I Did The Big Chop Again!!!

I Big Chopped Again

     As I'm sure you already know I did a second big chop after 3+ years of being completely natural.  This decision came out the blue a week after my wedding I had so many emotions going through my head.  I will fill you guys in a later post down the the line.  However those feelings lead to me going to my old salon where I used to get my hair fried dyed and slayed to the side. However this time I was walking on the Barber side of the salon. The barber who has known me for years was very shocked that I wanted to cut all my hair off. He kept asking me was I sure and honestly I have never felt so sure in my life.  I remember after I did my first big chop always feeling as if I should have just got my fade instead of the mini fro. Back then I was scared of what people would say and I couldn't do it.  This time around it was a lot different I did not care what anybody thought.  So I sat in the barbers chair and he went to work and after I felt so free.  I know that sounds so cliche but its true.  I had just gotten married and felt like cutting my hair was starting a new chapter in my life, matter fact it felt like it was the beginning of a whole new book.  I love the fact that I have grown into this woman who is not defined by my appearance I can rock anything.

   I would like this post to encourage anyone out there that may be thinking about doing a big chop.  This short style may not be something that works for you.  However short or long you want you hair just do it.  I honestly think there is nothing more beautiful then wearing your natural hair texture.  Because I am a black woman I am exotic my look is timeless and I can rock anything. From weave,braids or a low cut fade.  I feel so sexy with my hair and honestly I think it matures me.  I could care less about my critics or what anybody thinks.  Honestly getting married had a lot to do with this decision and over coming my personal insecurities.  I do plan on growing my hair out again once I become pregnant until then I will keep rocking the fade. May God continue to bless us all thanks for reading stay beautiful and be inspired.

The Benefits of Protein Treatments on Damaged Hair!!

     

     You may have heard about or seen protein treatments for hair, with the promise of strengthening dry damaged hair.  So you think to your self hmmmm I want to try this.  The big question is should you? Are protein treatments good for your hair?  The answer is it depends if you have colored treated hair,relaxed or heat styled hair.  Then yes a protein treatment would be very beneficial to you.  However if your hair is chemical free then a protein treatment may have little to no benefit for your hair.  You actually may end up causing more harm then good to your hair.  Too much protein in your hair will cause your hair to become dry, brittle and it WILL break off.  The reason being is your hair is made up of a very tough protein called keratin.  When your style your hair such as relaxing,coloring and heat style you break down that protein. This causes your hair to become weak and to break/shed.  A monthly or bimonthly protein treatment on chemically processed hair will help your hair bounce back.  This is especially good for those naturals that like to straighten their hair with heat.

Speaking of naturals that like to straighten their hair with heat.  I got a Dominican blow out this past summer on my hair.  It was very beautiful and I loved my results the only problem was I had heat damage.  Contrary to what you may have heard about heat damaged hair.  It can not be reversed the only way to fix it is by cutting the damaged hair.  Well my heat damage was pretty bad and although I preach that its just hair and it will grow back.  I did not want to cut all my hair off again I mean really why did I have to get heat damage? Well remember that is the risk of heat style no matter how much heat protection you use.  It is always a possibility that your hair just my get damaged.  So what I did to get my hair back to its healthy state. I began doing monthly protein treatments on my hair.  I also wore protective styles (still do) all winter.  I cut my hair every 6-8 weeks.  This helped me to get rid of the damaged ends without losing my length.  I still have a few more trims to go before I am completely damaged free.  Once My hair is back to normal I will stop doing protein treatments all together.  Unless i decide I want to dye my hair a pretty red color after the wedding *hint hint.

Do I Need a Protein Treatment in My Hair?

