Nappylicious®

The Beauty Within

2011-08-13T09:14:00.000-05:00

As a natural hair wearer, I LOVE this song and video by Dead Prez! It ranks up there with Indie Arie's "I Am Not My Hair"! Check it out!

Vaseline and Natural Hair

2010-12-04T00:02:00.001-06:00

A few weeks ago, I decided to change up my natural hair care regimen. After 3 years of being natural, I returned to my roots and went against that grain and used Vaseline on my my natural hair. Some members of the natural hair community shuns the use of petroleum products on our hair for fear of clogging the scalp or being too greasy.

I grew up getting my hair pressed with a hot straightening comb and getting my scalp slathered with Vaseline. My mom and grandmother STILL use the product on their hair and both have healthy, natural hair.

After a few weeks of experimentation, I am very pleased with the results. I tried to be light handed because when compared to organic coconut oils or other natural oils, Vaseline can be a bit greasy.

Please check out my results video.

Sesame Street: The I Love My Hair Video

2010-11-05T20:17:00.000-05:00

I cannot say enough about how much I LOVE this video. I don't care about who produced it as much as I care about the positive message it projects. But the fact that Sesame Street brought it to me, is even better. I'm a child of the 70s and grew up on the teachings of Sesame Street. The I Love My Hair video means so much to me because in 2010, I wear my hair natural and it's ok. It is not a political statement; it is not my trying to be defiant against "The Man". I choose to wear my hair without chemical processes. For those who choose to wear relaxed hair, that is their choice too. I do not judge because I have worn relaxed hair in the past, for years and years. But at this point in my life, I don't think I ever will again.

As with all of programming hours of Sesame Street that I watched as a kid, I am happy to still enjoy Sesame Street at 41!

Natural Hair Twists

2010-07-23T07:50:00.000-05:00

I transitioned my Puff À la Curly Fro into some twists. Styling my
natural hair is my greatest challenge. I was very happy with the
twists. I will use anything to hold hair out of the way, including a
clothes pin. Hey, it was handy and it got the job done.

My hair was still very moisturized from the Lisa Akbari products that I used to do her Curly Fro technique but I did mist occasionally with jojoba oil, vegetable glycerine, peppermint oil and water. I was NOT using Carefree Curl Activator, just recycling the bottle.

(If you need to view the video in a larger size, click the video to enlarge.)

Smokin' Hair

2010-07-21T23:50:00.000-05:00

I've been so busy but I had to carve out some time to upload some videos that have been lurking in my camcorder for a few weeks now. I'm such a slacker. LOL.

I uploaded a short "Puff" video on YouTube. I wondered whether to make an annotation or not but I immediately received a comment asking if there was something on fire in my video. I laughed so hard becausejI'm so "Rasta" and I was burning an incense. All of a sudden, the smoke started billowing like crazy and who knew my JVC High Definition camera would pick up translucent SMOKE!

When you view the video, just know that no bathrooms were burned or harmed in the making of this video!

Peace!
~Napp

July 4, 2010 | National Afro Day

2010-07-01T02:03:00.001-05:00

There is a movement to make July 4th "National Afro Day". An online friend, Mook's Hair has designed a logo to commemorate the day. She is allowing us to use her logo to make iron-on t-shirts! Yay! Thanks girl.

I am so happy to have my family visiting on July 4 and to have this National Afro Day on the horizon. I did not want to be all sad thinking about Steve McNair. I will rock my pink Steve McNair jersey and my Afro! Perfect! I will post pictures.

I've made a YouTube video and in the description box, I announce that I will put together an "Afros on the 4th" video tribute. All interested Afro Rockers can email me their photos and their desired screen name.

Oh, here is the link to Mook's Hair Fotki for 2 Afro logos!

Stay tuned!
~Napp

Post Nappiversary 3

2010-06-12T21:29:00.000-05:00

I am just one day beyond celebrating Nappiversary #3. I still love my natural hair and this entire journey.

I confess to still being a product junkie who cannot resist browsing down the hair care aisles in every store that I visit. I'm frequently in rehab but I do see some hope on the horizon.

My latest personal challenge is to use up products that I own before buying more. I'll come back to post the photo of the product moutain that is taking over my husband's music room.

I confess, I don't use most of the things in that mountain and they were purchased on a whim. The last straw was buying a bottle of Dr. Bronner's Eucalyptus liquid soap only to find that I already had a full 32 ounce Peppermint bottle "on the mountaintop"!!!

My husband still can't imagine a soap that can be used for the body AND cleaning the house. He's hilarious. I compare it to baking soda and vinegar. They are both also multipurpose.

The good thing is that the soap is so versatile that it will get used up and it was on sale at Kroger for $10.49 as opposed to being $14.99 at Walgreens. I'm not trying to justify my behavior, just acknowledging. The first step to rehab right? My name is Yolanda and I'm a Product Junkie!

Nappiversary Contest: The Heads Up!

2010-06-04T00:36:00.002-05:00

As promised, here's the heads up on my Nappiversary contest. My Nappylicious followers will have a few hours all alone to enter my contest!

Good luck and thanks for your support!

^^^^^^^^^
My Nappiversary contest was a success. I gave away 3 fabulous shower curtains from Bed Bath and Beyond and my fashionista, Poochie, added a vintage purse and scarf duo.

Stay Tuned!

2010-06-03T06:11:00.001-05:00

Hello Everyone!

School is finally out and I will be able to get back to blogging on a regular basis! Yay! It was a rough school year for your girl but it's over and not a minute too soon cuz I was about to quit! But not in this economy so I held on and now. . .I'm ready to kick back!!!

I will be celebrating my Nappiversary on June 11 and will be having my very first contest! I think the prizes are fantastic. I will be giving my Nappylicious readers & Fotki fam a heads up before I release to the general public on YouTube!

The video is almost ready as I'm doing some post production work as I wait for my Fashionista Poochie of Poochie's Closet to finish a few photos.

Until then. . .stay tuned!

~Napp

The Rainbow Lady sitting in for The Creative Lady

2010-06-03T05:40:00.000-05:00

I'm Baaack!!!

2010-04-24T23:53:00.000-05:00

Lent

2010-02-16T21:10:00.000-06:00

February's Best Days To Trim Hair

2010-02-08T17:14:00.002-06:00

My Ends!

2010-01-29T11:22:00.000-06:00

I think it is time for another aggressive trim. My puff is very thick and soft but the ends are looking very random if you know what I mean. Kinda like they need to be patted into shape.

I've felt a couple of hair knots on a few strands too.

I double checked my farmer's almanac for January's Best Days and today is a good day to trim ends for growth!

I've posted a few new videos on YouTube. In one video, I give away my secret for maintaining my long eyelashes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBIFuVis0Uk

Yes, they are naturally long but I use an oil mixture to maintain them. I felt compelled to make this video because more often than ever, ladies are asking me if my lashes are real!??? I did not understand why but as I watch tv, there are commercials for Latisse and other lash enhancements, lashes are fashionable. I was blessed to have naturally long lashes. Yay!

Another video that I recently posted is a mixtress recipe that rivals Kinky Curly Curling Custard and Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdDsPpe0Qrg

I got the recipe from a fellow YouTuber InspiredCoils. My hair really loved the mixture as it gave me a chance to use up some good oils such as Castor oil, Olive oil and Grapeseed oil and my Eco Styler Olive Oil gel. It was a winner.

While you're on my YouTube channel, please remember to rate and subscribe to my channel. This lets YouTube know that you like seeing natural hair videos and that perhaps we can begin to make the front page of YouTube also.

Thanks and Be Blessed!
~napp

What's Going On?

2010-01-24T08:28:00.000-06:00

24 days into a new decade and I am wondering, "What's Going On?" The devastating earthquake in Haiti and the death of Teddy Pendergrass. I really thought that 2009 was rough with the passing of sooo many celebrities and regular people too but 2010 has blown in like a lion.

Hairwise, I've been just chillin'. In other words, being super lazy. I still wear my staple puff. I threaten to twist my hair every weekend but never do. My hair is healthy though.

I deep condition regulary and still sleep on my satin pillowcase.

I've managed to post a few new videos on YouTube so I've not been a complete slacker. Plans are in the works to really crank out some top notch videos in the MMX!

Check out my Scrabble Tile Pendants @ http://www.thecreativelady.etsy.com/
They are totally customizable if you email me your photo.

Check me out on YouTube @ http://www.youtube.com/thecreativelady.

Check me out on Twitter @ http://www.twitter.com/thecreativelady

There is a wonderful Twitter hair chat every Sunday night. I think it's @ 10 PM Central but I've been late for the past couple of weeks. Use the following hashtag to join in: #naturalhair I love it.

Stay Tuned!

January MMX Best Days To Trim Hair

2010-01-01T19:36:00.000-06:00

For MMX, I've decided to start every month with a post of "Best Days" to trim hair. Whether your goal is to trim hair for growth or to decrease growth, I will post the dates here on the first of every month.

If you've followed my posts, you know that I grew up with grandparents who followed the moon to live by. My Big Mama is 90 and healthy and still gets her crops to flourish by following the moon.

Best Days To Trim Hair To Increase Growth:
15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 28 and 29

Best Days To Trim Hair To Decrease Growth:
3, 4, 7, 8, 12, 13, 30

Disclaimer: Following moon phases has worked for me and are my experiences.

Happy MMX!

2010-01-01T19:26:00.000-06:00

I had to come on to wish all my followers a Happy 2010!

I love the Roman Numeral version of 2010: MMX!

May all of your hair dreams come true!

Share Your Thoughts!

2009-11-12T00:14:00.000-06:00

Hello Bloggers!

Come over to my YouTube channel and voice your thoughts. I've uploaded a question to fellow naturals regarding how they react when someone wants to touch their natural hair! It's been quite a popular topic of discussion. Join in! View, Rate and Subscribe too!

Thanks!
~Napp

Your Natural Hair | Can I Touch It?

November's Best Days To Trim Hair

2009-11-01T13:32:00.002-06:00

I'm from the country and my grandparents bought an almanac at the start of every new year. They used it to farm by. It must have worked because we were never hungry!

Almanacs follow the moon's position to determine the best days to perform certain tasks for certain outcomes.

Trim hair to increase growth:
November 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 30

Trim Hair to decrease growth:
November 2, 5, 6, 9, 14, 15

I've followed almanacs all my life and I've been pleased with the results. I'm sure that if a person cuts his/her hair on the wrong phase, all will be fine but as I try to walk in sync with nature, I love being in balance with nature.

If you decide to use the dates, let me know if you feel it was successful!

Disclaimer: Following moon phases has worked for me and are my experiences.

