UPDATE!!

Hello all,

 I would like to apologize for taking a long hiatus. This year started off with unpleasant surprises. In 2 months i lost an aunt to inflammatory breast cancer she was just 28 yrs old. My neighbor/fam friend died to bile duct cancer shortly after, she was 37 (left behind two kids and a husband). one of my best friends was in a car accident that took the life of her 2 kids they were 9 and 5 yrs old. It was one tragedy after another.

Life is so precious it can be taken away in just a breath and although I know my loved ones are in a better place it is us left on earth who suffer. I ask God to give everyone involved strength especially my friend Erica how have to be remembered everyday that her kids are gone. My heart goes out to everyone.

 

 As far as my hair goes up until this month it has been in one PS after another. After taking down my last sew in i discovered that an entire braid had been cut off in my crown area. I freaked out but what can you do? I didn't do it nor can i figure out at what point it happened. It is so disappointing to have something like that happen especially when I pay close attention to the care of my hair. It seems like every time someone else touches my hair I am unhappy with something. I decided to turn to wigs for a change. To be honest I really dislike not having access to my scalp when it itches or sweat with weave in. My hair told me it needed a wash and i couldn't give it what it wanted. *sigh* With a wig i can wash and co-wash whenever i please while keeping my hair in cornrows underneath...besides i want to get comfy with handling my new length.

I will be doing the crown and glory growth technique Wig Regimen w/ a combination of the castor oil challenge. Here is how it works:

1. Sleep in a satin or silk sleep bonnet.
2. wear natural braids under wig.
3. Deep condition weekly
4. clarify hair as needed
5. Drink lots of water daily
6. Hot oil (castor oil mixed with coconut oil) treatment weekly

goal: to retain length.

http://www.growafrohairlong.com/wigs.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Later gators <3

UPDATE

Hey Dolls,

Long time no write. I returned to PS braids extensions. After about 2 months of playing with my hair it is time to take a load off. I plan to leave them in for 2 months but as proven in the past my hair grows fast in them so I will probably have them in for 6 weeks.  Here are some pix from an outing this past weekend (Sept. 24) my co workers and I went out and I rocked the blue get up. I must say the hair style complimented the outfit.

Another day in the FAB life, getting glammed up is what I live for lol.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!

So for my bday i decided to do the following style

Its stylish, edgy and it compliments with my bday dress.  The night was innocent shared with my siblings who are my BEST friends and some close friends. After going through lifes ups and downs one thing I realize is when all else fails FAMILY is ALWAYS there. I learned to stick with them because we may fight, and disagree but its like a marriage we get through it and become closer and stronger. I am fortunate to be blessed with 4 sisters and 4 brothers who I ADORE; I LOVE LOVE YOU ALL!!

Birthday girl





THAT'S ALL FOLKS!!

Natural Queen of The Week: Kandeezie

 This weeks beauty of the week is the reason I stick to being natural. Meet Kandeezie, the unique beauty she has to being to the natural world is her accomplishments and courage. Upon running into Kandeezies picture I had an immediate jaw dropping experience, then a speechless moment  and when she cut off most of her hair about 1 week after the above pix I had the same reactions. Ether way she looks phenomenal! I am even more inspired to see naturals with Kandeezies hair texture because it reassures me of what I can look forward to, I LOVE BEING INSPIRED!!!!

1. How long have you been natural? how long did you transition?

I've been natural on and off since high school. This most recent time has been about 2 years, when I started the blog as a way to encourage myself and document my styles. 

2. What are the pros and cons (if any) of being natural?

The pros are: self-acceptance, no running from rain, sharing with a large community, and resisting oppression (natural hair is still political ground, unfortunately). Cons: People still politicizing natural hair. I think they don't even realize it when they do that. One day, it will just be hair, but until then, I'll keep clarifying and correcting people and challenging men on their ideas of what is "attractive". 

