Check out this tutorial for a really quick and simple protective style for medium to long hair that was submitted by ChakaKhanian!
via ChakaKhanian
Oct2
Tag Archives: medium hair
Oct2
A Flat Twist-Out to Envy
via Curls2Envy
Hello Ladies. I received my B.A.S.K. Palm Tapioca Deluxe Hair Cream earlier this week from the swap board on NaturallyCurly.com.
I was super anxious to try it out for some twists. This in not a review for the Palm Tapioca (one will come at a later date once I’ve played with it some more).
Products used for this look:
B.A.S.K. Palm Tapioca
Raw african shea butter
Shea Moisture Sheabutter Leave-in
Original Moxie Hair Bling
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First I washed and detangled my hair. I moisturized my hair with the B.A.S.K. Palm Tapioca. I then put my hair in 8 fat twists to air dry.
I waited for my hair to be 70% dry before taking the fat twists down so I can put the flat twists in.
I put in 12 flat twists in total: 3 in the front, 2 above each ear and 5 in the back.
I rewet my ends and sealed with some african shea butter.
Look how plump & shiny they are!
♥
I left my twist in for a total of 4 days.
Every other night I moisturized the twist with water and Shea Moisture’s Shea Butter Leave-in and tied down with a satin scarf.
How I wore my hair on Tuesday for school
♥
To take down the twists, I took a pea size amount of the Original Moxie Hair Bling and spread it in my hands first, then all over the twists to prevent frizz during the take down.
Not fluffed yet
I carefully fluffed and picked out the roots with a comb.
The end results are …. drum roll please …
I love it!
What I would’ve done different is:
1. Next time I will make sure to seal in the B.A.S.K. with a butter/oil.
2. Make sure that the part in the back for the twists is not directly in the middle. ( I have a cowlick right in the middle so a part right on it makes it look like a bald spot)
3. Not wait so long to take the twists down … maybe 2-3 days max.
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Once again, I’m reminded that I need to figure out how to two-strand flat twist!! Beautiful!
Do you get good results with two-strand flat twists and twist-outs?
Sep18
July-August GOC Update: TerrificLady (#6)
July Update
Not much for my July update.
I hennaed my hair again on July 21st. Afterwards I, applied my home made moisturizer/conditioner to my hair for 1 hour. The moisturizer/conditioner ingredients are as follows:
- Shea Butter
- EV Olive Oil
- EV Coconut oil
- Tea Tree EO
- Avocado butter
- Little bit of Shea butter leave-in conditioner
- Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil-Oil Moisturizing Hair Lotion
- Aloe Vera Gel
I mix it all together with a stick blender.
I also try trimmed/dusted my ends, because they are very dry. I took off about 1/4 to 1/2 inch most areas. I am sure I miss some areas, but thats ok.
I used flexi rods again too!
My hair still has quite some single strand knots and breakage, especially around the edges. I am not sure what is causing it, but I hope that when I can get my hair in one, I won’t manipulate my
hair too much.
August Update
In August, I purchased quite a few items! First, let me tell you that I am super happy that I finally bought my own camera, since my old one went kaput back in April/May. I received it on August 16th.
On August 11th, I did a henna/indigo treatment and used a conditioner mixture again that consisted of honey, 3000 IU of Vitamin E, EVOO, tea tree EO, Mizani Moisterfusion and Olive Oil Hair Mayonaise.
I noticed my edges getting thinner. So, I also bought some new products like Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO) and Wild Growth Hair Oil. I started using them about a week ago, however I am using the JBCO at the left side front edges and the Wild Growth Oil at the right side. I just want to experiment and see if and which side grow faster, maybe in 3 months.
Right side edges; left side edges.
I received grapeseed oil I ordered on Amazon and I finally travelled to the States at the end of August and visited the Sally’s store in Miami. I bought 2 Shea Moisture products at Target to start using in September: the Curl Enhancing Smoothie and the Deep Treatment Mask. I will update you on the result when I use any of them.
And since I was going to be in the States, I order henna and indigo to last me hopefully a year and it was delivered to the hotel where I was going to stay before I reached it. Took less than a week compared to one month last time.
