The Absolute Worst Thing About Natural Hair

I'm sure you are reading the title thinking, how could someone actually utter those words; especially someone who's natural and claims to love it.  Well let me assure you that I am natural and I am loving it very much.  In fact it is 4 in the morning in I'm coiling my hair LOL.  Oh the joy!!!!

So what is the absolute worst thing about natural hair?  Let me tell you.  It's having a relaxer for most of your life and hardly having a reason to use the word detangle.  Yes detangle.  Therefore, when a sista went natural, what did she discover?  She discovered that she was very, very, very, tender headed.  Wow, I talked junk about tender headed people.  I use to say things like "get over it"or "toughen up chief."  But the longer my natural hair gets the greater my empathy.  With ever kink and ugly face, grueling headaches, tender scalp, and just shear unbearable pain I say to all you tender headed persons out there "I am truly sorry for my insensitivity!!!!"  I can't even imagine letting someone else comb my hair at this point, i am sure they would see the worst side of me.  So for now, my ugliness between my head and my comb will stay between me and the mirror.  

Stay beautiful!!!
IGNJ

Annointed Beauty Ministries, Inc Launches Long Awaited Natural Hair Magazine -- Loc-tural Beauty

Annointed Beauty Ministries, Inc Launches Long Awaited Natural Hair Magazine -- Loc-tural Beauty

Finger Coils

I finger coiled my hair last week and I loved it!!  It took about 2 to 3 hours and it lasted for about four days (because I need to wash my hair).  I used the Komaza Care Califia Styling Pudding and my hair was really soft to the touch, not weighed down, and very flexible with a nice hold.  NO FRIZZ!!!  Again I loved it, might do it again soon!!!!

My lovely friend Ericka and I

Xotics: Natural Products by Celebrity Barber Curtis Smith

Borrowed from Xotics

I had the opportunity, by chance and chance alone, to speak with celebrity barber and make-up artist Curtis Smith about his all natural product line.  And when I say by chance, I had no intentions of actually speaking with Curtis (if I may), I lucked up and he was the one that answered my call. 

I caught Curtis while he was out doing a little school shopping for his son and he offered to do the interview right over the phone.  He was so down to earth and was so kind to give me my first interview for my site!!!  So in our brief interview I was able to ask Curtis about his all natural hair and skin product line that first sparked my interest with its slogan, “It’s not just a product, it’s a lifestyle.  GO NATURAL!”  I agree!!!  GO NATURAL!!

IGNJ= I Gotta Natural Jones

Name: Curtis Smith

Occupation: Celebrity Barber and Make-up Artist

Product: Xotics

IGNJ: How long have you been in the business?

Curtis Smith: As a barber, 23 years and make-up 3 years.

IGNJ: What inspired you all natural product line?

Curtis Smith: When I first started making the product it wasn’t all natural.  I wanted to keep my clients from losing their hair; I tried natural products and loved it… I decided to make the product myself so I rounded up team and did it myself.

IGNJ: How long has your natural hair and skin products been available?

Curtis Smith: I have only been selling it for 4 years, but it has been available to my clients for 8 years.

IGNJ: Are your natural products only for men?

Curtis Smith: No, anybody can use it!!

IGNJ: Can children us it?

Curtis Smith: Yes. A lot of my clients love my product because it doesn’t have any fragrance added at all.

IGNJ: Where can your products be found and/or purchased?

Curtis Smith: All over the U.S.! CLICK HERE for a list of addresses!

IGNJ: I have a personal question for you.  How do you feel about women with natural hair?

Curtis Smith:  I love it! Everybody can’t look like somebody else!  And my wife is natural!

As I thanked Curtis for answering my questions, he added that he had been diagnosed with cancer in 1996, so everything had to be natural!  And it was with great pride that he had all natural products.  What a blessing!!  God is good!!  And what inspiration!!! 

So where do you get these wonderful products?  I’m glad you asked!!  You can make purchases from the Xotics website @ http://xoticsproducts.com/

And where can you find Curtis Smith?  Well you can find him Front Page on the latest issue of Against the Grain Magazine!!

CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO!!!! http://xoticsproducts.com/reel/

What I learned about Brazilian Keratin Treatment!!!

Borrowed from Celebrity Beauty buzz

So I have a girl friend who is really considering doing a  Brazilian Keratin treatment.  She has been natural for a about a year and she has beautiful natural hair.  I know that every now and then us naturals go for the straight styles, but many do so without the risk of chemicals and/or a lot of heat.

So what is Keratin? Yes I googled!!! Keratin is a protein and forms the main components of fingernails, hair, and the thin tough outer layer of the skin according to the 'The Probert Encyclopedia of Medicine.'  Keratin is also found in animal parts such as horns, beaks, hooves, and claws according to an article by Summers (2009).  So it sounds pretty natural, right?  According to the article by Summers (2009), their are five chemical components to keratin, but lets not forget that keratin is a protein, so the chemical elements found in the protein are; (1) carbon, (2) nitrogen, (3) hydrogen, and a protein called (4) cysteine, which contains (5) sulfur.  To get the full break down of this chemistry please read the article CLICK HERE.

