Winter Hair Protection...Natural or not.

So the usual winter hair protection options....weave, wigs, hats, blow outs, flat ironing. When you really think about it...most of these options aren't providing protection, they're just options you can get away with in the winter vs. the summer time. I just fully finish recovering from the hours of putting in and taking out African long braids this summer. Yes they were awesome and easy to get up and go with, but the last thing I wanted again was fake hair. The longer I've been on this natural hair journey, the less desirable weave has become to me. I'm not trying to get others to feel the same way at all. However, if you want to save some money and time there is another option....scarfs! I'm on the go a bit so some days I may not have time to take my hair down and some days I do not care to re wet my hair just so I can style it. In the summer wash and gos are all cool and cute, but in the winter time wash and go's will get you sick.

You do not have to go buy head scrafs, you can use regular scrafs if you have them. To protect your hair from drying out, I suggest spraying a good leave in mixed with water and sealing the moisutre in with oil the night before you have to go. After doing so, put on a satin bonnet...yes the one you sleep in then tie the scarf over it into a cute style. The satin bonnet will help keep your hair from drying out due to the scarf rubbing on your hair.

So you may be extra conservative and say "I do not want to look urban or what will my co-workers think." Honestly it's all about how your wear it. I have been to a business trip meeting for a  Fortune 500 Hundred Business with different cultures involved and some of my fellow Euro co-workers were some of the main ones complimenting me (I was still dressed professional even with the head scarf).

Honestly I get just as many if not more compliments when I do wear head scrafs. Men have asked me out (fine Lord lol), women and men have complimented, and other cultures have gone out of their way to tell me they admire the look.
I'm typing these things not to brag, but to help who ever is reading this to feel more comfortable with the idea if you choose to.

Here are a few picks of head scarfs this fall and winter. For details on how to do so leave a comment and even if you do not like it, tie it your own way...Why Knot?!

Be Fierce, Be Fine, Better You...Why Knot?!
V.Curls

It’s a New Year and…..!

     It is New Year’s Eve at 5:50pm….here I am sitting on a large “Tomb Raider,” size chair in what my family calls “The Quite Room.” I slept a lot of today seeing that I got off work at 3 something am. It’s been a rough week…really month or two. I started to just sit in this chair and sleep (yikes). I thought of my Grandmother who I was use to trying to get to sit still, to now who lays in the bed a lot and how it bothers me to see her like that. She is very old now and people do things for her so to an extent what else is there for her to do? I could think of something’s, but it’s up to her to choose to get up and do them.

    This past Christmas Eve she did get up and actually came over. That night my mother and I stayed in the room my grandmother was going to sleep in and listened to her talk. When my mother and I walked out we discussed how youthful she looked that day and how clear she seemed. The point is when she was up and moving, feeling and being involved, it was as if years had been added to her life.

     

    So here I am in this chair thinking of my 2011. What a year, it kind of seems like a blur to tell you the truth. I did a lot of productive things I believe, but towards the end there were more things I wanted to do, but didn’t. For one I was/am spending way more time at work than anything else. I’m talking about work, sleep, squeezing in very few things, then more work (yuck). I rarely get sick, but I had a cold twice this year. I felt like I was starting to just lay in the bed on my days off like my Grandmother. The difference is she is 94 and I’m in my 20’s now.

     So that all brings me to my real point… VISION…Habakkuk 2:2-3

   

     I’m sure whether you are Christian or not you have heard the saying “My people are destroyed for the lack of knowledge…” (Hosea 4:6). One Pastor I heard put it like this…”My people are destroyed for the lack of vision…” Well what does knowledge mean: general awareness, facts, IDEAS, etc. If you read on in Hosea 4:6, those people were destroyed because they didn’t just lack knowledge, they rejected it.

     

      As a child, I had a big imagination. I still do honestly, but at some point I allowed something’s in life to not let me dream like I use to. I use to love to read, invent, and create. Think of people who invented the things we hold so dear now…if they were always distracted how would they have a clear mind to do the things they have done? If they had not vision or laid in the bed all day how would they have invented the things we need and want? I’m sure they tried many things and failed. They probably felt discouraged and wanted to do nothing, but they kept going.

   

       Be honest with yourself, there are things you desire to do with a clear intent. Maybe to open a business, start a non profit, go back to school, pay off debt….maybe even start a blog. Why haven’t you? Do you have kids, are you in debt, are you just not sure where to start? I heard a sermon that I encourage anyone reading this to listen to (Christian or not) go to escapetunes.cc and click on “Are your Memories bigger than your dreams.” I like it because it’s relatable and kind of funny, but mostly it gives instructions. Or if you just look in the Bible at people like Jacob, Daniel, Abraham, then slide to the New Testament, plenty of people had visions to do things that made them great.

    

     Why wait until January 1^st to say I’m going to finally start doing xoxo. Look you may try and fail half this year, but the point is to keep trying if you know for a fact it’s meant. Don’t let people with out vision detour you from yours. Make some quite time for yourself and if you’re into it find a scripture that corresponds to what you are praying for and ask God for it. You do not have to light candles or cover your head in oil. The natural hair business my friend and I run came through vision (I’m talking sitting on the couch watching tv and the idea came lol). This blog came through vision. 

     

     Take a chance and see whether it’s January 1^st or not….whyknot?! As I’m typing this to you I’m typing this to myself, I’m so behind on updating this blog and other things I could kick over a chair then put it back of course. I’m not saying up and quit your job, I’m not saying push people out of your life, and I’m not saying over load yourself with “busy work,”…I’m saying make time for VISION.

Be Fierce, Be Fine, Better You..Why Knot?!

V. Curls

-HAPPY NEW YEAR! Who knows how many people are waiting on you :)

Miss Jessie's Baby ButterCreme

     Like many of you, Miss Jessie's was one of if not the first natural hair product line I had heard of when I first when natural (almost 3 years ago). I am not sure when Miss Jessie's came out, but I recall watching several you tube videos of reviews and applications. Well, I JUST started buying Miss Jessie's, Why:
1.)Because it was out of my budget
2.)Because a lot of you tube videos I saw did not show women with my texture of hair who were using it... I'm talking about that built Ford though, "Must wet to truly comb,"  thick hair. Someone knows what I'm talking about!

Now before I type my quick review I will descibe my hair a bit details so hopefully it can help you desicde on if you would like to invest in this product or not.

Grade: NEGRO

Joking, but seriously

I have type 4 hair if your into typing. I believe it is 4a, but not the usual type 4a. Its coily mainly and curlier in the back. I only say type 4a because I saw a video that said 4a ranges from tight curls down to the shape of a pen's spring. Point is a comb is not gliding through with out aid. I have thick hair as well.

Review:......Pro's
-It smells great, there isn't a heavy shea butter smell. More like a shea butter/minty smell.
-Was easy to apply
-Conditioned my hair (moisture lasted all day and night and the second day there was still some moisture
-Even with thick hair you do not have to apply a lot as long as you really target those ends (geez)
-16 oz may last a while
-Less shrinkage than usual

Cons
-The Price, for the 16 oz its (58.00) there better be gold in the ingredients...
-Some of the ingredients (petrolatum for one), some people do not like putting this on their hair and skin because it is a water repellant. There are some other ingredients that I will have to look up because they are words that remind me of Organic Chemistry.

My over all opinion: I like it and I'm happy I bought it. I also like that I bought the 16oz from Dirt Cheap for 38.00 which is still a lot, but I felt a little better than paying 58.00. I recommend asking a friend who has the product if you can sample theirs...don't call me your friend just so you can sample mine lol (seriously)... I know someone was going to try that :). I had many compliments on my hair and it felt great to the touch. It is a bad feeling for your hair to look fly, but not pass "the touch test," yikes!

How I did it (summary):

1.) My hair was already twisted from co-washing and conditioning.
2.) I re-wet my hair just enough to dampen it (still is twist)
3.)I took down one section of twist AT A TIME and applied the BBC from root to tip *note if you have tightly coiled/curled hair you SHOULD not just lay it on your hair. Roll those selves up and cover each section enough not to leave a white residue, but to be on every part root to tip.
4.) I re-twisted as I finished a section in medium size sections * I did this so I could fluff my hair later.

5.) at night just re twist. * I rarely part my hair to twist I just grab hair.


Wet Twist out...

 That night, re twisting for bed.

As stated this was a quick review, I try not to make these too long because I know you have a life or at least I do. If you have questions, comments, or a product request, Sadly I may have to product and I will try to post it as soon as possible :). Also if you would like more hair pictures with a particular product let me know. I plan to start vlogging soon and adding the videos to this page.

                                     Thanks you all, I hope this helps someone,

Be Fierce, Be Fine, Better You...Whyknot?
V.Curls

Miss Jessie's On Sale?....yes Lord!

