Friday, August 12, 2011

Where have I been?

Yall, I have totally been out of touch with my blog. Not that I havent thought about it here and there, but my life has ben full with alot of changes since my last post. I have completed my move. We built our 1st home, and moved in about a month ago. Prior to that I have started a new job part-time as an Instructor at a local college back in March. I work evening hours so that is a HUGE reason why I cant post as I used to or as I would like.
My hair in the midst of if all is doing well. Ive been doing Henna/Cassia treatment for the past few months and my hair LOVES them!! My shedding is not as bad as it was, and my itchy scalp has disappeared. Here's a pic of me doing a treament:
I leave it in about 2hrs or so then rinse with conditioner. My hair feels nice and strong afterwards. I do these weekly, or sometimes I do biweekly. No complaints so far. My edges I have been using Rogaine for, but not as consistent as I should. I can see some improvement, but not the nice thick lush edges I would like.
Anywho, thats my brief update.
Whats new with you?

Friday, April 29, 2011

HEY...

its been a minute since Ive had the time to even think about my blog. Sooo much has been going on in my life, but not much going with my hair. I have however, been getting my natural hair fix by the few sites Ive found on Facebook. AfroGlitz, OurNaturalHairNation, and I Love My Kinky Curly Natural Hair are the sites thats keep my appetite for natural hair talk appeased.
As far as my hair is concerned, I have still been experiencing horrendous shedding.. I can only think of one cause and that is STRESS!! Yes, I have been under alot of stress this past yr or so and I think my hair is paying the price for it. I have an appt with the dermatologist this tuesday FINALLY!  I had some bloodwork done last week by my PCP to rule out any underlying medical conditions and those came back fine. Whoever, the shedding is still present no matter what products I use, or styling techniques I try. I have notice a small patch in the top of my head that is very very sparse with hair, its not bald but but very very sparse looking.
To manipulate as less as possible I have been wearing a wig this past week and 1/2. Ive been using a shea butter and castor oil mixture on my hair and scalp to help combat my itchy scalp and so far so good. I LOVE raw shea butter!
Anywho, I dont have any pics to post, but I will after this weekend when I do my usual wash routine.
Whats new with you ladies?

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

MIA-I been busy yall

Hey ladies!

I know I been MIA for minute but I have been so busy! I started a new job about 3wks ago. Im loving it!! But it is taking up soooo much of my time with preparing lectures. Teaching isn't my original background but the subject matter Im teaching I have many many years of experience in. My hair has been in a protective style. But I dont like how much fussing Ive done with it since Im back to work. Im thinking I want to do some kinky twist or something to keep my hands out of it and not have to comb/style daily, but Im not sure yet.
Anywho, I just wanted to update you all briefly. I'll be back with some pics and a length check.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

As I Am Naturally

Hey gals, just wanted to let you ladies know about this website I ran across on FB. It's called AsIAmNaturally.com. They are having a "Love Letter to my Hair Contest" It ends Feb. 28th. You must submit a letter telling them how you feel about your hair. It can be in reference to the one who inspired you to go natural, a love letter to your hair, or something about your hair.
15 winners will be given 4 hair product prizes for FREE!!!

The PJ in me couldnt pass on the opportunity for free products. I havent heard of them and wanted to spread the word. So go ahead check them out here is the link: As-I-Am-Naturally

Look at one if their models:


Here is a copy of the letter I submitted:

To: MyNativeCurlz

I guess the first thing I should do is to apoligize. For all the years of abuse, neglect, and the lyes.... I didn't realize then, what I do now...I dont have to cover you up to walk with my head held up PROUD!!
I must thank you for enduring, and deciding to stick around...The things I did to you at times made me look like a clown.
The dyes, the lyes, the perms, and the weave and with ALL THAT you are STILL here for me....
My kinky, puffy head of curls I really LOVE you, but not all in this world. Atleast I know now it doesnt matter what others think. What matters most now is ROCKIN my curlz without a blink.
So with this I pledge now, I have learned from my mistakes. I will NOT subject my daughter to the legacy of self-hate. I know that doesnt apply to all, so please dont misconstrue...
AS I AM, these words will forever be true!!
Love You!!
Signed,
NativeCurlzGirl77




GOOD LUCK LADIES!!!!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Styling N Profiling

