Home Grown Hair

2 Years Natural Today!

noreply@blogger.com (HomeGrownHairGirl) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 19:22:00 +0000

I am 2 years natural today!

HGHG

Wen Lavender Cleansing Conditioner Review!

noreply@blogger.com (HomeGrownHairGirl) — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 17:53:00 +0000

I purchased the WEN by Chaz Dean Lavender Cleansing Conditioner (32 oz.) from QVC. I bought it on 3 "Easy"payments of $20. My review (which is also posted on QVC) is below...

"I am an African American woman with extremely, curly hair (I have multiple hair types ranging from 3c to 4a). My hair is shoulder-length and I have been natural for nearly 2 years. I have washed using conditioner before (some of you may know of this as "cowashing").

After trying a generic version of this product, I thought to myself : "How much better can the real Wen be???" The answer: 1,000 times better!!! Using Wen has made me a believer! The generic version doesn't even compare in the tiniest bit. After one application, my hair and scalp feel AMAZING!

I'm not sure it's just the Lavender or if the other scents make the scalp tingle and feel rejuvenated as well. It might be due to the menthol that is present. The scent of the Lavender is just as Chaz Dean described; not floral or sweet. It smells like authentic, French lavender and mint. Once the product is rinsed out the lavender scent is light and the hair smells fresh.

I absolutely LOVE this product and will repurchase!"

HGHG

Hot Shots: Fashion Show - Twist Out (18 Months Natural)

noreply@blogger.com (HomeGrownHairGirl) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 10:11:00 +0000

Try Old Things!

noreply@blogger.com (HomeGrownHairGirl) — Mon, 23 May 2011 18:37:00 +0000

Try old things! By that, I mean revisit things from your hair past (healthy things, of course). This could be the use of a product or it could be a regimen practice.

For example, soon after I cut my hair I begin to co-wash. Eventually, I completely abandoned it; because I didn't find it to be necessary. However, recently, I wanted to clean my hair while retaining moisture. The main way I knew of doing so was by revisiting my old friend, the co-wash. I used my trusty Aussie Moist to "wash" and condition my hair. Of course, it worked like a charm! Over the last 2 months, I have found myself co-washing at least once, every other week.

I may even give Carol's Daughter Healthy Hair Butter another try.......Naaaaah!

But next up will probably be the practice of "pre-pooing." When I was transitioning, I used to pre-poo ALL the time. Let's see how it works out now.

HGHG

It's been a long time...

noreply@blogger.com (HomeGrownHairGirl) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 15:43:00 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

It's been a long time since I've posted a blog entry. I had to take a little break from hair-related stuff for a while. New things that have happened since the last time I posted:

I was able to put my natural hair into a bun! (See photos through the link to my Fotki account)
I graduated with my M.A. in Communications and Training!
I got a promotion on my job!
I moved into my first apartment!
I stopped obsessing about my hair so much! My styling time has cut down TREMENDOUSLY! In fact, I don't stress at all; and just kind of let my hair "tell" me how it wants to be styled for the day. (If that makes any sense.)

TTFN (Ta Ta For Now...)

HGHG

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (HomeGrownHairGirl) — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 13:06:00 +0000

Hot Shots: Flat-Ironed Hair! (1 Year Natural)

noreply@blogger.com (HomeGrownHairGirl) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 07:58:00 +0000

2 Items That I Love!

noreply@blogger.com (HomeGrownHairGirl) — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 16:49:00 +0000

Quickly, 2 new items that I recently purchased and love:

Mane N Tail Herbal Gro Leave-In Creme Therapy (Sally Beauty Supply), $4.99

I purchased this from Sally Beauty Supply. I wanted a light cream that could be used as a leave-in and/or for styling. This really works for me! It leaves my hair soft and shiny without weighing it down. Great for daily use without any gummy build-up.

Goody Custom Fit Adjustable Headbands (Walgreens), $4.99 for two

I bought these on a whim from Walgreens. In the past I have heard people complain about these types of headbands sliding off. For me, these have stayed in place all day without me having to worry. I've been wearing one of these for about a week straight. They just seem to be a bit more polished and/or professional-looking in comparison with the plain Goody ouchless bands. The only gripe I have is that the goldtone paint rubbed off of the accent almost immediately. However, since I really love this item I'll overlook that.

