Coily Garden

Going Natural Was Not Easy

2013-02-20T19:31:00.003-08:00

When I started my journey, I knew very little about taking care of natural hair. I transitioned and had no clue what products would work best on my mixture of relaxed and natural hair. Roughly nine months into my transition, the middle of my hair broke off and I was really discouraged. That's when I discovered YouTube. I learned so much by watching them and reading books that I kept going. The transition was rough but it was worth it!

I recently had to get a trim because my ends started to knot and tangle. Just sharing a picture of my hair journey... (See below).

Bloggers and Vloggers needed for Philly Natural Hair Show

2012-12-04T20:00:00.001-08:00

Philadelphia Natural Hair Show - May 4, 2013
For more information, contact: info@phillynaturalhairshow.com
phillynaturalhairshow.com

Save The Date!

2012-05-13T08:01:00.000-07:00

The Philadelphia Natural Hair Show will make its inaugural debut on Saturday, May 4, 2013. There will be opportunities for attendees to shop and get the latest styling trends. If you are interested in conducting a natural hair workshop, vending or general information, please email info@phillynaturalhairshow.com

Hair Relaxers & Fibroids News Report

2012-03-01T19:04:00.000-08:00

Hair Relaxers & Fibroids: MyFoxPHILLY.com

Click on the link below the video to read the story.

What do you think?

Healthy Hair + Healthy Body = Healthy Me

2012-01-24T20:11:00.000-08:00

Two weeks ago, I set out on a healthy lifestyles journey. I have been on my natural hair journey since July 2009 and now I am committed to making changes in other areas of my life. I have proven to myself that I have the discipline to stick with my hair regimen and now the focus is on developing my nutritional health. My goal is to create better eating and exercise habits and lose 25 pounds along the way.

"Before you start an exercise and nutrition program, be sure to consult with your doctor and find a plan that works for you."

During the first week of my journey, I did the 3-day Catalyst Cleanse. I wanted to recharge my system and start with a clean slate. For three days, I only had six, 16 oz bottles of a fruit & veggie blended juice. The cleanse allowed for as much water & decaf tea that I wanted. I documented my days and talked about the juice. The juices were numbered from 1 to 6. Two of the juices were the same blend (No. 1 & No. 5). Unfortunately, these were my least favorite. So I skipped out on number five each day. As a result of the cleanse, I lost 2 lbs. on the first day. It was a little scary and exciting to drop 2 lbs in one day. Ultimately, I lost a total of 3 lbs 9 oz during the fast.

"Find resources to help measure your progress and keep you on track."

After the Catalyst Cleanse, I decided to clean up my diet and exercise plan. Easing back into solids, I started eating a lot of fruits and vegetables. I also started drinking more water and getting more exercise. I also installed a food tracker app to help me journal my daily food & exercise intake. The MyFitnessPal app is a free tool that can be downloaded for mobile devices or accessed via the web site.

"Document! Document! Document!"

The second week was very productive because I created a regimen designed to help me reach my goal. The MyFitnesPal app took some time for me to become familiar, but now I use it multiple times daily. I also managed to squeeze in four classes at the gym. My plan going forward is to take three to five classes per week.

I am dedicated to using the same patience and commitment I used during my hair journey to reach my Healthy Me. Let me know what you are doing in 2012 to be a Happier and Healthier You.

For more information about the Catalyst Cleanse, Visit: www.catalystcleanse.com
For more information about MyFitnessPal, visit: www.mfitnesspal.com

Isis Brantley talks about the Nzuri Hair Show

2012-01-03T22:40:00.000-08:00

The Nzuri Natural Hair Health & Beauty Showcase in Houston last month was phenomenal. Thousands of attendees filled the Reliant Center for two days of product sampling, shopping, workshops and pageants. I had the pleasure of meeting Isis Brantley. Isis is a well-known celebrity hairstylist, master braider, author and icon. We had a quick chat and she shared her thoughts about the show. I have attached the clip below.

Isis offers natural hair care classes and official certification. To get more information on Isis Brantley, visit her website at: www.naturallyisis .com.

