If you watch my Youtube videos, you’ll notice that I’ve been wearing my hair in curly updo’s a lot lately. I’m absolutely loving the versatility of my locs, and the same versatility can be achieved with relaxed and natural hair. Every week, I’ve been rodding my hair with a different setting product to find the one that gives the best hold without producing dryness or any flakiness. In my 5 week experiment, the product that has worked best is Oyin Handmade Shine & Define. Honestly, I’m shocked. I’m not saying this is the best because I work there, I didn’t know the product was that good. I’ve used it for years, and really didn’t know it was capable of the magic that I am witnessing!!! When people ask me to describe it, I always say it’s an all natural substitute for mousse, gel and other styling creams. And because it’s all natural, it works perfectly with relaxed and natural hair.
During this rod journey, I’ve tried Mousse, and now I’m searching for a bottle of lottabody to use. I used these when I was relaxed and they worked like a charm. The problem with these is that they are so jam packed with alcohol and other damaging chemicals that I was using a bunch of oils and moisturizers to keep my hair alive. (I used to dilute the lottabody in a spray bottle using 2 parts of the setting lotion and one part water.) I don’t want dry, crunchy hair, but I think I should try all options at least once, just to be fair. I was also a bit hesitant to pack a bunch of crap into my locs, for fear that I couldn’t wash it all out and it would “embed” into my locs. I thoroughly wash (or at least thoroughly rinse) my hair before each rod set. I guess we’ll see in the future.
As far as loose naturals, I didn’t ever find success doing my own rod sets. I’ve seen them done successfully, but I could never do my own. I found far more success doing twist outs and pin curls! When I did my own rodsets, they were always super frizzy! That annoyed me to no end. Feel free to share any tips, if you’ve got some!
So how do curls help your hair grow? Well, they don’t. But you not manipulating your hair will keep it from breaking, thus promoting length. While I was relaxed, I lived in curls. I am positive that setting my hair helped tremendously. The technique really isn’t any different. I started out using the same rods that were in constant rotation during my relaxed days. Remember, the smaller the rod, the smaller the curl. Since then, I’ve purchased two more sizes of rods, just to try something new. I’ll be showing them in a later post.
As you can see, I’ve got two pictures of me. I used the white and gray rods in both pictures, which are pretty freakin’ small. Each image shows a fresh set. How cool is it that the results look very, very different? Within the next few days, I will be doing a Youtube video tutorial on how I create a rod set, and how I achieve different updo’s and styles.
In the mean time, feel free to share what products you use for your rod/rollersets! I’d like to keep experimenting to make sure I’ve thoroughly researched most options! Oh, the versatility!
While perusing a few hair videos on Youtube, I noticed how many of the hosts identified their curl pattern. The terms “3c” and “4a” seemed to be as relevant as the only adjectives we had to rely on like back in the day, like “course”, “fine”, and “silky”. Why do (some of us) feel dependent of identifying our hair type? Does this mean that different types of curls need a completely different set of products or techniques? If you have wavy hair, can you not use products that someone with no curl pattern has?
Let’s flip it a different way. I’ve noticed that many of us, even while relaxed, swear by our curl pattern. The purpose of a relaxer is to straighten the new growth (and curls, coils, etc.), but people still alter regimens based on what others of their “curl pattern” recommend. A texturizer will loosen the curl pattern, giving you some benefits of being both relaxed and natural.
When I had a relaxer, my new growth had no curl pattern. (I later realized that the new growth was affected by the relaxer well before it surfaced my scalp.) I assumed that I would be a “4b” (having no pattern at all), and I was completely content with that. After MANY months as a loose natural, my curl pattern finally showed itself. I was a proud “4a”! I had coils that I never knew about! It was fun to throw product in my hair and twirl around a few strands to get a baby ringlet. It took effort (and lots of time) to make each curl stand alone and not stick to its sister. When I would wash and go, they were still a mush of coils that had to be individually separated for maximum definition. So, in the end, I didn’t even deal with my curl pattern. I stuck to twist outs to get a similar effect, or combed the out for a luscious, thick afro.
My question to you, Scandalous Beauties of mine, “Do you know your curl pattern, do you care, and has it made you change the way you take care of your hair?” If you’d like to understand more about curl patterns, check out this article at NaturallyCurly.
Hair breakage can cause super set backs on the quest for healthier hair. While there are a kabillion products on the hair market, here are some of the products that you might want to take a gander at.
Nexuss Keraphix and Emergencee- I read about these on the forums years ago and they were a staple in my relaxed hair regimen. In fact, I was an avid Humectress fan, I bought it by the gallon! Keraphix is a “Restorative Strengthening Conditioner” that I would use about twice a week. I would leave it on while in the shower, then deep conditioner afterward for 10-15 minutes. Also, Emergencee was another product that can save even the most damaged hair. This “Strengthening Polymeric Reconstructor” creates an instant change in hair elasticity, strength and shine. Redken Extreme- This entire line is a miracle. I’m really happy that I discovered it, and I’m sure it could have played a vital role in saving my relaxed hair. There is literally nothing from this line that I wouldn’t recommend. We know that the Redken brand has stood for quality for years on end, and this collection is definitely no exception. Don’t forget to check out the millions of posts that I’ve done on Redken, you know their one of my faves!
