How You Detangle Your Hair Determines If You Will Have Long Healthy Hair

DETANGLE TO GAIN HAIR LENGTH

I know, my title sounds a bit much, but it's for real. If you're detangling your hair incorrectly, what can be happening is breakage. You might even keep some length, but the ends will show wear and tear. My experience with different hair textures and the best detangling routine is based on 3 different heads of hair (in 1 family)!

My hair (Tia--the mommy) LOL can be described as medium thickness. It's definitely not fine, and it's not the thickest hair around. I'd put it on a scale of Medium-Well heading towards thickness. That's why my two strand twists show up as somewhat plump, not skinny. My textured buns are fat and thick. It's a weird way to classify one's hair, but those details tell me a lot about my hair.

Very Coily, Springy, and Medium Thick,  Easy to Detangled

 Because my hair is medium/thick, and my texture is extremely coily (think the spring in the pens from back in the days), my detangling can be less "babied". I can do my deep conditioning, then go to rinse it out in the shower, while combing and detangling with my Jilbere wide tooth comb. And that's exactly what I do. I finger detangle before any tools are used. I'm thinking that my texture also allows for me to detangle less often. My hair just doesn't get too tangly. So I detangle around 4 times a month.

Fuller Two Strand Twists due to Medium/Thick hair

 And in the same family gene pool, we have my older daughter "T", who's hair is a finer thickness than mine. On the scale of thickness, I'd put her hair right at Medium thickness. Her buns are not as meaty, her two strand twists can't really be described as "chunky". Hers are not thin either, but they are right in that medium thickness.That's why she doesn't wear two strand twists, because they look a little thin for her liking. She explains that her detangling routine is to simply wet her hair, put conditioner on it, and then detangle. She doesn't do it under running water like me. Her hair doesn't get tangled easily. She can detangle with her fingers and a wide tooth comb, without experiencing knotting or matting. Her detangling process is easy as well.

Looser Coils Show Less Thick on Wash N Go Styles

Many Different Textures Can Be Found Within the Same Family

We've got Miss Princess with the Dimples, and her waist length hair. She has been identified as the tangle girl. I also practice low manipulation with her hair care. I detangle her hair once a week (or even 10 days if I have her hair in two strand twists). 

Two Strand Twists Show "Chunky" due to Super Coily Hair

Beautiful, Bountiful Coils!

 Her hair can be considered Fine to Medium. When her hair is flat ironed, it is not very full. Her two strand twists are decent as far as thickness is concerned (even though I think her hair is fine). I believe what makes her two strand twists chunky, and T's thin---is the hair texture. The little one's hair texture is coils, coils, and more coils. This will provide her with the texture necessary to have nice, fat and chunky twists. But when her texture is flat ironed straight, she has no more thickness to show because her hair seems to be Fine. It's hard to explain, so I will just show pictures.

The detangling process for her hair requires a pre-poo detangling. That basically means that I put conditioner on her hair and detangle before I ever even begin to wash. And I wash it in a way as to not disturb the fact that it's been detangled because I do not plan to detangle her hair again after that. So her hair is washed in sections, and it stays detangled during the whole process. This minimizes/eliminates breakage.


What does all of this mean? Every one's hair is so unique, that it's best to get to know your hair in regards to the best products, the detangling technique, etc. That requires experiment and practice. Then once you find the best way to care for your hair....be consistent. Consistency is the theme for 2012....consistency yields results.

Want Guaranteed Results with Your Hair?

WILL YOU KEEP 6 INCHES OF HAIR LENGTH IN 2012?

So, you--like me...want to grow long hair. 2012 I plan to get results.

Be it "natural" or relaxed, or any other chemically treated tresses, we just want it long-- we want results. Regarding hair growth: The fact of the matter is that our hair grows between 1/4'' to 1/2'' or thereabouts in a month's time. So figure that your hair grows 1/2''...within 6 months, your hair could be about 3'' longer! No big excitement there...that's pretty much what's been happening for all of us. 

