Naturally Obsessed

How I Style | Wash & Go Pt. 2 "Nighttime Routine"

2013-05-23T14:28:00.001-04:00

*Watch In HD*

Products Mentioned:
Wen Pomegranate Rosemary Treatment Oil (Ebay has the best prices)

Pictures after the jump...

Have A Great Day :)

How I Style | Wash & Go Pt. 1

2013-05-23T14:19:00.002-04:00

*Watch In HD*
***Using heat (diffuser/blow dryer) is just a option. I prefer my curls stretched and I find that it gives more body and decreases tangling...for me.***

Products Used:

Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner as a leave in

Clear Eco Styler Gel

Coconut Oil

Video: How I Style | Braid Out Part 2

2013-04-25T13:42:00.000-04:00

*Watch In HD*
FINALLLLLLLLY!!!!! So sorry for the HUGE delay in uploading this video. At the time this tutorial was made, my computer was acting a fool and I had to have it serviced. I actually thought the files got deleted in the process, but after some digging I found them.

I pinky promise to never make you guys wait months for a sequel lol!!

Enjoy :)

If you have not seen Part 1 it can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-HmrLvok-I

Products Shown: (I was NOT paid to mention these products)
Coconut Oil from Tropical Traditions
Jane Carter Nourish and Shine

Guest Post: 5 Challenges Everyone Must Try

2013-04-25T13:38:00.000-04:00

submitted by Ken of SoulShakedownParty
Personal Challenges keep me sane. Knowing that I’ve decided to start something, endured the full period and started seeing positive results or changes- however small they may be, is a great feeling. So, I’ve decided that I’m going to do a personal challenge again in the upcoming month. In deliberation, I’m running back and forth through a mental list of the challenges I’ve done before, attempted or thought of doing, and trying to decide which one would be a good idea.

I compiled a list of 5 of these great challenges to share with my readers: 5 Challenges Everyone Must Try. Of course my list is female-biased but nonetheless, no one is excluded from trying any of these challenges.

If you are new to any of these challenges, doing it as a group challenge is probably the best way to start off. It is easier to stay on track because it’s so easy to lose focus at first. The idea of competition is also always a great source of motivation.

The Hide Your Hair Challenge is personally the most fun challenge I’ve done. I did a lot of protective styling (mainly updos) during this challenge. When I get tired of wearing my hair up I simply switch to wearing it down and then continue the cycle. However I wasn’t able to do this during the challenge because I had to hide my hair and protect my ends. After the first 2 weeks I had to get creative with my hair and the styles. That was the fun part and the challenge altogether was a great change. It made me take styling seriously for once.

30-Day Squat Challenges have gone viral. Although I’ve never done a squat challenges, I used to include squats in my regular exercise routines so I know how challenging it could be. Squats are a great workout for your lower body and are among the few exercises that are super easy to do at home. The good thing about the squat challenges that I’ve seen so far is that they include proper rest days and the difficulty level increases. I know a lot of beginners are complaining about the pain of trying to walk the next day. Well..the old cliche No Pain, No Gain works well with exercise.

The 8-A Day or eight glasses of water a day is something I try to live by. You don’t have to literally drink an eight ounce glass of water 8 times daily. What you eat, how much extra physical activity and your body’s needs determine how much more water you need. Water intake depends on individual needs. What I’ve learned to do is drink small amounts of water regularly or when I really feel the need to. Carrying around a bottle of water instead of buying juice also helps. It’s a hard habit to get into but it was really worth it after some time. Your body will really thank you later..

This was a personal challenge idea that I got from a book. Unfortunately, I cannot remember the title/author of this book. The aim of the challenge is to say something positive or give a compliment to someone you may not know too well (since it’s easier to be nice to people we are familiar with). This self-development challenge was an uncomfortable one at first since I’m shy with strangers in person. I know you’re probably wondering how giving someone a compliment makes YOU feel better. A compliment works positively both ways- for both giver and receiver. Try it..