3. Please describe your hair texture and its behaviors ex. kinky curly coarse coil very dry....

My hair has many textures, as with most people. It's stretchy and straightens very easily, so I have to be careful with heat and its potential damage. If I let it air dry, no styling, I would have a tight fro in the back and on the sides, then a fluffy curl on the top. Curly/coily hair is naturally dry. I don't see that as a problem and I don't try to fix it either. As long as my ends aren't splitting, then I'm fine with it being dry.

4. What inspired you to become natural?

There are tooooooo many reasons to name here. First time around, I did it because my step-sister did it. This time around, one of the big ones was that I got tired of spending $200 to get it done. But, mind you, I was only getting my hair done twice a year. I never really did it often - just blow-dried it in between perms. It was usually left with lots of texture. Even still, I was tired of no one knowing how to do my hair. Even seasoned professionals who claim to be experts on black hair seemed to only know relaxers. I was tired of hearing how "nice" my hair was straight but getting nothing when it was curly. I was tired of seeing my natural hair being depicted as something that needed to be tamed or managed. I was tired of my son asking if he can get his hair straight too because the kids are making fun of him at school. I was tired of having my natural hair being shown as the before picture in hair commercials. I'm doing a degree in sociology and we study societal messages from every single angle. When we study beauty ideals, black natural hair always came up as being at the BOTTOM of the hair hierarchy. I understand my own social conditioning and I constantly try to challenge myself. This was me accepting myself. This was me forcing others to accept me. I still like straight styles, and I am not as anti-relaxer as I use to be, but I love natural hair as equally as other types of hair. That's the place that I wanted to get at. 

5. What is your hair goal?

To find my own style. My hair is in line with me learning how to wear makeup for the first time. I wasn't really into it before but now I love it! I am finally in my 30s (I've been looking forward to it my whole life. Strange, I know...) and I want to feel good and confident and beautiful in my own skin. Long, short, in between - doesn't matter. As long as it suits my face and has style, I'm up for it!

6. Name 4 fave hair products?

1. I'm a BIG fan of Qhemet Biologics.  Their Amla Oil Nourishing Pomade is my favourite! 
2. Soma Hair Technology has some good stuff too, especially their Solace Anti-Frizz, but they're hard to find. It's kinda ridiculous sometimes who hard I have to search to find a supplier. 
3. Dove Baby Shampoo - very gentle on hair. My friend in NY was telling me that she can only find it in Canada. It's too bad if that's the case.
4. Homemade anything! I make a lot of my own concoctions and I subscribe to other blogs who do homemade recipes. It's fun to find the right customized blend. 

7. What tips and advice would you share with us?

It's a process! Everything is a process. The community is so large now, it's easy to find support. Be honest with what makes you feel uncomfortable and what you have a hard time with. Someone out there probably shares part of your concerns. In terms of tips for caring for your hair, I suggest you read The Rules on how to care for curly hair at TightlyCurly.com. She really helped me to learn how to be gentle with my hair and stop trying to use straight hair tools and styles for curly hair. 

8. Where can you be found?

I'm blogging at itsmynaturalhair.com. I'm on twitter and everywhere else on the web as Kandeezie! 

9. What advice would you give someone who is considering becoming natural?

There are many ways to go natural. I transitioned, I big clopped. Some people braid/put extensions in. I would recommend reading about what other people are doing, check out some of the black natural hair fashion blogs that showcase women looking gorgeous with their hair and pick the styles you think would suit your face. That gives you something to look forward to. Seeing beautiful women with natural hair helped to make me feel more confident, even though I've been doing it forever. Every little bit of a confidence booster helps. 

kandeezie after recent haircut

10. Would you say being natural affects your life? if so in what way?

It has helped me to find some wonderful people who are doing awesome things. I feel more beautiful now than I ever did before. Perhaps it's a combination of growing older, feeling more secure, and being able to let my own voice speak for myself. I feel great! I feel even better seeing all of these young women rocking their hair with such style! It's wonderful to see progress happen right before my eyes! 

