Not-In-The-Mood-Wash-Day

So I was feeling like: "I really need to do my hair." I sat around and ignored it all day yesterday; but do to being fed up, I grabbed the homemade deep conditioner in the refrigerator and just slapped some in my head." Now I have to do my hair," thinking to myself as I look in the mirror. I am now getting ready to do a clarifying rinse, and began the transformation.

I wonder am I the only one to go to the extreme during a "not-in-the-mood" hair day?

Book Review: The Black Woman’s guide to Beautiful Hair by Dr. Lisa Akbari

I want to know more about hair, what it is, how it grows, etc. A more scientific look into my kinky, coily hair type for personal enrichment; I want to know if I am actually taking care of my hair correctly with my “regimen,” is it really something that will help me to grow healthy hair as I am on my natural hair journey.

 So, I went to my local library to see if I could find a natural hair book that would lead me in that direction of gaining knowledge because ‘hey’ there is a lot of stuff out here on the web: YouTube, Natural Forums, natural blogs that offer a lot of information; which is awesome.

 But I really wanted to know why I was keeping my hair moisturized every 3 days or making sure that I clarify my scalp every 2 weeks besides the obvious: I saw it on YouTube (from a person who has awesome hair), and had to find my version of care, usually through trial and error until I found the combo that worked for me.

But was my hair actually getting the care that it needed? That is the question I want an answer for. I know I must be doing something right because my hair has grown from 2-3 inches back in 2011 to 7 – 10 inches back in July.

 

So that was about 5 to 7 inches of growth in 2 years; which is awesome, but according to Dr. Akbari our hair grows a ½ inch per 4 weeks; so with that being said (and of course it is established that everyone hair grows differently—there’s not an exact science on how you grow hair out your own head…lol.)

I figure that I have had growth that equals up to 1 year’s worth of hair measured in inches *(the formula used here to get this is my interpretation from the information I obtained from reading Dr. Akbari’s book; and I am not saying that this is exactly the way she measures, but my personal take on how I determined my rate of hair growth from reading her book.)

Formula: ½ inch per 4 weeks; 4 weeks equal 1 month—give or take; 12 months per year; therefore, 12 x 0.5=6.

Now, I would be lying if I say that don’t sting a bit, but it definitely doesn’t mean that I am defeated or disappointed in my lovely coils because that is far from the truth. I feel after reading this book more enthusiastic, educated, and positive that I can definitely grow my hair healthy. So to get back to the quest for knowledge I go; I believe that the reason I don’t have the total 12 inches growth that I should have by year two is because I wasn’t retaining the length of my hair; it was breaking off because I haven’t always handle my ends with the most care; actually I think I began to care for them correctly some time in the Spring of 2012.

Reading “The Black Woman’s Guide to Beautiful Hair” I have learned that it is important to have a clean scalp as well as hair, and to be sure my kinky (4c) hair is well moisturized (which you all know I do that), but I also learned that my hair type isn’t the same as my hair texture.

·        My hair type is kinky—(4c, which Dr. Akbari don’t use in her book, she just refers as “kinkier” hair type) is a type of hair that coils up on its self making that cotton bushy hair type

·        My hair texture is classified as fine, medium, and course. Mine is between fine and medium, meaning my hair strands are small and average in diameter; and because of that my hair has smaller to medium cuticles layers on the outer part of my hair strand. So a lot heat isn’t a good thing for my hair at all.

·        There are two layers to your scalp: the outer layer, which is called the epidermis that is thick skin that covers the more sensitive layer of your scalp; this outer layer is also where the mouth of the hair follicles are and at the mouth (the little pin holes) is the only part of the hair follicle that is ever exposed. Now the inner layer of the scalp that is under the epidermis (outer layer) is called the dermis (inner layer); this inner layer actually house the hair follicles, and is also where the sebaceous glands, (which produces sebum—natural oil type substance), and where the sweat glands are located.

·        I another thing learned is that there are 3 layers to your hair strand: (1) cuticle (outer layer) which effects the porosity level, as well as protect and cover the second inner layer of the hair strand; (2) cortex (second layer that’s where hair color pigmentation determination is as well as the determination of if your hair is straight or kinky—this layer is effected when applying permanent hair dyes or relaxers); and (3) medulla, which is the most inner protein hollow layered area of the hair strand.

·        I also learned there are 3 parts along the length of your hair strand: the root that is actually located in the dermis (inner) layer of the scalp under the epidermis (outer) layer; the hair shaft, which is the length of the hair itself (the strand); and the ends, which is the farthest from the scalp and the oldest hair on your head (and I knew that.)

·        Not only did Dr. Akbari cover the hair care and provide a regimen, (or to be more specific she provides the tools for you to create your own regimen) for both natural hair; but also for those of my sister who are still relaxing (perming) their hair because as she stated your natural state of your hair may be kinky, and even if you perm; you still have kinky hair that is being chemically altered and needs to be care for properly.

I could go on and on, but I won’t. I really enjoyed reading this book and even though it was written back in 2002 it is still relevant I believe.

So I recommend this book for anyone, who is either newly natural or have been natural for a while; and wants to get a better understanding on our natural hair and the specific needs it may have.



Reading More Natural Hair Books

So I am reading a book called: "The Black Woman's Guide to Beautiful Hair - A Positive Approach to Managing Any Type and Style" by Lisa Akbari
So she stated that one of her eight year old client stated that black women started calling their hair "bad hair" since slavery; to quote:
"...it started way back when the pure black slave girls had true African kinky hair and the little mixed-breed sister had that wavy hair. That is when we started believing that there was "good hair" and there was "bad hair."

Wow, I thought about this statement that this older woman said to Lisa, and it does sound about right. I like this book because she is from the stylist along w/ having natural hair her self from 1977, and she give a program that will produce healthy scalp, which will produce healthy hair. I will continue reading and then give a review of this book, but so far it isn't a bad read.

What do you think about that statement or observation?

Even Son Bout That Natural Hair Life

My son has gotten so big; he's 14 yrs. old and have been growing his hair out since he was young, but he stopped cutting it since March 2013; and now it is off the chain!

He was getting ready to wash it, so it was all stretched out; and I had to take a picture so I can blog about his hair. "Even my son bout that Natural Hair Life" lol! I told him I was going to put that.

I told him he had type 2 (c) or 3 (a) hair, but he didn't really care...lol!

Here's some pics of his hair:

Havana/Marley Twist Protective Styling Complete

I am healing from a fever, chest congestion, and a stuffy nose; so I am a little behind on this post, but I wanted to quickly show my latest protective style: Marley/Havana twists (I not sure which one it is called or if its the same thing just different names in different locations...lol.)

Now, as I stated previously I did self-installed these twists; and I learned how to do them on YouTube (of course) by Donedo05 and Jouelzy. I just had to try for myself.

Now doing my own hair sometimes is a chore (for protective styles that is), and this is one style that I do not plan to self-installing again; now don't get me wrong it's not hard or bad; but I was having a trouble keeping my hair separated as I was twisting the clock-wise section of hair and the counter-clockwise section of hair; before twisting down; it was a mess for me. (I have a video that I will be uploading to YT soon I just need some more healing time.)

So what I did was as I got to the front area of my head, which was the most difficult for me...why I don't know. I was like skip this because my twists wasn't holding correctly or taut; so I just braided (like with kinky twists), and then twist on down, and I must say that I liked that better, and that is what I will be doing next time on my whole head--kinky twist without curling the ends (yeah, I still put the hair in boiling water to make sure they don't come down.)

My husband think it's the bomb...giving me googly eyes...lol! Lord willing, I will be doing my BFF's hair the same (but not with the kinky twist shortcut) this weekend. I will see if she will let me take some pictures to show you guys; she's shy.

But yeah, I went for the long look! I will have my hair like this for anywhere between 2-8 weeks, depending on how it holds up & how long I can hold up (ya'll know I get to missing my natural hair...smh!)I love the end results though:

 

Alright, I'm going to rest! Thanks for stopping by :D

 

DIY Avocado Protein Deep Conditioner Mix

I wanted to share my protein deep conditioner I made for this month; so my son and I recorded me making my avocado protein mix, which I made right as I was finished cooking dinner. I used this conditioner before installing my Havana/Marley twist protective style.
Ingredients used:

1 egg
1 avocado
A good squeeze of honey (approx. 1 Tbs)
1/3 cup of Olive oil
Approximately a cup of "Queen Helene Cholestrol Conditioning Cream" pre-mixed with JBCO (Jamaican Black Castor Oil)& EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil)

I applied the conditioner on my hair and covered with my plastic cap and wrapped my hair overnight. The next day I rinsed the deep conditioner out, did an acv (apple cider vinegar) rinse, and co-washed. My hair was clean and so soft at the end of this process.

I am almost complete with my Havana/Marley Twist installation, but I have to get one more pack of hair for about 5-10 more twists...oh boy...lol!

