Hair Tips | When Your Hair Does Not Grow...

When Your Hair Does Not Grow...

"My hair growth sucks!" "Black hair just won't grow." "I was at ear length in 2013 and I'm still at ear length at the end of 2014!!!"


So you think your hair did not grow in 2014? I will say...IT DID! You just did not RETAIN THE LENGTH! I'm going to help you plan for success in 2015 to help you reach your goal, whether health, growth, thickness, shine, or all of the above. I will give the information, but you must put the work in.


Here are 10 tips to grow your hair in 2015:

My Hair Diary | My Top 5 Natural Hair Mistakes In 2014

My Top 5 Natural Hair Mistakes In 2014

Natural Hair Journey

2014 has surely been a great year for me from having my baby boy, to getting a promotion at work, and even learning more of my husband's swag. But I will say I have really accomplished with learning and appreciating my natural hair even more in 2014. I have learned how to moisturize my hair effectively, slay numerous natural hairstyles, created awesome DIY hair products, and stayed with my hair regimen (well for the most part). 

However, with accomplishments there are also mistakes and failures. That is what a healthy hair journey is about! If you do not make the mistakes or going through the failures, there would be no way to make yourself better at caring for your own hair. Well, here are my 5 top natural hair mistakes of 2014:

Striving after length and not focusing on health

Quarterly Natural Hair Advancement | Comparing September And December 2014



Image Credit: Zizibella Beauty Consultant

I am definitely coming into my own with my natural hair!



THIS IS A LONG ENTRY*

I decided to let you experience one of the things I do in my Hair Diary! Although I record my triumphs, failures, double failures, and awesome product reviews, I also do something called the "Quarterly Natural Hair Advancement (QNHA)." This entry reflects on the last 3 months comparing with the previous QNHA while giving a summary in one whole journal entry.

There are a lot of comparisons with lengths, regimens, goals, habits, and hair styles. I also include pictures to show that I have either improved or that I need to improve in a specific area. I started this back in June 2013 and I do the QNHA at the end of the months: March, June, September, and December. Yes, I am very intricate with my Hair Diary...but this helps me perfect my current regimen, helps me with future styling options, reminds me of my hair goals, and just fun to do!!!

Healthy Hair Challenge | Fall Castor Oil Challenge 2014: 1 1/4 Inch in 3 1/2 Months!

Castor Oil Challenge: 1 1/4 Inch in 3 1/2 Months!

I finally reached the end of my fall castor oil challenge! I deserve a pat on that back =D Yes, done with the challenge and so excited about my results!

This challenge is a spin off from KinkyCurlyCoilyMe where Jenell Stewart made this challenge a mainstream experiment for those who want their hair to grow, be healthier, get thicker, and more manageable, while recording our own individual journeys on the KCCM page.

Roller Set | Flexi Rod Natural Hair With Curls-R-Us Curl Definer

Flexi Rod Natural Hair
With Curls-R-Us Curl Definer




I am so excited about Christmas this year! First off this is my baby's 1st Christmas, which I am so excited about...but he absolutely has no idea it is Christmas. I'm also excited because I am styling my own hair for the Holidays. Now I did just take out my Senegalese twists, so I want to keep my hairstyle very simple. So I decided to do a flexi rod set!

I'm just saying that roller sets and curls are in this Winter season! Show off your curly sets using flexi rods!!!

Senegalese Twists | How To Safely Take Out Senegalese Twists

How To Safely Take Out Senegalese Twists

After 4 weeks of the protective style of Senegalese Twists, I'm soooo ready to take out my hair!!! I am so excited and refreshed to have my natural back in my loving and caring hands. This is actually the shortest I had a long-term protective style...but y'all know how it is...you miss your curls.

Senegalese Twists | The Journey Of My Senegalese Twists

The Journey Of My Senegalese Twists

So it has come to the end of my long-term protective style and the break from doing my natural hair really refreshed me to look for styles to try and to care for my hair again. I really loved my Senegalese twists...but there were some things that I did not love about my hair. I had skinny twists, almost-non-existent-go-bye-bye edges, and my hair got caught on a lot of things!

Let's talk about them!

