MY Experience With A Protective Style (Senegalese Twists)

This was the first time EVER that I did a protective style.  I'm not a PS kind of person; I've always had reservations about braids, twists, and weaves.  I guess I was always used to protecting my hair the best way I could so that's what I've always done.

I wanted to create this post so you all would have any idea as to how MY experience was, how long it took, the hair used, how I moisturized my hair, and how I took them out.

So let's begin..

A friend and I went on November 23rd to get our protective styles installed-- I got Senegalese twists and she got box braids.  We got to the salon around 9.45am or so and were in the chairs by 10am.  We went to a salon on 125th that was recommended to me by a friend.

It took my friend about 5hrs for her box braids to be installed; it took me 6 3/4 hours!  I took a bathroom break during the process, but still.  The braiders used Kanekalon braiding hair.  The process itself is an amazing one-- watching them install the twists, the quickness they twisted the strands and the intricacy of interweaving more pieces into the twists for length.  I paid close attention to the work and made sure I let them know if something was too tight or if they were pulling too hard.  *Ladies, it is YOUR hair so do NOT be afraid to speak up!  I got tips from a friend who got her hair braided the week before about how to handle them braiding my edges.  Holding the base of the twists prevented them from pulling on my edges.  We ALL know how important those things are!

After the process was done, I made sure that I stopped to get ACV on the way home just in case I experienced any itching or discomfort.  My older sister, Cheryl (http://curlsfothegirls.blogspot.com/2013/10/spotlight-monday-cheryl.html), recommended that I spray the braids with warm water to help loosen them up.  It worked!  The next day, I used the ACV to spray the braids down because I experienced minor itching, nothing too bad.  I wanted to make sure I attacked it before it attacked me like I had seen.  Synthetic hair has an alkaline base that causes an allergic reaction for some.  They get all kinds of bumps and itching.  I didn't want to experience that so I was prepared before any of that could take place.

I'm used to washing my hair weekly so this was a big change for me.  My friend, Reecie (http://curlsfothegirls.blogspot.com/2013/10/spotlight-monday-reecie.html), suggested that I used dry shampoo to clean my scalp to prevent frizz which sounded like a good idea.  However, after using the dry shampoo, I found that I still had residue on my scalp and it didn't feel clean enough to me.  After I got out of the shower, I used astringent on my scalp hoping that it would help me.  I couldn't take the itching anymore so I washed my scalp with a tiny bit of Elucence Moisture Benefits Shampoo.  After rinsing, I applied some liquified leave-in and an oil to seal.

To moisturize my hair, I used a mixture of water and Tresemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture Conditioner.  I also used sweet almond or olive oil to seal my hair and help with any potential frizz.

I honestly liked the twists, at first.  They were different for me.  The parts were extremely neat and I wanted to try something different.  That was the upside for me.  Unfortunately, I got bored after a couple of weeks and contemplated taking them out.  It was honestly too much hair on my head (that wasn't my own) and I missed my hair!  The only thing stopping me was the thought of the money I spent to get them installed in the first place!

hair ball AFTER take down & detangling session

I couldn't take it any longer so I began taking them out around 2.45pm on Saturday.  Even with help from my mom, it took 4.5 hours to take them out.  I used Jenell Stewart's Senegalese Twist Take Down method.  I cut the ends of the twists, used her water, conditioner, and oil concoction with my own ingredients, sprayed the twists and unraveled them.  After unraveling them, I took the section, sprayed it down with more of the mix, detangled, and twisted it to get the hair out of the way.  Once I was completely done, I began to wash my hair and applied my Camille Rose Algae Renew Deep Conditioning Mask.  I left it in overnight.

I'm honestly not sure what happened overnight, but I woke up to knots and tangles.  This detangling session was one of my worst.  I don't know if I was still getting shed hairs, experiencing breakage, or if it had something to do with the Camille Rose product, but I ended up having to cut out 2 knots! :(  It made me sad, but I was surprised at how calm I was.  Luckily, no one will notice when my hair curls up :)  I decided to clip my ends and apply the Palmer's Coconut Oil Formula Protein treatment just to be on the safe side as well.

