Tag Archives: curly kids

Dec20

Mini-Hairscapader: Savannah’s HairStory

Posted on by
Standard

Yeah!!!!!  We’re back with the hairstory of another cutie patootie!! Check out the details at the end of the post for how you can submit the hairstory of YOUR very own mini-Hairscapader!!

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

image-2as told by Enjoli (mom)

What’s your child’s name and age? Tell us a little about her.
My daughter’s name is Savannah and she just turned two September 13th. She is a fun-loving, energetic baby and absolutely loves to sing and dance. Her favorite fruit is a banana. Probably because I call her Savannah Banana :-). She’s in love with Elmo and thinks ABC’s and numbers ROCK!!!

image

How do you care for her hair? What products do you use, how often do you wash/condition, what techniques do you use (i.e., how do you detangle), etc.?
I wash Savannah’s hair every week, usually on Saturdays. She just finished swim classes and they were on Saturday, so that is our usual washing day. I generally wash it while she is in the bathtub at the end of a bath. I use the Shea Moisture Curl Defining Shampoo on her hair and the Restorative Conditioner as a leave in. I detangle it on days that I wash it especially. Once the washing is done, I go through and moisturize her scalp with pure coconut oil. I also put some of the oil on her hair. I usually braid it up and allow it to air dry. She generally wears braids or plaits to bed, so that her hair not all over the place in the am. I detangle her hair with the conditioner on it.

Products that we currently use (even though I am always looking):
Shea Moisture Curl Defining Shampoo
Shea Moisture Curling Souffle
Shea Moisture Curling Milk
Shea Moisture Restorative Conditioner
The Shea Moisture Deep Penetrating Shampoo (If hair is really dirty)
Cantu Shea Butter Leave in conditioning cream

This past weekend, I used a bootleg version of Miss Jessie’s called Curl La La at my BFF’s and loved it. Her hair was soft, smelled great, and the curls lasted all day. So I am looking for that where I live now.

image-6

Do the same products that work for you work for Savannah’s hair?
For the most part. We both have curly hair, although her hair is softer than mine. Her dad has curly hair and his dad before him as well.

What is a typical style? Do you employ protective styles? If so, how often?
It depends on time and her cooperation. LOL! I am learning to cornrow. I can get something in her head and it will be cute, but with her having the texture of hair that she does, it doesn’t usually last too long. If I’m in a rush, we generally settle for the high curly ponytail on top. Its a bit of a cop-out, but when we are pressed for time, it always comes through. LOL! Most recently I did a style that involved beads and she was ecstatic. Had been nervous because I felt like she was too young. If her hair has been twisted up, braided up, or in ponytails for a few days, then I will let her wear it loose in a little curly fro thingy for a few days as well to balance out the tension from the other style.

What challenges do you face with Savannah’s hair?
I just have no idea if I am doing it right! Her hair is so soft, in order to get it to do any styles, it usually involves some type of anchor or holder/rubber band. I try not to use them often. Her hair around her temple is a little thin and, at first, I thought it was falling out. Then I realized as a baby and younger infant, she had no hair there. So, I’ve since calmed down and realized that it is just her hair growing in. It’s different lengths in different areas and I’m not sure what to do about that.

I also get frustrated because, due to the softness of her hair, styles don’t last. If she does get braids, I may get 2 days out of them tops. Twists have to be done daily, banding doesn’t work, and the Bantu knot out didn’t work. I did include pics for you to see what I tried.

image-7image-1

Have you ever relaxed/texlaxed Savannah’s hair? Why or why not and, if you relaxed her hair, what prompted the decision to return to natural?
I will NEVER relax my daughter’s hair. If she gets a relaxer, it will be her decision and her choice and her job to keep it up. LOL!

How does Savannah feel about her natural hair?
She’s only 2. So who knows. I know that she likes it when I do something fancy with it. She stands in the mirror and says, “Ooooh Mommy. Nice!” She enjoys playing in it and pulling on her ponytails. Her hair has quite a bit of length on it, so I think that is more important than texture right now. Just being able to reach it to play with it. She enjoys playing in mine, which is nowhere near the same texture as hers. So I’m guessing she likes it.

