tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5097950867333044062024-03-12T19:21:55.562-04:00journey to curly: my transitiona documentation of my transition from relaxed hair to natural hair, the big cut and the new journey afterwards....i'm loving it!shamikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395566413522513437noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509795086733304406.post-65378403691789030822011-01-03T14:12:00.002-05:002011-01-03T14:14:25.578-05:00I'm Back =DIt has been <b>a while </b>since i've posted. I've been really focused on school (20 credits) with midterms, papers, and finals and haven't been able to update. But i'm back! =D<br />
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This winter has been HARD on my fro. Ironically, I've been doing more wash and go's since my curls have been coming in beautifully. I've noticed, however, that eyelash sized pieces (and some bigger) have been breaking off and i'm not too pleased with that. Now, i'm on a journey to keep my ends. I'm going to trim my ends once i get some clippers and then we'll see where it goes from there.<br />
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While i was gone, I turned 21! I wore my signature style: a puff in the back and my mini bang fro thingy in the front. I did a wash the night before and a twist out the day of.<br />
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I'm still using my <a href="http://journeytocurly.blogspot.com/2010/11/shea-butter-for-easy-detangling.html">concoction</a> of shea butter and coconut oil. It provides great moisture and I haven't really been using it as often as i should, but I noticed that once I started up again, my hair thanked me. This whole maintenance thing is new too me, but i've realized that this is all a work in progress and I'm willing to do this work.<br />
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This winter break, I put my hair in mini twists for a week and then wen I was going out, I untwisted it for a mean twist out. It was looking quite sexy if I do say so myself ;)<br />
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So far, in spite of this terrible winter, my fro has been flourishing. The bottom line is that I love my hair. I love the curls, I love the maintenance, and I love the outcome. I'm taking this journey all the way. Length check coming soon....stay tuned!!shamikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395566413522513437noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509795086733304406.post-73130472445750698552010-11-12T22:58:00.001-05:002010-11-12T22:59:21.266-05:00Low Maintenance HurrDoes anyone else practice low maintenance hair like me? I sure hope so! Here is my daily routine.<br />
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Come home from a long day of school/work,<br />
take out my band and pins from my <a href="http://journeytocurly.blogspot.com/2010/10/my-first-puff-tear.html">puff</a>,<br />
and go to sleep (on my satin pillowcase, of course)<br />
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and in the morning, I:<br />
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wake up to a flattened fro,<br />
spritz with water,<br />
massage with my <a href="http://journeytocurly.blogspot.com/2010/11/shea-butter-for-easy-detangling.html">shea butter mix</a> and my <a href="http://journeytocurly.blogspot.com/p/product-reviews.html">none of your frizzness leave- in</a> (occassionally, i massage my scalp with some coconut oil or castor oil),<br />
re-puff,<br />
and leave!<br />
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simple, right?!?!?!<br />
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SEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!?!?!?!<br />
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What is your daily routine?shamikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395566413522513437noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509795086733304406.post-50996696110611616852010-11-06T20:10:00.000-04:002010-11-06T20:10:13.162-04:00shea butter for easy detangling???<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvplYrhYb6I0w22mCHOPJqat-TSODnrlJ7_x3lf1XIOkMZISlvMGBHBxlIwpUICtI9acWCJHG8ZGcECBLXb6ZHNWU-Xw_Pbz-kBu8bDlldY5HwJPvE8Fg4uMM5mvPeowQMrJdJM2hHjHLx/s1600/1102100920.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvplYrhYb6I0w22mCHOPJqat-TSODnrlJ7_x3lf1XIOkMZISlvMGBHBxlIwpUICtI9acWCJHG8ZGcECBLXb6ZHNWU-Xw_Pbz-kBu8bDlldY5HwJPvE8Fg4uMM5mvPeowQMrJdJM2hHjHLx/s320/1102100920.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Last time we spoke, I told you guys that I was going to try whipping the shea butter with coconut oil to prevent it from rehardening and for easier application aaand I did!I followed that <a href="http://blackhair.about.com/od/products/ss/howtowhipsheabutter.htm">tutorial</a> I said I was going to follow and surprisingly, it worked. Not only did my mixture not harden, but my concoction was straight success. I applied it to my hair overnight and my hair felt like cotton for a straight week. It was sooooooo soft! I'm really thinking about packaging and selling it. What do you guys think?<div><br />
