Happy to be Nappy...1 Year! Natural!

I've been natural for an entire year now...WOW! I just realized it sitting here today that a year ago yesterday I chopped of my lovely bob, but I haven't looked back since. Since my nappiversary creeped up on me, I don't have any pictures of my hair presently, but I will be sure to take a few this week so you guys can see the great progress I've had over the past year.

Accessorize Your Fro

Since going natural nearly a year ago, I have fallen in LOVE with hair accessories. Headbands, flowers, crochet hats, scarves...you name it and I have rocked it in or on my hair. The perfect hair accessory can set off an outfit or kick a look up a notch, and the best thing about hair accessories is that you can get them on the cheap, I'm talking 2 or 3 bucks for headbands and flowers, or splurge and drop 30 to 40 bucks on a beautiful beaded or silk flower. Check out pics of my very own hair accessory stash and the place I shop to dress up my Fro!



My go to spot for cheap hair accessories is FOREVER21. You can load up on everything from barretts, to bows, headbands and flowers. The array of hair accessories at Forever21 is endless and the prices are unbeatable!! You can shop Forever 21 online of hit up the store the next time you are in the mall.
Another mall spot with lovely and unique hair accessories is Banana Republic.
When I want something a little more spendy and ultra unique I head over to Ododo Originals, where the owner makes beautiful handmade beaded flowers. You can even custom order from her and tell exactly what color or color combinations you would like....FABULOUS
Last but not least is Andrea's Beau, their accessories are simply lovely in a classic kind of way.

Coconut Oil...Good For One Thing When It Comes To My Hair

Me and Coconut oil...I will have to be honest and say that coconut oil is really only good for one thing when it comes to my hair and that's taking down twist for a twist out. Coconut oil is the only thing I will use to unravel my twist. It smooths the hair shaft, provides some moisture, a bit of shine and most importantly it prevents my twist from getting frizzy!! For me coconut oil is a FRIZZ BUSTER.

Some naturals LOVE coconut oil, but it doesn't do much for my hair except in the very specific circumstance mentioned above. Trust me, I will continue to use it to take down twist...no other product compares to it for that purpose.

My Favorite Oils

Let me start off by saying that my hair prefers light, quick absorbing oils...especially during the summer months. For the most part I only use heavy oils like Castor oil on my ends.

Oil #1...Jojoba Oil. Jojoba oil is great for your skin and hair. It is light weight and penetrates the hair shaft without weighing down your hair and leaving it feeling greasy.

Oil #2...Camellia Oil. Camellia oil is a carrier oil. It provided moisture and elasticity to soften the hair. Again Camellia oil is light and absorbs quickly.

Oil #3...Macadamia Oil. Macadamia oil reduces dryness. It is a natural moisturizer and emollient (emollients attract and trap moisture from the air). Macadamia oil is light and non-greasy so it is easily absorbed into the hair shaft.

I use the above oils by making my own little oil mixture consisting of 2 ounces of Jojoba oil, 1 ounce of Camilla oil, and 1 ounce of Macadamia oil. It's that simple. The 4 ounce brew last me nearly 6 months and provides my hair with much needed moisture without being greasy or weighting my hair down.

Cantu Shea Butter Leave In Conditioning Repair Cream

Here is another product I love...Cantu Shea Butter Leave In Conditioning Repair Cream. I should start by saying that I only use "leave in" conditioners as leave ins in my hair. I know some folks use "regular" conditioner as a leave in, but my hair does not respond well to "regular" conditioner being left in as a leave in. Anyway, back to my review. This stuff is creamy and thick but also light at the same time. It coats my hair well without weighing it down. Most importantly this product moisturizes my hair. I use this product 99% of the time as my leave in of choice and I always use a leave in in my hair. One of the main reason this is one of my go to products is because it mixes well with other products, which is not the case for some other leave ins I have used. I have never gotten little white balls or sticky/tacky hair when layering other products onto my Cantu. I've had my 16oz tub for almost a year and it only cost about $5 bucks.

Here is how the product is descibed on its website:
Cantu Shea Butter
Leave In Conditioning Repair Cream
Cantu shea butter Leave In Conditioning Repair Cream is made with real shea butter and essential oils to replace vital oil in your hair leaving it stronger and healthier with a natural shine.

Cantu shea butter leave in conditioning repair cream can be used on wet hair as an intensive moisturizing treatment or to tame frizz and fly-aways.

Cantu Shea Butter Leave In Conditioning Repair Cream helps…

moisturize dry brittle hair with deep penetrating oil and emollients
soften, detangle and add shine to hair
protect hair against heat and sun styling damage
provide extra protection from split ends and breakage
Directions for:

Daily Styling – Apply to towel dried hair. Work a generous amount of product into hair beginning at the roots to the tips. Comb through for even distribution. Do not rinse. Apply more to longer hair at the ends or problem areas.
Leave In Treatment – Apply as directed for “Daily Styling” just after shampooing. Re-apply and cover with a plastic cap overnight for maximum absorbtion and intensive conditioning.
Frizz Free Hair – Apply daily to split ends or damaged areas. Comb through and let dry naturally.