Inspiring Others w/my Naturality

Hey blogger family....just a quick post for you all today. Had something great happen to me at church yesterday, and I wanted to share with the group and hopefully inspire you as well :)

Yesterday, after church, a fellow parishioner stopped me to compliment me on my hair. Apparently, she has been noticing my uniqueness and versatility with hair styles (that I wear on Sunday) and felt compelled to speak with me. She mentioned that she had been talking about my hair for a couple of weeks now and finally her husband suggested that she talks stops talking behind my back (that was funny) and just ask me about my hair, regimen, etc ( isn't that interesting family).

She wanted to know what I do to my hair to have it look the way it does. See, she "tried" to go natural a few months ago and it didn't work. She only allowed herself to transition for like 3 months and then she gave up...again... She was intrigued by my style and wanted to know specifically what I am doing to maneuver it AND what products I used. It sounded like she was on the fence with deciding to try to transition to naturality again, so it was only fair to pitch the case for going natural :)

So of course I did a consultation..right there in the church pew. Lol. I spoke briefly about my journey and how you have to be serious to commit to changing your hair regimen (mentioning that shea butter is my staple product) and patient with letting your natural hair grow and develop. This is a life decision (well at least in my opinion) and you have to make sure you will commit to the changes your hair (and you pschologically) will experience. I gave examples of how I wanted to give up and how I had to have a "straight talk" with myself, my ego and my self esteem. Once I was able to accept myself (and all my fabulousness) it became easier to learn how to do my hair, look in the mirror and walk with confidence. I spoke about how those around you may not support your decision, but you have to remind yourself that you are doing this for yourself, not others.

I mentioned that you can't "run to the perm" when your hair doesn't look the way you want it to (like she did before). Doing this starts the transition all over again and really defeats the purpose of the transition. You need to accept how God made you and your hair, love it unconditionally and nurture it ALWAYS....remembering we were all created in his image. I also mentioned that you have to give your hair time to heal and in the end you will not regret your decision of going natural.

I ended the discussion on some economically, but effective store brand options to get her started. Also, I suggested some possible transitional/protective styles that she can do at home. Briefly (because I had to go) I mentioned the fact that transitioning is trial and error...you may do a style that doesn't turn out the way you want at first...but don't fret....the neat thing is that you can try try again :). We agreed to do a "check in" the next time I'm at service/get back into town. As her unofficial mentor, I plan to check in with her once I return from my week of travel. Lets keep our possible transitional sista lifted.

The reason for posting this.....you never know who is watching you and also how your naturality could possibly inspire others. I know the majority of us get regular compliments on our hair, the styles and probably our confidence as well. While this may seem a little annoying (super star status..lol), you never know why you are receiving the compliments. This is the third person who has inquired about my naturality AND has been inspired to transition to wearing their natural hair just by watching me and how I carry myself. To be honest family, that makes me feel really good inside.

So I ask all of my family on here....are you inspiring others to be all they can be (in general)? Are you carrying yourself in away that others will want to model the same POSITIVE behavior that you portray? These are the questions I ask and reflect on daily as part of my overall encouragement but also improvement family. Its nice to see that my intentional attitude/character development (behavior) is working not only for my betterment, but has inspired someone else to do better as well.

The orAKAle has spoken.........

"Twist N Curl"...the Silky Way

Greetings from Silky's world family! How was the weekend? Mine was a long and restful one. My vacation almost took me out, but I survived. Pictures from France will be forthcoming soon (FYI).

Today I need your assistance. I recently did a "twist n curl" and to be frank...I'm not to thrilled with the results. This will be the third attempt in this style, but something still isn't right. Now I am not one of those people who looks at other's results (of hair styles) and expect mine to look the same....thats not me. BUT I at least expect to like the results of my 4A/B hair. Lol. Below is step by step of what I did:

~ Cleansed hair with KBB's Conditioning Shampoo
~ Deep Treatment with KBB's Deep Conditioner (left that on.....for at least 45 minutes...started cleaning and cooking and lost track of time honestly...lol)
~ Rinsed and detangled with KBB's Hair Milk (loves this stuff)
~ Parted hair accordingly, twisted with KBB's Hair Cream and set on perm rodes.
~ Lastly I sealed the hair (and especially ends) with my shea butter, coconut and olive oil concoction.

Upon taking out the rodes and styling the hair, coils were very soft and manageable...but I am just not pleased (persay) with how it looks. I tried my best to make sure I twisted and rolled each section the same way. Below are pics of my results family. The top two are the first attempt and the second two are my final results. After awhile, I just gave up. Lol. The back shot is really good...which lets me know that it looks moisterized and bouncy...from the back. The front look is not what I was trying to create.

My hair still had separations from the twists...had a hard time getting rid of the scalp, etc....its was too much drama for 6 am in the morning. So what am I doing wrong my experienced natural divas? Any tips to offer to this naturalista?

STRAIGHT HAIR PICS

Hey now SC family...how ya doing? Me, recovering from my over seas vacay...it was great.

