Reader Response: Product Review by Sheena

Hello ladies, here is a reader response. Hope you enjoy!
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Hola my fellow apostolic naturals!!! My name is Sheena Desha and if your hair loves proteins like mine does or you want something to help define those twist out curls and even define your natural curls then I have a great product for you to try!! It's Shea Moistures Curl Enhancing Smoothie! The smell and its creamy texture is amazing! 


I used it for the first time on dry hair taking medium size sections of hair and on some pieces to dampen my hair I used Shea moisture organic coconut & hibiscus hold & shine spray.  I then took a dime size maybe a little more and saturated each piece of hair to be twisted, I twisted my entire head and put a satin cap on! And in the morning......Awesomeness! 

I must say that to me it's the best twist out I have ever done.  I unraveled each twist to reveal great curl definition, bounce and shine! So I give this product an A because I have tried tons and tons of products to define,hold etc etc.. But this is definitely one of the few that actually works how it says it will.


I believe it I reasonable priced at 9.99$ for an 8oz jar at your local target stores

Video Tutorial: Twisted Madness, A Pentecostal Do

Want to rock this style??

You can do it in less than 10 minutes, check out the video tutorial :)

Chronicles of a Natural Apostolic: DO NOT cut your hair, I repeat, PLEASE don't do it

Sometimes I tend to forget the many struggles I encountered when I was transitioning...

I remember being extremely discouraged and upset over my hair. I wanted my relaxer to grow out, I wanted natural hair, but all the while my hair was breaking and thinning. It seemed impossible that I would ever achieve the thick, healthy locs that I saw so many other naturals wearing. There were people close to me that went natural too, but none of them did a full transition without big chopping or trimming their hair. But every time I so much as thought to pick up the scissors it was as it something within me was screaming... Kendra please, DO NOT cut your hair, I repeat PLEASE don't do it!

First of all, it is a MYTH that your hair will not grow if you choose not to cut it or trim it. I am a living witness along with many other women. I did not cut my hair, I did not trim my hair, I left it alone and took care of it. Yes my hair went through a stage where it was very dry. Yes my hair went through a stage where it was breaking and thinning. Yes my hair went through a stage where I never thought it would be healthy again. But the storm is always worst before it is over. Look at my hair now. That is why, I am asking you, DO NOT cut your hair, I repeat PLEASE don't do it!

We have to learn to look at the BIGGER picture. If you are doing it just to do it, this message isn't for you. But if you are a

ONE GOD,

Apostolic,

Pentecostal,

Holy Ghost Filled,

Tongue Talker,

Baptized in Jesus Name,

Living Holy and Separated from the World,

You cannot AFFORD to cut your hair. Is it worth losing the power of angels? Is it worth losing authority in prayer? Is it worth losing your identity as an apostolic woman? We are known for uncut hair because it is what the bible teaches. My sister in love Courtney told me a story about a lady in her church,

Her son was trying so hard Sunday after Sunday to get the Holy Ghost. For some reason he could not pray through. Finally one Sunday she took her hair and laid it on her son. She began to remind God of the power that she had because her hair was uncut, and you know what happened almost instantly? Her son received the Holy Ghost!!!

What is that was your son? Does God come on the scene immediately for you? Do you want him to?

I know personally of apostolic women who gave in and cut their hair. As a result, they were miserable, depressed and regreted ever going it. You undergo a major spiritual catastrophe by cutting your hair. You will not receive the same results in prayer. You will not have the same anointing you once possessed. Uncut hair is serious business. OH GOD give us revelation and understanding!
Sister, DO NOT cut your hair, I repeat PLEASE don't do it!


Consider this: why is it that when a woman backslides, the first thing she does is cut her hair?? The devil knows that we carry the glory of God upon our uncut hair. The devil knows that there is POWER in our hair. We have a distinct anointing when we have uncut hair. I remember the first time I walked into a Pentecostal church where the ladies had uncut hair, you could FEEL the difference in anointing on the women! There was something about them that was so beautiful, holy and radiant. They almost looked like angels to me (that is no exaggeration).

