We're a month into the new year and almost done with January!! Can you believe it? I'm setting my own personal hair goals, and I've shared a few with Naturally Curly too!
Check out my latest article on Naturally Curly!!
Curly Hair Care Goals for the New Year
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Review: Blended Beauty
Here's an extra special review for you all!! I received several products from Blended Beauty, the Natural Hair Oil and Happy Nappy Styles. I love good products and this is one brand that I've been itching to try! Not to mention the fact that my hair has been crazy dry this winter, I was really hoping that these products could help alleviate some of that as well.
Blended Beauty hair care products were designed specifically for the needs of those with dry, wavy, curly, kinky, and relaxed or heat-straightened hair.
Our main goal is to provide superior quality products that beautify the look of the hair but also nourish the hair from the inside out, promoting healthy growth and diminishing breakage. All our products are formulated with naturally derived ingredients and are between 98%-99% natural.
Let's start with the Natural Hair Oil first...
Oils of Sunflower, Avocado, and Beantree, Grapeseed with Rosemary extract and Soy lecithin provide deep moisturizing without clogging hair follicles. This blend has a light weight feel and will keep hair, moisturized, healthy and growing. It can also be used as a hot oil treatment before shampooing, or in between shampoo and conditioner with very dry hair. $20.00/8 oz
Ingredients: Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Perfume, Soy Lecithin, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract.
Directions: Apply as needed to hair and scalp and leave on. Or heat oil, apply liberally to hair and scalp, leave on five minutes and shampoo out, then use conditioner.
Directions: Apply as needed to hair and scalp and leave on. Or heat oil, apply liberally to hair and scalp, leave on five minutes and shampoo out, then use conditioner.
I was able to use this product for dry detangling, as a hot oil treatment, and for sealing in moisture. The oil is GREAT!! It smells great, it feels great, it goes on great, and even though it's an oil it really is not that greasy and absorbs well. The trigger bottle is wonderful, it was easy to use and I can definitely reuse the bottle once I finish using the product. I used this to oil my scalp once I finished my twists and I also applied to my ends...my hair loved it! Soaked it up and my hair felt so good! It doesn't take much product and I can see this lasting me for another couple months with regular use.
On to the Happy Nappy Styles...
A rich and moisturizing styling cream for kinky curls and dreads, or highly textured hair. Style and define your curls or twist locs, while naturally hydrating. Perfect for finger twisting curls! Create defined curls, with maximum moisture and softness. Dries touchably soft and satiny, not sticky or greasy. $Ingredients: Aloe and Chamomile Water, Rice Bran Oil, Shea Butter, Natural Conditioner, Polysorbate 20, Vegetable Glycerin, Capryl Isostearate, Soy Lecithin,Guar Gum, Natural Preservative Optiphin, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Silk Powder.
Directions: Apply to clean damp or dry, detangled hair in small sections and smooth through completely. Style with fingers, not a comb, to reduce poof.
I loved the Happy Nappy Styles, it worked well for smoothing my curls in two strand twists. The product is thick, but it absorbs well (not like the Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie...that stuff took WORK to get through!) It was smooth and creamy upon application, and it did a great job with just a little bit of product. I used a little more than a fingertip for each twist and I suspect I'll get plenty of uses out of this one 8 oz container. The resulting twist out was very shiny, soft and very well defined. I made sure to concentrate on my ends and I think had my ends been trimmed the twist out out would've been one of my best ones to date! Even though it doesn't have hold, my twists were still holding up well beyond the initial take down, even in this crazy Houston weather.
All in all I would definitely recommend this product for those who want something to leave their hair soft and defined, not crunchy and fuzzy! There are a few other products I'd love to get my hands on from the Blended Beauty line, so I'll let you know if/when I can try those too!
Directions: Apply to clean damp or dry, detangled hair in small sections and smooth through completely. Style with fingers, not a comb, to reduce poof.
I loved the Happy Nappy Styles, it worked well for smoothing my curls in two strand twists. The product is thick, but it absorbs well (not like the Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie...that stuff took WORK to get through!) It was smooth and creamy upon application, and it did a great job with just a little bit of product. I used a little more than a fingertip for each twist and I suspect I'll get plenty of uses out of this one 8 oz container. The resulting twist out was very shiny, soft and very well defined. I made sure to concentrate on my ends and I think had my ends been trimmed the twist out out would've been one of my best ones to date! Even though it doesn't have hold, my twists were still holding up well beyond the initial take down, even in this crazy Houston weather.
