This past weekend I was finally able to toss aside all the grumblings of bad weather and impending rain showers cuz….it was glorious out! After a few out of town plans fell through, I dragged a few family members to the Brooklyn Botanical Garden and snapped a few pics with my new fancy ass camera…a.k.a. Pappi;).

this was probably 7 day hair that I clipped up using a handy Goody clip! these days with the heat creeping in not the biggest fan of hairz in the face.

Hope your holiday was good one! Summer is finally HERE!!

While there continues to be a surge in new product lines that cater to the needs of the curly haired masses, some are still finding it difficult to scour the internets, searching for brand names that sell the hair butters & lotions our hair so often craves. Whether hesitancy comes from the price of shipping & handling or from the average time it takes for the goodies to arrive at your front door, some naturals still prefer to shop through the aisles of their local beauty supply or health food store.

Thankfully, while we wait for some of our small niched brands to reach the aisles of our local Ulta or Target, stores like Whole Foods are stocking up on a ton of new curl friendly products that are affordable and work well. I mentioned Pooka Pure & Simple a while back (also stocked at Whole Foods), and just this past week  finished up a bottle of a new favorite condish from Andalou Naturals, their Moisture Rich Sweet Orange & Argan Oil formulated specifically for dry, curly, textured hair is the biz-NESS!

Packed with more nourishing oils & natural butters than most average conditioners that hang out on most shelves, this delivered on it’s promise to moisturize my parched Fro, leaving hair incredibly soft. I opted to use as a deep conditioner after each use because of it’s creamy texture, and left in the hair for 45min-1hour.

Formulated with my new fav ingredient, Manuka Honey along with cocoa butter, vitamin E, Shea Butter, Jojoba & Avocado Oils it’s definitely moisturizing, yet lacks in the slip department. Applying to my strands wasn’t exactly a chore, but because it does have a small trace of a cone (Dimethicone) I figured it should work better when applying. Nevertheless, I found it worked incredibly well for the price ($9), the smell is not overbearing….in fact it’s sweet & quite pleasant.  Coming in at a 11 ounce jar, you do get a good amount for the dollar. I was able to get a more than a few uses, and I’m a heavy handed gal, lol.

If you find yourself shopping at Whole Foods, or even a local health food store, be sure to check the shelves for newer brands! There’s bound to be a few hidden gems lurking about, the market for curly textured hair is finally changing and showing up at our local stores! Have you guys tried anything from Andalou? What did you like?

I mentioned a few days ago on my Facebook Page how thrilled I still get after seeing yet another hair care line devoted to the textures of the curly haired fringe. I think it also says a lot for a company that involves itself right along side many others in the natural hair commnity, whether it’s in the streets or online, interacting and answering our ever flowing amount of questions. So when I was introduced to Enso Naturals a few weeks ago and approached with the chance to sponsor a giveaway, I had no quibbles about saying yes! Deets below:

What’s up for grabs!

Marshmallow Root Twisting Pudding: A rich, thick, velvety smooth alcohol free styling pudding suitable for all hair types that does not cause flakes or tack. Marshmallow Root Twisting Pudding was formulated with the needs of tired, thirsty, frizzy curls in mind. Our Twisting Pudding is fortified with Marshmallow Root which conditions your coils leaving your hair soft and nourished from root to tip. Marshmallow Root Twisting Pudding is also loaded with curl loving ingredients to help enhance your natural curl pattern while offering brilliant sheen, bouncy curls and hold.

Key Benefits:

• Marshmallow Root is a highly medicinal herb that contains an abundance of mucilage, which in turn provides “slip” that helps to manage, condition and detangle thick, curly hair. This herb is also high in plant proteins which nourishes your scalp promoting healthy hair growth and luster.
• Argan Oil is an amazing moisturizer for coarse, kinky hair, as it helps with moisture retention. Argan Oil also protects the hair from damaging free radicals thanks to the abundance of antioxidants it contains.
• Silk Amino Acids fights frizz by smoothing the cuticle, leaving hair silky, smooth, and free of frizz. Silk Amino Acids also provides curly hair a much needed moisture boost while also enhancing sheen!
• Shea & Cocoa Butter protects, hydrates and nourishes your hair.
• Avocado Oil provides a moisture boost for extremely dry hair.
• Rice Bran Oil helps protect your hair from UV damage, while penetrating deep into the hair shaft delivering nutrients and hydration to parched curls.
• Virgin Coconut Oil nourishes hair at the follicle helping to strengthen the hair shaft, impart moisture and encourage growth.

Olive & Honey Hydrating Hair Butter: A highly concentrated, rich moisturizing hairdress loaded with tons of nourishing oils known for their ultra moisturizing, regenerative and nourishing properties. Our yummy Olive & Honey Hydrating Hair Butter absorbs quickly leaving your tresses tamed, your curls quenched, and your hair manageable. Olive & Honey Hydrating Hair Butter is ideal for those with dry, coarse brittle hair and perfect for those that are transitioning out of a relaxer as this hair butter can be used to soften new growth and work to minimize breakage by conditioning the hair.

Key Benefits:

• Olive Oil works to restore the strength, sheen and improve the overall health of your hair. Olive Oil also conditions and nourishes dry, brittle and chemically treated hair minimizing breakage and helping to increase length retention.
• Avocado Oil works to condition and nourish the hair from root to tip. Avocado Oil is rich in amino acids, essential fatty acids, and plant nutrients making which all work in perfect harmony to give you healthy, strong, hydrated hair.
• Shea & Butter protects, hydrates, and delivers essential nutrients to your hair.
• Castor Oil imparts sheen, restores healthy moisture balance, promotes hair growth and improves manageability.
• Extra Virgin Coconut is one of the very few oils that can penetrate the hair shaft offering supreme moisturizing benefits. Coconut Oil is also purported to aid in promoting hair growth.
• Honey quenches curls and imparts sheen.

Here’s how to enter!

1. Tell me ONE product from the Enso Natural’s line you’re anxious to try! click here to get familiar with their line of goodies!
2. Head on over to their Facebook Page and give it a quick thumbs up!

Giveaway is open to US residents only & will remain open until Monday, May 30th at 9pm. A winner will be chosen at random and announced that same week. Don’t forget to follow Enso Naturals on Twitter for updates!

*I’ll also be trying out a few of their goodies…my eyes have been lingering on the Milk & Honey Hydrating Butter! Sounds yum for Summer hair!*

Over the past few years I’m sure many of us in our respective cities and neighborhoods have noticed a slight influx in women proudly wearing their newly natural coifs. In my own personal life, I’ve seen what can only be described as a growing coalition of Fro-Action in and around my city….and I live in Brooklyn! Even a few close friends have chosen the natural route, BIG CHOPPED and are now finding their own way along this journey.

For many years I felt as if I was the only young Fro-in rockin & styling her own hair, figuring out this natural hair ish, not a single relative, BFF or co-worker to share & discuss product info, hair styles etc. Ironically, this imposed isolation I was in really did help to instill within me a strong sense of confidence, especially when it came to the reaction of those who simply could not understand my choice.

But I did not run out of the gates knowing much…if anything about dealing with my hair, and I understand firsthand that this is the most defining common factor facing many newly naturals. Where do I start? What products do I use? How much time do I have to spend on my hair?!

Here’s the deal. You have to TRY.

I’m not talking about seeking advice from you natural hair peers, stalking your favorite Youtube gurus and asking a bevy of questions on the Twitter #naturalhair hashtag (…these certainly do have their place). Nope. I’m saying that you must put forth the effort to  manage your own hair the best way you now how. Get your hands dirty,  attempt to know something about the strands that run through your own fingers as opposed to someone else.

Sounds simple, yah? But what I’ve continued to notice is this need for immediacy when it comes to caring for our hair. This instant need to figure it all out within one single breath or one hyperactive episode of Glee.

“How long do you spend on your hair?! 3 hours…WTH!”

I’ve been natural for well over ten years, and continue to receive off handed comments about how long I dote on my Fro. Truthfully, it’s of no consequence. But if you’are seeking advice from me or any other natural haired gal who cares for her strands with a dedicated approach, yet refuse to transfer it into action…it’s a disservice to how much you could in fact learn.

Time really shouldn’t be the issue here, nor the type of product or styling tool you use, because with practice, patience and a better understanding of what it means to nurture textured hair…that is when you’ll see results that you are most proud of.  What was often a 4 hour ‘ordeal’ mixed with detangling & shingling, can realistically be cut in half with the right apporach. And practice, no matter the intended style!

In reality many of us live busy, structured lives with families and friends to hold our attention from day to day, and for the most part cannot fathom spending anywhere from 2-4 hours on our tresses. But all of us need to start somewhere. Whether you’re natural for 10 years or 6 months, it’s often about the approach heading in. If you’re on this journey, you have to abstain from standing still. Give it a go!

Because the Fro’s been in a state of two-strand twists for the better part of a few weeks, I’ve had to come up with all sorts of strategies to maintain moisture. Traditionally, I stick to sprays that are easily found in stores. A few favorites are the Jane Carter Revitlizing Leave-In along with Darcy’s Botanicals Hair Spritz. But lately needed something that was a bit more cost effective, especially with the warmer months approaching, and my goal to keep wearing my now go-to style.

Now, if you’ve ever taken a quick peek at the ingredient list of many of the other sprays on the market, you’ll find a whole host of common names (aloe vera, essential oils, glycerin, herbal infusions etc.) All easy to pronounce, recognize & find in most health food stores. To make an easy at home spritz, I chose few elements that would help maintain moisture without causing any build up.

• Rose Water
• Aloe Vera
• Grapeseed Oil (or a favorite oil of your choice)

Easy and works in a pinch! Proportions are what I call “eyeballer” because I tend to use less Aloe Vera in my mixes to avoid crunch. Overall you do want mostly Rose Water (75-80% vs. 10% Aloe Vera)Rose water works well on hair to not only soften, but helps to increase blood circulation of the scalp & helps to prevent hair loss (not to mention the incredible floral scent!). Aloe Vera does well in reducing dandruff by cutting back on a dry scalp. Grapeseed Oil is really one of my favorite carrier oils because it’s fast penetrating, treats a ton of skin ailments including those prone to eczema & dermatitis.  It’s non-sticky, non-heavy & the perfect compliment for a mix if you don’t want product buildup.

I spritz this on my twists mainly during the week (typically mornings ) then apply a light hair cream or butter to seal. My hair’s been thriving since doing this, softer & easier to take down once wash day rolls around again. The great thing about mixing your own spritz is the ability to combine & mix whatever ingredients your hair finds favorable. Many natural hair ladies have been getting down with DIY sprays for a long time, & if you need more of a guide check out the bevy of videos tagged on YouTube.

More reading:

• Natural Chica’s DIY Sweet Shine Spray
• Motown Girl’s Homemade Hair Spritz
• K is for Kinky’s Moisturizing Spray

*If you’ve recently mixed your own spray, please share your recipes! What oils are your favorites to incorporate?*

*NOTE* I do recommend using Aloe Vera Juice as apposed to Gel for a light moisture that won’t build up on hair. Also, when thinking of mixing in the kitchen, it’s important to strategize about preserving your product. Once a water substance is added to the mix, the shelf life decreases, therefore you need to add a natural preservative element (Grapefruit Seed Extract is a good example). I’ve traditionally stuck to Vitamin E (the Aloe Juice I purchase is formulated with it it), but in the video below you’ll find a ton more options. It’s very informative, and I always return to it when playing mixtress in the kitchen!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THSkQLyDQ5Q

Haven’t been one for mixing it up in the style department as of late, not that I ever was one to experiment too wildly, but in my case there is something to be said for consistency when you’re in a healthy hair challenge. What’s been working well, even in the midst of a few split hairs and fairy knots, are these dang two strand twists. Over the years I’ve become more comfortable setting aside the time, separating into sections and gently caring for each strand. What used to be an arduous task, sometimes reaching well over 3 hours, has been cut down to only an hour and a half (pats self on back!).

Products Used:

• Pre-Poo: Manuka Honey Hot Oil
• Cleanse: TheraNeem Scalp Therape
• Deep Condition: Karen’s Body Beautiful Luscious Locks Hair Mask
• Style: EO Moisture Rich Condish + KBB Hair Ambrosia

My Mum & I had this silly running joke while she was visiting over the past few weeks & all it consisted of was me trying my darndest to get to the KBB store to finally stock up on a few essentials. The dame was here for 3 solid weeks and I could not for the life of me find a way to trek the less than 2 miles it takes to get to the brick & mortar location here in BK. What was the joke? Just my Mum’s knowing way of pointing out how slightly in tune I am with my hair…as opposed to other femmes she’s come across. To her, I’m slightly obsessive & should just PAY someone to handle my ‘burdens.’

And to her, my response was a slight raising of the eyebrows & a short explanation of how much pleasure I do have once the task is done, I’m able to clear my personal space of all the shed hairs, leftover condish bottles & hair clips to finally look in the mirror and smile. I make faces sometimes….other times I do take care to seal each twist with a smidge of shea butter like I ought. Sometimes. Other moments I just breathe easy and realize that it’s all worth it, the struggles (mostly arm strains…), the random curiosity from others who can’t ever fathom devoting more than 2 hours to their hair…

I still got this, man. Quite proud of it too.