Ready for 2015.....

Although 2014 bruised me, well it beat the crap out of me. I can take away so much more from it, than what the eye may perceive, 2014 that is. I was ready to welcome 2015 and I hope no matter what life throws at your 2015 starts off to an amazing year.Yes, Yes! I know I am late with this post but I am trying to redevelop a routine again and its Monday!. Please be patient as I move and reorganize things in my life. I have accomplish something  so amazing already in 2015 (two things) I feel blessed. There are a few things I plan to improve in my life, self and environment around me. I hope this video is helpful to someone.

I will be back to regularly blogging soon.

Join me:

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

Part 2: Winterize my Natural Hair Care

Welcome back to my blog!

Today's discussion is on protective styling

* Protective Styling

It is important to know what styling method works for your hair best. I have 4b-4c hair I believe which contributes to the many  tangles my hair can get from being exposed to the elements.
 ~wigs, clipins, braids, twist

* Nourish your Body : make sure to eat healthy, fruits and vegetables are your friend

* Moisturize daily or when your hair needs to be restored.

* Maintain a clean scalp

It is vital to have a clean scalp for maximum hair growth. Our hair grows out for our scalp so it is very important to make sure it is not a breathing ground for infections, product build and other preventative ways to hinder hair growth.

*Apple Cider Vinegar
~restores shine
~helps with detangling
~used to balance ph of your hair scalp

*Aloe Vera Gel
~can be used in your leave-ins
~used to help with detangling as well

* Detangling : I have realize that my hair must be detangled and stretch at all times to eliminate knots, and tangles, for this reason my hair stays in a protective styles 99% of the time. Hair that is thoroughly detangled helps with styling.

* Deep conditioning
~keep it regular
~Hair that is deep condition regularly is easier to manage

* Leave-ins : Kinky Curly Knot today

*Jamaican Black Castor Oil
~carrier oil must be diluted with an essential oil or used lightly
~is best used in leave-ins, and the ends of your hair and in Hot oil treatments when mixed with other carrier and essential oils.

*Grape Seed oil
~carrier oil that is very light and can be used on your hair and scalp and adsorb more quickly into your hair scalp

*Shea Butter


What you should invest in:
~applicator bottles
~regular treatments
~sulfate free shampoo

* Be gentle with your hair when detangling and protective styling. It will thank you later

Black Lives Matter

Welcome back to my blog beautiful!

This week was filled with exams and very eventful to say the least, but I am back! I apologize for the absent post I have been doing a lot of revamping, studying for exams and evaluating what I want for this blog and my life. 

I wanted to touch on this briefly the Michael Brown case, and so many men that have lost their lives this way. First let me say how deeply sadden I am to see another black man being taken away from the world in this matter. I can only imagine what hurt the parents must feel.

I  had to look at this is so many angles, sit back think, analyze and this is what I came up with. Some of you may agree or may not agree. Growing up I knew very quickly I was different, that my hair was kinky, that I was dark skin. I really was and has always been in love with who I am, However society not so much, see somewhere along the lines we forgot to educate our people, not the books they gives but education on who we are, what we stand for and the importance of unity.

Karida hair update + 1 month review + How I tackled tangling

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?

Inspiration: How are you living your life passionately? or Are you just Living?

 I have realize that words are powerful tools which can be used in a destructive way and become believable. I wrote a post about this on my H.E.A.R.T blog Click Here.

What can I do to lead a life that is inspiring?  I know first hand that life happens, whether it's a lost of a loved one,  career or day to day living. Life Happens! How you handle these changes can make or break you and truly affect a person. Life will throw you curve balls but what you do in that moment can affect you more than you realize. One thing I have learned this year is that regardless of how much you want time to stand still, it will keep moving. 

How are you living your life passionately?

or

Are you just living?

Too many of us are looking for instant gratification,  we forget to allow things to happen naturally. It may take a very long time for the universe to align you with your passion. Think for a second, if you let go of this little thing called time? Maybe you would focus on what you enjoy doing! 

Imagine if  you made a choice to do what you are passionate about.  

 Too often we allow life to define us by the jobs we have, the friends we keep, the things we do, and who society tell us to be. It can be exhausting holding titles that you never expected. 

If you are struggling with anything at the moment here are a few tips that may help.

• Let go of time frames, and re frame from acting out of desperation
• Use your time wisely to grow, educate yourself, build patience, persistence, and work towards your craft.
• Turn your passion into your dreams, if you would rather have your own business than work for someone else then make a plan and work towards this goal
• life happens, we will not always be prepared for it but ask for help when you need it 

• seek support from friends and family that are willing to help you on the Journey
• Life changes and this is something you cannot prevent, just be open
• Find ways to be with yourself but also pick yourself up on  those days that make you physically weak
• Set goals, and work to prefect your craft you never know when an opportunity will present itself 

• Be Kind (even to the stranger because you never know who you will meet)
• Figure out what is really holding you back or preventing you from moving forward
• Take a moment each day to be still, be silent, and reflect
• Be cocnsistent whether it is your hair journey, life, career consistency is always key 
• Put in the work 
• We all have a different path in life, do not adapt someone else's blueprint as your own. We have our own journey to fulfill 

• Never give up, you will fall and maybe multiple times but never give up.

I hope this helps  get you through your day, after all it's FRIDAY!!

Have an amazing weekend xoxo

Stay Beautiful

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. 

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