Look of the Day (8/15/11): Top Knot Bun

Happy Monday lovelies!!


I just wanted to stop by quickly before work with my look of the day! I was feeling incredibly lazy during my wash day yesterday so I wanted a style that was quick, easy, and allowed me to air dry. Enter the top knot bun. I put a little leave in on my hair (I've been using Kinky Curly Knot Today lately. No particular reason....just for kicks), added some gel, and tied my hair up for the evening. I just had to remove my scarf this morning.


Check it out:

Note: a) pics are taken to the side you that you guys can see the bun! You can't really see it if you're looking at me dead on b) there is no flash b/c the primer I'm currently using doesn't photograph well :/


Well what do you think? What look are you rockin' today?

Hair Boredom/ Look of the Day: 8/11/11

Happy Thursday ladies!


Well, it has been awhile since I last posted. I have been having a bit of hair boredom lately. I mean, it's too hot to straighten it and I'm too lazy to do a flexirod set. So, I have been washing DCing and bunning. The bunning is driving me to frustration since I usually bun with my hair all the way back. This would be all well and good if the front part of my hair would get some 'act right' and not want to look jank all the time.


As a result of all these factors, I am bored with my hair.

In an effort to add some spice into my (hair) life, I'm trying to jazz things up a bit. Since I bun a lot, I'm trying to wear earrings more (so I don't look so plain). I picked up some great ones at Forever 21 and Rue 21. I also purchased some beanies for the Fall. I'm also trying to style my hair so that my hair isn't straight back when I bun.

Today, I am rocking a side bun/ flat twist. I think it's pretty cute. Take a look:

* I purchased the earrings from Rue 21 *

: Sigh : Hopefully this is the first step in getting me out of my (hair) funk :/

Mini Twists: Day 3

At this point I have had my twists in for 3 days and I LOVE them!!! They aren't frizzing up or unraveling at all. I have been keeping them moisturized w/ my Shea Moisture products and sealing w/ One N Only Argan Oil.

I have been doing some research abou twists trying to determine if they are a protective style or low manipulation style. I've found that, depending on who you ask, it can be either or. However, in my humble opinion, twists are a low manipulation style. I say this simply b/c your ends are out and you have to take great care to keep your ends moisturized. Now twists can be made into a protective style if you wear them in a bun or some other style to keep you ends tucked away. However, as it stands, twists are low manipulation.


Today, after an experiment gone wrong (apparently I DO have to set my ends on flexirods every night if I want to have curly ends), I'm wearing my twists in a bun (thus, making them a protective style). I suppose that's a good thing. I had a serious case of hand in hair yesterday and today I'm feeling extremely low key. Also, it has been extremely humid here lately so it just may be better to keep my hair up.

Anyway, here is how my hair is looking today. Still fresh and happy! :)

4th of July Weekend and My Hair

Happy 4th of July everyone!

I hope all of you are having an amazing day, eating lots of yummy food, and watching some amazing fireworks. Currently, I'm laid out on my aunt's couch because I have eaten entirely too much. So, I figure it's best not to move...a lot.

So for the holiday weekend, I drove to SC to my grandparents house. My mom and brother drove down from VA and I met up with them in SC too. Now I love visiting my family, I promise I do. However, every time I come to SC I have to make some serious decisions as to what I'm gonna do with my hair. Let me explain. My grandparents live in Middle-of-Nowhere, SC (read: the country) and I have always had an issue with the water at their house. This is mainly because it's well water. It smells like eggs and even as a little girl, I didn't want that water touching me. Well, I have to shower of course but I refuse to let that well water touch my hair with its contents unknown. Nope, I'll just wait to go back to my good ol' Birmingham water. At least I know what's in that.

Anyway, I decided to keep my hair simple. With my trusty banana clip, I wore 3 styles over the course of my time here.

1) Banana clip bun. I absolutely love this bun and it was perfect for my day at the beach with my family. Besides, SC is so flippin hot and humid, I couldn't picture having my hair just out and about.