If you have any of these signs, try a protein treatment and follow a regular protein regimen right away:

• Loss of elasticity - Hair in good condition can stretch under normal conditions without breaking. If you're wondering about the elasticity in your hair, try this test: stretch wet hair and see if it easily snaps back without breaking. If it does, your hair is in good shape. If you stretch it and it breaks easily, you need to increase the protein in your hair.
• Serious damage - When hair has been over processed with chemicals, it can feel and look like seaweed when it's wet. When dry, it may feel like a rough Brillo pad. This isn't regular dryness that black hair is prone to. Although black hair may not feel exactly like silk, healthy hair is soft to the touch.
• Severe breakage - This isn't the average hair shedding that everyone experiences on a daily basis. Regular shedding often comes out in a comb or brush. When your hair breaks due to weakness, you'll find strands of it everywhere; on your pillow, on the back of your seat, on your shirt. It may make a snapping or popping sound when you comb it.

For severe damage, a protein treatment may hold off the inevitable and prevent shedding all over the place, but eventually you should cut off all of your damaged hair. This is the only way to enjoy healthy hair over your entire head.

CurlBox drama aint nobody got time for that!!!!

     Since moving to Tampa I have really struggled to find my staple hair products stocked, on the shelves of stores I am used to finding them at.  I am the type of "natural" that once I find a product that works I stick to it. So when my local Walmart, Walgreens, Target and CVS doesn't have a ethnic hair section or if they do its never stocked, small as hell and the BSS (beauty supply store) are over priced.  I have been forced to start trying other products in the mean time until I move back home.  With that being said I have been forced to shop online for hair products that work with my 4C texture hair. That's when I heard about the Curlkit and Curlbox but I am having a hard time choosing who to go with.  Both are black owned businesses founded and ran by African American women yes ma'am.    

     For those of you reading this and thinking what is a CurlBox and CurlKit, let me explain them real quick. These are monthly subscriptions were you are sent 5-7 samples and sometimes full size hair products in a box.  For a monthly fee of $20 charged to your credit card that you have to save on file with the companies.  Both of these companies are great for people that like to try new hair products often, cough cough (product junkies).  So with the Curlbox subscription spots are very limited and you have to wait until they have a open enrollment to subscribe to the company.  This makes the company appealing even more because it feels exclusive.  Now who doesn't want to feel like they are apart of some exclusive ish lol.  Now with the CurlKit you just sign up and you can start receiving your subscriptions the next month.

     While doing my research on the CurlBox I found a recent YouTube video where a young lady was very upset about the products and customer service from CurlBox.  She also expressed that the CEO Myleiks way of handling her concerns were very unprofessional and damn right disrespectful that she decided to take her business to CurlKit and report Myleik to the BBB.  Honey that's a whole lot of drama and madness that I will have to save for a later blog post lol.  But if you want to go watch the video you know my messy ass will have a link to it right here >>>>VIDEO!!!! <<<<<.

     Even with all the drama surrounding CurlBox I still kinda wanna subscribe one because The Curlkit seems hella bootleg to me. I know everybody is loving it and feels its so much better but to me it seems like a  straight wanna be.  I mean even the website curlkit.com seems bootleg.  Go compare the two companies sites curlbox.com just seems more fancy for a lack of a better word HAHAHA!!  Since I haven't subscribed to any of them I guess I can't be throwing shade lol.  With all that being said I think I might go ahead and roll with CurlKit.  Because even though I feel they need to hire a better graphic designer to make their website look a little better, I still have heard nothing but great things about it.

   
     As for Ms. Myleik well I think she needs to do a better job of not mixing her personal feelings with business, it turns off potential customers like myself.  I mean if your company is going to be a exclusive and bougee acting.  you would think one would have better "PR" skills I'm just saying.  Don't nobody got time to be going back and forward with you on Instagram because of an opinion.  Not everyone will like or love each months products you have to have a thick skin when your providing products and service especially when your dealing with these new age naturals lol.  I am very outspoken and if I feel like your being shady with your business practices I will let everybody know about it.  So I rather not have to deal with that at all...This was her first full year so hopefully she learned from her mistakes and 2013 will be better. 

yahgirltiffy
thanks for your support
xoxo!!

