I'm going on a diet!!

LOL, I know someone just said some explicit....but I am not going on a weight loss diet, I am going on a Hair Diet: No 'cones or sulfates.

While on my self imposed cornrow challenge I have decided to add another element. I am only going to use sulfate free and cone free products for the month long challenge. I've never noticed a differenc in my hair with product before but then again I did not use any of the sulfate free and cone free products consistently.

I choose my products after examining these lists:

http://www.longhaircommunity.com/archive/showthread.php?t=34009

http://sites.google.com/site/ladylonghair/'cone-freeconditioners

I will be using:

Dudu Osun Herbal Shampoo

Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat conditioner or Giovanni Smooth As Silk

Shea Moisture Shea Butter Leave in

I'm going on a diet!!

LOL, I know someone just said some explicit....but I am not going on a weight loss diet, I am going on a Hair Diet: No 'cones or sulfates.

While on my self imposed cornrow challenge I have decided to add another element. I am only going to use sulfate free and cone free products for the month long challenge. I've never noticed a differenc in my hair with product before but then again I did not use any of the sulfate free and cone free products consistently.

I choose my products after examining these lists:

http://www.longhaircommunity.com/archive/showthread.php?t=34009

http://sites.google.com/site/ladylonghair/'cone-freeconditioners

I will be using:

Dudu Osun Herbal Shampoo

Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat conditioner or Giovanni Smooth As Silk

Shea Moisture Shea Butter Leave in

You Asked...I Answered

You Asked:

Dear Tia, let me just say THANK YOU for ur blog. What has been your experience with blow drying, did you do it in the beginning of your journey? If so, how often? I know you can roller set now, but considering I only have 4 inches of hair, I'm wondering how often I should/can blow dry without causing too much damage. I lightly did it for the 1st time recently 1 yr post relaxer on low with fantasia IC heat protectant and I love the results and want to continue. Thx in advance!

I Answered:

I did blow dry for years and my hair suffered because I didn't know any better and I was blow drying my hair on HIGH and I would only purchase blow dryers that had the highest watts. I recall a few times having the blow dryer so hot that the circuit would trip - that was bad. Since (2008) I started taking better care of my hair I have blow dried my hair maybe 3 three times. (I do sit under a hooded dryer when I roller-set but that is less direct than the hand held.) When I use the hand held I keep the dryer set at medium-heat and under and I also use the "cool shot." I believe that blow drying in moderation is okay if done properly. First, help your hair straighten out by banding or stretching your hair and letting it air dry completely. From there you can blow dry on low heat (with a heat protectant) to get the look you desire. You want to be careful with heat because heat damage can creep up on you and result in a huge setback.

--------

You Asked:

Hi Tia I love your hair I would like to know how do you get your buns so smooth I am trying to incorporate more protective styles in my routine I have been natural for almost 2 years so I want to try something different My main style is the twist or twist out THANK YOU IN ADVANCE...:-)

I Answered:

My buns are the smoothest when I do them on damp hair. That is really the only trick. I use a sock, damp hair, and my hand to smooth them down. I will have to do a tutorial to show the technique.

-------

You Asked:

What ingredients make a dc a dc?

I Answered:

Great question! A while ago I looked this up because I was curious myself. I came across a post on The Natural Haven that provided me with a lot of helpful info and is also the reason that I now deep condition(dc) in a less amount of time. I used to DC for 1 hour now it's more like 10-20mins.

The consistency of conditioners is one of the key qualities that make a conditioner a deep conditioner. Deep conditioners tend to be thicker than daily conditioners. Typically deep conditioners contain ingredients are more "fatty" and contain heavy silicone materials that are purposed to coat and protect the hair shaft external stress.

You Asked...I Answered

You Asked:

Dear Tia, let me just say THANK YOU for ur blog. What has been your experience with blow drying, did you do it in the beginning of your journey? If so, how often? I know you can roller set now, but considering I only have 4 inches of hair, I'm wondering how often I should/can blow dry without causing too much damage. I lightly did it for the 1st time recently 1 yr post relaxer on low with fantasia IC heat protectant and I love the results and want to continue. Thx in advance!