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</a></div>shamikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395566413522513437noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509795086733304406.post-43294699277485195332010-11-06T16:25:00.000-04:002010-11-06T16:25:14.693-04:00Curly Nikki | Natural Hair Styles and Curly Hair Care: On the Couch with Joey Mazzarino<a href="http://www.curlynikki.com/2010/11/on-couch-with-joey-mazzarino.html?spref=bl">Curly Nikki | Natural Hair Styles and Curly Hair Care: On the Couch with Joey Mazzarino</a>: "It's time for a Youtube pop quiz... Who is Antoine Dodson? If you answered 'Mr. Hide Ya Kids, Hide Ya Wife,' you'd be correct. Too easy?..."shamikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395566413522513437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509795086733304406.post-79169814510616915052010-11-01T15:02:00.004-04:002010-11-01T16:16:37.477-04:00New Additions to the Staple Product Family Part 2 [shea butter and coconut oil]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9YriQqMtoSDUbdx0bZTGR-sQfOp4ODKQXa0EWYySPO_iuLUTjS1MaTJDuTYgWzUhvgmMXGGkwSIfR5p_3nwpVBhPgCFerCDs8uwTgplpb0X3RO_bQXlxBpwZEjQjVcgGEgBrCU35UeA/s1600/Shea+Butter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9YriQqMtoSDUbdx0bZTGR-sQfOp4ODKQXa0EWYySPO_iuLUTjS1MaTJDuTYgWzUhvgmMXGGkwSIfR5p_3nwpVBhPgCFerCDs8uwTgplpb0X3RO_bQXlxBpwZEjQjVcgGEgBrCU35UeA/s320/Shea+Butter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Okay so, if you peruse hair blogs like I do, you've most certainly seen/heard talk about shea butter in its natural state (unrefined) and/or coconut oil. Let me tell you, they aint lie [jay-z voice] lol. Recently, I discovered that the BSS (beauty supply store) in my neighborhood now carries unrefined african shea butter...imagine my PJ (product junky) excitement :D! So yesterday, I went out and bought a 16 oz jar for around 7 bucks (not bad considering that when whipped it's like 32 or more oz.) and decided that I would try to make shealoe (shea butter and aloe vera gel) little did I know, shea butter rehardens when cooled -___- It still kind of worked tho, even though it was hard to work with. I washed my hair last night and melted my concoction in my hand and applied and them curls were poppin like L'il Mama's lip gloss! Anywho, i did some research and found that in order to prevent shea butter from rehardening, one needs to add a carrier oil...hmmmm....yeaaaa idk what that means either, but upon further research, I learned that coconut oil does the job so, when I get home, I'm going to try again. Stay tuned!!!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/images/catalog/skus/l_vs-2521.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/images/catalog/skus/l_vs-2521.png" width="120" /></a>Here are links to the recipes I was going to combine and try:<br />
1. <a href="http://www.agrlcanmac.com/2010/01/mixtress-chronicles-shea-pudding.html">http://www.agrlcanmac.com/2010/01/mixtress-chronicles-shea-pudding.html</a><br />
2. <a href="http://mixology101.ning.com/profiles/blogs/shaes-pudding-curly-pudding">http://mixology101.ning.com/profiles/blogs/shaes-pudding-curly-pudding</a><br />
<br />
Here is the tutorial I'm going to use later:<br />
<a href="http://blackhair.about.com/od/products/ss/howtowhipsheabutter.htm">http://blackhair.about.com/od/products/ss/howtowhipsheabutter.htm</a><br />
<br />
<b>BTW....</b><br />
i also discovered that the vitamin shoppe has an entire line of natural products!!!!! (that's where I got my coconut oil and essential oil) yaayyyyyyy!shamikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395566413522513437noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509795086733304406.post-75834154828423360352010-10-30T00:51:00.002-04:002010-10-30T01:02:20.544-04:00Braid Out v. Twist OutWhen I was transitioning, I despised <a href="http://journeytocurly.blogspot.com/2010/09/braid-out.html">braid outs</a>. The pattern was just sooo not cute to me, it waved instead of curled and that's NOT what i was going for. Twist outs (well 2 strand flat twist bantu knot outs) gave me more of the curl that I was looking for. Now that I'm natural, I've noticed that things are just the opposite. Twist outs, although they do give me the desired curl pattern, cause a lot of shrinkage and more frizz. Braid outs, although they produce a wave rather than a curl give me the length I desire and makes my from so much more appealing to me. What I do is 2 strand flat twist the very front (bang) portion (cuz it makes it look oh so sexy) and braid the rest. I get the bangingest morning do's =D<br />
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P.S. I also recently learned that my length isn't qualified to be a TWA anymore, (womp, womp) because it's over 3 inches, so i am calling it post-TWA lol.<br />
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P.S.S There's a poll at the right side at the top of this page. I want your opinions on your favorite wet set styles this fall/winter season.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqmkZ_ZtmrDtYvouheX8Jd3AlNm3U7r5YNwQxKVBoruKeeGTraSGp_RNb7xhOODpjr7OY4iDUOzZyBQymETgBMUvHthvH3Hs1awnK73PR-WXb6ZrqU9N7cx310Mgox9iVCUDratYmc34h/s1600/sign+off.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqmkZ_ZtmrDtYvouheX8Jd3AlNm3U7r5YNwQxKVBoruKeeGTraSGp_RNb7xhOODpjr7OY4iDUOzZyBQymETgBMUvHthvH3Hs1awnK73PR-WXb6ZrqU9N7cx310Mgox9iVCUDratYmc34h/s320/sign+off.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>shamikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395566413522513437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509795086733304406.post-37833930012987298042010-10-23T10:39:00.000-04:002010-10-23T10:39:33.544-04:00Shoutouts!!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">I have new followers!!!!!! Thank you all for following my little ole blog. I hope I don't disappoint! Like always, stay tuned! And be sure to leave comments!!! </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"> </span><div><br />
