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.......

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