A few weeks ago, I joined a Meetup group for natural ladies in the DFW area. I hadn't been to any of the events yet, but today I decided to go to my first one. It was held at the Aveda store in a local mall, to learn more about Aveda products and what they could do for natural hair. The stylist who I had my consultation with was there as well (the Meetup group is how I found out about her).
It was so much fun! One of my besties couldn't make it so I was kind of apprehensive about going alone. I don't know why, I'm not shy or anything... lol. Anyway, I went on and went and I'm so glad I did! It was so fun meeting new people and seeing how everyone wore their hair. Plus the product junkie in me loved testing out all the products. There was a good turnout, probably around 30+ people there!
One thing that did bug was that a lot of people passing by the store would stop and gawk at us. I almost felt like we were animals in the zoo, or something. Maybe they were stunned by our beauty and had to stop and stare! Yea, that's it!
Anyway, I want to encourage anyone reading this who might be newly natural or transitioning or whatever, to check out www.meetup.com, and see if there is a similar group in your area.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Aveda color consultation
So today was my big color consultation at the Aveda Salon. It went really well!
My appointment was at 1:00. I arrived around 12:55, checked in and filled out an info form. The front desk people were really nice and professional. They offered me a drink as soon as I arrived. My stylist came out at exactly 1:03. WHAT?!??! This was a new and foreign concept to me and I liked it, as someone who is always punctual.
The stylist was black. WHEW! I would have been ok with anyone but I have to admit I was a bit relieved. Anyway, she took me in the back, sat me down, and asked why I was there. I told her that I was interested in coloring my hair. I wanted something that wasn't too crazy, and would cover my gray. Maybe a few highlights thrown in for good measure.
We talked about natural hair, why she thought color would work for my hair texture (apparently some naturals don't have good results with color??), discussed my skin tone, and what colors would look best on me. She said she was thinking of a dark reddish brown base with coppery highlights, and went to get some color swatches. She came back with them and I swear it was like she could see into my head -- it was exactly what I had in mind!
Finally she asked if I wanted to leave with it curly or have it straightened. I told her I had not straightened it since I did my big chop and I was nervous about heat damage, but was definitely curious about the length. She flat ironed a small piece and it was between neck and shoulder length. Then she wet it and it reverted right back, so I agreed to straightening it.
We walked back to the front desk, and scheduled my appointment. I made it for the Tuesday after Memorial Day, but I think I am going to reschedule it to the weekend so I can get a few days out of the style (I work out daily during the week).
I'm excited! I will make sure and post pictures of the results.
My appointment was at 1:00. I arrived around 12:55, checked in and filled out an info form. The front desk people were really nice and professional. They offered me a drink as soon as I arrived. My stylist came out at exactly 1:03. WHAT?!??! This was a new and foreign concept to me and I liked it, as someone who is always punctual.
The stylist was black. WHEW! I would have been ok with anyone but I have to admit I was a bit relieved. Anyway, she took me in the back, sat me down, and asked why I was there. I told her that I was interested in coloring my hair. I wanted something that wasn't too crazy, and would cover my gray. Maybe a few highlights thrown in for good measure.
We talked about natural hair, why she thought color would work for my hair texture (apparently some naturals don't have good results with color??), discussed my skin tone, and what colors would look best on me. She said she was thinking of a dark reddish brown base with coppery highlights, and went to get some color swatches. She came back with them and I swear it was like she could see into my head -- it was exactly what I had in mind!
Finally she asked if I wanted to leave with it curly or have it straightened. I told her I had not straightened it since I did my big chop and I was nervous about heat damage, but was definitely curious about the length. She flat ironed a small piece and it was between neck and shoulder length. Then she wet it and it reverted right back, so I agreed to straightening it.
We walked back to the front desk, and scheduled my appointment. I made it for the Tuesday after Memorial Day, but I think I am going to reschedule it to the weekend so I can get a few days out of the style (I work out daily during the week).
I'm excited! I will make sure and post pictures of the results.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Thinking about hair color
So I'm still loving my hair but I'm getting a little bored. I need to get brave and try some new styles but I feel like I never have much time to experiment. I have also thought about getting my hair colored for the summer.
I already use semi permanent rinses every few weeks to cover my prematurely gray hair. I get tired of having to do it so often, and I think I need a more permanent solution. Plus I just want to add a little "pop" to my hair. It was recommended to me to go to an Aveda Salon, and a lady in a natural hair meetup group recommended a stylist to me who is experienced in working on natural hair.
