Affirmations for Natural Girls

Look 

in the mirror and repeat the following: 

I am more than good enough
I am everything
I am All that I need to be
Fear is a Liar
Doubt is a Liar 


Love the versatility of weave? Enjoying the results of protective styling? I'm not talking to you!
I'm reaching out to the girl who feels that she is not enough. I'm writing to the woman who is submerged in self doubt. I want to provide her clarity. I want to share another perspective.

This Could be Us..... But it's Not

The internet has a way of making everything look great. Social media timelines are filled with perfect celebrations, perfect pictures, and What seems like perfect lives. Well, I live in the real world, and Today I'm not feeling pretty. In fact, I am feeling quite ugly. I thought about slapping on a head wrap, or slicking my kinks into a bun. As I reached for the gel, I realised how I felt, could not be fixed with a handful of gel or a colourful scarf. Bad hair days are inevitable, but negative feelings can be overcome. I share my top "pick me ups" for mind hair and soul.

Blow Out

So, I did a blow out. I deep conditioned 2 weeks ago in preparation for this weeks blow out. After co washing, and applying a leave in, I twisted my hair in smedimum sections, and allowed it to air dry over night. I did not use oil.

The next morning, I applied a lite oil, and blow dried each section on med heat using only my fingers and a lite tension. I hold the hair streached as I blowdry each section. Working from root to tip, I make sure I do not over dry the ends of the hair.  Once complete, I used the pick attachment, and a high setting to to further dry the hair. Because I had previously sectioned and stretched with  my fingers, this only took 10mins. Here is the result below. At this point, if I wanted a straight style, I would reach for the flat iron.

Simple Hairstyles

Simple Warm Weather  Hair Styles

With the warm weather, BBQ's and pool parties, you may be searching for your next  hairstyle that can stand up to the heat and humidity. Here are a few fool proof Do’s that will keep you looking polished, as the temps rise. These styles can go from day to evening by mixing and matching accessories. 

Up Do  |  Show stopping beauty

4 Brands of Gel Natural Girls Can Use

4 Brands of Gel 4c Natural Girls Can Use

Let’s face it, there are so many gels and styling products on the market, it can be hard to know just what is good and what is bad for your hair. Not all products that claim to be good for your hair, will give you the hold, and performance you need. Kinky, tightly coiled hair can be a pain to  lay down. Here are a few brands of gel that not only keep kinky hair looking sleek, they  keep my curls defined. My preferred gels are extra sticky, and goopy. Applying the sticky gels to wet hair is easiest. However, I apply gel on damp hair if I am looking to minimize shrinkage, and have the most defined look. I use gel on wet hair to get the sleekest bun. Using gel on wet hair, usually gives me a shrunken puff, as the curls are not that defined.  I notice my hair shrinks more when the gel is applied to dripping wet hair. No matter the look Im going for, these gels leave my hair happy!

3 Reasons to Big Chop Today

3 Reasons to Big Chop Today

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1.        Transitioning Strands Can Be A Pain.

   I transitioned for weeks while rocking  protective styles. Each time I removed the protective style, I was presented with more and more new growth. I quickly grew bored with braidouts, and twistouts, and began to long for other styles that showcased my curls.

HOW LONG SHOULD YOU USE A PRODUCT BEFORE YOU REALIZE ITS GREAT OR BAD FOR YOUR HAIR

HOW LONG DO YOU USE A PRODUCT BEFORE YOU REALIZE ITS 

GREAT OR BAD 

FOR YOUR Natural HAIR

Countless times I have sworn off a hair product, only to revisit it later. This has happened so many times, I no longer toss the products I don't like. Because of this, I am saving money, and expanding my hair horizons. If a styling creme didn't hold my twistout, perhaps its good enough to perfect my puff?  Here are more tips &  Finding alternative uses, and easy fixes for a lack luster product.

Before You Toss it, Give it Another Try.  

 Before you give a thumbs down,  set aside 2 to 3 weeks of consistent use, making sure the application of the products are correct. 

Give it another try. So many things can have an effect on how a product acts in your hair. Weather, Your hair cut, other products, and your hairs health, can all have an effect on final results when using product. Some products do not mix well together. Are you getting flakes? Hair too gooey? Hair became sticky? If you used a product and your were unhappy with the results, give it another try, and layer it with an alternative product. If you are still unhappy revisit the product when the weather is different. Hated it in the summer? You may Love it in the winter!

Mix it with.... I cannot count how many times I have ran out to buy a conditioner that others have raved about,  only to be disappointed. Not enough slip, hated the smell, not heavy enough? When I am presented with theses problems, I mix until satisfied. If  more slip is needed, add Grapeseed oil. If the conditioner is not thick enough,  add JBCO to the bottle and enjoy. Some products do not mix well can can result in flakes, adding oil, water, or swapping for  an alternative product  may cut out any flakes.

DIY Trends | Flower Headband VIDEO

DIY Trends |  Flower Headband & VIDEO

We just love this springs trend,

 Flower Headbands

You can rock these trendy accessories in various sizes, colors, and styles. You can chooses a simple or complex flower head band. This versatile accessory can save a bad hair day, jazz up

For the Days Your Fro is Not Cooperating

What Imperfections?

So your hair is not cooperating today? Your hair didn't turn out exactly as planned? It's still beautiful! Allow me to provide another prospective about your impending bad hair day. The beauty about beauty is that it’s subjective. Indeed, this is something that many of us take for granted very often when it comes to hair. Many of us spend hours trying to craft the perfect style every time and allowing room for imperfections seems crazy. Primping, and panicking to ensure perfect ringlets, smooth edges, and immaculate wash n go's.  Beauty is in the frizzy imperfections, of natural, kinky hair. Even that crazy bushy, gravity defying hair is perfect. Perch a flower in it, and keep it moving!

Next time your hair is giving you a hard time, just let it be. Add a simple head band, or a vibrant flower to top it off.  You will love the clumped curls, slight frizz and

Temporary Color

Indigenous

Curls

Counts Down the Top Temp Colors For Type 4c Curls

These Temporary measures can make your curls POP with bright, and subdued colors. Each method can be rinsed out after a few days. Looking to make a statement with out the commitment? Try these easy and simple methods to add a splash of color to your curls. Be sure your hair is well moisturized before giving these colors a go! 

Spray

Low Manipulation Hairstyles

 Low Manipulation Hairstyles

 These Cute styles allow you to limit manipulation damage to your curls. A good Low Manipulation hairstyles must do 3 things:

• These styles tuck your ends away, thus increasing length retention
• These simple styles can limit the amount of hand to hair contact, thus decreasing manipulation damage
• Limit Tangles because the hair is either stretched, or gathered together

 Let’s face it,  with super soft hair,  it can be  hard to keep your hands away. Each time you touch your hair, you can cause a little damage.  The daily rigors of detangling, and styling can leave your strands in need of a break. Check out our top Low Manipulation styles for type 4 curls! 

Adorable styles like a Bun:

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How To | Take down your Protective styles

Protective styles allow your curls to go weeks without manipulation damage. Even if you have a good moisture routine,  manipulation damage can limit length retention.  For particularly fragile hair types you may  will want to keep your hair in protective and low manipulation hairstyles 70% -80% of the time to allow your hair to recover, and retain length. Instead of detangling with combs or brushes you may want to try finger combing before reachign for a comb.  When installing your protective style,  you have to be gentle with your hair. Take your time, and use your fingers, unless you are sectioning your hair.  The more you comb, style, or touch your hair you are causing damage to it. If you have particularly fragile hair, like 4b or 4c hair, this type of damage is easy to come by  when  your installing your hair style. 

When enoying a portective style, you must make sure to care for the curls underneath the style.   Here are my top tips for having a successful protective style, with minimal sheding. Too often I hear of people complain that a protective style ruined their hair. Follow these tips to save your strands, grow that hair, and give yourself a break from daily styling.

Tip 1 | Give Your Curls Good Vibes

Moisturize                                                Before  | During | After

For curly girls, moisture equals soft healthy hair. Be sure to moisturize your hair prior to styling. Use Hot Oils, or a thick moisturizing condiioner before installing your next style. Before I twist or braid my hair I deep condition, and seal with heavy creams and butters.  I also continue to hydrate my curls, spraying my ends, and/or oiling my scalp every 2-3 days while my hair is protected. In a spray bottle, I mix a leave in conditioner, water, and my preferred oil. Protective styling only gives you a break from styling. You must  still continue a moisture routine with your protective style. Moisture is also the key to a successful low shedding take down. I use my water based homemade mist to moisturize my strand as I take down the style. I also use the mist to loosen and remove any lint tangled in my hair.  Since using water based moisturizer, while taking down my styles I notice less shedding, and easier detangling after wearing protective styles for weeks.

Moisture Boost

Top Ways to Moisturize Curly 4c Hair

An amazing moisturizer will provide you with a few things: 

Shine - The sun rays should bounce off of your curls

Nourishment - Vitamins, Minerals, the good stuff for your hair's health

Slip - To prevent tangles, knots, and make styling, and detangling a breeze

Moisture - If you moisturized, and moments later your hair is dry or brittle, you are missing something. That moisturizer may need to be paired with other products for the best effect.


Here Are A few Recommended Moisturizers

Water

The #1 Moisturizer for all hair types

Rose Water
is the hydrosol portion of the distillate of rose petals, a by-product of the production of rose oil for use in perfume. 

Spring Hair Show

This Past Weekend was the Spring Hair Show in Atlanta, GA. The Internet was buzzing with excitement from the festivities. We look forward to being at next years show. Here is a Summary of this past weekend with

CeCeNaturally

You May Also Like: 

 IC Lifestyle Section

Spring Time Trend Alert | Hair Flowers & Crowns

We Just Love this simple Accessory. Weather fresh, or fabric, a big beautiful flower can jazz up any hairstyle. 

5 Ways to incorporate JBCO in your regimine

5 ways to Use JBCO

Indigenous Curls Counts Down the Tops ways to use JBCO on curly hair

Keys to Successful Journey

Keys to Successful Journey

Sincerity

To thine own self be true," says Polonius in Hamlet.
 Before embarking on any journey, there must come a moment of reflection.  Is this really what you want?  What is your personal philosophy, your overall mission, and does this journey align with those things? You must be always sincere with yourself. Take a good look in the mirror. Evaluate what you really want. Sincerity is the virtue of one who speaks and acts truly about his or her own feelings, thoughts, and desires. Weather you take on a new task, or start a new journey, sincerity is key. When it comes to your hair, making the decision to go natural, needs to be a sincere one. Is this natural hair your true desire? Is healthy hair your overall mission? Are you prepared to deal with the days your curls are out of control? If the answer is no, that’s ok. At the end of the day, it’s just hair. Both you and your hair will continue to grow, change, and evolve. Be Sincere with yourself when embarking on a new journey, take into account your lifestyle, and overall goals, and adjust either your goals, or your plan of action.  

 Wisdom

Before starting any journey you need to acquire knowledge. Do your research.

3 Ways to Perk Up Your Conditioner

3 Ways To

I am a recovering product junkie. For years bottles, canisters, and sprays would line my dresser, purse, and bathroom sink. Even now and then, I would come across a conditioner that fell short of my expectations. 

60 Day Protective style Challenge | Struggle Post

With 14 Days remiaing in this 60 Day protective style challenge, I am struggling. Each day, I peek under my protective style, in an effort to gage just how much growth is going on under there. I am currently expirencing classic signs of curl withdrawl.

What a struggle! The only thing saving this challenge, was my ability to change hairstyles every 10 days. If I had to rely on a salon to install my protective styles, I don't think I would have survived this challenge.  I began this challenge with a partial weave. My curls could not blend with the silky weave for more than a week. I refused to apply heat, and using the banding method was not getting silky results.

How To make SunScreen For Your Hair

The sun can reak havock on your hair 

To keep your hair and skin healthy, it is reccomeded that you use sunblock. Here is a recipe for Home Made Sunscreen for curly hair. 

Many natural oils can act as a sunbock. Carrot seed oil has a SPF of 38-40, while oilve oil can have a SPF of 2-8. Mix 3 or 4 of theses oils in equal parts, and incorpoerat them in your styling regomine. You can also use grapeseed oil as your base and sweeten things up with raspberry oil, and macadiamia oil. Combine theses oils in a small jar and use as needed, and during the final parts of styling.  If your hair loves the thick stuff, reach for Avocado oil to coat your strands before heading out the door.