All in all I would definitely recommend this product for those who want something to leave their hair soft and defined, not crunchy and fuzzy! There are a few other products I'd love to get my hands on from the Blended Beauty line, so I'll let you know if/when I can try those too!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Curly Reading: Hand in Hair Syndrome
I found this article on Naturally Curly earlier, but I though it was share worthy! Especially as one of those naturals who loves playing in their hair...sometimes you really don't realize you're doing it until someone else points it out. It's important to note that it's okay to appreciate your hair with a fluff here or there, but constant manipulation and playing in your hair can lead to negative consequences. Check out the article and let the author know how you deal with HIHS.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
The Last Natural Resources Livestream
Hey family!! Today is the LAST in the three part series brought to you by Natural Resources Salon, located here in Houston, Texas. If weren't able to catch the first two make SURE you tune in tonight.
The last event will feature a live big chop, hair demonstrations, discussion forums and more
The upcoming show will focus on the 'big chop," fresh, natural cuts and shapes for the New Year. The staff at Natural Resources Salon have their own personal stories of overcoming their fear of the big chop. Stylist, Kim Turner said, "I was nervous, but I did it anyway. I wasn't sure how people would perceive me. Compliments from friends and family helped me become more confident with my natural look."
The big chop is often viewed as both an internal and external transformation. For many, it symbolizes starting fresh, especially in the new year.
"Life’s hair moments, good or bad leave indelible marks on the memory," said Fletcher. "I think any woman can pull off a nice, feminine shape. A fly new pair of earrings and bronzer for your cheeks are a great way to spice up a new mini-fro."
The discussion forum will give women an opportunity to share about concerns and challenges they've faced in making the decision to go natural. The remaining portion of the event will feature an interview with a woman whose made the decision to do the big chop, a live demonstration and a Q & A with Fletcher. Questions can be submitted live, during the event and leading up to it on the Natural Resources Salon Facebook Page and Twitter Account.
Natural Resources Salon to Host the Livestream "Naturally Live" Series Finale
The last event will feature a live big chop, hair demonstrations, discussion forums and more
Houston, TX, January 9, 2012- On Tuesday, January 17th from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. CST., Natural Resources Salon will host their final event of their first live stream series titled, "Naturally Live." The 3-part series focuses on healthy hair maintenance, easy, do-it-yourself styling and acts as a discussion forum for hot topics related to natural hair. Users can participate from wherever they are, using multiple social media networks and can send in questions leading up to the event.
Salon Co-owner Tamika Fletcher said, “The Livestream events have been a great way to connect with our clients, friends and new friends. We feel that it's been hugely successful in connecting women with common interests, and we're excited about our series finale."
The upcoming show will focus on the 'big chop," fresh, natural cuts and shapes for the New Year. The staff at Natural Resources Salon have their own personal stories of overcoming their fear of the big chop. Stylist, Kim Turner said, "I was nervous, but I did it anyway. I wasn't sure how people would perceive me. Compliments from friends and family helped me become more confident with my natural look."
The big chop is often viewed as both an internal and external transformation. For many, it symbolizes starting fresh, especially in the new year.
"Life’s hair moments, good or bad leave indelible marks on the memory," said Fletcher. "I think any woman can pull off a nice, feminine shape. A fly new pair of earrings and bronzer for your cheeks are a great way to spice up a new mini-fro."
The discussion forum will give women an opportunity to share about concerns and challenges they've faced in making the decision to go natural. The remaining portion of the event will feature an interview with a woman whose made the decision to do the big chop, a live demonstration and a Q & A with Fletcher. Questions can be submitted live, during the event and leading up to it on the Natural Resources Salon Facebook Page and Twitter Account.
Register and sign up for reminders at www.livestream.com/naturalresourcessalon. Natural Resources is on Facebook at Facebook.com/NaturalResourcesSalon and on Twitter at @Natural_Mecca. The series Twitter hashtag is #Naturallylive.
To learn more about Natural Resources Salon visit www.naturalresourcessalon.com.To schedule an interview with Tamika Fletcher, contact Ashley Small at ashley@medley-inc.com or 281-827-3419.
About Natural Resources Salon
Natural Resources Salon, located in Houston’sflourishing Rice Village Shopping area, is celebrating its 10th year as Houston’s leading natural hair care salon and boutique.
October 2001 marked the birth of a business inspired by a love for natural beauty. Natural Resources appeals to the natural professional in search of a salon that values a pristine, tranquil, and Zen-like atmosphere with an urban flair. Looking for an escape from your busy life? Every treatment and service provided is designed to unify mental relaxation and holistic hair care. Master natural hair care specialists strive to give all clients modern, sophisticated,versatile natural styles. We specialize in chemical free services while paying superior attention to healthy hair and scalp. Earth's Nectar™, the salon's signature line of hair and skin products, delivers results and a happy balance between nature and indulgence.
