Faux Locs Look

Yassss! Took me a week to get it all done, due to my busy schedule, but I was able to put faux locs in my hair.

Steps to Faux Locs
1. Decide size of locs
2. Purchase Marley Hair/Havana Hair - I used Marley for a real loc look
3. Twist hair with one piece of Marley hair (or more depending on how thick you want your locs)
* I would suggest completing the twists in hair first if you do not have a full day to complete locs
4. Lay about 1-2 inches of hair against the twist and with the remaining strand, wrap the hair around the twist and the hair that is laid against the twist.
5. Continue until you have reached the end of the twist
6. Wrap the piece of Marley hair back up and around the twist and secure the end with nail glue, hair glue or eyelash glue. (either should work)
7. Hold that hair in place until the glue has taken

Things to Note:

A. You want to twist your hair longer than the length of your hair so that you can remove the loc by cutting the end of the loc without having to cut any of your hair

B. Applying the twists took approx 2 hours

C. Each loc took approx 1 minute-2 minutes tops to complete

There are many videos you can use to help you with this method of applying faux locs, but I wanted explain it as some people learn better by reading a process.

You can style your hair as you would regular braids depending on the length you make them. I did not want really long loc and I did not make them too thin. I did want to see how locs would look because I continue to toy with the idea of growing locs of my own. I'll share more on that, but please let me know if you have any questions. I am happy to share! MuAh & CiAo!

Guest Post - LaLa Speakx of BeYoutiful Photoshoot!

As promised, here are the photos selected from the recent Curly Girl BeYoutiful Photoshoot. You may have seen the selfy-pics I posted in a past post. Here is the official flyer in addition to a few words from LaLa of LaLa Speakz and the organizer of this shoot.

I'm LaLa of LaLa Speakx and I wanted to share with you a neat idea we did in the DC area that has now spread to Atlanta and New York.

 

The idea originated with me wanting to show my three daughters that even though it doesn't seem like mainstream media might support our natural curls.. we don't have to wait on them to do it. So I decided to get a group of natural ladies together, a photographer donated their time (she's also natural) and do a photo shoot, celebrating in a bold way, our natural hair and its original beauty.

Our goal is not to only celebrate our natural hair, but to also pass that love for it to the generations to come!

Hope you enjoy!

 

 

Curl Pattern

So for persons that are transitioning and for persons who press their hair often and find their hair have lost some of its bouncy natural curl, using product doesn't create a curl pattern that doesn't exits. However you can become creative.

I have several people ask me how to combat their hair not having the same curl pattern throughout their head. For transitioners, it is best to cut it, if not? Try using a curling tool like curling rod sets, flat two strand twist it or even Bantu knots.

Eco-Styler Gel Review

I bought this Eco-styler gel and hadn't gotten the opportunity to really use it in my fro. After this wash, I decided to give it a whirl. Here's the nitty gritty of it all. I don't like how crunchy it makes my hair feel. This Eco-Styler Gel Review is gonna get real. Yes, you may like the picture, but read more for deets!

Life of This Naturalista - Blog Feature

Today's Inspiration in April Blog Feature goes to this diva, patient teacher and sweet friend, Patrice. Like many transitioners, she did have doubts about returning natural. I remember offering words of encouragement to her, but it was difficult for her to imagine herself with natural hair.When I spoke to her about this feature post she stated, ' I LIVE for versatility and I'm not afraid of change at all. I currently love natural hair and enjoy protective styles while my hair grows.

Yes, she did it! She wore her natural hair in this low cut and I thought it was fresh, sexy and brought out her facial features. Now when I see her rocking her natural look, I see how much of an inspiration she can be and has been to women who are nervous about the BC or transitioning back to natural hair.

I have always said that wearing your natural hair can be an overwhelming experience in today's society especially if you have no experience or little experience working with natural hair. Some people don't even know what their natural hair looks like! I'm so happy that Patrice has begun this journey and the confidence she shows in her various looks really shows how much she does love her natural hair and the versatility she gets with it. Keep rocking it girl, because it's fly.