Senegalese Twists | Hair Styles For Senegalese Twists

Hair Styles For Senegalese Twists

This is definitely the fun part of Senegalese twists....you get to style them! It is pretty fun to style your box braids, twists, locs, etc. but it is very important to remember these tips for healthy hair care:

Contributing Article | 4 Ways Natural Hair Took Over Mainstream Media In The Year 2014

4 Ways Natural Hair Took Over Mainstream Media In The Year 2014

Natural hair took over this year! 

I mean, of course I have seen naturalistas in Essence, on natural hair commercials, and on the BET network. But, I have never seen so many naturalistas in mainstream commercials, TV shows, social media, magazines, billboards, and movies before the year of 2014! And I'm not talking about seeing naturalistas in the background of a commercial or as an extra in the movies - but as the main actress in the commercial or model on a magazine cover.

Natural Beauty In My Life | Shawna And Her Transition, Big Chop, And 5 Years Natural Journey

Natural Beauty In My Life | Shawna And Her Transition,
Big Chop, And 5 Years Natural Journey

OMG I'm SOOOOO excited about this hairspiration for others to learn from and to continue on their own hair journeys...

...I definitely had to get my bestie, Shawna in here, as natural beauty in my life. She is so sweet and just a joy to be around. Very upbeat and so charismatic...and she has that laugh that makes you laugh, when there is no joke hahaha! But basically that one friend who will not talk you out of doing CRAY CRAY things, but do the CRAY CRAY with you...OKAY?!?!

So when I asked her if I could interview her about her hair journey, she was so pumped and extra excited. She was like, "Oh yes, yes. Okay cool. Yes. Let's do it!" Yep, Ms. Upbeat herself! Well, here she is!

Shawna And Her Transition, Big Chop, And 5 Years Natural Journey

CurlKit Unboxing | December 2014

CurlKit Unboxing | December 2014



Holy Osh Kosh Oh My Gosh!! I can't believe that it is December already...meaning I've already received my December CurlKit 2014. I hardly used my November CurlKit 2014 - maybe because I have Senegalese Twists and have a set regimen. OMG! Now I have double the products!!! Well, I do have 3 sisters and I can definitely share with them.

If you don't know what CurlKit is or what it means to be a subscriber, check out their website and also CurlKit Unboxing | November 2014 to learn more about:

• What exactly is "subscribing to CurlKit?
• Why subscribe to CurlKit?
• What's the difference between CurlKit and CurlBox?

 

Well, let's get to the unboxing of CurlKit of December 2014!

Product Review: Alikay Naturals Lemongrass Leave In Conditioner

I want to do a product review for Alikay Naturals Lemongrass Leave In Conditioner. I did not see many reviews for this product, so I thought I give my own honest opinion...

Product Name:



Alikay Naturals Lemongrass Leave In Conditioner Product Review (Lemongrass)*

Holiday Hair | 8 Christmas Gift Ideas For That Naturalista



8 Christmas Gift Ideas For That Naturalista

Image Credit: Essence

CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE!

I love Christmas so much 1). because that is the day Jesus Christ was born and 2). I love the joy and love shared on Christmas day. I'm definitely a gift-giving kind of gal and I love making others feel loved by kisses, hugs, and gifts! 

I know you love Christmas time for the awesome food, great family games, Christmas caroling, and wonderful gifts you get too. I feel you on that one!  But during the year of 2014, the natural hair world has really EXPLODED into something so profound to women today. To accept their true beauty and to love all of their kinks, curls, and coils is a wonderful message spread from all over the world. So if you know a natural hair woman and don't know what to get her for Christmas, believe me that she will appreciate anything catered to her natural hair. Here are 8 gift ideas to get a natural hair woman for Christmas!

Contributing Article | My No Nonsense Approach To Salon Appointments

My No nonsense Approach To Salon Appointments

Yall remember when I got my hair straightened the last time, check out: How To | Flat Iron Natural Hair Safely for the details of prepping and going through the flat ironing process. Now since my flat ironing skills suck, I decided to get my hair done. 

However:

Healthy Hair Ingredient | DIY Flaxseed Gel Mist

"You keep talking about this 'flaxseed gel mist'...what the heck is it?!?!"


