Style Series 14 - Straight hair don't curr

When it comes to styling my hair I've been pretty low maintenance going with the bun and changing the partings for a varied look (yes, it has reached that point). The only other thing I do is to straighten it, and that's usually when I am travelling or have an event coming up. As I don't have the time for all them intricate natural hairstyles, straightening has become my go to option thus far. I try not to do it too frequently and in the last year straightened it 4 times - Sept 2014 (x2), Dec 2014 and Mar 2015. I also had to find a new hairdresser after receiving very rude over the phone service from Charlotte Mensah's hair salon in London (yes, I'ma call you out). Shicco's hair salon on Kilburn high road, became my shoulder to cry on, and Alan, the Jamaican hairstylist has been my styling buddy since then. His style of straightening is different to the Brazilian blow dry method I'm used to but it works as my hair gets straight with half the heat. Oh and did I mention, it costs half the price…so YES!!!

Now I must recount this story to y'all. The 2nd time in Sept I straightened my hair was all the way in the Middle East :O….I know, crazy right. Hmmm…it wasn't even funny. So, being someone that likes to plan ahead, I knew I was going to a land of no return and as such knew it was critical that a good straightening job was done before I left. After many complaints here and there at C.M, I was satisfied somewhat and went on my way. Now I had travelled for my friends wedding which was like 10 days after the day we arrived and so by that time, having walked through all sorts of humid, windy, deserty landscapes, my hair was getting a bit desperate.

My friends were getting their hair re-done and so I decided to accompany them to the salon to keep them company when the hair stylist challenged me saying they could do my hair. I was like (ghetto laugh with the fist) 'do you know what you're getting yourself into'? I explained to him that although my hair looked straight, it became an afro once wet. The guy was like eh no problem, they can do it. So I took the plunge.

The first guy that washed my hair was filipino (don't ask), and I'm sure he must have been like -_- when he saw the texture change. He also committed the greatest hair sin of not detangling when wet + conditioner in situ, and so I prompted him to do so after which he attempted to and ended up running away with his hands in the air (ok, I exaggerate). Anyways, he did not know what to do any longer and called another stylist who attempted for a bit but also got intimidated. (By this stage I was sitting out on a chair, and so it was a bit bemusing watching their facial expressions through the mirror). Anyways, finally they called one of the lead stylists who like a boss, took my hair in his palms and started to detangle root to tip before blow drying it. Now for some reason, they used the ceramic hair straightener to curl it instead of the normal curlers, I'm guessing cos they were scared. What was also really funny was my friends reaction to my shrinkage. We had chosen hair styles prior to getting our hair done; once my hair was washed and shrunk 50% however, she looked at my hair and said, 'I think you may need to pick a different style, as I don't think your hair is long enough for the first style'. I was just like watch….lol. And so she was shocked after it was straightened saying 'how, what, when, where???' I was like 'black hair magic…..shhhhh'...lol.

Anyways, here are some pics from that fateful day. The outcome was satisfactory, the only issue being the holding spray, which made my hair start to revert in some parts (esp the front) but halted the process midway with the stiffening/holding properties. Ok enough of the talking... enjoy!!!!

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This was what the back looked like finally. Only my friends hair to the left was able to hold the curls

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These pics were from the first time I straightened them in September  2014, before going on holiday.

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And here is the finished job by Alan, my new styling buddy; This was in December 2014. I had quite a lot of split ends and so I gave him permission to be scissor happy as he cut inches off.

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It's pretty much hovered around the APL mark and beyond, but not quite BSL just yet. I also haven't worn any protective styles- braids, weaves et al since May last year, so I think it's about time I braid it up. Nwys, that's all for now folks.

Keep smiling and keep shining.

xoxo

Miss Jay

Hello

*peeks*, anyone looking??? 

Ok, so I just came on here to say a quick hello. I have been debating for months if to close down this blog or keep it going as I haven't updated in a while. But the truth of the matter is I love writing. I really do. I love expressing all (well not quite all) the random thoughts that come into my head; and when it's flowing oh my, it's one of the best things in the world. 

(Na wa oh see tory)

Lol…so what I'm trying to say in essence is, I'm not going to close down the blog. At least not for now, mainly because of my love for doing this. What I have been cautious of  lately however is bringing too much attention to myself, because lets face it, blogging can be a pretty narcissistic activity. In the past couple months, a couple events have caused me to soul search and I have realized that I possess some of those tendencies. As I didn't want to do anything to enhance it, I felt that closing down the blog will help to curb such excesses. But not all blogging is narcissistic. Some are there to provide information, build and encourage people. 