</div></div>shamikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395566413522513437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509795086733304406.post-14895928975679151632010-10-19T23:04:00.001-04:002010-11-01T16:17:00.275-04:00DeterminedI'm determined to be able to do this by March...that'll be my one year grow out mark and my 5 month since the BC mark. My hair is the perfect texture for this! AHHHHHHH can't wait!! I'm thinking bout coloring Renee too. Although she looks fab in her shade of brown, i've always wanted to experiment with lighteners. There's this hair lightener that some stylists use that has no bleach or peroxides...it's purely oil. What kind of oil? No idea, but when I do lighten ( when I have money) I will be using the oil lightener and putting in this color. I think it's like a 33 in weave. I'm excited =D<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have no idea who she is or where this picture is from, but her hair is to die!! <3</div>shamikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395566413522513437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509795086733304406.post-10896720192912430492010-10-17T00:09:00.000-04:002010-10-17T00:09:59.600-04:00never been happier with my hair...BUTI just did a little dance inside when I remembered/realized that I was completely natural (it's still kind of unreal to me to put the title to the state of being since it's only been a week). But, at the same time I cringed for my little sister. Today, yet again, my mother insisted that she needed a touch-up. From what I saw, her roots weren't even showing and at the crown there was hardly a quarter inch of new growth. On top of that, she still had huge scabs from her last touch up which was over a month ago (probably why there's no new growth). I said to myself (phew!) but at the same time, I was kind of sad because she's only 13, she doesn't want to perm her hair anymore, and as if that's not enough reason, her hair is <b>falling out, breaking,</b> AND her hairline is receding. If those aren't red flares, I really don't know what is. It's a damn shame I tell you, a damn shame! My sister insists that when she's old enough, she's going to go natural..my only fear is that by then, her thin hair will be far beyond repair. I only hope it works out for her.shamikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395566413522513437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509795086733304406.post-76334535453629367782010-10-15T17:01:00.002-04:002010-11-01T16:18:23.432-04:00Thank You Sesame Street!!!!<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/enpFde5rgmw?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/enpFde5rgmw?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm sure many of you have seen this video on tons of other natural hair blogs, but you know I gotta get my 2 cents in ;). I love this video! When I saw it on the Wendy Show, I was smiling sooo huge because this is exactly what little kids need to hear. When you are small, all you know is what other people tell you until you're old enough to observe the world for yourself, and by that time, you're already corrupted. When I was small, all I heard about my hair was how much I had and how hard it was to deal with. By the time I was <b>6 years old </b>I had already had my first relaxer. When I wasn't getting my hair relaxed, I was getting it hot combed. <b>DAMAGE, DAMAGE, DAMAGE!!!! </b> Not only damage for my hair, but more importantly, damage for my self image. From that young, green age of 6 years old, I learned that my hair wasn't pretty unless it was relaxed and pin straight. Now don't call DYFS or anything on my mother (lol) she didn't (and still doesn't) know any better because she, like many black women out there is uneducated about how to take care of their natural hair because for soooooo long,black women have been told that black hair is <b>unmanageable </b>and ugly. Well, here's the duh for you...If you don't know how to do something, how are you going to do it? Uhm...learn! DUH!!!! Granted, there were no resources back in 1995 (when I was 6) that aided black women in taking care of their natural hair, but we have no excuse now. It's time to start learning, educate yourself!!! I am so glad that Sesame Street made this video to show little black girls that their hair is beautiful and they are beautiful even if they don't look like the shiny hair girl on the perm box. :D</div>shamikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395566413522513437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509795086733304406.post-72564396230959502522010-10-13T14:07:00.001-04:002010-11-01T16:17:31.781-04:00My First Puff! (tear)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_dGzdKDIxkQ0eBWETz442ZyNI58oelIhciciD_BynNU3f5gA6PP_1oDh-3q1lDLsayFUQMqm5Dt0DIdJmlLSdWgKB1WXGQpp4D0kSB383jdF6UzixGylDI8juI91eR5qiOj8Ee5C70yq/s1600/1011101409_01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_dGzdKDIxkQ0eBWETz442ZyNI58oelIhciciD_BynNU3f5gA6PP_1oDh-3q1lDLsayFUQMqm5Dt0DIdJmlLSdWgKB1WXGQpp4D0kSB383jdF6UzixGylDI8juI91eR5qiOj8Ee5C70yq/s320/1011101409_01.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">The staple style among almost all naturals (if not all) is the afro puff. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/MsVcharles">MsVcharles</a> from youtube gives a tutorial of my favorite TWA style (for now) and below are my results. I love this style because it's so simple and easy. Also, it makes your hair look bigger and longer than it actually is (teehee :D) love it! One alteration I made was instead of using gel (i hate the hardness) i used castor oil, pomade and leave-in conditioner. I think it smooths the front down even better than gel while moisturizing!!! </div><div style="text-align: left;">[stay tuned for my review on Cantu Hair Dressing Pomade later].</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/NV15947Tg9w?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/NV15947Tg9w?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOdmrPuP7DO_VGFKuQ5upf0G6OOo2Uu3gbr_kIczp-FM_hHPcAHrX8Ii7he6lnZ3WN-UTCIG1AdaknKaNP-B4ZKbmiToGnpEv0abCThnVWr_pYMNG23LJQW62LtOMeEKDgvcCHC-tc3Aq_/s1600/1011101408a_01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOdmrPuP7DO_VGFKuQ5upf0G6OOo2Uu3gbr_kIczp-FM_hHPcAHrX8Ii7he6lnZ3WN-UTCIG1AdaknKaNP-B4ZKbmiToGnpEv0abCThnVWr_pYMNG23LJQW62LtOMeEKDgvcCHC-tc3Aq_/s320/1011101408a_01.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my hair is crazy thick!!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaeIT0FyAF9iJmldk814K_Jb4eaF5mqvJwh2aAmS_97RAfllIThP24KPDB00IdFcICikXuu5EetnqRlTGsAasGvks1ALUfUiyrE0S0KicWt7O80xvjMQxhkV6RR4lMvkBuhNXQ3MKHJ8jP/s1600/1011101408b_01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaeIT0FyAF9iJmldk814K_Jb4eaF5mqvJwh2aAmS_97RAfllIThP24KPDB00IdFcICikXuu5EetnqRlTGsAasGvks1ALUfUiyrE0S0KicWt7O80xvjMQxhkV6RR4lMvkBuhNXQ3MKHJ8jP/s200/1011101408b_01.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">prettiful flower <3</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div><br />
