Product Review: BEIJA FLOR NATURALS CREME BRULEE

 

Hola Chicas/Chicos..I pray all is well with everyone.

Ok, so I tried a new product that I would love to review for you guys. It's the Creme Brulee for Curls, Kinks and Coils by Beija Flor Naturals. It's a water based Ayurvedic styling creme that has the intention of moisturizing our curls, kinks and coils. So, without furthur ado, let's get into the swing of things with this product review.

Just What Is Creme Brulee?

• Creme Brulee is an everyday leave-in moisturizer with ingredients hand selected for beautiful healthy hair. 
• An infusion of 13 premium natural ingredients create a light cream texture that is perfect for all natural hair types.

How To Use Creme Brulee:

• Can be used on wet or dry hair
• Apply in sections to clean damp hair. This is a stand alone product that acts as both a light styler and moisturizer. It could also be used under another styler or gel.

What Creme Brulee Claims:

• Not heavy, Non-sticky, greasy: 65% organic, 100% Natural, 100% Vegan 
• Good for afros, wash and gos, twists, braids and children styles ;Curls,Waves and Coils of all textures
• Add shine, moisture and protection.

Ingredients:

Herbal Complex (Nettle, Burdock, Marshmallow Root, Rosemary), Organic Shea Butter, Aloe Butter, MuruMuru Butter, Organic Aloe Vera Extract, Grapeseed Oil, Coconut Oil, Vegetable Emulsifier, Stearic Acid, Xanthum, Vitamin E Paraben Free preservative, Fragrance.

Dominique's Review:

Ok, I must first say, the smell is UNBELIEVABLE! And if you know me and have followed my blog or follow me on my Facebook fan page at All Things O'Natural, you know that I am a sucker for Ayurvedic all natural products. Though I am not a product junkie and am very faithful to my products and regimen, this definitely caught my attention..and you may also know that I love and commend those who make their own products. Now, on to the results. I like to use a product after I have stripped older product from my hair using the Bentonite Clay treatment so I can truly see how a product works. After I cleansed my hair, I sprayed my hair with my Ayurvedic herbal moisturizing spritz that I made, then applied the Creme Brulee in sections, then twisted my hair. Once dry, I untwisted using my O'Natural Natty Butter and here are my thoughts...I absolutely loved loved loved the way that my hair felt. It was soft like terry cotton and it smelled (O)mazing!. So, does the Creme Brulee do what it claims? Absolutely..the product left my hair soft and moist and with the addition of my Natty Butter, shiny as well. In comparison to the SheaMoisture Deep Treatment Masque, the Masque leaves my hair a tad bit heavier, but a tad bit more moisturized..or let me say wet to the touch. The Creme Brulee didn't leave my hair wet to the touch, but it didn't leave it nowhere near dry.It was light fluffy and my twists moved about freely. I did like the way that it held up in the hot conditions with little shrinkage or frizz.. So, would I recommend this product? Absolutely..just for the scent alone, it could stop a war..but all in all, I loved the results, the softness, bounciness and shine in combination with my Natty Butter was awesome, I loved the consistency and did I say that I loved the smell? Well, I loved the smell.

My Results:

Where to purchase Beija Flor products: www.beijaflornaturals.bigcartel.com

Making An Ayurvedic Infusion for Healthy Hair

   

Hola Chicas/Chicos..I pray all is well with everyone..


If you've been following my blog or my Facebook fan page, you know how I'm a huge fan of incorporating Ayurvedic treatments into my natural hair regimen. I have rant and raved over the benefits of using Ayurvedic herbs. Well now, I put together a pictorial video showing how you can use your Ayurvedic herb powders to make a wonderful healthy moisturizing spritz.


Benefits of Using Ayurvedic Herbs:

• Strengthens Hair, therefore reducing hair loss
• Excellent for adding and restoring moisture
• Thickens Hair
• Conditions The Hair
• Aids in eliminating issues with dandruff

So, Spritz Away

O'Natural Products for the International Natural Beauty

  

Hola Chicas/Chicos...I pray all is well with everyone..

By super popular request, I have put together a list of companies that ship to the O'Natural Beauties across seas. So, I truly hope this help all of your stunning naturals find the products that will work for you and your natural tresses..Enjoy!

