I've Gone Natural... Well... Almost

So I made the change guys. I've taken the long awaited step. After being on my relaxed hair journey for 1 year, I decided it was time to go the natural root. I've been transitioning since January meaning that's when I did my last relaxer.

What made you make the change?

I decided to go natural when I was looking through YouTube trying to find some videos on relaxed hair journeys when I came across some videos with the topic: The Big Chop. I was not about to do that but I was interested in what these girls went through. I went further and learned why these girls decided to go natural and what it really meant to them. I learned that going natural is only a big step because women put way too much meaning into it. Hair does not define any women. It also came to my attention that many of us black women think that straight hair is more attractive than kinky curly hair. Society has engraved this into our head for so many years we don't even realized that our hair in its natural state is the most beautiful. Our hair was not meant to be straight... The unique texture of our hair is one that can not be duplicated by any other ethnicity. We can, of course, straighten our hair with heat anytime we'd like but all we have to do to get back to our curly natural state is wet it ;)

What products do YOU use?

I use many different products: ORS, Herbal Essence, Elasta QP, Cantu Shea Butter, Shea Moisture and the list goes on. I also use a variety of oils: coconut, olive, jojoba, grapeseed, avocado, Moroccan argan, and shea butter. I will elaborate in a future post when I create an actual regimen.

How long will you transition for?

I plan on transitioning until I can put my natural hair into a ponytail. I must say I still have a little bit of the "my hair is very important to me" mentality but I have drastically improved. Hopefully by my one year of transitioning, I can remove all of my relaxed ends and finally be able to say "I'm natural".

What do you do to make the transitioning process easier?

Transitioning is very hard. Dealing with two different textures has been a struggle but I think I've found a way to make it easier on myself.

1. Detangling when your hair is wet/ damp. Trust me, it makes life much easier. Add a moisturizer or conditioner. This will create slip and help your fingers or wide-tooth comb to glide through your hair.
2. After you wash your hair, MOISTURIZE! It is very important that your hair is moisturized.
3. Use protective/ low manipulation styles. Box braids have been my best friend during my transitioning period. Buns, twists, braids all help with transitioning.
4. Use a silk or satin scarf before bed. Wrapping your hair with a scarf keeps the moisture in your hair and off your cotton pillow.
5. Wash your hair often. Washing your hair once or twice a week will make your hair more manageable.
6. Less heat! Try air drying. Maybe cut back to straightening your hair once a month.

Any cool and interesting tips for those who are transitioning or natural?

I learned this trick that saved my life. I know this is a problem that many girls face: getting them edges to lay! Here's my tip: gel down your edges with your favourite gel, use a toothbrush to really get those baby hairs together. Then, tie your edges down with a satin or silk scarf while you finish your style, get ready, put on your makeup, whatever! When you are ready, remove the scarf and voila! Laid edges!

Going natural is a choice I made for myself, no one else. Don't let anyone tell you what you should do. Your health and happiness is priority. Have fun with it. You only have one life. Live it to its full potential. Try new things. You'll never know if you'll like something unless you try it!

Love, love, love and peace

Passion for Fashion- Solange Edition

Solange is ultimately one of my top hair and fashion inspirations. Her look is unique and elegant. These are the styles I love most on Solange. 

#1. Everyday Chic

#2. Comfy Cozy

#3. Lounge Attire

#4. Downtown Living

#5. Classy Sassy

#6. Sexy Sleek

#7. Uptown Girl

#8. Cocktail Party Gorgeous

#9. Party Girl

#10. Red Carpet Ready

#11. Poetic Justice

#12. Elegant Nudes

Abstract Nails

What do I do in my spare time? Nails! I have a nail polish obsession. My dad yelled at me the other day saying I should invest my money into something else... but its a hobby I just can't shake. And quite honestly, I don't want to. I love love LOVE nail polish.

 

Colours used: Avon Nailwear Pro in Aqua Fantasy

Kiss Brush-On Nailart in Pearl Black, Soft Purple, and White

Healthy Skin

Hey everyone! I know it's been a long time since I posted anything on my blog and I apologize but I have been so busy with school, work, and family. I will try to post more often going forward.

So I been trying to figure out what I should post about since I can't necessarily take any pics because I am creating this at school and people will think I'm a weird taking pics of my hair. So.... I've decided to make this post about ways to make ones skin smooth and hydrated.

This is how I try to keep my skin looking healthy (emphasis on the "I"). Everyone is different and may find other products and/or routines to work better for their skin.

FACE

First thing you need to determine is what type of skin you have and what your problem areas are. I, for one, have combination skin depending on the time of the year. (I like to call it "season-dependant" skin). Most people have dry skin in the winter due to the dry weather and wind. I also have dry skin in the winter but occasionally I get oily spots. I started to use Neutragena's face wash and lotion. Take a look at the different products they have and decide on what may work best for you!

It is very important to wash your face twice a day; first thing in the morning and before bed. (Ladies... remove ALL makeup!) Washing your face first thing when you wake up creates a clean surface to apply your makeup or moisturizer and it helps prevent break outs.

Moisturize your skin! Those of you who have oily skin, I believe there are moisturizers that cater to oily skin.

I just started to apply a face mask weekly to infuse a large quantity of moisture. I personally don't think its a good idea to apply a face mask daily. I recommend once a week.

Face scrubs are also a good idea to remove dirt and to prevent the occurrence of breakouts. Do not scrub your face too much. I would also recommend face scrubs be used once or twice a week.

LIPS

I HATE chapped lips but it seems to come hand and hand with the winter. But guess what? I have discovered the BEST remedy, lip scrubs! It buffs out all the dry and dead skin. Now instead of going out to buy a lip scrub, I have a recipe for you! I actually got this from a girl on YouTube. I'm not sure what her channel was called but I'm sure you can find someone on YouTube who has a similar recipe.

Homemade Lip Scrub:
Honey
Sugar
Olive Oil

Mix these ingredients to create a lip scrub at a thickness you like. I prefer a thick consistency.

After your scrub, top it off with a lip balm. My favourite is Baby Lips.

BODY

Every girl needs a good body scrub. It removes dead skin and clears pores. The body scrub I use is called The Scrub of Your Life Soap and Glory. It smells amazing and leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth.

I don' t think I need to mention this, but a body wash or soap bar is a very important item to have in your beauty routine. No one wants to be around someone who's smelly... trust me. Make sure you wash the dirt, sweat, and funk off your body before you lotion up. You're welcome.

Speaking of lotion, everyone needs lotion, cream, or body butter to keep their skin smelling good and looking hydrated. There's nothing worse than having dry skin. Don't forget them elbows and knees!

Last but not least, DRINK WATER! Need I say more?

So that's my advice to you as to how to keep your skin moisturized and soft. Feel soft and smell eatable!

Love, love, love, and peace

Mariah