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</div>There you have it! Hope you like,<br />
<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqmkZ_ZtmrDtYvouheX8Jd3AlNm3U7r5YNwQxKVBoruKeeGTraSGp_RNb7xhOODpjr7OY4iDUOzZyBQymETgBMUvHthvH3Hs1awnK73PR-WXb6ZrqU9N7cx310Mgox9iVCUDratYmc34h/s1600/sign+off.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqmkZ_ZtmrDtYvouheX8Jd3AlNm3U7r5YNwQxKVBoruKeeGTraSGp_RNb7xhOODpjr7OY4iDUOzZyBQymETgBMUvHthvH3Hs1awnK73PR-WXb6ZrqU9N7cx310Mgox9iVCUDratYmc34h/s320/sign+off.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
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</div></div>shamikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395566413522513437noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509795086733304406.post-89834361678374775512010-10-10T18:16:00.001-04:002010-10-10T18:17:52.757-04:00chunky twist out (frohawk)<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ubnFUkjHCCc?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ubnFUkjHCCc?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div><br />
Another thing I did while transitioning was youtube. I watched tons of youtube videos on styles for natural hair to make sure I was prepared. This is one of the styles that I was itching to try and adapt. Here's a pic of my first attempt. I two strand flat twisted the sides and used my oil mixture (mostly castor oil with an addition of avocado and/or olive oil) to give it a little shine.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqVl5D_XvkCNPLXhmCy7D-Bzwy5LRqYU5LWZWhOKTHewhsagwiHG03FvfT_GiUlXG8nBgHE-qinoT3F5QkO3PhNhwj5w9iGzMcOT_55GT9RqIRaJ8VIoTJ1CPcHKFTy1G797dDB30w4ev/s1600/IMG00054-20101010-1227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqVl5D_XvkCNPLXhmCy7D-Bzwy5LRqYU5LWZWhOKTHewhsagwiHG03FvfT_GiUlXG8nBgHE-qinoT3F5QkO3PhNhwj5w9iGzMcOT_55GT9RqIRaJ8VIoTJ1CPcHKFTy1G797dDB30w4ev/s320/IMG00054-20101010-1227.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsAKTsWfyZQ8gqpGir8OlWlRTd0P4OrrtS5YH-nPNm7R9p5O4GgNrGWRHeZzbwa1aYU6NFOLcToprUTMuSlzfGi3w8vhWM8gZEwZVkTgqnII3lOysbjE9Be5jg3Us34HKEDZH6uO8c_bMb/s1600/IMG00055-20101010-1229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsAKTsWfyZQ8gqpGir8OlWlRTd0P4OrrtS5YH-nPNm7R9p5O4GgNrGWRHeZzbwa1aYU6NFOLcToprUTMuSlzfGi3w8vhWM8gZEwZVkTgqnII3lOysbjE9Be5jg3Us34HKEDZH6uO8c_bMb/s200/IMG00055-20101010-1229.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>More upcoming TWA experiments...stay tuned!!!</b><br />
<b>'til next time: </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqmkZ_ZtmrDtYvouheX8Jd3AlNm3U7r5YNwQxKVBoruKeeGTraSGp_RNb7xhOODpjr7OY4iDUOzZyBQymETgBMUvHthvH3Hs1awnK73PR-WXb6ZrqU9N7cx310Mgox9iVCUDratYmc34h/s1600/sign+off.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqmkZ_ZtmrDtYvouheX8Jd3AlNm3U7r5YNwQxKVBoruKeeGTraSGp_RNb7xhOODpjr7OY4iDUOzZyBQymETgBMUvHthvH3Hs1awnK73PR-WXb6ZrqU9N7cx310Mgox9iVCUDratYmc34h/s320/sign+off.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><br />
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</div>shamikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395566413522513437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509795086733304406.post-90919112235671968472010-10-10T16:38:00.001-04:002010-11-01T16:17:55.034-04:00Dear Transitioners,When you're transitioning, you need to develop an entirely different mindset from the one you had while you were still relaxing. Here's what helped me to transition successfully:<br />
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<ol><li>I decided I wanted to transition and I had a solid reason.</li>
<li>RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH-- the internet is your best friend, look at pictures, read stories of fellow transitioners, learn about your hair, because if you don't your hair is going to be "unmanageable" solely for the reason that you have no idea what your doing.</li>
<li>Change your entire product artillery. Learn about ingredients, and figure out what is best for your particular texture through trial and error. Read the ingredients and reviews before you buy and be sure to look for key words that describe what your hair needs.</li>
<li>Stay away from heat! You're going to hear this everywhere...the line between your relaxed hair and your new growth is weak and prone to damage, so handle with care. When I was transitioning, here are some of the styles I did:</li>
<ul><li>months 1-2 after last relaxer---wash and go. I wore the waves that my relaxed hair had when wet along with a little help from styling mousse. </li>
<li>months 3-4ish (depending on you) ---braids! carefree, kept my hands out my hair, and promoted growth. I talk about my braid regimen in earlier posts. </li>
<li>months 4ish-6ish--twist and curl, braid outs, bantu knot outs, flat twist outs. I tried and loved everything. Find your niche and it'll be great.</li>
</ul><li>Wash often! I co-washed weekly and shampooed monthly usually on Sundays because I had the most time on these days to properly detangle and primp.</li>
<li>When it's time for the BC, your hair will tell you, your soul will tell you. I did it without family support and succeeded. Don't let anyone bring you down!!</li>
