Lessons from the Hairball & Beyond!

Looking back on my hair journey I can truly say that I have learned from my challenges AND milestones. It is important to not only learn from your mistakes, but also your successes. Just the other day I was styling my hair and I noticed how it is longer and thicker. I also noticed that I don't have as many split ends as I used to have earlier in my hair journey. Finally, it occurred to me that I don't use as much product to style my hair even though it is longer. So, what changed?

Lesson #1. Consistency
I noticed that even if I skipped one day if moisture then my hair would not have a major setback. But, if I had a full week of consistent moisture and sealing, then by the next month my hair was in GREAT shape. This concept is similar to diet and exercise. If you have an off day then get back up and keep going.

Lesson #2. Perseverence
When I look back at my hair journey and even now as I continue on growing my hair out, I have persevered. If you have suffered from a scalp condition and/ or hair loss like me, then you'd understand that you must NEVER stop trying. The proof is in the curl. I kept trying to improve my hair and scalp. As a result, my scalp is significantly better and my hair is growing well.

Lesson #3. Responsibility
I've learned that my hair journey is MY responsibility and no one else's. Thanks to blogger, Golden Blaze at goldenblaze.blogspot.com, for reminding me to trust my own instincts. Products and techniques are not cookie cutter, so I must discover what works best on my hair. This means reading ingredients and researching to determine if it is something that I should invest in.

Lesson #4. Appreciation
I keep photos of my hair in different stages to celebrate my milestones. I can see a visual of when my hair reached past my nose; chin; and now to my chest. It is a reminder to be grateful for every inch of healthy hair on my head. I remember when I could barely get my hair into twists and there were bald spots that I hid with scarves. I'm SO appreciative of my hair becoming healthier and longer.

Lesson #5. Acceptance. So what if my hair doesn't curl the same way another natural's does! So what if my hair isn't as thick or long as someone else's. My hair type is a part of my DNA and it is what makes me unique. It makes me proud of my ancestry and the glorious function of my Afro textured hair. THIS hair is amazing and it allows me to go from curly fro to picked out fro, picked out fro to twists, twists to twist outs, twist outs to blowouts, blow outs to flat ironed. I mean, the possibilities are endless. I accept my unique and versatile hair.

Readers, what great lessons are you learning along the way in your hair journey?

Cocktail n- Style!

Channel your inner mixtress!! Cocktails aren't just for happy hour fun or dinner party hijinks!! Curlies have been cocktailing products for effectiveness for years. One product by itself doesn't produce the results, but two make it just right! So, if you've ever felt like Goldilocks and you just can find the "right" product, then get ready to be bold and experiment with cocktailing.

How do you know what to cocktail? Well, there are many ways to cocktail without making a mess of your hair. But, be warned.. cocktailing can come with a price. If you're an adventurous curly, then this may be for you. You might just produce the perfect product for conditioning, styling, or refreshing.

Cocktailing has helped my hair tremendously. Because of cocktailing I can now have two strand twists that hold together with very little frizz. I remember watching YouTuber Charjay mix together a gel and pomade together and that gave me the idea to mix together the products that I used separately. The first time I did it, my hair felt like it rejoiced. I had the juiciest, firm twists ever!

Here are some easy ways to get your feet wet in experimenting with cocktailing:

1.Conditioner cocktails can allow the hair to receive optimal moisture. Mixing a thick conditioner with another slippery conditioner can give you the perfect mix for deep conditioning or rinse out. Get your favorite deep conditioner and the desired amount of rinse out conditioner.

2. Styler cocktails help the hair to hold style longer. Sometimes a gel by itself doesn't hold the hair well. But, if you combine gel with pomade then there is a moist yet medium hold. Experiment with the amount of gel and pomade to get your desired hold. My all time favorite cocktail is the Nubian Heritage Edge Taming Taffy with the Shea Moisture Curling Souffle.

3. Spritz cocktails can give the hair a boost to condition and moisturize the hair. Add your favorite leave-in with a little water and/or aloe vera juice. For super conditioning add oils, such as castor, jojoba, or grapeseed.

Make sure you test a small amount of your cocktail on a small section of your hair BEFORE using it on your entire head. Often times, cocktailing takes practice but it is SO worth it when you get the desired result.

Readers, what products have you experimented with cocktailing?