To all my transitioners, this was some motivation for you. Embrace it and become an effortless woman.

MuAh and CiAo! Follow me on IG @lofanaturalista.

Natural Hair Craze

Apparently natural hair is in Yayyyy! But wait....O____O

I'm not super enthused about it. I enjoyed having natural hair because it was different. People weren't doing it...people weren't wearing natural hair wigs and full head natural weaves or nothing...but people are doing it. Should this be a problem? Is there such a thing as returning natural for the wrong reasons? I'm sure we all have various thoughts about it. It's a craze that might I add would be short-lived as hair crazes go.

Don't get me wrong. I do enjoy people loving on their natural hair and allowing their hair to grow un-tampered. I absolutely commend those people. (Now, I say people because men were getting perms too :-/ Probably still are getting perms) At any rate, I'm still trying to figure out exactly what it is about this phenomenon of natural hair that has everyone "crazed" about it. That's like people being "crazed" over skin complexion. It's either you're born with it, or you aren't born with it. Even people who don't have natural texture hair are going natural, lol. It blows my mind a little bit.

I noticed that every so often, I have some opinion I'd like to share, so I'm going to call my "vent", for lack of a better work, "For the Record Friday." We all have something about natural hair that peeves us from time to time. That's what makes us human. If you got something you would like to share on For the Record Friday, please email all guest posts tolpevents12@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you as well.

Friday was dedicated to Funky Wraps, but I can't wear wraps at my current job, womp! But if you wear a wrap on Friday, post pics and tag me @lofanaturalista. I would love to see it!

Steam Treatment

Yesterday was such a very busy day for me. I had a hair appointment where I styled someone's hair in Marley twists, had to deal with car issues and finally do my hair. I was happy I was recently given a hair steamer which doubles as a face steamer to help moisturize my hair.

I happily set it up and used this opportunity to trim my hair. This is what I did.

My Hair Icon

I love her music, I love her dancing and energy and I love her hair. One of my hair inspirations....

Janelle Monae 

Winter Regimen

Have dry damaged hair? Is the winter giving your hair the blues? I made a video last night on Winter Regimen. It’s simple and easy to do. Here are the results. Click at the end of this post for the link to the video plus other tips on how to find the right oils/moisturizer to use on your tresses.

This is how I styled my twists. Very simple and yet my hair remains protected from the harsh winter cold.

Black History Month Contest

Life of A Naturalista is hosting its first ever Black History Month Contest. This contest was being done in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. only, however, with the recent passing of Nelson Mandela, I wanted to pay tribute to not only one, but TWO great men.Take this opportunity to learn more about the history of African American hair.  The prize is incredible! One lucky winner will receive this beautiful gift of natural/organic hair and skin products mostly by Shea Moisture. Their new website is under construction, but see here to be notified when the new website has been launched. Also, the gift prize includes a Revlon nail polish :-)

Want to win this prize? Read on to find out the details on how to enter the contest!

Hair Essentials - More Marley Twists

I did more Marley Twists over the weekend to a client of mine. You may have remembered I did a braided mohawk style in her hair when she was transitioning. She ended up doing the BC and now her hair is about 3inches in length and she wanted to do something different with her hair besides a fro. So, here's where I come in. I did Marley Twists and I think it fits her face well and gives her a break from rocking a fro.

 

Our Natural is Beautiful! MuAh and CiAo!

Hair Essentials - Natural Hair Care Regimen

Good morning! I'm in a really great mood today, even though I was unable to workout this morning because I went to bed pretty late, BUT that's not what I'm here for. I'm here to talk about my natural hair care regimen. This is exciting because I have made past posts about natural hair updos, braided styles and protective styling, but I have not done a reflection post on what has been working. So here goes:


1. The onion wash (used only twice) & rosemary inclusion in every other wash has proven to be beneficial in hair growth (my hair does not feel stagnated at the same length) FINALLY!

