I am just trying to understand my hair, to learn what works and what doesn't, to experiment, make mistakes, and to embrace my hair in it's entirety..... because Roots Don't Lie




* Images belong to me unless otherwise stated*

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Protective Style Basics: Keeping Your Hair Moisturized

Hey Guys,

Protective Styling: This simply refers to any method taken to reduce hair manipulation. This is achieved by putting the hair in styles such as buns, braids, twists, and other variations. The idea behind protective styling is that the less you manipulate your hair, the lesser chance of it getting ripped, breaking, or being exposed to harsh weather.

I decided to put my hair in braids mostly because it is now cold, and the cold weather is not kind on natural hair. I am also on a sort of protective hair challenge this year to see if protective styling will help me retain more length. I have had my braids in for about a month now and I take a few basic steps to keep my hair moisturized.



I do these steps about twice a week.

Tools Needed:
  • A spray bottle with water (you can mix any other moisturizers such as Aloe Vera juice, or a light leave in conditioner)
  • Eden Body Works Jojoba Monoi Oil (you can also use coconut oil or olive oil)
  • Castor Oil

Steps:
  • Using the spray bottle go over your hair and lightly spritz each section of hair with water ( I usually spray from my roots to where I think my hair stops. I usually don't bother spraying the entire lenght of hair because that would be a waste of water)
  • Allow the water penetrate your strands for about a minute
  • Go over your hair and spray with the light oil so as to seal in the moisture from the water.
  • You can also rub the oil in between your palms and smooth down the lenght of your braids, if your oil doesn't come in a spray bottle.
  • I go over my edges with a little bit of Castor oil (not too much this oil is very thick).
  • I use the Castor oil because it is supposed to help your edges, my braids were done thick at the roots and as a result a lot of the hair on the front of my hair has pulled out.. :( I know sad but now I know what to watch out for next time I get braids installed.)
  • At this point I put my braids in a bun and allow it to dry
You can use the Castor oil on your edges every night, or whenever you want.


I hope this was helpful. If anyone would like to see either a picture or video tutorial please leave a comment below and ill try to get that done.


XOXO

Bella Joya
 

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Protective Style: Chunky Braids

Hello Guys,

I have had these chunky braids in for about a month now, and here are a few different ways I have worn them. I am ready to take them out because I am positive all my edges will be gone by the time I take them out but I am hoping to keep them in for at least another 2-3 weeks. I am sort of going on a protective style journey this year. I started in December 2012, so I am about 2 months in.

Oh and follow me on Instagram @bellajoya


















 
 
 

 
XOXO
 
Bella Joya


Friday, January 25, 2013

Protective Style: Curly Weave

Hey Guys,

I am trying out a new curly weave and here are some pictures of what the hair looks like. Review to come soon. I left out some of my natural hair... and it blended well with the weave.







 





At and art exhibit in Lagos Jan 2013





Pool Party with my Friend Toun in Lagos Nigeria January 2013



Maid of Honor at my cousins wedding January 2013, Lagos





Fun day at the art exhibit with my girls Emi, Mayowa and Bimbo Lagos Nigeria 2013



Merry Christmas from Houston TX December 2012 :)










Night- out with the ladies




 
 
Review of the curly weave to come soon
 
 
XOXO
 
 
Bella Joya