update time!!!!! Viviscal Hair Growth Challenge

Of course my challenge to you all officially started December 1st, but as you know I started taking the Viviscal hair growth supplement November 21st. I have definitely experienced growth with my nails and hair!!!! Check it out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QX-uVVNcSUs&context=C38cdf0cADOEgsToPDskKFrcFBl-m446KUAe_Fa5T7

Hair Growth Challenge with Viviscal

This challenge is about growing and retaining long healthy hair. On average hair grows ½ inch every month. On months where I have been focused and done what I am supposed to, I have grown as much as 1 inch in a month. I have recently gotten back on track with my vitamins and supplements, scalp massages etc.. got a little lazy during the summer months. I have had two trims since January and on present measure have 5 inches of growth even with the trims so I am hoping with a little effort that I will be able to maximize my growth potential.

What is Viviscal?

Viviscal is a dietary supplement that encourages and impoves hair growth

• promotes healthy hair growth from the inside out
• works for men and women
• made from natural ingredients and drug free
• nourishes thinning hair and promotes existing hair growth

find out more at http://www.viviscal.com/

Recently I was in contact with a rep for Viviscal about doing a growth challenge and reviewing their hair growth supplement. I saw Elle’ (DenimPixie) progress with Viviscal and I knew I had to give it a shot.  I received a box from them on yesterday so I am looking forward to seeing at how she grows! So lets grow together. I am launching a hair growth challenge that will run 3 months, beginning December 1^st and ending March 1^st.  I will continue to blog about the challenge here and on youtube and will document my growth at kurlygirl.com. There you can also find more info about growing health natural hair. So lets get to it!

If you plan on participating in this challenge here are the parameters

1.       Measure and document your present length beginning
December 1^st, and monthly for the next 3 months.
2.       Cleanse hair once every week/ 2 weeks as needed

3.       Deep condition hair EVERY week

4.       Drink lots of water, min. 8 glasses/ day

5.       Keep hair hydrated, moisturize hair daily and seal

6.       Growth supplements are recommended, you may use any topical or oral growth supplements you desire. Going to check with my new friends at Viviscal to see if I can you guys a discount code :D

7.       Keep hair trimmed (every 3-4) months,… healthy hair grows

8.       Protective your hair (I recommend protective and low manipulation styling to encourage retention of length)

9.       Eat a healthy diet

10.   Scalp stimulation is important to improve circulation and to ultimately encourage growth.

Share your pics, tips and results!!!!

Carolina Natural Hair Expo

South Carolina seems to be a little behind on alot of things, including on people accepting women embracing their natural hair. Back in April I ventured to bring together curly girls in this area to network and share knowledge and information. We started as a group of 7 in Macaroni grill. Now we average about 30 women at each meetup. As a group we decided to bring together naturals all over the area. We didn't expect the support we got from sponsors, vendors or from the community. Kelly from Natural Girls Rock came on board and sponsored a live big chop, I also got tons of support from other brands/ product lines. Ken from Huetiful sent a Huetiful Hair Steamer to giveaway; Mixed Chicks, Shea Moisture and Curls all sent gift sets to give away as well. Design Essentials presented a discussion on from Transitioning to Natural. Then of course we had some great local and regional vendors including Kyah Alexandria (who by the way makes an awesome twisting butter "Pearl & Lace")

Overall we had great feedback for the first expo. Planning on going at it again in the Spring.

Fall Fro Fashion Week: REVIEW

 

As many of you know I am the key makeup artist for Fro Fashion Week so in addition to rendering makeup services I as also an active participant and attendee. Unlike the spring show which kicked off on a Friday, the Fall show spanned the whole week, with panels and a 'tweet up' and other events leading up to the weekend of Fro Fashion Week. I arrived on yesterday, Friday, checked into the Hotel Melia (the host hotel for the week) In the lobby I  met Kim Coles. Friday night was the kick off VIP Penthouse party at the Hotel Melia hosted by Kim Coles. Prior there was a VIP press reception with Kim, and several of the brands and sponsors. Then we went upstair for the party great music, great hair and alot of fun. There was a phenomenal turn out.  This morning the workshops started with a Zumba workshop at 7:30 I caught part of it then headed to other workshops and discussions on styling, making your own products, a presentation by Kim Coles & Jess re-launching Jessicurl with its new packaging. I figured I'd check in with you all for just a bit while I unwind. Back downstairs to start makeup for the fashion show models, and the VIPs!!!! Wish you were here!

Is Makeup and Natural Hair an oxymoron?

Is it Contradictory to have Natural Hair and still wear makeup? 
I came across this debate on Facebook today and have had conversations about this with some other naturals.

