It's been a long time...Updates

So, I have been missing in action for a long time.  Life and personal issues have definitely gotten in the way of updating my blog, but I am back and ready to plunge right back in.

Natural hair:  Alright as of now, I am still chemical free, but I am in braids and sew ins constantly.  I would love to get to the point of wearing my hair out, but I have not grown it out to the length that I am comfortable with yet.   At some point, I will do a "big reveal" and share some pictures of my hair, and the progress I have made.  I am happy with my hair, but it grows faster in the back then it does in the back so I currently look like this:

In the words of Tamar Braxton, that aint hot!  So guys until I get past this stage, my hair will be in braids.

Will I stay natural??  This is a question that I fight with all the time but, I have decided to not put anymore chemicals on my hair but I do not knock anyone who does.  I may do some dyes next summer depending on the health of my hair, but no relaxers for me.

My box braid regimen:  I am currently in box braids, and I am kicking it old school with my hair products.  For a daily moisturizer, I use Care Free Curl Gold, and for my scalp, I have started using Sulfur 8.  I know that in the hair community, petroleum is the devil because it blocks your pores, but my hair has reacted to grease in a positive way.  I think the key is to cleanse your hair regularly to prevent build up.  I wash my hair once a week and follow that with a condition.  Notice I didn't say deep condition.  I find it hard to deep condition in braids so I simply don't.  If anyone has any suggestions on how I can without my braids slipping out, let me know.

Since your hair is in braids all the time, what are going to write about?  I'm glad you asked!  I plan on writing about random hair topics and tips.  I will also still blog about my hair even though it's in braids.  Maybe I will share some box braid styles and go further into how I maintain the braids.

Look out for more new posts!  Thanks for reading!

One month natural update!!

Hey guys here is my one month natural update video!

Thanks for watching!!

As I am Co-wash Cleansing Conditioner

Hey everyone!!  So I bent and went ahead and channeled the product junkie within me.  I bought this at my local sally's for 7.19 with my beauty card. http://www.sallybeauty.com/coconut-cowash/SBS-341214,default,pd.html?cm_vc=SEARCH  

This of course is my initial review, as I have not had enough time to properly give it a full review.  My initial reaction is that I like it.    I currently co-wash my hair instead of shampoo, for those who do not know what a co-wash is, please click here http://meyolig.blogspot.com/2012/04/failed-natural-hair-journey.html

Even though I co-wash often, my hair still does not feel as clean as I would like it to.  This co-wash conditioner  makes my hair feel clean without feeling stripped and I believe that's what were all striving for.

There is only one con to this product and that is the container.  The product should be in a bottle so that the person can squeeze it out in the shower.  I had heard this complaint before and I thought it wouldn't be a big deal for me but for people who wash their hair in the shower like me, it is hard.  To remedy this issue, I will try to transfer the product into another container.  I will continue use for now and let you guys know how it performed over a longer length of time.

Thanks for reading guys..  Peace and blessings

Surprise Big Chop!!!

Hey guys!

I finally did my second big chop and I wanted to share

this video with you!! I am so happy to start my natural 

hair journey again, for good this time....lol

anywho this is not the official one but here ya go!

Video about what hubbs thinks of all this going natural business

Hey everybody!!

This is just a quick post to share a video of me and hubby talking about my natural hair and what he thinks about it.

We did this video like 50 times lol.  He kept making me laugh. :)  Anywho, I thought this was his most honest response so here ya go!

Yoli G izzle (I know I am goofy)

New Lace Front Wig!!!

New Lace Front Wig!!!

Wig details: Human hair Motown Tress Lace Front wig Daisy

Where to get it:  You can get it online here http://www.ebonyline.com/lfhh-daisy.html

How much did it cost: I paid more, because I purchased at a local BSS but it is 98.00 online.

Color 4/30 or 4/27 may be both not sure, I think it may be all three but I already threw away the packaging.

About 1 inch of lace (The hard plastic kind)

So far, I absolutely love this hair!  I have been only wearing it a few days but so far not much shedding.  I love the colors and think that they are perfect for the fall.  This is one of my favorites so far.  I will check back in and let you know how it turns out.  Let me know what you think about it.  Thanks for reading!

Yoli

Video of wig below.

Chrissy and Mr. Jones spin off

http://www.yomyg.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Chrissy-JimJones1.jpg

Hey for you Jim Jones and Chrissy fans, VH1 has posted the first episode online before the actual airing.  Watch it here: http://www.vh1.com/video/chrissy-mr-jones/full-episodes/to-be-or-not-to-be/1694251/playlist.jhtml

NATURAL HAIR!! SAY WHAT!!?

Hey guys!  So I have decided to transition back to natural hair.  People do not understand but it can be tough to stay away from the infamous creamy crack.  Now that being said I do not think that there is anything wrong with relaxing your hair.  I think it is your personal choice to decide whether you should relax your hair. 

I cannot judge people who decide to use chemicals when I myself am not fully natural in other aspects of my life, I wear makeup, I eat processed foods, and I have tattoos and I will dye my hair if I feel like it.  If I professed to live the healthiest lifestyle and the most natural lifestyle that I could, I would not do any of those things.

Now should every black woman explore her natural hair at some point in her life…I vote YES!!

Anywho, I would like to transition to natural hair again but I am oh so impatient!  I love the feeling of my natural hair when I shampoo and condition it but to be completely honest, I do not like myself with short hair. 

I know a lot of naturals suggest that you just grab the scissors and start chopping but it is a huge decision to make.  Especially when you’re not comfortable with short hair.  I mean I know I still look cute….ummm don’t get me wrong lol but I feel the most comfortable with a little length.  No one has to be in your skin but you! So do not let anyone make you feel as if you need to big chop, there are PLENTY of ladies who have transitioned successfully.

Through my hair journey, I have realized that my hair likes to be natural, it thrives in its natural state so how long do you guys think I can transition?  I am hoping to big chop for the New Year, let’s see!

Here’s a pic of me the last time I went natural  It’s still short but I was comfortable at this length.  

Are braids out of style??

This question has been asked in hair forums all around the web.  I have heard that it depends on the type of braids.  Some people will wear micro braids, but would shutter at the sight of box braids.  In my opinion, for some black women, braids are a tradition that was passed along over the ocean with many of our ancestors who arrived here on slave ships.  Braids are timeless and will never be considered out of style.  As a matter of fact, I am going to put in some box braids this week.

 I am no braider, however, I love doing my box braids. Despite the fact that they may look about three weeks old the first day I do them, the bonus of doing them myself is that I can make them as loose as I want so there is no breakage.  After they are finished, I am relieved to know that I don’t have to freak out every day about what I am going to do with my hair. 

So what are the best reasons to keep the tradition of braids going?

Low maintenance:  First, it is a very low manipulation style or protective style.  As long as you take care of your hair while it is in the braids, your hair should flourish while you are wearing them.

Versatility: If you are wearing single braids, you have so many styling options.  You can wear them up or down, you can create an elegant up-do for events, you can put them in a simple pony when your exercising, and that is just a few.  With corn rolls, you can play with the braiding pattern to make unique styles and looks.

Time:  Besides the time that you cut out having to style and care for  your own hair every day, you also don’t have to worry about going to a salon for a while, depending on how long you like to leave them in.  When I wear my braids, I can go up to about two months but I will talk more about how I take care of my braids in a later blog.

Beautiful!:  Last but most importantly they are a beautiful hairstyle (if done right of course) You have to know what type of braids you can pull off.  I do not look cute with cornrolls because I have a big head Lol. So you really have to see what type of braids you’re comfortable with and that you feel flatter you the most.

Still need more convincing?

For those of you who live for the fabulous diva Beyonce, she was seen a few weeks ago rocking box braids.  To see her gorgeous braids click here:http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/heard/beyonc%C3%A9-newest-look-long-box-braids-204223643.html

Keep an eye out for my box braids, should be posted in a few days.                                                                        

My new 99 cent hair style

Alright guys so I change my hair as much as I change my clothes lol.  So that being said it get expensive trying new things and are not really sure if you will like it.  I came across croshay braids and I immediately began to shutter at the thought of my mom putting those braids in my head back in the day.

After looking at a few videos on YouTube, I quickly learned that the technique is the same but the hair that people are using is different.  I decided that I wanted to try this but I didn't want to spend a lot of money.  I went to sally's and got some of that 99 cent kenekalon hair to see what I could come up with.  I braided my hair back in corn rolls, I left some out to cover the knots (some people don't mind the knots showing, so you can braid you whole head if you like).  After this I went to work. It took me about three hours to do and I only used two packages of hair but I only used a tiny bit from the second package.  I think some ladies used up to three packages but I don't like really big hair so I tried to use as less as possible.  If you would like to see my results you can click the video below.  Thanks for reading!

Moist Hemp Body Moisturizer Review

This is a body lotion that I sampled in sally’s.  I was so in love with the banana smell that I went back and bought a bottle of it.  When I first used it, I really didn’t see any issues with it, my skin felt soft.  Then after a few more uses, I found that it really just sat on top of my skin instead of penetrating the skin.  I also noticed that when I rubbed my skin, I would get these little flakes or residue.  So will I be buying this lotion again?  Absolutely not.  Although I love love love the smell, I am really looking for something that will work and leave my skin a little softer.  The smell is great though I’ll give them that.  If you have any suggestions on a good moisturizer please let me know!  Thanks for reading!

A failed natural hair journey

So as I write this, its difficult to share so openly personal failures but I like to not only share the good but the bad as well.  A couple of years ago, I went on a natural hair journey.  During that time I was the number one spokes person for natural hair.  I was so excited about this new thing I had discovered for myself I wanted my friends and family to join me on this new journey.  I ranted and raved about all things natural until I was blue in the face. I was over the moon, well until my hair started breaking off like crazy.  When I started my journey, I thought I was well enough informed to tackle my new found hair but I was very mistaken and under educated.  I was unknowingly using products with too much protein in them. I was having a protein overload and was totally unaware of it.  I decided that I was going to texlax.  For those of you who are unfamiliar with telaxing, see my Hair Journey lingo page http://meyolig.blogspot.com/2012/04/failed-natural-hair-journey.html.  

At first I liked it okay I got more length, my hair still had a lot of texture.

However, if I thought I had breakage before, this new texlaxed hair was a completely new beast.  I tried everything to remedy the hair that was breaking off but nothing worked.  I got bored with my hair at one point and decided to dye my hair.  I guess my thinking was at the time that,everyone else does it and has no problems, I should be fine.  Well NOT!!! My hair was falling out everywhere.  It came out so bad I had to take two showers just to get the hair off my body.  Dummy me didn’t get a rinse but a PERMANENT dye.  This was the results….

Shakes my head in sadness lol

Before I dyed my hair though, I had made the decision to transition to natural hair.  This set back was just going to make things a lot more difficult.  I really learned my lesson and through sharing my experiences hopefully others can learn as well.  I love natural hair, relaxed hair, texlaxed hair, any hair that looks beautiful.  My point is that for ME I think natural hair is the best route to take.  There are plenty of women who grow their relaxed tresses down their backs but I am just not that talented lol .  Now as far as if I think being natural is healthier, put it like this, I think anything in it’s natural state is best BUT you have to do you and forget about the rest.  That said, thanks for reading and I can’t wait to share more with you guys!


Want to see more??  Watch my Youtube Video and see pics of this journey.

Half wig review...love it!

All right so it is product review time.  This week I ordered a half wig from Samsbeauty.com I ordered the Sensationnel style HZ 7038 in a color 1b.  With shipping and everything, my total came to 25.39.   I am an impatient person so shipping time was pretty good compared to some other sites I won’t mention.  I ordered on a Friday and received the package that following Wednesday.  They sent me emails the whole step of the way and I wasn’t wondering when my package would be shipped.

The wig has a normal cap construction inside, it has two combs, one in the front and one in the back, plus the "bra straps".  When I first tried to prep the front of my hair for the wig, I braided my hair into small individual braids.  I hoped when I took the braids down that my own hair would blend in with the wig but unfortunately, it did not.  So I then preceded to put my hair in perm rods but I got impatient and took them out too soon but I am pretty sure that method may have blended nicely.  Since we were headed out of town to GA the same day, I had to think of a fast solution.  I took some kenkalon hair out from my hair stash and braided in the hair into my hair, making one big braid across my hairline.  After that, I put the wig right behind the braid and wala….instant or in my case, not so instant hair.   I am a horrible braider so my braid looks okay.  If you are a good braider, you can make this a very beautiful style.

 To make this a true review, I will come back in a couple of weeks and let you guys know the lifespan of this hair and how it held up. So far I absolutely love the look of this hair.  If you are a frequent half wig wearer, that has natural hair, let me know how you deal with blending issues. 

If you would like to purchase this style, you should first check your local BSS, because it may cost less there.

I have never ordered from this website, but this is the cheapest I can find online:

http://divatress.com/sensationnel-instant-weave-half-wig-hz-7038.html 

Where I purchased my own:  http://www.samsbeauty.com/# 

http://www.clairhair.com/en/index.php also carries this wig if you don't mind waiting 2-3 weeks to receive your order.

YouTube video on this product coming soon...

Follow me on Twitter!!

http://twitter.com/#!/Yoli2486

OMG I CANT BELIEVE SHE WORE THAT!

Okay so I was talking to a friend about how I didn’t feel like the task of getting ready and picking out clothes to go to an upcoming event. Long story short, we got into a long drawn out conversation about how I HAVE to go dress this way because everyone in attendance will be up on their fashion game. I am no fashionista, while I like shopping and picking out clothes, I don’t always care about latest fashion as much as some around me do.  I don’t know what is in season, nor do I care to be honest.  I am the type of person where if a girl is rocking an outfit that doesn’t match, I could care less.  Why can’t she wear a pink shirt, purple jeans, and blue shoes?  Who are these quote unquote fashion police and why do they have the authority to criticize the way someone dresses?

I at one point was guilty of criticizing outfits people picked out when going out to a club or bar, but one day I had an epiphany and I thought who the hell cares?  There is nothing wrong with keeping up with the latest fashion and trying to look good, but if it’s not that important to you, like in my case, don’t stress yourself. Do you and when someone comes up to you and says “Those shoes were so last season” you tell them that individuality is in this season.  Do you think we judge each others appearances too much?? Tell me what you think.

Yoli. G

Follow me on Twitter!

http://twitter.com/#!/Yoli2486

My stupid Hair!!!

Okay well maybe my hair itself isn't stupid, but maybe it's the owner that needs a little help...lol.  I have been on this complete up and down journey to natural hair.  My journey started a couple of years back when I decided that I would be relaxer free.  I was scared, but I was ready for healthy long flowing tresses.  I transitioned to natural hair for a good month and then got very impatient waiting for the relaxer to grow out and next thing you know, I was handing my hubby the clippers.  The next day I was looking in the mirror in tears because to me, I looked like a little teenage boy. lol   Although tears ran down my cheeks, I couldn't help but to feel pure liberation.  I felt like these invisible chains and shackles had lifted off of me and that I was entering into a new world, a world that I would have to find acceptance in.

My hair when I first cut it all off.

 A couple of months later, I created my first YouTube video and got all of two subscribers, (:  My family and friends watched as I revealed my new boyish looks.  I got lots of great support but I was still very insecure.  I would go to the grocery store and guys would snicker and women would say rude things. So a few months down the line, I texturized......DUN DUN DUN....Yea I know I handed my hair back over to the devil..lol   Yall honestly that didn’t help because I looked like a brown skin Prince.  By no means am I saying that there is anything wrong with relaxing or texturizing, because it's not if you know what you’re doing and what your hair needs.  I just know that my hair is not at its healthiest with chemicals.  That was still the case and my hair was breaking and shedding from the texturizer.  So guys here I am back to square one transitioning again to natural hair.  I am determined this time to get it right.   Right now I am currently sporting lace wigs, half wigs, and braids to manage my hair until I can get my hair back to health.

My current full lace wig

I have been in transition since February this year.  I plan to transition and then big chop again next summer in Atlanta before the 2012 natural hair show.  I just want to say if you would like to become natural and don't know where to start email me and if I can’t help you, I will direct you to some great resources and if you are relaxed and want to remain so, that’s okay too, the important thing is having healthy hair.  Your hair is your hair, so don't let anyone tell you how to wear it!!  Thanks!

My first YouTube video reveling my new hair or lack thereof:  

When PDA goes too far

I was hanging out with my husband and he was surfing the web, hitting some of his favorite sites.  As he was browsing he came across a video of two people having sex in a train.  Okay my brain was telling me to look away but my eyes were admittedly glued to the screen.  Of course my hubby had a little grin on his face as he watched the two getting it on in front of surrounding passengers of this train.  Now the two on the train having sex was awkward enough but what truly surprised me was the reaction of the passengers.  Some cheered and others watched from a distance and then others took out their phones and had instant front row seating to this live porn action packed event.  At the end of this video I found out that this couple didn’t even know each other.  They were just two strangers that had just met on this train.  In fact right after they finished, they went their separate ways.  

I am not into normal public displays of affection let alone two people getting busy on a train, but hey to each its own.  The comments on this site reflected mixed feelings about this event.  Some people were disgusted, some were happy that they were able to show some sexual liberation and then some didn’t know what to think.  At first I was like well their adults they do what they want right?  But then I thought hey what if I was on that train with my children?  Why should I myself have to be exposed to this scene of choo choo train erotica?  So the conclusion I came to is that it was wrong.  I wouldn’t have wanted to witness this first hand and I hope no one else has to ever again (I mean unless they want to and there are no unwilling passengers on board. lol )

  

While this was a fascinating attention grabber, the more my brain wrapped around the events the more I was disgusted.  I mean think about the poor person who has to clean those seats, yuck!  Anyway guys I have put in a link so you can see for yourself if you would like.  Tell me what you think; do you think this was right?  Sexual liberation or public indecency?  

Disclaimer: This video contains adult content and if there are children present make them leave before clicking on this link!!

  http://celebpromoter.com/video-couple-caught-having-sex-on-train-but-doesnt-stop-they-keep-going-omg

Tips on protecting your hair in the harsh winter weather

 

Okay ladies, its winter time, it’s even snowing where I am and my hair is super dry.  I found some ways to protect my hair during the winter months and I want to share them with you.

Deep Conditioning

First thing, first make sure you try and use a moisturizing leave-in conditioner daily.  If you can’t do this, deep condition your hair at least once a week with a plastic cap preferably with indirect heat for 35-40 min.

Heat

Lay off the heating tools during the winter such as flat irons, curling irons, and anything else that is direct heat.  If you must use these items, try to only use them once a week.  Also, make sure you use a heat protector serum.   A heat protectant serum will contain a ceramide. The ones I have used have been Chi Silk Infusion and there is also one by Cantu Shea Butter that I loved, but I cannot find the exact name (my local Wal-Mart carries it).

Cover up

When going out, wear scarves over you hair or hats to protect it from the cold wind.  If you choose to wear hats please line them with satin.  Most hats are made of cotton and other harsh fabrics that can break your hair.  

Don’t go outside with wet hair, your hair can freeze and break off.   Always try to allow your hair time to dry before you leave the house.  I love wash and go’s but frozen hair is not a good look and most importantly it can break your hair off.

Protective styling

Wear your hair in buns, braids, twists, sew-ins, or anything that can protect your hair.  Remember just because you have these styles, or extensions, doesn’t mean you can ignore your hair in these styles. You still need to moisturize daily and wash and condition weekly.   Also be careful with braids, make sure that your stylist is not braiding your hair too tightly.  A lot of people suffer from the loss of their edges and braids may not be recommended for people with these issues.

Hydration 

Lastly, drink plenty of water!! Your hair craves moisture from the inside out and if you’re not drinking water, your hair will become dry and suffer.  I have experienced this first hand and I’m not a great water drinker but have upped my game since my journey to healthy growing hair.

My current regimen is as follows:

 Once a week I wash my hair with Silk Elements luxury moisturizing shampoo.  I then mix the Silk Elements Luxury moisturizing conditioner with extra virgin olive oil and honey.  I part my hair into four sections and apply this mixture over my head.  After this, I put my on my plastic cap and sit under the dryer for about 45 minutes.  I rinse my hair, apply a leave-in conditioner, and seal in the moisture with coconut oil.  You can use any essential oil to seal, which include but are not limited to jojoba, grape seed, olive, rosemary, coconut, and tea tree oils.

Want to take the steps to start a healthy hair journey?

Wondering why your hair won’t grow?

Here are some website links I have used to help you get started:

http://www.longhaircareforum.com

http://forum.blackhairmedia.com

http://growafrohairlong.com/crownandglory.html

Youtube.com has a lot of resources and tutorials on keeping your hair healthy.  I will be updating my Youtube page soon, so stay tuned! 

I am no expert but I have done a lot of my own research so if you don’t like to browse websites, shoot me an email and I would be happy to answer and find out about any hair care concern you may have.

"Smart" Shoplifters

 So I'm watching the news this evening and I see there of course have been a spike in thefts during the holidays.  While this is not a big shocker I guess the way the shoplifting was executed is what drew me into the news story.  These shoplifters took a simple idea and implicated it and went into a full organized day event hitting mall to mall stealing tons of items.  They pretty much found bags with the stores brand on it and took it into the stores and just filled them up.  Of course they finally got caught and while some may not think it was that smart, I thought it was creative.  My opinion is thieves and crooks go through so many measures and schemes to make money but what they fail to realize is if they pumped their energy into doing the right thing they could be successful, productive business men or women.  It really confuses me how some people almost damn near kill themselves to make a quick dollar but wont do what it takes to make an honest living.  I understand things are expensive and money is tight but if you don't have the means, you don't have the means.  There are plenty, and when I say plenty I mean plenty of things I would like to have, but I know that anything worth having is worth honestly working for.  Anyways this was just my venting for today, you all have a happy and safe holiday.

Yoli G.

Bad A$$ Kids

                                                                          


I made a trip to Wal-Mart to do some grocery shopping.  As I was making my way through the aisles, I heard a shrieking scream.  "I want it!  I want it! I want it!!"   I turned around to see a little boy look as though he was break dancing in the middle of the aisle.  Yall already know what it was, your classic temper tantrum.  You know how it is, a child see's something they want and they go to reach for it or ask for it and the parent says no and after this its like slow motion.  As soon as the word nooooooo fires from the parents mouth the whole situation falls apart and you have an embarrassed parent and fascinated onlookers rubbernecking like a four car accident.  As this scene was unraveling in front of me, I took a trip down memory lane.  I remembered an afternoon in particular when I was to babysit my cousins daughter who was notoriously known in my family as a "bad a$$ little girl".   When my cousin dropped her off I thought I had everything under control.  I have snacks laid out, my kids are here waiting to play with her, I have coloring sheets on hand, its all good.  Thirty minutes later I realized I couldn't have been so unprepared.  My curtains were ripped down, my jewelry had been ravaged through and tangled up, my perfumes had been all mixed together.  I don't like to discipline other peoples children but in this situation I had to take action, I put her in time out. (I don't condone using physical force on other peoples kids).  After thinking and feeling bad about making her sit in a corner, I started to think about what I could do to be a better babysitter.   My kids were always cool with a snack and a coloring sheet but she was a different case.  As soon as the word different crossed my mind, I realized, she's different from my kids, she isn't my child and I was setting myself up for failure when I expected her to be the same as them.  I gently went over to her and asked her  "What would you like to do?"  She smiled brightly and said "can we all play dress up?"  After this my afternoon of terror ended with laughter and ultimately one of the best afternoons I have ever had.  I found out she is a creative bright, sensitive little girl who has great fashion sense and can draw in a fierce eye brow!!  Through this situation I realized that there is no such things as bad kids, she just needed a little more attention than my kids. Instead of  a dormant babysitter, she needed an interactive one.  This six year old taught me a life lesson and how to think outside of the box when you feel your in a hopeless situation and for that I am grateful for that afternoon I spent with her.  So next time you see that child in the middle of an aisle replicating a scene from the exorcist, try thinking outside of the box and see if you can help that parent out, it takes a village folks, it takes a village.


Yoli G