Loc Tutorial: Regal/African Princess

Loc Tutorial: The World's Fastest French Roll

Recipe: Sour Cream Natural Hair Pack

Sour cream and almond oil are especially necessary for hair damaged with acids, highlights or chemical straighteners. Some have said the mixture will loosen curl pattern, strenghten hair,help with detangling, and makes hair less frizzy and more defined. sounds good!


Recipe for Sour Cream Natural Hair Pack:


What You Need:

2 tsp of Sour Cream
2 tsp of Lemon Juice (or Lime Juice)
2 tsp of Almond Oil
1 tsp of Wheat Germ Oil

How to Prepare and Apply:

Mix the ingredients and then apply the hair pack on your hair. Leave the hair pack on your hair for 30-60 minutes. Rinse your hair and wash wash regularly and rinse with water in which you added some apple vinegar. This hair pack should be applied on dry hair.

Janet Jackson- Au'Naturale??

HEADLINES
" Janet cut her hair " , "Janet shaved her head"



..... errrrr....... SHE TOOK HER WEAVE OUT!!!!!!!! .
I can see where some tapering and edging was done- BUT she didn't do the bc ( big chop)- she let go of her infamous long flowing weave.. She isn't rocking this short crop gelled back boyish style. My two cents-If you re gonna wear a natural- ROCK IT!!!!!! I see a haute faux hawk, straw set, spikes on the top, soft waves on the side, some kind of hair accessories ( funky flower, decorative pin) or go a little shorter and rock it low and tight- BUT please don't dis respect the natural by just slicking your hair back appearing as if you just didn't know what else to do.. :o

Tell Me: What do you think of Jackson’s shorter look?

Natural Hair Regulated in North Carolina

During the last session of the North Carolina General Assembly a bill was passed and signed into law by Governor Bev Perdue to create a new licensure for natural hair care specialists. This new license will require 300 hours of training at an approved cosmetic art/natural hair care school. Once the law goes into effect July 1, 2010 current natural hair care practitioners will have 1 year to obtain licensure by passing the state board examination developed by NIC, the Board's testing provider. Natural hair care salons will also be required to become licensed within the year. The Board and its committees are hard at work developing curriculum and regulations to guide this portion of the cosmetic art industry. Many experts in the area of natural hair care have volunteered time to service for the Board and have participated in early planning sessions to help ensure a solid foundation is established for this soon to be regulated licensure class.

http://www.nccosmeticarts.com/

Do you see it has a good or bad thing?

My Attempt at a basket Up Do- Yikes!!!!

I'm determined to learn how to "style" my loc's. I'm getting bored with the "same ole same ole" look of rocking a pony tail from day to day. I'm not ready to folk over mad cash to go to a stylist for an up do-so Ive been stalking You Tube for the past 2 weeks. Let me tell ya-them chicas are bad (Fauren, Golden Goddess,Chelsea locs, and DC Church Girl- are my favorites- they demonstrate REALLY slow for us challenged individuals)- LOVE IT! They make trying new styles seem easy, quick, and effortless. This is my latest attempt at a basket up do- I did it 5 times Sunday night- and this is the best out of 5 attempts.. I didn't like it too much- but my arms were so sore I didnt have the energy to do something else. I created this style using, Lemongrass Spritz (Distilled water, EVOO, Lemongrass EO), jumbo hair pins and two-strand twist on one side. Take a look..Leave a comment *Be Nice* lol..lol..

BTW: I'm on a NO TWISTING DIET- its killing me softly..I was twisting way too much, and I was too obsessed with the "neat-freshly-twisted look". I'm learning to let them do what they do, and appreciate the look and texture of my loc's. ** cheering to my inner self- you can do this.. you can do it**
leave a comment-

My Hair Transformation-Through Pictures

I've gotten many request to see some pictures of my hair transformation- Here you have long & relaxed, pony tail, short and cropped, natural, fro, mowhawk, my starter coils for my locs, and most current style( wavy Loc's). Take a look at my journey through pictures.

LOCS OR DREADS... WHICH IS CORRECT?

How many times have you heard, "I like your dreads", and cringed by the implication of what 'dreads' means to you. I do not mind, but many cultivated loc wearers do. The terms locs and dreads are often used interchangeably, as they both refer to ropes of matted hair. There is however, a distinct difference between the two. The following descriptions are intended to help you distinguish between the terms.


Organic Locs

Organic locs are more widely referred to as dreads or dreadlocks and are formed as the name implies - organically. The hair is washed regularly, but not combed, allowing the hair to mat with no interference. This typically results in thick locs of different shapes and sizes - these are the locs most often associated with interchangeably. Example: Bob Marley

Freeform Locs

Freeform locs are similar to organic locs in that they aren't "tightened" or "maintained." However, freeform locs are cultivated to a degree, as the hair is separated (not parted, just pulled apart in "chunks") into fairly uniform sections after washing. There is no parting, palm rolling, twisting, or latching. Example: Lil Wayne

Cultivated Locs

Cultivated locs are more widely referred to as locs and are formed using various methods. What sets them apart from organic locs and freeform locs is that they are parted into sections of about equal size and regularly maintained, using one of several methods to tighten the new growth. Cultivated locs are usually relatively neat and uniform in appearance. Example: Miss Sixx

Types of cultivated locs include:

Traditional locs
BradeLocz
Nappy Locs
Sisterlocks(tm)

Source: http://www.loclovers.com/Types-of-Locs/1

Goody Spin Pin

I keep seeing the commerical the Spin Pin and I'm so courteous. Now in the commercial I saw one AA female with thicker hair, but it was straight. I’m wondering if this will work on us with natural thick hair when it’s not straightened... what about loc's, sisterlocs, or braided updo's(ummmmmm... *baffled*). I love the fact that you can use it and it is like using 20 bobby pins. I hate using bobby pins,they hurt my scalp...so this would be super helpful. You can get the entire set below for 14.99 plus shipping and handling. I'm only interested in the spin pin. They sell them individually at CVS, Target and Walgreens. I’m confused at how it would work…I'm pretty sure it would get stuck in my loc'd hair. Have any of you tried this??

Hair Wars: Dominican Salons VS. Traditional Salons

Article Courtesy of Wall Street Journal


The Wall Street Journal ran an interesting piece about the competition black hair salons are experiencing from Dominican salons.

Armed with a blow dryer and brush, deft wrist action and shrewd promotional tactics, immigrants from the Dominican Republic are snipping away market share from African-American stylists whose mastery of black women’s hair ensured for generations that their customers wouldn’t, or couldn’t, leave them. Promises of seemingly healthier hair, swifter service and far lower prices are wooing away a growing number of black women.

The defections have infuriated African-American stylists who insist that their methods are safe and that they are more highly trained than the Dominicans are. “It’s hard enough in these times, but they are undercutting our prices, even passing out fliers to our own clients,” complains Atlanta hairdresser Jannifer Jackson, whose cancellations and no-shows began piling up once a Dominican salon opened about a mile away last summer.

Many traditional black stylists accuse Dominicans of misrepresenting their services as “natural” because nearly all Dominican salons perform relaxer touch-ups. Traditionalists say the “Dominican blowout” technique can cause severe hair breakage. Both sorts of stylists wash, set hair in rollers and seat customers under big dryers.

African-American stylists typically use a curling iron to unfurl the hair, while Dominicans use a two-handed method of unraveling the strands with a round brush, followed by a blow dryer in the other hand to smooth the curl to a straight finish. Dominicans do so by pulling from the hair root, often forcefully. That, along with applying the second round of intense heat, leads to breakage, say black stylists and some customers.

Dominican stylists deny the accusations. The majority of Dominicans are themselves black, and like African-Americans, they developed their skills by styling their own hair. “We have stylists—black stylists—all the time calling and asking to come and train with us,” boasts Alfredo Rhoden, co-owner of Dominican Hair Salon by Massiel in suburban Atlanta.

The financial impact of the Dominican incursion on black American salons is hard to gauge. Sales volume isn’t tracked by the race or ethnicity of salon owners. But industry experts, salon owners and stylists say the impact is indisputable. A fixture in New York City since the 1980s, Dominicans now are rapidly expanding to other U.S. cities.

New Jersey stylist and barber Gina Brydie formed the National Black Cosmetology Association last year to help salon owners strengthen their businesses against the recession and the increasing Dominican competition.

“We have Asians coming in with the beauty supplies and Dominicans coming in and taking over our industry,” says Ms. Brydie, 39 years old and 20 years in the business. Salons and barber shops are a proud touchstone for blacks in part because they were among the earliest black-owned businesses, providing one of few paths to economic advancement after slavery. By the early 1900s, black entrepreneur Madame C.J. Walker had become a self-made millionaire by making hair and beauty products for blacks.

Now, rather than trying to beat the Dominicans, some African-American business owners are joining them. Jennifer Drew started RoundBrushHair.com in 2007 to help Dominican salons market to blacks after she switched to the blowout and saw curiosity budding among black women.

The RoundBrushHair.com database has grown to include several hundred Dominican salons, from Sun Valley, Calif., to Chicago to Boston. Almost all opened in the past five years, Ms. Drew says. It includes 80 salons in metropolitan Washington, 95 in Georgia, 15 in Charlotte, N.C., and seven in Houston.

We can see why the black hair care providers are up in arms about losing customers, especially in this economy, but at the same time the competition is GREAT for the clients. It’s hard walking in a black salon without losing your purse — so it’s good to know there is a less expensive alternative. Plus, we’ve experienced how much faster you can get in and out of a Dominican salon. At the same time, is there anything that can compare to that old familiar feeling of slipping into the chair of the stylist who has been doing your hair for years? The community feel of a black salon is another bonus that can’t be matched elsewhere.

Have you abandoned your regular stylist for a Dominican spot? Do you think that the Dominican blowout is less damaging than a curling iron or flat iron? Please leave a comment!

Interview: Loc Take Down W/ Kellee Tolbert

What's your name and where are you from?
Kellee Tolbert, grew up in Glen Burnie, MD. But I live in Baltimore Now

How long were you loc’d before you decided to take them down?
3 years

Why did you choose to take your loc’s down?
I wanted a change. My locs were not healthy; I had little knowledge about how to care for them at the time. Also, I was not able to do my own hair and it was getting expensive going to the salon just to get a style

What method did you use to remove your locs? Products?
Just a rat-tooth comb, with the metal end and some VO5 conditioner

What has been the reaction of your family and friends since removing your loc’s?
My husband has been very supportive of my natural journey. My mother in the opposite and wishes that I would relax my hair. She was not in favor of the locs either.

What styles do you love to wear the most and why? How do you go about achieving this style?
I like when my hair looks wild and big. I achieve this by twist outs and braid outs

How do you detangle your hair?
I find that detangling before I wash works best for me. I just spray a glycerin/water mixture and take sections with a wide tooth comb and get to work

How do you maintain length? Moisture?
I don’t really worry about length, because there is a lot of shrinkage. Moisture was a big problem for me. I now have the correct mixture of shea butter that works for my hair. I also do a mayo/egg conditioner.. sometimes I add an avocado. It has been working very well for my hair.

How do you protect your curls at night?
If I have a twist out.. I re-twist with shea butter and put my satin cap on

Name a few challenges you are currently facing with your hair. Have you been doing anything different to overcome these challenges?
Right now I am trying to get my hair to grow in the places that were broken off from the locs. Just keeping moisture has been working.

List the products that you use and how you use them. What is your current hair regimen? share what works for you!
I make my own she butter hair cream recently added Soybean oil and Avocado Oil and I have noticed a significant difference in the moisture and shine. For quick styling in the morning I use coconut oil. To wash I use Blacksoap shampoo ( only when I have product in my hair ie. gel ( Ecostyler or aloe gel) Or I just use VO5 with oils added for co-washing. Glycerin/water mix to hydrate curls.

Do you have any advice for other naturals?
Being Natural has more to do with just hair. It is mental! You have to be extremely comfortable with yourself to live outside of society norms. It took me a while to understand this and it is not for everyone. Everyone has their own journey.


Where on the web can we find more about you and your styles?
No website. But maybe in the future I would like to do natural hair consulting; especially for children. Children of bi-racial and adoptive parents. There is a lot of knowledge that needs to be shared. Education is always the key.

Hair Steaming

I had a customer ask me my opinion on hair steamers today. I had never heard of this, nor was I aware that there was such a product called a " hair steamer". Needless to say I was very interested to learn more about hair steaming.

Here's some information on what a steamer does for your hair.It is basically like a Sauna for your scalp and has many benefits for your scalp and hair including

Benefits

- Better Circulation in Scalp leading to better hair growth

- Cleanses Scalp, removing dirt and dead skin

- Brings moisture to your Roots and hair shaft

- Leaves your hair soft and smooth

- Great for Dandruff Sufferer's

- Stops Dryness and hair Breakage

- Makes hair stronger and healthier

- Improves Hair Color Treatments

- Can also act as a Facial Steamer

The reason why a hair steamers are so great for hair treatment is that it will improve circulation with the steam and the heat will then open up your follicles and hair shaft cuticles and this allows moisture as well as your hair treatment product to enter the hair shaft.

The steamer is then set on a cooler setting towards the end of the hair treatment and this then closes the cuticles and hair shaft and locks in all that deep hair treatment product. Giving your great long lasting benefit as well as using natural
h20 to bring moisture to your hair and scalp

How long and often should it be used?

This is a very common question and if very specific to the type of hair treatment you are doing and the level of damage your hair has.

Generally people steam there hair no more than 2 times in a week for about 20 to 30 minutes to get the full benefit from it. Some sessions can go over and hour for more damaged hair.

After your hair steamer treatment you hair will feel a little heavier and full of moisture, during this time handle your hair with care , wait till your hair and scalp have cooled down until styling.

Damaged Hair - Increase Temperature Decrease Steam if possible

Chemicals or Color Treatment - Skip cooling step

Have any of you ever tried hair steaming? Please share your stories...

little girls going hard on single ladies

All I have to say is.. OH HELL NAW.. NOT MY DAUGHTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Natural Hair Journey- The Cherry Lola Treatment part 2

Natural hair Journey- Cherry Lola Treament part one

Random: Rock Your Natural

If your natural is sexy and you know it- Clap ya hands!!!!!!

I'm feeling some kinda sexxy today.. I'm embracing my natural, and having a love affair with myself! I'm bare faced ( no make - up) and the locs are just hanging pretty (letting them do what they do)** guess what? I don't have on my infamous 4inch stiletto's either**. So to all my fellow sexy naturals out there- hug yourself and ROCK YOUR SEXY NATURAL!!!!!!

I'm Just Saying- Stay Outta My Product Stash

Have you caught your spouse or significant other using your beauty products? I've offered to make my husband his own stash of skin products, but he usually say " that stuff is for women...I'm good" - but I've caught him like a thief in the night, sneaking to use my Lemon Sugar Shea Butter, Citrus Body Scrub,and Facial Cleansing Oil.. He has even dipped into my daughters stash.. What irks me more is that he take "clumps" out of my butter and leave "dents" in my perfectly smooth, rounded out butter ( ok.. I have a OCD- I like stuff a certain way). I'm just saying.. I'll make you some- as much as you want- BUT PULEEZE stay outta my stash :o

Vent over..

Cherry Lola Treatment - Frizz Reducer Fluke Concoction

For my 3A/4B hair types, I know that frizz and tangling is usually an issue. While surfing the internet for interesting home made concoctions, I ran across Cherry Lola. She has concocted this frizz reducer recipe. From the comments on her site, others have tried it ( tweaked it, replacing yogurt with conditioner) and received amazing results. You be the judge!!!!!


Recipe

Yogurt - 2 parts
For the protein and the conditioning properties.

Baking Soda 1/2 part
To make my hair more porous.

Amino Acids 1/2 part ( can be purchased from whole Foods & Vitamin Shoppe)
To see what they did.


I sectioned my hair into eight parts and applied the concoction with my fingers, making sure to coat from root to tip. As soon as I put the treatment on I could tell something was different. My roots! My roots started to clump together.

This has been my big “issue”; frizz – mostly at the roots. This treatment totally calmed the frizz down and made the roots behave the way the rest of my hair does. It has become curly from root to tip. I was floored by the results. I still am. I’ve done the treatment three times now over the course of a week and the results seem to just get better. I haven’t changed anything else in my regime and have been using Lustra Silk and my own handmade conditioner, or the Henna Wax Treatment, and co-washing every other day with Boots

For more information on the Cherry Lola Treatment, please visit her Meet Up at www.cherrylola.com

For more information on her treatment- click the link below
http://www.cherrylola.com/2009/03/magic-frizz-reducer-a-fluke-concoction-called-the-cherry-lola-treatment/

She is also on You Tube...

Article Courtesy of Cherry Lola (www.cherrylola.com)

Natural Hair Care Collections @ Target

Miss Jessie’s

The heart of the hair care expansion at Target is the launch of the Miss Jessie’s® product line at mass. Known throughout the hair care industry and favored by celebrities including Alicia Keys, The Roots, Holly Robinson Peete and Randy Jackson, Miss Jessie’s is considered the go-to product line for curls and waves. Initially developed to manage the curl of African American hair, Miss Jessie’s products have since found a strong fan base among people of all backgrounds looking to enhance curly hairstyles.

The Miss Jessie’s assortment at Target will include the award-winning Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding® as well as the following products:

Miss Jessie’s Curly Meringue®
Miss Jessie’s Curly Buttercreme®
Miss Jessie’s Baby Buttercreme®
Miss Jessie’s Crème de la Crème Conditioning Crème®
Miss Jessie’s Crème de la Curl Cleansing Crème®
Miss Jessie’s Stretch Silkening Crème®
Miss Jessie’s Super Slip Sudsy Shampoo®
Miss Jessie’s Quick Curls®
Miss Jessie’s Rapid Recovery® Prices range from $14.00-58.00.


CURLS

CURLS is the first line of premium, ethnic hair care products created specifically for biracial/multiracial women and girls with naturally curly hair. The products were uniquely created with this curly hair type in mind. Target now offers the following CURLS cleansing, conditioning and styling products:

Creamy Curl Cleanser
Coconut Curlada Conditioner
Lavish Curls Moisturizer
Goddess Curl Gel
Cream Brule
Prices range from $7.99-10.99.

The Jane Carter Solution

Natural-based products that work effectively for every hair type, The Jane Carter Solution product line was specifically designed for dry hair including curly, wavy, straight, relaxed, natural hair, color treated and locked hair. The products feature ingredients derived from nature, such as natural butters and certified organic essential oils, and add vibrancy and shine to hair. Target now offers the following Jane Carter Solution products:

Scalp Serum
Nourish and Shine
Moisture Shampoo
Nutrient Conditioner
Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner
Wrap and Roll Prices range from $7.99-21.99.

SheaMoisture

An exclusive at Target, with over 14 new natural and organic personal care solutions, SheaMoisture shampoos, conditioners and hair treatments will be offered, all priced at $9.99.

African Black Balancing Shampoo
African Black Balancing Conditioner
African Black Intensive Scalp Elixir
Raw Shea Restorative Shampoo
Raw Shea Restorative Conditioner
Raw Shea Cuticle Bonding Elixir
Raw Shea Restorative Trauma Masque
Coconut Hibiscus Curling Shampoo
Coconut Hibiscus Curling Souffle
Coconut Hibiscus Hold & Shine Daily Moisture Spritz
Coconut Hibiscus Curl & Style Milk
Yucca & Aloe Volumizing Shampoo
Yucca & Aloe Volumizing Conditioner
Yucca & Aloe Volumizing Hair Spray

Products are available at select Target stores and online at Target.com.

Disclaimer of Endorsement: Reference herein to any trademark, proprietary product, or company name is intended for explicit description only and does not constitute or imply endorsement or recommendation by Au'Naturale, Miss Sixx, or anyone else. Statements expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of Miss Sixx nor Au'Naturale.

My Wavy Loc's

Friday evening, I tried a new maintenance routine on my locs and I must say I was happy with the results. I first did a Evoo/ Honey pre shampoo treatment ( same as a hot oil treatment- added raw honey to the Evoo mixture, sit bottle in a cup of hot *not boiling* water, shake, the apply) onto dry hair before I shampoo'd, covered with a plastic cap for 45 minutes, then shampoo'd with Au'Naturale Hair Wash, and Conditioned with Au'Naturale Hair Mask). I then started to re twist my roots using Au'Naturale Lemon Honey Twist & Loc Souffle,I secured a couple of locs with a clip on the ends, then braided 3-4 locs together and secured the ends with a small rubber band. I continued this process throughout my head, and covered my head with a silk bonnet and went to sleep. ** total twist time 45 minutes!!!**. I allowed my hair to "air" dry ( avoiding the hooded dryer- I was afraid that the dry heat would strip the moisture I had gained from pre washing my hair with oil and honey- I hope you can see how moist was loc's were in the pic of my loc's at the root). I took the braids down Monday morning before work- and the results were BEAUTIFUL- a head full of wavy loc's.. This was the fastest I ever re twisted my hair and I didn't have the aches and pains of the clips on my scalp (I'm very tender headed and the clips usually hurt my scalp). The roots stayed twisted and I maintained a good amount of length. I was very satisfied with the results and the time spent to obtain this style. ** Now lets see how long it last**

Just a Bit of Honey

If you are looking to add moisture and manageability to your hair, try honey! Its cheap, effective and can really improve the condition of your hair over time. Honey is a natural humectant, which means it attracts and holds on to water molecules, making a great treatment for dry, damaged hair. It is best to use a good quality of honey. The best time to stock up on honey is during the spring and summer. The honey with the least quality is that which is gathered in the winter.These are hair moisturizing recipes that are simple, natural, and beneficial for ALL hair.These recipes will add moisture, sheen, and softness to your hair.


Deep Conditioning
Add a tablespoon of honey and castor oil to your conditioner, cover hair with a plastic cap or wrap hair in a towel,let penetrate for 20-30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Despite its sticky texture, the honey treatment will rinse easily from the hair, as long as you are using equal parts of honey and oil.

Pre - Shampoo Treatment
1 Tablespoon Honey
1/2 Teaspoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Cup warm water

Mix ingredients. Distribute evenly all over the hair (I add the mixture to a spray bottle and mist the hair). Apply plastic cap for 15-20 minutes. Rinse well. Then, shampoo, condition and style. Your hair should feel softer and more manageable.

Lemon & Honey Rinse
2 Teaspoons Honey
1/4 Cup Lemon juice
4 Cups Warm water

Mix ingredients together. shampoo as usual. Apply mixture thoroughly through hair. Do NOT rinse.

Honey Rinse
1 Teaspoon Honey
4 Cups Warm water
Mix the ingredients. Shampoo as usual. Apply mixture thoroughly through hair. Do NOT rinse.

Note: Honey can lighten the hair over time. If you would like to darken your hair, substitute molasses ( Blackstrap) for honey.

Recipes with perishable ingredients may require refrigeration since they do not contain preservatives. These recipes are quick to make and will save you time and money. As with ANY recipe, you may have to play with the ingredients a little bit to suit you.

I wanna wash this grey outta my hair.. HELP!!!!

My beautiful head has been invaded by GREY HAIRS!!!!! they are popping up all over- even on my edges.. Everyday I find a new one!!! I plucked a few and it seems like 2 more grew in the same spot. The grey hair is so wirey and just... just.. I don't know.. but they are wanting to be seen.. My locs will be freshly twisted and they stick up as to say " heyyyyyyy.. hello how are you?" LMAO!!!!!! Due to my dilemma I started researching natural methods to coloring my hair.. ( I have got to wash the grey out of my hair..) During my research, I've come across a few methods that I've heard of, and some that has me wondering if it will really work.. ummmmmmm... Let's see....

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice has always been considered to be a preferred alternative to expensive hair colors. Squeeze the juice of one fresh lemon. This would give you approximately 2 tablespoons of juice. Add around 6 tablespoons of water to the lemon juice. Gently apply this to your hair. You need to adjust the quantity of the juice as per the length of the hair. Repeat the procedure for several weeks. With time, your hair will have natural highlights. Lemon juice also helps to get rid of dandruff.

Henna

Henna is also a wonderful option to color your hair naturally. Henna adds a shade of red to any kind of hair.Henna has many other properties that benefit hair. It adds a deep rich color naturally. Henna powder is available in any store that caters to hair care products. Mix the powder with adequate quantity of water (as mentioned on the box) and blend together to achieve a thick paste. Leave it on the hair and wash off after 2-3 hours. Pure henna color should always be preferred over henna that has dye components.

Black Tea
For a darker shade, you can opt for strong black tea. Prepare strong black tea and use this mixture over the hair once its washed and shampooed. Rinse it continuously with the same solution at least 10 times. Collect the water in a large vessel, which can be kept on the floor. After 10 rinses, leave it on for 10 minutes and then rinse with water. This method will require patience but will help to give you naturally colored hair.

I am sure you will find this advice on hair coloring ideas to be useful although the results may take time ( I want a method a little more instant ). Natural ways can be more effective as compared to chemicals in the long run. So, have you found the right hair coloring method for your hair?

Pipe Cleaner Curls Part 2- The Video

Divas,
My dear friend Doni sent me the link to her step by step video on the Pipe Cleaner Curl Method.. Take a look.. Try it out.. and Leave a comment!!!!

Part I: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zP5Ho9Dl8_Q

Patrt II: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwTCV9NZDs0

My Pipe Cleaner Curls

I LOVE pipe cleaner curls!!!! Finally a low mainteance style that provide me longlasting curls. If you thought about giving yourself a straw set to create cute spiral curls, this style is for you. The pipe cleaner curls work well to create spiral curls in locs! So, if you want, curly dreadlocks, this is a style for you!

Things you’ll need:
• Pipe cleaners ( I purchased mine from Michael’s Craft Store)
• Shampoo ( Au’Naturale Hair Wash)
• Conditioner ( optional) ( Au’Naturale Hair Mask )
• Setting lotion ( I use Lotta Body- diluted w/ distilled water in a spray bottle)

Step 1
Prep the pipe cleaners- take the pipe cleaners and fold in half, leave a loop at the top and begin twisting the remaining ends. I initially twisted 50 to get started.

Step 2
Wash and condition your hair

Step 3
Towel dry your hair, but do not dry it fully

Step 4
Apply setting lotion, Take a pipe cleaner and roll up small sections of hair damp from the end to the root

** On traditional locs most people do 2 locs per pip cleaner, if you have larger loc’s – like myself- I suggest 1 loc per pipe cleaner** Fold the ends of the pipe curler up and twist it around to secure the pipe cleaner in the hair.
Continue rolling until the entire head is complete.

** If you aren’t re- twisting your roots-You can divide your hair is half and make two ponytails- apply the pipe cleaners to the exposed ends and rolls up to the band holding the pony tail- that will also give you added length and a “not so tight” curl**

Step 5 * optional*
Mist hair once all over with the setting lotion or a moisturizing mist ( 1 part distilled water, 1 part EVOO, couple drops of peppermint oil, and couple drops of Lemongrass Essential Oil- shake well)

Step 6
Sit under a hooded dryer and allow hair to dry completely (I sat under the dryer 1 hour) - You can also allow the hair to air dry. The longer you keep the pipe cleaners in the better- a friend of mine (Doni) kept hers in the entire weekend!!!!

Step 7
Remove the pipe cleaners by pulling the pipe cleaners straight down (do not unravel)

Step 8 – REVEAL YOUR CURLS
You will have a head of beautiful spiral curls in your locs, dreadlocks, or natural hair. The curls will drop as the days/weeks go by. My locs maintained its curly state for 3-4 weeks.

** Stay tuned- this weekend I will attempt pipe cleaner curls on my daughter 2-strand twist**