I've Been Gone for a Minute

So, I've been MIA for awhile, but I will try to do better! :) This summer, well, since July, I was wearing a sew-in. Since the beginning for November, I have been weave-free and wearing my natural tresses. I've totally missed wearing my hair and have had fun using new products and seeing what works on my hair. When I initially took out my sew-in, I made a little concoction with unrefined natural shea butter, coconut oil, and Vitamin E oil. I even mixed them products together with my hand mixer! In addition, I used the Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioner, and used Miss Jessie's Stretch Silkening Cream to do two strand twists. My hair came out GORGEOUS! It was shiny and looked thick and healthy! And I got tons of compliments!

Just last night, I re-did my hair (my style was looking a little old), so did a quick wash, conditioned my hair, and did another two strand twist. I'm happy to say that this time didn't take me as long as it did the last time I did my hair. I'm excited to see the results. (I may even share some pics with you all!)

Over the past few months, I've been introduced to some new products that I absolutely love, so on my next post, I'll share what those products are and how I used them when styling my hair. Remember, stay nappturally beautiful!

Vitamin E Oil Works!

I've found I mostly complain about having dry hair. No matter what I use-conditioner, shampoo, leave-in moisturizer-I still lacked non-dry hair. I used to use Vitamin E Oil like it was going out of style. During my latest trip to the hair store, I got myself a new bottle. Can I just tell you guys I have forgotten the benefits of using this on my hair???

When I first used it, I noticed a difference. My hair was very soft to the touch. I also noticed some shine, which I tried to create with a few products, but nothing really worked. I was very pleased with the Vitamin E, and use it at least 3 times a week. You don't want to use too much oil because it will make hair oily, which is no good.

When I apply the oil, I typically will do it after I've braided my hair. I'll apply it in between a few of the braids and massage it into my scalp and hair. Once I wake up the next morning and wear my braid out, my hair is soft to the touch and has a nice sheen to it. Vitamin E Oil can also be used when having a scalp massage or it can work alone to have the affect and feel of one. It has been noted that Vitamin E promotes hair growth and prevents hair loss. (Read more about the benefits of Vitamin E to the hair here.)

I have to admit 2 summers ago, before I started pressing my hair, I had the longest, healthiest head of hair I've had since being natural. I think a lot of that was contributed to the fact I was using Vitamin E on a regular basis. Once I started wearing my hair straight, I stopped using it.

I'm glad I rediscovered my love affair with this essential, natural vitamin. What are some of the benefits that you have found from Vitamin E or any other natural oil?

Remember, stay nappturally beautiful!

My braid out on 5/30/09 (My cousin's wedding)



My braid out on 4/12/11

Benefit Cosmetics B.Right Radiant Skincare

So you have the perfect hair, the right tint to your mane, and the greatest wardrobe for the new Spring season. But you've noticed that over the Winter, your skin has become a little dry and flaky. Never to fear, I have the PERFECT remedy for you!

Benefit Cosmetics has launched a NEW skincare line. B.Right Radiant Skincare has the perfect products to help you achieve a radiant glow this season!

You can purchase these products online at www.benefitcosmetics.com, your department store, or Sephora. If you're in the DC area, I implore you come visit me at Macy's Metro Center at the Benefit counter for a demo. You can walk right in or call the store to schedule an appointment! With a cucumber and mango scent along with a unique tri-radiance complex, you are sure to have the best skin of your life!

Until next time, stay nappturally beautiful!

I Need...

Hello, napptural divas (and the men who love us)!!! It's been eons since I've written (here), but I've been a busy, busy bee! (I know, no excuses!!). My hair has grown exponentially (YAY!), but I still have issues with it being dry. I was about to type "coarse", but I realized I'll probably always have coarse hair (it's just the texture, no soft and wavy here), but dry can be fixed. My main natural hair need is a really good leave-in conditioner. I've heard many people mention Hair Milk by Carol's Daughter, Shea Butter Leave-In by Cantu, Knot Today by Kinky Curly, and Soothing Hair Milk by Garnier Fructis. So, I've tried the Hair Milk (not a big fan) and the Soothing Hair Milk (I actually like it). I've very anxious to try the other two products to see if they work on my hair. But I'm also anxious to hear any suggestions.

Another problem I have is wanting to buy a whole bunch of stuff when I go to the hair store or Target. I don't necessarily NEED anything (except the leave-in conditioner) but I look at shampoo, conditioner, curly puddings, and the like. Thankfully, I don't need an intervention, but I need someone to tell me it's ok to be happy with what I have.

Lastly, I need some new styles. This may sound crazy, but my hair has gotten too long for a braid out. Last week I braided my hair (after not having done so for about a year), and my hair was sticking straight up!!! Not a cute look. I realize that twist outs are much better for me. My co-workers jokingly called me "Sunburst" last week. As I stated here before, I have 4B type hair. So even though I found a girl whose hair is great, I don't think her style is going to work for me...but I may be wrong. I need to find that YouTube video again...

So I don't seem like the needy girlfriend, I want you guys to tell me what you need from me! Do you need tips, suggestions, advice, a shoulder to cry on, anything??? I'll share the little bit of knowledge I have!! Since it's been a while since some of you have seen me, I'm sharing a few photos, one even taken today after a fresh twist-out. (Oh, on my hair last night, I used the Garnier Fructis Soothing Hair Milk, Jamaican Mango and Lime Locking Creme Wax, and Miss Jessie's Curly Meringue, which I'm actually growing to love.) I used the milk and wax all over (too avoid adding to much product to my hair) and added the meringue to individual sections of my hair before twisting it. Until next time, stay nappturally beautiful!!!


Me in December 2010


Me on NYE 2010 (Don't worry, it didn't last! :))


Me in Feb 2010


Me last month at my PT job


Me today!