I Wanna Try: Marley Twists

Hey Boo Thangs!  Have you been following me over on the Book (that's cool slang for Facebook for you old fogeys)?  If you answered No, what are you waiting for (Yes that was my idea of a shameless plug). For those of you who are following me then you may know that I stuck to my word (Read here to refresh your memory) and tried out a protective style recently.  Now my intentions were to go with Box Braids for my first round of protective styling but after Pinterest stalking hair boards for months I decided to try out the Marley twists instead.   I had my twists installed back in February and took them out a month later.  Like any new hair style you try, figuring out what works and what doesn’t is always the name of the game.  Here are a few things that worked for me while maintaining my Marley Twists.

1. I opted  for lighter oils  like almond oil, Jojoba oil and Coconut oil when moisturizing. Heavier oils tend to cause a residue when my hair are in braids so going with these lighter choices were a go.

2.  I made sure to Deep Condition with a protein treatment before install and after take down. Your hair will go through lots of wear and tear with extension styles and it could potentially weaken your hair. A protein treatment can help with restoring and maintaining the strength of your hair. 

3. I skipped on gels and heavy pomades when styling my edges. Like heavier oils, gels and pomades can cause residue in your hair after frequent use.  It can also cause matting which can lead to a great loss of hair.

4. I made sure to limit my style to less than two months.  As I've learned from past experiences keeping extension styles in longer than two months can turn into a nightmare when it comes time to take out your style. Having in a style longer than two months increases your chances of matting and tangles.

5. Don't be afraid to incorporate essential oils into your regimen. I made a easy DIY hair spritzer with water and peppermint oil for moisture and to combat my  itchy scalp I used tea tree oil.

                         What are some of your tips for maintaining your protective styles?

I Wanna Have: Stylish hair for 2015

It's the same old thing with me.  Every new year I'll create my new years resolutions list also known as my "I wanna be better" list.  With my list in tow I"ll  make these grand promises to work on perfecting whatever I have listed, but by the time March rolls around that list is all forgotten.  One of the many things I put on my list last year was experimenting with different hairstyles but also maintaining a healthy hair regimen. While I wasn't able to prevail with in the hairstyle department ( I wish I could give you a better excuse other than I was lazy but I can't) I was consistent with keeping up with my hair regimen.  So I halfway got the job done.  I'm gonna try to be a big girl this year and have a do over.  I was able to slide through 2014 with about three solid styles (Twist outs, Slicked up bun and blowouts).  While these styles were super cute and convenient I've become really bored with them. I want to be more adventurous this year.  Here are some of the hairstyles I am hoping to try with my hair in 2015.

1. Crochet Braids

2. Box Braids

3. Wigs 

4 Roller Sets

What's on your beauty I wanna be better list for 2015?

I Wanna Review: DreamDry

Blowout  bars have had a big boom over the last few years.  Salons touting blowout only services attached with a cheap price tag,  have popped up just about everywhere across the nation.  While the idea is nothing new, (y'all know Dominican salons have been doing this for the longest. Just saying) I still wanted to give the blow out bar craze a try.  So I decided to book an appointment with DreamDry.  When I  booked my appointment I made it very clear to the salon receptionist that I had afro- textured hair. Yup, I sure did.  This chica wanted to avoid any possibility of a hair disaster.  I was quickly assured that I would  be paired with a stylist who would be knowledgeable of my hair type. 

My appointment day arrived and although I ran a little late I was greeted by my stylist and seated right away once I checked in.  Pause. I'm gonna keep it 100 with y'all or real or whatever the young folks renamed honesty, this small action of starting my appointment on time despite my tardiness, won me over.  If you've had salon experiences like I've had in the past then you know the pure joy of finding a salon that are sticklers for starting hair appointments promptly.  Big Points for Dream Dry. Play. After being seated I had a quick consultation and then was whisked away to the wash bowl where the stylist did a great job introducing the products (Dream Dry uses Oribe products) and their benefits. After completing my wash I was prepped for the blow out using a heat a protectant.  My hair was blown out on a medium heat.  The kind of heat that allowed my hair to be stretched but not pin straight, which was fine by me ( Lord knows I don't need another heat damage scenario in my life. Please and thank you).  Once the blowout was complete my hair was curled with a flat iron, creating great body and waves. Other than my hair looking a  tad bit dry I was happy with the final look. In case your wondering what I mean by dry, my hair didn't appear to have that normal shine I'm used to when getting my hair straightened. I suspected the products had something to do with it but I'm not 100% sure.  Have you tried a blowout bar? If so how was your experience?