2) Braid out bun (please excuse my red teeth. I had just finished a wild cherry Icee. It was delicious.) I tried doing a braid out and it didn't turn out the way that I had planned so I bunned it. It was a good thing I did b/c we spent the day playing Putt Putt golf. In the hot sun......yeah.

3) Bantu knot out ponytail? (I did a bantu knot out and put it back with a banana clip. I'm not sure what you'd call that but that's what it is). It wanted to wear a bantu knot out for the family cookout today but then I went outside and knew I wasn't gonna wear my hair out. At all. What you see it the end result.



All in all, I have enjoyed my time w/ my family, meeting my baby cousins, talking, laughing, and carrying on. Now I'm ready to head back to B'ham to give my hair some much needed TLC.

Summer Bunnin'

...and that was my corny attempt at referencing the movie 'Grease' (one of my favorite musicals, by the way lol).

As you guys know, this is my first summer since the start of my hair journey where I have not used braids (extensions). At this point in the game, I feel that my hair is too long for braids w/ extensions...and I've seen what they do in those braiding shops. I've seen how they pull out scissors to make the style look neater :side eye: All I know is, if someone cuts my hair they're gonna get drop kicked.

Anyway, I've been doing the bunning thing for awhile and there has definitely been a learning curve. I've recently figured out that high buns are not for me :sad face: Trust me you guys. I've tried it so many times! However, my nape consistently says "eff yo' bun!' and decides to just be out while my edges say "You may have slicked us down but we ain't gonna stay that way." The end result of all of that? I look like a 5 year old who has been out playing all day. Being that I'll be 26 in August....I don't think that is a good look.

Today, I finally found use for the banana clips I had laying around in my bathroom (for some reason I have tons of hair toys laying around that I never use). What'd I use it for? A bun!!! So far I like it. It makes my bun look fuller and not so...meh. I also like that fact that with a banana clip breakage becomes less of an issue (as compared to using a hair tie). I'm being a wee bit creative though and I left a section (I guess you can call it a bang) out, braided it, and it shall be a braid out bang! I'll post pics tomorrow so yall can see what I did.

I will say that bunning has drastically simplified my regimen. Currently, I wash and deep condition at least once a week (sometimes more since I'm slowly easing my way back into the gym). I then air dry and put my hair into a bun. I use Shea Moisture products to moisturize, when needed. That's it. Easy as pie! It's definitely a good thing since I'm trying to hold back on my relaxer (currently 10 weeks post) until the weather cools down. I just don't see the point of relaxing my hair when I'm constantly gonna wear it up. We'll see how long that lasts though.

Well I've rambled enough for one night. I'll be back tomorrow with pics!

Look of the Day: 5/3/11

Good afternoon everyone!

I decided to give Tammy a break today and wear my Outre Monica half wig. So far I love it! The style reminds me of a loose bantu knot out. Like Tammy, I purchased Monica in 1B from blackhairspray.com for $17.99. I did my blending using 2 headbands (didn't have time this morning to mess with blending my actual hair with the wig).

So..would you wear this wig? Is Monica a yay or a nay?

My Not So High Bun: 4/29/2011

I've been rocking Tammy for the past two weeks or so and I just wanted to give my hair a break for a bit so today I attempted to put my hair into a high bun. For some reason, I can never get my hair into as high of a bun as I want to lol. I like it though. It's simple, understated, and perfect for a Friday. I may be wearing more buns as the mercury rises but only time will tell. :)

That Relaxer Itch, Half Wigs, and Overall Rambling

Happy Friday everyone!


I was thisclose to relaxing this weekend. I'm about 14 weeks and 4 days post, trying to stretch to 16 weeks. I wound up not relaxing because I got 2 new half wigs so I figure that will keep me from relaxing for another week or so (which is exactly what I need!). However, after washing and DCing my hair last night, I know I cannot go past 16 weeks. My hair has so much new growth, it's starting to look like a lion's mane lol. So, I can't relax now but it's gonna happen soon.

On to the half wigs...