I remember my immediate thought was that I wanted to be like them. And now I am like them! I wouldn't trade it for the world and neither should you.

Its time to bring EVERY thought into captivity! God touch our minds and show us truth. We need revelation in these last days.

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; "

 (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

Video Tutorial: High Bun (2 Variations)

Hello ladies! As promised, I have put together a video tutorial of how to to a high bun.

This is a super easy and quick style. They are great for every day and you can dress them up for church too!

You will find that no matter the length of your hair, you will be able to rock one of the versions of the high bun. I hope you all attempt this style soon!

For questions or success stories just leave me a comment!!

Healthy Hair, Healthy Lifestyle: Nuts

Brazil nuts are one of nature's best sources of selenium, an important mineral for the health of your scalp. Walnuts contain alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that may help condition your hair. They are also a terrific source of zinc, as are cashews, pecans, and almonds. A zinc deficiency can lead to hair shedding, so it is important to keep nuts in your diet!

Keep in mind that some nuts and seeds (flax, walnuts) are excellent sources of essential fatty acids, and some (sunflower seeds, almonds, hazelnuts) are good sources of vitamin E. So they are all around a fantastic, and yummy, choice!

Here are some options:

• almonds
• cashews
• hazelnuts (filberts)
• mixed nuts
• peanuts
• peanut butter
• pecans
• pistachios
• pumpkin seeds
• sesame seeds
• sunflower seeds
• walnuts

There are endless ways to incorporate nuts into your diet!

• Eat a handful of raw almonds with an apple as a snack.
• Pick up trail mix that contains peanuts, almonds and cashews.
• Make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich as an afternoon snack
• In the am make toast with peanut butter. I personally enjoy peanut butter on a cinnamon raisin bagel!
• Toss some sunflower seeds over a salad to add some crunch!

Celebrating a healthy and happy lifestyle <3

Apostolic Natural Hair Spokesperson??

Last weekend my husband and I, along with many others drove up to Elk Grove, CA for the No Limits conference at the Rock Church. You would NOT believe how many black women either complimented my hair, knew who I was from this blog, wanted to go natural but didn't have the courage, transitioning and excited about it, etc that I met and became acquainted with.

A dear friend of mine, sweet Jen Lord :) told me that I'm like the apostolic natural hair spokesperson haha!!

According to my husband, "babe you're famous! People know you everywhere we go"

I want to encourage ALL of my readers to let me know you are reading!!

If you appreciate this blog, please say so! :)

If you are blog stalking, take the time to shoot me a comment or an email!

(I say this because just recently someone told me they were blog stalking me. Don't be scared, even if you aren't black who cares! I love you all!)

Again I say, I love you all!!! <3 This blog is so fun and I love what I do!

Celebrating a love for natural hair <3

Chronicles of a Natural Apostolic: My favorite products

What products do I use?

In this post I will explain all of the products that I use and when I use them. There are some products that I only use once a month, once every 2 weeks, once a week or daily. I base the product on the state of my hair.

When I decide whether a product works for me, there are many things I consider. They must be able to:

• Combat a dry and itchy scalp
• Keep my ends moist when they get too dry
• Maintain a good pH balance in my hair
• Detangle my hair with ease
• Contain ingredients that are not damaging to my hair
• Define my curl pattern

In addition, I have learned, and constantly tell others, what works for me may not work for you! You have to find what works for your hair! This is the MOST important thing to keep in mind!!

With that said, I will list my favorite products categorically.

Shampoo, Conditioner and Clarifier

I have two types of shampoo and conditioner that I alternate with. Nourish Spa by Trader Joes and Tea Tree Tingle also by Trader Joes. Nourish Spa is made with organic ingredients and it does contain parabens. (I do not find these to be bad, despite must controversy and debate). Tea Tree Tingle is a certified organic shampoo and conditioner. They are very inexpensive, ranging no more than $5 per bottle. They last me about 3 months! Sometimes more!

To clarify my hair I used apple cider vinegar or white vinegar diluted with water. I generally use 6 parts vinegar to 4 parts water. I like a strong rinse! I use this to help remove product build up and to restore the proper pH balance to my hair.



Nourish Spa found at Trader Joes.



 

Tea Tree Tingle found at Trader Joes



Detangling Mixtures

I have two methods of detangling:

The first method is simple. I do this method right after I wash my hair. So I only do this once a week!

• Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine Leave in Conditioner OR Herbal Essence None of Your Frizziness Leave in Conditioner to detangle. I smooth a large amount over a section and comb/brush it out with my tangle teezer.

• Once I have detangled, I apply oil to the section to seal in the moisture using Hollywood's Beauty Tea Tree Oil OR Africa's Best Ultimate Herbal Oil

My second method is to maintaining moisture throughout the week. I made a mixture containing:

• Bottled water
• UNCUT hair oil by Christine Carney
• Aloe vera juice
• Leave in conditioner

I put all of this in an empty leave in conditioner bottle. I use this to maintain moisture in my hair throughout the week.

Detangling and Styling Tools

I recently purchased the Tangle Teezer for $10.86 at Sallys. I wanted to know if it was worth the hype or not! And IT IS! This is my new most favorite detangling tool ever. No more combs or brushes needed! It sliced my detangling time down from 45 minutes to 10 minutes. It pulls out less hair and it removes shedded hair with ease. I will be posting a review about this very soon :)

My other styling tools consist of:

• Bobby pins
• Elastic hair ties (with no metal)
• Hair clamps
• Headbands, bows, scarves and clips

Styling Products

I use Eco Styler Gel with olive oil to:

• define my curls
• slick back my hair
• to make my little "jew curls" on my temples
• to make coils

I use Glycerin with water in a spray bottle for twist outs, twists, braids, ANYTHING! It gives me tons of sheen, body and volume. I can't find a picture to show you but you can find it at your local beauty supply!



ANY MORE QUESTIONS?? Feel free to leave comments or send me emails!

Celebrating hair, hair & hair <3

Chronicles of a Natural Apostolic: Natural in Pentecost

Is it easy or difficult being natural in an Apostolic Pentecostal church?

As soon as the decision is made to go natural, the first thing a woman does is start researching like mad! You want to know how to do it, what products to use, etc. Then of course your eyes are open to the ready available hair forums and websites about natural hair. As you read the content of these articles and conversations you begin to see things about the big chop, trimming, henna treatments, etc. It is a bombardment of information contrary to a lot of our beliefs at Pentecostals. So what do you do???
I have heard many varying opinions regarding this question. Allow me to share my personal experience.

I first got into truth the third week of August in 2009 on a Sunday night. I was new to natural hair. I had been transitioning for about 5 months at that time. Because I was having such a hard time with my hair, I had it in a sewn in weave. After the first service I took out my weave and decided to never wear them again. I felt bad that after church everyone thought my hair was so long.

I remember thinking that I didn't want to fake my hair length. I was blown away and inspired by the beautiful hair styles, elegant up-dos, curls, poofs, etc. I was determined to grow my hair out whatever it took!

A few weeks later. I decided to braid my hair with extensions. We are all programmed to automatically revert to (a) braids (b) kinky twists or (c) a sewn in weave to "grow" our hair. In went the braids...

After a week of itching, frizz and not being happy with fake hair. Out went the braids.

I later found out that my pastor is against any type of fake hair. So good job Kendra :) But then I had to learn to adapt to MY hair. I was in a rut because I wanted neat and well groomed hair. However, most black women only achieved that by straightening their hair which I didn't want to do all the time. In addition, I wanted my hair to grow so I knew I had to do protective styling.

So HOW did I learn to adapt and cope??

I have learned several things:
1. I cannot go to every website about natural hair.
I learned early on that many natural sites were more detrimental than helpful because there was so much pressure to cut, trim or "dust" my ends. *screeching halt* lol. So now, my only purpose for visiting a natural hair website, blog, forums etc is for informational purposes. I look for hair growth techniques, detangling techniques, product reviews, and such information. But I am not concerned with henna, cutting and trimming as well as finding a way to spend more time on my hair. I just need to basics to take care of my hair and provide information to all of you beautiful ladies. Be careful what websites you visit.

2. I will not get addicted to forums and websites.

In the beginning this was a snare for me. I spent hours upon hours on my hair. I am just recently learning that it doesn't take all of that!!! Hours upon hours wasted watching youtube videos, chatting on forums, reading natural hair journeys, etc. This is a huge problem! Natural hair becomes a time stealer and an obsession. That is not the will of God for His people. Again, I was very guilty of this for quite some time.

We should commit more time to the things of God than to anything else. Many of us have jobs, careers, full time school, children or perhaps all of the above. Lets be mindful about how much time we put into natural hair. I am the author of this blog and you will only see 2-4 posts every week from me. This is because my life doesn't revolve around the Internet and blogging anymore. I love you all to pieces but I do have lots of other things to do lol

3. I will not be concerned with the latest hairstyles.
I just want to reinterate that while we are in this world, we are not in this world. I don't want to look like everyone else. There are certain styles that I will do but that are many styles I will not do. I identify with the church of the living God, not with the world.( I will talk more about that on the next point). Again, be careful even how you do your hair. Here is why: you want people to look at you and SEE a difference. Everything about us is different. We dress different, we do our hair different, we talk different, we even walk different! The initial part of letting your light shine starts with your appearance.

4. I will not make my hair an idol.

It took me a while to come t the conclusion that I don't "identify" with the natural community. I identify with the church of the living God! This is what I have learned to identify with. Identity is everything! I am proud of my natural hair! But I have noticed that many naturals hold their hair in such a high esteem, spend hundrends of dollars on products, spend hours on forums, ALL that time wasted over hair? No my hair isn't my idol. It is my glory :) so yes I care about it but not to the extent that it is an idol. I had to learn to check myself and make sure I wasn't glorifying my hair more than God. Sounds extreme but it happens to many women. In essence, natural hair literally becomes a religion because it is a belief system!

I have read MANY naturals refer to their hair as their glory. We know this to be a true statement. However, their definition of glory is not our definition. We say our hair is our glory because this is what God calls it. What they are saying is that their hair is their god. An idol is: an inanimate or animate object/material that is worshipped or praised in the place of the only true and living God.  Hair can become an idol! We walk a thin line and we must be mindful. There is a tactic of the enemy to take things God considers beautiful and taint them. When we have uncut hair, take time to care for it and allow it to grow, it is an act of worship. Yet when we come obsessed, we are worshipping the creation more than the creator. Our hair is not our god.

5. I found what worked for me.
I am working with my hair and learning my hair every day! It is exciting to me to have natural and healthy hair :) With that it is also exciting to have a good pentecostal look with my natural hair. It is part of our heritage! A part that I am proud of. There is a look that I can identify with as well as many others. Lets celebrate our heritage and be proud of our hair all at once :) A bun with rolls and pin curls is actually a protective style. Now I have adapted my hair to be protected, fully natural, healthy and it has a pentecostal look to it all at the same time!

I challenge you to embrace who you are and love it!
Frizzy hair, untamed hair, thick hair, thin hair, big coils, large coils, who cares, its ALL beautiful!!

Celebrating our heritage :)

Hair Tip #15: Twists on Stretched Hair

One of my most go-to protective styles are twists! They are very easy to do, they last for several days and once I take them out, I love the curl definition they create! I find that they last the longest if I do them on stretched hair.

What is stretched hair? It is a way to stretch your curls out to show more length. There are many ways to do this without the use of heat. You can do this by twisting your hair, by braiding your hair, french braids, flat twists, etc. Once you remove the twists, braids, etc, your hair will be stretched to a longer length than it would have been in its natural state. Some people even consider stretched hair blow dried hair. Personally, I do not blow dry my hair even when I straighten it because it can cause heat damage!