Well, that surely is my fault...I know I keep talking about the FSG mist and I forgot to even put the recipe up. But I assure you that it is so easy to make:




Healthy Hair Ingredient | DIY Flaxseed Gel Mist

You will need:

Spray bottle

3:1 Water to Aloe Vera Juice (close hair cuticle, enhance shine and volume)

1 tbsp. Fresh Flaxseed gel (all-day moisture, conditions, no crunch or stiffness)

5 drops Vegetable glycerin (humectant - draws moisture from the atmosphere)

3 drops Rosehip seed oil (moisturizes and conditions, nourishes scalp, encourage hair growth)

Paper label

Pen or pencil

Product Review: Cream of Nature Argan Oil from Morocco Moisturizing Milk Masque Repairing Treatment

I want to do a product review for Cream of Nature Argan Oil from Morocco Moisturizing Milk Masque Repairing Treatment. I did not see many reviews for this product, so I thought I give my own honest opinion...

Product Name:

 



Cream of Nature Argan Oil from Morocco Moisturizing Milk Masque Repairing Treatment Product Review (Milk Masque)*

Natural Beauty In My Life | Aletha And Her 17 Years Of Au Naturale

Natural Beauty In My Life | Aletha And Her 17 Years Of Au Naturale

My sister, Aletha, and I were chillin' at the Parentals on Sunday afternoon and I was really interested on how she viewed her own natural hair. So I thought I would ask her a bunch of questions just to see how she felt about her hair. So I blurted, "I want to talk about your natural hair. Is that okay?" Aletha scream, "Yay!" This is awesome! She gets excited talking about her hair like I do mine. So here we go:

Aletha And Her 17 Years Of Au Naturale

All About My Natural

How long have you been natural?

All my life. That would be 17 years.

How would you describe your hair?

My hair is really thick and really curly.


How long is your hair?
My hair is a little past my arm pits.

What made you stay natural as opposed to getting a relaxer?

Senegalese Twists | How To Wash And Care For Senegalese Twists

Caring For Your Senegalese Twists

So you prepared for your style and got your style done...but the only way for your protective style to stay the bomb is to care for your style. I mean, what's the point of getting your protective style done that you are suppose to have for a long time...and then you take it out 2 weeks after because your hair got gross? Yea, no point. Pretty much! So I'm going to give you a few tips to care for your protective style for you to keep your own for about 6-8 weeks, instead of 2 weeks.

Healthy Hair Ingredient | Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Healthy Hair Ingredient | Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

It's pickles and salad time! No, we are not gonna eat pickles and salad today. And plus that is gross! I rather have cucumbers on my salad instead...but we are getting off topic...

 

I bring to you another DIY product:

The Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse (ACV).

Of course, you can use a clarifying shampoo or even clay to cleanse your hair. But when you have a long term style, like Senegalese twists (or really need to clarify your hair), it's kind of tough to get the actual cream or clay on your scalp to cleanse your hair. And you may have a few clumps left over in your style...you don't want that. So for effective cleaning of your scalp, hair, and even the extensions, ACV will do it for you.

CurlKit Unboxing | November 2014

CurlKit Unboxing | November 2014

What exactly is "subscribing to CurlKit?"

Well, CurlKit gives the customers an opportunity to receive 6-9 samples and full-size products for their own hair pleasure for $20 each month. The products range from hair tools, hair accessories, moisturizers, shampoos, oil, and conditioners from well-known brands to emerging hair companies. With a CurlKit monthly subscription, the products you will receive have been tested and catered to curly, coily, and kinky hair. Yay!

 

"Why subscribe to CurlKit?"

One may subscribe to CurlKit because she may not know exactly what she wants or needs for her hair and does not want to spend so much money on lots of hair products (i.e. product junkie). Another may subscribe to CurlKit just to try different products to review for the public. And lastly, the final one may subscribe to CurlKit just to try different products and have fun with them...even though she has a set regimen and staple products (clears throat) that would be me!

My Hair Diary | Christina J On Essence.com

Natural Hair Feature | Christina J On Essence.com

My Selfie Journey: Christina J

Ya girl is on Essence!!!!!!

Whoa, I'm just humbled and speechless :) This recognition and opportunity means a lot to me because:

1. I read Essence everyday,
2. I am a subscriber to Essence magazine,
3. I get to inspire others from my own experiences on Essence!