"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?

Straightening the Hair

Hey all,

Just a quick post for you today. First, Happy New Year again ad I apologize for the absence but I am preparing for my international travel and work got me running. I hope you all can forgive me....:)

In case I didn't mention, I will be straightening my hair for my trip next week. Note - I have not straightened my hair AT ALL since deciding to go natural and stop with the chemicals, etc (over 17 months). I'm very excited about this and can't wait to see what my hair looks like blown out and straightened.

I plan to post pics of the straight hair after its done. Now, I am going to try my best to take them AND post before I leave, but you may have to wait until I get back.

Ok thats all for now. If you haven't done so, head on over to my Healthy Living Blog to get caught up on my recent cleansing and SOON pictures of weight loss success to date. Now I'm pushing it with trying to do all these blogs, posts AND prepare for my trip (lol), but I appreciate you all baring with me. Until next time.

the orAKAle has spoken.............

Job Hunt Hair - THE DECISION!!!!

First thanks to all who read, reflected and posted comments in on the previous post "To Straighten or Not - Weighing In". It was a difficult decision for me, but in the end I feel I made the right choice. The post did however spark some very interesting dialogue on how we as blacks view ourselves AND what is considered "the norm" in a professional setting. If you haven't done so already, please click back and read what some of the Silky Chronicles family wrote...again thanks for the love.

Below is a picture of me (in the hotel the day of the interview may I add) of how I decided to wear my hair. Please note that I have been on a serious job hunting trail this month, and chose to keep the same style for ALL INTERVIEWS/VISITS.
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Soooooo....what do you all think? Personally, my hair turned out uber fabo! While I have professed in the past about the illusion of "holy grail hair"....this was definitely one of those days...if there is anything as it. Lol.

This will be my last post until after the Christmas holiday. I wish you all a blessed and happy holidays and want to encourage you to take time to tell those you love that you love them!


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

Naturality is NOT a life style.....or is it

(one of my fav natural hair photos)=====>

Hey Silky Chronicles family! Quick post/question for you today..... So I know a natural hair stylist who was discussing with one of her clients (a friend of mine) about being natural and this thing of it being a "life style". Her comments in general were that being natural is NOT a life style and people make it seem as though its like "coming out" to the world (in reference to those who identify themselves in the GLBT community). What she couldn't understand is all the hype on the web (really blogs like this one :) and some salons (in general) on the NEW phenomenon about going natural and embracing this "life style". She actually laughed at it and thought it was funny. See in her mind, we should not make a big deal about not straightening our hair, using chemicals/heat, etc...for its not anything new. Black women have been natural for years and this concept of "going natural" is really mainstream right now, but not anything deserving of all the attention its getting....

First let me say, she is not being negative by any means. She thinks its great to see more people embrace the texture God blessed them with and begin to stop letting others dictate who they should be. Its just that it was felt (not only by her....for I surveyed other natural women) that the blogging about hair, the huge media discussions on many talk shows (Chris Rock's movie "Good Hair") and the overwhelming promotion of products/what to and not to do is a bit much and uncessary.

What does Silky Coils say.....I think you all know the answer to that question. Lol. If you read back in previous post on here, it is evident that deciding to become natural was not a small thing for me; nor has continuing to grow and learn with my hair been easy. To me, it was scary and if I did not get comfortable about who I was FIRST, I was going to continue to allow others and society to dictate how I should look. Stepping out in public when I chopped my hair off was one of the most liberating, but also scary moments of my life...similar to when someone who decides to let the world know that they prefer the same sex versus the opposite. Some will have your back, others will persecute you....REAL TALK!!!

So of course I wanted to get my family to weigh in on the subject. You all have been so supportive of me and are filled with much wisdom. What do you all think? Are we making to much of a big deal about this whole "natural" thing? Is this a fade that will soon pass? Are we so insecure about who we are that we had to create this "natural hair world" thing to feel better about ourselves....your thoughts????

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

"Holy Grail" Hair Day

For those who REALLY follow the Silky Chronicles, already know that I posted an entry that dismissed the whole idea of "holy grail" hair....WELL family, I have to surrender because TODAY I had some absolutely perfect and gorgeous photos of a twist out set I did.

Take a look and tell me what you think:

Preventing H1N1 - MUST READ

Hey family, this came across one of my list serves and I was dying to share. I know we are all concerned about ourselves and loved ones as it pertains to the flu in general AND H1N1. Below is an article from a medical doctor on simple cost free ways to keep your body healthy and hopefully rid of the swine flu.