Hello Queens,

Hair is doing great, I have had kinky twists in for the past 3 weeks now, I like the fact that hair is on the bottom of my priority list I am so busy I don't need to be worried about doing it. It is amazing how much time I save in the morning not having to style my hair while in braids vs having to style it out of braids. You can't call it neglect because the hair is very much protected and tucked away to flourish while I go on by way. Protective styling is perfect for me right now I couldn't ask for a better idea.

Recently (this past weekend) I went out with some friends and long behold A CAMERA was on site, although it was my friends I was glad it was there, notice we all have kinky twist ( not on purpose). The friend in the middle BC after about 14 months of transitioning and the one on the left is in transition. I am proud to say I can't think of one friend of mine who is not natural...and it all started with me. Although I was influence by my girl Latonda, no one really ever thought about going natural until I started what seemed like a campaign about it and BCd..yay me!!

my friend travis going away get together

Product of the week: Samys big curls

A few days prior to getting braids, I tried the Samy curls creme on slightly damped old braid out hair, the results were AMAZING. I brought this products at Walgreen during a buy1 get one free sale early last year, the two tubes has been sitting amongst my other products, I was holding off on trying new things after my devacare disaster happened (another story) so its just sort of been sitting there. Lately I ran low on products so I decided to give this a try, and let me tell you queens, am I glad I did. My hair was defined and frizzy in all the right places, it wasn't until my younger twin brothers (who always make fun of my short natural hair) complimented me that I checked the mirror I realized what they were talking about; see earlier that morning I did a quick apply , checked to see if there were white residue and dashed out the door to work, when I took a glance at the mirror it was my first time seeing the end results. I wanted so much to share pictures but I am still on the budget for a new camera, hopefully you all can try this and come back on here to share!

HTH

Ingredients:

Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Esters, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil (Orange), Glycerin, Limonene, Phenoxyethanol, Amodimethicone, Quaternium 91, Cetrimonium Methosulfate, Methylparaben, Cetrimonium Chloride, Trideceth 12, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Citric Acid, Isobutylparaben, Propylparaben, Lavandula Angustifulia Extract (Lavender), Linalool, Butylene Glycol, Citral, Citrus Aurantifolia Fruit Extract (Lime), Citrus Medica Limonium Fruit Extract (Lemon), Citrus

I feel as though I have abandoned this blog (shame on me), a number of episodes has caused me to be m.i.a; from a broken laptop adapter, to my new job, and next week starting school again I will be a busy body, but never too busy to stop by and update on my progress.

After my last wash day I decided to get another kinky braid set..if your asking whether or not I ever get tired of them the answer is yes and no;  yes because I've been getting the itch to try something different, and no because of my motto, "if its not broke, leave it alone" (of course the fact that it's the best economic decision for me right now doesn't hurt ether ;-))

SAMPLE OF KT

my current wish list consist of Shea butter and coca butter, I am also low on all oils except EVOO, having the braids in gives me a peace of mind to put that in the back of my mind until they are really needed. It's so funny the things that matter and dont matter once you have completely learned about yourself and your hair; once upon a time I had to have a stand full of products because it made me smile seeing the variety, but i learned narrowing products down gives me a chance to focus on the specifics of the product and the best way it works for my hair. I strongly recommend this method if you are seeking for something that works. Natural hair journey is a learning process and there will be many opportunities to master and tame your hair (that's if you want too, untamed is just as beautiful, I have my day. 

