Twist-Out Up-Do (Video Tutorial)

Hey Naturals, Transitioning Naturals, and the Curious!

I have uploaded my VERY FIRST YOUTUBE VIDEO!!!! ***screaming!!!!!!!!!**

Man, that was a lot of work! I have been up late for the past few nights trying to figure out how to work this camcorder, edit videos...etc. It has been interesting. But not as interesting as the things I noticed when watching myself on camera. Things like...

1. I obviously chew gum like a cow (please ignore that...LOL!)
2. I have GOT to reorganize my closet...(please excuse the mess...LOL!)
3. I have GOT to stop hanging bras on my door knob...(ummm..yea...please ignore that too!)..LMBO!!
4. DANG IT! I need a new satin bonnet! What a great time to see this big GAPING hole..LOL!! (yeah, just pretend like you didn't see that either!)..ha!

Outside of this, Not too bad for my first try. Now on to my video debut! (Ha!) As mentioned, I have been playing around with up-do's lately and created this look a few days ago.




I have two videos linked below:

1. Twist-Out Up-Do (Part One)   - displays how I set the hair overnight
2. Twist-Out Up-Do (Part Two) - displays how I styled the hair the next day. I originally didn't like it. but it grew on me by the end of the day.

I tried to edit the first video to give you a 'quick and dirty' observation. But feel free to let me know if I wasn't clear on something. Feedback is welcomed! ;-)
Ciao Bellas,
B.

Twist-Out Up-do!

Hola Naturals, Transitioning Naturals, and the Curious!

This week I 'piggy-backed' off of a look that I was kinda of digging last week. Last week, I put the top of my hair in mini-twists, but was too tired to finish the back. So, I made larger twists in the back and pinned it up...Okay, I admit...it was sloppy looking back there...LOL! My twists at the top were long enough to cover it up some...but it got my wheels turning...

So - this week, I cleaned it up...and did a twist-out in the front. Check out my "look of the week"...

And guess what -- I did this style WHILE testing out my new camcorder! Yay!!! 

I am editing the video & plan to upload by Friday.

So --- Stay tuned folks!

B.

New Winter Products...can't wait!

Hey Naturalistas, Transitioning Naturals, and the Curious!

As mentioned, the winter elements can can bring its own set of challenges. Moisture retention is a HUGE one! Although I'm pretty satisfied with my staple - Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie - there are a few winter-based products that I have been wanting to try for a while now. Most have to be purchased online. So, naturally -- out of laziness --- this has been on my "I'll get to that later" list...LOL!!

Before I get to this though....has anyone checked out www.curlmart.com? If you are looking for new products this is an EXCELLENT place to start. It's a online boutique for curly hair. They list ingredients, rank products, and have excellent product reviews. They even send free samples with your order. Curly Nikki (from www.curlynikki.com) has a list of her favorite winter products on there! And whatdoyaknow.....some of those products was on my "I'll get to that later" list AND they are running a special (20% off) of the Curly Nikki's favorite winter products!  #BINGO! SN: The coupon code for the special is NIK20.

Pictures of the products are below along with a link to the CurlyNikki Favorite Winter Products. I've also included the link with the product description and reviews for the products that I just purchased.

I'll keep you guys updated on how these work for me! I haven't been this excited in a LONG time--almost makes me wanna take these twists out...then again...not really...LOL!

Has anyone used these products before? Do share your experiences...
Bee Franklin

http://www.curlmart.com/category/curlynikkis-favorites/
http://www.curlmart.com/product/curls-curl-souffle/
http://www.curlmart.com/product/jessicurl-too-shea-extra-moisturizing-conditioner/
http://www.curlmart.com/product/myhoneychild-olive-you-deep-conditioner/

'Tis the Season (Winter Protective Styling)

Hola Bellas!

Woo --- is the fall/winter making you work extra hard to keep your tresses moisturized? Well, join the club!

I usually wear my hair in twist outs.. It last 3-4 days. Afterwards (depending on how I feel), I'll retwist, wear a curly fro, a puff, or pin it up in some sort of up-do. But, this routine actually works better in the summer time because my hair doesn't dry out as often. But now --- I find that I'm working a lot harder...so it's time to switch it up a little..

I think I mentioned that I really don't like my hair in twists. But I cant get away from the fact that my hair retains moisture so much better. On top of the fact that this is a great protective style against the winter elements and I don't have to "do my hair" as often....

So, Sunday night I decided to 'invest' in some mini-twists. I finished the top portion and got lazy....LOL! So, I put the back in LARGE twists and pinned them to my scalp. Not my best work --- but it's sufficient. As much as I don't care for this look ---nothing beats getting up in the morning and not having to "Do Hair". Next time -- I will try to make the back look a little neater and get a "tape"...LOL!! #Don't Judge ME!!! **in my southern slang** "This is just where I'm at..."

