Newly Natural: How I've Been Styling my Hair

Hey beautiful people *waves*. I've been natural for just over 3 weeks now... not long at all but it feels great. As the McD's campaign says, I'm Lovin' It. The ease of not having to deal with scraggly ends is nothing short of refreshing. It takes me little to no time to style my hair, I'm actually surprised at how quick it is. My friends must be so tired of me, I'm consistently sending them pictures of how I've chosen to wear my hair on that particular day. I guess that's what friends are for aye... and of course that's what this blog is for. Without further ado, this is how I've been styling my hair over the past few weeks, I'm loving the versatility, let me know what you think.

100% Natural

Hey Guys, I finally did it!!! I cut my relaxed ends off. I'm now 100% natural. I know I was going to wait but I looked in the mirror before washing my hair on Sunday and decided IT WAS TIME. I haven't had the chance to enjoy it yet because I have three deadlines next week (pray for me). Despite that, I can officially say I love it. At first I didn't feel much, I literally cut my relaxed ends off with little to no emotion. I guess it hadn't sunk it yet but when I took out my chunky plaits today to go to the library, I looked in the mirror and couldn't help but feel great!!! I set out to transition for 2 years despite the naysayers, I went through the bad hair days and the extended detangling session and I finally reached my goal *moonwalks*. I feel like a new person. I love everything about my hair, shrinkage and all, and believe me my hair shrinks a lot. 

It may sound cliché but my transition has taught me so much. I have learnt about hair care, about the importance of a balanced diet and exercise. Through the knowledge I gained, I was able to help others. I have learnt how supportive people can be both my personal friends and internet friends. I have learnt to disregard the negativity. I have learnt to be patient. Most importantly I learnt that true beauty comes from within. In life it doesn't matter what people think of you, what is important is what you think of yourself. My natural hair journey has begun, my goal is to maintain healthy hair and with the health, growth will come. 

Big thanks to all of you that supported me through my transition, I really appreciate it :). Anyone who is transitioning, don't give up, you can do it. If you haven't done so already check out my 2 years post relaxer post to see what my hair looked like before. A video will be uploaded in due course (need to edit it).

P.s. posts are going to be few and far between until the 28th May, the day of my last exam. 

2 Years Post Relaxer!

I am officially 2 years post relaxer!!!!! 2 whole years since I last relaxed my hair!!! I'm still in a state of shock. I hit the two year mark on monday but I was unable to really appreciate what it meant because I had a 5,000 word paper to write. It has officially sunk in. *happy dance* *moonwalks*

  

I can't wait to end my transition or maybe I can ? Not really sure. I have quite a lot of relaxed ends left which makes thoughts of ending my transition a wee bit daunting. On the other hand I'd love to style my hair without feeling restricted by my two textures. I'd love to just wear my hair out. I've been wearing buns for literally the whole 2 years. I've missed hair framing my face. I've missed being able to use my hair to cover the cheeky little blemish that occasionally decides to seek refuge on my face. I've missed tucking my hair behind my ear. The little things ay. 

I've decided for the chop date to coincide with my last exam at university in about 2months time. That way it can be symbolic. I want to share the experience with you guys so I'll definitely record it. In the mean time here are some pictures I took of my hair today :).

Check out my hair at 1 yr post relaxer to see the progress.

Review: Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave-in/Detangler

Promises: 
This creamy herbal conditioner is enriched with botanical extracts designed to smooth the cuticle and to remove knots, snarls and tangles from thick curly hair.

Directions:
Apply generous and work through troubled sections with a wide tooth comb

Thick Coarse Curls: Use a generous amount as a leave in and completely detangle hair before applying Kinky-Curly styling products

Loose Wavy Curls: use moderate amount as a rinse out or leave a little on the ends before applying Kinky-Curly styling products

Ingredients:
Organic mango fruit extract, organic slippery elm, organic marshmallow root, organic lemongrass, cetyl alcohol, behentrimonium methosulfate, citric acid, phenoxyethanol and natural fragrance

Verdict: 
I love this product. It is the best detangler I've come across. I keep it within arms reach when I'm finger detangling. It does such a good job at melting my knots away!!! It does exactly what it claims and definitely lives up to it's name. I also like KCKT as a leave in, although it's not heavy enough to use alone for my type 4 hair. This comes as no surprise to me as it is a gel like consistency. I tend to seal with 100% Shea Butter or Shea Moisture transitioning milk, which does the trick. The fragrance is fruity, I can't quite pinpoint what it reminds me of but it's pleasant. The ingredients are awesome in my opinion, it really stood out to me that the 1st ingredient was not water. I love most things about this product but the price! In the U.K the 8oz KCKT sells for £12.95 and in the U.S $11.99. As much as I like it, £12.95 is just not worth it for me, I'm almost certain I can find an equally good alternative for 1/2 the price. Would I purchase again? Yes, but only if I personally bought it in the U.S or if someone brought it back for me.

What are your thoughts on KCKT?
What is your favourite leave-in/ detangler?

Holiday Hair: Packing, Styling & Swimming

We're approaching that time of year where some of us go on holiday/vacation. As a frequent traveller, I thought I'd share some travel tips with you. These tips are helpful for relaxed, transitioning and natural hair.

I took this photo in Alicante (Spain) in Feb 14. I love Sunsets!!!

Packing Tips

1) Travel sizes may not be realistic

I've ran out of hair products because I decided to put my hair products in those travel size containers. Don't make that mistake. I think the travel sizes work best for leave-in conditioner and shampoo, products that you don't use as much. I ran out of moisturiser when i was in Jamaica. I had to alternate between using water and conditioner and my cousin's wave nouveau (she wasn't hot on sharing -___-). Depending on where you travel you may be able to buy products but I'd suggest packing to avoid the risk and wasting time trying to find products.

2) Put hair products in a plastic bag when in your suitcase. 

The air pressure along with the manhandling of your suitcase at the airport may cause your products to leak. The bag prevents your clothes from getting stained. Believe me stained clothes are far from ideal when you do not have access to a washing machine or even an iron if you manage to hand wash. 

3) Pack Shea Butter!

Along with my moisturiser, conditioner and shampoo... I will always pack Shea Butter. Shea butter can protect your hair from sun damage. I don't know about you but if I'm in the sun for too long my hair gets HOT. We often forget that like cold weather, hot weather can also cause damage. If you're like me and are not keen on wearing a hat, shea butter is also great at providing protection against ultra-violet radiation.