I am sure there are a lot of people that have heard of Miss Jessie Products. I doubt you have to be natural to know at least the name by now. If not there are you tube videos. Some thing else I'm sure a lot of you know about Miss Jessie's is that it is freakin expensive...(yeah I said "freakin."). Well in the mist of of host an event with Mississippi Naturals. I was informed that Miss Jessie's has a bogo sale at of my my favorite stores Target during the Christmas Holidays. I had to see this for myself and yes, its true. An example of the sale is buy one get on free...some products are $22 dollars like (stretch silkening creme and curly meringue). I do not see how many ounces this jar is, but its not a bad amount for technically $11 a piece. There are also shampoos and conditioners for $16. I have yet to use these products seeing that I bought them today, but a freind of mine was rocking a twist out thanks to Curly meringue and her hair looked so black, shiney, and healthy someone asked me if she died her hair black....wowizers. My one results coming soon. Oh and yes she has a 4 type hair or in other words kinky, coily.

Whats that? What if your not close to a Target? If you have a hidden gem known as "Dirt Cheap," in your area then you are in for a treat. I bought a large ( $58 dollar) jar of Baby Butter Cream and Curly Pudding there. I paid $18 for the Curly Pudding, which I have used and I liked. I paid $38 for the Baby Butter Creme. I wasn't too pleased about paying either price,but I could stomach those prices much better than $58 per jar before taxes (yowizers)

Tell me what you think of the products if you choose to buy them. I hope this helped someone.

P.S. you can also find Miss Jessies's products on sale for Christmas on their site.

Be Fierce, Be Fine, Better You....Why Knot?

V.Curls

Chi for less than $200

So I'm not big on putting heat to my hair, but I would be telling a lie if I said that I will never get it flat ironed again (I've had it done only twice over almost 2 yrs and 10 months). Besides that is the only way I really trim my ends.

Why: A.) the cost of a salon visit  B.) the thought of heat damage (...Beyond the Zone is a great heat protection spray, fyi).

I decided to do a little research on the best flat ironing tool and the Chi kept popping up, but that price wasn't rolling down. I waited for a very long time and honestly didn't think much of buying a flat iorn for a while. Yesterday 10/30/2011 I just so happen to be taking a Sunday stroll into a gem called Ulta Beauty. If you are not into make up, nail polish and such this store may change your mind...its kind of a big deal.

To the Point!
Well most Chi's I've seen have been $200, Ulta had some for $149, but for whatever reason there was a stand with $99.00  Ultra Chi's (Ulta Exclusive).

Pros:

  Tourmaline ceramic
Cheaper Price
Cute (yeah that matters) mine is pink with poka dots, but they had different kinds
Comes with a bag to store it in
About a 1" which I think is better for ringlet hair like mine
Less damaging to the hair
Ulta gave me and extra 20% off (thanks!)

Cons:
More than what I would usually pay for a hair item (but when you add up salon visits, it pays for it self so...yeah)
THERE ISN'T A TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT!

My over all choice, I'm getting my money back. I know I have more pros listed than cons, but that second con out weights all the pros for me. I'm excited about having a Chi, but more excited about not burning my hair off.

If your cool with not having the ability to adjust your heat then go for it, but I would feel better if I could adjust mine. I'm not so sure Lola (my hair) would appreciate a random high heat. Ugh, disappointing, but back to the drawing board. I read that a flat iron called "Hana," is suppose to be better...its also more than $200 yikes.
*This is a picture of a random flat iron and bag...not a chi (that I know of).

Be Fierce, Be Fine, Better You...Whyknot?

V.Curls

To Wig or Not to Wig?

     Its getting cold and of course a lot of naturals and non natural women are probably going to wear a protective style (nothing wrong with that right)? The date was October  22,2011 when my father said something along the lines of..."give me that hat and that wig so I can throw it away." So I was and wasn't surprised by his comment. A.) My father is a loving yet a "tell it like it is," kind of guy (you have to learn not  to live with your emotions on your sleeve with him). B.) I know for a FACT he didn't like my hair when I first went natural (yep one of those men who liked long relaxed hair), so what had changed?

     His next comment is what had me thinking the most, he stated  "If your going to be natural you need to wear and maintain your hair." "Your inviting people to a natural hair event and wearing a wig." Wait....my phone is ringing....my pride called to say it went just sky diving. It was hard to believe this was the same man who had to paint a smile on his face when he first saw me with natural hair about 2 years  and some months ago? What could I say....he was right.

     It was funny he made that comment,  so instead of getting offended, I took it as a confirmation. I wasn't wearing the wig due to being a shamed of my hair, but simply because I felt I didn't have time to "style," my hair and attend a concert I wanted to attend that night. In his defense, I know my hair more by now, I have to make time to style it if I'm going to have it and promote the beauty in having it.

