PINK Hair to Locks via Braidlocs

WNG pic

2010-06-11T22:42:00.001-04:00

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Curls Be Poppn

2010-06-11T22:40:00.000-04:00

I am totally in love with my WNG. It took a year. But it was worth it.
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SisterLocks

2010-01-08T20:12:00.003-05:00

Hey Curlies! Longtime no write...lol.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!

I started out this journey just wanting to have healthy, long hair. Then after joining LHCF and with all the inspiration from natural heads I threw naturally curlicious into the description. I still do want that but maybe AFTER being locked. I have been contemplating sisterlocks for some time now. Actually I have secretly wanted dreads since a teen, ever since I saw this women who looked like me with them. I was at a cookout one day and I saw this women that was fair-skinned, with freckles but most importantly long, down her back blonde dreads. I thought, "WOW she is sexy and cool and everyone is watching her". I then began to try and imagine myself with dreads. Then I would think no and let it go until I saw some one else with them.

I have seen sisterlocks. I want them, not only do I want them but I want to install them for other people. I am seriously contemplating the 4 day training class in ATL. I think I would go to the class before even got mine installed.

I do wonder about something though. I only seem to see pictures of middle-aged women with them, with the exception of a few.

Those Natural Girls

2009-12-16T11:19:00.002-05:00

That is what I was called a couple nights ago by the fiance. To be honest, I smiled a bit at the thought. I mean I had transitioned for 6, almost 7 months before doing the BC and that was the end goal....to be natural. The more I have been reading and experimenting I am going more towards all natural products for not just my hair but my body as well. I can make most of the things that I use and or need.... Does this make me a natural girl. I'd like to think so.

What do you ladies think of when the term "those natural girls" are used. Most people tend to think they are vegetarians, who grow and make everything they use from toothpaste to diesel fuel (lmao), pot-smoking, reggae/neo-soul listening chicks. True I love reggae and neo-soul but I am also a HUGE pop music fan and even some rock. Sure I make body cream and hair products but I am not above trying the new product or eating NY strip.

I am just a normal girl who happens to be obsessed with my natural, chemical-free hair.I love the hair GOD gave me and love being as pure, fresh and simple as possible when it comes to eating and hygiene.

So what about you ladies? How do you feel to categorized in the group and what does it mean to you?

Afro Puff

2009-12-15T06:16:00.000-05:00

Its my very first one! Owww. What ya'll think?
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Man Candy

2009-12-07T07:57:00.000-05:00

And here is our weekly man candy! So sad because he didn't win the UFC season. He lost to Big Country. Boo. Ah well. Enjoy!
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Kissably Soft Feet (DIY Pedi)

2009-12-06T22:14:00.002-05:00

...okay so maybe nobody's kissing your feet, but they will be soft enough to....

I got the initial pedi procedure from www.newfeetnow.com but I tweaked to match what I had on hand. Most of these things were steps that I already take but adding Borax (yes Borax) to the mix was new to me and also the foot mask.

I followed her procedure but I didn't have any flowers and let my feet soak for twenty minutes. I made my scrub using whipping cream, sugar, vanilla and honey. Also I used some Bath and Body Works shea butter because I haven't received my 100% unrefined shea butter yet. I then wrapped feet in the saran wrap (have been doing this for years). I skipped the mask because I didn't have any on hand and I just wanted to work onmy "runner's feet".

I like to do it myself because as I often as I need this done, my pockets won't allow and not to mention I hate the mani/pedi salon as much as a hair salon. I know you are thinking my feet must be horrible, no they are not but to keep them from being horrible I have to pay alot of attention to them. I run about 25-30 miles a week.

I won't sleep in the saran but it has been on about 3 hours and will be about 5 by the time I take it off. My feet felt wonderful before this process and I can't wait until bedtime to check out the finished product.

If anyone tries this let me know how it went and if you tweaked anything or not. Ooowee I have summer feet!!!!

Braidout

2009-12-06T01:20:00.000-05:00

After taking out braids from under the quick weave. Not bad. I may wear it like this for the party.
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2009-12-05T21:24:00.002-05:00

I have not updated in a while. I have had braid for about three weeks and rebraided with my own corn rows underneath a quickweave. I wanted the straight look for a little while, to appease the boy over the holidays. However I miss my own hair.

You guys *me whining* i want my hair to grow faster. I am trying to have patience. I have been stalking fotkis and what not for days. I have been faithfully taking my vits though I have stopped taking them twice a day for a while. Oh I just got the Gueye Fast Growth Oil in. I haven't exactly figured out if I should use it every day or a few times a week.