Last weekend, I ordered 2 half wigs from blackhairspray.com (awesome site to order from by the way!): Outre Tammy and Outre Monica (color 1B). They are synthetic, fairly inexpensive and they run about $17.99 each. Right now, I'm trying out Tammy and I *LOVE* her! The hair is very soft for it to be synthetic and the style of the hair reminds me of a braidout. It has 2 combs (one in the front and one in the back) and fits securely on my head. There is also a drawstring in the back so there is no excuse as to why this bad boy can't be secured. I had a hard time blending it (that's more b/c of my hair, it's a COMPLETELY different texture than that of the wig right now....I really really need a relaxer). I'm basically wearing Tammy with a headband right now but, I think you relaxed ladies should have no problems with blending. It's definitely perfect for half wig newbies. Check Tammy out (please excuse my makeupless face! lol)!






I think Tammy is a perfect everyday half wig. It's divatastic but not too divatastic! As you can see, I'm becoming a big fan of half wigs. As someone who doesn't like to manipulate her hair too much or use a lot of heat, half wigs are perfect. I can still get to my hair too-which is awesome. I also think this would be a good transitioning hairstyle for those ladies who are considering that.

I have yet to try out Monica..it seems more like a going out half wig than anything. Trust me though, as soon as I try her out..you guys are gonna hear about it!

What do you guys think? Would you try Tammy out?

Freetress Drawstring Full Cap Creta Girl (and Me)

I have to admit it. I have been a little full of myself lately. I've been wearing my hair out, flinging it all about..you know basically enjoying my hair. Well, in all that enjoyment I forgot that I am still trying to reach length goals. I also forgot that it was about to get here and I'm really not gonna be in the mood to do anything to my hair. I didn't want to bun and I needed a new protective style.

Enter the half wig.

I spent half the night last night looking up half wig tutorials on YouTube and looking for recommendations for half wigs that are universally flattering and easy to work with. I ordered Outre Tammy and Outre Monica from blackhairspray.com then proceeded to pick up Creta Girl (number 2) from my local BSS.

I paid about $23 plus tax for Creta Girl. Creta is a synthetic half wig that can also be worn as a ponytail. Surprisingly, the hair is very soft. It's also very very curly and very very big (which I love!). Like most half wigs, there is a long comb in the front of the wig and 2 smalled combs in the back. There is also a drawstring (again, this is if you want to wear it as a ponytail).

What's my verdict? I LOVE IT!!! I have gotten so many compliments on it so far and it doesn't look like an obvious wig. I don't know why I didn't try half wigs before but I am so glad I did!

Tell me what you think...is Creta Girl a yay or a nay?

The Weekend's Here! What are you doing to your hair?

After a long and productive work/school week, it's finally the weekend! I don't know about you but for me, the weekend signals that it's time for my weekly hair ritual. During the weekend, I take time to wash, DC, and style my hair. It's usually a very soothing and relaxing time for me. Almost therapeutic in a way.


This weekend, it is supposed to do nothing but rain in Birmingham so it is the ideal weekend to do hair. I'm not gonna want to go anywhere because it'll be icky out. As usual, I will wash my hair with Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo and DC with with Aubrey Organics GPB or with Aubrey Organics White Camellia.

However, instead of straightening my hair, I'm gonna start building up my summer style portfolio. This will probably be the first summer in a long time where I'm not in braids and as much as I love buns, I'll probably get tired of them by the time July rolls around.

This weekend will be devoted to bantu knot outs. I've wore bantu knot outs before but it has been AGES since I've worn them. They provide a nice versatile curly style that is very summer-ish.

Check out the vids below to recreate bantu knot outs of your own! One is from Macherie from Healthy Textures (isn't her hair just gorgeous!!)





The second is from crownofhisglory. It's a very short and to the point tutorial but essentially this is what I do for bantu knots. I usually put them in while I'm in front of the tv or something.




....so tell me, what are your hair plans for the weekend?

Tree Braids and Other Random Things....

It has been awhile since my last update. It hasn't been because I'm busy though. I was just bored with my hair. I had been straightening and bunning my hair since October and quite frankly I was tired of it. About a week and a half ago I got some tree braids put in. At this stage in my journey, tree braids and cornrows are pretty much the only options for my hair in terms of braids with extensions. My hair is pretty much too long for micros and kinky twists. Anyway, have a look:




Ok, here's the run down on tree braids. I pretty much call them glorified cornrows...which they are. My hair is in small cornrows and has the braider braids about 4 strokes or so then pulls out hair which gives the illusion that I have a weave. So the pattern looks like (- equals braiding > equals hair pull out):

--->-->--->........( and so on and so forth)

It's actually kinda cool when you think about it. Since my hair is in cornrows, I can keep my scalp clean with the ORS Herbal Cleanse Dry Shampoo and I can spray leave in onto my braids. It's pretty low maintenance and I tend to keep the hair that's out in a bun since the hair gets tangled easily. The style takes about 3 to 4 hours to create, lasts between 6 and 8 weeks, and can be done with human or synthetic hair.

My only issue with this style is that the added hair sheds A LOT! I think the shedding is really evident because my hair is in a straight style. I may had to compare what happens when I use wet and wavy hair ( or something with some sort of curl) to make an accurate assessment about that. Also, you have to really be aware how tight the braider is braiding your edges b/c these braids are all up on them.

So far, however, I love tree braids and they are giving me a welcome break from my hair. I'm trying to decide if I should stick with tree braids over the summer or just do cornrows (w/o extensions). Time will tell....

Look of the Day (10/4/2010): Looped Bun

So I notice that I talk about protective styling all the time but I rarely (if ever) post the protective styles I wear on a day to day basis. I figure I should get on the ball with that. I realize that I have folks who read the blog who may be at a standstill with protective styling.

Anyway, since I straightened my hair Friday, my hair is straight. I wore it out Saturday and that was a wrap for that. I play in my hair too much to keep it out all the time and even though I have reached APL, I'm not full APL. I would like to get there by December and me getting a big head about my hair now will only result in a setback.

Today, my hair is in a fairly simple style because I woke up late (that darn snooze button!!) and had to get out of apartment as quickly as possible. All I did was gather my hair into a ponytail, loop it around and secure it with bobby pins. That's it. Took all of 5min.

Here are a couple of shots:







Very simple, very chic in less than 5 minutes. Hopefully I'll wake up early enough tomorrow to do something with a lil more oomph.

I'm Such an Alabama Girl....

Well not really lol

I'm just posting about the new phony pony I purchased this weekend. I got it at my local BSS and spent about $10 for it. It's FreeTress Shake N' Go ponytail in Alabama Girl. It looks like this:




As you can see, I am a fan of curly phony ponies. I dunno why...maybe because they give me more leeway as to how straight my real hair has to get. Anyway, I love this pony. It gives such a cute curly style. I should note that I don't wear my pony the way that the model does. When you plop a pony on the top of your head like that, it looks like a pony plopped on the top of your head. I mean I know it's a phony pony but it doesn't have to look like one! Maybe once I figure out this whole posting vids on YouTube thing, I can make a tutorial.

That's all I wanted to update you guys on. It's another phony pony style for those who are interested in them.

Happy Sunday!

The Bun Sessions: Buns for NL/SL Hair

Many people (myself included) think/thought that their hair must be a certain length before they can start bunning. I will say that this partly true. I mean, yeah you can't bun when your hair is ear length but your hair doesn't have to be bra strap length either. I came across this tutorial on edaluv's Youtube page. She explains everything beautifully so that those of you still aiming to reach great lengths can do so.

Just in time for the cooler months!

The Bun Sessions: The Messy Bun

This is the bun that I am wearing currently....minus the bang.....minus the headband thingy. Actually, my current bun is a mix between this and the J-Lo bun (I'll let you draw your own conclusions about that lol). I found this tutorial on mzTyrah's page. I think it is a perfect bun for lazy days, running errands, or anything else you deem it necessary for. Although this is called a messy bun, I find that it is quite polished in it's own way.

....and another one.....

The Bun Sessions: The J-Lo Bun

The J-Lo bun is a nice high bun that doesn't take an incredibly long time to do. I thought this bun was so simple and elegant. Definitely a nice bun for a night out on the town (when paired with some fierce earrings or for day to day. I found it on SugarFreeTV's page. Just as a side note: her vids are awesome. Not only does she give tutorials, she gives random musings about life that are quite entertaining!

Anyway, another bun for the style file.

The Bun Sessions: The Flapper Chignon

Whooooooo!

It has been a minute since I last posted something! School and my volunteer activities have been kicking my butt lately so I haven't had much time to post. My hair has been really low maintenance lately (phony pony) so I haven't really had anything to post.

Anyway, something I have been doing/ have done is bunning. I know from experience, that bunning can get pretty boring from time to time. Soooooo....I have been perusing Youtube to find bunning tutorials that allow you to jazz up the basic bun just a bit.

One bun I saw was the Flapper Chignon on crownofHisGlory's page. I thought it was really cute and it can be jazzed up by adding a flower or something.

Anyway, take a look and post it in your style file! :)

Using the Weather to Help Me Protective Style

I am sitting here under my heat cap deep conditioning my hair. I took my cornrows down today and thought that it would be cool if I straighten my hair since I don't really wear my hair down...like ever. Then I saw the news..

WHY THE HECK IS IT GONNA BE OVER 100 DEGREES TOMORROW!?!

I swear that is one of the drawbacks to living in the South. Just hot for no reason. Anyway, that shut that whole hair straightening thing down real quick. My hair is going into a phony pony and that's gonna be that.

This whole episode made me think of something. Ever since I got serious about protective styling, I have been using the weather to my advantage. Let me elaborate. My hair started grazing SL in the winter and began wearing protective styles like a freaking maniac. My logic was "it's cold. the cold may dry out my ends. my ends will break off. perpetual SL" Now of course, this is my scary thinking but the point is that I'm using the weather to help me do what is right for my hair. Even now, my hair is up because I think it's too hot to keep it down.

Well, those are just my musings as I sit under this heat cap. My hair is growing and retaining quite nicely and shrinkage is ridiculous. Otherwise, I'm pretty pleased with my hair and ready to do a real length check once I relax.

It Was Fun But....

I am back in braids! After a week and a half break, I have gotten my hair cornrowed! They took about 2 hours to complete and they look like this:

Top



Side




Back





I love my cornrows! However, my only issue is that the braider braided a wee bit too tight. So, I spent last night with a can of oil sheen and a rattail comb loosening them suckers up! Next time I'm gonna have to tell her not to braid so tight (which is odd since it didn't feel tight when she was braiding....)

Anywho....

My braid regimen is still the same. I will continue to keep my scalp clean and moisturize my hair. I'm still using Hawaiian Silky 14 in 1 but I am also using a product by a local vendor. It's called Nahbila's Essentials Hair and Skin moisturizer. It contains: distilled water, aloe vera, glycerin, peppermint and rosemary extracts, virgin olive, almond, soybean, kukui nut oil, vitamin E, and fragrance. So far, I like it. It is very light and does moisturize my hair. It's also inexpensive! I paid $4 for it! Either way, I'll be alternating between those 2 moisturizers. I can keep cornrows in for up to 4 weeks so I will probably be taking these out at the end of the month and getting another set put in during the month of August.

That's all for now, just wanted to update you guys!

New Phony Pony

So you guys know I'm phony ponying it up since my twists are out. However, I had to get a new one...a curly one. I'm about 4months post so a good majority of my hair is curly/wavy/whateveryouwannacallit.

One thing I can't stand is someone having a curly looking front and a bone straight ponytail. It bothers me in ways you can't even imagine. Speaking of which, the opposite bothers me too.....how does one have a bone straight front and then all of a sudden have a massively curly ponytail? Anyway, I digress....I just think phony ponies should look as natural as they possibly can.

I made a trip to the local BSS and picked up the Free Tress Shake n Go ponytail in Violet Girl:



After my workout yesterday, I co-washed my hair with Aussie Moist Conditioner (which is awesome by the way), sprayed in some leave in, and slicked down my edges with Eco Styler Gel and Elasta QP Mango Butter. I then tied everything down with a satin scarf and let my hair air dry overnight. I put in the ponytail this morning as I was getting ready to go into lab.

Here are the results:



and a side view:


I like the look so far. It seems very summery and such. It will definitely get me through these next few days!