While there are many ways to do twists, I get the best results on stretched hair.

Here is how I stretch my hair for twists:

• After my washing routine, I detangle my hair using a leave in conditioner (right now I am using garnier frutis) and wide toothed comb. I use clamps (just like the ones in the picture) to separate the hair as I detangle. I seal in moisture with oil (right now I am using Africas Ultimate Herbal oil and Hollywood Beauty Tea Tree Oil) paying specific attention to the ends.
• Next, I twist my hair in 8-10 large twists all over my head. If I am doing this in the morning, I pin it all back into an up-do. If I am doing this at night, I just put on my scarf and silk bonnet.
• The next day, after my hair has dried, I re-twist my hair into smaller twists. So each large twist turns into 2-3 smaller twists. This makes my twists longer in length then they would be on wet hair.

WHY are twists better on stretched hair?

• Longevity
• Less frizz
• More length
• Better definition for twist out

Can you see the difference??

Lots of length!!

Very little frizz!

Now this is just the beginning. No need to wear your twists in a frumpy style! I did these twists in the evening so I put in about 8 flexi-rods over night (which stretches it even more)

 Here is how it turned out the next day!

Curlies to the side :)

Very cute and easy!!

In a side pony with some pieces pinned up :)

I hope you can apply this to your protective style knowledge archives! This is a great way to make your twists look sheen, neat and achieve a beautiful twist out! I got so many compliments when I wore the twist out. Too bad I didn't take pics lol

Celebrating protective styling the cute way <3

NEW POST on "Taking a Stand for Holiness" Page

DISCLAIMER: This could be considered a very controversial post for many. It must be approached with prayer and an open mind.

If you have questions, concerns, etc, please feel free to email me. mrs.kthaler@gmail.com

This blog is about hair but it is also a display of my beliefs through the Word of God :) I am not afraid to share and contend for them!

Enjoy!

How has Kendra been wearing her hair??

I can just hear all my followers saying,

"This is a HAIR BLOG, Kendra!!. We don't just want random articles, we want to see pictures, otherwise we think you don't know what you're talking about."

Okay, okay! lol.

Well here is the thing ladies. My camera chord was lost for almost 2 weeks! But what was lost has been found (smile) so I am going to be posting lots of pics now!! Here are a few styles that I took pictures of within that 2 week period of time.

A Curly Madness Do

Pulled into a side messy bun with a few curlies dangling all over the place

Pulled back on the other side:

I don't smooth down my ends when I pull it back, it has a bit of frizz to it, but that doesn't bother me because I have

FRIZZY HAIR! Its all part of embracing what you have!

Close up of my bun. I just pinned the curls randomly. No method to my madness, I just play in it until I'm happy with how it looks lol

I like a BIG and kind of messy look thats still classy. I didn't separate the curls that much because I liked how they looked big :) It reminded me of this cool bantu knot out I saw once.

I'm a Pentecostal Yes I Am

Don't ask me how I did that because I don't know. I just started rolling and pinning and WALAH!

I was on my way to school. I did this style on the curls from the day before. I didn't have time to re-roll my hair so the curls were a bit flat. So I did an up-do instead :)

I LOVED how the front turned out!! And for the back, I did a twisted side bun. I guess I like side buns a lot huh? Haha. Its becoming quite the signature style for me.

My Make-Shift Do

There is a very funny story behind this one that I MUST tell. So my husband is the coach for our senior bible quiz team and I am his assistant. At the end of January we had our first tournament. Well I packed all my stuff and sent Brendan with my bags because I was going to drive up with some church family after work. To my dismay, when I arrived, I found out that by mistake, our bags got left. So all I had was my outfit for the next day in the garment bag and all the complimentary toiletries that the hotel had to offer. So I styled my hair with conditioner, yes with conditioner. lol No it wasn't organic but it made a cute do for the day! haha :) Kendra is learning how to make it work!!