For The International Natural Beauty:

• www.afroveda.com
• www.beijaflornaturals.bigcartel.com
• www.oyinhandmade.com 
• www.purabodynaturals.com 
• www.livingthenattylifestyle.blogspot.com 
• www.koilsbynature.com 
• www.facebook.com/mayleahsorganics 
• www.hennasooq.com 

I hope this helps!!! See ya next time

My 1 Year Kinky-Versary...VIDEO

   




Hola Chicas/Chicos..I pray all is well with everyone.

Well I made it, my 1 year Kinky-Versary! I must say I am totally loving my hair and this journey. Of course there have been good and bad days, but so is life. So, I hope you all enjoy the video and until next time, a bientot!

Let's Talk GOOD EATS: Chattanooga's BACK INN CAFE

 

Greetings Chicas/Chicos..I pray all is well with everyone.

So, if you know me, you know that I love to eat. But, not just eat anything, but good food is such a pleasure that I take very seriously. One thing that my husband and I have come to understand, is how we appreciate being able to have a date night and enjoy a nice evening meal with a wonderful glass of wine. Of course, before our team of children we dined out quite often, so it wasn't as appreciated as it is now as we only enjoy date nights monthly, sometimes twice per month, definitely thanks to being close to my parents and my grandmother for support in watching our children.

Now, I must say, I recently moved back to Chattanooga in November of 2010 after being away for 12 years living in Atlanta, GA. And I am pleasantly amazed at all of the wonderful sights, restaurants, beauty and festivals that Chattanooga has to offer. It is definitely an amazingly beautiful place and has been voted as one of the top places to visit for tourists in the world.

So, here's the scoop on the Back Inn Cafe in the Bluff View District in Chattanooga, TN. Enjoy!!

The Scoop:

• Located in a renovated Colonial Revival Mansion, Back Inn Café offers upscale global cuisine with an extensive wine list. The menu changes seasonally to provide our guests with fresh dishes and the latest innovations in fine cuisine. You may choose to sit in our peaceful library, one of two romantic sunrooms, or outside on the terrace overlooking the river. Reservations suggested but not required. 
• New Special: Wine Wednesdays at Back Inn Café: every Wednesday from 5pm - 9pm you can get 1/2 price wine from our selected wine list, over 40 wines to choose from!  
• "Our top pick for fine fare comes with scenery. Back Inn Cafe in the Bluff View Art District sits high above the river. But the view on the plate rivals." -Southern Living 
• RESTAURANT WITH THE BEST VIEW :Chattanooga Times Free Press "Best of the Best" 2009 
• MOST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT:CITYSCOPE "Reader's Choice" Dining Award 2009
• Offers a wonderful Gluten Free Menu 
• Excellent wine selection

Our Dinner and Experience At Back Inn Cafe: The Appetizers

 Pan Seared Sea Scallops w/ Char Corned Pico De Gallo, Sweet Corn Pomace and Lemon Emulsion

Lobster Bisque

The Entrees:

Rembrandt's Roasting Company Rubbed New York Strip 

 Shrimp and Grits

The Coctails:

The Desert:

Creme Brule w/Fresh Berries

The Ambiance: The restaurant is in beautiful Bluff View Historic District and the decor gives you a feel of a wonderfully maintained elegant bed and breakfast with the hardwood floors, large moulding framing the windows, the cedar beamed ceilings. I loved the option to eat in or outside with the same view of the Tennessee River.

Our Review: The food was absolutely exquisite! The first bite of the scallops, the lobster bisque, both entrees and the desert was absolutely amazing! The seasonings were just right and I loved the actual crescent shape of the grit cakes with the shrimp and grit entree..Definitely an A in our books. The services spectacular! The Ambiance breathtaking! Overall, it was a very enjoyable experience..2 Happy Campers!

Remember, it is not only healthy for your relationship, it's O'Natural to take time away from your busy lives and enjoy the company of your loved one...So, where you going for Date Night!!

Let's Talk Hair: Are You Testing Your pH...Level That Is?

Hola Chicas/Chicos..I pray all is well with everyone.

Ok, it's time to get down to the 'science' of things regarding our hair and scalp and testing its pH levels. I know, I know, more things to do when it comes to our hair..sheesh. But this is really important and it may help many questions that you have in regards to dry scalp, dandruff, dry hair, the frizzies, etc. And believe me, I like simplicity just as much as the next natural, but if one extra step can help answer some of the questions that I have in regards to achieving healthy hair, I'm all in...

