It's Been a Long Time...

Hey THoM family!

I know it's been a LONG time since I've posted on here and I've been fussing at myself as to why...sometimes LIFE prohibits you from doing some of the fun things (like blogging) and I want to make sure I'm giving you all things of substance, not junk.  SO I hope you all forgive me :)

I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of my niece, and have been in a bit of a hair funk these past few weeks.  Well, let me be more honest and say a month...maybe 5 weeks or so?  My hair has been the least of my concerns and I finally could not avoid doing it any longer.  I know, I know....I'm such a natural hair role model huh?  I'm a normal person, and sometimes I just don't like doing my hair.  Those times are very few and far between because I usually LOVE playing in my hair...well I'm getting back to that and it feels SO GOOD!  I'll make sure I post the end result of the amount of hair shed I had...it was beyond the normal amount I usually experience, but I'm not surprised since I had essentially been wearing my hair in and out of a bun.  Can you say a hot tangled mess? UGH!!

Well now that THAT struggle is over, I have some wonderful news to share with you all :) Have you checked out the Facebook page of NaturallyCurly.com? I'M ON THE COVER PHOTO!!!! AND I'm the face of 3C on their hair typing page...how's that for a little natural hair motivation?  I feel so GOOD, my hair feels GOOD, and I and so honored to be involved with such an awesome community. 

It seems so much easier sometimes to post to my Facebook page and I certainly don't mean to neglect the blog site.  I think I'm going to attempt to have something like a schedule on this page.  I want to make regular posts (and videos) as well as share helpful information from some of my favorite sites & bloggers.  Fingers crossed!!

Lisa Michelle!!

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?

Keeping Social Media & Natural Hair Social

Transitioning Hair Tips You Can't Live Without

For those of you who are transitioning...keep your head up!!

Transitioning Hair Tips You Can't Live Without

Lisa Michelle :)

Big Chop Tips You Can’t Live Without

A little bit of advice from yours truly regarding your Big Chop...just a few tips. What are some tips/advice you'd give to someone considering a BC or recently BCd? Thanks for checking it out :)

Big Chop Tips You Can’t Live Without

Lisa Michelle

Natural Hair Tips & Myths for Newbies

I'm on NaturallyCurly.com again!!  Please go check my article out...I've giving a bit of insight about some of the important things I've picked up on my journey.  Thanks for your support THoM family :)

Natural Hair Tips & Myths for Newbies

Lisa Michelle

Natural Hair Tips from Natural Resources Salon

Hey guys!! Check out my latest article on Naturally Curly :) I'm excited y'all...and there's much more to come. Thanks to all of you for subscribing to THoM, I appreciate all of your support! Stay tuned and spread the word!

Natural Hair Tips from Natural Resources Salon

I'M ON ONE!!

Hey y'all!! Guess who's natural hair story made it to Naturally Curly? MINE!!! My story posted on Naturally Curly TODAY so please check it out :) Thank you for ALL of your support, and continuing to subscribe and follow my blog, Facebook page and YouTube channel. Many thanks :)

 

 

Lisa Michelle's Road to Natural Hair

Lisa Michelle :)

Check Out NaturallyCurly.com

I helped write part of an article that posted on Friday, October 14th!!  I wrote about Enisha Brewster's hairstyle and how to achieve the look she wore on the red carpet for the Footloose movie premier.  Check it out here. 

This is so awesome!!!  I love the natural hair community and the support we've been receiving here at This Hair of Mine :)

Lisa Michelle

Naturally Curly Photo Shoot - A Visual Tour

I tried to fit all of the "fun" into a video...well I think I did pretty good to give a virtual walk-through of sorts!  Now this is mostly pictures for the simple fact that I forgot I had my camcorder until it was time for me to head back home :( And I hadn't quite figured out how to add music yet so it's very quiet...I may reupload once I get my skills up in that area lol!  So I previously wrote a novel (lol!) to describe the experience, now you'll get to see what I saw for the most part.  Enjoy!

Oh, and enjoy a peek at the swag bag that we received for participating

THANK YOU NATURALLY CURLY!!

They included so many neat products, and I did swap a couple products so I could try ones I though may work better for my hair.  And I also asked, and was provided, the Miss Jessie's Curly Buttercreme to try (can't wait!!)  I've never used anything from that product line, and although I was disappointed to read the ingredients (#2 petrolatum (yes that's how it's spelled on the package) and #4 mineral oil) I will give it a shot.

I hope you enjoyed my virtual walkthrough!  Now I've still been wearing the same twistout since the photo shoot...actually I wore my hair like this to work the past couple days

My "Sho-Nuff" style...check out Last Dragon if you don't know ;)

It's not as bad as I thought it would be since all the tousling and fluffing of Sunday.  I "planned" on washing last night but I got distracted (working on this video!) So maybe tonight...