I did enjoy the twists for the first couple of weeks; however, I have to be 100% honest with myself and protective styling is just NOT for me.  It's not something that I see myself willingly running back to do.  So I definitely give kudos to all the women that protective style with ease.

I think the amount of hair I lost with the initial take down was a decent amount considering I hadn't combed my hair for damn near a month!  It honestly scared me a bit because I had never experienced that much lost hair during a routine detangling session and thank God.  However, I'm still sitting here, typing up this post, with this protein treatment in; I gotta get my life!

Until next time,
Ashley, xo.

Do you protective style?  Tell us your favorites, and how you maintain them below!

5 Tips to Avoid Frizz

There's a time and place for everything-- frizz included.  Sometimes, it's inevitable due to environmental factors, but there are occasions where frizz is preventable.  Here are 5 tips on how you can avoid frizz:

1. Keep your hands out of your hair!

Yes, we have all had "Hand in Hair Syndrome (curlynikki)" where we get the urge to play in our curls-- pull them, twirl them, and whatever else-- but constantly touching your hair can lead to frizz and other damage!  Some naturals have noticed breakage after constant touching, so if you wish to have healthy, frizz-free hair, keep your hands at bay!

2. Skip the towel dry.
Using a towel isn't the best way to dry your hair; a t-shirt is!  (Yes, I said a t-shirt.)  Towels often absorb much of the moisture we need and although they seem soft to us, they're often rough on hair and can raise the cuticle layer which creates frizz!  Using an old old t-shirt to dry your hair is a better alternative as it dries the hair and avoids roughening the outer layer thus reducing frizz.

3. Stay away from humectants in humid weather.
Humectants-- glycerin, propylene glycol, and even honey-- draw moisture from the air.  When products that contain humectants are applied to the hair in humid conditions, it creates the opposite effect and causes frizz!  Using products that contain little to no humectants in humid weather will keep frizz away.  If you have had no issues and/or your hair benefits from humectants in any kind of weather, go for it!

4. Avoid using hot water.
You heard me-- skip the hot water during the wash process!  Although hot water can remove dirt and buildup and it feels great, it causes more harm to the hair than good.  Hot water is drying and raises the cuticle layer of the hair strand creating (you guessed it) frizz.  Hair should be rinsed in very lukewarm to cold water.  If you cannot bear cold water (big baby), I recommend using an ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) rinse.  Just be sure to dilute the ACV with water!  And no, you will not smell like vinegar; the smell will dissipate after a few minutes leaving you with frizz-free and shiny hair :)

5. Use products with the right amount of hold.
This is for your twist outs, WnGs, etc.  When you do one of these styles, it is imperative that you use a product with the right amount of hold if you wish for the style to last several days.  If you neglect to do so, you may (not necessarily will) experience frizz within a day or so of the style.  I often use gel or some other kind of holding product when I do these styles because I want to create a shiny, defined, and frizz-free style!  After about 3-4 days, I welcome frizz only because it makes the style expand and look that much more bad ass ;)

Until next time,
Ashley, xo.

Do you have any tips on avoiding frizz?  Share them below!

Spotlight Monday: Kimberly

 Tell us about yourself.
> I am a 22-year-old Syracuse alumna with a passion for ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic through education and advocacy!  I am a makeup junkie-- no.. seriously-- (My mint app lets me know that I spend more money on makeup than I do food, LOL!) and a lover of peace and all things beautiful :)

How long have you been natural?  What is your hair type?  Describe your curls!
> My last perm was September 2012, so I have been perm-free for 15 months and I couldn’t be happier!  My hair type is a spunky and fierce mix of 3C and 4A.  In the middle of my head, my curl pattern is a bit curlier; the back of my hair, the sides, and front are a bit more of a loose pattern.  What I love most about my curls is how soft and beautiful they are.

Did you transition or big chop?  Why did you take that route?