Some people make the decision to go natural and decide that they want to alter their entire being in that aspect. They decide to go natural with what they put in and on their body. Only eat certain types of foods, don't wear makeup, etc, and thats okay. Then there are others who have embraced their natural hair status but still appreciate those little things that we as women occaisionally like indulge in to pamper ourselves, and thats okay too. For me, being natural doesn't define who I am as a person, it is merely a decision I have made about my hair. I have accepted my hair the way it is and love it. As much as I love my hair I also love makeup.  I love the things you can do with it artistically I love putting it on woman and making her smile at herself in the mirror just because I put a little gloss or mascara on her. I look inside her and help her to bring that to the surface, and there is nothing wrong with that either. 

You are a woman, natural or not, and if putting on some lipgloss or some lashes makes you feel good about yourself do it. People go natural for different reasons. There are some people who have decided to go natural for whatever reason and aren't totally comfortable with it. I know people who have big chopped and don't feel feminine because they've always had long hair. Well your hair isn't what makes you a woman. So do what makes you feel good about you. Put on some makeup if you want to, polish your nails, throw on some banging jewelry. For some of us this natural hair journey is about embracing our hair and not conforming and chemically altering it to please other people. The consistent message here is to do what makes you happy not other people. If putting on makeup makes you happy, do it. There is no wrong or right.

and the Journey continues

100+ degrees and I'll have to say my hair seems to be enjoying being protected from all this heat and humidity! I have tried assorted styles with braids and twists still not comfortable with my little puny bun. I have purchased hair for my senagalese twists and will be getting them done in a few weeks, contemplating a sew in this week to hold me out til then. I have been following my regular regimine and am tweeking it a little bit. A wonderful long time friend of mine and natural hair guru known to you all as Kinkerbelle doesn't shampoo her hair at all. She co-washes only and doesn't occasional bentonite clay masks, so I will give that a whirl for the duration of my protective style challenge. Co-wash only. I recently picked up the Trader Joes Tea Tree Tingle Conditioner for this. Her hair is presently about midback length, healthy and gorgeous!

I have found that these essential oils stimulate growth so I will be coming up with some combination of these diluted with Jojoba oil, EVOO and coconut oil to do my scalp massages every other day alternating with my back 2 da basics shea whip.

BASIL, (Ocimum basilicum). Basil oil is a powerful scalp stimulator. When applied to the scalp you can actually feel it working. It produces a warm, slightly tingling sensation. When I use basil I do not have to use a conditioner.

CARROT SEED, (Daucus carota). Carrot seed oil is superior for hair and skin that is in need of nourishment, moisture and elasticity. It is indicated for alopecia areata, fragile hair, brittle hair and falling hair. It is calming to the skin and scalp. Carrot seed oil is rich in beta-carotene, vitamins A, B1, B2, and C, essential fatty acids and other nutrients. It is expensive and harder to find than most essential oils.

CYPRESS, (Cupressus sempervirens). Imagine your self in a quiet forest surrounded by tall Cypress tress. The aroma of cypress oil can transport you to that soothing place. Cypress is used to reduce oiliness in the scalp and is good for dandruff. I use cypress if I am making a nighttime scalp formula that I will leave in while I sleep. It clears the mind and prepares it for sleep. It is important to use only the smallest amount (1 drop) in your formula or it could have the opposite effect.

LAVENDER, (lavendula vera) Lavender oil is a standard in hair and skin care. It has cell-regenerating properties. It is used to promote hair growth and to prevent future loss. It is effective for all hair types. Because it has the ability to regulate sebum production, it is useful for either oily or dry scalp. Lavender is often paired with rosemary in scalp and hair formulas. Together they produce an outstanding synergy for hair care.

Lemon, (Citrus limon) the essential oil comes from the rind, which is high in Vitamins A, B and C. Lemon oil is very versatile. It can be used for dry or oily hair because it helps to regulate sebum production. It is anti-aging and promotes cell-regeneration. It helps to restore the hairs natural ph level. Lemon oil can produce a healthy shine, especially to blonde hair.

PEPPERMINT, (Mentha piperita) If I could only have one essential oil for my hair it would be peppermint. It is refreshing and invigorating, excellent to use in the morning to get the day started! Peppermint produces a cool, tingling feeling as it energizes the scalp. It is used to promote hair growth, for dandruff and itchy scalp.

ROSEMARY, (Rosmarinus officinalis) Rosemary oil is very well known for its superior hair care qualities. For hair care, it is probably used more often than any other essential oil, especially to promote hair growth. It is a powerful scalp stimulator for hair loss and to strengthen thinning hair. It is also used to shine and condition hair and to bring out highlights in dark hair.

TEA TREE, (Melaleuca alternifolia) Tea tree oil has become very popular. It is anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. It is effective against any type of fungal condition of scalp such as ringworm. It is used to heal infections and to reduce itchiness. It removes build-up on the scalp and helps rejuvenate dull lifeless hair. It leaves hair soft, clean and manageable. Tea tree has a strong, clan medicinal scent.