Services:

Blowout

Price:

$40 plus tax

Pros:

Quick service

Great price

Great ambiance (They have Ipads to browse while getting you hair done)

Cons:

My hair looked a tad bit dry (I suspected the product had something to do with that)

Grade:

 A-

Winter Days

Howdy Folks!  Long time no speak.  I hope everyone is doing well and staying warm.  The winter in New York has been something fierce with it's non stop frigid temperatures.  With weather like this layering is the key to staying warm and kinda cute all at the same time.  Are you beauties layering up your outfits this winter?

Jeans: Old Navy Boots & Necklace: Forever 21 (Both Old)   Sweater: Target Coat: Gap Shirt: Thrifted

Lowkey

It's certainly a lowkey Saturday for me friends. The kind that has faux furs, dark shades and kicks all mixed in.  Speaking of kicks I've had these high top sneakers for quite some time. Today was my first time sporting them after constant thoughts of giving these bad boys the boot.  The verdict after one wear?  I think I kind of like them.  So I guess that means they'll be sticking around a little longer (shrug). Have you ever had an item of clothing that was very close to getting the fashion boot?

Jeggings: Uniqlo Sneakers: Rainbow Jacket & Sweater: Target Faux Fur: Macy's Shades: Beacons Closet 

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Hair Files

If you follow me around the internet and thangs, particularly Instagram,  you've probably seen me update you on my hair journey a few times to many.  No I'm not vain but just plain ol excited.  Although I've been natural for a year and some months I am still learning new ways to care and style my hair. I know its just hair but there are times when I am just over it.  So when I come across a hair success, I'm like that five year old that just can't shut up about it.  See, look I did it (five year old voice).    

 Here are some of my favorite styles thus far.  Which one is your favorite?

1. Day 1 of Big Chop
2. Weeks after Big Chop
3. Fade
4. Colored Fade
5. Puff
6. Dry Twist Out using Miss Jessie's Curly Meringue
7. Dry Twist Out using Ampro Pro Styl Olive Oil Gel
8. Pixie Cut Beverly Johnson Wig
9. First Blow Out
10. Foam rod set using Jane Carter Solution Wrap Lotion
11. Twist Down
12. Turban
13. Bang with Twist Down
14. Foam Rod Set with Lotta Body Wrap Lotion
15. Puff on old rod set

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You again

Yes it's the blue denim again.  I can't seem to tear myself away from these jeans.  So much so its safe to say that these jeans are almost becoming like a uniform.  This time around I decided to pair my colored denim with my thrifted red blazer and my leopard heels for a color blocked look.  I was bitten with a bug of inspiration after viewing Alissa's, of Stylish Curves, Red and Blue post.  Gotta love blogger inspiration.

Jacket: Thrifted Jeans: Target Shoes: Bandolino Bracelets: Thrifted and Street Vendor Earrings: Beauty Supply

Meet Iverson.  This little cutie joined me in a pic after he walked through my shot by accident. 

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Recap

Ok who's with me when I say "where da hell did January go".  Jeez it seems like it just sped right past us,  much like this past weekend.  Just thought I'd do a little recap of what went on this weekend in my little world.

LACE IT UP

I'm hearing that lace will be a big trend this year so while poking around in Marshall's on Friday  I decided to try on this bright lace frock and do what a blogger does best, take pics.

TWO COLORS ONE SEQUINS

Shirt: Loehmans Jeans: Target Shoes: Zara Bracelet: Thrifted Earrings: Finderz Keeperz

Meanwhile on Saturday I killed two birds with one stone. Not only did I decide to color block (yeah I know I'm sooo late) but I finally got to wear my sequins shirt for you guys. Look at me multitasking and things lol. 

NATURAL DAYS

And finally on Sunday I celebrated.  I made it fierce beauties.  I am officially one year into my natural journey. It's been quite an experience with major highs and lows but gotta say I'm looking forward to more natural days.

Oh how could I forget go Giants!

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A Natural Decision

 February 5, 2011 I dived head first into the natural hair world. After transitioning for six confusing months, I did away with the last of my relaxed ends and completed my big chop. Since my cut I have become….you’ve guessed it a product junky. Chances are if I’ve heard of a “great” hair product you can believe its now presently sitting under my bathroom sink. Don’t Judge. Although this habit is putting quite the dent in my wallet it has also proven itself to be beneficial in other ways. Testing  various hair products has allowed me to figure out what does and doesn't work for my natural tresses. Through my addiction I have been able to discover great staple products. Here are a just a few that have worked for me.