Getting Prepped for Havana/Marley Twists

Man I have my "Marley" hair, and getting ready to self-install the Havana/Marley twist for the 1st time...this should be interesting! My husband going to be laughing at me trying to do it myself because I always have a fight with my arms (getting tired), my hair (not cooperating), and everything else that goes with me doing my own head...alright! It is really funny when I think about it too :D

I finished my protein deep conditioning; followed by an acv rinse to ensure I didn't have any product build up on my head...lol! I want to have strong, nourished, prepped hair before going up in my protective twist style. So when to start...hmmm? Tonight or tomorrow?

Do you ladies have any planned protective styles coming up?

Why is YouTube messing with my Google+ Page!

Why is YouTube trying to change my account name and give me another G+ page when I already have one set up. I just realized that when I denied the request it looks as if they deleted all my contacts and communities that I was a part of; all I wanted to do is have a regular day, but no...I guess my patience is being tested, so I will smile and push on.

I was going to post about how the African American (black) women has been taught that our hair is "no Buena" so I guess I will only have it posted to my FB Page, and try to post some of my thought about it later because I am so upset with this issue.

Pray for me Sisters & Brothers...I am going to take a time out and I will be okay....needed to vent is all...LOL!

Pre-Poo Last Night - Washed today!

SM Raw Shea Butter shampoo on scalp of
 JBCO/Grapeseed oil Pre-poo hair...wash time!!!

 So I was thinking that I need to shampoo my hair; I did a deep condition and acv rinse to clarify my scalp & hair last week after my cousin's wedding, so now I have to wash my hair, which I put off for a few days. I couldn't put it off any longer because my hair was so dirty...lol!

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I really appreciate someone taking the time to give information; especially for those of us, who had no idea of the options...lol!


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New Designs to Blog Site

So I decided to use my time constructively; since I am up in the "a.m." So I made some changes to my blog site; put in a new background picture that inspires me. Boom! Its good; I feel peaceful. Yeah, going to sleep for a few hours...lol!

Curly Nikki is Awesome! Hair Product Ingredient List Made

So I was checking my email and saw I had an email from Curly Nikki about common ingredients in hair products. I was amazed at all the names on this list. I like this as a starting point for searching what are the ingredients in my hair products and the purpose.

After searching a few of my products ingredients I did have to some further searching via internet, but I was happy to see someone put a list together, and I wanted to share...man it's a lot of stuff out there and this isn't a complete list, but it does state that they will continue to add ingredients as they (or found I guess)...lol!

Curly Nikki | Natural Hair Styles and Natural Hair Care: Ingredients Commonly Found in Hair Products: Compiled by Tonya McKay This is a dynamic list; I’ll update and amend as necessary. CN Says: -Grab your favorite bottle of c...

Catching up!

So I have videos from last week that I am in the process of getting out. I want to get to the point of posting videos w/in the week they were recorded, and I am almost there...whew!!!!

I have to stay diligent and get it done!! I hope everyone don't mind because I don't want to overload you into thinking I don't have things to do because of all the uploads, but if I don't finish this weekend I'm going to give up so I have about 2 more and then I will be caught up. Please bare w/ me guys...love you (trick I use on my hubby when I am being annoying to him...lol!)

What I Been Doing Lately

So I have been working very hard this week; and in an environment that I didn't want to wear my hair out because of dust and debris. I knew it was going to be like this so I cornrowed my hair on last Friday after a co-wash and moisturizing/sealing of my hair. During this week I have been taking steamy showers at the end of the day and then seal in the water with coconut oil; I plan to do a co-wash this weekend unless my hair needs clarifying, which I don't believe so since I haven't been using much product. I'll see.

I am getting ready to self-install the Havana/Marley Twist (think that's the name..."same thang"--Mr. Brown...lol!) I have to re-visit some videos and work up the motivation to get it done because I really don't enjoy doing the back of my head...lol! I want to wear them for my cousin's wedding that is coming up later this month. :)

Anyway, I do have a couple of videos that needs editing and uploaded to my YouTube channel, so let me get to it. Just an update of what's the haps.

Cassandra P-

How to Use Olive Oil for Natural Hair

I can testify that I always have some olive oil in my supplies because my 4c hair has grown so from the sealing properties this wonderful oil adds to my regimen; if it be as a sealant, part of my Shea butter mix, pre-poo, or in my deep conditioning recipe, I must have my olive oil. I love it.

How to Use Olive Oil for Natural Hair

To Length Check or Not?

So I found a video I did back early May this year after I took out my kinky-twists I had got done at the braid shop, and it got me to thinking about how much my hair has really grown since I did the big chop in January 2011.

I never measured my hair in actual inches; I usually judge only by the way it looked by eye. I think I will straighten my hair to see what growth I have actually got over time. I will post my results...that is if I truly do decide to measure...lol!

