Good books for naturals!

If you know me, then you know I love to curl up with a good book! As Fall approaches I get an even bigger urge to climb in a comfy chair, make a hot cup of tea and fall in love with a book! Books not only are entertaining but they are so rich in information they are invaluable. There are two books in particular that have helped me while on my natural hair journey! If you get a chance please stop by your local bookstore or library and pick them up. Both of them offer vital information in learning how to properly take care of your hair and grow it to great lengths.

The first book is Ultra Black Hair Growth II. This book is authored by Cathy Howse who is an expert on growing hair to great lengths. Her book doesn't have a selfish agenda and she backs up her information by scientific data. This book is what got me interested in PH balance and what it has to do with the health of our hair. I read this book in almost one setting, it's just that easy to read. You can find this book at any major book retail store or of course at Amazon.com.

The next book is by a fellow blogger, Chicoro. The name of her book is Grow It. I was hooked just by the title, but by digging into the book more, I saw this sister had some wonderful tips on caring for natural hair. She is very big on protecting the hair and being gentle with the hair. She has herself grown her own hair to waist length so I would consider her a "hair-expert"! The information in her book made me change my regimen and really start thinking more about protective styling!

So run, don't walk, to your nearest book store and pick these two books up. It doesn't hurt to have them in your personal library! I often refer back to these books for a refresher and to make sure I'm on track! I hope you find these books as valuable as I do. Happy reading and happy growing!

When you shampoo, do you pre-poo?

Pre-pooing is basically a pre-shampoo treatment that infuses the hair and/or scalp with oils and/or conditioners of your choice.The pre-poo treatment can be as simple as massaging olive oil onto the hair prior to hopping into the shower to shampoo. The added moisture added to the hair helps to protect and coat the hair to reduce the chances of shampoo drying out your lovely locks. How often? Personally anytime I am going to use shampoo I pre-poo! Some of my favorite products to pre-poo with include Jane Carter's Scalp Renew, olive oil, and any protein conditioner. Why a protein conditioner?? Well if your hair is sensitive to protein like mine but you still want a dose for strength this is the perfect time to add it into your regimen! Pre-pooing can be done on any length hair and is usually done on kinky, coily, curly textures. Anything we can do to add moisture into our hair is a good thing! So next time before you shampoo think about treating your hair to a pre-poo!

Product Review-Jane Carter Solution's Scalp Nourishing Serum

I only thought it be fitting to start my product review posts with this product..this is definitely a guilty pleasure of mine. Guilty pleasure?? Well at Target it's $13.99 BUT in my opinion soooo worth it! This is what I use to moisturize my scalp with. My only wish is that it came in a bigger size, but a little does go a long way! No matter my style I'm able to use this because it comes in a convenient dropper bottle so it gets directly on the scalp. It contains soothing ingredients such as Sunflower oil and Ylang ylang and cedar extracts which helps to reduce bacteria on the scalp! Now doesn't that sound delicious and soothing! If your looking for a soothing oil for your scalp I would definitely run down to Target, Vitamin Shoppe or www.janecartersolution.com and make your purchase. There will definitely be more reviews from this product line. It's a "go to" for me!

www.janecartersolution.com

Accessorizing!

One of my favorite things to do with my hair no matter if it's in it's natural state or in a protective style like braids, is to rock accessories! Accessories should not be neglected, we as naturals should embrace them! They add such flair and personality to the hair. Accessories give you the ability to turn a simple hair style into a personal expression. Hair accessories such as flowers, hairbands, and clips can be found just about anywhere now because they have increased in popularity. So next time your in the store go by the hair accessory aisle and go crazy!!!

Braids!!! Kinky Twists

Yes it was about that time! I got Kinky Twists. I tell you, I've had braids before but I'm really digging these. Kinky Twists are basically hair in two strand twist with a crinkly bottom. The hair used is what makes them kinky twists because the hair is of a very kinky texture. These braids took about 6 hours to install and they were done by a professional braider at a professional shop! It was VERY hard sitting for that amount of time and especially hard on me when the braider got near my tender spots BUT in the end it was well worth the wait and pain..lol! I will be able to maintain these for about 6 weeks and at that time I will evaluate do I want to touch them up or get my hair redone. I will be washing my hair while these are in but I have not decided how often. I have to find a balance in keeping my scalp fresh but preserving the braids. This is such a weight off my shoulders because it is a protective style that is long term and it gives me time to try something fun and rest a lil from having to style my hair daily!

Supernatural Star-Jill Scott

Now we all know this DIVA. To be honest she was one of my influences for becoming natural. Her presence is so queen-like. She has a wonderful personality, a magnificent voice...and GAWGEOUS hair!! Jill always keeps it real and gives us all of what she's got. She is so versatile with her hair and it really shines when you pair that with her personality. Jill plays around constantly with color as well as styles that we all have tried to imitate once or twice! Have you ever seen her live??? Breathtaking! I remember seeing her live about 2 years ago and I was just in awe over her hair and how full and alive it was!!! She has never been afraid about expressing herself! Today I am proud to pay homage to this fierce SUPERNATURAL!!!

Taking a hair timeout!!

I will be taking a break from my hair starting this Tuesday. I will be getting Kinky Twist installed. I'm so excited. It's been awhile since I had braids done, but I can tell it is much needed. I think it is beneficial to take some time out from doing your hair everyday. With the extreme heat and humidity my hair just won't last in this weather so it is definitely time. I think you should just listen to your hair too. Sometimes your hair lets you know when it is time to install braids or another low maintenance style. Some people like doing sew ins, cornrows, or braids to have a long lasting vacation from doing their hair. With braids I feel like my hair and scalp can breathe and I can still have the versatility that just makes hair so much fun!!! I will post pics when they have been installed and look out on Youtube for some style video.