By: Dr. Vinay Goyal - MBBS,DRM,DNB (Intensivist and Thyroid specialist) having clinical experience of over 20 years. He has worked in institutions like Hinduja Hospital , Bombay Hospital , Saifee Hospital , Tata Memorial etc. Presently, he is heading our Nuclear Medicine Department and Thyroid clinic at Riddhivinayak Cardiac and Critical Centre, Malad (W). The following message given by him, I feel makes a lot of sense and is important for all to know

The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.

While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):

1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).
2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).
3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
4. Clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water . Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population. Neti pots and sinus rinse kits are available at the drug store and relatively inexpensive--under $15.
5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits). *If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.
6. Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.

I suggest you pass this on to your entire e-list. You never know who might pay attention to it -- and STAY ALIVEbecause of it."

NEW HAIR PICS - I'm braided up

Hey family,

I totally forgot that I promised to show you pictures of me braided up. Please bare with me, for I literally broke my digital camera and currently working without one. I only was able to capture a few pictures before my camera said I'M DONE!!! Lol. There hasn't been any post on the natural hair subject due to me being braided up. Hope you enjoy them and tell me what you think:

not the best pic in the world (lop sided) but again my camera was literally dying as I was taking this. lol



this is a side view and a style that I wear often. You will see some highlights that I had added in randomly on my head.


I usually wear it pulled back like this or half up or half down. The picture I took of it all the way down did not come out right AND I will tell you its A LOT of hair. I've gotten nothing but compliments on it from a diverse group of people. I'm loving it!!

I have to give credit to my super fabulous stylist Ms. Anta. She can be found a the nationally known natural hair shop "Napps". If you are in the Missouri area and want braids, she is worth the drive to the STL to get em done...she is the truth.


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.......

Hair Myths - Holy Grail & "Ethnic Hair"

Hey family! With keeping my promise of providing more information on natural hair topics, I came across a GREAT post from hair stylist and curly hair expert Tiffany Anderson. This article speaks mountains for us coily, curly and kinky sistas of all shapes and colors. Don't be fooled and stop running around sounding crazy....there is no such thing as "the holy grail" curls. Read and learn...I sure did :)

Hair Myths?

We now interrupt this blog for two small conversations that will most likely result in having lots of things thrown at me...or a collective belief that I have gone over the edge and no longer have the slightest idea what I'm talking about.

But as I've said before...I am not nor will I ever be 100% right 100% of the time. My thoughts, posts and advice are based on what I believe and observe from my professional training and my professional career as a hair stylist and curly hair specialist. If it works for someone, that's great. If it doesn't and something else works better, then that's great too. But I'm largely Italian, which means I'm always going to open my mouth when I have something to say, LOL. And there have been two topics on my mind lately I feel I need to address.

#1 - There is No Such Thing as "The Holy Grail"
Many curly girls get obsessed with finding what is known among us as "The Holy Grail" for their curls - that mythical, miraculous, one-of-a-kind, priceless treasure of a product that will give us impeccable, frizz-free, red carpet curls--the kind that always snap back into perfect ringlets even in the worst rain, hail, humidity, sleet and hurricane-force winds known to mankind.

The good Lord knows, I was on an HG quest myself for eons and there are times I still find myself falling into that trap. Even when I find a product combination that makes me look great 99% of the time, I'll catch myself thinking: sure, my curls look great...but what if I stop looking now and that one great product--that one single elixir of magical fairy tales--is just over the hill? And what if I never find it because I was happy with "second best" and I stopped looking too soon? It was enough to drive any curly girl to drink.

It was with a mixture of relief and sadness that I finally came to the conclusion--after doing hundreds and hundreds of curly heads, and studying reams of information on hair type and product ingredients--that, despite our greatest hopes and wishes, that mythical "Holy Grail"

just. doesn't. exist.

Yes, there are products that are great for our hair and will work wonders the vast majority of the time, sometimes even 99% of the time. There are products with ingredients that love our particular hair type--our texture, our porosity, our elasticity--and will make our curls look the absolute best they can possibly be.

For a time.

But ...

Hair type changes over time. Texture changes, porosity changes, elasticity changes. Weather changes. The chemical composition of your water changes. Hormones change. Medical conditions change. If there is one thing we can count on in the crazy world of curly hair, it is change. And that means no product is going to work 100% the best 100% of the time.

The same product might work almost as great, but from the bottom of my heart I do not and will never believe one single product can unfailingly give you what I call "red carpet curls"...the perfect, rockin' kind of curls that make any Hollywood A-lister turn around and think jealously, "I want HER hair." Unless you live in an environment and in a body where absolutely nothing changes, the Holy Grail will have to remain the myth it is.