Alright so thats Keratin as a protein, what about keratin as the hair treatment?  According to Hernandez (2010), keratin is a semi-permanent straightening product that straightens the hair through a process of blow-drying and flat-ironing.  This treatment can last up to 30 days to several months (Hernandez, 2010).  So what are the 'chemicals' that are in the keratin treatment? First we have Formaldehyde (methanal or formalin, which is watered down formaldehyde), which is an organic compound that I found on wikipedia.  "Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable and pungent gas naturally produced in the body (in very small amounts) and present in the air and many food and beauty products, according to The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.  The Cosmetics Ingredient Review Panel says .2 percent or less is a safe concentration of the chemical" (Hernandez, 2010).  Ok, then there is Aldehydes another organic compound found on wikipedia. And one other that I will name is Acetaldehyde (ethanal) which is chemical compound that I again found on wikipedia.  To read this article please CLICK HERE.

I also talked to a stylist today, her name is Tish and she been natural for many years, she works at Salon Blu here in Raleigh, NC.  I have no idea how long she's been natural, because I was really just seeking information for my girlfriend, which is why I'm writing this to begin with.  Tish told me that keratin has very little chemicals in it and is designed to take the frizz out your hair.  She also said that it can be used without blowing out the hair or flat-ironing to slightly loosening the curls and De-frizzing.  She encouraged me as I was getting information for my girlfriend that she use cool heat to blowout the hair and then flat-iron the hair which really helps the strands of hair absorb the treatment.  So if you want the full effect of keratin, heat is necessary for the treatment to straighten the hair strands, and if you are going to spend $200 to $300 to get the treatment I would hope you get the full affect of it!!!!   I did ask Tish does the keratin treatment destroy the natural hair curl pattern.  She said not at all, but the keratin works (if you must compare it to anything) like a hair rinse (semi-permanent dye), it gradually washes out.  So depending on your hair type, texture, strength, and so on, will determine how long the treatment will stay in your hair.  Tish has soft natural hair and her treatment lasted 8mos.  I did not ask how often she washed her hair.

Tish mention two types of Keratin treatments; (1) Extreme De-frizzing treatment also called chocolate at their salon (can't wash hair for three days) and (2) The Brazilian Keratin treatment (can wash hair immediately after treatment and extremely safe to use with color).

This is all the info I have!!!  So I hope it helped and let me know what you think!!!

Hernandez, K. (2010). Keratin hair treatment chemicals. Retrieved August 30, 2010 from http://www.ehow.co.uk/facts_5990144_keratin-hair-treatment-chemicals.html

Summers, V. (2009). What are the five chemicals in keratin? Retrieved August 30, 2010 from http://www.ehow.com/facts_5673454_chemical-elements-keratin_.html

Tonights Hair Spa

My TWA Sex Insecurities

This may be one of those way to much information moments, but it took me all day to decide whether or not I should talk about it.  I'm going to talk about it, because I want opinions and input, I want your two cents.

So this morning I had a "moment" with my husband.  I won't get into all of the glory details, but we will just call it a "moment".  

After our "moment" this morning, my husband asked me why didn't I look at him.  I thought about it for a minute and I got really sad.  I know that I glanced at him a few times or another, but it wasn't a stare in your eyes, I Love You type of "moment".  So I felt horrible.  All I could think about was my hair.

Before my Big Chop I had a good length of hair, and any time we were having a "moment," I knew my hair looked great.  It would fall into place from it's wrap, stick to my face or his face, but it still looked good.  Or if I passed on the wrap my hair up for the night, I knew a ponytail would look just as nice.  Not to mention I knew my husband loved my hair.

Well this morning I did not feel so Va Va Va Voom!  My teeny weeny afro was dry, matted, and flat on one side.  And even if I did get up to pick out my fro, it would just get flattened again while in the "moment."  What is a girl to do, I want to look good in the "moment", I'm a little OK with looking messed up afterwards.

And he says of course, "I don't care about that, you are beautiful."  Of course I was like awww, but you really don't have a choice but to say that LOL!!  I knew he meant it!!!  So why can I feel so fly, rocking my curls or afro in the day, knowing I'm the "shut your mouth!"  But this morning, I was so insecure about my short, matted, dry hair while in the "moment" with my husband.  I should still feel fly with my natural self.

So what's your thoughts?

My Natural Hair Journey So Far

Product Review: Komaza Care ~ Califia Moisturizing Spay

Review:  I absolutely love this spray!!!  Although I use several Califia products, the moisturizing spray I can use as a leave in, detangler, and a moisturizer.  It smells amazing!!!  It makes my feel incredibly soft and it adds some shine, but I wouldn't rely on it as the only "shine agent" so to say, if you want your hair to look glossy.