Multi textured Hair Care

Last Sunday my dad shared a story about his cousin cutting his hair years ago and he exclaimed that she said "You have about three different textures on your head! I stared at my dad in awe and I realized that I got my multi textured hair from him. I have type 3c in the front of my head; 4b in the middle (crown area); 4a on the sides and some 3c in the back.What is multi textured hair? It is simply hair that has more than one texture or type. One section might have dry, thirsty coils whereas another section might have looser coils. Often, I have heard other naturals exclaim frustration with having more than one hair type.

Multi textured hair can be frustrating. Why? Because there are usually styling and moisture concerns with the section that has the tightest curl and coil. Usually, that section is harder to moisturize thus leaving it looking quite different from the rest of the hair. So, what's a multi head to do? I have simple solutions that I've used that may also help you.

#1. Focus on that drier, tighter haired section by applying additional product. Divide the hair and smooth on conditioner. Use your fingers to smooth to the tips of your hair.

#2. Gently detangle that section and avoid ripping out the hair. Use a wide tooth comb. Make sure your hair is sopping wet with conditioner before attempting to detangle. Detangle hair in sections.

#3. Make your own super hair booster mix with your favorite oils and aloe vera juice to add to your conditioner. Shake it up, apply, and enjoy the benefits of moisturized hair.

#4. Spritz your hair and give that section extra TLC. Be sure to spritz your hair twice a day preferably morning and evening to ensure that you keep dryness at bay.

#5. Try using a heavier creamy conditioner on sections that are drier. Put a little on your fingers and apply sparingly ONLY to the extra dry section.

#6. Use some heat when deep conditioning to ensure that the conditioner is penetrating your hair.

#7. Seal your hair with nourishing oils to lock in moisture. You can choose which oils are best for your hair. Heavier oils like castor and olive oils are especially good in the winter. Lighter oils like almond and grapeseed can be mixed with the heavier oils add benefits to the oil mixture.

Just remember to treat your hair gently and it will thank you. Yes, it's frustrating to have all these different textures competing on your head, but caring for all of them will make one HAPPY head. Instead of lamenting about your multi textured head, celebrate it's uniqueness!! Turn your wash days into spa days and treat your hair to a special session of TLC. You won't regret it!!

Readers, how do you cope with multi textured hair?

The Hair Growth Chronicles--Operation Grow It! (Day 1)

I'm still a lazy natural even with my new hair growth regimen. Why? Because I am not obsessing over my hair growth despite documenting my experiences. I wear my hair in protective styles during the week and wear it out on the weekends. While I want to grow my hair LONG, I'm not thinking about it until I have to share what it is that I've done. So, without further adieu.. Here's my day 1 observations.

Last night I mixed about a little more than an ounce of Pimento/Jamican Black Castor oil with a strip of Miconazole Nitrate (MN) cream. The oil contains a mixture of  Jamaican pimento oil, Jamaican black castor oil, grapeseed oil, peppermint oil, and eucalpytus oil. I used an old oil bottle that has a tip. I vigorously shook up the mixture. Then, I lightly sprayed my hair with my spritz mix (water, aloe vera juice, JBCO, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, rosemary, lavendar, and tea tree oils. Next, I used the bottle tip to dab small amounts of the mixture on my scalp. Initially, I felt a small tingle that most likely was the result of the stimulating effects of the peppermint and eucalyptus oils. I wrapped my head up in a satin headwrap and went to bed. When I woke up my scalp felt refreshed. There is no feeling of itchiness or irritation.

I drank my cup of Yogi detox tea a few hours before bed. The tea tastes similar to ginger. It is bitter but it has a taste of spicy undertones. I think the taste will grow on me. The only effect the tea has had is that I have had to urinate more. This is due to the cleansing of my livers and kidneys.

I will be getting in my evening walk on the treadmill today. My exercise shoes have to be pulled out and I have to pull my treadmill down. I didn't use it for several months now because a few months ago I fainted while using it. I became fearful that this would happen again, so I stopped exercising on it. I used to run on the treadmill up to about 45 minutes to an hour a day. I've decided to power walk from now on and I may even get back to using my kettlebells. Working up a sweat, feeling good, and increasing my hair growth? That sounds like a win/win situation.

