezy” and the health regimen has been initiated. I’ve been busy as beaver, both of my sons are graduating (one from UMD and the other from high school), my niece had a beautiful baby girl a MONTH early and I finished up 3 classes and am looking forward to a summer break! Needless to say, I have faced many situations that I could have used to say, “the heck with it,” but, for the most part, I have kept our train on track!

Hair
We, well more me, LOVE TMW (Terressentials Mud Wash)!!!!! Chloe loves that it is mud, but I love the results!!! I dilute it, about 3 squeezes into an applicator bottle and fill with water to first tick mark on the bottle, and shake to mix. I apply in sections, concentrating on the scalp as Whitney and Shelli do, let marinate for 30 minutes and then rinse.

So, I’m here to testify that your hair does dry faster than usual! Crazy, right? Because I was giving the reviews the side-eye, but both of our hair did dry much faster.  Chloe’s post wash twists were plumper and I didn’t have to secure the ends, I could curl with my finger and they stayed put!!!! The next morning I usually undo and put a quick pony in, but the twists were so cute (to me) and she rocked them all week with an assortment of headbands and cute ponytails! And, when I released them, it was the best twist-out ever on her hair!!!! Her hair had a luster that I usually get after applying some oil and the bounce was bouncy!

The TMW effect on my hair has resulted in my first ever TnC (IMO)!!!!! I was so stoked when I released my post-wash twists and it had definition and no frizzies! I thought that it might be a fluke and, sho’ nuff, it was #success 3 more times!


I was rocking the TnC for the first three weeks and then came Michelle’s post on the Elegant Pin-Curled Updo. I couldn’t pull off the updo, but I got all the way to the step where you use the banana clip … ah, that was my treat I got at the February meet-up, I have one! Well, I loved the look, sorta like a curly fro-hawk!

So, I’ve been rocking that look and, with the warmer weather, my WnGs are back! I haven’t done a length check and probably won’t until about mid-way thru the challenge.

Health
Ok, so the first week or so, I did NOTHING. But, I did think about it and mentally beat myself up. Then, one Saturday, laying in bed I saw the most awesome infommercial ever!!!! Kettleworx, kettlebell work out!  20 minutes for 3 days a week for 6 weeks will tone every muscle with resistance, core and cardio.  So, no, I didn’t buy it then. But, I got up and went to Target and they had it for $49, a sign right?! Yep I got it! And it came with a 5 lb kettlebell. I got home and thought, “Shoot, I’ll have to get a bigger one.” But after the first workout … well, actually, the intro to the DVD that takes you through the moves … I was sweating, could feel the burn in my legs and arms. “Nope, I’ll keep my 5 pounder.” I’m watching the timer on the DVD and pushing through the burn and pain and feel a difference in my waistband. Haven’t checked my weight yet (I’m scuuuuuured).

I’ve started eating Activa with Multi-Grain Cheerios for breakfast and a moderate lunch of salads or protein and veggies and go home and have the same. Oh, and my little shopper convinced me to buy Zipfizz after a trip to BJ’s. The salesperson touted it to be beneficial to your “hair and nails,” as well as Dr. Oz loves it (deal clincher)! So, that has increased my water intake and curbed my yearning for a Coke, because of the fizz. So hopefully, I’m on my way to slimmer, sexier ME!


♦

Check out Michelle and Chloe’s first GOC entry here! Want to read their hairstories too? Then find Michelle’s here and Chloe’s here!

May29

How Much Do You Know?

Posted on by
How Much Do You Know?

At the Meet-Up on Saturday, I wanted to get everyone actively involved in the giveaway for the Grand Prize, a Sofistafunk Skirt and Jessicurl Sampler Kit. So, I came up with a Natural Hair Trivia Game. I thought that this would be a great way to find out what our attendees knew about hair, hair products and natural hair lingo and to provide a platform for discussion and the sharing of information. In my opinion, it is very important to understand some of the science behind hair and hair products in order to make informed choices. So, I thought about all of the information that I’ve accumulated over the last two years and have found useful in helping me understand hair in general, my own hair, techniques and products. I used that information to come up with some questions.

Now, I want to share the “quiz” here for the same reasons we played it at the meet-up!! How much do you know about hair, hair products, techniques and natural hair lingo? How many questions can you answer correctly? What things are completely new to you? I’ll post the answers to all of the questions later this week!

NATURAL HAIR TRIVIA GAME

1. Translate the following abbreviations (1 pt. for each):

SSK: _______________________________________
WnG: _______________________________________
TnC: _______________________________________
BC: _______________________________________
EVOO:_______________________________________
VCO: _______________________________________
ACV: _______________________________________
HIH: _______________________________________
HG: _______________________________________
SLS: _______________________________________
TWA: _______________________________________
BAA: _______________________________________

2. Name three cones (1 pt for each).
Bonus: Why is it important to understand cones when following a co-wash only regimen?

3. What is pineappleing?

4. What is the “greenhouse effect” as a natural hair technique?

5. What is the main ingredient in Vatika Oil?

6. Generally speaking, what three layers form the structure of a strand of hair?
Bonus:  Which layer may be missing in some hair?

7. What do anagen, catagen and telogen describe?
Bonus: Briefly define them.

8. How do you differentiate a broken hair from a shed one?

9. Briefly describe porosity.

10. What are the three values on the pH scale?

11. Under what value does the natural pH of hair fall?

12. What old wives cure for wounds and burns mimics the natural pH for hair and is often used in hair products or added to home mixes?

13. Name 3 types of protein used in hair care products (1 pt. each).

14. All alcohols are drying. True or False?

15. Briefly describe the action/purpose of a humectant.

16. What common food item found in many kitchen cabinets is a humectant?

17. What does the BAQ in “BAQ Henna” abbreviate?

18. When used after henna, what plant powder produces black results on hair?

19. Of what Hindu traditional/alternative medicine system are henna, shikakai, amla, neem, brahmi, etc. considered a part?

20. Complete the titles and authors of the following natural hair care books (1 pt. for each):

_______________’s Grow It!

The _____________ of ____________ Hair by __________ Davis-Sivasothy

The _____________ Curly Method by Terri _______________

The _________ __________ Method by Lorraine ______________.

(41 Total Points)

What was your final score? How many questions were you able to answer on your own? How many did you have to look-up? By the way, there is no shame in searching the web!! That’s almost the point;). There is so much information at our fingertips, if we just know where to start looking! Did you learn anything new or get inspired to dig deeper into any topic? About which topics would you like to learn more? I’m taking requests ;) !

May28

Aubrey Organics Sun Care Advertisement

Posted on by
Aubrey Organics Sun Care Advertisement

Reblogged from Natural Hair in the Media:

Click to visit the original post

Calling all natural hair product junkies: If you’ve done your research on products for your natural hair, then you’ve probably heard of Aubrey Organics. I know I have. *raises hand* I’m a card-carrying member of the product junkies’ club.

When it comes to Aubrey Organics, many naturals list it in their daily regimen or favorite products. The Honeysuckle Rose Moisturizing Conditioner and White Camelia Conditioners seem to be a favorite among naturals.

Read more… 268 more words

I sent Tiffany, of Natural Hair in the Media, this ad for sunscreen that I received via e-mail from Aubrey Organics. I thought it was important to share this as I think Aubrey did something pretty big here by using a Black model on a product traditionally marketed to the fairer complexioned masses. Tiffany dug deeper to research skin cancer survival rates among blacks and what she found may surprise you. I know it did me. This is so much deeper than the aesthetics of natural hair in the media. This is about our lives and I applaud Aubrey for subtlety suggesting that we protect ourselves from a potential health risk that many of us may think of with a cavalier attitude. I know what Aubrey product I'll be picking up at Vitamin Shoppe next!!
May28

I ♥ My Beard

Posted on by
I ♥ My Beard

I know I haven’t been writing much, but I kind of figured that you all would be more interested in the GOC stories and Shelli’s videos (did you know that you can subscribe to her youtube channel, skillsgill, and follow her on twitter @Hairscapades?). Anyway … I’ve got a good one with plenty of pictures for ya here. I hope that you enjoy it. It was fun for me and I hope that it at least gives you a few talking points about sports, music and socio-political issues to engage people (I really gotta do this writing thing more!).

