FashStyleLiv: TWA

Natural Hair Update: Protective Styles for maximum hair growth

Hi My Lovelies,
It's been a little while since I last updated this blog about my hair journey and it's simply because I got lazy. Having natural hair can be very rewarding but it requires a lot of hard work and sometimes, I just get really lazy and can't be really bothered. I had some braids for about two months from the end of July to mid September and I took them out.

Normally, I only leave my hair out for a day or so before braiding it again or putting it into a protective style but this time, I just left it out for a week or so. Boy! was it stressful? I had to do my hair every morning which is something I never stress about with my braids or any other protective style but I liked the challenge because I could play with my hair.

Honestly, I am very low maintenance when it comes to my hair. I decided to make a U-Part wig (just sewing some extensions on a wig cap and leaving out some space for your real hair). I made two; A straight yaki-like extension one and a curly one. I really liked the curly one because I did not have to manipulate or damage my hair with any heat.

U-Part Wig Straight Yaki
I just got 2 packs of very inexpensive hair extensions from my local beauty store and made a U-Part wig attached with some wig clips. I have a beautiful mannequin head which has been featured here earlier in the year. I got a wig cap (I like using the dome cap) and sewed on the extensions and attached the wig clips to the perimeters to attach to my hair. It took me about 2 hours to make it because I was lazing around the house as well. I washed my natural hair, conditioned, put in some corn rows and attached the wig. The good thing about clip-on U-part wigs is the fact that you can take it off every day and give your hair some air ;-) which is what I did. I left very little leave-out but it still did not blend it; so I bought a headband and voila! I was sorted and my hair saw no heat..

U-Part Curly Wig
I actually really liked this wig a lot because it is closer to my natural hair texture which means I did not have to do any blending in. All I did was make the U-Part wig, corn row my hair and sewed the wig down around the perimeter of my head. I did not use the clips this time around. Then, I applied some gel (Eco- Styler Gel) to my leave out and added a few bobby pins so it stayed flat. Once dry, it looked amazing and some people thought it was my natural hair. *grin* .The only downside to this method is it was sewn down so my natural hair did not get much air or moisture and the gel application was getting messy and annoying so i had to take it down and wash it. The weave itself was not very good quality so before you could say "Fashstyleliv", it was tangling and the curls were looking a bit dodgy. That marked the end of the era of the curly wig although I really enjoyed the look.

The Brazilian Weave with a Closure
After all said and done, I closed my eyes, went to get some really nice weave from Khairmax Beauty which has really amazing weaves. I got a 12-inch closure (Brazilian) and two bundles of 14 inches (Brazilian) and 1 bundle of 16 inch (Brazilian).I think the amount i paid for my purchase was fair because the Khairmax hair quality is outstanding and it feels ever so soft. To top it off, i already had a Khairmax Beauty card which entitled me to a 10% discount which comes in really handy when you are spending a lot. I think their hair closure is one of the best i have tried as the parting looks very realistic and i didn't need to bleach the knots and it matched my scalp excellently.

I proceeded to book an appointment in one of the most sought-after Afro Salons in London-Honey Hand Salon and decided to get my hair laid. Getting an appointment was a different story and they were fully booked but I was placed on a waiting list (yeah, you read that right) and l was luckily offered a place due to some cancellation. I had heard so many good things about Honey Hand Salon and I expected only the best. I went to the one in New Cross Gate and it was amazing.

I met the owner Hannah Balogun who actually fixed the weave and closure. I was really amazed and impressed by how professional they all were in the salon. One of the hair dressers took down my corn rows and washed my hair which felt so good as my scalp was well massaged for a change without my bending over the bathtub which happens when I wash my hair myself. Then, she corn rowed my hair with some extensions (I think she used Expressions) and I was handed over to Hannah who fixed the closure and the weave. Then, she styled my hair as well. When I was done, I was given a personalised delicious cup cake with my name on it (how cute is that!!) but I was so hungry I did not even take a picture (sorry guys!!) and I was given a loyalty card as well. To say I was impressed with the outcome of my hair and Honey Hand Salon as a whole is a major understatement. I was bowled over and I would definitely be returning again because that's how amazing they are. It was a little bit more expensive than an average London salon but my hair was properly laid, guys!! I really love it and that's what I have been rocking since. I may do a post on how to take care of your weaves.

I hope you have enjoyed this little update and I apologise for not posting really nice pictures. I literally took them off my phone and my Instagram. I hope you have all had an amazing weekend... I know i did.. Cheers to Monday :-)...See you in my next post...xx ..toodles.

