Underneath the Crack--Journey to our Natural Hair & Locks

Sale!

2010-07-21T21:01:00.004-04:00

I have heard some fellow naturals talk about Renpure Organics products but I never wanted to try it enough to go out and buy it. The products are made with 100% organic extracts and are sulfate, dye, color, and paraben free. A lot of naturals talk about how great sulfate free shampoo and conditioner is. I personally never thought anything was wrong with my other shampoo. However, the pj in me decided to take a look at the hair product aisle in good ol' Walgreens and to my surprise they had Renpure Organics on sale buy one get one free so I got the shampoo and conditioner for 6.99 but the icing on the cake is that there is a mail in rebate for 6.99 so (if I ever mail my receipt in) I really got these for free!

I got the "My hair is Pretty Parched" moisturizing shampoo and conditioner which contains Pomegranate Juice and Pomegranate Extract and it is supposed to help restore normal moisture levels. It also contains Silk Protein which is used to repair damage and Olive Leaf Extracts which are used to smooth and repair split ends. I've only used the shampoo once so I'm not sure if I can say 100% that I love it but I will keep you posted

Straight hair....

2010-07-05T17:58:00.000-04:00

Okay my hair has not been straightened in so long! So this past weekend I was going to straighten it to see how long and luxurious my lovely locs are but man o man...my hair is monster! I literally did two pieces and quit! It would have taken forever. I do not think straight is for me anymore at least not right now. So I am rocking single two-strand twist which I really like and I think this will be my new go to style! Bantu's are my first love but a girl needs variety!

EVCO

2010-07-01T18:44:00.002-04:00

Awhile back I saw a YouTube video on coconut oil for hair and of course me being the try everything YouTube says person, I went and bought some lol. I bought it a few months ago and never used it until the other day. I only put it on my scalp to moisturize it but there are many great benefits. It's a light oil that can be used as a conditioner, moisturizer for hair and skin, contains vitamin E, great for dandruff problems, not to mention you can even cook with it. I will say that after washing my hair the other day I didn't put anything in it other then my heat protectant and the EVCO and my hair isn't feeling dry or anything. I'll keep ya updated. Toodles!

Beer Rinse?

2010-06-29T21:48:00.005-04:00

Yep you read it right. Rinsing your hair with beer. A friend of mine tried it and loved it so I thought I'd give it a go too. It was super simple! I just washed my hair like I normally would and then got my good ol' beer(Any old beer will do, but a traditional ale or lager is preferred over wheat beers, because of the hops). Here are some benefits and instructions that I found online at ehow.com...

Benefits
• Beer is made from malt and hops, which contain proteins that are thought to repair hair damaged by chemical processing, sun, chlorine and pollution, and add body to limp strands. The sugars in the beer are believed to make hair shiny by tightening the hair cuticles.

Preparations
• You will want the beer to be flat before putting it on your hair. Open a 12-ounce bottle or can of beer and let it sit out for an hour or two before you plan to shower. You will want to shampoo your hair before using the beer rinse. And yes, you are going to take the beer into the shower with you.

Lather, Rinse, Add Beer
• After shampooing and rinsing your hair, pour the entire beer over your hair, making sure to coat the strands from scalp to tips. Gently massage the beer into your hair and let it soak in for at least two minutes. Rinse your hair completely with cool water. You can then use your regular conditioner to neutralize any traces of beer scent. Towel dry and style as usual. You will find your hair to be shiny, full and bouncy.

What are some hair regimens that you've heard of or tried?

CHEERS!

I cut my hair!

2010-06-29T21:35:00.002-04:00

Don't get too excited...I didn't BC but I did cut about 3 inches off lol. I have so many updates! For starters I went to my old hair dresser and he couldn't deal with my natural hair anymore so we both thought it was best I find someone who specializes in natural hair lol. I am kinda feeling a little excited again about my hair. I only have a little more of my relaxed ends left and let me tell ya...when I washed my hair today I was tempted to cut a little more off.

