Top 5 Natural Hair Mistakes

It seems that all the rage is going natural these days. Don't get me wrong, I love that more women are embracing their natural hair, but from a few of the questions I get, things I see and hear other naturals talking about sometimes, I feel there are little things that can throw us off coarse in our quest for healthy, natural hair.

#5 Thinking It's Going To Be Easy

When some people transition, they think it's going to be easy. Natural hair in my opinion, does what it wants. The 2 textures (natural and relaxed) are going to be competing with each other. They feel as though curls are easy to work with because they basically style themselves and this is far from the truth. Curls need attention, which makes your job harder. You have to put in the work to maintain the health of your hair.

#4 Using Too Many Products

I can say this because I've been there. i was trying to figure out what my hair wanted, but would still jump on band wagons. Make sure to stick to products that your hair enjoys and not confuse yourself with too many products. This helps your hair and your wallet.

#3 Over manipulation 

Your hair likes to be left alone. If you constantly bother your hair (twirling the hair in your fingers, using heat daily, combing every day, etc.) you may be more prone to breakage and frizz. I find it helpful to do a hairstyle that keeps my hair off my face and neck with the ends tucked away which helps me keep my fingers away. I also style my hair at least once a week which also helps me not to over manipulate the hair or stress it out.

#2 Not Moisturizing Enough

Some may feel like if they moisturize ONLY on wash day, then they are good until the next wash day which is totally the opposite. Natural hair craves moisture. It does not have to be a grease fest every day. Take a spray bottle with water and maybe some olive oil mixed in and use that a little for daily moisture or use Shea butter (or your favorite butter) to moisturize and seal with your favorite oil at night. It also helps with frizz and makes your hair not look dull.

#1 Setting High Expectations After The Big Chop

Some persons feel as though if they see someone with a texture, their texture may be the exact same way. Or they may see one texture appear during the transition in a section of their head and feel as though their entire head is going to be that texture. These expectations can cause us to miss out on appreciating our own unique hair qualities and miss out on what our hair really is- A special part of us and our heritage. 

Remember that going natural is NOT a race. Focus on your own hair health at your own pace and your hair will thank you for it. 

Handbag Haul

Besides loving all things makeup, I love handbags. I have a small haul to share with you complete with satchels, tote and crossbody bag.

This bag called "Sevilla" is by Imoshion and purchased on Hautelook (discounted designer item flash sale site). I fell in love with the print as it is perfect for spring and summer. The floral prints on this bag sit on a pastel mint faux calf skin complete with diamond fringe tassel.

This bag called "Shelby"is also by Imoshion and purchased on Hautelook.

I've never owned a green handbag so I jumped for this when I saw it. Shelby is completely vegan as it is faux leather and classy diamond fringed tassel. It also has a great paisley design on the inside of the bag.

You can also find the Imoshion bags at the online store: http://www.imoshionstore.com

I grew up with Kipling being the popular kids school bag with the signature monkey. I purchased this cross body bag at the Orlando Premium Outlets for $20 and found it at the online Kipling store for $44. 

The Alvar XS Cross-Body Minibag is perfect for short trips to the store or even dinner with friends.

I've also never owned a light blue hand bag and I fell in love with the Ostrich print ever since I purchased my Dooney & Bourke Ostrich handbag. This bag called "Law" is from JustFab and I was surprised to find out that they sold handbags as they are well known for their discounted shoes. 

The detail on this bag is amazing and I love the huge amount of space on the inside of the bag. I am of the belief that this can double as an overnight bag.

Just chatting about the first three bags. Which one's are your favs?

How I: Bantu knots + length check

I use Bantu Knots as a stretching technique when I need a little more bounce with my stretch. However, some use it as a hairstyle which is can be used as. I normally rock my Bantu Knots as a hairstyle for about 2-3 days before taking them down and doing something else with my hair.



I am also very pleased with my hair growth. I did the big chop back in 2011 and the process has been great.

This was my hair immediately after the cut in NYC at the Deva Chan Salon (2011).

Products used:
Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Leave in Protector
HairVeda Whipped Gelly
HairVeda Whipped Ends Hydration

How's your hair growth journey going? Have you tried Bantu Knots?

Faux Lashes

I'm a super false eyelash junkie! Even though my eyes are already large, I always want to make them stand out with bigger, bolder lashes. I stumbled across this false eyelash company called Fauxlash.com. 

