When Animals Attack...

Hair tools, that is.  I left my comb on the foyer table, and Wisdom managed to reach up there and get it. He is a power chewer and really likes to chew on hard plastics (or completely destroy stuff toys).  As you can imagine the plastic comb was right up his alley.

Fortunately, he didn't bite the comb's teeth too badly, he mostly focused on the handle. I still want to get a new comb. I went to Sally's yesterday, but they were out of the shower comb.

Wash Day Update

In my January Hair Update, I talked about how the plastic bands I used to secure my braids on wash day were breaking my hair.  I got some great suggestions and your input was appreciated. I decided to try out the mini scrunchies and I really like them.  I only have to wrap them twice around my braids, they stay put and they don't appear to cut into my hair.

What's interesting is that I noticed that when I would wash with the plastic bands, there would be a hair caught in the hair drain guard. But now, there is no hair caught in the hair guard.  The plastic bands were cutting into my hair as I washed, but I didn't realize anything was wrong.  Although I never had this problem with the black mini rubber bands, I decided to stick with the mini scrunchies.

Products I Use on My Natural Hair, Part 2

By: MsNastassja

In my last post, I shared the products that I currently use and love.  Here are some other things I really like to use:

Giovanni Direct Leave-In. I'll add this either right after washing my hair, or in the mornings to dry hair before school. I just apply it to the ends with wet hands.

Alberto V05 Hot Oil Shower Works. This has been hard to find where I live, but I use it sometimes after my Aussie detangling session.

Reader Mail: Tips for Growing Out Nape Hair?

Bottom 1" of nape (1/2010)

Bottom 2" of nape (1/2010)

A reader asked:
"I'm having trouble getting my nape to grow out. Years of wearing ponytails has taken it's toll. What should I do?"

Firstly, you are not alone.  Regardless of the length of my hair throughout my hair journey, I have always had a "weak spot," usually my nape and temple area. Here are some suggestions to get the nape area back on track:

• If you relax your hair, then relax your nape last so it gets the least amount of processing time,  
• Take care to not over brush your nape,
• If you wear your hair down, you can even do a horizontal braid to your nape only which will protect it from being rubbed against your clothes,  

Natural Hairstyle Pictures

MsNastassja's new cowgirl hat

Natural hair is very versatile and offers the same styling options as relaxed hair.  

If you are natural or transitioning, check out the Style Gallery for pictures of MsNastassja's hairstyles. Hopefully they will give you some ideas and inspire you to try a new hairstyle.  

MsNastassja went to her first rodeo yesterday and bought a cowgirl hat.  Who knew that a cowgirl hat could be so sultry? LOL. My sister is something else I tell you.  

Q&A: Horseback Riding

A few people have asked me to share about my horseback riding lessons.  So I hope this is helpful.

My first time on/around horses. May 2008

What got you started?

The first time I ever rode a horse was for my birthday in 2008.  It was a little intimidating at first because horses are such massive, albeit majestic, creatures.  We took a private ride and our guide let us canter and gallop.  I loved it! The thrill of riding is like nothing else, I honestly felt like I was flying.  The day after this ride, I was so sore - my abs especially.  I knew that riding would be a fun way to exercise, so I decided to take lessons.  

Lessons?

I was busy planning my wedding, so I didn't take lessons right away. After our wedding and getting settled after we moved, I researched riding lessons in my area. Horseback riding can be a very expensive, yet rewarding sport to participate in.  Since I live in a rural area, the rate ranged from $25 - $45 for group lessons, or $30 - $55 for private lessons. The length of the lesson can range from 30 minutes to 1 hour. I needed to have flexibility with my lesson schedule, so I opted for private 1 hour lessons.

Products I Use On My Natural Hair

By: MsNastassja

So I just wanted to give a brief rundown of the products I use in my hair.

There is a bit of variability in the products I use, but there is one thing that I always use and love. Aussie Moist conditioner. It is cheap, comes in a huge bottle with a pump, and I use it to detangle my hair with a wide tooth comb before I attempt to wash it. This is also a good co-wash between shampoos.

From there, things can get interesting. For years I only used Kinky Curly products, including:

• Come Clean shampoo, 
• Knot Today leave-in conditioner, 
• Curling Custard (which is a gel that smells like sugary cupcakes) 

Reader Mail: Does Longer Hair = Thinner Ends?

Sept 2008. Thin ends caused by rough stylist

A reader posed the following question: Why is it as relaxed hair gets longer it gets thin at the ends?


Here are three reasons that hair sometimes start to get thinner as it gets longer.


The first explanation is that since the ends of your hair are the oldest, they are more prone to breakage.  Assuming your hair grows at the average rate of 6" per year, if your hair is 12" long, then the ends are 2 years old.  If your hair grows less than 6" per year, then at 12" long, your ends will be older.  So for 2 or more years, your ends have been washed, flat ironed, sunburned, twirled between your fingers, and if you choose "whipped" back and forth.

Healthy Hair Feature

I was so excited when Loo contacted me about doing a feature on her blog, Healthy Hair and Body.  Check out my feature here.
Thanks Loo!

Sulfur Scalp/Growth Mix

As I shared in my Winter Wig Regimen video, I use a sulfur coconut oil mix on my scalp during the winter months.  For me, the sulfur prevents my scalp from being itchy and flaky.  It is also a popular ingredient in growth aid products.  

While I have used sulfur for several years, I can't really attest to whether it has actually increased my hair growth.  However, there are several women who have reported increased growth with using sulfur based products.

There are different types of sulfur powder; I use Sublimed Sulfur, which I purchased on Ebay.  Some pharmacies may also carry it, so check with your local pharmacy.  

I use coconut oil as the base oil for my sulfur mix but any carrier oil will suffice.  Some good carrier oils include olive oil and castor oil.  You can also "spice" up your mix by adding essential oils.    

Do your research before you start making your own sulfur mix.  It is important that you use caution when working with sulfur.    Generally, it is not advised that you make your sulfur mix stronger than 10%.  As always, test a small area on your skin/scalp before you apply to your entire head.

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Offer valid from February 10-12.

Wig Regimen FAQ

"Scalp" shot of the wig

Here are some of the most common questions I get about my wig regimen.  I hope this is helpful.  

1. Do you sleep in the wig?
• No, I remove the wig every night, moisturize my hair, and cover with my silk bonnet.  When I'm at home, I usually just wear a pretty scarf to cover the braids.
2. Since your hair is texlaxed, how do you get the hair you leave out to match the wig texture?
• I flat iron the hair I leave out once a week, after I wash my hair. 
3. How do you care for the hair you leave out?
• I use my usual creamy moisturizer daily on the hair I leave out.  If I used the liquid moisturizer that I apply to the braids, it would cause my hair to "revert" and would require more frequent  flat ironing to match the texture of the wig.