Hair Locking 101 Presented by Malaika-Tamu Cooper

2012-01-01T18:54:00.000-08:00

Malaika-Tamu Cooper is the owner of Dreadz n’ Headz located in Baltimore, Maryland. She has extensive knowledge about natural hair care and is known to many as “Loc Mama.” Malaika has over 16 years of professional hair care experience and her credits include: founder of the Baltimore Natural Hair Care Expo and The Evolution Tours; instructor of many international educational sessions; and lecturer at “The Peoples Expo” in Maryland.

I have recently had the pleasure of attending Malaika’s workshop at the Nzuri Natural Hair Health & Beauty Showcase in Houston. The workshop entitled, “Hair Locking 101” focused on loc education and was very informative to the attendees, including those who wear loose hair. I was really blown away by scalp mapping. This process is used to assess things that may hinder healthy hair growth. I never knew that so much could be learned about a person based on their scalp.

If you are interested in booking Malaika for a workshop or seminar,
call (410) 876-0600 or email Ohnappy1@gmail.com.
Don’t forget to check out The Evolution 2012 Tours. For more information or to find a city near you, go to www.naturalhaircareexpo.com.

An Inexpensive Gift Idea With Endless Possibilities

2011-12-16T23:03:00.000-08:00

The weather is changing and it's time for me to break out the hats, scarves and gloves. I just ordered the Infinity Scarf from LuvNaturals and had to share this information with you. If you haven't tried an Infinity Scarf, I would highly recommend it. Not only does it keep you warm, it can also add the right punch to make your outfit pop! Those who are familiar with this scarf can attest to its versatility and endless ways it can be worn. You can drape it over your head for a stylish hood; wrap it around your shoulders as a shawl; twist it around your waist to create a sweater; or just wear it as a scarf. The Infinity Scarf is definitely my favorite accessory for the season.

I was playing with different styles.

This will make a great gift that is reasonably priced! You can find them as low as $13.99 at LuvNaturals.com.

Nzuri Natural Hair Show Ticket Contest Winners.

2011-12-06T17:58:00.000-08:00

Guess who will be joining me at the Nzuri Natural Hair Show?
You have each won 1 General Admission ticket to the show!

SilkHandz74

Billeigh Waters-Mark

Akida Mark

To redeem your prize:
Your ticket will be waiting at the front door. Bring a federal or state-issued picture ID with your name printed as you have submitted it. If I don't have your full name listed above, please email me your first and last name by Wednesday, December 7th.

Congrats to all the winners and I'll see you there!

Win Tickets to the Nzuri Natural Hair Health & Beauty Showcase!

2011-11-29T18:42:00.000-08:00

Are you going to be in Houston on December 10^th or 11^th

and want to attend this fabulous event?

Do you have any family and friends in the area

that would be interested in attending?

Better yet, do you know any Curlies

that would benefit from the professional workshops

and extensive product lines available at the show?

I’m giving away tickets to the Nzuri Natural Hair Show! Enter to be one of the 14 winners that I will select to join me at this year’s showcase.

Enter for your chance to win!

Here's what I'm giving away:

10 General Admission tickets (only 1 ticket per winner)
3 (1 day) Arm Bands (only 1 band per winner) ($25 value!)
1 (2 day) Arm Band ($45 value!)

How To Win A Ticket:

Enter a comment below on the one “must-see” thing that you will do at this year’s event.
You must be a Coily Garden follower to be eligible for the contest. Only comments under this post will count. One submission per person is allowed. All entrants must be at least 18 years of age to participate.
All winners will be announced on Tuesday, December 6, 2011.

For more information or to order tickets, click here.

$10 T-Shirts at Natural Hair Cute-Tees!

2011-11-27T20:43:00.000-08:00

Shop Cyber Monday and Get Special Deals on Select T-Shirts* at

naturalhaircute-tees.com

Check out the New Special Editions shirts.

*The sale items are not available in the Spreadshirt Store. This special offer is only available at
http://www.naturalhaircute-tees.com

Would you like to be a Nzuri Top “Natural Beauty” Model?

2011-11-19T08:44:00.000-08:00

I am really excited about the opportunity to participate in this year's BloggersPhere at the Nzuri Natural Hair Health & Beauty Showcase. I look forward to meeting all of you who will be in attendance. This is a great chance to meet other curlies and get lots of hair care tips, tricks, advice and tons of products! There will be lots of fun and exciting activities for the whole family to enjoy.

