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Ribbon Braids Headband

Start the french braid as you normally would but add a ribbon to 2 of the braid strands.  You are going to be making 2 braids along the face line.  Braid all the way to the ends.
 Do the same french braid with a ribbon on the other side along her face line. 
Braid all the way to the ends.
 Attach the braids together in the middle of her head (loosely)






Style Search: TWA, BBA, and all lengths in between

In July 2010 I.M.I. held a giveaway that asked readers to suggest topics that they would like to see on the blog. The following topic was inspired by one of those suggestions:

When I am looking for a new style and I get stumped, I have found the that internet and a good ol' Google search can provide me with some inspirations. Recently, I have discovered Tumblr and the numerous natural hair photo blogs that are housed on that website. Here are a few that I like to browse regularly:

Natural Hair Rules!
le coil
Currently Obsessed With...
**** Yeah Natural Hair

Those will keep you busy for a few hours and if you start clicking around you will come across more photo blogs. Hairstyles will  not always fall into your lap, especially natural hair styles, so you must go looking for them. Happy Hairstyle Hunting.

Be sure to click the Suggested Topic label to see all the posts in this series.

Style Search: TWA, BBA, and all lengths in between

In July 2010 I.M.I. held a giveaway that asked readers to suggest topics that they would like to see on the blog. The following topic was inspired by one of those suggestions:

When I am looking for a new style and I get stumped, I have found the that internet and a good ol' Google search can provide me with some inspirations. Recently, I have discovered Tumblr and the numerous natural hair photo blogs that are housed on that website. Here are a few that I like to browse regularly:

Natural Hair Rules!
le coil
Currently Obsessed With...
**** Yeah Natural Hair

Those will keep you busy for a few hours and if you start clicking around you will come across more photo blogs. Hairstyles will  not always fall into your lap, especially natural hair styles, so you must go looking for them. Happy Hairstyle Hunting.

Be sure to click the Suggested Topic label to see all the posts in this series.

"Whip My Hair" - It's becoming a phenomenon!

"Whip My Hair" - It's becoming a phenomenon!

My reason for straightening

The ends of hair are extremely curly and coil around themselves easily. The picture below shows the curls that form from simply wetting my hair.

As a result of all of this "curliness" I experience a lot of SSKs. Sometimes I feel like I get more than the average curly girl. To remedy the problem (temporarily) I figured I would roller-set my hair for awhile because a roller-set stretches out my curls and prevents them from curling up onto each other. 

Also, roller-sets make it easier for me to identifying split ends and SSKs - then I S&D (it sounds so evil, LOL). By destroying those ends I can retain more length and experience less breakage. I have found that healthy ends are a great contributor to my length retention. I believe that my ends are now suffering as a result of a busy life and lack of proper hair care many times over the last two months. Roller-setting will help whip my hair back into shape for my bunning this winter. I can feel myself getting close to a length in which I will just focus on maintaining and not so much retaining more length. 

Un-stretched

Stretched


SSKs = Single Strand Knots
S&D= Search and Destroy

---
Then my hubby got jealous and wanted his own length check, lol (we're racing):

My reason for straightening

The ends of hair are extremely curly and coil around themselves easily. The picture below shows the curls that form from simply wetting my hair.

As a result of all of this "curliness" I experience a lot of SSKs. Sometimes I feel like I get more than the average curly girl. To remedy the problem (temporarily) I figured I would roller-set my hair for awhile because a roller-set stretches out my curls and prevents them from curling up onto each other. 

Also, roller-sets make it easier for me to identifying split ends and SSKs - then I S&D (it sounds so evil, LOL). By destroying those ends I can retain more length and experience less breakage. I have found that healthy ends are a great contributor to my length retention. I believe that my ends are now suffering as a result of a busy life and lack of proper hair care many times over the last two months. Roller-setting will help whip my hair back into shape for my bunning this winter. I can feel myself getting close to a length in which I will just focus on maintaining and not so much retaining more length. 

Un-stretched

Stretched


SSKs = Single Strand Knots
S&D= Search and Destroy

---
Then my hubby got jealous and wanted his own length check, lol (we're racing):

Caring for My Straight Hair

September 2010

Usually I like to use water based moisturizers but when my hair has been straighten/roller-set; water based moisturizers would revert my curl and defeat the purpose. So I need implement my straight hair regimen.