I did a few rolls in the front and made my own headband with a twist :)

My signature curlies on the side and another signature, my high bun!

I did another twist going back to add some texture :)

Here is the other side. It was pretty cool looking in my opinion. Styled with my fingers and conditioner haha

Close up :)

 I will be taking a pic everyday this week and on Saturday I will post all of them so you can see how I wear my hair day to day. Bad hair days, good hair days- all of them. (uh-oh) haha. I am proud of my work!! I hope you enjoyed my styles and are inspired to try them. I would do tutorials but seriously I cannot re-create so many of the styles I do :(

I literally get in the mirror and play with it until it looks how I want it. Try it and see what you come up with! The sky is the limit!!

If you see a style you like but your hair isn't as long as the person wearing it, then modify it and make it fit your hair. That's what I do!

Celebrating happy, healthy and FUN hair <3

Chronicles of a Natural Apostolic: Embracing My Curls

About my curls: I have VERY tight curls. For the most part they are ringlet "S" curls.  Some times it gets frizzy, sometimes it doesn't. It really just depends on how my hair is feeling. I have a lot of hair, but my strands are fine. They aren't thick, therefore I don't have coarse hair. Yes natural hair still be fine :) When I wash my hair I get MAJOR shrinkage. Inches and inches of shrinkage. It barely touches my neck lol. But no matter what the roots are doing, those ends love to curl up!

In this pic: I didn't put any product in my hair. Fresh out the shower in a puff!

Why can it be hard to embrace your curls? There is such thing as curl envy. Sometimes you might feel ashamed of your curls because they don't look like someone elses curls you like. But you can't focus on that. No product will give you a different hair texture or curl pattern. It will only enhance and define what you already have. This is all part of finding what works for you and embracing it!

This was taken December 10'

Don't force your hair to be something it isn't... this is a lesson I am learning in life. It was actually part of the reason why I went natural. Why was I continually altering my hair?! I mean- isn't it pretty enough without anything? Now in my opinion, I am not against wearing your hair straight BUT I am against straightening your hair in an attempt to run away from your natural hair. Your hair is unique and beautiful in its own way!! You might be the only one in the world with the texture you have!



I surely do have my fizzy days. See!! This was December 09'

I used to wonder why my curls would turn out different every time I tried to wear it out... I still don't know the answer to that question! haha. But I just know how to go with the flow better. Like in this pic below, my hair did something very strange- I must have washed a braid out. I don't remember but my curls were extremely defined that day. Natural hair has character and it has a mind of its own. But its FUN when you can learn how to make it work and just dance to the music anyway!

So my best advice to myself is to love what God gave me. Some days it is easier than other days (you know- when you are having those, I know my hair looks bomb days). Those other not so easy days its easy to forget the whole embracing thing. But we have to love what we have!! The more we love it, the more confident we will be and the more confident we are, the more we let our light shine for Jesus through our hair! That's right :)

Celebrating us <3

Healthy Hair, Healthy Lifestyle: Dark Green Vegetables

Your dark greens are excellent sources of vitamins A and C, which your body needs to produce sebum. Sebum is the oily substance, secreted by your hair follicles, is the body's natural hair conditioner. Too much sebum makes oily hair and not enough makes dry hair. So it is important that you take in the right amount of Vitamin A.

 

So keep in mind,

 

No sebum = dry and brittle hair.
Too much sebum = oily hair.
Vitamin A intake = balanced sebum amounts.

 

That’s not all! Dark green vegetables also provide iron and calcium. Many women, including myself, tend to be anemic or suffer from low iron. Here is a sure way to attack that problem! Eat your greens!

 

What are some options?

 

• broccoli
• collard greens
• dark green leafy lettuce
• kale
• mesclun
• mustard greens
• romaine lettuce
• spinach
• turnip greens
• watercress

 

Get creative with how you eat your greens. Toss a dark leaf salad with granny smith apples, blueberries, walnuts, strawberries and red vine vinaigrette -one of my personal favorites.