Protecting & Growing: New Hair Regimine

This week marks Week 5 of my Protective Style Challenge. I have gotten lazy this week with my styling but this is what i did after my co-wash the other night. I'll switch it up tonight. I am contemplating sengalese twists this weekend, they should last 3-4 weeks I am guessing. I'll be anxious to see the results.

Not sure whether my present regimine will work with the new style. I've never had braids, kinky twists or sengalese twists before so I'll be adjusting this soon I am sure.

Shampoo- weekly, usually on Sunday rotating between Komaza Care Moja Shampoo and Giovanni Smooth as Silk Deep Moisture Shampoo

Conditioners- Trader Joe's Nourish Spa and Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose

CoWash- 1/2 times per week with V05 Kiwi Lime Clarifying Conditioner

Deep Conditioner after every shampoo- Curl Junkie Curl Rehab or Komaza Care Olive Moisture Mask

Pre-poo with EVOO or Flaxseed Oil before every shampoo

Scalp treatments every other night with either Miss Lisas Back to basics Shea Mix or my own mixture of essential oils: Jojoba, Castor, EVOO, Vit E, Coconut, Rosemary

I also spray my protective style down with a mix if I start feeling dry (water, Veg glycerin, knot today or Giovanni leave in, jojoba oil and castor oil)

Adjusting to my Sengalese twists... I am almost certain I will cut down my shampoos to every two weeks at most I'll just stick to shampoos. I would love to hear some feed back on how to maintain my Sengalese twist and still manage the health of my hair

Growing Healthy Hair

I found this on the Long Hair Care Forum and thought it would be great to share!

Still in the midst of my protective style challenge. I am in week 4, my week off. My goal by Christmas is 14-16 inches/ bra strap length.

April I was about SL now I am about APL almost there!

What am I doing to get there. Right now I am in Protective style mode. Pre-pooing with olive oil, Shampooing and Deep Conditioning weekly. Co-washing about 2x / week. I am also taking my vitamins (biotin, fish oil, flaxseed oil). I massage my scalp every other night with oils. Its growing so I must be doing something right. Only thing left is patience :)

10 Curly Hair Tips for Summer

Summer doesn't have to be hard on hair—be smart and your hair will look better than ever.

Posted on NaturallyCurly.com on Tuesday, June 28th, 2011 by Karen McIntosh

It’s beachy wave and curl season! Here are some curly hair care tips for keeping your curls looking great during the hot, humid summer months.

1. Water, Water Everywhere

Sea water and salt spray turn waves to curls and curls to tighter, springier ones. You can buy a sea spray leave-in for $20—or go to the beach and make seawater work for you. Landlocked? Make a salt spray with this recipe from John Masters, owner of John Masters Organics: Dissolve 1 tablespoon sea salt in 8 ounces warm water; add 10 drops lavender oil, shake well, and spritz onto wet or dry hair.
To protect hair from chlorine and give it a pre-pool treat, soak it with tap water before a swim, then slather on conditioner or a little oil. Hair saturated with clean water won’t soak up as much chlorinated pool water. Use a swim cap for extra protection, and never leave chlorinated water in your hair. Sea water should be rinsed out too, as salt can cause dryness over time. Use an oil spray to protect hair from its dehydrating effects.
Need more hydration? If you hair feels and looks dry, use conditioners that contain saccharides and fruit sugars as well as oil-based emulsifiers and softeners like behentrimonium methosulfate. Aloe vera, honey, agave, lactamide MEA, Hydroxypropyltrimonium honey, and simple fruit juices or extracts are all moisture-attracting ingredients. Indulge at least once a week in a deep conditioning treatment. Many good ones don’t require more than 5-10 minutes to work.

2. Hydrate Inside and Out

Iced coffee and tea, mixed drinks, beer or wine are refreshing but also dehydrating. For every non-water beverage, drink a cool glass of water. Add lemon or cucumber slices for a refreshing taste.

3. Seal in moisture

A good part of summer curly hair care is to seal in moisture once you’ve hydrated your hair. These glazy, syrupy gels are great for minimizing frizz, helping hair retain moisture and enhancing curl patterns—Curl Junkie Curls in a Bottle, Just Great Curls from Canada’s Hair and Skin Essentials, Devacurl AnGel, Ouidad Climate Control, or a moisturizing flaxseed-based gel like Botticelli Botanicals. Continuing the sugary trend, Kinky-Curly Curling Custard and Uncle Funky’s Daughter Curly Magic contain moisture-attracting ingredients to help keep dry hair hydrated. Apply gels over your leave-in conditioner to seal in moisture. Leave-ins that contain protein are marvelous for smoothing curls and discouraging frizz.

