Natural hair may give the impression of being tough and invincible. But looks can be deceiving. Because of its unique elliptical shape natural hair is more delicate and prone to damage. Thus, a gentle hand and a tranquil mindset are needed when taming your natural mane.

Best Practices:

• Only comb hair when wet
• Section hair into manageable parts so you don’t become overwhelmed
• Start at the ends of your hair and gently comb
• Use a wide tooth comb or quality brush designed for natural hair
• Avoid hair accessories that put stress on your hair
• Sleep in a silk/satin bonnet on a satin/silk pillowcase

I usually wear my hair in curls but every now and then I like to mix it up with a straight style. I’ve started to go to a professional to flat iron my hair, but if you want to straighten your hair yourself here are some easy DIY tips:

1. After you shampoo & condition your hair, put it into 4 – 6 sections.
2. Apply a light moisturizer, comb product through damp hair and allow to AIR dry completely.
3. Once hair is dry, lightly blow-dry each section of hair to loosen the natural curls and waves.
4. Use a high quality flat iron. My flat iron of choice is Babyliss Flat Irons. They get the job done!
5. Apply a heat protecting spray to clean hair before straightening. CHI Iron Guard Spray is great.
6. Straighten hair is small sections. Only work with sections of hair that are as wide as the flat iron.
7. TO KEEP HAIR STRAIGHT – Wrap hair or secure style in pin-curls and wear a satin or silk bonnet at night to keep in moisture and prevent split ends.

Can you believe 2013 is only a few weeks away? As I enter a new year of blewish adventure I find it fun to reflect on my wild ride from January to December. Here are some of my best moments of 2012:

1. Ate crayfish and drank moonshine at NASCAR – “Get’R Done!”
2. Met Tyrese Gibson in person – Now I know the meaning of TRUE LOVE!
3. FINALLY moved to Miami, FL! – The NEW New Jerusalem…”It’s nice.”
4. Joined Instagram – Mad love to my 1,052 followers! Love you guys xoxo!
5. Reconnected with my brother – Shout out to anyone whose loved one is locked up. Stay strong!
6. Traded in my car –No more “Riding Dirty”
7. Drove across 5 states with my mom and sister – Thelma and Louise with a twist!
8. Survived a night at Piolas South Beach – I put the “happy” in Happy Hour.
9. Learned how to “Dougie” – Just kidding I still don’t know.
10. Joined the “Church of Apple” – I now pray to saint iOS.
11. Discovered the best eyebrow makeup ever- No more impersonating Whoopi Goldberg.
12. Traveled to Mexico with friends and family – Viva Mexico!

What were some of your best moments of 2012?

Natura Magazine the new online publication that celebrates natural hair and healthy living. The main purpose of the magazine is to educate readers on natural hair care and living your best life possible through fitness and nutrition.

http://www.naturamagazineusa.com/

 

 

The best way to achieve a fabulous 2 strand twist/twist out is to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Here are my easy steps for great lasting two strand twists.

Supplies:

• Water Bottle
• H2O
• Leave-in Conditioner of choice
• Comb
• Plastic Hair Clips
• Patience =)

Instructions:

After you wash or co-wash your hair apply a leave-in conditioner to damp hair:

1. Section hair into 6 to 8 sections. Comb each section and apply more leave-in conditioner as needed. For each section, lightly spray the ends of your hair with water and create smaller two strand twists. While twisting each smaller section apply more Shea butter moisturizer or conditioner as needed.  Focus application of moisturize on the ends of the hair.
2. After you complete each section, rehydrate the ends of your hair with the spray bottle. Let the ends of your hair soak up the water. The ends of your hair are the oldest and they are the thirstiest.
3. Once you complete the 2 strand twists for each hair section lightly mist your hair. Each day, rehydrate your twists with water (use that water bottle) at least 3 times a day. I usually hydrate my hair in the morning, afternoon, and before bed. Remember, just like your body needs water daily, so does your hair.

The twisting process should take 1 to 2 hours depending on your speed and twist experience. Remember, natural hair is a journey of self discovery. Your first twist session may not be your favorite. Don’t give up! Keep trying and learning. Hydration is the key. Our beautiful hair loves moisture. Hydrate your hair daily.