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Thursday, February 13, 2014

Wash N Go Myths!


This was shared on our Homemade DIY Natural Face Book Group page and I thought my readers would appreciate it also!  This article was submitted by Joanna Paterson, a blogger herself.


I'm sure many of us have watched and digested the natural hair video that's evidently gone viral since the first hour of it's posting several days ago. A young woman in clear visual distress, takes to her video phone to record a myriad of tribulations associated with her "unmanageable" natural air. It's a doozy...certainly entertaining well thought out. Yet, once you have reached the end mark of the video, you're left wondering if, in fact, she's just spilled the beans on what many newly naturals have long been feeling, but are either too frustrated to speak on, or are still in search of that "miracle product."

After first viewing the video, I chuckled and empathized as she guzzled her slurpie and hightailed it to the wig shop to cover up her TWA. I laughed but also felt a pang of sadness for something that has evidently ballooned into a clear unattainable idea of what it means to be natural today.


Can We Talk About the Wash-N-Go For A Sec? Mmmkkaaay.

A brief background on where I'm coming from first:  As a woman who went natural a little over ten years ago, I still feel there is a ton of lessons to learn as far as how to care for one's hair.  I doubt this will ever change.  Much like your skin, body, and other aesthetics change over time and require different needs, so does your hair!

Looking back over the years, it's clear to see what was lacking in my journey.  I had very little to work on as far as product knowledge, proper methods to wash and detangle textured hair.  The importance of moisturizing was key!  There were very little resources at my disposal ten years ago.  In hindsight, while this may seem disastrous to those just going natural today, it was a personal blessing to me.

I did not have to filter through, what's today, become the prodigal language for most naturals (wash-n-gos, hair typing, protective styling, and so on).  I have adjusted my vocabulary over the years to stay inclusive on the natural hair scene, but a part of me still continues to hold tight to what it was like not to have to worry about the debat and divisiveness that props up from the ironic misunderstandings.



Tami from What Tami Said makes an interesting point


Drop in on a natural hair forum and you might think caring for natural hair is like nuclear physics.  Gotta figure out your hair type...4c, 4a, and  3c.  To co-wash  or not to co-wash?  Use this brush, not that one.  Buy this expensive product and that one, too.  Let this thing sit on your hair for 30 minutes, followed by this thing and that thing for just the right curl.  And a lot of this is done because we are supposed to look like the neatly curly, women on the "after" side of that Miss Jessie's page.  Except, most of us naturally do not!

What she addresses here is the possible Tyranny of Natural Hair, a new conformist ideal we’re all attempting to mold into each time we struggle to understand the directions to yet another hair pudding or custard.


I generalize this all as the ‘Myth of the Wash-n-Go’ because this was my wake-up call. I distinctly remember watching Youtube vid after Youtube tutorial, trolling through the often times overstaturated forum boards filled with advice…standing in front of my mirror and attempting to recreate an image that would never…or could never be an authentic representation of me.

Truthfully, while I dish on the proper maintenance and stylings of the ‘traditional’ wash-n-go, hardly ever do I clock in under 30 minutes when attempting this style. I haven’t met many naturals who have either (save for the TWA gals, heeeey!), & I think this is why it’s often kept in the confines of the warmer months.

Realistically, what ultimately goes down is a washing/light conditioning/styling/slight drying = end time of 1hr (if that) . Now, like it or not natural hair…no matter how you slice it or style it, takes not just time…but patience. You cannot cut corners 9 times out of 10, and expect satisfied results. How often do many of us spend a minimum of 30 minutes in a Hair Salon & expect top notch results? Maintaining natural hair is all in what you know, how you use it…rather than what you use to achieve the perfect twist-out, braid-out. I don’t doubt there are many women who do get up in the a.m. brush their teeth, wash-no-go, and head out the door, coffee in hand to greet the day in less than an hour. Yet, for the majority of women living their own day-to day, whether with children or attached to a textbook…this is often not the case.

Today, I choose to take care of my natural hair because no one else will. I wash/style/condition because currently there are not enough hair stylists working their magic fingers on a woman with highly textured hair…I don’t trust that. I trust me, and what I’ve learned in the over 10 years that I’ve been on this journey. None of it was easy, nor did I expect it to be. I learned to manage the frustrations, overcome the inevitable obstacles and love that me & Fro are still here…taking compliments, biding time until the next lesson needs to be learned. Taking care of one’s natural hair can be easy…over time it certainly does, but much like other instances in life, you have to earn your place…follow your own path and demystify your own misconceptions of what going natural is really about. There is no singular ideal to having/wearing natural hair….no sameness to all of our looks & styles. Forget what marketing brands & companies who are vying for your attention ( & $$) have to say. Reject the mold & begin to cultivate your own version of you.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Natural Hair Pomade Recipe

by Emme G of www.curlybeautyblogger.com

GET 10% OFF ANY product purchase at Curl Kit Shop!  Hit the link below!


Ingredients:


2 oz. Castor Oil

2 oz. Coconut Oil

1 oz. Beeswac

1 Clean/Sterilized Container

1 Double Boiler

Instructions:

First, sterilize your container and lid with rubbing alcohol and set it aside for later use. Prepare your double boiler. If you do not own a double boiler, make one by putting a small pot on the stove with about an inch of water, then place a heat-safe bowl in the pot. Use a bowl big enough to rest in the pot without touching the water at the bottom.

You will then melt an ounce of beeswax in the bowl. I use Frontier Natural White Beeswax Beads from iHerb.com. Once the beeswax has melted completely, add your castor and coconut oils. At this time, you may want to add an essential oil, of choice.

