COILY HAIR DON'T CARE: A Curly Girl's Love Affair

Wear Your Coils: We Love You Coily Girl!

Lovin Her Coils: Baby Bear

I saw 3 curly girls yesterday. These 3 beauties consisted of mother and 2 daughters. I could tell they had mastered their curls, and didn't have the interruption of chemical procedures at all. During that time, they got a jump on me in their curly education. CURLY EDUCATION? What the WHAT???

While I was learning how to break off my relaxed/chemically processed hair, they were learning how to love their curls. Over the last 2 years, I have been learning how to love my curls. 

• You can not treat curls the same way you treat relaxed hair. 
• Look at curls as THE PREMIER "day to day" texture. Heated styles: OCCASIONAL
• Wear your coils with pride--be comfortable with them.
• Learn what your curls love; they will love you back.
• Accepting that most of us have different coil types/patterns--love what you've got.
• Learn how to style your coils. Coils are a texture, styling is an additional effort.

Most of us are in the same boat. We are learning something totally foreign to us: How to Care for Coily Hair. Most curly girls from other cultures have learned from tender toddler ages how to treat their hair. Some of us are just learning how to care for our hair in our 20's, 30's, 40's, and on up. That's okay. The psychology behind the need to learn about your coils, is to first accept. Not accept in the way of "this is what I have, so I'm going to deal with it". No. ACCEPT in the way of: "I love what my hair does when I do this to it". Just have a love affair with your hair. The knowledge that it's YOURS, and it's just as beautiful as you are (inside and out).

When you've done this, you will radiate true and real beauty. Your self confidence will trump any hairstyle you could ever dream of. 

With this post, I leave you with a thought: Are you ready to be untamed? Are you ready to wear your coils with confidence. From the Desk of How to Care for Coily Hair: September is "Free Spirit" Month.

Show us your "Free Spirit". 

African American Waist Length Hair: 5 Inches in 7 Months

Waist Length Hair: Coily, Fine Textured and LONG!

January 2012

August 2012

Seven months has certainly given Miss Dimples lots of growth! In the picture on the left, taken January 2012, her hair lays about 5'' away from her bottom. In the picture on the right, taken in August 2012, her hair rests right above her bottom. I did a small trim recently, and plan to step up her deep conditioning treatments until the next trim (probably in October).

•  I never really get her hair "dead straight", because I'm still learning what the correct/safe flat iron temperature setting is for her hair. Her hair is very fine, while being tightly coiled--so this gets kind of tricky (avoiding heat damage).

• She seems to have exceeded her 1/2'' per month! It makes lots of sense, as she's a very active girl. It's said that good old cardiovascular activity helps promote hair growth, due to the blood circulation and all that good stuff. 

• Something that may have attributed to the length retention is that we don't do much with her hair, besides weekly wash/co-wash and style. Her hair maintenance is very low manipulation. Her heat sessions are probably every 6 months. So I'd say the recipe for her hair length retention is that I just care for it, and leave it alone.

Standard two strand twists still remain my favorite length retention styling/texture. So many styling options, easily moisturized, and very hard to damage. Most of all, a style like this can last all week (or two--if times get rough LOL), maybe freshening up the hairline. Also, a style like this is easy on the hairline (very important). If you haven't heard it from me yet, I promote two strand twists for all curl textures that I've ever come across. Using two strand twists to grow long hair is pretty much a surefire way to set about getting the job done.

Heartfelt Gift for our Readers: My Comfort Zone

This was read at a women's empowerment seminar. I feel so...powerful when I read this, and so I thought I'd share it with you.

My Comfort Zone

Author Unknown

I used to have a comfort zone where I knew I wouldn't fail.

The same four walls and busywork were really more like jail.

I longed so much to do the things I'd never done before,

But stayed inside my comfort zone and paced the same old floor.

I said it didn't matter that I wasn't doing much.

I said I didn't care for things like commission checks and such.

I claimed to be so busy with the things inside the zone,

But deep inside I longed for something special of my own.

I couldn't let my life go by just watching others win.