</ol><div>Good luck!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC88LFgfg4mGFAs9_5kR_iXMhsWYBHtpWecG3s76-J5e_FggJc7oqXQXUq9HLIrEsYa8nUvSq0oK0pcZOVedpCn9rG_43YB3gpuzpcL7lvlrTBxDczrWGOsTw9qNvj6d36Ow3AypFyPLGW/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC88LFgfg4mGFAs9_5kR_iXMhsWYBHtpWecG3s76-J5e_FggJc7oqXQXUq9HLIrEsYa8nUvSq0oK0pcZOVedpCn9rG_43YB3gpuzpcL7lvlrTBxDczrWGOsTw9qNvj6d36Ow3AypFyPLGW/s200/photo.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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</div>shamikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395566413522513437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509795086733304406.post-67278822166132915022010-10-09T15:31:00.002-04:002010-10-09T16:55:08.691-04:00by the way....my hairspiration!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I looooooooove this picture! Ima wear my hair just like this in a few months!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjz-jINbGgWbdDrOgT6f3Cymn1xmAqGk9zTZhadGP1U-Aurlwn0nZlsMQlsMPh7HZE3x_H0hBwDbDxsORev1TXAlw124G8My7mfKHwasJ01vABONIx6080Nzqpzqwpd1V0buGtxwhf9e2e/s320/sidefro1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjz-jINbGgWbdDrOgT6f3Cymn1xmAqGk9zTZhadGP1U-Aurlwn0nZlsMQlsMPh7HZE3x_H0hBwDbDxsORev1TXAlw124G8My7mfKHwasJ01vABONIx6080Nzqpzqwpd1V0buGtxwhf9e2e/s320/sidefro1.jpg" /></a></div>shamikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395566413522513437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509795086733304406.post-19581565100510802632010-10-09T15:16:00.002-04:002010-10-09T16:55:53.891-04:00BIG CHOP...for real this timeThursday night. October 7th, I BIG CHOPPED!!! I think i had a little too much time on my hands to look at pictures of young curlies on natural sunshine and curly nikki's blog. I came across this one girl who had the same length of hair as I had new growth and her hair was beautiful.Truly inspirational. Completely unplanned and without apprehension, I came home, grabbed the sharpest scissors I could find along with my spray bottle and started chopping away. By 10:30-ish, i was completely natural!! Lemme tell you! It felt so nice. i had no connection to my permed ends, I didn't even take a before picture or measure it. It just felt like I was taking out a weave or braids... It felt like i was morphing into a new kind of <b>beauty</b>... a <b>rebirth</b>.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Meet Renee:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEHgXjiUrOG064seQYeWONnMUBZ84J6HDcnOfuQKmKAte1dQuEKYMPZb71fhPhjeV1LR-B4264Bs2wUA5LPRfLCgmZbNHaMmffGusYpAf7f9NKBZUt6auz3KoGKZQAcxL2OtSk9F0jWm8K/s1600/1008101445a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEHgXjiUrOG064seQYeWONnMUBZ84J6HDcnOfuQKmKAte1dQuEKYMPZb71fhPhjeV1LR-B4264Bs2wUA5LPRfLCgmZbNHaMmffGusYpAf7f9NKBZUt6auz3KoGKZQAcxL2OtSk9F0jWm8K/s320/1008101445a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">side view of Renee ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Renee is what I've decided to name my hair lol...odd? of course, but that's okay because I'm odd! lol.But peep the significance. Renee, in French means "re-birth" which is fitting because this natural hair is a re-birth of me. It symbolizes the shedding of my old sense of beauty and the birth of a new sense of beauty. My redefinition. Now, some of you who might not remember my old posts about why I embarked on this journey to natural hair can reflect on my first posts. If you do remember, you'll see why this name is perfect for my hair. Also, to add to the significance, Renee is also my middle name. So one could could infer that this re-birth is, in fact, me coming into the person who I truly aspire to be. A woman who is completely aware of herself, knows what she wants, and will fight to get it regardless of what haters think. Renee is just the beginning of my path to <b>independence</b>.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2QlXmNQSGIvBzo8B4S_iTYzbVLACyKI3axPx7U8RwI22vGNX9-M8mD2v1cLbZJJ-cSHdR_Lx850swYn-_aV7H0Qj5PGH3gjk1EF2vtu0fQ4uZ27Zd0gPwk815Nf90VEvHKjIXBu10aCA/s1600/1008101446.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2QlXmNQSGIvBzo8B4S_iTYzbVLACyKI3axPx7U8RwI22vGNX9-M8mD2v1cLbZJJ-cSHdR_Lx850swYn-_aV7H0Qj5PGH3gjk1EF2vtu0fQ4uZ27Zd0gPwk815Nf90VEvHKjIXBu10aCA/s200/1008101446.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbZ_3DzQIjw0i6cbI5lB_fIITAesTKd2EAgqzS2dp4saf-lQkCJFsn__YiMhncWW1VB-f5OTRo7MzZ6kr00Z7CHO1Bgucfcw8oO4hHxhKaJrIDZ5ye98Mw5KjYtl9IrwmE5FP6XNoAqvQ/s1600/1008101847.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbZ_3DzQIjw0i6cbI5lB_fIITAesTKd2EAgqzS2dp4saf-lQkCJFsn__YiMhncWW1VB-f5OTRo7MzZ6kr00Z7CHO1Bgucfcw8oO4hHxhKaJrIDZ5ye98Mw5KjYtl9IrwmE5FP6XNoAqvQ/s200/1008101847.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RU football game against UConn..pay no attention to his face lol.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Hnunk-Om53hxzAJ435mteMp74rfGNjibvnVUxvcMS4EO9wrJABlhqyCrO0-MDdIL79K3zUcxD_8NzWflkCo1HmG5eLxQbGevwY2mX-zxsJz1VzxeZmm0KPJXiYkpknX6pKfLeimCjkI9/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Hnunk-Om53hxzAJ435mteMp74rfGNjibvnVUxvcMS4EO9wrJABlhqyCrO0-MDdIL79K3zUcxD_8NzWflkCo1HmG5eLxQbGevwY2mX-zxsJz1VzxeZmm0KPJXiYkpknX6pKfLeimCjkI9/s200/photo.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div>shamikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395566413522513437noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509795086733304406.post-47204129872987718312010-10-09T14:40:00.002-04:002010-10-09T15:16:56.843-04:00Mini Big Chop revealedSo I have lots to tell you guys! Since my last post, I mini chopped and finally BIG CHOPPED!!<br />
