Hair Trimming Techniques For Hair Growth

We talk about retaining length, but do you know that one of the best ways is by trimming the ends of your hair regularly? This might seem counterintuitive but trust me when I say it is not.

How to Use Wig as a Protective Style For Your Natural Hair

We encourage naturalistas to rock their natural hair without the use of extensions, wigs, and other attachments added to the hair. However, we also understand that there are several factors that can determine when naturalistas would use either wigs or extensions. Some of these reasons could include;

• The need to rock a different hairstyle without using heat tools on the natural hair
• The versatility of wig styles
• Having a tight schedule without ample time to tend to one's own (Although you should follow a regular routine for great results) 

What other reasons do you use wigs? let me know in the comments below.

That being said, we would talk about how to use wigs as a protective hairstyle for your natural hair, and in the next blog post, we would address the use of extensions as a protective hairstyle.

How Wigs are Damaging Your Natural Hair!

Wigs can cause immense damage to the in terms of traction alopecia hair when they are;

• Worn/installed the wrong way
• Stay on too long 
• Rest tightly on the head
• Worn without a wig cap

If you have to use wigs, here are a few steps you can take towards using the wig protectively as opposed to in a damaging way. 

• The wig should never be worn directly on your natural hair. Instead, a soft wig cap must be used before all wig installations.
• Ensure the elastic band of the wig cap does not sit on the edge of your hair, else, you risk your edges being eaten up slowly.
• Your wig itself should not have bands that are too tight around the edges as well. This would put tension on the edges causing rapid breakage.

Do's and Don't of Using Wigs

Naturalistas who truly want to do right by their hair can actually adopt the Green House Method even while wearing a wig. Also, don't just use the wig to cover up unkempt hair, your hair should be in a healthy state before a wig installation. 

To save your edges, do not use hair bond or glue directly on the frontal of your hair to obtain that natural look or feel. We advise using a wig that has a pre-installed frontal, which you can simply wear without damaging your edges both during installation and removal. 

How to Restore Your Hair After Wig Damage

If your hair has been damaged by the wrong use of wigs, you can bounce back. With careful routine, patience, and the right products, your hair can gradually regain its volume, curl, and length. 

• Completely halt the use of wigs.
• Follow a routine suitable for your hair
• Visit a trichologist for a thorough examination of your hair 
• Use the right product combination 

To sum it up, using wigs protectively can actually help retain length, and reduce frequent manipulation of the hair. 

Has using wigs benefited you or damaged your hair? Let me know in the comments below.  

Six months Protective Style Challenge (2)

Wagwan Nappyboo! We are here again. A Happy New Month of December to you!

This post is dedicated to all aspiring models out there. In my 5+ something years of my international modeling career only until last week Thursday did I actually have braids like real legit box braids put in my hair on a set of a photoshoot for a hair campaign. I sigh a heavy sigh when I see the messages from you young-ins on my Facebook and Instagram looking at my glossy pictures wanting to be like me. And it's because you don't understand the amount of soul selling and sacrifices it takes to be a model in today's society.

And all for what? To be told that only a handful of super star models will actually have this as a career late into their 50's? Of course, they'll never follow up with you can be the one "I believe in you" statement. They always leave it hanging in the air right there in front of you, out of your reach. And it never pains me because I know who I am, so I need no validation. Thank God I came into my senses a few years into my career and big chopped my relaxed hair to go Natural.

Nevertheless, I've slowly started to highlight how bad e really bad, and I started with my #IAMGIAIA posts during the Maxim Cover Girl Competition.  (I made it all the way up to Semi-finals! For those of you who are wondering how that went). More model talk is fast approaching, so hold your wigs, cos the gist is bound to fly them off.

This post is my usual end of the year hurrah, when evils of the Fashion and beauty world go in for hibernation for their 2-3weeks end of the year holiday and our bliss to finally be able to be the kind of humans we wish to be and see in the world without having to worry that we will be reduced to begger-dom or homeless shelters because the high and mighty that write the beauty status quo will never give us a seat at the table. It is also my last ever of begging for a seat at that very same table. I'm turning 25 next year and that's also a whole other story.

