This past weekend I twisted my hair using As I Am Twist Defining Cream (twisted on dry hair). The product left my hair defined, smooth, soft and shiny on the first day (pictured above). HOWEVER, on the second day I had to re-twist, the definition did not last long. The product does not provide enough hold for my hair type. AND you literally need to take out a loan to purchase it- $21.99 at Sally's. Also as I was playing in my hair, I noticed some sticky build up on my finger tips... My conclusion, I will not buy this product, simply because I have cheaper products that provide the same or better results. But don't be discouraged, who knows.... it might work for you....
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I did the big chop in April of 2011. My hair before I cut it was to the middle of my back. Being in the military, I would always have to pull my hair back. My hair started to break off through out. I wanted to go natural but I was trying to allow the relaxer to grow out. So one day I went to my kids barber and told him to cut it all off. I feel pretty good about my hair right now. Its at 4.5 inches now. I had cut it all off back in January. This time I am going to let it grow. I still shampoo/conditioner shopping. I use Shea moisture shampoo for thick and curly hair with the Curls conditioner. I've also used Pantene moisture balance shampoo and conditioner. I'm now trying out L'oréal's Ever Curl shampoo and conditioner. I am really liking how it is bringing the curls out in my hair. I also use Fantasia ic styling gel products. My hair care routine consist of washing/conditioning my hair every 2-3 days and I get a trim every 3 months. I color my hair so I deep condition it once a month. The hardest part of the journey is right now, I feel like it's in that in between growing stage. My proudest moment is when I cut it all off. I am in the Air Force as a member of the Virginia Air National Guard. When I have weekend duty every month I make sure that my hair is in regulation, so therefore I may use more gel to lay it down. Here is a brief summary of the Military hair compliance: "Females hair will be styled to present a professional appearance. Plain and conservative pins, combs, headbands, elastic bands, and barrettes similar to the individual’s hair color permitted to keep hair in place. Hair will not be worn in an extreme or fad style or violate safety requirements. Will not exceed 3 inches in bulk or prevent proper wear of headgear. Will not include hair ornaments such as ribbons or jeweled pins." My suggestion for other naturals is to definitely try different products to see what works best for their hair. I have to mix and match. Be sure to trim your ends. Also your diet plays an important part, watch what you eat. Today we celebrate and honor those who have sacrificed their lives for our Country. To honor those who continue protecting our freedoms. We salute you Myra, thank you for serving our Country!!!!!
Planning to swim this summer and wondering how to protect your curly tresses from Chlorine water? Here are a few suggestions from my experience swimming with natural hair.Step 1: If possible, rinse your hair in the shower before getting in the pool. If your hair is rinsed with water it won't absorb as much chlorine. Step 2: Apply a coating of hair serum or natural oil to your dripping wet hair, paying special attention to the ends. The serum/oil will help protect your hair while swimming decreasing the chances of chlorine water absorbing in the hair. Use any oils which include Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Coconut Oil. I use both of these oils, mixing them together and apply to my hair before swimming. Step 3: After you swim, it is very important to rinse your hair with water again. If you plan to stay in the sun and hang out around the beach/pool, I recommend applying a liquid spray leave-in conditioner such Aussie Leave In Conditioning spray, Infusium 23 leave-in treatment or Giovanni weightless leave-in. The sun + chlorine can be extremely harsh resulting in dry brittle hair. Step 4: Always shampoo your hair after you're done swimming for the day. It's important to use a shampoo that gets rid of chlorine. Make sure you’re shampoo contains EDTA or Phytic Acid such as Kinky Curly Come Clean. If you have trouble finding a shampoo that contains EDTA or Pyhtic Acid you can purchase UltraSwim Chlorine Removal Shampoo. Step 5: Continue with your usual shampoo and condition routine. VERY IMPORTANT you must deep condition your hair and make sure to put moisture back into those tresses. I have added a video by Naptural85 demonstrating pre-swimming and post swimming techniques. Meet the beautiful Tamara Pollard. She shares her expertise and story of Sisterlocks. Why did you decide to grow your Sisterlocks®? I had relaxed my hair for the last time as a result of experiencing severe chemical burns along the nape of my neck. I felt like something wasn’t quite right about enduring that for the sake of “straight” hair. I decided to go natural and went back to the press & curl. I still wasn’t satisfied because at the end of the day, I just wanted healthy hair. So I began wearing my hair in styles that complimented my texture and went on an exploration of loving my hair as is. It was great… and still, I’m a very “Low Maintenance” person. A friend of mine showed me a picture of Dr. Cornwell and her 4 year old Sisterlocks®. I knew right away they’d be right for me! I loved the size, which yields a great deal of styling versatility while maintaining my natural