I held my breath; I stepped outside and let the change begin.

I took a step and with new strength I'd never felt before,

I kissed my comfort zone goodbye and closed and locked the door.

If you're in a comfort zone, afraid to venture out,

Remember that all winners were at one time filled with doubt.

A step or two and words of praise can make your dreams come true.

Reach for your future with a smile; success is there for you!

Photo Location: Paradise Hotel, Atlantic City, NJ --Courtesy of T

Can you relate to this poem?

I sure Can.

A Curly Girl's Guide to Wash N Go: When Curl Shape Matters

There are many curl defining, wash n go video tutorials out there. Due to my obsession with "the perfect" wash n go, I've watched most of them. This information overload has helped me figure out (both) what to do and what NOT to do. The wash and go is one of the few hair/texture styling that requires one to assess the characteristics of your curl/coil. Looser coils need to use different viscosity products, and different application techniques than tighter coils. Anywhoo, this is just a compilation of the findings I've gathered over the last couple of years about the ever so intriguing "search for the perfect coil".

Scrunching is a great Technique for Curly Girls with Different Textures

Yes, there is such a thing as an "awkward stage" hair length for wash n go's. I worked on my braidouts during that time. LOL!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Does your curly hair have residue or a film of product on it? Does it look limp, stringy, curls not as defined as usual? Does it look dull? Even natural hair products (butters, etc) can and will leave build up or a film on the hair shaft. Depending on what is left on your hair, you may need to determine what to clarify it with. I stick with apple cider vinegar mix or a shampoo with Sodium Lauryl Sulphate. I barely ever use shampoo. When I do use shampoo, I feel the difference in the moisture levels of my curly hair. My hair doesn't "hang" as low as it usually does because of the drying factor that shampoo brings. Also, it's harder to clump the hair together for wash n go's, as it is "squeaky" clean. The good thing about clarifying for a wash n go is the curl definition is excellent. If I don't clarify for my wash n go, my curls appear limp and lifeless. Probably those commercials for shampoos that correct limp and lifeless hair are simply bragging about cleansing the hair into submission!

Looser Curls Use Lighter Viscosity Product for Curl Definition

TRICK: Want to stretch your wash n go? While defining sections, place the completed section into a bantu knot for stretch. Once done with all sections, release each bantu knot and separate any clumps. Once the hair is about 70% dry, pull back into 1 or 2 or 3 bantu knots for about 10 minutes for an additional and longer lasting stretch. Curly hair responds to water. Water makes it coil up tighter. Working with partially air dried hair enables me to get a more permanent stretch. You can get a nice stretch on your wash n go when the hair is fully dry. Just band the hair into a low ponytail overnight.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Detangling for a wash n go. It's best to detangle the hair while doing a conditioner in the shower. This will help reduce the shrinkage that happens out of the shower. The water helps to "pull" down the hair as it temporarily breaks the bonds. Once you begin to detangle your hair out of the shower, and the hair starts to dry, it will coil up and give lots of shrinkage without the assistance of running water for stretch. Once the hair has been detangled in the shower, then secure it (two strand twists, or bantu knots) to avoid new tangles. When defining the hair for a wash n go, it's best to use fingers, but many tools can be used. I find that the denman brush (as well as the tangle teaser) gives a strong coil definition, as well as plenty of shrinkage. Also important is to detangle the hair BEFORE putting the eco styler gel on. The eco styler gel will immediately start to harden the hair upon application. The hair will be stiff, and not as easy to safely brush through.