To focus so much on hair I think is a bit shallow when there are so many things in the world happening right now, which we can be a part of in effecting some change. And for that reason, I wouldn't want to focus on hair as much as I have.

I've recently also been on a journey of spiritual discovery (lets be explicit….growing in my Christian faith), and the more I grow and learn, the more my mind is changed and I begin to realize that life isn't about me, but Jesus and the cross. To live a life that's rooted in loving God with everything and loving others, is the richest, most fulfilling. Many people run around looking for quick fixes and quick answers, but I'm happy that true Christianity isn't about that, and that it takes time, patience, perseverance and dedication, because the fruit produced at the end of the day will always be better and sweeter than the non-organic, GM versions.

Finally, I do not want to make any empty promises in saying this blog is going to be this and that, cos I haven't always kept that word. I just want to see where the wind of the spirit blows and go with it and if it blows so strong as to turn out the candle, then so be it.

Much love,

Miss Jay

xoxo

It's a new day

Hi world,

I've been so M.I.A and in fairness, I guess I just lost the urge to blog, that was till last night. I went back to Uni last September and although I'm doing loads I could blog about, I've just been lazy and distracted. 

Anyway, so what happened last night? I came across Toolz article on Bella Naija, and to be honest it's been years since anyone told me to focus on my strengths. For the past couple years I've done nothing but focus on my weaknesses and failures, over and over again, and it's no wonder I've been feeling 'stuck'. So yes, reading that article was a breath of fresh air, literally. I immediately proceeded to write a list of my strengths, and as I'm a big fan of personality typing, I also looked at the strengths of IXFP's and came up with this (non-exhaustive) list.

My Strengths

1. Highly creative, artistic- Love for writing

2. Rich in ideas

3. Spiritually aware

4. Executing social change (in response to social injustice)

5. Good listener, including love for listening to debates and hearing other peoples points of view

6. Encouraging and building others up by promoting self esteem and confidence in others.

7. Intelligent- ability to grasp difficult concepts with ease and break them down, explaining in a creative manner.

8. Good presentation skills.

9. Detail oriented

In addition, back in high school, where I seemed to be operating at my peak and noted the following to be catalysts to my growth.

1. Being challenged by a classmate; healthy competition

2. Seeing the fruits of my labour

3. Reading like there was no tomorrow

4. Receiving encouragement from parents, teachers and friends

5. Reading and being inspired by biographies and self help books

6. Praying and being accountable to God in writing.  

This is my story, and I would like to encourage you all to reflect and come up with what makes ye tick.

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It's funny because I've had to prepare for a couple of interviews lately, and as I look at selling points, a recurring theme I encounter is a love for teaching and imparting knowledge and that is a skill I definitely would like to enhance. I am very passionate about knowledge empowerment and health related primary prevention, and so this year, I want to widen the scope of this blog.

Since the start of the year, I've decided to take my health more seriously and lose a couple of kg's. I have been learning more about dieting and have been hitting the gym more frequently. It's also been encouraging to see the changes on the scale and so I'd like to share this aspect of my life with ye also.

Before I start to blab, I'll simply summarize, the new scope of this blog.

1. Natural hair journey- I will remain true to my interest in natural hair, and share any updates with regards to regimen changes, length checks, new styles etc.

2. Motivation and inspiration- I need it just as much as ye all do.

3. Derm corner- I will update this area, focussing on hair, the primary prevention of premature aging and a holistic management of common skin disorders (including evidence based natural/nutritional remedies)

3. NEW. Health and fitness- I'll share my scientific knowledge on how our body uses up food and how we can monitor our diet and exercise to lose or maintain our weight. I'd also focus on some of the health benefits of staying fit.

Style Series 13 - Curls Curls, Yeah Yeah!!!

It's been almost 4 months at this stage since I last blogged and to be real honest, my passion has kind of waned. I haven't been taking good care of my hair and had to cut off a couple inches in August due to split ends. So after all the hoo-ha, I'm back to APL hair. At this stage I'm in braids to avoid any further damage due to my complacency. I bunned my hair for almost a year consistently that I'm beginning to worry I may be developing some traction alopecia :( I'm in a very weird state, right now and do hope to come out of it soon.
Geez, this sounds very gloomy and I too feel like crying so I'm gonna focus on the positives.

The past 4 months have been pretty awesome. Got to visit some amazing places, meet new people and  share some great experiences I will never forget. For the most part of it my hair was in a bun but at the end of my tip I'm like, you know what? I want some curls!!!!

...... I decided to go back home and spend the next couple hours re-curling it, knowing fully well that it would still end up a frizz-ball later that day.

The funny thing is I kinnda like the texture of frizzy medium sized curls....dunno why

And finally we got the back view....I just love how my type 4 hair can come out looking silky at times.

Was walking down the mall, when I was stopped by these hair straightener sellers and they decided to sample their curling wand [Amika, is the brand] on my hair

I was due to wash my hair the next day, so was like ah sure. As usual, the curls only lasted so long as it started raining soon after, but it was fun whilst it lasted.

Now I'm back to my lovely fluffy hair, although it's in braids. I'm afraid I may have suffered some heat damage in the front. Was too scared to look as I blow-dried my hair after washing to make it easier to braid...so I guess I'll find out the truth, real or imagined, when I take out my extensions.

I am making sure to take care of my braids by washing and conditioning once weekly, and moisturizing and sealing every 2 days. I have also commenced taking Biotin tablets and have decided to go on a 1 year fast from heat.....*gulp*, following which I'd probably straighten my hair once a year unlike my usual 2-3 times yearly.

My friend also suggested, dreadlocks extensions, which I'm gonna try in December. So if any one knows where they do this in Lagos, I'd be very happy with suggestions.


Well take care luvies,
XoXo

Miss Jay

Style Series 12 - Curlformer set

Hello my fellow naturalistas,

Happy New Month (as we say in 9ja cos we just have to celebrate everything). And you know what, we have every right to celebrate as we have made it through half of 2013 already. I was watching a Matthew Hussey video the other day, which I felt very inspired by. He encouraged his viewers to make the most of the 185 days left in the year citing that there was still a long time to achieve the goals you had written down in January. So do not be dismayed if you haven't attained some of your goals. Just keep focussed and I believe you will get there with hard work and determination. I am excited and believing for the best. Are you??

Anyways, So I went home* 2 weeks ago and finally received my curlformers that I had ordered from the U.S since February...( boy was I elated...in addition to sighting my KCCC and olive oil eco styler that my sis had bought during her last trip to the U.S which was like several months ago....I totally forgot about the later two as I wasn't allowed to take them with me as hand luggage).

40 curlformers per bag in long and narrow

Anyways, I had a formal dinner last Thursday and so thought  it would be nice to use my curlformers.  After much researching on youtube i decided to moisturize with my faithful yes to carrots argan oil leave in conditioner and set with lottabody setting lotion.

Unfortunately, I had left one bag in the UK and so I had to improvise as the set of 40 wasnt enough for my not so big hair. I had a set of 'arabic' curlformers which a friend had given me a while back, however they were short and so I had to use 2 per mini-section. I also filled in the gaps with flexi rods and used perm rods (for the areas where my hair was sticking out of the curlformers).

It was a whole day affair and after 3 hours of applying the curlformers and 1hr of hooded drying, I was good to go.

Items needed:
Co-wash- herbal essences beautiful ends conditioner
Styling- Yes to carrots leave in conditioner with argan oil, lottabody setting lotion (mixed one part lottabody with two parts water)
Accessories- hair clips, widetoothed comb, penman brush, curlformers long and narrow

I decided to curlform on freshly co-washed hair as I had shampooed the day before.

Step 1- Divide hair into 4 sections and co-wash with herbal essences beautiful ends conditioner.


Step 2- Twist hair into 8 sections i.e. 2 twists per quarter.

Step 3- Take down one twist (1/8th) and moisturize/ smooth with leave-in and then detangle with a wide tooth comb.

Step 4- Spritz section (1/8th) with lotta body setting lotion.

Step 5- Separate a small section from the bigger section (1/8th) and detangle using denman brush.

Step 6- Apply curl former to section

Step 7- Repeat all over hair

Step 8- Airdry x 6hrs or use a hooded hair dryer x 1hr (medium heat setting)

Step 9- voila

Had to pin curl the ends cos the curlformers were to short for me

right sided view

4 hours later, post humidity and all

me no likey :(

So was it worth the hassle guys? What i'd say is if you live in a place where the humidity is lower you can get more wear out of the style.

I 'pineappled' my hair to sleep the first night and wore it with the frizz and all the second day. By the second night it had gone super frizzy and so I decided to bantu knot the whole thing, which was easy to do as I had all my sections already made out.

So I wore my hair in a bantu knot out days 3 and 4 and boy was it fierce. I'd do another style series with the pics of the bantu knot out later in the week, so stay tuned!!!!

xoxo

Miss Jay