How to Style a Teeny Weeny Afro feat African Pride Shea Butter Bouncy Curl Pudding

Hi Lovelies,
This has to be my quickest post of all times. You all know I love to write long posts because I love to write. Shortly before I put my hair into my current braids, I decided to play around with it for a little while because I can't get over my little 'fro curls. I decided to be a little bit more creative with my not so teeny weeny afro. I used the African Pride Shea Butter Bouncy Curl Pudding which I bought for £5 in my local beauty supply store although I think it may be cheaper in PAK cosmetics which is my favourite hair and beauty supply shop (I hate the feeling of knowing I may have got it cheaper elsewhere..Yes!! I am unashamedly a bargain queen)

African Pride Shea Butter Miracle Bouncy Curl Pudding Review

The African Pride Shea Butter Miracle Bouncy Curl Pudding (what a mouthful!) is made up of various ingredients including Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Argan Oil and Aloe Vera extract to name a few. It also contains a couple of naughty ingredients including Dimethicone, Benzyl Benzoate, etc which I guess may have been added for preservative purposes of the product so if you are all for 100% natural products, this is not one of those products :-(. It claims to define, elongate and nourish your curls while putting back moisture in your hair. I think the product lives up to its claim but I am not sure if it actually elongates my curls. Its texture is more like a smooth moisturiser/light pudding which is quite weightless when applied to your hair. Its smells so lovely and I love the fragrance it leaves behind after use. This is perfect for defining and moisturising your curls if you have natural hair. If you are transitioning, this is an excellent product to bridge the gap between your relaxed ends and your natural roots which usually creates a lot of hassles for transitioners. Your curls/twistouts totally look blended with this product which is why I love it despite some ingredients in it which I am not totally pleased with.

What you need for your Twist Outs/Coiff
1. Curl Pudding (I used African Pride Shea butter Miracle Pudding as shown in previous pics)
2. A wide toothed comb
3. A parting comb
4. Some Gel or Edge Control (I used the Eco Styler Gel)
5. Some Bobby Pins and Hair Clips
6. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
7. Silk Bonnet
8. Plenty of Patience and a cup of your favourite drink

Method
1. I started off with freshly washed and conditioned hair which I allowed to air dry, then applied a leave in conditioner.
2. Once completely dry, I put in some corn rows because I wanted my hair to get stretched because it had shrunk as usual (story of my life- and other afro naturals life)
3. I took out the corn rows and my hair was full stretched and I parted it into 4 sections.
4. Within each section, I parted a smaller/mini section, applied the African Pride Curl Pudding from root to bottom because I wanted the curls to be as elongated and stretched as possible and twisted into two stranded twist. This also helps detangle the hair. You can use a comb if you like but I find my fingers are easier and less stress.
5. After twisting all the sections into smaller mini twists, I applied some Extra Virgin Olive oil to seal in the moisture of the curls. I put on my silk bonnet to prevent any damage to my hair and went to bed.

6. Next morning, I applied some Extra Virgin Olive Oil between my palms and rubbed through the twists gently as I was not ready to damage my hard work.
7. Took down the twists very carefully to prevent any tangles or hair loss. I went on to untwist more to create fuller curls.
8. I combed just the root of my hair; not from bottom to top, just the bottom/root area to create more volume.
9. I parted the front section to create a small coiff or puff and secured it out of the way with a small band (not too tight)
10. Next, I applied some gel to slick part of the left side of my hair and pinned it down with some clips and bobby pins to create a false mohawk.
11. I repeated the same for the right part of my hair and released the middle section and fluffed it out.

12. Viola!!! my all done and ready. The twist out held very well without frizzing; thanks to the African Pride Shea Butter Curl Pudding. Also, I was not touching my hair as that's the easiest way to introduce Frizz. I had this on for a few days before getting my braids done (pic below)

Everytime I have a different hair style people tell me I look different, like seriously different, Is that true? I always think to myself "hmmmmm, is that a good or bad difference"? hahaha, who knows, what do you think? I hope you enjoyed this simple style and I hope it was understandable from my ramble above. I had this style for almost two days before taking it down to get my braids done which is what I currently have now as I am too lazy to style my hair everyday. Have a wonderful week ahead and see you in my next post..tooodles...xxxx

Natural Hair Update: My not-so Teeny Weeny Afro TWA

Hey lovelies,

I hope everyone has had a lovely week and weekend as well. If you live in London, I bet you must be taking full advantage of the sun. The weather has been really wonderful and I am loving it all the way.

