T.E.R. Goddess Braid

Tracee Ellis Ross

I have been wanting to try this braid style for a while and since my hair is straight - there is no time like the present. Here's my attempt:

I don't like hair in my face so i moved the braid up a little. This was actually pretty quick and easy. I did a tutorial on the look and I believe the vid is going to be less than 3 min long - not bad.

Flat Twistout w/ 2 Braids

You get it first...

This is a style I wore to the CurlyNikki gathering a while back. I got a few questions on how I maintained the look and this is how.

The flat twists were done on dry hair that was an old twist-out. The older the twist-out the more stretched out the look. 

This look was originally done on freshly washed hair but as the days passed the look got a little messy and this video basically demonstrates the steps I took to refresh the style.

To achieve/refresh this style:

1. Create two plaits/braids in the front

2. Separate the rest of the hair into easy to work with sections

3. Using a water-based product, flat twist from the crown to the nape (this will encourage length with the look)

4. When hair is 100% dry remove the twist (apply oil if desired) and fluff until you are happy with the look



Edit: The error with the video not playing should be resolved. If it does not play for you please let me know

A night out with an old twist out

When you have old hair, a busy day, and plans later that night - trying to figure out something to do your hair can be stressful.

It just so happens that two days before I watched a YT video on a Quick and Easy Saturday Night Updo...and I must say, it was very quick and very easy.

 The style was done on a 3 day old twist out that was on it's last leg - seriously it was BAD.

I did not apply any product to my hair prior to styling and the only tools used were my hands, a brush, and a hairzing.

For smoother edges you can gel & brush - then tie them down. I opted to go with just a brush because I didn't want the style to look like an attempt at neatness - I prefer messy looks when my hair is out.

I got a few compliments that night so this will definitely be a "go to" look for those days/nights when I have little to no time to do my hair for an event.

Twist/Twist-out Faux-hawk

Last weekend I went out with the girls and I wanted to wear a fun & funky style that would last. I posted a few days ago that I wanted to try out some "Goapele braids" and that weekend seemed to be the best time to do it so I gave it a try. 

I didn't do super small cornrows because I didn't have much time so I would like to try this look again with some itty bitty cornrows. The style was actually pretty easy to accomplish once I got my hair parted into the major sections. 

Here's my interpretation:

Pinned Twists

Twists released

There is also a YouTube tutorial to go along with this style: 2-N-1 Faux-hawk

The Updo After 1 Week

Prior to doing my henna treatment I was still wearing my updo. This is how it looked after one week:

To turn this into a second style you can remove the twist to achieve the look of a curly updo:

Tutorial Here: Updo Twist out

Twist-Cornrow Updo

Here is the tutorial for last weeks style:

Featured on CurlyNikk.com

I always start on clean and conditioned hair. When styling I like to use no more than three products at a time, for this particular one I am only using shea butter.

1. I section my hair into two sections; the section to be cornrowed and the section that will be the two strand twists.

2. I start the cornrows on one side (going from the nape up to the crown) and move in the direction towards the opposite while attempting to keep the cornrows the same size.

3. After all the cornrows are done, then it's time to twist. The twists can be any size and can be pinned in any fashion or even set on rollers for an more "out" style.

The first time I did this style it took a little over 1.5 hrs. The second time it only took 1hr 15min. This look can last up to two weeks with proper care.

Simple Braid-Out

I was able to achieve this style after doing the 6 cornrows and a flower for a week. I love 2 in one styles because they contribute to my laziness. :)

Here is a quick tutorial on how I do my braidouts, its an extremely simple process:

Six Cornrows with a flower

I have a lot going on and I didn't want my hair to suffer so I needed something that was super super low maintenance. Also, for a while I have been wanting to recreate one of NikG's super cute styles that she does on A's hair. I chose this one: 6 cornrows with a bow

High Bun

Yesterday was such a bad hair day that I had to go home after work and do something about it.

After attempting to participate in a 6 week long twist challenge I opted to go back to bunning. For some reason wearing twists for an extended amount of time is not good for my ends unless I am going to immediately style them and keep them in an updo. My ends get too curly and although it looks good - it's bad for my hair. I noticed this back in January also when I was wearing two strand twists. Another lesson learned.

It looks like I will soon have to trim about 1/2 inch all over due to single strand knots and a few splits. I have only seen 2 split ends but the SSKs are everywhere.

Fun with Banana Clips

Last weekend I did the side swept afro with a banana clip, this weekend I positioned the clip on top and accented the look with a cornrow in the front.

BraidOut on Straight Hair

This was actually my first time doing a braid out on straight hair. I liked the waves and if I was so in need of a washing I would have worn this for a day or two.

Fun to Protective

Sunday's style was the perfect template for a protective style and quick to do. Since the sides were cornrowed into place I just needed to twist the loose section. I misted each section with Care Free Curl/Water mix and sealed with my Spring Shea Butter mix. This look is the outcome.