One event you should not miss is the Nzuri Top “Natural Beauty” Model Series 1. This event will feature naturals making a splash on the runway. If you have what it takes to be the next Nzuri Top "Natural Beauty," enter for a chance to win over $7K in prizes! If you are interested in being a model, email NzuriModels@Yahoo.com so they can email you all the details.

For more information, go to http://naturalhairshowcase.com

Order tickets for the Nzuri Natural Hair Health & Beauty Showcase.

Do You Have any African American Books or Magazines Just Sitting on Your Shelves Collecting Dust?

2011-11-13T18:35:00.000-08:00

SUPPORT OUR MILITARY SISTERS STATIONED NEAR THE ARCTIC CIRCLE!

I was so moved by The Hairs a Thought Naturalista Deployment Drive, that I started thinking about additional ways to help our troops who have limited access to African American literature and products. Thinking that it would be great to send natural hair books and media, I reached out to the Operation Paperback organization (http://www.operationpaperback.org/).

There is a group of African American service women at the Thule Air Base in Greenland who have specifically asked for books by African American authors. These women are serving at the most northern location anywhere on the globe – about 750 miles north of the Arctic Circle. They are really trying to get a nice library for their community center and are in need of donations. They are looking for all genres of books, but a hair book or two wouldn’t hurt.

So, if you have any issues of Ebony, Essence, O Magazine, etc. or books by any African American authors (e.g., Maya Angelou, Teri Woods, Audrey Davis-Sivasothy, Nikki Turner, Chris-Tia Donaldson) please donate them! Maybe you’ve written a book and would like to put a copy in their library.

Please mail all of your new/used donations to:

Operation Paperback

PO Box 426

Wynnewood, PA 19096-0426

I will be shipping the first batch of books and media on December 3, 2011. Drop me a comment if you need additional information or have any questions.

Support the drive and spread the word!

Help to get their library stocked before the holiday season ends!

Help To Close Your Cuticles While You Add Shine and Minimize Hair Frizz

2011-11-05T13:08:00.000-07:00

The weather has changed and I found myself looking for various ways to lock moisture in my hair. In order to cut back on manipulation and handling, I wear my hair in protective styles for most of the week. Recently, I changed a few steps in my routine and can see the difference. I started using cold water on the final rinse and a t-shirt to dry. As a result, my hair is shinier than it has ever been before. The cold water closed my pores and cuticles-- thus smoothing my strands. It is naturally shiny without any product added! When I used the t-shirt to dry, my hair was less frizzy and the coils were more defined.

Just curious...

If you use cold water for your final rinse, did you notice a difference?

I have heard that drying with microfiber towels produces the same results as using a t-shirt. If you have tried both, did you notice a difference?

Save the Date! Nzuri Natural Hair Health & Beauty Showcase!

2011-10-25T20:49:00.000-07:00

This event is sponsored by Miss Jessie's.

For more information, go to: http://naturalhairshowcase.com/

In Case You Have Not Heard... There's Still Time!

2011-09-26T21:28:00.000-07:00

Hairs a Thought (HAT) is sponsoring a Naturalista Deployment Drive that ends October 1, 2011. HAT founder Briseida Bethancourt, is collecting new and "gently used" natural hair products to send to our naturalista's who are deployed overseas.

Help support our troops and donate natural hair care products they may not have access to. If you are buying any products this week, pick up an extra one to send to our troops. If you have tried a product that didn't work for you donate it to this worthy cause.

Please mail all of your gently used and/or new natural hair product donations to:

ColorMiNatural

17460 IH 35 N Suite 160-314

Schertz, TX 78154

For more information, visit: http://www.facebook.com/notes/hairs-a-thought/the-hairs-a-thought-naturalista-deployment-drive/264788846867416

No Dryers Or Flat Irons For A Year And It Made A Difference!

2011-08-28T21:05:00.000-07:00

It's almost been a year since my last blow dry and flat iron experience. I can really see the difference from not applying any heat to my hair. My hair has gotten a lot fuller and stopped breaking off. Over the past year, I have been pretty consistent with my hair regimen and it’s working. The tools that I use are a spray bottle, detangling comb, plastic bag and a scarf. My staple products are a sulfate-free shampoo, detangling deep conditioner, leave-in conditioner and oils.