2. I have found that I am a Wen girl! The Wen conditioning cleanser works well in helping my hair feel moisturized and lush. THE BIG BUT is the cost of the product and having to find a replacement for it when I'm finished with my second kit :-( very sad news, but I am up for the challenge and I'm glad you will be with me as I explore finding a cost efficient product for cleansing my mane

3. Trims, cuts, etc. I found that every 6-8 wks I trim my hair UNLESS (and this is important) my ends seem healthy. I put an alarm in my phone that reminded me that it was time to trim my hair about a week or two ago, but my hair was fine and didn't need to be trimmed overall.

Hint: I DO cut split ends and fairy knots as I see them, I DO NOT WAIT until trim/cut day

4. Twists has proven to be a very successful way to keep my hair moisturized and even though I may have HIH moments by myself or others, this protective style has been proven helpful in avoiding fairy knots. So winning!

5. I do deep condition my hair every other wash. There were a couple times where I went 2 wks before washing my hair, but I still kept up with the every other deep conditioning treatment during the wash. WHAT DID I USE TO DEEP CONDITION? The Wen re-plenish moisturizing conditioner...this product will also need to be replaced by a cost efficient product. So stay tune for that as well.

6. My winter regimen and summer regimen were pretty identical. I did oil my hair more in the winter I found and needed less JCO in the summer. I also used coconut oil in my roots and over the months this has proven to be helpful in keeping my hair shiny, but I still am staying away from using it as a sealant. JCO works for me, so no need to switch it up. I use Coconut Oil as I would grease (Current grease I use is Nature's Best and can be found at Yes! Organic Market)

7. I found an AMAZING moisturizer for my 3c-4b natural hair. Leave my hair texture alone! My hair has different personalities. But be that as it may, the Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie is a dream come true! I have used the Curly Cream too, but that leaves a more sticky like residue and doesn't work as well in maintaining the moisture in my hair. Shea Moisture can be found in Target, FYI. They have soooo many products, but as I am not really a product junkie, I haven't tried everything, nor do I intend to, lol. I just use what works. I only change products if it's to expensive to maintain or if it doesn't work or stops working. Keep it simple, you know.

8. Mr. Hicks for slicking them edges and not hardening my hair comes in as a winner for edge control! I love this product. After applying, just put a scarf to hold hair in place and all fuzzies will be laid to rest. Amen! lol

So, here I am with at least an inch of RETAINED growth, because even though my hair grows ever so slightly, it's RETAINING the growth that has become an issue. I think I have passed the point to where my hair usually tapers off and I'm enjoying being beyond that point. Time to continue cracking that ceiling and aim for the heavens. Do you have any other "must have' products? Tell me what works well in your hair (store bought product, preferably) that is cost efficient and has a lot of BANG for it's BUCK. I'd love to hear about it.I really enjoy my natural and I hope you do too!

Our Natural is Beautiful! MuAh & CiAo! Follow me at @livlyhood on twitter and IG.
 

Hair Essentials - Weekend Hair

This weekend I had my hair in my usual twist out fro. At bed time, I tossed my curls forward and put my bonnet over it so that my curls weren't crushed. In the morning, I simply pinned it up a little bit and head on out to my game. I love the versatility of wearing twist out curls. I looked ready for church, ready for a game, then I washed it and put it back into twist and pulled my twists up into a ponytail, ready to repeat the journey again. It's kept me going all summer. I love my weekend hair. I know I could find a regimen that would work well for me. Hope you have one that works for you, or try mine!

Our Natural is Beautiful! MuAh & CiAo!




Natural Hair

Hair Essentials - Natural Braided Updo (Professional Natural Hair)

Morning, Morning, Morning! I am so excited to make this post today featuring my girl, Rachel Boo. she is rocking a recently done braided hairstyle. I took pics of the sides and front, but forgot the back. The back is just braided up toward the donut. It is really simple and a great style to workout out with. Just tie your head and go! The braided top knot is becoming a fad in natural hair styling I see, but it has definitely been done for years. I'm waiting for Marley braids to get stale, so I can put them in in the Fall, tee hee. At any rate, here are the pics I took right after I redid my girls' braids. I think these pics are super cute. :-)

See my IG @Livlyhood for recent natural hairstyles. :-)

Hope you enjoyed the pictures! Our Natural is Beautiful 2013. MuAh & CiAo!

Hair Essentials - Natural Hair DIY Two Strand Braids

Happy Tuesday All,

I totally did not post recent wedding style done. I'll probably post that later this week. I'm not certain I took pictures of the style. :-/ At any rate, I decided to try a two strand braid twist out to see how it would look on me and if it will set well. I have done a two strand braid twist out on wet hair, but it was extremely small twist and I wanted my hair to be fluffier and stretched out. That look turned out like this:


Notice the very small curls, which is not too far from my usually curl pattern. So, to create the larger curls, I followed these steps:

Using these products/tools:

Spray bottle is just a mix of water and moisturizer :-)


Step 1: I combed out my washed and stretched out hair with wide-tooth comb (I used about 8 -10 plaits to stretch out my hair while it was wet)

Step 2: Parted it across the middle (from ear to ear)

Step 3: Parted the top half in order to  strand braid the hair coming from the middle part to my front hairline

Step 4: Spray contents in spray bottle (approx. 3 squirts and work through hair from root to tip), moisturize with JCS curl cream product and then seal with a little CO (Coconut Oil)

Step 5: Repeated the steps 3-4 until the entire front was done.

Step 6: Repeat steps 4-5 but in about 4-5 braids from the middle part to the nape of my neck

Step 7: Curl the end of each braid with a curling rod (I was short a curling rod or two in this video)

Step 8: Cover with night cap and get ready for bed

This video shows how I took it out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qx6efJJT7xA&feature=em-upload_owner

Here are the results:

Final Step: When I took al the braids out, I separated it and fluffed it up as much as I could. Hopefully, it still looks good this evening. I will probably do another video to show maintenance done to keep the style for another day or so. Stay tuned!

I think it turned out pretty well for my first time doing it.
Things I would do differently.
1. Try it completely on wet hair
2. Use less coconut oil on each two strand braid (hair feels slightly oily, thank goodness it doesn't look super oily though)

That's all for now. Hope you enjoyed my short video. :-)

Live on Purpose! Our Natural is Beautiful! MuAh & CiAo!

 

Hair Essentials - Lock Styling and Head Wraps

I have a treat for you all today. Well, it's not really a huge deal, I'm just excited to share. I did my girl's locks on Sunday. As I stated yesterday, I meant to take a before pic, but we got to talking and that idea went through the door. At any rate, I got an after pic for you.  Real quick, what I did...

1. She cleaned her locks (not certain what products she used)
2. I twisted her new growth with a moisturizing product that works well in her hair and then sealed with an oiler product, but not straight oil. (she has reported that JCO doesn't work well for her hair)

special note: Give products/oils a trial run and see what works best for your hair overtime JCO is one of he best products I use in my hair, so clearly different products for different hair

3. after twisting the new growth, I used a clip to pin the lock down.
4. After going through entire head, I removed sections of pins and braided that section starting from the nape of her neck and curved toward the right front of her head.
5. I repeated step 4 until all five sections were complete, except the front braid began at her right ear.
6. I used rubber bands to secure each braid and pulled the hair down towards the front right. See pics

I liked her locked style so much, I copied it, but used a head wrap. I made a quick DIY Head wrap video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ff2sa0TlQYA

I ended up changing the position of the ball because I felt like it looked better on that side. But the very same steps were used, just shifted the wrap to the left side versus the right side. I hope this is easy for you to do. Keep in mind, that this is from an old twist out. *shrug* Gotta make do with an old twist out between washes.

 

Hope you enjoy the video and the pics! Our Natural is Beautiful, MuAh & CiAo!

Hair Essentials - Rocking that Fro

It's just that kinda summer and I'm enjoying rocking my fro. I threw away the idea of shrinkage and all the other mess and allowed my hair to roll into it's natural curls and just be free. No hair pins clipping nothing, no styling nothing. Just rocking a straight fro and I love it! My normal winter hair regimen is washing with conditioning cleanser every 5-10 days depending on how it's styled and then twisting hair into about 6 big two strand twists throughout hair. Then I moisturize each section and twist each twist into about 2-4 smaller twists with JCSolutions (Jane Carter Solutions)hair nourishing cream, then seal moisture with JCOil (Jamaican Castor Oil). Then I put my night cap on and I'm good to go. True, natural hair care!

