Wednesday, April 12th started off as an ordinary day. The alarm sounded off at 6:00 a.m. like it always did. Reggie did his work day morning ritual, showering, grooming, selecting a suit and accessorizing with the perfect accents for Read more
Why are some people mean? I'm not talking about a little mean, but bazaar, go out of their way to be mean. Recently I've encountered a few mean people, I remind myself that these situations will make me a stronger Read more
Our last trip of 2016 was to the Maldives. Last year was one full of excursions, We traveled to Cameroon, Paris, Bali, Hawaii, New Orleans, New York, Chicago, Lake Tahoe, Atlanta, Napa, San Francisco, Dubai, and I must say Read more
It's okay to venture out of your comfort zone... Lately I've been doing it quite often.
This weekend is going to be one of renewal, my personal Super Bowl. What are your plans? I will be working today and tomorrow.
Happy Read more
Both of my kids are in New York, my son is in school in the Hudson Valley and my daughter is living in Brooklyn and working. So we are officially empty nesters, and have been so for a while Read more
I’ve been wanting to do an update on my hair routine, ie. photo shoot, video etc., but for whatever reason that has not happened, so I decided to do a quick iphone diary of my current routine.
this hair is a mess-
First I have to admit, between vacation, the beach, pool, and sun my hair is in need for some TLC- it is like a tumbleweed, so dry. I keep wetting it, which rejuvenates it enough to be presentable without starting from scratch. This is my “poof” first thing in the morning, normally I wet it, add some oil and smooth the fly aways and make this work again for another day…but enough is enough.
really bad…
See, I’m letting you see the real funky get down dirty “me”-these tresses are not falling down at my shoulders anytime soon. This hair needs to be done! So I don’t have a lot of time, I have an appointment in the city, so lets get this party started.
shampoo and detangle
Jump in the shower and shampoo with my “No Poo” 2x and detangle with lots of Tresseme conditioner. Today I’m going to deep condition with Bask Y.A.M conditioner , I should sit under the dryer, but I’m pressed for time today, so I will put a plastic cap on and do a few things around the house.
post wash
Y.A.M. conditioner by Bask
Rinse out the conditioner and “style” with these products:
love this product
I put a generous amount of this on my soaking wet hair in the shower. I then separate into 3 sections, one in the back and two in the front using big clips.
big clips
Today I am styling with these items. I change up a lot, just because I’m always searching for the mother lode product.
current cocktail
I start at the nape of my neck and quickly add products with my fingers, a little one condition, followed by Heaven in hair and a smidgen of b-leave in gel, I quickly apply in sections and then do the same to the front, separating my hair where I want it to fall in the front, ie. side part, enter part etc.
product applied
Next step is the hardest–don’t touch it anymore, I have to let it dry, if I am in a rush I use the diffuser, but I prefer for it to air dry. So I will leave it like this and go about my business. Once I get dressed I will use my special towel around my shoulders so my outfit does not get wet.
ready for the day
So I was out and about for about 4 hours, not completely dry the back it is still damp/wet and I am looking like a pilgrim. Not good.
Pilgrim hair
I’m going out tonight and cannot do the “pilgrim” look, so I will use the diffuser to encourage some volume. I really don’t like “first day” hair and I usually time my wash day a couple a days ahead of an event. Considering I did a rush job, it is okay and will work for tonight.
17 years ago I “out grew” my long chemically relaxed tresses. For 25 years I was a slave to hair that practically shouted that I ascribed to the traditional image of “black beauty”, long straight, wind blown flowing hair, that revealed no trace of its kinky roots, sequestered the moment that rebellious new growth started to appear by a “standing” appointment that was never ever missed–it was as important as paying the mortgage. It told you I could walk in the San Francisco fog or jump into the sea, the only consequence was my processed locks would just lie limp, flat and close to my head no hint of any volume. It told you that I came about during a time when the “pressing comb” was considered a barbaric method of straightening, and a revlon relaxer would give you hair that could be blow dried with a round brush, just like my caucasian sisters–somehow making this method “better”.
