Curly Haired Diva

Be Fearless. Go Natural.

Hello Beautiful Ones,

You seek CURLS, CURLS, and more CURLS! You have either surpassed the Big Chop Phase or the Transitioning Phase and are ready to fully embrace your beautiful texture. You luv the new length of your natural hair, but need some assistance?

Here are a few things to consider:

1. Establish a Healthy Hair regimen. Discipline yourself and maintain a weekly routine. Use the K.I.S.S. Method: Section and Detangle, Pre-poo, Cleanse, Deep Condition, Moisturize, and Protect. This will keep hair soft, manageable, and free of knots and tangles. Get in the habit of caring for your hair, because it will:
1. Control Frizz & Ease Managebility
2. Soothe & Condition Your Scalp
3. Deeply Moisturize Your Curls
2. Train Your Curls. Because of the bends and curves in our hair strand (afro-textured hair), it is easier to train compared to chemically altered hair. Experiment with styles that will define your curl pattern: Two Strand Twists, Bantu-Knots, and the new Curlformers.
3. Detangle Regularly. Try to finger detangle at least twice a week, depending on length and thickness of your hair to reduce knots and tangles. Detangle in Sections. Limit tangle teasers, wide tooth combs, and Denman brushes to wash days. Start from ends to roots to reduce stress on the hair strand.
4. Co-washing is great for curlies. Use a lightweight conditioner to clean the hair. This can add intense and much-needed moisture without stripping the hair.

Stay encouraged on this journey!

 Luv,

Hair Kitty Kitty

Photo Credit:

nappyjoy.tumblr.com

 

Trendy Hairstyles of Summer 2012

Hello Beautiful Ones,

If you like to switch up your style each season of the year, here are a few purrfect styles that are trending right now:

THE OMBRE



Ciara



 

Rihanna





Teyana Taylor



Teyana Taylor



Shades of Blonde & Auburn

The Headband Style

Jennifer Williams

Melanie Fiona

Bob Hairtsyles

Taraji P. Henson

Lisa Raye McCoy

 Updos & Protective Styles



Evelyn Lozada



Janelle Monae



Photo Credits:

gofro.tumblr.com, blackhair.about.com, pullmydreads.tumblr.com

forum.blackhairmedia.com, lipstickalley.com, welovecurlies.tumblr.com, google.com, bing.com, braidsbyhelen.com, blkgirlsrock.tumblr.com

Keep It Simple, Sexy: Cleanse > Shampoo

 

Keep It Simple, Sexy

Use my K.I.S.S. Method to Build a Solid Healthy Hair Regimen

Hello Beautiful Ones,

The primary purpose of cleansing the hair is to remove dirt, excess oils, and product buildup from your hair. Cleanse your hair regularly to prevent dryness and also to prevent dirt and grime from building up on the hair shaft. Too much buildup can block the hair shaft from absorbing moisture. Also, bacteria can brew from a lack of cleansing and can lead to unpleasant odors.

Last time, I discuss conditioner washing or co-washing to cleanse the hair. This week, I will focus on washing techniques using commercial shampoos.



Let’s take a look at the K.I.S.S. Hair Regimen:

Ideally, this process should be done every 7-10 days…

Section Hair

Detangle Hair

Pre-Poo (Optional)

Cleanse Hair >>> Shampoo

Deep Condition Hair

Moisturize and Seal Hair

Protect Hair

I typically cleanse my hair once a week, or every 7-10 days using a commercial shampoo or by co-washing. Only when it is in an elaborate updo, I wash bi-weekly. I will not shampoo my hair more than that because I do not want to run the risk of stripping the natural oils from my hair.

Previously in the Section and Detangle step, I discussed sectioning and detangling the hair, followed by either braiding it  or twisting it. This aids in the cleansing phase, especially if your hair is medium to long in length. Women with TWA's do not have to worry about the Section and Detangle step. Braiding or Twisting the hair prior to your shampoo will decrease manipulation and  reduce the likelihood of tangling. Naturally, the braids will loosen while cleansing. If this happens, just pause for a second to re-braid your hair, then resume cleansing your hair. Braiding the hair and keeping it braided will offset the need to detangle hair during the later steps in the K.I.S.S. Method. Other benefits include the assurance that your hair strands are going in the same downward direction; away for the scalp. You do not want to use the method of scrubbing hair together with shampoo and hair piled all over your head. This can create tangles and knots, like a bird's nest, and can lead to breakage. The less stress you place on your hair during the cleansing phase can help to preserve the hair strand by not breaking the hair or damaging the hair cuticle.