Incidentally, that's why it is all the more important to understand your hair type and your environment and, subsequently, what product ingredients work the best for your particular situation. There might not be a single Holy Grail...but that doesn't mean there can't be a foundational core of products that act in tandem with each other to give you red carpet curls all the time.

#2 - There is No Such Thing as "Ethnic Hair"
Didn't see that one coming, did you?

I get a lot of questions on whether or not I know how to handle "ethnic hair" or about the special needs of ethnic hair. And I'm here to tell you there is no such thing. Hair is hair is hair. Period.

Your hair is fine, medium or coarse. Your hair is porous, overly porous, or has low porosity. Your hair has normal elasticity or low elasticity. Your hair is thin, medium or thick. It does not matter what your ethnic background is. Fine, porous, elastic, thick hair is fine, porous, elastic, thick hair whether it is on an African-American woman, a Caucasian woman, a Native American woman, an Asian woman, a Latina woman...you get the picture.

Now, you may have a genetic predisposition to have a certain type of hair based upon your ethnic background. African-American women often have much finer hair and a much tighter wave pattern than women from other ethnic backgrounds. Asian and Native American women can be so coarse and stick-straight, cutting their hair is a huge challenge because every slice of the shears can leave a visible mark. But there is no guarantee your hair will follow a certain pattern just because you belong to a particular ethnic group. I have African-American clients with loose waves and medium texture; I have white clients with coarse hair and extremely tight coils. And that's just the way it is.

That's not to say we shouldn't take pride in ourselves and where we come from, or not seek advice from others who share the same culture as we do! But by realizing that "ethnic hair" truly doesn't exist and knowing that our particular hair type is the key to taking the best care we can of our curls...we will always have those red carpet ringlets, no matter what our ethnic backgrounds.


If you enjoyed this post, please feel free to subscribe to The Silky Chronicles. To find out more information on Ms. Tiffany Anderson, check her out on her blog - Live Curly, Live Free.

For the Love of Shea

Happy Motivated Monday all! I must apologize for the late posts AND the fact that I have not spoken on my new found love of naturality/naturalism (on this blog). I've been so consumed with current events and also work (as usual) that I totally forgot that I havent' really spoken out on being natural. What doe this mean you may ask.....I've recently embarked on my journey to natural hair (you all already knew this) AND recently introducing natural bath and body products! YES, I am taking the information that I am learning about some of the natural products I use to maintain my silky coiliness and and applying it to the daily maintenance of my body. Today I wanted to weigh in on the ever so popular (and somewhat main streamed) Shea butter. For those who may not know, lets start with a basic description of what it is and then work our way up to how you can use:


WHAT IS IT ANYWAY.....
Shea butter is a light gray or beige colored seed oil that is extracted from the seed found inside the nuts of Shea tree. It is also referred to as the Karite tree. This unique tree can be found in 19 countries found only in the continent of Africa.

These trees only grow in the wild and can take up to 50 years to mature..but can live up to 300 years (crazy right)! Destruction of the shea tree tree is said to be prohibited because this little nut can provide a valuable source of food, medicine, and income for the population. Shea butter is sometimes referred to as "women's gold" in Africa, because so many women are employed in the production of Shea butter.


HOW CAN i USE IT....
Neat thing about this supplement is that it can be used for just about EVERYTHING. Shea butter can be used as to help heal burns, scares and also reduce wrinkles. How... it moisturizes the skin, promoting cell renewal, and increasing circulation. One of its common use is for the hair and skin care. Since shea has proven to be an effective moisturizer (due to the fatty acids that are needed to retain skin moister and elasticity), commercially, it been added to many cosmetic products (shampoo, lotion, oils, facial treatments, etc) we use today!

It can and will protect the hair and skin (if used properly). As for the hair, Shea butter can serve as a natural moisturizer for the hair follicles, but also can be used to repair damaged hair. Since it is natural, you don't necessarily have to add a bunch of "other" ingredients to this supplement to get the desired out come. Some people prefer to use it solely by itself, while others use it as an ingredient to a SUPER mixture for their hair and body regimen. I say why not do both! You can repair and naturally moisturize yourself from head to toe!