And with that squared away, we move on the length now, not growth. Regarding length: It's all about the ends, baby. Of course the hair shaft is important too, but the ends are where the hair is most vulnerable. It really is the oldest part of the hair because it's been on the head longest, blah, blah...it's subject to fabrics, heats, and being at the end (where we really try to lay it down), it truly takes a beating! So if the ends are so important to length, what do we do to care for and pamper it? There's a lot of things you can do to save your ends and retain your length.

The ends of our hair are most vulnerable--but that's what we need to save

Wash N Go's are Great Low Manipulation Styles. Add Conditioner & Spritz Daily

1) Moisturize with a leave in conditioner, and seal the moisture in with your favorite oil.

2) Deep condition your hair as needed, I deep condition 1 time each week.

3) Pre-poo (oils or conditioner before you shampoo), to prepare the hair for any harsh shampoos

4) Wear hair styles that put your hair into sections (for instance, two strand twists, finger coils), because there truly is strength in numbers.

5) Protect your ends by tucking them away into a style that you love. This is not mandatory, but it will yield you quicker, more sure and guaranteed results for keeping your length.

6) Detangle properly. Use detangling tools as needed (combs, brushes, etc). What I mean by this is to start detangling with your fingers, then use a wide tooth comb, then use a brush that is suitable for your hair. Most of the time you will not have to "go over your hair with a fine tooth comb" LOL Unless your styling plans call for that kind of detangling. 

7) Do not detangle every day. Keep your manipulation minimal. Styling options such as braidouts, twistouts, wash-n-go's, buns, etc can all be excellent low manipulation styling depending on your maintenance and care.

8) BE CONSISTENT. If it's working, keep doing it.

Well folks, gonna wrap it up for the day, this post was long enough. But if I forgot something, please share what you do to keep your length. No tricks to the growth, just tricks to keeping it on your head.

Tips & Tricks to Two Strand Twists on Natural Hair

Two Strand Twists on Natural Hair Can Be Styled Many Ways!

I've Retained Length With Two Strand Twists

As my hair gets longer, two strand twists become tricky to do without damaging the ends. At times, when I'm twisting the roots, then my ends will twist around itself in the opposite direction. There are just certain things that I have to do in order to ensure moisturized twists that will last the length of time that I need them to last. Here are a few "tricks" or tips for anyone who is planning to embark upon the two strand twist journey.

1) Wash hair and scalp well

2) Condition Hair / Deep Condition Hair (this is especially helpful if you plan to wear without washing)

3) Detangle (You alone will know when it's best to detangle your hair. This is just when I detangle mine) 

4) Moisturize and Seal 

5) Make between 10 and 25 sections and braid them just to get them out of your way

6) I like to part my hair in diagonal direction at the nape area especially when doing my twists. This helps to avoid those "spaces" that make the head look like a spaceship.

7) Place moisturizer on each twist section prior to twisting (optional)

8) Begin your twist taut at the root area and continue down the shaft. Make sure to concentrate your moisturizer on the ends

CAUTIONS:

Be mindful of your ends when splitting the section of hair that you are about to twist. Often when making those two sections, the ends get "torn". A good way to avoid this is to lightly spritz or lightly moisturize the ends with a water based moisturizer. Go light especially if you are wearing your twists in a stretched state and not wet twists.

Be mindful of your ends when you are taking down your twists. If you found it necessary to "steal" hair from one twist section to put into the other section and complete the twist---when you go to take this down, you will not be able to do a "clean sweep" and undo the twist. You will have to carefully take down the twist by locating where you shared the hair. This will help to avoid breakage.

Do you have to do small sized two strand twists for length retention? No way. You can do them big and style them while they are big. It will just last longer the smaller that they are. But on the flip side, you can quickly and easily refresh your bigger sized two strand twists. Whatever low manipulation styling that you decide to do, just do it.

Two Strand Twists & My Low Manipulation REGIMEN For Length Retention

Using Two Strand Twists To Grow Long Length Hair

I just got through putting two strand twists (small sized) on my hair. I really love two strand twists. I go to sleep at night on a satin pillowcase. I wake up in the morning, wash my face, put a little make-up on, maybe moisturize a little bit on the strands---and go. 

