How to Refresh a Wash-N-Go During the Winter

Earlier this year I blogged about Princess's  haircare regimen.  Since turning two, it's been growing like crazy.  Now her spouting curls are in much need of something new during these cold months.  I was introduced to Curly Q's For Kids, and decided to give it a try.

To freshen up Princess's wash and go, I normally would have to rinse her hair with conditioner, detangle, scrunch, and allow it to air dry.  But with the weather getting colder here in New York, I want to avoid wetting her hair on a daily basis.

This is what her hair looks like when she wakes up in the morning.  It's a bit frizzy and tangled.  On weekends, I braid her hair to help minimize knotting and frizzing.  But during the week, she hits the sack as is.  She refuses the satin bonnets and scarves.  A satin pillow case is the only option we have right now.

I'm also big on making sure to only use gentle and natural products on our hair.  The Curls line is sulfate, mineral oil, silicone, and paraben free.

To help redefine her curls, I apply about two quarter size amounts of the Curl Moisturizer and Detangler, gently remove tangles with a wide tooth comb, and scrunch.

Curly Q's Moisturizer/Detangler

Curly Q Custard

After application, I take about less than a dime size amount of the Curly Q Custard through her hair.  I only use a little of this product because Princess's hair is fine.  Adding too much may way down her locks.

Once I've completed the process, I style her hair.  I love braiding and adding cute accessories.  Her hair  usually stays frizz free, moisturized, and soft to the touch throughout the day.

Do you switch up you kiddos hair routine by season?

Weather Anchor Mama

Check Out My Teeny Weeny Fro!

As you probably already know, I've been dealing with hair loss.  I've been rockin' a wig during the week at work.  But on weekends, I like to let it all hang out.  My hair is braided underneath my wig.  Here's how it looks when I take the plats out.

Right now it falls a little past my shoulders when straightened.  It's sort of like a shrunken wavy fro after I take them out.  It's still pretty thin.  In fact, you probably can't tell that I have a teeny weeny afro in the back about two inches long.

I can't wait to have a full head of hair again.  At some point, I may have to take matters into my own hands.  I'm not sure if I'll have enough guts to cut it all off.  For now this is the closest to me ever doing a big chop.

Have you ever done the big chop?

Weather Anchor Mama

Cara B Naturally Review & Giveaway

I was recently introduced to Cara B Naturally, and had to give it a whirl.  It's not often that I get to try a hair care line that caters to babies and kids.  It's all natural and it doesn't have harmful chemicals like sulfates, which is a huge plus in my book.  Check out my video blog for more on what I think about this product.  Sorry in advance for Princess going nuts and my camera shy hubby in the background.


Thanks for watching!  Be sure to check out this vignette featuring a special bath time moment.  For more information about Cara B Naturally, visit their website: www.mycarab.com.


Here are some snapshots I took after using Cara B products on Princess's.  The leave in conditioner helped to moisturize while keeping her curls in tact.  Keep in mind that this was day two.  Her hair held up pretty well.  Normally it's a hot mess the following day, and I'd have to reapply product to redefine her curls.

Finally, it's giveaway time!  If you'd like to try Cara B Naturally, enter to win some products from their line.  Ya gotta be in it to win it!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

Hair Rules Review

10 Weeks Post Relaxer & My Latest Regimen

It's been ten weeks since my last relaxer!

For those of you asking, "so what?!"  This is a big deal for me.  I thought I'd be itching to make a salon appointment.  But, I'm doin' just fine.  However, this process isn't without some challenging moments.  As my roots get thicker, combing gets tougher.  Check out my latest regimen below.

Weather Anchor Mama

Apple Cider Vinegar Great for Your Hair

Here's the final result:

Apple cider vinegar is great for cleansing, adding shine, volume, and luster to your hair.  It's also suppose to reduce hair-loss, itching scalp, and dandruff by destroying the bacteria and/or fungi that clog hair follicles.  I suffer from dry scalp and noticed a difference after using apple cider vinegar on my hair.  The smell is also a bit potent, but does go away after a while.

Have you ever tried apple cider vinegar on your hair?

