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