Hey guys, its been a few weeks since I've been able to get some time to update my blog.....I've been soooo busy with going through the process of trying to get a home built, so that has taken up most of my time. Anywho, I have been keeping with my promise to attempt new styling options with my hair. Its only one other style, but hey this process is gradual...I finally got up the nerve to try to do the twist and tuck style I've seen Kim Love try on one of her vids, but SheSingsLovely of Youtube really gave me the inspiration. So I gave it a try. This was my out come:



Here is my 2nd attempt at this style:



I was headed to an interview, and thought this gave me an professional enough look without looking to wild.
This is how the back came out:


I had to add the clip because my center has major shrinkage, and wasnt long enough to reach the restthat was rolled and tucked.

I must say I was pleasantly surprise that it didnt turn out too bad. I dont have the length of either ladies I mentioned above, but I think this goes to show that I do have some options with the length I have.  Also, I did alter it a bit to fit my hair needs...since I dont have the length n front I wasnt able to to the pompadu (sp?) So, I just did a twistout bang.
In other news with my hair journey.....I have been still experiencing some breakage and shedding, but I would like to see this reduce drastically....Soooo, while I was at Walmart browsing the hair section. I ran across this poo and cond called Simply. Check it out:



I like the fact that it doesnt have any protein in it, it doesnt contain any Parabens or Sulfates, and its pH balanced!!!! But the best thing about it was PRICE!!! I got it on sale for 3.50 each!! I was shocked!! I was really trying hard to not slip back into my PJ ways, but I couldnt resist this deal. Plus, I need to try a moisturizing poo and cond to see if the ones Im using now (JASONS) was contributing to my breakage and shedding.

But enough of that check out a few of my styles I have been messing around with since I've last posted:

Can yall tell I been getting a lil snap happy with the cam? Yes, I can admit I have. I will get you all updated on how I like the new poo and cond I bought. As of today, I havent used it yet. Oh. oh before I end this, I forgot I uploaded my 2nd youtube vid. Please subscribe ladies!!Check me out:



Thanks for watching!!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Breakage :(

This is not something that I have just noticed in the past few mths, but its a problem I have faced for awhile now. I have just decided to post about it now, being that Im looking for some additional input. I dont use small-toothed combs, nor do I brush my hair. I dont do alot of manipulation to my hair, yet I still have breakage. I comb from the ends to roots, and I even take my time detangling during washing, so what gives?
Is it possible that some form of breakage is inevidentable for me? I have suspected for awhile now that my hair maybe protein sensitive, so I have made all efforts to use no products that contain proteins. Yet, with the new J/A/S/O/N poo and cons Im using (which is a moisturizing) has plant protein in it, but in small amounts.
Its a bit of a struggle to find a moisturizing poo and con that is moisturing, yet sulfate and parabens free, but doesnt have any form of protein in it.
Ive noticed at my last wash this past sunday, that 85-90% of the hairs I see coming out is shedded hair with the bulbs attached, but I do still find a fair amount of small broken hairs. Whats a girl to do? I have really really fine strands, so I wonder if no matter how careful I am or the products I do or dont use, I will still have "some" breakage.

Your thoughts? IM FRUSTRATED!!!!

Friday, January 14, 2011

Hard vs Soft Water (Hair & Skin Health)

Getting to the bottom of why some products I use (not just hair products) doesnt seem to be quite affective have lead me on the fact finding mission about water properties and how good quality water benefits us in MANY ways. I have read about HARD water and how it can cause build-up on your hair, and cause some of your products not to work as effectively, so in searching for a good shower filter here is some info I came across that can be beneficial to us all on the hair journey, AND save us some money in the process.

For this blog purpose I have highlighted the statements that are hair related

HARD vs SOFT WATER

What is Hard water?
“Hard” water contains large amounts of dissolved calcium and magnesium. On the other hand, “Soft” water is water that contains small amounts of calcium and magnesium. One of the primary disadvantages to hard water and the reason it is described as, “hard,“ is more soap, detergent, shampoo, and/or cleanser, is required to get whatever you are washing clean. It is literally, harder to get anything clean with hard water. Hard water builds up scale on the inside of water pipes eventually reducing the flow. Hard water coats your water heater element greatly increasing the cost of heating water. 