That's the very reason I didn't mind spending the 6 hours to do the twists. I'm planning on keeping these for about 3 weeks. I'm gonna try the kinky curly queen's way (no washing)!!!! That's going to be hard for me because my scalp starts to pile up oils and whatnot's by day 6. So we will see.

I've retained so much length from doing low manipulation styling. If I was to be styling my hair daily, I would have to cut/trim often. 

MY LOW MANIPULATION REGIMEN:

1)  I wash my hair one time weekly. If I need to wash before then because of a sweaty/itchy scalp, then I will co-wash.

2) In regards to detangling. I only detangle with a tool (brush/comb/etc) once a week. This means that I only detangle with a tool 4 times A MONTH. In between that, I will finger detangle. For some reason, fingers seem like they were designed specifically for detangling hair!

Wash N Go As a Low Manipulation Style

 3) When I do a wash n go--- that will last me about 5 days. I do not comb my hair during the time I am wearing my wash and go. 

Braidout as A Low Manipulation Style

4) When I do a braidout, I will wear it for about 5 days. During that time, I may re-braid it one time. Have you ever went to "section" your hair to re- braid--and hear the "ripping" sound when you reach your ends? That can't be good.

It is my belief that hair that is so twisty, springy, curly, coily does not like to be detangled often. The very nature of this type of hair is to curl around itself. constantly. I mean, right after you THINK you just untwisted it from it's neighboring hair. 

If you're not already trying this routine and are seeking additional ways to secure your ends, give this a try for about 2 months. You will save valuable time by not spending each day fighting with the natural behaviors of your hair. Also, you will see your length through the lack of broken/split ends.

 I

Transitioning From Relaxed to Natural Without Support

HOW "NOT TO CARE" WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT YOUR HAIR

The whole transitioning thing can be a very lonely experience if you do not have family support. If you are hearing discouraging comments, you may begin to doubt that your decision to grow your hair natural is a good one. I'm pretty sure that the reason you decided to go natural was a very good reason. How do I know this? Well, most people don't just think up things to do just to make their lives difficult. 

You started your journey sure of yourself and what your reasons were for making your decision to stop using the chemical relaxer/texturizer. Now people are saying things like "you don't look the same", or "you don't have the type of hair to do that", or making not so very nice comments about your hair styling. Like anyone, you will have bad hair days. It's okay. Let them talk. I'm not gonna say that it's not upsetting. But once you know what YOU want, then don't worry about what others have to say. 

• Try to have a network (online or not) of other people who are transitioning and natural. This will sort of serve as a "relief" during trying times. You can be sure that they will have similar stories to share.

• Don't sacrifice your sense of style just because you are transitioning! If you like to wear your hair straight, then KEEP WEARING YOUR HAIR STRAIGHT! Just be sure to use heat sparingly (approx. 2x a month), keep up with your deep conditioning (1x week), make sure to use the correct temperature on your flat iron, and other recommended safety precautions when heat is involved.

• So you're not ready to cut? If you're used to long hair, then wait. Keep transitioning. You won't ever have to to the "big chop". Just keep trimming until no more relaxed hair is left. 

•  Get confidence through knowledge. Learn how to care for and style your transitioning hair to your liking. Don't settle with a style that you saw someone else did. Do a style that YOU love. It may even become your "staple" or "go-to" style. That's okay! It's your hair. Also, it's JUST hair. 

Weight Loss and Your Mind: Get Your Mind Right & Lose the Pounds

Always those "last 5 pounds" are the most difficult to lose!

I'm not talking about hypnosis...although the idea is not a bad one. I was jogging through a very scenic park the other day, in an effort to get my cardio in. I do plenty of cardio weekly in an effort to burn calories and in turn lose weight. 

There are a few tips for positioning your mind for weight loss success. I'm gonna share a few with you.