hair texture. How do you feel about your hair? I love my hair!! I feel liberated and free of “hair drama”. Even on my “worst” day, I never have a ‘bad’ hair day! What products do you use to maintain your Sisterlocks®? No product is necessary to maintain my locks per say. My Consultant or I use Sisterlocks® tools and follow the retightening/grooming techniques on a regular 5-6 week cycle. As far as maintaining the health of my scalp and hair in general… I use Sisterlocks®, Nioxin, Biosilk and BBD King product lines. What is your hair care routine? Generally, I shampoo and condition at least once every 2 weeks. I keep my hair moisturized and style occasionally. I get or do my retightening every 5-6 weeks. I sleep in a silk/satin bonnet. Most of the time I’m “Free-Style”… “wash and wear” or “get up and go” our the door! What has been the hardest part of your Sisterlocks® journey? The hardest part has been retightening my own hair. It is a timely process, my arms get tired and I’d rather sit in the chair and have it done in one appointment. However, sometimes I have to do it myself if I want it done. Otherwise… I have no complaints. What advice would you give for a person aspiring to start their lock transition? -Do your research and consider your budget! Make sure you’re ready for locks (whether traditional or Sisterlocks®. Locking the hair is a test of patience and attracts a lot of attention… positive, negative or otherwise. -Decide what approach will work best for you. What look (overall) you want. -If you desire a particular style and color… cut and color BEFORE having your locks started. You won’t be able to do any of this for a while until they mature for a year or more. -Try to find a Locktician/Consultant you can stick with. “Chair-Hopping” can begin to reveal inconsistencies in your locks if various methods are used in one head of locks. Tell us about your proud Sisterlocks® moment.
When I first got established, I was so happy and pleased and proclaimed to my Consultant (The Roxanne Ray Gomer) that I was going to be the “poster-child” for Sisterlocks®. 12 years later, I was on the road to becoming a Certified Consultant. Currently, I can be found in the 2013 20th Anniversary Commemorative Calendar (November) and on the front of the product brochure! Tell us about your profession and where can we find your establishment? I am a Licensed Managing Natural Hair Stylist and Owner of Love 2 Touch Natural Hair Suite. I specialize in Sisterlocks® and Brotherlocks® as a Certified Consultant, Traditional Locks and natural hair maintenance and styling. I am located in Columbus, OH and Strictly by Appointment Only. Call me at (614) 571-3304 or email me at [email protected]. My beautiful mother introduced me to the LOVE of hair many years ago. As a mother and a hairstylist, she made many positive impressions on me. She inspired me to always look my best and to maintain my hair at all times. My mother began her career as a hairstylist over 35 years ago. I remember growing up, I would watch her style and maintain her clients hair day in and day out. I was fascinated with her ability to transform women hair into healthy gorgeous tresses. In the process I internalized the way she encouraged her customers, educated and empowered them, at the same time building their self esteem. Although my mother was a licensed hairstylist, she rarely did my hair. I would carefully observe her techniques and would practice it on my own hair. I was a little angry at my mom back then and wondered why she wouldn't do my hair pretty like the women who happily left her chair everyday. It wasn't until I went to college that I understood. There was a girl who stayed a few doors down in my dorm hall. Her mother was also a stylist and did her hair regularly. Away from home and now at college poor thing had no clue what to do with her hair. As a result she wore wigs (not in style on a college campus back then). Because of my mother, I was able to style my own tresses, which saved time and money to this day! I had no idea my mother's passion for hair would rub off on me in so many ways. The career path I chose is different from hers, but yet my enthusiasm and love for hair is the same. She taught me to love myself, to love my hair, to uplift and inspire other women. My desire to inspire naturals in their hair journey is contributed to my mother's long lasting career as a compassionate hairstylist. My mother taught me to be a DIVA and for that I am forever GRATEFUL to her. Today I honor her for the great mother she is and the inspiration I live for! Happy Mother's Day Mommy! A Special Tribute To Natural Moms and Their Natural Daughters:Tausha and her 3 beautiful daughters (Imani, Emari and Essence)The Fabulous and Beautiful-Lisa (mom) Emon and ArdenSheena and her little Diva "in training" ReaganNaturally Gorgeous Trio: Ashley and her twins (Kendall and Camille)
OMG!!!! I just had to share!!! This young lady decided to wear her natural hair for Prom. She is so gorgeous! I am truly amazed at her confidence to love herself and natural beauty despite the thoughts of critics and her peers. So many natural women prefer to wear their hair straightened for formal events, which is okay. However, I love it when naturals use their creative ability to go against the norm by rocking their natural hair to formal events! Natural hair can be formal and beautiful too. Proven by Imani! You go girl!!! Love it!!!! Proud Mommy Moment My son Ameer (pictured below) also attended prom this past weekend. I'm very proud of the gentlemen he has become! |