4. Nature’s Heat Cap

Use the sun’s warmth to help hair soak up conditioners. After swimming, apply a deep conditioner to protect your hair. Smooth in conditioner or a moisturizer before piling into a bun or twisting, and let the sun shine in!
If your skin can get sunburned, so can your hair. Products like shea butter and sesame oil have natural UV filtering properties. And while many hair products claim to protect hair from the sun, unless they have a SPF rating or contain a known sunscreen ingredient, these could be just marketing claims. If you plan to be out in the sun for more than an hour, the best curly hair care tip is to wear a stylish hat or scarf.

5. Cool Products

Refrigerate conditioners and stylers for a refreshing wash and wear. It will encourage your cuticle to close and your scalp will love you for giving it a cool shot on a hot day. Use products with a pH that’s more on the acidic side to help cuticles stay closed.

6. Don’t Sweat It

During the summer months, you may wash your hair more frequently to remove sweat and refresh the scalp. But sweaty doesn’t always mean dirty. A condition wash, or even a thorough water rinse can be enough to rid hair of sweat and impurities before you style. But make sure your hair is clean— build up is one of the main causes of frizz.

7. Keep it Fresh

No time to rinse after a workout? A fragrant emollient product helps freshen the hair and keep it from drying out between washes. Aquage Illuminating Gellade smoothed over hair adds shine and a protective barrier. For tighter curls, Karen’s Body Beautiful Sweet Ambrosia or Karen’s Body Beautiful Hair Nectar applied to dry hair can rehydrate even the most parched tresses. Spritz a little water first to help it absorb.

8. Low Maintenance, High Style

Warm weather is the perfect time to add a colorful flower or sleek accessory to your hair. Check out Goody’s spectacular and low-priced headbands. They more than hold their own against the higher priced designer versions. Or bun hair up in a flash with the revolutionary Goody Spin Pin or a Flexi8.

9. Fragile When Wet

Binding wet hair into a tight pony is a curly hair care no-no, and can cause split ends in the middle of the hair shaft. Instead, slick wet hair back with conditioner and a little oil or gel. Let it dry loose or use a headband to keep hair off the face. In summer’s hot weather, air drying is quicker than ever, so enjoy your wash and go’s.

10. Be a Twirly Girl

Or a coily one! Twirls, coils, buns, and twists can enhance texture, emphasize curl and minimize frizz. To twirl or coil the hair, apply styler to clean, conditioned hair, then twirl small sections of hair around fingers. For best results, dry completely under a hood dryer. To loosen and fluff, rub a little pomade or style paste on your hands and gently scrunch hair close to the roots.
Put summer’s hot weather to work pampering your curly tresses. Be at one with Mother Nature, don’t fight the curl, remember to hydrate, and relax and enjoy a laid back summer.

Summer Protective Style Challenge

Summer Protective Style Challenge

So as you know I am a Wash & Go Queen! It is by far my style of choice!!!! Nice and easy. However I am frustrated with my growth. I know that I have constant hand in hair issues and I know that the sun can be extremely damaging and that all the manipulation is damaging as well. 

So I have decided initiate a summer protective style challenge done by the Natural Girls Guide to Beauty. Wearing protective style will aid in hair growth and to minimize hair breakage! The aim of the challenge is to grow healthier, longer, thicker hair over the next 12 weeks. This will be done mainly through low manipulation styling, protective styling and intensive deep conditioning.

How Long…?
The challenge will run for approximately 12 weeks (the entire summer June 21-September 21) I realize I am a little late on this but better late than never. I started this week and just decided to make it official today J.

What are the Stipulations…?

You can choose any protective style, such as braid with extensions, twists with extensions, cornrows with or without extensions and weaves.  You can also do twists with your own hair should you so wish.

The challenge will not be too terribly stringent. Another blogger did this and I thought it was a good idea.

She suggested having the hair being in protective styling for 3 weeks with a week off to enjoy your hair (this will give your hair a break from the stressing of having it bound if you so desire or if your just need a week to set your curls free :)

So to break it down, basically that means 9 weeks of protective styling and 3 weeks off.

June 21-September 21

What is Protective Styling?

RULES:

Daily Moisturizing with glycerin, water and conditioner mix. You can add an essential oil such as tea tree to keep your scalp fresh

• Cleansing with shampoo or chosen cleanser every 2 weeks or more frequent if you work out
• Weekly deep conditioning. Share tips on deep conditioning with braids.
• Scalp and hairline massages with an oil of your choice, preferably Castor oil every 2 days
• Intensive deep conditioning and low manipulation styles on the weeks off
• This is a no heat challenge (except the hooded dryer)
• You must post pics in the Protective style Challenge Photo Album At least once a month, preferably weekly.

Let’s support and encourage each other! I started by trimming my hair, shampooing, deep conditioning doing a protective style with twists.