• Accept yourself right now. Your body is great where you are at right now. You're just working towards a goal. But you've gotta feel comfortable with whatever the scale says you weigh RIGHT NOW. You've gotta be comfortable with your body shape/size RIGHT NOW. If you're comfortable with your body at the start of your healthy weight journey, then you won't be daunted by the task you are taking on. It won't cross your mind.

A few ways to do this: Get a few new pieces of clothes that flatter your size/shape. Take some tips from magazines on what will work well for you. Don't buy too many pieces...you're not going to stay that size for long. Don't try to fit clothing that will upset you because it's tight right now. In a few weeks it won't be tight anymore.

• During your workout, remember to FEEL your body. Feel your muscles as you stretch. Feel them doing their job while they firm up. While you jog, feel the burn in your stomach, as the fat is being burned off. Don't forget to BREATHE. Inhale as full as possible, and exhale slowly. Smell the air (if you are working out while outside). Look at the sky while you are jogging. Look at the birds, the clouds. This will help take your mind off of the fact that you are "exercising". 

• Take 5 minutes to meditate before you begin your exercise. It could be while you are stretching out.

• I don't believe in "no pain no gain". If you begin your workouts and you are experiencing pain or discomfort, that can and will turn you off of your next workout day. Have a pleasant workout. Just keep moving. Whether you run, jog, walk, bike, etc...just do it consistently. I've come to find that I need a minimum of 5 times a week with cardio exercises. You will only be consistent with it if you enjoy it. It will then become a lifestyle, and not a workout. 

I love burning calories while outside just having fun!

• Try to exercise outside (even if you have a gym membership). Just running around outside and chasing the kid or riding your bike up to the local store can seem like an adventure, not a chore. Make it fun!

I know, I know...you've heard this all before. But most likely you've never really considered that to FEEL, SEE, BREATHE, is a necessary part of a exercise regimen. Ever heard the saying, "if you love what you do, then it won't seem like work"? Get your mind right and you will see results.

Of course, exercise coupled with the proper eating habits will produce results more quickly. Before beginning any exercise regimen, you may need to consult your physician.

SEPTEMBER 2012 UPDATE!!

Hey Beautiful! I Recently Lost My Last STUBBORN 8 Lbs!! 

When the weight started to drop off, I was encouraged to continue my weight loss/toning routine--and document my progress. Want to hear how I lost 8 pounds in 4 weeks? Check out how I simply changed 3 habits and lost 8 pounds safely. 

My Experience Wearing Blown Out Hair "As Is"

Blow Out on Natural Hair

Who can resist a drink in a fancy glass?

Lots of Wind at the Boat Parade!

My Experience this weekend wearing Blown Out hair was really fun! We went to a boat show, which was of course located on the water LOL. I love that I didn't have to worry about my hair "reverting" because the texture created by the blow out was already left with slight water content. Meaning mostly that I didn't blow dry the life out of my hair. No efforts made during this blow dry was to "straighten" it. I knew that I was going to wear it "puffy" and big. So, the products used were minimal. I used some grape seed oil, vitamin e oil, and the chi iron guard heat protectant. It's not my favorite heat protectant, but I will use it until it's finished and make sure it doesn't interfere with my styling attempts. 

I confidently left my house knowing that I did my hair big and I loved it. Let me tell you---big hair is not to be worn on those days when you feel like being invisible! I attracted quite a bit of attention--all good! One guy inquired as to exactly how I got my hair to be so big. I told him I used the blow dryer, but he didn't believe that. I didn't know what else to tell him!

Of all of the "natural" hair textures/styles that I've worn, this one got the most compliments. Some natural hair sisters gave me lots of compliments, and I admired their hair as well! So much versatility, so many ways to enjoy...

My best friend wore her hair in a twist out, and didn't have to worry about her styling trying to revert back. My hair kept rising all night. As long as it didn't get into my face, I didn't mind. 

Some things you should know about blown out natural hair:

• When the hair is blown dried, it will not hold definition as well as it would have if braids or twists were placed on wet or kinky hair.

