Happy New Year 2011!

2011!  WOW!  New Years Eve - how did I spend it? 

1. Assisting my 17 year old with her last minute, January 1st Deadline College Apps
2. Watching Sponge Bob with my 2 year old
3. Braiding the front of this same 17 year old's hair

Since this is a natural hair blog, I will elaborate on item #3! 

What did she do?

She walked around all day long (at the mall, late lunch, etc.) with deep conditioner and a cute tam. 

Once we returned home, she rinsed the deep conditioner out of her hair, sectioned into 4 sections and detangled.  She then applied Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie and Shea Moisture Curl and Style Conditioning Milk and twisted did about 15 two-strand twists in the back of her hair. 

What did I do?

I placed approximately 10 cornrows in the front of her hair.  Her plan is to wear this style for several weeks so they are somewhat tiny.  Will upload results tomorrow!

Happy New Year!

I Got All My Naturals With Me!

So I shared a photo  with you guys on Christmas Day of me and my bestest friends.  We have been friends for years and we are all natural.  I love this photo because it points out the versatility natural hair brings.  You do not have to wear an afro, which for some reason people tend to shy away from, you don't have to have "good hair" , whatever, that means, and you don't have to wear braids all the time.  You can straighten your hair or just let it do what it wants to do!  The great thing is you can do any or all of these things whenever you chose!  We all have different regimens and lifestyles and we all enjoy the freedom of the natural! 

Want to share pics of your natural crew?  Please send to  CurlyChictg@gmail.com with “All My Naturals” in the subject line and I’ll post!

Shout out to photographer, Lewis Duval for his awesome talent!

CURLS Milkshake, Product Review

Curly Nikki has been raving about Curls Milkshake and Curls Souffle Cream.  After seeing her results pics, I had to give them a try!  Did I expect the same results as hers or expect my hair to look exactly like hers?  Of course not, that's unrealistic but I did expect favorable results. 

First on deck - Curls Milkshake

Miss Jessie's Curly Meringue, Product Review

OK so I finally tried it and honestly I expected to be disappointed.  I have always heard that the line is drying, the ingredients are horrible and that it leaves your hair starving for moisture.  Oh and the main complaint is always the cost!  A few bad reviews can turn you completely against something, unless you are a “PJ” like me and have to try it out for yourself.  I am a glutton for punishment I suppose.

Baby Boy Braylon

I know this has nothing to do with hair but I couldn't help myself!
Although my baby boy is now 2 years old, I often find myself wishing he was still a newborn!  I got all teary eyed and nostalgic when I came across his First Christmas photos so I decided to share!

Look how handsome!

Quick Post

Hello!
I am on vacation this week, a much needed one I might add.  What does this mean for my blog?  Well, initially I thought it would mean more time to contribute to my blog and work on posts!  I have so many product reviews and new things to share but so little time!  It is difficult to get things sorted in between getting my house in order after the big Christmas celebration, finding space to put all the new blessings we've received and of course hitting those after Christmas Sales, and still maintaining a normal household!  I will be dedicating time this evening to get things situated.  Many new posts on the way in the next few days!

Hope everyone had a great Holiday!

Merry Christmas

A pic of me and my girls - all natural - all different!  Hope you are enjoying your holiday!

Bantu Knots – To Bantu or Knot to Bantu

What are they?  Yet another great hair style option for naturals or soon to be naturals who are on the transition path. 

What is the desired look? I want to achieve the look of an old school roller set.  I love the body and bounce that roller sets produce (from what I remember from my relaxer days).  Funny thing – I used to rock roller sets when I wanted to hide my new growth so that no one would know I “needed” a relaxer!  LOL!  That’s so funny to me now!

A few tips (from my research since I’ve never done it before)

ü  Can be done on wet or dry hair

ü  Thoroughly detangle

ü  Section hair into four huge sections and then divide those sections into mini sub sections as you go!  The mini sub sections will depend on a few things – 1.) the length of your hair  2.) how big you want the curl to be – the bigger the section, the bigger the knot.  3.) how loose or tight you want the curl to be.  It’s kind of like the same logic when you use rollers.

ü  Twist each section of hair tightly, wrapping the twist around the twist itself(did that make sense?) into a knot formation

ü  Secure each with a bobby pin or tuck the hair inside the knot

ü  Once completely dry (if you started out with wet hair that is), remove each knot

One of my fave YouTubers, Taren 916 (see my favorite YouTubers tab) did a dry twist out/bantu knot out.  What’s really nice about this style is that there are so many different methods out there and you can put your own little “twist” on it, like Taren did.  No two bantu knot results are the same, which is what I love!  Without further adue, check out her tutorial! (Caution:  because this is a time consuming style, there are 2 parts so please watch when you have a moment.  Her results are beautiful!)  She is great natural hair resource!

Style Pantry

Although my blog is mostly about hair and my personal hairstories, I also love fashion and as a result I peruse the fashion blogs quite frequently!  I have a few faves but my absolute favorite at the moment is StylePantry.com!  The founder, Folake Kuye Huntoon, gives you a peek into her closet revealing such an eclectic landscape of garments that you can’t wait to see what she will reveal the next day!  Its no surprise that she has her own clothing line, WeWeClothing.  When you first look at this young lady’s blog, you think “this must be about hair” because her hair is so amazingly beautiful!  I am hoping that one day she will give us a look into her "hair closet" so that I can get some tips!  I referenced her hair in my Christmas Wish List blog.  While I do believe your hairstyle can make or break your overall look, this site has nothing to do with hair at all!  It’s all about clothes, shoes and accessories and the fun you can have with them!  There is no shortage of style on these pages!  Check her out!

Traveling Natural Hair

Going away for the holidays?  Here are a few suggestions to keep packing and styling to a minimum so  that you can focus on good times with friends and family!

Shampoo the night before with a clarifying shampoo to remove any product build up if you have not shampooed in awhile.  (I use Neutrogena Anti-Residue Formula )

Next, carefully detangle and apply your favorite leave in conditioner.

For me, when I go out of town, I do not want to spend any more time than necessary on my hair!  Usually I will stick to wash and gos when traveling, however, since it is winter and I don’t think it’s a good idea to do wash and gos during the colder months, I have to put in a little work. 

What to pack!

Coconut oil

Oyin's Handmade Whipped Pudding

Oyin’s Burnt Sugar Pomade

Flower/decorative bobby pins

Satin scarf or bonnet

Two strand twists

Two strand twists are great because you can wear them no matter the length of your hair and most importantly, you can get a week of hairstyles out of them!  Depending on the length of your hair, create  15-20 two strand twists in your hair.  They should be somewhat neat since you will be leaving them in for the first few days of your trip.  Try using Oyin's Handmade Whipped Pudding as your moisturizing styler  (Oyin product review coming soon) - use about a dime size per twist.  LESS IS DEFINITELY BETTER when applying styling products.  You do not want to overload on product because it will leave your hair dull looking and limp.  Once you are done with each twist, apply Oyin’s Burnt Sugar Pomade up and down each twist at the end of each twist.  This will act as a sealant and give your twist the shine you need and OMG! it smells so good!  Let the twists air dry or sit under a dryer.   I have zero patience so no dryer for me!  Plus you can finish up last minute packing at this point. J

These should last 2 -3 days if you wrap them in a satin scarf at night.  You can throw an accessory on the side to give it a little something something or even pin them up using decorative bobby pins.

Day 4 -7

Time to take the twists down

Apply coconut oil prior to taking down each twist – I usually pour the oil into my hand so that is on my fingertips while taking the twists down.  Separate the twists where you want to see the most volume.  I don’t separate all of them because it creates a lot of frizz.  Fluff a little and go! 

All done with minimal products!  Less time on hair, more time to enjoy the Holiday! 

What travel tips can you share?

Food for Healthy Hair

The next time you are in the grocery store, remember to add these items to your list!  According to WebMD, they promote healthy hair!

Top 10 Christmas Songs

Top 10 Christmas Songs (not necessarily in this order)

1.     Silent Night – The Temptations

2.     This Christmas – Donnie Hathaway

3.     Let It Snow – Boys II Men

4.     Some Day At Christmas – Stevie Wonder

5.     Christmas Rappin  - Kurtis Blow

6.     I Saw Moma Kissing Santa Claus – The Jackson Five

7.     All I Want For Christmas Is My Girl – New Edition

8.     Sleigh Ridge – TLC

9.     Santa Baby – Eartha Kitt

10.Eight Days of Christmas – Destiny’s Child

What's your fave????

Holiday Hair



mccllagh.org

 I am so excited about the Holiday Season!  Typically I get a little down and out around this time so I’m really glad that this year is different.  I have made my shopping list, checked it twice and am trying to get things crossed off!  With only 10 days left until the big day, I’m still picking up last minute items.  I can’t wait to see family and friends, especially those who I don’t communicate with much throughout the year.  I am already trying to figure out what I will do with my hair!  Will I do something simple and try a new look?  Decisions decisions – what are your holiday hair plans?

Dear Santa

Dear Santa,

Please please please leave these items under my Christmas Tree this year!!!




love the vest



Color and Natural Hair

Hair color addicts do not become addicts on purpose.  Color is highly addictive, especially for folks who dare to be different.  I feel different not only on the outside but on the inside when I have color.  There are some people who try it because they do not feel like they fit in with the rest of the world and once they start, they suddenly feel more attractive and able to venture out more fashion wise.  Suddenly they look at themselves more in the mirror they receive more and more compliments.  The next thing you know, they can’t stop!  They must have it.  Each time going a shade lighter…looking for that next color high.
 

                                                                                                 Photos:  Tumblr

My name is Tammy and I am a color addict.

Love My Hair Today

So I used my new Curls Products and I am digging my hair today!  Focus on the hair, not the face.  This photo shoot took place early in the a.m.  This is a dry braid out.  Product Review coming soon!

Curly Nikki

So everyone knows I love love love Curly Nikki’s site!  It’s listed on my Fave Blogs tab.  She is sooooo cute and her hair is beautiful!  Her natural hair site (among others)inspired me to start my own blog!  It is well written, personal and fun!  She wants your curly experience to be as stress free as possible and therefore she provides you with the resources you need to help you along the way!  She shares her experiences good and bad, product reviews, tells you where you can purchase certain products, etc.  It is such a “go to” site, I read it every day, multiple times per day!   She encourages her readers to send in questions as well as provide answers to questions most curlies want to know.   She even does Celebrity Interviews – yes, she’s connected.  Yours truly has been featured on her site several times as well!  Curly Nikki is a Licensed Psychotherapist, which has spilled over into her role as “hair counselor”.   Check out her site!  You’ll love it too!

                                                      Photo:  CurlyNikki.com

The Great Oz Part 2

What are you doing every day to destroy your hair? Relaxing? Blow-drying? Curling? Straightening? Dr. Oz relieves your hair distress with some...

The Great Oz

Dr. Oz always has great and informative content! Check this out.

Flat irons, relaxers and the controversial Brazilian blowout. Dr. Oz reveals the shocking truth behind these treatments. Plus, learn how you can stay...

Oh Christmas Tree!

Just wanted to share some Holiday Cheer!  Look at our beautiful tree!  My bestest friend, Johncie “Peachie” Kanney decorated it for me as she does every year.  So far our 2 year old has not bothered it – let’s hope it stays that way! 

Send in a pic of your tree!!!

Yummy Chicken Dish

Remember I told you about MopTopMaven wearing many hats?  Well she posted this great recipe and it is a hit in my household!  It’s filling, it makes you feel warm inside, its delish!  Since there is a “no pork, no beef” policy in my house, it is sometimes a challenge to come up with something different.   It does make me step outside the box and try new things and I am not a cook!  Repeat – I am not a cook but I can read which means I can follow directions.  Check out this recipe – tweaked a little by yours truly.  Enjoy!

Ingredients

1 Large Portobello [or 2 regular] Mushroom/s [thinly sliced]

2 Large Chicken Breasts [chopped/uncooked]

1 Medium Brown Onion

1 Cup Dry White Wine 

1 box Tagliatelle pasta

1 Pint Heavy Cream

2 Large Garlic Cloves [crushed]

3 Teaspoons Fresh Thyme [finely chopped]

3 Teaspoons Fresh Basil [finely chopped]

3 Tablespoons Butter

1 Bunch of Italian Parsley [roughly chopped]
1 cup of Fresh Spinach

Directions

·      Place a large pot of salted water on to boil.

·      Chop onions and saute' them in a pan with the butter on medium heat. Add the crushed garlic and chicken, and cook until brown; this may take up to 10 minutes

·       Add wine, then bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the mushrooms, then season to taste with salt, ground black pepper, and fresh herbs. Cook until the liquid is reduced in half; this may take about 5-10 minutes. 

·      Once the reduction is made, add cream as well as parsley and cook on medium-high heat until the mixture reduces in half again and resembles a thick, creamy sauce; this may take anywhere from 10-15 minutes.

·      Meanwhile, place the pasta into the boiling water and stir until it floats freely. Cook for approximately seven minutes, or until al dente, then drain.

·      Add the drained pasta and stir through until coated evenly

Tionne's Protective Style

My baby girl's protective style - adorable I must say!  Go Tionne, Go Tionne, Go Tionne!

Fly yet age appropriate for my teenage daughter!  I love it!  I would rock it if I wanted to look 12!

How did she accomplish this look?

Style

First she co-washed and deep conditioned her hair.  She then sectioned off a small section of hair in the bang area and did 5 two strand twist.  The remainder of the hair was pulled all the way up to the top of the head into a pony tail with an ouchless band.  The hair is then formed into a bun and secured with bobby pins.  She then placed a hair net over the bun to keep it in place and give it a more full appearance. 