This is a picture of my mini chop:<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFmuxwFvXGT5US11s-pcZHcFUZLA6KdNiSwVCoT4z3C4areoJ7WeqfxRoaPNPb3uQ-Ge9RLUyA_TMPi4O1eYVspXxlRgC6mOhKqUDeb5kZ0H-VsGtA4RM1c8JJST3NomdoHGPm4kBkg5F/s1600/1004102137_01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFmuxwFvXGT5US11s-pcZHcFUZLA6KdNiSwVCoT4z3C4areoJ7WeqfxRoaPNPb3uQ-Ge9RLUyA_TMPi4O1eYVspXxlRgC6mOhKqUDeb5kZ0H-VsGtA4RM1c8JJST3NomdoHGPm4kBkg5F/s200/1004102137_01.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">after i cut it, i twisted it</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsN5dN_8vQFV0H2Tv-7vgeEtrA1uBFlyfSCIlSpACJ4oxuBboorQksaV6TPUan2x6GSp72gcyo4NIobDGUoQtQJGECW4_Hnnvgjg1pKKiPklyhO4YhfQ94H6SW5OK5sjxMFaN0VGS-sj7d/s1600/1004102138.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsN5dN_8vQFV0H2Tv-7vgeEtrA1uBFlyfSCIlSpACJ4oxuBboorQksaV6TPUan2x6GSp72gcyo4NIobDGUoQtQJGECW4_Hnnvgjg1pKKiPklyhO4YhfQ94H6SW5OK5sjxMFaN0VGS-sj7d/s200/1004102138.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 inches!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/hs338.snc4/41764_532833574_2728_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/hs338.snc4/41764_532833574_2728_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">trying on my sweatshirt for Friday's game with my mini chop. what you see is all i cut lol.</td></tr>
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</div>So, like I told you guys before, I did a little test chop a couple of weeks ago on a tiny section in the front of my head. On Monday evening, curious me wanted to see how I'd look if I chopped off the entire front portion of my hair (the relaxed ends). And I thought it looked fab and I could sooo work it with my beanie....and I did....until (in the words of Alice from Alice in Wonderland) I got curiouser and curiouser! On Wednesday night, I put in coils:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpb5v9a6Fo5e9fqpIYEIJb284RQz0_t4gqTylFjrzAmrRMZkAxq7famZE87RH9B4R-5FjAbj49VIQhQ3VC9zkSZxV-POafz1KRoo9u_rY1FmFJM84X10yqupLQRfQc_QZ9yW1fsPz1hxb6/s1600/1006102310_01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpb5v9a6Fo5e9fqpIYEIJb284RQz0_t4gqTylFjrzAmrRMZkAxq7famZE87RH9B4R-5FjAbj49VIQhQ3VC9zkSZxV-POafz1KRoo9u_rY1FmFJM84X10yqupLQRfQc_QZ9yW1fsPz1hxb6/s200/1006102310_01.jpeg" width="200" /></a><br />
<span id="goog_1625130607"></span><span id="goog_1625130608"></span>They looked fabulous with my beanie and so Lauryn Hill-esque<br />
Then, I figured: (1) it's my hair and I can do with it what I please (2) it's not like I'm altering my face or skin color, I'm only cutting my hair so how different could I possibly look (3) I cut the front portion, how hard could the rest of my head be?! and I chopped!!!!<br />
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<b>Continued in the next post...</b><br />
<div><br />
</div>shamikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395566413522513437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509795086733304406.post-66124335084937441782010-10-04T22:15:00.001-04:002010-10-04T22:15:54.839-04:00Mini Big Chop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YaZGTI98NInaOfG_qMqfALyhO3Y6_8CFAEqVF0zoaPXYkLHJja_xQS319NyFeLBigOi72EWxCVPd3zbQIPOByVt9GAZSKcnKhEqDDXIcuV3biCVH8-b7pv3mdseBZzY8hqpqpqL5cSM-/s1600/1004102212.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YaZGTI98NInaOfG_qMqfALyhO3Y6_8CFAEqVF0zoaPXYkLHJja_xQS319NyFeLBigOi72EWxCVPd3zbQIPOByVt9GAZSKcnKhEqDDXIcuV3biCVH8-b7pv3mdseBZzY8hqpqpqL5cSM-/s320/1004102212.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Just thought I'd tease you guys... i did a mini big chop with the middle of my hair that I had in the poof today. I love it, its soo cute. Mind you,. I had no qualms in chopping off a huge portion of hair, but I did get lazy -_- otherwise, it would have probably turned into a complete big chop. Pictures soon. Sooner if I get some comments...nobody's been showing me any love on my blog lately :(shamikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395566413522513437noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509795086733304406.post-77891948074663461382010-10-04T14:09:00.000-04:002010-10-04T14:09:09.803-04:00Beanie = Care free Protective Hairstyle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivevINgzb549y9rRm3tTzcrwJ_L6SB3YEGQJkK3-2FdKOa1HvdpmCYo6yDI6Cmodif_XLM_vsoqqcouq3uKtbWNLCQxZAFbrC57s8S3DvutuPY7j7JCYyIzxRWmWsS_ndAudMx3fDfv3NJ/s1600/1004101355_01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivevINgzb549y9rRm3tTzcrwJ_L6SB3YEGQJkK3-2FdKOa1HvdpmCYo6yDI6Cmodif_XLM_vsoqqcouq3uKtbWNLCQxZAFbrC57s8S3DvutuPY7j7JCYyIzxRWmWsS_ndAudMx3fDfv3NJ/s200/1004101355_01.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>It's getting quite chilly in Jersey, and since my hair is getting longer, it's also taking longer to dry. Because of this, I can't really do the wet set styles that I love any more :( However, I discovered beanies last year (while still relaxed) and always rocked it with my bang out. When I decided to go natural, I didn't really think that I could where it anymore because my hair wasn't straight. THEN, I saw a lot of other naturals sporting gorgeously on the web and decided to try it too.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs265.ash1/19255_248562413574_532833574_3370865_4022646_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="172" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs265.ash1/19255_248562413574_532833574_3370865_4022646_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">relaxed </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx0w2ArZ1S8Ra0N8bK-Id7z1Vxlvu5Vm03ffy-uxO7kzu9E3AOW0uedE6Q-3DLSZWGpUaNWZzFTWU6Iaviz0-QeH0tDx4Gh1FscM_AwS7BRnhTg_TISSSaEgcQ2saOF33hNdeGiJk5wieK/s1600/1004101324_01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx0w2ArZ1S8Ra0N8bK-Id7z1Vxlvu5Vm03ffy-uxO7kzu9E3AOW0uedE6Q-3DLSZWGpUaNWZzFTWU6Iaviz0-QeH0tDx4Gh1FscM_AwS7BRnhTg_TISSSaEgcQ2saOF33hNdeGiJk5wieK/s200/1004101324_01.