All naturals are NOT created equal!!!!

MY BIG CHOP

VS

IT'S JUST NOT THE SAME!!!

      I am going natural is a term a lot of African American women use when they are wanting to stop using relaxers on their hair.  Within the last few years being natural has really become the new thing to do.  Hair care companies are recognizing this and have started to tailor to the more kinky,curly ladies. I have also noticed other race of women with not so kinky hair also embracing their natural hair texture.  They have also decided to stop chemically altering their hair texture with things like dye,hair spray etc.  Now the politically correct part of me wants to say going natural is the same for all women.  However the realist in me has to keep it all the way 100. I know people may read this blog post and feel some type of way and that's ok. 

     I disagree 100% that going natural means the same thing for white woman as it does for a woman with African decent (kinky hair).  I am apart of a natural hair group on facebook where women of all ethnic backgrounds come together to embrace their natural hair journey.  There is one woman apart of this group that is white.  I don't have a problem with it however I don't think she fully understands the struggle behind going natural as a black woman would.  A big chop is a drastic approach to cutting all your hair off in order to grow your hair chemically free. I agree that any race can do the big chop however I don't agree that we would all have the same struggle.

     First off in the African American community a black woman's hair is always been used as a way to judge us.  If you are mixed and had real curly hair as a kid you were always told you had good hair.  If you had very thick course hair then you were told you had nappy hair and it needed to be relaxed.  So the stigma of showing your natural chemically unaltered hair was installed in you as a very young age as unacceptable.  A lot of African American women are living there adult life right now not having a clue on what their natural hair texture really looks like.  They assume at the very sight of new growth that there hair is unmanageable and in need of a relaxer.

     I am here to say any one can say they are going natural its cute in all. However no one will know how it feels to be called nappy headed.  To be told by a man of the same exact race,creed and color that natural hair isn't for everybody.  The feeling of doing your big chop and showing it to your family and friends and being told by loved ones you need a wig.  having to wear a wig to a job interview because your afraid you will be stereotyped, or not getting the job because of your Afro.  Being told by coworkers that your type of natural is not the good natural.  So yeah I can admit this and sorry if it offends someone but don't expect me to give a damn if your white and decide to cut all your hair off in hopes of going natural.  Yeah there are some white women out there with curly hair I know this but still honey you will never know how it feels to be a black woman with "NAPPY HAIR".


 

Hot Oil Treatment

Benefits to be obtained by a hot oil hair treatment

It adds moisture to your hair...It's beneficial to those who put treatments in their hair such as, perms, relaxers, and color. I am natural and I use hot oil treatments often. I notice my hair looks and feels very moisturized after I do a oil treatment. I also notice one of the great benefits my hair receives after a good hot oil treatment. Is less single strand knots and shedding of my hair. My oil of choice right now is African Pride Hair Scalp & Skin Oil 8oz. I love the smell and it has a lot of great oils in it and of course it inexpensive. I mix it with coconut oil and olive oil I also sometimes add honey to the mixture.

Everyday environmental issues, including temperature changes, pollution and humidity, as well as regular brushing, and the use of hair products such as curlers, steamers, straighteners and dryers, can result in damaged hair. Brittle or dry hair can result from environmental issues, over cleansing or product use; breakage or split ends can result from the use of hair products to achieve the desired style. No one is immune to dry or damaged hair simply is a part of life.

How it works , generally with a hot oil treatment for hair, they are used once a week. The bottle of oil is heated by putting the bottle in hot water for an extended period of time. The conditioning treatment of the hair gives more strength and body to the hair. The hot oil can help repair damaged and weak hair as every strand gets the treatment it needs instantly when the oil is applied.

How to use it, Before using your hot oil treatment, make sure you hair is combed and free of knots and snags. Divide long and thick hair into sections on your head, twisting each part loosely to keep it separated from the rest of the hair. Unravel each section and coat it thoroughly with the hot oil until you have covered all of the sections, massaging the oil into the scalp and hair well. This technique makes the application process easier and ensures complete saturation.