I continue to do protective styles when my hair is straight (buns, french braids, tucked ponytails, etc)

Every other night (or sooner, if needed) I apply a palm full of any lightweight oil to my length (about the last 6-10 inches of my hair). If needed, I will also oil my scalp - but not often.

If I plan to bun for a few days I used something a little heavier like the Koils by Nature hair butter on the ends of my hair.

Lastly, I make sure to wear my satin scarf or bonnet each night.

I have some Vatika oil that I have been waiting to try. I am going to use that for the next fews that I am roller-setting my hair. If you have any experience with this oil, please share.

Caring for My Straight Hair

September 2010

Usually I like to use water based moisturizers but when my hair has been straighten/roller-set; water based moisturizers would revert my curl and defeat the purpose. So I need implement my straight hair regimen.

I continue to do protective styles when my hair is straight (buns, french braids, tucked ponytails, etc)

Every other night (or sooner, if needed) I apply a palm full of any lightweight oil to my length (about the last 6-10 inches of my hair). If needed, I will also oil my scalp - but not often.

If I plan to bun for a few days I used something a little heavier like the Koils by Nature hair butter on the ends of my hair.

Lastly, I make sure to wear my satin scarf or bonnet each night.

I have some Vatika oil that I have been waiting to try. I am going to use that for the next fews that I am roller-setting my hair. If you have any experience with this oil, please share.

Roller-set complete!

So, I battled the heat and decided to roller-set my hair and attempt to sit under that hot dryer (see why I almost didn't here).

It was hot so I'm going to be honest and say that I did not (could not) sit under that dryer long enough for the set to dry completely. So. I ended up air drying and flat ironing (that will be another post) but not bone straight. I have some body but as soon as my feet hit the street on Saturday I immediately missed my curls- they are an extension of my personality.
Braid-out on Flat Ironed Hair
To roller-set:
1. Hair was shampooed and deep conditioned
2. Leave-in conditioner applied
3. Hair was divided into five sections in preparation for the "cheat roller set"
4. Each ponytail was divided in two and set on magnetic rollers using FOTE aloe vera gel
5. I sat under the dryer for almost an hour and then let the set air dry for an additional hour
6. After removing the rollers, I flat ironed my hair on med heat, one pass, and with IC Fantasia heat protector
7. I am still styling my hair in buns because the point of roller setting was to gauge the shape of my hair and to stretch out my ends for SSK prevention

Let's see if I can do two weeks of this before washing...

Roller-set complete!

So, I battled the heat and decided to roller-set my hair and attempt to sit under that hot dryer (see why I almost didn't here).

It was hot so I'm going to be honest and say that I did not (could not) sit under that dryer long enough for the set to dry completely. So. I ended up air drying and flat ironing (that will be another post) but not bone straight. I have some body but as soon as my feet hit the street on Saturday I immediately missed my curls- they are an extension of my personality.
Braid-out on Flat Ironed Hair
To roller-set:
1. Hair was shampooed and deep conditioned
2. Leave-in conditioner applied
3. Hair was divided into five sections in preparation for the "cheat roller set"
4. Each ponytail was divided in two and set on magnetic rollers using FOTE aloe vera gel
5. I sat under the dryer for almost an hour and then let the set air dry for an additional hour
6. After removing the rollers, I flat ironed my hair on med heat, one pass, and with IC Fantasia heat protector
7. I am still styling my hair in buns because the point of roller setting was to gauge the shape of my hair and to stretch out my ends for SSK prevention

Let's see if I can do two weeks of this before washing...

Lil Kim opens a hair salon in North Carolina

I'm NC born and breed...so this is entertaining to me:


"Lil Kim and her cousin Katrise Jones have opened a new hair salon in Charlotte, North Carolina...."


Read more: HipHopWired


I wonder what creations will walk out of those doors?

Lil Kim opens a hair salon in North Carolina

I'm NC born and breed...so this is entertaining to me:


"Lil Kim and her cousin Katrise Jones have opened a new hair salon in Charlotte, North Carolina...."


Read more: HipHopWired


I wonder what creations will walk out of those doors?

Natural Hair is Hot


Natural Hair is Hot


Roller-set Postponed?


Yesterday is was 99°, today it's 95°. Why does that matter to my roller-set? The AC in our house just went out yesterday. I came home today and the house felt like a sauna. I need to clean but I am waiting for it to cool down before I start moving too much. I may eat ice cream for dinner. I know I am not turning on that oven!

Sitting under a dryer for a roller-set would just be too much right now. Plus, all that effort would be wasted if I start sweating...sigh.

