Blessings and a T-Shirt

About a week or so ago, I received my 'UnTouchable' T-shirt that I designed. I was so impatient when I ordered it, I almost went for a walk, just to show people. But I told myself to chill out.

This Friday I had my chance to show out. I was so excited! I couldn't wait to go out and stick my chest out so people could look. I went with my mom to get some groceries and to treat ourselves to some cupcakes. While we were sitting on a bench outside, eating our cupcakes, this lady walks past us, and my mom says "Hey I like your hair!" the lady looks at us and smiles and was like "Hiii I wanted to say something to you guys but I didn't want to bother you!" She tells us that she has a natural hair salon a few doors down, and that she makes natural products.

 My mom and I of course get really excited and she asks if we're going to be there for a minute so she can run upstairs to get a couple cards to give to us. When she comes back, my mom is like, "Lauren, stand up and show her your shirt!" She tells me she likes it, and I tell her that I'm a natural hair blogger and I focus on natural hair care, styles, tips, and I also do hair. That sparks another wave of excitement with us and the next 10 minutes are filled with us exchanging info about ourselves and our businesses (also about cupcakes) and I find out that she needs natural stylists in her shop!

YESSSS! Hopefully I'll be in a shop soon then, and will move on to the next level in this journey. Y'all don't understand how excited I've been this weekend just off of those 10 minutes

Make sure you visit her website and support her! because just LOOKING at her products are enough to make you want to throw your money at her:

Store: http://silkpaperflower.storenvy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/silkpaperflower

Daily Regime

Hello UntouchMyHair readers! Okay I have been SUPERR busy trying to get financial aid and other things ready to start my senior year at Florida A&M ! Yayy! Okay so, I would like to discuss with you guys the products I use almost everyday and how I use them! I would also like to give you all a quick run down of my weekly wash schedule and everyday regime.

REGIME: 

I style my hair every night either two strand twist, bantu knots, flat-twist or I will put flix-rods in them. I wash my hair everyWednesday- the first three Wednesdays of the month I will co-wash with my hair with Tresemme Naturals Silicone Free Conditioner or Giovanni 50:50 Balanced Hydrating Calming Conditioner and the last Wednesday I will wash with Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo then I will Deep Condition using a homade deep conditioner ofHoney, Sugar Free/Plain Yogurt, Your favorite Leave-in (If you want to turn this deep conditioner into a protein conditioner add a raw egg to the mixture). I will leave the deep conditioner in for 30 minutes with a plastica shower cap and towel over my head then rinse out, then I will style after. 

STYLING:

Depending on how much energy I have, I will section my hair in four equal parts using Goody Ouchless Hairbands or clips. I apply a leave-in conditioner to each section then I will detangle using a wide teeth comb or denman brush, being gentle with the ends of my hair. I will seal my hair with either Unrefined Virgin Coconut Oil, Castor Oil or Africa's Best Herbal Oil (My Favorite!!). I will allow my hair to dry a little because If I style it right away my hair will still be wet in the morning, then frizz will come and we don't want that! Once it's dryed a little I will style my hair whatever way I like using a little Eco- Styling Gel. I put on my satin scarf and in the morning put a little Coconut oil in my hair then set my hair.

PRODUCTS:

 Shampoo:  

Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo

Conditioner:

Tresemme Naturals Silicon Free Conditioner

Giovanni 50:50 Balance Hydrating Calming Conditioner

Leave-In's/Moisturizers:

Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Intensely Smooth Leave In Conditioner

Cantu Shea Butter Leave In Conditioning Repair Cream

Homemade Leave In in Spray bottle (Water, EVOO, Vitamin E Oil, Your favorite conditioner)

Spray Bottle's (EVOO/Water, Aloe Vera Juice/Water, or just plain water)

Oils:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)

Unrefined Coconut Oil

Castor Oil

Africa's Best Herbal Oil

Gels:

Eco-Styling Gel

Ampro Olive Oil Gel

Curls Passion Fruit Control Paste

-Toni

Good Bad and Ugly

I can remember sitting in the barber shop. The room filled w/ men, the only exception me and my mother. It actually had the atmosphere of your typical salon just masculine. I sat there listening to the men discuss football, girls and shoes while I waited to be called next to the chair. I sat there examining the man my friend was shaping up. He was a little cutie. Especially with his fresh cut fade. Which of course made me wonder how I'd look after I got up from that very same chair. Would I even still look like a girl? Maybe this is a mistake my hair doesn't look that bad. I say looking into a mirror hanging on the wall. Oh yes it does honey. I admit to myself.  

Finally it was my turn. I sat in the chair looking at my damaged choppy looking hair. There's no point in trying to save the length. My friend Steve was so excited that I had decided to go natural. He's been telling me that a short style would look great on me. His friendly way of telling me my hair is fried perhaps? I half engaged in conversation with him while I sat turned away from the mirror and he took a pair of clippers to my head. I just knew I was going to look like a boy! I'm 5'10 w/ side burns. Ugh. I felt so embarrassed being watched by literally every guy in the barber shop. 