As promised, I am posting pics of my hair after it was straightened for my trip. Please note, it has been over two years (well very close) since I have straightened my coils. Hair was longer than I thought...but I will let you all decided. Tell me what you think:

(wanna be side swoop....lol)

(back view.....hard to see the layering..bad lighting)


To maintain this style, I have been wrapping my hair at night with a satin scarf and applying Carol's Daughter Lisa's Hair Elixir once a day to keep it soft and to reset it. I loved how my natural layers fell!

Pics from my trip are forthcoming. Until then, the orAKAle has spoken......

I know its been a long time coming, but I finally got around to doing my first ever product review (PR), here on The Silky Chronicles! Thanks to all my family who faithfully follows this blog for the suggestions, comments and much consistent love you have shown me to date! Whether its updated pictures and/or updated entries that I have posted, I constantly get asked "what do you use on your hair?". Well if you read the title of this post, you FINALLY got your answer. Lol. Karen's Body Beautiful (KBB) all the way for me!

Since the beginning of my journey, I've always had KBB as the dominant part of my staple products in my hair care collection. Whether I was transitioning or after the big chop, some form of her items have helped my hair grow into the healthy, thick and LONG hair that it is today. Below is a brief review of the products I HAVE TRIED only and is not a full reflection on her entire line. All items mentioned below are currently use in my natural hair regimen:


Conditioning Shampoo - (8 oz) Cleans and moisturizes hair without stripping it.

Ingredients: Purified Water, Saponified Coconut & Safflower Oils, Vegetable Glycerin, Aloe Vera, Echinacea, Nettle, Horsetail, Panthenol, Essential and/or Fragrance Oils

My thoughts - While I know that no-poo/co-washing is all the rave (lol), I absolutely love and prefer this stuff! If you are a type of naturalista that needs shampoo in your life, this is the stuff for you. There is not a huge lather, but it gets the job done. Hair looks, smells and feels clean and very soft after using. I also like the fact that I don't have to use a lot (like regular poos) so one bottle can go a long way. Only downfall is that if you do use to much, it can cause leave a residue on the scalp (this is usually how you know that you used to much); BUT this can be counteracted by doing another detailed rinse!


Deep Conditioner- (8 oz or 16oz) Provides protection to thirsty, brittle prone hair with panthenol that seals the hair follicle.

Ingredients: Purified Water, Jojoba Oil, Vegetable Glycerin, Vegetable Wax, Aloe Vera, Echinacea, Nettle, Horsetail, Panthenol, Essential and/or Fragrance Oils & Natural Enzymes

My thoughts - The conditioner will leave your hair feeling soft and very manageable for detangling. I use this faithfully after my weekly deep treatment OR sometimes AS my deep treatment (depending on time). It provides very good slip to detangle either with your fingers or a comb. A little goes a long way as well!


Hair Milk- (8 oz or 16oz) Product moisturizes the detangles, defrizzes and defines your curls. Can be used several times a week.

Ingredients: Purified Water, Jojoba and Avocado Oils,Vegetable Wax, Vitamin E, Panthenol, Arnica and Calendula Flowers, Echinacea, Nettle and Horsetail Extracts, Vegetable Glycerin, Wheat Germ Oil, Fragrance Oils & Natural Enzymes

My thoughts - When they say that a "dab is all you need"...nothing can be further from the truth. This product serves as a great curl refresher and/or a leave in conditioner before styling the hair. I usually use this product daily either a night to rebraid/twist my hair OR in the morning if I am doing a wash n go/"wild fro" day. Lol. I always keep a bottle of this stuff in my collection at all times. If you like light products packed with all the good stuff (but will not weigh the hair down), this is the item for you! Again, another product I used faithfully as I was transitioning.


Hair Butter- (8 oz) Made only from rich, thick butters and luxurious oils. Hair butter conditions, softens and adds sheen to fragile, stressed hair. Great for natural, relaxed or pressed hair. Suggested use: twice a week on hair and scalp or more as needed.

Ingredients: Shea, Coca, Mango, Jojoba and Aloe Butter, Essential and/or Fragrance Oils, Grapefruit Seed Oil and Vitamin E. 99.4% natural

My thoughts - I love how this product can be used on all types of hair. KBB's hair butter was used (by me) more when I was transitioning than now. It was great for twists, twist/braid outs and pressing (as mentioned). It also works well on straightening transitional hair. Sadly to say, I don't think I used this product the best way I could have. To me, it was a little to thick for my licking, but did wonders if I used it ONLY on my hair when dry. I would suggest anyone who is transitioning to give this product a try!


Hair Cream- (8 oz) Enriched with ingredients that stimulate hair growth and strengthen your hair shaft, this cream moisturizes and adds sheen to dull, dry hair. Excellent for natural, relaxed or pressed hair. Suggested use: twice a week on hair and scalp or more as needed.

Ingredients: Shea Butter, Rosehip Oil,Vegetable Glycerin,Essential and/or Fragrance Oils, Vitamin E & Carrot Seed Oil. 99.4% natural

My thoughts - I usually partner this product with the hair milk. If I just cleansed and conditioned, I use the milk as a leave in then follow up with this item to style. Again...another fabo and fav of mine that is ALWAYS stocked in my collection. This product is not to heavy and not to light...its just right! I really use this product to braid/twist my hair, but mainly as a morning refresher for my coils. While I did not use this product while transitioning, I have used this on someone's hair who was transitioning....EXCELLENT for styling!


