Crochet

I got crochet braids installed about a week ago. It's a great protective style since my real hair is cornrowed underneath the whole time and the fake hair is crocheted in. It's like a weave with no tracks, which makes for a much more natural look in my opinion. I used about 4 packs of 12-inch Cuban Twist hair (which is basically Havanna hair) in #2 (natural black) and #4 (brown).

First, my hair was cornrowed straight back, as if I were getting a weave installed.

Starting from the bottom, the Cuban Twist hair was crocheted into the cornrow, piece by piece. For a more natural look, a bit of #2 and #4 went into each piece that was crocheted in.

When it was all done, I looked like Diana Ross! I was feeling myself with this big ol' head of hair!

Model chick

But alas, I wanted a tamer look, so next came the curling. I wanted big, soft curls. I used perm rods for long hair (I forgot what size) and big chunks of my hair were wrapped and twisted around the curler, then dipped in boiling hot water to hold the curl. The rolled Cuban Twist hair stayed in the hot water for about 20 seconds, then set for about 5 to 10 minutes. After that time passed, the perm rods were removed, and voila!

To maintain the look, I've been wearing a satin bonnet to bed. The curls have relaxed a lot--all these pictures are from the first day--and it's looking a lot more natural the longer I wear this hairstyle. Shout out to my sister for hookin me up with this fab 'do!

How to Keep Hair Moisturized During Dry Winter Months

The dry air in the winter always does a number on my hair. To combat dry hair, I follow these easy tips to make sure my hair stays moisturized and healthy all winter long!

Water
It starts from the inside: stay hydrated. Hopefully, if you are natural, you are also spraying your hair with water at least once a day, and sealing with an oil or butter as needed. But also remember to drink those 8 glasses of water a day. You'll notice other benefits too, like clearer skin and better digestion.

Oils vs. Creams vs. Butters
In the winter, my hair thrives when I use a thick, heavy butter like castor oil or olive oil to seal in moisture. In the Autumn months, using hair butters like shea or avocado work well for me. In the Spring and Summer, all my hair typically needs is a hair cream. Make note of how your hair feels throughout the year and what products do and don't work. It's a tedious learning process, but very worth it. Now that I know how my hair will respond, I opt for what I know works instead of wasting product on my hair that won't leave it feeling as soft and moisturized.

Protective Styles
The absolute best way to keep your hair moisturized in the winter is to wear protective hair styles. These include twists, braids, or up-dos either with your own hair or with the addition of extensions. Winter is great, fashion-wise: you get to bust out your cute wool coats and chunky knit scarves. But when hair rubs against that type of material, it tends to break. Wearing protective styles does wonders to prevent this breakage from occurring. Just be sure to continue moisturizing with water and sealing with oil just the same.

How will you keep your hair moisturized this winter?

Lately

It has been quite the busy time for me and I haven't been able to blog as much as I'd like. In the past month, I've traveled a lot and moved, so things have been hectic! Below are a few pics of what I've been up to. You'll notice I've been doing not a thing to my hair! I'm just sort of letting it be and keeping it moisturized. Protective style coming soon though; stay tuned!

I got a new tattoo, done by Amy Nicholls of Tattooed Heart Studios! It's actually an addition to an existing tatt.

I love theater! This year, I went to see Letters To and From Me by Wild Women Theatre. It was phenomenal!

Sunset at Lake Michigan. It was so beautiful!

Beach house in Ocean Pines, MD.

Flashing that winning smile and wearing a polka dot fatkini from swimsuitsforall.

Not necessarily the best beach book, but definitely good beach beer.

I got taken out by a wave and my hair got SOAKED! Recovered by taking a selfie! :)

Wearing the Nala Midkini, designed by GabiFresh, and showing off my Mama Africa tattoo, done by Dave Wah of Stay Humble Tattoo Company.

Last beach day. I was going to wear my galaxy print bikini top, but the zipper broke :(