I Answered:

I did blow dry for years and my hair suffered because I didn't know any better and I was blow drying my hair on HIGH and I would only purchase blow dryers that had the highest watts. I recall a few times having the blow dryer so hot that the circuit would trip - that was bad. Since (2008) I started taking better care of my hair I have blow dried my hair maybe 3 three times. (I do sit under a hooded dryer when I roller-set but that is less direct than the hand held.) When I use the hand held I keep the dryer set at medium-heat and under and I also use the "cool shot." I believe that blow drying in moderation is okay if done properly. First, help your hair straighten out by banding or stretching your hair and letting it air dry completely. From there you can blow dry on low heat (with a heat protectant) to get the look you desire. You want to be careful with heat because heat damage can creep up on you and result in a huge setback.

--------

You Asked:

Hi Tia I love your hair I would like to know how do you get your buns so smooth I am trying to incorporate more protective styles in my routine I have been natural for almost 2 years so I want to try something different My main style is the twist or twist out THANK YOU IN ADVANCE...:-)

I Answered:

My buns are the smoothest when I do them on damp hair. That is really the only trick. I use a sock, damp hair, and my hand to smooth them down. I will have to do a tutorial to show the technique.

-------

You Asked:

What ingredients make a dc a dc?

I Answered:

Great question! A while ago I looked this up because I was curious myself. I came across a post on The Natural Haven that provided me with a lot of helpful info and is also the reason that I now deep condition(dc) in a less amount of time. I used to DC for 1 hour now it's more like 10-20mins.

The consistency of conditioners is one of the key qualities that make a conditioner a deep conditioner. Deep conditioners tend to be thicker than daily conditioners. Typically deep conditioners contain ingredients are more "fatty" and contain heavy silicone materials that are purposed to coat and protect the hair shaft external stress.

Detangling Tips

I don't like to detangle. There have been days (in the past) that I cut out a section of hair just because it was "too tangled." Detangling is the part of my washing process that I dread the most.

So for year I have been on the mission to make this process as smooth as possible. I have found that prevention is the key! (like with most things in life).

So my process goes like this:

When applying my prepoo mix I lightly finger comb if my hair is loose enough

While shampooing (in sections) I start detangling with my fingers and if my hair allows I may even bring in the shower comb at this step. This is done under running water.

Then while applying my conditioner I am constantly detangling and using the shower comb to evenly distribute the conditioner. By the time I get to this step I hardly have any detangling to do. Basically I am taking steps to prevent tangles from reforming.

When I am rinsing out the conditioner (under running water) I am constantly combing through my hair with the shower comb. At this point the comb glides through with no problem. :)

Once each section is rinsed I neatly plait the section to prevent detangling.

When styling my hair I make sure that each section I style stays detangled while I am twisting, braiding, plaiting, etc.

The most successful detangling (for me) happens when I incorporate detangling at each step of my regimen. I experience little to no breakage as a result of not having to "fight" my hair.

Detangling Tips

I don't like to detangle. There have been days (in the past) that I cut out a section of hair just because it was "too tangled." Detangling is the part of my washing process that I dread the most.

So for year I have been on the mission to make this process as smooth as possible. I have found that prevention is the key! (like with most things in life).

So my process goes like this:

When applying my prepoo mix I lightly finger comb if my hair is loose enough

While shampooing (in sections) I start detangling with my fingers and if my hair allows I may even bring in the shower comb at this step. This is done under running water.

Then while applying my conditioner I am constantly detangling and using the shower comb to evenly distribute the conditioner. By the time I get to this step I hardly have any detangling to do. Basically I am taking steps to prevent tangles from reforming.

When I am rinsing out the conditioner (under running water) I am constantly combing through my hair with the shower comb. At this point the comb glides through with no problem. :)

Once each section is rinsed I neatly plait the section to prevent detangling.

When styling my hair I make sure that each section I style stays detangled while I am twisting, braiding, plaiting, etc.

The most successful detangling (for me) happens when I incorporate detangling at each step of my regimen. I experience little to no breakage as a result of not having to "fight" my hair.

