Mohawk in Minutes (Quick n Easy Natural Hairstyle)

ACCESSORIZE WITH BOLDNESS

                                          Source:Etsy

The decision to go natural is a BOLD one and there is a certain "edgy-ness" that comes with it (If you are able to step outside the box and get creative). One way to keep dynamics into your Natural Hair Styling is to explore accessorizing options. There are times when you may just want to keep it simple but other times you just want to step out and make a statement. The featured hair accessory adds that pop of color that just sets off the look. Be brave, Be bold, be different.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR RINSE

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is known for cutting belly fat, but it also has dirt and build up cutting benefits for the hair. ACV is a natural way to clarify your hair which has buildup resulting from the use of styling products and inexpensive shampoos. Many of the hair care products we use such as soap-based shampoos and  hair color are strongly alkaline so the acidic properties of the ACV helps to balance the PH of of your hair. It also opens up the hair cuticles which are closed during the washing process. ACV is also a natural exterminator of the bacteria that causes dandruff and itchy scalp.
To make the Rinse mix 1/2 Tablespoon of  ACV and 1 Cup water and pour it in your hair after shampooing, The mix can be lightly rinsed or left on your hair. Be careful to dilute mix properly as it can have very drying effects on your hair if too concentrated.

MY CELEBRITY LOOK ALIKE - KIMBERLY ELISE (Natural Celebrity of the Week)

Kimberley Elise was seen sporting her natural hair on September 3, 2011 at Robi Reed's End of Summer Celebration. She wears it beautifully and it accentuates her already naturally beautiful face. Kimberley is one of my ALL TIME favorite actresses, and this is not because I have been told multiple times that we bear a striking resemblance :-)
She is an actress that represents with such passion that she makes her roles so believable. She exhibits such genuineness and I am sure when I meet her in person she will be just as beautiful inside as she is out. See pic below of both of us in Red Carpet Mode. LOL!!!

BRUSHING BASICS

Choosing a hairbrush carefully is very crucial to maintaining a healthy head of hair. Hair growth can be stimulated if you use the right brush, and likewise using the wrong brush can lead to excess hair shedding and possibly breakage. Understanding your hair type and what it is able to withstand can spare you a lot of painful hair woes. There are a wide variety of brushes out there on the market but I especially love the BOAR collection as the quality is very good and they offer a very wide cross section of brushes of varied textures, styles and uses. Regardless of your hair texture, there is a brush out there that will work for you. Below is a description of the brushes that may be suited for each hair texture:
FINE HAIR - Softer brushes work better for your hair type. Pure Bristle brushes are better in your case. Use a natural Boar Bristle Brush as Natural bristles are gentler on both hair and scalp and least likely to cause breakage. Try one with a cushion base for an extra gentle touch.
NORMAL HAIR - You are able to use brushes made from a mixture of bristle and nylon. The two different materials create a good balance that is not too rough or soft on the hair but provides the perfect intensity to effectively brush your normal hair.  
THICK HAIR - All Nylon Brushes may be used to brush thick hair. These brushes are stronger and better able to manage coarse, thick tresses.


Brushing is a vital process that helps to redistribute oils throughout the hair, thus boosting sheen.

SATIN VS. COTTON

                                                                                             Source:PrettyWrap

What you cover your hair with could be affecting it's health and appearance. I cannot stress enough the importance of wrapping or tying your hair at nights with a satin wrap or scarf to maintain soft, shiny healthy hair. When your hair comes in contact with your pillowcase or sheet, it causes friction between the two that can have damaging effects on your strands. You may want to sleep on silk or satin pillowcases and sheets but if you are like me, would not find it to be a comfortable experience as I tend to be sliding all over the bed. Many people assume that once you cover your head, regardless of what you use, it is ok. That is so far from the truth. Never use cotton scarves as they will draw moisture from your hair. Silk or Satin wraps on the contrary will help to preserve the moisture and sheen of your hair. My preference is to tie my hair down firmly as opposed to using a satin bonnet. This is not gospel but I just believe that it secures my tresses better and that less movement or friction against my hair will mean less possibility of frizzing when I get up in the morning. Do your hair a favor and get it under that satin before you jump into bed.                                                                                

My Husband finds some of my protective hairstyles unattractive....Does your mate express similar concerns?????