Weather Anchor Mama


 

Jane Carter Solution Review

So far, my journey to natural has been quite interesting.  As I mentioned, I've been dealing with a lot of breakage which I think is mainly linked to post pregnancy hormones.  The doc says it's quite normal.  You would think I'd be super depressed.  Okay I can't lie, there have been times when I wanted to curl into a fetal position and hibernate until my hair grows back.  But that wouldn't be realistic.  Dealing with hair loss isn't fun, but finding products to help my hair return to its natural bounce is.  In fact, my hubby calls me a mad scientist because I'm always trying new things.
I'll admit that I have been experimenting a lot.  But how else am I supposed to find the right products for my hair?

I've been researching various natural hair care lines and someone mentioned Jane Carter Solution.  Aside from being introduced to Nourish and Shine a few years ago, I haven't tried anything else from the company.  After doing some research, I decided to give Jane Carter a try.  I couldn't wait to try out Jane Carter's Scalp Nourishing Serum, Hair Nourishing Serum, the Revitalizing Leave-in Condition, and Wrap & Roll.  Here's what I think about each of them.

Scalp Nourishing Serum claims to heal and soothe the scalp using natural and essential oils, botanicals, and vitamins.  It's suppose to reduce itching, flaking, and dandruff.  It has cedar wood in it which is an anti-inflammatory.  I remember Jane Carter saying (in her video blog) great hair begins with a healthy scalp, and that's something I've been seriously lacking.  I applied a few drops onto my scalp with the dropper.  I immediately noticed he difference in the appearance of my scalp.  After a few days, I had no more flakes!

Hair Nourishing Serum contains thirteen essential oils, vitamins, and botanicals.  It's supposed to deliver nutrients into the hair, de-frizz, and stop breakage.  My biggest problem with any kind of oil is that it tends to leave my hair feeling weighed down.  Rather than have a helmet head, I usually avoid it all together which has been a major mistake on my part.  In addition to having dry scalp, eliminating oils from my hair regimen has also contributed to my hair chipping away.  I love that both serums are light.  It doesn't leave my hair feeling greasy at all.  I even love the smell.  It reminds me of being at a spa getting an aromatherapy facial.  It's so relaxing.

The Revitalizing Leave-in Conditioner was made to protect against heat styling and sun damage. It's supposed to be great for flat ironing and/or roller setting fine hair.  I'm not sure if I'm sold on flat ironing my roots.  I know a lot of peeps say that it's a good alternative to make that slow transition to natural.  But, I want to limit the amount of heat I put on my hair.  It's not to say that I won't ever try it.  I'd rather just use it to keep my roots soft to limit breakage for now.  So far, it does the trick!

Wrap & Roll is a light foaming wrap designed to allow for a smooth and easy wrap; never leaving your hair dry and hard.  It claims to also leave your mane looking shiny, soft, and bouncy.  I'm not a huge fan of setting lotion or mouse in general.  I applied some to my hair before roller setting.  I found that it didn't leave my hair as soft as I like it.  But, it did cut my drying time in half!

Overall, I give Jane Carter Solution two thumbs up.  There's something for all hair types which is a huge plus in my book.  As I continue my journey to return to my natural roots, I'll be using more products from this line.

What's your favorite hair care line?

Weather Anchor Mama

Check Me Out as a Natural!

Lately I've been conjuring up images in my head of what I'd look like as a natural.  Then I stumbled across these old photos during spring cleaning over the weekend.

These shots were from a hair gig I did for a magazine back in the day. I was amazed that natural hair weaves even existed!  I remember the hair stylist looking at me like I was crazy when I told her.  But what can I say?  I was young and totally not up on my hair game.  I was completely oblivious.  I had never rocked a weave before.  I became so in love with this do that I kept it in for weeks after the photo shoot.

At this time, the thought of going au naturel never crossed my mind.  But now that I have these pics, I can show my hubby.  He can't seem to picture me with my natural hair.  It'll also serve as a reminder of the torture we endured when he helped me take this thing out.

Weather Anchor Mama

Flax Seed Hair Gel Made From Scratch

For years I've struggled with buying the right oils and moisturizers for my hair.  My tresses are fine, so adding too much oil tends to weigh it down.  Not to mention hair products in general can be pricey.  Rather than break the bank, my friend Dana recommended that I make my own natural gel.  She gave me a recipe for Flax seed  hair gel. Check it out!

