Braids Part II

I know I’m constantly talking about braids, I’ve been talking about them since I started this blog. I love braids and always have. Even when I had creamy crack in my hair I would get braids. A friend of mine is doing braids, Senegalese Twists in particular, as a side gig. I had originally booked an appointment at an African hair braiding shop but cancelled to let my friend do them. She only charged me a small fee considering what she could really charge, and she did an awesome job! I love them. I’ve never had braids this long before and was a tad bit nervous about having such long braids, but I adjusted to them pretty quickly. It’s something about long hair that just makes you want to whip it around like a true diva, lol!

I think it’s very important that we support each other as women, fellow naturalistas, but also as business women. I have many friends who have side gigs in addition to their main 9-5 job, and I gladly support their efforts as they pursue their dreams and passions on the side. My side gig is baking cookies. One day I hope baking cookies becomes my main gig – I love baking just that much. Now back to the braids, after my friend did my braids I posted the above pictures on Facebook and gave my friend several shout outs and thank you’s. That garnered a lot of “likes” and questions as to who did my hair, and I directed all of them to her. I couldn’t be happier for her, and I hope she gets more customers as a result. All I ask is for those who order my cookies and enjoy them is to simply give me a shout out. Spread the word! Help and support each other. It’s a beautiful thing!

Braids Part III coming soon……. 😉

It’s Been A Long Time…….

“It’s been a long time…..” as the hip hop legend Rakim of Eric B. and Rakim put it! I feel like I’ve neglected my blog. Part of my absence is due to life. Plain and simple. Being busy with the kids, my husband, work, running around – you know, LIFE! The other part was I wanted to wait to write something new when I had updates or news to share, and now I finally do. As you can see from the pictures I took out the crochet braids after having them in for almost three months. I’ve had tremendous growth while giving my hair a much needed rest with the crochet braids protective style. I have not blown dry or flat ironed my hair since I’ve taken my braids out so I don’t really know just how much my hair has grown, but it’s significant. I’ve been doing bantu knot twist outs and plait outs on my hair since taking my braids out, and I’m still tweaking things and trying to figure out which process works better for my hair and for the length that it’s currently at.

I’ve come to the conclusion that plait outs work best for me, and I need to start rolling up the ends or do a bantu knot so that my ends are curly and not straight. Plait outs are the same as twist outs only you’re plaiting your hair. In my case I plait my hair in small to medium plaits all over my head, and then in the morning I gently take them down with a little olive or jojoba oil on my finger tips. I get wonderful definition when I do the plait out. Also I finally got out to Trader Joe’s and picked up more extra virgin olive oil, organic coconut oil, and FINALLY some grape seed oil. I’ve been using my jojoba and argan oils on my ends and love how soft they make my hair, and I’m still using my raw African shea butter mixture on my hair.

My sister in law has been helping me keep my daughter’s hair in protective styles as well. She does their braids which are very cute, and they are experiencing significant hair growth as well. Much can be said for “less is more” and simply leaving your hair alone. This Saturday I’m getting my Senegalese twists done by a good friend of mine and I can’t wait. Yes, more braids! Until this horrible arctic winter is over with I will keep braids in me and my girls hair.

In two months it will be one year that I’ve been creamy crack free. In May it will be one year since my big chop. YAY ME! I’m so excited for the next chapters in my journey, learning how to do different styles with my natural hair, learning how to make more natural homemade products for me and my girl’s hair (and body), and continuing to love and accept my hair for what it is. My hair may not curl like everyone else’s, and every style or technique I try may not work for me, and that’s ok. The options are still endless for my thick, coarse 4c hair, and I can’t wait to explore as many options as I possibly can. Stay strong and be inspired my fellow naturalistas!

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