Wash N Go's Using Conditioner Only is Highly Beneficial to Coily Hair

 Maintain your moisture levels. Most of the curly girls that are able to have "popping", shining curls are keeping their hair well conditioned. By now, you've probably heard of the tightly curly method or the curly girl method. Long story short on both of them, reduce or eliminate shampoos (and the need to use shampoo), and coat hair with conditioners. If your curly hair is constantly in a conditioned state, there is less risk of dry, frizzy, unmanageable hair.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRICK: Want a quick wash n go? Prep your hair with conditioner while in the shower. Take a handful of eco styler gel in the palm of one hand. Rub the gel into both hands, and then spread that product on the top of your head, and then quickly put your head under the running water (in order for the eco styler gel to dilute and distribute evenly from the roots of your hair to the ends). Quickly move from under the running water so as not to wash all of the gel out. Help the process with your hands, moving and spreading the diluted gel from roots to ends. Next, twist the hair into a bun, squeezing excess product and water off. Leave the hair in the bun (or a few-depending on the length), while finishing off your shower. Once out of the shower, place a microfiber towel on the head, securing the bun and saturating excess water. Keep this on, while putting on clothes and applying makeup. When you take this down, the hair should be nicely coated with product, clumped throughout, and ready to go.

Cornbraid Fro Hawk Styling Featuring Two Strand Twists!

Elegant & Stylishly Daring Corn Row Hairstyling

The thing I love about this corn-braided "fro hawk" style is the way that it highlights her facial structure. The way that the cornbraids are directed adds even more to her high cheekbones. I also love the clean cut sides against the contrasting wayward two strand twists. 

BENEFITS TO THIS STYLE: 

It is a GREAT Low Manipulation Hair Style

It can be turned into an Excellent Protective Hair Style (tucking ends under)

It is easily Moisturized

It holds Moisture Well

It is Versatile 

This style was so versatile that she was able to wear it into the office by putting the back and crown into a chignon and leaving the front down. She opted to pin the bangs to the side on occasion. 

Two Strand Twists & Cornbraids for a "Fro Hawk" Style

THE EXECUTION:

• The hair was sectioned off at each side. The middle section was a vertical rectangle (that's the section that was made into the loose two strand twists. 

• I made sure to use clamps and securely put away each section, as I'm not a strong corn-braider (?), and didn't need the added drama of getting hairs from one section into another.

• How I decided which direction to angle the parts of my cornbraid was just by looking. I already had an idea of the direction I wanted the sides to branch out to. I can pretty much do any style that I see on paper. It just takes me a while to do the parting (the parts are the hardest thing about this style).

• All in all, this style took me about 3 1/2 hours to complete (with food break in between). It lasted about 2 weeks with proper care/maintenance at night. She used a spray bottle of Eden Body Works and water with some avocado oil daily for moisture (on the two strand twists).

If you're interested in doing this style and would like information on techniques for two strand twists (on fine, natural hair), check out our blog post: http://angelsringlets.blogspot.com/2012/08/got-fine-wavy-textured-hair-you-can-do.html

How About YOU? Have You Tried a Cornbraided Style Yet?

~~Also~~

What is the difference between Corn Braiding or Corn Rows?

Twisted Hairstyle with "PRETTY TWISTED" Shirt

Cute Shirt with Vibrant, Contrasting Colors "Pretty Twisted" OR is it "Twisted Pretty"? No one knows but you! 

Available For Purchase, Click Link Above

Natural Hair is Easy: Bunning with Ease

Strangers stop me on the streets to compliment my hair. Girls, guys, whoever. Some have even asked me to feel my hair. It's funny to me that the compliments come from so many different nationalities of people. Lots of young ladies (sisters) ask me questions about how they can transition. That always makes my day. The one thing I hear often is "that looks like a lot of work", even for a simple wash n go. 

Funny thing is, my hair just "does what it does". I don't "make" my coils, they just happen. I don't have too much time these days to play with my hair. Pretty much, 30 minutes is the max for texture creation/definition, and about 15 minutes needed to style (I'm not a big deal styler) LOL. 

This easy high bun was created with stretched hair (6 plait braidout). It took me about 15 minutes to do 6 plaits on freshly co-washed hair. It took me about 15 minutes to do this bun. 

Played around with Carol's Daughter Macadamia Hold & Control Smoother

What do I think can make Natural Hair "Hard to Manage"?

Dryness. The moisture level has to be right.

