Hey Curlfriends! Over the last week or so I've been rocking a ponytail. I make sure my hair is moisturized and gather into a bun. This particular style I used 1.5 packs of 100% kankeleon hair. 1 pack was french braided and the half was two strand twisted - put them together and VOILA! 
 
Would you try for a easy spring/summer style?

For Easter sunday I wanted to do something different with my hair. I pulled a dress out of the closet, but remembered the last time I wore it my hair was in a updo. I've been dying to try a updo using the Marley braid hair, so I ran to the hair store to pick some up. I love the texture of it - It looks so natural! I watched a few youtube videos for inspiration (my fav MsVaughnTV: Jamaican braid hair updo) and I WENT IN!

I started with freshly washed hair. I decided to make two ponytails to make the placement of the hair a little bit easier for me. I used Eco Styler gel with argan oil to pull my ponytails together. I then twisted my hair and secured it using a bobby pin. I wrapped my hair up with a scarf for 20 mins to help to lay my edges down. You want a secure base to start with :) Starting with the 1 pack of 100% kankaleon hair I two strand twisted it - securing a ponytail holder in the middle for use to easily attach to my ponytail. I started in the back and wrapped the braid hair around my ponytails to hid them.

Using 1 pack of Marley braid hair, I split it into two parts. The first part I two strand twisted, securing with a ponytail holder and pinned into the back right side of my hair. I began to place the hair going in a figure eight position - using bobby pins to secure. I took the second part of the marley hair, placing a rubber band on each end. I secured each side on the top ponytail, then twisted the hair and proceeded to pin and place how I wanted the front to look. It turned out great! This style was super easy and only took me 40 mins total.....that included 20 mins sitting with a scarf on my head.
 
Let me know if you try it :)
Foxxy

As a naturalista we're always looking for ways to obtain heatless curls. Last year I discovered Curlformers and I must say they are the perfect way to obtain heatless curls or use to stretch your hair. I needed a break from twisting my hair so I decided to  break out the curlformers.


Products use:
*True brand Crazy Sexy Cool Curls Curling Souffle  (review: did not provide enough hold or humidity block)
*Eco styler gel with argan oil
*66 medium curlformers (44 orange, 22 pink)
*Deluxe Softhood Hair dryer attachment by Curlformers (approximately 3hr drying time)
*Due to the Florida humidity my hair only lasted 2 days

I had the awesome opportunity to volunteer for a group of photographers as their model for the day. It was a great experience and so much fun! Being a model is HARD LOL! Here are a few pics from the photo shoot :) Enjoy!

1. When did you make the decision to go natural? Did you transition or big chop?
In the summer of 2009 I initially did a big chop from bra strap length hair to a Rihanna style short cut. I figured if I could go that short might as well go all the way and join the natural movement. I've had two more BC after the initial chop. 

2. Why did you go natural?
One weekend when I wasn't able to get to my regular stylist, I ended up at a Hair Cuttery with an amateur beautician which resulted in a tried and true mohawk. When I finally got to my stylist to doctor up the botched job we decided to try out a TWA and the rest is "hairstory". :-)

3. Do you regret your decision?
I don't regret it at all, I was a slave to the creamy crack and wasted tons of money keeping my hair bone straight, week after week. It feels good to be able to pick and choose when to visit the salon, and not have it be a mandatory event. 

4. What do you love most about being natural?
Versatility. Natural hair is delicate but at the same time strong and can be manipulated and styled in many different ways with greater chances of achieving your desired style. While I've always had length to my hair, when my hair was relaxed I often heard, "you have this length for the style Ari, but your hair isn't thick enough!" I don't have that problem any longer. 

5. What are your favorite products right now?
I consider myself a product junkie so I will try anything that may seem appealing or has all natural products. At the moment, I am addicted to Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, EcoStyler Gel with Olive Oil, and Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing

6. What is your daily/nightly regimen?
It varies depending on how much work I feel like doing. On a lazy day I co-wash, add leave in conditioner, EcoStyler gel and go. On days when I'm feeling a little spunky, I use all the products mentioned above, and while my hair is still wet I pull out my blow dryer to diffuse my hair into voluminous curls. For professional/upscale events I do a two strand twist out. To preserve any of these styles, I use a silky, stretchy type fabric that I made into a tube like scarf. I start with the scarf around my neck and pull it over my face for the pineapple effect on the hair. 

7. Any advice to those considering taking the plunge?
The journey to becoming comfortable with your hair in its natural state is different. Do what makes you happy. There is no right or wrong way when it comes to your "hair story"!