Fast forward, I now rock my full, unpredictable kinky sometimes curly, highlighted, low porosity, WnG, deva cut, coconut oiled, pine-appled at night, satin pillow case only, “do” 99% of the time. No longer regulated as the casual summer hair style, the one that was not wore at black tie functions, due to subconscious thoughts, like–hmmmm this is a conservative group, better wear “it” straight, big kinky hair might offend somebody or cause to much attention or I’m going to wear it straight for the holidays- we are taking family pictures.
Gigi @ 54 napptural attending an event
Gigi @ big “50” “straight “was” for parties…
Saturday I attended a meet up hosted by LA Curly Girls, a group founded by Lydia Boyd a few years ago. A private facebook group, where curlies can exchange information, and learn more about “being natural” and attend meet ups throughout the year . It was empowering to socialize with a group of women embracing their natural hair, there were so many different textures, lengths, colors, curl patterns, all uniquely beautiful. It was especially refreshing to see young women with natural hair that were not sporting long hair weaves. I’m not here to critique the “wearing a weave” movement, I get it, it is just another approach to hair as well, my problem is women who never ever wear their own hair, almost as if they have developed a disdain for their own hair.
LA Curly Girls Meetup
so much pretty hair
the popular product swap
Curly girls
I know it is not easy to change, historically we are so jacked up about our “hair”, there have been books written on this topic. It is important to have a good support system when you are transitioning to sporting a “natural” style. There are so many more options than when I started my journey 17 years ago, back then there was Quidad, Bedhead and Paul Mitchell the conditioner, now every line has a natural curly hair product line. I recall dealing with so many comments that well meaning friends and family would say to me…here are the top 10–
1. “You need to get a relaxer a few times a year-so your hair can contiue grow” hairstylist
2. “Are you “mad” why aren’t you getting your hair “done?” confused husband
3. “Everything OK? Things must be tight, you stopped getting your hair done.” concerned friend
4. “Don’t mention my “relaxer” it’s our secret-my husband does not know I get my hair permed” confused friend
5. “Your hair would be so long and pretty if you straightened it” frenemy
6.”She has a husband…you can’t afford to be going around with your hair like that-not if you want to meet someone.” friend’s mom
7. “I know somebody who could do your “type” of hair.” non-black co-worker
8. “Never go to long between your relaxers, because with your features no one would know you even had a relaxer-you could pass for a girl from the islands, just don’t let the edges come in” hairstylist
9. “Don’t EVER cut your hair, because you would just be “a regular black girl” like Oprah” hairstylist
10. “Does your husband like your hair like that?” frenemy
bonus 11. “You should get your hair “done” for the party” friend
Yes. I dealt with lots of critical comments, but I have never looked back. Being “natural” does not mean perfect hair days, I certainly have my share of bad hair days, nor does it mean effortless care–natural hair is work, but I am still happy to be part of this natural society of goddesses all over world.
I have been on my natural hair journey for about 14 years. Prior to that I was bound to my revlon mild relaxer like clockwork, I did not even know what my own hair texture was anymore. Now everywhere you look women are embracing their curls. I have watched this natural hair movement explode, from the plethora of curly hair products available, to all the curly girls in the media. To get consistent results with my hair, I do my routine once a week. Big, fluffy, defined hair is my preferred style, which usually happens day two. “Natural” hair takes a lot of TLC and patience. You have to be willing to go with the flow and accept that natural hair has a mind of its own and lots of factors can influence the end result ie. weather, product cocktail, and workouts are just a few things that can dramatically change your “do”. My routine starts the night before with a pre-oil treatment, this week I used ojon oil, sometimes I use olive oil, or coconut oil. My hair is naturally dry and highlights make it even dryer.
My need to do my hair “do”
This is my end of the week “need to do my hair do”. It is still looks dry even though it is saturated with oil.
Week old hair from a WnG
This is what my hair looks like after a week from a Wash and Go. I could revitalize it with water and conditioner, but it is best if I do my ritual. My cut from Devachan is still holding pretty good.
Detangle
The first step I do is detangle my DRY hair with conditioner. I take it in sections and use my fingers to detangle, usually I use an inexpensive conditioner like Suave Coconut, but today I used Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat. I find that after a week of wearing my wash and go my hair is sometimes super tangled.