Roller-set Postponed?


Yesterday is was 99°, today it's 95°. Why does that matter to my roller-set? The AC in our house just went out yesterday. I came home today and the house felt like a sauna. I need to clean but I am waiting for it to cool down before I start moving too much. I may eat ice cream for dinner. I know I am not turning on that oven!

Sitting under a dryer for a roller-set would just be too much right now. Plus, all that effort would be wasted if I start sweating...sigh.

How Does Castor Oil Help Hair Loss?


I mentioned a few days ago that wanted to incorporate the use of more oils throughout my hair regimen. My hair seems to respond well to oils so curiosity led me to research more about the various oils I plan to use. I found this information on Castor oil very interesting:


Stimulates Hair Growth

  • Massaging castor oil into the scalp helps hair loss in two different ways. First, the massaging action stimulates the hair follicles, encouraging new and faster growth. Second, the castor oil soaks in to the root of the hair, where it interacts with the follicles and encourages them to grow additional hair.

    • Conditions Scalp

  • Castor oil also conditions the scalp and existing hair, making it healthier and improving its appearance. Even though initially a person may have the same amount of hair, that hair will appear thicker because it is healthier. Healthy hair strands appear thicker than unhealthy hair strands.

    • Strengthens Hair

  • The application of castor oil also helps strengthen each hair strand, preventing breakage and hair loss. The hair stays in the follicle longer, and the hair itself doesn't break as easily. Broken hair strands can make hair appear thinner.


    • Read more: How Does Castor Oil Help Hair Loss? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4741189_castor-oil-help-hair-loss.html#ixzz10SRhMvsg

      How Does Castor Oil Help Hair Loss?


      I mentioned a few days ago that wanted to incorporate the use of more oils throughout my hair regimen. My hair seems to respond well to oils so curiosity led me to research more about the various oils I plan to use. I found this information on Castor oil very interesting:


      Stimulates Hair Growth

    • Massaging castor oil into the scalp helps hair loss in two different ways. First, the massaging action stimulates the hair follicles, encouraging new and faster growth. Second, the castor oil soaks in to the root of the hair, where it interacts with the follicles and encourages them to grow additional hair.

      • Conditions Scalp

    • Castor oil also conditions the scalp and existing hair, making it healthier and improving its appearance. Even though initially a person may have the same amount of hair, that hair will appear thicker because it is healthier. Healthy hair strands appear thicker than unhealthy hair strands.

      • Strengthens Hair

    • The application of castor oil also helps strengthen each hair strand, preventing breakage and hair loss. The hair stays in the follicle longer, and the hair itself doesn't break as easily. Broken hair strands can make hair appear thinner.


      • Read more: How Does Castor Oil Help Hair Loss? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4741189_castor-oil-help-hair-loss.html#ixzz10SRhMvsg

        Here we go again: Hair Discrimination


        Va Company Accused Of Rasta-Hair Discrimination


        WAYNESBORO, Va. (AP) ― A Roanoke-based moving company is at odds with a Rastafarian who says he was denied a job because he declined to cut his long, dreadlocked hair because of his religious beliefs.

        The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed a lawsuit against Lawrence Transportation Systems on behalf of Christopher Woodson, who grows his hair as a Rastafarian religious expression. Woodson claimed the company denied him a job as a loader at its Waynesboro facility in May 2008.

        In a written statement Thursday to The News-Virginian, Lawrence Transportation said that the issue centered around Woodson's appearance violating company policy, and didn't stem from religious discrimination.

        ___

        Information from: The News-Virginian, http://www.newsvirginian.com


        Do you think society will ever increase its level of tolerance?

        Here we go again: Hair Discrimination


        Va Company Accused Of Rasta-Hair Discrimination


        WAYNESBORO, Va. (AP) ― A Roanoke-based moving company is at odds with a Rastafarian who says he was denied a job because he declined to cut his long, dreadlocked hair because of his religious beliefs.

        The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed a lawsuit against Lawrence Transportation Systems on behalf of Christopher Woodson, who grows his hair as a Rastafarian religious expression. Woodson claimed the company denied him a job as a loader at its Waynesboro facility in May 2008.

        In a written statement Thursday to The News-Virginian, Lawrence Transportation said that the issue centered around Woodson's appearance violating company policy, and didn't stem from religious discrimination.

        ___

        Information from: The News-Virginian, http://www.newsvirginian.com


        Do you think society will ever increase its level of tolerance?

