Henna Experimentation Part 2

Hey Lovelies!

So, above is my part two vid. It's already been a month since I dyed my hair using Henna! In all honestly, I don't think it was worth all the hype. The color change was barely noticeable and while I was scared to dye my hair, I did intend for the change to be noticeable. The redness is pretty in the sunlight and all, but that's about as much as it does in terms of color difference. I plan to dye my hair a fun color for the spring, hopefully in March, using an actual boxed dye. (I'll definitely let you know how that goes lol.)

As for the conditioning....

Its nothing to go crazy about. There was a lot of residue which was very annoying. I don't know if that's because the brand of Henna I used was not powdered out well, or if it was because I'm bad at rinsing out my hair, but either way, there was too much residue for my liking. The MOST annoying part has been the SMELL. Days after, whether I was co-washing, shampooing, or styling, I could still smell it.... Finally, my hair was no softer than it would be if I had just used a regular conditioner. All in all, Henna doesn't seem to be a big deal. Experimenting was fun though.

Would I suggest Henna?

Yes, if you want a slight change in color you should try it. Henna has a different impact on everyone's hair, it mostly depends on the porosity of your hair follicle. However, if you just want to condition, I would say to go with your routine deep conditioner or just shea butter & olive oil.

And that's that!

I hope this gave you a little insight on my Henna experience :)

BEFORE HENNA-ing:

AFTER HENNA-ing:

Much love to you!!!!

Marsha Ambrosius!

Henna Experimentation Part 1

Hey Everyone!

This is a video from my youtube channel about Indian Henna as a natural Hair Dye.

I wanted to try some new color on my hair, but I was scared to do a box dye. (However, I will rack up some courage and do it in the spring!) I decided to look for something natural, and Henna was the first thing that came up in my search.

For information on what Henna is and dying naturally curly hair click here >> http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/kinky-hair-type-4a/coloring-type-4-hair

If you decided not to click, its a grounded up plant from India and parts of Africa, that when combined with liquid can be used as either body art or as a hair conditioner/natural highlighter. For more info watch my video/click the link!

In my part 2 video/blog post I will talk in detail about my results and how my hair looked/felt in the days after I dyed it!


Stay tuned!

Be Big & Beautiful

Solange Knowles!

Dealing with Hair Drama

Hey Everyone!

So today I just wanted to talk about the hair drama I've been having. I went natural in December 2010, and I haven't had dandruff since.... and now its back. Its crazy. I don't know what started it really. I experimented with hair weaving last month. I had kinky twists in for about a week, and thats when I notices the dandruff. So I guess I'd say thats what it was. I'm trying to find a solution, and for now I'm going to try improving my moisturizing regimen. I wash my hair (at night)

Then...

1. I put 2 pumps of "Mixed Silk Leave-In Conditioning Creme" from roots to ends

2. I put 2 pumps of "Herbal Essences Leave-In Protector" (for split ends)

3. I did two-strand twists using "Shea Moisture Curling Souffle"

In the morning
4. I conditioned my scalp with Olive Oil and Castor Oil

I'm hoping this method works. If my dandruff decides not to leave I'm going to buy tea-tree oil (suggested for dandruff) to see how that works.

The other issue I'm having is with knots. KNOTS KNOTS KNOTS!!! I hate it. Everyday. All the time. The worst is when I've just detangled my wet hair, then it starts to shrink on itself and knot up.

My solution to this one is going to be protective styling. My go-to style is two-strand twists. With this style, my hair is entirely combed out, and plaited in some way. I find that I play with my hair less when its twisted, so this helps too.

Third and last problem. Uneven growth. the front center portion of my hair grows sooo much faster than the rest. It makes my afro look awkward. My solution to this is basically the same - more olive oils and more protective styling. I'm also trying to drink more water.

If you're having the same problems, comment with any solutions you have, or tell me if my regimen works for you!

Hope this helps :)

Be big and beautiful!
xoxo

Bob Marley's hair is classic!

Defining Your Natural Curls

hello lovelies!

Up until very recently, I was frustrated, because although my hair is naturally curly, oftentimes my curls are disguised by all my frizz. I watched Nikkimae2003's youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/Nikkimae2003 and discovered that cold water really helps to define curls! Here's how it works:

If you're doing a co-wash (thats cleansing/conditioning hair without shampoo)

1. Wet/rinse the hair with warm to very warm water. This helps to open the pores in your scalp. Some of you may have heard that using steam (which comes from warm water) is very good for cleansing the pores in your face, well, your scalp works the same way. Open pores are ready to absorb the conditioner that you'll be putting into your hair.
2. Apply some conditioner and let it soak in for as long as you want. I usually let the conditioner sit for about 5-10 minutes. You can also detangle during this time. I personally detangle after I condition, that way I'll have enough time to detangle my hair section by section.
3. Rinse out your conditioner with cold water. Cold water seals in the moisture provided by the conditioner, which really helps to define curls. I just started cold water rinses and I love the effect on my hair. Each curl is springy and shiny, and the frizz is basically gone!

If you're shampooing your hair

• Still use warm water, because the shampoo will be able to do its job even better when your pores are open. Warm water, especially in combination with shampoo, is excellent at removing grease and other residue. After shampooing, follow the steps outlined above.

My hair after a cold water rinse!

I just wanted to add that Nikkimae2003's youtube channel is great. She's pleasant, encouraging, and her tutorials are super helpful.

Be Big & Beautiful!

xoxo

Tia & Tamera Mowry! They've been my role models since childhood :)