Spotlight Friday: Natural Hair Youtubers to love and embrace

In gearing up to relaunch this blog and website, I did a lot of following, liking, reading and get myself reacquainted with the natural hair community. Although, I still have a lot of work to do, there are so many beautiful women, I came across. Many have been on YouTube, Facebook and other social media sites for years and some new to the natural hair community. I also realize how much the community has change and it's good to welcome change.

There are more naturals more than ever before, whether its on YouTube or my day to day life. I am so in love with this growth and this new found love that black women in particular have found for themselves and each other. What is amazing  is that we are able to connect, motivate and share information that is beneficial to us and our natural- curly headed girls.

Over the years my journey has given me freedom to express myself and grow in a profound ways. The knowledge I have today, I never would have, had I not discovered the natural hair community. I remember endless nights searching for hair care regimens and ways to care for my hair. I never grasps any of it until I joined Youtube. Today I have knowledge that expands to my overall health and it all started with my hair.

Let me know below what your journey has been like?
Who is your favourite youtubers?
and please include any information, articles to motivate and inspire someone.

The natural hair community is greater than Dove’s mistakes
Let's Talk About Colorism In The Natural Hair Community
Is the Natural Hair Community Too Sensitive?


Here are a few beautiful women I support:

Naturally Temi

Naturally Temi Channel >> Click Here

Ronkeraji

  



Ronkeraji Channel>>> Click Here

101 Winter Natural Hair Care for the Curly girl

I miss summer, a constant statement for me and many alike when old grumpy winter arrives. The torrential snow falls and freezing weather is sometimes to much to handle. Over the years with the season change so has my winter hair care regimen. The cold months can wreak havoc on our kinks, and curls. The extreme cold weather can rid our hair of moisture, leaving it dry and brittle. However, this winter has definitely been a little bit warmer for us, not a lot of cold and snow. Although I am extremely happy, I can't help but wonder, what's going on? definitely global warming but let's explore taking care of our crown in these colder months.

Why use sulfate free shampoo:

During the winter months I find myself sticking to sulfate free shampoo. When I do shampoo my hair (which isn't very often), my goal is to retain as much moisture as possible. Sulfate free shampoos are less drying to my hair and scalp, preventing moisture loss.

What is sulfate?

• Sulfate are detergents use to cleanse hair and scalp by cutting through dirt and grime. To provide a much clear picture imagine pouring diluted salt and water on your hair and scalp. Sulfates are salts sulfuric acid and many are prepared from that salt. 

• The most common sulfate ingredient you will spot is lauryl sulfate (SLS) and ammonium lauryl sulfate (ASL). 

Recommendations: 

Over the last year I have tried many different methods for keeping my scalp clean and preventing moisture loss. In the hopes of finding the best method that works for me. Early on in my hair care journey, I realize that much of what I would learn about my hair would come from trail and error. That statement is still very true today, because what works for another natural head of hair, will not work for me or may.

The LOC Method

If you have been natural or just decided to take the plunge the L.O.C method is simple; Liquid, Oil and cream. Yes! in that order or any way it works for you. It has proven to work for many naturals.

LIQUID - consider this to be your moisture- water, aloe vera juice, liquid leave-in, as long as the base is preferably water based our hair loves water, and thrives on it. It only makes sense that the first step be to revitalize it, with liquid.

Oil - Think of this as coating the hair, although some natural do this method last. Whether you decided to do this before or after, our hair needs these essential and carrier oils in order to coat and lock in the moisture. I personal tend to use my oils after I have used the last method cream (leave-in)

Cream - This last step would be your leave-in (cream based). Helps to seal and lock in moisture, hold onto moisture.

This complete step will help to lock in moisture, retain healthy growing hair and prevent breakage. Repeat this step as need within the week, to prevent drying, brittle, and damage to hair.

* Pay attention to your ends, as the are the oldest part of your hair strand and tend to break off first.
* Making sure your ends are properly cared for will prevent breaking and split ends.
*If left un-treated split ends can travel up the shaft of your strands, causing more damage

Products I use:

Cantu shea leave-in conditioner
Kinky Curly leave-in detangler
Home made shea leave-in

• Water washing only
• I believe it was one of my late night YouTube binges, where I found this method. The channel was called waterwashingonly. I was intrigued by her hair, the method she said worked and decided to do more research on it. I will do a detail article on this particular method. Water washing only is simply that, using water and all natural ingredients (preferably). Shampoos tend to strip our hair of moisture, leaving the scalp clean but our hair feeling dry and sometimes dull. Water washing only means using water often throughout the week to cleanse your scalp, allowing your natural hair oil -sebum to flow freely from our scalp. 

