Big Hair Don't Care: A Braid Out Tutorial

Braid outs are my go to hairstyle when I want to keep it wild and funky.  It fits my personality and I totally love the untamed look.  Im not an hair expert by no means.  However over the last three years, I have found some things that work and don't work for my hair.  Here is how i do my braid outs.  I like to keep it pretty simple so let me know if you have any questions.

6 day old twist/braid out

Materials

• small spray bottle with water
• Shea butter based moisturizer such as Jane Carter's Nourish and Shine. If on a budget (like me) use Shea butter mixed with a little jojoba oil.  It works just as well!
• Stain Scarf
• Hair clamps (optional)

Directions

1. Make sure your hair is washed and well conditioned.  It may not turn out nice on hair that hasn't been washed in over a week.  Also hair should be well detangled and smooth (no knots).
2. Decide if you want a side part or middle part.  Then, section hair into 8-10 parts (use hair clamps if it helps).
3. Start with one section and dampen with water using your spray bottle.  Hair should not be dripping wet, just damp.
4. Then apply a dime-sized amount of a shea-butter based moisturizer.  If using shea butter, then blend about a dime-sized amount of shea butter and a drop of Jojoba oil with the palm of your hands.  (Shea butter really helps to give weight to your hair so that it can hang down)
5. Smooth onto section of hair.
6. Braid hair.  While  braiding if you find that you run out of hair from one of the three parts before completing braid, then just borrow some hair from the one of the other parts...(hope that makes sense :/ )
7. Continue the same process with all sections and then tie hair up with scarf.
8. In the morning, take a drop of grapeseed or jojoba oil onto palm of hands and unbraid hair.  The oil helps reduce frizz.  Make sure your hair is at least 95% dry or it will loose the pattern.  
9. Take your hands and run it through scalp to ensure that parts aren't showing.  Try not to disturb the hair pattern itself.
10. Keep in mind that braid outs become more untamed looking as the days  go along.  I usually rebraid my hair each night but use larger sections (about 4) in order to stretch it out more.   In the following pics, I was a bit lazy and didn't rebraid so it was a little dry, but I loved it all the same.  I definitely wouldn't go two nights without braiding (or twisting).
11. Rock your braid out with a fly outfit and you're ready to go!! Enjoy.

ILOVEMYHAIR.COM

This evening while I was on my way out the door, I was quickly distracted when I saw a package sent from my lovely sister. There's almost nothing better than opening your front door to find a package just for you.....even if you sent it to yourself, lol.  It just makes you feel so warm and fuzzy inside. Anyways, I opened the package to find this BEAUTIFUL artwork created by Andrea Pippins (check out her bio here).

My sister introduced me to her artwork last year and I never got around to making any purchases.  I absolutely love the simplicity of the design and the vivid color scheme incorporated with African print .  Of course, the hairstyle speaks volume and serves as the focal point of the design. It is reminiscent of natural hairstyles from the past and present.  Check out her online shop at www.ilovemyhair.com .

Then & Now: Hair Length Comparisons

 Thought this would be a good time to post hair comparison pics, since I just had my hair blown out yesterday.  I am not "anti-straight hair" by no means and enjoy the occasional break from my nightly routine.  However, I love to wear my hair in its natural state more so, therefore you won't catch me rocking this look very often . These are 10-month comparison shots of my hair.  The pictures above were taken in October 2011 and the pictures below were taken January 2011.  Sorry....not the best comparison shots, but it will have to do for now! :)

Winter-Prepping Your Hair

(source)

Ladies!!! The winter months are slowing creeping along and will not shed mercy on our hair, especially if you wear your hair in its natural state....so lets visit some DOs and DONTs in order to preserve our beautiful tresses!

1.) DO use Moisture, Moisture, Moisture!!!  Beef up the length of time you leave in your deep conditioner. I use Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Moisturizing Conditioner.  After applying this product, put on a plastic cap and wrap a towel around your head to promote heat! After one hour, rinse product out with cold water and then make sure to use a quality leave-in conditioner.

2.) DON'T go to bed with your hair "out"!  Every night I section my hair into 6-8 parts, lightly dampen each section with water, then apply a water based moisturizer to seal in moisture. During winter, I use Qhemet Biologics Amla & Olive Heavy Cream or Carol's Daughter Hair Milk: The Original Curl Definer (this works great for curl definition and moisture).  I braid or twist each section and then tie it up with a satin scarf. This method locks in moisture at night, so that in the morning your hair is well moisturized.

3.) DO stay well hydrated!  What you put inside your body is just as important as what you put on the outside.  My diet includes drinking a gallon of water a day...(and yes, I drink it straight from the container, lol).  The composition of our hair strands consists 25-30% of water.  Therefore, lack of water consumption can leave your hair dry and brittle no matter what you apply to the outside.

4.)  DON'T allow scarves, sweaters, and wool coats to rub against your fragile hair strands!  When wool fabrics rub against our hair, it leaves the cuticles of our hair open which inadvertently leaves our hair prone to dryness.  It also snags at our hair causing breakage which impedes hair growth.  Instead, put your hair up and away from your coat collar/scarf or line the collar of your coat with a fashionable silk/satin scarf.

5.)  DO use protective styles!  Contrary to what some may think, protective hairstyles can be very mod and trendy! Ninety percent of the time, my hair is kept in protective hairstyles.  I save the more dramatic/big hairstyles for nights I go out :) Braids, two-strand twists, and vintage buns and rolls (check out this link here for retro protective hairstyles) are the way to go this winter! The goal is not to leave the ends of your hair exposed to the harsh elements.  Remember this very simple equation (see below) which preserves hair and promotes hair growth during those cold winter days!

MOISTURE + PROTECTIVE STYLES= HAIR GROWTH!!!

I absolutely love Janlle Monae inspired hairstyles...so classic, yet edgy and funky!  Great style alternative for the winter.

RANDOMNESS ALERT!!!!

Speaking of Letting Go yesterday....check out one of my favorite songs from Ms. Monae