Overall I would highly suggest this product to any and everyone (natural or not). When I was transitioning and researching the best products to try, I had the hardest time trying to find products that worked best for type 4 hair. No offense to other products, but the thing I love about KBB is that no matter what your hair type is, it works for you! Discovering how and what to use is left up to the person, but it will leave your hair soft, manageable and very cute to take on the world. Lol. This is a line that the entire family can use...no really....lol.

On her website, you can order a trial size package of some of her items. Also, if you sign up for her mailing list, every week she has this special call "Freebee Fridays" where on that day, you get some sort of deal if you place an order. This is how I am able to maximize the products I buy, but not spend a bunch of money. All prices are clearly marked on her website as well.

FYI - The hair milk is her number one seller...and I can totally see why. You will love what it does for your hair...trust me :)

If any of you have used her line and have suggestions or comments, I welcome them. Let us know what worked for you OR didn't work....and I hope you will consider trying out the products.


The orAKAle has spoken........



Source - all products, descriptions and prices can be found on the Karen's Body Beautiful site found here.

Dry Twist Set

To bring some diversity to my blog on natural hair, I wanted to share a quick post on a DIFFERENT type of twisting I also use. Its called a dry twist set (which eventually turns into a twist out...but I will go more into that below). This is a style that many natural hair stylist does for those transitioning, but can also work with total naturalistas as well!



To get this look all I did was cleanse my hair as usual (check out "Current Hair Regimen" for specifics) but instead of double strand twist while hair is wet/soaked, I actually blow out my hair. The key is to get it totally dry and as "straight" as your texture can get. I highly recommend you seal your hair (after blowing out) with a very light oil/moisturizer to protect the hair. I use my staple product Shea Butter.



I take my favorite twisting product (in the pictures below I used a mixture of unrefined shea butter, coconut oil and olive oil) and put a medium amount all over the head.....and I start twisting. I only use more product if I think my twist aren't taking....but usually I have no issues. Below are the results of dry twisting the hair:




My sister actually did this one for me! I gotta be economical ya'll...we are in a recession (ok I will let it go...lol). Not bad for an amateur job huh.......



I've learned that the key is to evenly distribute the twisting product (not much is needed) from root to ends (then possible using a little more for my "special" ends) and twist as close as possible to the root down to the ends. Depending on your skills and length of your hair, this can take from 30-45 minutes to complete. Professional stylist can do this for you as well, but it may run you from $55-100!!!! I suggest mastering this on your own. Lol.


I usually wear my hair in these twists for at least a week (max two). After wards I take either my favorite essential oils to separate out the twist into two parts. To see pictures of the results of this style, check out my Current Hair Regimen post pics here.


So your girl is getting braided up this weekend for the next 2-3 months. I will post some pics of the outcome next week (hopefully). Once the braids come out, I will be at my 1 year Nappaversary (is that a word....lol)!!! I'm very excited to see how far I've come in the past 12 months, and plan to do a tribute post to my success.


For those who've been asking, I plan to seriously update my Fotki (Ms. Silky Coils if you want to subscribe) REALLY soon! Lol. I guess since starting this blog, I don't see a need to have that account, for I post all updates and styles (that I can remember to do) on here. I mean....who has time to really update 3-4 different sites...lol...I sure don't.


the orAKAle has spoken.......

Current Hair Regimen

As promised I'm coming to you with my current hair regimen (what I use and the current styles I rock). This is just a quick post for all those who have been asking. I finally made the time to post these.

I am currently cleansing my hair with Karen's Body Beautiful (KBB) conditioning shampoo, DC with Organics Hair Mayonnaise and apply the Cantu Shea LIC as my sealant. Below are results of quick twist out set. I usually spray my hair with my summer spritzer (Cantu Shea LIC, Coconut Oil and Water), and use my finger to separate the hair. This is a quick style that I may do in between styling in my week.

this what the quick twist out looks like not pulled up

Next are another set of pictures of a more defined twist out set. During this time, I actually shake dry my hair (after rinsing out the DC), apply a small amount of my leave in, and then allow for my hair to air dry for 10 minutes. The goal is to keep the hair wet, but not soaked to twist the hair. I do use a wide tooth comb for parting and my unrefined shea butter, coconut oil and olive oil on my hair to twist my hair. Since I already used my usual leave in, only a little was needed.

(notice how more defined my coils are, along with body and height)

(HOLLA IF YA HEAR ME!!!!)

(I was just being silly with these...as I was suppose to be working)

Again, just a quick post since I haven't really posted anything of this nature to the blog. Next topic to come includes my first every PRODUCT REVIEW!!! I just received my sample pack of Komaza Hair and Skin Care in the mail today, so I will post the results and how I like it. Please feel free to leave a comment and tell me what you think family.

The orAKAle has spoken.......