     So is it wrong to rock a wig, weave, yaki pony tail, hat or whatever? Of course not in my opinion. Just because a person is wearing fake hair doesn't mean they are a shamed or trying to be someone else. Sometimes it (wearing a wig and such) is for protecting the natural hair or just wanting to switch up your look. However, I will say before, when , and during the addition of hair tagging along or a hat....ask yourself why? If you know your motives are on point okay then and even if your having a day where you do not feel like doing your hair...thats you, but understand that with natural hair for some reason... more than relaxed it seems, wearing a weave and/or flat ironing your hair may be considered "wrong," by those who are already un sure of the point in going natural in the first place.

     It reminds me of the verses in the Bible that says eating meat isn't wrong, but if its going to offend your brother don't eat it in front of him ( 1Corin.10:25-33 ) maybe not that deep in this situation, but I get how those who aren't sure why someone would go natural in the first place could be confused to see a "proud natural," in a wig. Long story longer...not short. If your going to wear something to cover your natural hair sometimes, be ready to possibly get some weird looks or comments (that are sometimes right and wrong). Be willing to teach about why you can do that if you choose  to and be open to correction...not quick to get offended. Will I ever wear a wig, weave, or whatever again...probably lol, but I'll try to check my motives and atmosphere at the door. Hopefully,  whomever that person is you may have to talk with has enough sense not to bust you out in front of people with immature comments, if they do, try to keep your pride in a cage and starve it with nice thoughts/ words :)

p.s.  My father has grown to like my hair now (which is good be/c it wasn't changing) and even uses my hair products to keep his hair conditioned (I love those parents of mine).


Be Fierce, Be Fine, Better you….WhyKnot?
V. Curls
wellwhyknot.blogspot.com

Fash. Attack Donnie Wahl

I decided to start off the fash. Section with a new comer. No its not Kanye West’s line are something from fashion week…yet possible. I happen to be out interviewing someone for an event they were throwing and I came across a table of shirts. One of those shirts had my almamater on it so of course I decided investigate.

Donnie Wahl is a clothing line by a man name Donnie Wahl (thus the name) who abides in Jackson, MS.

What’s different?
1.) He makes uni-sex shirts. He actually gave me a free shirt (the one that reflected my almamater, which was nice of him). I actually had my attention drawn from the shirt he gave me to a few black shirts he had, one with pink initials on it and another with pink head phones. He confidently told me he didn’t have a problem wearing pink when I assumed that the pink written shirts were just for women (that’s when I found out they were uni-sex shirts).

2.) On his card which is really nice, there is the back of a man with a hoody on facing you. There wasn’t a mistake at the printing press nor is Donnie Wahl isn’t harsh on the eyes, but part of Donnie Wahl’s line is for you not to know what he looks like (Mmmm, mysterious). I guess I should be extra excited I met him face to face and talked to him then. It’s a cool idea for his identity to be a mystery, I’m just wondering how he will be able to remain out of view with all of the technology that is out now.

Sum it up please!

Okay, okay….I didn‘t type that much. Over all I think he has an interesting idea going for himself. I would have wanted to see more than shirts (pants, jackets, etc), but as I mentioned this was at another persons event. I did like what I saw and you may to if your into v-necks, turn tables, head phones, and simple, but cool designs.


Want to see samples of his work? Visit “Donnie Wahl,” on face book.
Let me know what you think!

Fine Natural Hair Vs. Styling

     Now if you read the intro page, you will know that I said I would focus on coily hair more because it seems to still be a “no,no,” for some, but any hair type can be a hand full. I AM NOT a professional stylist, but if I can find info. from other sources then I will post a few things I hope that will help you out.

Fine Hair: This if referring  to the shaft diameter
Thin/Thick Hair: This is referring to the amount of hairs per inch out of a persons scalp
Soft/ Coarse Hair: How the hair feels
        
      I have a friend who is newly natural and she has fine hair on the sides and thicker hair in the back. The back of her hair is coily, the sides and crown I believe are straight,  and the front is wavy (that is a lot for one head).

     The Issue: Holding a style with her many textures (especially the fine hair). Her hair usually falls flat when she does a twist out and braid out.

Lets discuss this:
     So I hope this isn’t the case, but I wonder if the straight hair is suffering from heat damage. She has gotten her hair straighten a bit, but she said she used heat protection. I’m not saying it isn’t possible for a African American to have straighter hair naturally since genetics are so interesting, but the extreme differences in textures is what throws me wonder.

Products:
     A product that isn’t heavy on the hair. Fine hair doesn’t need as much product as thick hair. It will only weigh the hair down. Weather like humidity affects fine hair a lot as well. Using a little product (quarter size or whatever the product actually says to use) is better for your hair type.