"We believe that natural hair and organic products go hand in hand because people want to feel close to nature when they’re being pampered." Word of mouth referrals from all over the country have helped to build our stellar reputation for professional service, quality products, and originality. Let us help you express your style--simply, beautifully, naturally.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Curly Hair Care: The Curly Hair Oil Roundup
Here's my article on "The Curly Hair Oil Roundup"...of course there are many others, more exotic oils, but these are pretty much found lots of places.
What oils do you like to use?
Curly Nikki | Natural Hair Styles and Curly Hair Care: The Curly Hair Oil Roundup: by Lisa Michelle of NaturallyCurly.com When it comes to maintaining your curly hair, you may be seeing lots of products bombarding the mar...
What oils do you like to use?
Curly Nikki | Natural Hair Styles and Curly Hair Care: The Curly Hair Oil Roundup: by Lisa Michelle of NaturallyCurly.com When it comes to maintaining your curly hair, you may be seeing lots of products bombarding the mar...
Friday, January 6, 2012
Goal Setting (among other things) in 2012
I usually try to at least THINK about what I want to accomplish for the next year by Christmas...this year I seem to be having a bit of a late start lol! So many great things, unimaginable things, awesomely exciting things happened to me in the latter half of 2011 that I have to say THANK YOU LORD for...I know I'm blessed :) From starting this blog, to doing the NC.com photo shoot, to writing for NC.com, to attending my first BIG natural hair event as a VIP blogger, to meeting SO MANY gorgeous naturals AND making connections to last a lifetime...2011 was good to me!
Because I experienced so much positivity in 2011 surrounding This Hair of Mine, I know I have to aim big for 2012. And by aim, I really mean set goals because things don't just happen on their own. I know I have to open my mouth and speak certain things into existence, or at least my intentions, and BELIEVE in my capability to achieve them. I am very much an Aquarius and sometimes (well ALL the time) I find myself making lists and spreadsheets to make sure I keep the most important things in front of me. I plan on taking better care of myself first...if I can't get and keep it together there's not going to be much going for me with this blog! In 2010 I made a tremendous effort to get healthy, lose weight, and build confidence...I am proud to say I achieved all of those, however, I was not able to stay on track through 2011. I fell off the wagon...HARD...I'm talking I haven't seen the inside of my gym in months AND I gained back almost everything that I worked my ass off to lose. 2012 is not going to be that way. My running coach and good friend said that I simply took a break, and now the break has to be over. My break is officially over!!!
When it comes to hair goals, I know I need to keep it simple or I will not be able to make them happen. As my hair has gotten longer, I've managed to get overwhelmed quite easily with the task of maintaining it. Simple things aren't always so simple with my hair and I'm sure someone out there can relate. Sometimes I just despise the process of doing my hair...and that's just the plain truth! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE LOVE LOVE my hair...absolutely LOVE this hair of mine and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Sometimes I wish I could cut it off and rock my almost fade again...who knows, I might venture down that path again in the future. I've seen some hot TWAs lately and I wish I knew how to do something other than a puff when I went through that stage. But my main hair goal is to be consistent with my hair...I think that is what gets me down sometimes with my hair. In 2009 when I first became a healthy natural, I would consistently co-wash my hair Wednesdays and Sundays...even if I was having a great hair day! It pained me to do it, but my hair really thrived with this routine. I really want to get back to that. My problem today is that, when I'm having a good hair day, I don't want to mess it up. I want to make it last (that's going to be a whole 'nother post!) and that isn't always the best thing for my hair. I'm going to take some time to really listen to my hair because the longer it gets the more attention it needs and I've gotten away from that. Sunday will be my pamper day...if I stay in the house I'm going to be deep conditioning and that's all there is to it! No matter how it looked the day before, even if I'm rocking the fiercest twist out ever in life I'm still going to deep condition it. Why? Because I love my hair and I know it needs it :) Long hair isn't always a walk in the park, next to the ocean breeze, under a clear sky, with a cherry on top...you get where I'm going? It takes work and by golly I'm going to work for my hair. This WILL be my best hair year ever...just watch and see!
Styling and products will be on the list too. I have so many products to go through it's not even funny...I have been product hoarding. I have a fear/phobia that I would use up something before realizing how to really use it and then not have it anymore. I know it's silly but that's really how I feel. This weekend, while my wonderful Texans beat the crap out of Cincinnati in their first playoff run (GO TEXANS!!) I will be compiling all, and I do mean ALL of my products, on my living room floor. You must start with admitting you have a problem, and this will be my confession. And yes, I will share my beautiful dark twisted addiction with y'all, just please don't laugh! I will be listing (back to my lists again) all of the products I have, the ones I've used and the ones I've yet to use, and will organize and start using them...I will not be afraid! Matter of fact, I will probably have to record this because it's going to be EPIC!