• It will continue to get bigger, and will probably revert back soon (especially if it wasn't blow dried dead straight).

• It needs to be twisted up or braided up at night in order to stay stretched.

• Must be moisturized (use pomades, and less water based moisturizers)--unless you don't mind your coils coming back right then.

• Enjoy your styling, as there are many options for styling on blown out hair.

What Happens When You Are Free to Be YOU

Here's to YOU. Uninterrupted. After years or even decades of altering my hair for whatever reason, I say "welcome home". I don't want to step on any toes, but I do want to relate my feelings about the situation. The situation is................

Freedom.

I'm free to be me. Like it or not---because I LOVE IT.

Lost & Found

It took me a while to see the beauty that was right before me.

Health

I can now be true to any changes I make in my diet for the betterment of my health, with the knowledge that I'm not "basting" my scalp with highly toxic chemicals every 6-8 weeks.

Meet & Greet

Hi Tia, nice to meet you. I never knew you looked like that! Nice coils you've got there. Yeah, it sounds a little "special", but the truth is...growing out my natural hair brought  me face to face with a person that I had never seen before.

It's so important that you are comfortable within every aspect of your physical and mental being. If you are comfortable with yourself, then it will show. You see, I truly believe that we  are all "fearfully and wonderfully made". And as amazing as the sunlight is that is caught in this picture, and as spectacular as the ocean is to view, so is everything made by God. So instead of permanently changing myself, I finally decided to just be me.

Things We Learned About Long Term Transitioning

Using Headbands During Transitioning Helps With Styling

Bantu Knots are a great option for Transitioning Hair!

Bantu Knot Out on Transitioning Hair

HELPFUL TIPS FOR TRANSITIONING HAIR

While I was transitioning, my staple style was to do several braids, and put the perm rod rollers on the relaxed parts. I kept it simple then. Why? I want to grow my hair long, and I realize the less I mess with it after I give it the proper care (1x weekly), then it will retain length. I believe that's true for everyone.

As far as products, I don't get to recommend products b/c I found out that everybody's hair is different (even me and my 2 girls). So the fun part for you is to buy a product, try it, look at the ingredients, and decide what ingredients your hair likes or doesn't like. For instance, I found out how my hair likes shea butter. It doesn't respond to it the same way that everyone else's does.

If you're long term transitioning like we did. Some things that helped us were:

1) Trimming as needed: some clues to trim...if your relaxed ends keep knotting up when you're styling or washing/conditioning. A little trim will make your life so much easier.

2)  Moisturizing. Your new growth may require a different moisturizing product than your relaxed ends. But once you moisturize properly, your styling will be easier.

3) Find a way to create 1 consistent texture and stick with it. You can variate your styling, but creating the texture is the basis for what you will do your styling on. For instance. Decide if you will match your straight hair or your coily hair. In the beginning of my transition, I matched my straight hair by blow drying 1 x week. Further into my transition, I decided to match my coily hair by use of perm rod rollers.

4) Invest in a Satin/Silky Pillowcase, some headbands, Bobby Pins, a Satin Scarf, Clamps or clips to help with holding the hair in sections while you are washing/styling.

5) If you are a long term transitioner, and still looking to see length during your transition, a good thing to practice is "low manipulation styling". Basically, pick a style on your wash day---and stick with it for the week if possible. The less "man-handling" you do with your transitioning hair, the better. Less breakage, less knotting, less split ends means length retention. My hair grew the longest ever while I was transitioning. That was nice to learn that I knew how to retain the length.

RE: Office Styling, only you know what will be acceptable in your particular place of employment. I feel that any type of clean, groomed hair that is not a distraction--is professional. Buns are pretty much the standard for most "corporate" office environments (for straight or curly haired textures)!

Click here if you are looking for staple products for your transitioning hair. We list some of our all time favorites.

