#lovingmynaps

[lovingmycoilscurlskinks-blog]

Maintaining to Maintain

Maintaining my wash-n-go, or defined wash-n-go's is usually a process I find relatively care free.  I put a bonnet on my hair, go to sleep, wake up, spritz my hair with water, seal with oil; then shake and go (It looks like more to deal with on paper, but trust it's not).

This process also leaves me with less than defined curls by the 3rd day, so I decided to try the 'pineapple' method.

Quick rundown on the method:

The pineapple method of maintaining curls or twist outs require that you place your hair in a ponytail that centers towards the front of your head; the hair should be going in the direction of the forehead.  

The theory is that curls are better preserved, because no friction occurs during rest.

SN:  This is also a great way for those transitioning to maintain bantu knot outs, etc.

This is a great method for people with longer tresses, but for those with short or medium lengths this can pose a challenge because our hair will get stuck in that position, and we won't be able to shape our hair in its dry state.

So I improvised and placed my hair in several small ponytails (I just learned this is called the 'multi-pineapple' method, who knew?) and positioned them so that I wouldn't need to over manipulate my hair.

Here are the 3rd day results (taken today):

The picture below is how I placed my hair the 1st night of trying this:

[lovingmycoilscurlskinks-blog]

Make your own hair accessory!

Today I was inspired to create a headband after watching a youtuber create one using a flower.  I have used flower brooches back in the day to attach to a bun, but I'm not really into flowers anymore, so I decided to use three clip on earrings to create something more to my liking.

1st Step:

Take three individual (preferably stretchy...unless you like headaches) elastic hairbands (or how many you'd like) and double them as you would when creating a puff.

2nd Step:

Lift the bands away from your head and attach the earrings in whatever arrangement suits your taste.

This can also be done, as stated before, using flowers, or brooches.  If you happen to use a brooch, however, I suggest you pin it to the bands before putting it on to avoid snagging your hair.

Peace :)

[lovingmycoilscurlskinks-blog]

Been wanting to cut or color my hair for awhile.  Though I adore my fro, I've been yearning for something different...BUT...my ideas about hairstyles change from week to week, so instead I pinned the back and sides of my hair to create the appearance of a haircut.

[lovingmycoilscurlskinks-blog]

Winter regimen

I think most naturals loath the winter season.

For those who do not, please ignore my mini rant, lol.

When the winter is making its way to my area I start planning my techniques in advance. The regimen that works for my hair 3 out of 4 seasons gets a complete overhaul.  

Like months. 

I test out hats to see what I can conceivably wear to keep both my hair and ears covered when I go out into the world.  I try to gain some inspiration from every possible angle in my life for cute protective hairstyles.  I get prepared baby. :)

Even so, I’ve found that over time (and recently) these few things make dealing with the burdens of winter (dried out scalp and hair) as tolerable as possible:

     1.     Keeping it hot and steamy…well not blazing hot, just steamy

I have suffered from seborrheic dermatitis in the past (I’ll get into that in another post) but it at times still leaves me with an unbelievably itchy – sometimes oily – scalp.  The itch usually intensifies during colder months. 

To relieve the itch, I ‘steam’ my scalp during my morning shower.  I also make sure to apply my favorite leave-in to my strands and water to my scalp before stepping in the shower.  When I’m done, I seal my ends with shea butter or EVOO.

2.     LOTS of hydration

It is normally suggested that the average person consume at the very least 8 glasses of 8 ounces of water daily.  Because I am currently working to achieve a healthier lifestyle, and exercising more vigorously than normal, I drink a little more (usually 12-14 glasses) Drinking water regularly helps to flush out toxins your body may hold on to otherwise.  (I personally always notice that when I’m hydrated, my scalp doesn’t itch nearly as much.)

3.     Deep DEEP conditioning

If you deep condition your hair once a month during seasons where the weather is moderate, increase to twice a month.  If you aren’t protecting your hair from the harsh elements (wind, snow, ice) during the winter try doing it once a week.  Deep conditioning improves the hair shaft’s elasticity, which makes it less prone to breakage.

4.     Maintaining a clean scalp

Ever been too tired to immediately wipe the sweat off of your face after a strenuous workout, and notice that the salt dries up and sits on your skin.  No?  Just me?

Imagine how the scalp feels! 

After exercising I spray my scalp with water to break up any salt that may have settled on my scalp from sweating.  For those who workout intensely day to day, try applying a mixture of a carrier oil (avocado, almond, etc.) and tea tree oil, making sure to only add a few drops of tea tree to the mixture.   Tea tree oil is an essential oil (mentioned in BC and beyond) and provides anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties when applied.

Peace :)

[lovingmycoilscurlskinks-blog]

Ummm...IDK about that one.

I've heard a lot of great things about the Tangle Teezer.  I've even seen several youtubers with a similar hair texture to my own try it out with seemingly great results.  

But with the way my hair has been behaving lately I feel like my hair would look at the comb, laugh, and break all of its little 'teezers'.

[lovingmycoilscurlskinks-blog]

Just a brief observation

Ever notice that most people who go natural want to take on a more hollistic approach to living, if they weren't thinking that way before?

Well...I have, and I'm one of the 'most people' I just referred to.