Hair Update: I have been Neglecting my hair (in a good way)

I have decided to cut out shampooing for a while I am only co washing once a week, only detangling in the shower with my fingers and wide tooth comb, keeping it braided, and continuing to wear my protective style of choice which are wigs. I will co wash until mid 2013. So far my hair has been loving all the moisture and the non- attention I have been giving it. Leaving your hair alone is the best way to retain length and I have been seeing the results. I made APL in June 2012, I am very close to BSL but I may not reach it until early 2013. I am just continuing to be patient in my hair journey and not really worrying or obsessing over how much my hair is growing and letting nature take it's course.

Great Investment for my Hair Journey

Morning beauties!!!! So as you all know I am a DIE HARD wiggie. Yes I love wearing wigs and it plays a huge part of my hair journey. I have bought numerous synthetic wigs over the past year and they can become  very worn down and you end up throwing them away, so I decided to invest in a human hair wig. I got this wig from Luxurious Hair Boutique. Her name is Andrea and she is 100% indian remy hair. She is 16 inches and has layers all through. She has a bang that you can wear to the side or across the forehead. When I put heat to her, just like my own hair I always use heat protectant. This is one of my best investments I have ever made in my hair journey. I feel like I will have this unit for a long time and the hair is beautiful and the best part, she looks like a sew in, no one can tell it's a wig. I love my synthetic wigs but it doesn't beat a real human hair wigs. I will definitely invest in another one soon.

The Best Hair Day Ever!!!!!!

Morning Beauties!!! I had to share this picture because this was by far the best hair day I ever had. This pic was taken before I got my box braids installed. I had washed, deep conditioned and did a protein treatment and braided my hair and wore a wig for for 1 whole week and then I decided to where it as a braid out that was combed out and I loved it!!!!! I also recently cut off some of my damaged ends so it looked so full and healthy. My braidouts never looked this good. I plan on keeping my hair in protective styles until next spring. So I will definitely miss my hair especially if it keeps looking like this.

Box Braids Wash Day

Hello beauties!!!! It has been one week since I've gotten my box braids installed, and even though my hair is in a protective style, I still have to keep up with my hair care. So today when I got home from work, I washed my braids!!!! What I did was bought two application bottles, filled one with with 1 ounce of shampoo and filled the other with 1 ounce of conditioner and honey and diluted it with water. I got in the shower and wet my braids and applied the diluted shampoo to my scalp and all down my braids and rinsed it under the shower head and repeat. I then applied the conditioner/ honey/ water mix and rinsed it out and continued to moisturize my braids with s-curl and oiled my scalp and sealed with Doo Gro Mega Thick Oil which smells AMAZING!!! And not to mention my braids and scalp feels amazing. I plan on washing my braids every week and continue to moisturize and seal every other day and hoping that this will help me achieve my goal of BSL.

Protective Style: Box Braids

Good Afternoon Beauties!!!! So It's September in Chicago, which means that cold weather is soon to rear it's ugly head and I needed to take drastic measures to protect my healthy hair investment. Cold weather leads to dry hair and winter hats and scarfs can cause major breakage. I decided to go for braids and not just any braids, Box Braids. Yes the old school 90s, Brandy inspired hairstyle. It has became popular these last few years and not to mention they are gorgeous. So yesterday, I got them installed and I did want them to be longer and bigger, but them being smaller will make them last longer and it will be easier to maintain. They are a inch or two longer than my natural hair length and I must say, I miss my hair already lol. I do plan on keeping them in for about two months and I do have a regimen planned out for this because if you do not properly take care of your hair inside of the braids, it can cause a MAJOR Setback. I plan on washing and conditioning my braids every two weeks and oiling my scalp and moisturizing and sealing when needed. I do plan on keeping protective styles in for the cold months and will not be wearing my natural hair out until the warmer months. By the time next spring rolls around I will be a little more past BSL and my hair will be big and AMAZING!!! Will keep you all updated on how it goes. Until Next time beauties, XOXOXO Curlyknots =)

Heat Damage is the Devil!!!!!