Anyhoo---Just thought I'd share...check out the pics below.

Good Luck this winter!

Bee Franklin



Let's Talk Moisture...Combating Dry Hair

Hello Naturals, Transitioning Naturals, and the Curious:

I was asked to write about what I do (or use) to keep my hair moisturized. This is probably the most familiar battle for all new naturals...so let's talk moisture!

First, let’s get the basics out of the way:

1. Water is the only true moisturizer! Oils, Grease, Creams, Hair Lotions, etc are best used to lock or "seal" the moisture (water) in the hair.

2. There are generally two-types of moisturizers: water-based or oil-based. Water (or an Oil) is typically listed as the first ingredient on the product. Some naturals tend to lean toward using one type, over the other.

• Ask yourself (or make a point to learn): Which type of moisturizer works best for you??

3. Hair Porosity can determine the ease of which your hair absorbs and/or retains moisture. Understanding where your strands lie on this spectrum will help you quickly decipher through what works best for you.

• Ask yourself (or make a point to learn): Do you struggle to get your hair moisturized or to keep it moisturized?

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now, having said these things, I am ready to answer the question: What do I do (or use) to keep my hair moisturized?

My hair wash regiment (see last post), gives me a jump start. My hair will generally stay moisturized for a few days. As time goes on....

Þ      If my hair is still soft, generally moisturized: I don't add anything to it. It re-moisturizes itself from the steam in my showers. I may gently pat my hair with some olive oil as a sealant.

Þ      If my hair is still soft, but starts to feel a little dry to the touch: I spritz it my water mix (water and a few drops of Kinky Curly Knot Today in a spray bottle). I then rub olive oil (sometimes Coconut Oil) in the palm of my heads and gently pat the oil into my curls.

Þ      If my hair starts to feel dry, crunchy, and less 'elastic': I heavily spritz with my water mix. Afterwards, I will either twist it with Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Milk or Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie. I let my hair dry overnight, then untwist the next day (using Olive Oil). #VIOLA! I'm pretty much back in business!

If twisting doesn't work (on extreme rare occasions), then this tells me that I need to “up the ante” and throw in a deep conditioning treatment. Deep Conditioning treatments always brings my hair back to its equilibrium.

This is just what works for me....do any of you have additional tips to share? One size does NOT fit all....

Bee Franklin

Hair Regimen (Fall/Winter 2011)

Hey Folks! (**in my southern dialect**)

Last night, I washed my hair for the first time in 2 weeks...so sad! But I made sure I took good notes on what I'm doing & the products that I use so I could share.

So --- please find my current regimen below. Overall, this regimen takes me about 2 hours, which is on par with my relaxed hair wash regimen...I LOVE IT!! You'll notice that I cut a few corners by only detangling once, washing/conditioning in twists, & merging the deep conditioning/styling in one step.

The Lazy Natural's Fall/Winter Regimen...

1. Pre-poo, Damp Detangle, and put hair in 8-10 large twists. I put my hair in 4 sections and focus on one section at a time. I spritz with water, add a slippery conditioner, detangle and put that section in 2-3 twists. Then move on to the next section. <takes me about 20-25 mins>

Products I rotate in this step. Sometimes I add olive oil to it. 
  - Hollywood Beauty Olive Cholesterol, or
  - Herbal Essence Hello Hydration, or
  - Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Conditioner

2. Message "diluted" shampoo on my scalp, using color applicator bottle.. The diluted shampoo is about 75% Water / 25% Soap. (Hair remains in twists) <takes me about 10-15 minutes>

Products I rotate in this step:
 - Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus , or
 - Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap

3. Co-wash my hair in twists. This works better for me, it keeps the hair detangled during the wash, which is another time saver. <takes me about 10-15 minutes>

The Product I'm using:
Giovanni Smooth as Silk Conditioner (now a staple -- I love this stuff)

4. Apply Deep Conditioner. I add Olive Oil & Castor Oil to my deep conditioner before applying. By this time, my twists are fuzzy and coming apart from the wash. So, I retwist my hair with the deep conditioner. I treat this as a "styling session", twisting my hair in the same amount of twists that I would for a twistout ( 4 -5 twists per section) <takes me about 30-35 mins>. I place baggie over the hair and sit under dryer for 15-30 minutes (depending on how 'lazy' I feel). Sometimes I sleep in it overnight.