The Eat Healthy Challenge combined with the 8-a day challenge, has bigger and better overall health benefits. But it is my least favourite, most frequently attempted and least successful challenge to date. I love junk food. The End. Okay, eating healthy is a great choice and we all know that it’s something we should be doing so, but it’s hard right? Junk food is my weakness so I make up a million excuses. This is the one challenge that I’ve only attempted too many times to count. But I think that it’s also the one challenge that everyone should try- Including myself again. So, motivation anyone?

Ken, you've definitely motivated me! Especially the eat healthy, sweets are my weakness lol! On the outside I look pretty darn fit, but even a skinny chick can be out of shape. Lately I've been trying to workout and incorporate more veggies in my diet by way of juicing, but it's sometimes hard to stay focused. However, when I'm lacking inspiration I'll be coming back to this post. Thanks for sharing! -SHANA

To read more from Ken please visit www.SoulShakedownParty.wordpress.com and to stay in contact follow her on Twitter @SoulShakedownParty :)

Protective Styling | A Simple Twisted UpDo

2013-04-17T15:03:00.002-04:00

In Review: As I Am Hair Care Collection

2013-04-17T14:45:00.000-04:00

***WATCH IN HD***

Hey guys....long time no vids huh?!! LOL! I've missed you guys!!!!!!!
This is a really quick video expressing my new found love of As I Am!!
Enjoy!

•Coconut Co Wash (Cleansing Conditioner)
Key Ingredients: Tangerine/ Coconut Oil/ Castor Oil/ Saw Palmetto and Phytosterols
Cost: $7.99 for a 16oz jar @ Sally's Beauty Supply

•Leave In Conditioner
Key Ingredients: Coconut/ Amla/ Sugar Beet/ Green Tea/ Lemon/ Apple/ Sugar Cane/
Phytosterols and Saw Palmetto
Cost: $10.49 for an 8oz bottle @ Sally's Beauty Supply

•Twist Defining Cream
Key Ingredients: Sunflower Oil/ Castor Oil/ Amla/ Sugar Beet Root and Phytosterols
Cost: $21.99 for a 16oz jar @ Sally's Beauty Supply

•Smoothing Gel
Key Ingredients: Aloe Vera Gel/ Sugar Beet Root/ Vegetable Glycerin and Wheat Protein
Cost: $7.99 for an 8oz jar @ Sally's Beauty Supply

Pictures after the jump!

Have you tried this brand before? What are your thoughts? What's your favorite products from As I Am?

**I was not paid for this review or was I asked to mention these products. My opinions are 100% my own and honest.**

Obsessive Links: Is Gray Hair Beautiful?

2012-09-26T12:43:00.002-04:00

I think so! I've been noticing the grays in my kinks for some time now and just yesterday I post a pic of one of my longest ones on Instagram. I only have a few for now, but I've always been a fan of gray hair. Yes, it's a sign of age, but to age is a gift in my opinion. It's a sign of life! So I wear my gray strands proudly and always encouraged those around me (especially my mother) to do the same. But, not everyone shares my enthusiasm...and that's fine too!

Supermodel Iman posted her thoughts of grays on her site Destination Iman, and I love her point of view and the views of the ladies she spoke with. Here's my favorite excerpt from her article...

"That being said, I think women who are completely gray are positively sublime. Whether cropped short or long and layered, every woman I’ve ever laid eyes on with a well-appointed sterling mane is at once regal and proud. They always strike me as being high priestesses of sorts; women who are light years beyond societal beauty norms so much so that they’ve created their own niche where they can be alluring and beguiling without having to get into the whole battle royale that is aging. They get the joke; what makes the hot chicks hot is that they aren’t slaves to narcissism. They have the moxie to take their vanity in moderation which gives them an air of wisdom and strength."

Read the full story HERE, it's a definitely a good read!

What are your thoughts on grays...Pluck and dye them or just let them shine?

