Then and Now

JSU Homecoming 2009

September 23, 2009

2 months into my transition

JSU Homecoming 2010

October 29, 2010

almost 5 months natural

(pictured with my bestie & soror Jessica)

Must -Try Protective Style

I was browsing K is for Kinky the other day and came across a post about a protective style. I don't really know much about protective styling, but since winter is approaching (eventually... it's still almost 90 degrees here) I figured I need to get a style or two under my belt. This is a simple style (or should be if you know what you're doing) that works for work, school, a formal event, Saturday shopping, whatever. I tried it the night I saw it... the results were not great. I have not had any experience flat twisting, so I need to work on that. But once I get it down (or find someone who can do it for me ^_^) I'll be rocking this look all the time. The K is for Kinky post also has great fashion & accessory info as well, so check that out if you dig her over all look like I do.

Never Never (Again) Land

I have been pretty fortunate when it comes to products. I haven't developed product junkie-ism *knock on wood* and the majority of the products I have tried work pretty well with my hair.

However, as I was looking through my little bag of hair goodies, I did notice some products tossed in that I know I'll never purchase again. I haven't thrown them out because... well that would be wasteful, considering they are all over half full. I mean, they must be good for something, right? Oh gosh, am I a product hoarder?!

I digress.

Here are the four items that I can do without. No product bashing here, but they just don't work on the fickle follicles atop my head.





1. Softsheen Carson Optimum Oil Therapy Hair & Scalp Quencher

Contrary to the name, it did not quench my scalp. I bought this product as a replacement to the Sulfur 8 that I used to use to oil my scalp after I got it done (during the relaxed days). I was basically shooting in the dark trying to find another product, but since I was already a fan of the Optimum Oil Therapy Shampoo & Moisture Creme, I figured I'd give it a shot. I didn't care for the consistency of this... product (I still don't know if I should call it grease or oil or what). It was really pretty watery and melted to the touch--not in the good way either. My scalp felt like there was nothing on it, still just as dry as before I put it on. Not sure why it didn't work for me, but I'm not planning to revisit that. I'll stick with the Sulfur 8. Never had an issue with it before (other than the smell, of course).

2. Miss Jessie's Stretch Silkening Creme

I basically told everything in this post. Tried it on soaking wet hair and completely dry hair. Didn't work either way. The one redeeming quality was that if I misted my hair and used this on the edges, it gave me decent waves for my puffs. But that's just not good enough for the $22 price tag.

3. We Rock Roots Rock Out Butter

My complaint with this is very similar to the issue with the Hair & Scalp Quencher. It was too light. Felt (and looked) like nothing was there. The rest of the We Rock Roots line was amazing to me, but this one fell short of my expectations. If I need butter, I'll stick with their Rock On butter.

4. Urban Therapy Twisted Sista Curl Activator

This gave my curls some definition, but no more than my Shea Moisture Curl & Style Milk. On top of that, it left my hair feeling... icky. It was stiff and kinda lifeless. After two tries with this one, I decided to count it as a loss and haven't used it since.

Have you purchased any products that didn't quite live up to the hype? Or tried something new with less-than-stellar results? What products have you vowed to never use again?

AfriqueLaChic Giveaway Winner!

Well, the contest has come to a close, and what an overwhelming amount of responses! I was inundated with entries. How could I pick a winner from all ONE entries?  /sarcasm

Lesson learned here: don't try to do a giveaway until you have enough followers to do so. -_- lol

At any rate, there was a winner, which is all that matters! And the winner is.... *drum roll*

L. Michelle of My Hair...Is Me fame!

For the winter, she will be alternating between twists and twist outs.

I've already expressed my utter jealousy of her twist out, as mine never comes out that defined.

If anyone can rock Afrique La Chic properly, I know my beautiful Soror can! Congrats!

To The Newbies Who Feel Overwhelmed

It seems like a lot sometimes, huh? Searching for the perfect products, the right routine. Spending money on different gadgets to see "What does this do?" Reading or hearing conflicting advice from supposed "experts." The hair envy. Deciding whether to take on your newly nappy hair or entrusting it to someone else. Learning what seems like a whole new language, not to mention chemistry and cooking, apparently!

Although it can get a bit overwhelming, take my simple advice:

Don't Stress!

It is a learning process, and just like pretty much anything else, you won't learn it overnight. It's trial and error. Over time you'll learn what products your hair does & doesn't like, what styles work best for you, and what corners you can cut with minimal damage. (My corner cutting confession: I don't detangle like I should. I let my curls just sit there however they turn out, especially when I do my wash & go. Fortunately I have my tangling/knots are at a minimum.)

So read the blogs, try the products. Eventually you will find your groove. Til then, have fun experimenting!

The AfriqueLaChic Giveaway!!

Thanks to Twitter, I've found a lot of great people. When using the #naturalhair hashtag, you not only see others who are embracing their hair, but you will also discover a ton of artistic folks who do their thing when it comes to jewelry and accessories.

One such person happens to be Afua Kumasi (@afuakumasi). I discovered her early in my transition and fell in love with her work. You've no doubt seen some of her earrings on this blog, but if not, let me show them (and some other goodies) to you:

 Beautiful, right? Well she has so graciously offered to give away an item from  her boutique, AfriqueLaChic. This gorgeous, hand made natural hair tie is made with super thick elastic, which means it's great for both locs and thick loose hair.

So here's how to win:

FOLLOW this blog and submit a photo of your favorite protective style for "Cool Weather Cuties" (a pictorial series I'm going to do during the fall/winter featuring naturals & permies). The pic can be of you rocking a protective style or an image of someone else. Send all submissions to toridblogs@gmail.com & type “AfriqueLaChic Giveaway” in the Subject line. Submissions for the contest will be accepted until 11:59 PM Sunday, October 17.

Want to increase your chances? Here are some additional steps you can take AFTER you send your submission:
1. tweet "I entered @kinxnquirx's AfriqueLaChic Giveaway! http://thegoodhairdiaries.blogspot.com"
2. Blog about this giveaway and link back to this page – Leave a comment or email me or tweet me your post’s permalink
3. Refer a friend to TGHD –When your friend FOLLOWS leave a comment with their name.

A first place winner will be chosen at random and notified by email by October 20.
There will also be a 2nd place winner, also notified by October 20, who will receive a jewelry grab bag (note: jewelry will not be AfriqueLaChic).
So what are you waiting for? Get those pix to me & spread the word!