Oils

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is particularly great for natural hair. It’s loaded with nutrients, amino acids, essential fatty acids, as well as vitamins A, B, D, and E. And it’s excellent for moisturizing, deep conditioning, improving hair strength, strengthening hair, and boosting shine.

Castor Oil

Castor oil thickens hair, promotes hair growth, prevents thinning, moisturizes, helps reduce split ends, helps to tame frizz, and prevents scalp infections.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is great for preventing dandruff, promoting hair growth, moisturizing, strengthening hair, thickening hair, and preventing damage.

Olive Oil (Extra Virgin Olive Oil)

which is also referred to as the “godmother of hair oil,” is great for moisturizing, deep conditioning, improving hair strength, eliminating dandruff, and also has powerful antioxidants that can help fight hair loss.

Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil is great for stimulating hair follicles for hair growth, preventing hair loss and greying, preventing dandruff, strengthening hair, and boosting shine.

Safflower Oil

Safflower oil protects hair, nourishes hair follicles, moisturizes, and stimulates blood circulation to promote hair growth and thickness. And it is extremely beneficial for natural as well as dry chemically treated hair.

Sweet Almond Oil

Sweet almond oil works great as a “sealant.” This means that it “locks-in” moisture. Sweet almond oil also nourishes hair, smoothes hair cuticles to control shedding, promotes hair growth and thickness, prevents hair loss, and boosts shine.

References:
http://blackgirllonghair.com/2012/06/7-best-oils-for-natural-hair/
http://www.livestrong.com/article/109162-hot-oil-treatments-black-natural/
http://www.ehow.com/how_4689635_hot-oil-treatment-natural-hair.html

Janelle Monae New Face Of Cover Girl (naturals we run this)

     Janelle Monae has been named the newest face of Covergirl. If you don't know who Janelle Monae is she is an American R&B/Soul singer. Im sure if you don't know her music you for sure know her style. She grew up in Kansas City, KS and is also a natural she wears her signature high bun with oxfords. I love her music her style and of course her hair. When asked about her new role as one of the faces of cover girl Janelle Monae had this to say.


  "Becoming a CoverGirl is truly an honor and a gift. It opens up a new platform for me to inspire women to feel stronger, braver and more beautiful inside and out."........."I believe it's time that women truly owned their superpowers and used their beauty and strength to change the world around them,"......."One of my core values is to help redefine what it means to be a strong and beautiful woman in the music and fashion worlds and to empower the wonderful things that make us unique."

    

     Janelle Monae is truly inspiring to me I love her dare to be different style and how she approaches her music. I think Covergirl did a great job with allowing her to be the face of their product. Not only does she represent women as a whole she also shows young African American ladies that our skin is beautiful no matter the shade. Of course yall know im #teamgirlpower  so this was right on time to kinda lift my spirits. Go ahead this is one bandwagon you can jump on. #teamJanelleMonae #teamcovergirl #teamnatural in that order!!! 

The Nappymafia are you down?

   

     We all realize it rather we like it or not everybody is going natural. Now rather or not this is just a fad or its permanent its up to ones perception. I however hope that this is something that will be permanent, because I think natural hair is beautiful. One thing for certain is history has repeated itself so one can base and argument off that alone and consider it a fad. I kinda agree sometimes because after I have worn my hair in a twist out it never fails someone wants to go natural. I never hear that when my hair is just in a puff or something. My thing is this, a lot of people wanna be natural but don't wanna do the research, those are the people I feel are only doing it as a fad. Regardless its not my issue or concern to judge why someone has decided to go natural I am happy if your natural or relaxed as long as your hair is healthy. Even then if your hair isn't healthy it doesn't have anything to do with the hair on my head you know. You Ever heard the saying "What you eat don't make me s**t!" That is how I feel about it but hey that's just yahgirl.