I dusted/trimmed my hair again on August 26th, because I found my ends to be very frizzy. Don’t like the feel of it.
On August 26th, I did a conditioning treatment with Mizani moisturefusion, honey,grapeseed oil, coconut oil and tea tree EO. My God, this is the first time my hair came out super soft and tangle free. For me, this was the best result from a (deep) conditioning.
I also tried to get my hair in one finally, with the help of Eco Styler Gel. Lol.
Ohhh, how can I forget?! I bought a flat-iron :-)! It’s a Solia. I used it the same day I deep conditioned my hair. I find it difficult to flat-iron my hair myself, therefore I simply tried to loosen the curls/coils some. Didn’t like the outcome, however my hair was easier to handle.
♦
See TerrificLady’s initial GOC Submission and prior updates here:
Sep18
Crystal’s HairStory
Describe yourself in 100 words or less.
A loving wife and mom to two little girls. I love Jesus, my hubby, my girls and my coupons. I am an auditor by trade, a couponer by choice and a curly girl by grace. I am a new blogger as well. My blog is about my hair and couponing.
How long have you been natural and why did you chose to go natural?
My last relaxer was December 2008. I decided to go natural partly out of being cheap. You see, I have two little girls and I didn’t want them to see me getting relaxers and start asking me for one. I refused to pay for three females to get relaxers. Besides, after my girls were born and I saw their GORGEOUS hair, I thought, “Well they are my babies, so they had to get this beautiful hair from me.”
Did you transition or big chop?
I transitioned. I don’t like short hair (on me).
How did others (family, friends, colleagues) react to your decision to go natural? What was your response to them? How do they feel now?
No one had any reactions and, if they did, I didn’t care. One cousin told me I needed a relaxer and I told her I didn’t. Other than that, that was it. My mom stated she liked my hair better straight, but I think that was because she has seen me with straight hair for so long. But, as long as my hubby liked my hair that was all that mattered … and, of course, my girls.
What is/was your biggest hair challenge/obstacle? How did you overcome it or what are you doing now to try to address the problem?
I really have no challenges regarding my hair. My left side has looser curls, so it looks like it is cut asymmetrically, but it isn’t.
What do you love most about your natural hair and/or about being natural?
I love the freedom. I can swim and work out and not be worried about my hair.
What is your current regimen? Has it changed in any major way since you first went natural?
I follow the CG method. I just started this in July 2012. I like it so far. I do wash and go’s, although I am going to do some banding tonight to do a length check. When I first went natural, I tried everything I thought everyone else was (minus henna, I’m too lazy for all that). I tried sealing and using oil. But I have oily and sensitive skin, so the oils had to go. I even went back to using grease on my scalp at one point, but that was too messy as well. So now the CG method is for me. Easy Peasy (as my girls would say. LOL).
What are your Holy Grail and staple products?
I love Mixed Chicks sulfate free shampoo. I love their deep conditioner as well. I also love Tresemmé Naturals Conditioner and Eco Styler gel. I have been using Eco since 2009 and I LOVE it. My cousin told me about it and I WON’T use another gel. I use all of the Eco Stylers except the brown gel. I don’t do brown gel.
What is your “go to” style? Do you wear protective and/or low manipulation styles? If so, how often and why?
My go to is a wash and go. Although, prior to the CG method, I did twist outs all the time, because I was trying to keep my hands out of my hair. I would twist my hair and wear it in twists all the time. I would wear the twists in a ponytail or however. Then I would take them down only when I felt like it.
How often do you cut/trim your hair? How do you cut it (salon, DIY, straight, curly, in twists)?
I last trimmed at Easter, so I think it is time to do it now. My stylist straightened it to cut it and I haven’t been back because, now that I follow the CG method, I don’t want it straightened to get cut. Because I wear my hair curly, think it should be cut in its curly state. But I was trimming it about every 3 to 6 months.
Has going natural impacted other areas of your life (i.e. health & fitness, style, environmental consciousness, etc.?) If so, how and in what ways has it affected your lifestyle?
