K.I.S.S

I would say this means " keep it simple stupid," but I prefer " keep it simple sista". This method of hair care keeps you from going broke, losing hair , becoming a product junkie, and many other negative outcomes of being too extravagant. K.I.S.S. is especially important if you are "newly natural", because you have a lot more to learn about caring for your hair.

Let me tell you how I keep it simple : wash, detangle,moisturize , and protective styles.







1.Washing: I use Dr.Bronner's Castile Soap concentrate . The directions for dilution are on the bottle. It does a good job of cleaning the hair and last for a long time. My dilution ratio is 1 cap full of soap to 12 fl.oz. water. It doesn't matter which shampoo you use, try to keep it as organic and natural as possible. Staying away from sulfates.Don't forget to use a conditioner afterwards. I recommend Suave tropical coconut conditioner or Herbal Essences Hello Hydradtion, ( you know...the one in the blue bottle.)












2. Detangle: Get a wide-tooth comb, a spray bottle filled with plain water, your fingers, and some patience. Once you get the hang of detangling your hair , it will be a breezy. I love to play in my hair ,so I enjoy detangling. You must understand that you hair should be damp or close to it; never comb hair when it is dry. Detangle as much as you can with your finger and then use the comb.Be gentle.










3.Moisturize: This is the key to healthy hair. Don't follow after all the other afrodites that rave over a product, it may work for them , but not for you. Find what works and stick to it; experimenting every so often. The best times to moisturize are during detangling and while styling.

4.Protective Styles: are styles that don't not require much manipulation. You can either refresh them with a quick spritz and pat;or take them down once a week. The less you touch your hair, the more length it will retain. Some styles to try are two-strand twist, braids, flat-twist updos;anything that last for at least a week and still looks decent.

Product Showcase: Suave Tropical Coconut Conditioner

Yall know I have a hard time detangling my hair sometimes. I need as much slippage as I can get. So if it works for me , it will definetly work for yall.

Price:

Wal-Mart: Regular size: $1.00

Family size: $1.25

Naural Hair Emergency Kit: what every curly, coily,kinky woman should have just in case

Have you ever had a rubber band pop, lost a bobby pin,broke a stocking? Thus causing you to walk around having a bad hair day? With this simple,convenient kit; you will never suffer this again. It may seem like a lot , but put it in a pouch , in a big purse and go!

1.Denman Brush 2.Stocking(knee-high,panty hose,whatever)

3.bobby pins

4. favorite hair gel ( I prefer IC Fantasia)

5.spray bottle (preferably filled with water, something that will make the hair pliable for styling)

6. wide-tooth comb w/ rattail( for parting and styling)

7.Scunci or Goody ouchless bands

8. Favorite moisturizer

Product Showcase: Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Leave-in Split End Protector

Some naturals,transitioners,or thinkin'-about-it's are looking for the good stuff to put in their hair. I've ran through a lot of products, so I've decided that I'm going to help yall out. Every Friday, I will showcase a product that I LOVEEEED! ( No this is not paid advertisement, I already have enough adsense ads on my page.) This is the real deal, I've used this stuff, and I now I'm helping yall by featuring a product that I've used and would buy again. Most of them are reasonably priced.

So without further ado...Drumroll please!

Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Split End Protector: First of all , it smells great. Like freshly-rained-on gardenias and roses with a tinge of Big Red bubble gum( I'm talkin' cinnamon to ya baby). Second of all, It DOES THE JOB. No matter what I do, how much I deep condition , or what I put on my hair ( except for my orange-infused oil) my ends are always crackly , dry, and crunchy.

Can I get an amen?

But if I put this on my ends after spraying with a little bit of plain water( to aid in absorption) my ends are silky smooth and soft. And OMG! It works so much better with shea butter.

The Big Switch: How to go natural

In the world , I'm asked at least once a week " How do I go natural?" " How do I get my hair like that?" If people that I see in the streets have these questions, I'm sure you all have them too.

There are two ways to "go natural"; you can do the "big chop" or "transition."

The big chop is when you wait two or more months and then cut off the chemically-processsed hair from the natural hair. This method of going natural is the most recommended , because it gives you a chance to get to know your hair and it's needs. You can cut the hair off yourself or go to your local barber.(Notice I didn't say hair salon, but barber. Because you and I both know that would be nothing but hair drama.)The only con is that you have to be confident within yourself , because as an African-American woman you may receive a lot of ridicule from other people;for not only having short hair, but short, kinky hair.

Transitioning is letting your hair grow without the chemicals, and when desired length is obtained, cutting off the chemically-processed hair. Most women wear braids, twist, extensions, or curly styles that serve their hair in this phase. It is the more popular form of going natural because some women do not want to face the ridicule of other people and the "workplace" confrontation. The only con to this method is that when you cut off the chemically-processed hair , you'll have all of this natural hair and may not know what to do with it.

Whichever method you choose to go natural , do research on how to comb , detangle, wash, style, protect, preserve, and moisturize your hair. This way you don't not feel shocked and burdened with a new hair texture and end up running back to the chemicals.