There are 8 collections in all, each uniquely different. They claim to have their lashes "hand-knotted to ensure strength and longevity." I was lucky enough to catch a sale and was able to snag three pairs that appealed to my tastes.

The "Tiny Stars" pair is the most adorable set of lashes I have ever seen. I love the jeweled and star detail all in the color purple. The are half lashes which can offer a more realistic yet futuristic & playful appearance.

Price: $12 at http://fauxlash.com 

The "Violet Noir" is from the Runway collection. I loved how full and lush they appeared online and surprisingly did not disappoint in person either. They are described as "sultry violet strands that add a multidimensional effect." I think these make great lashes for the holiday season.

Price: $18 at http://fauxlash.com 

The "Gaga" lash is from the Tres Chic collection. The Gaga lash is described as fun and flirty and "will make you feel like a showstopper." These lashes have great length and volume which can offer the perfect balance between drama, sophistication and fabulousness. 

Price: $10 at http://fauxlash.com

Each case has the name of the type of lash on the back of the casing for easy identification.

 Shipping was fast and the purchasing process was smooth even during a sale. These and many more lashes can be purchased at http://fauxlash.com

"Geddes" by My Wigs & Weaves Review

MyWigsAndWeaves.com reached out to me to do a review on one of their premium synthetic lace front wigs. I chose the hairstyle "Geddes" in the color 1/2 (jet black and dark brown).


Check them out: http://www.MyWigsAndWeaves.com
Contact info: Call 1-800-714-3189





Specs of my Unit: Geddes Synthetic Lace front
Hair Texture: Synthetic Silky Hair - Can be Curled w/Low Heat
Hair Color: 1/2 (Jet Black & Dark Brown)
Hair Length: 18 inches
Construction: Lace Front with Weft Stretch Cap
Cap Color: Neutral

See "Geddes" here: http://www.MyWigsAndWeaves.com/Synthetic-Lace-Wig-p/geddes-synthetic-lace-wig.htm

No Pin Frohawk Hairstyle

I wanted to do my usual Fro-Hawk style but had to improvise as I only had about three hair pins that were good enough to use. I hope you can try this out and see if it works for you.



Products used:
Goody non metal elastic bands
Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Conditioning Milk
Denman brush
Rat- tail comb
iLashan hair clip
(visit iLashan on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/ILashan/97224118820  )

(Goody hairpins were used in the making of the second option of this hairstyle.)

Hair Product Staples

I'll admit, a small part of me is a product junkie- an open minded product junkie who is willing to try different things. That's not to say that I go stark crazy every single time a new hair product comes out promising amazing results. So here are a few of my hair staples that I literally use on a weekly/monthly basis to take care of my hair. Have you tried any of these products? Which are your favorites for hairstyles, conditioning, etc.?

Styling Products

Eco Styler Gels: Used for wash and go's 

HairVeda Whipped Gelly: Used for wash and go's

HairVeda Herbal Green Tea: Twists (outs) & Braid (outs)  

Qhemet Biologics Alma and Olive Heavy Cream: Twists (outs) & Braid (outs)

Moisturizing Products

Organic Root Stimulator Jojoba Oil: Sealing in Moisture

Qhemet Biologics Burdock Root Butter Cream: Moisturizing

Raw Shea Butter: Moisturizing

HairVeda Whipped Creme ends hydration: Moisturizing

Now Foods Virgin Coconut Oil: Sealing in Moisture, Shine

Tropic Isle Living Jamaican Black Castor oil: Moisture

 Conditioning Products

Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Leave In Conditioner: 

Used as a leave in conditioner

Aubry Organics Primrose To Go: Used as a hair refresher

HairVeda Vatika Frosting: Used as a pre-poo

Tresemme Fresh Start Refreshing Mist: Used as a hair refresher

 Deep Conditioners/Cleanser

Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Conditioner: 

Used for detangling & Co-washing

HairVeda Moist Condition 24/7: Used for conditioning & detangling

HairVeda Sitrinillah Deep Hair Masque: Used as a deep conditioner

Dove Daily Moisture Shampoo: Used for cleansing scalp and hair

Alicia Keys new short hairstyle

So Alicia Keys tweeted a pic of a new do for her fans/followers and I really like it as it relates to something new for her. However, some people are calling it a "Big Chop" which in the natural hair world is defined as cutting off the relaxed portions the hair. 