Before I forget I want to share my new refreshening spritz that I've been using for the past few weeks. My son has used it for his hair too and he shared his opinion with me. I asked him how he compared it to the store bought leave-in spritz I used (Taliah Waajid Protective Mist Bodifier) and this is what he stated. He feels that my homemade spritz "leaves my hair more moisturized longer". With his positive reviews and my great experiences, I feel the need to share my spritz recipe.

Rosemary/JBCO Moisturizing Spritz
Use 1 small (8-10 oz) spritz or spray bottle and fill it 2/3 way with water. Add about a tablespoon of aloe vera juice. Next, add about a tablespoon of Jamaican Black Castor oil. Then, a teaspoon of grapeseed oil and a teaspoon of jojoba oil. Add about 8 drops of rosemary oil, 5 drops of lavendar oil, 4 drops of tea tree oil, and 2 drops of peppermint oil. Shake vigorously. Your spritz is ready to use. Store the mixture in a cool, dry area.

Operation Grow it LONG!

I have always dreamt of having LONG hair. Blame it on fairy tales with princesses with LOTS of luscious hair. As a relaxed head, I often thought about my dark brown (almost black hair) swinging in the wind. Now as a bodacious natural, I want BIG fluffy hair. I'm not caught up on someone else's curls, I just want MY curls and I want LOTS of them.

So, what's a curly to do to get more growth? Well, I turned to researching more about my scalp condition, seborrhea dermatitis. This scalp condition is thought to be caused by a yeast or fungus overgrowth on the scalp. It is not the result of poor hygiene but rather, it can be exacerbated by a changing in seasons, stress, or certain cosmetic products. While digging deeper into this frustrating condition, I learned about some possible ways to manage and even almost eliminate it. That brings me to Operation Grow It Long!

I am committed to embarking on a renewed interest in fighting this scalp condition, getting good growth, and improving my overall health. Due to the nature of my problem, I'm attacking it from the nutritional diet and haircare aspects. I will be blogging about my experiences over the upcoming months to share my observations, celebations, and challenges. I'm doing this in hope of helping others with the same issue.

#1. Tea Detox.. For the next 30 days I will be drinking a tea detox which will benefit my internal functions. According to my research people with seborrhea dermatitis will benefit from a detox cleansing. I will be using the Yogi Detox tea which contains many natural ingredients, including clove and burdock root. The theory behind detoxing is that it will cleanse the body of any toxics that contribute to the overgrowth of yeast.

#2. Exercise... I will walk on my treadmill at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes. I hope to increase my walking to most days of the week. But, I know I must start somewhere so I will start slow. Studies show that people who exercise are healthier and their bodies function more efficiently. Also, this will help to increase my circulation.

#3. Use MN mixture on scalp... For this one I did A LOT of research and prayed about it. For those of you who don't know miconazole nitrate (MN) is the active ingredient in Monistat 7. Yes, the vaginal cream. I know I will probably get some flack for using this on my scalp BUT my scalp condition is due to an overgrowth of YEAST. There are MANY testimonials on YouTube and on various blogs about how using the cream diluted with oils or water resulted in at least double the growth. I will be mixing a small amount to start with Jamican Black Castor/Pimento Oil. Diluting a small amount of the MN with oil will eliminate any side effects. According to my research some people have gotten side effects, such as redness and tenderness at the application site; ringing the ears; and increased shedding. Mostly, this is due to applying MN straight from the tube to the scalp. For more info on Monistat for hair growth visit http://suicidesevemonistat.blogspot.com/2011/03/growing-your-hair-using-monistat.html?m=1.

#4. Increase my produce (fruits and veggies) intake and decrease fatty foods and sugars. Unfortunately, I have some bad eating habits. While I drink A LOT of water daily, I have somewhat of a sweet tooth. Just the other week my son and I made some red velvet cupcakes. I devoured them to the point where my son complained that I ate more than my share. I think out of all things in my new challenge, this one will be the most difficult for me. Also, I have an obsession with bread and starch. I LOVE bread products and anything made with dough like pizza. I will be working on finding some healthy alternatives.

This is my plan to increase my hair growth and become healthier. As I've said, I did a lot of research to ensure that my plan was tailor fit for MY needs. I'm not advocating that anyone follow my lead. I have suffered with this scalp condition for years. I've gone to the dermatologist for years and then, I realized that what I was being prescribed dealt with my symptoms but I was not being healed. I go forth in this journey with excitement and anticipation.

