Hairstyle: Loose Twists

On Friday, I saw this post on Urban Bush Babes on how to do loose twists. I thought the style was so cute! I didn't plan on putting the loose twists in my hair and I had planned on doing mini twists. But, I got started on my hair at 6:00 pm on Sunday so, I knew I didn't have time for mini twists. I finished the loose twists at 2:00 am. So, this hairstyle took about 8 hours.

I used my Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie and Eco Styler Olive Gel to put in the twists.

I absolutely love how they turned out. It's like I get the instant volume that can usually only be achieved on 2 week old twists. Now, this style may not be for you if you like your twists to look defined. And the shrinkage with loose twists is out of this world. But, I love this style nonetheless and I think I have found my staple Spring/Summer hairstyle.

A Staple Product: Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie

I received the Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie as a Christmas gift from my sister, Alison. Did I mention I love it? It is definitely staple product, which I love to use for my braids, twists, braid-outs, and twist-outs. So, I pretty much use it whenever I am styling my hair. Well, let me get into the review...

Pros:
1. Great ingredients: No parabens, phthalates, paraffin, gluten, propylene glycol, mineral oil, synthetic fragrance, animal testing, PABA, synthetic color, DEA, or animal ingredients
2. It's a product that is geared towards "Thick and Curly Hair" (I hate when products say "for all hair types".)
3. It is great for applying to the ends of my hair to prevent breakage and more fairy knots.
4. Produces a great sheen to the hair.
5. Smells wonderful because it has a subtle but, not overpowering scent.
6. Great texture meaning its not messy or too thick
7. Does not cause a change in the hair meaning it keeps my hair soft and supple

Cons:
I really can't think of any as of now. I love it just that much :-)

INGREDIENTS: De-ionized water, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea butter)*, Macadamia Ternifolia seed oil, Mangifera Indica (mango) seed butter*, Persea Gratissima (avocado) oil, Cocos Nucifera (coconut) oil*, Aloe Barbadensis leaf extract, silk protein, Melia Azadirachta (Neem) seed oil, Daucus Carota Sativa (carrot) seed oil, Caprylyl glycol, Sorbitol Esters, essential oil blend, Lonicera Caprifolium (honeysuckle) flower and Lonicera Japonica (Japanese honeysuckle) flower extract and Tocopherol (vitamin E). *Denotes certified organic ingredients.
Well, that's my review for the Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie. I plan on purchasing some more in the future so, it is officially added to my hair arsenal. I used it just last night while styling my loose twists and I love the results.

Back to the Blogging World

It's been awhile and even though I had planned to get back to blogging on April 5, 2012 I was delayed a bit. I'll first give you a few updates about my life and then, give you updates on my hair.

Life:
1. I have a new puppy a chihuahua mix named Raymond Sheldon (my fave sitcom characters) Pictures coming...
2. I am setting new career goals. Being a secretary is pleasing but, not a satisfying career.
3. I have started a blog for my crafting, knitting, and crocheting. It can be found HERE even though the updates aren't that often because it takes time to create

Hair:
My hair is growing and mo hair mo problems. LOL. Fairy knots are attacking me like crazy. I find myself dreading wash days. It takes about an hour just to put my hair in two cornrows. I find myself flocking to protective hairstyles. Every blue moon I will rock it out and then, the next day it'll be back in a protective style. I actually haven't changed any of my hair products and don't see myself doing so because I am pretty pleased with them :-)

On April 5, 2012 I celebrated my 2 year hair anniversary. Yay me! I am very pleased with the growth despite the time it takes to do my hair. I look forward to another exciting and rewarding natural year. As my hair grows, I get asked over and over and over again from naturals and non-naturals alike when I am going to straighten it. LISTEN UP. IT AIN'T HAPPENING. That is what I want to say but, I just smile politely and say nicely "I don't plan on ever doing it." I think what annoys me most is that people look at my hair as potential and don't accept it for what it is. I think I get the most irritated when the same people ask me over and over again like they think they can brainwash me. "It's not like a perm or anything." "Have you ever even had your hair straight." "I promise you it would be so long." I'm like whatev. You just do you and Ima do me. I don't question others hair practices so, please just let me be. I am officially off that soap box. LOL

My hair 2 years later. Still in love with it. This was a very chunky braid out. I had about 7-8 braids in and used EVOO and Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Pudding. I braided most of the hair and twisted the ends for the spiral look and easy take down.

Adieu...for now

Hello my beautiful Followers:

I am sure you have noticed my lack of consistent posting in the past couple of months. Honestly, life has taken over and I am enjoying it. I am still going STRONG in my natural journey and I still ADORE my natural hair. However, I do feel I have found my regimen and not much has changed on the hair front. I am a pretty consistent person. Meaning, once I have found what works for me I stick to it.