What is a normal pH Level?

• Sebum, which is the hair's natural oil, has a pH (potential/power of hydrogen) Level of 4.5 to 5.5, which makes it slightly acidic.
• Each step on the scale is a tenfold increase in alkalinity (moving up the scale) or in acidity (moving down the scale).
• Any substance with a pH that is greater than 7.0 (normal PH for water) is considered an alkali, and any substance with a pH lower than 7.0 is considered an acid. This is based on a scale of 0 to 14. So, in terms, our hair is more acidic than water.
• Battery acid, for example is the contains the highest amount of acid, so that makes it one of the strongest acids. Sodium Hydroxide (the chemical known as lye found in hair relaxers) has the highest alkaline content..Both capable of destroying anything in its path. So, imagine how both extremes are harmful to our hair.

Why is our pH Level so Important?

• Just about every major scalp problem including dandruff, flaking scalp, itching scalp, scalp psoriasis, scalp eczema and the rest are caused by a fungus that grows on the scalp. Normally this fungus is kept in check in the average human being. After all we are exposed to hundreds of fungi everyday that are body keeps in check. An example of this is yeast. When it becomes out of balance women and men can get yeast infections. The same is true with the scalp. You must keep the proper pH in the scalp skin.  
• Many people don’t realize how important the pH of a shampoo is. Hair Shampoos and other hair products can range from a 4 ph to around an 8.5. And for many they may like the feel of their hair better when they use a higher ph shampoo however they are setting themselves up for many scalp problems. 
• It is ideal for us to keep our hair at a 4.5 to 5.5 pH level. Not only is it healthy for our hair, but it helps to keep fungi and bacteria from our scalp..see the importance? When our hair is exposed to too much alkaline, the exact opposite happens..our scalps are more prone to bacteria and fungi exposure. This is because when our hair is exposed to more alkaline, the cuticles are lifted. This is what relaxers (pH Level of 11 to 14 to permanently straighten afro textured hair), mild chemical treatments (texturizers: pH of 8 to 11) and hair dyes do to our hair to change the protein structure. The roller coaster effect happens because our hair is taken from its normal pH of 4.5/5.5 to a pH level of 11+..then back again down to a pH level of 3 (with the use of a neutralizing shampoo) within minutes.

How To Test The pH Level In Our Products..

• Take your pH Level strips (these can be purchased just about anywhere or online at www.vitacost.com ) and dip them into your product and allow to stabalize. Note..product must be in liquid form to test.
• Allow to sit for seconds to minute depending on your brands directions for use.
• Place the strips along the color chart to see where your product would fall on the pH Level scale. Remember, the range is from 0(most acidic) to 14 (highest alkaline content), with our desired results preferring to remain in the 4.5 to 5.5 range.
• Gasp at your results, just kidding!

Some pH Facts About Natural Products:

• Baking Soda: Eeek, this was a shocker to me..but baking soda has a pH Level of 8.3 and higher (even when diluted with water) is way more alkaline than our hair. It takes our hair and scalp in the opposite direction than our ideal level of 4.5/5.5. People who have used baking soda usually describe baking soda as an ingredient which loosens the curl pattern or makes the hair soft. This makes sense because alkalines disrupts the bond in our hair and make our hair more limp and ready to take on any new reshaping, hence the softness. Many dandruff problems and scalp infections are caused by high alkaline solutions. And yes, Baking soda is wonderful for cleaning teeth due to its jagged edges when viewed under a microscope. This is why Baking Soda is viewed as a wonderful household cleaner and degreaser. And bottom line, baking soda is not natural, it is a manufactured product (check your labels on the back of your box..it should read 'manufactured by..')... sorry :-(
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Actually, ACV (pH level of 3.0 more acidic than our hair) is fine when properly diluted. Our scalp is naturally acidic to prevent fungi and bacteria from infecting the skin. Proper dilution ratio of ACV to water would be 1/4 TSP to 4 oz of water and 1/2 TSP to 8 oz of water. So, thumbs up to ACV, which is natural, especially when used in proper dilution.
• Lemon Juice: Highly acidic. It has the capability to eat through hair due to its highly acidic nature. 

So..What Will Work For Our hair?

