All About Hair: Big Chop Or Not To Big Chop?

Many of you who are thinking about going natural or are currently transitioning have wondered if  a "big chop" is necessary to began your natural journey. It is not.

If you are concerned about length retention and are not yet ready to do a big chop, don't.  There are plenty of transitioning and protective styles that you can keep your hair in until it grows to an acceptable length for you.  One of the important things to keep in mind if you are transitioning is to be mindful of the two different textures you are supporting. I would shy away from styles such as "wash and goes" or "afro puffs".  It's best to keep your textured hair fairly straight.  I don't mean flat ironing and blow drying, but try twist or braid outs, or styles where your textured hair isn't allowed to coil back onto itself and cause breakage at the point where the natural hair and the textured hair meet.  I've seen people successfully transition to shoulder length before they decided to cut off the chemically treated hair, so it definitely can be done.  You can also do an inch trim every 2 to 3 months.  This will slowly get rid of chemically treated hair while your hair stays at its current length.

This is all to say that the big chop is not necessary but it is definitely your choice. Either way, the ending result will be a head full of beautiful curly locks! 

Fashion Fun: What Type Of Hat Are You Wearing On Your Head This Winter?

pom-pom knitted cap

I never really pictured myself as a hat person until I started trying them on.  I am definitely a hat person!  Here are some fall fashion hat trends that are pretty stylish and will keep your head warm this winter!

Military hat with flare

Classic knit cap

Different variations of military hats

Lumberjack hat

Boy cap

Pakistani hat

Fashion Fun: Aldo Ankle Boots Are On The Radar.

Vanderau - $110

Although knee boots and over the knee boots are still on the radar, these boot are hot on the radar as well. I love LOVE these boots.  These are all Aldo brand (one of my favorite shoe stores).  I will definitely be looking for something similar while thrifting, however, I will have to purchase one of these babies brand new!  You have to check there site (the above link) to see all of the great ankle boots they have.

Tyms - $69.98

Audria -$80

Aldo - $140

Prestia - $69.68

Harsin - $99.98

Mcclurkin - $70

Crankshaw - $99.98

Shreiner - $89.98

Thriftstore Fashion: Finding Jewelry At The Thrift store

(Abalone Earrings - $2.99)

Again I want to apologize for the picture quality.  Once I get my camera situation handled, the picture quality will improve. 

Here are a few fun jewelry items that I purchased while thrifting.  When I first started thrifting I was so caught up in purchasing clothing and other things that I would pass up the jewelry section. One day I stopped at the jewelry counter because a bracelet caught my eye.  Ever since then I make certain to stop by the jewelry counter every single time.  You never know what little trinkets and treasure you may find.

(Gold & Turquoise Earrings - $1.99)

(Silver & Turquoise Earrings -$1.99)

 (Silver Earrings - $2.50)

(Gold Leaf Earrings - $1.50)

                             

(Gold Links Bracelet - $2.50)

 

(Gold Cuff Bracelet - $2.00)

(Gold & Black Cuff Bracelet - $1.50)

(Colorful Washer & Gold Bracelet - $2.00)

Makeup Review: Wet N Wild Lipstick; Affordable Fab & Fun

(910D - On The Collar;bright pinkish red. This one is my favorite)

I am such a big fan of Wet N Wild Mega Last lipsticks!  I picked up these colors at my local Walgreen's. They were on sales for $1.49 each.  Normally they are $2.99, which is also a steal!  The colors are very pigmented and the lipstick is very creamy and thick how I like it. They color really does last for quite a while.  I did a slight touch up after about 4 hours.  This was after eating food and drinking coffee, so it may have lasted even longer!   If you're looking for some great lipstick and at a good price, I'd give these a try for sure.  Wet N Wild only gives the lipsticks a number by which to identify them, so I made up names for them, because lipstick this great deserves a name.

I'm having some difficulty with my camera and am using a different camera, so I apologize for the picture quality.

(916D-Flirt;a deep mauve)

(918D-Harlem;deep brown)

Fashion Fun: Inspirational Photos In Fashion & Beauty

(source) 

While perusing the web, I found a few eye catching photos that exemplify fashion and beauty.  The above photo is such an awesome pose.  The model makes it look so effortless and beautiful.

The sand and the print work well in this one.

This is just a really cool photo.

Alek Wek is one of my favorites, her look has so much depth.

This is another cool photo.

Beautiful.

another beauty.

I love this one.

This woman's features are very sriking.

Naomi just looks really good here.

All About Hair: Natural Hair Has Versatility Like None Other

(I love this picture of Jill Scott)

As a natural haired girl, I often hear things like "you can go natural because your hair is long", or "your hair isn't that nappy so you can do that".  The truth is, I started wearing my hair natural over 10 years ago and my hair was only 2 inches long.  Additionally, if you don't thing my hair is nappy, kinky, curly, or whatever you wanna call it, stick around on one of my wash days and you'll see my nappy truth! 

These types of statements come from the mis-education of our own hair.  Kinky textured hair is extremely versatile.  It can go from a solidified afro, kinky curls, coiled curls, to bone straight and still revert back to it's natural state. Lots of us have never even taken the time to experiment with our natural hair to see what style options there are.  There are many more resources and products for natural hair than there were when I first went natural.  I will be honest in saying that for me, being natural requires a little more maintenance than it did when it was relaxed, but once I found a washing and conditioning routine that worked for me, and I learned how to deal with my hair in its natural state, the easier it became.

If your contemplating going natural or you are just beginning your natural hair journey, here are a few encouraging things to remember:

• This journey is your own, so don't compare your hair to the hair and results of others. Enjoy your own journey
• Be patient. On average, hair grows 6 inches per year. Sometimes a little less and sometimes a little more. Patience.
• Except your hair texture whatever it happens to be and learn to work with and the love the texture you have
• Experiment with a few products and find something that works for you. Don't try every single product that you see someone else using in hopes that you will get the same results. It doesn't always work out that way
• Minimize frustration.  Everyone has had to play around with products and styling techniques before they found something that works.
• Have fun!  Experiment with different styles and techniques and enjoy your hair at every stage.
• Remember there are lots of online resources and natural hair communities on Youtube.com. Fotki.com, and lots of others to help you with questions regarding transitioning , big chops, hair styling and products.

Again, I'm not trying to convert everyone to natural, nor am I saying natural is better, because your hair is exactly that, YOUR hair. What I do want to do is, provide information about textured hair and to provide encouragement for those that may be thinking about becoming natural or those who need a little reassuring along the way!