Wash Day Detangling Trick

Wash Day can be a bittersweet experience for naturals. Washing restores the much needed moisture, refreshes the scalp, and revitalizes those curls. The process can however be a very trying and tiring one. Personally, my least favorite wash day task is detangling. It seem to take the most time and effort. Isn't it just annoying when you labor to remove each and every knot and tangle before rinsing the conditioner from your hair, only for it to get tangled again before you have finished setting it in the style of choice.

The simple trick that I discovered was a game changer for me. Twisting my hair before rinsing the conditioner has made a world of difference. Having the hair twisted in sections keeps the hair locked in place and prevents the hairs from becoming tangled on each other. As a bonus, and as if solving the detangling dilemma wasn't enough, it also makes the styling process easier.

  Styling products can be added to the hair while it is still twisted or you may take down sections individually ansd add styling product as you go. This one alteration to your wash day routine will be sure to relieve you of the stress and it will save you some time in the process. If you havent already done so, you should try it some time. You will be glad you did!!!

Rainy Day hair Options

I'm a sunny weather kind a girl. I love bright, well lit, warm environment. It does something to my mood and helps to boost my energy. Rainy days in my opinion are for getting under the covers to watch a good movie or curling up with a book. The reality however, is that rain or shine we still have to go out and make it happen, life doesn't stop because its raining, we still have to honor our obligations and draw our tails out the door to get it done.

Being natural, the last thing my hair needs is exposure to rainy weather.......ughhhhh!!!! It sucks when you have that killer twist out, braid out, flat twist out or any other hairdo that requires maintaining definition, just to have it ruined by the rain. On a rainy day, your best bet is to try to leave little or no hair out. You don't want to see the hot mess that will result from a wet or damp natural hairdo. Right away there would be immediate shrinkage and quite likely you may lose all your definition.

If the weather forecast predicts rain and I in any way face the possibility of being exposed to it throughout the day, my first instinct is usually to alter my hair plans a bit and opt for wearing my hair in such a way that would prevent an hair emergency. Here are just a few ways that wear my hair when its raining or the weather shows signs that there is a possibility of such:


HATS

On a casual day, the most likely way I would chose to prepare for the rainy weather, is by wearing a hat. Hats are always trendy and never fail at saving the day both for weather challenges or just a regular bad hair day. I love that they save me from having to spend time styling my hair. I just grab my favorite hat and most times put it right on top of my head in whatever state it is. I usually don't take down my protective style before putting on a hat. Wearing a hat gives me the assurance that I wont have to worry about possibly getting my hair ruined in the rain.








ROCK PROTECTIVE STYLES

Again, if I am planning to go out in a very casual environment like to the store, visit a friend, bible study etc, I have no qualms about just wearing my hair in whatever protective style it was set the night before. Be it Bantu Knots, Two Strand Twists or Plaits, there is usually no reservation about making a hairdo of it, unless of course it looks fuzzy and unkempt. Other than that, if the rain is out, my protective style stays in. After all, there is really no point in taking them down when the water or the humidity may do a number on it.








BUNS

A Bun is a more versatile, and visually appealing hairstyle that would be perfect to wear on a rainy day. It is my go to hairdo when I have a hairstyle fail, my hair need a wash, I feel lazy, I'm strapped for time or just feel like wearing one for the heck of it. It is one of those hairstyles that you can get away with wearing for just about any occasion, If for example you have to go to work, have a meeting, dinner date or whateverrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr, this style will never fail you. I love it for rainy weather because the hair is firmly and sleekly secured so there is little risk of frizzing and even if the hair somehow gets wet, the hairstyle will maintain its integrity. I love wearing a bun, because it tends to shave off a few years off my appearance and dealing with the rainy day woes is a good excuse to wear one.

QUICK BRAID

 A easy braid using some synthetic, kanekelon hair will protect your hair and prevent hairstyle fails during the wet weather. It is something different and literally takes only about 10 minutes to do. If you can do a cornrow braid you will find this to be a life saver on such unexpectedly wet days.

UPDO/PIN-UP - For the most part, the styles that I most readily chose to wear when the weather is on the wetter side of things are mostly casual. In the event that I have a more dressy event, a nice Roll n' Tuck updo will do it for me. There are many different ways to style an updo so there really is no worry if the plan you originally had in mind gets eroded because of weather changes.

There is always a way out, never think that natural hair only looks great if it is worn loose. You define beauty, and you have the freedom to express your interpretation of beauty through your own, personal, creative style.  

Head Wraps....Fashion not Fail

Head Wraps are by no means set aside solely for those bad hair days. They are however very trendy, go to piece for adding eccentricity to a look. Street Style has reported head wraps as complementing not only casual looks but  also dressier outfits as well.

Wearing Head Wraps lends for creativity and the option to play with different patterns and prints that can take your outfit to another level. There are so many cute ways in which these wraps can be tied, and it is amazing that a piece of fabric a couple feet long can take on such diversity in characteristics. Wraps are pretty easy to style even though the finished product usually appears to have been through a technical process.

Head Wraps are additionally, a very practical item of accessory to have in your possession during the fall and winter months. Because the colder months usually mean dryer hair, it is not a bad idea to keep your natural hair covered on days when the weather is just too cold for comfort.