I save money and that is the most important thing. Because I am a couponer, I can get my products at a very low cost, even the expensive items such as Miss Jessie’s (when I used those products) and Mixed Chick. They are now sold in Target and I know how to work my deals. LOVE IT!!!
Do you have a “hair crush?” If so, who?
ME!!! Not to be conceited, but I LOVE my hair. Actually, my hair crush is my 4 year old, C. I love her hair so much.
Who do you follow online (i.e. blog/website, Youtube, Fotki, etc.)?
Curls2Envy.com
Afrobella
eclecticmanure.com
Where can we find you online?
Website: www.crystalscurls.blogspot.com
Facebook: Crystals Curls
What advice would you give someone who is contemplating going natural and/or becoming discouraged with their natural journey?
Like Nike: Just do it.
Anything else that you’d like to add?
Thanks for letting me share my journey with you. Your Blog is AWEsome. Be blessed.
Sep18
“Fake It Til You Make It”
Yesterday, you may have noticed this lovely little updo in the pictures that I shared from the One World, Many Naturals Natural Hair Expo. Well, of course when I saw it, I had to ask how it was done! The beautiful “model,” Brittany of Herbalocity, graciously obliged by providing me with the name of the YouTuber and video that inspired her style.
via ImmaDstarra
You’ll note that the inspiration style included a swoop. But Brittany advised me that she was in a rush that day, so she just did the twist, bun and kept it moving! And, it still turned out beautifully. Just goes to show that you can give you own twist out of creativity, serendipity urgency or necessity and still come away with beautiful results!!
Have you faked it until you made it or would you?
Sep11
Coral’s Haircut
Just wanted to share this short FB message from Coral in the hopes that it might help others.
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I wanted to share my story with you! I got a great haircut last night after two years! I’d had my hair pressed by a Dominican woman that left me with such heat damage that I completely abandoned heat of any kind. I babied my hair by taking an all natural approach, with exception of my Black Soap and HEHH Condish. And I lived in protective styles, hoping that the curls on the left side of my head, which had been reduced to waves, would a. be restored (which I knew was not likely, but I dreamed about it) or b. grow out from the heat damage.
Well they grew out!!! And, after having countless hair stylists look at me like I was speaking gibberish or try to talk me into having my hair heat pressed, so that they could cut it evenly (to make it easier for them but more damage for me) when i asked for a wet cut, I FINALLY found someone to do what I asked. I don’t know what’s wrong with some of these hair stylists, because when I learned to cut hair, it was wet. So, I don’t know why so many of them can’t/won’t do it. But, I can’t do it myself anymore, because it’s too long.
So Affisha (Afeesha?) at the Hair Cuttery on Cityline Avenue here in Philly will be trimming my ends from now on. I think that she did an awesome job handling my hair. And I’m so grateful that I found her.
Heat damage sucked bad … but I’m so glad that I’m over that hump. 
I’m really enjoying the ease of handling that a good cut brings. No more tangling! I love sharing info with other naturals and a lot of the naturals I know don’t even realize they have a wet cut as an option. Oh … and I’ll add a suggestion to ask the stylist to use a light detangler in wet hair so that the comb slides easily … some may not know to request this and may be turned off if the stylist doesn’t know and tugs too much on their tresses.
Have a lovely day………be inspired!!
Coral
Sep5
Hair Crush: Bri’s HairStory
Describe yourself in 100 words or less.
Pretty simple. I am a fun, bubbly, energetic dancer, who is a mother of two and goes by the name of Bri Rose.
How long have you been natural and why did you chose to go natural?
I’ve been natural since birth. My mother refused to put a perm in my hair, so I really didn’t have a choice of being natural or not. However, I wore my hair in its natural state every now and then. I just started wearing my curls habitually a year ago.
How did others (family, friends, colleagues) react to your decision to go natural? What was your response to them? How do they feel now?
Well, since I’ve worn my hair naturally before, it really wasn’t a big deal. The only reaction I receive from my family or anyone that knows me is when I cut my hair. My family despises cutting hair in general, when it pertains to the women in my family, to the fullest. And my response to them is, “It’ll grow back.” But they (family/friends) embrace natural hair; they wear their hair natural as well too.
