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.

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.

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!

Developing Your Own Healthy Hair Regimen

The one thing I can say about being Natural is that it gives you the freedom to, well, be free and try a multitude of styles and products.  It's quite hard to find an entire regimen that works well for every single person, I'm not going to say impossible, but what works for me may not work for you.  We all have different hair types, textures, densities, hair preferences, etc...that's the beauty of natural hair.  Our hair allows us to try a little of this and a little of that, and this process, this journey, is what helps us learn our hair.  Of course, it's great to have other people to look to for guidance, valuable information, and advice, but ultimately it's YOUR hair...do what you want to do ;)

What I wanted to share are some of the things I have learned about creating a regimen, and how to customize it to fit your hair needs.  There are several main components of any hair regimen, with these you can cultivate a healthy, vibrant head of hair.  The basic blueprint of a hair regimen include:

CLEANSE

CONDITION

STYLE

That's it really.  The concept is easy...you can choose to make it as complicated or simple as you wish.  The principles are quite basic: CLEANSE clean hair and scalp enables your follicles to stay clear and for your hair to grow uninhibited CONDITION imparts moisture and nourishment into your hair in preparation for styling STYLE well this is up to you ;)  With these key principles you can start or enhance your journey towards healthy hair.

Want to delve into customizing this for your hair?  Let's break them down and give some samples of what you can add to make your hair happy.

CLEANSE - you have many more options with shampoos today, especially for Naturals.  When I first started my healthy hair journey a couple years ago, I chose to go the "no-poo" route.  This is  forgoing traditional shampoo in the sense, and opting for using conditioner to essentially "wash" your hair.  This usually only works well when you are avoiding certain ingredients that are either too heavy or cause buildup (like petroleum, silicones, or mineral oil)  I used primarily natural butters and oil during this time and I never had an issue with getting my hair clean, dry scalp or dandruff (I "thought" I had dandruff when I was relaxed...it turns out I just needed to change my lifestyle because once I went natural I've never had the issue again!)  On the occasion where I did feel like clarifying my scalp (every 4-5 weeks or so) I would add a bit of baking soda to my conditioner (a couple teaspoons maybe) and this worked to effectively remove build up and leave my scalp sparkling but my hair soft and not stripped.  Now I'm experimenting with some wonderful new products that are natural and clean my hair without drying it out.  I've even tried a shampoo bar for the first time :)  You can also look into using African black soap or castille soap as more natural alternatives.

CONDITION - This is probably the most important part, in my opinion, since you can actually choose to go no-poo.  Conditioning the hair is essential as a Natural because, as I'm sure many of you know, our hair tends to be dry.  Very dry for most of us.  Utilizing conditioners in your regimen helps to boost moisture content, add strength and elasticity, and smooth the cuticle of the hair in preparation for styling.  I'm gonna be real with y'all...I love conditioners.  LOVE conditioners...this is my vice.  I probably have 15...20...25 okay, lemme stop!  I have quite a few conditioners in my stash, not to say I use them all, but I've used most of them. I've got some with fantastic ingredients, I've got a few with questionable ingredients, I've got some cheapies, I've got some protein enriched...I've got it all.  I like to classify conditioners under several categories: traditional (rinse-out), deep conditioners, detangling, and leave-ins (not in the traditional leave-in sense, but those that can be rinsed partially and distributed for wash-n-gos) A good traditional conditioner can double as a deep conditioner, a detangler or a leave-in.  I like a thicker conditioner, one with moisturizing properties, and one that at least allows me to finger detangle with ease.  The difference, for me, between a traditional conditioner and a DC is that I wouldn't try to do too much detangling with a DC.  You can make your traditional conditioner act as a DC by sitting under a streamer or hooded dryer, or just throwing on a plastic baggie and a Hair Therapy wrap.  A detangling conditioner for me would be one like Suave or Aussie...cheap, good slip for detangling with my shower comb, and not too many crazy ingredients.  Personally I'm not too fond of leaving conditioner in my hair, but I've seen some great results on many other Naturals.  In addition, sometimes your hair may need a bit more TLC, and in this case you may use a traditional/detangling conditioner, then follow up with a deep conditioning treatment. 