Yesterday I ran into a natural who was rocking a puff, of course in San Diego you dont see naturals ofter so  I complimented and asked her about her regimen? This is when she started to tell me her mom and sister always tease her about her hair being undone and dry..she had no idea what to put in it, to my surprise it was her mom and sis who were blind because her hair was jaw droopingly beautiful. I began to inform her of some products she can get locally and online, I even gave her the kimmaytube leave in mixture (if yall haven't figured it out I am in love). She jotted down all the info on a piece of paper, I reminded her to come back and let me know how they worked for her. Being able to help made my day, I pray my enthusiasm and hair joking encourages her to stay stay natural despite of what anyone thinks.
It amazes me how many women make the decision to become natural alone without the support of fam, friends, or the web; how brave and courageous, i bow down to them ALL, its like plunging into a pool without having any clue of how deep it is..I LOVE IT!!!

http://askmissa.com

The natural life is still full of great surprises (see this weeks product review or PR).It's 2011, my 2 years nappiversary year, I am super excited  and am looking forward to what this wonderful year has to bring for my nappy tresses. Will be keeping it updated so keep it locked here. Till next time, peace, love & Happy growing!!

Merry X-mas Queens

Two days ago I went against my original plan and took out my braids. I made the mistake of trying a brand I never used before, it was too silky and slippery, by the first month my hair was a complete frizz ball and  it was so obvious where my real hair ended..YIKES!! Granted  I missed my hair crazy I was not too bummed, now I get to spent the holidays with it...YAY!!! Tomorrow I plan to wear one of my fav classic styles; the Marylin Monroe inspired do (currently in Bantu knots as preparation) Although I do not miss the braids I plan to put them back in come January before spring semester starts.

I love the holidays because I spend it doing what I love the most; spending quality time with my family; no presents, no Christmas trees just quality time watching movies, joking and enjoying one another presence.  I am at MOST grateful that I have each and every single one of them to cherish and care for. I don't take a single moment for granted. I thank God for that. 

Happy Holidays to you all share your holiday hair story with me! Luv you all. Peace & blessings

In case you are wondering i am still here

I have been M.I.A with putting my life back together, God has been so good to me and I would love to share and plan to when I can catch my breath. Although I am not on here as often as I use to be, I will stay committed to what gives me a piece of mind and makes me happy. I have realized that I may break from online natural community but the community keeps going no matter what so I have to keep that in mind and  stay true to my subscribers on ytube, new friends on fotki and followers on here. I appreciate and love each and every single person who take the time to join my pages to inquire about what I am doing. So if yo have been wondering, I am blessed and well. Toodles for now queens

Happy Birthday mom!!!

Today my family,friends,and I gathered together to celebrate my mothers 55th birthday, for those of you who do not already know I am Haitian, when we celebrate a special occasion we go all out with the food and if you haven't already heard; Haitian food is the best ever!!!!

My mother and niece today 10/23/10

I have watched my mother face so much obstacles growing up, through it all she has been able to triumph and concur all things, she has carried everything but the world on her shoulders and the fact that she stands tall and strong today makes me wonder to what capacity can one withstand challenges?  I only pray and hope one day I may inherit a quarter amount of the strength she has. Not many can say this but my mother is my hero, she taught me to stand and be there for the people that means the most to me, even if they are strangers.

my mother, sister, and I in Haiti summer 2010

Cheers to you mom; the most phenomenal woman that ever walked this earth, you deserve the world for the worlds greatest mom, I love and thank you for making me the person I am today. Life would not be worth living if you weren't in it making differences in peoples lives everyday. The  sun would not rise if it could not look forward to shining on yours angelic face. To a powerful being with a beautiful soul, may God continue to bless you all the days of your life.  You are my #1 QUEEN, mwah!!!

my father, niece and mom

My BIG family

my sis, niece and I

Introduction

 Hello all,

I would like to formally introduce myself to this blog, my name is Durelene aka Dee, I am 25 years old and live in California. I made the decision to create a blog because I want a site to call my own this website will serve as my personal diary (without the lock on it); here I will share my thoughts and opinions about the things that I am most passionate about; God, natural hair, and fashion. I am open to all opinion as long as they are out of  respect and love. I have high regards for my sistas, we are all queens so lets act and treat each other like it. Negative energy is not welcome so please stay out.

