I had a moment last week when I just wasn’t certain if I’d be able to rock a twist-out without clenching a few teeth and shaking a few fists. Weather here on the east coast has been nothing short of suspect: enter in an odd mix of humidity + drizzle rain+ intermittent pouring rain+ humidity. In that order, and you have an idea of what FRO was up against. 

But in the end I did, because there are those inevitable days when you do need your hair to give you more LIFE than you normally ask. BIG HAIR deserves its shine every once in a while, yes?

Even if it lasts for only a few hours…and drifts of dewy rain wipe away all of your hard work. You still press on.

Products Used:

• Cleanse: TheraNeem Scalp Therapy (Still a staple, don’t know what I’d do without)
• Deep Condition: Shea Moisture Organic Yucca & Baobab Anti-Breakage Mask (currently in the PJ rotation, LUV)
• Style: KBB Hair Ambrosia + Jane Carter’s Curl Defining Cream

This has been the second week using the Jane Carter Curl Cream and so far I’m finding it gives a good amount of moisture (coupled with a leave-in condish underneath). Will experiment to see how it holds up on its own for final review.

I was able to tweet a before and after pic showing FRO’s growth at the end of the day, and truth be told, if you’re not able to smile at the miracle of the ‘POOF’ after combating a long day of humidity and lazy weather, you’re doing something wrong.

The consensus on Facebook is in favor of ‘bunning’ which just might be in this week’s forecast.

Late last week a few co-workers and I stole away to an amazingly beautiful loft in SoHo to indulge in a taste testing event centered around the multi-purpose, multi-awesome Naan!

Essentially, a #foodies dream to be served variations of the yummiest of foods all evening long, but thanks to Stonefire I was able to pick up a few tips to carry home.

Noshed on delicious appetizers to start

Our gracious hosts explaining  the secret behind Stonefire Breads.

Good food is best shared with other #foodies…yes.

Even tried our hand at a few recipes & helped out in the kitchen

So…appaarently you can make an easy Pesto/Chicken/Basil/ Panini using Naan. Very Yum!

Inspired and hungry…a woman went home armed with Naan to make this yummy Banana Foster dessert. Easy and delicious. Click for recipe.

Believe it or not this gal has been two-stranding her own growing fro for more than 10 years and still….STILL has not grown tired of said style. Not…that I’ve tried to fall out of love with the time it takes to section, twist, and often air dry. Nope. There really is something fancy about this natural attraction to twisting, and letting Fro be.

To be honest, it must’ve been more about 8 years ago when I noticed that the occasional twisting (protective styling if you will…) is what allowed my hair to maintain it’s natural health and grow in length. Scientifically…there must be a reason for this, yes? Okay…so even if I’m not certain of how it works….I know that it does.

Over the years the actual time it takes to twist has gone down, but the core of what’s stayed the same is my approach. Want longer, healthier natural hair? Find a routine that not just ‘works,’ but delivers you the kind of results that you can enjoy working towards. It is possible. Products may change over the years…but the type of care you give to maintain hair health shouldn’t.

The past few weeks FRO had fun trying new hair goodies and getting familiar with a styler that might be a Summer keeper!

Products Used:

• Cleanser: Cream of Nature Sunflower & Coconut Detangling Conditioning Shampoo
• DC: Shea Moisture  Organic Yucca & Baobab Anti-Breakage Masque
• Style: KBB Hair Ambrosia + Jane Carter’s Curl Defining Cream

April/May really is the month were the phasing out of heavier stylers takes place, and lighter alternatives to moisturizing come into play. This week after purging the PJ drawer, Jane Carter’s Curl Defining Cream plopped to the surface wanting some attention & it happily showed FRO some love. I’ve used only once, but will use again for complete deets & rundown. The smell of this stuff is pure yum! Have you guys tried? Found the 6 ounce jar in the ailes of Target many moons ago. (….and by the by, have you peeked at the new #naturalhair section at Tarjay!? EPIC)

What are you guys using to transition during the warmer months? A PJ is going shopping soon.

Well. It’s been a minute, yes? Can we play a quick catchup? Sabbaticals of varying lengths seem to be very popular on BTC…buuuut, FRO’s still been a busy beast. Last week it dawned on me that much too much was taking place without me sharing just how awesome the natural hair community is growing in fantastical ways!

If you follow me on tweetville I dropped a hint last week on a new project that gave birth a few days ago…and it looks amazing! Carol’s Daughter recently launched  a resourceful new site for transitioning newbies to help them through those rough patches. Transitioningmovement.com is already one of my favorite new stops because it has so many recognizable names within the natural hair community (moi included!) sharing their insight, and just being plain awesome! Check out my latest article on maintaining a healthy scalp while transitioning, and even our favorite Awkward black girl Issa Rae talking for the first time about her natural hair journey.

I implore you to visit, explore and even can add your two cents where it counts to help those who need answers.

….and there was that one time FRO decided she wanted to be a part of a natural hair television segment  on The Better Show and *wave* to a few peeps. Yep, that happened. Granted, I have the sleepiest of eyes (don’t laugh), but FRO rocked it well, along with the other gorgeous head of curls. ESSENCE Magazine’s Beauty Director, Corynne Corbet played host while talking curls and tresses on set. Fancy.

Don’t we look good in pink?!

Television Make-up. Super Fancy

We had another fun round of giveaways and sharing of awesomeness in last month’s Cup of Chai. Have you subscribed? Last month a winner was chosen and received goodies from the new Motions Naturally You line, and next month’s issue is filled with even more hand picked favorites for subbies!

Updates on The Process soon come! New Holy Grail DC’s were found, moisturizing stylers were purchased…and a PJ finally purged and used up her old stash of stuff!

Good Times. So, what’s your fro & curls loving these days?

Early last month a woman decided to pack up a single bag, upend a few tired routines and book a two night stay in the heart of Washington DC with the only intent being to explore, eat & give thanks. This was a much-needed trip (never been to the nation’s capital before) and quietly eased some worries that’d begun to blossom into stubborn insecurities. Many pics were taken of delicious food, monumental spots, friends (new & old). Late, but still fun to look back.

Frequented Busboys and Poets pretty much every single day after eating this plate of goodness. Can’t wait to go back.

Met up with a few friends, the always entertaining Sheena and the lovely GG from Write Curl Diary.

The fabulousness that was High Brunch at Eatonville.

Zora the Great

Yes, geekery was displayed in front of the Big House( yay!).

(even more geekery)

Had SUCH a great time, already mentally planning another trip back. Any DC peeps out there? What should I add to the list of places to eat/see on the next trip?