(click photo to enlarge)

~Napp

Banner Test

2009-10-31T17:39:00.006-05:00

Enjoying this lazy Saturday watching the Sanford & Son marathon on TV Land and creating banners! After working all week for someone else, it feels great to just have some personal downtime! I'm equally as excited about the end of Daylight Savings Time! I will put the extra hour to good use.

Although I put together some random elements, what do you think of the banners? How does it look? Be honest! Please share in the comments section!

~Napp

I Maxiglided My Nappyliciousness!

2009-10-30T20:58:00.003-05:00

We wore hats to work today for "Hats On" against cancer. Since being natural, I've not liked to wear hats because I totally look like a goober! I decided to Maxiglide my hair.

It took about 20 minutes. I instantly missed my nappyliciousness but I was happy with the results. It gave me a chance to see how much my hair has grown and how deceiving shrinkage is. See the complete process on my YouTube channel. (While you're there, please comment and rate the video.)

When I walked into the building, one of the secretaries blurted out: "Pimp". I wanted to yell back "B" "K.M.A.!!! This woman still wears a freakin' pineapple wave!!! Yes. A freaking shellacked pinned up 1985 pineapple wave. Thank God I was able to bridle my tongue because I was about to let her have it. I had just walked in from a massive down pour and my whole self and clothing were drenched! I may have looked like a wet pimp but when I go home, I can shower and wash my nappyliciousness back but she would still be a jackass!

Reflections

2009-10-25T17:18:00.008-05:00

Hair is topic of the moment. Thanks Chris Rock! I have been thinking about my own hair and how I've arrived in this natural state: purely by accident!

Spring Break 2004, a group of my co-workers and even family members, took a 7 day cruise on the Carnival Conquest out of New Orleans. It was so much fun.

My hair was up in micro-braids that were on their last leg. I decided not to endure the take down process and sit another 8 hours to get them re-done for the cruise. The braids made it through. When I got home, I decided to take them down. Somewhere along the way, I got impatient. I had the grandiose idea in mid-takedown, to wash my hair with Creme of Nature shampoo. It always makes hair glide through right? Wrong. I had all kinds of tangles and matted hair and countless braids still in tact. The un-detangled hair became totally matted! Oh boy! Not even Creme of Nature was melting those tangles and snarls. I was very frustrated and desperate. There was only one thing to do. Cut it off! I had a male friend help me. Of course, he was not a willing participant as he did not want my mother to crack open his dome. But I was having a moment like Bernadine in Waiting to Exhale: either you do it or I'm going to do it myself. He did. I was brave yet terrified! I had been seeing the little waves of hair underneath those braids and wondered what my own hair looked like but I was also anticipating my next relaxer.

When he finished, I looked like a scared boy. I had hair but it was just very short and had permed ends. I looked crazy! I tied my hair up and threw on a baseball cap and ran to the nearest beauty supply store to buy a wig. I wore that wig and another one for fun, from March until November. I was almost natural underneath but no one knew. I got tired of the two textures and had it relaxed in November 2004. I wasn't ready for natural hair.

Being ready for natural hair requires mental preparation and thick skin. People will hurl all kinds of rude questions and comments about your hair. If you have the slightest concern about what someone may say to you, YOU ARE NOT READY!

I had no idea that on August 8, 2006, I would receive my last chemical relaxer. I got my hair braided in November for our Thanksgiving trip to Las Vegas and so my transition began. I ended up transitioning for 8 months and on June 11, 2007, I did the big chop! This time I was ready and have loved this journey since!

Pre-Poo Process

2009-10-23T15:41:00.008-05:00

Since becoming natural, I have maintained healthy hair. I have not noticed hair breakage or any other hair issues. I am a confessed product junkie but I do have certain hair regimen that remain unchanged: the Pre-Poo Process.

Pre Poo is short for pre-shampoo. I like to pre-poo if I've used various products on my hair that may have contained silicones which can cause build-up on the hair shaft. If I don't use a natural cleanser like baking soda or bentonite clay to cleanse my hair, I will use a regular shampoo that may contain SLS (sodium laurel sulfates). In attempt to combat any drying effects of the SLS shampoo, I like to coat my hair with an oil such as Amla oil or EVOO (extra virgin olive oil). I heat the oil in a microwaveable dish for a few seconds and transfer it into a small bottle which allows me to pour easily.

Once the oil is applied and is coated over my strands, I will apply a layer or two of plastic wrap to hold in the heat. I then apply a thick towel on top of that in order to hold in heat. You could use a heat cap or hooded dryer to speed up the process but I like to use this time to do household chores or read a few pages of a book or magazine.

When the time has passed and it is time to rinse, it is important to add the shampoo to your hair BEFORE adding water. Oil and water do not mix. Adding the shampoo first breaks down the oil on the hair shaft before the water is added. I like to apply the shampoo once or twice; it just depends on what my hair feels like. I follow up with a conditioner and voila! I'm ready for styling. I don't do a deep conditioner at this point but I suppose you could if your hair needs it.

Until later. . .

~Nappylicious

Censorship or Selected Cities?

2009-10-12T00:21:00.003-05:00

I decided that I would go see "Good Hair" this weekend. When I checked the internet for show times, I could not find a theater showing the movie! Since I was using my telephone, I figured I needed to breakout the laptop and really do a thorough search. No luck. I thought Chris Rock was releasing the movie in cities "where black folks are". My mirror hasn't lied to me or the other people I know. No movie! Is this city a victim of censorship or selected cities? I don't do bootleg so I guess I'll have to wait until it comes out on DVD. Dang!

