WIG UNIT PURCHASED

Great! I'm at this point where I have my purchased unit and I'm loving it. I went to try on various wigs...I made approx 3 visits before I selected a choice. Most of the wigs I tried on are not shown below. The wig selected was VERY COSTLY according to me, but I spent my coins anyway - approx $230. The wig was also cut for me, so I didn't need to deal with cutting the wig at home.

Here is the first option I tried and loved. It's very similar to the way I style my hair when it is pressed and when my hair was much longer, although my hair was 2B (Black in color and not this 2B with highlights you see going on here) It also was 25% of the cost of the one I actually purchased, but boo said he hated it when he saw my picture. Ah well.

 Here is just another lace-front option I tried because it looked really natural, but it highlighted my over-sized forehead. Was NOT a fan of that at all! However, I would recommend this wig if you have a normal hair line. It was approx $100.

So i settled on the really curly weave because it is also virgin hair and 100% human hair and I do want my unit to last me years to come. I keep the box and the net it came in. I wore it before I washed it purposefully to work the kinks out of the hair and the unit. I washed it recently and I may have worn it once since. I'm still working on making the part I created realistic, but it was to be worn the way the previous lace front wig is shown.

I have more to share, but this post is getting long. Will keep you updated for sure though. MuAh & CiAo. Follow me on IG: lofanaturalista and Facebook: Livlyhood Naturalista

Shedding Natural Hair

So we think that because our hair is natural, we  avoid having shed hair, but is that always the case? I'm finding not. I co-washed my hair last night and I was not alarmed by the big ball of hair you see pictured below.

Why, you ask?

Well, I had worn my hair in this updo for approximately 2-3 weeks.

This pic was taken the day before I took it out. It was time to take it out, trust me; so I did, but with my hair being in that style for so long surely there would be hair loss from shedding. But even as I twisted it before bedtime (approx 8-10 twists), I had even more shedding (not a whole lot, but still full strands of hair) and I only used the finger de-tangling method.

The strands were full strands - so there weren't pieces breaking off in my hand, but strands of hair from the root. I am not certain if this is a good thing or a bad thing, but I was instantly reminded of some myths I have heard about hair shedding.

Now it is time for me to do more research to determine if any of these myths are facts. Share your myths to help my search and I'll be sure to post my findings in a future post.

MuAh & CiAo! Follow me +Lofanaturalista on Google Plus and @lofanaturalista on IG

Shedding Natural Hair

So we think that because our hair is natural, we  avoid having shed hair, but is that always the case? I'm finding not. I co-washed my hair last night and I was not alarmed by the big ball of hair you see pictured below.

Why, you ask?

Well, I had worn my hair in this updo for approximately 2-3 weeks.

This pic was taken the day before I took it out. It was time to take it out, trust me; so I did, but with my hair being in that style for so long surely there would be hair loss from shedding. But even as I twisted it before bedtime (approx 8-10 twists), I had even more shedding (not a whole lot, but still full strands of hair) and I only used the finger de-tangling method.

The strands were full strands - so there weren't pieces breaking off in my hand, but strands of hair from the root. I am not certain if this is a good thing or a bad thing, but I was instantly reminded of some myths I have heard about hair shedding.

Now it is time for me to do more research to determine if any of these myths are facts. Share your myths to help my search and I'll be sure to post my findings in a future post.

MuAh & CiAo! Follow me +Lofanaturalista on Google Plus and @lofanaturalista on IG

Shedding Natural Hair

So we think that because our hair is natural, we  avoid having shed hair, but is that always the case? I'm finding not. I co-washed my hair last night and I was not alarmed by the big ball of hair you see pictured below.

Why, you ask?

Well, I had worn my hair in this updo for approximately 2-3 weeks.

This pic was taken the day before I took it out. It was time to take it out, trust me; so I did, but with my hair being in that style for so long surely there would be hair loss from shedding. But even as I twisted it before bedtime (approx 8-10 twists), I had even more shedding (not a whole lot, but still full strands of hair) and I only used the finger de-tangling method.

The strands were full strands - so there weren't pieces breaking off in my hand, but strands of hair from the root. I am not certain if this is a good thing or a bad thing, but I was instantly reminded of some myths I have heard about hair shedding.

Now it is time for me to do more research to determine if any of these myths are facts. Share your myths to help my search and I'll be sure to post my findings in a future post.

MuAh & CiAo! Follow me +Lofanaturalista on Google Plus and @lofanaturalista on IG

Shedding Natural Hair

 
So we think that because our hair is natural, we  avoid having shed hair, but is that always the case? I'm finding not. I co-washed my hair last night and I was not alarmed by the big ball of hair you see pictured below.

Why, you ask?

Well, I had worn my hair in this updo for approximately 2-3 weeks.

This pic was taken the day before I took it out. It was time to take it out, trust me; so I did, but with my hair being in that style for so long surely there would be hair loss from shedding. But even as I twisted it before bedtime (approx 8-10 twists), I had even more shedding (not a whole lot, but still full strands of hair) and I only used the finger de-tangling method.

The strands were full strands - so there weren't pieces breaking off in my hand, but strands of hair from the root. I am not certain if this is a good thing or a bad thing, but I was instantly reminded of some myths I have heard about hair shedding.

Now it is time for me to do more research to determine if any of these myths are facts. Share your myths to help my search and I'll be sure to post my findings in a future post.

MuAh & CiAo! Follow me +Lofanaturalista on Google Plus and @lofanaturalista on IG

Can your boo style your hair?

I would definitely love to see pics if you have any to send. I would post them on my IG or add to this post. I got the inspiration for this post from my hubs...I was on my death bed (I really wasn't - but I felt like i could be) and the mere thought of raising my arms to put my hair in twists before bed was grueling!

So, I begged and pleaded with my hubs (Yes, I begged) He rolled his eyes like there was no tomorrow, but he did my twists. He actually started them really small and I told him that I only really need like 6 in my head overall. Anyway, the next day I unraveled the twist and that small twist he did the night before untwisted and crimped perfectly.

Of course now I want him to twist my hair more often, but it'll probably take me knocking on death's door for it to happen. But at least I know if worse comes to worse that he could hook his wife up when I'm not doing physically well. Love you babe! (He'll never read this post, lol) Here's a pic of my beau's perfect twist out.

Share your pics with me. Can't wait to see them!

Follow Me +Lofanaturalista &  @lofanaturalista on IG

Winter Weather Hair Tips - Final hour

Yes, almost time for work to be over and we are all searching the internet for interesting reads and comical pictures to keep our eyes open for this last hour. Some of you may have to stay later, but even if, hopefully, these quick winter weather hair tips enlightens you to make different haircare decisions. THIS IS ALSO FOR MALES WITH BEARDS and if you keep hair at least ½ inch.

I’m separating the tips out for those who have short hair and those who have longer hair (neck length and longer.) Winter Weather Quick Tips:

Guest Featured - Chalcia

Every heard of yarn braids? Well, I've been hearing lots about yarn braids and how it's been used to help with growth and maintaining length. I have even considered going that route when I finally decide to grow my hair out, but I wanted first hand knowledge about yarn braids. I mean, Just How Does It Work? Read below to learn more about Chalcia and her experience with yarn braids. Perhaps you may try it too!

Easy Natural Styling

Yesterday was supposed to be wash day but with recovering from this cold, which is more like a cough and getting home late, I opted to skip it and postpone until tonight or tomorrow. I still haven't decided what I'm going to do. So, this morning, I did not want to apply heat to my pressed hair nor was I feeling the whole ponytail idea...this led to a quick two-strand braid creating this easy natural style.

Natural Hair Regimen

Natural Hair Regimen Video Series is NOW up on youtube!

Also, please follow me on IG @lofanaturalista I am transitioning everything to that IG and continuing to make changes to my blog. It's still a work in progress, but I'm happy with the changes thus far. The following videos are SUPER CRITICAL and also very simple to use on a weekly basis. I have been doing this for months pretty much at this point, however with the weather getting colder and dryer, I am going to put my hair in a protective braided style over the weekend. Similar to the braided style I did in March of this year.  Enjoy the videos and share your regimen with me!

Video 1:  *Before the wash*
Video 2:  *After the wash*
Video 3:  *Quick protective style after stretching*
Video 4:  * How to create that Fro*

My IG has final pictures! Also, I don't mind posting a quick snippet on,
"After the Fro, What Next? "

Hair Essentials - Twists Pin-Up

FINALLY! I was able to sit down and put twists in my hair to create a twist out style over the weekend. Meanwhile, I rocked my protective style as long as I could. I didn't think it could last as long as it did even after kickball practice and falling over another player. I got bruises to prove this too! My team is going hard in the paint! At any rate, I love it that we're ALL natural (by default) and we rock so many different do's....hmmm, I just got an idea. Maybe I can feature my kickball team in a future post. That'll be cool.

Here's a quick video I did to show how I refreshed my last quick professional do:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uYsnM-Q8L4

 and then here is a current pic of my do. I just took this. Natural hair is professional. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

 

Very awkward looking pic, but just wanted you to get the idea.

 

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

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 Hairstyles

Here is a recent updo I did in my girl's hair. She washes it and then I braid it moisturizing her hair with Jane Carter solutions twisted fro, a tiny bit of jojoba oil and then I use Dr. Edge for edge control at the start of every braid. Works like a charm and her hair always feels nice and soft when I'm braided it. In fact, I see her tonight for another appt. This hairstyle can easily transition from a professional work style to a night on the town with your girls or a nice evening with the beau.

With the front being in single twists, you can also change up the front for a change in the look by:

1. Untwisting twists for a "Rocking Out" hairstlye

2. Comb out twists and use curling rods for gorgeous curls in the front

3. Comb out twists and bantu knot the front for a cute spiral-looking curls

So many options, you're sure to enjoy this style for 2-3 weeks!

Hair Essentials - Braided/Protective Styling

I am exhausted....everything I have done in the past couple days regarding sleep, eating, and the like has been out of order. I guess because I worked on Christmas Day and has taken no days off this entire week. At any rate, this is a recent style I did over the weekend. As long as i followed my friend's rules of how she wanted the front, the back was mine to play with and she FINALLY allowed me to do a pin-up style! I think it's fly. :-)

That is all for now. Got work to do....still. Live on Purpose! MuAh & CiAo!

Hair Essentials - Recent hairstyles

Just a few views of a hairstyle I did recently. More pics to come. :-)

Hair Essentials - More Protective Styling (Pictures Only)

Hair Essentials - My Natural Styling

So I was inspired by this natural style that I saw online, plus I wanted to add bangs so I did it. It's pretty simple to do.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Styling Time: 30 minutes or less (took me about 30 mins between chit-chatting and lol'ing)

To Prep, I gathered all the hair accessories/essentials needed for the do. I also detangled my hair with my moisturizer and wide tooth comb, made the sections out and secured with a roller clip, before styling each sections separetely. 4 sections/ part a section of hair on the top in a triangular shape for a bang on ur preferrable side (secure with roller clip), part the hair down the center from the tip of the triangular shape of the bang to the nape of the neck (secure with roller clip), then part the hair on the side ur bang will hang on from the tip behind the ear to the center part (secure with roller clip) and secure the remainder of hair with a roller clip as well.

To Style:
1. The section under the bang, remove roller clip and make about 5-7 braids in medium thickness from the front of hair to the center on middle top of head. Twist the ends of the braids and secure again with roller clip upon completion.
2. Remove roller clip from the side with braided hair and french roll, tucking ends of hair under and rolling towards the top of the head and securing with bobby pins. (DO NOT USE BOBBY PAINS IF THE PIN DOES NOT HAVE THE BLACK TIP BECAUSE OTHERWISE THE PIN WILL PULL AND TUG AT HAIR AND CAUSE DISCOMFORT ON THE SCALP)
3. Remove roller clip from the other sde of the center part and french roll and tuck ends under and roll towards to top of the hair. See second pic. Secure french roll with bobby pins.
4. Remove roller clip from banged section, make a slack twist at the ends of the sectioned hair and tuck the twist under the base of the banged section hair. This would create a puff bang as shown in first pic, u can secure the twist in braided hair.

Boo took the pics and was happy with the results, so was I. I know he thought I looked crazy as I started styling my hair. :-)
(Detangling hair allows for hair to become more manageable.

And i love my white pants, especially after Labor Day! ha. Natural styling all the way. :-) Live on purpose ladies, now to concoct another natural style, until then...MuAh & CiAo!

Hair Essentials - Braided Pin Curls And Updo Protective Styling

I did another protective braided style last night, but this time I did pin curls in the front and a ponytail in the back. In so doing, I learned that twisting the hair on the ends and then collectively twisting some of those twists into on twist is not going to give a natural hair textured look to the styling of the ponytail in the back. The style will still look nice, but I'm thinking to get a more not so braided style look on the end of the ponytail, the natural hair should be out (untwisted and combed out) and then braided into a big twist or a big braid and then styled to create that braided single twist style in the back. There are so many varieties that cam be done to natural hair and this is why I love it so much. Here are a few pics of the style I did last night:

One side of the hair was swooped a little to the right, the other was braided from a point, then rounded in a curve as it came around. Pin curls on top (the ends of the hair is more colored than the roots, hence the difference in color of the pin curls). Outside of the pin curls, all the hair was twisted into two sections and then wrapped around each other to create a textured style. This style was done on hair that is int he process of transitioning. Styles like these are great for transitioning hair.

Well, g2g so hope you enjoy the pics. My skin and hair check to be posted tomorrow! Until then, live on purpose, MuAh & CiAo!