     Lets get to the point of this blog already though lol....well if you are natural you have noticed that a lot of these women and men take the natural hair community,mafia,membership or whatever real serious. A lot feel like if you only doing this to bandwagon jump don't even bother keep getting your creamy crack (yeah that's what they call it). These are the ones that are all ways yelling the do's and don'ts of being natural. They speak as if there is a judicial system for the natural hair community or a Bible. I could go on a rant because I get so annoyed with reading a post on a forum or blog an seeing women argue like kids over hair. However my blog its not to stir trouble but to get the people talking. Real adult healthy talk you know we can agree to disagree without putting each other down to prove a point.

     How do you feel the natural hair community has come so far. Do you think when it was just a few naturals it was better? Or do you feel like now it has become some what of a movement? his post may have been all over the place but you get the point lol.

Thanks for reading!

Another Punk A** "Natural Hair Nazi" Opinion

     This is a post from one of the "Natural" groups I'm a member of on facebook. Of course If you know me this post rubbed me the wrong way. I think its actually shows exactly why women who choose to rock relaxers,weaves and wigs think all naturals are extremist "Natural Hair Nazi". To say someone is lazy because they are rocking a weave or wig is very weird to me. I for one can not understand how you can look at someone wearing a weave in my opinion is the very reason people wont become natural. This is what gets on my damn nerves about the natural hair community. you get someone that has been natural for a few years and they all of a sudden become "Natural Hair Gurus". Just because you have a standard of what you consider natural to consist of doesn't mean every one has to follow your rules. Lets be honest im sure a lot of us aren't eating all natural products and riding bikes to work. Shoot do we even recycle our plastics and aluminum? Im just saying what someone else is doing with their hair should not determine how much of a natural you are, so in result is shouldn't effect you at all point blank period. Btw the poster of this thread is a male but it still doesn't change his foolishness.

******

     So your telling me that you wear a wig to protect your natural hair so it can grow??? What ever happen to 

wearing "HATS" if it's only about protection. I'm not saying that your wrong for wearing wigs and weave but 

stop pretending that you only do it to protect your hair. I know alot of women are doing wigs and weave out here in New York City in the borough of Brooklyn because they are running from the truth. They are realizing the truth that to maintain this new "TREND" of so called being "Natural" is alot of work and they have regrets or maybe they are using blowdryers and doing other things causing damage to their natural hair and don't want their friends to find out. They're too lazy to do the right thing to their natural hair and they are embrassed from their edges not growing back from all those years of perms. If your not true to natural hair and your only doing it to follow others then what will happen if people start going back to perms are you going to relapse and go back? I treat my natural hair like I want to be treated: "WITH RESPECT". No matter what the length of your natural hair wear it out and be proud. You are all beautiful and I have respect and love for all.

Here Are Some Responses To This Post:

• well they clearly just don't know how to handle their hair if they are ashamed plus you're speaking from your perspective of what you know. I personally just bought a wig a inspiration and have never had an issue with my edges.
• Why do u care so much?? If they want to wear wigs, so what? I dont care if they wear them cause they dont like dealing with their own hair. I dont mind ppl stating their opinions, but dont keep forcing it on folks!
• In the end, does it really matter why someone chooses to wear their hair a certain way? I loooooooove my kinky hair, I still like straight hair too but I choose not to use heat on my hair. I'll be weaved up soon but it's not because I'm lazy or running from the "truth"........ I'm simply being versatile with the styling options that are available to me. My hair wouldn't grow to be a healthy 14 inches if it wasn't treated with respect.
• Ok not all ppl who wear wigs or weaves are ashamed of their hair.people have seen my natural hair and i wear it out most of the time.i want to wear wigs or braids because i feel like it.there are a great protective styles to me .my hair is benefiting from doing that.my hair is not damaged because i know what im doing and take good care of the hair underneath.i don't like hats so i won't wear them ,there are other options.its a personal preference.
• ill take a 18-24, inch sew in and regardless if I call it a protective style or not.....honey I'm not wearing no hat that's looks like your hiding something IMO.....guuuurrrrrllllll u tried it with this post....
• Yet another post of someone opinion and perspective.... And the defenses go up..... She was very specific as to who she was speaking of.. Z. And didn't say everyone who wears weaves and wigs are doing it for these reasons.... I see your point and there are some this applies to... When I was relaxed and didn't feel like doing my hair I wore a wig... And it was str8 Bn lazy... and that's part of why my hair was so messed up b4 I decided to BC and take this natural journey.... This is giving me patience and forcing me to actually keep it up... I have days where I wanna say f$&@ it I'm buying a wig or getting a weave but that's cause I don't wanna deal with my hair... not cause I'm Bn protective... I haven't done it yet I'm holding out Nd have learned to embrace this whole thing and other things to help me. Feel comfortable with my decision... AGAIN not all who wear them are lazy etc. but there are some who do exist that's her point and it was clear in her post...
•  Like hats, there are different looks wigs & weaves give women. All sorts of options that can be fun,daring,sexy etc..to change up from the norm and with so many options, like color,length,textures,bold or simple most women like change from time to time. I know women that loves wigs that rock natural looking wigs(I have too) to roll play or that wear them around their husbands or boyfriends because he enjoys her many looks and loves their natural hair as well, just saying like in life we all have options & choices daily, hair is no different, natural hair styles today or rock a wig or weave tomorrow?? This is just another option...and I'm out!! *now back to our regular scheduled program* lol
• i definately see the pint og the post and i don't see a problem on how she says it..she just wants people to hide from the truth...i have nothing against relaxed or wigs or anything like that...but i understand her point..if you claim to be natural but refuse to show it (and on top of that make up excuses for hiding your natural hair) then you are a trend hopper..trynna stick to the "natural trend"(o Lord help me on this lol) while at the same time escaping the negative comments people have to say about natural hair (nappy, untamed, all the BS)..now it is another thing if the wig-wearer is actually not being deceptive but is trying to grow their hair out (its just another way to transition)..but the wig-wearer that calls herself natural must understand...the natural has to show sooner or later :)

*Click here to see entire thread Natural Hair Thread On FaceBook

Shea Moisture Curl Souffle Review

     I recently decided to jump on the bandwagon and try the Shea Moisture products. I was very reluctant because everyone seem to love it and usually for me that means my hair would hate it. I was very desperate and in need of something new. I had been using grease and water for one year straight and loved it. However it was clogging my pores and causing my face to break out. Not only that I noticed that my hair didn't look like it was moisturized. It almost seemed as though my hair had built up a resistant to the grease lol I know that sounds crazy. i just felt like it was time for a change my twist outs weren't coming out right and my hair looked shinny but felt dry and brittle.

     Girl when I tell you my hair loved the Shea Moisture Curling Souffle, I feel like I found the Holy Grail of natural hair products. I have 4C hair and my hair needs a product that is thick and will give me hold and moisturize at the same time.  My twist out were very defined and moisturized and my hair felt like butter. I feel like kicking myself because I have been missing out on this.  Trust me this will now be a staple product in my hair care regimen I am officially #teamsheamoisture


About the Product: 
Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curling Souffle Gel
This all natural styling souffle with agave nectar and flax seed oil defines and promotes curls, with a soft, smooth after feel. Coconut and flax seed oils nourish and hydrate hair, seal the hair shaft to protect against external pollutants and assist natural oil retention. The natural humectant complex of agave nectar, coconut oil, glycerin and shea butter moisturizes, conditions and boosts shine without frizz.

Pros:

• leaves hair with moisture and shine
• a little goes a long way
• smells great
• great hold
• defines twist and curls
• seals in the moisture
• its just the bomb.com
• Price ($9.99 per item) but a little goes a long way so you won't run out fast
• for all hair types and curl patterns

 Cons:

• sticky
• leaves hands with a syrup feeling
• if you use too much hair will feel like gummy
• takes a long time to dry 
• can not reapply will cause product build up

SNY: Carol's Daughter 1-2-3 Transition Kit Event/Giveaway

Carol’s Daughter has created a product line specifically formulated for transitioning to natural hair and SNY 
will give away 50 of these kits to anyone that is serious about transitioning. But wait there is more.


We have tons of Curls and Eden Body Works Samples. Hold on that’s not all.

We also have 5 Carol’s Daughter-Olive Oil Infusion Kits, 1 Eden BodyWorks Peppernint 5 piece Tea Tree Collection and a gift from Curls that a few lucky winners will take home. Ok there is one more thing.

We will also be giving away free samples of our signature SNY SAVVY cake cupcakes from Cia’s Taste bud creations.

Date: Monday, May 28th

Where: Juke House during Soul Session located 1700 E 18th St Kansas City, MO

Time: 7-10pm (while supplies last) See you there.

THE LADIES OF SNY (SAVVY NATURAL YOU)

SPONSORED BY

Happy 1yr Nappiversary to Me 5/16/2012

     Hey ya'll yah girl did it I'm exactly one year natural today yay me. I big chopped last year May 16, 2011 in my bathroom with a pair of kitchen scissors, after becoming impatient with my hair. So I just stood in the mirror and cut all my relaxed ends off. After I was done I was left with about 1 to 2 inches of hair. I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous and having second thoughts like daaaaammmmmn I done messed up. I wasn't exactly the most confident about my new found look due to not having the right products or knowing my hair. It always seemed to look extra try and brittle. I would constantly ask my friends,family and coworkers if my hair looked ok. The negative comments I received didn't help either I mean some of the stuff folks would say. Any way flash forward to one year later and I am so in love with my hair. I feel like my hair is always the best in the room and you cant tell me my fro aint banging.

• My hair loves good ole fashion hair grease
• what works for others may not work for me
• It just hair it will grow back if not buy a wig
• Don't let people push what being "natural" means on me
• My hair doesn't make me I make my Hair
• Cowashing is my Friend
• wash and goes are the devil
• Don't worry about length it will come
• Have fun!!!!!

1st pic was taken 4 days post I BC
2nd pic was 2 months post BC 7/05/11
3rd pic was 6 months post BC 11/05/2011
4th Pic was taken 11 months post BC

Hair Type

Andre Walker, who won numerous Emmys for his work on the Oprah Winfrey Show, first worked out a hair type system to help classify his clients with textured hair. Below is the hair typing system to help you figure out what your hair type is. I Think this is very important to know with this info you'll have a little insight on what products work best for your hair. Some People don't like hair typing and consider it another form of the brown paper bag test. But that is a whole other blog post we shall keep this one cute lol.

Hair Type 1: Straight

The end.

Hair Type 2: Wavy

If you fall into this category, your hair when wet forms a loosely shaped ‘S’. Furthermore, your texture can range from thin (Type 2a) to somewhat thick (Type 2b) to very thick and coarse (Type 2c).

Hair Type 3: Curly

Those with Type 3 hair texture will see a tighter curl as their hair dries and more of an ‘S’ shape. The texture is fuller and sometimes frizzy. Type 3b looks more like ringlets or tight corkscrews with the circumference of a crayon.

Hair Type 4: Kinky

Kinky hair types have the most defined curl. It appears more like a zig zag and tightly coiled. This type of hair is the most fragile so be delicate when drying, combing, brushing or exposing to heat. Those with Type 4b will see less of a coil or curl and the hair will bend in sharp angles like the letter ‘Z’.

Have You Heard Of The Curly Girl Method...