        Heat and Your Natural Texture






        Question: Why Won't My Hair Return to its Natural Texture After Pressing?
        If you've pressed your natural hair for years (or even once with an iron or comb that was too hot), you may find some sections don't snap back anymore, even after shampooing. What happened to your hair's ability to revert back to its natural texture once water hits it?
        Answer:
        What happened is heat damage. Yes, your hair can lose its ability to curl and will remain permanently straight, and damaged. This happens when you use heat that's too high – it doesn't have to happen over time. One incident with a too-hot curling iron, flat iron or hot comb and this could happen. Even if you wear your naturally curly hair straight all the time, this isn't a result you want because the hair has been fried straight and is not healthy.
        The only solution for the damaged hair is, unfortunately, to cut it off. If you have several damaged sections all over, you'll need to get rid of them, which means an overall cut. If you're trying to grow your hair longer, this is probably the last thing you want to hear, but it's necessary for the overall health of your hair. Once you cut off the damaged parts, you can start or return to a healthy hair regimen.
        ---




        The above question is a situation that many naturals can find themselves in after straightening.
        I haven't received the following question directly but I have seen it a lot on numerous hair boards. This seems to be a frequent hot topic (no pun intended). 





        My experience? I've never been relaxed but I did wear a press n curl for years. Since a stove top hot comb was used on my hair and I could hear the grease sizzle, I am pretty sure that I suffered some form of heat damage. For a few years the curls on one side of my head were looser than the other side. It's possible that those loose curls were a reflection of that damage. 





        I used to think that over time my curls did actually revert but the more I think about it, I am convinced that reversion was not what was happening. I dye my hair (maybe twice a year) and that's no secret. Well, because I dyed my hair I could tell by the roots that my hair was growing however, my length always stayed the same. Breakage.





        So now my train of thought? My heat damage grew out and broke off. Many lessons learned. I still have my pressing comb but I have not used it in years. I stopped pressing/straightening my hair regularly starting January 2005. I may straighten my hair 1-2 times a year and when I do, I now use my ceramic flat iron on med heat. So far I have not suffered any more damage, my curls revert (fast), and I am retaining length. 





        I am sure that I am on the right path now when it comes to heat.

        Heat and Your Natural Texture






        Question: Why Won't My Hair Return to its Natural Texture After Pressing?
        If you've pressed your natural hair for years (or even once with an iron or comb that was too hot), you may find some sections don't snap back anymore, even after shampooing. What happened to your hair's ability to revert back to its natural texture once water hits it?
        Answer:
        What happened is heat damage. Yes, your hair can lose its ability to curl and will remain permanently straight, and damaged. This happens when you use heat that's too high – it doesn't have to happen over time. One incident with a too-hot curling iron, flat iron or hot comb and this could happen. Even if you wear your naturally curly hair straight all the time, this isn't a result you want because the hair has been fried straight and is not healthy.
        The only solution for the damaged hair is, unfortunately, to cut it off. If you have several damaged sections all over, you'll need to get rid of them, which means an overall cut. If you're trying to grow your hair longer, this is probably the last thing you want to hear, but it's necessary for the overall health of your hair. Once you cut off the damaged parts, you can start or return to a healthy hair regimen.
        ---




        The above question is a situation that many naturals can find themselves in after straightening.
        I haven't received the following question directly but I have seen it a lot on numerous hair boards. This seems to be a frequent hot topic (no pun intended). 





        My experience? I've never been relaxed but I did wear a press n curl for years. Since a stove top hot comb was used on my hair and I could hear the grease sizzle, I am pretty sure that I suffered some form of heat damage. For a few years the curls on one side of my head were looser than the other side. It's possible that those loose curls were a reflection of that damage. 





        I used to think that over time my curls did actually revert but the more I think about it, I am convinced that reversion was not what was happening. I dye my hair (maybe twice a year) and that's no secret. Well, because I dyed my hair I could tell by the roots that my hair was growing however, my length always stayed the same. Breakage.





        So now my train of thought? My heat damage grew out and broke off. Many lessons learned. I still have my pressing comb but I have not used it in years. I stopped pressing/straightening my hair regularly starting January 2005. I may straighten my hair 1-2 times a year and when I do, I now use my ceramic flat iron on med heat. So far I have not suffered any more damage, my curls revert (fast), and I am retaining length. 





        I am sure that I am on the right path now when it comes to heat.
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