Thursday, June 16, 2011

A much-needed update

It's hard to believe it's been nearly one year since my last  post! I know I've been neglectful but I've been busy adjusting to a new job and balancing life as my kids' social lives expand. My summer calendar is already filling up, week by week.

I recently shared the link to this blog with someone and that prompted me to post. I mean, I don't want them to think I'm a slacker or anything! Only a handful of people are even aware that this blog exists. I know that defeats the purpose of a blog -- obviously I'm supposed to share my thoughts with the world, but for some reason I can't bring myself to spread the word about it. Maybe I could use that as a way to push myself to post more frequently. Hmmm...

Enough of that, let's talk hair. I am still mistreating my hair -- it is no different from when I had a perm. I really need a deep conditioner or something because my hair is so DRY. And this Houston heat has kicked in early this year (already hitting triple digits and it's only June) so that is not helping. In my new office it is cold all the time so I can't do wash-and-go styles like I've done in the past once the warm weather hits. Will have to do better about getting my hair the nutrition it needs.

Other than that, my hair has grown a lot. I am wearing a ponytail now (yay!) and that is my go-to style on most days because the twist-outs don't look right anymore. Because my hair has such a tight coil, it doesn't move...at all. So, try as I might, I always end up looking like I have a fro. My twist-outs look like I stuck my finger in an electrical outlet, even though I spend over an hour twisting it (because it has grown so much). That is a lot of time to invest in something that doesn't look like much when I'm finished. No thanks.

In other news, I was very proud of myself a few months ago when I had a formal event to attend and I got a natural hair style. It would've been easy to straighten my hair for the event but I opted to get my hair coiled and I received so many compliments! It was also nice to go to a salon and have someone else do my hair. I hadn't had that done since my chop. I didn't miss sitting under the hair dryer though.

That's pretty much all that happened while I was away. Now I need to determine how I'm going to wear my hair for the summer. Braids? Twists with extensions? I'm not sure what to do but I want it to last for a couple of months. Any suggestions?

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

What's it to you?

As I approach the 8-month mark of being natural, I have to stop and think about what this journey has meant to me. It has taught me so much about myself in such a short time. Or, as my husband puts it, freed me.

At the time, I didn't realize I was enslaved! But it makes sense when you think about it. Not being able to exercise because you don't want to "sweat my perm out" or go out in the rain, or the infamous head pat in the days before it's time for a touch-up. These are things I don't have to worry about anymore.

Being natural has given me the can-do attitude I needed to get in the gym and work hard to shed a few pounds. It has allowed me to explore creativity through accessories, something I really didn't give much thought to in the past. I've had more people tell me they like my "style" in the past 8 months than I have in my entire life. Who knew I had a style!

Don't get me wrong, there are still things that I worry about. Sometimes I forget that I'm natural and that when people meet me for the first time I may not look exactly as they pictured. Or if they haven't seen me in a while, they might be taken aback. And I still haven't figured out the perfect style or been really good with trying new products. But I haven't gotten any rude comments like some people I know, so that's a good thing. Plus, I see it as an opportunity to encourage other women to take this courageous step. I've found there are many who want to, but naturally, they're apprehensive. When you see someone else proudly rockin their 'fro you think, 'Ok I can do it, too.' And really, that's the biggest gift of all.

My hubby still asks me how long I'm going to keep my hair this way. I try to explain that this isn't a phase but I don't think he understands. Perhaps because as women we change our look so often. Honestly, I'm not sure if I will be natural forever but I do know that I have no plans to change my hair anytime soon. I love the person I've transformed into in such a short time and wouldn't want things any other way!

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

The Wash and Go That Didn't

After this past weekend's co-wash and go success, I was feeling brave. I spent last night reviewing more YouTube videos to find another wash-and-go style since mine was pushing 3 days. I'd seen a couple for IC Fantasia gel so I decided to give it a shot. All night I wondered if I do the style before going to bed. But that would mean I'd wake up with Day 2 hair and what's the point of that, right?

So against my better judgment (because I know I'm prone to oversleeping) I decided attempt this new style first thing in the morning. I finally rolled out of bed at 5:30 and then realized (yikes!) that I was really supposed to wake up on time this morning so I can do my hair. Keep in mind that I needed to wake up at 5 in order for this to happen. No problem, I can catch up. I pull out my sample of Giovanni leave-in that I scored at a Nappy Love Houston product swap and my gel. Jump in the shower to co-wash and detangle, so far so good. I apply the Giovanni and immediately I love the way it smells and I can tell that it is going to make my hair soft. I think I will have to pick up a bottle next time I'm in Target!

On to the gel. Now how much of this am I supposed to apply? And did I remember someone saying this product didn't work well with IC Fantasia gel? Pushing those thoughts to the back of my mind, I dig right in, trying to saturate my hair with the gel. I also use this massage-looking technique that the girl did on YouTube that's supposed to stimulate the curl and get your hair moving in the direction you want. I'm turning, turning...nothing. Add more gel...massage, massage...still nothing. But before I completely abort this mission let's try one more thing. On Saturday I saw a video where a lady combed through the gel with a rat tail. She sectioned her hair off and did it section-by-section, which I didn't really have time for but it was worth a shot.

