Can Curly or Coily Hair Be Straight & Healthy? The BEST of Both Worlds

HOW TO GET HEALTHY NATURAL HAIR: AND WEAR IT HOWEVER YOU WANT!

Time for me to really share our inside information. My daughters and I love our natural hair. We love the versatility. We have so many options. Just recently, we switched roles. I usually wear my hair coily. But for the past 8 days, I've been wearing my hair flat ironed straight. I'm having so much fun with this. I haven't missed my coily hair yet, but trust me when I say that my coily hair is where my heart is. What do I mean by that? Well, it's truly a part of me, and because of that, I see the true beauty.

Natural Hair: Straight Or Curly?

 My daughter, who is often caught on the camera wearing her hair flat iron straight, is having fun with her coils! And to add to that, since she's seen my phenomenal length retention, she's decided that she will wear her coils until summer (we will see how that goes Hahah). 

As for the family secrets, I'm just going to hip you to what we've been doing to achieve "Bra Strap Length" natural hair. 

You're not going to believe this, but we just...................................

Leave it alone.

I could tell you some stuff about oils, butters, conditioners, shampoos, and yessss, that's all important, but if you ask me what the main contributor of our length retention is, I'll tell you that it's because we left our hair alone.

Meaning:

Brushing/Combing: 1x week (at most)

Washing with shampoo: Never to 1x Week  (Me: Never, T: 1xWeek)

Heat: Minimal

Styling: 1x Week

Straight or Curly? You Choose With Natural Hair

 But Let me also share what we Love To Do:

We love to mix home made concoctions. Deep conditioners with mayo, olive oil, avocado, honey, jojoba oil. We don't need to buy a deep conditioner. 

And if we need protein, we'd just add an egg or 2.

I love to add oil to my hair randomly.

I love that I don't use commercial shampoos. This is all a part of my "respect the coil" idea. 

 When we wear our hair straight or curly, we moisturize and check for breakage. When I wrap my straightened hair, I brush it over a surface where I will be able to see if my ends are breaking. Off white surface will show up any breakage.

If it's breaking, I'll know I need additional moisture. No guesswork here.

Baby girl and I had a sweet dinner date for my birthday at the melting pot. You see we don't know how to act. We are definitely playing in the smoke just to get a good picture.

 That's probably why dude came and turned down our fire. Some people just don't know how to act. LOLLOL. 

I truly appreciate our blog followers, and will be doing a birthday appreciation giveaway very soon, so keep posted, and don't forget to......................................love the curls you're in.

Happy Birthday To Me.....................

Long & Healthy Afro Textured Hair: Straight Without a Relaxer or Keratin Treatment

STRAIGHT HAIR CHEMICAL FREE

Straight Hair Without Brazilian Keratin Treatment

I saw a t-shirt recently that was advertising for the Brazilian Keratin Treatment. I guess it was from some salon Promo Event. The t-shirt said "Lose the Bush", and then it had "Brazilian Keratin" treatment on it. It showed a silhouette picture of bushy (Afro textured hair?)--with a big, red X over it. 

It only made me sad because just a few days before, I received an email from Environmental Working Group that shared information about one of the many toxic ingredients that the Keratin Treatments are said to have. The article specifically spoke of the high levels of Formaldehyde that is often found in the treatment. Browsing through the Skin Deep Database, I read up on some products that I previously used. Most of them contain numerous chemicals to be placed on the scalp by gloved hands.

I write this post only to share that I wish I knew that my hair could be straight without using harmful, sickening chemicals. My personal experience with the  relaxer has brought me into the doctors office, and then later a specialist.

Straight Hair Without Relaxer Use

 I've used many boxes of Affirm Relaxer. I know I've used my share of Dark & Lovely Relaxers. I can't even name all of the Relaxers I've used, because most hair dressers didn't bother to share that info with me.

For sure, my hair NEVER came out this lush, thick, healthy, AND LONG in all my Relaxed days.

The ends of my hair are probably so confused. They've not been in a situation where they weren't constantly breaking. My hair shaft is totally used to being thinned out (also breaking).