Products I rotate in this step:
Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose, or
Aubrey Organics While Camilla

5. Wash out Deep Conditioner (while still in twists). Rinse the twists out under cool water. I like to do this over the sink for more water pressure. I 'very gently' squeeze the twists as I rinse with water to remove the deep conditioner. The gentle squeeze keeps the twists from becoming 'fuzzy'. Afterwards, I apply a water-based leave-in moisturizer to the twists. Then, I apply an oil to the twists to seal in the moisture. Technique: Rub moisturizer (then oil) in palm of my hands, and gently squeeze water out of the twists (with the product on my hands).

Products I rotate: (water based moisturizer):
Giovanni Direct Leave-in, or
Kinky Curly Knot Today

Oils I rotate to seal
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, or
Extra Virgin Olive Oil

6. All done  - I let my the twists dry overnight and untwist the next morning with olive oil. Check out my super cute and fluffy twist out from this morning! This style will usually last 3-4 days before I need to 'touch it up' again. If I'm feeling lazy -- I'll pin it up in some sort of up-do. Attached is my lazy up-do from 2 days ago.

Lazy - up-do (2 days ago)

Hair today post-wash

Until the next time,
Bee Franklin

Choosing the Right Products

Hello Naturals, Transitioning Naturals, and the Curious!

Have you ever felt completely overwhelmed from all the information that is out there for Natural Hair? There are so many products to choose from and just as many ways to use it. How on earth can anyone decide what works best on their hair when there are hundreds of options out there?? You could really spend a WHOLE LOTTA time (excuse my southern-ebonics-LOL!) on the “trial and error” merry-go-round! Well, this post is to help you decipher through the  options, so you can be a little ‘smarter’ with product selections. My Motto ---WORK SMART-NOT HARD!

As always --- here’s my disclaimer: These are only general guidelines (it is NOT the bible folks...LOL!!). However, it has helped me have more “wins” than “losses” with my product selection. Just thought I'd share...

Four things you may want to consider when choosing products:

1.                   Hair Porosity – How well does your hair absorb & retain moisture?

This is HUGE! Although I tend to be a lazy natural...my #1 Goal is to keep my hair moisturized at all times, at any cost! Why??? Because dry curly-kinky hair looks, feels, and acts like a completely different animal from well moisturized hair! Basically, I start looking like a "cotton picker" REAL quick….(LOL, but I’m Dead Serious!!) My hair has high porosity – it absorbs and looses moisture quickly! This is why I use thicker, custard-like products on my hair in the winter. This is also why I DON’T need these products in the summer as my hair naturally absorbs moisture from the humidity in the atmosphere….Check out this article on hair porosity for more details: http://www.curlynikki.com/2011/02/so-fine-natural-hair-part-3.html

2.                   Hair Strand Thickness – (do you have fine strands or thick strands?)

I have fine hair strands (super FINE…like one strand is really hard to see with the naked eye). For me, this means that some thick & heavy products will typically weigh my hair down. I may also experience more dryness, as it tends to block moisture. As mentioned, the only time I use thick-based products is during the winter time. I make sure I moisturize my hair VERY well (with water) before applying. This typically “seals” the moisture (water) IN my hair and it will usually stay moisturized for a few days. People with thicker hair strands are thought to have “coarse” hair and they tend to NEED heavier products year round. Check out this article on Curly Nikki.com for more details: http://www.curlynikki.com/2011/01/so-fine-natural-hair.html

The next two points for considerations actually affect how your hair styles may LOOK. This is important to note so that you don’t misjudge a product that may still work, but not work well with your hair style.

3.                   Hair Density – (how much hair do you have?)  

Hair Density can affect how some hair styles LOOK on you. For example, I have fine hair strands. However, I have LOTS of hair! My hair appears to be thick/full when I wear it in an afro/twistouts, but it looks thin when I wear twists. Before learning this, I gravitated towards some products for thick hair that didn't work for me. Keep in mind that thick hair doesn't necessary mean its coarse. Hair Density also affects how much product you use. So, keep this in mind when evaluating more expensive products.

4.                   Curl Pattern/Hair Texture – How “defined” is your natural (un-manipulated) curl pattern?

Your natural un-manipulated curl pattern can also affect how your hair LOOKS and responds to certain products. Let’s say your hair doesn’t have a defined curl pattern and let's say you prefer hair styles with curl definition. Then you may want to add some products that have some holding qualities, such as gels, curl defining creams, etc. Even if you aren't looking for hold, keep in mind that some products that aren’t meant for “curl definition" may still have some holding qualities that could affect your hairstyle.