> I transitioned for 11 months before I did a big chop.  I didn’t plan on doing a big chop because I was afraid of how I would look after since I was used to having either long hair flowing from my scalp or long hair flowing from my tracks, LOL!  During the summer, I finally decided to experiment with my transitioning hair and do a two strand twist.  I spent HOURS combing and parting and moisturizing and twisting in hopes of having my hair looking as beautiful as I had seen on the natural hair blogs.  The next day, I unraveled the twists and was so disappointed with the finished product.  One half of my hair was nicely curled, and the bottom half of my hair was straight and stringy and didn’t curl at all.  I was so frustrated!  So, I hopped on the 4 train, got off at Nevins, and walked into the Evolution Green Room, on Atlantic Avenue, and chopped the rest of my permed hair off.

On big chopping-- how did you feel?  
> I didn’t tell anyone that I was going to cut my hair off except for my line sister, Simi. After the stylist cut my hair and gave me a nice finger coil style, I looked in the mirror with feelings of excitement and happiness.  I finally did it, and honestly, there was no turning back since I spent all I had on the cut and style LOL.  I was very happy with the way it looked and was pleasantly surprised that a short do fit my face.

What was it like when you experienced your natural hair for the first time?
> It was hard.  I had my first perm at age 7, so for 14 years, I hadn’t seen my natural hair and I didn’t know what to do with it.  I wanted to teach myself how to do my own hair so I spent hours upon hours researching styles for TWAs on YouTube and became comfortable with finger coiling my hair.  It was a pretty time-consuming hairstyle in comparison to my previous hair regimens with perms/weaves/box braids.  I grew discouraged and eventually got box braids.  However, now that I have my hair out again, I am so hyped to see how healthy and how much my hair has grown since August!!!

What are some of your favorite products? (Top 3)
> I love the Jane Carter restore moisture mist!  It makes it so easy to moisturize daily and refresh my hair.  My favorite conditioner is the Organix Biotin and Collagen!  It smells sooo good, and always leaves my hair soft, bouncy and full.  Lastly, I love, LOVE, LOVE the Eco Styler Olive Oil gel.  It is by far the best product that gives my hair the perfect curl definition for my wash and go.  After trying Jane Carter's curl defining cream, Cantu coconut curling cream, and Taliah Waajid curly curl cream, this product gave me the best curl definition without making my hair feel heavy, greasy or flaky.  As a matter of fact, my current “Wash and go” style has been going strong for the last 12 days!

What are your go-to hairstyles?

> Since I am still learning my hair, I’ve only experimented with finger coiling and wash and go styles.  But my favorite of the two is my wash and go with eco styler gel.  It's easy and gives my hair the best curl definition.

How do you feel about your hair today?
> I loveeeeee my natural hair, and I am never turning back to the permed and flat-ironed life I was used to!  It was harder in the beginning because I was adjusting to the change, but my boyfriend definitely made it a lot easier for me to love my hair since he too loved it and preferred it over my weaves!  I am in love with my natural hair, but I can’t lie, I still love a good weave.  I think as my hair grows longer, I will become more and more comfortable with my hair and nothing else.  But, this is all apart of my natural hair journey!

Until next time,
Ashley, xo.

Do you have any questions for Kimberly about her natural hair and/or journey?  Comment below!

What Are the Ladies of Spotlight Monday Using for Moisture and Definition?

Hey all!

A couple of weeks ago, I was asked by a friend, to ask the lovely ladies of Spotlight Monday about their Holy Grail/Staple/Go-To products, and what products give us the kind of definition and moisture we want.  Luckily, most of the lovely ladies answered with more than enough information, so all of you beautiful people get to see what we are using to keep our hair healthy, moisturized and defined!  