• Products with a pH Level of 4.5 to 7 works GREAT for the hair.
• The goal of any hair care product should be to leave the pH of our hair alone or to move it slightly towards the acidic direction, which helps it to lie flat..(ACV, wink wink)

Natural Ingredients that Work For Our Hair..

• Apple Cider Vinegar: And here it is again, that wonderfully good yet bitter tasting and highly pungent ingredient that can work wonders for our natural tresses. Be sure to get the ACV to a steady pH level of at least 4.0 by diluting in water until your strip reads the proper level.
• Aloe Vera Juice: Round of applause for this one..it has a natural pH level of 4.0 to 4.5. So it works wonderful as a leave in conditioner and when added to a spritz bottle for a moisturizing mist. It can be mixed with water or not.
• Lemon Juice: Now this guy has a very low pH of 2.0. So it is extremely acidic and you must be very careful when using it, it can fry your hair and it doesn't take a lot to change the pH of water (normal pH of water 7.0).  I have not tried a lemon juice rinse, but many naturals sing praises to it,whether using it as a rinse or adding it to a henna treatment.
• Dr. Bronners, one of my favorite to wash with, well that is until I began using the Chagrin Valley soaps, has a pH Level of 10..Holy Catfight!! Imagine using it on your hair..sheesh.

pH Level Bottom Line..

• After wetting your hair, use an acidifier with a pH range of 4.0 to 6.0 to close your cuticles..ie, ACV..bottom line, water is more alkaline than our hair.
• Keeping our pH levels in check will close the cuticle and help lock moisture in..Thus, preventing dryness and helping to keep the frizzies down.
• So instead of buying a leave in conditioner, mix your own concoction, this is a great one from youtube's Kimmaytube: Aloe Vera Juice, Jojoba Oil and Castor Oil..use your test strip to be sure to level the pH out to a range of 4.0 to 6.0.

Hope this helps to see the importance of using pH strips, I know that this helped me while researching the info and has opened my eyes to a lot of things that I had a lack of knowledge as to what was good and what was not so good for my hair. Trial and error, I tell ya, Trial and error! Now that you have been equipped with some knowledge..Go, my friend, and pH balance the world, one great ingredient at a time.




credits: some info found at www.youtube.com/kimmaytube
photo credit: www.hi-imcurrentlyobsessed.tumblr.com

I've Got A Story To Tell: Meet The Gorgeous Roxanne

Greetings Ladies and Gents...I pray all is well with everyone.

Meet Roxanne, better known as 'Foxy Roxy', a woman who has a lively personality, a great business head on her shoulders and an expertise in the Interior Design world. A wonderful and fun person to hang out with, Roxanne has settled in Memphis with her handsome fiance and is truly enjoying the blessings in life..So, let's take a look at this wonderful feature and I know you will enjoy it as much as I did.

Meet Roxanne

1. Being that you are naturally curly, how did you feel about your
curls growing up?

Some days I loved my curls growing up and other days I wanted to cut
it all off because it was just too curly.

2. How often do you straighten your hair?
Lately I have been just blow drying it with a 1 1/2 roller brush and many times let it air dry.

3. How do you keep your curls so beautiful, what is your current
regimen?
I don't wash my hair everyday. I'll usually wash it every other day.
The reason for that is because it keeps my hair shiny. When you wash
it every day it dries it out. Also, I began  using more organic
shampoos and conditioners that are sulfate and silicone free. Much better for my hair. When I get my hair
cut every 6-8 weeks, my stylist always compliments me on how
healthy and shiny it is. It's kind of funny but the second day without
washing it I usually just dampen my hands with water and put my fingers
through my hair instead of a brush. That protects my hair from breakage.

4. How does your spouse, family or friends embrace your natural curls?

My Fiancé loves my hair in its natural curly state. I get in my moods of wanting it curly
and blowing it out smooth. I always get someone liking my various styles. Even
when I throw it up in a bun. I think people just like healthy hair.

5. Out of all of the wonderful advice available, what's the best
natural hair tip that you have received?

Stay away from to much product, Flat irons, and color.

6. There are a wave of naturals embracing their curly, wavy and kinky
hair, how do you think that helps or has helped others embrace their
natural hair?

I think that by seeing people embrace their natural hair, others are encouraged to explore and emphasize their natural beauty, not chase a hair style that is overly difficult, or damaging in the long run or succumb to the standards of beauty that society has set to follow.