I have noticed that like many, my hair is more then one texture. I definitely like one more then the other lol. Most of it is very tightly coiled without a sign of a curl pattern and then some has curls (which are few and far between lol). Anywho, in 7 days it'll be a year since I decided to go natural yay!!!!! Whew there are still times I think about backsliding lol. I probably have about 2 1/2 inches left of relaxer and if my hair cooperates and grows more, I'll cut them in August. I'm excited to be 100% natural!

Referrals needed

2010-06-03T01:48:00.001-04:00

I'm in need of a hair stylist here in Cincinnati something terrible. I prefer someone that can deal with my natural hair. Soooo does anyone have any suggestions?

Shea it ain't so

2010-05-25T01:32:00.002-04:00

Well after all of my excitement over getting my shea butter I can say that I do not think my hair liked it at all. I didn't like how my hair felt with it and all I know is that I had more bad fro days then I can count while using it. I'm trying to find a new hair routine to help combat this heat and humidity. I purchased Lustrasilks Aloe Vera Cholesterol conditioner. It's supposed to be a good moisturizer so we shall see. I've only used it once. Other then that, I've gone back to my coconut oil and the occasional castor oil. This is probably the only time in my life I wished it was a little cooler so I can just wear my little hat all the time lol.

Kinky Twist

2010-05-17T10:22:00.000-04:00

I am a weave novice...I got some for my birthday before but other than that I have not had much in my hair other than products! Well this weekend I broke down and let a friend do some kinky twist for me. All I have to say is--it was a nice idea but I do not like the results! I look like a mean 'ol lion! lol I am going to keep them in until I deliver then these suckers are coming out!

The actual twist are neat and her parting was superb but they are super thick and heavy. She used 7 bags of hair!!!!!! I got a whole village on my head! It also took 10 hours!!! But I am grateful because she didn't charge me much and was very flexible to my pregnancy needs.

Anyway, I am going to get micro's when I take these out...I am going to pray it is a better experience!

Henna

2010-05-03T23:27:00.001-04:00

So I try to be open to new hair ideas. I tried the Castor Oil challenge (which I btw stopped after 3 weeks lol) and now I'm looking at Henna. Has anyone tried henna? If so, what were your results/opinions?

p.s
I may resume my castor oil...

I'm bizack

2010-05-03T23:09:00.002-04:00

Where to begin...I haven't blogged in a minute because I didn't want to be a Debbie Downer about my hair. Buuuut sigh, my hair has been dry, kinda brittle, hasn't grown, and if I so much as talk about water I turn into a chia pet. Not to mention I hate that when my hair is down and my head moves one way...my hair stays in its previous position looking like a statue lol.

I don't really know what to do with it at this point. I haven't really had the time to take care of it like I tried to before and every time I wash my hair I get a little more discouraged. I don't want to feel like the only time it looks good is straight. I want to be able to embrace my natural hair but lately I just feel blah about it. I definitely see why people end up doing the big chop. I do hate the relaxed ends at times but I'm not ready to cut anything just yet, I need some more length. Seeing as i'm about 10 months in and my hair doesn't look like it's grown in awhile, I don't see anything other then a trim coming any time soon.

I will be taking a trip to Vegas soon and it is HOOOOOTTTT there. I definitely need to figure something out for my hair before then.

Product routine!

2010-04-29T19:37:00.000-04:00

I need a product routine!!! Nothing really is working in my hair right now. I tried a TnC and is feels soft but it looks sooooooooooooo dull. Maybe because I am pregnant and not happy with how I look IDK...but I do know this for sure I don't see me when I look in the mirror anymore!

Suggestions please!

Video Blog Day 43

2010-04-29T14:07:00.004-04:00

Baby shower hair

2010-04-23T11:52:00.000-04:00

I did a dry braid-out for my baby shower and it came out okay...it was very big! lol

Big hair don't care!

Video Blog Day 27

2010-04-15T22:19:00.002-04:00

Impatience

2010-04-14T11:10:00.002-04:00

26 days in... and it takes 3-6 months for twists to fully dread. WHAT DID I SIGN UP FOR!!!!!
I can do it, I believe in myself.

Something has got to give!

