10 Curl Commandments

NaturallyCurly

Professional style for the office

Wash-N-Go: using Cantu Shea Butter

2nd pic.- when I came out of the shower.
1st pic- an hour later, my hair is almost dry. My curls look really good.

3 Quick Ways to Protect your Hair in the Winter

1. Protect your hair when you go out- by wearing a hat.
2. Ladies in summer time we love to wear wash-n-go but in the winter time it's a no-go. Besides you can get really sick.
3. Protective hairstyles- all the way.

Any other suggestions, please feel free to post.

Tip Of The Day

When detangling your hair, always start from the ends and then inch your way up to roots. Also remember to use a wide tooth comb.

Top 10 Questions

After taking some time off...I am back at it.

Top 10 Questions I've received in the past:
1. Can I touch your hair?

Answer: No, unless I have a close relationship with that individual. I'm old school, I tend to think that touching someone's hair is such a personal act.

2. What is your hair routine?

Answer: In a nutshell: deep conditioning every other week; regular trims (about every 3 months); 80% of the time - wear hair in protective style; and oils (especially coconut and jojoba).

3. How long have you been natural?

Answer: about 3 years

4. What was your transitioning process?

Answer: The first time I did it was back in 2003 and I went for the big chop. The 2nd time I did a gradual transition.

5. What is your favorite hair product line?

Answer: I love me some Shea Moisture- everything in that product line works for my hair.

6. Do you ever straighten your hair?

Answer: Yes, about 2-3 times per year. I try not to do it too often.

7. Will you ever go back to perming your hair?

Answer: I went back once before and I have absolutely no plans to do it again. I love, love my natural hair.

8. Who styles your hair?

Answer: I do my hair almost 100% of the time. The only time my hair is done professionally is when I have it straightened out 2-3 times a year.

9. How do you keep your hair from looking dried out?

Answer: I use a homemade remedy that consists of coconut oil, jojoba oil and water. I spritz hair every morning to wake it up.

10. How do you detangle your hair?

Answer: I always detangle my hair in the shower when its wet and has the conditioner still in my hair.

Anything else you would like to know, just ask.

Protective Styles

Protective styles are essential to maintain the health and length of your hair. I try to at least wear my hair in a protective style 80% of the time.

Tip of the Day

Don't use heat if egg is an ingredient in your home remedy deep conditioner or you'll end up with pieces of cooked eggs in your hair and not to mention that fried egg smell.

My Hair Routine

Developing a hair routine is essential to properly care for your hair. Some of us want length others just want to have curls that pop. Whatever your focus might be, we can all agree that we do not want dry brittle hair.  Therefore establishing a flexible routine from the start is a powerful tool to assist you with your natural hair journey. 

I've change my hair routine several times and currently I’m doing the following:

1. Once a week (usually on Saturday mornings) I apply a homemade deep conditioner and also shampoo hair.
2. Through out the week I keep my hair moisturized by spraying my hair each morning with a water and oil combination.
3. Protective style at least 2 weeks out of each month. 
4. Every 3 months I have my ends trimmed by a professional natural hairstylist.

Once a week routine:

1. Begin by completely wetting hair or shampoo hair (usually I use black soap or Shea Moisture shampoo)

1. Then part hair into 4 sections- down the middle from front to back and then accross from ear to ear.
2. Apply a Pre-poo (coconut oil with peppermint oil slightly heated) then add the deep conditioner- one section at a time.
3. Once you complete each section braid it so its out of the way. Continue until you’re finish with all 4 sections.
4. Cover with plastic cap for at least 30 minutes. 
5. After about 30 minutes- detangle and washout conditioner one section at a time.
6. Apply leave in conditioner and then style. 

Protective Hairstyles:

Protective hairstyles are great to prevent split ends, hair breakage and to promote growth. A hairstyle is considered protective when a majority of the hair is tucked away, especially the ends. Styles such as braiding, twisting, bantu knots and locs. Protective styles can be achieved by almost any hair length. If there is enough growth to twirl around a ratt-tail comb you can do a coil as a protective style.  

Natural hairstyles

Roller set on wet hair

Two strand hair while wet. Undo twist after hair dry with Shea Butter. 

Transitioning: Embracing Ourselves

Transitioning from permed hair to natural hair can be overwhelming for most people. The unsurity of how this decision will be received how by our family members, friends and co-workers. 

However we must remember that we are doing this for ourselves. Its not just a fashion statement, its a movement in which we are finally embracing our God given beauty: natural beautiful, kinky, coily, curly hair. 

I’ve been on this journey for the last 3 years, so I would like to impart a few helpful tips for all of those who are just transitioning:

1. Develop a hair routine 
2. Find the products that works for your hair (doesn’t have to be expensive)
3. Experiment with different styles (have fun)
4. Be confident and proud of your natural hair 

For me following the steps listed above helped me to have a successful transitioning period and to continue to enjoy this journey. I have to admit that it can become overwhelming at times. And its through these times I am able to get back to the basics. 

Also keep in mind that there are two ways to transition from perm to beig 10% natural: 

1. The first time that I went natural. It was 2004 and I had just taken out the braids that I was wearing for the last 3 months. I was frustrated with my hair so I decided to go for the big chop. When I was finished cutting off the perm hair I had about an inch of hair left on my head. It was a new look to get used to, because even though I was used to wearing short hair cuts, I usually had my bangs that I swept to the side.  
2. The second time I went back to being natural, I transitioned slowly by cutting off about a half an inch of permed hair each time I went to the hairdresser. 

Example of a 'Big chop' ( Solange Knowles)                                                         

Example of a slow transition ( cutting off permed hair a little at
a time)

Pompadour on Natural Hair

 My first attempt at creating a pampadour on natural hair. It wasn't as hard as I thought.

Steps to create this style:
1. Hair should be completely dry
2. Use bobby pins to pin up the back of the hair
3. Tease the front of the hair to create volume
4. Then loosely tuck the hair back into the middle and secure with bobby pins.

Hairstyles

Bantu Knots on dry hair (side view)

Bantu Knots on dry hair (front view)

Photo Gallery

My Hair Journey

My Hair Journey

As a child growing up in rural Jamaica in the 1980‘s it was the norm to see children up to the age of 14 with natural hair. Of course there were one or two children whose parents permed their hair. And as this was the exception to the rule, those kids were looked down on, they were the outcasts. Often times than not, their parents were individuals who were not respected in the community.

So imagine my surprise when I moved to the United States (US) in 1990, where the script was flipped. Now I was the outsider, the outcast, and the exception to the rule. There I was in the 5th grade with my hair barrettes and pigtails. I was teased and riddiculed, my classmates even had a nickname for me.

However, despite the teasing and name calling, for a whole year I faithfully went to school with my barrettes and pigtails. Of course, I had no choice as my dad ruled with an iron fist and he was a firm believer that kids should dress and look like kids. At the time, unfortunately for me getting a perm was out the question. To my little mind I was being cheated out of this experience, so for that year I worked on convincing my mom to let me get a perm. She finally gave in and the following summer my older sister put in my first perm. 

Then, after that it was perm, braids and weaves for the next 13 years. During this period my hair became damaged from over processing. It was also thining and breaking from the braids and weaves. And to top it off, I had to color my hair because I inherited early graying from my dad.  

Finally the summer of 2003 after I graduated from college I decided to go for the big chop and cut off all my permed hair. I had about an inch of hair on my head, but I felt free. I felt like myself, beautiful and confident. 

Unfortunately two years later, I succumbed to the “creamy crack” again. Looking back I realized that I did this to fit the image of a professional woman working in corporate America. This is not an excuse, but for so many of us its easier to fit that mold than to stand out as individuals. 

Four years later I went back to my roots, this time I didn’t do a big chop. Instead I gradually grew out the perm and each time I went to the hairdresser I would have them trim some of the straight ends off. 

Working through this transition from permed back to being all natural was a learning process. This time around I intend to make it a life commitment, even when its not fashionable. For me this is a lifestyle and not a fashion statement. 

Due inpart to this commitment I have been doing extensive research to find the right products that work for my hair. There are tons of information out there, but taking the time to filter through it can be cumbersome. If you’re dedicated, then you will find the time to do what is necessary.

Researching products has been very valuable. I have found that there are ten ingredients that must be avoided, and they are: Isopropyl Alcohol, Mineral and petrolatum, PEG ( polyethylene glycol), Propylene Glycol (PG), Sodium Lauryl Sufate, Chlorine, DEA, FD&C  Color Pigments, Synthetic Fragrance and Imidazolidinyl Urea. I’ve also found that there are good ingredients that I should look for when purchasing hair products, and they are: water, coconut oil, shea butter, olive oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil. aloe vera and caster oil.

Recently I have been reaping the benefits from all my hard work. Within the last 6-9 months I have seen tremendous hair growth and length retention. My hair is now very thick and manageable.  As explained before, none of this was overnight, most of it was because of my commitment to researching and developing a routine that works for my hair. 

Even though I’m seeing results, I am still a student on this journey of self-actualization and I invite all of you to join me in order to discover what works for your particular hair type. 

My Favorite Hairstyles

Three of my favorite hair styles

Wash-n-go pull back into a big curly fro'

Protective Style: Two stand twist 

Wash-n-go pulled back into a curly fro'