7. What advice would you give a newbie natural on embracing the texture that they are born with?

I didn't understand when I was little with how beautiful my natural hair was, until I was a teenager. My image of beauty was set on the standard. I encourage everyone to embrace their natural beauty and uniqueness. Avoid color, flat irons and protect your hair in the sun and pools. Always apply a conditioner to keep your hair soft and shiny in the sun. Comb your hair starting from the ends to the roots.

The Beautiful Foxy Roxy

Happy Natty Day!

If you have a story to tell and would like to be featured on All Things O'Natural, please send an email request to allthingsonatural@yahoo.com and use the header 'I've Got A Story'..

I've Got A Story To Tell: Meet the Beautiful KELLI

 

 Greetings, Chicas/Chicos...I pray all is well with everyone..

Well, we have a wonderful feature from a Beautiful Naturalista, Kelli, who says life as a natural brings interest to her science classroom daily. 

Kelli is a middle school science teacher who has been natural for pretty much her whole life.  She used to get her hair pressed, but finally stopped once graduating from college.  Kelli says, 'I think one of the neatest things about my hair is how much my students pay attention to it.  They look forward to seeing what style I will come up with next.'  Kelli has also recently started blogging about natural hair and you can check out what she has to say at www.hiscrowningglory.blogspot.com ...So, let's here what story Kelli has to tell...enjoy!!

 

Meet Kelli

 

1. What inspired you to go natural?

Several reasons, I guess.  A childhood friend left for Howard University and came back natural.  I really admired how healthy her hair seemed and the versatility of it.  After some stressful undergraduate years, my hair had broken off a lot and I was looking for a way to get it back to its original fullness.  Also, I wanted to save some money.  I was tired of shelling out dollars to my hairdresser every two weeks, only to sweat my hair out within a few days.  Finally, when I finished college, I wanted a way to show that I had grown and become a different person, so I thought that being natural would demonstrate that best.

 2. How long have you been a beautiful natural?

Technically, I’ve always been a natural.  I have never had a relaxer; my hair was always pressed/flat ironed.  I stopped getting it pressed in 2006 and have mostly been wearing it in some form of its curly state ever since.  There was a period in 2008 when I got a new job and was worried about job security, so I was wearing it pressed for the first few months.  However, once I realized that my job was safe and that I was hired because I am a good employee (not because of my hairstyle), I went back to wearing it curly/kinky.

 3. In regards to natural hair, do you feel as though the same stigmas of hair type exist, for example, do you hear people use the term 'good hair' or 'good grade of hair' in regards to certain hair textures?

I think the tables have turned, so to speak.  I’m not really into hair-typing, so the only way I can describe my hair is thick, coarse, and curly/kinky.  I think my natural friends that don’t have this hair type often regard my kind of hair as “good hair” because the texture lets me style it in a variety of ways.   After conversing with large groups of naturals, it seems as though the curliest hair is regarded as the best, and those with wavy or thinner hair is not as good.

I think though, when we start to define types of hair, it defeats the purpose of going natural.  To me, going natural is supposed to be an act of self-love and affirmation.  It means that you love yourself just the way you were created.  So to compare one type of hair to another kind of puts the whole thing in vain.

 4. Do you feel as though most black men are supportive to natural hair? How about other nationalities?

I don’t know...from what I understand, most black men really just want a confident woman.  I do get compliments from black men about my natural hair styles, but they are usually guys who rock locs or have a close female family member that has natural hair.

I would DEFINITELY say that men of other nationalities, especially caucasian, like natural hair.  Those seem to be the biggest admirers of my hair...I think they like it because our hair is an enigma to them that they just can’t figure out.

 5. How do you maintain such beautiful coils?

Cowashing saved my life!  At first I thought it was the dirtiest thing I had ever heard of, but once I tried it for myself, I was hooked.  It has really helped my hair to become stronger.  Also, I am a fan of SheaMoisture’s Coconut & Hibiscus products.  They moisturize my hair perfectly.  I love the products because they are organic and don’t have all those man-made ingredients.

6. Do you have any words of wisdom to pass on to others striving for a natural lifestyle?

DO YOU!  Being natural can be so overwhelming at times with all the blogs, vlogs, etc.  Everyone has the right advice or the right answer...but when it comes down to it, you have to find what’s best for you, embrace it, and stick with it.  Again, being natural is about loving yourself, at all times, at all costs.

Well...I hope you enjoyed Kelli's story as much as I did...Thank you Kelli

Meet The Beautiful Kelli

If you have a story to tell and would like to be featured on All Things O'Natural, please send an email to allthingsonatural@yahoo.com and use the header I've Got A Story.

Have A Happy Natty Day!

The Natural Hair Lingo: Terminology Glossary

 

Hola Chicas/Chicos..I pray all is well with everyone.

Well, finally, after many many requests, I am presenting the Natural Hair Terminology Glossary..I know this info was extremely helpful to me when I was new on my journey, so hopefully it will be helpful to you as well.

Natural Hair Terminology:

• 2nd Day Hair:Naturally curly hair that stays curly and looks good the next day and do not turn frizzy.
• 3a|3b|3c:Classification numbers for naturally loose curly hair. This hair system was created by Andre Walker.
• 4a|4b|4c: Classification numbers for naturally tight kinky curly hair. This hair system was created by Andre Walker.
• Accordion Technique: A method, from the book [Curly Girl] by Lorainne Massey, to help define curls by scrunching your hair in the formation of an accordion.
• ACV :| Apple Cider Vinegar. The acidity is close to that of natural hair, so it is used as a final rinse after shampooing and before conditioning, to promote healthy hair by tightening and sealing the cuticle.
• Afro: hairstyle that is rounded in shape and naturally curly coiled hair
• AO: Aubrey Organics..Hair care product line that contains natural and organic ingredients.
• APL: Arm Pit Length..A guide to the length of your hair growth in reference to when the hair reaches your arm pit.
• Argan Oil: Oil rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids produced from the kernels of the argan tree grown organically in Morocco. Can be used as a fast absorbing daily moisturizer or to heal and condition cuticles and split ends. Also known as Moroccan Oil.
• BAA : Big Ass Afro..A really large Afro which is obtained with long naturally curly and or kinky hair.
• Baggy: A method to help reduce breakage, split ends, and dryness. After moisturizing your hair and sealing it at night, put a plastic cap or shower cap on overnight to help your hair retain the moisture it needs for maximum growth retention.
• Bantu Knot: Hairstyle created when the hair is sectioned off in diamond, triangle or square shapes and twisted into knots. Also known as Zulu knots.
• Bantu Knot Out: Hairstyle created by sectioning the hair into Bantu Knots on damp wet hair and then after it dries, the knots are taking out to achieve defined curly hair.
• BC: Big Chop..Cutting relaxed or chemically treated hair completely off to leave only natural textured hair.
• BKT:Brazilian Keratin Treatment..A temporary hair straighten treatment that does not use harsh chemicals, but has been known to be damaging to the hair
• BNC : Braid n Curl..Hairstyle achieved by plaiting or braiding damp or moist hair and curling the ends with rollers or flexi rods. Air dry overnight or use a hair dryer. Then take out the rods and braids to reveal deep wavy and curly hair.
• Bradelocz1: Also seen as Braidlocs or Braidlocks. A method of locking the hair with small braids and maintained by either latching or palm-rolling (twisting). This technique does not require a Big Chop (BC). The Bradelocz e-book was written by Cherie King.
• Braid Out: Hairstyle achieved by braiding damp or moist hair in cornrows or single braids and after it drys the hair is unraveled to reveal a more defined curly hair.
• BSL: Bra Strap Length..A guide to the length of your hair growth in reference to when the hair reaches where your bra strap is positioned on your back.
• BSS :Beauty Supply Store
• Buds :(Budding) First stage of dreadlocks and locking your hair, when a knot is formed as the nucleus of each lock.
• CBL: Collar Bone Length..A guide to the length of your hair growth in reference to when the hair reaches your collar bone.
• CG: Curly Girl..A method, [Say no to shampoo, unplug the dryer, and find your inner curl!], designed to achieve your best natural curls based on the book [Curly Girl] written by Lorraine Massey.
• Co-wash: A method of washing your hair with conditioner only. This type of washing avoids harsh results from frequent washing with shampoos that contain detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate, and helps to keep natural black hair soft and manageable.
• Comb coils: A hairstyle technique achieved by placing the tail of a rattail comb at the root of small sections of the hair and turning it clockwise to create a coil. A great style for shorter length hair.
• Cones (Silicones)..Ingredients in some hair care products that are and are not water soluble. The non water soluble silicones must  be washed out well using a stronger shampoo or a clarifying shampoo or natural clarifying cleansing method or it will cause a heavy build-up on your hair.
• Cornrow: Type of braiding style where the hair is braided very closely to the scalp in an underhand, upward motion to create a continuous, raised row. The styles are endless that can be achieved with cornrow designs.
• Creamy crack: A term created by women who found it hard to stop relaxing their hair while transitioning, used to describe permanent relaxers.
• Denman: A company that produces a curl defining brush that many natural haired women use.
• Detangler :Type of hair conditioner that smooths your hair by coating it, so that the hair tightens up and smooths the scales on the outer surface of the hair or cuticle to prevent tangles.
• Detangling: Process in which you use a Detangler to soften and smooth the hair for manageability.
• DIY: Do It Yourself
• DT:  Deep Treatment..Also known as DC (Deep Conditioning). A treatment to help add moisture back into the hair, by leaving a moisturizing conditioner with a penetrating heat source on your hair for an extended period of time.
• Dusting: Evenly trimming 1/4 in of hair or less in which the name derived from the little hairs that looks like dust on the floor.
• EO : Essential Oils..Natural oils (Basil, Rosemary, Sage, Peppermint, Lemon, Lavender, etc.) that promotes healthy hair.
• EVCO :Extra Virgin Coconut Oil..A natural conditioner that promotes hair growth, strong healthy hair, prevents dandruff, and makes the hair shiny and soft.
• EVOO: Extra Virgin Olive Oil..A natural sealant used to seal and lock in the moisture from your moisturizer, while smoothing the hair cuticle and adding shine. Some use this oil for a Pre-Shampoo Treatment (Pre-Poo).
• Flat Twist: A two strand twist braiding technique similar to cornrows, by twisting the hair flat to the head
• Fluff: Finger combing your hair to obtain maximum fullness and volume for your curly hair
• FSG: Flax Seed Gel..Homemade recipe for a styling gel made with flax seed that doesn’t weigh your hair down, dry it out, or create flakiness.
• Henna: A natural colorant or hair dye, and strengthener, considered Ayurvedic (use of all natural Indian herbs)
• HG: Holy Grail..A statement used for products that you have tried and works perfect for your hair.
• HHJ: Healthy Hair Journey..Expression used to describe the journey a woman takes to achieve healthy hair.
• HIH: Hand in Hair...Also seen as HIF: Hands in Fro. This a slight bad habit to have to manipulate or play in your hair.
• JBCO: Jamaican Black Castor Oil..Castor oil that has been manufactured in Jamaica used to strengthen, thicken, increase hair growth.
• KCCC: Kinky Curly Custard..A styling agent made with natural ingredients used to elongate and define naturally curly hair.
• Latch Hooking: A method used to maintain dreadlocks by incorporating the new growth into the locks to keep them neat.
• MBL: Mid Back Length..A guide to the length of your hair growth in reference to when your hair reaches the middle of your back.
• Nappyversary: Also known as Nattyversary. This is the Anniversary date of when your hair became fully natural.
• Natty Butter: Short name for Natural Butter that uses 100% all natural ingredients to moisturize and seal moisture into the hair and skin. (www.livingthenattylifestyle.blogspot.com)
• No-poo: A hair regimen of which you do not use shampoos to cleanse your hair. Some use conditioners in place of the shampoo also known as Co-washing.
• Palm rolling: A method used to maintain dreadlocks by helping the knots in the locks tighten and compress. This is done by grabbing a single dreadlock between the base of your palms and rubbing it back and forth vigorously.
• Pineappleing: A way of preparing your hair and sleeping to preserve your curls to have 2nd Day Hair. This is achieved by placing your hair in a high loose ponytail on top of the head and sleeping on a satin pillowcase. In the morning the curls are intact just by letting the ponytail down and gently shaking the hair.
• Pixies: Also known as Pixie Braids. For naturals, these braids are small individual braids all over the head without weave. Pixie braids are also braids with hair extensions (weave) that are small box braids, cut in layers and sealed with heat. These braids are usually curled or bent at the ends slightly to give them a shape towards the face.
• PJ :Product Junky..This is an expression used for a person who buys any and all hair care products they can find to try the next best thing on the market.