Anything else that you’d like to add?
While I will never relax Savannah’s hair, I would never be one to judge anyone who does. We all make the decisions we think are best for our kids at the time. I just hope that no matter what our babies’ hair looks like, we are encouraging them and telling them how beautiful they are. My mother relaxed my hair when I was 6 and I didn’t really need it. It was just easier for her since my hair was so thick. I’ve gone back and forth my entire adult life and am currently sans the creamy crack. I have no problem with relaxers, but have just chosen not to dabble in them anymore for myself. It has not been easy; it has been hard with my own hair. But, in choosing to embrace my hair … embrace me … it is making it easier for me to do hers and it makes her feel good about her hair as it is.

image-5

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

Can’t. Take. All. the. CUTENESS!!!! LOL!! Just adorable!!

Okay, okay. *Wooosah* My ovaries have calmed down.  Soooooo, do you have a mini-Hairscapader in your house? Wanna share his/her story?! Well then, get on it!! Answer the Mini-Hairscapader HairStory Questions here and e-mail your responses, along with 5-6 (or, you know, 10) pics, to me at hairscapades@gmail.com!! Hope to get your sweetie pie’s story soon!!

(p.s. To see more of these mini hairstories, check out the Mini-Hairscapader category under the HairStory tab!) 

Advertisement
Nov19

Final GOC Update: Michelle & Chloe (#13 & 13.5)

Posted on by
Standard

Hair
Ok, so we when we left off last folks, the summer was just beginning and school was ending. Our routines were all over the place; this was mainly due to activities that the camp did (water play!) and going swimming. Chloe’s hair was in braids or twists most of the summer. Earlier this year, I bought a large HE HH SHAMPOO, thinking it was CONDISH and it’s been sitting in my shower not being used. So, I began diluting it in a dye bottle and washing Chloe’s scalp in between braiding or re-twisting sessions and I LOVE IT!! Don’t get me wrong, the TMW is “DaBomb.com,” but it’s not as easy peasy to apply and wash out like the diluted HEHH poo and the SMELL of HE HH is wonderful!

I’d follow the scalp wash with the AO Honeysuckle condish, wring dry with a white tee, and apply KBB Sweet Ambrosia Leave-In and voila…DONE! One major event this summer was Chloe got ANOTHER cut, first one was in March of this year and she lost about 2 inches. And then Tameeka, the Curl Whisperer, cut an average 1.5-2 inches all around and shaped her curls (see the results in the slide show here). Now her curls fall better and look more balanced. Tameeka confirmed Chloe has more bulk on one side so it looks like its growing unevenly-HAIR is cray!!!! Anywhoooo, I haven’t let her wear it out since the cut, just because the braids and twists would last 2 weeks and that meant only 2 styling sessions a month. Just for the end of the GOC, I’m going to wash and let her wear it out for pics for you guys.


My hair was doing ok, but then I went to the Haircut Party and no more random straight pieces. I mean, NOT ONE! Tameeka cut my hair and I was so nervous, because she stood behind me the whole time and was measuring by pulling pieces on either side together, but it worked!!! I lost length, but I gained a head full of curls, I mean ALL curls. It’s crazy because, I BC’d, then I rarely applied heat to my hair, so I don’t think it was heat damage. But, I just took it as par for the course that all curls are different, even ones on ones head (lol). But I know different now!

Moving on, I have “jacked” MahoganyCurls’ WnG routine using Paul Mitchell’s The One and Eco Styler Gel (Protein One), smoothing each row within each of 4 sections. I have been able to achieve 3-day, “lookin’ good hair” and 4-5-day, “ok you pushing it, but still can rock it hair!” Day one is flat but curly and Day 2 is the best hair day (IMO), because it softens up and expands. I LOVE IT!!! Update to that update: Just this past weekend I read CN’s reggie on how she just ‘smooshes’ in her leave-in and styler and rolls with it … and, guess what? It works for me too!!!! Still using the same products, still applying in 4 sections, but the application is less tedious and takes half as long, 15 minutes as opposed to 30 minutes. And, I don’t have day one flat and curly hair!!!! So I’m doing my happy dance!