Hardness is measured in parts per million (p.p.m.) or grains per gallon (g.p.m.). 21 parts per million or 3 grains per gallon, is considered “hard” water and with each increasing grain, hard water challenges are increased 10 fold.


My water is “Hard.” Why should I care?
For watering your lawn, cleaning our streets, irrigating crops, and many other uses, hard water rarely a challenge. However, for bathing, washing dishes and clothes, shaving, washing your car and many other uses “soft” water is far more efficient, effective and convenient than “hard” water.

Soft water:
Saves you money in several ways;
·       By improving cleaning efficiency up to 250%.
·       It saves on shampoo, cleansers, soaps, and detergents.
·       Your clothes colors stay brighter and last much longer.
  1. Soft water and your favorite soap create gentle suds that help give your skin and complexion the smooth, fresh look of health and beauty. When you shower in soft water that temporary “oily” feeling is caused by your natural body oils. This is how your body feels when it is truly clean. The “squeaky clean” feeling we get from showering in hard water is caused by a layer of calcium and magnesium that remains on your skin, even after rinsing. In reality, we are “squeaky dirty.” Hard water minerals clog your pores and coat every hair on your body. This “crud” can serve as a home for bacteria, cause diaper rash, minor skin irritation and itchy skin. Does your scalp itch. . .
  2.  Soft water leaves your skin (your largest organ) free to breathe and your hair bright, soft and easier to manage. Razor blades cut closer and stay sharper without the hardness to dull them.
  3. When hard water is heated, the minerals create a scale that can eventually plug your hot water pipes and water heater, causing premature failure, necessitating costly replacement. With soft water your water heaters will use 21 to 29% less energy to heat the water. Tip: Draining/flushing your water heater once a year helps reduce the build up of hard water minerals.
  4. For many commercial and industrial uses, the hard water minerals interfere with various processes, causing inferior product production.

You can read this link: Natural Health Techniques for more infomation on what can be done to check if you have hard water and what can remedy it. Which brings me to this next pic. Check it to see where your state falls on regions prone to hard water.

 My state of Ohio and my home state of Michigan are two states that are prone to hard water. UGH!! No wonder I;s a recovering product junkie(PJ). Nothing has been working to its full potential, PLUS the added calcium and magnesium deposits has been causing hard, brittle feeling hair. Not to ention, we spend a TON on detergent for clothes washing. Im not happy until I see some major sud action going on....SMH what a waste. Damn hard water......
Anywho, I mention in one of my original postig that I had my fingers crossed for a shower filter for Christmas, but I didnt get it!! BOOOO!!!! Nah, Im not complaining tho, I got a nice lil laptop that made for forget all about that shower filter, but I DO NEED IT, ASAP!!!
Here's two I had me eye on:

Im going to continue to price shop, these things are expensive. I had one before I moved here to OH, but forget to take it with me before I moved. These healthy hair business can get expensive if your not careful. So in the meantime I'm still boiling water once a week on hair wash day***pouting*** I know this is pretty much done in vain being that boiling water can NOT remove all the impurities. From what Ive researched, calcium is the only likely substance to be removed during boiling.
I'll take what I can get for now**shoulder hunch**

Once again, I hope this information will be helpful on your natural hair journey, and thanks for reading!

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

1st Twistout Pics and KT Leave-in Review

Well, I finally got around to taking my crochet braids down. Im not sure if or when I will be doing any of those again. Im concerned that the lacthhook tool used could be doing some damage. I dont have any proof of that, but its a concern of mine. So, I mixed up the Kimmaytube leave-in conditioner (no problems there) and applied if to y freshly washed hair. I wasnt too impressed on how it felt going on, and while I was twisting my hair. It just didnt feel like anything special.....BUT, after my hair was dry. OMG!! I could really feel a different in my hair. It felt really moisturized, and wasnt stiff like it usually feels. This is my first take at it, but so far so good. Im HAPPY!! No complaints here!!!
Here a pic:




So, I decided after I twisted my hair up, I would rock my 1st twist-out. I was surprised t the outcome. My hair felt soft and wasnt crunchy. I added a little castor oil to my fingertips as I took the twist down.
Here are some pics:



Sooooo, how do I look?

Saturday, January 8, 2011

My 1st YouTube Vid

I have alot of learning to do with this vlogging, but I will get the hang of it soon! Check it out!



Leave feed back if you feel so inclined.