Whether you have natural hair, relaxed hair or locs, Oyin Handmade cordially invites you to spend the day with us on Saturday August 29, 2009. We’ll have hot music to vibe to, independent movies playing in the media section, hand massage and on the spot hair analysis! Yep, no matter your hair type, length, and regardless of your age or gender, we’ll hook you up with what your hair (and body!) needs. Plus, there are hot tee’s, handbags, independent Black music, art and literature.
Oyin Handmade is launching a few new products, including Honey Water! This moisturizing mist for the body is simply delish and leaves the skin feeling well nourished. It comes in four scents, Black Cedar Fig, Coco Mango, Rich Almond and Original Honey Scent. Also, there’s a brand new cleanser, black soap cleansing gel. This unscented gel is deep cleansing, hydrating and it’s packed with antioxidants. Want to glow from the inside? Here you go! Plus, we are officially launching the 32 oz. bottles of the infamous Honey Hemp Conditioner! It’s about time, right? I can wax off a bottle of conditioner in no time, so this is definitely a must for me! I say this all the time, but I really wish I found this condish when I was still relaxed! It’s so jam packed with healing ingredients, it may have helped save my hair. Ah well, I have it now!
Here are the details!
Who: You and The Oyin Gang
What: The Honey Water Launch Party
Where: 2103 N. Charles St, Baltimore, MD
When: August 29, 2009 2-5pm (The store is open from 12-7)
Why: Because we love you and your hair!
“Good Hair”. A term that makes me cringe. If some have “good hair”, do others have “bad hair”? And who, or better yet what determines if one fits the good hair criteria? Some say it’s a soft and wavy texture, some say it’s a thicker than life ‘fro. Whatever the case, “good hair” goes into the same ugly box as nappy, nigga, and souljaboy. I’m absolutely ecstatic for the new documentary by Chris Rock. I’m loving that he talks to real women, and celebrities, and we all have the same hair issues. Every day we see the hair business flourish, long flowing weaves, gel, grease, combs of all sizes and colors, relaxers, texturizers, oils, moisturizers, dyes and a slew of other products. The point is, black hair will always be a money making business! Check out this CBS news article for more info. So excited!
There are a lot of videos that I want to cover on Youtube, just covering healthy hair and new techniques. One of these videos would be geared to those of you with relaxers. There are so many simple steps that can be taken just to retain length and keep hair healthy! So many people may have wondered how I know these things about relaxed hair, so i decided to show you all many of the relaxed years of my life! In the video, you’ll see me wearing straight, blonde, short, long, weaved, wigged, loc’ed and fro’ed hair!!! It was such an exciting 10 years!!! I also wanted everyone to see that trying new things isn’t hard to do. I definitely had my fair share of rough days, but I wouldn’t have known if I didn’t try! So, I hope this video shows you sides of me that you may not have known about. Many of these images are personal and weren’t meant to be shared with the world! You’re getting an inside look at my life!
I’ve been through a lot with my hair. Over the past 5 years, I’ve been relaxed, natural and loc’ed. And while I love my natural hair, my relaxed hair days were a ton of fun too! The picture above is circa 2005. I used to go to the salon every week and get my hair wrapped, set and curled. I was rocking short flips in the front, in the back, anywhere!
There were some staple products that made my hair thrive during these days. I don’t think I had discovered Redken yet (which if I had, I probably would have stayed relaxed MUCH longer), but I was a Mizani/Nexxus/Miss Key freak!
Miss Key 10 en 1 is a Dominican conditioner that I used as a conditioner and deep conditioner. I swore by it. I lived for it. Anytime I go to beauty supply stores in NYC I am still tempted to pick up a jar, even though it did nothing for my natural hair. The Redken products that I wish I would have found are the “Extreme” collection. I used these on my natural hair, and they were great, but my hair was in pretty good shape at the time, so I didn’t really need it. But, as for my relaxed hair that was extremely chemically treated, dyed, blow dried, sizzled and anything else you could think of…Extreme would have been a God send!
My stylist Veronica has always done the BEST hair color and styles on me. They were always very rich in color and looked SO vicious. If you’re in the DC/MD/VA area, visit her salon, Hair On You. For all of my favorite products for relaxed hair, click the “relaxed hair” tag under this blog post to see the many product reviews I created back in the day. If you’re really bored, here is an online photo album with my relaxed hair progress!
I took a very spur of the moment trip to NYC this weekend. It may have been a dumb decision, since my first student loan payments are due in a few weeks. ($500+, if you are in high school or college, do whatever you have to do to get grants and scholarships! You’ll be thankful in the years to come!) Oh well. You only live once.