Hi My Natural Beauties!!!!!! and Happy Labor Day to you all. It has been such a long time since I blogged. I have been extremely busy with work and taking care of my household, so I thought that since this was my wash day and my day off, I thought I would let you guys in on what is going on with my hair and this lovely journey. I am currently one year and eleven months post relaxer and eight months natural. I am getting a protective style this Saturday for the cold months. *Will blog about that this weekend with pictures =)*. So I decided to prep my hair today by washing my hair with Biosilk Silk therapy shampoo, did a protein treatment, followed by a deep condition with my Elasta QP DPR-11 with Honey, Grapeseed and Castor Oil and an oil rinse. I have noticed that my curl pattern in the front of my head was looser than my curl pattern in the back, Even when I did my mini chop back in February, I noticed I had some little flies of fried ends left. I realized that this was definitely heat damage. No wonder my curls wasn't going in their full potential, and my wash and gos were epic fails. So today while I had conditioner in my Hair, I started to search and destroy method. The damage is about two three inches, so I cut most of the ends off because heat damage is complete irreversible and even though Protein Treatments  if I want my hair to be at it's full potential then I have to get rid of those nasty ends. I still have a inch to go but after I take down my protective style I will clip them away. But how liberated do I feel with these fried ends in the front are gone!! my hair looks a lot better and is blending much better than usually and it will also be much healthier. I have also been forgetting to take my hair vitamins, but definitely will start back, by next summer I am hoping to be a little past BSL and I got a fresh Start until next time beauties, Stay dedicated, don't get discouraged and Moisture and Seal always.

XOXOXO 

CurlyKnots

Lustra Silk Curl Max Pudding Review

I went product shopping yesterday with my friends and came across this product. It was $5.49 @ Walmart and I decided to give it a try. I wanted something to give my 3c/4a hair some curl definition, especially since my wash n gos have not been so successful in this hot, dry Chicago summer. Of course they were all out of Shea Moisture which I have yet to try but next payday it's going down lol. So I picked this one up instead. The first thing that attracted it to me was it had Argan Oil, which is the bomb.com when it comes to hair. It is also alcohol free which is also a great sign of a good product. The very first two ingredients are water and glycerin, which is a natural divas best friend!! Some of the other ingredients that are beneficial for the hair were Polysorbate 20, Hydrolyzed Silk, and  Panthenol. The scent is very light and refreshing and the texture is very light and non sticky. I applied it on dry hair in sections and worked it in from the ends of my hair up to near my roots and styled. My hair feels very moisturized and soft. No sticky residue and my hair doesn't feel weighted down. It definitey defined my curl pattern but I did have some shrinkage which is normal. I must say that my hair likes it and the price is very affordable. I would definitely buy this again and also try other products from their line. This is my hair after I used this let me know what you divas think. =)

Busy Bee!!!

Hi my hair divas!!!!!! Sorry I haven't been Blogging in a few days but I have been EXTREMELY busy. I got a new job which I started Monday. So far so good. I have been training for most of the week but I have been so tired. I also started school. I am doing online classes for my associates in Health Management and also regulating my home life has had me BEAT, but I haven't been too busy to take care of my curlyknots =).  ii am now APL, but I will not do my heat pass until next month on my one year hair journey anniversary. I am also 3 months post BC. I have been M&S every morning and doing low manipulation styles (puff, Bantu knots). No matter how my day is going I always make time for my family and my hair =)

APL (Arm Pit Length) Hair check????

Sooo I decided to do a length check while I was M&S my gorgeous Afro. I transitioned for a year and a half and cut my relaxed ends in February which took me back to NL (Neck Length) from SL (Shoulder Length). And after 3 months of TLC it looks to me that I am APL. My Goal is to be BSL (Bra Strap Length) and by the looks of this progress, I will be there in no time. I am so happy about the length and overall health of my hair.

Is being natural just a trend????