Heat thoroughly and stir to the bottom of the bowl. Before it starts to set, transfer the warm pomade to your sterilized container, that you set aside earlier, and place it in the freezer uncovered to cool.

Side Note If the pomade cools down gradually, you will end up with granules in your pomade and you will have to warm and emulsify longer before applying.

Freezing the pomade will cause it to set up quickly and which will result in a smooth pomade.

If you like Oyin Handmade Sugar Pomade, you will LOVE this recipe. The two are extremely comparable in appearance, texture, and performance.

Oyin Handmade Sugar Pomade Recipe


You can stretch your Oyin Handmade Sugar Pomade by just adding a tablespoon of Oyin's Burnt Sugar Pomade to a bowl and melt it down with the two oils. You will get the smell you love and the same basic product at a fraction of the cost.

Thanks to Emmee for sharing this recipe.

Please remember to subscribe, comment, and share!  Happy Curls to You!

©Copyright 2014-01 Crowning Glory Coils and Kinks - All Rights Reserved

Monday, January 20, 2014

Heavenly Body Boutique Gone "LIVE"

A new Year! A new Venture!  Your invited to visit our new on-line store for your shopping needs!

Heavenly Body Boutique


Friday, January 17, 2014

Hair Trends for 2014

I thought it was time to take at look at trending hair styles for the Year of 2014.  Of course, the more things change, the more they stay the same!  Let's take a look at some trending styles!


This is a sleek little side do that can be imitated easily by natural hair wearers.  You can also lightly blow dry your natural locks if you want to obtain a more smoother look.

Who doesn't like a dash of color from time to time.  This young lady has created her own spin on how to ombre your hair with a pick from a color of the rainbow.  There are several ways of achieving this look but if you are not sure on how to do so, you should consult your own colorist or stylist to get the best desired look!  A professional will be best able to steer you in the right way!

A protective style is more your choice?  This is a very stylish side twist and wrapped bun in the back!  For the smoother texture, lightly blow dry or stretch her before attempting this style.  Can also be done on wet hair that has been gel back!

A front top knot is also a winner for 2014.  This attractive style can be worn with a suit, jeans, and a wedding dress!  Simply adorn the hair with a flower, bridal rhinestones or head dress, some pearl bobby pins and this style will change according to the mood and the desire of the wearer.

This style can also be blow dried for a smoother look or you can stretch your hair for more length or wear your textured hair if you like!

This cute bow accents nicely the wearer's choice of twists that have been swept into an updo!

You are unique.  Therefore, why shouldn't the beautiful hair on your head express those sentiments.  Natural hair whether it be in its textured state or manipulated is, of course, the choice of the wearer.  However, most of all it is an expression to the world of her uniqueness!

Thanks for visiting with me again!  Looking for great things in 2014 so why not do an image makeover?  Any ideas?  Leave them in the comment box below.

Please remember to like, subscribe, comment, and share.  It's nice to have viewers but it is even better to have a chance to her from each reader as they journey along this natural hair walk!  As always, until next time!  Happy Curls to you!

©Copyright 2014-01 Crowning Glory Coils and Kinks - All Rights Reserved


Saturday, January 11, 2014

Shea Moisture Is on Sale at Walgreens!


Sale January 12 - 18 - 2014

SheaMoisture Yucca & Baobab Anti-Breakage Masque 

GET 10% OFF ANY product purchase at Curl Kit Shop!  Hit the link below!
http://curlkitshop.refr.cc/TR98DS7



Shea Moisture Yucca & Baobab Anti-Breakage Masque
Size/Count 12.0 ounces

$10.49

Offers:  Buy One, get %50 off qualifying products




SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Milk


Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Milk

$10.49

Offers  $ Buy 1, Get 1 50% OFF Select Qualifying Item

Overview:
Size/Count 8.0 ounces

  • Anti-frizz Moisture & Shine
  • Natural and Certified Organic Ingredients
  • Sulfate Free & Color Safe

SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curling Gel Souffle
Curling Gel Souffle

$10.49

Offers  $ Buy 1, Get 1 50% OFF Select Qualifying Item

Overview:
Size/Count 12.0 ounces

  • Anti-frizz, Moisture & Shine
  • Natural and Certified Organic Ingredients
  • Sulfate Free & Color Safe
Happy curls to you,

Please comment, subscribe, and contribute material.
©Copyright 2014-01 Crowning Glory Coils and Kinks - All Rights Reserved

Natural Twisty Top Knot

Here is a style that you can easily make your own!  Add a flower, brooch, hair stick and voila, you've personalized this style!

An excellent natural style for a bride and her natural bridesmaids.  Have fun with it or make it simply elegant!


©Copyright 2014-01 Crowning Glory Coils and Kinks - All Rights Reserved

Friday, January 10, 2014

Gourmet Mixems! Cookies, Biscuits, Soups, Dips and More!







Hello Everyone, I have a new business venture that I would like to share with you! It's Gourmet Mixems!

I would like to share with you on how you can sign up as a Consultant too!

This is my Consultant Page where you can order from: 

http://mixems.com/store/affiliate.asp?aff=2506

To sign up you click on products: Become a Gourmet Consultant

Pay your $8 Via Paypal: Then Fill Out the Application. Remember to put my name: Carolyn Summerset #2506 on the line that asks for a fax number.

This Company is Family owned, GREAT Commission Plan! And even better products! The large variety of mixes has endless possibilities as to what you can do with them!