Nappy Hairapy

Crochet crack head!

2011-12-23T06:23:00.000-08:00

I am really digging this crochet bug I caught. I love making hat's because they are fun, fast and easy. Above I made this fun beanie in holiday colors. It makes for a great Christmas gift. It's made from Red heart yarn and it's nice and stretchy. Made by these two loving hands.http://www.etsy.com/shop/WysdomWears

I caught the crafting bug Bad!!!!

2011-12-23T06:11:00.000-08:00

Hello! I have been into crochet from waaay back and recently got back into it. Introducing WYSDOMS WEARS! http://www.etsy.com/shop/WysdomWears COME ON BY AND CHECK OUT MY ETSY STORE. You can also contact me by email or facebook to make orders. I use paypal.

Back on the scene!

2011-12-23T05:55:00.000-08:00

Miss Scatter brain is back! I have been off the scene and busy,busy, busy. Catch up: I have been a hair rut. Not much going on up there to blog about. I think for the the holiday I will color the awesome afro. The weather has been rainy and gloomy so me thinks a bright color should do the trick. This winter like weather does not make my afro happy..Moisturize!!!!!! Have to moisturize even more in the winter months because that dry air just sucks the life out of a natural. At the moment I am styling a 3 or 4 day old twist out. Keep it maintained by steaming in the shower then applying a little conditioner and some oil moisturizer all over, then a little whip my hair back and forth like willow and voila! I'm out the door. I find my natural hair to be easy to maintain. I love being natural.

When I was little..

2011-07-28T07:36:00.000-07:00

When I was little I felt like I had battles between me my mom and my hair. It was like a fight to tame this mane. I remember sitting between my mothers legs awaiting the torture! I would listen to my mother suck her teeth and hiss at trying to detangle and style my big ole hair. My hair in it's unrelaxed past has seen many of broken Goody combs and brushes. It's funny now that I look back. If my mom only had the internet and Youtube, I wouldn't have had to suffer so..

Natural changes

2011-07-17T18:54:00.001-07:00

When I first went natural I was a sponge for info and products. I have tried everything. I have noticed in the past year that I don't need all of those products. I love making my own little concoctions. Making my own mixes helps my products stretch. I just noticed that when I have my hair in twists I don't moisturize enough because I don't want my twists getting frizzy! I have to figure that out.

For me being a natural head is cheaper than being relaxed.

2011-07-17T18:51:00.000-07:00

I just watched a youtube video asking the question which is cheaper natural or relaxed. Well I noticed that several of the woman asked get thier hair maintained by a professional..$$$$$!!! I don't have that kind of budget or patience to deal with a pushy suedo profesional telling me to how to do my hair and then charging me 80 bucks for what I can do myself at home. Now I am not saying that I will never go to a salon, I just wont go for regular maintenance, maybe just for a holiday treat or something.
I currently have a great regimine that works for me. I have ran around and ran out of money looking for products that work for MY hair. My month to month schedule goes as follows: I deep condition and shampoo, I stretch or blow it out so that I can wear a big fro for a about a week, then I twist it up and leave it in for 2 to 3 weeks and the wear a twist out till I can't take it anymore and repeat from the begining. I only use aloe vera gel, olive oil, vo5 moisture milks conditioner, and shea butter for my daily maintenance. I spend very little every three months or so making it so that I can splurge every now and again.

Spring is here!

2011-04-02T04:34:00.000-07:00

Spring is here! Spring is here! Im so excited about Spring! My hair is excited too. Spring time weather brings MOISTURE! MOISTURE! No more winter dryness and brittle ends. OMG! my hair hates the winter. Although I live in Texas the winter isn't so bad on me, my hair on the other hand cringes when november rolls around. So welcome rain and sunny afternoons. Welcome humidity and blue skies.
I think I will add a little honey to my mixes and hair creams to really absorb the moisture from the air in to my hair. Just a little ( a few little sqeezes should do it so it wont be sticky).

What will you be doing to begin the new season? Spring cleaning? Pulling out your summer clothes and storing the winter ones? Planting a Garden? Planning a vacation? With Spring comes renewal and a new begining.

I dont have a name for this style. I basically braided the sides back and p, then flat twisted the back up ( because i cant braid up), then twisted the top and front. There is it is. I liked it because it last a long time and the twists were at the top. The braided part was tight and lasted.

Hair inspiration!!!

2010-09-25T08:06:00.000-07:00

Look at all of these natural lovies. This is beautiful! If this doesn't inspire you to go natural or stay natural then I just don't know. So many differnet styles and textures. Loc's, twist outs, dreds, twists, Fro's, and puff's. All this beauty and strength in one place. The movement is strong.

Growth and the Afro

2010-08-10T08:43:00.000-07:00

Hey there Lovies!!! Been a minute, I know and I apologize. Although this blog has been neglected it has never been far from my mind. Considering this blog relates to hair which is on my head and really close to my brain, I ten to think about it often.. Haa haa! UPDATES!!!!!
I reside in Hot old Houston Texas and it has been soooooooo HOT! We are melting out here! The top of my Afro is screaming in agony. We all know how much I LOVE my Afro in all of it's nappy full and curly glory. Well I have been having to keep it twisted up and protected for most of the summer due to the heat and the sweating. The SWEATING ugh! Speaking of sweating, I did my first Blow out and flat iron last month just to check n celebrate the length. Well wouldn't you know it lasted all of a few minutes! By the time I finished flat ironing my whole head it had already began to puff up. Oh it was so pretty, healthy and shiny. I started with a apple cider vinegar rinse then a deep condition. I moisturized with aloe gel, a little conditioner and olive oil mixed together and sealed with some coconut oil. I blew it out in sections (my hair big and thick like a 4c)and then I flat iron in small sections. It was really pretty ( sorry no pics). by the time I was able to cheese at my self in the mirror, POOF!! Oh well, it made for a big pretty fluffy Afro by the days end and it was beautiful. So it didn't turn out like I had expected but it still turned out nicely. I was also able to twist it dry and faster than usual! It was cool. I might have to have a professional do it next time.

The most recent pics

2010-04-09T08:17:00.000-07:00

As you can see I love to wear my fro out! I really the big and fullness of it. I have recently had a major breakage in teh back so I can't really wear it out but I will pull it back into a puff but keep the back covered. It's just starting to grow back. I'll be wear fro again one day.

This was this past Easter Sunday Me and the Hubby at church. Pulle my twist out up in to a sort of puff.

Twist and shout to twist outs with IC Fantasia Gel

2010-04-09T07:47:00.000-07:00

For a while I really wanted to rock a twist out that didn't frizz so fast. Early in my hair journey I did finger coils a lot as a protective style. Then I started watching Youtube.com and learned about a TWIST OUT. A twist out is when you coil, twist, or braid your hair and then take it out and wear the crinkly curliness that formed from the braids. So cute right! I love twist outs. When i started my journey I used all natural products. I was try to do things differently with my hair so all I really used was water, natural oils, aloe vera gel, baking soda and vinegar to wash, avocado and mayo to condish. Yall that product regimen did wonders for hair growth but nothing for hold and styling. So I started using some Cantu Products and I really like their shea butter leave in. It's not all natural but It really detangles my hair easily. I also have found some magic in a jar call IC Fantasia gel Olive( green jar 3.99). I use it for wash and goes and twist outs and to hold my edges down sometimes. This is the best gel. Great hold and it doesn't flake but with heavy use it will leave a residue. I love it . Plus in the following days of a twist out or wash and go all you have to do is add water to your hair a bit and your style is revived for another days wear. I usually wet my hair then put on a leave in conditioner, then some type of oil to seal in the moisture and then the IC gel. In that order so my hair doesn't get dry. Kudos to IC.

Where in the hair have you been!!!????

2010-03-26T03:39:00.000-07:00

So I haven't been here to blog in awhile! I have been really busy with family so I decided to really focus on getting things in order at home. I do apologize sincerely.
Meanwhile back at the Haircenda my hair started really growing around the holidays. The Holidays were great by the way. I truely enjoyed the family friends and fellowship and so did my hair. Well until right after Valentines day. I noticed some dryness and breakage ugh!!!!! Unfortuantly at the time I was sooo busy with things that I didn't really run in and take care of it like I should have and add stess, boarders and a 3 year old and viola' Bald patches! Not to the scalp but barely enough to tug with the tip of my fingers. Now March and I now know that I really didnt change my hair regimen up for winter early enough to combat the dry weather for that few months here in Houston Texas. You have to have a winter routine(with a moisture boost).

No Edition

2009-12-13T10:40:00.000-08:00

I saw new edition the other day on the Tom Joyner morning show. I really enjoyed the performance that took place with out Bobby Brown. Now I did get to see Booby Brown perform on Bill Bellamy's Who's got Jokes finally show. Can we say Hot mess. Where I would have partied my tail off the rest of the audience with the slight look of shock and sadness on their faces. So he played all the live performance tricks: his mike was turned down; he rapped or spoke the words; he let backups and the band have solos while he went offstage to catch his breath; he prompted the audience to sing along. Bobby barely sang and when he did it was painful.

Introducing the Fabulous and Talented MONIQUE!!!!

2009-12-13T10:05:00.000-08:00

I finally mustard up all of my emotions and put on my big girl pants and went to see the film:
Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Saaphire. This isn’t the typical movie or role we used to seeing Mo’Nique in. Acclaimed out producer and director Lee Daniels is the mastermind behind this very important, moving and highly-anticipated film. Precious tells the story of a Harlem, overweight, illiterate teen named Precious who is the victim of incest and subsequent pregnancies given the chance to take her life in a new direction when she enrolls in an alternative school. Mo’Nique plays Precious’ mother in the movie. Mo’Nique actually won a best actor award at Sundance for her portrayal in this movie.
Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Lenny Kravitz, Sherri Shepherd, and newcomer Gabourey “Gabby” Sidibe also appear in the film.

While I will say that it took me so long to see this film because of all of the emotional heaviness surrounding sexual abuse and teen pregnancy. Babaaay! This film was heavaaaay!! I really enjoyed it from start to finish. As my mom would say God rest her soul " excellent excellent!" Bravooooo!! Monique and cast!! Monique is well deserving of an Oscar for her portrayal of what I call the black mommy dearest but worse. Babies, her role as a down right horrible and mentally disturbed monster opps I mean Mother if you will with the lowest self esteem I have ever witnessed. She acted her tail off in this one people. It is definitely a must see.
The vivacious Mo’Nique (born Monique Imes on December 11, 1967)is the currently the host of her own night time talk show. She is Married with 3 children. This women wears many hats from actress to comedian from host to mother, wife and friend. Can we say busy lady?

Bread sticks and Salad!!!

2009-12-10T07:53:00.000-08:00

I came across this article and it was inspiring and a bit surprising that I had never heard this story. So I must share it with all of you. Crazy to see this postive and inspiring story because the media always reports the negatives so this article was refreshing to see and I for one am grateful to pass it on.

Each week tens of thousands of diners eat at an Olive Garden or Red Lobster restaurant. Few of these diners know that the CEO heading these large restaurant chains is a black man.

Clarence Otis Jr. Is the CEO of Darden Restaurants Inc., the largest casual dining operator in the nation. The firm operates nearly 1,400 company-owned restaurants coast to coast serving 300 million meals annually. Darden employs 150,000 workers and has annual revenues of $6 billion.

Born in Mississippi, Otis moved to Los Angeleswhen he was 6 years old. His father was a high school dropout who worked as a janitor. The family lived in at the time of the 1965 riots. In the post-Watts period, Otis recalls being stopped and questioned by police several times a year because of the color of his skin.

A high school guidance counselor recommended him for a scholarship at Williams, The highly selective liberal arts institution in Massachusetts. Otis graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Williams and went on to earn a law degree at Stanford. Otis landed on Wall Street as a merger and acquisitions attorney for J.P. Morgan Securities. He joined Darden Restaurants in 1995 as corporate treasurer. He became CEO in 2004.

Olive Garden is my favorite italian restaurant and to know that a black man is the CEO is awe inspring and makes dining out that much better.

No time! blah blah

2009-11-20T12:06:00.000-08:00

I haven't had a lot of time to give to this old blog. My 3 year old keeps me really busy along with my 2 boarders plus ma husband. I just dropped in to do just that drop in. Not a whole lot going on with my hair. I just have been deep conditioning , two strand twisting and doing twist outs to protect my hair from these cooler temperatures of the fall. Today I am were a 3 day old twist out. I finger coiled some the frizzy ends and sprayed it with water. Then I moisturized using Cantu Shea butter moisturizer and sealed with carrot/ olive oil. I pinned up the sides right above my ears and voila my style for the next few days. I deep conditioned this week so I only have to co wash and moisturize seal for the next week or so. I try to deep condition 2 times a month with a cholesterol deep conditioner and a hot oil treatment. I clarify once a month with apple cider vinager or baking soda. These two guys make my hair really soft and manageable with out leaving it dry or brittle.

Organics twist and loc gel!

2009-11-14T05:29:00.000-08:00

Organic Root Stimulator Lock and Twist Gel

I just found this product, Organic Root stimulator Twist and Loc Gel. I used aloe vera gel and leave in conditioner to do my twists before. I also used IC eco styler gel. The IC was good but I had found to be a little drying. The aloe vera gel just didn't give enough hold. I am a sistah on a serious budget so being a product junkie right just isn't happening. I have to be sensible with what I buy. I really can't afford alot of product trial and error. It cost me 3.99 @ Walmart.

Using Organic Twist and Loc Gel on my twist gave me great definition and hold. Its not greasy and it doesn't flake as long as you don't use too much. It's not sticky and tacky on your hands or hair. It dries fast and makes for perfect twists. Oh and once you take out those twist to rock the twist out baaaybaaay! Let me tell you this product makes a great twist out that last.

Hair Progress

2009-11-13T04:07:00.000-08:00

Just posted some progress pics on the side here..Im am happy with the growth and progress so far. I love my natural.

Introducing the fabulous Le coil

2009-11-12T08:32:00.000-08:00

I ran across this site with the most beautiful women with the most beautiful natural hair. There are many archives of gorgeous ladies of inspiration. Click below and check them out.

le coil

Walmart Customer slaps Kid

2009-11-10T02:57:00.001-08:00

Roger Stephens while shopping at the Georgia Stone Mountain Walmart Store, apparently became so annoyed over a crying child that he allegedly slapped the 2-year old girl several times in the face. Sonya Matthews, the child's mother, said Stephens had threatened that if she couldn't quiet her daughter, he would do it for her.

Paige Matthews, the 2-year old victim wasn't injured and received treatment at the location, while 61-year old Stephens on the other hand, is being held at the Gwinnett County Detention Center without bond. For more on the story click here.

This story is about 2 months old but what a story! He ought to be ashamed of himself. Just because you want a kid to shut up does not mean you do it yourself.

Good Hair Solange!

2009-11-09T15:20:00.000-08:00

Loving the new Doo Solange! The new and natural hair is cute and daringly different. A sleek twa with a side part really brings out her beauty don't you think? I hope she sticks with her natural because she rocks so hard. Im not even a big Solange fan but I am a fan of the natural. Keep it up!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMWwAjFsfW8

Castor oil not for just a laxative..

2009-11-08T10:52:00.000-08:00

So when I was little my mother used to give us castor oil on a warm spoon . Now at the time I did not know what it was for. Well as an adult I now know that it was to keep us regular. Well i more recently have been learning about essential oils and natural oils and I really enjoy using them. I clicked around and found this article to share.

http://www.bvhairtalk.com/2009/09/21/hair-care-secret-castor-oil

Carefree hair on a budget

2009-11-07T22:55:00.000-08:00

Shampoo:

Apply cider vinegar rinse with a squeeze bottle. It is really great for softness and clarifying your hair. The ACV rinse leaves your hair with a shine, as well as a great detangler. One tablespoon per one cup of water. Here is a recipe for vinegar and baking soda shampoo it's great for clarifying get rid of build up. You should also try Castille soap. You can purchase this online like amazon.com and etc... You can also water it down so it can last longer. You can also use black soap. Both castille soap and black soap can be used on your hair and body. These are all natural shampoo's.

Conditioner:

Conditioning your hair can be an overwhelming process. The never-ending search for the right products, trying to get as much moisture as possible to your hair, finding the time to deep condition and really just trying to get your hair as smooth, shiny and healthy as possible. * Suave Naturals costs about $3 or $4 a bottle, and then if you catch a sale, less than $2. If that is not an option a great natural conditioner is olive oil .
You can also try mayo, it's an excellent deep conditioner. You can also do honey and olive oil. It also makes for a great hot oil or deep conditioning treatment. Coconut milk has been known for it's conditioning properties as well as making your hair really soft and smell great. Queen Helene has a great cholesterol deep conditioner and it cost about $3 or $4 dollars at Family dollar, beauty supply and Walmart.

Daily Conditioner or moisturizing:

Olive oil, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter,are great moisturizer's and not that expensive when bought in bulk. Shea butter is kind of pricey at the beauty supply.
Cantu has a great leave in conditoner that is really light and makes your hair really moist, soft and detangled.Coconut oil, is very inexpensive and most of these thing you can use on your hair and skin, as well as cook with them. Truly multipurpose.

Hot Oil Treatments:

Look at daily conditioners above. Warm it up, put it on wet hair wrap it in a towel, and sit for 30 minutes. Deep conditioning. For deep conditioning try honey, molasses, yogurt, mayonnaise, egg, banana, and avocado. You can make your own mixture with oil and any number of essential oils like almond oil, coconut oil, some shea butter melted and let that sit for 20 minutes.

For curl definition:

Aloe Vera Gel works wonders. I use aloe every day on my entire body and hair. Blue duchess has a great cheap curl activator that you can find at family dollar, it's not natural but it works and inexpensive. A great natural product is Curls By Sister Smith, Wet Set Hair Pudding .
A 16 oz jar will last you months and is only $11.05.

Article By Leonard Pitts Jr "Good Hair"

2009-11-07T17:21:00.000-08:00

I found an article written by Leonard Pitts Jr. in response to the movie " Good Hair". I found it to be very interesting.
http://www.miamiherald.com/living/columnists/leonard-pitts/story/1309381.html

Here is are some inspiring words from this article:
I am your brother, your father, your husband and your son. I've seen you in church with big hats on, giving children the evil eye. And at the jail on visiting day, shoring up that wayward man. And at the bus stop in the rain on your way to work. And at the dining table with pen and paper, working miracles of money. When I was a baby, you nursed me, when we were children, I chased you through the house; when we were dating, I missed half the movie, stealing sugar from you. I saw you born; I took you to your prom; I glowed with pride when you went off to school. I have married you and buried you. I love your smile. A million times, you took my breath away.

Leonard Pits thank you sir. You took my breath away with your kind and beautiful words. I was inspired and uplifted after reading this piece. Thank you again for your insight and observation.

Twittier

2009-11-07T04:18:00.000-08:00

Can't sleep and I am up looking for content to post here and checking my twitter. I don't tweet much but I just found quite a large community of naturals there. I think it's great. I still get the jist of twitter but I like the opportunity to network with like minded folks. Although twitter makes me feel like im stalking peoples live a bit with status updates.

2009-11-07T04:10:00.000-08:00

I Did a deep conditon today using Queen helene deep conditioner, olive oil, almond oil, mayo and aloe vera. I left it on for 2 hours or more. It feels good so far, really soft and moist. I didn't really wear it out because all I did today was chaufer people back forth about town. So tommorrow i will bring out the fro. You know what it sucks to be broke right now with out any new product for ma doo. Im really scraping the bottom of jars over here. Oh well this to shall pass. Hard times don't last always.

Deal of the day

2009-11-05T04:28:00.000-08:00

SallyBeauty FREE Standard Shipping on purchases of $25 or more! Use code 555283. Ends Nov 7th http://www.sallybeauty.com

70's chick

2009-11-05T00:44:00.000-08:00

While out picking up some churches chicken on a lovely afternoon I had an interesting encounter. I was standing there in line with ma afro fluffy with sheen aglow and hear a man say "Excuse me". I turn and there is this Handsome yet much old older gentlemen just grinning and he made a comment to the fact that I looked just like a chick he dated in the 70's. He said he thought ma hair was sexy and he liked ma profile. He said it so smooth and sweet I extremely flattered. I walked out of there feeling quite cute with ma chicken.
So do any of you find the kind of men the you attract now has changed now that you are natural?

Crocheted Flowers

2009-11-04T23:06:00.000-08:00

I tried making crochet hair flowers recently. Okay I have only made 2 but I think they are really cute. Maybe when and I feel confident in my work I may show them off and possibly share. I am a fan of making things myself as to not have to buy things at a store. Plus a sistah really needed some hair accessories. They are not hard to make and they don't take that long. I found a number videos on youtube show close up instruction on how to make different kinds.

2009-11-03T13:44:00.000-08:00

Going natural huh! Just go ahead and embrace your beauty and love that fiercness ladies. I will tell you it feels so good to just be cool with yourself just the way God made you. Now don't get me wrong for me this natural transition was not easy. Im still doing the trail and error thing. Keeping my natural soft and moisturized consistently has been an issue. I just love my hair so much that it's really worth trying all the different techniques and products. Speaking of techniques I recently saw someone on youtube.com demostrate banding to stretch the hair. Well ladies I tried it and I truly loved the results. I washed my hair with conditioner only, put in some leave in, moisturizer and then some oil to seal in all that good moisture I had going. While my hair was still some what damp but not dripping wet I parted my hair into sections and placed those sections in to ouchless bands and let my hair dry. Now when I took those bands out ladies!! Let me tell you about the length I had going on! It was so long and fluffy. My fro was out of control. My afro puff was so big and cute. I will definately add banding to my stretching techniques goody bag. Love it! Pic coming soon.

Five Months and counting

2009-10-31T04:10:00.000-07:00

I am five months into the rebirth of my hair and the journey has been a good one. No complaints really. I am still trying to get more moisture in. It's really a lot of trail and error with products. So far natural oils, shea butte, aloe vera gel and conditioner are my hair's favorite products so that's all I use. I still haven't found the right product for my wash and go's yet but I will. My hair has grown so much that it is amazing to me. I can't believe I waited two years with a relaxer for it to grow out to this length. Isn't that crazy how much the relaxers and child birth stunted my hair's growth. All is well in my hair world. BTW the pic is two months old.. I will be updating soon.

Hair Vaca turns into hair rebirth

2009-06-30T03:26:00.000-07:00

Nothing wrong with taking your hair out for vacation right? Well about six months ago I decided to give my relaxed straight hair a break. I stopped using relaxers and heat and just let my hair grow and breath. So to maintain I just wrapped my hair in a scarf, two stranded twists, and twist outs. I truly could not take the two textures. I felt it made my already short hair with no styling options. My hair had been cut (bald) in the back from the ear to the neck, that new growth was natural. So you'd think it would be an easy to just go ahead and do a BC. NOT!! I still was grappling with doing it. Afraid of what my husband would think mostly and scared how my head and face would look. Well one day I finally built up the nerve to ask my hubby what he would think about me going natural and sporting and short Afro.. he cringed a bit..so I braided my hair FOR HIM. The braids stayed for 21 days and I hated them. I did get some rather nice growth though. Then one day on June 20, 2009 it was really hot out and I was just fed up with them and took them out. As I took out each braid I cut off the relaxed ends. This way there was no going back. Each time I cut it was like a little weight be lifted. For every hair that fell a more powerful and more confident woman was reveled. When I was finished I felt free. Then I felt guilty because I still had to show my husband. So I washed and conditioned it..oh that was so great and it felt so good to feel through my hair and finger my coils. I have never had this feeling before. I have never really felt my natural hair texture. I really love my hair now. I do care what people think and wish the all could love my new hair but i know they won't all love it but they don't have to because I do and that's all that matters. The next morning after my BC I couldn't wait to do a wash and go and then hit the streets showing off my new hair! My hubby says he likes it. He still thinks am sexy so I real cool with that. It has now been 10 days with ma new doo and so far no real negative comments or reactions. Not really much different then when I normally go out and about. I still get hit on and a few primal grunts and groans when out in the day so my MILF status is still on point. Now to figure out how to care my coiffed coils. Tell ya what I've used so far next time..

THe Big ChOP!

2009-06-21T05:05:00.000-07:00

I took Out the braids and as they fell to the floor out cut off the ends that I no longer recognized as mine. I didn't hesitate or stop to ponder I just kept cuting. When I finished I looked totally crazy but I was so relieved. I wasn't like a new me a more me Me. I like it and the hubby is cool with it so thats that matters to me. Really I more than just like my hair I loo o o ove it. The cats pajams baby! It's cuuuute can't wait to take my twa(teeny weeny afro) outside!... A rebirth of my hair Ahhhhhhh!