Image Source

Video: How I Style...Braid Out Pt. 1

2012-08-08T18:18:00.001-04:00

Hair Diary: Valerie R.

2012-08-08T13:49:00.000-04:00

Who Am I...My name is Valerie. I have been natural for 3 years. My whole life I was told that I had unruly unmanageable hair. It has been a long hard journey. Once I thought I had everything down packed with the “Curly girl method”, I discovered that something still was not right. Well ladies, as if caring for curly hair isn’t hard enough, I discovered I am protein- sensitive as well. So right now I am on a journey to find what works best for my hair sans protein.

Whereabouts...I live in Orlando, Fl. I do not see many naturals on the regular but saw many at the 2011 Curly Nikki event. Hair History...I have been natural for a little over 3 years. I decided to go natural because I finally wanted to see what my REAL hair looked like.

The Opinions of Others...My mother was shocked at the fact that I actually went through with it and my older sister was negative about it (she is relaxed). I simply told them that I love the hair God gave me. My mother decided to go natural with me. My sister likes my curls but always comments on how she liked my straight hair better.

My Curl Routine...
**I do not use sulfates, silicones nor proteins in my hair**
-Wash 1x or 2x a week with a sulfate-free and protein-free shampoo, I wash in 2 sections
-De-tangle hair in front of mirror with conditioner (saves water). I use a paddle brush for ends and a big tooth comb for my roots. I de-tangle in 8 sections, 2 sections in each quadrant
-Deep condition 1x a week with my Hair Therapy Wrap -Put in leave-in conditioner (5 sections.. 2 in the back, 1 in the crown and 2 in the front)
-Seal with a oil or butter ** I stop at this step if I want to achieve a twist out
-Rack and shingle gel in (for a Wash and Go)
-Apply finisher
-Diffuse for a Wash and Go and Air dry for twist out
-Protect hair at night by sleep in a Satin Bonnet

Hair Goals & Actions I'm Taking To Get There...Yes I do have a hair goal! I would like to stop dying my hair and I want to get to bra strap length curly. I have a lot..A LOT of grey and I am only 22. I noticed that my new growth is healthier. So I guess I will have to deal with my silver strands. As for growing out my hair, I am moisturizing more frequently to combat dryness and break age. I am also playing around with protective styling.

My Fave Looks...

Wash and Go's

Twists and a Beanie

Twist Outs

Curly girls have more fun because... We don't have to worry about getting caught in the rain!!

Thanks you Valerie for sharing your Hair Diary!! If you would like to see more, please visit Valerie at www.Curls2Envy.wordpress.com and/or follow her on FaceBook :)

Obsessive Links: Major Hair Companies Eclipsed By Black-Owned Natural Hair Care Lines

2012-08-08T13:48:00.000-04:00

Live By the Lye, Die By the Lye: Major Hair Companies Eclipsed By Black-Owned Natural Hair Care Lines

Written by Danielle C. Belton for Clutch Magazine

This year popular cosmetics and hair care line Carol’s Daughter launched the site Transitioning Movement. Meant to help guide women giving up chemical relaxers into the oft-confusing and conflicting world that is “going natural,” the multi-million dollar corporation seeks to both inform — and expand their base.

Can you blame them? There’s money in those curls. But for once, it seems women and minority-owned product lines got to the market first.

Carol’s Daughter. Miss Jessie’s. Karen’s Body Beautiful. Qhemet Biologics. Oyin Handmade.Kinky-Curly. All leaders in providing products to those moving from chemical processes to natural. All still independently-owned. All started by women of color – like African American Karen Tappin of her namesake company and biracial black and Japanese sisters Miko and Titi Branch of Miss Jessie’s.

But that’s not how it typically goes down. While several natural hair care alternatives run by women of color dominated the conversation, L’Oreal and other major retailers saw their overall sales in the black hair care market fall in 2009.