STYLE - This is where you can cultivate your own original style.  Whether you rock twists and twist outs like myself, or venture down a more creative path by rocking braided updo's or add accessories like scarves or tams.  The products that you can use in the styling process depends on the style in which you want to achieve.  The all important thing to remember is to properly moisturize and seal the hair, no matter what style it is you are aiming to achieve.  The sealing process involves water based product, oil based product and/or a cream based product, and while the products you choose to use are purely up to you, the sequence is critical in properly sealing the moisture in. A water based product is first...and yes, you can use plain old water as that is the ultimate moisturizer.  You can also use a product with a high water content, like a lighter leave-in, following your washing routine.  Next is the oil based product.  This is the step that actually seals the moisture in, since the oil molecules are heavier the water can't escape and therefore keep the moisture concentrated within the hair strand.  A cream based product is used to round out the process, adding another layer of protection for your hair.  Sometimes I bypass the cream based product, depending on the products that I'm using and the style I'm going for.  I usually always add a cream based product overnight, especially if my hair is in twists, adding yet another layer of moisturizing goodness.  The goal is to keep moisture in your hair, and this should help prevent split ends and breakage.  My sealing product trio may look something like this: Karen's Body Beautiful Sweet Ambrosia (water based) Butter Love (oil based) Creamylicious (cream based).  If you include her Jojoba oil, she has a perfect combination to keep your hair soft, moisturized, and full of sheen and body.



Karen's Body Beautiful

I know it seems like a whole lot of information, but if you stick with the basic principles you should be just fine!  Feel free to customize, add in, leave out...make it your own regimen.  Don't be afraid to try different products, there's really no right or wrong when it comes to learning your hair.  And if you listen it will guide you in the right direction.

What's in your healthy hair regimen?

Lisa Michelle

Natural Resources Meetup VIDEO

Hey guys, I know the meetup was last week, but I wanted to go ahead and post the video of the first part of the meetup.  Editing is hard work y'all...the video is still kinda long, but Tamika shares some great tips for caring for your natural hair.  Make sure you subscribe to my blog, YouTube and Facebook pages...it's free and I'd really appreciate your show of support.  Let me know too if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions.  Thanks a bunch :)

Up past my bed time...again!  Oh well, such is life :)

Lisa Michelle

Curly Hair Care: Are We Length Obsessed?- Natural Hair

If y'all can't already tell I love me some Curly Nikki!! I too have found myself doing some of the things she mentioned in her response...I think as a society "length" is one of the things most sought after even in sacrifice of health.

Hi, my name is Lisa, and I want long AND healthy hair :)

Curly Nikki Natural Hair Styles and Curly Hair Care: Are We Length Obsessed?- Natural Hair: Angela of WiseCurls writes: *raises church finger* Excuse me team natural. I have a question. It's real out 'chea on these natural stree...

If I Only Knew Then...

This post is going to be about all the things I wish I knew when I first went natural.  First things first, I wish I really grasped the magnitude of going natural at the onset.  For me, and I've said this before, it wasn't a big deal.  It wasn't.  I cut my hair because I was in the mood for a change.  I was in Austin at the time, and there wasn't a big "movement", at least not one I was aware of.  Don't get me wrong, I loved my hair short, but I think that was mostly coming from a convenience standpoint.  All I had done prior to cutting my hair was relax, although I can't remember when I got my first one, but I permed pretty much throughout junior high and high school.  I think I had a texturizer somewhere in there, and I did cut my hair short I think junior year in high school.  That should give you a general idea of how I kept my hair...it was just "okay" hair, I never had any spectacular hair days like I do now ;)

Relaxed hair, circa 2004

When I finally went natural in 2004...and after my hair entered that "awkward" stage I didn't know what to do with it.  Instead of embracing it, I flat ironed it.  First chance I got and then what happens?  HEAT DAMAGE!! UGH!!!  And in my previous post, I told y'all that my friend specifically warned me that it could happen.  It wasn't until this moment that I realized how fragile my hair really was. (Myth #1: Natural hair is STRONGER than relaxed hair false!)  Of course after this tragedy, I had no choice but to flat iron it because it was horrible...and that lead me to my 2nd BC in 2006 :/

I think this is the only picture I have with a full blown fro

um...yea...the heat damage :(

So let's fast forward past 2006 to 2007 I pretty much wore braids to get me through my awkward phase.  This was good and bad.  Good in the sense that it was a protective style, but bad in the sense that I didn't know anything about deep conditioning or taking care of my hair outside of the braids. 