Water temperature plays an important role when cleansing the hair. Warm water expands and lifts the hair cuticles, while cold water contracts and tightens hair cuticles. It is best to cleanse hair in warm water, not hot water. Hot water can damage the hair cuticle, causing the hair cuticle to drastically lift. This can cause them to crack and peel, resulting in dry,  parched hair.

It is best to wash hair in shower. You can wash in the tub or sink just make sure you braid hair first to decrease the amount of manipulation. Use a shampoo that is acid pH balanced and formulated for dry hair, since black hair tends to be dry. I recommend a sulfate-free shampoo for weekly cleansing and a gentle clarifying shampoo for monthly cleansing.

Cleansing Steps

1. Adjust the water temperature to a warm setting.
2. Tilt your head back and thoroughly wet your hair. Do not scrub your hair. Rinse for 1-2 minutes to free it of product buildup and residue.
3. Now, use the pads of fingers to gently loosen dirt from scalp.
4. Squeeze a quarter-size amount of shampoo into your hands. Distribute the shampoo throughout the braided sections concentrating on root and scalp area.  Do not focus on hair, because it can have a drying effect to hair. The length of hair will receive shampoo runoff.
5. Massage cleanser onto scalp in a circular motion, allowing hair to move gently between your fingers. Do not pile hair on top of head or use too much manipulation- can lead to tangling.
6. Allow shampoo to sit undisturbed for a minute. This will allow the dirt and debris to attract to the shampoo so they rinse away easily.
7. Work the runoff lather along the braids or twist in a squeezing motion to penetrate the hair shaft to remove product buildup and dirt. Never scrub the hair.
8. Tilt head back and thoroughly rinse the hair. Rinse well to remove any traces of shampoo.
9. If your hair is really sweaty or soiled repeat steps 4-8. Be careful of over-cleansing; you don't want to strip natural oils from your hair.
10. Next step deep conditioning (Discussed next week)

Next step... Deep Conditioning

I hope this information helps.

Good luck on your hair journey!

Luv,

Hair Kitty Kitty


Photo Credit:
blkgirlsrock.tumblr.com

Tips to Maintain Hair While Working Out

Who Said Black Women Can't Workout Because of Our Hair?

Hello Beautiful Ones,

There is an ugly stereotype that exist about black women and exercise: Black women rather save their hairdos than workout. We are working to dispel this stereotype and make our health a priority. So many women are involved in activities that contribute to healthier lifestyles such as running, swimming, walking, and many more activities.

I believe the number one question that women ask me is, "How do you workout on a healthy hair regimen"? Well, let me tell you it is possible. It just requires planning and discipline.  Here are a few tips I would like to share with you that you will find useful:

Straight Hair (Straight-Stylers)

• Cleanse hair often. Reserve full shampoo and/or conditioning sessions for times when hair has been severely sweated out or soiled to avoid daily manipulation and too much heated styling.
• To preserve hair straightness, pin the hair up high on the head in a loose ponytail and tuck ends away or try loose pin curls before working out. This will prevent your hair from touching the sweat that has accumulated on your neck and shoulders.
• I recommend an occasional use of a light serum or an anti-humectant product on the hair to prevent premature reversion (too much use of a serum can lead to dryness and breakage; use sparingly).
• You can wear a sports band or satin scarf & cotton bandanna (place cotton bandanna around satin scarf to effectively absorb the sweat) around your hairline to soak up the sweat during your workouts. This will reduce the hairs around your hairline from reverting. Remove sweaty cotton scarf and leave on satin scarf until hair dries.
• Do not loosen ponytail or pin curls until your hair is completely dry to keep your hair stretched out.
• To combat frizzy/curly edges, do not retouch it with a flat iron or hot comb (daily heat styling can lead to breakage). Instead use a light pomade (gel can wet the hair causing reversion).
• Apply pomade to edges with your hands. Smooth pomade with hands or use a brush gently to slick your edges back.
• Wrap with a satin scarf around your hairline. Leave the scarf on until you are ready to leave your house; the longer the better.
• Remove scarf. Now you are left with smooth edges.
• Try "wet bunning" hair, if you do not sweat too much in your head. This is done by cleansing, applying a leave-in conditioner, then pulling hair into a ponytail and bunning. This style will keep your hair looking cute and stylish so you will not have to worry about ruining your style or too-much manipulation. It will also keep sweat from the ends of hair, because it is tucked away. Apply pomade to edges, wrap with a scarf, remove scarf, and you're done. Once you feel the need to wash, you can quickly and easily do so.
• Try a dry braid-out to avoid using heat
• After workout, dampen hair with water in a spray bottle.
• Section hair into four parts.
• Use a leave-in conditioner, moisturizer, or hair butter lightly.
• Divide each of the four sections into two equal parts. Braid hair into 8 plaits, place perm rod on the ends of hair. Cover with satin scarf.
• In the morning un-braid hair and fluff with fingers
• Try a roller set to avoid using heat
• Use a leave-in conditioner after workout and set hair to rollers to offset the volume at your roots.
• Workout around your healthy-hair regimen. Do your more intense, sweat-inducing cardio days before wash day. For example, if you normally do your wash and straighten routine on Sundays then, Monday-Thursday you can do your strength training and low impact workouts that will not leave your hair soaked. Then Friday-Sunday you can do your hardcore cardio that will sweat your hair out as it begins to revert to kinky…. just in time for your wash day.