A head wrap tied similar to the one pictured left, is ideal to ward off the frigid weather as it not only covers the entire head but also the ears. This way no one will be able to tell if you are just making a fashion statement or you really freezing in the frigid weather and need some relief. Either way the wrap is fabulous and will be sure to turn some heads as you go along your merry way.

If the truth be told, a head wrap of this sort need not be store bought, just finding a piece of fabric with an interesting print is quite okay. All you have to do is wrap to your heart's content until you a design that looks interesting enough to complement whatever mood you are in that day.

There are more casual looking, everyday wear type head wraps. This is usually referred to as Top Knot Head Wrap and is not limited to a casual look but can be worn for a more dressy occasion. The fabric is what will make all the difference. Explore and Experiment. The possibilities are endless!!!






Photo Credits:

http://www.pinterest.com/LadyToks/proud-african-the-mother-land/

http://followpics.co/yendys-head-wrap-head-wraps/

http://www.mykinksandcurls.com/2011/03/head-wrap-workshop-saturday-26th-march.html

http://zenmagazineafrica.com/fashion/veils-head-wraps-head-scarves-american-photographer-charlton-hudnell/

The Crochet Braid Craze!!!

The Crochet Braids, although by no means a new trend, has become increasingly popular in recent times. It is every natural's protective style dream. Why? you may ask, when there are weaves, braids, ponytails etc. You may be thinking that the excitement is unwarranted and the hype is really much ado about nothing. WRONG!!! This hair styling technique boasts many benefits not afforded by its fellow protective styling counterparts. The Crochet Braids stand a cut above the rest for the following reasons:


1. Hair is Fully Protected - The process of installing crochet braids enables your hair to be fully braided down. Now this is a BIG plus, especially for naturals, as t he hassle of trying to blend weaves used in sew ins is quite frustrating at times, unless of course the choice of hair is one similar to your

natural texture. The fact that there is no leave out to contend with in the case of crochet braids, is a welcomed change. So here is a protective hairstyle that is not only cute and versatile, but doesn't require hair to be left out. Some, however opt to wear a leave out especially if the hair being installed is of a natural texture and  the intention is to give the illusion that the hair is actually growing out of the scalp. I love that I can braid down my entire hair and therefore give it the much needed break it needs from the daily manipulation and exposure to the elements.

2. No Pressure on the Scalp & Edges -  Crochet Braids are not limited to a particular style or type of hair. It can be done to mimic natural hair, full weave and even individual braids. Many naturals opt for single plaits or twists as a their protective style of choice. The down side to this is that, if not properly done, or if kept in for too long, these braids can pull on your roots and cause damage to the hair follicles and possible put pressure on the scalp to the point where it could pull your hair out, especially at the edges. The great news is that these single braids can be installed using the crochet technique thus giving the wearer the best of both worlds. Not only are you able to rock the style desired, but it can be done without the risk of damaging the hair since the hair is not attached directly to the hair strands but rather looped around your cornrows.How genius!!! Any hairstyle that helps a woman retain her length is a winner, and I'm sure my fellow naturals are with me in declaring that the Crochet Braids have won our hearts as that realistic looking, easy to install hairdo, without the threat of damage.

3. Short Instillation Time - Although we love, love, love to see those fabulous protective styles and desire to rock them from time to time, upon finding out the long hours that are required to achieve most of them, most times the decision is to pass on it and go for a style that requires a shorter instillation process. The Crochet Braids can take a little as 2 hours to be completed and what a treat, two hours is even less time than it takes for some of us to style our very own hair. That is a ooohhh la la moment right there. Any long lasting hairdo that can be done in such a short time frame is worth every fiber of hair used to complete it. This hairdo is the full time mother, full time working woman or just about every woman's dream for that matter. It doesn't force a woman to have to trade off her day to day responsibilities in order to get dolled up. What more can we ask for?

4. Offers Versatility - This Crochet Braids protective style technique is not just limited to one look. The hairstyle however can be done with kinky hair, curly hair, straight hair, human hair, synthetic hair, braiding hair etc. The options are limitless and therefore makes it that much more attractive as a cute and convenient protective style of choice. Different hair can be interchanged in between styles to give a totally different look, even though the same process is used to install the hair. Oh how we love to keep them guessing, "what will she come with next" they ask, and with the crochet braid as the style of choice, you will not be out of options.

5. Reasonably Priced - Crochet braids are easy to do and is perhaps one of the most highly embraced DIY hairdo options for many women today, both naturals and those with chemically treated hair alike. It is also pretty inexpensive because of the time it takes to be applied and the fact that it doesn't require expensive hair to make it look fancy. Of course if you are able to DIY then you are way ahead of the game as the only thing you would need to worry about is the cost of the hair.

I could find many more reasons to support the practicality of this AWESOME hairstyle, but I think you get the gist. If you haven't yet tried it, you definitely should, you won't regret it.



Photo Credits:

http://www.examiner.com/list/5-protective-styles-for-natural-hair-girls

http://www.pinterest.com/explore/marley-crochet-braids/

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/426505027184302895/

http://www.citychickonline.com/New-Hair-Do-Crochet-Braids-today-my-1-year-anniversary-being-Natural-33893490