Here's what you'll need:

1/4 cup organic golden flax seed whole  

3 cups of water
aloe gel
citric acid powder
Vegetable Glycerin
Lavender
Honey or Agave Nectar

Add 1/4 golden flaxseed to 3 cups of water and bring to a boil.  Turn stove down to a simmer, all while stirring the pot.  Once the mixture becomes gel like and seeds are suspended (10-15 minutes), separate with a strainer (if the mixture becomes too thick, you can use some hot water to help separate).

Then add 2 squirts of aloe gel for moisture

Citric acid powder to help preserve gel (I couldn't find any, so the sales lady said a few drops vitamin E will work just fine)

A couple squirts of vegetable glyceryn will make your locks silky 

Include a few drops lavender for fragrance

3 tablespoon Honey or agave nectar will give your hair a nice flexible hold.

Mix well and your flax seed hair is done.  Here's how it should look--minus the seeds of course.  FYI, separating the seeds from the gel is the hardest part.

It's great for naturals, but not great for my relaxed mane.  It did a great job of taming my edges though.  It works much better on Princess's curls.  All I used was a tiny drop!

Do you make your own hair products?

Weather Anchor Mama

It's Been 4 Weeks!

It's been 4 weeks since my last relaxer.

I know your probably wondering "so what?"  But, it's a big deal to me.  Normally around this time I'm going through withdrawals and can't wait for my next fix.  This time around I'm chillin'.  I have no desire to call my hairdresser to set up an appointment.  I've managed to keep my new growth pretty soft with conditioner and olive oil.

My journey so far has been great learning experience in which I equate to dating.  I feel like I'm courting my hair.  So far, I dig what I see.  I'm falling in love with my mane all over again, and my hubby doesn't mind.  Just as long as I make time for Princess and him, he's cool.  Once I go natural, I won't go back!

Weather Anchor Mama

Do You Know Your Hair?

I thought I knew my hair.  As it turns out, I really don't.  But in my journey to go natural, I've learned a ton.  I know it's only been a couple of weeks since I made my special announcement.  But after researching hair stories, I'm finally starting to figure it all out.

In a recent post, I chatted about hair that hooks.  For some reason my hair has been curling and crinking up mid-strand.  I couldn't understand why.  However, another blogger by the name of Goldenangel graciously referred me to Hairlosophy.  I also stumbled across a detailed description and illustration on curlynikki.com.  Both sites break it all down.  Hair that hooks, mid-strand knots, and tresses that crinkle all point to the same problem...not enough moisture.  I used to add moisture by greasing my scalp and hair a few times a week.  But ever since I started my television career, I've limited the amount of oils I use.  Why you ask?  Well, I noticed that the more hair grease meant the more weighed down my hair looked.  It just didn't look or feel right.

Ditching the grease for a more bouncy look was a huge faux pa on my part.  It's done nothing but damage my hair.  With just one sweep of the comb through my hair, causes my mane to chip away.  I know that it's normal to lose 100 to 150 strands each day, but I've been losing a lot more than that.

So, I'm on a mission to get to know my hair better.  Right now it's screaming, "I'm thirsty!"  Number one on my list is to combat dryness by regaining moisture.  I have a few products that I'm trying out, and I'll be sure to share my newest hair care regimen.  Stay tuned!  Don't forget to dish yours!  Sharing is caring!

How well do you know your hair?  

Hair That Hooks

 Does your hair do anything funky? Mine does. Check it out!




Weather Anchor Mama

Transition to Natural

I've struggled and researched long and hard about this decision. But, now I'm ready to take the plunge!

An Epiphany

Ever had an epiphany?  Well, I had one recently.  I was on the phone with someone and we began talking about black hair care.  Since Princess's hair has been suddenly sprouting a bit more strands, I've been researching different hair care products that are safe for her to use.  When I mentioned that I use Just For Me, I was immediately informed to avoid it like the plague.

I found out that a baby's hair will change over time and certain products can affect the texture.  FYI, I am no expert when it comes to hair care.  It's taken many years to learn, but I know a thing or two about my own.  I have a relaxer and I have fine textured hair.  I wash it once a week and I grease my scalp right afterwards.  For those of you who aren't familiar with black hair, here's a quick lesson.  Greasing just means adding oil or moisturizer to your scalp.

Keep in mind that not all black hair is the same.  Some may wash their hair once a week, some may go weeks or months without a sprinke of water.  Our black hair tends to be drier than our white counterparts, hence adding a moisturizer is necessary to prevent breakage.  Naturally drier hair also means frequent washing isn't nessessary.  Black hair also comes in different textures.  What works for one person may not work for another.   When you add bi-racial hair care to the mix, it's becomes a whole other learning process.

Some mixed race children may have thick and curly, while others may have thin and coarse hair.  There are so many textures out there that I don't think it's possible to name them call.  When Princess first arrived she had pin straight hair, like many black, and many white babies.

As she got older her it went from fine and straight, to fine and curly.  I noticed that it would get dry, so I'd put a little A&D ointment to add shine and moisture.  I later began using a tiny dab of Just for Me moisturing lotion.  Even though Just For Me is a relaxer line made for kids, I didn't see the harm in using the moisturizer in my baby's hair.  I was only using a teeny drop!  But now I can understand why I probably shouldn't be using it.  I checked the ingredients and found that there are lot of chemicals like c12-15 alkyl benzoate which is a hair thickening agent.  It also contains sodium borax, which is often found in detergents.  It's not to say that these are harmful products, but they can affect the look and feel of Princess's hair.

I doubt that they'll be permenent effects, but moving forward I'll certainly be more selective.  If you look closely you can see that most of her curls are in the back, while the front is a bit more straight.  As it continues to grow, I'm sure there'll be a lot more changes.  I'd rather let nature take it course, instead of using chemical filled hair care products.

 

It's taken a while, but after months of sporting her boy-short-do, she's finally been able to rock this bow.  Cute, huh?

In the meantime, I've decided to stick with natural products like Benjamin's Pure Olive Oil, courtesy of her grandma.

What kind of products do you use in your kids hair?  Hit me up!

Weather Anchor Mama

Taking Matters into My Own Hands

With a baby, it's so hard keeping up with everything.  Hanging out with friends has taken a back seat.  But, who would have thought that I would have less time to do the most simple things.  Taking a shower, working out, painting my nails are just some of the things that have become a major task.  I had planned to get my hair done this weekend, but ended up over sleeping.  So, there was no way I could make the trip out to Brooklyn without ruining my entire weekend plans.  Some people ask why go all the way out to Brooklyn?  The truth is that I've had my hair done by the same lady since I was twelve years old and I refuse to go elsewhere.  I know it's a long trip, that's why I wake up at the crack of dawn and I'm usually back home by 10 AM.  The earlier I get to Brooklyn, means the ealrier I get back home to spend time with my family.  However, Instead of waking up at seven, I woke up at nine which meant that I would be in the salon most of the afternoon.

There's something about waiting to get my hair done in the salon that freaks me out.  I can't describe it.  I feel like I'm gonna have an anxiety attack waiting for my hair to dry.  When I go, I try to leave as quickly as possible.  I even bring my own rollers and leave with my hair wet, just so I won't have to sit under the dryer.  Anyway, it's been over two months and I was dying for a touch up.  Since I missed my appoinment, I decided to do the craziest thing...  apply my own relaxer!  I went to the store and bought a perm kit.  Rather than go all out with the strong stuff, I got the kiddie perm.  It's mild and doesn't burn.

My hubby tought I was insane for attempting this, but desperate times call for desperate measures.  The last thing he said before taking Princess out for a walk, "I hope you have all your hair by the time we  get back."  They clearly had a good time while I was home praying my hair wouldn't fall out.

I followed the instructions, applied the perm to my roots, rinsed, washed, and roller set my hair.  I can tell my hair was in bad shape because it had been falling out.  It was so hard at the roots that the comb literally broke, while I was combing through my mane.

Once I was finished, I sat under that dryer on and off throughout the evening.  It took about an hour and a half in total.  When I took the rollers out, I examined the finished product.  I wasn't expecting salon quality results, but I was hoping for an improvement.  I didn't do a horrible job, but it wasn't great either.  My hair pretty much feels the same.  Don't get me wrong I'm happy to be nappy, but not at the price of losing my hair. For those of you who aren't familiar with relaxers, it's important to get a touch up every six to eight weeks.   If you don't, then the already permed ends will fall out because the root is a completely different texture.  If it were up to me, I'd go all natural.  But my hair would be so hard to manage.

This may be the first and last time I take matters into my own hands.  I'll soon be back at the salon at the crack of dawn for my touch up.

Weather Anchor Mama