My Journey to Becoming a Henna Head: Getting Started (Part 1)

I've decided to take the plunge. No, I'm not getting married. I'm going to become a henna head! A what? You might ask? I've been told by many that I'm way too young looking to have an 18 year old son. Yes, I said an 18 year old son. Well, I'm glad that mom and dad blessed me with good, youthful genes BUT my hair is being taken over. By what you might ask? I'm having grey hairs pop up all over the place like popcorn. It's as though everyday a new grey hair pops up, mostly around my hair line. Now anyone that knows me, knows that I'm not afraid of grey, but this is ridiculous. I'm not ready to have an entire head full of grey hair. Although I dyed my hair a while ago when I was in college, since my scalp condition I have opted to not go down the road since it would cause more irritation. However, with henna I'm able to use it and there are so many benefits that go beyond hair dye.

What are some of the benefits of henna? 

• Natural red color and/or highlights
• Shiny hair
• Stronger hair
• Rids hair of dandruff

Red Raj  Henna & Aloe Vera Powder
Hennasooq.com

Where do I order henna? I received my lovely package from Henna Sooq. I've had great service and information from this natural company based in Elkeridge, Maryland. This is very convenient, because I live in Maryland, so this is an extra plus for me. The service was fast and the package is neat. Here's a pic of the goodies that arrived.

How did I decide on which henna to order? I want a pop of red highlights, but I wasn't sure which henna to order. I saw on the Henna Sooq website that there was a chat function to connect with a representative. I hit the button and up popped a rep, so friendly and resourceful. I shared with the rep that I want the color to really be bold. She told me that the Jamila henna has warmer color, whereas the red raj is cooler colors.

How did I know how much to order? The amount you order should be based on how long your hair is and how often you plan to henna. Since I have armpit length natural hair, the rep suggested that I get 150 grams of henna.

What will I use to mix with my henna? As you can see from the pic I will use aloe vera powder with my mixture. Basically, I've learned that I should mix the henna and then, mix the aloe vera powder in a separate bowl with water. I'm not using the whole pack of powder only a couple tablespoons. I'll use one box of henna on my first application. Also, I plan to make raspberry tea and add a little grape seed oil to the mix for extra moisture. I won't add the oil to the mix until right before I apply it to my hair. The red raj henna mixture will need to sit for at least 3 hours for the dye release. Different hennas have different dye release times.

For more information on henna or to order please visit www.hennasooq.com

Stay tuned for my journey to henna head adventures! Next up! Applying henna: what to do and why. I will be applying my henna the later part of this week, so check back to see what happens. 

And If It Isn't Love: Natural Hair Acceptance

In the great spirit of keeping it realness, I've been thinking about how hair shouldn't be so, well... Complicated!  In my last post I talked about how I sometimes get caught up with thinking this is some type of hair growth competition. Well, today I was thinking about how I've learned to accept what my hair is and what it is not. Have you ever had that come to Jesus moment when you had to tell yourself..It's NOT that serious? You know, that moment when amidst all the hair blogs, magazines, and YouTube videos, your hair anxiety just poof... Vanishes!

I think my "aha" moment came when I was reading post after post of what's my hair type and why won't my hair do such and such on a natural hair site. I felt a boiling deep down inside-- a cauldron of frustration and ire. How DARE someone even think that their hair type, the one that GOD gave them isn't good enough and how in the world does hair type even matter? After getting ready to type some unsavory comments out of frustration, I settled down and then it came to me. Every natural comes to a cross roads. Either you can continue lamenting about what your hair isn't or embrace what it is. So, I've decided to share some hair love revelations with you.

#1. Love your curl pattern no matter how loose, coily, kinky, or wavy. Your unique hair no matter how many curls, coils, waves, or lack thereof is a part of you. Embrace this unique mixture of DNA that belongs to you.

June 2012-twist out /twirls

#2. Love the length of your hair and embrace what it CAN do. I didn't realize the benefits of having shorter natural hair UNTIL my hair began to gain length and detangling is more challenging. I wish I had enjoyed the shortened sessions instead of lamenting about my  length and longing for longer hair. Be careful what you wish.

June 2012 blow out & curl

#3. Love the versatility of natural hair and try something new. You don't have to use heat in order to change your look. You can gently stretch hair and style it using flexirods, magnetic rollers, or perm rods. Or you can use heat, but just not excessively. Remember to take precautions, such as heat protectant and keeping the appliance on the lowest setting for use on your hair.

Don't get stuck in a rut! Get up and try something different. You might just like it!

July 2012-Flat ironed 

For Colored Girls Who've Considered Perms When Natural Isn't Enough

Too often veteran naturals forget what it was like to be newly natural or transitioning and frustrated with our hair. We have come a long way from having to figure out what works best, which regimen, and why can't my hair do such and such. So, if you've NEVER considered relaxing your hair then this article isn't for you. However, if you've had an occasional (or even frequent) battle with whether to stay natural or relax, then read on!

The elephant in the room is that sometimes natural hair CAN be difficult. Now many naturals won't admit it, but natural hair can be difficult to manage. I say difficult, because just as in life, there are often times short cuts for difficult tasks. Do you really need to have a 5 hr wash session? Are all those products REALLY necessary?

All these rules on top of rules CAN be annoying! Buy this kind of shampoo and conditioner or don't use this styler but that styler. Trim your ends this many months. Don't ever flat iron your hair. Well, here's the thing. It's YOUR hair. If you want to use sulfates, silicones, and petroleum do it. No one is sitting at home holding your products hostage.If you want to make every single product that you use and only use all natural ingredients, then nothing is stopping you.

My semi blown out hair.

Not every wants to be a mid back length or waist length natural, who never straightens her hair. If you're happy to stay at TWA length, wear weaves, or flat iron your hair, then why not? See, here's the thing. You have the option to use what you want, do what you want, and rock the style you want. No one can tell YOU what YOUR hair wants and needs.

If your hair is having perpetual dryness or hair breakage issues then examine your routine. Natural hair is not immune to issues, just as relaxing your hair won't solve this issues. In fact, relaxing your hair can actually exacerbate the problem and further damage your hair. You can't hide from the truth. If your hair is uncontrollable as a natural, then a relaxer might somewhat mask the issue, but what happens when your hair shows the damage and more damage comes?

Natural hair is FUN and VERSATILE, but if you're style challenged then it's going to be a long, difficult hair journey. Many of the complaints that I see from transitioning or newly naturals is trying to find styles that they can do and maintain. Knowing what is right for YOUR hair takes research. The same is true if you relax your hair and need to get the right style to fit your face and personality. Unless you have absolutely no hair, you STILL have to style it in some way. Go beyond YouTube and also research hairstyles in magazines and on hair blogs. There are SO many styles to do once your hair reaches past the TWA stage.

This is not an anti relaxer article. This is a get real moment. You must understand that IF you chose to relax your hair, then please do it for the right reasons. It's not about having to choose sides. It's about what is right for you. If you have decided that natural has reached it's end point for you, then fine. If you have decided that you like changing your look, then fine. But, please don't discount the hair that the Almighty gave you and dismiss it as "bad". You would be surprised at how many cancer patients would love to the hair you feel isn't good enough. Hair types aside, I've seen all kinds of hair and do you know the most beautiful and stunning people have the loveliest personalities to go with it? We all can look beautiful, relaxed or natural. it doesn't have to be a "pissing" contest. Whatever you decide, choose to be happy.

Fast Growth vs. Slow or No Growth: Are You a Tortoise or a Hare?

Some people say it doesn't matter how fast you run, but whether or not you make it to the finish line. It's funny how we learn as kids that in the case of the race between the tortoise and the hare, slow and steady wins the race. You see, our parents and teachers wanted to encourage us that it doesn't matter how fast you finish, but that you finish. Well, the same could apply when it comes to hair growth. And yet, some of us keep trying to compare ourselves to other as if it's some kind of contest. But, how can we can compete with someone else when, well it's biology at work?

I am now 5 years natural. Woohoo!! I celebrate, dance, and pat my fro. And then, I go on some natural's hair blog and she talks about how her hair grows SO fast. Blah, blah, blah! And then, I feel like my fro isn't good enough. Does this sound familiar? Do you watch other naturals wishing your curls could grow faster than a speeding bullet? Hey, curly.. Snap out of it! Your hair is growing at YOUR rate. If you've had hair loss and other set backs, but you've got some hair growing on your head, then clap your hands and pat yourself on the back. STOP thinking your hair growth rate isn't good enough.

September 2011

Remember to celebrate EVERY milestone with pride and joy. Don't minimize the great gains that you have made. Why? Because every gain is moving your closer to your ultimate hair goal. It's just like with any other goal. Begin with the end in mind. If your goal is to grow your hair as long as you can, then stay the course and keep a pic of someone with the hair length that you want. On the other hand, don't lament about why isn't your hair so and so's length or as pretty as such and such. I've been there, done that and I have the medal to prove it.