What is/was your biggest hair challenge/obstacle? How did you overcome it or what are you doing now to try to address the problem?
My biggest hair challenge is to not get bored with my hair, and to not cut it when I get bored with it. I have yet to overcome this challenge! But, when it approaches, I will definitely put a sign on every door in my apartment that will say, “DO NOT CUT BRI!!!” For the time being, I map out when I get my ends trimmed, making sure beforehand that it’s necessary and not routine.
What do you love most about your natural hair and/or about being natural?
I love how much body my hair has in its natural state. As I’ve gotten older, my hair became thinner. However, when I wear my curls, I have a lot of body aka frizz. I love when my hair gets frizzy to a certain extent. I embrace frizz.
What is your current regimen? Has it changed in any major way since you first went natural?
I really don’t have a set regimen and that’s mainly due to my schedule. I now basically go off how my hair reacts to styles. For example, if I do a twist-out and it doesn’t come out how it normally does on a regular basis, then I know it’s time for a wash. Or, if my scalp itches more than usual or my hair becomes limp, I know it’s time to wash. I learned quickly that my hair does not react well when it comes to regimens whatsoever, so I play it by ear.
What are your Holy Grail and staple products?
Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Threat Invigorating Shampoo, Giovanni Direct Leave in Conditioner, Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl and Style Milk, Kinky-Curly Curling Custard and Shea Moisture Organic Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner (used as DC).
How often do you cut/trim your hair? How do you cut it? If you go to a salon, would you recommend it?
Not too often. When I start to notice that simple styles are not holding or my hair is too frizzy, that’s when it’s time for a trim. When I do get a trim, I definitely flat-iron my hair since I have yet to find a salon that can consistently and properly cut curly hair in Chicago.
Do you have a “hair crush?” If so, who?
My hair crushes are IvyCharlaine, Taren916, Andreaschoice and ShamelessMaya.
Who do you follow online (i.e. blog/website, Youtube, Fotki, etc.)?
I follow Shameless Maya, Andreaschoice, MsVaughnTV, Naptural 85, Taren 916 and Ivy Charlaine.
Where can we find you online?
Follow me on Twitter: @BriRose26
Instagram: @BriRose26
Bloglovin: BriRosePleaseStayCurly
What advice would you give someone who is contemplating going natural and/or becoming discouraged with their natural journey?
My piece of advice to a new natural is to go natural because you want to. Don’t do natural because you think it’s the trend, because you will be discouraged way too easily. And surf the web, find what works for you. It’s going to be trial and error, but it’s worth it in the long run.
Much love,
Bri
Sep4
Multi-Ponytail Poofs
I saw the above photo some time ago … and I’ve seen it periodically on various hair sites over the last couple of years … I’m sure many of you have as well. I immediately fell in love with this big and fluffy multi-ponytail-buns-poof style!! Well, yesterday, I pulled the front of my hair back and made a little poof with a couple of bobby pins. My hair was looking pretty big and fluffy.
So, I decided, “What the heck? Let’s give this a try!!” I grabbed two Goody Comfort Flex Barrettes and a small black silicone elastic and made the three sections, tugging the hair above the barrettes to give each “bump” some volume. And this is what I got!
I definitely do not have the amount of hair that the model has in the inspiration photo and my layers make the bottom section a tail, rather than a puff … but I was still pretty pleased with the results!! The great thing is that it was really super easy to do too!!
And, because I’m enjoying playing with my new collage app;):
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Would you wear this style? How would you modify it for different lengths?
Sep2
Janelle Monae Inspired Updo
Just came across this hot little updo on Pinterest, which took me to Instagram, which lead me to the YouTube tutorial, which had me searching Facebook for the above still image. See the lengths that I go through for you guys;)?!?! LOL!! Seriously, there are a lot of Janelle Monae inspired updos out there, but this is my favorite take on it so far! It looks a lot softer, more organic and very feminine in comparison to the original. Bonus? It looks so simple to do!! Enjoy!!
via LoveIslandBeauty
(p.s. What a beautiful young lady!)
Aug28
Hair Crush: Valerie’s HairStory
Describe yourself in 100 words or less.