Chris Rock's Movie "Good Hair"

2009-10-10T14:48:00.004-05:00

Hello Everyone!

Doesn't it seem like hair is on everyone's minds these days? I am very excited about that. I have always been obsessed about hair. Back in high school, my friend Pam and I could spend hours on the phone talking about hair, hair products and how to use them. The makings of a product junkie!

I am excited about Chris Rock's new movie, "Good Hair" that arrived in theaters this weekend. I was hesitant about seeing it as I've heard mixed reviews. I did not want to be upset leaving the movie. I was probably the only person in the world who missed Chris Rock's first appearance on Oprah promoting the movie. So I really had no idea what to expect. Knowing Chris Rock and how crazy he is, it could go either way.

Two things happened that swayed my decision to see the movie: Seeing Chris Rock on Oprah yesterday and hearing Dr. Maya Angelou on XM 156 talk about hair. Now if you know Dr. Maya, she is a no nonsense woman. If it were foolishness, I don't think she would embrace and endorse the movie as she has. When I saw Chris Rock's second appearance on Oprah yesterday promoting the movie, the negative feedback and its justification was, in my opinion, unwarranted and downright foolish! I understand not wanting to be the butt of a joke but the belief that mainstream America would now ridicule since secret hair routines of African Americans were revealed is absurd! Or the comment from "Shirley" that was read on the Oprah show that said white women's silky hair gave them an advantage over us and that's why our men wanted them? WTF? There is no secret to black hair. Chris summed it up by saying "secrets rot the soul"!

As a natural haired woman in America, I have other African Americans asking me questions like "how'd you get your hair like that?" or "is that a straw set?" or "can you comb your hair" or students asking if I'm African. Last time I checked, I was born in the USA. Heaven forbid that someone think I'm gay just because I'm natural. To each his/her own, but I've always been "strictly. . . you know! The most offensive comment/gesture ever made to me about my hair came from a relative who offered to give me money to get my hair done. I blamed it on the alcohol but I came close to using all the cuss words I knew and I know how to string them together and hurt your feelings, believe that! But I refrained and just stared at him with daggers in my eyes.

I think the big hoopla about this movie, though I haven't seen it yet, runs deeper than the movie. It's struck a nerve with black folks because we've rarely embraced our hair, especially in it's natural state. We were often put down and made to feel bad because of our kinky hair. We thought straight or silky hair would make us more likable. I know some real jack asses with straight hair.

What I hope for this movie is to open dialogue about hair, with other races and within our own homes. There are members of my own family who still don't like my decision to wear natural hair. But that is my choice. I have more freedom because I'm not sitting up in somebody's beauty shop all day to get my "hair done". I have more money because I don't have to pay someone to "do my hair'. However I do spend money on hair products so maybe I don't have more money! LOL. But seriously, we should take this movie as a one about acceptance. Live and let live.

I'm looking forward to seeing the movie and I will come back with my review.

Until then. . .

~Nappylicious & Proud

Product Junkie Review: Bentonite Clay

2009-08-30T20:36:00.006-05:00

Since becoming natural in June 2007, I have become a product junkie. I am not ashamed. You have to try products to see what works. I have since tried to make better choices. I try to avoid sodium laurel sulfates, mineral oil and alcohol when I can. I enjoy natural products when I can find them. Here is my review of Aztec Secret's Indian Healing Bentonite Clay.

I have been using Bentonite Clay for over a year. I use it for both a hair and facial mask. To mix, I often use a 50/50 mix of water and apple cider vinegar (ACV). You can really "feel your face pulsate"!!!

From the label:

FEEL YOUR FACE PULSATE

Facials, acne, bodywraps, clay baths, foot soaks, chilled clay for knee packs and insect bites! Enjoy the benefits of clay in your own home. Beautify & Refresh.

Getting The Good Stuff: Mississipi Water

2009-08-24T21:05:00.003-05:00

I love watching videos on YouTube. Saturday I watched a video by familygoingnatural from New Orleans (her whole family are natural hair wearers) and she talked about how good Mississippi water was to her hair. She is absolutely correct. When I first moved to Tennessee, my hair acted a plum fool when I washed it and I was permed! It was only after I went home again that I realized how soft the water at home is. The water has bubbles in even before you add any product and you only need a little shampoo to get a good lather going.

I decided to make a video response to her video of my recycling a Coca Cola bottle to get a little water. Since I was in the country, I decided to get it straight out the outside hydrant! Fun Fun Fun! I had water splashing all over me. I will use the water in my apple cider vinegar (ACV) mixes and any other mixtress mix that I concoct. I only brought back that 20 ounce bottle so it will have to be small batches!

ACV Rinse

50/50 ACV & Water to be used as a final rinse for scalp and hair. I like to use warm water. This is a natural hair and scalp clarifyer.

Moody Hair: I've Named Her Sheree

2009-08-21T11:04:00.005-05:00

Why is my hair so moody? When I wake up in the morning to style my hair, it is all "blah". As the day goes by, she (I'm naming her Sheree) starts to look great! By the time I get home and take it down, the hair style is fierce! But I'm not going anyplace! I've tried wearing a puff at night and unleashing in the morning in attempt to get a fierce Afro in the morning but Sheree is too slick for that and does NOT cooperate. Even when I twist at night, I can wear a chunky fro but again, Sheree does not wake up and be fierce until later.