I have also included the links for each individual Spotlight Monday post so you can read back and read about the lovely ladies that have featured thus far on Spotlight Monday.  If I am able to get the remaining information from the missing features, I will definitely update this post and let you all know!  So let's get to it:

Me (http://curlsfothegirls.blogspot.com/2013/09/spotlight-monday-my-natural-story.html)

• Water*
• Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave-In/Detangler
• SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie
• Miss Jessie's Jelly Soft Curls/Olive Oil Eco Styler Gel
• EVOO/EVCO/JBCO
• Tresemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture Conditioner
• Curl Junkie Curl Rehab Moisturizing Hair Treatment/Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask

Chantell (http://curlsfothegirls.blogspot.com/2013/10/spotlight-monday-chantell.html)

• Wen Cleansing Conditioner *(Fig is recommended for 'Ethnic' hair, but I use all of the different scents) for CoWashing
• Carol's Daughter Monoi Shampoo/Conditioner
• Camille Rose Blue Algae Deep Conditioner for protein/strengthening
• Trader Joe's Balance Moisturizing Nourish Spa Conditioner for moisture/slip
• Jane Carter Nourish and Shine (!!!)
• Coconut Oil
• Eco Styler Gel

Alex (http://curlsfothegirls.blogspot.com/2013/10/spotlight-monday-alex.html)

• Argan & Avocado Oils with Cantu Shea Butter (they're really light!)
• Use twist outs/perm rods for definition, or does a WnG & finger combs the hair to clump the curls together
• Eco Styler Gel for hold

Reecie (http://curlsfothegirls.blogspot.com/2013/10/spotlight-monday-reecie.html)

• L'oreal EverCurl Hydracharge Shampoo
• Aussie Moist Conditioner
• Hair Mayonnaise Deep Conditioner
• Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In
• Coconut & Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Eco Styler Gel

Malanya (http://curlsfothegirls.blogspot.com/2013/11/spotlight-monday-malanya.html)

• Dr. Bronner's Castor Oil Soap
• Olive Oil Gel
• Tea Tree Oil or Coconut Oil (occasionally)

Shanelle (http://curlsfothegirls.blogspot.com/2013/11/spotlight-monday-shanelle.html)

• Kinky-Curly Curling Custard
• SheaMoisture Hair Milk
• Beautiful Textures Tangle Taming Leave-In Conditioner

Shanna (http://curlsfothegirls.blogspot.com/2013/12/spotlight-monday-shanna.html)

• Ouidad Hydrafusion Curl Quencher
• Ouidad Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel (apply to very wet hair & it'll curl so fast!)
• SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie
• Jane Carter Spray Gel
• Love Me and Leave-Me-In Conditioner (made by natural hair enthusiast/vlogger, Kimmay)
• Conditional Love Conditioner

Please understand that the products mentioned have worked for us.  This post is just to give you an idea of the kinds of products that we use for moisture and definition.  I am, in no way, suggesting that you go out and buy one of everything mentioned, but if you do wish to try some of the products out, I would definitely suggest that you read product reviews and ingredients before using them.  You may find that they contain ingredients that don't necessarily work for you, and that's fine.  Also, take into consideration that everyone cannot use everything and what has worked for one may not work for you!

Trust your hair.  It will always tell you what it likes and what it needs.  Just listen!

Until next time,

Ashley, xo.

If you have any questions for the ladies of Spotlight Monday, please comment below!

Spotlight Monday: Shanna

Tell us about yourself.
> I am a proud alumna of Syracuse University, Class of 2013!  Born and bred in the Bronx area of New York.  I love traveling, shopping, and being a product junkie LOL!  I'm currently working on my latest goal which is to launch my career in the television, radio, and film industry.

How long have you been natural?  What is your hair type?  Describe your curls!
> I big chopped in March 2011, so I've been natural for two years.  I have not received formal consultation yet, but through research, I learned that my curls are a mixture of 4a and b.  My curl pattern in the front half of my hair is more of 4a, whereas in the middle and back portion it is 4b.

Did you transition or big chop?
> I did a little bit of both.  I used full head sew-ins as a protective and transitional style.  When my hair was about 2 inches natural, my hairstylist trimmed whatever was left from the relaxer.  

Why did you take that route?
> Coming into college I had a very short cut thus making the transitional phase very quick and easy.  I always had a full head sew-in for its convenience, but also to protect my hair.  I decided to wait after I graduated to slow down on the sew-ins because I knew I would have more time to treat and style my hair.  Plus, I did not want to watch my hair's growth-- it was something about going to my hair stylist every few weeks and being surprised at how fast it grew since the previous time.