Twists, Braids, Extensions, Weaves, & Wigs (Protective Stylers)

• Cleanse hair frequently. Keeping your hair clean and moisturized is a must. Try to shampoo and condition your hair weekly or bi-weekly. Hair can become extremely dry with extensions, which can lead to dandruff and breakage.
• It is a good idea to dilute your shampoo and conditioner with water to decrease product build up.
• Place shampoo and conditioner in a applicator bottle for easier placement between the tracks or along cornrows lines and along the length of the braid extensions. Be gentle when shampooing your braids or weaved styles. For weaves, keep hair in a downward position to prevent tangling and frizzing. For big, curly weave I would twist my hair before I workout to prevent tangles. Always, gently pat dry with microfiber towel.
• If you frequently wash your extensions, fully dry your hair under wigs, weaves and braids once you have washed it. Damp hair in a warm environment can brew bacteria & mildew and can cause unpleasant odors.
• Add a small amount tea tree oil to conditioner to relieve a dry & itchy scalp.
• After workouts, once the hair is dry. Moisturize with moisturizing sprays throughout the hair. This will combat dryness and keep your hair strong.
• Use a leave-in conditioner on weaves to keep hair soft and shiny.
• If you experience a dry, flaky, and/or itchy scalp, use an astringent, such as Sea Breeze, a cotton swap or cotton ball to gently remove dulling excess oils and dry scalp cuticles. Use the astringent in between braids after workouts to remove accumulated sweat and dirt. This will get rid of sweat and the bacteria that produces odors. Follow with a light-weight moisturizer or spray so scalp won't feel tight or dry.
•  Always wear a satin scarf or satin bonnet at night to protect the hair.
• For weaves & wigs, use a a wide-tooth comb to detangle hair. Start from ends to roots to avoid pulling hair from track.
• When wearing lengthy weaves, try wearing in a loose ponytail to limit the amount of sweat that accumulates on the ends of the hair.
• Toward the end of the week, several days before wash days, I would wet my extensions, lightly put in a leave-in conditioner and braid the hair, to reduce straightening my hair to blend and spending hours straightening the weave.
• Braid or twist hair prior to workouts to decrease the time it takes you to prepare for bed or prepare for work.
• I like Organic Root Stimulator Weave Rx Oil-Free Hair Freshener to eliminate odors and it freshens up my weaves and wigs.

 Curly, Wavy, Kinky-Curly Stylers

• Cleanse, condition, and moisturize hair frequently. Co-washing in between full washing sessions are a great option for you to gently remove sweat and dirt without stripping the hair by using harsh surfactants that are found in most shampoos. There are also a lot of sulfate-free shampoos that can be use weekly to cleanse hair. Gentle, clarifying shampoos are great to use once per month  or as needed to remove product buildup, sweat, dirt, and debris.
• If you experience a dry, flaky, or itchy scalp, use an astringent, such as Sea Breeze, a cotton swap or cotton ball to gently remove dulling excess oils and dry scalp cuticle. Use the astringent in between braids or twists after workouts to remove accumulated sweat and dirt. This get rid of sweat and the bacteria that produces odors. Follow with a light-weight moisturizer or spray so scalp won't feel tight or dry.
• Add a small amount tea tree oil to conditioner to relieve a dry & itchy scalp
• Pineapple your hair. Pull your hair into a high “pineapple” ponytail with a scrunchy. It will get your hair out of the way and prevent body sweat from getting to it. Also, the scrunchy will allow your hair to effortlessly fall back down when released without leaving a dent.
• You can wear a sports band or satin scarf (place cotton bandanna around satin scarf to effectively absorb the sweat) around your hairline to soak up the sweat during your workouts. This will keep edges pretty smooth. Remove sweaty cotton scarf and leave on satin scarf until hair drys.
• Do your hair at the gym. If you are in the habit of styling your hair at night before bed and working out in the evening, then style your hair at the gym. If you’re worried about your hair frizzing up at the gym while you work out, then twist/braid it up right before exercising then pull the twist and braids into a ponytail and go.  Once your home and showered, you can go straight to bed rather than trying to style your hair for the next day.
• Pick care-free styles. Braids, cornrows, flat-twist, two-strand twists, buns, and updos are easy styling options
• Trying "banding" at night (placing elastic bands along the twist or braid) to keep hair stretched.
• Workout around your healthy-hair regimen. Do your more intense, sweat-inducing cardio days before wash day especially if you like to keep your hair stretched.  