I've also noticed that when I put product in my hair, such my Miss Jessie's Baby Buttercreme, it is nothing special instantly but as the day goes by, my hair is really pretty and looks moisturized. I've tried to be sure to "emulsify" the product when I apply it to warm it up but I get the same results: Fabulous hair late in the day! Or on a Saturday morning! Does anyone else have moody hair?

Always Organic

2009-08-08T13:01:00.000-05:00

I make no bones about being a country girl from Mississippi. Though as a kid, I longed for the flash of the city. I wanted to vanish from the place where the sun leaned on you no matter where you went under the shade tree. I wanted to throw my hands up anytime my beloved Big Mama planted her vegetable garden on Good Fridays and say that it would matter. Fast forward 35 years and I finally get it!

What my Big Mama and Big Daddy did back then is all the rage right now: Organic! Say what?! Organic? We were always Organic but it was called living in the country! Now while I refused to drink milk from a cow that walked around the pasture, fresh tomatoes, greens, peas, butter beans and field corn were always available. My grandparents farmed, fished & harvested by the moon. At the beginning of each year, they always bought the Farmer's Almanac and The Lady's Birthday Almanac. In there, the moon phases determined the best time to plant crops and even when to trim your hair for growth. To this day, I still use the moon as a guide. Give it a try and see if you notice a difference!

~tcl

Subscribe to Nappylicious

2009-08-08T10:01:00.000-05:00

(Chicklet)

Hey Y'all!

If you want to keep up with me whenever you log online, please subscribe to my posts via the RSS reader by clicking the chicklet. Isn't that fun to say: chicklet? Chicklets are located in various places on my blogs. I love chicklets because they let me keep up with my blog roll in one place. If you give the chicklet a click, let me what you think about the RSS feature. Thanks!

Peace!

To Tuck or Not To Tuck: That Was The Question

2009-08-02T01:58:00.000-05:00

Ok, I've twisted my hair for the night and I didn't know whether to tuck my ends or not. I've seen Lisa Akbari and her method on YouTube for the curly afro.

After viewing her results video again, that helped me to make the decision to tuck the ends. She pretty much summed up exactly what I was wondering about.

I have not been to a professional hair salon in over a year. Even then, it was a "shape up" of my afro by a natural lady at Walmart! Yes, Walmart. Initially, I was not happy because I thought that she cut too much off. But in the end, it was a beautiful shape. I probably need a trim but I am afraid to trust just anybody in my locks. Some people can get scissor happy and I might need some bail money from y'all!

Taking notes from back when I was permed, the stylist styled my hair. I may have gone in for a wash and set but it was really the styling part that was essential to the process. I get that now and will apply that to my own natural hair. I guess I was caught up in the fact that yes I'm natural and my doesn't require chemicals, it still has to be styled. My style of choice has been the puff but again, as my hair has grown, it needs more styling versatility. I think the appearance of the lack of styling is what puts some people off about natural hair. They think that you cut off your relaxed hair to wear a big ole kinky matted afro. Hey, if that's your preference, Rock On! I love all the options that natural hair brings. There are days when I miss that big ole Maxwell-Sexy-Kinky. . .oh, I'm getting off the subject. Sorry. I got caught up. I just heard Pretty Wings and wanted to fly away!

I will tuck my ends and hopefully make a new YouTube video of my results.

Stay Tuned!

tcl

I'm 40 and Nappylicious!

2009-08-01T23:48:00.000-05:00

I turned 40 today! The Calvary did not show up. Nor the band of gypsies to cart me away. It was a rather peaceful and quiet day. With the way life is now, I am excited to have reached 40. Every year after this will be celebratory. I am grateful. Grateful to be alive to still have an opportunity to pursue my passion: writing and creating.

Oh yeah, this is s'posed to be about hair! Well, I DC'd my hair overnight with Taliah Waajid's conditioner. When I rinsed it out, my hair was so soft and spiral-y. I just did a wash n go since I was thinking about twisting later.

My hair is just like a child. I've realized that it has to be trained. Back in the day when my aunt Laura used to wear that Farrah Fawcett bouncy hair, she was wearing a press and curl. When she went to the beauty shop, the man would use the Marcel barrel irons on it and curl it in the same pattern every time. He would not comb the curls out and it would be tight. But in a few days, her hair would be bouncy and Farrah-like. She would roll her hair in the same pattern every night and do that thing where you comb your hair all to the back with a wide tooth comb and push up! One would think that she was combing all the curls out but she wouldn't! I have to find a pix to post it later.

When she finally relaxed her hair, it was just a straight and stringy mess! Who knew it would turn out like that since her hair always looked so full and voluminous. We have the same kind of hair.

I've realized that I cannot regularly wear a wash and go because my ends will be a HAM! All tangled up. I have to comb my hair out to the ends. I am guess that it's because I have fine hair and strands must wrap around each other. My hair shrinks like nobody's business.

Weird but back when I was permed, my hair accepted the oil/grease products better than the creams. Even now, some creams like Miss Jessie's just "sits" on my hair unless I emulsify first! New word. Emulsify = rub the product in my hands first to warm it up. I have had much better hair results using this technique. And for my fine hair, I've learned the hard way NOT to be heavy handed because it doesn't take that much product.