(Pic courtesy of Twitter)

I on the other hand, would just call this a short hairstyle or Bob hairstyle because if you knew Alicia keys circa 2001, you would know that she was always  natural. Also, I only would say this is a "Big Chop" in the context that Alicia had hella hair when she first came out on the music scene. She says it's something new via the caption she posted with it stating:

Look what I done did!!;-))) its an #aknewday in EVERY way!!!! ;-))))

I personally love it and I think it goes with the fact that she has grown up now just as many of us have grown up with her. It's a more mature look and I'm digging it.

 (Joseline Hernandez Love & Hiphop cast member)

I will dare to ask though, is this going to be the new trend leading up to the Fall season? Consider Joseline Hernandez from "Love & Hip Hop". Almost every episode she is rocking a short hairstyle. 

So I'm wondering if anyone else is going to show up with short hair this season? 

Who else do you think would look great in a short do? 

Purple & White Cracked Nail Design

I jumped on the cracked/crackle nail polish band wagon back in 2011 and I'll admit, I may have done the sought after design 3-4 times on my own nails. I picked up a lot of my crackle polishes from my local Sally beauty Supply store. I took a moment to dig through my nail polishes and was like "I never tried the white crackle" hence came the idea to try and design my nails today.

I used a glittery purple nail polish from Sinful colors as a base color and did not let it dry completely before I applied the China Glaze Crackle polish. Sinful Colors nail polishes to me act as great bases because they are vibrant and reasonable in price which is usually $.99 at Walgreens when they go on sale.

I love the results because I looks as if I used a lavender Crackle on top which I didn't. It's been a long time since I did this nail design and I hope you get inspired to go back to trends you love from time to time regardless of the season :)

Favorite Hair Tools

Since I've been natural, I have come to love a number of tools that help me in my daily, weekly and even monthly hair care routines. My advice for buying any hair tool is to make sure it's comfy and also that it will not damage your hair in any way.

Hair clips, and funky had bands are my go-to accessories for adding pops of color to my hair styles. These are easy to apply and don't snag my hair.

These are my STAPLE hair tools! I enjoy them the most. All (except the bobby pins) are Goody brand products. The Spin Pins (upper right) are great for keeping buns in place (tutorial below), and my Goody brand Soft Flexible Clips (bottom center) are great for keeping hair out of my face. 

The Goody hair elastics have no metal bands so they do not damage my hair via snagging, and I also make sure my bobby pins have the little "bubble" on the end so as not to snag my hair as well. 

My final tools help me the most on wash days. The Denman brush is great for smoothing and detangling. Soft head bands, mostly in cotton or satin fabrics, help to keep my hair out of my face and my edges covered and controlled. The hair sectioning claws or clamps (left) help to section my hair during wash day so that I can effectively clean my hair.

Here is the Goody Spin Pin Tutorial and Review

So, see any tools that you use already or would like to know more about? 

Let me know!!! 

MAC Heavenly Creature Haul

I got a chance to purchase a few items from this collection & I must say I love what I got.

Here are swatches of the mineralized blushes Solar Ray (left) and Ring of Saturn (right). I chose both because I feel they will work best for dark skin tones out of all the other mineralized blushes from this collection. Ring of Saturn is so gorgeous in person!! It may be more on the rose/pink side but it is definitely a fall must have blush. Solar Ray is very bright and you get more of the golden color than you do the pink so this would make a great highlight as well.

Price: $23.50 at maccosmetics.com

The only lipstick that caught my eye was Venus. Venus is a lustre finish with more of a neutral pink tone and in my opinion is the most versatile and wearable.

Price: $14.50 at maccosmetics.com

Minted Grape Tutorial

Starting to get into my summer makeup colors! Enjoy

Products used:

MAC Newly Minted
Makeup Forever no. 92
Lime Crime Top Hattie
MAC Rice Paper
Ardell 107 eye lashes
Wet N Wild liquid liner
Jordana Black eye liner pencil

Victoria's Secret ♡ Haul

I love me some Victoria's Secret! I got a chance to get in on the Semi Annual Sale and snagged some goodies! The ones I got are listed below the video.



Lotions:
Be Seduced
Coconut Passion
Midnight Mimosa
Lost In Fantasy

Fragrance Mist:
Sheer Water Lily
Vibrant Peony
Blooming Violet
Passionate Kisses
Pure Seduction
Berry Kiss
Luscious Kisses

OOTD: Seaside casual