Protective Styling Challenge: Cornrows

I like challenges, they keep me consistent.

This time I am doing a self imposed cornrow challenge. When I was in college I wore cornrows (no weave) all the time and it was so convenient. Presently, I do them often but typically not more than a week at a time. I was motivated to do this challenge as I browsed through the FOTKI album of Forevercurlycatrina and watched some of the YouTube vids of LongHairDontCare2011. Forevercurlycatrina has some awesome cornrow styles that are cute and very feminine. LongHairDontCare2011 has some impressive length that came without complicated regimens.

Cornrows are super low manipulation and low manipulation = length retention. :)

My regimen will be as follows:

Prepoo

Shampoo

Deep Condition

Apply leave in condition

Style using only oils

Remove braids and let hair rest overnight before re-braiding.

My concerns:

Getting carried away and braiding to tightly

Roughly handling my hair while braiding

(If I can avoid those issues I think I will do okay with this challenge. )

I wanted to start this month long challenge on June 1 but with the last weekend in May being a busy holiday weekend I will start on May 30 with a fresh set of cornrows.

Protective Styling Challenge: Cornrows

I like challenges, they keep me consistent.

This time I am doing a self imposed cornrow challenge. When I was in college I wore cornrows (no weave) all the time and it was so convenient. Presently, I do them often but typically not more than a week at a time. I was motivated to do this challenge as I browsed through the FOTKI album of Forevercurlycatrina and watched some of the YouTube vids of LongHairDontCare2011. Forevercurlycatrina has some awesome cornrow styles that are cute and very feminine. LongHairDontCare2011 has some impressive length that came without complicated regimens.

Cornrows are super low manipulation and low manipulation = length retention. :)

My regimen will be as follows:

Prepoo

Shampoo

Deep Condition

Apply leave in condition

Style using only oils

Remove braids and let hair rest overnight before re-braiding.

My concerns:

Getting carried away and braiding to tightly

Roughly handling my hair while braiding

(If I can avoid those issues I think I will do okay with this challenge. )

I wanted to start this month long challenge on June 1 but with the last weekend in May being a busy holiday weekend I will start on May 30 with a fresh set of cornrows.

Sponge Curlers

My new work schedule has changed a lot lately so our hairstyles have gotten really simple.  I bathed my daughter the other night and she asked for curlers put in her hair.  I use sponge curlers since I think they are easier to sleep in.

To get big curls I made large parts and wrapped them tightly around the curlers.

When she woke up the next morning I took a blow dryer to make sure all the hair was dry.

Shown below I took one curler out to show the large curls these made.

Take out all of the curlers

She asked for a ribbon headband.  Since we all know these don't stay in all day by themselves.  I took a small amount of hair just above each ear and singled it out.  Then place the ribbon behind that hair.  Pull the small amount of hair that was left out across the ribbon and take another small amount of hair on the opposite side of the ribbon and secure with an elastic. (SHOWN BELOW).

Take both sides of the hair and secure together at the base of her head.

You Asked...I Answered

This is fun! Keep 'em coming :)

<-------- Just click over there on "contact me"

You Asked:
My name is (deleted for privacy) and I love Gospel like you. I live in Brazil and my goal is know people and share interesting information. Can you send me some gospel musics?

I Answered:

I get acquainted with most of my music through YouTube and following the Rapzilla blog. It's sad that one has to hunt for uplifting music (both Gospel and secular) but the negative music is so easily found and thrown in your face. I hope you find a lot that you like.

-----

You Asked:

(prompted by Simple Braid-out) Love it,your hair looks great. When I do mine, the ends always look crazy because they unravel...how long does that style actually stay in before you have to rebraid or wash it?

I Answered:

Since I am now only wearing my hair out on the weekends my braid-outs and twist-outs stay for only a day or two because I wash them out to put my hair back up for the week. I have worn those styles for up to a week before, so that is possible. For ends that unravel, perm rods can be used on the ends to help them curl and stay together.

-----

You Asked:
Hi Tia! I was interested in knowing if you use any products other than Suave or what is handmade?