HOW IS THE orAKAle USING IT.......
Well I am glad that you asked!! Currently, I am using unrefined Shea butter in my scalp oil, daily body butter mix which I ABSOLUTELY LOVE ( its actually called "Coconut Confidence"created and named by the lovely and inspirational Sunshinelovespeace) and in my weekly leave in conditioner. Since I have type 4 A/B (and sometimes I see some C...but I digress) hair, this supplement is perfect for the perfect moister point I seek, plus my coils are defined and LOVE IT. Not only am I protecting my silky coils, but also keeping it properly moisturized AND stimulating hair growth (repair if needed). I am overly conscious about my hair/skin and its moister.....I'm always looking to see if its to dry, overly oily, etc. Well with adding Shea butter to my daily hair and body regimen and making sure its a staple in my alternative shampoo's and conditioners, I know that I am treating my coils good (and in return..they will do the same).

I plan to start updating you all on my hair regimen, and also my work out routines on here as well (since some have asked). You have to bare with me, for I am without a camera at the moment, so it makes it a little hard to post pictures in a timely manner. Lol. While some have told me specifically to "do better"...I promise I am trying family.

Until next time, the orAKAle has spoken..................


Information in this post were found on the following sites:
~ www.vitaminstuff.com
~ Premium-Grade-Shea Butter.com
~ www.short-hair-style.com

I'M BEING FEATURED

Hey Family,

In case you couldn't tell, I'm am super excited right now...why....because I was recently featured on Ms. Floyd's "Natural Hair Rules" blog - http://www.naturalhairrules.blogspot.com! It feels great that someone saw my story of transition and journey to a natural Silky exciting and inspiring enough to solely be discussed on her blog. I didn't think I had much to talk about or to say, but Soror Tamara was encouraging and really inspired me to want to inspire others...for that I say thank you girl!

While my journey has been tough at times, the one thing that kept me grounded and I could always could count on was the grace of the Lord! You will be surprised on how he can work in your life if you just lean on him and seek him first. I can truly say that this journey was well worth all the struggling, enduring and happiness that I've experienced. Some scriptures I live by and reference include (but are not limited too):

Trust in the Lord with thine heart and lean not until thine understanding. in all ways acknowledge him and he will make straight thy path.(Proverbs 3: 5-6)

I returned, and saw under the sum, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise. nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all (Eccelesiastes 9:11)

For verily I say unto you, that whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith(Mark 11:23)

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13)

And the list goes on and on.....

The lesson is to make sure anything that you do, you are doing it in fact for YOU. Grow and develop during your journey and enjoy every minute of it. Below is the link to her wonderful blog. Take a look at the feature, leave a comment and if you want, subscribe!

http://www.naturalhairrules.blogspot.com

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Addendum 7-07-09

I have also been featured on Curly Nikki's blog page as well http://www.curlynikki.com
Check me out!!!!!

The orAKAle has spoken.......

Lovin My Natural

The journey from chemical treated to natural hair has not been easy. But I will say that I've learned that what is important is the journey from the start to finish. Despite negativity and concern from those in around me (inner - outer circle), I am pressing on and am loving my natural!

This week I embarked on a new style in wearing my hair. It is not anything new or fabulous but I am proud that I DID IT on my own...and I'm loving the results (see to the right). Clearly I have a glow because today was one of the most interesting days I've had all summer. While walking about across campus, I was constantly getting looks and comments. See the stares/glares and words weren't hateful, but positive. People really notice my hair style and wanted to stop me in my path and let me know (verbally) or confirm my notion with looks.

As black women, I can say that I fell like most do....adhering to the stereotypes of how we are suppose to look and how to wear our hair. I was not brought up to hate myself or how God created me, but I really thought that natural hair, would not be becoming on someone like me or professional (for me). This was not to demean those who have always worn their natural hair, but it was my thoughts and what I felt was true. Lol. I laugh because I know now that I was ignorant to the meaning of true beauty, but also needed to personal grow (love myself even more). Today I am feeling myself, because I am getting so much love from acquaintances and/or strangers on my look. And I'm loving it!!

A great women, motivator, naturalista (yes I just made up another word) and blogger Ms. Floyd at Natural Hair Rules did a posting last week entitled "Has My Natural Offended You"....if you haven't read it, you should. The girl was preaching. Not only has she committed herself to motivated those (like myself) embarking on a natural hair journey, but those who are struggling with loving themselves (the way God made them). I mention her entry for I totally was feeling the sista; definetly today more than when I initially read it. Not to say that I think those around me are offended (which in fact some maybe), but more to send the message of "yes, I cut my long silky mane to have silky kinky coils...I'm sexier than ever now....AND I could care less of what you think". Lol. And from the attention I've been getting, its evident they feel the same. Lol.

I guess the lesson is that you have to love yourself before anyone else can love you. Remember that you can't control how others feel or view you, but you can control how YOU feel about YOU. Its a long's day journey family. As long as God is for you, who can be against you.

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