Understanding these factors will help you get to the “LazyNatural” zone much quicker as you’ll be able to better evaluate what corners you can cut – making your life much easier! #WORK SMART-NOT HARD

I’m also leaving another link from the curly nikki site (can you tell who’s my favorite blogger??? LOL!). I found this very helpful when I first got started!  http://www.curlynikki.com/2010/09/curlynikki-approved-recommended.html

Anyhoo – Good Luck and Happy Discovery!

Bee Franklin!

Hair Regimen (Fall/Winter 2010)

Hello Naturals, Transitioning Naturals, and the Curious!

Let's Talk Hair Regimen!!!!

First, my disclaimer..Ya'll know I'm lazy, so my regimen isn't 'rigid'. I am not going to sit here and lie like I do this every week either. (LOL!) But I can say that I don't go more than 2 weeks without washing my hair. Honestly, I can tell how far I am able to push it, based on the way my hair feels. This is something every natural eventually masters as they learn their hair.

Today I am going to share the regimen I had last year. This worked better for me when my hair was shorter. At that time, my hair was too long to be considered a TWA, but too short to put in a ponytail. On my next post, I will share what I do now that my hair is a little longer.

The Old Regimen

#1 - I dry detangled first with Olive Cholesterol (only cost about $4). I considered this my pre-poo/detangler/and deep conditioner (all in one step). I sectioned the hair in 4-6 parts using a goody ouchless band. I spritzed one section with water to dampen/soften the hair, then applied LOTS AND LOTS of Cholesterol and finger detangled. Then, I would twist the detangled section and move on to the next section. Be careful it can be messy...

#2 – Deep Conditioned: (YES - I deep conditioned before the wash!) I added olive oil to my hair , placed a baggie over it and sat under the dryer for at least 30 – 45 minutes. Sometimes I wrapped the hair up in a scarf & skull cap and let it sit overnight. I got the best results overnight.

#3 – Cleaned Scalp:  I messaged diluted peppermint castile soap (75%water/25%soap) split into my scalp. I untwisted one section at a time, poured the castile soap on my scalp. This works better with a color applicator bottle. I messaged the scalp, put that section in an afro puff, & moved on to the next section.

#4 – Co-Washed Hair: By this time -- my scalp felt good and tingly! I co-washed my hair with Herbal Essence Hello Hydration (only cost about $3). I also co-washed it in sections. I took one afro puff down (I never completely washed out all the cholesterol …I just put lots of hello hydration on top of it and washed it all out together.) I have a different washing technique too…I “smoothed” the hair down in one direction  - as I washed it out, so it doesn’t tangle again. I put that section back up in an afro puff and move on to the next section. I typically co-washed two times, rinsing my hair with cold water on the last time.

And that's it!!! Afterwards, my hair was ready to be styled (I always two-strand twist for a twistout) Just a quick note on styling.

Since my hair was already in 4 sections after the wash. I would simply take one section down at a time, then twist my hair in however many twist I felt like. I usually do more product experimenting on this phase -- BUT I only have three main staples: a leave in conditioner +   twisting gel (or some sort of styler)+ oil. We'll talk more about these staples  & the products that I use in a later post.

Stay tuned for the PART II,
Be Blessed,
Bee Franklin

NEW WINE IN OLD WINESKINS.....(yes, I went there!)

Hello Naturals, Transitioning Naturals and the Curious:

If you are just starting to wear your natural, are thinking about going natural, or just curious about being natural and feel like it may be a bit more than you can chew --- let me give you something to consider...

One of the reasons being natural seems so unattainable for some is because we unknowingly bring old habits of the “Straight Hair Game” to the “Curly Hair Table”. Think about it –Tightly Coiled Curly Hair is the EXACT OPPOSITE of straight hair! Therefore, in most cases, you will need to do something completely different, totally unheard of, and in some cases unimaginable to your hair for maintenance. (How's that for dramatics....ha!)

Here are a few old habits of the "Straight Hair Game" that I had to drop!

1. The comb is no longer a staple. Straight hair needs to be combed --- curly hair needs to be shaped (and/or defined if that's your preference). This can be done with your fingers 90% of the time. I only use the comb for straight parts and detangling.

2. Shampoos aren't THAT necessary. My curly hair is naturally dry. Shampoo strips it even more making it difficult to handle (it becomes a tangled, matted mess!) This was where I used to get the most disgusted with my natural hair. Did you know that you can wash your hair with conditioner instead? This is referred to as "co-washing. I co-wash my hair and sometimes use watered down shampoo on my scalp only. This saves me LOTS of time and keeps my hair from drying out during the wash.