Long gone are the days when you had civil rights activists pushing for stores to carry black hair care products on their shelves. Rainbow Coalition/PUSH, activist Rev. Jesse Jackson once spearheaded a campaign to get major retailers to carry black hair car and skin products in their stores in the 1970s and 80s.

Jackson’s effort was a sort of capitalist attack on racism. He famously held a funeral for cosmetic company Revlon when a representative declared black businesses would become extinct from larger white companies snatching them up. But the reverend had a point – black people shopped at Wal-Mart, Target, K-Mart, and a multitude of places. Why not carry goods for them and integrate the cosmetics aisle? Segregation divides us. Capitalism teaches us the one with the most money wins.

Racism can really impact your financial bottom line.

Yet, since racism is nonsensical, with every new black innovation, there’s typically a lag time between what black people want and when corporations start providing. This is why a company founded by black Americans, Johnson Products — creator of your grandmother’s hair oil of choice “Ultra Sheen” — found itself bought up by Proctor & Gamble. (And after floundering there for years, having its thunder stolen by the likes of multinational cosmetic corporations, it was sold to a black management firm in 2009.)

How does this happen when, since 1954, Johnson was one of the only people making black hair care products? It happens when Johnson becomes complacent and doesn’t adapt to the needs of its customers for so long that multinational firms finally are able to catch up, realize there’s money to be made, copy and improve on the product, then woo away their consumer base.

My father, a loving creature of habit, used Afro Sheen for decades. Myself, my mother, and sisters did not. We moved on to products less heavy and greasy, giving us better results.

And for a while, those came from the likes of the slowest adopters to black hair care, but once they smelled the money, were the most aggressive, dogged, and prolific.

But not anymore.

Continue reading this article >HERE<. It's definitely a good read! Also check out more articles touching on a variety of hot topics from Rihanna's breakup with Nivea to disappearing Dads. Follow Danielle on Twitter as well.

Video: How I Deep Condition

2012-06-28T17:04:00.001-04:00

The title is pretty self explanatory. This is just a simple demo of how I do my weekly deep conditioning. Giovanni's Nutrafix is used in this video for review purposes only, it is not my staple DC. On a normal day I would use Bee Mines Deep Conditioner or Aubrey Organics GPB Balancing Conditioner. With a little coconut oil those conditioners are magical lol!

Enjoy :)

*In another video, yet to be edited, I'll be showing how I set my braids for braid outs!

In Review: Giovanni NutraFix Hair Reconstructor

2012-06-27T19:20:00.002-04:00

Product Description: Giovanni Nutrafix Hair Reconstructor Conditioner with Eco Chic Technology. the damage is done...or is it? If you over-process your hair, you need deep repair. this penetrating hair reconstructor goes right to the heart of the problem, addressing the damage caused by chemicals and excessive heat styling, both of which can leave hair porous, raspy, weak. dull. Nutrafix fixes these problems by infusing protein. Put this fix in your styling mix so the damage will really be done.

Cost: $4.77 for 6.8 oz bottle @ www.LuckyVitamin.com

Ingredients: Aqua (purified Water), *Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, *Glycine Soja (Soubean) Seed Extract, *Betula alba (Birch) Extract, *Malva sylvestis (Mollow) Extract, *Achillea Millefolium Extract, *Chamomila Recutita (Matricano) Flower Extract, *Equisetum Arvense Extract, *Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract *Rosmarinus Officinals (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, *Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Extract, *Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract, *Tussilago Farfara (Coltsfoot) Flower Extract, *Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearalkonium Chloride, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Natural Fragrance.

My Thoughts: Did I really need this product? No! Did I scratch the product junkie itch?? Yes, until I saw blood lol! I've been doing pretty good with not buy unnessary products, but one day while re-upping on Aubrey Organics conditioners I got the urge. I bought a bunch of stuff and this was one of them. Like most Giovanni products, the ingredient's list on this deep treatment is awesome! The scent is nothing special and the consistency is creamy and light (compared to most of the DTs I've tried) which made it very easy to distribute. After applying it to my wet hair I covered with a plastic bag and scarf. The next morning while rinsing I realized how similar this DT was to Giovanni's Smooth As Silk Conditioner, which is a fave of mine. With that being said I didn't really notice the "protein fixing" that the packaging claimed. It felt like I had just co-washed with the SAS condish...big whoop!

Verdict: Will I repurchase this product no, but I will keep it in the stash for when I run out of Smooth As Silk...I won't be wasting.

Interested in seeing Nutrafix in action? Well stay tuned for a new video demontrating how I do my weekly deep conditioning, this product is used in the demo. I still need to do a few more edits, but it should be posted tommorow!!

Obsessive Links: The Ultimate Curly Hair Tutorial!

2012-06-27T18:07:00.001-04:00

I stumble upon this gorgeous curly head via Instagram and fell in love with her curls and humerous take on photo sharing. I then found her YT link in her bio and immediately subscribed. Homegirl is beyond silly and I love that! Maya has type 3 curls and while I probably won't be following her hair styling methods, the content is so entertaining and well put together I'll be watching anyways lol!

Only 1400 subscribers...wazzup wit dat?!! Go subscribe >HERE< today!!

Seen anything interesting on web lately? Send me an email (naturallyobsessed@yahoo.com) and share your finds with Naturally Obsessed!

I Miss You. Where Are You. Come Back!

2012-06-21T17:55:00.002-04:00

My inbox has been filled with messages like that for the past couple of months. I admit, I did leave you guys kind of stranded with no real reason why and for that I apologize :( It was never my intention to take a break it just happened...I stopped typing, stopped caring for "hair talk" and videos. At one point I just stopped opening my laptop all together. No lie, it's true. I needed a break. A break to discover new things and refresh myself to give you guys better content. Content that I want to see. I strive to do just that :)

What's my hair been up to? Straight hair, braid outs and mini twists..the usual lol! I'm still obsessed with Kera Care's Leave In and Butter Cream. I haven't really tried any new products, but I just placed a very random order with www.LuckyVitamin.com and I can't wait to review and share. I've also been having this nagging itch to get my hair cut...GASP! Now before y'all start hyperventilating I talking about getting my hair shaped, or whatever it's called. My hair has grown so much that it's lost it's shape, it just hangs there. I feel like I need more volume at the top or something. We'll see..
About those Viviscal vitamins...I kept forgetting to take them so I just stopped. After finishing one pack I didn't notice a boost in growth, but I did notice a decrease in shedding. I have 2 more packs left and I plan on starting back up soon, updates and such will of course be posted here.

After the jump you'll find a few pics I posted on Instagram...

So that's all for now, I just wanted to say... I miss you too. I'm right here. I'm back :) -Shana

Video: Goodbye Straight Hair...Welcome Back Kinks :)

2012-03-01T15:11:00.003-05:00

Just a random video showing how my kinks revert back and showing how some don't...yikes!!! Enjoy :)

feels good to have my hair back!!

Obsessed Mail: Natural Hair Is Majestic!

2012-03-01T15:07:00.000-05:00

(image source)

Cassel writes...

I'm a white girl who googled "Thayer's witch hazel review" and quite randomly came across your blog. Your stories moved me enough to anonymously praise your work- you've inspired me as a woman! Natural hair is a majestic, powerful thing. Glorious! I have no place to say this but, I don't understand why more people don't embrace their natural gifts. Keep up the great work.

Wow...I love mail like this!! Thank you so much for sharing this with me and I'm so happy to be of some inspiration. That's what this blog is all about inspiring women..not just black women, but all women. I think we all at some point get caught up in societies opinion of what beauty is supposed to be and when you are bold enough to go against that it's an amazing thing. I agree with you, I wish more people would embrace they're natural gifts and with bloggers/vloggers like myself it's happening more and more each day. Thank you, Shana :)

In Review: AG Hair Care, Curly Hair Solutions & More!