• No shampoo, only conditioner
• I love this method for my hair, It seems to work well for me and my hair loves conditioner.

• Products to love
• cantu shea leave-in conditioner
• products with glycerin as they hold moisture onto your hair
• oils (olive oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, (read more about these oils

TIP: When styling your hair, it is best to not use products with glycerin. Although amazing for moisture retention, our hair tends to soak up this product, hence causing (twist outs, braids out) any style you choose to wear to only last a few hours.

After much trail and error, I realize that my hair care regime needed to include a few items that pack a punch and would give my hair more moisture.

Below I have complied a list of what have worked for me and hopefully they can help you out too.

• Choose a deep conditioner that works well for your hair, if you have thick curly hair like mine, you need something that is packed with moisture )preferably something thick and creamy.

• Clarify often once a week, making sure your scalp is clean and ph balance restored

• Use an acidic rinse like ACV (apple cider vinegar), helps restore ph balance and remove dirt and buildup naturally.

• leave - ins: find a leave in that moisturizer your hair (my hair loves cantu shea)

HERE ARE A LIST OF ARTICLES, I HAVE WRITTEN OVER THE YEARS TO HELP YOU ON YOUR JOURNEY 

Ph Balance for your Natural Hair
Natural hair rememdies for an itchy scalp
How to "Winter-ize" your Natural Hair care
Benefits of Pre Poo

Thank you all for taking the time to join me, back on my blog

Next Post Friday, March 5 2016

- Stans-

The Big Chop

The first time I "Big Chop" I did not know that there was even such a term. I associated my change in appearance with me being fed up of constant breaking hair, which ultimately really is what the Big Chop is. For many however, it is so much more on a deeper level, which at the time was not at the forefront of my mind.

Today I will explore "The Big Chop" and the many questions one will have.

What is the big chop?

The big chop is an attempt to restore your hair to a healthy state. It is the process of removing those damage ends, or for some removing hair to become natural and  having healthy growing hair. When you decided to big chop it can be a very scary but liberating time. Many women say they feel like they have let go, been refresh and a few nothing to it. Whatever the reason for your new change or urge to change do it for you.

Essentials to starting your journey?

I wrote an article about three years ago that discuss the essential to starting and continuing your hair journey Click Here. In the article I discuss what is essential for any natural. However when you first big chop depending on the amount of hair you have removed your hair care need maybe different. Less hair will require a much different routine than with someone that has chosen to transition more than 50% of their hair growth.

Turn away from public opinion

It is important to choose what will work best for you and why you want to big chop. Make sure it is a decision you willing to live with and doing it for you. Do not big chop because a natural hair blogger or vlogger said too.

What about protective styling?

The great thing about protective styling is that you can use many methods if your hair is at its shortest you can switch up your looks with wigs until it grows out to try weaves, wigs, braids, twists and of course play around with your own hair and trying protective styling with your own hair.

I have written a few articles on protective styling that may help: 

Motivation Thursday Lets Spotlight
How to winter-ize your natural hair care

Pro of the Big Chop

~ if your hair has begun to grow out by doing the big chop you will hsve one texture to style
~ shorts cuts are low maintenance and take less time
~ care time is also cut in half: shampooing, conditioning, detangling
~ you learn so much about your hair, health, and products


Cons of the Big Chop

~ it can be overwhelming when you remove all your hair especially those with longer hair
~ You may realize you hate your new appearance and short hair
~ some may not be to keen on your new look and everyone has an opinion
~ natural hair is not loved by everyone so once your hair begins to grow your texture maybe loved and or disliked


Things to know before doing the Big Chop and some may not telling you

~ Your intial reaction maybe shock
~ You may discover your true hair texture
~ As your hair grows it can become frustration for many, learning and finding out what works
~ It is important to know your hair will not be perfect and will misbehave from time to time
~ No two heads are the same, so what works for you may not work for others
~ Your hair care, hair reaction to products, change in weather and elements can be affect by all these
~ Be open to trying new styles as your hair grows
~ If you need help ask and read articles, books and watch videos to help in your journey
~ Consistency is key
~ Be patient and kind to your hair
~ Detangle will be vital to your journey, take your time protecting those ends

Hope these hints are helpful to get you started on your journey!

Good luck

How to "Winter-ize" your Natural Hair care

This was the first year since becoming a "healthy natural" (I have been natural my whole life), that my hair has experience such harsh treatment. I have dye it, cut it, dye it again and sometimes neglect it due to my busy schedule. 