2010-04-10T18:04:00.000-04:00

My hair is terrible! The back feels like a rat's nest and the front looks like Don King! I need a perm, a wig, or a sew-in...bottom line is I need HELP!

The Character Dread

2010-04-09T16:18:00.002-04:00

So 3 days after getting retwisted and there is one twist at the front of my head that wont lay down, i wave capped it, didn't work, My wife boby Pinned it, Didn't work, Any Ideas or should I just leave him be?

Video Blog Day 19

2010-04-07T22:37:00.004-04:00

Video Blog Day 13

2010-04-02T07:17:00.003-04:00

I tried the Shea

2010-03-27T16:14:00.000-04:00

Use 1
So as you know I am pregnant! Yay and the little man at Kilamajbbjgvfvnlmjiphiojaro (lol) told me to use it on my tummy. I have been strech mark free this whole pregnancy (thanks mom) but I decided to use it anyways. My tummy is sooooo soft now!

Use 2
This morning I washed my hair and used shea to seal the ends and protect the line. I will let you know how my shea twist out--turns out!

Confimation

2010-03-26T14:49:00.002-04:00

Now I have self confirmed that I wont make it a month, the new goal is 3 weeks, but even that seems like a stretch right now. Today is the anniversary to week one but i will refrain from posting a video till Monday, since it hasn't been a week since my last video post.

Non hair related news, Hot Tub Time Machine comes out today, I wanna see it, looks like its going to be hilarious.

until monday when i post my new video.

Peace

You can shea that again!

2010-03-24T19:57:00.004-04:00

Nicole and I finally got our Shea Butter and I'm so excited! We went to Kilimanjaros on Ludlow today and pick up an 8oz tub for 9 bucks and a little goes a long way. There are so many uses for this stuff! Here are a few I found...

• Daily skin moisturizer for your face and body
• Treatment for dry skin, eczema, and minor burns
• Reduces blemishes and wrinkles
• Pain relief from swelling and arthritis.
• Can be used as a shaving cream to reduce razor irritation
• Stretch mark prevention during pregnancy
• Sunscreen, due to its rich content of Vitamin E and D
• Eliminating scalp irritation from dryness or chemical processing
• Preventing bumps after shaving
• Helps restore elasticity to skin
• Restores luster to hair

Shea butter is high in vitamins A, E, & F which are great for the skin and it is a natural moisturizer. While watching my many YouTube videos, sooo many people said they used it, loved it, it defined their curls, and it was a great conditioner for their hair. I'm excited to give it a try and see what it does for my hair! I'll keep ya updated :)

4 weeks

2010-03-24T12:15:00.002-04:00

So it is day 5 and I do not think i will make it 4 weeks until i get my hair retwisted. I didnt realize it would be this hard to keep it tidy. On a positive note i can feel the twists starting to dread up a little, some are thinner than others and I wonder how they gain thickness. i guess i will see soon enough.

In search of...

2010-03-23T10:12:00.000-04:00

I need a good leave in conditioner...suggestions please! Right now I am using creme of nature but I really don't like it as much as I use to.

We Need Makeovers

2010-03-22T21:34:00.005-04:00

Welcome LJ!

2010-03-22T21:22:00.002-04:00

I just wanted to give a warm welcome to Mr. Ausmer. We all look forward to reading (watching) your blogs! Lets give it up for Lj...(clap clap clap clap wahoo!).

*Castor Oil update coming soon :)

Video Blog Day 4

2010-03-22T20:22:00.006-04:00

LOST: The Journey of the Locks

2010-03-20T20:43:00.002-04:00

It was November, My wife was nearing her bed rest sentence and one income was making things pretty tight so as a sacrifice I decided to try to save money on hair cuts. As I looked around I saw how popular Dreadlocks are becoming and I thought to my self I am going to try that. Fast forward to March I have enough length to start the beginning stage of the journey. I will blog throughout this process and you will know from beginning to end how the story of LOST ends.

Bed rest and natural

2010-03-20T20:40:00.000-04:00

Ok so I have been on bed rest for over 3 months and my hair has been less than stellar. It still looks a mess but I just thought I would share.