One other thing that has changed since my cut, I can’t pineapple anymore. I told Shelli it looks more like a peach and it takes away from my curls (straightens them). So now I just sleep on my satin pillow F-R-E-E! On another note, I’m yearning for some color (RED) and have been eyeballing the Garnier Nutrisse Hair Color line with the foam application … would love to hear if any other naturals use it and their thoughts!!


Left: Garnier Nutrisse hair color; Right: Hair Color Crush, Quest for the Perfect Curl

Lessons Learned – Hair
Ok, so although this challenge started out with a length goal, I believe I achieved an even better reward, a head full of healthy curls that are growing. I’ve learned that protective styling isn’t my strong point and I might just be a WnG girl (gotta get my diffusing skills together for the winter). This has weaned my PJism down a lot for my hair to just a leave-in, a gel and a shine serum when needed. Now, for Chloe’s hair, protective styling works and looks good when released. My PJism is still alive and kicking when it comes to products for Chloe’s hair, because of all the styles she wears and different products achieve different look … #dontjudgeme. As for Chloe’s goals, I’ve maintained her healthy hair and hoping the curly cut will help keep her curls balanced as her length comes back. I plan to see Tameeka in February/March of 2013 to have her trim/maintain our cuts.

Health & Fitness
Ok, so I have been keeping up with running with Black Girls Run (BGR). They are SO supportive; I couldn’t do it without them. I’m doing the C25K (Couch 2 5K) and I’m able to run for 2-3 minutes straight. Thank God for the walk interval, but I see progress. I’m running 2-3 times a week, 2.5-4 miles a run, and I look forward to it.

I know I will need to work in some strength training, but one step at a time. I’m working on my pace and endurance and then distance and time. I’m eating a lot better, but not 100% clean. I know that will make all the difference in the world if I could just eat right all the time, but 80% is better than none. I’m drinking more water, not half my body weight, but definitely more than ever and I love Vitamin Water DragonFruit and Tangy Citrus. It’s a lot less calories than my faves Pepsi/Coke.

Lessons Learned – Health & Fitness
Ain’t nothing to it, but to DO IT! Just as with my natural hair process, patience is key. The results come from practicing healthy habits, like eating and exercising, and the results will come. I’ve come from a TWA to BSL, so I can reach my weight goal of being in the 130’s and overall healthy! Good luck to everyone and I can’t wait for the next GOC!


♦

To see where it all began, check out Michelle and Chloe’s other GOC-The Sequel posts here:

Initial Submission
April Update
May-June Update

Sep12

Mommy & Me – Saturday, September 29th

Posted on by
Standard

UPDATE: RSVP FOR EVENT REQUIRED! SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS!

♥

The Christo Fifth Avenue Team Presents

M o m m y & M e

An event for the Wavy, Curly, Coily & Kinky Cuties and their Mommies!

♥The very talented Tameeka of Christo Fifth Avenue will show you tips and tricks for styling your little one’s tresses with the Curlisto Kids Collections!♥

♥Free consultations by the Christo Fifth Avenue Team♥

♥Refreshments will be served.♥

♥A girl’s skirt will be raffled courtesy of Sofistafunk, The Original Skirt Company.♥

♥Special Guest Co-Host: Shelli of Hairscapades♥

Saturday, September 29th

5:00 – 7:00 pm

Christos Fifth Avenue
574 5th Ave, 5th Floor (between 46th and 47th St.)

RSVP REQUIRED: stephanie@christonyc.com

Space for this event is limited. So RSVP with the number in your party today!!

Hope to see YOU and your little naturalista there!!!