I did not know...I just didn't know, and ignorance is bliss.  When you know better, you do better :)  I bought a bunch of "good" products for my hair, but unbenownst to me, these were not of benefit to my NATURAL hair.  These products would've worked great on my relaxed hair, but again, I didn't know any better!  I continued to go through the process, just about weekly, of blow drying & flat ironing, flat ironing and blow drying.  I dread the process so much that even know that I would love to try and blow out my hair I'm scared.  I guess a little bit of fear is good, hey, it worked growing up didn't it!  I invested in a Chi flat iron, which really did wonders on my hair, as well as an arsenal of blow dryers, attachments, diffusers, brushes & combs.  I really am a product junkie to the core!  These tools kept my hair pretty much under control, but boy let that Houston heat and humidity catch me off guard and my sleek style was so through!  Before my sister's wedding in 2009 I braided my hair (with hair added) and that was the last time I straightened my hair.  HALLELUJAH!

The week leading up to my sister's wedding...hair's a mess!

I finally figured out the key to flat ironing my hair - a CHI!!



All that being said, I wouldn't be where I was today if I didn't go through all that I had been through.  Sometimes I wish I had been able to take a class on being natural...it's hard sometimes learning on your own, but if you don't go through certain things, how will you appreciate the good you actually have?  Myth #2: All natural hair is the same false!  I can tell you all day what works for my hair, but what works for me may not work for you.  I choose to use or not use certain ingredients in my hair...not to say that those ingredients may not work wonders for other Naturals, they're just not for me.  Now what I think I can say with some certainty is that a particular style may work across the board.  Twist outs, braid outs, bantu knots, mini twists...these styles are pretty much universal whether you have 3A or 4C hair.

Another myth stems from lack of correct information.  Myth #3: Your hair does not like/need water false! FALSE!!! Your relaxed hair despises water (at least mine did!) but your natural hair NEEDS water.  Most of the people I talk to or meet describe their hair as being dry...I can bet 9 times out of 10 they're not giving their hair enough moisture.  Water is the only true and consistent moisturizer, if your hair doesn't have it then guess what, it's NOT getting enough moisture!  So we as Naturals have to separate our thinking from relaxed to natural...water is your friend!

These were just a few of the things that I wish I knew when I first went natural.  My hair would probably be to my waist by now had I known how to take better care of it.  That's one of the reasons why I wanted to make this blog.  I don't have all the answers, but I think if there were more places spreading good, knowledgeable information about Natural hair care (not that Type F junk on YouTube) then more people would be encouraged to make this lifestyle change. 

What are some things you would do differently if you knew better when you started your natural hair  journey?

Lisa Michelle :)

Curly Hair Care: 5 Common Natural Hair Myths

A mythbuster of sorts...don't believe everything you hear about natural hair care. I'm definitely going to get back into co-washing twice a week because your hair NEEDS water, and I'm going to be more consistent with the 2-step process of moisturizing and sealing. MOISTURIZING & SEALING!! That's how you maintain healthy, shiny hair. #POW!

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QUESTION: How Long Have You Been a Healthy Haired Natural?

A very real question posted on CurlyNikki.com this morning...I've been a HEALTHY natural since 2009. I gave up the harsh shampoos & products...and heat abuse ;) The things you learn by trial and error. Don't forget to check out her website, she always has great stuff on there.

Curly Nikki Natural Hair Styles and Curly Hair Care: How Long Have You Been a Healthy Haired Natural?: source

by Kurlybella of K is for Kinky
How long have you been natural and how long have you been a HEALTHY natural are two differen...