Pinapple Pros and Cons

The pineapple method is a nighttime practice used to maintain curly/coily hair. In a nutshell it's basically the act of gathering your hair into a very high ponytail on the top of your head and securing with a scrunchie (your hair is in the shape of a pineapple as the term suggests).    Pineappling is a great way to achieve second-day hair. It helps to preserve your curls while you sleep.

I suppose like almost anything, the pineapple has its pros and cons.  These are they (in my opinion):

Pros:

• Helps to prevent overnight curl wreckage/smooshing
• Quick and easy
• Helps to keep wash in go for multiple days
• Yields good results if I want an updo or backdo the next day (Alot of times I will leave in the pineapple and wear it like that the next day.  I just shake and fluff, and keep it moving)

Con:

• Not always full proof if I want to wear my hair down. Sometimes creates this rather awkward shape the next morning (sides and back stretched, crown normal).

My personal preference is to pineapple at night, when I am going to wear my hair up or back the following day.  Since it stretches some of my curls, I don't always do it if I know I want to wear my hair down. I really don't have the energy in the mornings to fight to reshape my hair.

What are your thoughts on pineappling?

Water - Drink Your Way to Healthy Hair

H20… We all know it’s good for our bodies.  This should come as no surprise.  Water is important for our overall health.  It hydrates every cell in our bodies, which in turn also effects our hair.

I must admit, I am not getting my recommended 60+ ounces each day.  I do pretty well, but I’m not all the way there yet.  I am usually somewhere within the 32-40 ounces range.  This is not including when I work out.  I don’t count my working out water intake, because all I’m doing is trying to replenish whatever I’m sweating.  To me that doesn’t count towards general daily water intake. 

Let's talk water and hair for a minute....  Do your tresses always appear dry despite all your attempts at moisturizing?  It might be because you are not drinking enough water.  When you don’t intake enough water, your body becomes dehydrated.  This will impact your hair too curlfriends!

I’m going to start a 6 week challenge, which will encourage me to boost my water intake from my normal 32-40 ounces to 60-70 ounces per day (excluding working out of course).  Not just for my hair health, but overall health.  I invite you to join me on this challenge so we can all reap the benefits together!

The target is to drink ½ your body weight in ounces each day. For example, if you are 128lbs you should be drinking 64 ounces per day.  In general 64 ounces is a really good target, regardless of weight (in my extremely unprofessional opinion).  My suggestion for achieving 64 ounces:

16 ounces before breakfast
16 ounces before/with lunch
16 ounces before/with snack
8 ounces before/with dinner
8 ounces when taking daily vitamins

Let’s challenge ourselves to complete this daily.  Our bodies and hair will thank us for it!  Happy Drinking!

Weathering the Winter

I often hear complaints about the winter weather and what it does to our hair.  Actually I've been one of those complaining in winters past.  But I must say, that this winter I have noticed quite a difference in my hair.  I am not having dry hair issues like I have experienced in times past.  Of course now that I've said that I hope I don't jinx myself. 

It was just the other day actually when I really noticed.  I've been traveling quite a bit since December...and to be honest I haven't paid much attention to my hair.  I've been trying to do as little as possible as far as maintenance.  I haven't pampered and babied it like I normally would (especially during the cold weather).  Over the last 6 weeks, I think I've deep conditioned only once! In addition, I haven't done my normal pre-oil treatments either.  So how the heck is my  hair not dry!

Right now my hair seems to be thriving even with the bare minimum that I've been doing.  Could it be that all the months of TLC and oil treatments were in vain.  I wouldn't go that far.  I do believe that healthy hair habits are beneficial and helpful.  I just realize now that it's not the end of the world if you don't cross your t's and dot your i's every single wash session. I suppose it's similar to eating healthy all year, and then forgoing the healthy food for the Holiday meals.  Having some mac and cheese, candied yams, and sweet potato pie is not going to suddenly cause me to have high blood pressure and cholesterol.

Anyway, I'll definitely be giving myself a nice deep treatment this wash day.  Don't want to take things for granted and then end up with a pile of hay sitting on top of my head :-)  Better to be safe than sorry.  Later curlfriends! 

Fall Into a Bun

The seasons are definitely changing.  Summer has passed and the chilly weather of Fall is upon us.  As the seasons change, in a way, my hair practices do as well.

Around this time of the year, I usually start rocking my buns more frequently.  I use them as a styling option for a couple reason.  One... when the weather gets on the windy side it's bothersome to have to worry about my hair blowing every which way.  Two... it's a good idea to keep my ends covered and away from the harsh elements. Buns are an easy protective style for those who want something quick.