My name is Valerie. I have been natural for 3 years. My whole life I was told that I had unruly unmanageable hair. It has been a long hard journey. Once I thought I had everything down pat with the “Curly Girl Method,” I discovered that something still was not right. Well ladies, as if caring for curly hair isn’t hard enough, I discovered I am protein-sensitive as well. So, right now, I am on a journey to find what works best for my hair sans protein.
How long have you been natural and why did you chose to go natural?
I have been natural for a little over 3 years. I decided to go natural because I finally wanted to see what my REAL hair looked like.
Did you transition or big chop?
I transitioned.
How did others (family, friends, colleagues) react to your decision to go natural? What was your response to them? How do they feel now?
My mother was shocked at the fact that I actually went through with it and my older sister was negative about it (she is relaxed). I simply told them that I love the hair God gave me. My mother decided to go natural with me. My sister likes my curls, but always comments on how she liked my straight hair better.
What is/was your biggest hair challenge/obstacle? How did you overcome it or what are you doing now to try to address the problem?
My biggest obstacle is the fact that I am protein-sensitive, which doesn’t allow me to experiment with a wide range of products. The way that I am overcoming this obstacle is reading the ingredient labels on products before I purchase them. A small obstacle is the dry patch of hair at my crown.
What do you love most about your natural hair and/or about being natural?
I am not going to lie … I love the attention I get because of my hair. Before, I felt almost invisible and insecure. Now, I can’t hide even if I wanted to.
What is your current regimen? Has it changed in any major way since you first went natural?
**I do not use sulfates, silicones nor proteins in my hair.**
- Wash 1 or 2x a week with a sulfate-free and protein-free shampoo; I wash in 2 sections.
- Detangle hair in front of mirror with conditioner (saves water). I use a paddle brush for ends and a wide-tooth comb for my roots. I detangle in 8 sections, 2 sections in each quadrant.
- Deep condition 1x a week with my Hair Therapy Wrap.
- Put in leave-in conditioner (5 sections: 2 in the back, 1 in the crown and 2 in the front).
- Seal with a oil or butter (I stop at this step if I want to achieve a twist out).
- Rake and shingle in gel (for WnG).
- Apply finisher.
- Diffuse for a WnG or air dry for a twist-out.
- Protect hair at night by sleeping in a satin bonnet.
What are your Holy Grail and staple products?
Shampoo: Cream of Nature Argan Oil Sulfate free Shampoo
Conditioner/Deep Condish: GVP Conditioning Balm/Curl Junkie Rehab
Leave-inL SheaMoisture SheaButter Leave-in, CJ Smoothing Lotion
Butter: Oyin Burnt Sugar or Sugar Berry Pomade
Gel: Koils By Nature Peppermint Gel
Satin Bonnet: Ebonnets by EboniCurls
What is your “go to” style? Do you wear protective and/or low manipulation styles? If so, how often and why?
My “go to” styles are twists and a beanie, WnGs and twist-outs.
How often do you cut/trim your hair? How do you cut it (salon, DIY, straight, curly, in twists)? If you go to a salon, would you recommend it?
I try to trim my hair every 6-8 months. My hair is trimmed while it is in its natural state by Luisa V., the owner of Luma Salon, 397 East Altamonte Drive #114, Altamonte Springs, FL. I would recommend her 100%. She has beautiful curls herself.
Has going natural impacted other areas of your life (i.e. health & fitness, style, environmental consciousness, etc.?) If so, how and in what ways has it affected your lifestyle?
No, not really.
Do you have a “hair crush?” Who do you follow online (i.e. blog/website, Youtube, Fotki, etc.)?
I am my own “hair crush.” But, I do follow a few people for their wonderful advice like DenimPixie and Naptural85.
Where can we find you online?
You can find me on my blog, Curls2Envy.com, and on my Facebook page, Curls2Envy.
What advice would you give someone who is contemplating going natural and/or becoming discouraged with their natural journey?
It’s just hair. It grows back. Do what you want with it. It’s your hair, no one else’s.
Anything else that you’d like to add?
I love my curls!
hairscapades 