Now, I'm realizing that this lovely regimen I ahve created for myself during the Fall and Winter months need to be tweaked since it's now the Spring/Summer months. The one week when it was a scorcher, my hair was pressed so I forgot that I needed to get my Spring/Summer regimen together. I have no idea what I did last year! So, now I'm tasked with finding out what I need to do to maintain moisture in my hair and relieve my hair from being dry throughout the summer months. I know I did lots of smaller twists. I may hev to go back to doing smaller twist for the time being until I figure something else out.

I also thought of putting my hair in braids BUT i know that synthetic hair cuts my hair strands. I'm not certain what I'm going to settle with. We'll have to wait and see. Until then, I'll just rock my cut shrunken fro!

Our Natural is beautiful! MuAh & CiAo!

Follow me at livlyhood on Instagram and Twitter for more hair pics

Body Essentials - I'm ba-ack!

YEs, I know, I know. I have been gone for too long. I have fallen off the band wagon of updating my blogs and videos, but I'm back and I am here to stay. I have been studying for my Professional Counseling license examination for weeks. I took the law test and passed that and took the licensure examination and passed that. Highest praise to God. Yes, i love Jesus! lol

So, as I figure out what's next with my career, I already know what I have in store for my body and my hair. I want to continue living healthy of course!

I have been working out 2-3 times a week still, working on my water intake. That is still a struggle when I have busy days and don't want to be interrupted by multiple bathroom breaks and then maintain a healthy diet. I say curry chicken is healthy! Meanwhile on the hairier side of things, I have been comtemplating cutting my hair. Yes, i know, i know...I wonder if I have reached my hair growth ceiling...My hair has been at this length for sometimes, yes, I have cut the ends due to split ends and what not, so possibly it can stand to grow an additional inch or two. I guess I could work towards that and then cut it in the Winter. who knows.

At any rate, life is good. I'm excited. I've posted pics on my IG @livlyhood and on my pinterest account Linnea' Parsons. More pics and videos to come. I gotta share my current style and how I acheived it! Missed y'all and can't wait to share more pics and ideas!

Live on purpose! MuAh & CiAo. Our Natural is Beautiful Campaign 2013!

Hair Essentials - Styling Twist Outs

I created another video, but it's giving me the blues to upload!!!

While I worked that out, I created yet another video showing how to style an old twist out and how to moisturize it to prepare for bed, given steps of what to do to hair the next morning. It's longer than I expected it to be, but contain useful information and about 5 different ways to style a twist out. Hope you enjoy it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LZhDxyNj-g

Okay, I'm going to try to work on this other video...I just can't figure it out. HELP! lol. and if you can't help, then stay naturally beautiful. MuAh & CiAo!

Added bonus: I figured instead of just telling you how I refreshen and style my hair in the morning, I'll just take a quick video and show you. Here it is. Hot off the press. I did it this am before work.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Idp7cn-gVFw

Okay, much love! Our Natural is Beautiful Campaign 2013!

Hair Essentials - Textured Fro

I'm a little perturbed. I made a video showing how I created the style shown below, but unfortunately, I'm having a hard time loading the clips up to put into a video file. While I work the kinks out, I figured I'd still go ahead and show you the pics. (i still can't get the video together :-(  to date...12/24/2013)

I had such a wonderful time both with boo's family and then us doing the chill thing at the Cherry Blossoms. It was such a wonderful day  and I enjoyed rocking a fro. I loved it!

Evening ritual after wearing this textured fro: Either put on a satin bonnet OR re-twist twists using no add'l product and covering in a bonnet. I'm wearing my hair in twisted style now. So I could wake-up and go!

Video to come on how to create style. I may have given steps in a previous post, but enjoy these pics for now.