 

Another option is to steam broccoli with butter, garlic salt and pepper as a side dish with your lunch or dinner.

 

When you go out to eat, opt for a salad or veggies over fries!

Celebrating healthy hair with a healthy lifestyle <3

I want YOU to share with US!

 Would you like to share your hair testimony with everyone?! Feel like shouting it from the rooftops :) Want to be en encouragement to others??

Here is what you do,

•  Send an email to mrs.kthaler@gmail.com and let me know you are interested!
• I will reply with a list of questions that I would like for you to answer
• I will also request a certain amount of photos

Want to share a style that you just love to do? Its just so awesome that you have to share :)

Here is what you do,

• Send an email to mrs.kthaler@gmail.com  and tell me all about your style. In addition, send me some pictures of the style.
• I will proof-read what you would like to post
• If all is well I will send you a confirmation email letting you know it will be posted!

Want to submit a product review or share a hair recipe?

Here is what you do,

• Send an email to mrs.kthaler@gmail.com and let me know you would like to submit a product review
• I will respond with a list of questions and a format that I would like the post written in
• Once you send it back to me, I will proof read it and if all is well, look for a confirmation email

Anything else you want to share?? Email me!!

We are in this together so why not share what works for ALL of us?

Celebrating togetherness in this hair journey <3

Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Hair: Protein

"Without adequate protein or with low-quality protein, one can experience weak brittle hair, while a profound protein deficiency can result in loss of hair color," Giancoli tells WebMD.

It is a proven fact that in inadequate amounts of protein can lead to hair loss and shedding. Keep in mind that protein is needed by every cell in the body, including the cells needed in normal hair growth. Without adequate protein intake, the body cannot efficiently make new hair to replace the hair that has shed!

Meats (Lean cuts of): 

• beef
• ham
• lamb
• pork
• veal 

Game meats:

• bison
• rabbit
• venison
• game hen

Lean ground meats:

•  beef
• pork
• lamb 

Lean luncheon meats = your normal turkey, ham, roast beef, etc.

Organ meats:

• liver
• giblets 
• chicken
• duck
• goose
• turkey
• ground chicken and turkey 

Eggs

Fish = Shellfish, Canned fish AND Finfish

  

The possibilities are endless! Just make sure you load up on protein!

 Especially if your hair is protein sensitive like mine!!

Celebrating a healthier lifestyle <3

Chronicles of a Natural Apostolic: Encouragement for Discouragement

I am all about encouraging others to do what is right for their hair, to keep up the good work and to not even consider giving up! Whenever you need an encouraging word, Kendra is there for you! Yet there are times I am speaking encouragement that I am wishing someone would speak to me. For about the past month my hair journey has gotten a bit hard. Straightening my hair was a huge highlight because I was able to see the growth! It was super exciting for me to see how much my hair had grown :) well about two weeks later, discouragement came.

The washing, detangling and protective styling takes sooo much time. I was wishing I could easily put my hair into a bun and call it a day.

I wanted it down my back already! I looove my pentecostal sisters at church, but it started bugging me that my hair was so much shorter. I was wishing I could just have different hair.

Kendra why did you cut your hair in the first place?? When I was in the world I didn't know the truth. I chopped my almost mid back hair into a super short cut. I was wishing I had never ever done that.

If only I had mixed textured hair, straight hair - any other type of hair- life would be so much easier for me concerning my hair. I was wishing the kinks and curls would just disappear. Suddenly relaxed hair began to look appealing for the first time in a very long time.

Now I understand why so many black women give in and resort to weaves, extensions and wigs. Its easier to fit in than to stand out. Is conformity really wrong when it makes you feel more comfortable in your own skin?

-the pressure was really on-

And the biggest of all- God I love natural hair but why did you have to make my hair this texture?

I am being transparent and open to share my thoughts with you because I know these are common battles with having natural hair.

On Thursday night I was preparing myself for bed. I was frustrated because I was exhausted but I had to prep my hair for the next day and tie it up. My husband was in bed waiting patiently for me to finish, as he always does. I threw down my comb and said,

"Why does it take so long for me to do my hair?!"