Products Used

Suave Coconut Conditioner (co wash)

Organic Root Stimulator Recovery Pack/Pantene Deep Moisturizing Treatment (deep condition)

Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie (curl definition)

Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Conditioning Milk (moisture)

Eco Styler (smooth)
Shea Butter (sealant)

Coconut Oil (sealant, moisture)

What do you think about age and styling?  Is there a correlation?

Product Selection - What I've Learned

There are many factors to consider when it comes to product selection, such as consumer recommendation, accessibility and of course, price point.  In addition to those criteria, these are things I TRY to adhere to when deciding which products to purchase.  The reason I say “try” is there are always exceptions.  For example, there are some “non natural” products that my hair loves so I use them, however, I also take extra steps after use (such as more deep conditioning).  There are SO many products on the market geared toward natural hair care, which makes it really difficult to choose.  Especially when you are like me and want to try everything!!

A general guide to product selection:

SAY YES TO

Oils (Jojoba, Coconut, Olive, Almond, Tea Tree, Argan)

Aloe

Honey

Flax Seed

Sodium PCA (humectants)

Peppermint, Lavender and Rosemary (growth stimulation)

Shea Butter (moisturizer)

SAY NO TO

Parabens

Mineral oil

Petroleum

Synthetic ingredients

Sulfates (ex:  sodium lauryl sulfate, ammonium laureth sulfate)

Isopropyl alcohol (drying agent)

Cetearyl alcohol *update – upon further research, I find that there is nothing technically wrong with this ingredient and have removed it from the list.

*disclaimer – this is a general guide. There may or may not be exceptions to either list.

A few tips

·    Do not try more than two new products at a time

If you want to be able to determine if the product and your hair are a good match, this is a good rule of thumb.  It is more difficult to discern if you are simultaneously trying multiple new products.

·    Order of Ingredients

The further down on the ingredient list, the smaller the percentage of the ingredient in the product, which of course means the smaller effect it will have on your hair.    

·    Styling products are extremely important because they stay in your hair longer than any other product. Those that contain synthetic ingredients can build up and dry out your hair over time causing breakage.  Ingredients such as petroleum and mineral oil have been known to coat the hair shaft and seal out moisture. They are also believed to attract dust and dirt particles, causing the hair to look dull.

What are some of things you look for when it comes to product selection?

 

Skin Care - MopTopMaven Tip

Straight from The MopTopMaven – click to check out her blog! Check out the MyFaveBlog tab for the link also!  It is awesome…it is not only about hair but she has great fashion insight, she cooks, sews, makes her own jewelry, etc!  You name it, she does it and she does it well.  Here is her latest skincare recipe using White Willow Bark.  I’ve never heard of it but now I can’t wait to try it out!  She writes:

White Willow Bark is an excellent additive for those with extremely oily skin, and those that have issues with acne, blackheads, whiteheads and inflamed skin. White Willow Bark contains high amounts of Salicin, which is the mother of Salicylic Acid [Salicylic Acid is derived from Salicin, and is used in most skin care products formulated to eliminate acne].

White Willow Bark is an excellent additive for those with extremely oily skin, and those that have issues with acne, blackheads, whiteheads and inflamed skin.

White Willow Bark Facial

4 ounces of distilled water

1 tablespoon of White Willow Bark 

1 teaspoon of Kaolin Clay

1/2 teaspoon of honey 

Her instructions: 

Bring water to a boil; add herbs, then remove from heat. Allow herbal infusion to steep for about 10 minutes. Cool. Strain mixture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth. Add Kaolin clay and honey to strained mixture, and mix well.

Massage entire amount into the skin and neck area. Allow to sit for about 10-15 minutes, then rinse with cool water.

Frequency suggestions

Use once weekly for acne prone skin; use bi-weekly as a preventative treatment for normal-combination skin. She notes that this facial can be used to clear up body acne as well. 

About the ingredients:

• White Willow Bark: Acts as a powerful antiseptic, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory agent clearing acne, imperfections and dark spots. 
• Red Kaolin Clay: Kaolin Clay helps control oily skin, and the sulfur found in Kaolin Clay helps eliminate acne. ***Don't use Red Kaolin Clay if you have sensitive skin, use White or Rose Kaolin instead. 
• Raw Honey: Raw Honey doubles as a uber-moisturizer-extraordinaire and anti-bacterial additive that is very beneficial to your skin!

White Willow Bark Toner

1 Tablespoon White Willow Bark

4 ounces of distilled water

1 teaspoon of Aloe Vera Juice/Gel

Her instructions: 

Bring water to a boil; add herbs, then remove from heat. Allow herbal infusion to steep for about 10 minutes. Cool. Strain mixture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth. Add Aloe Juice {or gel} to the strained liquid. Pour into clean, spray bottle. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.