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">natural ...kind of ;)--side view</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Method:</div><div style="text-align: left;">Last night (like every weekend) I triple conditioned my hair (co-wash, conditioner, deep conditioner). Then, I 2 strand flat twisted the sides with my fave oils (castor and avocado or olive oil) and Eco-Styler Olive Oil gel with a little spritz of my <a href="http://journeytocurly.blogspot.com/2010/10/aussie-hair-insurance-leave-in.html">Aussie leave-in</a> ...it's my fave thing to do! After that, I put the back in two braids and pinned them away, because I knew that portion wasn't going to show. To get my poof in that wave pattern I put my <a href="http://journeytocurly.blogspot.com/2010/10/none-of-your-frizziness-smoothing-leave_02.html">Herbal Essences leave-in</a> on the whole front section, two strand flat twisted it and put the remaining hair into a bantu knot. It gives me the perfect curl/wave w/o being frizzy!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This, and variations of it, will most likely be my staple style until my <a href="http://journeytocurly.blogspot.com/2010/10/bc-postponed-new-date.html">BC</a>...Stay tuned!!!!</div>shamikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395566413522513437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509795086733304406.post-44514769349947455532010-10-04T12:04:00.005-04:002010-10-04T13:36:23.120-04:00BC postponed--NEW DATE!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRr-QJZQWkdS2nTHWllVmJoMpZGFNYTm2u1aLJGfr5pTps26pQ&t=1&usg=__lhWNwgq2u5YPDQZg5xIxGNb0pcs=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRr-QJZQWkdS2nTHWllVmJoMpZGFNYTm2u1aLJGfr5pTps26pQ&t=1&usg=__lhWNwgq2u5YPDQZg5xIxGNb0pcs=" width="200" /></a></div>So guys, I told you guys that I was going to do my BC last weekend. However, I came to a huge ROAD BLOCK when I realized that there was no one to do the cut for me :(. and i couldn't do it myself because i have THREE INCHES of new growth so, it needs to be cut properly. That's the bad news...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRcZhq9Rd81jN4DCBaJRTV9q2LUDb44FQNDFnwO9xIA3KSRleE&t=1&usg=__aMg_imUKY7VbNi80miao7Nvqu_o=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRcZhq9Rd81jN4DCBaJRTV9q2LUDb44FQNDFnwO9xIA3KSRleE&t=1&usg=__aMg_imUKY7VbNi80miao7Nvqu_o=" width="180" /></a></div>I do have good news though....=D<br />
This thanksgiving, we're having a huge shindig at my house (in Jersey) with all my aunts and cousins coming down from Florida. Two of these cousins happen to be married to hairdressers, who happen to do natural hair, and who are coming to MY house. Meaning, that the BC is set for the ending of November and not only will it be done, but it will be done right! I'm so excited!!!<br />
<br />
Until then, the beanies are back! Last winter/fall, I bought a deep turquoise beanie and it was fab! I didn do my hair until the front was jacked up -_-. Now, since the front of my hair is natural, I can so rock it all winter!!! *drumroll please* Fab protective hairstyle+ beanie = warm head AND healthy hair AND therfore healthy new growth. I'm actually wearing one right now, but I'm in class (shhhh....) so I can't take a picture. I'll take a picture and upload it later =D.<br />
<br />
I've been away for a while, but I'm back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br />
=D Look for new posts on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays....<br />
i love you guys for supporting me<br />
<3 stay tuned!!!!!shamikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395566413522513437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509795086733304406.post-31816401158615961572010-10-02T00:04:00.004-04:002010-10-04T15:28:45.115-04:00none of your frizzness: smoothing leave-in cream<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.herbalessences.com/us/collections/none_of_your_frizzness/images/product_creme.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.herbalessences.com/us/collections/none_of_your_frizzness/images/product_creme.png" width="132" /></a></div><br />
This one is good too. It makes my hair rly soft and it smells yum! It's also a good curl definer. My hair loves it! I actually like it better than the long term relationship leave-in because this has more of a water base, so sometimes I don't have to use anything else with it which really makes for less build up.I think I like the Aussie spray better, though.shamikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395566413522513437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509795086733304406.post-64838878100901474512010-10-01T23:49:00.001-04:002010-10-01T23:51:29.242-04:00Aussie Hair Insurance Leave-In Conditioner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.aussie.com/en_US/products/images/collections/hair_insurance/hairinsurance_leaveinconditioner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.aussie.com/en_US/products/images/collections/hair_insurance/hairinsurance_leaveinconditioner.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.aussie.com/en_US/products/images/collections/hair_insurance/hairinsurance_leaveinconditioner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>I love, love, love this stuff! On the bottle it says "The Hair Insurance collection, accented with splashes of natural Australian Botanicals, helps protect and strengthen your precious ‘do against damage." I bought it because my herbal essences none of your frizziness leave-in was almost finished and I went to restock. Damage protection seemed ideal for my transitioning hair and I wanted a leave-in that wasn't so thick. Let me tell you how this leave-in made my hair feel amazing. I don't even need to use it on damp hair as instructed to get the desired results. I just spray it on a section (for a bantu knot out for example) and my hair comes out sooooo soft and bouncy the next morning and not at all greasy. I'm really loving it.