Castor Oil

2010-03-07T23:15:00.002-05:00

I have officially started my castor oil challenge...finally. I will be applying the oil to my scalp twice a week. I'm not sure how long I'll be doing it, maybe a few months but idk. I'm hoping it really stimulates hair growth like many have said but we shall see. I'll keep ya posted!

I'm still hanging in there

2010-01-12T21:33:00.002-05:00

I haven't blogged in a min (sorry about that) but i'm back :) But I can officially say I'm going natural. I said I wouldn't actually claim it until I made it to 6 months and wellll, I'm now 6 months in the game, out of my hair slump, and back to being excited about my journey. The "BC" is definitely not in my near future but we'll see how I feel in a few more months. I'm so excited that I've made it this far (yes, I know 6 months may not be long to some but shooooot that's half of a year! lol).

I've pretty much just been wearing my hair straight lately, and keeping my ends trimmed. I haven't really bought any new products but I am thinking about doing a Castor Oil challenge of some sort. I heard that it really stimulates hair growth so we shall see. Until next time...toodles!

It's your naturalversary!

2009-12-04T12:09:00.002-05:00

I wanted to wish Nicole a happy 6 month naturalversary! Way to go girl! You've made it this far, keep going. Whoop Whoop!

Trying something new

2009-11-13T10:30:00.002-05:00

Mernin' all! I have decided to get out of my hair slump and try something new. I will be trying a roller set today. I have no clue how it's going to turn out but if anything it'll be a funny story. I washed and conditioned my hair this morning and I actually enjoyed doing so :) I will let you all know how it turns out (cross your fingers for me lol). Have a wonderful day, ta ta for now!

Dear hair,

2009-11-04T16:54:00.003-05:00

Dear hair,

I now know what it feels like to love something that doesn't love you back. I loved you with all my heart. I treated you to the finer things in life, washed, conditioned you and even did a heat free challenge so why do you treat me the way you do?! Lately, your attitude disgust me and because of how you make me look in public...I HATE YOU! You have no curl pattern all you show is a puff pattern, you're not growing, and I'm preeeeeetty sure you're falling out. For this, I now do NOT shy away from the heat. At first I was so excited to meet the new you. I couldn't get enough of co-washing, seeing new growth and looking for curls (which btw i'm glad I wasn't holding my breath waiting for a real curl to sprout) but now...I dread looking in the mirror some days for fear of constant disappointment. Hopefully we can mend our relationship soon and get that old thing back.

Yours Truly,

PowerPuff

Hair on the floor

2009-11-04T15:36:00.001-05:00

SOOOO...I think my hair is falling out (insert scream) WHY!!! I am washing it, I do not do a lot of manipulation, I sleep on a satin pillow case what heck is wrong! It is so thick and very very hard to comb. I feel a little defeated by my hair right now. If this was a war, it would be winning the battle right now. I won a few but that was in the past.

I am so broke that I cannot even indulge myself in new products...lol sad face!

They love me...

2009-10-04T19:57:00.002-04:00

Well they love my hair I should say. My new protective style (8 two strand twist, with a bobby pin to secure the ends) gets rave reviews! My friend Trina has done the style for me two weeks in a row. It last all week and gives me a lot of versatility as the week goes on.

I will only go back to my bantu knots if she cuts me off. :-)

Oh btw...I have been crack free for 4 months! YAY for me. I know the hard part has not started yet, but I welcome it with open arms. I now believe you can do anything with a good conditioner!

Quick update

2009-09-28T12:08:00.004-04:00

I went and got my hair deep conditioned, trimmed and flat ironed and all I can say is wow! My hair stylist did such a great job straightening my hair that it looks like I took a hit of the creamy crack. Not to mention it's nice and soft. I'm not too sure how much longer he'll be willing to do my hair since he said he was getting carpal tunnel combing through it lol (dramatic right lol) but I was very happy with my results especially because I was becoming a bit discouraged. After getting over the surprise of me going natural, he gave me some tips such as...don't over-do conditioner because it'll coat your hair and block any new moisture from coming in and since he's been doing my hair for over 10 yrs and he knows my hair he suggested that I use a cream type shampoo such as Creme of Nature (which I need to get more of b/c I'm about out). That's all I have for now... Peace!