My bun of preference is probably the low ballerina bun.  It's sleek and professional at the same time.  Plop in your favorite conditioner, cream, or gel and you're good to go :-)

My Two Cents - Pure Shea Store Mango Hemp-Shea Shampoo Bar & Shea Leave-In Conditioner

 

I recently tried out Pure Shea Store's Mango-Hemp Shampoo Bar, along with the Shea Leave-In. Pure Shea Store products are completely natural and created without animal testing, parabens, GMOs or other harmful ingredients. I've been using the products for a couple months now. I wanted the effects of the products for more than one use.  Alot of times the first use is a fluke, be it good or bad. 

Here are my thoughts...

Mango Hemp-Shea Shampoo Bar
I use this like I would any shampoo.  I applied after my oil treatment.

 

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 Coils
Pros:

• Lathers really well 
• Cleans scalp and hair well without any harsh ingredients
• Last a long time - You don't need to use alot
• All natural ingredients
• Price is really reasonable

Cons:  

• Personally it does not provide enough moisture for me.  My hair was super dry. 
• Frizz was like WHOA
• I actually ended up giving this away

Shea Leave-In Conditioner
I used this 2 different ways....  1st as the marketed leave-in conditioner.  I used like I would any other leave-in conditioner (post wash, and conditioner on wet hair).  2nd use was as a pre-shampoo treatment, used with a heating cap (pre wash and conditioner).

As a Leave-In
Rating: 3 out of 5 Coils
Pros:

• All natural ingredients
• Nice smooth texture - Very easy to apply 
• Last a long time - A little goes a long way
• Great at locking in moisture

Con:  

•  I had to experiment some with the amount to use, because my hair is somewhat sensitive to oils post wash and conditioner.  Oils tend to leave my hair on the greasy side.  So it took some trial and error on my part.

As a Pre-Treatment
Rating: 4 out of 5 Coils
Pros:

• Smooth texture is very easy to apply
• Coats hair easily
• Great for my finger detangling
• Smells wonderful
• Hair was soft and moisturized as I rinsed out

Cons: Can't really think of one


Check out the entire line of Pure Shea Store products for yourself at the following website: Pure Shea Store or visit on their retail stores in MD, DC, MI, GA, NC, or VA. 

Wash & Go Web (ie. Tangles)

 

Hola mi amigos!  It's been a minute since I've posted anything.  Been super busy with the new job.  I finally have a moment to breathe and write a post!

 

A couple weeks ago my curlfriend Cam and I were venting about the annoying tangles when wearing wash & go styles repeatedly.  So of course, I decided to write a post about it :-)

 

Wash & Go - In the coily natural hair community this refers to a carefree style where you wash/condition, add gel or cream to style it and then leave it to air dry or use a diffuser.  In theory you should be able to wash your hair and just go about your business.

 

My relationship with the Wash & Go has evolved into a love/hate relationship.  It's been a staple style on and off for YEARS.  I absolutely loved it, but over the past year and 1/2 or so they have evolved and require more post styling maintenance than I would like. 

 

My gripe has absolutely nothing to do with the look of my wash and go.  I absolutely love the look!  And I get complements left and right when I wear them.  My gripe and frustration is concerning the tangles that come as a result of repeated wash and going.

 

The logical reason that I came up with is that the tangles are worse because my hair is longer.  Therefore there is alot more opportunity for the strands to tangle and intertwine between themselves.  On wash days my hair can be tangle city!  Although it looks great, it's such a pain dealing with the knots and tangles.

 

I love wearing wash and gos in the warmer months, so I'm going to have to find a way to combat these tangles.  I already do regular oil treatments, which do help alot with getting out tangles.  But how about avoiding tangles in the first place! 

 

The first thing that comes to mind is to perhaps stretch my hair before I wash it.  Like maybe do my hair in big plaits/twists at night before washing...the hope would be that twists/plaits would keep the hair from raveling around itself overnight.  It's worth a shot.... Hopefully it works!

 

How about you?  Any suggestions?  How do you prevent tangles?

 

Pre-Shampoo Treatment w/ Pure Shea Store's Leave-In

Hola Curlistas!