When he finally finished and turned me around the girl I saw in the mirror frightened me. It was definitely me but this could not be my head. This little fuzz ball. I looked like a boy. The compliments coming from my mom and Steve as well as some bystanders floated through one ear out of the other. The only thing my mind was focusing on was this drag queen reflecting back in the mirror. Tears crept into my eyes. What did I just do? 

Steve looked me dead in the eye and told me that I looked beautiful and that my hair cut was bold. 'you're going to get a lot of attention girl so you better own it.'  After I left the shop I felt like everyone was looking at me and they were. I got a lot of compliments on my TWA ! I actually felt really pretty. I still had some insecurity of course. I never really got used to not being able to style my hair. It was nice though. . .while it lasted. Not having to do anything to it, simply wet it and call it a day. 

Many natural say that when they BC'd they were in a state of shock. A shock indeed it was, but it was the beginning of something wonderful. 

I know a lot of people choose to go the big chop route. Many transition. Whatever route you chose to go natural it won't be easy. Its a learning experience. I guess that's why they call this a journey. 

Tell me about your transition into natural hair!

-Piper

Loc Hair Care: Simplified

Loc Hair Care:  Simplified.

                The decision to go natural and later to loc your hair, is not a decision that one enters into lightly.  There are many things to consider when you decide to loc your hair; what products do I use, what size do I want my locs to be, will I use a loctician, what does free form mean?  A person can easily become overwhelmed trying to navigate through all of the information that is available on locs.  While everyone's journey is their own, there are two things that I feel are universal truths; one, you have to figure out what works best for YOUR hair and two, healthy locs are achieved by maintaining clean locs and moisturizing.  There are a million and one videos, blogs, and websites dedicated to loc hair care, product reviews, and tips.  I realize that I'm pretty much a "baby dread" but I have come to the realization that loc hair care has become too convoluted and difficult.  In a nutshell, water, a sulfate and paraben-free shampoo, and oils will be your best friends. 

Water

                Water is probably one of the most important things you will need to maintain a healthy set of locs.  When water is applied to your hair it is absorbed by the cuticle layer of your hair strand.  The cuticle layer is the outermost layer of the hair shaft and our hair's first line of defense.   Water provides the means for the necessary hydrogen bonding between hair fibers to occur that is essential for the maintenance of hair strength, elasticity and integrity. Without this, the hair becomes thin, frizzy, and much more prone to permanent damage and breakage.  In my opinion, it is equally important to increase your daily water intake into your body.  It not only aids in improving bodily functions, maintaining healthy skin, but also provides moisture to your locs from the inside out. 

Shampoo

I know you might be wondering "what is a sulfate and paraben-free shampoo?"  If you are like me and are fully embracing all things natural ever since you transitioned to Team Dread, then using things free of as many chemicals as you can is of huge importance.  Parabens and sulfates are chemicals used in many shampoos today.  Parabens act as a preservative that inhibits bacteria growth, therefore prolonging the shelf life of products.  Parabens contribute hair problems such as the deterioration of the hair follicles caused by the removal of the protective cuticle.  Parabens have also been linked to breast cancer.  Sulfates attract and then break dirt on the hair and scalp.  However, studies have shown that sulfates have been linked to eye damage, hair loss, hair thinning, deteriorates the hair follicle, and slows hair growth.  Sulfates have also been found to be toxic and a skin irritant.  (For more information, see http://www.topsulfatefreeshampoo.com/why-use-paraben-free-and-sulfate-free-shampoo/).  As we have already seen the importance of water in the strengthening of your hair shaft and follicles, it would be counterproductive to use products containing chemicals that aid in the deterioration and damage of the very hair follicles we are trying to strengthen.  

Oils

                I have used a few products since loc'ing my hair that promised to be natural and loaded with natural oils.  In reality, these products are full of chemicals and the natural oil in the product is virtually non-existent.  Why use a product containing the oil when we can go straight to the source and use the actual oil?  Oils are important because once the water has been absorbed by the hair, oils act to seal in the moisture from the water.  Oils also give your hair shine, aid in hair growth by stimulating the scalp, and keeps hair from becoming dry and brittle.  The four most important oils for natural hair and loc'ers are Tea Tree Oil, Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, and Grapeseed Oil.  (For more information, see http://blackgirllonghair.com/2012/06/4-cheap-oils-that-work-incredibly-well/).  Tea tree oil is strong and it is recommended that you mix a few drops with water prior to applying to your hair.  Tea tree oil can be used right after shampooing or as part of a daily spray/mist.  Tea tree is my favorite oil because it is antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral.  Tea tree oil also sooths itchy scalp, eliminates dandruff, and unblocks hair follicles.  Coconut and Olive Oil can also be used to moisturize and condition your scalp as part of a hot oil treatment.  There is no need to spend unnecessary money on hot oil treatments full of unrecognizable chemicals when you can simply heat some coconut and/or olive oil and apply to your hair directly.    Grapeseed oil is high in vitamin E which also aids in hair growth and healthy hair.  When purchasing oils, make sure the oils are unrefined, virgin/extra virgin, and/or cold pressed.  Cold pressed oil is obtained through pressing and grinding fruit or seeds.  The temperature must not rise above 120°F (49°C) for any oil to be considered cold pressed. Cold pressed oils retain all of their flavor, aroma, and nutritional value.  These oils are not only good for your hair but have the added benefit of improving the look and appearance of your skin.   

