Naturally Me

Ok! It’s official, box braids are back! Who would have suspected that the Poetic Justice trend would make it back into today’s hair trends? It makes sense though for those of us who understand and recognize that everything must come full circle. Especially since we've all watched as the 80’s and 90’s fashions trends have flooded today's fashion runways. There have been many celebrities spotted wearing these box braids such as Solange Knowles, Beyoncé Knowles, Chrisette Michele and of course Brandy who has been known for her braided styles for years.

For those of you who are considering getting box braids besides looking good, box braids just like any other braids serves as a protective style. For those of you looking to add more length or simple have healthy no-breakage hair. Braids are great because it tucks away your ends as well as protects them from the sun and other things such as clothing that may cause damage to your ends. For those of you who are planning summer trips or just simply looking for a protective style for the summer, rocking breads could be a perfect solution. Here a few tips to consider when getting braids:

·  If your goal is to grow your hair with less difficulty create braids no smaller than a pencil. To clarify that’s a size smaller than Janet Jackson Poetic Justice braids. This medium sized braid would be easier to take out, which means that you typically loose less of your own tresses.

·  Braid regimens are more beneficial for growth when they are kept for short increments of time (no more than 3 weeks at a time)

·  Do not leave in hair for more than 2 months if you are braiding to grow hair.

·  Keep styles simple with braids to prevent loss of edges or breakage.

·  Remember: Wearing braids is not an opportunity to neglect your own hair. You MUST continue to was, moisturize, deep condition, and seal your hair on a regular basis.

I love Lauryn Hill's Natural locks and her creative style (dreads, fro, twist, mini fro...). You can love her or judge her....Chances are you'll judge her! However, I have always loved and respected Ms. Hill for her independent style in which at times caused allot of media frenzy. Ms. Hill has voiced and demonstrated her thoughts and views on conforming to the ways of this world. (Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.) Even in her imperfection I do understand what Lauryn is saying. I do not know Ms. Hill personally but I know that as a human I can assure that she has probably made her share of mistakes but who am I to judge. I love her and the messages that she gives in her music. 

My husband and I love Janelle Monae, him mostly for her sultry voice and her beauty of course. I Love that the girl can totally rock a pompadour... along with a TUX and BOW TIE! In 2006 Monae signed to Bad Boy under the influence of Sean Combs and Big Boi (from Outkast). You can't help but to be addicted to Janelle's Vintage Rock style!

She may be Bey's little sister....But Solange has been around for quite sometime, however here recently the BIG CHOP caught everyone's attention and suddenly, she has become one of the biggest faces of THE NATURAL HAIR COMMUNITY! Not to mention who else other than Solange could bring back boxed braids?

I love Tracee Ellis Ross' bold style! But of course why wouldn't she her mother is Diana Ross. What a lucky little girls...She probably had a ball playing dress up in her mother’s closet! I bet she still does. Tracee seems like she is so down to earth but of course that's coming from a perfect stranger. However there is something about Tracee that screams Independently Beautiful. Her long curly locks are a natural girl’s wish.

Speed Up Your Hair Growth With These 7 Natural Hair Regimen Tips

As I enter my sixth year of being natural I am able to accept that I have made many mistakes in regards to my natural hair regimen. However, with so many websites like Curly Nikki, Blackhairmedia, YouTube and many more I have had the opportunity to share 7 ways to Speed up your natural hair Regimen. I was once a hair product junkie, you know the ones who read a post or see an ad for new natural hair products and run out and get it, no matter the cost. Yes that’s me, but I quickly learned how ridiculous I was being and still received the same results every time. I even tried the all-natural products which don’t get me wrong are great. However, without consistency and truly paying attention to what works for your hair and lifestyle…You’ll just end up spending more money. My goal is to establish a healthy hair regimen that will provide me with healthy long-lasting results.

Here are 7 tips that I have found that work for me:

Tip #1 – Overnight Conditioning I have found that the longer that I condition (deep condition) the better the results. My curls are more defined and moisturized. Therefore consider conditioning your hair overnight. Use your favorite conditioner I use the Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil ReplenishingPak . After I apply my  conditioner I put my plastic shower cap on my head wrap my head with my scarf. And away I go to sleep. The next morning I wash and detangle my hair, usually I do this on a Friday night.

Tip #2 – Saturate Those Roots before You Shower Prepare your hair before you shower by apply water and damping it with a filled bottle pump to saturate your roots. You can do this before shampooing or pre-pooing.

Tip #3 – Protect Your Tresses by Wearing Protective Styles As a full time mother of two and wife of one, I find myself wearing many protective styles. I usually wear my hair in a doughnut bun, a fro bun, or twist. There are many different protective styles that you can try.

Tip #4 – Twistouts Whether it’s twist outs or flat twist, twistouts can be your best friend not only do they add more texture to natural hair once taken down they also provide convenience and a safe haven for your hair when your schedule is hectic.

Tip #5 – Accessorize! Don’t forget your banana clips, scarves, hair clips, combs, and whatever you use to add character to your style. I have absolutely got to have my scarves and personally will not leave home without my big earnings in my ear. Style your hair up by adding accessories to your look.

Tip #6 – Condition, Detangle Hair and Twist After washing my hair and while it is still soaked wet, I section my hair into sections applying my favorite conditioner. Then I take my shower comb (wide toothed comb) and detangle my hair while spreading the conditioners from my roots to the ends. As I detangle my hair I began to twist into sections, and then wash the conditioner out (with the twist still in my hair). Once I finish my shower I squeeze them put. Using a microfiber towel I squeeze each twist until dry. Proceed with styling choice.

Tip #7 – Embrace Who You are…Embrace Your Natural Hair