Hot Shots: 11 Months Natural!

noreply@blogger.com (HomeGrownHairGirl) — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 10:07:00 +0000

Ponytail with Twist-out Bangs

Hot Shots: Ponytail (10.5 Months Natural)

noreply@blogger.com (HomeGrownHairGirl) — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 00:27:00 +0000

Yay, my ponytail is growing fuller! :-)

10 Months Natural!

noreply@blogger.com (HomeGrownHairGirl) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 23:17:00 +0000

Image by Denis Collette...!!! via Flickr

Autumn is officially upon us! How do you ladies plan to care for your hair in the chillier weather?

Next week, I'll have been natural for 10 months!

I'll restock on hair products I like over the weekend.

My hair is healthy and doing well... When I reach the 1-year mark, I'll probably have my sister rollerset my hair.

Coco & Breezy Shades

noreply@blogger.com (HomeGrownHairGirl) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:39:00 +0000

I entered Ambrosia's (of Crochet Love) contest to win shades from Coco & Breezy. This week, she announced the winners and I was one of them. Cool! B-)

HGHG

Twisting with Conditioner and Oil

noreply@blogger.com (HomeGrownHairGirl) — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 06:23:00 +0000

Front of twist out (bangs)

Lately, I have been feeling very much like a minimalist. Earlier this week, I wore a drawstring ponytail.

However, I felt like changing up yesterday so I decided to do twists and a twist out. Using only Aussie Moist conditioner mixed with coconut oil; I did about 12-15 midsized twists. Letting them dry overnight, I wore my satin bonnet to bed. The next morning when I unraveled the twists...

Well, the results were PHENOMENAL!

My hair was SO shiny, soft and defined. And I was kind of shocked that the style held all day. No, frizziness, or losing its pattern.

LOL, to make sure this wasn't just a fluke, I shall have to try this again!

HGHG

Haters : Consider the Source

noreply@blogger.com (HomeGrownHairGirl) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:26:00 +0000

Alright, this blog has never, really been "deep" or presented any social commentary. I try to keep things light and fun. However, I just wanted to share an incident that happened to me this morning.

I was approaching the platform for the train I take to work. Suddenly, a man that I had never seen before came from nowhere. He was wearing baggy jeans and a wife-beater t-shirt. Not just any wife-beater t-shirt; but the filthiest, most digusting one I have ever seen in my life. Grime, dirt and yes, splotches of BLOOD were all over it. He looked like he had just been in a knife fight and BADLY lost. Not to mention the guy's lip was busted and he was talking to himself in the way mentally ill people sometimes do. His "beaded" hair was so matted and tangled that it was starting to lock.

As I walked pass this man, he stopped mumbling to himself in order to turn around and face me. Then he pointed at me and laughed.

And he yelled at me, "NAPPY HEAD! HA, HA, HA!!" then continued on his way...

(I promise I am not making this up)

The reason I am sharing this is that a lot of times when we receive negative comments regarding our natural hair; we have to consider the source it is coming from.

Many people that give unjustified commentary on other people's appearance, often have self-esteem problems and sometimes even emotional or mental problems. I mean, let's face it: you have to have issues to badmouth someone about their appearance when you look worse than, Anton Jackson, the homeless guy Damon Wayans played on In Living Color. I'm just sayin'...

Damon Wayans as "Anton Jackson".

When dealing with haters; we have to consider the source. This goes for so-called "friends", and relatives too! We all have issues it's just a matter of to what extent. I just urge you to think about these people and whether or not you even need to be around them for any significant amount of time.

If every time you are around Great Aunt Lucy, she chastises you about your weight, your clothes, and your hair. I know you love her, but maybe you should think about visiting Great Aunt Lucy LESS. Maybe Great Aunt Lucy is mean and bitter because of decisions she made in her life, and wants to make you feel as bad as she does. Who knows?!

Don't let other people have the power to influence your self-image or self-esteem.

I'm so tired of these forum posts where people whine,"Oh Great Aunt Lucy said this" and "Great Aunt Lucy said that"...

SO WHAT! You know what? F#ck Great Aunt Lucy! Live your life for YOU and not anybody else.

Just something to think about...

/rant

HGHG

Another Vintage Style Shoot Coming Up!

noreply@blogger.com (HomeGrownHairGirl) — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 15:53:00 +0000

Photo Credits
Model: Nicole Jenelle
Photographer: Karen Wade

I have been wanting to add some swimwear shots to my portfolio. As someone who finds vintage-inspired clothing to be very classy; I will be wearing a red, vintage style swimsuit!

Some models wear wigs when they shoot retro work. However, my preference is to wear my own, natural hair, if at all possible. Wigs can look cheesy and very "wiggy" if you know what I mean..

Anyway, I'll post photos; so that my finalized hair and styling can be seen! :-)

HGHG

Natural Hair Journey Revisited

noreply@blogger.com (HomeGrownHairGirl) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:12:00 +0000

My blog turns 1-year-old this week! In addition, I am 8 months natural today! In honor of that, I decide to compile a YouTube video showing my natural hair journey so far! I'm definitely not a video guru, but I did the best I could, lol... HGHG

What Are Your Hair "Home Remedies"?

noreply@blogger.com (HomeGrownHairGirl) — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 22:21:00 +0000

Like many other women, I'm closely budgeting myself right now. As a result, I'm interested in trying various, homemade, hair "remedies"... Particularly, mixtures that would condition the hair well.

I currently use coconut oil and olive oil in my conditioning treatment. However, I'd like to branch out to using any other helpful ingredients.

Feel free to post a comment sharing your homemade conditioner!

Thanks,
HGHG

Hot Shots: Cinna-bun with Flower

noreply@blogger.com (HomeGrownHairGirl) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 15:45:00 +0000

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An Alternative to the Traditional Ponytail

noreply@blogger.com (HomeGrownHairGirl) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:26:00 +0000

My hair is not yet long enough to put into a respectable ponytail or bun.

So,what do I use whenever I want to "fake" a ponytail? I use an old-fashioned banana clip! (Yes, the banana clips that people wore in the 1980s, lol!)

These claw-like contraptions are available for $1 or less at most beauty suppy stores. Although I normally sport a black clip, the color doesn't necessarily matter; because my hair covers it anyway...

How to:

I moisturize and/or gel my hair beforehand.
After that I brush my hair back and gather my hair as if I'm about to put it into a ponytail.
Then, instead of using a scrunchie, I (gently) close the banana clip around the hair. (Be careful when handling the clip; or it will break in half--though it is usually able to snap right back together again.)
Fluff my hair out, and that's it!

Try it out if you have shorter hair! :-)

HGHG

The Cinna-bun: A Great Protective Style!

noreply@blogger.com (HomeGrownHairGirl) — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 07:29:00 +0000

So, I recently learned about the "cinna-bun" -- a wonderful protective style. This should be good for transitioners, because the ends remain hidden.

Here is the link to a nice, YouTube tutorial for this style: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GP8FdTTsSk4!

Photos of my first attempt at the cinna-bun can be seen below...

Hope this helps,
HGHG

First Ponytail

noreply@blogger.com (HomeGrownHairGirl) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 15:19:00 +0000

I'm happy that I can finally put my natural hair into a ponytail, while curly. It's a short ponytail, but hey, you have to start somewhere! :-)

HGHG

Happy Independence Day!

noreply@blogger.com (HomeGrownHairGirl) — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 14:08:00 +0000

I hope everyone has a happy & safe 4th of July! :-)
Sincerely,
HomeGrownHairGirl

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Bee Mine Products - 4th of July Sale!

noreply@blogger.com (HomeGrownHairGirl) — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 15:33:00 +0000

One of my favorite product lines, Bee Mine, is having the following sale for the 4th:

Happy Buying,
HGHG

Nascar & The Beach

noreply@blogger.com (HomeGrownHairGirl) — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 01:02:00 +0000

Within the past month, I've had to turn down some modeling opportunities in order to focus on grad school. However, I'm happy to report have a couple of jobs coming up!

First, I'll be working a promotional job Nascar next weekend. Looking forward to it because last year I had a great time. Who knew this city girl would enjoy being at Nascar?

Then, later on this month, I'll be doing a beach photo shoot! This will be my first on location shoot.

I'm pleased to find that I am still able to book the same amount of jobs (if not more than before)... Most clients love my new, natural hair.

HGHG

Fro Fever!

noreply@blogger.com (HomeGrownHairGirl) — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:00:00 +0000

I haven't decided how I'm wearing my hair on July 4th yet; but leaning towards my own variation of the side fro...

There are a bunch of helpful tutorials on YouTube. Who knew there were so many afro styles??

Signed,
HGHG