If you're interested in learning more about Ari, check out her new business Facebook page: Temptress Beauty. Temptress Beauty specializes in mobile makeup services and pole parties in the Jacksonville, Florida area. You can contact her at [email protected].

I received my March "Anniversary" CurlKit box today. I get so excited when my box is on the way just to see what they have in store for me. Being that it was the anniversary box, I expected a little bit more. More larger name brands and even a extra full size product! Here's a look at the box contents:
1. Aubrey Organics - GPM Conditioner
2. Soapy Luv - Porridge and Honey soap
3. Wonder Curl - Butter than Love Hair Pudding
4. Bel Nuovo - CoCo Castor Pudding Moisturizing Hair Creme
5. Ecostyler - Curl & Wave "Pink" Gel
6. Alikay Naturals - Lemongrass Leave In Conditioner

What do you think of the anniversary box?
For more information or to subscribe to the monthly service, visit www.curlkit.com

I'M IN LOVE! My fellow naturalista Shanese of Natural Curls, Kinks, and Waves on Facebook is always ranting and raving about crochet braids. After seeing her beautiful results, I was dying to try the style. With a free weekend (which NEVER happens) I decided to give my hair some tender loving care. My ends have been acting a fool lately the last few weeks, so I started by going to the salon for a professional trim. The trim resulted in cutting off about 1 inch all around........Healthy hair over long hair anyday! 

To prepare for a nice break from styling, I used African shea butter and Qhemet Biologic Amla and Olive heavy cream to moisturize my tresses, and a scalp massage using JBCO. I'm not a expert on weave, so I wanted hair that felt natural to me. I decided to use FreeTress brand Deep Twist ($5.99). The hair was 22 inches long and I cut the pack in half. I started with 2 packs, but had to go to the store for another. Take a look at the pics below to see my process - Just click each pic to see a larger image. It took me approximately 8 hours to complete my entire head. Next time I'll be sure to do less cornrows (7 instead of 14), not to braid so tightly (made it harder to get the crochet hook through), focus on separating the hair out so it's evenly spaced on my head, and only use 2 bags of hair with the ultimate goal of completing in 4 hours or less!  

What do you think? 

Scouring through the millions of YouTube videos today, I ran across a video about Hairfinity Hair Vitamins. After watching the first video, I noticed there were tons of videos of people sharing their results after using the product. This is my first time hearing about the vitamins. I've used Biotin pills before but never heard of Hairfinity. I decided to visit Hairfinity's website for more information and this is what they said: 
Hairfinity hair vitamins are formulated with a special blend of nutrients to promote healthier hair growth from the INSIDE OUT. How Do The Vitamins Work? Hairfinity Hair Vitamins contain the basic nutrients for overall health. A healthy body is the ideal environment for healthy hair to thrive. This means that a good metabolism, and immune system are also key factors for growing healthy hair fast. They also contain specific nutrients that are essential for faster hair growth.

For example, our B-Vitamin complex nourishes and supports a healthy scalp and hair growth.

Biotin helps produce keratin, increases hair elasticity, and protects the hair from becoming dry.  It also helps thicken the hair to give the appearance of fullness.

Antioxidant supplements such as Vitamin C are believed to stimulate hair growth by enhancing the immune function and improving scalp health at a cellular level.  

Vitamin D helps prevent hair shedding which is critical to a voluminous fuller head of hair. 

Silica (Horsetail Extract) helps to maintain collagen and hair elasticity to help keep hair lustrous.

The sulfur provided by MSM is required for healthy collagen and keratin, which are essential to healthy hair growth.

What about Protein / Amino Acids? Our Hair Vitamins do not contain amino acids as some other Hair Vitamins. This is because the use of an amino acid supplement is not necessary for growing longer hair. Amino Acids are the building blocks of protein. They are found in foods of animal origin, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products. Most Americans  eat more than enough protein to supply these amino acids. Any excess protein will be excreted in urine. This excess protein also causes excess nitrogen to be excreted in the urine which has been linked to reduced kidney function in old age as well as osteoporosis (due to excretion of calcium). Only STRICT vegetarians should be concerned about their protein intake. 

After reading about the vitamins, I was surprised to also discover that Hairfinity offers FREE customized hair care regimens without any purchase. I'm INTERESTED! This is definitely on my list of products to try in 2013.

For more information on Hairfinity check out their website or Facebook page.

Have you ever tried the Hairfinity hair vitamins? What are your thoughts? Results?

Foxxy