| | What's new on Risse's "Photo Albums" pages Recently created and updated albums: | | - Henna!!!!
- After many trials and tribulations with color...I have finally decided to henna. I was very skeptical because I read a few reviews that listed dryness as an issue.
There are so many recipes and discussions about which henna is good quality and where to order......to how time consuming the process is....I just didn't want any drama. I pretty much know what to expect with chemical color.
Welp, I ordered my henna from Mountain Rose Herbs online. I have ordered shea, essential oils, and other products from them so I decided to try their henna. The products from Mountain Rose Herb are all organically grown with no additives.
I ordered the Sherry color henna. Although henna's natural color is red....Mountain Rose Herbs offers a variety of other colors (using organically grown ingredients like indigo etc) to achieve the colors they offer. I did email the company to confirm that their product is body art quality (BAQ).
Here goes. I'm not in to all that mixing ingredients so I was pleased to find that all I needed was hot water. Mountain Rose does send you receipes for adding additional ingredients, but it is not required.
The process was no different than applying a traditional chemical color. I left the henna in while I took a nap....about 4 hours (just for good measure)!
Contrary to my research, the henna process was not messy at all and the smell reminds me of fresh soil or grass (kinda herbal). Not pleasant but not bad either.
The worst part of the henna process for me was the time required to process and RINSING HENNA OUT TAKES FOREVER (like having mud or dirt in your hair). I still find sand-like particles from time to time : )
RESULTS AFTER FIRST HENNA: Reddish stain, coppery gray strands-like highlights.
Prayerfully, after a few treatments I will be able to fully provide feedback related to all of the pros and cons.
PROS: All natural, cost effective
CONS: Time consuming, not sure how henna will look as I gain more gray hairs.
TOOLS: henna, hot water, gloves, mixing bowl, mixing spoon, hair clips, saran plastic wrap (to wrap hair after application), conditioner, vaseline (or any other type of base to preserve skin around hairline)
RESULTS AFTER 2nd HENNA: My hair is sooooo soft! I must admit that I'm not sure if it is the result of the henna, Oyin products, or a combination of the two. I do not mind the process of henna. I get up early Saturday morning, apply henna, leave it in while I clean, do homework, etc. For me, the worst thing about henna is the rinsing process. Seems to take a while to get all of the henna out; just when you think its out....ITS NOT! Also, after its all rinsed out and I do my twists, it kinda stains my nails. I don't like that either. Those two issues I can live with. I plan to continue to henna until my previous color is completely gone. Henna has proved to be cost effective and overall healthier for my hair.
- Album was created 1 year 1 month ago and modified 1 year ago
- 41 comments
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- 26 files
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| add to cart | | | - I'M BACK! STRAIGHT HAIR, TRIM, COLOR, AND UPDATES
- Hey beautifuls! I haven't been able to update for a while. I was away for military training. I have learned some interesting things about my hair, purchased some new products, and am seriously considering henna for color.
Whew! I recently went to a "natural hair" salon. I must admit...I didn't really feel the love. I mean, the staff was great but the tearing and rough manipulation of my natural coils (cringe). I got my hair colored, trimmed, and blowed out. You'll see from the photos. It has only been a few hours and I miss my fro already. I am convinced that there are few people that really respect and know how to properly care for our hair in salons.
My regime has not changed but I have added Oyin Homemade products to my rotation. Yummy!!!! I finally figured out how to properly use the Denman and wow!!!
I feel like I am about to go through some withdrawls as I looooove color. I do however think it is time for a more natural alternative. I am considering henna or a Jazzing-type rinse; something that coats my strands.
Let me know what you all think about this color thing. My hair is not bad but I believe it could be in better condition if I didn't permanently color.
I'm glad to be back and look forward to FOTKI surfing. Missed y'all!!!! - Album was created 1 year 2 months ago and modified 1 year 2 months ago
- 41 comments
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| add to cart | | | - SEP10-FEB2011 "A Happy Nappy Affair's October Inspiration of the Month: Risse
- http://cerendipitystheone.blogspot.com/
How humble I am to be an "inspiration"!!!
This website (http://cerendipitystheone.blogspot.com/)is very informative and there are awesome articles. Shawnystheone did a great job. I admire anyone that has the time and creativity to create a website for us. She is also a positive Fotki sis.
Sometimes the love and support I receive is overwhelming. I know that the Lord has brought you all in my life for a reason.
Anytime I am asked about my hair....I just overload them with information. Times have changed since I did my BC. There is information everywhere. It is not good enough for us to be natural. We must be educated and well versed.
