How the Goody Simple Styles Modern Up Do saved the day!

So I wanted to introduce you to my newest hair friend. This accessory just joined my healthy hair family yesterday after catching my eye during a recent trip to Target. I was actaully standing in the hair accessory aisle looking for another packet of the Evolution hair bands I love so much. All of the sudden I caught a glimpse of the Goody Simple Styles modern updo (thingy).
In my best attempt to describe it, this thing is essentially on large, sturdy hair pin that makes creating updo's so much easier than using conventional hair pins.

Just this past week, I made two trips to the beauty supply store to replenish my hair pin supply. First I went to Sally's to pick up the Tangle Teaser and some hair pins. I have to return those pins because when I use them on my thick hair, they open up which causes them to lose their original form, which essentially makes them useless for holding my hair in place. After that disappointment, I proceeded to my main beauty supply store for some heavy duty hair pins. Although these hair pins do their job, I was kinda over the whole hair pin thing. Every few months I'm making a trip to the store to replace hair pins that are either lost or useless because they've lost their plastic tips, or the black coating. Another disadvantage of using hair pins for me was that a simple up do or bun required several pins to keep my hair in place. I can't tell you the number of times some good Samaritan would politely let me know that I've had a hair rouge hair pin making it's way out of my bun and most likely on to the floor.



So now this Modern Updo "mega-pin" has come into my life and I'm elated. I was wearing an updo at the time of purchase and took the very first opportunity to put that thing to work. The moment I was in my car, at the Target parking lot, I began the work of removing half a dozen or so hair pins from my coif. I felt an amazing sense of relief as I removed one hair pin specifically which had been piercing my scalp for several hours. I rubbed my scalp for a few moments then moved on to the next step. In one simple motion, I was able to recreate the same hairstyle that took a handful of hair pins with just this one tool.

Best of all, it felt really comfortable in my hair. No painful stabbing. It also stayed in place really well. No slipping out once I secured it in. A thought popped into my mind as I finished recreating my up do. "Could it be possible this new toy could help reduce manipulation breakage long-term?" Think about it, when I use 50-11 hair pins to put my hair up, I'm creating multiple contact points between the piece of metal and my hair. Although hair pins are pretty safe for the most part, sometimes, depending on how careful I am at the moment, I experience a casualty, or two, as I'm removing the pins from my hair. With this new tool, there will only be a couple of contact points between my hair and the accessory. Another feature I like is the design of The Modern Updo which is more curvaceous than regular hair pins making them much more gentle on the hair overall.

In my quest for healthier ends and increased length, I realize there has to be some sort of compromise around how frequently I wear my hair up. This tool is perfect for me. Simple to use and highly functional. I hope to experiment much more in the upcoming weeks but in the meantime, I wanted to share in case anyone else there could use a break from hair pins.

Preparing for Afro Independence Day

If this will be your first time styling your hair into a real afro it can be a frustrating process - well it was for me the very first time.

My problem is that my hair is so soft that it does not want to hold the afro shape. If I try to make and afro by just picking it out, it will fall. Kinda resembles Leela James' hair - not that I mind because her hair is beautiful but when I want a 'fro, I want a fro.

I put together a quick tutorial that shows the steps I go through to form and shape my fro and it all starts with two strand twists.

1. Wash, condition, and apply a leave-in conditioner.

2. Twist hair in sections that have been detangled very well. Overall I had about 18 two strand twist. If I am not leaving the house I will do less, about 6-10.

3. Steps 1 and 2 are typically done the day or night before step 3. Once hair is dry carefully untwist each twist and finger comb.

4. After all twists are finger combed out use a pick or wide tooth comb to separate the hair even more. This is where care detangle becomes a very appreciated benefit. If your hair has been detangled probably you should be able to do this step without ripping out your hair. However, if you find this step a little difficult I would recommend continuing to style with your finger.

5. When making an afro shrinkage is my friend (honestly, I love shrinkage). I spray my hair with either plain water or an essential oil/water mix. Lately I have been using Care Free Curl/Water mix. I spray, shape, let dry. Because it's a light mist it only takes a few minutes to dry. I repeat this step until I am satisfied with the shape.

Happy Afro Independence Day!

Get it sleek...

To answer a frequently asked question...

First, do whatever it is that you do to pull your hair back in a pony tail. I typically create my ponytails in the shower under running water.

Second, mist hair lightly with the mist of your choice. Usually I just use plain ol' water.

Third, smooth back your hair with your hand or brush (if you use them). I use a 100% soft boar bristle brush.

Fourth, apply shea butter like you would if it were a gel. Smooth it on and in a backwards motion.

Fifth, smooth it again just you did in the third step. At this point you can determine if you need more shea butter or more misting.

Last, secure with a scarf until you are ready to walk out the door. I like to secure for a minimum of 15 mins - which is usually the drive time to my destination.

Note: the shea butter works great alone on my hair but some may find they they need something heavier like a gel or something lighter like coconut oil. Listen to your hair.