Fun Friday! Big Hair Don’t Care
Feeling myself…Feeling myself…Feeling myself…in my Beyonce voice. Lol!
Have a great natural hair weekend!
Naturally Yours,
L.A.
Tag: Natural Hair
April Hair Styling Challenge-Day 27
I guess I was fooling myself to think I was going to get through this styling challenge without putting my hair in a bun. Whether I like buns or not–and I don’t–they’re definitely an easy go-to style.
I had plenty of time this weekend to spend on my hair but sometimes you have to use your free time for something more productive– like cleaning out your overcrowded closet or enjoying the moment! I did a little of both :))
On Monday morning I created this:
Two days later, this is still not my favorite style but I totally LOVE tying my hair up at night and already being prepared for the morning!
April Natural Hair Styling Challenge Day 22
This one garnered a lot of attention at work. Surely because it was super cute! Achieved by simply two strand twisting my hair with a little bit of Shea Moisture Styling Milk.
It also garnered as many compliments as it did too because the day before it was, admittedly, on the blah side. And that was because when I twisted it the day before that I was slack on product and oil so the ends were frizz galore.
As the month is coming to an end I’d really like to do something different but with the time I have available in the mornings before work that’s highly unlikely. What I’ve learned in the challenge is that if my hair is not set in a protective style for the week, the only thing that I’m able to do without a lot of fuss is wear twist outs. On a good day I might have time to spruce it up with a couple of hair pins!
Nevertheless it’s been a good run. Every natural girl should take some time to climb out of their comfort zone, get a taste of the unchartered path of their natural hair journey. You just might like it.
Have you tried something different with your hair lately? Please share!
Naturally Yours,
L.A.
Natural Hair Styling Considerations
Sunday. My favorite day of the weekend. With my duties as a trustee at my church, the day can still be a bit busy but nothing like my Saturday’s that are inundated with cleaning I couldn’t get done during the week, grocery shopping, meetings/events, and/or my son’s activities.This particular Sunday I stayed home from church, spending some quality time with my husband, lounging on the couch watching movies. But as the evening wound down, I began to consider my hair.
I wanted nothing more than to spritz it with some water, rub it down with a moisturizer, and then roll and tuck it into a quick style to get me ready for Monday morning. But I knew that wasn’t the way to go for me. Not only are my weekdays too busy to be messing around trying to fix my un-perfected roll and tucks while trying to have dinner for my family AT HOME and be prepared for the next morning so we can leave the house on time (that’s a job in and of itself), I have an all day sorority function this coming Saturday that I need my hair to be ready for.
“You’re thinking about your hairstyle six whole days in advance?” You’re probably asking.
Absolutely. It’s the best way for me and most new or semi-new naturals to live a hair-frustrated free life. We [naturals] don’t have the luxury of waking up and flat ironing our hair then getting about our day. Let me tell you, there were many weekends when I was frustrated beyond measure having somewhere to go and not enough time to make my hair cute and rock it with confidence. I learned the hard way to plan ahead when I can. Even without set plans for the weekend ahead I usually try to create a low manipulation style for the work week that will easily transition into a style for being out and about.
This week I chose a combination of two strand twist and flat twist.
The end result of this style will be, of course, a twist out with the flat twist remaining intact for a little added pizazz. I’m looking foward to it and I’m most enjoying the easy upkeep throughout the week.
What’s your go-to style to prepare for work and weekend?
Naturally Yours,
L.A.
This One’s For You Boo
My husband expressed a bit of annoyance this morning when I started to put my straightened natural hair into an updo.
“Really, Char? You just gotta put it up?” He whined. Lol. He’d be mad if he knew I was busting him out like this. But seriously, he doesn’t see the point of me straightening my hair if I’m not going to showcase the length.
For starters, that’s NOT why I straightened it–showcasing the lenghth. Secondly, I know too much about the damage that can occur to long hair from rubbing on clothes, scarves, etc. during these cold winter months. Third, and most importantly, I loathe seeing strands of hair on my clothes. Makes me think–BREAKAGE–even when I know it’s not. Still I prefer those ends to be tucked away, straightened or not.
Nevertheless, for love’s sake, I conceded. Just for the day, though, so he better not enjoy! And he has, too. He couldn’t stop taking sneak peeks at me on the drive to work :))
Have you made hair sacrifices for you boo? When? What?
Naturally Yours,
L.A.
Valentine’s Day–Natural ‘Do or No
For many, Valentine’s Day is a special occasion. Expected gift receivers or night on the towners will be getting all dolled up–from their heads to to their toes. Nail and hair shops will be on jam! But what about the natural girl–the DIY’er or the one who frequents a salon?
How will you be rocking your hair this weekend? Two strand twist, twist/braid out, some funky styled roll and tuck, puff? The styling options are actually pretty endless. However, I’ve noticed that when it comes to special occasions many naturals resort to the tried and true straightened hair style for what…I’m not sure.
VS
As for myself, I love being apart of this bold group of African American women who continue to dispel the myths that “our” hair has to be something that it’s not in order to be beautiful for any occasion. Normally I wouldn’t be doing anything particularly special for Valentine’s Day but this year the trustee ministry that I’m a member of has partnered with the nurses ministry to sponsor a dance/fashion show. At the end we’re being introduced and will be dressed up in fancy red dresses. For this special occasion, I’m really tempted to try–for the first time–finger coil twists. However, as I’ve learned some pretty hard lessons about attempting new hairstyles for special occasions, I won’t be doing that. But I’ll definitely be rocking some type of curls. I’ll post the final look!
Again, how will you be rocking your hair on V-day?
So in the end, I surprised myself with a compromise. I blow dried my hair, flat ironed it BUT I styled my hair in a elegant twist!
Holiday Hair–In a Hurry
I knew better. Completely went against my own advice to NEVER wash ones hair when one has a packed schedule. And boy did I have one that day! Picking up the tickets for my sorority’s annual holiday party, a stop by the toy store to pick up an one of my son’s Christmas presents, a dentist appointment, and grocery shopping. Still, I ran the water for the shower, fully intending to wash, deep condition, hot oil treatment AND style my hair as though I had the whole day ahead of me when I actually only had a few short hours prior to party.
Could I pull it off?
Well, I gave it the ‘ole heave hoe. And all things considered, I think it went well.
With exception to the hot oil treatment and not having adequate time for my hair to fully dry (in the back) I was totally ready for a night out with my sorority sisters and friends! But, for sure, it was perfectly dry for church on Sunday so there was no love lost.
After this ordeal, one thing I’m most sure of is that I MUST get more beanie hats! The only one I have–red– just happened to match the theme and my outfit (not pictured, sorry) for the party.
Between now and the New Year there’s sure to be a ton of parties to attend. Help me prepare for the next time I have to pull a rush job and still look fabulous! What are some of your favorite hurried hair style that works for those special occasions.
Post pics if you’ve got ’em!
Naturally Yours,
L.A.
We ALL Have Bad Hair Days
“Do you know it’s 7am?” My husband spoke into my ear.
“Uh…yes…no…uhh…not really.” I stammered as I forced my eyes to open lifting my head from the pillow that added to my comfortable slumber. As indicated by the words I spoke, I had no idea it was time for me to be leaving the house for work, NOT just getting out of bed.
Hair problem #1
I didn’t cover my hair up before climbing into bed knowing good and well I was going to sleep.
Result
Dry hair, specifically dry ends.
Hair Problem #2
I didn’t prep my hair for how I was going to wear it to work (i.e. Two strand twisting or plaits). I planned to twist it but my back was hurting and I took a muscle relaxer for relief. Then I exercised for abt 20 minutes. After all that I was pooped!
Result
No time for a full length shower, carefully choosing my clothes AND styling my hair. I was forced to choose which necessary act I would dedicate more time to. I threw on some jeans and a sweater (after a really fast shower), then stared at the reflection of my dry, curl free (not in a good way) and wondered what I could do in 5 minutes or less.
Here’s what I came up with…
The all-too-familiar puff!
Honestly, I didn’t feel very professional on this day and I almost blamed it solely on the hairstyle. However, the truth is that it was everything from my head to toe–jeans and gym shoes–that created this feeling. If I wasn’t natural and instead wore my hair straightened today would’ve been a ponytail day or a drab wrap kind of day and I would have felt the same way.
Moral of the story–Don’t blame your “natural” hair. Everybody has bad hair days.
Big Chop Update
I did it! Unfortunately I can’t post the video of the process because, honestly, I kinda suck at video making and editing. But I’m no quitter so I’ll keep at it. The good news, however, is that I take pictures just fine :))
Here’s the hair I chopped off:
It was quite liberating. I felt good minus this stringy ends UNTIL it was time to style my hair for work the following Monday. I wore two strand twists pinned up and I hated it–hence no picture :(( I spent the day mourning those stringy ends because they were at least something to work with.
For a short time I was discouraged. Then I logged onto YouTube, as I often do, for a dose of natural hair inspiration. It wasn’t long before I found it.
When I got home I untwisted my hair, laid my head to rest for the night at peace with the possibilities that indeed existed for my shorter hair.
This is what I came up with:
I’m very pleased with this style. I was glad that the front of my hair was still long enough to do that little pompadour thing. During my cutting I got a little scissor happy and cut more than I’d intended in the front. But the hair still needed to go so it’s all good. And if it wasn’t quickly becoming hat-wearing weather I’d wear this style longer. After this week I’ll be going with a protective style of flat twist styles. But overall the cut was a good step in the right direction. I can’t wait to see what happens with my hair after this! Stay tuned!
Naturally Yours,
L.A.
A Delayed Big Chop
Is she crazy? Is she really about to cut off ALL this hair?
Yes! Want to know why? Well the short of it is that all of that hair is no longer on my head. This picture was taken shortly after I combed my locs out, which is about two years ago now.
What happened, you’re probably wondering or not but I have been. My hair has been through a lot since being unloc’d, mainly unstraightened and without heat. However, improper care still occurred on my part.
Coming from four years of locs I simply wasn’t accustomed to having to do something to my hair as frequently as loose natural hair needs. Delicate detangling and most of all MOISTURE! I started off good but soon became overwhelmed and I started skimping on the care. Plus, during one of the times of lengthy straightening I got bored and decided on the bright idea to add color and cut layers into my hair.
Yikes! So began the slow death of the length of my hair when added to the fact that I didn’t moisturizer enough. Now I’m at a stage that I tried to avoid–the big chop– by coming my locs out in the first place. Oh well, it’s just hair right?
Right, but I’m still nervous at the same time that I’m excited. Excited for my hair to look better with these heat damaged ends hanging on. Excited for this next step on my natural hair journey–a journey to healthy, natural hair.
How important is length to you?
Naturally Yours,
L.A.
P.S. Wish me luck. I’ll post a video of the process.
Naturally L.A. 