Redefining Natural Hair Success

Hello Journeyers! I hope all is well. I've been wanting to address this topic for a while so I'm pretty excited to finally get to it.

Before I start, I think this picture speaks a million words:

Some call it a fad, others a lifestyle but either way, I'm thrilled to see that wearing our own natural hair has become a more acceptable option in areas where it was once considered risque (school, corporate work environments, the military, etc). I was and remain thrilled to be part of a movement of curly-haired, brown diaspora women who have decided to unyoke themselves from the ideology that 'white is the only way to look right'. We're all God's creatures so while I see beauty in the tresses of blondes, ringlets of redheads, and bounce of brunette bobs; I also see and LOVE my brown sisters and brothers wearing their crowns of kinks, coils, and curls with unapologetic pride.

That said, it seems that we've now reached a place where a lot of women feel they've only had a successful natural hair journey if they can wear one of these.

Don't even get me started on the second picture. It's cute but do you really need a picture to know this information? I think it was more helpful when it defined the acronyms sometimes thrown around by naturalistas (i.e. BSL- bra strap length). 

All this said, my frustration is borne out of what seems to be a mindset. Perhaps I'm wrong but it seems that all of this is a confirmation that whether relaxed or natural, we as a community still idolize a certain 'look'.

Having been natural a while now, I certainly understand the desire to know one's hair progress. I get it. 

What I do not believe and hate to inform you is that you can try all the products in the world and try every technique known to man, not everybody is going to have curls like the picture above. Beyond the coils, it's the length that many have mentally designated as the sign of success. Well curlfriend, I hate to be the bearer of bad news. 

I'm not saying it's impossible, I'm saying it's idealistic. 

Why you ask? 

One of my natural hair faves, Kim Love of Luv Naturals explains it perfectly in this video. Summarily, hair growth is determined by many things including but not limited to age, diet, exercise, genetics, medications, hair practices, etc.

So the moral of the story: 

STOP defining your success based on the results of someone else's hair journey!!!

While I love to see beautiful hair of varying textures, color, styles, etc. I do not allow their pictures to discourage me or define my goals. What is great FOR THEM, may not be reality FOR ME.

So how SHOULD I define success? 

If your hair is shiny, thick, strong, and healthy- your journey has been successful. What more could you ask for?

'Til next time my friend....

May God bless and keep you!

Be sure to join us on Facebook. We have a lively group where it's not about ad, advertising, model searches, product sales. It's just an open forum to ask and share information about your healthy hair (or life) journey. Come on over!

Click picture to be redirected:

Problems? Click here>>>  https://www.facebook.com/groups/JourneytomyRoots

Vintage Updo...Sassy & Simple Style for Natural or Relaxed Hair!

If you know me, you know I love all things vintage! Be it Madam CJ Walker, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Billie Holiday, or Coretta Scott King, these women and the styles they wore scream class, culture, and distinction. While history tells some very ugly truths about this time, it paints that truth behind an enghanting picture, a picture that includes elegant updos, curls adorned with flowers, and jewelry as hairpieces.

When I first went natural, one of my FAVORITE Youtubers was Curly Chronicles. She has some of the most gorgeous yet creative and simple vintage styles ever.

So given my love of vintage, I'm thrilled to share this video tutorial. 

Natural or relaxed, this simple updo is a great vintage style! Check it out then like, comment, reshare, and please SUBCRIBE, SUBCRIBE, SUBSCRIBE!

Please share your comments below and if you try this style, please share your pictures. I'd love to create an album and reshare them. You can reach me at journeytomyroots@gmail.com

Want more vintage looks. Click on the picture below to check out a throwback tutorial from Curly Chronicles.

She's grown her brand since the original days as Curly Chronicles. 

You can now find her as The Retro Natural @ http://theretronatural.blogspot.com

Definitely check her out. She's a real thinker. 

She's funny, intelligent, and beautiful beyond words. You'll learn a lot of science with her as well and you know I LOVE that. Say it with me, 'The more you know, the more you grow!'

Til next time, much love and God bless!

The Simply Straight Straightening Brush on Natural Hair- A Product Review

They're all the rage but do they work? Simply Straight is a ceramic straightening brush. Check out my product review and find out the following:

• Does it work???????
• How does it compare to flat ironing or using a hot comb?
• How do I use it and what do I need to know before getting started?

I cover all that and more in this product review video.

Please like, comment, reshare, and most importantly

SUBSCRIBE, SUBSCRIBE, SUBSCRIBE!!!!! 

Thanks for checking it out! If you try or have tried the Simply Straight (or any other brand), please share your experience. I'd love to see your pictures too. Email them to me @ journeytomyroots@gmail.com

Thanks and God Bless!