I have been hearing this a lot lately. Natural hair has become so much more popular these last few years. I don't know why it took so long to get recognized but I have heard that women becoming natural is a "phase" or the new trend. I don't know about anyone else, but being natural for me is a personal choice. I love the freedom, the edginess. Being able to embrace my true self and LOVE IT is so liberating. It is really hard especially in the black communities, especially with the older generation. They were told that being nappy was not going to make people happy and sadly this has been passed on to new generations. Im not knocking women who have relaxers because I was one three years ago. I am a fan of healthy hair whether it relaxed or natural but I know what I like and what works for me. I don't understand why it's labeled "a bandwagon", why can it just be more woman embracing what God gave them and not converting to the norm? Whatever a person chooses to do with their hair whether it's a phase or not keep it healthy and keep it cute.

Curly Girl Method

I really want to try this Curly Girl Method. I heard about this method a while ago on my Facebook Natural Girls Group. I have been having some problems with frizz and it is said that the CGM will help enhance your natural curls and help eliminate frizz. I am hoping to try this soon. I have all the ingredients and have been researching it for weeks now. The Best one I have seen online is Mahoganycurls on Youtube. She has it down pack. She also has a blog series on her experience with the curly girl method. Have you tried the CGM? How did it work for you?

http://www.mahoganycurls.com/

Hair Wish List

So there are a few things that I am going to pick up this summer that I want to try for my hair. I am currently 3 months post BC and 1 year and 7 months post relaxer. I am happy with my hair so far. I can't wait to do my heat pass in July for my one year anniversary of my HHJ to check my growth praying that I will be APL. I think that these things will help my natural hair get to my goal of BSL by September 2012 (straightened). What is on your hair wish list?

Gro Aut Oil

Huetiful Hair Steamer

Avocado Oil

Flexi rods to try a new style

ACV Rinse Review

So yesterday was my wash day, in my post before I had stated that I was considering trying an ACV Rinse to help with the frizziness that is my hair. I have heard many great things about ACV rinse. It clarifies the hair and scalp, it helps close the hair follicles so that it holds more moisture, makes the hair softer and shinier, and it also balances the ph in the hair. So I wash my hair with a sulfate free shampoo (will write a blog about my experience with that), Deep conditioned with my staple Elasta QP DPR-11 mixed with Castor and Grapeseed oil for 3 hours and rinsed in the shower with cool water and then did my final rinse with 1/4 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar mixed with 2 cups of water. (shoutout to Sunshyne for the recipe). I did notice the smell and no matter how much you dilute it, it's strong lol. I noticed right after that my hair was softer and more manageable. i added my leave ins and oils in sections and let it air dry. So here is my Verdict: My hair still had a little frizz, but not as bad as before. My hair feels extremely soft, smoother, shinier and moisturized. Very manageable. The smell faded as my hair dried but came back a little when I GHE last night. I think I will Incorporate this in my regimen on my wash days. Since it's the summer I decide to do more cowashing and do my wash days once every 2 weeks instead of every week, so my hair will hold more moisture and oils. 

Staple Products: S Curl No Drip Activator

This has been one of my staples since I started my Hair Journey last year. I really helped me while I was transitioning. This stuff is Golden!!!!!! I use this as a leave in on wash days, when I GHE and also as my moisturizer when I M&S. This leaves my hair feeling extremely moisturized and soft. It's a water based moisturizer with Vitamin B5 and Gycerin. It can be used for the whole family and used during all four seasons. It is important both relaxed and natural hair ladies keep their hair moisturized. Dry hair = Breakage and you cannot retain length with breakage. It doesn't have a strong smell and a little goes a long way. I usually part my hair in four part, spray a dime size on my hand and rub through paying special attention to the ends and follow with my grapeseed oil to lock in the moisture. I would recommend it to anyone and it's good for all hair types. =)

Rocking My Frizzy Fro!!!!