I have taken out my braids from under the weave and I think I going to pre-poo with olive oil. I have found a site called Nasabb.com to order 100% unrefined shea butter and I now I need some EVCO and Jamaican Black castor oil to add to the collection. I am going to try my own concoctions.

I am still learning ladies so bear with me. That is why I started this blog to go through this journey with other newly natural babes.

On another note I have a holiday party this weekend and I have no idea what to do with my hair. Any suggestions....

ORS Twist and Loc Gel

2009-11-13T18:23:00.000-05:00

I did a twist out last night using IC Fantasia Gel, ORS T&L gel and some Leave in Infusium 23.

I sectioned my hair in quarters, doing the front portions first. On the first 1/4 I used all products listed above. I noticed my hair was drying quickly quite stiff. I like hold, but not hard.

I experimented and did the next 1/4 using only ORS and castor oil. The results were awesome. It seemed that without the gel the ORS could do its job better. So I finished all the hair that way.

I did smaller twists than usual but I love, love, love the results! My hair is soft (for the most part...RIP IC) and the definition is amazing. I am posting pics of the twists, after I took them out and the now (after a whole day of rain and humidity).

I need this style to withstand 13.1 miles and humidity in the morning.
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My hubby told me that my hair looked cute today!

2009-11-11T21:55:00.004-05:00

I am was so excited because he hasn't been exactly favorable of my hair experiments lately. Not that he is against my natural hair but he liked my hair before I had to "experiment" better. He is being patient and bearing with me awaiting length and luscious curls.

I have noticed that our husbands, fiances and boyfriends have mixed feelings about hair journeys. Some are supportive, some not so and others no opinion at all.

So I want to know what is your experience has been with your SO during your quest to Curly-dom and how dealt with it.

Update on Me

2009-11-11T20:27:00.000-05:00

Hey Curly Girls. I am trying to upload new pics and my latest styles, but my internet is holding me back...Argh!

I finally received the Kinky-Curly in the mail and I am ready to give it a try on a twist out as well as just a curl definer. I will definitely post results for curious curlies.

I have the McDonalds Half Marathon this weekend provided the weather permits (we are expecting a NorEaster). For that reason I will be getting braids again this week, for the race not the storm. Ha.

I am attaching a pic of my hair I took my last braids out as well as after wash, no product.

My hair really seems to be growing but I haven't done an official length check.
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RCF using IC Fantasia Gel

2009-10-20T06:30:00.004-04:00

I set my hair last night using my normal arsenal, except I added IC Fantasia in as well. I usually only use this for a flat twist set. I hoped to have even MORE curl definition (I know I am greedy) than normal, but it took even longer to dry than usual and its a bit more crunchy, not as soft.

I think I will stick to my castor oil or mango butter and save the IC for wash and go's.

Soooooo my Rockn Curly Fro is simply a Funny Fro, HA!!! Oh well comes with experimenting right....

2 more days until braids and I think I will be protective styling until January at least with a week of rest in between.

Totally Twisted

2009-10-18T16:36:00.006-04:00

I have been hearing bunches about Herbal Essence's Hello Hydration and Totally Twisted conditioners. So I thought I would give one a try, I say one in an effort to control my PJness. So I couldn't wait to get to Wal-Mart to get the conditioner, castor oil and MSM. Then I got there of course added on a few things like these cool sponge rollers that have a satin slip on them to prevent breakage and drying out the hair. I also got a few extra duck bill clips.

So this is the set up I used to complete my style.

Herbal Essence Totally Twisted ( I chose this one first since it made esp. for curls and waves

Infusium 23 leave-in

Detangling Comb

Duck bill Clips

QP Elasta Mango Butter

No break hair bands

I did about 15 or so twists and then put organics growth oil on my finger-parted parts. I woke up and the hair was dry but I had to make a trip to the gym, so I left them twisted while working out. After working out, I showered and then had to use the blow-dryer on low heat, low power to dry roots as much as possible. Afterwards I did my fluffing and part covering and threw on a headband.

Here are the results.

I like using the smaller twists better for definition but I like the bigger twists for the bigger look over all.

Conditioner verdict: I am in love with the heavenly smell of the conditioner. It gave me good slip but I couldn't tell if it were any more slip than Creme of Nature that I have been using. However I noticed right away the difference it made in my curl pattern. I would have worn it like that without twisting if I had no relaxed ends to weigh the front down.