OK … So …

*********************************************************************************************************

by Weusi

I got his package in the mail a few weeks ago. The return address just says Casually Debonair … It leaves me scratching my head. Obviously … this has something to do with Hairscapades.

I open it … pull out the contents … then scratch my head!

The bottle says, “Casually Debonair 7.” And then, in smaller print, “Men’s MDXV Beard Moisturizing Lotion” … and, on the back, it says a bunch of stuff … but the print is too small for me to read.

Shelli comes home and I show the package to her. She says that I agreed to review a product a few weeks prior.

I’m like, “Cool” … but … ummm … there are 5 little issue here …

#1 … I like my beard … as it is. I like to rub it and occasionally scratch it to enjoy the manly coarseness of my beard! It’s mine!

(Get these t-shirts for your beard-wielding friends, as well as the original I love my hair gear for adults and youth, from my homie KissaStarr of www.buttaflyunltd.com.)

#2 … What ya see is what ya get. I’m a pretty all natural kinda dude. I’m not really a beard product type of cat, ya dig? The only products I use on my hair are the natural shampoos that Shelli brings home and my coconut oil based magic juices and berries! And, the latter I use from head to toe, so there’s no need to use anything else.

#3 … I don’t know what this stuff is made of! I can’t read the print … it’s too small!

#4 … I was about to trim my beard (Shelli’s fly … I can’t be looking all scraggly and beat up! She’s gotta reputation and a brand. I’m not gonna mess things up!). So, I trim my beard and we go gather the families … many of you have seen and/or read about this event and seen those pics already (if not, they’re here.) Then, a week or so passes and my beard has grown out a little … so, I muster the nerve to put this stuff on my face.

I realize that I am not the best person to get a baseline reading of my beard’s softness, so I ask Shelli to rub my beard a little (I like this!) and I apply the MDXV Beard Lotion … Then, it happened …

I started rubbing my beard in awe! I ask Shelli to touch my beard again … now we’re both marveling at the change in texture! I’m feeling soft and sexy like the beard and voice of THE MAESTRO: Barry White.

Shelli is touching my beard and it feels GREAT, but I’m so amazed and my beard feels so good, I just wanna touch it myself!

THIS STUFF IS THE TRUTH!!!

EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE THIS!!!

OK … not everyone … but people like … maybe …

GREGORY PORTER (vocalist). Because he’s a great throwback into the future of music (if you’re not up on him … you’re welcome!).

For real … this guy is SOOOO nice … I had to share 2 tunes with you …

Be Good (lion’s song)

(Thank you Pierre @exiththeapple and shawn @shawnpeters.)

Illusion

THIERRY HENRY (Arsenal & NY Red Bulls). He’s a real deal footballer. And this is one of the reasons the ladies love soccer players!

And yes … soccer players like basketball too.

(This is for you Buggs!)

BARON DAVIS (New York Knicks). They needed some help in the playoffs! Maybe next year they’ll have more beards and this will give the team the power of Sampson. But, for now, B.D. is my favorite bearded one in the NBA. I’ll show you why a little later (I hope that he recovers from his injury)!

JAMES HARDEN (Oklahoma City Thunder). He caught a MEAN elbow from Metta World Peace that gave him a concussion and was out of the line up for a heartbeat … he could have used that time to rest and work on his chin mane. Now, he’s in playoff mode and can still use it … because, a good feeling chin can lead to a win! I just made that up … sorry! (The OKC Thunder are deep in it right now, I’m sure that any help will be appreciated).

I guess that I should give Lebron and his beard some love, because he stays struggling in the playoffs (maybe because he trimmed his beard!).

On a side note: I want the Miami Heat to win the championship … mainly because of all the flack that they gave them for being smart, young brothers that utilized their power and influence. OK, they went a little overboard with the theatrical announcement, but … that couldn’t have been done without the franchise’s permission and, more than likely, it was the franchises idea. BUT … I want Dwayne Wade to be the highlight of the team. People really need to know that, although Lebron is a great player, D-Wade has IT*!