Something else that I have discovered. If I don't detangle my hair, I will not be a happy camper when it is dry. It is best when my hair is wet or still damp. After that, forget about it!

Last week, I was a total hair bum and just did a wash and go. While my hair was cute in those puffs and was big and fluffy when dry, on wash day, I had a tangled bird's nest on my head. I wanted to cut it off. No lie. Luckily, I could only find my dressmaker shears and not my hair shears. I took my time and used lots and lots of conditioner and finally got the tangles out. I had to break out the big guns. I used a combo of Taliah Waajid's conditioner that gives me great slip AND KCCC's Knot Today. I thought I wasn't going to make it but I finally got the tangles out and surprisingly, still had some hair on my head. Whew!

In the next few days, I will be checking on my new hair revelations and report the progress. I will continue to sleep on my satin pillow case. This is about the most consistent thing I do every night. I will also twist my hair. Though I'm sleeping on satin and don't tie my hair up every night, I think my hair still has to be in some kind of "training" pattern in order to look styled. When my hair was shorter, I could get away with just sleeping on the satin pillowcase but now that it is growing longer, I need to protect the ends from tangles.

Styling has been my biggest downfall since being natural. I can co-wash and deep condition and henna my hair and all the good stuff. But when it comes to styling, I fall flat. I never learned to braid but I'm learning. My parts always look jacked up. I get frustrated and end up with a puff. A cute puff but still just a puff. Hmmm. . . I really think that nightly twists will help me in that department.

I do not proclaim to be an expert. I'm still learning my hair and how to care for it in it's natural state.
Stay Tuned!

Black Chicks in Vegas

2009-07-28T04:50:00.000-05:00

I could not resist the photo op with the "Black Chick"! I loved it!

Las Vegas was hot and slightly humid due to the rain that was falling after we landed. I didn't think it rained in Las Vegas! Oh well. . .I guess if it now rains in Southern California, it can rain in Vegas.

I tried to keep my hair routine simple for the 5 day stay. I only packed a 3 ounce container of Fantasia Activator/Moisturizer and a 3 ounce peppermint oil and water mist. Oh yeah, I also brought the travel size Fruit of The Earth aloe vera gel. My hair behaved and I wore it out loose a few times. Hubby has been asking me to unleash the fro! I thought it looked kinda jacked up but he loved it.

As I have gone through my camera, I cannot believe that I failed to get a pix of my loose hair! Blame it. . .on the HEAT and frustration of our stay at the MGM! I have renamed the MGM as: My Goodness Man. Check out my other blog if you want to share in our torture! I'll keep this all about hair!

Toodles!

Coily City

2009-07-19T21:42:00.000-05:00

I've had a few days with my new products. My hair loves the Taliah Waajid line. The Fantasia Activator/Moisturizer really defines my coils! For the past few days, I've co-washed with Taliah Waajid's conditioner and while hair is damp, I "squish" in some Fantasia Activator/Moisturizer! If my hair has gotten a little wet in the shower, (I don't own a shower cap anymore) I use my diffuser to dry it to stretch it out. My hair is very happy.

Indulgence

2009-07-10T21:08:00.000-05:00

This has been a rough few weeks for me. Since watching The Secret, I try to avoid the news. Of course, I find out what I need to know and my life has been great. But who could avoid the media hoopla around the deaths of Richard Carradine, Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson, Billy Mays and my beloved quarterback and Alcorn State Alum, Steve McNair. I'm sure that I did not list them all but you get the picture. Mind boggling. And I've been glued to the boob tube watching the news. What's a girl to do to escape? Shop!

Today, I wanted to break out of the funk by indulging in retail therapy. Instead of buying clothes or even a new car ( I did that last December) I bought some hair products.

My fashionista who is also natural, had a banging twistout and I had to know what she used. I could not find the Design Essentials 2n1 or the Paul Mitchell Foaming Hair Pomade but I did find the IC Silky Gel Activator Moisturizer--along with a slew of other things! I did a sample twist with the activator and it was gorgeous. I'm going to give the line a trying after a fresh shampoo and conditioner and see what happens. I love IC Fantasia products so I picked up shampoo and conditioner. Walgreens had the IC Fantasia gel 2/$7! This should last another 6 months or more. But I have more hair now so I am not sure. But 6 months seems like a good projection.

I'd been seeing the Taliah Waajid in Fotki albums and when I saw it in the beauty supply store, I took a whiff, and it was very delightful. Compared to money I've spent on Kinky Curly Curling Custard and Miss Jessie's with moderate to "oh hell no" results, I couldn't pass up the $6.99 sticker price. The ingredients were good too. We'll see.

Dancing My Wig Off

2009-06-28T09:17:00.000-05:00

I have been glued to TVOne programming since Michael Jackson's death. They have been airing his videos, his 30th Anniversary Special and The Jacksons: An American Dream all weekend. I have blogged, twittered and did all I could to process my feelings. I visited Essence.com's site and left my feelings there too. I wrote that I had "danced my wig off to all the Michael Jackson music that has been played." Well lo and behold, I managed to change the channel from TVOne since they were re-broadcasting The Jacksons: An American Dream over to CNN. They were presenting "Michael Jackson: The Man In The Mirror." I watched that and then Larry King Live with guests like Smokey Robinson, Barry Gordy, MJ's friend Miko Brando, Liza Minelli, Usher and Deepak Chopra. Usher said it best when he kept it classy by wanting to remember MJ as the legend and not the rehash negative press. A mother has lost her son. Let her grieve. Go on Usher! Well, I still had not had enough Michael Jackson and continued to watch CNN coverage with Don Lemon. Cori Murray, a writer from Essence magazine, was talking about Michael. When she referred to a comment left by a reader that "she had danced her wig off listening to Michael's music that was being played" sent me into orbit! I felt that my true feelings for Michael had been expressed and someone else felt them. I felt soooo much better. If I can find the post, I will link it but there are so many fan entries on Essence now, I don't know where I posted!

