Friday, August 7, 2015
Working those CURLS!
When I began my natural hair journey, one of the first things that crossed my mind was "how would my hair be perceived at my job." Would they still see me as the professional that I am when I was rocking my natural curls?
To my surprise, the first day I went to work rocking my natural hair was filled with compliments. I even had an interview wearing my natural curls and guess what! I got the job.
I have found that the negative comments and responses that I have received have been from Afro-American women who typically where weaves, perms, or wigs. My mother always said if you don't have anything nice to say... So I will leave that alone. But if I do not like someone's hair style the last thing I would do if belittle their choice. If it is someone close to me I may tell them my opinion but I would never be mean about it. It is funny how everyone has an opinion when someone decides to embrace their natural beauty.
What has been your experience with your hair and changing hair styles or going natural?
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Oil Rinsing
Oil Rinsing
Whether you call it oil rinsing, pre-pooing,
coconut mask, or whatever, the results from oil rinsing are amazing. When I
first began oil rinsing, I used extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). The EVOO worked
well and I loved it … that is until I discovered coconut oil. Oil rinsing has
many benefits including: eliminates or minimizes frizz, makes detangling
easier, moisture retention, gives hair a natural luster and shine, as well as
the benefit of making hair softer. My new wash day routine would not be
complete without a coconut oil rinse.
Here are the steps I use to complete this
process:
1. part my hair into 4
sections;
2. with a spray bottle I
dampen my hair with water (not saturate);
3. warm the coconut oil by
rubbing my hands together (coconut oil melts at 76 degrees Fahrenheit or 25
degrees Celsius);
4. cover with a plastic cap
for at least an hour (honestly I have fallen asleep like this);
5. OPTIONAL: add heat by sitting under
a conditioning cap, hair dyer, or hair steamer;
6. rinse with warm water;
7. apply condition (I do not
shampoo) and detangle;
8. rinse with cool water; and
9. style as usual.
This simple step has made all the difference
in my hair and its manageability. Try it and let me know how it works for you.
Thursday, May 14, 2015
The Denman Brush
THE DENMAN BRUSH
The Denman brush gets a great deal
of praise, however, it also gets a bunch of flack. Often people modify the
Denman brush by taking out rows of bristles. Some people also shy away from the
Denman brush because they say it causes additional shrinkage (which we know is
a curly girl’s frenemy).
Here’s my take on the Denman brush:
1.
The Denman brush is a styling brush and
should not be used for detangling. I
repeat SHOULD NOT be used to detangle! Before using the Denman brush,
you should completely detangle that section of hair. Detangling prior to use of
the brush will eliminate the pulling and tugging on the hair which could result
in hair breakage;
2.
My experience with the Denman brush is that yes
it does cause additional shrinkage. However, the shrinkage is caused by the Denman
brush defining the curls; I happen to love defined curls. I will take defined
curls over length any day. *Remember
shrinkage happens when your hair is well moisturized. Therefore, shrinkage
equates to healthy hair;
3.
Imitation Denman brushes are available and can
be less expensive. Previously, I used
another brand which was cheaper and it worked. I didn’t realize the difference
until I bought the real deal. The authentic Denman brush works much better at
smoothing my hair and defining my curls;
4.
In place if the Denman brush many people choose
boar, paddle, or vented brushes. Every curly girl knows that a boar brush is a
complete and utter no-no! They pull
your hair out and leave more hair in the brush that on your head. Paddle brush
are flawed in my opinion because they cannot be properly cleaned. As a curly girl, we know how much product we
use; the paddle brush has padding which collects all the product and moisture
and can cause mold under the padding. YUCK! Vented brushes have the little
balls on the end and sometimes shorter bristles at the bottom of the brush
which can catch and snag hair causing breakage. The Denman brush is constructed
so that the rubber base and bristles can all be removed and thoroughly cleaned,
and the bristles are all one piece which eliminates snagging and breakage;
5.
The price-range for a Denman brush can be on the
pricey side ($10-$15). I know personally
I have spent that on one hair product that didn’t work. Honestly, I think the Denman
is worth the money; and
6.
The other curly girl’s nemesis, frizz, is yet another reason that curlies
do not like the Denman brush. I have never had any frizz from my use of the
Denman brush. Typically, I get frizz from touching my hair before it is dry or
not using a diffuser. For me I usually
get frizz after first or second day hair.
I like the Denman
brush. I think it works for all curly girls. I would suggest them to
anyone. Try it out and let me know how
you feel about it.
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Natural Hair-Care Workshop
M.A.L.T. presents
Natural Hair-Care Workshop
Course Code: 14FFH08
When: Saturday, April 25, 2015
Time: 10:00 am—2:00 pm
Where: Chestnut Hill Friends Meeting, 20 E. Mermaid Lane, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $20 course fee + $17 Material Fee
Contact Info: www.mtairylearningtree.org
aliciabungy@gmail.com
Hair Growth
Hi Curly Girls (and Guys),
This is my first blog post.
I wanted to talk about hair growth. So often, we are obsessed with hair growth and cannot see our growth in the mirror. A couple of days ago, I took the photo on the top. Just for my edification, I decided to compare it to 9 months ago. I was completely surprised and pleased when I saw that there is actually a significant amount of hair growth. I am so guilty of wishing my hair would grow because I see other curly girls on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest with exceptional hair growth. I realize that it takes time and patience. HOWEVER, patience is something that I am working on. I need to become more patient in my life in general. Now I am trying to learn to enjoy the journey and get to know my hair.
I am on a healthy hair journey and I have to keep reminding myself of that.
This is my first blog post.
I wanted to talk about hair growth. So often, we are obsessed with hair growth and cannot see our growth in the mirror. A couple of days ago, I took the photo on the top. Just for my edification, I decided to compare it to 9 months ago. I was completely surprised and pleased when I saw that there is actually a significant amount of hair growth. I am so guilty of wishing my hair would grow because I see other curly girls on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest with exceptional hair growth. I realize that it takes time and patience. HOWEVER, patience is something that I am working on. I need to become more patient in my life in general. Now I am trying to learn to enjoy the journey and get to know my hair.
I am on a healthy hair journey and I have to keep reminding myself of that.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)




