May 1, 2013 Natural Hair Progession: Stretching TWAs and Nautral Hair Styling

Below are photos of my natural hair progression.My hair is steady growing and I am learning how to care for it, such as what products to use, when to wash etc. I have a mini hair regimen.I wash 1-2X's a week, alternating co-washing and clarifying washes. I say mini because I cannot seem to stay consistent lately. I am still experimenting a lot with different hair products. Ultimately, I will probably make my own products. I have tried a few brands (Shea Moisture, Soultanicals, Ynobe, and few others). Those brands are just so so. I will probably not find a definitive brand for my hair. My curl pattern is 4b/c (very afro-ish, kinky hair) and it needs a lot of moisturizer and oils. I have yet to find the right combination of moisture and oil but I am not fretting yet. As my hair grows,the needs of my hair will change. So it is best to practice flexibility and patience when handling black, natural hair. Now I am not saying that I never get fed up with it (those days I just pick my hair into an afro and keep it moving), I am learning to just chill out because at the end of the day it just hair! 

Natural Hair Styling Methods:
 
I have not had much luck with braid, twists or Bantu knot outs. I will experiment with those when my hair gets longer. No need to try and manipulate it into styles when it is at the length. Instead,when I feel a need to spice things up a bit, I add accessories such as bejeweled bobby pins, clips and flowers. 


Methods used to Stretch TWAs:

Pineapple Method: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlL3Ek5bfz0)

Banding method: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8knyj27pG8

I do not use these methods all of the time. I may do a stretching technique a day or two after washing. I do not want to cause any unnecessary tension on my scalp, especially around hairline. 
 

May 1, 2013

May 2, 2013

Update: Big Trim and wearing my hair free!

Ok so I have been needing my hair evened out for months now. I never had the time to go to the salon. I would take down my twists extensions and redo them a day or two later. I got a Major trim and decided to Not add any extensions. I just want to be free. I have had a mixed reaction. My friends and family have been super encouraging!! Thanks everyone! However at work I have been getting compliments and strange looks. I really could car less about the strange looks. I really want to stop and say "this is my real hair people and I Love it!!". I had a co-worker who told me that her sister, who is natural, uses a product that makes your hair curl up. I am not worried about my hair not being curly. My hair texture is Coarse, 4c/d. My hair Will Not curl up with out manipulation such as twists outs, braids, perm rods, or whatever. Instead of getting indignant with people, I will have to school them. I will Not be straightening my hair anytime soon. It's a New Day up in here and as a black woman with a black daughter, I will wear my hair natural and be Proud of it. I will teach my little girl to love her hair. I will embrace my Lovely Kinks!! If Anyone has problem, take it up with someone who cares.

Natural Sisters Unite!!!

New update!

Sorry I haven't updated in awhile. But yes I am still natural. I wear puffy twists exclusively now. My hair has grown a lot. I have started using the LOC method to maximize moisture for my hair. The LOC method is basically 3 steps: liquid, oil and cream. This method will seal in moisture. I will also use the GHE/bagging method using olive and grape seed oil once a week. It's a bit hard to keep my hair moisturizer with added extensions but I a, working diligently to keep it moisturizer to minimize breakage when I take down and redo my twists. Here are a few pics: