Natural Hair Meet-Up in Hampton, VA!!!

The meet-up is at @ BD's Mongolian Restaurant in Hampton from 12-3p. Two locally-based YouTube vloggers, NoLyeJustCurls (real name Courtney) and Naturally Creole (real name Deanna) are hosting the meet-up. In addition to the opportunity to share tips and advice about natural hair care, stylists, etc. with other locals, there will be a product swap where you can bring some products that didn't work for you to trade. I'm bringing a leave-in, a gel, a shampoo, a pomade stick that contains mineral oil, as well as several never-worn headbands. Hope to see you there!

Spring has arrived!!! Pretty soon, summer will be here!

Spring officially began on 3/22 (scientifically speaking), but the weather here in VA is actually catching up to the calendar. I rarely use heat on my hair and never use chemicals, but I do want some highlights and a warmer hair color for the warmer seasons. How can I achieve highlights/a different hair color without chemicals? By combining some simple ingredients and baggying my hair!

You'll need:

Cinnamon***, 5 TBS
Honey, 2 TSPS
Lemon juice, 1 TSP
Moisturizing conditioner, 2 CUPS (I use Suave Shea Butter & Almond)
2 plastic shower caps or bags (typical grocery bags)
24+ hours to baggy your hair or a crocheted/knit cap to cover the plastic caps

Mix all ingredients well (will look like gingerbread cake batter) and allow to sit for one hour before applying throughout clean, detangled hair. Cover hair with 2 caps/bags and allow to penetrate hair for a full 24 hours or more. I usually don't, but you may occasionally mist your hairline or any exposed area that dries. To rinse, spray hair with water and conditioner (50/50) to loosen any clumps of dried mix. Fill a large bucket or bathtub with cool water. Dunk your head 3-4 times, submerging all of your hair. You may continue dunking to rinse, or use a sprayer or faucet to rinse the remainder of the cinnamon from your hair, co-washing your hair. If you prefer, you can go outside with your hair uncovered in full sunlight to speed up the process. Treat hair with this mixture weekly until the desired shade is achieved. Afterward, once a month should suffice to maintain the color.

* It is normal for your scalp to feel warm or tingly after applying the mixture. Cinnamon is a known scalp-stimulating agent, which some attribute to hair growth.

** I have gone to work with this mixture in my hair by covering most of my hair with the caps and a crochet beanie. I push it back off my head, leaving the front part of my hair exposed just like I do when my hair is "normal" and I'm wearing a hat. Most people do not notice the mix, but love the smell. If you want to minimize the appearance of the mix in your hair (it dries reddish-brown), just keep the front moisturized with a little conditioner and water.

***Do not use if you are allergic to cinnamon. If you are not sure if you are allergic or sensitive to cinnamon, test the inside of one arm 24 hrs in advance of using the treatment. If your skin develops a rash or other such symptoms, discontinue use. I have sensitive skin and eczema on my scalp, but have had no problems using this mixture.

***I added these pictures because, well Purplgirl48 requested them and I needed to post some pictures of MY hair...ENJOY!

How to Encourage Growth and Discourage Boredom--Safe loose styles

As a natural I read a lot about a lot of protective styles, I talk a lot about natural styles, and I definitely WEAR a lot of protective styles. My hair pretty much goes into hibernation from September to April, just like bears do. I do this to retain length and moisture. But, while it's safe and has a great purpose, it can be boring!!! I miss playing in my hair (I tend to twirl a chunk or grab a handful when I'm thinking). Solution: styles that are low-manipulation and prevent hair from rubbing on dangerous surfaces such as the collar of your wool or cotton sweater. Basically, hair that is up off of your neck in some way. You can be creative with this idea, but as long as there is no frost or snow outside, you can get away with rocking your well-moisturized, well-sealed hair out occasionally to break up the monotony.

New Direction for CC&C

I've decided after reviewing my own posts and thinking it over. I've decided to shift the focus of my blog to maintaining curly hair (either in its natural state or straightened) and doing so frugally. I'll also start featuring more tips on being a frugal naturalista or a natural frugalista (either way, saving money while keeping it cute and curly/kinky!).

Cheap Dupe for an Expensive Product

A while back, Curly Nikki featured these Hand Dry hair gloves on her blog. These gloves can be used to dry natural hair while avoiding the mechanical damage one might incur using a regular towel. These gloves retail for about $25.95 online. Imagine my surprise when I found microfiber gloves at my local Dollar Tree store (for those who don't know, everything there is either $1 or 2 for $1). So, if you were looking into trying these out, check out your local dollars. I bought three pair (one to try and two to give away). I tried them, and found that they work well for squeezing the water of hair prior to styling.

Do It Yourself Avocado and Shea Butter Deep Conditioning Hair Mask

You’ll need:
1 ripe avocado (it should be a little squishy when you purchase it)
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1/4 cup of melted shea butter


Next:
1. Combine all ingredients and blend well until you get a smooth, thick mixture.

2. Shampoo/co-wash your hair. Apply the hair mask to detangled hair from roots to tips.

3. Cover your hair with a shower cap.

4. Leave the hair mask on for 30 minutes. For deeper penetration, sit under a hooded dryer.

5. Rinse out the mask with lukewarm water and style as usual.

It's My Birthday!!!

Ok, it WAS my birthday on 3/12. I have been busy with work and birthday preparation and getting my dog taken care of. Pretty much, LIFE! I have also agreed to be a bridesmaid in ANOTHER wedding and am apparently the fit model/sounding board for the bride. I believe that brings my grand total to 15. Yes, I have been a member of the bridal party at least 15 times (including my mother's remarriage). I'm like the Black 27 dresses. I even did 2 weddings in one month in 2008! Anywhoo, back to the blog. I've been absent trying to get life under control, but I missed my blog!