The constant change in weather meant it was time to amp up my hair care, and for me being a Natural with 4b,c hair, protective styling is my go to. My hair does not respond to being out in the cold win or harsh sun. This year my protective style of choice is wigs, braids, twist, and keeping it simple. 

Protective Styling: Why wigs? Braids? or Twist?

For me these methods have been my protective styles of choice, most recently wigs.  I started wearing wigs two years ago and they have truly been an amazing journey, I love the freedom to switch up my look, protect my hair and still play dress up if I feel like it. These protective styles allow your hair to have a rest period, allowing many naturals to retain length and refrain from being exposed to the harsh climate changes of many countries. 

How long do you wear your protective style for?

How to Grow 4c Natural Hair

Welcome back to my blog!

This week has been especially busy for me with so much going on, I was not able to do my much needed research for my articles until last night. 

Now on to the article.....

Tips to grow long 4c hair Naturally

• Love and accept your hair texture this I believe is the first step.
• Deep condition your hair either every week or every two weeks.(keep your deep conditioner on for a while, for deep penetration, hence deep conditioning.
• Find a routine that works best for you (when I first went natural I choose a day dedicate to my hair, over time this routine got easy for me.)
• Keep it simple (my biggest mistake was having a long routine/regimen for my hair that took me hours, I watched many you-tubers and thought this was normal when I first went natural. Today I keep it very very simple with easy styling. 
• Protective styling for 4c hair is king because our texture is very kinky, it also is very easy to form knots, break and prevents our natural hair oil (sebum to travel to the ends of our hair) after washing and condition try twists or braids, this will give your hair the rest it needs to grow, retain its length and moisture.
• Protective styling allows your hair to grow fuller and maintain it’s thickness.
• The best way to wash 4c hair is in sections, this eliminates tangles and cuts down the detangling process time.
• It is given by now how important detangling is for natural hair but especially for 4c hair, detangling is king!
• Moisturized your hair when it is wet and with water, this allows the moisturizer used to absord into your hair.
• show your hair lots of love.
• Try to keep your hair stretch to prevent knots.
• Finger detangle your hair-I no longer use combs in my hair often. I know I know what your thinking but this is a much easier process for me and I notice my hair would snap when using combs or brushes. I notice my hair is growing fuller at my ends
•  Healthy lifestyle yes it matters and I for one have notice with a failing diet and stress your hair will feel it.
•  Drink lots of water.
• Patience, it will take a lot of trail and error to find out what works best for your hair.
• Keep trying, learn, read books, watch videos, ask questions, there are lots of information out there available to help with your Journey, 

I hope these tips were helpful and you can implement them into your hair journey. Remember to always have fun with your hair journey, be loving and patient with your hair. These tips can be used or alter to suit your needs and yes, for any hair type!!

Stay Beautiful

Thank you for coming back once again. 

Follow me on

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Bantu knots + Kinky Straight Clip-ins

This fall and winter I feel like my hair is taking a beating. The first time I coloured my hair was this past January and it seemed to be fine with the cold winter. However I re-coloured my hair in June of this year and the double dose of colour fusion has my hair super dry. I have opted to up my weekly treatments to include hot oil treatments, masks treatments, eating well, drinking lots of water and doing trims. I decided to do more frequent trims because the colour had dried out my ends. Before the year is done I'll probably do one more trim if necessary, but so far my latest trim seems to be a success. Don't worry I only cut about 1 inch off.

This was the first day I installed my Kinky straight clip-ins. I been searching for clipins for a really long time, so when my cousin told me about these I went looking on aliexpress. I had already ordered a another hair from aliexpress and I am very careful when it comes to what store I order from. I will do a later article on this topic.

This is a few days later, although my hair is a different colour, the texture matched perfectly. I received 14 clips, 16 inches in length and relatively full. I knew that just seven clips would not give me the thickness I desired.

Few random thoughts
* This hair can be straightened
* The hair does lose its kinky texture when approaching the ends
* The clip-ins aren't individual as thick as I would like
* The texture is a perfect match to my blown out hair
* These will last you a while
* The should be washed frequently, if you will wear them everyday
* You can try many style with these clip-ins such as buns, updos, and much more





Follow me on Youtuhe channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJvQZd6_mVo
Follow me on instagram: www,instagram.com.officiallystans

Motivation Thursday: Let's Spotlight Protective Styling

Today's focus will be on protecting your hair, considering that WINTER decided to sneak up on those of us living in a colder climate area. We have been hit with snow, cold and dryness. I have notice the change in the way my hair behaves, dry and my ends are noticeable brittle. I am protecting my hair by covering it up from the harsh cold, but I am also doing my very best to moisturize.