I think it's safe to say I am the Queen of curly wigs when it comes to protective styling. I have it in bronze, red, curly, afro, I nearly bought a pink one the other day. Maybe next Halloween :)

Even when I protective style I never stray too far away from my African aesthetics, Wakanda forever looool

 @nappyese Protective Styles

Check out my results from my last #6MONTHSPROTECTIVESTYLE CHALLENGE

http://nappyese.com/6monthsprotectivestylechallenge-results/

I feel like at some point I also have to give a clarifying post as to what it means to be a lazy natural. Only true Naturalistas may know. Some of you may need some schooling but its ok, we learn new things everyday. I saw a fellow black models hair being fried by a white hair stylist on Instagram today, I wrote to her and she said she didn't have a choice. I told her she does. All she needs to do is take better care of her hair and stand up for herself. I did the same and they learnt to leave my hair alone. They really have no idea what it is to be creative with our own natural beauty without any damaging patriarchal inducing standard, or maybe they do who knows. Even some of the black hair stylists on set are not any better. The trauma is so deep and relevant to our nature that most of us have forgotten what it is like to be kind to ourselves. I had to take the braids out because I had a different shoot the next day and you should have seen the way the stylist rough handled my poor aching scalp! And I felt she would do that even before she did (perhaps I attracted it? LoL) because she had already tortured me by slapping the rubber bands she used to attach the hair extensions to my scalp a few times that I had yelled ow VERY LOUDLY. I wanted to jump up outta that chair like a baboon the minute she took the last braid off but I know it would have made her feel awkward).

That's me you see, forever the empath putting other people's feelings before mine. But now enough is enough. I don't care if I get labelled a bitch or a diva ( cos that’s their next train to jump on). If that’s what I gotta be to save myself and more children after me who will be traumatized to become these numb feeling creatures then so be it.

I have more stories, but enough of my rants. I had a hair show this past weekend and it has officially marked off my #6months protective style challenge!

My braids came out so bomb, I'm so obsessed. 

Love and Nappiness

NAPPYESE

Mistakes to Avoid when Doing Crochet Braids on Natural Hair

Knowing the mistakes to avoid when crocheting hair can help reduce breakage and keep your hair in one of the best protective styles for natural hair. In the video below, I share with you 4 tips that can help you avoid breakage and problems with your hair after doing crochet braids.

The hair that was used was Expression Prelooped Crotchet Braids in color 1B. Her hair cared for with a good hair treatment for natural hair prior to blow drying natural hair. Click here to see how

Watch below or click here



If you like this blog post written by Sola of DiscoveringNatural, you can find her on her Youtube channel, DiscoveringNatural,  for more natural hair tips. Click here to visit her channel.

Six Months Protective Style Challenge

Watagwan my Natural sisters,

Happy New Year! The earth has begun a new rotation around the sun for the year 2018, and the breath of God is still with us. There is much to be thankful for!

The term ‘Protective styling’ has always seemed a luxurious word that vaguely applied to me. I mean sure, I follow all the nitty gritty rules that apply to protecting my strands ( between finger detangling flew out the window). When my hair is not stretched out or curled for a photoshoot or show, it is usually in about 4-6 single  braids hidden under a head wrap. Hard-core protective styling like braids, faux locs, dare I say weaves? Just hasn’t found a place to stay in all my 3 years of being natural. However I know my hair length is not where it was this time last year. Neither is my Density. My Mushu has grown longer and fuller.

My Natural Hair growth 2017

 The collage above goes to show that even without hardcore protective styling I’ve has done well on retaining length. But trust, with longer hair comes longer wash days and responsibilities. 

My Protective style Looks 2017

 The bitter sweet truth is that Afro’s are hard to manage. The down-side of having gravity defying hair with amazing styling variety is the amount of time, care and effort that has to go into it, specially for the kinkiest types like mine. I won't lie, I have been tired and weary of my hair lately, and been itching for a creative change.

Starting from this month, I've commissioned myself to go on a 6 months HARD-CORE protective Style challenge!!! Yup, I’m committing and putting Mushu on Lock down! Its needless to say, the great thing about protective styling is switching up your look while protecting your strands. My Curly Wigs, Head-wraps, Clip-ins and Marley Pony’s won't cut it anymore.


PROTECTIVE STYLE 1: SILVER BOX BRAIDS

My job as a model has not allowed me the sweet variety that is our Magic and Art. But I’m at the point in my life where I’m needing to call the shots in relations to how I express myself. Surely braids can’t only be cool when celebs like Solange or Zoe Kravitaz wear them. I think it's time to make braids more mainstream.

BEFORE PROTECTIVE STYLING


It feels so good to be rid of Mushu for  a while. I’m taking all prisoners! I will make sure to document every step and stage of this journey. I even got a tape and measured up Mushu. It up and it came up to 6 1\2  inches. My hair is uneven on all sides, therefore an average of 6 inches. What I aim to achieve on this 6 month challenge is growth, growth and more GROWTH!! I’m hoping this rest period will give me a boost and finally propel me out of awkward length stage. Aaaiiiiii I can’t wait! You know time flies, 6 months will go by again like a breeze.

I'm looking forward to sharing my progress and the final results with you. I hope you’re as excited as I am!! I decided these braids will last me two months, it took a whole 3 1/2 days and they weren’t cheap.. Follow my social media pages @nappyese for daily updates.

Now for the million dollar Question

Will you join me on this challenge?

Love&Nappiness
Nappyese

Rubber Band Protective Style Bun

This hairstyle requires no knowledge in braiding, cornrowing or any other intricate styles.All you need are some rubber bands "elastics" .

Watch how to recreate this look by clicking here or watching below:

If you like this blog post written by Sola of DiscoveringNatural, you can find her on her Youtube channel, DiscoveringNatural,  for more natural hair tips. Click here to visit her channel.

How to Wash Natural Hair in Cornrows

Have you ever wondered if it is possible to wash your natural hair in cornrows? Watch as  my 9 years old daughter shows you if she can get her hair cleaned while in cornrows.




If you like this blog post written by Sola of DiscoveringNatural, you can find her on her Youtube channel, DiscoveringNatural,  for more natural hair tips. Click here to visit her channel.

Natural Hairstyles for Teen Girls

As a mom of a teenager... ah yes.. she is finally a teenager... I want her to be more adventurous with her hair styles, without damaging her hair. To prep for this hairstyle, she shampooed her hair and deep conditioned it. Then she moisturized her hair and put into about 20 twists overnight.

This hair style can be modified into 5 different styles that your child can do on her own.

This is a great style that works for school and even for any festive occasion now that we are in December and all the holiday festivities are going to start.

To recreate this style, click here or watch below:



If you like this blog post written by Sola of DiscoveringNatural, you can find her on her Youtube channel, DiscoveringNatural,  for more natural hair tips. Click here to visit her channel.

Worst Protective Hairstyle for Natural Hair

Protective styles can help you with retaining hair growth, however, if you are using the wrong protective styles, it can actually affect the health of your hair and also your kids hair. In this video, I talk about the Worst Protective Styles for Natural Hair

Related Videos: http://bit.ly/DN_ProtectiveStyles_PL

Watch or click here

Stay beautiful! 💖 

If you like this blog post written by Sola of DiscoveringNatural, you can find her on her Youtube channel, DiscoveringNatural,  for more natural hair tips. Click here to visit her channel.

Cornrows and Twists | Back To School Hairstyles for Natural Hair

This video shows how we created this cute girls hairstyles with Cornrows Braids and Twists using whipped shea butter.

Watch below or click here

Stay beautiful! 💖 

If you like this blog post written by Sola of DiscoveringNatural, you can find her on her Youtube channel, DiscoveringNatural,  for more natural hair tips. Click here to visit her channel.

5 Ways To Style Protective Styles For Kids

These natural hairstyles are quick hairstyles that you can do in less than 10 seconds.

Watch below or Click Here

Stay beautiful! 💖 

If you like this blog post written by Sola of DiscoveringNatural, you can find her on her Youtube channel, DiscoveringNatural,  for more natural hair tips. Click here to visit her channel.