The purpose of this post is to share with anyone who is looking for an alternative to chemical use, but would still like to get that "Dark & Lovely" Straight, hahaha. Or even that "Soft & Beautiful" Look. To start, you're already Lovely, Beautiful, maybe even Dark like me, and hopefully Soft like most girls are LOL. 

About the straight look, if that's your signature look, then by all means---do it. It's a beautiful look (I will admit). It's just another beautiful look option that I have in my arsenal. Never before has my ponytail grown this long! Never before has my hair grown this long!                                        

Use of a blow dryer, a flat iron (purchased from the mall), and some avocado oil produced these results.  Check out Our YouTube Channel for a Tutorial on this Texture Option!

The Longest Ponytail I Ever Had!

Transitioning Teenager Hairstlyes For School

WHAT HAIRSTYLES CAN I DO WHILE TRANSITIONING AND GOING TO SCHOOL?

Flat Ironed Transitioning Hair

 Hey Beautiful. I get lots of questions from teenage girls about what in the world to do with their transitioning hair. This post is dedicated to you. T is a teenager who transitioned while in middle school, I believe from 7th grade. I know hair is REALLY important at that time (and lets face it...it's pretty important to all of us at any time). So without further ado, I share with you some of the styles she did while transitioning:

The flat iron. That's right. You can transition and still use heat. But please use it sparingly, cautiously, and sensibly. Based on the thickness, health, and other factors, you must decide the best heat setting that will avoid damage. Remembering that you have 2 textures of hair going on. The natural hair will request a bit more heat to straighten than the relaxed hair (which is already straight, but in need of heat to flatten down). More info on this to come in a different post.

 With the flat ironed transitioning hair, you can then style on that straight texture. In this picture, she opted to braid the front for a different look. The front braids are also great for when the flat ironed hair (especially the hairline) starts to frizz, revert at the roots, etc. 

Keeping transitioned hair trimmed helps with styling. It helps to avoid tangles (frazzled ends will tangle easily). If you have a lot of relaxed ends (long lengths of it), it will be beneficial to trim off any thinning, lanky ends--usually about 1/4'' if they are tackled before they get out of hand.

On the style below, she decided to give her hair a break from detangling by braiding it all up. She wore this braided style for 1 day before taking it down for a wavy braidout look. Yes, her hair was flat ironed first. Once she was done wearing it straight, she had it braided up. As you can see, this transitioning teen opted to wear her hair flat ironed for most of her transition. Is that okay? Please be advised that not everyone's hair has the same requirements or tolerance to heat. She applied heat to her hair exactly 2 times a month. No "bumping" or "touching up" allowed.

 The braids allow for great protective styling. For those of you who are transitioning with the expectations of enjoying your curls once fully natural, braidouts (minus the heat) is a great choice. It will eliminate the possible risk of heat damage. Especially if you are unsure how to safely flat iron your own hair. Professional hair dressers can't always be guaranteed to be safe either. At the end of the day, the decision is definitely something to research.

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE TRANSITIONING, PLEASE CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING INFO:

IF YOU WORE YOUR RELAXED HAIR STRAIGHT MOST OF THE TIME: During your transition, you can opt to continue to do so. Just understand that your natural hair is curly, and you may want to eventually embrace that. It's understandable if you are frustrated by the 2 different textures during your transition. Just know, it will be wise to decide on a weekly style plan for your transitioning hair. For instance:

WEEK 1: (Pre Poo-Optional), Wash, Condition, Deep Condition, Detangle, Put Heat Protectant of Your Choice, Section,  Air Dry/Blow Dry, Flat Iron. Keep for at Least 7 Days        while moisturizing and wrapping.

Week 2: (Pre Poo-Optional), Wash, Condition, Deep Condition, Detangle, Moisturize, Seal, Section, Braid Natural Hair, Curl Relaxed hair with Perm Rod Rollers. Keep for 7 Days while maintaining with a loose ponytail or pineapple and moisturizing as needed.

Week 3: Flat Iron (same regimen). 

Week4: Braid Out (same regimen)

During this time, you can do some buns as protective styling. Ponytails go well with either texture.