Aug30

Margret’s Mane: A Book Review

Posted on by
Standard

by Michelle

A co-worker of mine shared a book with me that her friend’s niece, Aprill Hogue, wrote and illustrated.

via Lulu.com

Margret’s Mane

“This is the tale of a curly-haired girl named Margret, who did not fit in her own little world … Poor Margret hated her hair, and she thought that her world was quite unfair. Why must she be so different from everyone else, with hair so strange–she doubted herself. Join Margret as she soon learns to see, that she is unique, and quite special indeed.”

It’s independently published and I ordered it from the website. Shipping was quick and I ordered it in Chloe’s name. When it arrived in the mail, I told Chloe she had a package. She said, “From who Mama?” I told her I didn’t know. When she opened it, saw a brown girl with wild hair and read the title, “Margret’s Mane,”she exclaimed, “Ms. Shelli sent this to me!” I just laughed and said ok.

A little background as to why this book is special to me and my child. Chloe was born with a head full of almost black hair and it just grew and grew and curled and curled.

Her hair always drew attention from others, especially when she wore it out. People would stop me to want to touch her hair (hell no). They wanted to know what I used on her hair, was she mixed and on and on!

It wasn’t until Chloe started public school that she began to pay attention to the differences in all of the kids. Three years ago, we moved to a diverse community and she has friends from all ethnicities. One of her closest friends is Emily, who has straight blonde hair with a bang. One day, Chloe came home asking for a bang … what? Cutting a female’s hair in the AA community is like a bridge from little girl to big girl – like middle school! Shoot, I was in the 9th grade before I got my first style with a cut! Her dad wasn’t cool with the idea. He wanted his little girl to stay a little girl as long as possible. Even though I wasn’t comfortable with it, I did accept and had to explain to him that other ethnic groups cut their little girls’ hair early (little bobs and bangs) and Chloe was just asking for what seems to be the norm to her. Even with this acceptance … she wasn’t getting a bang *lol*.

I talked to her during one of our hair sessions and I explained to her that God gave her curly hair and her curly hair did not want to be made to do the same thing day in and day out. If she got a bang, it would end up being a big bushy mustache on her forehead and wouldn’t look like Emily’s bang, because she had curly hair that wanted to curl, not be straight. She thought about it and then bust out laughing and said, “Ok Mama … A mustache … bwahaaa!”

Chloe first read Margret’s Mane at her after-care program with one of her teachers who is white and likes to “fix” Chloe’s hair in the evening. Oh, and Chloe brushes and styles her hair as well … lol. She was so excited, she said, “Mama, Margret has wild hair just like mine and it makes her unique like me!”

Chloe’s favorite page.

She went on to tell me all about the book and how her friends were nicer than Margret’s friends because her friends never teased her. The kids in her classroom (mostly the boys), smell her hair to see what scent it is … Organix Coconut Milk, BeeMine Island Mango, or Karen’s Body Beautiful Vanilla Latte!! *lol*

Long review short, if you want to add a book for curly kids that speaks to the uniqueness of their curls, then order Margret’s Mane by April Hogue at http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/adh_books.

**************************************************************************************************************
Awwwwww!! Michelle, how you gonna let Chloe think I sent that?? Now I have to really send her something;)!!
Would/Have you purchased a book like this for your little naturalista? What has your child’s experience been like with her/his natural hair? Has it been positive or negative? How do/would you address hair and esteem with your little one?
Aug30

Back to School: De-Summerize Your Child’s Hair

Posted on by
Standard

(Chloe)

by Tameeka aka Jaded Tresses

After such a hot and humid season, it’s a good idea to “de-summerize” your child’s hair in preparation for the fall and upcoming school year. The sun, although fun for our little ones, can wreak havoc on their tresses. It’s important that we nurture them in preparation for the drier weather approaching. As adults, we may have catered to our own tresses a little more than we have done to our future manes, which may have been in and out of water/chlorine and salt/sun continuously  without care ;).

So now moms and pops, it’s a must for us to “de-summerize” their treasured locks. What that means is Clarify, Recondition and Re-hydrate  their precious tresses. Because a child’s hair is virgin, vellus and naturally porous, it can sustain the most damage during the hot summer months, leaving the hair parched and dehydrated craving moisture.