Also have you ever tried Aveda or Kerastase hair products?

What your motivation, or inspiration for your hairstyles, or mixing process?Or what could you tell me that would help assist me in getting more focused/in tune on how to care for my curly hair?

BY the way Kelis is my hair idol too.lol

I Answered:

I do use other products outside of the Suave family it's just that they Suave line never seems to let me down so when I am not sure about what to use I always go back to my "ol faithful" Suave. I even use their body washes. I use Herbal Essences (Hello Hydration and Long-Term Relationship), I use some Africa's Best product (mostly oils), Shea Moisture for my leave-in conditioner, and Care Free Curl for my moisturizer.

I have not tried Aveda or Kerastase hair products. I have heard of them but I REFUSE to become a product junkie. So I may try them one day if I am completely out of something and I see them while I am out shopping. I never say never :) when it comes to trying something hair related.

Most of the motivation for my styles comes from seeing something online or in a magazine that I like and putting my own twist on it when I try the style. Since all of our textures, hair lines, and lengths are different I feel that even if we try to do identical styles that they will always come out looking unique to each individual.

Getting in tune with your hair will come with time. You will notice over time the signs that your hair gives you when it is in need of something (moisture, deep conditioning, treatments, etc). Then you will notice the time frame between those needs and before you know it you will be able to meet or beat them before the time arrives to do what is needed. When I was learning my hair and I would buy a new product, I would use that product for at least a month to determine if it was right for me. Many of use want overnight results and when we don't get them we get disappointed and we put that 95% full product in the back of the closet - money wasted. Simply put, it will take time and trial & error.

You Asked...I Answered

This is fun! Keep 'em coming :)

<-------- Just click over there on "contact me"

You Asked:
My name is (deleted for privacy) and I love Gospel like you. I live in Brazil and my goal is know people and share interesting information. Can you send me some gospel musics?

I Answered:

I get acquainted with most of my music through YouTube and following the Rapzilla blog. It's sad that one has to hunt for uplifting music (both Gospel and secular) but the negative music is so easily found and thrown in your face. I hope you find a lot that you like.

-----

You Asked:

(prompted by Simple Braid-out) Love it,your hair looks great. When I do mine, the ends always look crazy because they unravel...how long does that style actually stay in before you have to rebraid or wash it?

I Answered:

Since I am now only wearing my hair out on the weekends my braid-outs and twist-outs stay for only a day or two because I wash them out to put my hair back up for the week. I have worn those styles for up to a week before, so that is possible. For ends that unravel, perm rods can be used on the ends to help them curl and stay together.

-----

You Asked:
Hi Tia! I was interested in knowing if you use any products other than Suave or what is handmade?

Also have you ever tried Aveda or Kerastase hair products?

What your motivation, or inspiration for your hairstyles, or mixing process?Or what could you tell me that would help assist me in getting more focused/in tune on how to care for my curly hair?

BY the way Kelis is my hair idol too.lol

I Answered:

I do use other products outside of the Suave family it's just that they Suave line never seems to let me down so when I am not sure about what to use I always go back to my "ol faithful" Suave. I even use their body washes. I use Herbal Essences (Hello Hydration and Long-Term Relationship), I use some Africa's Best product (mostly oils), Shea Moisture for my leave-in conditioner, and Care Free Curl for my moisturizer.

I have not tried Aveda or Kerastase hair products. I have heard of them but I REFUSE to become a product junkie. So I may try them one day if I am completely out of something and I see them while I am out shopping. I never say never :) when it comes to trying something hair related.

Most of the motivation for my styles comes from seeing something online or in a magazine that I like and putting my own twist on it when I try the style. Since all of our textures, hair lines, and lengths are different I feel that even if we try to do identical styles that they will always come out looking unique to each individual.

Getting in tune with your hair will come with time. You will notice over time the signs that your hair gives you when it is in need of something (moisture, deep conditioning, treatments, etc). Then you will notice the time frame between those needs and before you know it you will be able to meet or beat them before the time arrives to do what is needed. When I was learning my hair and I would buy a new product, I would use that product for at least a month to determine if it was right for me. Many of use want overnight results and when we don't get them we get disappointed and we put that 95% full product in the back of the closet - money wasted. Simply put, it will take time and trial & error.