 3. Washing Hair in the wrong direction: You know how we do it with our permed hair. We wet the hair, pour shampoo on our heads and begin to move our hands ALL over our head in a circular motion! SUPER MAJOR NO-NO!!! Curly Hair already tangles naturally....so running your hands all over your curls means that you will spend MORE time than necessary detangling! When I add conditioner to my hair --- I run my hands DOWN the hair shaft in one direction from my scalp to the ends ONLY. This smoothes the hair cuticles and you'll notice that you hair will start to detangle on its own between your fingers.

These are just a few of many more tips to come!!

Have a Blessed Day!

-Bee Franklin

Natural Hair --- 99% Rules

Hello Naturals, Transitioning Naturals, and the curious!

I "big chopped" over a year ago -- July 2010 after transitioning for a year and a half. For the past year, I have learned soooo much. The greatest lesson has been learning how to "accept" my natural hair. It has enabled me to enter into the "Lazy Natural" zone, where my hair is really an "afterthought". Just thought I'd share what has gotten me to this point.

The Big Chop - July 2010

First --- let's start with the Basics!

As you probably already know or will soon figure out that….

• 99% of Natural Hair Transitioning is a transition of “mindset”, a deprogramming, of all the things you’ve learned about your hair and even your idea of what makes Hair Styles “Cute”

• 99% of the “freedom” you will experience with Natural Hair is TO NOT FIGHT AGAINST IT; but learn how to find styles that complement your hair type..

With that said – over the course of a year – I have THREE MAJOR things that I have learned NOT to FIGHT against and it has made my life SO MUCH easier –– to the point where I feel like my natural hair care regimen is actually “on par” to my relaxed hair regimen, in terms of time spent.

Three things I‘ve learned NOT TO FIGHT:

1.       Shrinkage: Length was probably the easiest for me to let go as I’ve always had short hair (my relaxed hair was constantly breaking). My hair ranges from shoulder to collar bone length when stretched, but still shrinks to my ear (top) and at my neckline (back). My thought is this -- As long as I keep my hair healthy,  eventually I will get to my desired styling length (Jawbone length - shrunken) I also keep in mind – that there are advantages and disadvantages of every length. Some things that I enjoy now at this length, I won’t enjoy at my desired length and vice versa. So, I’m content with enjoying the advantages of my current length and patiently waiting on my desired length. Who knows – I may actually get there and think that length sucks! LOL!! 

2.       Big Hair: It never fails—At the end of the day, My hair almost NEVER looks EXACTLY like it did when I styled it that morning. I think my hair fits the definition of “high porosity” – it absorbs moisture from the atmosphere and swells by the end of the day. Even if I stay inside most of the day – it still swells. I no longer get upset about it --- If I want my hair to not look as big at the end of the day…I make smaller twists for my twist-out, so when it swells it’s not as big as it would have been with larger twists. However, the MAIN reason I am at a place where I don’t worry about BIG hair is due to the third thing I’ve learned to not fight….you ready for this one….LOL!

3.       The “Nappy” Look: LOL!!! Soooooooo, the natural hair nazi’s may want to throw me in the lake of fire for this statement but --- but I’m “big girl” enough to admit that the deeply ingrained contempt for the “nappy look” has kept me IN BONDAGE!! **rolling my neck*** “YEP – I SAID IT….SO SHOOT ME”!!! I have to admit that there were times when I looked at myself in the mirror and caught a glimpse of “Miss Celie”(color purple). Hey – I’m just keeping it real…LOL!! At the beginning -- I hated my twist-outs after 2 days… I was re-twisting my hair, shuffling through youtube videos, ALL the CurlyNikki.com archives, I was searching the aisles every single day for new products to keep my hair looking defined…It was SOOOOOOOO TIRING!!! Today – I actually like my hair better when it looks “older”.

Now, I wish I had a magic potion that I could point to that flipped the switch for me; but the truth of the matter is that the principle of “renewing the mind” is a process.  Those bad thoughts and feelings have to be canceled with affirmations! To be honest, whenever I felt uncomfortable with my look – I faked confidence until I actually became confident. I would dress up a little more, put a little more make-up on, remind myself that I am already beautiful since beauty is a state of “being”, then I would walk out the door like I was on the runway! I know it sounds cheesy but it really did work! I noticed I received more compliments on these days than any other… and most of those people were shocked to learn that I thought I was having a “bad hair day”..LOL!

Which brings me to my final lesson learned above all lessons….99% of my BEST Hairstyles were not the ones that had more definition, stretched, or less nappy – but were actually the ones where I displayed the MOST Confidence…

Just a little food for thought! Good Luck to you on your own journey & remember to be DRAG Confidence with you… even if you have to fake it for a little while…


Yours truly,
-Bee Franklin