Summer Protective Style Challenge Photos


Share your weekly/ monthly progress and post your weekly/ monthly styles and pics here by emailing photos to MakeupbyKeiKei.kurlygirl@picasaweb.com

Protective styling allows your hair to rest from daily combing, while retaining moisture. In a protective style the ends are neatly tucked and protected. Some example of protective styles include but are not limited to…

·         Weaves

·         Braids

·         Twists

·         Updos

·         Cornrows

Just because you are protective styling doesn’t mean you can’t neglect your hair and scalp. You must maintain the overall health of your hair. Still was and moisturize. Cover your hair while you sleep.

Low Manipulation Styling examples:

·         Twist outs

·         Braid outs

·         Rollersets

·         Rod sets

·         Straw sets

·         Coil outs

growth frustrations... had to see it to believe it :)

I hate shrinkage! its so frustrating and at times discouraging. Its hard for me to see the growth of my hair since i see myself everyday the change is very subtle. If you are a friend on Facebook you may have heard my frustrations with growth, .... but I took a picture last night and look at the change in my length since April, just two months ago to the day!

 

CUSH Cosmetics! First Impressions

I recently had the opportunity to unearth a new Gem... Cush Cosmetics! Joe Parker of Cush Cosmetics reached out to me via Facebook and asked me to review the product. He personally contacted me and asked about my hair texture, curl pattern, porosity and recommended several products from the Cush line. A few weeks later I received a package with samples of the products. I got one use out of the samples that I tried that day. The end result was phenomenal. I got lots of compliments when I went to our meetup that night. I did a video review of the products that I tried so I won't go into too much detail I'll just share a link to that video.

I contacted Toni Parker since I had a few questions about the products that I had recieved and how to best use them. She was very sweet and very helpful! She recommended I start with:

Extreme Protein Reconstructive Leave In

Hair Treatment

This product contains wheat protein "because it reigns supreme when it comes to strengthening and repairing damaged hair. It penetrates the cortex and replenishes hair by adding cystine, which is an essential amino acid that gives the hair structure. "

Performance: Moisturizes, De-tangles, Repairs, Reconstructs, Conditions, Softens; And for An Added Bonus-It Extends Your Type 2-3 Curls When Left in Hair, Non-Sticky

Nutrients: Rich in Antioxidants: A, C, and E; vitamins D and K, Oleic Acid, Squalene, Carotenes, CoQ10, Flavonoids, Phytosterols, Lycopene

Hair Type: All Hair Types-Especially Damaged Uses: To Reconstruct/Repair Damaged Hair; Styling Aid for Curly Hair, Setting/Wrapping Lotion for Straight, Permed, or Chemically Treated Styles

Multiple Uses:
As a Reconstructor-Use after a Chemical, Color or Thermal Treatment to Protect and Repair hair.
Gel Applications: Setting and Wrapping; Creating Locs; Cutting and Defining Curls; and sleek styles.  Extremely effective on hair type 2-3.

Mango Pomade



"combination of wheat germ oil, which straightens the hair and mango butter and coconut oil, which nourishes, moisturizes, and restores luster to the hair. "

PERFORMANCE:  Moisturizes, Repairs, Conditions, Softens; Straightens, Shines, Promotes Growth, Feels Light to Medium on Hair

NUTRIENTS:  Rich in Antioxidants: A, C, and E; vitamin D

• my hair was hydrated little frizz (if I hadn't run out of the mango pomade probably would have been none)
• the hold was soft but firm
• my curls were well defined
• less shr1inkage
• volume!

would I buy these products again..... absolutely!

Check them out for yourself http://www.cushcosmetics.com/

 

Transitioning to Natural Hair without a 'Big Chop'

I have a couple of really good friends I've been kind of 'coaching'  on their natural hair journey. Natalie transitioned for the last several months and just recently did her big chop. Her hair is growing beautifully. Our hair texture and porosity are pretty similar so I have been able to share alot of information with her.  My line sister has been in talks about how natural just isn't for her for a while but for years she has vocally yearned for the natural look. She's tried straw sets and rod sets but not able to get the look she really wanted. She continued to protest trying it to see if she could do it. I attribute it to nerves. In the last couple of days as we have spoken she has decided to hold off on getting a relaxer. She said she would hold off until the end of the year and make a decision. I believe her last relaxer was about a month ago. What I do know is that she is absolutely not going to do a big chop, at least not at this stage of the game. So I am coaching her through this transitioning phase

As I've stated previously when I went 'natural' there was no formal process no support system no special 'natural hair' products. It just was what it was. that was a little over 10 years ago. My last relaxer was around Christmas 1999. I learned that I was expecting in February of 2000 and decided to go 'chemical free' as a precaution during my pregnancy. In essence I guess I was transitioning. I maintained by doing rollersets and straightening my hair. I really don't remember the flat iron being quite so common then. I had an electric straightening comb and a stove top comb. I kept my hair trimmed regularly. I had to since I was using so much heat with the hot comb and later flat iron. I am not quite sure at what point the relaxer was completely gone but I was getting about an inch trimmed about every 6 weeks.