Feeling sorry for yourself doesn't get you anywhere. I remember turning my back to the mirror and holding up a handheld mirror to look at the bald spot that I had in the center of my head. I cried. Looked at it. Cried some more, then laid down and cried even longer. But, when it was all said and done, I didn't keep crying. I went to the library and checked out books on natural herbs and hair care. I googled natural hair growth remedies and watched YouTube until I thought I'd say "Hello, YouTube" in my sleep. When the going get tough, the tough get growing. Yes, I said growing.

May 2013

Last, but not least keep a hair journal. Why? Because how will you know what you're doing right or what is messing you up if you don't keep track of it. List all of your staple products and the first ten ingredients. Write down every step of your regimen and notice changes (both  positive and negative).

This is a race, but it doesn't matter if you're the lumbering, slow tortoise or the super nimble and quick hare. At the end of the day, people won't know if it took you 1 year to grow a head full of hair or 20 years. You can rock your hair proud at every single length and not feel an ounce of guilt. You can rest assured that if you keep on running the race, then the finish line is in sight.

Product Review: Tropic Isle Detangler and Leave-In Conditioner

Normally, I don't use a detangler but I do use a leave-in. Imagine my distress when my hair detangling sessions began to lengthen due to my hair growth. While I am extremely happy that my hair is growing so well, it has caused a dilemma. Do I spend lots of time detangling my hair or cut it because it's just too much? Well, I chose neither option, but rather, I sought to find a product to assist me with shortening my detangling time.

After reviewing several products in various places, I decided to check out Tropic Isle Living Leave-In Conditioner & Detangler with a Fusion of Rosemary, Shea & Black Castor Oil . It comes in an 8 ounce bottle and it has a light herbal, slightly citrusy scent. It is a liquid spray and when I sprayed it on my hair, it felt pretty light. After washing and conditioning my hair, I sectioned my hair and sprayed it, then took my wide tooth comb and began detangling. I was pleasantly surprised that this product did in fact assist with my detangling.

Ingredients: Organic Aloe Vera juice, Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Shea Butter, Vitamin E, Vegetable Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Stearalkonium Chloride, Meadowfoam Oil, Phenoxyethanol dl-Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Black Willow Bark Extract, Rosemary, Bay, Basil, Cedarwood, Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemon, Cetearyl Alcohol

According to the directions on the bottle this product is best used on freshly washed and conditioned hair. You are supposed to pour enough leave-in conditioner into your palm and apply lightly to all areas of your wet hair. I preferred to use the spray to distribute this product and it worked well for me.

My hair is type 4 normal porosity medium length Afro textured fine hair. My hair strands are quite fine but my hair density is increasing after battling thinness. I have several allergies including allergies to synthetic dyes. Therefore, I have found that mostly natural products work well for me. Also, I have a scalp condition known as seborrhea dermatitis. Due to my scalp condition, I have to be careful in selecting a product that does not cause redness, irritation, or flaking.

I have used this product for the past month with great success. Not only does it assist me with detangling, but it moisturizes and helps with elongation of my curls. My coffee stirrer sized curls are wonderful, but they are tightly packed causing major shrinkage. When I use this product I am able to use my wide tooth comb to comb out my curls and stretch them a little. If I am doing twists then my twists comb out smooth and tangle free. If I opt to do a twist out or braid out, then I get more "hang time" with my hair hanging all over.

In conclusion, I give this product 4 hair balls for a great, light citrus smell and it performs as promised. Tropic Isle Living has a wonderful product that provides excellent ingredients and it is easy to use. I purchased my product from my local beauty supply store for under $14. Although I have used it for about a month, the bottle is still almost full. A little goes a long way and this is great considering that I won't be needing to spend a lot of money replenishing my supply. If you are looking for a natural detangler that will help you cut down the amount of time you spend fighting knots and tangles, then this may be the product for you!!

Summer Afro Style

I've never been a fan of wearing an afro. Although I have natural hair, I'm not an afro enthusiast. Why? Well, wearing an afro to me equates to dry and knots. But, I had always admired the big, fluffy fro reminiscent of Soul Train from back and the day. Those gorgeous fros were nothing short of spectacular. And yet, this article is entitled "summer afro style". How did I get from not wanting to wear and afro to wearing one with pride?

This week I decided to try to style differently. I would wear just hair milk and seal with jojoba oil. My little experiment not only surprised me, but showed me that my hair could do what I thought it wouldn't do.

Afros can be achieved easily on afro textured hair AND without a lot of knots and breakage. I was able to wear my afro proudly and get lots of soft hair without knots.

#1. Cleanse the hair with a sulfate free moisturizing shampoo.

#2. Follow with a conditioner and gently detangle.