*By IT, I mean the, “I WIN” gene … He also has HER (see, she’s not always wearing a weave).

(Shelli knows that I dig her smile and her down to earth demeanor … but … as one who enjoys a little competition and trash talking, but shuns extra attention and drama, I just wanna say, “Gabbbi, chill out a little when you’re court side” [yes, in my mind, we're cool like that!]. Peep THIS, if you don’t know what I’m talking about.)

**FOR THE RECORD: I’m really a 76ers fan, but we don’t have any big beards … BUT … we were in the second round of the playoffs for the first time in a long time. Thursday was game 7 against the Boston Celtics … another team that I respect. They have the small dude Rondo, Kevin “The Game Changer” Garnett (he negotiated his contract with a team of lawyers instead of an agent) and Ray “Jesus Shuttleworth” Allen (no, I don’t like Paul Pierce) … anyway …

FIDEL CASTRO (Cuba). Because it may make him happy and … therefore … make the world a happier place!?!

And to stay ahead of the trend … instead of sending some Casually Debonair to Rick Ross … send some to STALLEY!

AND … oh yeah … that fifth thing … so …

#5 … There was something else in the package … but, I can’t tell you exactly what it is, because it’s a top secret prototype “sexybeardinator” type thing (yes, that was a Shelli inspired, Phineas & Ferb reference!).

But, it kind of doesn’t matter … the product is so good, everything else is like buttercream icing on the cake!

I’m sure that we’ll be able to announce the secret soon! Right CASUALLY DEBONAIR!?!

Anyway … I know I hit everyone with the jazzy feel of Gregory Porter earlier, so I wanna do little hip hop for you too. Here’s one in honor of CASUALLY DEBONAIR’s MDXV BEARD LOTION and beards world wide … Here’s a video from my NC homie/producer, SKI BEATZ, featuring STALLEY and his beard. Well, actually, it’s Stalley’s voice and his beard … here’s a fun video …

S.T.A.L.L.E.Y.

And, if you are a fan of beards, roller skating, New Edition and basketball, you’re gonna love Baron Davis in this (I LOVE almost everything about this … but you can like one thing or all of these things!).

One shot

I know that this is a kind of long post. But, like I said, I haven’t written in a while … I had a lot to get out of my system! I hope that you enjoyed the info. (I really need to write more!)

Catch ya later …

SHiNE,
Weusi

May27

Hairscapades Meet-Up (Orange, NJ) Recap & Photos!!

Posted on by
Hairscapades Meet-Up (Orange, NJ) Recap & Photos!!

Okay, this is a quick post to share some pics from the meet-up at Pooka Boutique in Orange, NJ! We had such a good time!!! I want to take a minute to personally thank those who donated their time and talents.  Thank you so much to Donna and Dawn of Pooka Pure and Simple, who generously supplied our venue, the Pooka Boutique in Orange, NJ.  Thanks to Arlinda, the brilliant designer and owner behind Sofistafunk, the Skirt Co. and Michelle who dressed me in this fabulous skirt for the event. Thank you to Tameeka of Jaded Tresses,who did a wonderful styling demo and provided great information to all who attended! There was some awesome networking going on between all of these black female businesses and I’m sure we are going to have some amazing events coming up for you all in the near future!!

And, last but certainly not least, thank you to all the beautiful ladies (and their fabulous hair) who attended my first NJ meet-up! I hope that you’ll all be back for the second one ;) !!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

(p.s. This “quick” post just took an hour to put together! *lol)

May25

Mini-Hairscapader: Christopher’s HairStory

Posted on by
Mini-Hairscapader: Christopher’s HairStory

as told by Michelle (mother) of Radiant Brown Beauty

What’s your child’s name and age? Tell us about him.
Christopher, warmly known as CJ to many, is my 11 year little boy diagnosed with cerebral palsy and epilepsy. You probably know that, but what you may not know is he has a head full of curly, curly hair! His hair is even curlier than mine. I have to push and scrunch and rake to get my hair to curl up, because it’s kind of fine and more wavy (except the stubborn crown of course). CJ’s hair is just a massive ball of curls. So much so that our cat mistook his head for a scratching post once. LOL.

