PROTECTIVE STYLE CHALLENGE 6 MONTH UPDATE

It's July, and I have just completed month six of my 1 year protective style challenge. Each month, since January 2014, I have created a different protective style and maintained that style for approximately one month. I decided to embark on this challenge because this is my 3rd year with natural hair (click here for my Natural Hair Journey), and though there has been significant growth and overall improvement to my hair, I feel like the growth has hit it's plateau.

I am on a journey to stronger, longer and healthier hair and I know that protective styling, if done correctly, can be beneficial for the hair and scalp.  So here's what I've done thus far. 

In January 2014 I was wearing a sew in. The sew-in was installed by a local stylist but I cut and styled it myself. In the past I loved sew-in's but I like to have constant access to my hair and scalp.

February 2014 I decided to braid my hair into waist-length box braids. I love this style. It is a time consuming process, but this style allows for optimal moisturizing.

March 2014 I decided to upgrade the box braids I had from February. So, I washed, deep conditioned and cut the box braids, then I wrapped the braids with marley hair creating faux locs. Very cute style, lots of compliments, however

Protective Inspiration - A Blast from the Past

Photo Courtesy of Pinterest.

This will Definitely be my next DIY hairdo! I love me some DIY hair!!! Crochet braids are nothing new and many of you may remember them by a previous name.... Latch-hooks.  I used to HATE this hairstyle when I was in Jr. High, especially the grade of hair that was used for them. Now, with a little imagination and some spare time i'm about to embark on a new journey into the distant past... Imma DIY me some "Crochet Braids"... This just might be style #6 on my 1 year protective style challenge.  Let me know if you want more details on how to get geared up for your own style challenge!
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For more videos on, all that is crochet braiding, check out HairPornCo on YouTube

Inspiration pics courtesy of some beauties from Pinterest:
P.S. Yes, #3 is me... don't judge me. I inspire myself! That was my 1st failed attempt at Crochet Braids...



Click Here for tips to get your hair summer ready

Coconut Oil Series: Oil Rinsing Natural Hair

 Coconut oil is hawked full of  goodies for hair, skin and nutrition and is one of the most popular oils in the natural hair community. Coconut oil provides sheen to our kinky/curly roots while still preventing the hair from being weighed down. The most common use for this oil in the natural hair community is as a oil treatment before shampooing also known as a pre-poo. A pre-poo is basically applying moisturizing oils on the hair and scalp BEFORE WASHING with shampoo or cleanser. The difference between oil rinsing and the pre-poo is, with oil rinsing there is NO SHAMPOO used after the oil is applied. The oil is simply rinsed from the hair, and if needed, a light conditioner can be used to remove excess oil. For added moisture you can cover hair in a plastic cap; sit under a hooded dryer, steamer  or use a handheld dryer for about 5-10  minutes; and then use your favorite co-wash conditioner (if needed). After oil rinsing your hair should feel soft and have a beautiful sheen. Here's a before and after of my oil rinsed hair...

This is me before a good oil rinse! I have fine natural 4b/c  hair (according to hair typing guides) and after a few days of wearing my hair out it becomes limp and very dry.

These are two pics after a good 'ol fashion Coconut Oil Rinse.... This oil gives my hair LIFE!!!!  

Definite shine, better definition, and twist outs that last all week without frizz and knots.

Click here for...  More on oil rinsing, More on Pre-Poo's or more on the effects of oil pulling w/ Coconut oil

That is All!

Coconut Oil Series-Oil Pulling

The Coconut Oil Series...
Discovering All Things Coconutty!

COCONUT OIL

OIL PULLING

Oil pulling, though trending, is not a brand new concept. It's an Ayurvedic Medicine Practice that has been around for centuries. Oil pulling is literally taking a tablespoon, or so, of oil and "swishing" it around in your mouth for a while daily in order to remove/pull toxins from the body. The benefits that come along with oil pulling are vast and there are still some benefits that are still being researched and discovered. 

I first heard of oil pulling when I was younger. My friends mother used to swish oil in her mouth and told me it was good for the soul. This was the same lady that wore garlic around her neck on Sunday's to keep the demons away. At the tender age of 6 I wasn't convinced. The second time I ran into oil pulling was actually on YouTube looking for an oil combo to use for my next oil rinse for my hair. In my search results I came across this video by YouTube vlogger and All Things Natural Guru-- 

HeyFranHey. Take a look at her video below to find out what all the hype is about.

It's simple to do and can be done with any carrier oil of your choosing. I choose to try Coconut oil first because of the health benefits that I was already aware of associated with coconut oil. I literally lasted about 5