Ingredients:  Distilled Water, Aloe Vera, Shea Oil, Jojoba Oil, Algae Extract, Behenetrimonium, Quaternium 87, Panthenol, soybean oil nettles, horsetail, rosemary, peppermint, marshmallow, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Allantoin, Citric acid, vegetarian fragrance, allantoin, cinnamon cassia, potassium sorbate 

Cara B. Naturally~Natural Hair Product for Children

Being a Charlotte native, I was thrilled when I ran across an article about a mother from the area launching a natural hair care product for children.

Click Here for the article

Cara B. Naturally is an all natural product "especially for ethnically diverse children."  Their product is newborn safe, tear free, and has been tested by certified and accredited labs.

Their website also states that their products are free of parabens, petrolatum, phthalates, sulfates, mineral oil, artificial fragrances and preservatives.  Their product has also been awarded the coveted Natural Products Association certification (don't know what it is, but sounds good!!!).

Click Here for their products!!!

I definitely plan on getting this product for my boys, so look out for a review!!!

Mmmm Yogurt ~ Hmmm Henna

Interesting things I learned today!!! Social networks youtube, twitter, and facebook are full of information especially for newbies to natural!!!

Mmmm Yogurt

First I learned yesterday that people actually put yogurt in their hair via twitter from the lovely Aphropuphs.  Would I have ever thought to put yogurt in my hair? Not at all!!!  It's starting to sound as if, whatever is good for you to eat, it is good for your hair!!!  So just whip yourself up a yogurt smoothie for a good deep conditioner (Ooo I learned that DC is short for deep conditioner today, YAY me!!).  So Aphropuphs's recipe included full fat yogurt mixed with honey and banana.  I really suggest you follow this "natural hair nerd" (her words not mine LOL) and get more informations on the yum yum good hair conditioner.

Hmmm Henna

So what I really learned today was that Henna was a permanent dye in your hair.  Well you may be laughing, but when I think of henna I think of the red or black tattooish designs that many Eastern women wear, that completely fade overtime.  But nooo, not in your hair!!!  Oh wait, what else did I learn on twitter today LOL mixing henna with a DC (I learned that today, it means deep conditioner LOL) will keep it from taking.  This information brought to you by the lovely Aphropuphs's.  So my only question now is, how long will the color last if you mix henna with a deep conditioner?!!!

My Big Chop June 4, 2010

I would have loved to transition for about six months before chopping off my hair. Damage hair and frustrations insisted that I put it out of its misery way before then. I had my last relaxer in March and I was actually planning on getting a relaxer in April, but I ended up booking an appointment with a NATURAL stylist (she was natural, but she didn't advertise specializing in natural hair) that worked in a salon who's clients were mostly Caucasian, but I went there for that reason.  I'm sure you want me to explain why.  So I will briefly say this, in all of my life I have never experienced a professional African American stylist that was interested in the health of my hair (so I had a 'Black' hairstylist stereotype).  Anyways, this stylist told me if I was going to continue to to relax my hair, then I should do it every 4 to 6 MONTHS, because my hair was really soft.  I could have fell on the floor and died, because I could't go past 4 weeks for a relaxer.  So she didn't relax my hair and wasn't going to relax my hair without making me feel bad for doing it. LOL

When June came around I had returned from my trip to the Bahamas and I was so ready to take out the micros that I had in my head for a month.  When I took the micros out I washed my hair without combing it out first, so you probably already know what happened. My long hair, which was past my shoulders, was a tangled mess and it literally took 2 hours maybe 3 to detangle my hair.  By the time I returned home I was so frustrated, because I seriously had strings dangling from my head.  I told my husband I was cutting it off.  He was good with it, in fact he was suppose to help me.  Well before he could help I remember being mad at him about something and I ended up cutting it myself.  Bad mistake, I looked a mess, so I had soften up to him so he can even my hair out.  He shook his head the whole time.  So about 10 minutes later on June 4, 2010 I had less than an inch of healthy beautiful hair.  I absolutely love it and the past two months has been so great

OMG! Another Natural Hair Blog

Hi Everyone!!!  I am a little amped and nervous all in the same breath, but I have been inspired by so many natural beauties that I could not resist sharing my natural journey with everyone.  It is absolutely amazing looking around and seeing such a revolution of African American and Multiracial women embracing and loving their natural curls!!!  The support that I have received and have seen in the natural hair community is beyond belief, because you know ladies we don't usually embrace other women to quickly, but this movement has broken all the rules and there is just so much love and encouragement.  Who can resist all of that?  Well I tried LOL  Well this is my first post and I will keep it short, because I'm suppose to being doing something else right now, but I hope you all will walk on this journey with me!!!!  Stay beautiful!!!!!