Embracing Nappiness

I am using hair grease!! This has been the buzz of many hair blogs and boards recently and what caused me to take a second look at grease. Before I really took the time to learn the how to take care of the hair I was hiding under wigs and weaves I would wash it, comb out the knots with no conditioner. (Yeah I should be shot) Grease it with Sulfar 8, twist and put it back under my multitude of wigs. 


Well as you have seen I have made no qualms in sharing that I have been having issues with what I loving call "crispy crown syndrome" to the point I went to a dermatologist. So I went to buy Sulfar 8, but the Sally's near my apartment in Chicago SUCKS! So I remembered in my "relaxed days" I tried the Profective line so I picked up a jar of Profectiv Root Health Daily Anti Dryness Strengthener. I have to say that so far I am impressed with it. It's very light creme and a little goes a long way. The ingredients aren't perfect, but right now my itchy scalp as subsided and that is all that matters to me. 

My recent buy from Walgreens.com buy one get on free sale

So I tried the Curl Smoothie when I found it locally at Walgreens and I was in LOVE.  I am not to keen on paying shipping which is why I didn't try it before. So after I lost my damn mind last weekend buying up Shea Moisture products, I tried the Deep Treatment Masque last night. OMG!  I did add a little EVOO, Jojoba, Tea Tree and Castor on top.  I slept in it overnight.  I washed it out this morning and LOVE the feeling of my hair.

After washing it out I parted my hair in six sections applied my curl smoothie and finger raked it thru each section and then applied the castor oil on top. Because the winter winds of the Windy City have been BRUTAL I have been wearing a wig. However, I decided to take some time this weekend to do my two strand twist smaller so they will last through the week with my workouts and co washing at night. Would I rock them as a day-to-day style, nah, I ain't that good yet. However, I will snatch that wig off at the gym and get my sweat on in Zumba!

I love Shea Moisture products, I adore the black soap for my skin and especially for my face! I highly recommend this line and it's not too hard on the pocket book either.

Business woman extraordinaire Tyra Banks gets a HUGE C'mon Son from me for her TypeF youtube channel.  I am not a fashion industry insider, but the foolishness that is being exemplified worldwide on this channel is setting the natural hair movement back 100 years.  The resident expert, Joann Robertson is utterly laughable and unbelievable with her so called tips.  Take a look at this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdkQDJzXNlQ&feature=related

Where do I start? Where are your edges? Why is your hair so dry? When is the last time you detangled? This woman in a joke.  I went to her website, where she has a nice shiny straight weave on and I am sure this woman has no idea how to take care of natural hair.  I already side eye Tyra for a lot of things, but after this tomfoolery, I just can't. Tyra, you fail for this on so many levels.  I am so glad that there are many women on youtube that have provided me good advice and message boards out there that have people who really are interested in sharing positive advice on natural hair and not throwing bullshit together like what is being promoted on the TypeF site.  They definitely have the F right as in FAIL!

So I had a follow up with my dermatologist and she is very happy with my progress.  I have to be honest, I am happy too! My hair no longer breaks at a simple touch! It has the same texture as the rest of my hair and the itching is minimal.  Thank you Dr. Brooke Jackson! I have a follow up at the end of the year.  My hair is retaining moisture and length. A little at a time, so I am not stressing about it.  As the Fall approaches, it's time for another wig so I am hunting for a new style. It's starting to get cool here in Chicago, so no more wash n go's! Until later darlings! Have a wonderful day!

*please note the flash makes it look worse

So for the winter my hair had been hidden, but in February I had my second professional blowout as a natural  by a Caucasian sister. ( I will discuss later) And she was concerned that one section of my hair was so short and breaking when the rest was thriving. Mind you the first blowout I had was from an African American that noticed the same issue, but said nothing other than "what happened here."  The Caucasian stylist recommended I see a dermatologist.

So fast forward, this past week I went to see Dr. Brooke Jackson of the Skin and Wellness Center here in Chicago.  I have to say the mere fact I had no idea she was 4a/b natural herself was a shock when I met her, but I was so glad I choose her because she truly understood. I am a Zeta and she is a AKA, and while we laughed at that with each other she was very insightful, understanding and gave me hope I wasn't going bald. PHEW!

She did discuss my hair history, which we both agreed I have done a whole lot of mess to my hair!!! After she did an examination she said, the hair is growing there, but it breaks as fast as it grows.  UUGHHH!! She said the area is lacking sufficient blood circulation and that the crown area is very common for this issue. However, she felt with a little TLC my hair can grow back because it's not bald, but there is just extreme breakage. she currently has me on two topical treatments and I have a follow up in a few weeks, but I will say the feeling of the hair in this area has already started to change.

I am glad that Gloria of Noel Rose in Lincoln Park, Chicago told me to look into a dermatologist.  I feel so much better knowing there is hope for that part of my hair. I will keep you all posted!

I feel horrible, but life has been what it is, life. Lots of personal and professional drama, but I am back because after a recent experience with my hair I feel I must share with everyone my journey, especially us 4B girls, since we have to rep really hard.  So I will be posting more frequently.

Hello natural ladies.  I have been ghost for a while.  I have been working out heavily and focusing on work.  Now that the Fall/Winter is here in Chicago, I am protecting my natural hair.  I love this wig! I have two.  I get many compliments with it, but I miss my natural hair, however, the wind and the cold, no bueno!

The big difference this time is I am maintaining what is under the wig!  Anywho, just wanted to check in! Stay fabulous!