In the last 3 years as education about natural hair had become more readily available I have been able to better educate myself on how to care for my hair. Also the availability of products for natural hair has helped as well. So for all of you long term transitioners,  you can do it with committment and patience.

1. begin to switch your regimine to include 'natural' products (avoid products with sulfates, parabens, mineral oil, petrolatum in them)
2. try not to shampoo your hair too often  (use a sulfate free shampoo. The greatest problem with natural hair is dryness. Because of the harsh nature of sulfates- like detergent- they strip the natural moisture from our hair)
3. keep your ends trimmed regularly I would recommend trimming an inch every 4-6 weeks until the relaxed hair is gone.
4. use protective styling/ styling options that allow for less manipulation, strain and heat on your natural/ transitioning hair (Braids, twists, sew ins, rollersets)

It won't be easy but I promise you hair will thank you for it!

Protecting Hair from the Sun- Healthy Hair Tip

As summer approaches its the perfect season to allow our hair to flow free and there are alot of style options. My personal favorite is the wash and go. mainly because its quick and easy and only requires a little effort.

However you should at all costs try to avoid over exposing your natural hair to the sun in order to maintain healthy hair. Heat damaged hair is much more suceptible to sun damage as is color treated hair. Unprotected hair may be suceptible to breakage due to the harsh UV rays.

For that reason, I highly suggest using a good leave in conditioner that contains a sunscreen to lock in the moisture and help nourish dry hair.

Other important things for protecting your hair in the summer sun are to try to avoid using excessive heat methods such as the blow dryer, curling irons and glat irons. Protect your hair by wearing hats or scarfs and by using protective styling!

healthy hair journey update

I got my hair professionally straightened, for real this time, last week. Pictures to come. I had the ahuapui treatment at the Paul Mitchell salon which is a repairative and left my hair feeling AMAZING. It was exciting to see how much my hair had grown and how healthy it was! Very encouraging to know that I am doing right by my hair!!!! So I guess its time to keep up what I have been doing and step it up a notch!

Natural Hair Meetup: Columbia Curly Girls June Meetup @ Tanta B Salon



photo courtesy of makemeovereb.com

I am super excited just a week away from my next meetup! I am excited to have Tanta B Salon as a sponsor for this meetup and will be hosting it there on 617 Lady Street in the Vista.

The stylists will be there to share useful information on Protective Styling, Thermal Styling and tips on healthy hair care in general. We had an awesome time at last month's meetup and cannot wait to do it again. Additionally we will have our product swap as well! So clean out the cabinets and bring any slightly used products that didn't work for your and let someone else give it a try.


The event is free and open to the public but space is limited so please rsvp early kurlygirl1908@gmail.com!!!!

Columbia Curly Girl Meetup

I hosted my first meetup the other weekend. There were only about 10 women in attendance but we had an awesome time sharing and venting our hairstories, frustrations and celebrations! Komaza care pulled through as a sponsor and provided the group a 10% discount on their products so that was awesome because I LOVE their line! and I am in dire need of a restock anyway. The meeting ended with a product swap. I got the Morrocan Oil product line which I will most definitely be reviewing. But for now, time to plan the May Meetup! I already have a sponsor lined up Tanta B Salon so I am super excited!

Wash n Go Season is here/ My Regimine

Spring is upon us and inspite of my allergy issue I am very happy that it is Wash n Go season. Wash n Go's seem to work best with me because my schedule is so hectic I don't usually have time to diffuse or sit still long enough for regular Roller and Rod Sets. I have finally developed a regimine that works well for me and my 3b, 3c, 4a mix of hair :)

1. Once a week (usually on Sunday) I prepoo with an Olive Oil soak, then I cleanse my hair, rotating Aubrey Organics and Deva No Poo
2. Every 2-3 days I co-wash, right now I have a couple of favs VO5 Herbal Escapes Clarifying Conditioner Kiwi Lime Squeeze, Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose, and Deva One Condition
3. leave In conditioner - Jane Carter Revitalizing Leave in or Deva B-Mine
4. separate into 4 sections and apply Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie and Coconut Oil
5. then finish with Miss Jessies Quick Curls, Set it Free or Jane Carters Condition and Sculpt
6. I usually air dry and thats it!

I have been having good hair days with this 2-3 day hair is also good. I'll post a video on this soon :) http://www.youtube.com/kurlygirl08 if you haven't already, SUBSCRIBE! :)

Also my nighttime routine that has allowed me to get 2-3 day hair. TTYL

So I got to see my hair straight for the first time in months Here it is! I didn't fall totally off the wagon, didn't violate any of the rules I had set for myself.... no flat iron, no blow dryer.