Have you decided to change anything in your hair regimen? If so, why ? What are your plans?

Rotating Shampoos for Effectiveness

If you're like me and you have a special scalp condition or you have a tempermental scalp, then you may want to consider rotating shampoos. I got the idea from my dermatologist when he presented me with a plan to use medicated shampoos and switch every 2-3 weeks. Each shampoo contained a different beneficial ingredients for my scalp condition. The reasoning behind the shampoo rotation was to keep my scalp from getting too used to the shampoos and then, they lose their effectiveness. However, my main reason for shampoo rotation is to suit my hair's needs.

How do you rotate shampoos? Well, you can either set a schedule for rotation or allow your scalp to dictate it. Whatever schedule you choose, you will need to keep track of which shampoos you use for that particular week.

To get started rotating shampoos you will need a clarifying, itchy scalp relief, moisturizing, and light protein shampoos. If you are using a shampoo bottle then you can label them 1,2, 3, and 4. If you are a shampoo bar user like me then you can separate your bars and label the ziploc bags.

Your clarifying week will be to clean your scalp of any build up. Clarifying is important because if product continues to gather on your scalp then you can risk scalp irritation, fungus, and even hair loss. Clarifying shampoos are usually clear and lighter than other shampoos. They will leave your hair feeling squeaky clean. I use Chagrin Valley Aryvedic Herb shampoo bar to clarify.

During my itchy scalp weeks I choose shampoos that have stimulating ingredients such as tea tree, peppermint, and rosemary oils. Lathering and leaving the itchy scalp shampoo on my scalp for several minutes is very soothing before rinsing it out. Giovanni Triple Tea Tree Treat shampoo gives a great tingle and helps with itchy scalp. Cafe Moreno, Rosemary Mint, and Neem and Tea Tree Hair/Body bars are also excellent for getting rid of the itchies.

If my hair feels extra crispy, then I reach for an extra moisturizing shampoo. These shampoos are creamy and thicker than regular shampoos. You can turn the bottle upside down and it pours slowly out. Extra moisturizing shampoo bars include coconut  milk, castor, and olive oils. My favorite moisturizing Chagrin Valley shampoo bars include Olive Babassu and Butter Conditioner bars. My favorite moisturizing Shampoo is Shea Moisture Curl & Shine Coconut Hibiscus Shampoo.

On weeks that I need more protein then I am sure to add shampoos that contain vegetable protein. One of my favorite shampoos is Shea Moisture Yucca & Aloe thickening shampoo. In addition to making my hair feel stronger, it also gives my hair more volume. It is especially formulated for fine and thin hair.

Disclaimer: I am not against co-washing but it is not a method that I chose because of my scalp condition. People with special scalp conditions, such as seborrhea dermatitis, eczema, and psorasis will need to shampoo to cleanse the scalp of dandruff flakes.

The New Lazy Method to Hair Growth

I am always in awe of naturals, who have grown their hair to long lengths without a bunch of gimmicks or seemingly hard work. I have several long haired naturals in my family and I've always asked them the burning question "how do you grow your hair so LONG?" Most of the time they will shrug their shoulders and give that cursatory "I just wash my hair and condition it" response. Hah! I thought. Well, I began to watch them more closely. Not satisfied with observing my long haired relatives (after all, we share some of the same genes), I observed other long haired naturals. What I found common in their practices, helped me to become a part of the lazy naturals club.

#1. Minimize your products. The majority of long haired naturals don't use a million and one different products. In fact, they mostly have just a minimal amount of staple products that they use. Piling a bunch of product on top of product all the time, is just not what I see long haired naturals doing. This is not to say that you shouldn't try new products. No, I'm saying don't go overboard putting a bunch of them in your head at one time then waiting to cleanse your hair forever. Some naturals can shampoo once a month but at some point you have to cleanse to keep your hair follicles from choking on all the gunk in your hair.

#2. Style your hair then keep your hands out of it for the rest of the day. Notice I said style but not protective style. Why? Because I've seen long haired naturals who wear their hair out most of the time. My niece wears her hair down and she has mid back length hair (mbl). There are times when some long haired naturals protective style, but it's up to the individual. I work in an extremely hot environment, so I protective style 99% of the time because having my hair out makes me feel like I am going to pass out. Just make sure you're not constantly tugging, pulling, and picking at your hair.