New Products Son

2009-09-27T19:44:00.002-04:00

I am in LOVE with my new twist outs! They are much better than my bantu's and my hair holds better.

Any who...I got some new poo and conditioner!!! My aunt who is a stylist purchased it for me. She recommends it for natural hair. I will let you know the name and how I feel about it after I use it next week.

Until then...I am happy being nappy!

-Who gon perm me boo!

Sigh

2009-09-22T12:12:00.002-04:00

Good Afternoon! It's been a minute since I got my blog on but I'm back :) I just wanted to get some stuff off my chest...I AM BECOMING SOOO DISCOURAGED! lol, it's almost been 3 months and I don't see any results. I have like 3 little curls and the rest of this mess is just a puff. It's not doing anything at all. However, I'm going to continue my journey. I don't even have the desire to get a relaxer and talking to Nicole yesterday (while forcing her to say she saw some curls lol), I had a revelation...I think relaxers were drying my scalp out something terrible so it's probably really best that I don't get them. So I'm still hanging in there but this hair of mine is just driving me a little crazy.

Oh, I almost forgot...I completed my heat free challenge! I haven't had any heat in my hair for 4 or 5 weeks :) I will probably be getting my hair flat ironed and my ends clipped this week so we shall see. Have a great day!

Natural=Tender Head

2009-09-11T12:18:00.003-04:00

Okay, so I just got a two-strand twist out done and it took me back to my childhood. I was almost in tears! It hurt so bad when my stylist (Trina) was parting my hair and twisting it. I was moving and and squirming the whole time. I felt like I was a little girl again with my momma doing my hair (pre-perm) and threatening to pop me in the head with the brush. I am loving my natural journey thus far, but boy oh boy my poor head.

BTW: I love my hair it came out really nice. The low down=Eight two strand twist from front to back on wet hair. I took them out the next day and it looks great!

Products:
Shampoo/Conditioner = Motions Naturals (smells great, really like it)
Deep conditioner = Silk Elements, It was just okay I left it in for 45 min with a plastic cap on
Leave in Conditioner = Creme of Nature (yucky smell but worked great)
Grease = Proclaim coconut oil
Finished with Olive oil sheen spray

Quick Question...

2009-09-08T00:20:00.001-04:00

I am looking for a new hair moisturizer... Any suggestions?

Flexi-rods=New hair style!

2009-09-07T22:53:00.003-04:00

While getting my mini haul on last week, I picked up some flexi rods (along with 1,000,000 other things) and Sunday night was the test. I was nervous to see how my hair would turn out but to my surprise it didn't turn out too bad :) I washed and deep conditioned my hair and then flexi rod'd it up. The front came out pretty nice but I need to perfect the back the next time I do it which will probably be Friday after a good ol' co-wash. This style will probably last about 2-3 days. I'm excited my experiment went well! Now I know I will be able to continue my heat free challenge Whoop Whoop! I definitely recommend flexi rods. Until next time...

Str8 Hair

2009-09-07T15:33:00.002-04:00

Ok so my hair has been been straight for two weeks now and I hate it!!! I flat ironed it so that I could get my ends cut and I have been trying not mess with it. I want my curly Bantu's back. I am going to twist it up tonight.

It is so funny that once upon a time I loved being straight now look at me...NATURAL and Loving it!!!!

Randomness

2009-09-02T13:25:00.003-04:00

I just wanted to blog about a few things going on with me :) So I of course went and got some new products today. I picked up some Organix coconut milk conditioner which I heard was pretty good but if I don't like it I have a mail in rebate so it works out to being free. I also picked up some Shine Therapy Silk Fusion critical repair, Shine conditioning gel, and some cheap VO5 conditioner. I plan on going to Sally's tomorrow to pick up some flexi rods and then I'll be trying a new hair style! I also will be picking up some coconut oil and another Aphogee product.

I'm trying to do a heat free challenge as well. So far it's been about a week and I've only challenged myself to go heat free for two or three more weeks. I'm trying to just let my hair be and not bother it.