I have had my braids in for almost 14 weeks; I just had to take it out. It took me 4 hours and some to take it all out completely; almost longer than it took to put them in. It's simply because I was trying to be really careful; I did not want to lose a lot of hair due to tangling. Taking it out was a really tedious process and I silently vowed not to let my braids stay in for too long. I made a small de-tangling mixture made up of some leave in conditioner (ORS curls unleashed leave in), coconut oil, olive oil and some water.

I mixed it thoroughly and gently took out one braid, applied the mixture to the tangled middle ( where some dust/dirt had built up), gently softened it and picked it with my traditional African comb/pick. Voila, braid out, hair intact, minimal hair loss. I wish I could say I didn't lose any hair but I would be lying. Research shows that an average female loses about 100 hair strands everyday through combing, washing, styling or any form of manipulation or just natural hair shedding. Therefore, it would be unrealistic to expect no hair loss after 14 weeks but it was very minimal compared to my former "ain't nobody got time for that" way of removing my braids. Ever since I went natural, I have been taking care of my hair more and I try my best to prevent any unnecessary loss. Below is a picture of a quick throwback in March after I had my big chop; I still had a little 'fro and looking back now in July has made me amazed at how it has progressed.

After taking out my braids, honestly, I was super exhausted because I took it out Friday night/wee hours of Saturday morning. I was really surprised my hair had grown out a little bit. My teeny weeny Afro is slowly turning into a mini mane. Very Very Pleased.

Went to have a nice quick wash. I wish I could say I used a sulfate free shampoo, I was naughty, I wanted some lather because I felt my hair needed a super clean vigorous wash. I used my Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Shampoo and conditioned with the Hello Hydration conditioner. By this time, my hair had shrunk to the tiniest size ever. I could not care less as I was so so tired. I dried it with my old T-shirt, put in some leave in conditioner and a mixture of oils and corn rowed it to avoid further shrinkage.

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Next morning (or noon because I slept around 6am ish), I took the corn rows out and had my lovely lil' fro. I was quite pleased at its growth and texture. I am not sure if my hair fits any of the classifications properly but I think it's somewhere between a 4B and 4C, maybe a 4B+ or a 4C-...hahaha. If you know what texture my hair is, let me know.

I have not tried any styling yet, I just rocked my fro for Saturday and I had to think of what to do to it bearing in mind that I don't want to have to do my hair every morning. I eventually opted for a 3/4th wig with part of my hair out which I dread because I have to straighten it. I guess I would manage it before having another set of braids done next week.

I thought it would be nice to update you all on my natural hair journey. I am definitely nowhere near a natural hair guru, i learn a lot from many of the hair gurus from Youtube and also on some curly hair websites. I can't say there is any set way to encourage hair growth apart from a lot of research, trial and error. However, one thing that has helped my hair growth has been avoiding chemicals (relaxers and dyes- going natural), minimal or no heat (I always let my hair air dry) and minimal manipulation (protective styling e.g. Braids) and a lot of patience. Although I could be lazy when it comes to anything hair, I try to make an effort with my natural hair when it is out. That's the main reason why I love braids because it gives you the freedom of skipping any hair styling in the morning; I literally wake up, spritz my hair with some water, leave in conditioner and oil in a mixture, massage it and i'm out of the door.

I can't wait to have my next braids in next week, what kind of braids do you think I should get?Box braids, feathers, twists or kinky? Leave a comment. I hope I did not bore you guys with this post but you know all I have got is love for you all.... I hope you enjoy the rest of the week and catch you in my next post soon...xxx

My Natural Hair

Having natural (unrelaxed) hair is something I have often dreamed about. I just never had the opportunity to know what it looked like because I had relaxed hair for as long as I can remember. Many a time I decided to go natural but I did not succeed because I lacked knowledge of what to do to take care of it properly and I usually gave in and put in a relaxer.

So fast forward to 2012, I had my last relaxer in May 2012. After that, I decided
that was the end. I had my hair in braids as a protective style while I transitioned. I did not do anything special during my transitioning.

On the 8th of March 2013, I decided to big chop because my hair had grown so much and my relaxed ends were quite long as well but it did not look nice. I big chopped myself by putting my hair in little twists. I was scared but afterwards i felt so happy and proud.

Now, I have been playing with my hair so much and I cannot get enough of it. I feel like I am meeting a new part of me that has been absent for too long.

Unlike the previous times I tried to go natural, I have armed myself with some knowledge on how to care for my hair and I bought some products to help me as well. Here are a few below: