Natural Me Hair Style

I recently Hennaed my hair and decided to see how my hair would look without product.  Usually when I style my hair I use a leave in conditioner and curling gel at minimum.  This time the only product I used was an oil (that I mixed).  This is how it looked with silver hair combs holding up one side.

This side is much curlier.

The top and first time I noticed the red dye from the Henna.

Front, I wanted to add curling product to the front but I resisted.

Left side isn't as defined.  

I like it but would probably add curling gel next time.  What do you guys think? How does your natural curls look without product?


Naturally Me,
CurlyBeautyBoss

Hair Emergency

I recently had to fly out of town to deal with a family emergency and I had less than 24 hours to get out of dodge.  Well I was in the middle of a henna treatment when I had to make plans to leave town.  I also sterilized all my hair tools in preparation to make my own hair care products.  (I planned to make samples for family members and friends to get their input on my products.  More on that later.) Needless to say all my staples were being cleaned and dried and just not ready for use.  I also did not have any of my "hair crack" ready for use let alone travel and had to make some hard decisions.  What would I take with me to do my hair? I had to rely on products that could do multiple tasks, not spill in my bag and make it through security in case I only took a carry on.  Needless to say I had nothing prepared.  Oh did I mention my hair was in turmoil? Those of you who have tried henna treatments know they are a pain to rinse out and you need plenty of time to do so and I had to improvise.  I decided to focus on getting all the henna out because if it is not rinsed out properly it will dry out your hair and you will continue to see residue days later till your next wash or co-wash.  I figured I could do my hair on the plane and hoped for the best.  Since it is winter time I wanted to try a protective style which worked for my crisis because then I wouldn't have to worry about doing it while away.  I went with a two strand twist and this product:

I used this product in the beginning of my natural hair journey.  I did not have much success with this product despite the high reviews given by other curly haired mavens.  See my review.  But in my desperation and the fact that I was not going to wear my hair out I threw it in my carry on and ran out the door.  It was the ONLY PRODUCT I BROUGHT WITH ME! Talk about freaking out, I crossed my fingers and hoped for the best.  My usual regimen is to spray my hair with water and a mixture of oils daily and gel if needed.  I could not perform any of my nomal routines and was surprised at how this product worked on my hair.  This product provided me with great slip and I noticed it defined my curls beautifully as I finger detangled and twisted my hair.  It also moisturized it leaving it nice a soft.  Nothing worse than dry, crunchy hair!

Now I am not sure what made this product work better for me but I cannot wait to see what it looks like in a twist out.  Most of my twist outs look like waves and not the nice coils I see on other naturalistas.  I believe this product might do the trick.

One thing I did differently this time was:
1. Henna treatment
2. Conditioner (to rinse out henna)
3. No oils
4. No gels
5. No leave in conditioner
I believe that all the various products playing on my hair did not mesh well with the Shea Moisture Curly Enhancing Smoothie.  I also let my mother use it on her braid outs and her hair was instantly moisturized.  She also used it on her hair before bedtime and the next day her hair was more controlled and defined.  I      should have taken a picture but take my word for it, she looked great.

Second Chances,
CurlyBeautyBoss





What are your Shea Moisture success or distress stories? Have you given products a second chance and found they worked better for your hair?

Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie Review

When I first did my big chop I tried to use Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie.  It was supposed to enhance curls, minimize frizz and provide curl control but it did not work for me.

While it did moisturize my hair, it also left a white residue.  Which did not go away after it dried and every time I parted my hair white flakes would fly everywhere like a white Christmas.  So not sexy.  I continued to experiment with using this product hoping it would work.  I researched different products used by other natural chicas and found they loved this product.  I was determined to make this product work for me and tried using it various ways:
1. On wet hair
2. On dry hair
3. As a sealer
4. In combination with oils and leave in conditioner
5. As a styler
6. On damp hair
                                           7. Wash outs

                  

Despite the various ways and consistently using this product, it just did not benefit my hair.  I was so disappointed.  The last straw for me what when my hubby looked at my hair and started giving me hair advice.  I knew I had to put the product down and move on.  I have since moved on to other products and am looking for what works on my hair.

Find what works for you and just cause curly hair guru XXXXX uses it and has good results does not mean it is for your hair.




Happy Journey,
CurlyBeautyBoss

What products do you love? What works on your hair? Have you used this product? Did it work for you? Share your story.

Novemeber 2012 Part 2

Ok, I am a little late on this post but this has been a crazy week.  I only have one goal for this week: Decide on a hair regimen and stick to it for the rest of the year.

I have been natural for a few months now and actually did my "big chop" on   Sunday, February 5, 2012.  I didn't do a bunch of research on it, I was just tired of getting bad perms and I may have been going through an early life crisis.  I was seriously stressed out! 

Love these scissors!

Since, I didn't really research anything I wasn't prepared and haven't gotten into a routine to find out what works well for my hair.  I just bought products thats worked for other people and crossed my fingers.  Since I'm all about the goals these days, I also have a hair goal: Retain as much of my growth so that it will reach my shoulders by November 2013.  I also want this without me stretching it, I want it to hang naturally.  Since my hair shrinks 75% this is a big deal.  If my hair grows the average 1/2 inch a month I should be able to have some serious hang time and my hubby can quit bitching about my short hair.  Keep your fingers crossed that I am part of the above average club and my hair grows crazy fast. . .a girl can hope.

                  

                                                      

I would take either one of Solange's hair styles.  Although, I can get it tomorrow if I use weave like she did or is this a wig? I will post my regime soon but I plan on keeping it simple and really figuring out what works on my hair.

Wishing to be part of the long hair club,

CurlyBeautyBoss

Any suggestions ladies on what worked for you? What are your hair regimens? Post comments.