#3. Balance your moisture and protein. I know some people say they are protein sensitive, but avoiding all protein is not a good idea. Why? Because hair is mostly made up of keratin, which is a protein. Using light proteins can work well for those who feel they are protein sensitive. Long haired naturals know when they need to add moisture or protein back into their hair. Also, I notice a lot of them co wash. Now I can't do co washing, because of my scalp condition, but I use little shampoo to a greater amount of conditioner. This is like my own modified co wash. I use conditioner that has light protein in it, so I get the best of both worlds.

#4. Eat, drink, and be merry! I see a lot of long haired naturals drink water and other healthy drinks, such as natural juices and smoothies. Many of them eat well. After all, the lack of nutrients can rob your hair, skin, and nails resulting in brittle, breaking, and severe shedding. Finally, keeping your stress levels low is beneficial as stress affects hair fall. In other words, try to be as happy as you can!

#5. Avoid chasing after EVERY gimmick! I was SO guilty of doing this that my wallet was screaming in agony over all the money I had spent on gimmick after gimmick. The new growth shampoo, conditioner, vitamin, and oil is always tempting to buy. Now, don't get me wrong. I use an oil called Wild Growth Hair Oil, but I'm not sitting here thinking that it's my sole source of growth aid. It has great ingredients, but I know that it takes more than just a miracle product to encourage growth. Long haired naturals use simple ingredients and their hair grows, and grows, and grows. Whether you use petroletum or opt for more natural products, the key is consistency and good hair practices.

I haven't been length checking my hair in a while and at this point, I'm subscribing to the "lazy" naturals method. I've automated my hair regimen to the point where I'm not overly concerned with length. I want my hair to grow, but I'm putting my overall health first. After all, healthy on the inside means that it will also reflect on the outside. While I enjoy hair forums, they also contributed to me doing too much. I would see a new product or method and feel the need to try it. Don't get me wrong, hair forums are an awesome source of information and if you're newly natural then it can provide a great support system.

Now, this is my new commitment to laziness. What's yours?

Part 2-My Hair Journey: How the Bald Spots Disappeared and My Self Esteem Soared

After suffering through one of the WORST natural hair salon experiences, I resolved to learn more about my scalp condition and learn how to care for my hair. Desperate for information, how to's, and tips I stumbled onto the natural hair community on YouTube. I developed almost an obsession for learning through product reviews, tutorials, and hair journeys. Among my favorite YouTubers were CurlyChronicles, African Export, and Kimmaytube. They have type 4 hair and it is well preserved. Their videos are pretty informative and helpful. Also, I learned a lot about DIY (do it yourself) recipes for spritzes, hair butters, and oil mixtures.

My hair journey about 2 yrs ago took a turn for the better as I learned that my hair thrives on natural ingredients. After using products that had awesome ingredients, such as shea butter, aloe vera, castor oil, and mango butter, I saw my hair change from brittle to breaking to moisturized and thriving. I could not believe that my hair was the same hair that was falling out horribly.

I remember giving up on the products that I typically found in the beauty supply store. All of the greases, pomades, and moisturizers promising the softest hair DIDN'T work for me. Frustrated, I gave up and just continued to work on mixing my own hair butters and moisturizers. While the moisturizers were fun to make; I found that I could never get my mixes quite right. I decided to go into the health store and there I discovered TheraNeem shampoo and conditioner by Organix South. Although it was more expansive then what I was used to, I bought it. I felt relief from my itching scalp and I continued to use it for several months. But, after a while the shampoo's effectiveness began to wear off. It was just as my doctor had said and I remembered that I had to rotate shampoos according to his instructions.

One day while walking through Target I saw a display on the outside of the aisle featuring a new hair product called Shea Moisture. Intrigued I went over and started reading the story of the creators, who now used their grandmother's shea butter preparations. I knew that raw shea butter in my hair worked really well. So, I began picking up the products reading their ingredients. I was impressed, but I wasn't willing to buy up a whole bunch of products, so I settled on the Coconut & Hibiscus Hair Milk. After using it for the first time, I was instantly hooked.

