Product of the week: Aussi moist conditioner

If you follow my many posts you know that I like to highlight  the endless benefits of being natural, and things my hair love; this weeks product is an addition to that list. Although my interest for trying new products have died down A LOT since I first became natural, there are a few things I will never completely let go of. 

My hair texture is thick and in order for it to thrive I take pride in giving it what it loves; conditioners, natural oils, and raw shea butter are just a few. Aussie moist is one of my all time fave conditioners for the following reasons;

1. its thick

2. has lots of slip (so its great for detangling)

3. moisturizes!

I use this conditioner for my co washes and deep conditioner treatments, it leaves my hair super moist ALL DAY!! When I co wash with Aussie moist I know I don't have to worry about dryness that day, and I don't even have to add a leave in after! This is heaven in a bottle for under $5 (depending on the size and sale you find). If your hair is pron to dryness and/or you are in search of a good and affordable detangling conditioner, I suggest you try Aussie moist..and as always PLEASE COME BACK AND SHARE YOUR TESTIMONY.

Ingredients
Water, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Glutamic Acid, Fragrance, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Benzyl Alcohol, Edta, Ecklonia Radiata Extract (Australian Sea Kelp), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Extract, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone.
 

Peace&Blessings!

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!!

Queen of the Week

 This weeks natural queen is one of my personal faves; meet Suburbanbushbabe, the unique beauty she has to bring to the natural world is her knowledge, wisdom and personal experiences. I remember being a newbie and freaked out when I had a negative encounter with devacare, I didn't know whether it was the beyond the zone curl creme or the devacare,I made a desperate thead on naturallycurly.com and  in came sub (along with dozens of other naturals) with endless info and  advises of what I should do. Up until that experience I did not know what silicone was or how it affect natural hair, I was glad I had sub and other naturals to hold my hands when I needed them the most.

1. How long have you been natural? how long did you transition?
I started my transition in August 2005 and became fully natural in October 2006 - a 14-month transition from being texlaxed.  For many years I was a "false" natural, not a true one, afraid of confronting, caring for and living with my natural hair texture.

2. What are the pros and cons (if any) of being natural?
Very few cons.   I saw this black woman with gorgeous gray/silver, bone straight hair on HGTV, and I began to salivate. But I'm afraid of the flatiron. I'm happier now with my hair than I ever have been in life.

3. Please describe your hair texture and its behaviors ex. kinky curly coarse coil very dry....
My curl pattern is 3c and 4a.  The texture of my hair is fine, volume is thin, and strands are fragile. It's in good condition, but can quickly become dry if I don't feed it enough moisture, especially during seasonal transitions.

4.What made you want to become natural?
I felt frustrated with the hairdresser who texlaxed and colored my hair. I was tired of the whole "hood" salon scene, her coloring skills left much to be desired, I was tired of being burned periodically, and felt I deserved better.  I had been getting my hair cut for awhile by another curl-centric salon, but it was that frustration that made me not go back for relaxer.  But to give her credit, the hairdresser who texlaxed my hair had suggested several times that I should let my hair go natural.

5.What is your hair goal?
Healthy, beautiful, easy to care for hair that grows well, increases my attractiveness and makes me feel great.

6. Name 4 fave hair products? 
4? You are such a kidder!  The products I use consistently are:  GVP version of Biolage Matrix Conditioning Balm, All-Nutrient ClarpHX Active Clarifying shampoo (sulfate-free), Onesta Moisture Balancing Conditioner, Qhemet Biologics Olive Honey Hydrating Balm, Kinky Curly Curling Custard, Vigorol Curls Curling Cream, Devacurl Set it Free, Aquage Illuminating Gellade.

7. What tips and advice would you share with us? 
 Aside from avoiding build-up, conditioning frequently, using a butter or oil on ends and sleeping on a silk pillowcase?

- Don't feel guilty about experimenting with products, unless you are blowing your budget, not paying the rent or mortgage or skimping on meals.  Product experimentation is how I got to know what works and what does not on my hair.  It's also how I know which $4 product works as well as a $20 one.
-  Find a good stylist who cuts many curly heads; I get a Devacut 3 times a year and would not have the shape or curls I have without my hairdresser's expertise.
- Have patience with your hair if you are new; it will go through many changes.  Even on a bad hair 
day, your hair doesn't look as bad as you think it does.
- You will find what works for you eventually - give it time. It took me years, but it is so worth it.

 
8. where can you be found?
Any of the sites below. If you are in or around the Boston area, come join the Boston Naturals meetup - a friendly group of naturals who meet at regular fun events, and we welcome new members.  You can find me on my blog and at my Fotki site -- but I haven't been as active with Fotki since the summer.  I also post frequently at Naturally Curly's Curltalk forum (some could say too frequently). And I occasionally write articles for them as well and for their professional site, Curlstylist.

http://www.meetup.com/Napptural/
http://suburbanbushbabe.wordpress.com/
http://members.fotki.com/suburbanbushbabe/about/
http://www.naturallycurly.com/
http://www.curlstylist.com/

9. what advice would you give someone who is considering becoming natural?  
One of my favorite sayings is, "I'm not ready, but it's time," and when I say that or feel scared of doing something that is going to benefit me, I know it's time for me to step outside my comfort zone.  It can really help us grow to do something outside of our comfort zones, as long as we don't have to stay there all the time. Natural hair can often put us there -- not everyone you know is going to like it, you may get snide or downright hurtful comments, your spouse or lover may say they prefer straight hair.  You may have days where you wonder if the transition is worth it.  You may have days where you long to reach for the relaxer.  Stay with your authenticity.  Make the stretch (no pun intended).  Free your hair -- your mind will follow.

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

It has brought me in touch with real parts of me, and allowed me to reach out to others and share. And thank you for asking me to share with your blog readers.

HAir UpDates

My hair is sprouting and I am getting even more excited about my 2 years anniversary, I have been wearing it stretched (TEAM STRETCHED!!!) the entire week and I am surprised at how easy it is to manage. My regimen has changed a lot to accommodate the colder weather; instead of washing my hair weekly I try to co wash bi weekly or even once monthly, I use my whupped shea butter mix more, seal with EVOO and stay away from wash n gos (never liked them). I learned that keeping my hair braided or in some sort of a wrapped up style locks moister  for as long as I keep the style in (without having to refresh w/ spritz). I also swear by kimmaytubes leave in concoction (THANK YOU KIM).

I don't know if it's a combination of the products I use and the knowledge i have gained from being natural, but I have managed to keep my hair moist and soft for days without having to add anything to it since last Sunday night. Moister is very important to me and it is one thing I thought I would have a hard time figuring out, it's nice to prove myself wrong.

Today I realize I can put my hair in a ponytail...(and Im not talking about the bobby pin ponytails either) I did so using a hair tie, I don't know why I am not as enthusiastic as i thought I would be when this day would come but I guess I am looking forward to  bigger accomplishments like 12''  hair, or the day I can look down on my chest and see my hair. Although ultimately we all want healthy hair, I also look forward to the length that comes with its health (without getting obsessed with it). I have heard and read too many stories of a scissor happy stylist or heat damage; it happens to the best of us and although I take lots of precautions, my hair is not invincible. It's great how my hair seizes to amaze me.You can never go wrong with natural hair :-D hope my story is inspiring to some if not all.

post advice: "highlight the features in your hair that makes you happy in your current phase, look to others for motivation and inspiration not to compare and contrast; no two heads of hair are alike, be patient and focus on moister and giving those ends TLC, your time will come to be amazed(..if you aren't already)''