So yesterday was HOT to say the least. I did a braidout a couple of days before so I thought it would last, but when I took my bonnet off yesterday morning, my braidout turned into a frizzout lol. I have 3 hair textures, a mix of 3b/4a at the top and 3c in the back. I guess the humidity got the best of my natural locs but being me I put on some fire earrings and a colorful sundress and rocked it like a natural diva should. I do admit though, sometimes the frizziness and dullness that is my hair works my nerves. I have heard that a few home remedies help with frizz and makes your hair shinier. I have heard that ACV Rinses (Apple Cider Vinegar), Avocado Hair mask, and even beer will help with the frizz. I am planning on trying the ACV Rinse soon but I am reluctant because I have heard that it does have a drying effect. I even think that I may change shampoos. I do know that shampoos that are sulfate free helps our textures but are so expensive. So I may do a hair haul today and keep you posted. =)

Secret: I LOVE WALE ♥♥

Yes it's true. I love his music!!! I have my Pandora on his radio like all the time. I like him because he is more than just a rapper, he is also extremely poetic and profound. His rhymes really make you think about life and the many obstacles we endure everyday and he also have his bangers that you can just get your party on. My favorite songs are Ambition, Lotus Flower Bomb and Illest Bitch. Not to mention he has dreads =).

An Angel In Heaven

This is the 2nd mother's day without my mother. My Mother passed away in 2010 from a heart attack right in front of me. I have been feeling a little sad especially on holidays like this. I was a HUGE mommy's girl. My mom was a single parent and my siblings and I wasn't too close in age so I mainly was by myself. So it was just me and her for the most part of my life, so today is going to be hard. I am so thankful to have a guardian angel who is so special to me. I am going to try to make the best of it. Happy Mother's Day to my beautiful Angel!!!! =)   

Wash N Go Puff

I just got done co-washing my hair in the shower and decided to do a cute little puff. I used my Tresemme conditioner and used my shampoo comb in the shower to detangle my hair then lightly pat my hair dry, put my leave in conditioner and sealed with grapeseed oil then used a Black Goody headband. I also used a little ecostyler gel for my edges and voila!!! I think it came out gorgeous!!!

I Love Being A Mommy ♥♥♥♥♥

  Being a mother is the best thing since sliced bread =). My son Jayell is heaven sent. I was 22 when I found out I was pregnant. and I was scared out of my mind. My husband (who was just my boyfriend at the time) was just as worried but we were more excited than anything. 13 hours of labor and it was well worth it. My son is a 3 year old MAN lol. I try to be the best mama I can be and we love to hang out and watch Fresh Beat Band and dance and just have fun. He always tells me that i'm his best friend and he is mines =). Here are some pics of my doodlebutt (that's what I call them) over the years my big boy will be 4 years old in July. They grow up so fast =) My handsome boy.

Staple Products: Elasta QP DPR-11

This conditioner has gotsta be the bomb!!!! I started using this as my deep conditioner a few months ago, because I've heard some good things about it on YouTube and decided to give it a try. I must say that my hair LOVES this stuff. I mix my castor oil, grapeseed oil, and some safflower oil in there and put my plastic cap, 3 bonnets and a winter hat. I leave it in overnight and rinse with cold water as cold as I can take it and let me tell you my hair feels so SOFT. My curls be nice and fluffy and moisturized. This has become my staple deep conditioner on my hair journey. DPR stands for Deep Penetrating Re-moisturizer and has 11 conditioning agents that includes Vitamin E and Peach blossom oils. This can be used with relaxed and natural hair. I buy it at my local beauty supply but they also have it online at Amazon.com

Retro Updo: A protective style

So I decided to try this fly updo that I saw on youtube a few days ago. It took me a few tries because i'm still learning to style this hair of mines, but with some bobby pins and dedication, I finally achieved it. I did it a little different from the video but it worked for me great. I love it because it has an old 1950s grease movie style. I plan on rocking it for a few days as a protective style. Here is the video to show you how to achieve this cute style =)

My Love =)

During this whole hair journey, one of the people that has encouraged me is my husband. When I was in my weave wearing days, he use to always encourage me to wear my real hair but I wasn't having it. He also encouraged me to go natural. When I did my BC, I asked him what he thought and he said, "it's just hair baby, it will grow back." And whenever I try out different styles, he always makes sure to let me know how nice it looks. Just like any journey or big decision in your life, it is always great to have someone behind you cheering you on. Who has been your support system during your hair journey?

