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

French Braiding 101

Like the little black dress, french braids are a timeless classic! 
Great for ladies of any age, relaxed or natural, they're great dressed up or dressed down as a protective style. Want more length, braid in  a bit of fake hair!

Don't know how to french braid? 
This tutorial makes it super simple to understand.

Want to dress up the style? Try French Braids with Bangs!

Want more glam? Use glitzy hair combs!
Feeling Grecian? Add a gold-colored hair wreath or simple flower headband!
Going formal? Pluck a few flowers, pearls, baby's breath, or lace and pin along braids with hairpins!

Chime in!

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

NEW VIDEO! My Daily 2 Minute Updo

Perhaps it's the heat. Perhaps I'm not a morning person. Perhaps it's the simplicity but whatever the reason, this 2 minute updo has become my go-to style. Check it out and try it. Don't forget to subscribe, like, reshare and comment. 
XOXO and Blessings!

Looking for another updo? Try this throwback!

Please come on over and chat it up with us in the group. We'd love to hear what worked, didn't work, and any tips you may have. Share your pics and I'll upload them with your commentary. Much love!

Click picture 
or
Click here>> https://www.facebook.com/groups/JourneytomyRoots

Hair Typing 101

So much drama:
Be it blogs, vlogs or websites, hang around any natural hair forum long enough, and you'll hear some level of discussion/debate on the topic of hair typing. Whether describing the different types, debating the pros/cons to the system, or cliqueing up by type; the whole topic can be a bit overwhelming.

Like so many things coming off the natural hair bandwagon, when it comes to hair typing, I find that there is a pinch of good info and a pile of hype.

What is it?
Hair typing is a system used to classify or define the shape of the hair; straight, wavy, curly, or kinky.

I think it is WAY WAY WAY over-hyped. I think it's good for giving us a common language to compare our hair by but other than that, I don't see what it's really good for. I think its' more important to understand the physics behind curl. If you understand that basic science, you can better understand why curly hair is harder to keep shiny, or moist. I discuss all of this...including my opinion on hair typing in my video series on the topic.

So what 'Type' am I?
There are two common classification systems for hair typing; the LOIS system and the Andrew Walker System (yep, Oprah's personal stylist Andre Walker!)

• L.O.I.S. defines hair based on shape.
• L:   Like the letter, L-shaped hair is kinky.
• O:   Like the letter, O- shaped hair is curly
• I:    Like the letter, I, shaped hair is straight
• S:   Like the letter, S-shaped hair is wavy

Easy peasy, right? No? Check this out:

https://www.facebook.com/Journey2MyRoots

• The Andre Walker System to Hair Typing is a much more detailed (read complex) system that defines the hair's shape and the DEGREE of it's shape. In other words, not only is your hair curly but HOW curly, HOW wavy, HOW straight, etc. 

• You'll know it's the Andre Walker system being referred to when hair typing is being discussed because the classification is two-part, a number that defines the shape of your hair followed by a letter defining the degree of shape.

• Like the L.O.I.S. system, the Andre Walker system breaks hair down into 4 shapes. The greater the number, the greater the curl pattern.
• Type 1: Straight
• Type 2: Wavy
• Type 3: Curly
• Type 4: Kinky

   https://www.facebook.com/Journey2MyRoots

• Once you've determines the shape and thus number, the next step is to attempt to assess the degree of curl. Personally, I find this a bit much and an area that people can easily get bogged down and confused. I'll let the pictures do the talking but basically, you can think of the letter as a measurement of circumference in the curl (I know, I know!). I don't bother assessing the degree of straightness or waviness but for curly and kinky hair, the degree or letter assesses how wide (or not) the curl is. I think this picture explains better than my rambling can ever do.

https://www.facebook.com/Journey2MyRoots

The one thing I can say about the Andre Walker system is that for those truly delve into learning the science of hair, it helps one to understand why the shape of your hair's curl pattern determines other properties such as shine, ability to maintain moisture, etc.

.

Got it? Check out my two-part video to get even more on hair typing. Remember, knowledge is the key to healthy hair and health is the key to growth

One last thing....it's VERY common to have more than one type of hair on your head. While coarse, my crown is probably a coarse type 2b while the rest of my hair is closer to a type 3a/b. I WISH I had tight, boingy curls like type 3c to type 4a/b/c but God decided against it. It can be frustrating but frustration can be the mother of innovation. I've come to LOVE perm rods. They give my straighter hair the curl that I have in some areas but want all over.

So what 'Type' are you? Share in the comments and come on over to the chat room to gab, gripe, glorify, and share your journey. See you there!

Click HERE>>>  http://facebook.com/groups/journeytomyroots