Laying Down The Hairline During Transitioning From Relaxed to Natural

Transitioning Hair and 2 Different Textures

My Braidout Using Only 1 Product: Hemp Seed Oil

MY ULTRA DEFINED BRAIDOUT USING ONLY HEMP SEED OIL

 What I have to share with you today very well may change your hair world. No exaggerations here. This braidout with it's ultra defined waves........is a result of the use of 1 product only. I rubbed some Hemp Seed Oil on my hair that was sectioned into 2 halves. That's it. 

Hemp seed oil is derived from the Hemp Plant, which is a non-narcotic variety that is amazingly versatile, nutritional and environmentally sound. It contains more naturally-occurring essential fatty acids than any other plant derived oil and a perfect 3:1 Omega-6: Omega-3 EFA ratio. The oil also contains the natural anti-oxidant vitamin E and sterols which blocks cholesterol absorption. Hemp penetrates the skin to remoisturize, revive and repair cells damaged by the elements; sun, wind and ultraviolet light.  It may be added to shampoo or conditioner to rejuvenate the scalp. If you choose you can add your favorite essential oil for fragrance. This carrier is very high in unsaturated fatty acids, which makes it a great moisturizer for dry and devitalized skin, especially since it absorbs into the skin very quickly. It is also a cell regenerator and helps soothe muscles. 

 I did about 20 braids throughout. It took about 4 hours to fully dry. The picture below (with the 20 Celie Braids) is exactly what I did after I put the Hemp seed Oil. I had to go to the mall that evening, so I pulled some of the back braids down, so I wouldn't scare the people in the mall.

 Let me just explain first, I pre-pooed my hair (apply conditioner before shampoo). I used Giovanni Tea Tree Conditioner. During this time I took out all of my shed hair (I had a long term style: two strand twists). Since I had the twists in for 3 weeks, I had LOTS of shed hair. Next, I detangled while the conditioner was in. Rinsed out the conditioner and Cleansed my hair with Amla Powder.

 My hair has really reached a level of softness, moisture maintained, shine, all that good stuff...ever since I stopped washing with commercial shampoos. Even the all natural Giovanni Moisture Shampoo. You see, my regimen is so simple, I'm afraid that no one will be interested to hear it.

Loads of Definition and Shine on this Braidout

 The definition, shine, softness, moisture level, durability of this braidout is shocking. I do not lie when I say that the only "product" on my hair is the Hemp Seed Oil. I'm going on to day 3 with this braidout tomorrow. All I plan to do to maintain this is to loose ponytail (If I want volume, I will pineapple it--basically that just  means a high ponytail).

 I see no frizz. I know when I go to style this (which I will post an update), that it will be durable. I have to wonder if the outcome is a result only of the Hemp Seed Oil, or the fact that after I washed my hair, I didn't put conditioner. Remember, I conditioned my hair first, then cleansed with Amla, then put the Hemp Seed Oil. That means nothing was on my strands. The amla left my scalp feeling brand new (and trust me, after 3 weeks of two strand twists without any water...my scalp had all kinds of flakes).

My Hemp Seed Oil Braidout on Natural Hair

Once again, I'm amazed by the ease with which it is possible to care for hair that I was told was unruly, nappy, and hard (not to mention a few more unnecessary adjectives). 


For anyone who is experiencing a "rough patch" with their hair, I say try using 1 new product at a time (like a new shampoo, but the same conditioner as usual), and getting a "feel" for what it's doing to your hair. Then once you've narrowed it down to the basics, check out your process (the order that the products are being applied). You'll see. Your hair will show and prove.

Two Strand Twists On Natural Hair (Photos)

MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH TWO STRAND TWISTS <3

Hey Beautiful! My 3 weeks in "Two Strand Twist Heaven" is officially over. This is my 2nd set for the year, and I can see myself doing them again around the first week in April. I haven't done any braidouts in a long time, and I'm curious to see how they look at this length, so that's the next up style. Considering to do them on hair that's been blow dried. 

