Straightening

I usually wash my hair and roll with while wet to decrease the amount of heat I put on my hair. When dry, I take the rollers out and straighten. This time I blow dried first and then straightened.

My hair blow dried before straightening:

I parted in rows, adding heat protectant to each row. I used a flat iron to straighten.

This process took way longer than expected and will not be doing it this way again. It didn't turn out how I expected. My straight hair did last for a week and a half, but I couldn't wait to go back to my kinks and curls. I admit, it was nice being able to throw my hair in a ponytail when I didn't have much time. Next time, I will roll first and then straighten.

My True Journey.

"The queen with the nappy hair raising a fist." -Jill Scott

When I first stated 'natural hair journey', I only thought I would be going on a journey through my hair at it's different lengths and stages. That was a falsity. I have stopped at many places along the way. I've also ventured into things I wouldn't dare before. I never knew I would be going on a journey through my social, political, and health standpoints. 

Socially, I've learned that the world is far behind in embracing true self. By that I mean, most people are lost. Yes, I have struggled with self esteem and awareness. Being around certain people made me feel more insecure. People responded to me differently when I adhered to the societal definition of a beautiful woman. I felt I had to have a head full of hair and a face full of makeup to be beautiful. Now that is far from the case. You should never try to impress other insecure people. You attract what you are. You do not want to attract misguided beliefs and people who think that Remy and M.A.C. make you beautiful. It doesn't take hair down to my knees and a pound of foundation to show I'm gorgeous. While dis-configuring these social misconceptions, I learned more about my political views.

I was never much of a 'politics person'. Society and politics go together, so it was only natural for me to explore my stance on political issues (pun intended). Naturally, I would also examine my food choices.

I've always been a moderately healthy eater, but I didn't go out of my way to make healthy food choices. Let's be honest, health food comes with a price tag. When you realize that the processed food you are eating can be more chemicals than food, paying the price doesn't seem as bad. I take more time to look at labels and try to buy fresh food. It does go bad faster, but you find creative ways to use your food before it spoils. My body thanks me for this decision. 

My mind, body, and soul are much healthier. I encourage everyone to explore yourself and you will gain much more than you thought possible.

"If you are never lost, there is a change you may never be found."

Blow-out.

This is the first time I tried blowing out my hair. I used a Gold 'N Hot blow dryer with a comb. I started by oiling my scalp, then oiling my strands, emphasizing on the ends. I applied a GENEROUS amount of heat protectant and blow-dried in about 15-20 sections. I LOVED the way it turned out.

Wash 'N Gos.

I don't usually wear wash 'n gos. I thought I'd share my routine for wash 'n gos. I started with two strand twists that I wore in a ponytail for about a week- Shown in the second picture. (I used Marley Braiding Hair to add bulk to my high ponytail)

After taking down the stretched two-strand twists, I co-washed with Shea Moisture Reconstructive Conditioner. I then added some of the Shea Moisture Curl Souffle and clear gel. I twirled some pieces of hair around my finger to stretch a little more. For people that enjoy body, I suggest this method for wash 'n gos.

No time?

4 flat twist and a beanie can save the day! Very simple and cute style if you need a quick fix for a crazy natural hair day. Believe me, we all have them.

Maintaing Twist-Outs.

This is literally the same hair from the previous twist out post and my January update video. I twisted it in about 6-10 flat twist, depending on the day, to maintain my hair. It grew bigger as the days passed. It lasted over a week.

January Update.

A little late, but I'm BACKKKKKKKKKK!