     I have been hearing a lot of talk about the Curly Girl Method on blogs, forums,YouTube etc.... Like many of you I had no Idea what this was so I had to do a little research. I stumble on a very informative article on WikiHow that helped me understand exactly what this method was. Here is a snippet from the article below:

     ......The curly girl method (also referred to as "no-poo") is based on the book "Curly Girl" by Lorraine Massey. The nickname "no-poo" alludes to not using a sulfate shampoo, because sulfates' tend to strip the hair of its natural oils. Once you take away the sulfates, your hair can retain its natural moisture.

I won't be trying this method but I think It would be great for those of use with hard to manage curls. For those of you wanting to try the method you can purchase the book from Walmart.com right now for $8.00. Click Here To Buy the Book Click Here: How To Follow The CG Method If you decide to try this method i would love for you to share your results with me. 

As to why I'm not doing the curly girl method....The Regimen requires that you use a non sulfate shampoo and little to no oils/grease or silicone conditioners. These are a staple in my hair care regimen and it works for me. I am a firm believer if its not broke don't fix it. However I must say I read a lot of reviews on this method and pretty much every one that uses it are happy with the results. I'm not saying I will never try the method I just don't feel its something I need right now.

"NO POO"

Does Carols Daughter Hate Black Women?

Selita Ebanks, Solange Knowles & Cassie Are The New Faces Of Carol’s Daughter

     I was on a natural hair forum on facebook and stumbled on a link one of the members posted. What caught my eye was the title  "Carol's Daughter HATES Black women- Why no Self-Respecting Black Woman Should EVER Purchase Carol's Daughter Products EVER!" Like most of you I had to see what the fuss was about. I read the blog twice just to make sure I didn't miss anything. Honestly I didn't see where the blogger was coming from. I felt like this blogger was reaching like most people do when they are looking to start some mess. In the blog post she basically accuses the founder of CD Lisa Price of being a sell out. Also she claims the Managing Director and CEO Steve Stoute of being a bigot. Check out a snippet from the blog post:

"Generally speaking most brands that create products for a specific demographic, don't go out of their way to say that their customers are unimportant, unwanted, or obsolete. They may think it, but they will never build a marketing campaign around it."

     

     This all started after CD announced the new faces of the company in a press release. I guess people are upset at what the Steve Stoute actually said. I have read his statement five times and for the life of me can not find where he said the company hates black women. He says he wants the company to be colorless to me meaning he doesn't want it to be known as just a "black only" product. Sounds like to me CD is wanting to expand their market. Below is the actual press release read for yourself and let me know if you feel it sounds like carols daughter is selling out. 

"We want to be the first beauty brand that truly captures the beauty of the tapestry of skin types in America. When I say polyethnic, I mean women who are made up of several ethnicities. If you ask them what they are, they’re going to use a lot of different words to describe themselves. That’s in line with the Census data coming out — people are checking much more than two boxes. We believe we’ve put together a shoot that celebrates many different ethnicities, to become a mirror of what America’s really becoming.[...]“They will serve as cultural ambassadors in bringing forth this acceptance that the definition of beauty is now colorless."

     My final thoughts on this I never used Carols Daughter but I have always associated their products with being made for African American hair. I think this was more for my ladies that are mixed with many ethnic backgrounds. Carols Daughter wanted those women to know their product is colorless. Basically you don't have to be "Black" to use their products. People need to stop being so sensitive and looking for things to complain about. click here for the full blog post  "Carol's Daughter HATES Black women- Why no Self-Respecting Black Woman Should EVER Purchase Carol's Daughter Products EVER!"

SavvyNaturalYouTV

SNY is a natural hair group on facebook for all naturally coily, kinky, curly hair. The Group was started by Marsha  to share 

information about natural hair care and journey as well as photo, videos, anything to do with natural hair. You do not have to be natural to join the group. We will be sharing best practices and tips for healthy hair growth.

come check us out on face book Savvy Natural You

Meet Marsha
she is the founder of the group
Savvy Natural You