J Crew Silk Taffeta Bow Monde Dress! A Great Way to Kick Off Holiday Parties

My image of J. Crew is plain cardigans, high waist or hip-slung denim, or t shirts. I certainly had a lot to learn! J. Crew is one of the main retailer that sell wedding or formal/special occasion dresses as well as your favorite pair of jeans! Where have I been? I guess not in the J. Crew store. But I've gotta wonder if they even stock this type of inventory in the stores, or is it sold mostly online? Here we have the J. Crew Silk Taffeta Bow Monde Dress in Dark Pewter. Perfect Little New Years Dress! The matte color of this dress will be easily accessorized.

You can play with shoes, necklace, earrings, hair!! Oh, the endless possibilities! This dress falls above the knees. Can you believe that it has hidden side pockets at the hip area? It's styled with a strapless silhouette, and fitted bodice. It typically retails for $250.00, but I've seen it available for less (around $150.00). Some "fashionistas" use it for their bridal party dresses. Whatever you use it for, you will definitely have fun.

Jane Carter Nourish & Shine REVIEW

  Jane Carter Solution all Natural Nourish & Shine                                                                                                     

$16.20 - 4 oz

Product Claims:

Nourish & Shine is made from all natural ingredients. Use a small amount to add shine to hair, to nourish and repair dry hair. It's great on dry skin. It will repair, soften and keep skin moist and supple.

My review:

I used this butter like substance on damp hair to prepare for a braid out. The oils and butters applied easily and quickly. My styles always come out soft and defined with this product. It also provided a nice sheen/shine. The smell is on the side of "perfume", and it's a smell that I definitely like. This is a staple product for me whenever my hair is fresh washed and I want shine and define. It doesn't hurt that everything is all natural. I didn't "touch up" with this product. A little goes a long way, and I didn't need to add anything but water during the week to moisturize my hair. Even though it seems costly (can range up to $22.00 for 4ounces), the fact it can be used sparingly kind of counters this issue. I will purchase again!

**Note:  This product can be used on wet or dry hair. And it's a plus that it can be used on skin as well as hair!

Who May Enjoy Use of This Product?

Transitioners that are looking for a product to help soften their new growth,  maintain moisture balance, naturals that are looking for more of a natural alternative to their product stash. 

Product Ingredients: 

All Natural Butters, Pure Essential Oils, Vitamins A, D, & E

What I Did To Get A Lengthy and Long Lasting Twist Out!

MY STEP-BY-STEP TWIST-OUT TECHNIQUE

Previously, my twist outs looked like snakes. The hair shaft was always thick and wiry. It felt like a rope. Come to find out, that was what I was creating with the technique that I used then. I tried twists for a twist out a while back, and never re-visited them because each time I invested my precious time, I would be disappointed. A few days ago, I tried again.......this is what I did.

1) Stretched my hair the night before using the bun method (we have a post on this method)

2) Took the bun down the next day and moisturized my stretched hair


3) Detangle with a Paddle Brush. Final Detangle of each twist with a Tangle Teaser

4) This time, 1 hour of heat was applied in an effort to do a roller set (because that was the actual styling plan). However, I don't feel that this step is necessary. Can go straight from the stretched hair to moisturizing and twisting!

5) When the roller set failed (the hair became a puff ball), I did approximately 35-40 twists. 

6) My twists were done using the "brick laying" method. (Previously, I would twist the hair with a snap to the wrists--this would cause the strands to appear like a rope instead of like hair that has been defined as a group). So if you do your twists and while twisting the twists around each other, you also twist one of the twists itself, then that may be why your twist out will appear "snakey"

7) Took about 8 twists in each section and placed about 1 tablespoon of Taliah Waajid Lock It Up Gel into the palm of my hands. Rubbed my hands together and distributed the product from root to ends of each sections. Making sure it was distributed properly, because this would help my twists to last through the next few days.

 If you look closely, you can see a few of the twists look "snakey". Like a rope. I must have twisted my wrist at some point of doing that two strand twist.

Twist Out on Natural Hair: Two Days Later

I loved these twists! Even though they were bigger than usual, they styled well. Also, they were easily moisturized. I also love that they were not going to be manipulated a lot. I look forward to keeping them in for 1 or 2 weeks. 

