NEW HAIR JOURNEY

 

Hello Darlings! Well, I’m on a new hair journey. I’m officially on the locs journey. I’m going into my 5th week, and although I can’t say my hair has started to loc, I can say its been easier to maintain.

In case you don’t know, I’m a homeschooling mother of 5 children ages 1-11 years old. My life is so busy, and even though there’s a lot of hype about the easiness of being natural. . .it hasn’t been that easy for me. As the new baby arrived last year, I found myself overwhelmed with life as a mom with a full plate, and other stressful events. I began to pull my hair back into a banana clip, and LEAVING IT THERE FOR DAYS! Like, I was starting to not care. It was the least of my worries.

Until, I noticed an area of my edges thinning, and hair shedding around the same area. To be honest, I can’t say I started making a serious change after that. I went to the dermatologist who told me it was due to tension but she also gave me a prescription for triamcinolone acetonide. It didn’t work! The proof was in the birth of another thinning area on the other side of my hairline. THEN, this is when I was like, “Get your self together”. I was thinking about styles that could assist me in the goal of releasing the tension off my edges. I don’t wear weave so that was out of the question. I thought about two strand twist for the most part but the part where I would have to take them down, and start all over again. . .that wasn’t going to work for me either!

Soon after, I came across a thread about locs. I started asking a few women about their journey, and how they were managing the maintenance. They all were pretty positive. I immediately started researching more through Dr. Google, and Scholar YouTube for more information. I think my only concern in the beginning was the fact that if I wanted to get a silk press. . .I couldn’t. Then, I had to think about how long my silk press actually held up through daily purification which involves water, and the fact that I would have to wash my hair immediately after sex (its a thing in Islam).

Sooooo, basically thoughts like that escaped my mind, and I made the decision to loc my hair. My biggest excitement about this journey is that I feel so free. My method was ultimately the two strand twist which was easy for me since I did it myself. I make sure its moisturized to limit the breakage, and I’ve stopped wearing the banana clip. I style it with bobby pins sometimes to add versatility without the tension while I’m transitioning. I’ve re-twisted the roots once so far (twisting down to the two strand twist using flaxseed gel and pinning down for a few hours for maximum hold), and I’m going to thoroughly cleanse my scalp for the first time since the start of my journey this weekend.

I can’t stop thinking about my banana clip afro puff! I’m telling ya’ll, the banana clip was “Bae”. It’s a wrap now!!!! I’m loving it. I even notice my edges getting thicker. The new journey is a win win thus far. I’m just waiting on the first signs of locking. I’ll keep ya’ll posted.

 

I’m on YouTube!!!

I haven’t done a hair blog in such a long time! Life, it happens. I’m a mother with five children, and homeschooling three of them so…I have my hands tied.  I did manage to start a YouTube dedicated to showing my hair care routines for my daughters.

I have a few vids up, and working on more. You would think the task would be easy since hair care is so frequent in our home but. . . I was honestly having a difficult time managing the many responsibilities on my plate with having a new baby. However, as she’s getting older, I’m noticing that I’m able to get more done out of my day. Like this short update blog right here! 🙂 Check out the few vids I do have on YouTube, subscribe 🙂 and be on the lookout for more!

My Ramadhan Hair Trend

So that special time for every Muslim across the globe has arrived, RAMADHAN!!!!!!

Ramadhan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is the month during which Muslims observe fasting from dawn (Fajr Prayer) to sunset (MaghrIb Prayer). Most commonly, those who are not Muslim know that Muslims fast from food and drinks, but fasting is so much more than abstaining from eating. This is the month where we strive to be the best believers of Allah. . .with the intent to continue this trait beyond the holy month of Ramadhan. Paying charity, respecting your community, abstaining from inappropriate language are just a few good deeds Muslims practice greatly.

In our household, my children have ditched Doc McStuffins for Baba Ali and Zaky and Friends on YouTube. My husband and I have ditched feeling the urge of pulling out our hair out at the sight of seeing the children argue over who should brush their teeth first. We give clear and precise messages on how the children should be patient with one another in which we adapted from a method called Conscious Discipline. . . and Islam.

Simply, life is life with an upgrade!

And my hair is fasting as well. Seriously! I’m not at all concerned with it. I plan on maintaining two nice french braids to the back until the last day of Ramadhan. Of course I’ll shampoo and condition with my Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition and moisturize it with coconut oil. But I’m not at all concerned with extreme styling. Its just more important things to focus on during this holy month. My girls have their usual single twist in which are very versatile so we’re good!

After the Holy Month of Ramadhan we have a celebration called Eid-Al-Fitr. The night before is when everything gets crazy in our house. I’m doing hair, trimming my husband’s beard, getting clothes together, and decorating the house. Until then, my hair is on strike!