Watch the shampooing (ingredients, frequency)

Don't forget to deep condition at least once every 2 weeks (or as needed)

Product Buildup (be mindful of the products put on the hair, they can cause dryness)

High Bun: Hair Stretched by a 6 Plait Braidout

 Those issues are like the top 3 culprits of dry hair (unprocessed or processed). What's frustrating about these problems are that they sometimes take a while to rectify. Meanwhile, dealing with styling dry hair is pretty difficult and upsetting.

My sister called me the other day to tell me that she's going to chop off her (15'' or more of natural hair). She said it's "nappy". I had to laugh, because her hair may very well be nappy because she's been slapping on Hair Mayonnaise from Organics or Africa's Best or whatever. I read the ingredients to that product and told her to "stop playing around" and get rid of that bottle. She laughed at me and kept using it. That was about 2 weeks before I got this call. 

Long story short--she's listening now. I told her to clarify with an apple cider vinegar mix (2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, and about 3 ounces of water in a spray bottle), and then deep condition with a conditioner I recommended (and to add some olive oil). This is going to take some time to rectify. A few sessions of using the right product, and her hair will be back to normal. LOL Nappy hair is a user problem. Any texture of hair can become "nappy" if it's lacking something/ or if something's going in the wrong direction.

Dealing with natural hair with the right moisture level makes styling so easy. I was playing around with my newest purchase: Carol's Daughter Macadamia Hold and Control Smoother. The jury is still out, as I don't think I know exactly how to use it. I spritzed my hairline with water (to dampen), so maybe that could have caused it to not lay down my edges as perfectly as I visioned. I will keep playing around with it. 

I had fun with this high bun. Played with the make up a little (I am a newbie with make-up, since I'm allergic to everything that doesn't have natural ingredients--since I was 18 years old). I especially love low buns that are placed off to the side some. Something nice and laid back about that look.

How do you wear your bun?

Is your natural hair Easy To Style?

Relaxers and Pre Pubescent Children: Should I Wait?

It's that time AGAIN.......... Back To School!

Back to School and Coily Girl Hair Styling

With my daughters, their back to school hair styling is pretty important. Especially since they wear uniforms. Hair and shoes are a few of the ways that they have to express their sense of style. About 8 years ago, when my older daughter was 7, she and I felt like her natural hair was a problem. So we put a relaxer. 

Looking back, that was way too young for her to get a relaxer. I heard somewhere that it's recommended to wait until the child reaches puberty. Quick check on some of the big name brand relaxer ingredients, and some of them contain ingredients that are well known endocrine disruptors. 

Anywhoo, before the relaxer, we used to spend our Saturdays crying (her) and saying sorry (me). That was before I knew how to care for her waist length coily hair. Not only was her hair coily, but it was extremely long and thick.

Well, the relaxer took care of that problem in more ways than one (unfortunately). I relaxed her hair for the first time when she was going into 1st grade. Yup, I took all of that beautiful, virgin hair to the hairdresser, who relaxed it without clarifying it. There was loads of chlorine on her hair strands from the Summer long pool days at camp and home. I didn't know any better, but I think HE should have. Long story short, waist length hair had to be cut about 4 inches to her lower back. Even after that, her ends would constantly be a source of extreme breakage.

I've got a few posts about the relaxer in regards to ways to avoid damage, but I will share with you the insane story of what caused me to put a relaxer on my 7 year old's hair. http://angelsringlets.blogspot.com/2011/09/top-5-mistakes-i-made-that-caused-me-to.html 

Hopefully we can share experiences and this can help others to avoid making the same mistakes that I made.

Under 12 Years Old? Chemicals May Not Be the Answer to Hair  Care Problems

Finally, I just want to say that WE don't see our coily hair as a problem anymore. Wow, with age comes wisdom! My views effect my little ones to some extent. So as we start our 1st grade year with coily hair, we invite you to our world of daily styling (styles will be updated weekly), and we hope you share your hair styling for the little ones with US! We will be playing with lots of texture, accessories, and all the while keeping a healthy hair regimen to grow long and strong.  