My husband answered quick without any hestiation,

"Because its so beautiful."

I replied, "what do you mean?"

He explained, "Butterflies are one of the most beautiful yet fragile insects. Did you know that if you touch their wings they can never fly again?"

"No I didn't know that..."

His words touched me. It was as if God spoke through him the answer to all of my frustration.

My hair is beautiful.

My hair is fragile and requires care, because its beautiful.

My hair may not look like everyone elses, but it is still beautiful.

Perhaps if we take the time to care and love our hair we will truly realize, its beautiful.

And when the going gets tough, and at times it will, say these words to yourself,

"Because its beautiful"

SPECIAL Product Review: Uncut and Grow, Christine Carney

Hello beautiful ladies! I am here to give you another product review! This one is special though :) I received an email from Christine Carney with an inquiry for me to try a few of her products from her product line. She is an Apostolic woman of God who is licensed Nurse and Herbwife. She firmly believes in the power of God and His gift of Nature to heal the human body and spirit! I was so excited to see her using her talents and career to help other women in the faith. What a beautiful thing!

As she states on her website:

I Believe: God created the Earth and all the things in the Earth. Nature was created for the health and healing of man. Prayer should precede every treatment. Knowledge and Understanding are not acquired by accident.

About the Products: 
 
UNCUT Hair Oil

UNCUT Hair Oil is the perfect blend of organic jojoba and hemp seed oils blended with healing essential oils. It can be heated and applied as an intensive conditioning oil treatment or leave-in styling conditioner. UNCUT infuses hair with rejuvenating minerals and vitamins to restore your natural hair’s strength and vitality. This oil is perfect for softening long,frayed and fragile hair. A must have for the woman who wants to grow strong luscious locks!

4 ounces

Price: $12.95

GROW

Grow is specially formulated for hair that has been damaged or over processed. It is a deep conditioning hair mask made with shea butter, a blend of jojoba and hemp seed oils. Healing essential oils are added to help to de-stress, soothe and soften dry hair. Grow can be applied as an intensive conditioning mask or leave-in styling conditioner. It helps shield hair by locking in moisture and infusing hair with rejuvenating minerals and vitamins to restore your natural hair’s strength and vitality. Grow is a superb product that is beneficial to Anglo and African-American hair.

4 oz

Price: $10.95

My Review:
After a fresh wash and detangling, I twisted my hair using the UNCUT and GROW products. It took me a few tries to find the right amount to use in my hair. After I did that, these were my results and reviews:

UNCUT

The oils worked like magic in my hair! They did great to seal in the moisture after my creme based moisturizer. I think it was a great mix, not too greasy or heavy! (Which is a BIG deal) Many oil mixes are just way to greasy lol. My only con is that the scent was a bit overwhelming after a while. It was just a bit strong for my liking

GROW

My initial feeling was that it was too greasy, but that was just because I was using too much *smile* It is actually very lightweight and doesn't take much. It REALLY worked great on my twists! Gave great sheen and body! It also has a lot of slip to it so it makes it easier for me to keep my hair detangled. It tends to re curl and tangle itself on its own even after I comb it all out. Overall this is a great product for my hair type :)

 

I KNOW the product is good and I KNOW it works and I cannot stress enough that is is WORTH the money! Not only are the products awesome, but they go a long way. I only had to use 1/3 the amount of UNCUT that I generally use (with an oil mix) in order to get good results. And I only had to use half a dime size of the GROW in order to have good results. That's nothing compared to how much product I generally have to put into my hair.

Here is a special offer that Christine has personally given to the followers of this blog, THAT'S YOU!

Christine has offered a 20% discount if you mention that your purpose for buying the product is because you saw the review on my blog! What a GREAT deal!! So don't wait, support a fellow sister in the faith especially because this product is very worthwhile. Click here to check out her website!

Celebrating the joys of product reviews and deals :)