Simple Braid-Out

I was able to achieve this style after doing the 6 cornrows and a flower for a week. I love 2 in one styles because they contribute to my laziness. :)

Here is a quick tutorial on how I do my braidouts, its an extremely simple process:

Simple Braid-Out

I was able to achieve this style after doing the 6 cornrows and a flower for a week. I love 2 in one styles because they contribute to my laziness. :)

Here is a quick tutorial on how I do my braidouts, its an extremely simple process:

Updo Fun for HOT Days!

I apologize for the lack of posts we have been out of town for the last week.  We played as a family all last week in the warm sun at the lake here is one of the hairstyles.  As I have mentioned before my daughter hates to have her hair down when its hot.

I started by making 2 french braids up her hair starting from the bottom of her head (as shown below)

Then I took a small amount of hair and pulled it just above her ear (this was to keep her bangs out of her face).  I left a small amount of hair just above her hair along the face line.  This will be used to cover the elastic. (see picture below.)

Pull all the remaining hair except the small amount of hair along the hair line into a ponytail.

Shown below is the hair left out of the ponytail temporarily.

Take the remaining hair and pull it across the elastic and secure it around the ponytail.

Then make a messy bun with all the hair. 

Thank You IntelligentBeauty

I want to THANK IntelligentBeauty for contribution to HerBestHair. I hope that someone out there was able to benefit from her transitioning knowledge and experience.

To show my appreciation IntelligentBeauty will receive a gift courtesy of I.M.I.

Thank You IntelligentBeauty

I want to THANK IntelligentBeauty for contribution to HerBestHair. I hope that someone out there was able to benefit from her transitioning knowledge and experience.

To show my appreciation IntelligentBeauty will receive a gift courtesy of I.M.I.

You Asked...I Answered

This is something new I am trying because I am starting to get dizzy from all all the questions I am asked and answer. I don't mind the questions and I love helping but it seems that it would be more helpful if the answered were shared because I tend to get the same questions frequently. I figured we can all learn from each other and learn together.

I don't claim to know it all so if there is a question asked to you know something about please feel free to chime in by posting in the comments section below the post.

(but not too silly, LOL)

You Asked...I Answered

This is something new I am trying because I am starting to get dizzy from all all the questions I am asked and answer. I don't mind the questions and I love helping but it seems that it would be more helpful if the answered were shared because I tend to get the same questions frequently. I figured we can all learn from each other and learn together.

I don't claim to know it all so if there is a question asked to you know something about please feel free to chime in by posting in the comments section below the post.

(but not too silly, LOL)

Sunday Style: Chunky Twist-Out

This look was achieved with 10 two strand twists that was set on hair that was shampooed, deep conditioned, and a leave in conditioner apply. The hair was about 50-70% when I start twisting.

Sunday's Message:
But Now
Isaiah 43:1-3

When God is all up in your situation, your situtation will yield different results. Sometimes the Lord doesn't take you out of your pit but He will get in there with you. When the Lord is with you He will:

1. Claim you (Isaiah 43:1)

2. Protect you (Psalm 121:6)

3. Deliver you (Daniel 3, Daniel 6:1-28)

Sunday Style: Chunky Twist-Out

This look was achieved with 10 two strand twists that was set on hair that was shampooed, deep conditioned, and a leave in conditioner apply. The hair was about 50-70% when I start twisting.

Sunday's Message:
But Now
Isaiah 43:1-3

When God is all up in your situation, your situtation will yield different results. Sometimes the Lord doesn't take you out of your pit but He will get in there with you. When the Lord is with you He will:

1. Claim you (Isaiah 43:1)

2. Protect you (Psalm 121:6)

3. Deliver you (Daniel 3, Daniel 6:1-28)

How often do you deep condition your hair?

Feel free to explain your answer...why you don't deep condition or the benefits you get from deep conditioning.

How often do you deep condition your hair?

Feel free to explain your answer...why you don't deep condition or the benefits you get from deep conditioning.