Longer Length Hair with Box Braids & CornBraids Low Manipulation Styling

Box Braids & Cornbraids Low Manipulation Styling

What can be said about a bunch of box braids and a few cornbraids for accent? Yeah, this style took me about 1 hour to complete because I decided to make my braids smaller than I should have. BUT (Hahaha), I wore this style for about 8 days. On the final leg of the style, I opened up the back and wore the braidout with the cornbraid detailing.

Products used: Eden Body Works Hair Milk

 Versatile still, because I could put it in a ponytail, a banana clip, a bun or whatever. I made sure to finish off the braid with a twist at the end (starting at about 2'' from the end). This makes it easier to close off the ends, and makes the take-down easier. I had fun with this style. This is a great option for when hair gets longer, and styling frustrations start to set in. It gives a nice little break, while resting the hair/ends. Low manipulation styling all the way BABY....

Got Fine Wavy Textured Hair? You Can Do Two Strand Twists!

Create Full & Dense Two Strand Twists on Fine/Wavy Textured Hair

Fine/Wavy Textured Hair & Two Strand Twists

All of you wavy/looser textured ladies who are interested in doing two strand twists, this post is for you.

If you have hair that presents as "fine/medium" in thickness, at first glance, it would make sense that two strand twists would come out sparse or spacey. The twists would not seem to be PLUMP enough to cover parts or make a dense enough head of hair full of twists. That situation discourages people from doing two strand twists. A Simple Solution: Blow dry the hair on medium/cold setting so that it will swell. This will provide the thickness that you may be seeking. As a result, the hair will appear dense.

Parting at a Diagonal for Full Coverage

Another solution to hair that appears sparse is to part at a diagonal. I have a step by step post that instructs on this technique. This post will primarily address the fact that there is a difference in the outcome of two strand twists on hair that is less textured, however, there are techniques that can help with the issues of density and fullness.

For this styling, I could have made her hair appear even fuller, but she had previously put a product with heavy mayonnaise on her hair, thus weighing it down. Products have to be considered before any styling attempts are made. Any heavy products before blow drying will not allow the hair to swell as needed to make the twists appear more dense. Styling products should be used after the hair has been blow dried.

Working with finer/looser textured hair typically means it would be best to use less heavy/greasy products. In this instance, I didn't use any additional products for this set of twists, because she had just washed/conditioned, and moisturized with a heavy mayo product. It weighed down her hair, and made blow drying to swell the hair difficult. If the mayo product was not on her hair, then I would use a product similar to the Jane Carter Nourish & Shine, which has butters, oils, and will provide moisture for days to come. It is thick enough to twist with, and give a nice hold. Finer, Wavy hair tends to unravel, so thick product (like butters), and maybe not "greasy" products would be best to use. Definitely no water based products.

Full, Lush Two Strand Twist on Fine/Wavy Hair

Either way, I hope this post helps anyone with fine/wavy hair, wishing to do two strand twists. It can be done with a little calculating of both techniques and products. Blow drying is essential to achieving the density, fullness, and length for two strand twists on wavy hair. Again, keep the setting of the blow dryer between cold/warm air--not hot. Hot air will make the hair too straight, and remove the texture.

From Smootches to Marshalls & the Deal Finding Begins!

WHAT YOU PUT IN THAT HAIR GIRRRRLLLLLLLLLLL

Hey everyone! Just a quick post to share with you that we've finally put together a listing of all of the products we used during our transition.

After about 20 messages, we finally sat down and broke out our box that we relied on during our transition. Some of the products are in our current stash of day-to-day necessities.

We keep it real simple, but we are still girly girls after all--we still gotta buy stuff sometimes! We love to go to Marshalls and Ross and peak through the natural hair products. Don't you LOVE to peruse the clearance section for goodies? One day, I actually found some Carols Daughter products up in there!!!!! I find my Giovanni haircare there. I love BLUM Naturals. Y'all know my skin is sensitive, so that's like finding gold!

Check out our link here. We detail what we used, and how we used it...and where you can get it if you want to :o)

Smootchessssssssssssssssss