Here are few things that I suggest that you do in preparation that  can help aid you through the rough cold weather we are about to embark on during the school year.

Tools and Products

  • Hard hat or bonnet dryer: Great for deep treatments, as well as drying tresses once styled.
  • Plastic cap
  • Duck bill or butterfly clips to help section off tresses
  • A wide-tooth comb, double wide-tooth comb or Denman brush to help with detangling
  • Shampoo, conditioner and deep conditioner

I will list a few shampoos, conditioners and deep conditioners that may be of some use:

  • Non-sulfate: The Organix line has various shampoos, conditioners and masks (find in local beauty supply stores and Target).
  • Curlisto Natural Coils line has a cleanser, conditioner, leave-in and mask (find online at Curlisto.com and at the Fifth Ave salon).
  • Shea Moisture (Target)
  • Carol’s Daughter Monoi line (find at Carol’s Daughter locations and online).
  • Ouidad Curl Quencher shampoo, conditioner, moisture lock leave-in and signature deep treatment (find at Sephora, the flagship salon on 57th st or online at Ouidad.com).
  • Clarifying: Pantene Nature Fusion has a great shampoo and conditioner (find in local beauty supply stores and Target)
  • Deep conditioner: KeraCare Intensive Restorative Masque is a great deep conditioner (find in local beauty supply stores).

Step 1: Clarifying Shampoo
Clarifying shampoos help to  remove product build-up, salt, chlorine and mineral build up from the hair. So, if you have been consistently using a non-sulfate shampoo and/or conditioner on your child’s hair, as well as applying oils because they have been swimming and had a generous amount of sun exposure, then this is definitely your first step.

Directions:

  1. Wet the child’s hair thoroughly, rinsing out all of the old product until the water runs as clear as possible.
  2. Apply about a quarter-size amount or more of clarifying shampoo to the palms and massage it into your child’s scalp using the ball of your fingertips.
  3. Once a lather has been formed, finger through and DOWN the hair in a piano stroking motion. Never ball your child’s tresses on top of their head. That will only create knots and make detangling even more complicated.
  4. Rinse slightly and repeat if necessary. If you achieved a rich lather the first time, no need to repeat. Just rinse out thoroughly, allowing the water to run over the hair while you finger through the tresses to remove the soapy suds.
  5. Squeeze excess water out of the hair.

Step 2: Reconditioning
It’s wise to do this next part in sections and once each section has been conditioned and detangled, twist or braid it loosely so as to prevent it from tangling up again.

Directions:

  1. When applying conditioner, apply to the ends of your child’s tresses first, saturating the ends, smoothing and working your way up towards the scalp. It is not necessary to start at the scalp.
  2. Once saturated, using a wide-tooth comb, Denman brush or double tooth comb, hold the section upon which you are working in a ponytail and start detangling from the ends first, working upwards (the tighter you grasp the hair into a ponytail, the less pain the child will feel). Twist or braid each section prior to moving to the next section.
  3. Whiling leaving the hair in twists or braids, rinse the conditioner out, leaving a good 10% of the conditioner in the hair. (If you are deep conditioning right after this step, it is also okay to leave the conditioner in and apply the deep treatment directly on top of it.)

Step 3: Re-hydrating/Deep Conditioning
A deep penetrating, hydrating moisturizing mask should be done at least once a month.

Directions:

  1. This type of conditioner can be done with or without heat. However, when heat and a plastic cap are applied, it is more intensive. The heat opens the cuticle layers of the hairs shaft allowing the necessary moisture, protein and oils to penetrate deeper and bond to the inner molecular layers of the strands, which helps repair and strengthen the hair.
  2. When deep conditioning, be sure to rinse with a slightly cooler water temperature to seal and lock in all the good stuff for our little ones ;).

Hope that I was of some help to the guardians of our future manes ;)!

Please feel free to inquire about anything. I would love to hear from you and help guide you through you and your child’s natural hair journey!

