Naturally Obsessed

Carrot & Castor Conditioning Oil
Product Description: Perfect for the dry winter months! Carrot & Castor Conditioning Hair Oil keeps your hair moisturized between washings. Great when used moderately as a daily hair oil. Carrot oil is rich in beta carotene, vitamins A (for a healthy scalp) and E (helping to stimulate hair growth) and pro vitamin A. Castor Oil is a natural humectant that draws moisture out of the air bringing it directly to the hair shaft. The hue of the oil comes from Carotene (deriving from the the carrot root extract) giving it it's golden orange glow.

Ingredients: Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil,Daucus carota sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Cocos nucifera (Virgin Coconut) Oil, Ricinus communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Brassica oleracea italica (Broccoli) Seed Oil, Oryza sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Olea europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Prunus dulcis var. amara (Bitter Almond), Litsea cubeba (Litsea), Tocopherol (Vitamin E).

Cost: 4 oz bottle / $17.99 @ www.LGBN.com

Ginger Juice & Berries Hairdress
Product Description: This product was created out of desire for the total package. Nothing too thick, too oily or too heavy but I wanted something that would coat and protect my hair (specifically thick natural, highly textured coils) when wearing a plaited style longer than a few weeks - all while nourishing and strengthening my hair. After 2 years of formulating Ginger Juice & Berries, I finally came up with the perfect recipe that meets all of those hair demands. Another bonus that was discovered is the lack of heavy product build after wearing a style for an extended period of time.

Ingredients: Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Arnica montana (Flower) Extract, Sesamum indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Emblica Officinalis (Amla) Extract, Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) Extract, Jatamansi Nardostachys (Spikenard) Extract, Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Oryza sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Elaeis guineensis (Palm) Kernel Oil, Daucus carota sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Lecithin, Candelilla (Euphorbia cerifera) Wax, Glycine Soja (Soybean)Wax, Green Tea Extract, Zingiber officinale (Ginger) Root Powder, Eleuthrococcus senticocus (Ginseng) Powder, Olea europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Alkanna tinctoria (Alkanet) Root Powder, Artemisia pallens (Davana) Oil, Zingiber officinale (Ginger) Oil, Citrus sinensis (Sweet Orange) Oil, Tocopherol

Cost: 4 oz jar / $16.99 @ www.LGBN.com

My Thoughts: Lavida reached out to me weeks ago to try some of her hair goodies, but once they arrived I couldn't figure out to use them lol! There was no directions on the label. So after contacting Lavida I was ready to give them a try with her usage recommendations. I start off by shampooing my hair and once cleaned I applied the Carrot & Castor Conditioning Oil in 4 sections. I could definitely feel the softness immediately. The color, just like the GJB Hairdress, is very...orange, but I didn't think too much of it. The 4 sections were then braided and air dried until 80-90% dry. I then divided my hair into smaller sections and applied the Ginger Juice & Berries Hairdress to create medium sized, stretched 2 strand twists. The look of this product reminds me of carrot baby food lol! I was like ehhhh...but I went with anyway. I used just a little for each twists, because I didn't want my hair to be too greasy. Once finished my hair looked and felt great! It was soft, the twists were smooth and the shine was incredible.

I was soooo close to loving these products, but then I noticed the collar of my tee that I wore while doing my hair was was stained yellow :( I was like WTH! I didn't even use that much product and I followed the owner's direction. I love me some white tees, in fact I just brought a natural hair tee that I can't wear until I wash my hair...BUMMER! I don't think I'll use the GJB Hairdress again, unless I find away to avoid not staining my clothes. However, it's a great product for twists, braids and I'm sure it could be use for locs as well. I loved how my hair felt after using the C & C Conditioning, but I'll be using it for pre-poo purposes only. Both products are PACKED full of goodness for your hair...I just wish the color didn't stain :(


Take a look at a couple styles I've done throughout the week...

About me...My Name Is Keri! I am a student at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. I am a die hard lover of fashion I’m also building up my fashion empire slowly that is known as Yes! Natty. I’m a makeup artist, blogger, secret stylist and lover of life.

Where do you live? How's the natural hair/loc community there?
I live In New York. The natural/loc community where I live isn’t huge in terms of locs, fros or just big curly natural hair. I’m surrounded by a lot of latinos so that’s mainly what I see in the BX. However, When I venture into the city I see lots of locs and big curly luscious hair.

When and why did you decide to loc your hair?
Believe it or not I always wanted locs, literally. I would say when I was 11 I definitely knew that I would loc my hair sooner than later, I made many attempts to loc my hair and my mother would always say you better comb your hair because you aren’t going to loc your hair ha. I grew up in a household in the Caribbean where my father always played reggae music from Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Culture, Third World & my mother was in a reggae band so I would always see these musicians with locs ,I always had a fascination with them. I also chose locs because I never wanted to straighten my hair because I thought I wouldn’t know what to do with my hair, when it comes to my hair I am very simple, it’s either down, flip to the side or in a bun. Moreover, I hate to spend hours in a salon I have no patience ha ha. So all of those factors helped me to decide that locs were for me and it just goes with my personality,a free spirit.

Were your friends and family supportive of your decision? If not, how were you able to move forward?
They were because they knew that this was something that I always wanted to do, even if they were not supportive I would not have affected my decision. Many people asked me “Why would you ruin your pretty hair?” That would upset me at times because I wondered how was I ruining my hair. If anything I was protecting it from chemicals and the elements but to each his own and everyone is different, I am very happy with my decision 4 years later.

Describe your hair routine.
My routine is simple. I try not to use too much products on my hair because I don’t want my locs to have crazy build up that would attract lint and dust. When I wash my hair I’m sure to use a gel shampoo like Suave (their Shampoo’s smell amazing) something that isn’t white and thick that would get stuck in my hair. I do not believe in using shampoo that is specifically for locs. I rarely use conditioner because it always get stuck in my hair no matter how much I wash it out, therefore, I just eliminate that all together. I re-twist my hair with every three to four weeks however; I do touch ups on the front in between. I use Lets Jam! Shinning and Conditioning Gel Regular Hold, I swear by it I never get build up and it makes up for me not conditioning my hair because it keeps my hair moisturized. I oil my scalp with Jamaican mango & lime island oil. That is pretty much it. I don’t like to spend a lot of time on my hair so I keep it simple, I don’t want to weigh down my hair with a million products that are just not effective.

What are some of your favorite hair products?
My favorite shampoo is Head & Shoulders Smooth & Silky. I was searching forever for a leave in conditioner that would keep my hair hydrated between washes and retwisting, so I use Aveeno Active Naturals Nourish + Condition Leave-In Treatment. The product I have to have at all times is my Lets Jam Hair Gel, I would be stuck in a rut without it. I use it to re-twist my hair and do touch ups in between because I hate to see my hair looking all poofy, like a puppy that went through a wind storm Ha Ha!! I really love Carol's Daughter Tui Oil, it smells amazing and it keeps my hair soft and there is no build up which is important with locs that there is minimal residue.

Do you have any hair goals? What steps are you taking to achieve them?
I don’t have any hair goals, because I try not to obsess about my hair & focus on it too much. I just want my hair to be healthy and grow longer.

What's the biggest misconception about locs and those who wear them?
There are so many where should I even start? People always ask how do you wash your hair? Or people who have locs smoke, are Rasta’s, we have bugs living in our hair (Like Seriously)?!? People believe that we are all obsessed about being natural (which I'm not). Like we are hippies or something. A lot of people think that once they see someone with locs that they had to cut their hair to begin their locs, which is not true for everyone. I didn’t cut my hair to start mine, my hair was never chemically straightened and before I began my locs my hair was a little past shoulder length and curly. There are numerous misconceptions I’m sure someone could write a book about all of them.

What are some of your obsessions?
I don’t really obsess about things, but lately I can’t get enough of these...ok I guess that is a little bit of obsessing..
• Chipotle Burrito’s (yum!) there is something about these big yummy wraps of goodness that I need to eat every week.
• I LOVE accessories! Big, bold pieces. I would buy jewelry instead of shoes any day.
• I’m in love with trousers. Unfortunately, I cannot find the perfect pair :(
• I am in LOVE with printed fabrics. Ethnic prints/African prints/animal prints...It just gives any outfit more personality.
• Love nail art! • I adore wearing my hair up in a bun (not really an obsession but why not) • I am excited about wearing lipstick for summer reds, pinks, nudes all of them!

I THINK I NEED A BARBERRRR….or anyone who wants to do my hair….for free lol! If you have a tumblr make sure follow me >> http://itsmeSHANA.tumblr.com 

Product Description: Treat your hair to this yummy smooth custard. This product can be used on dry or wet hair. Using it on wet hair will give your twist outs and braid outs AWESOME definition and shine. Not to mention your curls will smell GREAT!

Ingredients: Water, BTMS, Tangerine butter, Lemon Butter, Tucuma Butter, Lime Butter, Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Coconut Oil, Organic Aloe Vera Gel, Fragrance

Cost: $11.50 for 4oz jar @ SafiHairCare

My Thoughts: Alex, owner/creator of SafiHairCare, never seems to disappoint...I love this! The consistency is very thick and butter like, but once you get in your hands and it melts into a more creamy texture. I first applied Coconut Oil to my freshly washed, wet hair and then smoothed the Hairsicle Cream in to create medium sized braids. To seal I dabbed a little Castor Oil on the ends and allowed them to dry overnight. In the morning, I unraveled without the aid of any extra product...my hair was very soft and SHINY!! Crazy shine! The one mistake I made when using this product was using Coconut Oil, it really wasn't necessary. Paired with castor oil and the Hairsicle Cream it made my hair a little oily. Next time I'll just use the HC by itself, it's moisturizing enough on it's own. However, my mistake allowed me to achieve 5th day hair. It's not defined as day 1, but my hair is still soft and smells of lemon and coconut....YUMMM! If you are looking for hold, shine and moisture, with ingredients that you can pronounce...definitely put this on your list. She sells out quick so if your interested, don't drag your feet. My other favs from this brand are: Curl Clouds and Avocado Shea Butter. If you'd like to see the braidout in motion lol...please check out the Mop Top review.

About Me...I live in Atlanta and the natural scene is very prevalent here. You are guaranteed to see 3 or more natural hair women no matter where you go which is really awesome. Natural hair was really foreign to me. I was in high school at the time and I didn't know anyone who wore their hair natural. I stumbled upon Nappturality.com one summer day in 2004 and I thought the versatility and creativity on there was so beautiful. I clicked on that site and spent hours on end looking at Fotki pages of thick, luscious hair and I never looked back.
After that day I began my first transition I would cornrow my hair every week. I had not had a relaxer in four months until my mother figured out what I was doing just in time for back to school. My mother disapproved of me going natural especially leading into my senior year with prom coming up. So I was forced into getting a relaxer!
My last relaxer was May 4, 2005 for my senior prom. I transitioned for 10 months afterwards, using braids, rollersets, conrnrows, and even a few sew-in weaves (I had never worn a weave before then). I have know been natural for 5 years (Big Chop April 2, 2006).

My current hair routine...I wash my hair once a week (if I'm not being lazy) and decide on which 1000th product to use from my mini beauty supply closet LOL!  If it is a deep condition week I usually leave that in as long as possible as an excuse to not finish the job right away. I detangle (which is the longest part of the battle) and then I style. Styling is the fun part for me and I wish I had a personal shampoo girl to take care of the rest lol. I normally do styles that I create off of the top of my head, accessorize and go!

Products my hair luvvs...
•Organic Root Stimulator Lock & Twist Gel - great hold. This is my main stay for all styles really. I can't live without it!
•100% Unrefined organic coconut oil - gives great shine
•100% Pure Shea Butter - great versatile product. I use it on my hair in the winter and my body.

My favorite hairstyles...My favorite go to hairstyle is definitely a twist out. I love the versatility I can achieve by making the twists bigger or smaller. I also love to do creative styles --->HERE and retro updo's --->HERE.

My top 5 obsessions are...
•Bright nail polish
•Jumpsuits
•The Braxton Family Values ( their mom is hilarious!)
•Spin Class (those stationary bikes that hurt like hell, but the weight loss results are FAB)
•And now anything wedding related and not turning in to a Bridezilla! (I got engaged on Christmas Day)

How has being natural changed you?
Being natural gave me more confidence as I was somewhat shy growing up. I use my hair as an art expression and I use bold creative styles that always command attention. It has also allowed me to change other areas of my life regarding health including,drinking more water, vitamins, and exercise.

Advice for transitioners...
The transition may be rough dealing with the 2 textures, but it was honestly one of the best decisions I have made. There is no magic pill to take to get long hair enjoy your journey no matter what length your hair is. Maintain a positive attitude, love your hair, and focus on the bigger picture of your new beautiful head of natural hair!

Anything else you would like to add.
Upcoming Fall 'Fro Fashion Week September 23-25, 2011. Curlfriends Collectables t shirts! 9 characters with different hair styles and personalities.

To learn more about Tarin and all the exciting things she has going on highly recommend you visit her blog--> http://naturallymemedia.com and to stay updated on her latest tutorials and vlogs subscribe to her youtube channel ---> http://www.youtube.com/user/LadyTsTanglez. 

Rule out a medical issue.

While everyone’s hair thins a bit with age and thinning hair can be genetic, it can also be a sign of a medical issue like anemia or thyroid problems. Debra Jaliman, MD, a New York City-based dermatologist, recommends asking an endocrinologist or dermatologist to rule out these issues. “Most medical doctors are not the ones to rule out medical issues. A dermatologist or endocrinologist would be the best medical experts to go and see,” she explains. A poor diet may also contribute. Fortunately, “if you lack iron and start eating red meats then the hair will regrow once your diet is appropriately balanced,” says Jaliman.

Consider Biotin supplements.

According to Jaliman, biotin supplements (also called vitamin H for “Haar and Haut,” which mean “hair and skin” in German) can help thicken hair and strengthen nails. Though biotin occurs naturally in some foods, few food sources are rich in the vitamin, so during the 1940s, Swiss scientists developed a synthetic process to replicate it. Biotin supplements are now available over the counter, and Jaliman says they are extremely effective.

Keep it short.

A short, multi-layered haircut can help create the illusion of fullness. “When we are younger, we let our curly hair grow longer, because the ‘weight’ straightens it a little when we blow-dry it straight,” explains Sandy Dumont, a Virginia-based image consultant and founder of The Image Architect. “However, it isn’t wise to keep hair at a longer length when it is thinning, because it will look droopy. A ‘stacked’ haircut gives the appearance of more volume, so that’s a great style.”

Lighten up.

The more contrast between hair and skin tone, the easier is it to see the scalp. Dumont has blond curls and says that when light hair thins, the effect is subtle. “You rarely see the scalp near the front or at the crown, like you do with dark hair,” she explains. If you have darker hair, Dumont suggests teasing it slightly at the crown to cover the scalp or going a little lighter to soften the contrast. “Streaks will do; it isn’t necessary to lighten the hair all over,” she adds.

Focus on the temples.

Even with lighter hues, thinning hair can show up around the temples, where the hair tends to be more fine to begin with. “Make sure that is covered with bangs or a side part with partial bangs,” suggests Dumont. “Curly hair that thins at the temples will make any woman look like ‘granny with a permanent,’ so it’s important to have a stylish hairstyle.” Good advice for all of us!

Meet Fran of HeyFranHey, her Tumblr is one of my favs! She rarely posts pics of her own hair but her page is packed with good info and fly pics of all kinds of women. Visit her page --->HERE!

"The last time I was pampered was for my 5 year wedding anniversary last March. My husband surprised me with a massage and facial at the spa and a weekend free of kids. It was really appreciated and fantastic".

I received a sample of Darcy's Botanicals Peach Kernel Oil (smells amazing) months ago and this morning while trying to find some info on it I came across this chart. It's full of names and descriptions of many different oils, including the one I was searching for. According to the chart it's an excellent oil for dry, tired skin and is equivalent to Apricot Kernel Oil. I'm thinking of changing my OCM mix for the summer and maybe this oil will be included in that...I'll keep you guys updated.

So if your a mixtress or a wanna be like me (lol) I'm sure you'll find this chart helpful!! Take a look---> HERE!

It was all good just a week ago lol! I was warned and told to use cautious about the getting SSK's (single strand knots) and /or split ends, but it worked fine for me. It detangled well and the amount shed hair seemed to be less than before....so I thought! The other day before recording the KBB review I spotted a knot. I thought to myself no big deal I get knots all the time, I snipped it and thought nothing of it. Fast forward to last night before washing I start to take a closer look at my ends and there were knots every where!! Mainly in my mid back area, my hair is thickest there, but I even had some in my looser sections...that hardly ever happens. Some strands had multiple knots, like 3 on one strand. I really don't know what went wrong...I detangle gently and take my time WTH! Maybe my hair doesn't like short teeth/bristles. And just like that my love affair with the pretty pink Teezer is over :(

To correct my situation I went through my hair cutting out any knots I found, I'm sure I didn't get them all so I'll search for the rest sometime this weekend. After the TT was laid to rest, I dusted off my wide tooth comb and set my hair in braids using Harsicle Cream from Safi Hair Care (yummy...review soon)...my hair is at peace lol! If your hair is still in love with TT by all means keep using it, but monitor your ends regularly for splits and knots. They can create tons of breakage if not taken care of. Read my initial thoughts of the Tangle Teezer---> HERE!

Hair Nectar

Product Description: A light, leave-in conditioner formulated for medium thick, curly textures, Hair Nectar defines your curls, restores and renews your hair.

Ingredients: Purified Water, Grapeseed & Jojoba Oils, Vegetable Glycerin, Vegetable Wax, Panthenol, Yucca, Horsetail, Nettle, & Melissa Extracts, Essential and/or Fragrance Oil, Natural Enzymes & Vitamin E Paraben Free. Protein Free. Silicone Free. Sulfate Free.

Cost: 7 oz. bottle $16.00 @ Curlmart.com

Butter Love

Product Description: Made only from rich, thick butters and luxurious oils, Karen's Butter Love conditions, softens and adds sheen to fragile, stressed hair. Great for thick hair. The Butter Love may melt in transit especially during warm months. You can use it melted or put it in the refrigerator to solidify. The Butter Love can not be refunded or exchanged if it melts. All of our products are made by hand with natural ingredients. As in nature, there are always slight variations in the way ingredients look and feel. Saying that, the end result will be the same because when you use the Hair Butter, you rub it in your palms and it melts into a creamy oil.

Ingredients: Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Mango Butter, Jojoba Butter, Aloe Butter, Essential and/or Fragrance Oils, Grapefruit Seed Oil Paraben Free. Protein Free. Silicone Free. Sulfate Free.

Cost: 7 oz. jar $18.00 @ Curlmart.com

My Thoughts:

Yes Yes, I know last week's updates were almost nonexistent, but I just to take a "blogger breather" lol! You know..take a moment to focus on other more important things going on in my life. I haven't even fooled with my hair too much, it's currently resting in pigtail braids. However, it's absolutely gorgeous outside right now and I'm thinking I should do a wash & go. NaturallyCurly.com sent me some Karen's Body Beautiful products (Hair Nectar & Butter Love) to try so I'll test those out today and hopefully have a new review up sometime next week. I also owe you guys the Mop Top Deep Condish review...it's coming next week also!