I go to NYC every other month or so, and I never want to look like a tourist. I never take pics of the things you see on tv, because I’m getting used to seeing them. But this time, I figured I would look like all of the random people walking around at a glacial pace with huge paparrazi cameras around their necks. There are many of you who have never been to NYC! So, at my expense, take a look at my (hopeful) future home, NYC.
Puerto Rican Day Parade! It hadn’t started yet in this picture, but people were lining up. It was really inspirational to see a group of people so proud of their heritage.
The window display at Gucci
The window display at Chanel
Are you a sophisticated lady? Well, Chanel has some ideas of just what will keep you smiling during the hot Summer months!!! Click the image to see a larger view.
Inside the infamous Magnolia Bakery. This one was outside of Rockefeller Center. I love the location in the Village most.
I walked past these dresses at Saks on 5th Ave (the real Saks Fifth Ave!!!) 4 or 5 times, just to admire them. I took pictures, because they were breathtaking.
Oscar De La Renta
The Angel Sanchez above? Wow. It was stunning. If I have an evening wedding, locs in a high, neat bun, and wanted a sultry, sexy look, I’d have to have this dress. No doubt about it. My makeup would be a clean face with a deep crimson lip. *squeal*
Back View of the Vera Wang
This Vera Wang was my all time favorite! I’ve always dreamed of a strapless wedding gown, either sleek and simple or large and robust. When I saw the Wang garment, I screamed. That was my only reaction. It was SO beautiful. Click the image to see a larger version. Be careful, your heart may skip a beat!!!
There’s so much more to come, be on the lookout!! I’m working on a Natural Hair FAQ video, as well as a dedication to Make Up For Ever and Becca, plus I’m continuing my celebrity makeup tutorial series! The fun never ends at Scandalous Beauty!!!
My recreation of the Kim Kardashian Maxim Hot 100 Look. I used MAC Golden Olive Pigment, Velvet Moss (discontinued, of course) and Humid Eye shadows, amongst many other products. I found the look on Kim’s Blog. She’s always got the hottest makeup, it’s loud, sometimes obnoxious, but ALWAYS on point. Makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic created the look and gives each detail on him blog.
AJ Crimson is giving away the entire collection of Kissable Couture! All you have to do is send him a video via e-mail (or as a video response) telling him which Kissable Couture gloss is your fave! He’s also got a brand new free shipping code when you enter “justforyou” during checkout. Hope you didn’t miss the last sale!
Do others discourage you on your Natural Hair Journey? I get many e-mails and messages saying that friends and family sometimes have negative comments to about their natural hair. Trust me, I know. I’ve definitely been there. It happened to me all over again when I decided to loc my hair. I’ll be doing videos on Shrinkage, the Big Chop and Using Heat on your hair soon! Check back at youtube.com/naturallyscandalous for new videos!
Marsha at Brownface TV does a very in depth show at The Makeup Show NYC. She highlights brands including Becca, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, and Three Custom Color. You’ll get to meet several bloggers as well. Seriously, I felt like I was at The Makeup Show all over again! I always love Marsha’s videos, she gets the greatest coverage at the hottest beauty events!
These hits, from channels like QVC and HSN, have our readers running for the phone
We’ve all done it: you can’t sleep, turn on the TV, watch a spokesperson rave about some new makeup, and the next thing you know you’re pulling out your credit card. Problem is, not all of those late-night impulse buys are that great. However, after checking out this list of the top “as seen on TV” makeup, you’ll know what’s worth the splurge.
Lip Conditioner (Couldn’t decide what to wear on the lips!) I ended up switching the lip color quite a few times. I wore Brave New World with Mad Cap Lipglass for a few hours. I also ended up rocking both Gold Rebel and Liberated glosses, with Bronze Shimmer lipstick. This collection didn’t bore me as much as I thought it would. Good job on the collection, MAC!
The upcoming collection is Naked Honey, debuting June 11th. MAC doesn’t even give us time to replenish the bank account! It’s a mini-collection, but from what I’ve seen, you’re going to love it! My review on the products are right around the corner!
On the hair tip, I washed my hair and tried to re-twist my locs. Clearly, I failed. They unraveled the next day, and they are frizzy! I hear that is part of the loc process, however. Much to my surprise at work today, the co-workers said that my hair almost looks completely loc’ed! That’s so exciting! I even have updated picks from just a few hours ago here on my locs album!
So how do curls help your hair grow? Well, they don’t. But you not manipulating your hair will keep it from breaking, thus promoting length. While I was relaxed, I lived in curls. I am positive that setting my hair helped tremendously. The technique really isn’t any different. I started out using the same rods that were in constant rotation during my relaxed days. Remember, the smaller the rod, the smaller the curl. Since then, I’ve purchased two more sizes of rods, just to try something new. I’ll be showing them in a later post.