Last night before I went to bed I had to go through and look at the progress of my new growth lol. I think it's funny that I now get so excited and look forward to new growth when before I would be having a fit by now. I think that going natural can be a very freeing journey and so far I'm still excited and holding strong to the journey. I didn't start shaking and going crazy for the creamy crack when I walked passed it in the aisle. Well kids...gotta go to work so I'll blog again later. Peace and Hair grease!

Rise and Shine!

2009-08-28T08:13:00.004-04:00

Good morning all (and a special shout out to our 2 followers lol)! This morning is a morning of many firsts. Today I co-washed my hair for the first time and am trying some good ol bantu knots, not to mention this is the first time being up this early in awhile. I think I like this co-wash thing! I'm not sure I liked the conditioner I used but I will definitely be adding co-washing to my hair regimen which I'm still trying to perfect btw.

I'm beginning to move into my protective styles and trying not to use heat as much. Right now I use heat once a week to flat iron my hair so i'm hoping these bantu knots come out right so I can start doing these more often. Well, I think I've taken a long enough break...back to bantu'n I go. Have a great day, smooches!

Headbands

2009-08-26T17:44:00.002-04:00

We both are well into our natural journey and the time has come for transitional hairstyles. One thing that both of us have noticed are the edges of our hair, they are rough, tough and standing straight up! We have decided to take on a new venture to combat them...we are making headbands!!!!! Soon we will post photo's of our designs and we will sell them for 5bucks a piece. They are headbands made to help assist in the transitional process and they are very cute. Our headbands contain a satin lining that will protect the hair as you look fly.

Stay tuned for purchasing info!

I found my first curl!

2009-08-25T16:51:00.002-04:00

Ok, so as I stretch out my fingers and prepare them to go on the journey of finding my scalp somewhere beneath this new growth, there it was...my first curl. It stood there strong and proud waiting for me to find it and when I did, I was ecstatic. See, I was an addict, a bad one I tell you. Creamy crack solved all my problems. If I needed my hair washed... I'd take a hit of the creamy crack instead of just washing it. I was so dependent on this high that I don't even remember what my TRUE luscious locks look like. I've always hated the process of getting relaxers but thought I needed one to survive. Well no more! I will not be a slave to the crack! Finding my first curl has given me hope and something to look forward to. Lets just hope I stay this positive because I'm sure the worst has yet to come... Stay tuned :)

p.s

I just found another curl lol

Great Cuts--For Black Girls?

2009-08-25T16:08:00.004-04:00

Okay, I was nervous at first but I really needed to get my ends cut and I do not have a stylist, so I went to Great Cuts and it was alright. Some nice man took me right away and started cutting. He did a very good job. I got about 1 1/2 inches cut off. This is the best part...IT WAS ONLY 12 bucks!!!!

New Product...SUCKED! Nex Faze Shea butter

2009-08-25T15:59:00.005-04:00

Ok so as I told you in my first post I am a PJ. I tried NEX Faze Shea Butter shampoo and conditioner and guess what...It fell short, really short! My hair did not feel soft and I had a tough time de-tangling it. I had to use another conditioner just to help it out.

I flat ironed my hair for the first time in a month and it did not come out too bad.

Diamond in the rough...

2009-08-24T16:40:00.000-04:00

I have been so dependent on creamy crack for long that I have no clue what my real hair looks like underneath it all. Right now I am in the process of growing out my chemically processed hair, with the hope that underneath is a diamond in the rough (I only see the rough part right now).

As I write this blog, I am wondering why am I doing this? What am I trying to prove? When I am able to answer this question I promise I will write about it but until then enjoy the stories of my product reviews, hair suggestions, and style failures.

I am a self proclaimed Product Junkie (PJ) and I have no clue how to flat iron my own hair. I do not want to do the big chop (BC) so I am going to do this the long hard way. I am in it for the long haul and I hope this is more than a hair journey for me. I hope it is a personal journey into finding ME and what it means to be a black woman freeing herself from the control of creamy crack (C2).

India Arie said I am not my hair...well that is A LIE. I am my hair but I want it to be the real me too.