I've also got to start experimenting with new styles and fashion too! What better than a new year to cultivate a new style sense. I'm a voyeur, an observer, and my eyes are always open. Not to say that I'll always be pushing the envelope, but I just won't be scared to take a peek over the ledge :) I tried quite a few new and different hair styles that I wouldn't have imagined in the years prior. I'm actually envious (yep, I said it) of the ladies I've been watching on YouTube and blogs that come up with all these creative styles. I'm not calling anybody out on this post, but I will make a post of some of my HAIRspirations so y'all can be envious too...yep, I said that too! Bantu knot outs, flexi rod sets, finger coils, perfecting flat twists, braided/twisted updos...these are just a few of the styles I want to do this year. I've been a nail polish junkie too so I'm going to make an effort to do my nails weekly too...just call Sunday my "Pretty Pamper Me" day :)
I don't know how this "intended to be simple hair goals for 2012" post grew into such a gargantuan, mammoth, mega rant but I think I need to get back to this. This blog, when I first started it, really soothed my soul and I think I had gotten away from that. So if you see me rambling pay me no mind...if you want to add to my ramble please feel free! This blog is a place for everyone to be themselves, no judgement passed. With that being said, I hope everyone has a great Friday, a wonderful weekend, and a fantastic 2012!
Because I experienced so much positivity in 2011 surrounding This Hair of Mine, I know I have to aim big for 2012. And by aim, I really mean set goals because things don't just happen on their own. I know I have to open my mouth and speak certain things into existence, or at least my intentions, and BELIEVE in my capability to achieve them. I am very much an Aquarius and sometimes (well ALL the time) I find myself making lists and spreadsheets to make sure I keep the most important things in front of me. I plan on taking better care of myself first...if I can't get and keep it together there's not going to be much going for me with this blog! In 2010 I made a tremendous effort to get healthy, lose weight, and build confidence...I am proud to say I achieved all of those, however, I was not able to stay on track through 2011. I fell off the wagon...HARD...I'm talking I haven't seen the inside of my gym in months AND I gained back almost everything that I worked my ass off to lose. 2012 is not going to be that way. My running coach and good friend said that I simply took a break, and now the break has to be over. My break is officially over!!!
When it comes to hair goals, I know I need to keep it simple or I will not be able to make them happen. As my hair has gotten longer, I've managed to get overwhelmed quite easily with the task of maintaining it. Simple things aren't always so simple with my hair and I'm sure someone out there can relate. Sometimes I just despise the process of doing my hair...and that's just the plain truth! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE LOVE LOVE my hair...absolutely LOVE this hair of mine and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Sometimes I wish I could cut it off and rock my almost fade again...who knows, I might venture down that path again in the future. I've seen some hot TWAs lately and I wish I knew how to do something other than a puff when I went through that stage. But my main hair goal is to be consistent with my hair...I think that is what gets me down sometimes with my hair. In 2009 when I first became a healthy natural, I would consistently co-wash my hair Wednesdays and Sundays...even if I was having a great hair day! It pained me to do it, but my hair really thrived with this routine. I really want to get back to that. My problem today is that, when I'm having a good hair day, I don't want to mess it up. I want to make it last (that's going to be a whole 'nother post!) and that isn't always the best thing for my hair. I'm going to take some time to really listen to my hair because the longer it gets the more attention it needs and I've gotten away from that. Sunday will be my pamper day...if I stay in the house I'm going to be deep conditioning and that's all there is to it! No matter how it looked the day before, even if I'm rocking the fiercest twist out ever in life I'm still going to deep condition it. Why? Because I love my hair and I know it needs it :) Long hair isn't always a walk in the park, next to the ocean breeze, under a clear sky, with a cherry on top...you get where I'm going? It takes work and by golly I'm going to work for my hair. This WILL be my best hair year ever...just watch and see!
Styling and products will be on the list too. I have so many products to go through it's not even funny...I have been product hoarding. I have a fear/phobia that I would use up something before realizing how to really use it and then not have it anymore. I know it's silly but that's really how I feel. This weekend, while my wonderful Texans beat the crap out of Cincinnati in their first playoff run (GO TEXANS!!) I will be compiling all, and I do mean ALL of my products, on my living room floor. You must start with admitting you have a problem, and this will be my confession. And yes, I will share my beautiful dark twisted addiction with y'all, just please don't laugh! I will be listing (back to my lists again) all of the products I have, the ones I've used and the ones I've yet to use, and will organize and start using them...I will not be afraid! Matter of fact, I will probably have to record this because it's going to be EPIC!