Halfway through the regimine, I could tell that this, too was going to be a failure. I was in too deep. Must abort. Back into the shower I jumped, despite the fact that the clock indicated I should already be in my car headed to the office. I quickly co-washed again and set my sights on a re-do of Saturday's successful style. This style is so fast and easy that it wasn't long before I was back on track. However, I was afraid that my hair wouldn't look presentable before others began arriving at the office. See, there is a white tint to your hair while this style dries. When it is dry there is pretty much no flaking or little white balls (if you've tried something like this you know what I'm talking about). I think I still need to learn the proper amount of conditioner to use. But anyway, I had to set out with a wet (and white) head.

It is still wet as I type this post some 4-5 hours later. I guess my hair is kinda thick? But the curls are there and that makes me happy. I had to take one trip to the bathroom this morning to pick out some of the white balls...I suppose that's conditioner build-up or maybe the castor oil is separating. Who knows? Anyway, I definitely like this style in a pinch but maybe should start on it earlier or the night before so it doesn't look unpolished to the outside world. I feel like my hair is transforming (like a Chia pet) throughout the day and when I leave I'll look nothing like I did when I got here!

Any thoughts on where I went wrong with the first wash-and-go? Is my hair too long? I still consider myself to have a TWA but my hair is growing. It shrinks so much though. All the girls on the videos had these cute curls. I thought for sure that would work for me, too! Some had itty bitty TWAs but some look like they had as much hair as me. So maybe I didn't use enough gel? Maybe it needed time to dry? I welcome your thoughts and suggestions because I'd like to give it another shot!

Monday, April 12, 2010

Just a quick note

I know it's been a long time and I feel bad because really hoped that I would keep up with my blogging so I apologize!

I have about 10 minutes left before I get off work so I just wanted to drop a quick note and update you on my natural hair progress. My hair is growing, but it shrinks so much that it's kind of hard to tell. Still not long enough to put into a ponytail yet (shoot!) but I hope that will come soon!

This past weekend I hopped back on YouTube to find wash and go styles. Now that the weather is getting warmer, I don't have to rely on the twist out as my go-to style. I can go outside with wet hair and not fear catching pneumonia! So I searched for a while to find a style that required products that I already had on-hand.

I found a video (ShelleyBean729) that called for a honey prepoo (I'd never heard of a prepoo!), co-wash and then style with conditioner and castor oil. The result was that my hair was just as curly (if not more curly) than when I use Kinky-Curly! Which is great because the grand total for these products was $0. Again, I used stuff I already had in my kitchen! Of course, Michele (the girl in the video) has a different hair texture than me so my hair turned out nothing like hers but it was cute for what it was!

I definitely recommend that you look Michele up. She has great videos and loves ponytails like me! Can't wait until I can rock a puff. Her YouTube channel has changed so if you're looking for the cowash and go video (3 parts) it is on her old channel. Anyway, time for me to jet. I will try to write more soon...perhaps on my Kinky-Curly experience.

Friday, January 29, 2010

Our own worst enemy

As I sat and talked with my natural sistas last weekend, there was one theme that was central to conversations: the reaction people have to us being natural. And you know what the overwhelming majority experienced? That Black people (our people!) have the most negative things to say. Imagine that!

Do we hate the sight of our natural selves that much? Trust me, I remember all too well running to the salon the second my "kitchen" began to get kinky. I remember sitting at the rinse bowl with my legs twitching, standing under the A/C unit spraying oil sheen on the burning spots -- putting myself through sheer torture just so my hair could be bone straight. The answer to the burning question (pun intended) was always, "NO! It can sit a while longer!" And for what? To live in fear of rainy days? To avoid the gym so as to not "sweat out my perm"? To do it again in 6 weeks like clockwork?

Naturals have chosen not to put ourselves through that anymore. It's our choice and it can easily be reversed if we change our minds again. So why the negativity? We naturals are not out to convert you. It is not our intent to recruit straight-haired sistas for our plot to take over the world, one fro at a time. (smile)

When I did my B.C. I was very nervous about going to work the next day. Although I loved my new 'do, I wasn't sure how my coworkers would react. Turns out, they loved it, too! I was pleasantly surprised by their reaction, but what surprised me more was the reaction of my sistas. In general it seems that Black women are the least likely to comment about our natural hair. Or when they do comment, they criticize rather than encourage. Don't shoot the messenger -- this is what I hear from other naturals. My own experience has been that they really don't say anything at all. As if they don't even notice that I look different. And I know they notice!

So I'm wondering, why do we (as Black people) reinforce the stereotypical images of beauty within our community? Why do we frown upon those who choose kinky/curly over straight? It seems we'd rather spend our time reinforcing myths: that we won't progress in the corporate world; that it won't look right on us (for whatever reason); that we won't find a man who will love us sans perm.

