Thursday, May 24, 2012

My Regimen and A Product Review

Peace Naturalistas!

     Before I jump into this product review, I want to give my little lecture about product use. First of all, I am a believer in the saying "less is more", especially when it comes to caring for your natural hair. After I fist big chopped, the only products in my bathroom bin were shampoo, conditioner, and Cantu Shea Butter. Because I didn't know very much about maintaining my TWA (Teeny-Weeny Afro), I resorted to sew-ins and kinky twists-- which was a good idea, because I was able to let my hair be. The less I bothered my hair the better-- this allowed my hair to grow without fear of damage. Since then, my knowledge of natural hair care has increased, and naturally, the amount of hair products grew too. Now, I use both sulfate and sulfate-free shampoos (to clarify my hair when it needs it or to maintain my hair's natural oils and moisture), leave-in conditioner, deep conditioner, and hair oils regularly. Not to mention a few hair butters and cremes for when I'm rocking my twist-outs, braid-outs, bantu-knot outs. Getting to know what your hair needs is an important factor when deciding what products to buy, so educate yourself! Know what a sulfate is and what it does! Know what ingredients to avoid, like alcohol, parabens, and petroleum based products. In short, products can be your best friend, or your worst enemy.. Be careful not to overdue it!

     My regimen currently consists of:

  • Washing my hair once a week, followed by conditioner in the shower and leave- in conditioner after towel-drying

  • Deep conditioning once a week (usually before I wash)

  • Apple Cider Vinegar rinse every other week

  • Trimming ends when necessary

  • Twisting hair with hair cremes, butters, or leave-in conditioner

  • Moisturizing daily with water and spritzing lightly with oil

  • Protective Styling

  • Minimal heat (lightly blow drying after a wash to stretch hair)
My hair is more kinky (4c is the technical term) than curly, so its more prone to breakage than other curl patterns-- therefore moisturizing is my top priority. On top of all this, I try to drink plenty of water and eat lots of fruit to ensure hydration. A product that I use to keep my hair moisturized during the week is b.a.s.k. Palm Tapioca Deluxe Hair Cream. This stuff is amazing! It stretches my curl pattern, softens my hair,  has a soft hold (great for chunky twist outs!), and it smells like a dream (Vanilla Dulche de Leche and Almond). It has oils derived from the Palm family, including Babassu oil-- which is quickly becoming one of my favorite oils (it's in my shampoo too!).You can find the b.a.s.k. Palm Cream here.

Sheeba in her full glory! Why am I squinting?!
I used the Palm Tapioca cream on the twist out above with a little of Ms. Jessie's Curly Meringue for a little more hold and definition. I think it turned out pretty well! That's all for now I guess.

Keep it Nappy ya'll!

AphroKiki





Saturday, May 5, 2012

Product Reviews Coming Soon

I recently started using a few new products: Shea Moisture's Purification Masque, Nubian Heritage Shampoo, and Beautiful Textures Leave-In Conditioner. I like to use new products for at least two weeks before I give the verdict on them, so expect a review soon!

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Aphrowho? AphroKiKi is in the building!!

     Aphrokiki was created for the purpose of appreciating beauty. It is also a place where I can post inspirational pictures, informative articles, and positive images of women celebrating their natural beauty. I also plan to keep track of my hair's progress as well as the setbacks I encounter, and from time to time I will review natural hair products. The natural journey is an educational journey, therefore I'm an advocate of all naturals getting to know their hair. I hope this blog will inspire those who wish to explore their natural texture to transition and experience the joy of caring for your hair in it's natural state. Now for a few facts about my natural journey:

Date of Last Perm: May 21, 2010

Duration of Transition: 7 months

Big Chopped: December 19, 2010

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Pictures!!

My relaxed hair in 2008.


Transitioning in 2010 with kinky twists.


Day of Big Chop! Notice the Beanie =)


My first twist out! Look at that TWA Grow!

     "Going Natural" can be difficult, but the hardest part is getting started. Letting go of old behavior was my biggest obstacle. If it wasn't for the countless blogs and Youtube videos that I watched during my transition I would not have made it. I've been free of the creamy crack for 2 years now and I'm never going back.

Keep it nappy ya'll!
AphroKiki