Over the next few months I tried out different Shea Moisture products including the Restorative shampoo, deep treatment mask, and moisturizer. I quickly learned that my hair did not like the raw shea butter line. So, I went back to the Coconut & Hibiscus line trying out the shampoo and curl enhancing smoothie. Instant love!! But, I still wanted something to calm my itchy scalp and that's when I discovered the Black soap line. The Purification Masque shrank the bumps on my scalp and took away the flakes. The shampoo was awesome and the conditioner worked well.

These last 2 yrs my knowledge and understanding of my hair has grown and changed. Initially, I did not know that my hair was curly and coily. I only knew the thick, thirsty kinks that resulted from my hair needing a touch up. Even as a child I had dry hair that poofed into a dry afro once my braids or plaits were taken out. My fear of water had disappeared and I run to water using it in my spritz to revive thirsty curls. Shea, mango, and cocoa butters in natural products provide a good sealant. Oils, such as Jamaican Black Castor, grapeseed, and jojoba are among my staples. I use store brought natural products along with my occasional mixtures of oils and butters.  Shampoo bars have replaced regular shampoo and dye free conditioners and stylers keep my hair moisturized.

What is the point of sharing my hair journey? I want to encourage ladies, who have balding, shedding, and breaking hair to not give up! Don't get caught up in coveting thick, luxious hair. It took my 4 yrs being natural to figure out my hair. Work with the hair you have in order to get the hair you want.

Looking back on your hair journey what do you now know that you wish you knew when you first started? What are your hair milestones.

A Forgotten Natural Hair Journey-Part 1

When I became natural it was not out of following a trend or because I needed something else "to do" with my hair. I became natural out of a necessity stemming from my scalp condition and hair loss. I remember my stylist saying that I had a scab and small bald spot in the top of my hair and that I needed to go to the dermatologist. Yet even after the discovery of the bald spot, I still wanted to continue to get the chemical processing done to my hair. I felt I needed the relaxer, because I felt my hair was not the "right type" to go without chemicals. As I sat in the dermatologist's office, I felt despair and confusion come over me. My dermatologist told me I had a condition called "seborrhea dermatitis". I asked him if I could still get relaxers and his exact words were "Not if you want hair". He then encouraged me to go natural.

My first exploration into natural hair started with a small natural hair salon that specialized in using natural products to achieve various styles. I remember going to the natural stylist and having her recoil from me as she looked at my scalp. "Ewww.. what is that? I can't touch that can I?" I felt tears gather in my eyes, as I told her that I had seborrhea dermatitis. She asked me what it was and then told me to go to the doctor's and get a note because she didn't want to catch anything. At that point, desperate to get my hair done, I complied with her request and the doctor did produce a note and pamphlet about my condition. After I returned with the note, still not convinced she made excuses about doing my hair, so the owner agreed to do my hair.

I went to the natural hair stylist for several months until one day she decided to allow a novice stylist to do my hair. My two strand twists that she did ended up unraveling and the cheap products that she used made my scalp condition flare up. The little bit of progress that my hair made was lost and so, I lost more hair. I felt so discourage and then, proceeded to begin doing my hair myself.

During my first year of transitioning to natural I was miserable. I wish I had the wonderful big chop experience that many of the YouTube gurus talk about. I wish my TWA hadn't been affected by my scalp condition and hair loss. When I began watching YouTube and visiting the hair forums, I gained inspiration but I also felt discouraged. My hair wasn't growing the average 1/2 inch per month and the styles that they could do, I never even came close to.

To be continued... Part 2- How the Bald Spots Disappeared & My Self Esteem Soared.

How have you overcome hair set backs and challenges?

When Natural Hair Products Attack!!!

A natural product promises shiny, luxurious, bouncy curls. BUT...Every hair product isn't for every head of hair. Some of us thrive on coconut oil, others olive oil, and still others may prefer silicones. Whatever your "hair elixer" is I'm sure there has been a time in which you've learned which products and/or ingredients are THE ENEMY. Trying to make a product work when clearly your hair hates it, will be to the detriment of your hair's well being.

Testing, testing...1,2,3 Test out new products on a small portion of your hair or on your inner wrist to see if there is an allergic reaction. Years ago I learned this the hard way when I slathered on some natural hair butter only to have the most intense itching ever! I immediately shampooed the product out of my hair before hair loss could occur. NEVER continue to use a product if it causes severe itching or redness. Doing so may cause hair and/or scalp damage.