What is Protective Styling?

Protective styling are usually heat-free hairstyles that conceal your ends to prevent breakage. Protective styling encourage growth, length retention and for many naturals can be a combination of braids, twists, weaves, and wigs.

How long can I leave my hair in a protective style?

Many people keep it for 2-3 months, that seems to be the general census when it comes to protective styling,

The problem with prolonged extension wear is the tangling that could occur from your hair being entrenched. The second problem is dryness that can occur from hair being protected it is not retaining moisture while being tuck away. It is important to continue your treatments while in protective styles.

The length of time depends on your ability to care for your own natural hair while in these styles, consistency is key and a clean scalp is important to growing our hair.

Protective Style Options

Twists

TOP TIPS FOR GROWING HEALTHY NATURAL GROWING HAIR

Welcome back !

I have probably done an article on this topic.

I am 100% sure I have, but let's revisit this topic.

Ten tips for growing Natural Healthy Growing Hair

1) Keeping your hair moisturize with water

Water helps the body to process and flush out toxins faster, our bodies are made up of a considerable amount of water. This can be broken down by age, body, and weight. Water like pills and supplements is not a magic trick. These methods and products promote strong hair which will lead to growing and longer hair.

*make sure to drink lots of water

*mist your hair throughout the day, make sure to do this everyday
*It promotes healthy growing hair, and clear skin

2) Trim your hair

The longer your hair the more your ends have been through. Hair can get damage by environmental conditions, and styling equipment's, harsh shampooing, this can be severe if not address.
 Trimming can prevent sparse thin ends, split ends and help prevent fairy knots.

*some people trim every 6-8 weeks and that is optional

* I trim when it is necessary for me to do so. I simple pay attention to the ends of my hair

Solange Knowles Wedding to Alan Ferguson

It is the least to say that Solange has grown into her own women, with your own sense of style and I imagine a unique idea of who she is. To say she is breaking the internet, well, I prefer not to compare the too, however she sure is turning heads, in a good way. 

Yesterday Solange wed her boyfriend Alan ferguson in New Orleans. Each shot comes off as pieces of art work. The all female family portrait was an ode to the work of Italian artist Vanessa Beecroft. 

Solange commisioned Humberto Leon for Kenzo to design her unique dress, and Rog Walker as her official photographer.  

The simplicity of this wedding although it may not appear simplistic in price it is however beautiful to me. 

                           There is something extremely sexy, but modest and artistic about this look.
                                                                  I love it.

Top 30 Natural Hair Black Women

When I first sat down to watch this, I was very intrigued with who came up with this list. I assume the creator of this video. This video, and some may disagree is very inspiring, eyebrow raising and yes will raise alot of debate. I believe as we embrace the weaves, clips, and wigs of other races in which he happily adorn on our crowns, we should feel free to have natural hair and embrace it. I for one never say you have to "go natural" or have natural hair. I do not believe this method will work. I have always said whether you decided to have relax hair, natural hair, short or long hair or be bald it is a choice. It is a choice because there is an industry built on women altering who we physically can be and present ourselves to the world. I doubt this will ever change, but we can surely first learn to embrace our inner understanding of our whole being and maybe that will reflect the decisions and how we treat ourselves on the outside.

I have posted the video below, share your opinions and thoughts. Let me know how you feel, think and do you disagree with this video.

Maybe your list is different, let me know in the comments below?

Spotlight: Giovanni Clark

When I came across an email that said: Have you ever posted pictures of red headed naturals?

I immediately thought what a great idea. I later found out the author of that question was the

beautiful Giovanni Clark. I knew I had to feature her amazing hair. Her natural red locks are

beautiful and yes! her hair is naturally red.

Can you give us some insight into your hair regimen?

Giovanni Clark:

Oh, where should I begin! I wash and deep condition my hair every Sunday then I blow 

dry and wear it out. I usually have to re-condition my hair because my straight ends like 

 to do their own thing and the LA weather is very harsh. I sleep with a satin scarf to 
 avoid split ends. I've never had ANY chemicals or treatment put in my hair. 100% NATURAL HAIR! 

What was it like growing up as a red head?

Giovanni Clark:

Growing up as a red head in a predominantly black community was very hard. 
I always stood out and was occasionally picked on and called names. 
I actually hated my hair color for most of my childhood.

When did you start loving you hair

Giovanni Clark:

     I didn’t realize how special and beautiful my color was until I had gotten a little bit older. 