I woke up the other morning ready for my weekly pre-oil treatment.  Just one thing...I didn't have enough coconut oil!  What's a girl to do?!?!?!  I was on the lazy side and didn't feel like running to the store, so instead I looked around to see what I could use.  I came across Pure Shea Store's Leave-In Conditioner in my closet, and decided to press my luck.  The 2nd ingredient is coconut oil...so I figure it was worth a shot.  Wouldn't you know it, it actually worked very well as a pre shampoo treatment :-)  Here are my thoughts:  

Rating: 4 out of 5 Coils
Pros:

• Smooth texture is very easy to apply
• Coats hair easily
• Great for my finger detangling
• Smells wonderful
• Hair was soft and moisturized as I rinsed out

Cons: Can't really think of one

I have to say that I am really glad that I thought of the idea.  I assume its because of all the oils included in the products that I was able to use it as an oil treatment.  Yaay for multi-tasking products!

Frizz Factor 10+

OMG!  Can you say FRIZZ!  My frizz factor is on 10+!!!  Fros are cool...but that was not the look I was going for :-(  I blame it on 1) the shampoo and deep conditioner that I used, and 2) my not so bright idea to detangle on hair that wasn't soaking wet.

The shampoo and deep conditioner that I used didn't seem to give me a drop of moisture.  I put the deep conditioner on with my heat cap for 30 mins, but after taking off the cap my hair seemed sooo dry and I didn't want to attempt to comb through the conditioner.  I had already finger detangled while rinsing out my oil treatment.  So I waited until I rinsed out the deep conditioner and applied my leave-in and styler.  I detangled as I combed through the styler.  Normally I wouldn't detangle so late in the process.  So I'm thinking it's probably the double whammy of the non-moisturizing shampoo and deep conditioner, and me detangling on hair that wasn't totally soaking wet.

Whatever the root cause....this is what I woke up to Sunday morning!  The clock was against me as I was trying to get ready for church.  In an attempt to camouflage the frizz, I opted for the messy bun seen below. Whew....the messy bun definitely saved me from being late!

Pure Shea Store Goodies

While at Women's Empowerment last month, I picked up some goodies from Pure Shea Store! I can't wait to try them out! I got them from company founder Chris, aka "The Soapman" himself :-)

Pure Shea Store products are completely natural and created without animal testing, parabens, GMOs or other harmful ingredients. Their focus is on providing products made with the best possible ingredients. All products are made by hand in their warehouse in Baltimore, MD based on the recipe of the founder's grandmothers (Grandma Pearlie and Dee Dee).

I'll be trying out the Mango Hemp-Shea Shampoo Bar, as well as the Shea Leave-In Conditioner.  I've never used a shampoo bar in my life, so I'm very interested to see how I like it! I'll let you know :-)

Check out Pure Shea Store products for yourself at the following website:Pure Shea Store or visit one of their many stores (locations can be found via the website as well).

Snip Snip - It's Trim Time

 

I've gotten quite a few questions about trimming, and how often I trim my ends.  Personally, I trim my hair about every 3 months. When I straightened my hair more regularly, I probably did it about every 2 months, since I was using heat on my hair.  But being that I don't use heat often, every 3 months works well for me.  If in between that time period I see any random splits, I'll run and grab the scissors and snip right above the split on that particular hair strand.

Since I'm an accountant, I usually perform my routine end maintenance right after the accounting quarter close.  It's just easier for me to remember that way.  The accounting quarter close happens every 3 months, so that's my cue to trim :-)

My Process for Trimming:
1) Twist hair in big or medium size twists (about 8-18 depending on how I'm feeling).   My primary reason for twisting is to stretch the hair so that the ends are easier to see and cut.

This time I twisted an old wash and go that I had worn for 3 days and was starting to frizz.  I spritzed with water and twisted up.  Other times I'll put in the twist right after I wash my hair.

2) When twists are dry I then proceed to take them out.  (I'll usually leave in overnight)

3) As I am taking out the twist I divide the unraveled twist into sections, and just clip clip. I would estimate that I cut about 1/4-1/2 inch off the ends.

That's all I do....it's not the  most scientific way, but it works for me. Even with my non-scientific method my hair is still fairly even.  Since I wear my hair curly 95% of the time it doesn't matter to me if my hair is perfectly even.  I'm more concerned about the shape of the curly fro, over the super evenness when straightened.

How about you?  What's your hair trimming process?

Multivitamin w/ Biotin for Healthy Hair

Not to long ago I was at my neighborhood Vitamin Shoppe.  I was talking with my oh so knowledgeable vitamin girl about mushroom complex and wellness formula, and suddenly I thought about a conversation I had with one of my coworkers about hair thinning. My coworker was interested in learning how to increase her hair's body and strength.