DIY Hair Accessories

Is that a necklace; a necklace and hair pin; or an ornate hair accessory? Yes! It's whatever my heart fancies!

I don't know about you but I'm completely shocked by the cost of a simple headband or decorative hair comb these days. You can call me cheap. You can call me wise prudish. But if there's one thing you cannot call me it's wasteful! I simply refuse to pay exorbitant prices for flimsy flowers on cheap plastic bands!

That said, I do love a high-quality, beautifully-made, hair piece. 

Such is the specialty of BoutiqueDeBandeaux (BDB) on Etsy!

Click the picture below to check out her offerings.

BDB makes GORGEOUS hair couture especially designed with thick, curly, hair in mind. I love that many of her items are silk-lined- a must for us natural girls who know that cotton absorbs the moisture right out of your hair.

So while some boutiques, create ornate items that are worth paying for (i.e. Boutique Bandeaux), you too can make beautiful hair pieces. It's super simple and best of all....it's practically free!

Check out my latest video, DIY (Do it yourself) Hair Accessories to learn how to fashion your own hair pieces with a bit of creativity and ingenuity. I don't know about you but I have more pieces of jewelry than I'll ever wear and more flowers than I'll ever decorate with. Why not put them to good use? Learn how here:

In addition to the pictures on the video, you can head on over to my Facebook page to see even more ideas in my album, DIY Hair Accessories. Please be sure to 'like' my page. I truly appreciate your support.

https://www.facebook.com/JourneytomyRoots

Here's a couple of other ideas:

• Have spare weave or Kankelon hair? Braid it and wrap it around your head as a headband.
• Got tons of buttons you've collected over the years from the clothes you've bought? Use a glue gun and glue all different kinds to a thick ribbon and tie it around your head as a headband!
• Be sure to check out Dollar Tree. They have tons of great clip on decorations such as these butterflies. Clip them to a stretchy headband and viola, you've got another cute hair piece!

So what do you think? Share in the comments and then come on over to the Journey to My Roots Group on Facebook to chat it up. See you there!

Trouble connecting? Click here>>> 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/JourneytomyRoots

I'd love to see what hair accessories this video inspires you to make. Email your pictures to me at journeytomyroots@gmail.com

I'd love to post them!

Thanks again Journeyers. God Bless!

Product Review: Softee Argan Oil Styling Gel

If you know me, you know I have been a looooooooooooooooong time fan of EcoStyler Olive Oil Styling Gel. 

Matter of fact, it's one of the items on my list of 'natural hair necessities'. What else is on the list? Check it out....

This list has come with time and test so while it's hard to get on the list, it's hard to get off as well. Nonetheless, I am willing to try new things. I'm a woman. It's our prerogative to change our minds. 

To that end, I recently tried Softee's Argan Oil Styling Gel. It was $1 at the Dollar Tree so I figured why not. So what's the verdict? Check out the product review below:

Have you tried this product? What did you think? Share in the comments and then come on over to the Journey to My Roots Group on Facebook to chat it up. See you there!

Trouble connecting? Click here>>> 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/JourneytomyRoots

Product Review: Suave Macadamia Oil and White Orchid Infusion

Suave Macadamia Oil and White Orchid

Natural Infusion Shampoo and Conditioner

If you know me, you know I'm a sucker for a  heavenly scent and a pretty bottle. Add the fact that these products were on sale for only $2 and surely you can understand why I just had to try Suave's NEW Natural Macadamia Oil and White Orchid Infused Shampoo and Conditioner. 

See my review in the video below. If you haven't, PLEASE subscribe, like, comment, and spread the word! THANKS!

So what's my verdict?

 You'll have to see the video but I'll remind you of something I say ALL of the time. The more you know, the healthier it will grow! Being able to read ingredient labels is of the utmost importance if you are to have a successful hair journey. My experience with this product only confirms that assertion.

Check out my blog on the mislabeling of 'natural' hair products by clicking the picture or link below:

http://journey2myroots.blogspot.com/2012/01/mislabeling-of-pure-natural-and-organic.html

What about you?

Have you tried Suave's Macadamia Oil and White Orchid line before? What about their Rosemary and Mint  or Almond and Coconut line? What did you think? Share in the comments section below and then come on over to the Journey to My Roots Group on Facebook to chat it up even more. 

Much love curlfriends!

Andre Walker: Master Stylist, Healthy Hair Guru, and Natural Hair Icon

Master Stylist, Healthy Hair Guru, Natural Hair Icon
Andre Walker

Source: http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/kinky-hair-type-4a/andre-walkers-natural-line-will-you-buy-it/

This weekend I had the opportunity to watch Oprah's 'Where Are They Now' on OWN (the Oprah Winfrey Network). If you've seen my videos 'Hair typing 101' (https://youtu.be/DmM4QrPTI1Q), you've heard me mention Andre Walker. If you haven't you may be asking yourself, who is Andre Walker and why should I care? 