Ledisi- Pieces of me =)

This songs describe me to the "T" and her hair is butta!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Protective Styling.....WIGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OMG!!!!!! I freaking love them!!!!!! Not only are they a great protective style but it has so much versatility!! I can be a redhead, a blonde, have short haircut or hair down to my ass all without doing anything to the hair growing out of my head. I will the be the first to admit I was one of the Nay Sayers that went in on Lace fronts when they first came out but since I been on my hair journey, wearing wigs has helped me retain length and protect my hair from the harsh weather, cotton scarfs and hats in the winter (which can soak the oils and moisture out your hair and cause it to break off) and the beaming sun and heat in the summer which can also dry your hair out and cause breakage and in Chicago, we get the worst of it all. I have only had synthetic wigs so far but very soon I will be experimenting with human hair ones, so excited. I will say that my Hair Guru on the wig side is Ms. April a.k.a Muffinsismylovers on Youtube. If she don't rock the HELL out of a wig!!!! She inspired me to try them and She also Taught me how to make them look more realistic and less wiggy and me and my crown of glory thanks her sooooo much for it. Yes we do lol here is one of her many videos that I love. She is so real and down to earth love her realness.

Testimony Time =)

How I love my natural hair. It wasn't always like this though. I was raised in a house where "creamy crack" ruled and nappiness drooled. My hair was so thick that my mom felt like she couldn't manage it and at the age of 8, I got my first relaxer and for the next 16 years, I was getting relaxed on the regular. I was always told that I had a nice texture of hair but what does that really mean? Because to me I wanted straight hair and I wasn't going to let nobody talk me out of it. Then I decided to watch Youtube one day and saw all this women on hair journeys and it inspired me to try the natural thing but was shut down instantly from my family. Chile, my mama went IN. So in all these years Im doing more damage to my hair then helping it. I dyed, fried, used prostyle brown gel, put relaxers on my ends, never deep conditioned or did a protein treatment, leave micros in for long periods of time and using heat everyday and not washing my hair for weeks on end and my dumb ass wondering why the HELL my hair is not growing past my damn NECK.  In 2010 I had lost my mother to Heart Disease and I stopped doing a lot of things, relaxing my hair was one of those things. A year later I was still wearing weaves and Sew Ins until one of my great friends, Jamie (hey girl!!!) introduced me to hairlista and healthy hair journeys. She is relaxed but she taught me about co washing and moisturizing and sealing and I was HOOKED. That very next day I hopped up on hairlista got my info and went straight to the beauty supply and RACKS ON RACKS ON RACKS lol. I had already started to transition so after a year and a half of transitioning and 8 months into my natural hair journey, I chopped all my relaxed ends off!!!!! I felt like a weight was lifted off me. I can honestly say that I am so deeply IN LOVE with my hair now more than EVER. For once since I was 9 years old my hair is past NL (neck length) It's much thicker, I love my coils and curls, how big it get when I blow it out, How soft it is when I touch it. I cant keep my hands out of it. My family is supporting me and  even if they didn't, I probably wouldn't of gave a damn anyway lol but I am saying this to say that at the en of the day YOU have to do what makes YOU happy. My mom always told me that in life, no matter what you do or say, people are going to talk about you, whether it's good or bad, so why are ppl so worried about being talked about? People can call me nappy, brillo pad, a bitch, a nigga all day, it's not going to make me second guess who I am and the woman that I am. I am a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister and an aunt and guess what my hair doesn't defy me and yours should not either but you can call me Natural Diva all day =)