-Shaun Scott

He Say She Say They Say I Heard...

I could write a post telling you what to do, what to buy, how to do it, how often etc... 

You can come on here and rant and rave about how frustrated you are because you tried a method someone else told you worked for them, and you expected the same results. I guess this post is for the newbies because I see a lot of frustration on here because some of you had high expectations for your hair, and a couple months later, you're frustrated because your hair isn't growing as fast as you want it to, and it's curls aren't as defined as you were hoping they would be. Some have become complete product junkies and just layer products over each other to get a slick bun, or a shiny twist out. Well I need to tell you something...

Stop.

Your hair isn't the issue. Or a burden. Your hair is doing what it's supposed to. The sooner you realize that shrinkage happens to everyone and that it's not a bad thing, that nobody's curl pattern is the same, and 100 products won't make life easier, the more enjoyable this journey will be for you. Give your hair a chance. Just love it, and take care of it, and you'll be rewarded. Trust me. 

Never take assume all advice or information will apply to your hair. Just because something works for some people and/or the informant has done their research, doesn't mean it will always work for you. If you just want to experiment and see if it works, that's fine. But don't expect everything to work; and don't get upset if it doesn't. Just move on to the next thing. Most, if not all, natural vets have gone through trial and error. We didn't just know what to do, and what to use. You don't get to dodge the mistakes either!

Patience really, really is the key to success with your hair. Be adventurous, be curious, and don't be hard on yourself or your hair when it doesn't turn out how you want. Have fun. Ask questions. Learn about other's experiences, and share your own. You'll be surprised what you learn -- even from yourself!

- Lauren

Going Natural, It Isn't Just A Fad.

It seems that as time passes you hear of more and more women cutting their relaxed hair and 'freeing' themselves from social standards. You see women of color sporting a fierce TWA, stretching relaxers, and transitioning. Natural Hair is in, even the media is on board. Seeming to only be casting black women with big curly natural hair in television commercials.

Big Curly Natural Hair-- everything a newly natural longs for. It all looks easy from the outside looking in right? That is until you realize that the Big and Curly look may take a little longer than you bargained for.  

Just remember. This is a JOURNEY. So while you're surfing through YouTube channels and googling everything natural hair remember your hair is your own. There may be someone out there who has a curl pattern similar to yours, but no one has your unique curls. OWN THAT! Try not to become envious of the vloggers and bloggers ((i know its hard when you have a hair crush))  As your hair is growing longer and stronger you yourself should be as well. Take the time to get to know your hair and Y0U. 

The best way to achieve long healthy hair is to work from the inside out. Its one thing to keep your tresses hydrated but what about your body? Are you getting enough water? What about your fruit and vegetable intake?  Are you feeling stressed? Once you are taking care of your body, healthy hair is destined to follow.

Being natural is more than no longer undergoing head frying sessions. Its embracing a whole new self confidence. Being naturally you. So you better werk *snaps fingers*

- Piper

Rub-A-Dub

I keep procrastinating with creating my hair schedule so pretty much I just oil and style my hair until I feel it's time to wash it.... today happened to be that day. I washed my hair about a week or two ago with this vegetablesomethingorother shampoo that... didnt do bad things to my hair, but I wasn't really feeling what it was doing to it, so today i ACV washed. I have one of those applicator bottles, so i put about a 1/4 cup of baking soda in it, then filled it up with water and squirted it aaallll in my hair. Then I poured some baking soda powder in my hand and rubbed my scalp to make sure i got it good and clean.

then i rinsed the bottle, and poured vinegar in it (typically apple cider vinegar is used but i didnt have that... i had white vinegar). I squirted it all in my hair and it started to fizz up and watnot, feelin good feelin great, and i rub and rub and rinse.

After that's all done I rinsed my bottle and put aloe vera juice in it and saturated, sectioned and combed my hair, and put coconut oil in.

Okay i put too much coconut oil in my hair, so my mom rubbed my head and used some oil on her skin -______-

But anyways, my hair feels clean and moisturized, and my scalp feels so good...

- Lauren

Summer Hair Care

 Ladies! Summer is coming quick, but before we get too excited and grab our cute sun dresses and sandals we have to make sure our hair is protected. Believe it or not the sun can be a threat to your natural hair, but there's always a solution. If you take anything from this let it be moisture!! I can't express enough the importance of it. The sun and heat will leave your hair dry and that's a natural no-no. Keeping your hair moisturized isn't too hard or expensive.

-water can be your best friend (and cheap too!)
-deep conditioner
-leave-in conditioner
-essential oils
-sealant (Shea butter)
If you don't want the hassle, don't worry! There are some really cute protective styles. You can rock braids and twists which lock in moisture. A few popular styles are:
-Box braids
-Senegalese twists
-Havana twists
 -Beeper braids
-Mini twists (with your own hair)
-Sew ins (try avoiding heat)
Don't get too comfortable, you'll still need to maintain the moisture.

- TEONA