Captured Curls: Aiesha

I've been finding the BEST and most beautiful women to feature via InstaGram and I LOVE IT.  Aiesha is this week's second Captured Curls feature, I really think you all will enjoy her story...

Please introduce yourself?

My name is Aiesha Letman, I'm a 25 year old mom of two year old Kylie. Born in Harlem, raised in Queens, New York and, according to everyone I meet in other places I have a "New York girl" accent. 

What is your current hair regimen?

That's so hard! It changes. Now that my hair is a medium Afro, I just sleep on satin pillow case. Rarely I'll use a silk hair tie, just around my edges pushing my hair up and refreshing in the morning. I wash my hair about every week, using mixed chicks leave in conditioner when it's soaking wet and allowing it to air dry the first day. As the days progress, my hair swells into a bigger fro and I use headbands and bobby pins to style it. 

When you travel how do you care for your hair?

I locate the nearest pharmacy and buy a travel size mouse and the best conditioners they have. 

How would you describe your hair type?

I think I may be a 3c. My curls are looser on the sides of my head and nape of my neck, probably from my own body heat and how I sleep. My bangs are straw like curls, they shrink tighter than the rest of my hair. 

Today's Hair: Twist and Curl

Products Used on dry stretched hair:

-Oyin's Frank Juice

-Shea Moisture's Curl and Style Milk

-Jojoba Oil

Tools used:

Denman Brush

White and Grey Perm Rods

Afro Pick 

2 Mane Message Head Bands to secure the puff

Method of Twisting:

Flat twisted my roots a bit before creating my full twists.

(This method aides in stretching my roots and preventing too much shrinkage.)

Between 12-15 twists were installed before rodding in 2 inch sections.

Each section was detangled with Frank Juice and my denman brush.

Take down Method:

I used a little Jojoba Oil to take down the twists and minimalism excess frizz.

Once the twists were out I stretched my roots with a afro pick.

How's your hair today?

xoxo,

A.

Captured Curls: Fran of Hey Fran Hey!

 I love love LOVE this curly girl. Fran of "Hey Fran Hey" is definitely on my Top 10 favorite natural chicas list. I've been trying to get this beauty and her mane on the blog for a while now and I am honored to have her story posted for your enjoyment! 

Please introduce yourself?

- My name is Francheska Kahlo Medina and I’m a natural living blogger from Harlem, NY.

What is your current hair regimen?

- I’m all about clean and organic products, no heat, no brushes or combs and super low manipulation of my strands. I finger-detangle with unrefined and organic extra virgin coconut oil in small sections. This ensures I have way less breakage in the shower while washing it. Wetting my hair while still tangled is always a hot mess. I then add deep conditioner, either Camille Rose Naturals’ “Algae Deep Conditioner” or the “Anti-Breakage Yucca & Boabab Masque” by Shea Moisture, and sit under my Huetiful Steamer for 20 min. I've found that my hair loves to be deep conditioned before being washed. I retain moisture way better that way! After my hair is finger-detangled, deep conditioned and steamed, I jump in the shower and co-wash with either the “White Camellia” conditioner by Aubrey Organics or the “Raw Shea Butter Restorative” by Shea Moisture. Removing shampoo from my hair regimen has minimized dryness and breakage and vastly improved my scalp health. If I feel I have some buildup by the end of the month, I clarify my hair with an apple cider vinegar and water rinse. As far as styling, if I’m going to do a wash & go, I use Camille Rose Naturals “Aloe Vera Whipped Gel” or “Kinky Curly Knot Today”. I then seal with pure Aloe Vera because it’s light enough to allow for big, obnoxiously voluminous hair (my fav) while still being effective at helping me seal in moisture and shine. If I’m doing a protective style like braids or twists, I swear by the Bee Mine “Curly Butter” or the “Unyevu Butter” by Belle Butters in these colder temps. I seal my ends with Jamaican Black Castor Oil.

When you travel how do you care for your hair?

- I’m the ultimate hippie so I don’t do much to my hair even when I’m not traveling. I usually keep my hair in twists if I’m going to be swimming a lot. The style is easy to re-do when necessary without having to wash it over and over again.

How would you describe your hair type?

- If you’re going by the hair chart, I would fall somewhere in the 3c range. My hair looks stringy and flat when wet but dries extremely huge and dense. I have pretty normal porosity so it’s never overly dry or oily.

What type of products work best for your curls?

- Like I said earlier, I’m huge on volume! I tend to stay away from products containing a large amount of oils since it can weigh my hair down. The all day wet hair look is not for me. I like light and fluffly leave-ins that are more water based or like soufflés and whipped consistencies. However, when protective styling I’m all about thick butters, like shea and cocoa, combined with rich oils. I don’t mind my hair being weighed down since it helps stretch and define my twists.

Captured Curls: Juliana

This gorgeous girl is one of my FAVORITE people to follow on Twitter. Her spirit is very sweet and of course, I love her mane! Read this natural beauties story below. Enjoy!

Photo Credit
Lauren McDowell

Please introduce yourself?

-My name is Juliana Pache. I’m 20 years old. I was born in Queens, New York and I moved to Florida when I was 12 years old. I now live in Philly where I attend Temple University, class of 2014. I’ve been singing since before my memory started functioning properly, haha. I’m Afro Latina. I love good people, good food, and good vibes.

What is your current hair regimen?

-I only use conditioner (no shampoo, unless I plan on straightening my hair). Right now I’m using Tresemme’s Naturals Conditioner. I sometimes use random deep conditioners.When my hair is still wet I use a hair serum by a brand named “Curls.” It’s excellent! Available at Rite Aid. :) I always let my hair air dry, then I either put it in two strand twists or wrap it in a high bun to stretch out my curls. When my hair needs some extra moisture after a few days I use Cantu’s Daily Oil Moisturizer. Always does the trick.

When you travel how do you care for your hair?

-I usually bring everything I need with me. I don’t need much.

Jojoba and Hair

Photo Credit

Taken by Ken Bosma

What is it?: Jojoba oil is an extract of the seeds of jojoba plant, also known as Simmondsia chinensis, which is native to some regions of Arizona, Mexico and California. Though often referred as jojoba oil, it is actually a liquid wax, which is golden in color in its pure organic form. But, refined jojoba oil is almost a clear, colorless and odorless liquid. (source)

Why use it?: Jojoba oil is used for a few things but in regards to hair most use it for hair and scalp problems like dandruff, hair loss, dryness of hair and split ends. It can prove extremely useful for most of the modern-day hair problems. This oil is usually regarded as quite a unique oil, due to its structural resemblance to 'sebum' or oil produced by the sebaceous glands, present in our scalp and skin. 

Jojoba for hair growth:  Some folks also use this oil to aid in hair growth. Using jojoba oil to massage your scalp can improve blood circulation. This can stimulate the hair follicles to grow rapidly. Due to its antibacterial and fungicidal properties, jojoba oil can also be used for keeping the scalp healthy. It can also help to reduce hair loss, caused by the factors like, scalp dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema. It is an excellent hair conditioner, which can be used to get rid of dry and frizzy hair. It can seal in the moisture in the hair shaft and add a natural glow and luster to your hair, by minimizing the damage caused by harsh chemicals and pollutants.

How I use it: I like using this awesome oil mixed in with my other oils. However, I just ordered a new bottle to try on it's own, I kinda want to know if it really makes a huge difference in my hair. I get my Jojoba oil from this <--- Ebay seller. Now, it is on the expensive side but I would have to say it's well worth it. The fact that it's known to replicate our hair sebum is pretty cool in itself! Why is it cool? Well, unlike straight hair,  kinks and curls struggle with getting sebum from the root to tip of the strands. For this reason it's hard for our hair to not feel dry sometimes. The kinkier and coarser the hair, the harder the sebum struggle may be. Applying jojoba oil can aid in that issue!

Do you used jojoba oil?

How do you like it?

Captured Curls: Summer

This captivating beauty and her curls are to DIE FOR! Good ol' InstaGram put me in touch with Miss. Summer and I think you all will enjoy her curly girl story...

Please introduce yourself?

Hi I m Summer! I m from Tennessee. I m a college student and I am 20-years-old.

What is your current hair regimen?

I shampoo once a month with Shea Moisture Coconut shampoo. I then detangle with a cheap conditioner such as Suave and then I  do a deep condition with my Organix Tea Tree conditioner. I apply Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie and olive oil ecostyler gel. I then air dry if I have time but if I m in a hurry or want more volume I diffuse. I do the pineapple at night (very high ponytail with a satin bonnet).

When you travel how do you care for your hair?

Same way as any other day.

How would you describe your hair type?

I would say it s a mixture of 3b and 3c. There's some 4a in there too.

Free Big Chop Event presented by N Natural Hair Studio

The awesome folks at N Natural Hair Studio are at it again! Are you in the DMV and ready to big chop? Well this event may be right up your alley! Read the details below and spread the word to everyone you know... 

From N Natural Studios:
Facebook Link.


"We are holding our Second FREE Big Chop Event Thursday, October 18th from 3-8pm. Our mission is simple: get as many black women to "Go Natural" as possible. 

All guests have to do is show up and the fun begins. To get a free shampoo and conditioning experience before your chop. Then the fun really begins!!! We proceed to cut off their perm and their beautuful curl pattern is revealed to the world, but more importantly to them. Afterwards we oil the scalp with shea butter and leave their hair feeling lush with a fabulous leave in conditioner. 

We will also be offering 2 classes at this event. The classes will consist of the Top 5 herbs for your hair and the Top 5 No! No! ingredients that may find in your hair products.

And just to add the cherry on top, we will be retailing hand made jewelry by the oh-so fabulous BeadsByAree!"

Want to see what you may be getting into? Watch the video under the jump! I am hoping to be in attendance so if I am, I CAN'T WAIT TO MEET YOU!

In Review: Original Moxie 's Everyday Leave-in and Just Gel

 Last January I had the pleasure of reviewing Original Moxie's amazing line of natural products. Recently, I decide to reach of to Rachel, the owner (read about her here), to see if we could arrange a "re-visit" review of my favorite product and set up  give away. I also wanted to try her "Just Gel" product, which I LOVE for me and CharBaby's kinks and curls. Rachel kindly sent me a full size bottle of the gel *big smile* and agreed to a very generous giveaway.

The everyday leave in is my favorite from the line. It's light on my strands and really gives me great slip when detangling. This product is great for medium to thick hair that is prone to dryness! I like to use this product when my hair is slightly damp. I feel that it absorbs to my hair best when it's a little wet. I really like that the leave in is full of YUMMY ingredients like Pumpkin Seed Oil and Shea Butter. Both of those ingredients are excellent sources for Omega Fatty Acids and Vitamin E. These two superstars of the natural world deeply penetrate the hair, making it softer, stronger and more hydrated (OriginalMoxie.com). My favorite thing about OM products are the subtle but pleasant scents. The leave in conditioner is described on the site as smelling like spearmint and sage, I'd have to agree. It's a lovely smell that isn't over powering.

Yesterday I use the conditioner in conjunction with the Just Gel which yielded me a GREAT Bantu knot out. I used both products on 1 week old blown out hair. I also used them on Char's pigtails and her curls were POPPIN', SOFT and NOT FIRZZY! The OM gel consists of  amazing Flax Seed!  This little miracle of nature is derived simply by boiling the dried seeds of the Flax plant. A gooey extract is released that contains many of the seed's natural proteins, minerals, amino acids and omega fatty acids, while providing strong hold for any style (OriginalMoxie.com)  The scent of this product is nice too, it's kinda fruity which I don't mind at all. 

Curly Hair Growth Chart via Naturally Curly x TGHBPSC Year 2

NaturallyCurly.com is one of my favorite curly girl resources. I got an email today with the super cute above image that made me want to start TGHBPSC again for the second year around. For those of you who are unfamiliar with TGHBPSC it's "The Good Hair Blog Protective Style Challenge." I hosted my first one last year and it ran for about 3 months. The challenge was super fun and it gave me and my readers a chance to come together, fellowship and grow our hair! Fall is here and the cold weather is on the way so I think it's time for the second annual TGHBPSC! If you are interested in participating please let me know in the comments below by simply leaving your email address.

I plan to start the challenge on November 1st and having it run until February 1st. I will send the requirements for the challenge in a mass email when it's time to begin. I am SUPER excited to start the challenge again! I have so many new ideas for this time around, along with style tips, recipe emails and more! 

xoxo,

Alex

To check out last years TGHBPSC click HERE.

Captured Curls: Filsan

Oh, how I love InstaGram! I came across this beauty and her head full of hair the other day and gasped! Not only is her face stunning but her curls are gorgeous. What made me want to feature Filsan was how wild and free she keeps her mane. I think you all will like her curly girl story...

Enjoy!

Please introduce yourself?

My name is Filsan Abikar, (pronounced like Wilson with an 'F', haha) but everyone calls me Philly.

What is your current hair regimen?

To be honest its a lot of shake-and-go's in the morning. I use extra virgin olive oil as a treatment for my hair a few times a month, aside from that I avoid washing my hair often and stripping natural oils from my curls. I use Sebastian Drench as a conditioner and use nothing else on my hair.

When you travel how do you care for your hair?

I bring A LOT of conditioner. Haha, my hair needs to my large and fluffy.

How would you describe your hair type?

My hair gets tangled easily and is extremely voluminous.