I'm not saying I won't be back, I just won't be posting for awhile.

The truth is, for awhile natural hair was (and still is) one of my main passions in life. I would surf the various hair blogs, read numerous articles about natural hair, stay on natural hair videos on YouTube, etc. But now I feel I have learned all that I want to learn about natural hair...at this point.

I recently went back to my number 2 love in life (Jesus is Number 1) and that is crafting. I am really, REALLY into creating, crocheting, and knitting. I love to make things. Even though I never really strayed from crocheting or knitting, it was kind of put on the back burner. My passion for crafting was transferred to "crafting" up new hairstyles. LOL!

But, I now desire to go further with my knitting and crocheting by creating designs/patterns. You know I love fashion and that was one of the reasons why I first starting knitting and crocheting...so, I could create one of a kind pieces. Yet, I feel if I am serious about designing I need to give my complete dedication to creating beautiful pieces of clothing.

Also, sewing is in my near future also so, that is another thing that will be taking up my time.

As I end this letter, I just want to say I appreciate each and every one of you. I thank you for helping me with my natural journey by your suggestions, encouragement, and kind words. Please feel free to contact me through my email and you know I'll get back to you.

This isn't forever, it's just for now.

Much love,
Constance C.

P.S. I will definitely be back for a 2 year hair anniversary (April 5) update and a vlog of my journey.

Hair Today: Half Pinned Up Chunky Braid-Out

I have recently been trying something new for my night routine. I have started back braiding it each night. When I first went natural I used to cornrow my hair each night using Hollywood Beauty Olive Creme. For the past 2 weeks I have been re-braiding my hair in loose chunky individual braids using Oyin Handmade Juices and Berries (review coming) and Shea Moisture Curl and Style Milk (review coming). This has really helped me decrease the amount of tangles and single strand knots I experience.

Usually, I will pin all the hair up in some type of protective style like a Roll and Tuck. But, today, I decided to pin up half of my hair and leave the rest down. It was a simple process and I like how it turned out.

A Staple Product: Shea Moisture African Black Soap Deep Cleansing Shampoo

So, its official. I have changed my shampoo. I previously used Giovanni Deeper Moisture for my hair but, I found it too harsh. My sister, Auset, bought me some Shea Moisture and I absolutely love this shampoo. I have now been using it for a little over 2 months and the verdict is in. Check out the pros below.

PROS:
1. Great ingredients (look below for ingredients listing)
2. Does not strip the hair
3. Really cleanses the hair and scalp without drying it out
4. Does not have an overbearing smell
5. Easily available (Local Target, Walgreens, etc.)
6. Sulfate free

CONS:
1. None

Ingredients:
Contains de-ionized water, Decyl Glucoside (sugar beets), African black soap, Salicylic Acid, Salix Alba (willow) bark extract, Melia Azadirachta (Neem) seed oil, charcoal powder, Melaleuca Alternifolia (tea tree) leaf oil, Simmondsia chinensis seed (Jojoba) Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) oil (denotes certified organic ingredients), aloe vera leaf juice, vitamin E, rosemary extract, plantain extract, Lonicera Caprifolium (honeysuckle) flower and Lonicera Japonica (Japanese honeysuckle) flower extract.

I could go on and on about the greatness of this product but, I won't. Simply put, I love it and I don't see myself changing it any time soon...

Apologies and Hairstyles

First off, I must apologize for my lack of consistent posting. I have been uber busy around here. Let me give you the deets. I am a crocheter and a knitter. So, every year around this time I find myself procastinating on projects until about the end of November. By this time, its crunch time. So, I find myself knitting and crocheting whenever I have any free time. And I haven't been having much free time. You know how it goes in December. Christmas parties, Christmas activities, Christmas programs, etcetera, etcetera. Therefore, I haven't been doing much to my hair...

I wore the previous cornrow style for about 1 1/2 weeks. Then, I started hating how old and dirty it was getting. So, I made plans to take down my hair and do it on Saturday. Needless, to say Saturday was busy also! Shopping, Dinner outing, shopping. So, when I got home it was about time for me to hit the sack. But, I took the time out to take down my style, finger detangle, and put in some chunky braids. The next day I wore my hair in a high bun with a swoop. Again, I made plans to wash my hair but, that night was busy, and so was the next, and so was the next...

Because I hated wearing my hair out for those 3 days--especially in that style because it was tangle city--I decided to do a quick protective style until I actually had time to dedicate a full day to my hair.

Below are the pics of my high bun style (inspired by the oh-so-lovely MeechyMonroe) and my cornrow/twist protective styles:

The High Bun

Cornrow/Twist Style