On big chopping-- how did you feel?
> Weird LOL.  I was not feeling the big chop at all!  My curl pattern was similar to a jheri curl puff, and it wasn't very flattering.  Now that I am educated, I know that there are products specifically for the curl definition I was so desperately craving.  I didn't even give myself a chance for the big chop to grow on me.  Instead, I got another weave install.

What was it like when you experienced your natural hair for the first time?
> I was absolutely amazed, yet still confused.  Amazed because, for the first time, I realized how curly my hair was.  Many people always assume curly hair means you must be biracial or multiracial, but my hair told me otherwise.  I was confused because I did not know about any products to use or ways I could style my hair. 

What are some of your favorite products?  (Top 3)
> 1) Jane Carter Spray Gel: It's perfect for holding curl definition in twist outs. 2) Love Me and Leave-Me-In Conditioner (made by natural hair enthusiast Kimmay): All natural ingredients, pH balanced so it helps with curl restoration 3) Ouidad Curl Quencher Hydrafusion: Love this product, it had my curls bouncing and spirally!  Ideal for summer wash & go's, but if you have time, use this product, twist your hair, and sit under the dryer--you will not be disappointed.

What are your go-to hairstyles?  
> Definitely twist outs.  Many people complain about going through the hassle of twisting their hair daily to maintain neat curls, but I see nothing wrong with going that extra mile just to save me some time in the morning.  Especially because I know how my hair will look in the morning if I don't.

How do you feel about your hair today?
> I absolutely am in loveee with my hair!  In fact, I love it so much I don't even straighten my hair as much as I planned to.  I learn something new every day and look forward to playing in my hair.  I spend a lot of time trying new products and techniques that work for me.  I look back at my younger years and how much I wanted to look like the little girls on the box of the Just for Me relaxer and shake my head.  All I know, is that my hair is healthier than it has ever been and it is my every intention to keep it that way!

Until next time,
Ashley, xo.

Do you have any questions for Shanna about her natural hair?  Comment below!

My Experience With the Silk Roller Wrap Straightening Method by MoKnowsHair

Selfie in the restroom at work, lol

Last weekend, November 15th-17th, I decided to straighten my hair.  I had been wanting to straighten it for a while, and after watching Mo's method, the Silk Roller Wrap Straightening Method, I knew it was time.

I wanted to make sure my hair was fully prepared and ready for heat styling so I began deep conditioning on Friday night using my Neutrogena Triple Moisture Mask.  I went out on Saturday to gather the supplies I didn't have-- some of which I purchased after learning what Mo* used.  Below are the products and tools I used:

• Monoi Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner
• Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask
• ApHogee Keratin and Green Tea Restructurizer
• Creme of Nature 7-in-1 Leave-In Treatment
• Aveda Smooth Infusion Style Prep Smoother*
• Motions Foaming Wrap Lotion*
• CHI Silk Infusion (not exactly what she used, but close enough)
• Magnetic Rollers
• Metal Clips
• Conair Infiniti Pro Flat Iron
• Conair Soft Bonnet Dryer
• Paddle Brush
• Soft Boar Bristle Brush*
• Large Detangling Comb
• Rattail Comb

I have included the link above so you all can access her site and view the video of the method.  I avoided the plastic wrap step (I didn't find it necessary for me).  I was lucky enough to have my mom help me roll my hair, and I occasionally had to spritz some of the sections with water to keep my hair from drying completely.  

I honestly lost track of time especially because the drying time took much longer than I thought.  I should have dried my hair on high heat from jump instead of medium heat.  After my hair was fully dried-- around 1 am-- I grabbed some pins and wrapped it for the night.  I flat ironed my hair the next morning and unfortunately, it was raining :(  However, I did the best I could before I left and ended up putting a cap on anyway; I was TOO happy!  My flat iron doesn't have a setting where you can select the exact temperature, but I used my flat iron on the 15-20 setting and when I returned home, I turned it up to 30 which is equivalent to 455 degrees.  I admit I was a little nervous, but I wanted to get my hair as straight and sleek as possible.