2012-03-01T15:02:00.003-05:00

I know this video is very long and drawn out, so if you would like to skip through please follow the timeline below. Thanks Shana :)

Pure Silk Protein Treatment by Curly Hair Solutions (0:29)

AG Hair Care Cosmetics

Sulfate Free "Smooth" Argan Shampoo (2:42)

Argan "Sleek" Conditioner (3:54)

"Set It Straight" Straightening Lotion (5:20)

Organic Extra Virgin Argan Miracle Smoothing Oil (10:23)

Ampro Olive Oil Styling Gel (11:13)

WEN Pomegranate & Rosemary Treatment Oil (13:00)

This review is courtesy of NaturallyCurly.com. I was NOT paid for this review and my opinions are 100% honest.

Obsessive Links: The Art of Daniel Krall

2012-03-01T14:34:00.002-05:00

"The piece was for a column they do where people write in and ask light health related questions. This one is about a girl who notices her vision declining because she’s been squinting a lot while texting." -Daniel Krall

Dope!! I so didn't get that interpetation at first glance though lol! The guys...and the dog seem so in awe of the girl with the funky hairdo, I figured it was a play on the whole natural vs. relaxed issue. How would you describe this sketch?

Check out more of Daniel Krall's work here: danielkrall.tumblr.com

Today's Hair...Turban Edition

2012-01-10T20:07:00.000-05:00

All tied up! On a random and somewhat wasteful trip to Marshall's I came across this cute scarf under a pile of clearance junk. It has an "ethnic" with splashes of coral, teal, yellow and outlines of black. I love it! It's not too thick, the length and softness is perfect for head wrapping.

My hair underneath is a week old stretched braid-out, gathered up into a loose bun. The bangs are simply twisted loosely to the side and the ends were secured with bobby pins.

This is a super easy look to disguise a bad hair day or to add a bit of funk to your everyday...same ol same ol...hair routine.

I'm sure some are going to ask if I recorded a tutorial and the answer is yes! BUT the video came out terrible. The whole top part of my head was out of view and I was just yapping away without even noticing lol! I will rerecord, just not until next week, but in the meantime check out one of my fave vloggers, Taren916's scarf tying tutorial >> HERE!!

Viviscal Diary: Entry #2 w/ Ramblings & Hair Talk

2012-01-10T19:34:00.003-05:00

...just a heads up, it's a lonnng winded one lol ;)

If you have not seen Entry #1 please check it out >> HERE.
and I know this is super late but....Happy New Years!!!

I can't thank you guys enough for how you've supported this blog in 2011. You guys are amazing!!

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You :)) -Shana

iObsess: Jennifer

2012-01-10T19:24:00.003-05:00

Name • Jennifer

Age • 21

Where • Ottawa, Canada

Skin • Exposed Skin Care

Food • Meat (beef, pork, chicken, you name it) & Any types of pasta.. YUM!

Fashion • Skinny Jeans, Flats & anything comfy! ^_^

The Net • Everywhere where Hair, Skin & Nails is discussed! Currently loving NaturallyObssesed, NaturalHaven, & Youtube videos :)

Places • MIAMIII is where I was raised, but I live in canada now <3. I want to visit Hawaii, France, Kenya and much more. I LOVE travelling and I would travel more if I had the funds! lol

Life • Currently in school studying Biochemistry (yuk.. lol). I am developing a STRONG interest in photography so I'm not sure if I am in the right program.

Linkage • http://twitter.com/jemy1415 -- http://www.youtube.com/user/jemy1415 (feel free to follow & subscribe)

xoxo -Jennifer

Rain? Who Cares...My Hair Is Natural!!

2011-12-15T15:13:00.002-05:00

I hear this statement repeated constantly!! Supposedly because your natural getting caught in the rain withOUT an umbrella is no big deal. Ummm...how many of y'all feel the same way? I sure don't. After how ever many minutes (hours sometimes) of doing my hair and styling it just right I wouldn't dare talk a walk in the rain withOUT an umbrella...if I didn't have to. And if I couldn't find one I'd substitute with a plastic bag or something...anything lol!