</div>shamikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395566413522513437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509795086733304406.post-24038547127904497912010-09-26T22:43:00.002-04:002010-10-04T14:16:29.363-04:00Lack of Support--hurdle #1I said earlier that this weekend was going to be my BC wknd. and it really was, i swear! However, due to the huge absence of support, I had nobody to cut my hair for me and for fear that I would cut part of the natural hair, I did not cut it myself. Right now, I'm feeling so defeated. I'm determined to do this, but no one will help me. It's such a spirit killer for me, but i refuse to give up. I'm seriously thinking about going to a salon and letting them cut it for me, but costs and technique are very important and will probably defer my BC even more.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VyDInRXLEv8S8yLjKfm4Zg5SjwkC4LSTDkL-dTlgkzdM2c7aNNfvwATr3NleOfBSxtCi6y71bjTNTCPjfOndtEgeX6Zu1dmxBB9YYqakkODs7FczY_PnuyEcgqzxaGtm_48wM4eZGAVz/s1600/0925101912.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VyDInRXLEv8S8yLjKfm4Zg5SjwkC4LSTDkL-dTlgkzdM2c7aNNfvwATr3NleOfBSxtCi6y71bjTNTCPjfOndtEgeX6Zu1dmxBB9YYqakkODs7FczY_PnuyEcgqzxaGtm_48wM4eZGAVz/s320/0925101912.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this is the amount that I cut off of the very front of my hair, then I got lazy -_-</td></tr>
</tbody></table>You know what gets me really upset though?...when my mother tells me to just perm it because I don't have the face for short hair and i'm going to look ugly or whatever. I get so angry and then even more depressed because I can't really exert my anger. This just shows me how much support I don't have and that I'm really in this by myself over here. It's heartbreaking and sad, but I'm not going to let it kill me. I'm determined to continue this journey. It makes me think of other women who have made the decision to go natural, and gave up because there was nobody there for them. I wish I knew what to do, but right now, I'm feeling their pain. I have no urge to perm my hair though. I'm curious to see a new side of my <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">beauty</span>. Stay tuned. :)shamikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395566413522513437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509795086733304406.post-58415033334625693482010-09-22T16:11:00.001-04:002010-10-01T23:50:22.097-04:00Big ChopRecently, my hair has been rebelling. I think it's getting too long for the styles that I loved so much towards the beginning of my transition. For this reason, I am seriously considering BCing earlier than anticipated. I've really been thinking about I and might bc as early as this wknd. We'll see, and as always, I'll upload pictures. <br />
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhoneshamikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395566413522513437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509795086733304406.post-67271192017193784052010-09-17T21:05:00.001-04:002010-09-17T21:06:19.566-04:00UPDATE!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've been off the blog scene for a while, due to my hectic schedule, but once I settle in and develop a routine, I'll be back. For now, a quick update:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><ul><li>I'm still alive...</li>
<li>and still transitioning...</li>
<li>and still loving my curls!!!!</li>
<li>This month marks 6 months post relaxer!!! </li>
<li>I actually have 3 inches (stretched) of natural hair!!! excited!!!</li>
<li>Mom's pushing the BC, but I think that's more curiosity than anything.</li>
<li>I can't wait to be natural.</li>
</ul><div>Below, is a picture of a braid out I did last week, my hair is getting so long! For now, my BC date is still set for December...Stay tuned!!!</div><div><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70ldg5HVWWH9h8ItX2y_KDjIUHTpD4M1YFBtBNOE-tki3L0uluOAjwEx7uo3PEA3_vSk5zcRN9ArnoaQ-GBZIosZtrL0__RZ4NlOHKl4bebQpHEuqrtrV4XGFvzPr3Hk_4t6p5Oo_CdIr/s1600/0911101706_01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70ldg5HVWWH9h8ItX2y_KDjIUHTpD4M1YFBtBNOE-tki3L0uluOAjwEx7uo3PEA3_vSk5zcRN9ArnoaQ-GBZIosZtrL0__RZ4NlOHKl4bebQpHEuqrtrV4XGFvzPr3Hk_4t6p5Oo_CdIr/s320/0911101706_01.jpeg" /></a></div>shamikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395566413522513437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509795086733304406.post-78475530941824530352010-09-01T12:53:00.002-04:002010-09-17T21:23:59.462-04:00DisasterSo apparently, my hair thought it would be fun to just not listen at all today. SOOOO NOT COOL!!! As I've told you guys, Bantu knots have become my nightly routine to achieve the fro-ish curl look I've grown to love on this journey; so last night (like every night) I knotted my hair to prepare for luscious curls this morning. Little did I know, my hair took it upon itself to just not curl AT ALL!!!! Right now, I am under the dryer with my rewetted knots hoping that they curl :'(. Ugh!!!!! The one day that I actually have to go out, my hair decides to misbehave! Good thing I had time to deal with it this morning. This better knot (pun intended) happen again.<br />
Note to my hair: It would be in your best interest to take heed to this warning! I'm soooo NOT kidding!! -_- <br />
<br />
Stay tuned!!!!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hL47VpFMXATorURM_TmQvgs2YFJ5AMa32y1t4d0Jr48p3Y74UIBR5oZrfeHfbz7_alm2hnaU_AnT9WCg6E1nPCMpO8ZHHQpTFuLaRIMFm5rs2ksdBUyN5nAoDaOXrBge7rOzFxXER8_4/s1600/0901101147%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hL47VpFMXATorURM_TmQvgs2YFJ5AMa32y1t4d0Jr48p3Y74UIBR5oZrfeHfbz7_alm2hnaU_AnT9WCg6E1nPCMpO8ZHHQpTFuLaRIMFm5rs2ksdBUyN5nAoDaOXrBge7rOzFxXER8_4/s320/0901101147%5B1%5D" /></a></div><br />
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhoneshamikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395566413522513437noreply@blogger.com0