Basically what I did was rollerset my hair on large magnetic rollers.
Products used- the Design Essentials naturals line, shampoo'd and conditioned my hair, leave-in condition, coconut oil, wrap lotion (Jane Carter wrap and roll).

After My rollerset I wrapped my hair then covered it in saran wrap to smooth it out. Here it is! Its exciting to see my growth. Lovin how healthy my hair looks but I must admit I am missing my curls! :)

growing

just did my month 2 grow out measurement!!!!! 1 full inch since last month!!!!
 1/17 6 3/4 (after trim)
2/17  7 1/2 (3/4 inch growth)
3/15  8 1/2 (1 inch growth)

..... yay me!

Fro Fashion Week Recap

My Swag

Goodies from Naturallycurly.com and Jessicurl @ Curly Nikki's Meet & Greet

after the BIG Chop

Getting ready to go out for the fashion show, natural pin-up style

for more and for video check out http://www.youtube.com/kurlygirl08

Corporate & Curly- an oxymoron?

This seems to be a recurring subject for me I spoke about it before as a response to a Vlog posted by
CurlyCrazyfulLeah on youtube about Natural Hair and the perception of Professionalism. I work in corporate America and have forever. I have been natural the whole time, always flat ironing/ straightening my hair, pulling it back into a bun or ponytail to keep it "professional" and conservative because I was afraid of how I would be perceived in Corporate America and that I would not be taken seriously.

In this last year as I have 'gone curly' I have begun to embrace my curls 24/7 including in Corporate America. I've found that its not Corporate America/ White America that has placed judgement on me for my hair. In fact its been quite the opposite. I receive compliments consistently on my hair the love my curls. What I fail to understand is why it is so difficult for the black community to embrace our natural hair, not saying that everyone should go natural. What I am saying is that I have been judged more by my own people than by any other people. My own father constantly asks when are you going to comb your hair? Do you think that looks professional?.... The remarks continue week after week. What I have learned to do is to just laugh to myself at the ignorance of some people, whip my hair and walk away! :)

I find that with work I am more conservative with styling my hair and experiment more on the weekend which I would do even if I were wearing my hair straight honestly. Attending Fro Fashionweek in Atlanta last week I saw such beautiful styles with twists and braids I was inspired to come home and do some protective styling of my own. I twisted my hair in two strand twists and have been rocking them all week, getting lots and lots of compliments along the way. So this week I am "totally twisted". I'll be posting my Totally Twisted Corporate Friendly Protective style at http://www.youtube.com/kurlygirl08

fro fashion week luncheon day 2

I missed the breakfast and morning sessions I was so exhausted! The party
started out kind of slow last night but once everyone got settled in we
were out on the dancefloor whippin our hair doin the cupid shuffle taking
pictures fellowshipping and networking. So after so much needed extra sleep
I am back again just in time for lunch with a giveaway from hair rules,
Jessica creator of Jessicurl spoke about her line and a representative from
Design Essentials spoke about their natural line. This afternoon more
breakouts and an attendee is doing her Big Chop live at Fro Fashion Week.
Talk about a support system. Don't worry video is rolling! And the camera
will be flashing! I'll keep posting!

fro fashionweek bloggers panel review

So I arrived at Fro Fashion week shortly after breakfast and went straight to the Bloggers Panel. I got some video of the intros and will include in my recap on the vlog. But so far its really interesting.
Panelists shared info about their blogs how they got started what their blogs are about, how they got started...then they shared their hairstories and spoke about how and why they went natural and how their journey has been. Their stories range from one blogger who had been natural for 11 years to a blogger that had been natural for 1. Their stories were vey inspirational and motivational. The next topic
is the state of the black blogger and how black bloggers are received or rather not received, and went on to discuss suggestions on building a following to you blog. It was pretty consistent feedback
1. focus on creating solid content and don't focus on your numbers
2. involve yourself in social media as a form of marketing your blog
3. network with other bloggers

Other topics discussed included how to make your blog more esthetically pleasing; Blogging vs. Vlogging; and I asked about cross marketing when you run multiple blogs. BTW have you visited my other blog... http://makeupbykeikei.blogspot.com/ . This was an excellent discussion and very informative, culminating in a drawing for a giveaway from Shea Moisture and some samples from Komaza Care, which incase you didn't know is my personal favorite! exciting great things!!!!

After the panel there was mixing and mingling with some new curlfriends and even a discussion with Michelle Breyer co-founder of Naturallycurly.com about her journey.