Many blessings,

Tameeka McNeil-Johnson
#thecurlwhisperer

Facebook: Jaded Tresses
Twitter: @JadedTresses
Website: www.jadedtresses.com (under construction)
T#: 646.262.9157

Jul4

May-June GOC Update: Michelle (#13) & Chloe (#13.5)

Posted on by
Standard

Ok, so May and the beginning of June have been super busy for me and the fam! My oldest son graduated from UMD (go Terps!) in May and my middle son graduated from high school, my niece had a beautiful baby girl a month early, I wrapped my Spring semester of classes with a 3.5 GPA and Chloe wrapped up her first year as a Brownie with the Girl Scouts at an event with over 200K Girl Scouts on the Mall in Washington, DC … whew, I’m tired!

Hair Onto hair deets. With the super warm weather season peaking earlier in the DMV area, I’ve been rocking my WnGs more and more. I tried two different products for this season’s debut of my WnGs, Hair Rules Curly Whip (Target-$17.99) and Let’s Jam Curling Custard (Walgreens $3.89) that Mahoghany Curls did a few vids on. I liked both, but the Let’s Jam CC was really the best on my hair and the price, YOU CAN’T BEAT the price. Plus, I got 2-3 day hair out of it and then I banana clipped it up for the rest of the work week!


I applied both in the shower on soaking wet hair, squeezed out the excess water with a white tee and air dried. I’ve been pineappling at night and it does help to stretch my WnG.

I also did a few rollersets after watching one of my faves, ShamIAmGlam’s posts (Don’t Call it a Comeback) inspired me to try the style she was wearing for my son’s graduation. I hope I did it some justice Sham!!!

Chloe’s hair for May and June has been a hodge podge of braids, WnG for her middle brother’s graduation, a twist-out for her oldest brother’s graduation (he had two!!!) and just recently rope-twists with rubber bands.


I have not been pre-pooing Chloe like I normally do … her schedule has been cray! I have not done a henna treatment since March!!! But we’re back to our regularly scheduled program, I just re-upped on my henna stash and got in on Henna Sooq’s Friday deals (this one was $5 off any price order) and then I won a $10 credit for a future order!!! Khadija (Henna Sooq partner) is really sweet and responsive; she has a blog that is very informative (maybe we can get her for the next DMV meet-up *hint-hint*). And, Chloe and I are getting a haircut for MY birthday in July! More deets in my July update – can’t wait to debut those pics!! Health & Fitness Ummmmmmm, health and fitness … I’m still breathing and eating … lol! But, I just joined Black Girls Run in my area and I went and was fitted for some running shoes that will offer me some support (low to no arch – I love my flip flops – #dontjudgeme and #lovemyhavianas) and will help with my shin splints. So, keep hope alive that I’ll report increased physical activity for moi! Oh, and Chloe may be resuming her All-Star Cheering again (we missed try-outs in May, I did say we were busy as ISH, right?!). ChloChlo is a bean pole with hair, but we all need to get up and move, right? Until next month, continued success to everyone!

Chloe with her Michael Jackson hat,
for the Anniversary of his death.

♦

Check out Michelle and Chloe’s other GOC-The Sequel posts here:

Initial Submission
April Update

Jun7

Mini-Hairscapader: Kynnede’s HairStory

Posted on by
Standard

as told by Adrienne (sister) of NaturalEmbrace

What’s your child’s name and age? Tell us a little about her.
Well first let me say that Kynnede is my sister and she’s 14 years younger than me. So, sometimes it does feel like she’s my kid. She’s 11 and just now beginning to pay attention to things like her hair, but still doesn’t take care of it as well as she should. I’ve been trying to tell her about the importance of deep conditioning and sleeping with a satin scarf, but … she’s young and doesn’t listen. Plus, she lives in San Diego with our Dad (I’m in Maryland) and he knows nothing about hair. So, she’s pretty much on her own out there. When she comes to visit, we do as many girly/beauty things as possible. But it’s hard to get her to retain anything I teach her because I don’t see her very often.