Do you have questions about Ramadhan? Are you fasting? What’s your Ramadhan hair trend?

My Girls & The Hair Type Discussion

So I have 3 beautiful little girls ages 6, 4, and 11 months. The two oldest girls’ hair is at the mercy of mommy, and require different hair routines. Naz, age 6, has a 4C hair type and requires the following regimen:

• Shampoo once per month
• Co-wash once per month
• Leave-in conditioner whenever its needed
• Moisturize frequently
• Braids or twists at any size
• Styles last 1 -2 weeks (a busy mother is like “winning”)

Mayyah, age 4, has a mix of 4A/4B hair type and requires the following regimen:

• Shampoo once per month
• Co-wash once per month
• Leave-in conditioner whenever its needed
• Moisturize frequently
• Braids or twists at medium to large size
• Styles last 2-3 days (a busy mother is like “wonk”)

As you can see, the difference among their hair regimen is their styles and how long they last. Naz’s hairstyles last longer than Mayyah’s. Mayyah’s hair requires frequent maintenance as it tangles very easily. Braids and twists, which turns into braid and twist outs, are common styles for them. I’m not a fan of ponytails, beads (anymore), and bow bows. I have a very busy lifestyle (homeschooling, work, and a demanding little baby) so the girls’ styles are reliable, I guess you can say.

We use the following products:

• Shampoo & Conditioner – Garnier Triple Nutrition
• Leave-in Conditioner- Cantu Shea Butter
• Moisturizer- Mommy’s Secret (basically I use natural ingredients. My favorite is coconut oil which is just awesome for detangling.)

Our most commonly used tools:

• Shampoo brush
• Styling brush
• Wide tooth comb
• Rat tail comb (for unraveling the ends of braids and twists but NEVER for combing)
• Spray bottle for water (our best friend)
• Banana clips
• Head bands
• Clips for decoration
• Bobby pins for updos

Hair is a big deal/issue in our culture. Am I allowed to say that? There has always been the topic of good hair versus bad hair. In our society, Naz’s hair would be considered “bad hair”, and Mayyah’s hair would be considered “good hair”. Nonsense! This is how some people categorize hair, although, there are no such categories as good and bad hair. My girls don’t realize the difference in their hair types as others do. I’ve actually had quite a few bias individuals compare my girls’ hair ignorantly in front of them. They still didn’t have a clue what was going on. Currently, and forever, I will politely address any individual who has the audacity to criticize my girls’ hair texture. They’re both beautiful girls!

Nasu in Mommy Mode

A Natural Hair Journey

Taylor’s Journey!!!

My natural journey began in 2005. At the time I was a newlywed with two step-children. One was a 11 years old shining girl, Taylor (who I sometimes call Cakes). Very bright, and true in her opinions. When I went natural, I did a cold-turkey big chop. Taylor was like, “I would never”. When I think about that day, it cracks me up every time.

8 years ago

Taylor witnessed me through my positive ups and downs; making comments like, “oh gosh”, when I would straighten my hair and shake it in front of her. When Taylor went off to college, something happened. Something awesome happened. She says to me, “Sooooo, I’m going natural right. . .” My mouth dropped! I started patting myself on the back (hey, I’d like to think I was sort of an influence. I was proud!).

I started clipping Taylor ends little by little. By time Taylor was ready to go back to college, we had totally cut out the relaxer. I could see the discourage in her face but I knew it would get better. And it did! Read Taylor’s story below.

I love you Cakes!

Aww! Simba!

From the time I was born until I was about 10 years, my mother kept my hair natural. She would always tell me that she would spend hours on my hair just to make sure my style held up.

She was too cute

She told me that she loved my hair and how beautiful it was but by the time I was 9-10, she had had enough. She was desperate and did what she thought was best for both of us by finally giving me a relaxer.

. . . Teens!!!

From that age until my senior year of high school, I was addicted to the creamy crack. The longest I would wait to get perms was only about 5 or 6 week because I felt like my roots were growing in too quickly. Even though I still loved my hair and loved relaxers, I would always notice that my hair never grew past my shoulders. No matter how much I clipped my ends or deep conditioned my hair, it never grew past that length. I knew that something had to be wrong. There was no way I was taking this much care of my hair and I still was seeing NO growth.

Freshman!!!

Once I started my first year of college, I began to do a lot of research on ways to grow my hair and everything I came across, talked being natural and how natural hair will equal growth. Instantly, I knew what the problem was. Relaxers were basically killing my hair and I had no idea! After researching for a few months and talking to actual natural women, I decided to take the leap and go natural.