Dealing with Negativity and your Natural Hair

2009-10-15T22:22:00.002-04:00

I have been looking at my hair and examining it over and over and over again. Mostly simply because I have not gotten used to it, but also because for some I had been looking at it through critics eyes. I know that I made my hair bigger than it really is. I had already mentally prepared myself for the comments and looks. However I didn't know about the actual emotions we through as natural individuals. The emotions that we have within ourselves about our own hair. But I like my hair and I am wearing it just like the rest of my fly arse styles. I ran across an article about misconceptions and issues dealing with natural hair.

http://hair.afroglitzmag.com/2009/06/15/letter-from-the-nappy-militant/

Please read (or scan) the article and post your comments and maybe even share a situation you have personally dealt with.

I'll go first. I was so excited about my RCF (Rockn Curly Fro) that I sent picture mail to my sissy and her response was "You need to perm that shit". WOW! It stung a little bit because my baby sis always supports me and this time took a jab at me. I just let roll off and fluffed my fro...."eff it," is all I said.

Rockn Curly Fro

2009-10-15T17:36:00.000-04:00

What's Up CURLIES????

Last night I could NOT WAIT to get home and try out Curly Nikki's Twist n Curl ( http://www.curlynikki.com/search/label/Stylin%27%20and%20Profilin%27 ) using my brand new products.

Using my 2009 winter routine and her method of chunky twists is how I accomplished my Curly Fro. I had to modify it due to my hair being much, much, much shorter than hers. I used "no-snag" bands at the ends of my hair instead of perm rods. I did about 10-11 twist by finger parting. This is what it looked like after I twisted and banded:

I wrapped it up in a satin drawstring bonnet and went to sleep. To do the whole process it took me about an hour. When I awoke the following morning it was still a tiny bit damp so a dried it a little on low. Before I removed the twists I put some Organics Growth Oil on my scalp and worked it in. I then removed the duck bill clips and bands and used my fingers to pull through the hair from the scalp. I did not pull through the end of the curl except for places where my part needed to be disguised. On my next try I am going to add a center row to minimize parts.

Here is the final product:

I love it!!! I learned it is affectionately called a Jewish Fro but I hate that name...it sounds racist. So I am choosing to call it the Rockn Curly Fro...my new signature style.

Official Winter 2009 Routine

2009-10-15T17:04:00.000-04:00

...For now...

No really. Hey Curlies! I am proud to announce that after days of research and finding the products I need, I actually have a routine. Can I get a woot woot?? Okay lame. I have been transitioning using braids and corn rolls with the Crown and Glory Technique. In between braids I have to take care of my hair in a different manner.

So far the best method I have got is:

Wash/Cowash
Detangle
Condition
Leave-in
Moisturize
Seal

*Protein (Occurs only once every two weeks, my hair can't handle every week)
*Deep Conditioning weekly (That is still up for grabs)

This is my arsenal of daily and weekly care.

I have been using the Infusium 23 for a leave -in when I had braids so I continued with it. I alternate between the carrot oil and castor oil, mainly because I like them both but using them together makes my hair too heavy.

The Creme of Nature Detangling shampoo works awesome and smells wonderful as does the conditioner, although I will still be trying other conditioners since I am looking for more slip.
I was having a problem with my 'fro shininess" and the IC Olive Oil sheen did the job without leaving my hair greasy.

I think my favorite product is the QP Mango Butter thus far.

So that's it. That is my routine and the products I will be using mainly. But look out for the weekly product reviews.

The Decision To Go Natural

2009-10-12T22:44:00.000-04:00

For me the decision to go natural was based on my daily activities. I envied women of other races who casually get in the pool or workout and then wash their hair and think nothing of it. I love working out, it is a must to stay healthy. I love the pool and sunbathing on the beach, but it just took too much work to make my hair look decent. That is until I stumbled across black and bi-racial women who weren't chained to their hairstyle. I was amazed and I wanted in. I couldn't believe it, women just like me who could wash their everyday (if they should so choose) and not have to worry about their relaxer or how long it would take to flat iron it.

I started stalking www.naturallycurly.com and www.longhaircareforums.com and blogs like www.curlynikki.com and www.tightlycurly.com. After reading over and over articles of naturally curly hair and wishing and dreaming my hair looked like that, I made my final decision. I am going natural.

I had just cut my hair into an asymmetrical bob in Nov 2008 and in April 2009 decided I wanted to grow my hair back. But this time without a relaxer. My hair was shaved in the back anyway what better time to start. So I have been wearing braids since June 2009. I plan to transition until April 2010, making a full year. Lately (in between braids) I have washing my hair and getting out with this head of beautiful curls except for this long side where it has been relaxed. I have been thinking about just chopping of 3 inches. My hair is short anyway...

Stay tuned to see if I do a mini chop or big chop before my next braids on 10/22.