The beauty of our race is that we can be so versatile. Let's embrace all aspects of our blackness (is that a word?!) because one is not better or worse...it's just a form of self-expression. Thank God we live in a country that values freedom of speech! On that note, if you leave a comment about this post, please do so without bashing one side or the other. Nothing but love here!

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

A Network of Naturals

This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending two events that were dedicated to natural hair. I had a fantastic time and just wanted to share a few thoughts.

The Saturday afternoon event was hosted by my line sister Stephanie and her friend Amber. They decided to open up their home to friends who are natural. We spent a couple of hours swapping stories about why we decided to go natural, when we did the B.C. (if we did it) and some of the comments we've received because of our new look. Then we shared our daily hair regimin: products, styles, etc. And there ended up being a wonderful product swap because people brought products that didn't work for them and someone else got to take it home and give it a shot. I sampled about 7 different products on different sections of my head so my hair was probably looking pretty strange by the time it was all over!

There was only one young lady in attendance who is still holding on to the perm! She wants to go natural and has been transitioning for nearly 3 months but is still somewhat afraid to let go completely. I can totally understand that, and so could a lot of others so we were there to offer her support and guidance so that she can make the decision that's right for her. I walked away from that event with a handful of new friends...and a bottle of Uncle Funky's Curly Magic that I can't wait to try!

Later that night I attended the Nappy Love Houston Nappyversary event. Nappy Love Houston is a meetup group that I discovered back in October. Saturday's event was to celebrate the one-year anniversary of its inception. It was my first meetup since joining but through other happening I've had the opportunity to meet other members so I felt like I had "friends" there. Plus, my sister joined me! There were many vendors there showcasing their products -- everything from handmade jewelry to homemade natural soaps and mobile loc services! It was a great night of good conversation, prizes, food and fun.

I'm grateful for all of the resources, both businesses and individuals, that I've found since becoming natural! I plan to share them with you as we go along so stay tuned!

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

The Big Chop

Ok, where was I? Oh yeah so I held on to my freestyle braids for as long as I could but finally, in late October it was time to let them go. Right before I had my hair braided, I put it in a ponytail, took a pair of scissors, and cut off about 3-4 inches of hair. I was afraid to take the braids out because I wasn't sure what my wack-job of a haircut would look like.

Once all of the braids were out I called my stylist. I considered going to a natural hair salon but didn't want to be charged an arm and a leg for a haircut. I also thought about going to a local haircutting place that could probably get me in and out quickly, but was afraid there wouldn't be a black stylist. A few years back I went to a beauty school to get my hair flatironed and...let's just say it wasn't a pleasant experience for me or the trembling girl who combed my hair as if it would break.

So anyway, I bravely told my stylist that I was ready for the BC, A.K.A. the Big Chop. The BC is when you cut off all of the relaxed hair so that all you have left is natural hair. Depending on how long you've been growing it out, your natural 'do can be a TWA (teeny-weeny afro) or longer. I was afraid of the TWA. Which is why I began shaking when I hung up the phone. Was I really ready for the BC? Could I rock a TWA? I went straight to YouTube to gather strength from the natural girls I'd been following, thanks to a tip from a member of Nappy Love Houston (more on this wonderful group later). I was resolved - the BC was for me. Now if only I could remain convinced of it for the next few hours. My stylist was going to see where she could work me in becuase it was late notice and a Saturday so I had to sit at home and wait on that call. It finally came around 8:30 that night and she wasn't going to be able to fit me in until Monday.

I'd wasted an entire day and was no closer to anything. I began to lose my nerve. Going natural seemed to not be in the cards. I made a call to my sister to see if she could at least get me looking presentable for church the next day. She threw me some twists up top and a roller set in the back, a perfect transition style. By Monday morning I was still bouncing back and forth on the chop. But once I sat in that chair and saw that I would have a decent amount of hair left, not as teeny of an afro as I expected, I was ok with letting it go. And as I heard those scissors snipping, I wasn't afraid, nor did I cry. I was always so attached to my hair and was known to cry from only getting it trimmed. Taking this step was like growing up, even though I'm married and have kids. It was like I was finally a big girl. (smile) The day was Monday, November 2, 2009.

My sister stopped by on her way from the gym and gave me an approving hug and smile. Her BC was in September 2009 and knowing that we were going through the journey together helped me a lot. After my failed attempt in 2008, I talked about being natural so much that she decided she wanted to do it, too. Once she chopped her hair, I knew there was no turning back. I would have to follow-through because I had someone to whom I was accountable.

I know that was a long story but that's pretty much how I got to where I am today. It's been two months and I haven't once regretted going natural. I was very afraid of how my coworkers and friends would react and it has been interesting but positive. I'll share my insights on that later...I have lots of topics I want to discuss but that's enough for now!