In talking with my vitamin girl I learned that usually a multivitamin that includes biotin normally does the trick. Biotin has been found to aid in hair growth and overall hair health. She mentioned that most times postpartum woman that experience shedding after childbirth are found to have biotin deficiency.  It helps to strengthen both hair follicles and the hair shaft. Taken regularly, hair will be stronger and less prone to breakage.

My vitamin girl recommends taking a multivitamin with biotin, as oppose to straight biotin. She said the multivitamin that I currently take, Alive! Once Daily Women's Ultra Potency, is perfect as it contains 325 mcg. Another recommendation was Mytrition Women's Personal Packs. 

Although you can take just straight biotin, she only recommends this if you are REALLY experiencing hair thinning/loss.  The usual biotin supplement is about 5000 mcg, which when taking regularly will strengthen your hair something fierce!  The average person does not need that much.  So she only recommends this if you have a serious deficiency, because this will effect ALL of your hair.  As in all over your body! Meaning legs, arms, eyebrows, everywhere!  So only take what is really necessary, ie multivitamin, if you are not really deficient :-)

Anywho, that's my spiel for today! Ta ta for now! 

Tassie - Curly Girl Extraordinaire

Tassie

The other day I had the opportunity to sit down and chat with one of my dear friends Tassie.  This fellow naturalista is a licensed Holistic Skin Care Therapist.  Tassie is the owner of Restorations Holistic Skin Care Services, as well as creator of Tacia Essentials (Skin, Hair, and Body organic product line).   She's a naturalista in about every sense of the word.  So of course I just HAD to interview her :-)

How long have you been relaxer free?

It's been about 9-10 years.

Did you slowly transition or do a drastic big chop?

I big chopped.  Actually, I've done 3 big chops :-)

You did your initial big chop to remove your relaxed hair, but you've also had 2 other big shops since you've been natural.  What were your reasons for the 3?

The 1st time was because I was tired of my hair. The 2nd was because I finally found a support system for natural hair. I wanted to start over utilizing the new support system.  The 3rd time, I felt like my hair should have been longer and it wasn't as healthy as I wanted it to be.  So I just wanted to start over. 

How did family and friends react to your decision to wear your hair naturally curly?

They were very supportive.  (They have no choice, it's my freakin hair lol lol)

What would you say are your biggest hair challenges?

1 - Retaining moisture

2 - Being lazy;  like not doing it every day like I'm suppose to.

3 - I don't want to say styling.... The basic style of the puff I do that alot.  But every now and then styling does become a challenge because I don't really know much.  I get bored with hair so quick.  That's why I could never loc my hair, I would get bored so quick and just boom cut it off quick.

If you were stranded on a desert island and could only have 4 hair products/tools, what 4 would you choose?

1 - Definitely water. That's just obvious. My hair loves water.

2 - Conditioner - It helps to keep it nice and supple.
3 -Tacia Essentials Shea Butter Blend

4 - Paddle Brush - When it's wet with conditioner I take the paddle brush and REALLY comb through it.

Do you have any hair inspirations?  If so who?

There are a few people i like on YouTube.  Let's see... MsVCharles, Longhairdontcare, and +Naptural85 

Any words of wisdom or advice you’d like to pass on to others?

EMBRACE YOUR HAIR!!!!  Love every single stage that you go through because there is always something new to learn.

Easter Hair Care

 Easter Hair Care

Easter is this coming Sunday, so you know what that means....millions of children, young an old, will be straightening their hair between today and tomorrow!

I actually had no intentions of writing this post today, but I feel obligated to remind my readers about the importance of using a heat protectant when blow drying, pressing, and/or flat iron those precious tresses.

Heat, when done incorrectly or too often, can take your gorgeous head of hair and totally destroy it in one bad application.  Unfortunately, once you've encountered heat damage, there is nothing you can do to truly fix it.  Yes, there are conditioners and such that help to improve the appearance of the damage, but the deed is still done.

You should aim to always use a heat protectant whenever using any sort of heated straightening instrument.  This will help to absorb most of the direct heat from your heated appliance. Heat protectants come in a variety of forms including lotions, serums, and sprays.  I usually use sprays, due to the ease of application and coverage ability.  I like Giovanni's Flat Iron Styling Mist.  It contains some organic ingredients, and ya'll know I'm a health nut. Regardless of the form, as a rule of thumb you should use something. 

