[Recap] Return of the Curls: Taming the Beast

This past week in Richmond, VA one of the best Natural Hair events that I've ever been to took place, Return of the Curls: Taming the Beast! I say this was one of the best events because there was constantly something to do or learn, whether it was attending a workshop, watching live demonstrations, or meeting vendors & retail owners the day was fun and exciting! 

Bloggers from the Curly Girl Blogger Panel & Host Keenya Kelly. 

My Perfectly Imperfect Sisterlocks

My Sisterlocks are far from perfect in the sense of uniformity, but they're perfect for my personality. I don't intentionally try to be different, it just seems to happen that way and that it pretty much how my Sisterlocks are growing. 

Right now, at 21 months into my journey, I think I have almost every phase in my head, from loose and no where near budding to solid bud and loc. So in case you thought my Sisterlocks were "perfect" or all loc'ing and budding at the same pace, let me give you a closer view... 

Instagram Has Gone Natural!

Today Essence Magazine posted a photo gallery of the "100 Naturalistas to Follow on Instagram; and the article is full of amazing hair pictures & beautiful women!

[Event] Return of the Curls & Ticket Giveaway

One of the most highly anticipated events of the Summer is quickly approaching! On Saturday, July 28th the Return of the Curls event: Taming the Beast will be going down!

There are countless sponsors for the event so you know you'll be able to get almost any product you've ever heard about! There was also be a several workshops, demonstrations, and presentations from your favorite Bloggers/Vloggers, including yours truly! 

Here are just some of the events that are planned for the event: 

Awkward Phase of My Sisterlocks Journey

You know that period of time in your journey where your hair is either too new to be cooperative or you just don't know what to do with it; that's the "awkward phase". When I had my TWA, the awkward phase was...eh...but I made it through. Now on my Sisterlock journey and having thought I'd been through that phase already and I don't have to worry about it, I find myself there now.

I literally just realized this morning that I am actively going through the awkward phase. I know this because I read a post on IG about how afraid people are to start their loc journey because of that awkward phase, and a fellow loc rocker said that was the best stage. She summed up that phase as the time you find yourself and your inner beauty.

Her words hit me like a ton of bricks. Don't get me wrong, I love my Sisterlocks and I absolutely love myself, but I notice I don't take even half as many self portraits as I did with my 'Fro or the beginning of my Sisterlock journey. Well, I do take the pictures but im just like "Eww, my hair looks weird in this picture" or "I wish my hair was in an updo this picture would look better". So after reading her comment on IG, I realized that I have been in denial about the awkward phase of my journey and I need to look inward more.

I truly enjoyed the awkward phase of my loose natural journey; and you can ask any of my friends and family, during that phase I found my passion in natural hair care and purpose to encourage women to accept their natural beauty. This makes me realize that I need to do more soul searching and find inspiration from within.

How Often Should I Shampoo / Co-Wash My Hair?

This is a question newly naturals have and even people that have been natural for months still ponder. First, let me say that washing your hair is good for hair growth. If your goal is to grow long hair, then doing frequent shampoos will help stimulate your scalp and increase blood flow to your hair follicles, which will result in hair growth. However, if you are using products with unfavorable ingredients you could be doing more harm than good with an increased frequency. Using shampoos with sulfates, cones, or any other drying ingredients can stunt hair growth, cause breakage or split ends, and/or dry out your hair.

During my hair journey, these are my regimens for each stage:

TWA

During the TWA stage, you have the most freedom to shampoo your hair. Most naturals at this stage do "Wash-N-Go"s all the time because they're quick and easy. Basically a Wash-N-Go, is when you shampoo and/or co-wash you hair, put in a Leave-In conditioner and a sealant and go on about your day. Because of the frequency of Wash-N-Gos you're typically washing your hair 3-5 days a week. This is entirely okay, as long as your shampoo and/or conditioner are moisturizing. My favorite shampoo was the OyinHandmade Honey Wash!

WEN & Huetiful Hair Steamer on Sisterlocks

I ordered the WEN Hair Care System about a week ago because I'd heard great things about how it does not fade hair color, it gently cleanses the hair, and it hydrates the hair really well. Lately, my Sisterlocks have been pretty dry, so I decided I'd give it a try. I received the entire WEN Hair Care System, including the Cleansing Conditioner, Re-Moist Intensive Hair Treatment, Texture Balm, and Styling Cremé in the Sweet Almond Mint scent.

[Event] 2nd Annual DMV Natural Hair Meetup

When: Saturday, August 4th
5PM - 7PM

Where: Busboys & Poets @ 5th & K
1025 5th Street NW
Washington, DC 20001

Tickets: $5

To purchase a ticket, visit DMVNaturalHairMeetup.eventbrite.com! 

[Recap] Happy Nappy Day

Despite the rain and cloudy day, I did get a chance to make it to Nappy Nappy Day in Baltimore, MD. I think the rain scared a lot of people away or maybe I was just late because there was just a light crowd amongst a sea of products and accessories. 

[Event] Happy Nappy Day

I love Happy Nappy Day, it was one of the first natural hair events I ever attended! If you're in the DC / Baltimore area, you definitely want to attend this event! There is good food, amazing vendors, and great people to meet!

I hope to see you there! And if you ever like a pair of my earrings, this event is where I found most of them!