Detangling Process
As you can see from this picture I have different hair textures, the back is kinky and the front is a looser curl pattern. Once you understand your “head of hair” and what products work on your hair texture, consistent results will be easier to achieve.
Hair detangled with pre-conditioner
This is my hair after detangling with conditioner. This is an important step for me because my hair is a pain to “comb out” and I want to hold on to as many of my strands as possible. Also I try to limit my use of combs or brushes in my hair and just use my fingers most of the time.
Cleansing Step
I now rinse my “detangler” out and cleanse my hair with a no sulfate shampoo, today I used Hair Rules daily cleansing cream. My favorite is Devachan No Poo, but I am all out, I go through a ton of product, most of which I order online.
After cleansing
Now I apply a deep conditioner, today I used Curl Junkie Curl Rehab, I rotate a bunch of different ones, some of my favorites are Carol’s Daughter hair smoothie, and a new one I just picked up Obliphica spiral hair mask. Depending on my time I sit under the dryer / heating cap for 30 minutes, or sit in my steam shower, today it was so hot I just went outside.
Top knot with conditioner
I put my conditioner soaked hair in a top knot which is a good “conditioner do” in case I have to run to the store or something.
Rinse Conditioner
Back in the shower to rinse conditioner out, my final rinse is always cold and I don’t EVER use a towel, I just step out soaking wet.
Final Rinse
Rinsed conditioner out and then I applied a generous amount of Kinky Curly Knot Today. This is a core product for me that I never substitute and it is always in my cabinet.
Apply styling Products
I separate my hair into large sections and apply products to super wet hair, I use a water bottle to make sure my hair stays wet. My combination of products varies by what is in my cabinet. I am always adding new products, since I am easily influenced by what I read on other blogs. Today I used Curl Junkie Smoothing lotion, with a little bit of Curly Q’s Gel-les’c, topped off with Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing smoothie. I apply with my fingers making sure to get product from my roots to the ends, making sure to use more product in the back and less to the front.
Diffuse with dryer
My drying method depends on the time of year, where I am going, and what I am wearing. Today I used a diffuser and dried my hair about 70%. If I am in a rush I will use one of my husbands workout shirts, the kind that are designed for absorbing moisture, I carefully wrap my hair with it and keep it on for about 15 minutes and shake my hair out and diffuse for about 5 minutes. When I can I prefer to air dry, which can take half a day sometimes.
Upside down step
I always flip my hair, to avoid the “flat top”. Notice how much product is on my hair, it is sort of white, all the product will be absorbed by the time my hair dries.
Dry do not touch step
My hair still needs to dry. It is important NOT to TOUCH at this point, in order to prevent frizz.
Air Dry
Finished just waiting for it to dry completely. I now can go about my day and just let my hair dry.
Big and Fluffy
Day one hair, as you can see all the product has been absorbed and my hair is light, fluffy and has movement. Tonight I will “pineapple” it (loose scrunchie) and pull all the hair up, and sleep on a satin pillow case. Day two I will spritz with a little water and shake and go. When the weather gets cooler I will do twists outs to avoid wetting my hair midweek. This process takes about an hour and a half to complete from start to finish.
Day 2 Hair
Just added this picture to show how each day is slightly different.
Day 3 during a workout in 85 degree weather
I used a little Jane Carter Solution nourish and shine, and did my “pineapple” at night (all hair on top of my head in a loose scrunchie).
I want to give a special thanks to my husband who took all the pictures today for me…it was not easy and he is not a photographer.
Are you a natural curly, coily, kinky girl? What is your routine?
Oprah Winfrey posed for the September cover of Omagazine with her natural hair- no blow dryer, flat iron, press etc.. Oprah’s natural “do” is making headlines. Her hair looks fabulous! It is sad though, that an African-American woman wearing natural hair in 2012 would make the news. Some articles are discussing how “natural” is her hair -does she have a mild relaxer? I’m not concerned with if she did a braid out, twist out, air dry, I’m happy that a public icon would embrace her textured hair for the world to see.