Thanks!!

Friday, January 7, 2011

Protective Styling and LEAVE-IN Cons

So, I"ve put off doing this post long enough. I want to share with you all just a few protective stylings that I use to keep me out of my head for any period of time. Im BIG on touching my hair which Im sure has some adverse effects on my hair goals, so a while back while doing some YT surfing I ran across a poster (toysvoice) or something like that who did a tutorial on doing crochet braids. I was really liking the after look so I decided to give it a try. Take a look:


It was a bit time consuming being that Im not very good at french braiding my own hair, THEN add on top of that I added some hair to add extra strength to the braids. I had never done this before on myself or anyone else for that matter so that extended the process a bit. After my first successful PS w/ crochet braids I decided to give it a try again about 6mths later (which was the day before new year eve this yr). But, this time I decided to use a tighter curl that I did before. Here's some pics:



I wasnt too happy with the outcome, AND it took me forever this time!! UGGHH I was so mad at all the fuss this curl pattern gave me, PLUS it was so hard keeping the knots tied in tight, so I had to add a step due to the softness of the hair and put so glue on the ends to keep it from slipping. Can you say VEXED!! That was me, so currently I have this style in. Its been almost 10 days I think and I canta wait to take it down. Not so much cause I dont like it but I'm ANXIOUS to get in my hair. Why you ask? Well...Ive been a subscriber to kimmaytube channel for a few mths, and it has taken me some time to get through her pleathra of videos, but it was worth. She seems pretty cool and knowledgable about hair. Im not new to her name, Ive heard her before on the hair forum I frequent, but never really looked into her techniques until a few mths ago. Ive heard the rants and raves about her leave-in con concotion, but being a recovering PJ I just blew it off.....Well, take a look


Im going to give it a try. If it can work wonders on my dry hair, then I must give credit where its due. I havent try it yet, but as soon as this style comes down in the next few days I will be giving KIMMAYTUBE LEAVE-IN conditioner a try. So stay tuned for me thoughts on it. Oh, if your interested in giving it a try and need the measurements here it is:
            KIMMAYTUBE LEAVE-IN Conditioner
                                   
             1oz/2Tbs- Kinky Curly Knot Today
                  2Ts- Castor Oil
                  2Ts- Jojoba Oil
             2Tb- Aloe Vera Juice (Lily of the Desert-whole leaf)
Kim prefers to use the Lily of the Desert brand, but stresses you can use a brand of your choice. Also remember after mixing you need to refrigerate. Here's is her link to herYT vid on how to make if you need visual aid  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXi2k4cFFhI




Also, as I said in my Developing of Regimen post, Im looking for products that will become my staples so I'm in trail and error stage. So while I was at Whole Foods getting the items I need for the Kimmay conditinioner they had a great deal on JASON products I couldnt pass up, So Im going to be giving these a try:
I havent heard anything bad about these products, to be honest I havent heard much. I did search the forums for some reviews and a few ladies had good things to say, so Im going to give them a try. PLUS the price waas doable for me AND they dont contain the No-No's (Parabens and Sulfates) so I cant go too wrong right? Well, my hair is a bit sensitive to protein poos and cond so (which these contain) but I decided to give it a try being that it seems to be in small amount since its one of the last 3 ingredients listed. Im hoping to have a good experience with these. I still have the Alikay products in my sights, but we will see.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

The "Essentials"




Oils that is.....In all my reading on what is good to promote the growth and  improve the health of natural hair some oils Ive read time and time again about and continue to be praised or promoted. So I decided to list them all here with infomation on how or why they help. EDUCATION is the KEY!!! You know sometimes you here enough products views on a topic you might just buy just because and not know the why and how behind it (Im guilty of this at times myself) so:

 Here are some tips of how essential oils can help! (I highlighted in purple the ones Ive read about the most)

Basil: Oily hair. Promotes growth
Chamomile: Fine to normal hair. Gives golden highlights
Clary Sage: All types of hair. Dandruff treatment
Lavender: Normal hair. Scalp treatment for itchiness, dandruff, and even lice!
Lemon: Oily hair. Gives golden highlights; treatment for dry scalp, dandruff, lice, and underactive sebaceous glands
Myrrh: Dry hair. Treatment for dry scalp, dandruff, lice, and underactive sebaceous glands
Patchouli: Oily hair. Dandruff treatment
Peppermint: Dry hair. Promotes hair growth
Rose: Fine hair. Soothes scalp
Rosemary: Oily hair. Dandruff treatment; promotes hair growth
Tea Tree: Oily hair. Treatment for dry scalp, dandruff, lice, and underactive sebaceous glands
Ylang-ylang: Oily hair. Dandruff treatment