Hair Styling Options for Long and Short Term travel

So you need to travel for a couple of weeks and you probably won't have time and chance for fancy or intensive hair care practices. You might even have to move from town to town, hotels to motels, one family's house to a friend’s house. The last thing you want to be thinking about is finding the perfect black salon in your vacation location or inconveniencing your hosts with requests for the bowl and spoon you will use for your homemade protein treatment. Won't it sound awkward when you begin to explain why you need a plastic spoon and not a metal spoon to mix your bentonite clay? To top it up, you sure don't want to be staining anyone's bathroom with henna and hibiscus treatment.

So to give yourself peace of mind on your trip, you should find appropriate hairstyles that would take the burden of constant hair care off your shoulders during your vacation weeks. The only thing you should be carrying is your travel size bottles, for your moisturizers and hair spritz

So below are practical hairstyle options for your trip

1. Braids of all kinds

Whether it's kinky braids, bob braids, box braids, Senegalese braids, yarn braids, or others, braids are sure to give you peace of mind when you are on your trip. All you need to do is remember to moisturize regularly with your spritz

However if you trip will be extending into 3 months and above, you might want to consider the next 2 options

2. Faux locs

Just like braids, this affords you peace of mind. And it can even last longer than braids. So consider this option if your trip is going to last several weeks and you have to jump from place to place. Remember to wash your hair regularly when you are wearing faux locs as it's a long term style and you don't want to clog your scalp with dirt that would have gathered on your scalp for weeks and weeks

3. African threading

Similar to faux locs in looks, but definitely simpler to make and loose. This will also keep your hair for a very long time, and you won't have to deal with a rough hair look after some weeks as all the hair is safely tucked inside the wool used to bind it. You can also sass it up with several coloured wools. It works wonders but just like above, be sure to wash your hair regularly

4. Wigs on African didi

This is my current favourite and the option I have chosen for my past 2 trips (I have also used option 1 and 3). If you don't want the burden of having extensions attached to your hair for several weeks, but you still want the look, this is the best for you. Just take the wig off when you get to where you are staying and put it back on when you are going out.

How long this will last depends on your type of hair. If your trip is a long one and you can't make your hair yourself, just wash it and ask someone in your host’s house to remake it line by line.

Do you travel a lot? How do you style and care for your hair while traveling? Which of these options work best for you? Let's hear from you on the comment section.

How to do African Threading Natural Hair with Yarn

By DiscoveringNatural

In this video, I show you how to do african threading with yarn. This is known as Yarn Threading. You can use any type of yarn to recreate this style.

If you want to learn more about African Threading, watch this: http://bit.ly/DN_African_Threading_PL
How to moisturize african threading: http://bit.ly/DN_Moisturize_African_Threading

When you thread hair, it is important not to overlap the threads.

Watch below or click: http://bit.ly/DN_Yarn_Threading



Stay beautiful! 💖 

If you like this blog post written by Sola of DiscoveringNatural, you can find her on her Youtube channel, DiscoveringNatural,  for more natural hair tips. Click here to visit her channel.

Easy Back to School Hairstyle - 3 styles in 1

It's Back to School Hairstyles season. We are starting this with a 3-in-1 hairstyle, twist hairstyles. I love Easy Natural Hairstyles especially Kids Hairstyles.  This works a quick back to school hairstyles for long hair and also a great back to school hairstyles for short hair.

More Back to School Hairstyles for Natural Hair: http://bit.ly/DN_Back_To_School_Hairstyles_PL

Click here to watch or watch below

How to do Corkscrew African Threading and How to Maintain it

Do you thread your hair or your child's hair? My daughter loves the corkscrew threaded hairstyle. It is so easy to maintain and lasts a long time.

How to do it:



If you like this blog post written by Sola of DiscoveringNatural, you can find her on her Youtube channel, DiscoveringNatural,  for more natural hair tips. Click here to visit her channel.

Individual Crochet Faux Locs Styling

I still have my individual crochet locs on my head, and at this rate I'm not 100% sure when I'll take them off, because I'm lazy I keep finding new ways to style them. I thought I'd share photos of some of the styles I've done - and all of them were done WITHOUT any tools at all. Not one hair band, or pin, or anything!

What style's your favorite? Let me know in the comments!

Berry Dakara.

Caring For Your Hair in a Protective Style

I've had my self-styled individual faux locs for about three weeks now, and while I plan on taking them down soon, I am trying my best to make sure I take care of the style, as well as my hair underneath. As far as moisturizing goes, I've been doing the following:

1. African Naturalistas Daily Hair Mist - I try to spray my hair at least every other day. This gives my hair and scalp much needed moisture.

2. I follow it up with the African Naturalistas Anti-Dandruff Herbal Spray -

3. Then I apply Leave-In Conditioner (Cantu or African Naturalistas) to my roots. When I did the hairstyle, I attached the locs loosely to my roots, so that I would have easy access to them.

4. I apply African Naturalistas Hair Growth Oil Elixir to my scalp.

5. I finally finish with the African Naturalistas Anti-Breakage Butter Lotion (and sometimes, add the butter as well).

These steps have largely kept my scalp and hair in pretty good shape.

Big and Small Criss Cross Cornrows For Kids

By DiscoveringNatural

In this video,  I show how to do Big and small cornrows and how to do criss cross cornrows on kids natural hair. Hairstyles for natural hair kids can be easy natural hair styles that can act as protective hairstyles without the need for extension on kids hair.

To do this style, you need to first detangle the natural hair after you have moisturized the hair. Use a rat tail comb to separate the hair into sections.

-First section the hair into three parts going vertically. Ear to Ear
-Next, the front section, divide it into 3 sections. Make sure the middle section is bigger.
-Cornrow the middle section as shown in the video.
For the other two, do a slanted cornrow design on the edges and connect with the remaining of the hair in that section. This will create a big cornrow pattern.

Next, it is time to work on the section of hair along the nape (kitchen) area of the head.
Create a criss cross pattern and connect as shown in the video, that with the middle part. Note: The middle part has been divided into 4 parts.
Repeat till done.
Then create a pony tail or bun by gathering all the hair together.

Related Videos:

How to Cornrow: http://bit.ly/2iVj192

How to do Criss Cross Cornrows: http://bit.ly/2jMIb9M

How to Cornrow Tender Head or Sensitive Scalp: http://bit.ly/2k7Prdo

Natural Hair Styles for Kids: http://bit.ly/2kjv5S7

What is your favorite style to do for your kids?

If you like this blog post written by Sola of DiscoveringNatural, you can find her on her Youtube channel, DiscoveringNatural,  for more natural hair tips. Click here to visit her channel.

Natural Hair Bun - Different Ways!

I'm all about the LOW natural hair bun these days. I had been thinking about putting my hair in that style for a while, and after I saw Michelle Obama's low bun at the recent Presidential Inauguration, I knew that I was definitely doing mine. I've posted a video and tutorial here on how I achieve a natural hair bun, so you can check it out if you want to do the same.

Anyways, one thing I like about bunning your hair is that you can put the bun in different positions.

From a Mega High Top Bun...

Source - Rehairducation

To a Regular Bun like this...

To a Low Bun like this...

Source - Whitney Madueke on Bella Naija

Source - The Chameleon Blogger

Or a Side Bun like this...

Pinterest

I like that buns are so versatile, and are instantly classic and chic. What style of bun is your favorite?

Who rocked the style best? Cornrows

We are very sorry that we couldn't bring you this segment in the month of December. It was due to circumstances we did not see arriving by the corner. And that is why we are bringing it much earlier in the month. Hope you enjoy this month's edition.

We will be featuring cornrows this month, which is what we call weaving in Nigeria. Just like braids, it is so simple, yet so versatile. It can be as boring or as creative as your mind allows. There was a time I used to draw my own weaving styles, and give a hairdresser to make it a reality on my head, lol.

As usual, we have featured six celebrities who have worn this style in the past, in a way they assumed fitted their faces. Who would you say rocked their braids best, and why? The complicated line artists or the simple ones? Remember you can only pick one. We would also like to know the reason for your pick. You can click the picture to enlarge it, in case you want to see the intricate details of the hair styles.

So who rocked this style best?