ETA: Finally found it! Currently listed on Page 5. The Yolanda comment is mine.
Toodles!

No Words

2009-06-27T08:25:00.000-05:00

I had this comparison photo in my January 2009 Fotki album. I laughed when I thought how my afro was looking like Michael Jackson's afro on his "Off The Wall" album.

Happy Memorial Day

2009-05-25T10:55:00.000-05:00

Hey Y'all!
Happy Memorial Day! I hope you all have a great summer kickoff! I love summer!

I trimmed my hair yesterday. I was waiting until the Farmer's Almanac's suggested date to trim hair to increase growth rolled around. Hey, my grandparent's used the Farmer's Almanac to plant, harvest and fish by and we never went hungry. My hair has been in great shape so I love Farmer's Almanac. Here's a link of their "Best Days" suggestions for the month. I will keep you all posted!

Peace

Chick What???

2009-05-05T18:30:00.000-05:00

While I intended open with the results of my personal 100 day challenge, I have to vent about a situation that occured today.

I have a 45 minute commute to work each day and when I get in, I need a moment to get myself together. As I was signing in, the secretary addressed me as India.Arie. (I twisted my hair over the weekend). I ignored her. She said it again and again, I ignored her. There was a hush over the office. I still pretended to be so self absorbed with my phone and brief case. I walked out of the office without acknowledging her comment. I left her hanging. There were parents and other visitors in the office while this dummy was yelling out India.Arie and I played her close by walking out.

About 30 minutes later, I saw her AGAIN in the atrium, alone, and AGAIN, this dumb ass makes the following comment: "India.Arie is coming to town and I am wondering if you two are in competition." I told her: "I have NOT changed my name and do not appreciate your addressing me as anything differently. Furthermore, it really pisses me off when people comment about how I choose to wear my hair." She began to apologize. I told her sure but watch what you say to people!

I am not the angry Black Woman with kinky hair. I was in a good mood but suffering from hormonal issues and dealing with being folded up in a vehichle 45 minutes, pushing it to get to work on time! Today was not her lucky day to "f" with me.

As my 40th birthday gets closer, I have become quite frank with my responses to dumb sh!t. I don't bother nobody and will not tolerate ignorance.

I choose to wear my hair without a relaxer. For sistas who choose chemicals, I have never shunned them or tried to get them on our team. Each person has to make decisions that are best for them. It irks me when we cast judgment upon others when a full length mirror is needed to look at our own lives. Live and let live. The world would be so much better if we thought before we spoke.

Ok, I've vented!

Superbowl Disappointment

2009-02-01T18:32:00.001-06:00

I don't really have a football team anymore since Steve McNair retired. But I still football watch anyway. The Superbowl is the big dance. When I discovered the Pittsburgh Steelers were in, I got excited! I don't give a hoot about the Steelers or the Cardinals for that matter! But I was looking forward to seeing Polamalu's Hair! I was disappointed to see a tight ponytail just barely peeking from under his helmet during the Pre-Game. Boy was I relieved when I later saw Polamalu and his hair flying across the field! Whew!

Superbowl Sunday

2009-02-01T17:47:00.000-06:00

Last night I decided to put some 2 strand twist extensions in my hair. I want to have a low manipulation moment as I try to keep my hands out of my hair! I finished them in about 3 hours!

I use "Marley" hair and it is already pre-sectioned. Each bag has about 20 strands. I can usually get away with about 25 twists. I am not a professional. I put some in for my Nappiversary in June 2008. I'll post a link to my Fotki.

I am happy with the results. While my hair is in protective mode, I will use my growth serum to see what happens. I'll keep these in until they start looking fuzzy wuzzy! Depending on how long they last, I may re-twist them again.

Stay Tuned!

100 Day Challenge

2009-01-25T01:19:00.000-06:00

Seems like everyone is on one 100 Day Challenge or another: to lose weight, get out of debt or get the economy moving again. I started my own challenge yesterday. Trying to find the best routine for my hair and eat and drink more healthy.

I don't plan on being too extreme. Just easing off the caffeine, exercising a little more and contiuing to take care of my hair. According to my calculations, my 100 days will commence on May 5! I can celebrate with everyone else celebrating Cinco de Mayo!

On a hair note, I dusted my ends Friday before I twisted my hair with Curls Milkshake. I sat under the dryer and my twistout was cute. (pix posted below). I had never twisted on wet hair and set under the dryer. The curls were very defined and not crispy crunchy like when I used Kinky Curly Curling Custard. I cannot figure out the right application for the KCCC. I was very impressed with the Curls Milkshake. I have had it in my stash for a while but never used it to twist. Too bad I'm almost out. I am trying to cut back on my pj-ism and not planning to buy many more products. I wonder if my Suave Tropical Coconut conditioner would work as a leave in? You know I'm going to try it!

The Good | The Bad | The ???

2009-01-15T23:39:00.000-06:00

I am still learning how to "style" my natural hair. Still very much a work in progress!