Where you born with red hair? Are you the only red head in your family?

All that hair: Healthy Hair Starts at the scalp

Maintaining a healthy scalp is essential to the overall health of growing natural hair. To often I meet women who are more concerned with their hair than where it is growing from. Your scalp is responsible for sending sebum (natural hair oil) and nutrients along the strands of our hair. This will allow your hair to be healthy, moisturize and nourish.

Click here: My article on: Healthy Scalp

Recently I came across the process of exfoliating the scalp, I will be honestly, I have never heard of it. I too am guilty of getting lazy sometimes and skipping straight to conditioner. However our scalp is clarified by using shampoos, mud washes, or apple cider vinegar, what about the dead skin cells? 

Removing dead skin cells allows product buildup to be removed, excess sebum, itchy and flaky scalp, prevents hair loss and inflammation of the scalp. Preventing any of these will prevent your scalp from being sealed and trapping bacteria, dead skin cells, and perspiration.

Hair-Inspiration: Natural Hair: 5 Tips to Stay Inspired and Motivated on your Natural Hair Journey

Model details: @Afro_thundr (check out more of her work there)

There are days we will all get discourage and need a little motivation. Your natural hair journey is exactly that a journey! You will discover so much of yourself when you part take on any journey: healthy, life and hair. What makes each one unique is your approach to setbacks, triumphs and challenges.

So be inspired with your hair and choice!!


Five  tips to Stay Inspired and Motivated on your Natural Hair Journey:

1) Try new styles

When I get bored with my natural hair I know very often it is time for a change. Over the years my simple answer was to try a different style. I would browse the web and find something that would excite me. This year my go to was colouring my hair and trying a new look. I loved it! Do not be afraid to try what you want with your natural hair, just know the consequences may include set backs. Do your research and be diligent with your hair care if want continued growth. Try unique protective styles like braids, twists, and faux locs.

2) Take pictures to show progress

One of the many things that has helped me in my journey is pictures. When I first began watching YouTube videos one of the many suggestions I took was to take pictures and start my own blog documenting that journey  I will often look back at pics to remind yourself of how far I have come. Progress pics will help you have clarity on your journey, video is also amazing. I make youtube videos so this helps me stay focus, make goals for yourself and stick to them. Post them and have them in your presence at all them.

3) Friend/family motivation

The greatest motivation I think is finding friends who are also on the journey. When I first decided to grow my hair out healthy, not natural because I also been, I had no one. Over the years I have great friends who are now natural  and people who I have become close to out of this journey,

4) Remind yourself why you went natural

Why did you go natural? I went natural because I wanted naturally growing hair!! I want my hair to be long, big, and beautiful. It has not gotten to my desired length but I keep going. One of the many helpful things that has helped me stay focus is seeing the health of my hair. I remember the days of breaking hair, and hair that wouldn't grow, to now a healthy head of hair.

5) Check out inspiration online

There are some great resources and social media has become one of the many ways to inspire ourselves. Take a look on instagram at pages like naturalhairdaily, search through YouTube, try Facebook and tumblr, just do a search and you'll see what I mean. There are tons of motivational quotes, pictures, and videos. This can only mean one thing, natural hair is here to stay! So be motivated if natural is your thing.









Disclaimer: I do not own this pic, I simply like it and showing its beauty.  If your know the source please leave a comment I will tag it, 

No more Edges??? Say Hello to new and improve: How to grow your edges back!!!

Link

I hear it all the time, my edges are so damage, Stans, how do I grow them back?

To say there is an easy solution is not the answer because it may just be different strokes for different folks. What I am trying to say is what works for me may not work for you, however there is a census on some overall tips that might just help you.

Let's start with a few oils, tips and tricks:

Havana Twist

how long did it take? 2-2.5 hours

What type of hair did you use? marley braids

did you burn the ends? no, I simply braiding them all the way down

how many packs did you use? I used 4-5 packs mixed colours as well

how long are these havana twist/marley twist? They are bra strap length

how long do you intend on keeping them in? for about two weeks, they are pretty big so I doubt they will last longer

what did you do to prep your hair for this look? 

I deep conditioned my hair and stretch it for one day by simply twisting it, however I think had I twist it for longer/elongate my hair through this method it would have been much better

The hair cost about 5.99$ a pack and come in a variety of colours. 

Products I used:

giovanni leave in
home shea butter leave in
castor oil
coconut oil
olive oil
eco styler gel
marley braids
wide tooth comb
fine tooth comb 

links to youtubers: 

donedo05
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cn1VnJ...

Spoiledcoils
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6O0gK...


Stans