D-I-Y Nappturaliciously: It's BRAID-cation Time Again!!!!

It's that time of year again!!! It is the time when Miss Mooch gets some much needed rest and relaxation for the next few months... and goes on a much needed BRAID-cation.

This weekend, I will be a braidin' fool and this year I am going for some long, black, box braids. I cannot wait!! Next week, I will be sure to post about the installation of the braids, so be on the lookout for that one.

I am thinking of trying something a little different this year in terms of how I maintain my braids while they are in. So I decided to check out CurlMart to see what products might be good for moisture, protection, and shine. And of course I need something that will smell fabulous! Which lead to a bit o a dilemma... I not only found one product I thought might be good... I found FIVE!! LOL

As I know that all of you are wise and know your stuff when it comes to products, I am leaving the decision as to which of the five to pick in YOUR hands!! Here's the options (in random order):

As I Am CocoShea Spray ($15.00, CurlMart)

Nourishes, softens and enhances shine
Hydrates hair
Seals in moisture
Protects against weather damage
Moisturizes the scalp

EDEN BodyWorks Jojoba Monoi All Natural Hair Oil ($9.99, CurlMart)

Decreases dandruff and itchy scalp
Strengthens hair
Prevents breakage
Leaves hair full of shine

Jessicurl Oil Blend for Softer Hair ($11.95, CurlMart)

Adds softness and shine
Available in three scents:
Citrus Lavender
Island Fantasy
No Fragrance

Kinky-Curly Perfectly Polished ($18.00, CurlMart)

Protects hair
Adds Healthy Shine
No Mineral Oil
No Petroleum
Silicone free

Darcy's Botanicals Organic Coconut & Hibiscus Conditioning Oil ($10.00, CurlMart)

Provides healthy conditioning
Encourages hair growth
Adds sheen and softness to hair

Which of the five products do you think I should try this summer? If you've tried and loved any of them, be sure to share your feedback. Leave a comment with your pick!!

D-I-Y Nappturaliciously: Ms. Mooch takes a BRAID-cation!!!

Hey y'all!!! Ms. Mooch is on BRAID-cation for the summer! Hooray!!! It's been two weeks since adding the braids to my hair (I know this post is long overdue, but from the picture above, you can see that I still had some allergy issues that haven't completely worked itself out! lol)

I started by making sure my hair and scalp was clean, using my usual regimen. The following day, once my hair was partially dry, I started braiding my hair.

This time around, I opted to use Miracle's Yaki Pony Hair, which I purchased from a Beauty Supply Store downtown Brooklyn.

 I liked the color combination used, so I snatched up 8 bags of this hair. I couldn't wait to get started. Before applying each braid, I made sure that Ms. Mooch was super moisturized by applying Karen's Body Beautiful Beauty Boss 101 to each section of hair and the scalp.

8 hours later, I was finished and SHOCKED at how quickly I managed to get the job done. I opted to use smaller braids than I initially planned for, because I feared the larger braids would be too heavy.

So far, I am really loving how light they feel and the variety of styles I can work with!! I say that I CAN rock a variety of styles, but mostly I'm rocking a high bun. 

It's great for when I take my walks!! Synthetic hair + Neck + Summer + Physical Activity = HOT!!! LMAO

The view of the braids from behind!!

So what do you think? Is Ms. Mooch's BRAID-cation a win or a fail?!?!?

D-I-Y Nappturaliciously: Hair Love AND an Introduction...

I haven't be writing a lot of D-I-Y Nappturaliciously posts about my own hair (product reviews, length checks, etc.) in a while, I know.

Only part of this is because I'm unemployed. Having a limited budget definitely has put a damper on my spending, I'll admit, but that's not really the main reason why I haven't. The truth of the matter is, I was feeling very... uninspired about my hair. I was still loving being natural and was certainly not itching for some creamy crack. I just was in a rut, and budgeting for natural hair goodies wasn't really all that exciting to me. I am very happy to report that all of that has changed.

What changed it?!? Four Words: Miss Moon Gets Healthy. Yes! All of the work I've been doing in eating healthy and exercising and drinking nothing but water has really manifested itself in my hair. And for the past few weeks, I've been looking into the mirror and LOVING how my hair has looked!! So much so, that I officially gave my curls a very new (and improved!) nickname!!!

For years, I've nicknamed my hair "Freeda", or more specifically, "FRIZZ-eeda", because well... the Frizz really got on my nerves! But no more, darling 'do. That name no longer suits you at all!! Before I reintroduce my hair to all of you, permit me to indulge in a little back story.