• Plopping: A way of drying your hair quickly and help enhance your waves and curls by wrapping your hair in a t-shirt or cotton cloth material.
• Pre-Poo: Coating the hair, for about 30 minutes or more, with a mixture of natural oils or a deep conditioner before you shampoo.
• Poo Bars: Shampoo or Conditioner Bars that uses 100% all natural and many times Ayurvedic Ingredients that are cleanse or condition without stripping the hair of its natural moisture. They can, many times be used for overall body cleansing as well.
• Protective Style:A hairstyle that tucks the ends of your hair away from being exposed to damaging agents such as sun, heat, and constant manipulation. The purpose and benefits of this hairstyle is to grow healthier, longer hair and reduce split ends and damage. Some examples are Buns, Braids, Sew-in Weaves, Wigs, and Drawstring Ponytails.
• Regimen:Your day to day or weekly hair care and styling guide.
• S&Ds: Search and Destroy..Process in which you occasionally search your hair for any split ends, crooked ends, or single strand knots and snipping it with a sharp hair styling scissors.
• Sealing: (Seal the Ends) To apply product to the ends of the hair to keep them moisturized and limit breakage. The choice of method is to use a water-based moisturizer (conditioner or cream that has water as its first ingredient), and then seal with a butter or oil.
• Shingling: A styling method, created at Miss Jessie’s salon, used to manually define curls by applying a leave in conditioner or gel with a comb, spreading the product from roots to ends in a downward direction while smoothing and stretching hair. (originally designed to use with Miss Jessie’s CURLY PUDDING™ or Miss Jessie’s Curly Meringue™)
• SL:Sisterlocks..Tiny uniform deadlocks. These locks are created by a method of a specialized tool that places the hair into its locking formation and does not require waxes or gels. These locks are very versatile and has hairstyle options as relaxed individuals.
• Slip: Describes how slippery a product is and how effective it will coat the hair for detangling. Usually in reference to a conditioner or a detangler product.
• SLS: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate..A high volume synthetic chemical, that is drying to the hair, used in many shampoos.
• TNC: Twist n Curl...Hairstyle achieved by two strand twisting damp or moist hair and curling the ends with rollers or flexi rods. Air dry overnight or use a hair dryer. Then take out the rods and twist to reveal deep wavy and curly hair.
• Transitioning: Process in which you take steps to stop relaxing the hair to grow out your natural hair texture.
• TWA: Teeny Weeny Afro...A small Afro about 1/2 - 1 inch of hair in length, typically in reference to the first stage after the Big Chop (BC).
• Twist Out: A hairstyle achieved by two strand twisting the hair (usually while damp or wet then air drying or use a hair dryer) and then unraveling the twist to reveal a crinkly wavy hair texture.
• Two Strand Twist: Also known as double strand twists, twists, or twisties. This hairstyle technique can be performed on dry or wet hair. Take a section of hair and divide into two even pieces and twist each section of hair around the other. You continue until all of your hair is twisted like single braids.
• Virgin Hair: Hair that is natural from the roots and have not been chemically processed or altered.
• Wet and Go: A hairstyle technique similar to Wash and Go (WNG), but you do not wash your hair. You drench or spray the hair with a leave-in conditioner and water to define the curls and style as desired for a quick hairstyle.
• WNG: Wash and Go...Also abbreviated as WnG or W&G. Method of co-washing the hair, adding a styling gel or cream and then go start your day. The hair air drys or you can dry it with a diffuser.

Ok, Chicas/Chicos..so there you have it..A long wonderful list of Natural Hair Lingo..hope this helps

Have A Happy Natty Day

Cocktails and Curl Talk Meetup..The Official Video

 



Hola Chicas/Chicos...I pray all is well with everyone.

Well, we finally hosted our very 1st meetup 'Cocktails and Curl Talk' and I must say, it was (O)mazing!!!

Let's just recap the list of events:

• Mix and Mingle and Product Swap
• Cocktails, Food and Beverages
• Giveaways
• Product Demonstration
• Guest Speakers
• Makeup Artist
• Question and Answer Session

We are already receiving so many responses as to when the next will be..What a blessing!!! Hmmm, September is a month that's looking great right now..just putting that in the air, lol.

Thanks so much to everyone that help to create this wonderful event and all of the ladies who allowed us to inspire and be inspired....See you at the next meetup.