You can read all the tips and intertwine them to build your own workout healthy hair regimen. Do what will work best for your lifestyle and your hair. Keep It Simple, Sexy!

Rule of thumb: Luv Your Hair. Luv Your Body. Luv Yourself

I hope this information helps!

Good Luck on Your Hair & Fitness Journey!

Luv,

Hair Kitty Kitty

 Photo Credit (Ari Nicole Parker):
http://frugivoremag.com/2012/02/nicole-ari-parker-invents-headwrap-that-saves-your-hair-from-sweat/

Shop The Aisle Blogger Style

Hello Beautiful Ones,

Yesterday, Sunday, June 3rd I had the opportunity to attend an amazing event sponsored by Eventbrite; hosted by the beautiful, YouTube sensation Nikki Mae aka Natural Chica.

Mae has her own YouTube channel: "Nikkimae2003". She has 79,000+ subscribers, 7+ million video views, and over 1 million views on her website: naturalchica.com. She is definitely one of my favorite YouTube naturalista Vloggers because her enthusiasm to teach and inspired women to care for their natural hair.

Shop the Aisle took place at the Walmart Supercenter on Howell Mill Rd in Atlanta, GA from 1-3 pm. There were about 30-40 beautiful ladies that attended of all ages, backgrounds, and hair types. Some were fully natural, transitioning, and/or just did the big chop. This event provided an intimate discussion about topics of natural hair: natural hair products, styling options, styling techniques, hair care maintenance, etc. Who better to host the event than Mae? First, she shared her natural hair journey and then allowed her fans to receive her expertise. I enjoyed how she facilitated the discussion in an open-ended question type of forum. It was like getting advice from your best friend who is a natural hair guru. She was very professional, positive, and informative. She allowed each participant to ask a question and she answered quickly, honestly, and responsibly.

The attendees were equally amazing. They exhibited positive energy, an urge of curiosity, and a strong willingness to learn about the latest natural hair products that would allow their hair to grow and thrive. The guests asked questions about common issues of selecting the right natural hair products, single strands knots, thin edges, henna & hair color, the use of oils, issues of detangling hair, stretching the hair (twists, banding), tackling dryness, trimming, and finding the right natural hair stylist.

Not only is Mae intelligent, she is also practical. She gave great advice on inexpensive alternatives you use. For example, if cost is a concern, she recommends instead of getting a steam hydration at a professional salon, you can use the steam method while in the shower with a deep conditioner, a plastic conditioning cap, and the warm water from the shower (creates the steam effect). Mae was very honest about her hair care regimen and the products she uses on her personal hair journey. She did emphasize that there is no one product that fits all. Mae encouraged us not stress over your "hair type" and to experiment with different products in a cost-effective way to learn what works best for your hair. She insightfully encouraged us to shop at economical places like Walmart that carry natural hair products, like the Shea Moisture line, Taliah Waajid line, Beautiful Texture line, and many more.

If you are a new natural or a seasoned veteran, I highly recommend this event. On a scale of 1-10, I give this event a 10- "Extremely Satisfied". I left inspired and encouraged that there are many women like me who want to learn their hair and use products that will make our curly, wavy, and/or kinky hair beautiful.

Based on Mae's recommendation, I purchased Shea Moisture's Curl & Style Milk immediately after the event. I can't wait to try it. Also, I am anxious to use the samples that were included in the goody bag that all the attendees received. Thanks to Eventbrite, Walmart, and Nikki Mae for a fantastic event!

Just in case you could not make it yesterday, there will be one on June 9th and June 10th. See Flier above.

Shop The Aisle

Good luck on your natural hair journey!

Luv,

Hair Kitty Kitty

The Big Chop Hairspiration

Afraid to do the Big Chop? Here is Hair Inspiration & Style Ideas!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo credit:

Gofro.tumblr.com

curlynikki.com

goo.gl

blackwomennaturalhairstyles.com

forum.blackhairmedia.com

fbcdn-sphotos.a.aka,ha.net

24.media.tumblr.com