I have been natural for 1 year and 2 months. I decided to go natural because I was tired of my hair controlling my life; I was always broke and the days my hair was not done to my satisfaction I was in bad moods. Last year in march I got my last touch up relaxer in 6 months post relaxer, I knew I had retained a lot of growth so I was excited to see my new length. My excitement was short lived when my beautician said "oh girl you need a trim".
That day I remembered walking out of that shop  extremely sad; I had been 6 months post relaxer and all i had to show for was thin shoulder length hair.  I remembered getting emotional while looking in the rear view mirror and asked myself,  "is this the length your hair will always be?"
  My hair had always been thick so it didn't matter to me that it didn't grow past shoulder length, but when I lost my voluminous hair I knew it was time for a change.That was when I vowed to never get relaxers again. I didn't know how or what I was going to do without relaxers, all i knew was I was done with both relaxers and weaves.

June 08 half sew in weave

Real hair relaxed

Vegas 4th of July 09. Bet you cant spot me and my natural friend

Latonda and I at vegas

Fast forward to July 4th a group of friends and I met up at Vegas where I met the young woman that changed my life, she was beautiful, natural and brown skin. Up until then I had never met a natural who fit her description, I grew up thinking only light skin biracial girls had the right to wear their hair natural. I was fascinated by her hair, beauty and confidence and the fact that she was nice made it easy for me to approach her. I asked her how she got her hair that way and she told me she transitioned for 11 months then Big Chopped. I then asked her if there was another way to go natural without having to cut all my hair off and when she replied no I had mixed emotions; I pondered in disbelief at all of the hard work, spending hard earned money on my hair and I still had to start all over.

Conditioned hair nite b4 BC

Flashback - I had absolutely no idea what my texture looked like, let alone how to treat it, all my life I either wore it in braids, weaves or relaxed.  Unlike many of my fellow sistas whose mothers put relaxer in their hair at a young age to help with managing it, my relaxed hair was a result of a rebellious 10 year old. I was forbidden to get a relaxer, my mother did not support it, but like every little girl I looked up to my oldest sister and wanted hair like hers. So one day when my mother was away I begged my sister to put it in . I knew there was severe punishment  for my defying my mothers rules but I wanted relaxed hair so badly that it didn't matter. My mother and sis were the two who styled my hair growing up and it didn't matter to me what they did since i was oblivious to hair and hair care.

After explaining to Latonda ( my new found natural  friend)   my concerns she advised that i did some research on the web and youtube.  I took her advise and was introduced to a world I never knew existed; what I saw was videos of  beautiful courageous Black women with  different shades, hair textures and length proudly rocking their hair in its natural state; I seen how happy they were and how healthy their hair was. That was went the blindfolded had lifted from my eyes. I knew going natural was for me and could not stand living a lye a day longer so I had my oldest sis put in some kinky twist and began transitioning. I grew anxious after continuously watching videos of  women who were taking the plunge to BC, so three days after my 24th birthday I had my brother (who is also a barber) Cut off my hair; I had been transitioning for just 1 month. My hair was cut down to about 1/2 an inch and the rest is history.

Along with the hair went the burden and insecurities I faced most of my life; It was like the world was lifted off my shoulders. Although I went through an emotional roller coaster having a TWA, I am glad I did it. This journey has striped me of my pride and insecurities and build me up into a strong, confident and proud black woman. Through it all I learned to find my inner beauty. I know everyone goes natural for a different reason, but for me it was more than just cutting my hair off, this decision has drastically altered my life and rebuild a wiser, better me . I look back at the days I was uneducated about my hair and get so upset that I did not inquire and asked questions. I am no longer living in the dark cave. When  I see natural hair I see so much beauty and empowerment. I am forever thankful for this experience. This is why I say natural=freedom; I was freed the day I BCd.

I am here to share the love and passion  for natural hair, life and its Beauty. God did not make any mistakes when He created us and our hair texture and to wear it proudly is telling Him we are thankful  for the BEAUTIFUL image He seen and created in us. I am here to inspire and grow. So lets talk about hair!!
peace&blessing Queens