I hope this one stop shop of info proves helpful for someone. I will use if for my future reference as well.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

2011 Hair Aspirations

Hey yall,

Im back with a few of my 2011 hair aspiration for this new year. This list entails things I would like to try or accomplish in this new year. 2010 and prior I believe has been all a looong drawn out trial and error stage that Im looking to get away from (so to speak), and get some concrete things established about me and this hair journey Im on.

This biggest thing I need to work on in having CONFIDENCE to rock my hair out and about. This part has been abit tricky being that I havent found any styling options that I feel confident enough to attempt at styling that wont comprimise my goals at retaining length. Right now with my hair being in the MAA(Medium Amazing Afro) stage my only styling options (that I know about) are either afros (accessorized), twistouts, or twist.
Also my concern with these styles it that it will require daily maintnance, and manipulation that could cause breakage. Also, I read that wearing afros out alot isnt good top the tangles and knots that are prone to this hair style. I'M OPEN TO ANY FEED BACK ON MY CONCERNS. On the sites that I frequent I havent ran across to many that are in the length stage Im in so, I havent saw any inspiring hair styles (other than sisterlocks). BUT I'M ON THE LOOKOUT!!!!
NOTE: SISTERLOCKS IS MY FINAL DESTINATION THIS YEAR!!!!

2nd- PRODUCTS
I have been eyeing a product line by a popular Youtuber(BlackOnyx77) Alikay Products that I think I want to give a try in this new year to help me establish a regimen, and put a stop to this guessing game for products. I havent made the leap before now because I have been looking for product reviews on this line outside of youtube. If ANYONE READING has any info/knowledge they wish to share I would really appreciate it.  Alikay products seems to have all the properties a natural girl should be looking for.
Your thoughts?

3rd-Internal Health (COLONIC)
Its been said that your hair, skin, and nail health only reflects the inner health of your body. Before I used to think that extra water and supplements was all I needed. But after of yrs of having a on again off again seesaw ride with supplements like MSM, Biotin, Vit E, B12, Prenatals, Hair, Skin, and Nail Vitamins (jus to name a few) I figured this year I will do things differently. Starting with and internal cleanse. I have been looking into doing a colonic for the past 6mths or so, but have failed to follow through. This year, my husband and I will be scheduling colonic appointments to make an internal "fresh start".
Ive read alot of positive reviews on them, and think I will have a better outcome as far as absorption with my vitamins, and have clearer skin to boot. I will keep you guys updated on how that turns out.

4th-BALANCE
This whole hair health journey can be a bit overwhelming at times, so I plan to remain mindful of doing everything in balance by keep my regimen in check. Moderation is the key!!!! Too much of anything is never good, so I dont plan to add any far-fetched ideas I may come across to my developing regimen. I will keep my vitamins at a minimum (Prenatals,and B12) thinking about adding Biotin, but I will see. Will make sure I start back working out like I used to before I became a mother and wife. Thats something that I really miss doing for ME, and  will give me a chance to release the daily tension, and stresses of everyday life. I was never a 5 day a week workout person and I dont plan to be. My goal is at minimum 2x a wk.  3 at the most. Nothing outrageous, but attainable.

5th-ENJOY
I can be very critical of myself at times especially hairwise, but this year Im planning to relax and just enjoy this process as I get comfortable with my natural hair journey and all that entails. Im looking forward to my number of followers increasing and learning and sharing with one another, but most of all providing the SUPPORT we all need in this journey. Im aware we all are at different levels, so our struggles will differ as well. But what we do share is the commonality of making this natural hair journey we are on a way of life and adjusting our perceptions of beauty. Its easy to say just do you and everything else will follow. for those who are there is was a process for them as well.

Thats my topic 5 things Im inspiring to accomplish the year. I love blogging so I have these pages to look back on and keep my butt on track. I told your yesterday Im IMPATIENT!! Lol....

                         HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!! HAPPY GROWING TOO!!!