Far from over, but so far Fro Fashionweek gets 2 thumbs up! Great event Tarin. Oh yea, I almost forgot. I met TashiraMone, one of my favorite hair vloggers and got to see her new Devacut! Ahmazing!!!!

sew in out!

I took my sew in out today! Yay my hair can breathe. Not quite sure what I am
doing with my hair yet I am going to do the bentonite clay masque. But I
have no clue w/ regards to styling so we'll see! 2 days til fro fashion week!
http://www.frofashionweek.com

Measured my hair 3/4 inch of growth last month yay me!

Hair Growth Challenge - adopting my staples

So I am participating in a couple of different hair growth challenges. I am really excited to see how long my hair can/ will grow this year. I know its possible most of my family has always had long  hair I just really have to continue to be disciplined, fight temptation to pull out my flat iron and keep pushing.

• Still searching for the perfect shampoo. I have used and liked Deva no poo, mixed chicks and aubrey organics honeysuckle rose but not in love with any of them.
• Conditioner- Aubrey Organics honeysuckle rose ( I add organic honey and coconut oil), Deva one condition
• Deep Conditioner - Last week I tried Curly Junkie Curl Rehab as a deep conditioner and I was very pleased. I think this will be a staple product for me.
• Moisturizers- Coconut oil, whipped shea butter, coconut curl products by komaza care, curly meringue by miss jessies
• Styling Eco styler gel with olive oil, kizzy stay put pomade by carols daughter, deva anGel and set it free

I am takin biotin and prenatal vitamins daily and trying to remember to massage my scalp with essential oils nightly lets see. I will do a length check in a few weeks to see how much growth since my big mini chop

NaturallyCurly dotcom Video

I just joined the brave few last night and submitted my bid to become one of the next Naturally Curly dotcom video bloggers. For the contest we had to submit a video explaining why we should be selected as a video blogger for naturallycurly.com. Those selected will give product reviews and tips for other curlies. Not sure I will win but at least I tried right!

http://www.youtube.com/kurlygirl08

waiting patiently

I am waiting patiently for my order from Naturally Curlydotcom. The thing that sucks about living here is that we are always so behind and backwards on everything. It is soooooo difficult to find products for my hair. There are so many products I want to try but I can't just necessarily run to the store and pick them up because the stores that carry the products are so limited. Alas, I will step down from my soapbox.

So for the time being I am a slave to UPS, FedEx and the US Postal system eating up my shipping fees as I wait patiently for my products.

I did my first twist out on my hair since my hair cut last week and although it was noticeably shorter it wasn't bad I got lots of compliments on how it turned out. And then today the rain came and that was the end of that so my plan tonight is to co-wash not sure about styling yet. But I will most certainly be accompanied by a video :) so stay tuned.

Kurly Confessions 1.18.2011- My Hairstory

So I'll start with my story. I had my last relaxer December 2009, right before Christmas. In February 2000 I learned I was expecting and decided to not process my hair and got on a big health kick during my pregnancy. I maintained with rollersets and wraps. It was no biggie my curls had always been rebellious,and I was accustomed to straightening my hair even with a relaxer my hair never got bone straight.

Guess I'll go back further. I remember elementary and middle school I went to a predominantly white school so me and my pigtails weren't cool to me :) Most of the other black girls were starting to get relaxers and rocking their straight hair but my parents weren't having it! Finally I think it was in high school my freshman year when I finally got my first relaxer, Bantu! LOL administered by my father, I know scary right LOL. I'd always had pretty long hair past my shoulders. But I don't remember getting much length after that. I cut my hair into a mushroom, because it was cool LOL. and when I went to college my freshman year circa 1995), valentines day. I had the stylist chop it all off! Halle Berry/ Toni Braxton style! When it grew back I started bleaching (1996) it kept it cut in a bob. Then back to our regularly scheduled program....

The year 2000 I straightened, rollerset, wrapped my hair... I had Taylor November 2000 and figured there was no point in relaxing again. It was just as easy to continue with my routine. I did start back coloring my hair though.



December 2010



Enter February 2009 I decided to give my hair a break from the straightening and got my first sew in. I was sooooooo excited "my" hair was long again and bone straight LOL. I cycled through sew ins they lasted about 6-8 weeks in between I would condition and get a blowout let it rest for about 2-3 weeks then put the sew in back in. This summer I wanted to rock my curls and they were really wimpy :( so I went and got a blow out and got ALOT of heat damage and breakage.I got another sew in figured I'd braid it up for a while and went on my 'heat vacation' in October when I took that last sew in out. I have been doing wash n gos, plopping, twist outs, braidouts... December I checked my length so I could start to track my progress.

January 2011

In January as I made my Resolutions I decided it was time to start fresh and eliminate the 'dead weight' so to speak (I lost about 1-1 1/2 inch). I picked up my shears and clipped my straight scraggly ends and did a fresh length check. So here we are!