Natural Hair Update & Aphogee Review

I can't remember the last time I got a protein treatment. I read about Aphogee and decided to give it a try. Here's what I think.

My Hair Discovery & Thoughts on Eco Styler Gel

Every now and again I'd spot some left of straight ends and snip away.  One day I got a little too scissor happy.  Plus, check out my latest find for taming my edges.

What do you use to tame your edges?

Weather Anchor Mama

Carol's Daughter Review & Giveaway

Finding the right products for my newly natural mane hasn't been easy.  I was recently introduced to Carol's Daughter Hair Milk line.  Check out my review!  Don't forget to enter my giveaway!  All the info can be found below!



More info on the products featured in this review:
$54 For the set
Hair Milk Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner, 8.5 fl oz
Hair Milk Lite Leave-In Moisturizer, 8.0 fl oz
Hair Milk Pudding Style. Define. Hold., 6.0 oz

Cleanse and detangle with the Hair Milk Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner.
Moisturize to tame frizz, soften curls and add shine with Hair Milk Lite Leave-In Moisturizer.
Style without a crunch or residue, but still have definition and frizz control that lasts with the Hair Milk Pudding Style. Define. Hold.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I know I've been going heavy with all these hair posts. But, please understand that this is a huge deal for me. I'll still continue post cute pics of Princess and share our many mommy daughter adventures. I'll also be sure to sound off on different things going on in my life as well as in the news. In addition, I plan on giving you updates on my transition journey. This blog is all about balancing my career in front of the camera with my life as a wife and mom behind the lens, and the many other things that I juggle. Please feel free to share your comment and your stories too.

It's been almost seven days since I got rid of my relaxed ends. Here's how I'm feelin'



Weather Anchor Mama

I Finally Did the Big Chop!

It's been almost 8 months since I began my natural journey and I've been dealing with lots of shedding. I had to get rid of my relaxed ends once and for all.



If you asked me a year ago about cutting my hair off, I would have said hail naw!!!! Never say never! Have you ever done something you thought you never would?

Weather Anchor Mama

Contemplating a Tough Decision

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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

Five Months Post Relaxer: What I've Learned About My Hair

It's been five months since my last relaxer.  I've made some strides in terms of my natural hair growth-thanks to Janasia, my True Indian Hair Wig.  She's allowed me to give my hair a much needed break.

One of the things I've been focusing on is getting to know my natural hair.  I feel like we're dating.  I'm learning about the kinds of products it responds to.  So far, I've used a ton.  You can find my product reviews here.  I do understand that what works now may not work once my transition is fully complete.  But, it's ok.  I'm having so much fun trying new things.

One of the things I've learned about is hair growth.  Did you know that on average you hair grows about a half an inch a month?  That's what I've heard and read.  I tested a lock of mine to see if this is true.

I started this transition journey on February 18, 2012.  I had my hand model/hubby to take a strand of my hair, placed it on a white sheet of paper, stretch, and measure the new growth.  Sure enough- there was about two inches of curl in each strand.

Another interesting thing I notice is the way in which each strand is growing.  If you look closely, there tiny spirals like the one you see in the foreground that matches the 4a texture.

Then there are some with no definition at all.  In fact, each strand shrinks to less than half an inch which can be considered 4b/4c.  It definitely makes caring for my hair very challenging.  My strands are very fragile, and it's important for me to handle it with care.

Right now my hair measures about twelve inches when stretched, which falls past my shoulders.  By the end of the year I should see about another few inches of new growth.  I've read that your hair grows about six inches each year.  But, it is possible to increase hair growth and that's what I plan on doing.  I'll be sure to update you on my progress.  Stay tuned!

Weather Anchor Mama

OMG! I'm Missing Teeth!!

I'm at my wits end!  I'm almost 4 and 1/2 months post relaxer.  I'm losing my mind and my hair.  Now, I'm missing teeth.  Can things get any worse? Ugh.



Weather Anchor Mama

Let Me Tell You Something About Black Girls

Weather Anchor Mama 

What You Should Know About Transition

~PLEASE EXCUSE THE UGLY STILL SHOT~
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My True Indian Hair Big Reveal!

Don't adjust your screens!!! Just building the anticipation of my big reveal.  Check out my new look!

Here's What Know About Wigs So Far

Before this past weekend, the only thing I knew about wigs was human and synthetic.  After meeting with Karen Mitchell, the owner of True Indian Hair, I found out more.

I'm sure there's a lot more to learn.  If you got anymore tips, send them my way.  I  need all the help I can get.

Weather Anchor Mama

My True Indian Hair Do

I've been toying with the idea of wiggin' it for a while.  As I continue on my natural journey, I know styling will become a challenge.  I've already written about some of my hair issues, and it's only been three months post relaxer.  I have a long way to go before my hair is completely natural.  So, I've been researching protective styling options.  This weekend I finally made the decision to go in for a wig fitting.

A friend from work told me about True Indian Hair .  I met with the owner, Karen Mitchell, for a consultation.  I know absolutely nothing about how to choose the right wig, and Ms. Mitchell put me right at ease.  The first thing I noticed was her sweet demeanor.  She certainly has a knack for making people feel comfortable, and also knows her stuff.  Ms. Mitchell recommended different options, and gave me tips on how to style my new do.  She said that each wig should last six months.  But based on the soft texture, I wouldn't be surprised if it lasts much longer than that.

Since I'll be transitioning, a wig will make things easier.  I won't have to choose between working out and keeping my hair TV ready.  As you know, my job doesn't offer much flexibility when it comes to my hair.  The plan is to wig it as I transition.

Here are some wigs I tried on.  Which one do you like best?  Keep in mind that I'll be cutting and styling the wig similar to the way I normally wear my hair.  So far, my hubby likes the first one the best.  Please tell me your pick in the comments section below.

Stay tuned later this week to see the final look.

Weather Anchor Mama

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


 

Co-Wash Twist Out With a Twist Experiment

 Check out the end results.

It's not my natural hair, but I had fun experimenting.  I love having no fuss, no mess hair!

Have you tried any new hairdos lately?

Weather Anchor Mama
 

Hair Issues: Getting Called Into the Office

It was bound to happen sooner or later.  As a result of some hair issues, I got called into the office.  Let me explain...

I've been trying to limit the amount of heat I put on my hair.  Since committing to going natural, I want to stick with a more healthier approach.  But my job as a weather anchor could make that a bit difficult.  As I've mentioned in a previous post, there are rules with regards to hairstyles for TV.  Every station is different.  The bosses are flexible when it comes to length, and have been known to give reporters who sport curly hair a break once in a while.  But, shoulder length straight hair is the accepted look at the station I work for.  

The other day I wanted to change things up a bit, so I rocked a side ponytail.  I was pleasantly surprised when my boss told me she loved it!  "I'm on to something here," I thought.  Fast forward a couple days later and she had a complete about face with this look.

To help with my thinning hair I decided to pin the sides.  I thought it looked mad cute.  But, I was told that it doesn't look good, and that my hair too long.  I explained that I'm suffering from hair loss, and the reasoning behind the style was to avoid curling my hair.  She seemed very sympathetic and encouraged me to feel free to discuss my situation anytime.  I was grateful for the reassurance.  In fact,  I appreciated it so much that I went on to tell her that I'm growing my hair out.  "Do you know what that means," I asked.  She responded that she has "black friends" and proceeded to tell me about a former New York City anchor, Melva Tolliver, the first black woman to ever rock natural curls.  She googled a recent picture of the former anchor and said, "she's gone wild!"  Apparently, her more recent naturally gray curly tresses were a departure from the small afro from back in the day.

I won't say anymore about that statement.  As an on-air personality looking to take that natural leap, I thought this was the perfect opportunity to tell boss lady about my master plan.  During the transitioning process I would like to continue wearing different styles to give me hair a break.  She responded that we'll have to take it case by case, which is cool with me.  I also mentioned that once natural, I'll stick with straight styles.  But, there may be days in which I may want to go with curls.

The response was that company policy doesn't allow for talents to constantly change their look which seems fair.  "But what if I just rock it natural?  Would that be okay?"  Apparently not.  Naturally curly hair is "too casual."

So, I've got a lot to think about.  I don't plan on giving up on transitioning.  But, I may have to get 'wiggy wit it.'  After our chat, I decided to change my hair to my normal style.

Some may view this as giving in.  I'm willing to bite the bullet on this one.  I know it'll be a bumpy ride ahead, as present more style options.  In the meantime, I shared with her this youtube link.  Who knows?  We may be on to something good.

Do you ever struggle with having to maintain a certain kind of look for a job?

Weather Anchor Mama

Professional Style Options While Transitioning

In my line of work it's hard to find acceptable style options while transitioning from relaxer to natural.  When it comes to the news biz, there are so many hidden rules.  The bosses won't say to your face, "We don't want you to wear your naturally curly hair."  However they would probably say, "Your hair looks much better straight."  To avoid running into legal problems, they're careful with choosing the right words.  

As my hair continues to grow, the roots are getting pretty thick.  I've been avoiding the gym recently, so that I won't have to deal with those sweaty bad hair days.  It's not so bad if I'm chillin' at the crib.  If I'm not working and my mane won't cooperate, I just rock a ponytail.  It's that simple.  But if I do have to work, there is no way that would fly.  Needless to say -as I continue on this journey, I'm gonna have to find other style options that's acceptable for work and also right for my hair.

I recently had one of those bad hair days.  Since I already applied heat earlier this week, I wanted to avoid flat ironing again.  My tresses are weak as it is, I don't want to make it worse.  So I got a hair tie from a friend at work, and put my hair in a ponytail with a more professional and elegant twist.

I was expecting boss lady to shut me down.  We're usually not allowed to rock a ponytail.  But, she said she loved it!  Maybe I'll let her in on my master plan to go natural.  Then I can experiment a bit more with different styles.  What do ya think?

Weather Anchor Mama