I called the salon and made an appointment for a consultation on Saturday. I'm a little nervous, and also excited, to be going to a "white" salon. I say I'm excited because I'm anticipating getting a glass of wine upon arrival, not having to be there all day, and not having hands laid on me (another story for another day). Now none of this may be true but it's what I'm expecting :)
I'll definitely post again this weekend and report back on my consultation!
I already use semi permanent rinses every few weeks to cover my prematurely gray hair. I get tired of having to do it so often, and I think I need a more permanent solution. Plus I just want to add a little "pop" to my hair. It was recommended to me to go to an Aveda Salon, and a lady in a natural hair meetup group recommended a stylist to me who is experienced in working on natural hair.
I called the salon and made an appointment for a consultation on Saturday. I'm a little nervous, and also excited, to be going to a "white" salon. I say I'm excited because I'm anticipating getting a glass of wine upon arrival, not having to be there all day, and not having hands laid on me (another story for another day). Now none of this may be true but it's what I'm expecting :)
I'll definitely post again this weekend and report back on my consultation!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Product Review: Kinky Curly line
Good morning all! Well I have officially been natural for two weeks now. My go to style has been wash-n-gos. To achieve my look I have been using the Kinky Curly line of products.
Being the product junkie that I am, and not having any set in stone regimen as a natural, I went all out and bought the Come Clean shampoo (which is sulfate free), the Knot Today leave-in, the Curling Custard, and the Spiral Spritz.
Let's get to the point. I'm in love! My biggest concern as a natural was "How am I going to wear my hair?" Let's be real -- I am pretty lazy and will never do a lot of time consuming styles. These products made it easy for me. The shampoo is gentle enough that I can use it daily if I need to (with working out, this is a necessity). The leave-in made detangling a breeze. And the curling custard makes my curls pop and gives them great definition.
The spritz is just ok. It helps to refresh my curls in the mornings but it's nothing that water won't do either. I will continue to use it but won't buy it again when it runs out.
The only complaint (and it's not really a complaint), is that they product causes more shrinkage than I expected. When I come out of the shower with the Knot Today on my hair, my hair is actually hanging to just past ear length. As you can see in my pictures in the past couple of posts, my TWA looks to be about two inches long, if that. Oh the joys of being natural.
Lastly, you have to use the Curling Custard SPARINGLY. If you do not, you will end up with gooey clumps of product in your hair. I learned this the hard way. Also, you need to apply it all through your hair. Don't get lazy like me after a few times and thing you can just rake it through the top layers of your hair then kind of work it all the way through. No, no, and no.
How I use the product:
Being the product junkie that I am, and not having any set in stone regimen as a natural, I went all out and bought the Come Clean shampoo (which is sulfate free), the Knot Today leave-in, the Curling Custard, and the Spiral Spritz.Let's get to the point. I'm in love! My biggest concern as a natural was "How am I going to wear my hair?" Let's be real -- I am pretty lazy and will never do a lot of time consuming styles. These products made it easy for me. The shampoo is gentle enough that I can use it daily if I need to (with working out, this is a necessity). The leave-in made detangling a breeze. And the curling custard makes my curls pop and gives them great definition.
The spritz is just ok. It helps to refresh my curls in the mornings but it's nothing that water won't do either. I will continue to use it but won't buy it again when it runs out.The only complaint (and it's not really a complaint), is that they product causes more shrinkage than I expected. When I come out of the shower with the Knot Today on my hair, my hair is actually hanging to just past ear length. As you can see in my pictures in the past couple of posts, my TWA looks to be about two inches long, if that. Oh the joys of being natural.
Lastly, you have to use the Curling Custard SPARINGLY. If you do not, you will end up with gooey clumps of product in your hair. I learned this the hard way. Also, you need to apply it all through your hair. Don't get lazy like me after a few times and thing you can just rake it through the top layers of your hair then kind of work it all the way through. No, no, and no.
How I use the product:
- In the evenings, I shampoo and apply the leave in while in the shower.
- When I get out of the shower, my hair will be sopping wet but I DO NOT towel dry. This will lead to frizz if you do.
- I apply the KCCC through my hair in sections, clipping up the sections that I am not working on.
- After working the product through my hair, I shake my hair like a maniac, then shake it some more.
- Allow it to dry while I watch tv or study. If it is not completely dry when I am ready for bed, I use my blow dryer with the diffuser attachment, set on low, to finish up. Then I wear a satin bonnet to bed.
- The next morning I refresh using a couple of spritzes of water, my braid spray/joico mix, the Spiral Spritz. Then finish off with either coconut oil/shea butter mix/Jane Carter Nourish & Shine. Just whatever I feel like that day.
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