The year was 1988. I was 11 years old and in the car with my Dad, who asked me what I wanted to do that afternoon. I said that I wanted to see a movie. My Dad has never (in my lifetime, at least) been the "Go to the movies" type of cat. I can count and name the number of movies I've seen with my Dad on two fingers! LOL

But, in a fortunate turn of events, he agreed and we went to the Green Acres mall to go see what would be playing that day. Yes, that is what people did before Moviefone! #TeamOldFogey

I don't remember the other movies that were playing at the time, but out of all that was available, I remember that "Satisfaction" was the one movie poster that I thought was the most interesting. Plus Justine Bateman was in it, and I had a huge girl-crush on her back then!

And I was right. That movie kicks ass to this day!! And I walked away from watching it a) Vowing to form an all-girl rock band one day! and b) With a brand new CURL crush: Trini Alvarado!!!

This movie was all about Mooch for me! She was the character I could most relate to, being a young girl from East Flatbush Brooklyn.

She was the kick ass girl who stole a van from a gang banger (with the unfortunate name Bunny Slotz) to get the band to the audition!!! She played the drums like the devil, and (spoiler alert) she was revealed to be a very shy girl and by bringing her vulnerability to the surface on occasion... she got the cute sensitive guy at the end of the movie!! And to top it all off, she had GORGEOUS hair!!!

Which leads me back to 2012, when 34 year old Audrey was admiring her hair in the mirror.

I looked at myself and said, "Girl, you are looking very "Mooch" today!!"

And I gasped and said, "That's it!!!!"... So it is with great honor, that I reintroduce you all to my hair...

Meet Ms. Mooch!!!! And I am also very pleased to let you know that Ms. Mooch and I will be revealing our updated regimen in the upcoming weeks, in addition of having A LOT of new products to try and review for you good people! Ms. Mooch is a good influence on Miss Moon, don't you think?!?!?! LOL

What's your nickname for your hair, if you have one? Also, what products would you like to see me try on Miss Mooch and review? Leave a comment and tell "us" all about it!!! ;)

Let's Talk Tresses Friday: How Far Would YOU Go For Hair Growth!?!?

If you are like me, I am sure you have heard the rumors circulating around the interwebs about how topical treatments like Monistat and Neosporin are MIRACLE WORKERS at increasing hair growth. The theory is that because both products contain Miconazole Nitrate, which is an antifungal, applying it to your scalp with improve hair growth.

Okay, is it really all that serious?!?!? I'd love a head of hair like Cree Summer's, but slathering my scalp with cream intended for my no-no parts when I'm feeling "not so fresh"?!?! Eewwwwwww.....

Okay, fess up... have you tried Monistat 7 or Neosporin on your scalp for hair growth? Would you? Let's talk tresses!!!

Let's Talk Tresses Friday: Where do YOU go to get #naturalhair Inspiration?!?

The internet is a FANTABULOUS place to get inspired when stuck in a rut about your natural hair. You can watch YouTube tutorials on the latest and greatest updo, crack open a magazine, or read your favorite blog (I hope you all have checked out my "I Heart Her Hair" posts!!)... or do like I always do, check out natural hair images on Google.

The fabulous folks over at House of Mikko have now added another source for inspiration, their new "I Love Your Hair" app, available today for download for iPhones and iPads!!

The I Love Your Hair app is designed to be a source of beauty inspiration for the everyday woman on the go!!! Not only can you search for the best do' for that special occasion, you can submit your own lovely locks to inspire others. Blogger Betty Confidential put it best, "Its like instagram and Twitter for Hair." Check out this video for more on the app!



Android users (Like me!), don't worry... the Android compatible app in presently in the works!!!

Where you get your inspiration? For my iPod/iPad users, will you be downloading the app? If you have already... what are your thoughts?!?

Let's Talk Tresses Friday: Is Steam Part of Your #NaturalHair Routine?!?

As I have mentioned earlier, I recently invested in a Hair Steamer. I've used it twice since receiving it, and...to quote Peter Gabriel, "Give me steam...". LOL

Ohmigod, why has it taken me so long to get one and discover first hand how WONDERFUL steaming is for my hair?!?! Since using the steamer to deep condition, my hair has been thriving incredibly in these cold months in NYC when my hair is sometimes prone to be super dry and brittle! I'm hooked!

Do you use a steamer in your hair regimen? How do you use your steamer? Leave a comment with your tips and experiences!!!

Let's Talk Tresses Friday: Fess Up... What Hair Myths Do YOU Believe?!?

Today's Friday the Thirteenth, so I figured it would be the best day to talk about Hair Myths and Superstitions...

Frequent trims make hair grow faster.... "Lather, rinse, and repeat" is the only way to get your hair clean... Cutting your hair during a full moon makes it grow back faster... You can mend split ends with the right products...