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.?
When Kynnede visits, I usually take her to get a trim, because her ends are always looking frayed beyond repair. She loves long hair, but I tend to convince her to keep it short until she can better learn to take care of it.

While with me, I make sure she conditions more than she uses shampoo and I always supply her with sulfate free shampoos. But, I don’t even bother with trying to give her silicone free conditioners. She doesn’t deep condition either … so it’s just conditioner in the shower and then she detangles her hair while wet with conditioner, which is about the only thing that has stuck with her after all I’ve told her. She never combs through her hair while dry, but does have a tendency to slick it back with a brush. She usually co-washes every other day, mainly because she’s a wild sleeper without a satin scarf and wakes up with tangled hair … especially if I don’t fit it into a bun or braid the night before.

Do the same products that work for you work for your sister’s hair?
Her hair texture is completely different from mine. It’s a lot looser and more in the 3 family instead of the 4. She can have awesome Botticelli curls when we really work at it. Her hair doesn’t really resist too much and I’m not sure what products she uses regularly when home. But, with me, she uses Tresemmé Naturals to co-wash and I use the Cantu-Shea Butter Leave-in before styling her hair. I sometimes use Eco Styler Gel, depending on the style. Her hair loves the Cantu though, so I made sure she went home with a big bottle! We also did a mini henna treatment, because she wanted red highlights … we didn’t leave it on long enough to make a difference, but it did enhance the natural light brown highlights already in her hair.

What is a typical style? Does she employ protective styles? If so, how often?
 Kynnede hasn’t quite embraced her curls … at least she loves her curly hair, but doesn’t like how her hair looks. I styled her hair in braids for a braid out and it came out awesome! But, she didn’t like it and quickly pulled her hair up into a ponytail, which is her main styling choice. I’m trying to get her to not tie her hair so tightly, but she doesn’t listen … and she keeps using the elastics with the metal on them (despite the fact that I throw them away every time I see them). If she doesn’t have a ponytail, it’s in a bun. Her hair grows quickly and has been waist length before, but she just doesn’t care for her curls well enough at the moment, so her hair isn’t as great as it could be.


What challenges do you face with your sister and her hair?
Mostly, she’s stubborn and wants to do whatever is easiest style-wise and whatever won’t make her look weird. It would be easier for me to teach her about her hair and to care for her curls if we lived in the same state, but we don’t. So, I do what I can while we are together. I’m hoping it’ll get easier when she gets older … she’ll listen eventually!

Has your sister ever had relaxed/texlaxed hair? Why or why not?
Her hair has never been relaxed. Our mother wouldn’t hear of it and none of us wanted to relax her hair anyway … the thought never came up!

Anything else that you’d like to add?
Nothing, just that my sister is pretty awesome for an 11 year old! Very mature for her age and I love hanging out with her!

May29

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

Posted on by
Standard


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!

May25

Mini-Hairscapader: Christopher’s HairStory

Posted on by
Standard

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.

 

Apr26

Mini-Hairscapader: Ashanti’s HairStory

Posted on by
Standard

as told by Niah (mother)

What’s your child’s name and age? Tell us a little about her/him.
My daughter’s name is Ashanti and she is 9 years old. She is my beautiful, brilliant and bright baby girl. She is into a little bit of everything: Girl Scouts, gymnastics, different styles of dance, acting and currently in the engineering club at her school, as well as the Vice President of SGA. Ashanti is a lover of anything music and/or fashion related and has been a little princess since day one. No, seriously. She has been crossing her legs (which I later corrected her to cross her ankles) since before she was a year old. She is a very loving and humble little girl who loves her mom. We have a super tight bond. I have been truly blessed with an amazing little girl and I only pray she stays this way forever.  *lol*

How do you care for her hair? What products do you use, how often do you wash/condition, what techniques do you use (i.e., how do you detangle), etc.?
It took me a really long time to figure out the best way to care for her hair, since my texture is very different.  When she was younger, her texture was more like her father’s, which is type 2 and 3. Most people thought her texture type was the easiest, but not nearly. Because, as she got older, her hair changed and is now a mixture of my 4a/4b hair and her father’s type 2 and 3 hair.  So, the crown of her hair, it’s more of my texture, which makes it a little more difficult to detangle. Well, thank GOD for the natural community! When I BC’d the first time about 5 years ago, when she was at the age of 4, I started my research.