With that being said, I still LOVE this picture!

If you guys find the artist's info please send it my way :)

Video: How I Straighten My Natural Hair

2011-12-15T14:18:00.000-05:00

The video is pretty self explanatory and I included some flat ironing tips as well. As it states in the video I recorded this tutorial on 11/24 and maintained the look up until 12/14 by simply sticking to a very simple night routine of pin curling. I recorded clips of that process as well and I hope to get it edited and uploaded asap.

Check out the video after the jump! Enjoy :)

Just in case it's hard to read the captions I transcribed them for you below...

(0:41)• Prepping To Flat Iron (in order):
Wash w/ Elucence Moisture Benefits Shampoo.
Condition w/ Aubrey Organics GPB Conditioner.
Deep conditioner overnight using Bee Mine's BEE-U-Tiful deep conditioner.
Rinse in the morning.
Apply Grape Seed Oil and allow the hair to air dry until damp.
Blow dry using the "Tension Method".

(2:2)• Note

What looks like smoke is actually steam...Steam is the MaxiGlide's key feature.
It helps to smooth the hair and gives shine!! If you look closely
you can see me pressing the steam button :)

(3:41)• The only products used to straighten my hair were
Grape Seed Oil, which was apply when my hair was wet
and Cantu "Super Shine" Hair Silk.
Try not to pile on too many products, doing so can
weight the hair down too much and cause buildup.

(7:15)• High heat is NOT necessary to get "natural hair" straight! My
MaxiGlide is only set to level 4 (of 10) and
although it's not bone straight it's close enough for me.
Maintain a medium heat setting and use small/thin sections. This way
you'll get it straight without having to go over it more than once, twice at the
most. Slightly lowering the risk of heat damage.

(11:02)• This video was recorded on 11/24 and I was able to maintain the look up
until 12/14. I actually could have keep it straight longer, but
my ends were screaming for water and my scalp needed a good wash!!
Also I'm happy to report that my kinks and curls made a full recovery
back to their natural selves lol! I won't front though...I always get nervous
and feel like they just might not come back this time...but they did. Thank
Goodness :) Flat ironing is risky business, be careful ladies!

For more pictures visit my teaser post HERE!

iObsess: Marie

2011-12-03T20:14:00.001-05:00

name • Marie

age • 30 where • Chicago

Hair • Bantu knot outs

Fashion • Classic & comfortable, yet tailored.

Actions • Blogging. Cooking & baking. Shopping. Holding hands when walking with my husband. Food • Sweets!!! Homemade fresh Drink • Coffee

The Tube • Dexter, Sons of Anarchy, Walking Dead, Breaking Bad, Mad Men, True Blood, American Horror Story, & Revenge.

Places • Thrift stores. Coffee shops. Stage shows like Cirque du Soleil. I must get back to Hawaii & would love to visit Paris.

Life • Blogging, and designing blogs at MerelyBlogDesign.

Blog: www.merelymarie.com Facebook: MerelyMarie

I just took a quick at you blog and I absolutely love it! The content, the layout, the pictures...I love it :) -KKQ

Turban Inspiration From Chescalocs & Busayo

2011-11-30T18:52:00.001-05:00

What do you when the cramps finally let up and your home alone...bored!? Well, you go on YouTube and check up on your subscriptions...duh! Chescalocs is one of my absolute favorite youtubers. She's super creative, funny and her locs are gorgeous! I also love that most, if not all, of her hair tutorials can be adapted to loose natural hair or even long relaxed hair. Her lastest series of videos features her friend Busayo, who demonstrates the various ways one can wrap a turban. Some are simple and others are a bit more daring, but all looks are cute and very easy to recreate. Below is my fave look from the series...

Check out my style interpretation and silly faces after the jump :)

p.s. I missing my curls like crazy, I'll washing out the straight look next week...