During the past year, I wore my hair in braid out styles. My weekly routine included a nightly spraying my hair with water, re-braiding in larger sections and wrapping it in a scarf. In the morning, I applied coconut oil to help seal in the moisture for the day. When I did this, it stretched my curls and cut out the "matted" look (a special thank you to Chicoro for the advice on refreshing my braid out). In addition, I co-wash 2-3 times during the week using either Aubrey's Honeysuckle Rose Moisturizing Conditioner or Giovanni's Smooth As Silk Conditioner. This is followed up with a leave-in conditioner (Kimmaytube's recipe) and a little avocado oil on the braids before they are wrapped.

Typically, my wash day required at least four hours. I started the night before by doing a pre-poo. At that time, I detangled my hair with my fingers and added either Amla or olive oil to each section before twisting it. Once completed, I tied a plastic bag* on my hair and went to bed. I completed the shampoo process using Curls Creamy Curl Cleanser. This shampoo removed dirt without creating a lot of tangles or shedding that I've experienced with other natural shampoo products. After conditioning, I followed the same steps as above only alternating Argan oil instead of avocado oil to seal my braids.

* (Disclaimer: It is not recommended that you sleep in a plastic bag.)

It has almost been a year since my last flat iron experience. I didn't think that I could last a year without thermal curling my hair - especially for special occasions. The challenge of retaining growth while creating styles that I could wear to formal events or the office was not easy. But, If you are on a no-heat challenge, I encourage you to keep going. You will see the difference within the first month. I will probably get my hair blown out for a professional trim early next year, until that time, my journey continues.

What are your tips for no-heat challenges or encouraging advice that you would like to share?

Natural Hair T-Shirts & Accessories Store Opening Giveaway

2011-06-23T18:59:00.000-07:00

Natural Hair Cute-Tees Is Giving Away A Cutie!

You will be just in time for the summer with these new designs of natural hair cuties printed on tees, tanks and totes. Enter to win one free item of your choice from Natural Hair Cute-Tees.

Click here to view products.

How To Win A Cutie:

Go to the website http://naturalhaircute-tees.spreadshirt.com and view products. Pick one item that you would like to win.
Copy the product name, item number, color and size (if applicable) from the items in the shop. Post your selection in the comments section below.
You must be a follower to be eligible for the contest. Only comments under this post will count. One submission per person is allowed. All entrants must be at least 18 years of age to participate. One winner will be selected after there are at least 100 qualified comments posted below. The winner will be notified and announced on this blog at the close of the giveaway.

What I've Learned Transitioning from Relaxed to Natural Hair

2011-06-12T19:34:00.000-07:00

My journey began early in the Fall of 2009. I had my last perm in July and noticed that the top of my hair was starting to thin. I would professionally relax 3-4 times a year, but was still experiencing breakage that kept my hair slightly below my shoulders and now thinning on the top. I was not mentally ready to face a big chop so, I decided to long-term transition. I knew nothing about the level of moisture natural hair needed and detangling the two textures I was dealing with. By the ninth month, I had really bad breakage that was partially (95%) my fault. I hated washing my hair because I would get huge knotted clumps right at the part where the natural hair met the permed hair. Not knowing the value of a good detangler and a gentle hand, I ripped the knots and my hair out of my head. I ended up with a chop by default because the middle of hair had broken off to about 3 inches (flat ironed) long.

At the end of September 2010, I started doing no-heat styles and this was one of my not so great twist outs. Look at the spaces and heat damaged top. Ugh!

After the major breakage, I was still having progress and set backs because I had not developed a regimen and didn’t know what worked on my hair. So, I started watching Natural Hair Care videos on YouTube in the fall of 2010 and learned a lot about my hair. The ladies on these YouTube channels were very resourceful and informative. I am very thankful for all of the tips and information that helped me persevere through my mistakes and setbacks during my journey. They encouraged me to try new products – I admit that I was a product junkie for a minute, but it helped me to learn my hair. I bought books, test strips, researched ingredients and tried countless styles. I was starting to develop a new love for my hair.

What a difference time, patience and education makes!