I've also got to start experimenting with new styles and fashion too! What better than a new year to cultivate a new style sense. I'm a voyeur, an observer, and my eyes are always open. Not to say that I'll always be pushing the envelope, but I just won't be scared to take a peek over the ledge :) I tried quite a few new and different hair styles that I wouldn't have imagined in the years prior. I'm actually envious (yep, I said it) of the ladies I've been watching on YouTube and blogs that come up with all these creative styles. I'm not calling anybody out on this post, but I will make a post of some of my HAIRspirations so y'all can be envious too...yep, I said that too! Bantu knot outs, flexi rod sets, finger coils, perfecting flat twists, braided/twisted updos...these are just a few of the styles I want to do this year. I've been a nail polish junkie too so I'm going to make an effort to do my nails weekly too...just call Sunday my "Pretty Pamper Me" day :)
I don't know how this "intended to be simple hair goals for 2012" post grew into such a gargantuan, mammoth, mega rant but I think I need to get back to this. This blog, when I first started it, really soothed my soul and I think I had gotten away from that. So if you see me rambling pay me no mind...if you want to add to my ramble please feel free! This blog is a place for everyone to be themselves, no judgement passed. With that being said, I hope everyone has a great Friday, a wonderful weekend, and a fantastic 2012!
Monday, January 2, 2012
Keeping Social Media & Natural Hair Social
Social media plays a HUGE role in today's day in age...how do you think social media has impacted the natural hair community?
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Hello 2012!!
Hey! Hey! Hey! What do you say! 2012 is here today!
I'm in a great mood...maxing and relaxing in probably one of my favorite Christmas presents... FOOTIE PAJAMAS :) Yes, I'm grown but they are THE best! I hope an pray everyone had a great New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, I know I did! Seems like the week between Christmas and New Year's always goes by the fastest, maybe it's just anticipation?
Christmas was great and a bit bittersweet for me, but I always have a good ole time kicking around with my family. The hair? Oh, it was something like a hot mess but I didn't have the time nor patience to do anything fabulous with it. I didn't have time to wash so this was just an old twist out SCREAMING for some TLC and detangling lol! Crazy hair and all, I just couldn't resist a few webcam snaps :) Can you tell we had a good time?
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| Check out the PJs |
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| Take 2: Me & baby cousin Jayda |
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| Take 3: Introducing Sis (l) Jayda (m) and ME! |
I, in true Lisa fashion, waited til the last minute to try and do my hair before the Natural Resources Salon photo shoot. A quick wash and detangle was all I had time for, but the unfortunately the shoot didn't pan out for me. However, my friend Jessica was able to participate and I must say I can't wait to see the final pics! In the meantime, enjoy a few pics from the shoot :)
Jessica's style for the photo shoot. S!!
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| Flawless and ready for the cameras! |
Naturally Nicky serving up all kinds of FIERCE!
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| Fabulous twist out...another natural beauty. Hair, jewelry, outfit...CHECK! |
Now that my hair was half done and with no real styling options in mind, I was left to come up with some sort of style for New Years...last minute Lisa again, I know! I had intentions of going out to celebrate a friend's birthday Friday but that didn't happen since it took me forever to come up with a style. I still wasn't fully satisfied with it but since I love y'all I'll share :)
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| Decided to revisit the braided pompadour style |
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| The back was a little big but I didn't have the patience to work it out lol! |
Since I wasn't completely satisfied with this look for the New Year's Eve party I took to messing around with it...not always the best choice with only a few hours left in the year right? Unfortunately I didn't have any webcam snaps of the end style, but basically instead of a pompadour I had the hair in the front hanging to the side, left the braid intact and created a high bun. I've got to do better taking phone pics but this is one snapped by a nice guy on the way out of the event (pardon the photo quality lol!)
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| NYE 2012 with my girls and random gentleman |
I brought in 2012 with a couple of my favorite girls and I hope this joy continues throughout the year. I wish happiness, health and prosperity to each of you who's eyes this may reach. I do believe in putting positive affirmations into the universe and I do believe 2012 should be a great year for This Hair of Mine :)
Thank you so much for your continued support, I hope to become even more interactive with y'all. Please feel free to email me any questions or topics you'd like to discuss on This Hair of Mine, I'm open to all your comments, concerns and feedback! I would like to participate in more natural hair events and meet-ups and I hope to meet more of you guys out and about. It really makes my day :)
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