2009-01-08T23:12:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year!

2009-01-08T22:56:00.000-06:00

Not a whole lot going on hairwise. Over Christmas vacation, I was going to twist my hair but the time really got away from me. I settled on afros and puffs and sleeping on my beloved satin pillowcase.

I just posted 2 new Youtube videos. One was how I make a puff and the other is how I pick out my afro after my hair has been up in a puff all day. My hair is weird like that. If I want a Big A$$ Afro, I have to wear a puff all day and unleash the puff into an afro. It may be time consuming but at least I don't have to put heat on it to make it stretch out.

Nappylicious!

2008-12-04T22:28:00.000-06:00

Today was a great hair day. I am not a morning person so I wear puffs everyday. But when I come home and take it down, my hair is on point! Check her out! Pardon any craziness you may witness! LOL.

Nappiversary

2008-12-01T21:02:00.001-06:00

Celebrating my Nappiversary!

My Hair

2008-11-20T17:50:00.000-06:00

The weather is getting cooler and my hair has been working my nerves. I am not a morning person so when I wake up, my hair is not awake either. She has mood swings and does not cooperate early in the morning unless I don't have to be someplace. Go figure. Anyhoo, I sleep on a satin pillowcase that I made. My hair does not feel dried out, just uncooperative. So, I will put on some Fantasia gel on the edges and make a puff. So easy.

I really want to let the 'fro loose on a regular basis but she won't act right. I've got to try more styles like twists in preparation for a twistout. We'll see.

Overall, my hair is very healthy. I probably could use a trim but the last trim I had turned into a haircut in my opinion. That was New Year's Eve 2007. I attribute my hair's health to my hair care routine and natural products when I can. So far, so good!

Me & My Shadow

2008-11-20T17:49:00.000-06:00

I have officially been diagnosed with Obamania! The crazy thing is that I did not have it during the campaign! I guess that was my defense mechanism. Now that it is real, I have lost it! I recently ordered a life-size Obama cut-out. It was supposed to be for my Grandmother but I think I may keep it for myself! He is kinda scary at times when I'm walking down the hallway and have forgotten that he was here! I don't think Granny needs that scare. Anything to keep the cut-out right? I know.

Online Shopping

2008-11-08T07:16:00.000-06:00

If you know me from around the web, you will know I love to shop online. All around this page, I will show products that I use personally.

I thought that I could never get with online shopping. I like instant gratification. But as I learned to be patient, I gave it a try. After a few times, I grew to love it. There were no lines, I did not waste time and precious gas running about town looking for stuff. I just browsed, read a few reviews, placed my order and waited for the delivery man to drop it off!

How did I first find my way to online shopping? It was during one particularly busy holiday season in 2002. My aunt had died in May and those first holidays without her were miserable. My family decided to keep the tradition of pulling names on Thanksgiving for Christmas in tact.

With my person's name in pocket, I hit the streets on Black Friday to get some bargains. Child, there were people everywhere. The streets and malls were crowded with people looking for a bargain. Traffic snarled, people were rude and would not let you merge, I got the heebie jeebies. My aunt Libbey and her husband went to Wal-Mart for a computer for their daughters and were nearly crushed to death! I said no more, never again.

I turned my buggy around the first chance I got, went home to the warmth of my house, and logged on! I've been logged on ever since. I'm glad that lesson was learned because I am not a morning person anyway!

I am a PJ

2008-11-08T01:09:00.000-06:00

Since becoming natural, I've had to get reacquainted with my hair. I love trying out the latest products on it. I have a products closet to prove it. My name is Yolanda and I am a Product Junkie, and I like it!

In this blog, I will mention products that have personally tried. There will be product reviews. If there are thing that I have learned, it would be the following:

1. Every hair texture is different.
2. What works for me, may not work for the next person and vice versa.
3. You have to try different products just to see what your hair likes.
4. PJ-ism is real.

Naturally me

2008-11-08T00:13:00.000-06:00

After having relaxed hair for years, I decided it was time to really relax and go natural.

Unknowingly, I had my last chemical fire (perm) on August 8, 2006. My stylist was no longer making my hair sing. I was bored. A couple of months later, I let the African sisters braid me up and I was on my way to transitioning.

I transitioned for about 10 months or so. Once I had committed to transitioning, I became anxious to find out what my hair would be like underneath once natural.

I got that answer on June 11, 2007 when I took my final set of micro braids down with a mini-chop. A few days later, I could not tolerate the 2 textures and commenced to the BIG CHOP!!!

It was a little scary and I bought a horrible wig!!! After seeing how fake that wig looked, I decided to toss it and let the family and world see my TWA.

I have browsed through several websites and along the way, I have become a PJ (product junkie) trying to figure out what works for me. The natural ladies at Fotki have managed to keep me on the right track about my decision. My very southern mother threatened to whoop me when she first saw that I had chopped my hair. My mother has never ever been relaxed and still receives her bi-weekly press and curl. But after I explained to her my reasoning for being natural, I think she saw my point. I had an aunt or two to flat out tell me that they hated it and that I should not get offended when I see people staring at my head!!! I had to take them on a ride and while they were captive, I let them hear our hair anthem from India.Arie.

I invite all of you to join me on this journey. I hope that my journey will be inspirational to someone else considering taking the plunge. I am still learning my natural hair and will document it on a regular basis.

Come on and grow with me!!!