Hair, Babes and All Things Nice

Form the title of the post I am sure you have guessed that this post is going to be about a lot of things. I just thought 1 encompassing post was in order as it would tie everything together. Last week Wednesday I travelled to see my nephew Baby AA (finally). I was giddy with excitement and the plane wasn't going fast enough.
Before I left I agonized over my hair - what was I going to do with it. Since the big chop I have been rocking my afro - combing and trying as much as possible to be creative with my much much shorter afro. I finially decided to have a weave on so that I wouldn't have to stress about combing and styling. I gave my hairdresser Emma free reign over what she could put on my head and this is what she came up with:

Love this hair style and the way it is funky and full.

Side view. It is so bouncy and the colour ...mwah!.

In the plane on my way to see my nephew. Flying terrifies me but I always opt for the window seat because I would rather see whats out there than not see anything at all.

Just after landing. A relieved me just had to take a picture to celebrate a safe landing.

Introducing the sleeping baby AA. This little man can sure sleep. It expalins why he is growing up so fast.

Here we are again ...sleeping.

Yep, he smiles a lot when he is sleeping. I bet he dreams of angels.

Love his smiles.

Time for a bath. The little man love love loves his baths. No crying just ooows and aaaah and calmness.

Oh no, bath time over already?

This is what happens when you have a photo crazy aunty. Even when all you want to do is sleep she is kissing you or making you pose for pictures.

Mummy can you see what aunty is doing? I am not sure if I like it.We have taken so many pictures already.

Yes, of course a selfie with a sleeping baby AA.

My visit went by so fast. One minute I was arriving and the next I was already leaving. I am glad I got the opportunity to see my nephew as a baby baby. I couldn't bear to think of seeing him when he was already crawling or walking. See you soon my lovely.

The Chop

Picture from here

I cut trimmed my hair on Saturday, it was was something I have been thinking about a lot and aaaah ...I finally did it. It feels so good. My hair was really not doing anything for me and I felt that I needed a change. I did not cut it all the way down but I surely cannot tie a pony tail anymore that's for sure.

As I was thinking about my hair I was reminded that even in life there are things that need to be cut off or trimmed especially if they are not doing anything for us or are pulling us down. I have been taking stock of my life - cutting and trimming and trying to leave only what matters the most. It is not easy but I am trying. Perharps my hair was caught in the cross fire of it all but I am glad to say it somehow made me feel better. Here is to something new for my hair. Cheers

Hello, I love Co-washing

In my search for tips on how to maintain and style natural hair I came across the idea of co-washing (washing hair with conditioner instead of shampoo). I researched about it and I liked the idea because every time I wash my hair with shampoo it gets very dry and ends up breaking. So this weekend I decided to try co-washing. From my research I found out that co-washing needs a lot of conditioner and as a result it is better to go for the cheaper conditioners and then after use a more expensive conditioner. I went and bought one of the cheapest conditioners I could find in Shoprite and then went home to wash my hair.

I must say co-washing worked for me. I wasn't sure if my hair would be clean but it was squeaky clean (I did 2 washes) and then afterwards I used my usual Organics conditioner. 

Image from here.

I was pleasantly surprised when my hair dried and it was not dry and the breakage much much less compared to when I use shampoo– my hair retained its natural oils. So I am a convert to co-washing. My hair will only see shampoo once in a blue moon. Hello co-washing let us see how far we go. 

Hair Bravery

Last Month on the 3rd of October to be exact I decided to be brave and start rocking my natural hair (as in untreated hair). I have been plaiting for 4 years now, always adorning another haristyle on removing an old one. I was tired. I wanted a change. For quite a while now I have been admiring those who style their  natural hair without putting weaves, extensions or the like but I have been a whimp when it came to doing it myself. For a start I have unruly natural hair, the kind which is voluminous  (as in a lot) and shrinks like I dont know what when it's wet or raining. On the Friday I took the leap, I came from work and on the spur of the moment I decided that I was going to undo my hair and not plait it. I was going to start styling it myself.

To be honest the first two weeks it was hard and I struggled to style it despite the help of YouTube videos. Believe me those ladies on YouTube make it seem like a walk in the park. My hair was not cooperating and around that time it started raining on a regular basis. I was ready to throw in the towel but something urged me to keep going. Slowly I began to get used to my hair even when it had shrunk and styling it became easier.

I am not yet there but I am glad to say that a month down the line I am now more comfortable with my hair and sometimes a style pops in my head as I am mosterizing and combing it and I go with it. I am learning that I have it in me to be creative. Waking up a little bit earlier than I used to is now worth it as I feel more myself and at ease showing off my natural hair. When I am more confident with my stylings I will share some pictures but in the meanwhile :

I have always been adventurous with my hairstyles. I love trying out new and unique hairstyles. This is the last plaiting hairstyle I had before the decision not to plait anymore. I liked it but I think it would have been even nicer with some color.

I was walking in town the other day when I saw this style advertised on the window of one saloon. I instantly fell in love with the hair style.Unfortunately, when I enquired in the saloon they said they couldnt do this kind of locking so I am on the hunt for someone who can. I have done something similar before and it goes well with my natural hair. Can't wait to have this.

I wonder how long I will be able to go without plaiting my hair with braids or weaves? I am really enjoying having an afro, tying, scarving and pinning my natural hair. It sure feels great ...despite the the work that comes with it.