I appreciate you taking the time to watch this video and support my blog.  Please make sure to subscribe to my blog and my YouTube page.  It's free!! Also, check out my Facebook page and Twitter as well...they're free also!!  Help me spread the word about the beauty of Natural hair!  And please leave your comments, feedback, ask question, and give suggestions.  I am listening and will respond :)

Lisa Michelle :)

Naturally Curly Photo Shoot (Play-By Play)

I had the absolute pleasure of participating in the Naturally Curly photo shoot on Sunday, September 25^th.   For those of you who may not know what Naturally Curly is, I suggest you keep reading.  They are the flagship brand of TexturaMedia, Inc and a social media & informative power house for curly girls around the world.  They have the information YOU are seeking, for every curl type and every level of natural from transitioning, to newly natural and veterans alike.  This was the FIRST place I looked to for help upon deciding that I wanted to be a healthy natural.  Recently they celebrated their 13^th year in existence and I’m positive there are curlies worldwide exalting a collaborative “HAPPY BIRTHDAY”

 

 

I digress…back to the PHOTO SHOOT!!

Pre photo shoot hair 9/24/11

They posted on their Facebook page about the upcoming photo shoot and that they were looking for curly haired folks to be part of a photo shoot for the website.  I promptly submitted several photos of my hair in random styles and low and behold they picked me…THEY PICKED ME!! Oh the joy I felt, the elation, the excitement…needless to say I was overwhelmed.  Although I did not know what to expect, I was ready to get involved.  I spread the word to some of my friends, and Ms. Ericka of Dope Crochet was also selected to be in the photo shoot as well!  Seems like the week leading up to the photo shoot everything went sideways – I washed part of my hair before the water went out for the rest of the day (IKR!?!) Then I couldn’t find anything to wear so I had to run out and buy something (yes, I have clothes in my closet but wasn’t feeling anything) I stayed out Friday til late, had to work on Saturday and STILL had to drive to Austin.  Luckily the twist style I tried (thanks Naptural85!!) worked like a charm to create a separated, well defined twist out with minimal frizz.  I popped some perm rods in the ends Friday night and had a haute, soft, luscious modified Curly Nikki twist & curl...  Hair was on point!!

 

 

Saturday night when I got to Austin I hung out with my family til almost 10, knowing what I had to do the next day.  Don’t act like I’m the only one who does this…I can’t help it sometimes *shrug* Sunday morning comes and I’m frantic…shouldn’t have been but it’s what I do best (procrastination) I needed to polish my nails, run to Walmart, take my twists down, iron…etc, y’all get the idea.  I managed to get everything together and make it to the shoot on time (HALLELUJAH!) BOY, I was not expecting everything that was awaiting me.  There were hair stylists and makeup artists, and staffers, and models abound.  Not to mention the salon was fantastic!!

Let me take a moment to describe the salon…opulent, spacious and inviting.  The ambiance was so on point, I don’t think I’ve ever been into a salon that nice.  You could really tell that Ron King took his time to make every single aspect of his salon as perfect as it could be.  The stylists’ stations were spacious with great lighting and comfortable chairs.  The details at every turn were super cool, from the blue chandelier that greeted you upon entry, to the wall that looked like glass flowers, and the sink and faucet in bathroom? Amazing is NOT the word. 

 

The Ron King Salon...simply beautiful!

WHAT ABOUT THE SHOOT LISA!!!

Post hair (Kira) & makeup (Nisa)

I know, I know, I have to set y’all up for the moment!!  First I had my makeup done by the wonderful Nisa. She really gave me a natural look, and enhanced what I already had. She fixed me up effortlessly, gave me some shimmer with gold eye shadow (totally my style!).  Next I landed in the chair of the fabulous Kira of The Hair Clinic.  She was so pretty!! And she totally handled my hair with the utmost of care.  Y’all know it’s been close to 5 years since the last time I left my hair in a stylists hands…I would definitely let her in my head.  And on a side note, she said I did a good job with my ends *shimmy* My hair was pretty well defined, and I’m not quite sure what she added but after getting out of her chair my hair was a more sleek.  She did suggest a product that I’m probably going to try, Nairobi foam wrap. I looked it up online, the reviews are great, and she said it would work well for twists/twisting out because it leaves the hair soft but with hold.  After she hooked me up I went to Rudy to take some headshots and 360 of my hair.  Now that was kinda neat, he was great at giving direction, then they did a “curl” picture at the end by snapping a picture of a great curl to show the pattern.  The only thing I didn’t get to do was a “stretch” picture to show the length of my hair…it is pretty deceptive lol!

Pre-shoot mimosa (yes, I did get some on my shirt!)

  

Thanks to my new friend Marie for taking pics during my session :)

 