Okie dokie my friends...  This concludes my PSA announcement :-)  Happy Easter!

My “Official Unofficial" Hair Regimen

My Regimen

I am often asked about my hair care regimen.  My routine is not set in stone.  I always leave room for change, because I try to listen to my hair.  So if I’m not scheduled for a deep treatment, but it feels like I need one, then I do just that.  With that being said, here is my “official unofficial” regimen :-) 

Weekly (average - could be between 4-9 days it just depends)

1. Oil Treatment (if less than 6/7 days since last wash, usually won't do an oil treatment)
2. Shampoo  (if less than 6/7 days since last shampoo might skip this step)
3. Condition (unless I use hair wash w/conditioner)
4. Leave-in (usually… but it depends)
5. Moisturize
6. Seal (using butters or oils to trap in moisture from step 5)
7. Styler - Gel or Cream (this is optional, depends on mood and the look I want)
8. Oil scalp

Nightly

• Cover hair with satin scarf, or sleep on satin pillow case

As Needed (on average every 2 days)

1. Moisturize
2. Seal

Bi-Weekly

• Deep Condition/Treatment in step 3 of above weekly regimen

Every 2 Months

• Protein Treatment

Weekend Unwind - Treat Yourself

Weekend Unwind

Gotta love the weekends!  For me the weekend usually means it's treatment time!  Now of course that includes an oil treatment, or a deep conditioning treatment.....but while I'm treating my lovely strands, I also take that time to unwind.

Don't you just love sitting in the comfort of your own home, watching mindless television (or surfing the net), while sipping on your favorite warm drink.  Be it tea, coffee, hot cocoa.....it all taste that much better on the weekends.

Check out all the amazingly delicious coffee blends and flavors at ROASTe Gourmet Coffee. Use coupon code BLOGME5 for $5 off your first coffee purchase (expires Dec.31st). Gotta love a discount :-)

Website Link: ROASTe Gourmet Coffee
Here's to a relaxing weekend my friends!  Enjoy.  Monday morning will be here before you know it!

Juanita - Curly Girl Extraordinaire

Juanita
One of the main reasons I started this blog was from a suggestion of my fellow University of Hartford Alum and former suite-mate Juanita. She prompted me to start a page to share my hair experiences.  Gracias Querida!

Since Juanita is a fellow curly girl (with gorgeous hair, might I add), I decided to interview her to learn a little more about her hair story.

How long have you been relaxer free?

For about 10 years.

What inspired your decision to rock your natural curls?

I wanted to donate my hair and I wanted for my hair to be healthy and natural.

Did you slowly transition or do a drastic big chop?

I cut my hair and started with about 1/2 an inch.

How did family and friends react to your decision to wear your hair naturally curly?

They know the reason behind it so I get a lot of support to keep it natural & healthy.

What would you say are your biggest hair challenges?

The weather plays a big role. Some conditioners are wonderful the first week but stop working after. The longer it is the hardest it gets to control it.

If you were stranded on a desert island and could only have 4 hair products/tools, what 4 would you choose?

Wow lets see...conditioner. Big brush. Hair ties. Lotion/oil

Do you have any hair inspirations?  If so who?

Of course you! I love your passion for hair and you love trying different styles.

Any words of wisdom or advice you’d like to pass on to others?

I love olive oil. I don't use it as often as I should because I'm always rushing :-(

Attention Raleigh Frugalistas: Shea Butter Bargain

Attention Raleigh Frugalistas: Shea Butter Bargain

OMG, I just went to the beauty supply store!  I was running low on Shea butter, so I figured I would try being proactive by getting some before I ran completely out.  I use Shea butter on both my hair and body.  I have previously purchased at an all-natural beauty supply store in Raleigh (which shall remain nameless) where 16oz retails for $9.99.  I just saw this at K-Discount Beauty in Raleigh, off Glenwood, for $5.99.  That's a whole $4 cheaper!  40% less!  I have been in K-Discount many times, and never saw shea butter.  I probably would have missed it this time if I hadn't taken my time and walked SLOWLY down each and every aisle.  The things you can see when you're not in a rush ;-) 

Even though I went to K-Discount today, I actually didn't think I was going to find any Shea butter. But I went anyway since it was closer than the all-natural store.  So I thought what the heck....it's worth a shot.  And it totally was!

If you live in the Raleigh area and are a shea butter user.  Keep K-Discount Beauty in mind.  Its right off Glenwood, near the Walmart & Burger King.

G3TDYRGWCTXF