Bunning It!

After having my fun with the Jill Scott inspired style I decided to use the style as a starting point for this week's protective style - more buns :)

Work it Ms. Scott!

Check out this fly hair on Jill Scott!

I will be copying this style! I have to, I love this look.

Inspired Style

Spring is here! Time to have some fun :)

Alas, my twist out was too defined! This style I will attempt again because I want it big and wild just like Yaya's.

To get this look a twist is gather in a high pony and clip (or pin) in place. Leave a little out for the "bang" and throw on some fierce earrings and you are ready to go.

Sunday Style: Double Side Bun

My style was inspired by one of my many hairoine's the founder of K.I.S.S. Social network, Traycee.

She did this style in May 2008 and I have admired it for months, here is my interpretation:

And yes, she is relaxed. However, she has some awesome hair care tips and regimens. I was able to get on track with my healthy hair journey by reading her blog. I love my hair and I love playing in it but I am still hair lazy. The way that Traycee keeps it simple works great for me.

Sunday's Message:

Provoking the F.O.G.

Matthew 15:21-28

Sometimes we are not in the F.O.G. because the enemy is at work doing all they can to keep us out of the F.O.G. We must direct our anger at the enemy - do what is necessary to provoke the F.O.G. It will not come easy but keep in mind that we tend to cherish things more that we have to work hard to obtain.

1. Come to God real (the woman did not deny who she was)

2. Refuse to be sidetracked by distractions (She did not allow the disciples to distract her focus on Jesus)

3. Never accept your present situation as final (She refuse to take no as an answer-she demonstrated faith)

Bonus point: You can't allow your current situation to determine where God will take you.

Sunday Style: Braid Out and African Fabric Headband

To close out Black History month my church had an African Heritage themed Sunday. It was pretty cool to see a sea of bright colors and so many different patterns of Kente cloth.

My BFF came down for the weekend and rocked a head wrap and hubby (no pictured) wore a kente cloth tie and pocket hanky.

Taking pics outside when it is cold and windy is not easy, LOL.

For the headband please check out Rachel Stewart, she has some awesome creations.

Sunday's Message:

Psalm 137: 1-4
This Sunday was more along the lines of educational. My pastor spoke on the important role that music plays in the Black worship. It was pretty cool how he used to choir to demonstrated each era of music and sing examples of songs that he spoke up. It make for an interactive and exciting service.

In honor of this sermon, this song has been on constant rotation on my MP3:

Cornrows = Scalp Rest

A few days ago I stated how my scalp was itchy and sore. The itching I am used to - it just happens during this season. The soreness was because I was going a little too hard with scratching. I have even awaken myself in the middle of the night because I was scratching too hard. So I decided to cornrow my hair for low manipulation and rest. I don't braid tight so this was perfect. I am on day 4 of my cornrows and the soreness is gone. My scalp just needed to be left alone to heal.

I haven't figured out why my scalp itches or what causes it and no I have not been to a dermatologists - I barely have time to eat. Ever since I can remember my scalp has done this during the cold weather. It's probably the dry hair because guess what - my skin hurts and itches also. I have to slather on shea butter just to be comfortable. During the summer - no issues. I am drinking more water in hopes that increase fluid intake will help. It's bearable so I'll live. :)

Here are the cornrows:

Sunday Style: Corinne Bailey Rae Inspired

Today for church I attempted to emulate Corrine Bailey Rae's newest look by the way of flat twists on roller set hair and and rollers on the ends. As you can see it did not come out as big as hers but I believe I know why - I did not mist this style. However, the hubby liked and that is good enough for me :)

Todays message: "Being Faithful in the FOG"

Esther 2:15-18

Esther's story talks about how she found favor in the King because she was in the favor of God. She made Queen and because of God's favor she found favor in the King and was in a position to save the destruction of her people.

1. Favor honors us in the midst of adversaries

2. Favor can produce preferential treatment

3. Favor can give you victory in the battle before you even start fighting

When you are in the favor of God you have to remain prayerful or you will become prejudice.

Sunday Style: Double Loopy Bun

I didn't know what else to call this style, LOL. So this is not the style that I actually wore on Sunday but my Hubby and I attended a Valentine's Day Soiree with our church on Saturday so I wore this style. I was so tired on Sunday (we had fun) that I just threw my hair back in a simple ponytail. So here's Saturday night:

The inspiration for this style came from the Essence bun hair gallery. It looked a lot better in person.

Today's message: When you are thrown into the FOG

In the story of Joseph a lot of bad things happened to him - he was thrown into a pit by his brothers, sold into slavery, lied on by his master's wife, and forgotten by his family - but through all of that he was still in the favor of God. (1) Favor has a price. (2) Favor has a purpose. (3) Favor is for God's glory.

Joseph endured so much just so that he could be in the position to save his family when the famine came.

Genesis 37:23-24; 39:4