Next I changed into my dress and I was the hair model for the TWIST OUT VIDEO!!! How freaking awesome was that?!?  I had no idea it could get any better than it already was.  I would’ve been content with some headshots lol!  This was so exciting and nerve wrecking, and I know it was for Kira…she was having to speak about how to evolve a twist out, to make it last longer, and to get the most out of the hairstyle.  I know all about that since it’s my staple style.  I rock my twists for close to a week sometimes, then a twist out for another 4 or 5 and depending on if I’m feeling lazy or not, the front gets pinned back and I can get a full 2 weeks out of my style.  The video was actually pretty neat and I’m kicking myself that A) I didn’t have anyone taking pictures of me during, and B) that I completely forgot I had my little camcorder until AFTER we left the shoot.  Anywho, Kira worked a couple of hot styles out of my hair and I was like “What what!!” I was genuinely impressed!  The first ‘do was the front pinned back (and yes, I went out and bought some hair pins so I can TRY to recreate the look…can’t wait til the video comes out so I can actually see what she did!)  and the second look was the back pulled up with the front left out…sexy!!  And I am so glad I had a few products in my stash…we didn’t actually use anything, just giving a narrative of how to achieve each look and a general idea of what kind of product can be used.  I just so happened to have my Karen’s Body Beautiful Sweet Ambrosia and my Darcy’s Botanicals Coconut & Hibiscus Conditioning Oil on hand so I managed to get those in the video (hopefully they stay!)  That was too fun!! Can’t wait to see it all finished and edited!

 

Fluffed up :)

Next were the editorial shots…uh huh!! They actually wanted my hair bigger…and when I mean big there were ladies walking around with hair to their shoulders and beyond!  Mine ended up being a higher, more 70s glam kinda fro, a bit piecy with my hair in my face.  Very hot!  It took a little bit of time to get to Amber Vickery (she’s SO awesome and SO cool and SO much fun!) so I enjoyed lunch, another mimosa, and some chit chat time with Michelle, the co-founder and president of Naturally Curly.  I wish I would’ve been more prepared but I’ll share what she said from my brief impromptu interview lol!

 

Me and Michelle, President & Co-Founder of Naturally Curly

 

 

When I finally got to Amber I think I was beyond excited, if I had on pants I would’ve burst the seams!  It was crazy windy outside, and I think we were close to 104 degrees (yea I know, what a combination…only in Texas!) but somehow I didn’t feel much of any of that once we started shooting.  I had an umbrella and a floppy sun hat as props, and the gorgeous downtown Austin as a backdrop.  The umbrella was fighting me but I think I ended up kicking its butt!!  Then…the floppy hat…oh my goodness! My hair, in all its glory did NOT want it, but I made it work.  The wind tried to knock it off but I held it strong and ended up getting some great shots!  I’ve never done a professional photo shoot before, but I tell you that Amber was great to work with, she made me feel really comfortable when I was trying not to laugh at the wind’s attempt to steal the goods…she’s truly a professional and great at her job!

 A few available photos, taken by the talented Amber Vickery

 

I couldn’t tell you how long we were outside, maybe 15-20 minutes or so, but it felt so quick…they say time flies when you’re having fun!  Once we got back inside the salon we actually got to take more photos with Rudy!! It just kept getting better and better…I got to cheer some of my new friends on with their shoots then it was my turn again.  This time I got to be a techno gal, posing with my Evo, and iPad, and a Mac book (cool right?!?) I got a crack at the umbrella again and that was really cool to work with since there weren’t gale force winds contend with lol!  AND they brought out the “diva” wind…aka the fan…talk about feeling like a real model.  We got to dance and take some pretty candid photos, so what better way to round out the photo shoot.  At the end of the event, we were given "swag" goodies bags filled with some of the best products for natural and/or curly haired gals.

 

Posing with the iPad

 

The after-the-shoot party took place at Taco Cabana/Tiff’s Treat...yummy!  I couldn’t have asked for a better first ever photo shoot.  The entire Naturally Curly staff made this into a once-in-a-lifetime experience, maybe I’ll get to do something like this again in the future, but it’s going to be extremely hard to top this.  I’m sorry if I carried on, but I just want to try and convey the excitement of the day.  I’ll put the rest of the pictures in a slide show so I don’t take up too much more room lol!

 

Lisa Michelle ;)

Naturally Curly Photo Shoot (preview)

I wish I had more time to fully explain the depth of exhilaration and gratitude I feel after participating in the Naturally Curly photo shoot this past Sunday.  The whole experience was beyond my imagination...I didn't know what to expect but boy, it sure blew my small thoughts out the water!!!  There were so many people there to help make it a success, we did headshots and fun, casual photos with photographer Rudy (yeaaa to Diva Wind aka the fan!), I was a HAIR MODEL (aaahhhh!!!) for a video about how to evolve your twist-out hairstyle and make it last longer, and we also did lifestyle shots with photographer Amber (amazing!!)  Nisa did my make-up (she was so cool!) and Kira with The Hair Clinic  did some magic on my mane, got me all sleek and stuff, and she also did several styles for the video (she left the back down and pulled the front back, and she also did a mostly updo cascading down in the front WHOA! Both were so hot but I got no pics :( since they were videoing it)  The Ron King salon was breathtaking...I have never been into a salon so impeccable and Mr. King was just as impeccable! Michelle, Alicia, Tracey and the other Naturally Curly staff were so warm and friendly! They sure knew how to make a girl happy!  Oh, and I can't forget about the other hair models...I met some wonderful people there and I'm sure we'll be the curly bunch from here on out (hey Marie, Layla, Vicki, Ariel!) and my Dope Crochet friend Ericka was a hair model too!! Her photos with Amber are spectacular!

There isn't enough time to give you all the business, so I'll leave you with a few photos that are already available.  I can't wait to see the rest!

Lisa Michelle :)