Natural Blowout

The first 5 months were the easiest for me. Though I was getting growth in my roots, I was able to hide them by wearing my hair normally (flat ironed) or in buns which worked very well for me.

Transition Stage

From 6-11months, the transition got way harder! I had so much new growth attached to my perm that I could no longer blend all of my hair. This was one of the worst times for me because I had nothing to do with me hair. So I decided that every month I would cut off some hair so that the transition would be easier for me while I was in school. By the time I was 9 months transitions, I had ear length hair.

:)))))))))))))

Once the 11 month of my transition came along, I felt like it was time to me to left go of the relaxer and length and I was finally able to do my big chop!!! I was sooo happy with the results. I was finally able to buy natural products and do my hair the way I had dreamt!

Naturally Grown

Now in 2013, I have been completely natural for one year and I can truly say that it was and is still one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life!!!!! To anyone transitioning, keep at it! I am telling you, the end result is so worth it!!!

No need to fear the sweat

Taylor’s doing the castor oil challenge. Wish her the best!

Big Chop or Just Because You Feel Like It Hairstyles

So as I re-venture into the big chop stage – due to a product that straightened portions of my hair 😦 – I’m always looking at big chop styles. Check out the styles I really like below.

Bre Skullark

Bre’s style might be the easiest style to accomplish. A little moisturizer and eco-styler and you good to go.

Solange Knowles

I didn’t have to do the big chop where Solange’s style is an option, but I’m sure I could do a nice slick down to achieve the same look.

Malinda Williams

I like the high look going on here with Malinda. However, this is the kind of style I could only wear if I was relaxing in the house for the weekend. I wouldn’t want to look like a UFO from the hump effect underneath my khimar scarf.

Kim Coles

So, I think the color on Kim really makes this style “pop” (do we still use this phrase?) I’m a huge fan of twist-outs; they’re so versatile.

Kellis

Loving Kellis’ side “do”! It kind of reminds me of the 1930’s. Very elegant!

Chrissette Michele

I could definitely do Chrissette’s style alternatively with slicked down sides or a creating a fro-hawk with a classic banana clip. Fly!

Later Ladies.

Nasu

Top 10 Natural Hair Products

Part of my idea of going natural was getting away from having to buy tons of products. However, with the natural hair movement came the movement for natural hair products. Now there are tons on the shelf anywhere you go. I’m personally a homemade-do- it-yourself kind of person, but I do understand that sometimes we as women just don’t have time to be whipping up the kitchen for our hair. Confession: I like to use the ol’school curl moisturizer from time to time. Please don’t judge me. Wink!

So, Essence posted a survey-certified (if that’s even a phrase: I made it up) top 10 list of natural hair products. What’s so weird about this list (or weird about me?) is that I haven’t tried any of them so I can’t really attest to their true ability. I have tried Carol’s Daughter Monoi Oil, but after a few uses it straightened certain parts of my hair (my oldest daughters hair as well). I ended up cutting it off.

So anyway ladies, here’s the top 10 list:

1.         Oyin Handmade Frank Juice Herbal Leave-in ($11, oyinhandmade.com): A tonic containing herbs to moisturize and stimulate hair growth; and a scalp-nourishing essential oil blend.

2.         Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding ($22, MissJessies.com): A cream hairdress that turns shrunken kinks into glossy, elongated curls.

3.         Kinky-Curly Curling Custard ($29, kinky-curly.com): An all-natural formula that reduces bulk and defines curls.

4.         Qhemet Biologics Amla & Olive Heavy Cream ($16, QhemetBiologics.com): A rich hairdress that leaves dry hair soft and supple for days! Great for transitioning hair.

5.         Karen’s Body Beautiful Hair Milk ($16, karensbodybeautiful.com): A heavenly-smelling leave-in that moisturizes, detangles, and defrizzes curls.

6.         Curl Junkie Hibiscus & Banana Deep Fix Moisturizing Conditioner ($18, curljunkie.com): An anti-oxidant rich, Cupuacu-infused conditioner that hydrates thirsty curls.

7.         Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk ($12, carolsdaughter.com): A gentle lotion blended with lemongrass and vitamin E to define curls and give bounce (Oprah, Jada and MJB-endorsed!).

8.         Hairveda SitriNillah Masque-Ultra Moisturizing Deep Conditioner ($17.80, hairveda.com): Blended with nourishing orange oil to treats lifeless and brittle hair.

9.         Ouidad Climate Control ($22, ouidad.com): An amino acid-infused gel that prevents curls from expanding in humidity.

10.       JessiCurl Cleansing Cream ($4, JessiCurl.com): Washes your curls without stripping them of their natural oils.

Any thoughts? Have any of you tried any of these products? Did they do your tresses justice?

Nasu