For the first couple of days, my hair was far from sleek.  It did have a lot of body-- a little more than I was used to, but constant wrapping helped to flatten it a bit.  By the end of the week, my hair was sleek with just enough body for some bounce!  I loved it.

When getting my hair back to its naturally curly state, I applied LOTS of Tresemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture Conditioner on Thursday night and donned a plastic cap.  I wanted to lock in some added moisture.  I slept with it overnight.  The next day before work, I rinsed it out and applied my Palmer's Coconut Oil Formula Protein Pack.  I needed my hair to be super strong before my Senegalese twists were installed on Saturday (Nov. 23rd).  I went to work with my protein treatment and rinsed it out when I returned home.  I then sat for about 15 minutes with my Curl Junkie Curl Rehab Moisturizing Hair Treatment.

Let me tell you!  My curls were just as defined and bouncy-- if not more-- as they had been before they were straightened.  I didn't see any signs of heat damage, my curls were all the way in tact, and they were shiny!  I definitely attribute this to some of the products I used during the straightening process.  The Creme of Nature Leave-In functions as a heat protectant just as the Aveda Style Prep Smoother does.  I think the ApHogee Leave-In treatment helped to strengthen my hair and kept it strong during the process as well.  

I would definitely recommend Mo's method for straightening.  It took me a while-- only because I'm a beginner at rolling hair and I fumbled on my drying time, but my hair was silky and my curls were in tact once I returned to my curly state.  Some naturals experience heat damage; luckily, I didn't!

Definitely check out the links I've placed throughout the post-- my favorite moisturizing deep conditioning treatments and Mo's method for straightening on MoKnowsHair.com!

Until next time,

Ashley, xo.

Do you have a method for straightening your hair?  Do your curls remain in tact after heat styling?  Share with us below!

Spotlight Monday: Shanelle

Blow Out, September 2013

Tell us about yourself.
> My name is Shanelle; I'm 21yo and I am currently a senior at Syracuse University.  I enjoy writing, dancing, and all things fashion.  I consider myself a Beyonce enthusiast and I'm obsessed with the color pink!  I'm a Jersey girl at heart, but have always longed for the unforgiving fast life of NYC.  

How long have you been natural? What is your hair type? Describe your curls!
> I have been natural for about a year and a month.  I would say that I have a curl pattern combination of 3c and 4b (with my loose curls around the perimeter and front of my head).  Naturally, my hair is coarse and thick, but still manageable.  My curls are more like coils and ringlets rather than waves. 

Did you transition or big chop? Why did you take that route?
> I spent about 4 months transitioning and got very impatient.  This resulted in me big chopping because I couldn't wait to see my natural curl pattern.  I just felt daring and I honestly thought I would look okay with a short hair cut; so I went with it.

On big chopping-- how did you feel?
> I felt free!  It was the most exhilarating feeling (next to being naked). It just felt fresh and represented a new start.

What was it like when you experienced your natural hair for the first time?

> I'm not going to lie-- when I first experienced my hair, it was so low that it was hard, at first, to determine my curl pattern. So at first I was a little iffy.c At that point, I used a lot of curl-defining products to make sure my hair curled up the way I wanted it to.  But in no time, I had more length and got more comfortable with my natural hair, with and without products.

What are some of your favorite products? (Top 3)
> Shea Moisture (anything), Kinky Curly Curling Custard & Organic Oils (Castor*)

What are your go-to hairstyles?
> Wash & Gos, protective styles (Marley twists, box braids, sew-ins), and twist outs

How do you feel about your hair today?  
> I love my hair for the most part.  Sometimes I wish my curl pattern was a little looser because I have length, but it's hidden by shrinkage.  I have very little heat damage so my curls look in tact.  And above all, it's healthy!

Flat Iron, October 2013

Until next time,
Ashley, xo.

Do you have any questions for Shanelle about her natural hair?  Comment below!