Smell check and all that weirdness. If you can take a whiff, pop the top and sniff. Why? Because if you have a sensitivity to smells then a strong fragrance will bother you to no end. If you can't sniff a product then make sure to check the return policy and keep your receipt just in case you need to return the product.  I had this unfortunate encounter with a conditioner that smelled like flowers on adrenaline mixed with popcorn toes. I mean, the smell made me literally sick. Now, I learned the hard way that some products are too sickly sweet for me to use.

Just a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Surprisingly, some companies still give out free small samples (or for a small fee). This is an excellent way to try out products and avoid the money pit of product junkyism. For instance, Miss Jessie's and Original Sprout are two GREAT companies that sent me samples FREE of charge. Another way is to become a part of a natural hair forum and swap products for other products. Often times, naturals will have bottles that are more than 60% full of product to swap or even sell for a reduced free. However, if you choose to swap or sell on the hair forums makes sure that it's from a reliable user with a good reputation. Many forums post great swapper recommendations or swapper complaints for users to get the scoop on who is reliable and who is super flakey.

Naturals like myself who have chemical and/or dye sensitivity or skin conditions have to be careful about product selection. What advice do YOU have to offer to sensitive naturals?

Do it Now! How to Set NOW Goals in 2013

Happy New Year 2013! The New Year is an exciting time to re-evaluate life. For me, I have decided on just ONE goal and that is to be the best ME. This means being the best in every area including relationships, finances, family, and professional. Here I am going to focus on sharing two areas- finances and relationships.

I like many other naturals I know struggle with having balance between enjoying great products and managing money. There is ALWAYS some new product that is tempting us to buy. Pretty packages, promises of awesome performance, and that one product review is like dangling a carrot in front of a hungry rabbit. But, in order to become more financially sound we can't throw ourselves off our own fiscal cliff.

NOW Goal #1.Have a financial plan for managing product indulgence. I've decided to only buy what I need to re-stock my staple items BUT splurge one time per school quarter. There are four quarters in my school year (I am a teacher) and we are currently at the end of the 2nd quarter. That gives me technically 3 passes left to splurge until the end of the school year. If you are a college student and on a semester schedule then you may give yourself one pass per semester and one during the summer break. Adjust your spending schedule to meet YOUR financial goals.

My second area that I am focusing on is relationship. More importantly, my relationship with myself. It is my belief that I can't even begin to love and accept others until I first wholly love and accept myself. I am my own worst critic. I admit that I beat myself up TOO much and focus on things that don't matter.

NOW Goal #2. Engage in DAILY affirmations to boost confidence, love, and positive energy. I used to post and read my inspirational scripture everyday. It gave me a positive start to my day. My mother gave me one of those little Bible scriptures for any situation type of books. I need to revisit that and write down the ones that apply to whatever I'm going through.

NOW Goal #3. Garbage in, garbage out. Managing my own perspective and narrative about myself will help me become the BEST me that I can be. If I am reading a book or watching a TV show or movie then it must have some type of optimal benefit to me whether it is super entertaining, informational, or inspirational. Also, I have decided to stop watching media that sheds people of color, particularly African Americans in a bad light. Why? Well, frankly I'm now seeing the world with new eyes and I see too many examples of colorism, racism, sexism, and classism. As an African American woman I now that I am not the world's standard of beauty, but I am beautiful, created by God and I don't need negative images to tear at my psyche.

What "now" goals will you aim to work on in 2013?

Be Featured As a Forgotten Natural Beauty Icon

Are you an inspirational forgotten natural? Every month I will feature an inspirational "forgotten" natural on my blog.

Forgotten natural beauties are those naturals, who have fought illnesses, scalp conditions, and/or overcome incredible odds during their natural hair journey. Featuring inspirational stories are close to my heart as I have suffered with a scalp condition for years and at one point I had visible hair loss. Years later no one could tell because my hair grew back under a doctor's care and also using natural remedies.


ALL forgotten beauties are welcome! Beauty comes in all colors, shapes, and sizes! This blog is for ANYONE who is a forgotten beauty. Whether you have curls, coils, or kinks, we want to feature YOU!


Share your hair journey!
If you are interested in being featured on my blog, please email me a before/after picture of yourself at ravenpriestess123@gmail.com and I will send you an interview questionnaire to complete.