It would be real easy to refresh the hairline area for that fresh look. The resulting twist-out was defined, had shine, was soft, easily maintained at night, and easily styled at day. Don't laugh at big twists! They are definitely worth trying out for that fabulous twist-out result.

Wearing and Styling Big Sized Two Strand Twists!

Big Sized Two Strand Twists are Great For Styling Little Girls!

I always thought that I had to spend hours doing mini twists (or small sized ones) to be able to enjoy and style them. But recently, I quickly put in about 35 to 40 bigger sized twists, and found out that they can be just as fun as the smaller twists! AND...they only took me about 40 minutes to do!  A great deal compared to the 7 hour stint that I do for the love of small sized 2 strand twists.

A few tips: I will need to place the twists at the hairline "strategically" so that they can be styled without lumping. Head the twists in the direction that you will wear them when styling. Since they are bigger, I want to start my twisting on hair that has been stretched so I can get the most length to work with. Finally, I know that 2 strand twists are the perfect low manipulation styling that gets moisturized pretty easy and frequently. It's the perfect storm for gaining length out of your hair. And without further ado, I wanna show some of the styles I did with my Big Ol' Two Strand Twists (and the beautiful twist-out I got from them)!!!

Two Strand Twists in a Bun Held by a Banana Clip

 

 I pinned one side over to the other side, creating a fuller section on the one side. This was achieved by using 2 bobby pins!

 This is the other side view. You can see that the twists are enough to ensure coverage of any parts that were made. I didn't use a comb to part my twists. I just used my fingers to separate.

The Classic Low Bun Using Two Strand Twists

 Achieve this classic "ballerina" styling with the low bun secured with bobby pins. Simply secure a low ponytail (can be placed off-side for added flavor). Take sections of twists and pin them loosely near the base of the ponytail holder. Do this loosely so that you can get the most full and "heavy" looking bun. This is an easy protective styling that can move from the playground mommy to the office.

The Roll and Tuck on Natural Hair Using Two Strand Twists

 Yet another elegant styling, this was created by taking some twists from the front and leading them towards the back. These twists were then placed into a ponytail holder (I actually used a no rip small rubber band). Then the section was tucked and rolled under, and then pinned securely under. The back was left out loose.

The Low Side Ponytail with Two Strand Twists

Solutions For A Failed Roller Set--Or a Successful One That Said "Peace Out"

My fabulous roller set was a puff ball within 20 minutes of being done. The only thing I can figure is that I didn't use a good holding product. To save my wash day efforts, I plan to do twists. Nice and big twists that don't require a lot of time to complete. I feel like I already spent all of this time doing my roller set, so I didn't want to spend a whole lot of time on the twists. It took me about 40 minutes to do the twists in the size that I did them. There was probably about 35 twists in total. They came out great in that they are wearable in styling, and will probably make a good twist out. 

Big Twists on Natural Hair: Shorter Styling Time; Can Be Worn in Different Styles

I wore my hair in these twists for only about 6 hours. When I twisted them, they were still moisturized from the Jane Carter Nourish & Shine, as well as the Shea Moisture Styling Milk. But I remember that the products I used did not have adequate "hold" for the roller set, so I was probably going to have the same problem with my twist-out.  So I went to my closet "stash" of products, and pulled out an old time friend, my Taliah Waajid Lock it Up Gel. I added this to my twists (not to the loose hair). I just took sections of twists, took a tablespoon of the Gel, and ran it along the hair shaft from roots to tip. This actually worked!

Natural Hair Twist-Out with Products To Defy Humidity

Twist Out on Natural Hair That Has Been Previously Stretched

This is actually my first successful twist out! I've tried once before, and there were many problems. I will post information about what I changed in my technique for this twist out. So I wasn't disappointed with my efforts to "save" my failed roller set. I didn't have to re-wash and start over from scratch. And the best thing is that I'm on day 2 with my twist out, and I think I can  get 2 more days out of this "hanging" style before I have to put it up into a bun or something.