                             THE CALAMITY
I had to share this bit of information with you, my peeps. So my husband has been complaining that he is not very fond of some of the protective styles I do in my hair, mainly the flat twists and cornrows. He cracks me up when he tells me in these exact words "trust me my girl, that hairstyle makes you look "butch", no lie". He claims it makes me look a bit on the masculine side. I think it is because my hair has not really gained much length as yet so the end of each cornrow is but a little stub, which if I may be honest does look a bit unattractive. I don't know if I am alone here but I am not concerned about neatness when doing my protective styles as most times I only wear them to bed. If however I am home all day or for a few days without leaving home you had better be sure that this girl is not going to loose them out everyday and redo them at nights, I try to keep the protective styles in until I need to hit the road. This is oh so beneficial for my hair but sadly to my husband's detriment. Do you guys have similar experiences? Share your comments.


                             THE COMPROMISE  
I had to find a solution to the dilemma quick, fast and in a hurry, and one that would cause both of us to be happy. I had the grand idea to just go out and get me come nice trendy scarves and sport them on my head while in the house. He actually thinks they look nice and fashionable and tying my hair down actually helps to keep it protected so yayyyyy!!!!!!! we both win. See pic below in one of my scarves....the zebra print.

                                     
                 THE CORNROW OUT HAIRDO
This is how my hair came out after loosing the cornrows. I think it was worth the temporary "unattractiveness".

TRANSFORMING MY NATURAL HAIR FROM WILD TO STYLED IN LESS THAN 5 MINUTES.

THE BIG CHOP

A few of my followers on Twitter have been asking about how I eventually did the big chop and they have expressed some amount of fear regarding the uncertainty surrounding such a drastic move. My encouragement was that excitement is only added to our lives when we do something different. Most people share the concern that the low cut may not suit their face but the truth is "nothing tried, nothing done". I must confess that I had the same fear and based on the roundish/ovalish (LOL) shape of my face I was very doubtful that I would be able to pull it off. I consoled myself with the availability of the option of wearing various braided styles if I wasn't pleased with the look. I ended up really loving the low cut and had no shame in my game sporting it. As promised, please see pics included of how my hair looked after the BIG CHOP.

PROTEIN TREATMENT - HOMEMADE WITH FOODS FROM MY KITCHEN

When my hair gets dry and thirsty, nothing rejuvenates and refreshes it like a protein treatment does. Watch as I demonstrate how to do an homemade protein treatment.

MY SHEA BUTTER MELTING TOOL.....HOOORAYYYYY!!!!!!!

The secret to melting Shea Butter has been finally found. Many Shea Butter users will agree that it can be a pain staking process to convert it from its packaged texture to one that is user friendly. It has a very hard consistency and usually requires some amount of melting to make it readily usable.
I have read many blogs discussing various methods used to melt or soften this well loved product. My initial method of getting it softer was to just scrape out the desired amount, place it in an empty container and  vigorously whip it until it gets soft enough and all the lumps are removed. This was before the blessed day that  I was in my bathroom using my Blow Dryer ( a very rare occurrence)  and had a "Light Bulb" moment. I was lightly blowing out my hair and applying Shea Butter when it hit me that, hey I can just hold the hair dryer over the container for a few seconds to soften it. I tried it and friends, it was instant celebration. It started to melt immediately. I didn't allow it to totally melt but just melted the top portion to allow me to used the small amount that I needed. You have to try it. It is an easy way to do your hair care routine without having to go to the kitchen to use the microwave or the stove top to melt it.