     Mousses like “Curls Up,” from Wal-Mart is a mousse I used when I had straight hair, but wanted a wavy look. With this you should be able to mix the textures (straight and wavy hair) a bit better. As far as the coily hair, that can be Bantu knotted (this style gives a wavier look). You may have to add a bit more product in that area.

     If you are a natural hair Stylist or you have fine hair and have master styling it please feel free to comment and or make suggestions. My mother had this same problem when she was in her 20’s (natural hair not holding a style) so it seems to be something that has yet to be fully addressed. Finding a GREAT natural hair stylist is a good option for those who are at war with their hair. Natural hair can seem to be a hand full, but once you understand your hair and except it, its quite the reward.

Here is a link to some people with fine hair and how they style it on you tube:
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=styling+fine+natural+hair&aq=f

Other Styling Options:
Bantu Knots
Finger Styling
Buns
Braid/twist outs
Rods
Extra Gum to Chew On:

Euro hair- 100,000 active follicles 90% reproduce on a daily bases.
Asian Hair- 80,000 higher melanin (sun protection) less coarse than euro hair, but strong
African Hair- 60,000...can combat weather and radiation

Winter Protection- flat iron or blow outs ( use heat protection please) a great one is Beyond the Zone at Sally‘s, twist, wigs, hats.

Other Hair Links
Hair Style Tricks for Fine Natural Af. American Hair
Understanding Fine Hair: http://www.videojug.com/interview/understanding-fine-hair-2
Want Waves? http://www.hairfinder.com/hair/african-hair-waves.htm
Want more winter protection tips? http://www.curls.biz/hair-tips.html
Fine Natural Hair Styling? By Mixed Chicks http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMZ_wxUNJLQ
Heat Damage? http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=fixing+heat+damage+on+natural+hair&aq=0&oq=fixing+heat+
Hair Types? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msYYu6a7Cww

References:
http://www.thinhaircangrow.com/thin-hair-care-thin-hair-vs-fine-hair
http://www.videojug.com/interview/understanding-fine-hair-2
(http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/how-ethnicity-and-weather-affect-hair-types-869241.html)

Breast Cancer Awarness Contest!

CONTEST TIME!  It is Breast Cancer Awareness Month as you know. Want to win a FREE ticket to the P.S. I love your Hair Christmas Affair Social Luncheon http://mississippinaturals.eventbrite.com/...and show that you are as fly as you know already, but in pink? Hmmmm, Well visit the face book page Natural Hair at its Finest for more details. The Contest Starts Oct. 7, 2011 and ends Oct. 27th at 5pm. This is a facebook only contest. *Do not post pictures to the WhyKnot? Page please. *Men and women can participate....A pink tie is always fly when worn right :)

-Be Fierce, Be Fine, Better You...WhyKnot?

V.Curls

Natural Hair Social Luncheon

Thank you all for being so patient with me... several updates to the blog are coming EXTRA soon . I hear good things are worth waiting for :)

Until then....whats hot on the natural scene? Glad you asked!    
(subscribe and follow for faster notifications to this blog)
You and yours can  make plans to attend the event" P.S. I Love Your Hair Christmas Affair Social Luncheon." Hosted by MS Naturals Dec 3rd at the Capital Museum in Downtown Jackson from 2-4pm. For info, tickets, or to be a vendor please visit http://mississippinaturals.eventbrite.com/. Give Aways…check…GOOD food...check…Even more...Of Course. See you there! Men, Women, and Social Lights Welcome :)

Why should you go?
1.)You can get out the house for one.
2.)You will be able to meet different women with natural hair or thinking about it and yes men to socialize with and have a good time.
3.)You will  also have the opportunity to ask face to face about different hair techniques or questions you may have to everyday people/ some stylist, food will be serviced, and did I mention networking opportunities?
4.) Its Christmas Themed. Who doesn't like Christmas Themed Events...and don't say you because you just lied to yourself and your computer....Stop It!


You can visit the site: http://mississippinaturals.eventbrite.com/ for more details as mentioned. Let me know what you thought/think of the event and I will do the same.

*If you have question that is not on the site ask me...yes me. I will do what I can to get those questions ironed out by getting the scoop on what is being asked.

Spread the word not the mayhem


Be Fierce, Be Fine, Better You...WhyKnot?
V.Curls

Its about that time!

Naturals, Naturals! Come one, come all! I am hype about sharing hair product bargains/ locations, Product Reviews, and Events with you! There will be pictures of how products react to my hair type which is tightly coiled/curled, afro textured/thick, ( I do not see enough of  it on you tube). I will also be posting styles at random that you can try for different lengths and textures because we all are naturally fierce.