I'm not going to do another post on how much I believe that two strand twists (installing, maintaining, and take down) are so magnificent for length retention. Nope. I will spare you that. This post is just to show some pics, tell you how much fun I had with them, and how easy my life was while I had them in. As I type this post, I have a huge curly Afro going on. T asks "Did you wash your hair yet?" NOPE. I'm spoiled rotten. I've had 3 weeks of not having to do anything whilst still maintaining my cute LOL! 

I'll wash tomorrow :( Boo to Detangling. I sprayed my conditioner/water mix earlier, and my hair feels real soft. Hopefully the detangling process will be easy. Don't sleep on two strand twists. Challenge yourself to 2 sets (at 3 weeks a set). It doesn't have to be back-to-back, but the 6 week break will do wonders for length retention (almost 1 full inch).

----Catch you latersssssssssssssss  <3 tia

NEW STYLING THOUGHT PROCESS FOR COILY/CURLY HAIR

NEVER GONNA CONFUSE COILY HAIR WITH STRAIGHT HAIR!

Enjoying a Sweet Coily Girl Hair Style!

For over 10 years, I've been styling straight hair. 

Straight hair 

lays flat. 

Detangles easily (for the most part), 

is comfortingly predictable, 

has shine, 

is easily parted

is easily moved around (braided, styling, etc)

is very "blow in the wind"

Curly/Coily hair:

Gets tangled easily

Is not very predictable

is hard to part

isn't easily manipulated into styling

doesn't move with the wind so much

With that in mind, I do this post about styling curly/coily hair. I had to change  my mind-set about the hairstyles that will "work" with coily hair. I kept thinking of styles that I used to do with my straight hair, and my efforts left me frustrated. I know that my coily hair won't "hang" like my straight hair used to, so I need to remember that when selecting styles that require hanging hair. ESPECIALLY AT THIS LENGTH. 

Also, I embraced my hair with the knowledge that it will "stand up" with most of my styling. I've come to love that about my hair. 

Before, my expectations left me frustrated. Once I realized what my hair is designed to do, and learned how to work with it, then it became BEAUTIFUL! The mind is a strong force. This healthy hair journey encompasses way more than the right shampoos and leave in's. It requires a "make-over" of the mind. Why did it take me so long? Especially since I've been in love with my hair from the day that I saw it in it's raw, coily state. Well, there are still some things that I'm learning, and it just so happened that my mind is still set in some of it's straight hair days.

Long Curly Hair Requires Different Styling Preparation than Straight Hair

And with that knowledge, I will use this Spring/Summer to learn new styles for my 2012 coily hair (un-stretched). Knowledge is Power.

USING HAIR ACCESSORIES TO SPICE UP YOUR WASH N GO!

Bored With Your Wash N Go? Get Excited About Hair Accessories!

 Often at a loss for styling options when I wear my hair coily, I was inspired by a dear friend-sister the other day to use hair accessories! There are so many hair accessories for us curly girlies that I'm surprised that I forgot. The piece you see below is a vintage item she got as a gift.

 I've got some ideas for when I take my two strand twists out in a few weeks. Right now I'm enjoying hassle free, get-up-and-go styling! She played with my twists and put me into the "Jennifer Lopez Bun"! It was really fun to play with the accessories (and she's got many). 

 Spring inspired, Summer ready hair accessories will be the perfect addition to your wardrobe. Also making your wash n go's more versatile. Just adding an eye catching headband can sometimes make all the difference to a puff, ponytail, or bun.

Hair accessories can dress up an outfit or dress it down. Here she took a gold toned headband in the shape of a bow, and used it to dress up her puff of coils.

A Gold Toned Bow Adds a Nice Touch to the Coils

Hair Accessories Help Tame Fly-Aways on Natural Hair

 Metallic colors are in this Spring, Coppers, Brushed Silver tones! Paired with Black for an instant pop of color and texture (studding). We loved this one!

Many of these pieces were purchased from Forever 21 (Yeah, you knew it). I often go into that store just to see their accessories. They have the sweetest necklaces, earrings, hair accessories, rings, bracelets!

So ladies, just "popping in" to say "Have fun with your beautiful coils"!!!

I showed you mines, now you show me yoursssssss