I co-wash her hair weekly and wash with shampoo and deep condition every 2 weeks. I finger detangle her hair while washing/co-washing. I always use a leave-in conditioner, Giovanni, after washing. I section her hair into 6 sections and use plenty of leave-in with coconut oil. Comb each section with a wide tooth comb from the ends and work my way to the roots. After detangling, I use my own whipped shea butter mixture (organic shea butter, EVOO and EVCO) to seal her ends and then braid the sections. I use medium size braids. This is an extremely long process, because she has so much hair, but its worth it because she rarely has split ends. Her hair is wrapped in a satin scarf every night.

The products I use on her hair include:

  • Aussie Shampoo and Conditioner
  • Giovanni Leave-in Conditioner
  • Shea butter, EVOO, EVCO
  • Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk
  • Mizani H2O Conditioning Hair Dress

I’ve tried KCCC, but because her hair is so thick, it took almost a week for it to completely dry. It only defined her curls around the perimeter of her head. But the crown, no such luck. In the winter season, I take that time to get her hair blown straight with low heat. This is when we catch up on trimming her ends, if necessary.  Also, when we wash her hair, it takes a few days to dry, since we rarely allow her to wear it out. If we do, she will for sure be able to score a part in the next Diana Ross or Chaka Khan feature. Speaking of which, because she happens to have pretty big hair and loves music, she was asked to play the lead “lady” in a music video acting as Sy Smith.

Do the same products that work for you work for your child’s hair?
For the most part, we are able to use the same products. The only products I do not use on my hair that seem to work well for her are Mizani Rose H2O Conditioning Hair Dress and Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk.

What is a typical style? Do you employ protective styles? If so, how often?
Her hairstyles are seasonal. Lol! Because she is extremely busy during summer break with gymnastics, swimming, dance class, acting class and just play dates and sleepovers, I do a protective style of double strand twists that are refreshed every 2 weeks. It takes about 3 to 4 hours each time, but it’s worth it and she loves it, because it’s the closest she ever gets to wearing her hair down. During the winter time, we have it blown straight and allow her to wear it all out and be free. Anytime around this season, it’s usually her famous ballerina bun or a few ponytails. Either style, whether protected or not, she always wears a satin scarf to bed.

What challenges do you face with your child’s hair?
The only challenge I have with my daughter’s hair is being able to keep it curly after a wash and knowing when it dries, it won’t blow up and create its own time zone. I love it when it gets big, but it loses its curl definition causing it to look like someone threw her away.

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?
Sadly, I was convinced by a member of her father’s family that I should put a soft texlaxer in hair when she was younger to calm the curls. I thought it was a bad idea as soon as I put it on, so I took it out almost immediately.  Even still, I felt horrible about it and since then, no one can ever tell me what to do to her hair or touch it without my permission. I decided to make sure it remained natural, because her hair was fine the way it was. I just had to learn it and have patience.

How does your child feel about her/his natural hair?
Ashanti loves her natural hair. She loves how versatile it is; how she can wear it big and curly or bone straight, knowing it will be curly again once it’s wet. She definitely appreciates the hours of work I put in her hair and I love to see her face light up when she looks in the mirror after we’re all done.

Anything else that you’d like to add?
Continue to educate yourself and your child on natural hair. Teach them how to love and take care of their hair early, so that they can have that much more appreciation for it. Other than that, if anyone has any great tips on how to maintain curls with hair textures 3/4a, please feel free to share them with me, pleeaaasseee!!! As she gets older, she is over wearing pony tails to school and I don’t want to always straighten her hair. Lastly, along with other great natural hair communities, thank you Shelli for giving us a great tool to get great tips, motivation and inspiration in growing out healthy natural hair.