Transitioning 101 by IntelligentBeauty (Part 4)

HAIRSTYLING TECHNIQUES

YAYYY, finally the fun part!!!
This part is all about starting to do naturally curly styles. Never mind the flat irons and blow-dryers to try to blend the curly hair to the straight hair. Think opposite of this and try to blend the straight hair with curly hair. Make the straight hair curly. There are plenty of creative, protective styles for you to try to blend the 2 textures. You want low manipulation and protective styles to minimize breakage. Surf you tube, hit all the natural hair blogs, books and magazines. Check out transitioning and natural curlies journals on fotki (www.fotki.com/intelligentbeauty is mine;-).

Some of my favs were:
DOUBLE STRAND FLAT TWISTS
TWIST OUTS
ROLLER SETS
BUNNING
BRAIDS (no extensions)
BRAID OUTS
FRENCH ROLLS
BANTU KNOTS
BANTU KNOT OUTS………and there is so much more!!!!!

When styling, remember that certain gels are drying and should be avoided, use butters instead (shea or mango butter). Do not brush you hair. This will cause the hair to break at the line of demarcation. Try to use only your fingers or a wide toothed comb if you must and then a smaller comb of smaller sections. If you must brush your edges, use an old tooth brush, some butter and water, and a light hand. The use a scarf to hold the edges down in place for about 10-20 mins. Then you can have nice smooth edges.

Well this concludes my transition tricks and tips.
My final words to you are congratulations on your choice to go natural. Stay encouraged through your journey. Remember why you are doing this in the first place. There have been plenty of women before you that have been successful and you will be too!!! There is a lot of info out there on the web compared to years ago. Don't be afraid to ask questions on the blogs. Big chop only when YOU are ready!! Join a community of curlies on the forums and get support from them. Be patient with yourself and your hair. Be consistent with your regimen and products that work. Concentrate on your new head of curls, and not your neighbor's. Let your uniqueness and beauty shine through, like only you can do.

HAVE A TERRIFIC JOURNEY, DOLLS!!!!

Transitioning 101 by IntelligentBeauty (Part 4)

HAIRSTYLING TECHNIQUES

YAYYY, finally the fun part!!!
This part is all about starting to do naturally curly styles. Never mind the flat irons and blow-dryers to try to blend the curly hair to the straight hair. Think opposite of this and try to blend the straight hair with curly hair. Make the straight hair curly. There are plenty of creative, protective styles for you to try to blend the 2 textures. You want low manipulation and protective styles to minimize breakage. Surf you tube, hit all the natural hair blogs, books and magazines. Check out transitioning and natural curlies journals on fotki (www.fotki.com/intelligentbeauty is mine;-).

Some of my favs were:
DOUBLE STRAND FLAT TWISTS
TWIST OUTS
ROLLER SETS
BUNNING
BRAIDS (no extensions)
BRAID OUTS
FRENCH ROLLS
BANTU KNOTS
BANTU KNOT OUTS………and there is so much more!!!!!

When styling, remember that certain gels are drying and should be avoided, use butters instead (shea or mango butter). Do not brush you hair. This will cause the hair to break at the line of demarcation. Try to use only your fingers or a wide toothed comb if you must and then a smaller comb of smaller sections. If you must brush your edges, use an old tooth brush, some butter and water, and a light hand. The use a scarf to hold the edges down in place for about 10-20 mins. Then you can have nice smooth edges.

Well this concludes my transition tricks and tips.
My final words to you are congratulations on your choice to go natural. Stay encouraged through your journey. Remember why you are doing this in the first place. There have been plenty of women before you that have been successful and you will be too!!! There is a lot of info out there on the web compared to years ago. Don't be afraid to ask questions on the blogs. Big chop only when YOU are ready!! Join a community of curlies on the forums and get support from them. Be patient with yourself and your hair. Be consistent with your regimen and products that work. Concentrate on your new head of curls, and not your neighbor's. Let your uniqueness and beauty shine through, like only you can do.

HAVE A TERRIFIC JOURNEY, DOLLS!!!!