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.?
Caring for CJ’s hair is easy peasy. Since it’s short, it never gets tangled. I wash his hair with the same products I use to wash my own hair, either Shea Moisture Coco-Hibiscus or Design Essentials shampoo. I don’t condition his hair. I just add a curl enhancer with conditioning properties and some oil to it. Then, I let it air dry.

What challenges do you face with your child’s hair?
He’s a bit sensitive to getting his hair combed (even when it’s detangled), so I figured if I could get it long enough to be braided, then it would cut down on the time of combing his hair daily. Plus, his dad frequently forgets to comb it when getting him ready in the morning for school!

What is a typical style? Do you employ protective styles? If so, how often?
Well, since he’s a boy, I don’t think he really needs protective styling. It’s not like he knows or cares anything about maintaining length :-) . In fact, he’d probably be happy with no hair! He doesn’t much care about it. I’m the one whose all into it!

Do you have plans to cut your son’s hair at some point or particular age? Please explain why or why not.
I usually take CJ to the barber once every 2-3 months or so, because he doesn’t keep still. In the between time, I use a curl enhancer on his hair like what Jane Carter Solutions offers. I mainly use that one because it doesn’t do much for my own hair, so I use it on his. It enhances his curls pretty nicely.

I’ve actually decided to grow CJ’s hair! So now when we go to the barber, they only edge him up and trim it a little. I want to grow his hair out so I can braid it. When my oldest son Michael was a teen (similar hair texture), he would let his hair grow and then get it cornrowed. I loved how it looked and figured I’d try the same for CJ.

 

Anything else you’d like to add?
If you had to classify CJ’s hair type, I’d say it’s a mix of 3a and 3b. It grows very very fast (got me a little jealous) and I have often wondered how I would manage it longer. Braids it is.

 

May24

A Dream Deferred

Posted on by
A Dream Deferred

Curlformers Hook Down!!

Ummmmm … see, what had happened was …

So yeah. I just got home a little while ago and decided that it was time to see if the long & wide Curlformer curlers were long enough to set my hair. I pulled the almost two year old box out from under the bathroom sink, dusted it off and cut open the corner of one of the four sealed bags of curlers to remove one. Then, I grabbed the two pieces of the hook and attempted to assemble the little knitting needle like device. The little bugger wasn’t snapping together, so I pushed the two pieces really hard and … it snapped alright. Snapped right in half.

Frick!!!!!

Not to be denied in my quest to discover the truth … I put the two broken pieces together by inserting them into opposite ends of a curler and confirmed what I had suspected anyway …

Ummmm … yeah … this ain’t gonna work. The curlers are too short for the length of my hair and it’s not even stretched to the full length. Chy’s Curlz shared this post with me a couple of weeks ago, because she had ordered the knock-off Curlformers that only came in short and wide. She figured she could use the technique demonstrated in the post when her hair got longer. The blogger in the post demonstrated how to use two Curlformers to set hair that is longer than one curler. That being said, I doubt that I’d have enough rollers in the kit of 40 long and wide and 6 short and wide to set my entire head, if I had to double up most of them.

That being said … guess there won’t be any Curlformers set this weekend. When I did a length check on my pressed hair in February, my longest lengths ranged from 22-23″. It’s been a few months, so I probably gained about 1 1/2 inches since then, but I’ve also cut about 3″ from the longest lengths. The blogger in the above post indicated that the extra long and wide curlers are good for hair up to 22″ long. Therefore, I think that they should work. I don’t have the receipt for this set anymore, but I’m going to see if I can get a store credit/exchange for the extra long and wide. Hopefully they’ll have pity on me as it’s obvious that the set was never used and the hook broke in the first attempt to assemble it. Guess we’ll see! If they won’t do anything for me … I know what the June giveaway is going to be!! LMBO!!