There are dozens or so such myths out there regarding our hair that many people (myself included) still belief, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

I myself superstitiously cuts my hair according to the farmer's almanac... it may not work a lick, but it certainly hasn't harmed my hair in any way! LOL

What hair myths or superstitions to you believe!?!? Let Talk Tresses, Ladies!

Let's Talk Tresses Friday: What are your #naturalhair Resolutions for 2012!?!?

2012 is just days away... and now is the time where many are putting together their lists of new year's resolutions... changes they want to bring into the new year.

I am no different. I have a lot of aspirations for the year to come: places I want to be, opportunities I openly welcome, wisdom I'd like to bring into my life... and there are many resolutions I have when it comes to my natural hair -

*In 2012, I want to invest in a hair steamer. I don't have the room for the Huetiful Hair Steamer, so I will be getting a Stand up Hair Steamer instead, and incorporate steaming into my weekly deep conditioning routine(I can feel my hair drool in anticipation of combining Anita Grant's Rhassoul Deep Condish with a steamer!!!).

*In 2012, I will (finally!!) master twisting my hair. I never seem to get them right, so I will try once a month to twist my hair so that they will last at least a week, and rock a twist out afterwards!

*In 2012, I will put my hair in the hands of a professional at least once a season, for regular trims. I have not been to a hair salon in decades, and while I have gone a long way doing it alone, I know that with the help of a good natural hair stylist, I can go even further!!!

*In 2012, I will try a new twist to my yearly "braid-cations", and will be rocking a wig over my braided hair. It's a great way to protect my hair for weeks at a time. And fans of YouTube's Taren916 know exactly what wig I'm currently cyber-stalking! LOL

*In 2012, I will learn how to cornrow my hair. Like twists, my cornrows are always hit-or-miss, and I think that if I continually try them throughout the year, I will find consistency with them.

Are you making New Year's Resolutions when it comes to your hair?!?!? What are your resolutions?!?! Leave a comment and share!!

D-I-Y Nappturaliciously: Mixtress Magic - Oh Honey! Hot Oil Hair Treatment

I've been dying to try a Honey Hot Oil Hair Treatment in my hair after hearing raves about it throughout the natural hair community. I was a bit skeptical at first, I must admit, but after reading up on the healing properties of honey, I was sold.

Honey is a humectant; it attracts and holds moisture. This makes it a good choice for damaged or dry hair. Incorporating a Honey Hot Oil Treatment can help return the natural shine and will add health to your hair.

Honey Hair Conditioner Recipe

Ingredients:
1/2 cup honey
2 to 4 TBS olive oil (depending on hair type, use lesser amount for oily hair)

Directions:
Mix together the olive oil and honey then massage well into your hair until evenly covered.
Cover your head with a shower cap and allow the honey treatment to set for 30 minutes or longer.

Wash & shampoo hair very well and rinse thoroughly.

Check out the fabulous ashiek118's video tutorial on the Honey Hot Oil Hair Treatment for a more in-depth tutorial.



Have you tried a Honey Hair Treatment? Be sure to leave a comment with your thoughts! I will be trying this in the upcoming weeks, so be sure to check out the blog for pictures and tales of my experience.

Let's Talk Tresses Friday: What #naturalhair FAIL Are You Still Regretting?

Many seasoned naturals will agree that finding what works for your particular hair is trial and error... sometimes with an emphasis on the error.

You can read every new book on the subject, and lock yourself away for a week and watch nothing but the best YouTube Vloggers, but if you do something that is NOT good for your hair... you'll know.

I've mentioned my unfortunate DIY dye job in the past, and to this day I still reel over how much damage it (coupled with being very liberal with the blow outs) caused to my hair. It is by far the biggest fail of my natural hair journey, but I'm proud to say that I learned a great deal about my hair from the failure, and my hair has thanked me for listening to the message.

What has been the WORST thing you've done to your hair since going natural? What have you learned from the fail?

Let's Talk Tresses Friday: What's your Favorite "Go To" Product?!?!

While I love trying the new, shiny, great-smelling product on the market, I admit to having staples: tried and true products that I know will make my hair very happy and most important, healthy.

My favorite staples are Carol's Daughter Healthy Hair Butter, Mixed Chicks Gentle Clarifying Shampoo, and Karen's Body Beautiful Luscious Locks Hair Mask. What products are tried and true for you?

D-I-Y Nappturaliciously: Mixtress Magic - Curl Recipes from NaturallyCurly.com

When I worked at Carol's Daughter years ago (in their Customer Service department), I had a few opportunities to chat with Founder Lisa Price. She's a very sweet, and down-to-earth woman, who knows her sugar-honey-iced-tea when it comes to the D-I-Y approach to hair care!

Because of this, I was not surprised in the least when I read on NaturallyCurly.com that they had partnered with Carol's Daughter to provide a one stop shop for a bit of Mixtress Magic on Demand!!! Not only does Lisa share some of her favorite recipes, but readers are invited to add their own!!! Here are a few of my favorites:

Hair Rinse

This rinse is ideal to boost shine and soothe the scalp. Made with chamomile flowers and lavender it's as beautifying as it is relaxing.

Ingredients:

2 cups water
Chamomile Flowers (handful)
Lavender Buds (handful)
Fresh Peppermint Leaves (small bunch)
Chopped Fresh Parsley (small bunch)
1 large Lemon
Chopped Rosemary (small bunch)
10 drops of rose geranium essential oil

Directions:

Chop herbs and flowers and place in 2 cups of water. Squeeze lemon and add juice. Boil and let cool. Strain mixture to separate water Pour throughout hair after cleansing and conditioning. Do not rinse out. Style as usual May also be placed in the fridge in a spray bottle to freshen curls in between shampoos.

Scalp Exfoliating Treatment

These are one of my favorite recipes to make. Outside of it smelling good enough to eat, its fun to make. In order to have healthy hair, you have to start with a healthy scalp. I like using sugar for the scalp because its gentler than salt.

Ingredients:

4 Tbsp. Brown Sugar
1/4 c. Coconut Milk
2 Tbsp Grated Coconut
2 Tbsp. Honey
Lemon Zest from 1 Lemon
Oil Elixir:
2 Tbsp Sunflower seed oil
2 Tbsp Soy oil
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 drops of lemongrass, grapefruit and geranium essential oil

Directions:

1. Empty dry contents into a bowl 2. With a spoon, stir together and mash any clumps of brown sugar 3. Stir in coconut milk and honey 4. Once thoroughly mixed, slowly stir in 2 tablespoons of the Oil Elixir.

Key Tips for Mixtresses from Lisa Price

1. Always write down exactly what you do when you make a recipe, even if it's rough notes. It can be annoying because you want to be creative and grab things, but if it comes out glorious and you can’t remember what you did it's hard to recreate steps. If it comes out horrible, you can figure what went wrong and fix it.

2. Never be afraid to experiment. If it sounds interesting, go for it.

3. Two of my staples are shea butter and cocoa butter; they are like butter and eggs. You can make a cake without them, but it’s not going to be as good. There’s simply a texture and richness that the combo of shea butter and cocoa butter brings to things.

4. When it comes to oils, opt for ones that don't have a heavy odor associated with them. You can blend them and not have the base oil interfere with the fragrance. Some good oils to work with are wheat germ oil, coconut oil and macadamia oil. You get effectiveness without weight.

5. If you're a new mixtress, avoid recipes with glycerin. It tends to be sticky and tacky, which can be challenging.

6. If you're working with a recipe containing bananas and avocados, it needs to be used right away. Even if you're putting it in the refrigerator, it can turn bad too quickly.

7. A lot of times people think they can infuse fragrance from real flowers, but buying botanical oils are cheaper. It takes about 4,000 pounds of rose petals to distill one ounce of attar of rose (essential oil of rose).

8. Some of the easiest recipes for beginning mixtresses include hair oils, scalp exfoliation treatments and herbal rinses.

9. If you’re making products as gifts or to sell, you need to disclose ingredients on the label. You never know what somebody’s allergic to.

10. Some good books for beginning mixtresses include:


"The Art of Aromatherapy: The Healing and Beautifying Properties of the Essential Oils of Flowers and Herbs" by Robert Tisserand


"Aromatherapy Book: Inhalations and Applications"by Jeanne Rose


"Aromatherapy Workbook" by Marcel Lavabre

To check out all of the recipes, be sure to visit the Curl Recipes homepage at NaturallyCurly.com

Let's Talk Tresses Friday: How Often Do YOU........?????

When first embarking on a natural hair journey, it can seem like there are tons of "rules" to adhere to, and in the interest of making sure your hair is well taken care of, you may want to follow them like gospel. I know that was the case for me, and I am sure many of you felt the same way starting out.

After a while, I realized it's about taking their advice and using it to formulate a regimen that is specific for YOU... based on your hair's needs. There is really no uniform, universal way to maintain our hair, because each of us have various hair types, challenges and needs.

How often do you wash, co-wash and deep condition your hair?

How often do you trim your ends?

I bet our answers will be as diverse as our hair textures and colors!!! Leave a comment, and let's talk about your regimen and how it works for you.