Here's the rough length check (measured against body points only) done back on May 4, 2013 after removing kinky-twist installed at braid shop. The music is Jill Scott's not mine; I did buy her album "Jill Scott - The Real Thing Words and Sounds Vol. 3" though, and it is awesome, as usual.

 

 

Re-Twisting Hair on 3rd Day Hair

To keep with my journey, I also wanted to post a video that show how I re-twist my hair on 3rd day hair. I only used a olive oil & water mixture to dampen my hair because I didn't want to soak it (causing loss of hair.) Plus, I already had product in my hair from the original twist day (Shea Moisture Curling Enhancing Smoothie, Shea butter, and Eco styler gel.) There's no sound and I did speed up the pace, but I also have regular speed in the video also so you can see what I am doing in more detail...enjoy!!!

 



Happy Father's Day!

So I wanted today is Father's Day, and I am enjoying spending the day with my special man, James; he got to go fishing (his favorite hobby), and came home to a wonderful breakfast that I must say tasted delicious myself...pat on my back...lol! I really thank him for being a loving, caring, and great father to our children.



His



Hers

Then for dinner some pasta, veggies, and pork chops...yum! I am so full right now, it's not even funny.

Happy Father's Day!!!

Final Kinky-Twist Hair Style 6/12/2013

So I wore my hair in the kinky-twist for one more day; then took them out, and put a DIY deep conditioner in overnight. I rinsed the deep conditioner out and co-washed. I put in "Mixed Chicks" leave-in, made chunky twists (6), and bantu knot while my hair air-dry.
I think I will do a curly style, and see how long I can wear it during the week. I will upload photos of progression. Here's my last hair-do I wore, and yes...I'm up in Wal-Mart taking pics...lol:

Fishtail Pompadour

I was looking at videos on YT researching for some new protective styles because I wanted to strictly wear them this summer; so during the time I leave my hair out, approximately 1-2 weeks I will wear twist-outs, braid-outs, etc. So I was looking in to Havana/Marley Twist and found a video by "donedo05," who have a pretty simple video showing how to install Marley Twist, which I think will be my next protective style after the Kinky Twist. While looking at some other videos she made; she had a video on doing a pompadour w/ Marley Twist...looked so cool. I had decided to try it out on my Kinky Twist. I must say I do "feel" this hair-do because it is fierce! Its a "Fishtail Pompadour"... and it is what it do! What you think...

 

 

Why Is Everyone Walking Around Nappy?

So I was out and about in the world handling my business. While sitting in the lobby (waiting) a woman next to me, who I was having polite conversation with to pass the time asks me "why is everyone (here) walking around with their hair all nappy?"

Now mind you...I have my hair kinky-twisted up so I'm sure this woman didn't know she was asking a "nappy" sister this pondering (or I'd like to stay positive and hope she didn't know...lol!)

I took a quick moment to get it together; I say "well you know we are a people who have been instilled to think our hair is bad, and we need to process it to make it straight like other races, and I think that we have a new generation of folks, who are now embracing their hair as God has given." Getting back to our roots, so to say like back in the 70s. I also said that there's a lot of entertainers that are natural that wear wigs, weaves, or even press their hair for parts; but underneath they are natural.

Oddly, her mannerisms of previous seem to dissipate, and she nodded in agreement. I also said to her that its a choice because it is work being natural & its not for everyone and I'm at peace to say that. My motto "to each its own" permed or natural it's your decision ultimately.

Daniel 7:9 "...and the hair of his head like the pure wool..." I personally like to think that my hair is like my Father's.
☻♥

Natural Hair Withdrawl

So I tried to dye my hair on 5/4/2013 that was a complete fail--it didn't take at all not even on my "wisdom" hair in the front (a patch of grey that pop-up about 2 years ago...lol!)
 
I've been conditioning and moisturizing like crazy since the fiasco, and after a couple of weeks of pampering my hair I decided to put my hair away from manipulation. I self-installed kinky-twist because I just like the way they look/blend with my natural 4c hair.
 
I got them professionally done at the braid shop for the 1st time Feb. 2013, and I must say I really like the hair style. The only issue I had is that they use so much hair on small sections of mu hair, which caused too much tension, especially on my edges; thus giving major breakage. So I've done it the way I wanted ☻.
 
It's only been about a week and a half, and now I miss my hair! I want to keep my hair up for a few more weeks, but I'm not sure if I will make it.
 
How funny it is to me now that as a women I absolutely love my kinky, koily hair--the way the Lord gave it to me--I really miss it when I can't touch it! As a young child (14+) I would be mortified if I had any new growth showing...how things changed for the better!!!
 
I really miss my hair though!!! Natural Hair Withdrawal!!!

♥ ☻