#3. "Plop" the hair and wrap it with a soft, white t shirt. Allow it to dry to 70% with NO product.

#4. Add leave-in conditioner and seal with jojoba oil. Why jojoba oil? It is light and mimics the scalp's natural oils.

#5. Use a wide tooth comb to gently comb the hair lifting it.

#6. Before going to bed flat twist the hair in big sections to prevent tangling and knotting.

#7. In the morning undo the flat twists and gently separate.

#8. Spritz with water and add a small dollop of leave-in conditioner. Be sure to do a small amount, so that the hair isn't too moist.

You can wear the afro as is or add accessories to jazz up your style. A flower, headband, or barrett can make your afro fun, flirty, and cute. I prefer to wear my afro as is when I'm just rocking my t-shirt. If I was going on out then, I'd probably add an accessory.

So, there you have it. A simple way to wear an afro without the headache or frustration. It is an easy style and can be done without spending hours on complicated styles.

Cute Curls With Flexirods!

This is day two of my flexirod sets and I'm feeling pretty good. After all, I don't usually wear my hair out in big, fluffy, luscious curls. I mean, these curls are super bouncy and juicy. I'm pretty happy with the results. Now, this is the GOOD news. The BAD news is that humidity is a best. I mean, my hair morphed from cute, controlled curls to a growing fluffy bush. It went from looking like a flexirod set to a twist out.

My Flexi rod set

Finger style and keep your curl!

How did I achieve this super cute style?

Begin with a freshly washed and conditioned head. I stretched my hair by wearing it in big braids. After my hair was completely dry, I added some leave-in conditioner and oil.

Flat iron your hair on low. I used the lowest setting for my hair type. I put it in butterfly clips and took down each section to lightly flat iron. If I was pressing then this would be known as a soft press.

Create medium sized twists and then roll on flexirods. I learned that by doing twists then setting them on flexirods,  my hair set really well.

Use setting lotion, mousse, or cream. Don't saturate your hair with a lot of product. Your hair should be flexible but not overly moist. I made the mistake of putting a little bit too much oil on my hair. Unfortunately, I had to re-set my hair the next day.

Use an anti humidity formula serum. The serum will help with anti reversion and keep the hair from poofing and growing into the incredible puff monster. I learned this lesson the hard way.

Last, but not least... Flaunt your hair like you bought it. Heh.. heh.. I'm so used to having my hair tucked away and protected it, so a little flip action had me feeling all good!!!!

This summer looks like it is going to be a scorcher. Today was a little hot, but my fluffy (hair) held up until I felt my roots swelling up. I was ready to get a fan and drink some lemonade. Maybe I can sit on the stoop and watch the kids play with my incredible flexirod set. On second thought, I'll just enjoy my airconditioning!

Where Forth Art My HAIR TWIN?

Please excuse the title of this post. I'm knee deep in teaching Shakespeare this semester (smiles). They say that everyone has a twin out here in this big, beautiful world. I've yet to see my twin, but some of my friends and associates say that she is out there. Well, I hope my twin also has the same hair, so we can spend hours sharing our beauty secrets. I wish my hair twin was someone rich and famous. Then, I could be paid to be her hair twin. But, in all seriousness, what exactly is the benefit of finding your hair twin?

Desperately seeking a hair twin.

Hair twins can be a mirror to our hair regimen. A hair twin helps us to see our hair in a different light and gain insight into what we're doing right and what we're doing wrong. A hair twin doesn't merely appear to have our same hair, but something in the texture, sheen, an overall look screams "hair twin".



Hair twins can challenge us to "compete" with them to get better length retention or overall healthy hair. How many times have I labored over my hair twin's routine and tried to figure out what she's doing right and I'm doing wrong. Perhaps my twin has some super power-- "Grow hair, activate!" No, perhaps she wears her hair in protective styles longer OR she detangles a lot better than me. Whatever the difference, check out her routine and see if it works!


Hair twins can give us great ideas for wonderful styles. Pretty much, I am shameless about my hair envy. I have pulled up pics of my hair twin and watched vids of all her tutorials on YouTube. I'd probably be a stalker if I didn't admire her from afar.


Hair twins make us feel like we're not an anomaly. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being unique. In fact, being different sets us a part from the rest of the pack. But, those YouTube videos sure do make many of us feel like our hair is NOTHING like Hair Expert So and So who never seems to have a bad hair day; hair grows over night; and every style seems to come out perfectly. No, our hair twin reminds us of the imperfections of life. We learn to laugh at our flaws and even celebrate them.

So, tell me dear reader, have you spotted your hair twin?