The embodiment of a master stylist, Andre Walker is the man who has styled Oprah for 30+ years. We have Andre to thank for the following looks: 

Source: http://theamericanparlor.blogspot.com/2009_04_01_archive.html
 By her side for 30+ years, in last week's episode of 'Where Are They Now', Andre shares his favorite and not so favorite looks over the years as well as what he's up to now. 

 Missed it? No worries, you can catch it below:

Always one with an opinion, hear my thoughts in this short video:

What about you? What did you think of the interview? Have you had a chance to try Andre's new hair line? What did you think?

Source: Google Images

There's no denying that Mr. Walker has what the old folks used to call 'growing hands'. While she wears wigs to protect her hair from the damage that would be caused by daily blow drying and styling, Oprah Winfrey has a head full of GORGEOUS natural hair. 

Source: Google Images

Chris Rock was absolutely flabbergasted when he learned that Oprah has a head of long, thick, natural hair. He was so shocked, he had to check it out for himself. LOL! 

Filmed in 2009, Chris was on the show to discuss his award-winning documentary 'Good Hair'. If you haven't seen it, you absolutely must! Wigged, weaved, relaxed, or natural, it encourages us to have a healthy dialogue about 'hair' including the social norms for acceptable styles, the market for 'human hair', the increasing rift between Asian and Black-owned beauty supply stores, and so much more. 

Want to hear more about the challenges of being black opening a beauty supply store in the historically Asian dominated market? Check out Janice Frederick's story below! Click the picture to hyperlink to the article.

Fabulous Freddy founder Janice Frederick

Beyond Oprah's hair, I think Andre is due much respect for coining the lingo of hair typing. See my tutorial on hair typing below:

Hair Typing 101 Part 1

Hair Typing 101 Part II

Learn more about the 7 (yes, SEVEN!!!)

 time Emmy Award winner @ http://www.andrewalkerhair.com

While most often associated with Oprah, did you know that Andre has styled our current first lady, Michelle Obama as well as previous first lady Barbara Bush? Learn more about Andre, his new product line, and more @ http://www.andrewalkerhair.com

So what do you think? Share your thoughts and show some love and respect to legendary hair icon Andre Walker in the comments section below.

Afterwards come on over to Facebook and chime in as part of the group! 

Click the picture below to head on over. See ya' there!

Picture link not working? Click here>>> https://www.facebook.com/groups/JourneytomyRoots/

Messy Flat Twist Out Updo

Flat twist out not dry? Is it frizzy? NO WORRIES! It can be saved and even made sassy with this messy flat twist out updo. 

Let me know what you think and remember, if your hair is dry, slow-to-grow, thinning, or lackluster, 

order Quench by Journey to My Roots!

A High Bun, Natural Hair Style!

Be it Audrey Hepburn, Tika Sumpter, Beyonce, Janelle Monae, or Ashanti, high buns are a timeless classic that ladies of all ages, all hair types, and uniquely personal styles simply love!

Count me among the crowd. While I'd been wearing high buns, I was finding that the pony-tail holder or head-band used to have my hair looking great! Unfortunately, they were also leaving me with mega headaches due to the pull on my hair. No more! 

Finally! Get the look of a high bun without the pull of a head band or pony tail holder. Find out how in this super simple tutorial. Dressed up or down, the high bun will live on in infamy as a classic go-to to style!

Try it. I promise this tutorial makes it super simple!

Try it out and share your feedback in the comments. 

Come on over to Facebook and share your pics. I'll post them! 

See you there >>> http://facebook.com/groups/journeytomyroots

And don't forget your Quench Moisturizer by Journey to My Roots!

Having natural hair nightmares? Relaxer got you stressed? 
Got thinning, dry, or slow-to-grow hair or beard? 
Get Quench by Journey to My Roots!
Your hair (and I) will thank you! 
Don't believe me, check out the 250+ client reviews! 

Click the 'Order Quench' tab to place an online order. 
ORDERS ARE SHIPPED WITHIN A WEEK OF PLACEMENT

THANK YOU! Your business is very much appreciated!

Grecian Goddess, Natural Hair Style!

Who says natural is boring? Here's another super simple, super sassy style that can be rocked on relaxed or natural hair!

Try this playfully classic style on natural or relaxed hair! Make it truly Grecian with the right wardrobe and golden-wreathed hair accessories. Learn how here:  

Try it out and share your feedback in the comments. 

Come on over to Facebook and share your pics. I'll post them! 

See you there >>> http://facebook.com/groups/journeytomyroots