As a natural curly girl, my journey has been a long one. I wore my hair relaxed and straight for most of my life. It was the standard that I grew up with, that long straight hair was beautiful and short kinky hair was not. I began to question that reasoning when I could not remember what my natural hair texture looked like. After my son was born I stopped relaxing my hair, and I have never looked back. What I found most interesting is that my friends and family were most concerned with my natural hair transformation. I had to explain that I was not making a political statement and that I was not against European inspired hair styles, I was just embracing my authentic self.
Gigi with flat ironed hair
Gigi rocking her natural curls
British Nigerian film maker Zina Saro Wiwa’s hair documentary “Transition” chronicles her journey to wearing her natural hair and the natural hair movement taking place with women of color who are now embracing their natural hair and all its glory.
The challenge with being a curly girl is getting a haircut by a stylist who understands curly hair. Every since I read Devachan salon founder and author Lorraine Massey’s book, Curly Girl the Handbook I have wanted to go to Devachan. The only problem was that the salon is located in New York.
Cover of Curly Girl
I was thrilled to find out that Devachan opened a salon in Culver City. I called to book an appointment and was scheduled with Robert a senior stylist/educator from the Soho salon. Devachan is know for their dry cuts. Curls are cut in their natural form, one curl at a time. The stylist studies the clients hair and notes shrinkage pattens ie. in my case kinky areas versus loose curl areas, obviously when curly hair is cut straight all of the hair looks the same. I wear my hair curly 95% of the time so this makes perfect sense to me to cut my hair curly.
Before Devachan
This was my before picture, my hair was four days old. You can see that my hair if falling like a “Mop top” and is dry, from color and the elements. It is to heavy in the front and covers my face if I don’t pull it back. You can’t see it on this picture but my hair falls in the middle and is flat on the top. I can’t wait to see how Devachan will work with my hair.
Devachan Culver City
Upon arrival I was greeted by a fellow curly girl, given a pretty nude color robe, and a glass of herbal ice tea in a champagne flute. Robert examined my hair and began to cut it curl by curl. I felt very comfortable and did not have any anxiety regarding to much hair being cut.The atmosphere is spa like with neon green accents coordinating with the product line.
Post cut with Robert
This was right after my dry cut with Robert. Although my hair looks a little crazy here, I could tell I was going to be happy with my results.
cleansing station
This was really nice. Instead of being in a chair with your neck in a weird position you reclined on the bed underneath the canopy while your hair was washed, conditioned and styled. Everything was explained to me as I relaxed on the “shampoo bed”, how to apply product, which products I should use, and basically how to take care of my curls. Read more
Today my daughter decided to drop in for an impromptu blowout at the drybar. I’m a curly girl now, but for many years I was a long-haired “straight” hair done weekly girl. A big part of my life revolved around a minimum three hour weekly ritual at the salon.
Drybar on Sunset
These no cuts, no color, 30 minute blowout, salons have been popping up all over the country. We were not sure how skilled the stylists were with African-American kinky curly hair, but for a flat fee of $35.00 regardless of texture, length or thickness, there was nothing to lose.Cheery but stylish, a yellow blowdryer chandelier, champagne and cookies, fresh flowers and hair style menus, Devil Wears Prada playing on the flat screen, a steady stream of women all ages – all this makes drybar a winning concept.
Blowdryer Chandelier
Yellow & White Roses
Drybar Menus
The menu hair styles were listed as “drink” names. The Straight Up – Signature blowout: Straight with body, The Cosmo – Lots of loose curls,The Mai Tai-Messy, beachy hair, Southern Comfort – Big hair, Up-Tini – AKA an updo, The Manhattan – Sleek and smooth (Amani’s choice) are the main styles with a few others that are combos ie. Cosmo – Tai.
Blow dry Amani
Amani
Flat iron-Amani
Drybar uses Moroccan oil products and offers “shots” deep conditioners for $10.00. Amani did not have an appointment and waited 15 minutes before she was in the chair. They are open 7 days a week, nice option if you have a red carpet event on a Sunday. Most clients were done in 30 minutes, it took about 50 minutes to do Amani’s hair. As I sat watching the process, an unsolicited client said to me, “Is that your daughter? I wish my mother had taken me to get my hair straightened, because I had the kinkiest, curliest hair ever!”
"The Manhattan"
Drybar310 442 6084 8595 Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood
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