Updates: Target has Miss Jessie's and Kinky Curly!! Whaaaaat!!!!
I have taken few pics because I haven't changed a thing. Either I am rockin' a puff or twists.
I will admit. I feel the need to do something different. I am trying to grow my fro, but, I am so tired of twisting. I'd like a more sophisticated, sexy hair style. I am looking for all the help I can get.
CURRENT REGIME: -Wash weekly (Dr. Bronner's Liquid Soap-Peppermint or Lavender or Kinky Curly Come Clean) -Leave-In conditioner Kinky Curly Knot Today -Two strand twists (for five days) with KCCC, Miss Jessie's Buttercreme, or Carol's Daughter Loc Butter (trying to get rid of it) -Or Puff if I don't have time or energy to twist -Daily spritz with water and add gel to hairline
As always, just ignore my FOTKI stalking. I'm just looking for inspiration and new styles for my current length.
Stay beautiful and blessed.
- Album was created 1 year 8 months ago and modified 1 year 5 months ago
- 60 comments
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- 2 visitors
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| add to cart | | | - JUNE-AUG 2010
- Howdy ladies! Okay...I have been missing for a while. Not a whole lot of styling going on.
Current Routine: `wash weekly (Dr. Bronner's liquid soap or Kinky Curly Come Clean shampoo) `Two strand twists (left in for work week) `Twist out (Saturday and Sunday)
Current Products: `Twist with KCCC or Miss Jessies Baby Butter Creme `Murrays Hair Pomade or Eco Styler gel for edges
Note: Murray's Hair Pomade is ole' school but slicks edges like no other...I highly recommend it. Lays any type of nap down slick!
I have kind of given up tracking my hair. I have come to the conclusion that I will do my best to keep a healthy head of hair and use products that work (natural or not). Minimal combing and styling has my hair thriving. No longer am I tracking growth or curls. I am more free than ever.
Although we no longer relax our hair; we often step into another form of bondage: constant styling and manipulation in order to achieve the perfect head of curls.
I have been blessed and inpsired by so many of you ladies. I am so proud to see that so many others have been encouraged to go natural.
May God bless you all so much so that you don't have room enough to receive it! - Album was created 2 years ago and modified 1 year 10 months ago
- 83 comments
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| add to cart | | | - 2ND YEAR OF THE INFAMOUS GROW-OUT (FEB-APR 2010)
- Although this album is titled the 2nd year....I have been natural for 10 years and growing my hair consistently for 1 year. The first year of the grow out I was cutting my hair alot and nearly had to BC due to a bad color experience.
You live and learn that hair grows back. After trying a gazillion products....I have narrowed it down to a few and my regime is very simple.
I have had to learn that my hair just feels dry but it is very healthy. There is no miracle product that can change the characteristics of hair.
I have also learned that for me the key to maintaining length is to keep my hair protected and manipulated as little as possible. As my hair grows its needs change slightly....I realize that I can't just wash and go as often as I did when it was shorter, trims are a must, and my hair will tangle if not properly detangled regularly.
I am so in love with each and every one of you beautiful sisters out there who have visited my FOTKI and have allowed me to stalk yours. I have made some wonderful friends on this forum. I pray that God touches each and every one of your lives, that you love life, love yourself the way you were created, be confident and stay B-U-TEE-FUL!
CURRENT PRODUCTS: KCCC Knot Today Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Natural oil (shea, coconut, etc)
REGIME: Wash weekly Two strand twist with KCCC
I HAVE TO GET THIS OFF MY CHEST....... I ran a warm flat iron over my hair. Not to completely straighten it...just out of curiosity. Let me say....I can't not stand the smell of hair-on-iron. Now I remember why I went natural. THANK GOD! No more blow dryers, relaxers, pressing combs, shedding all over the floor. Just fresh, clean, healthy hair. Not to say that I will never flat iron....I will only consider it on a special occassion when I'd like a "different" look.
CAUTION: After doing much research I'd like to advise you all to be careful when experimenting with your hair. Although the baking soda treatment makes your hair extremely soft, be conservative about how often you do it. Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda) increases the pH in water thereby softening hard water and baking soda removes greasy, plaqued product build-up. Ah ha! That is why the hair gets so soft. Experts do not recommend baking soda for normal hair only as a natural alternative for those that have problems with oily hair and/or scalp.
You never know the scientific ramifications of mixing products....even "all natural" ones.
Love yourselves and be careful of what you put on or in your bodies. Some of the products that we shun have been scientifically tested and may not be as bad as some of these concoctions we come up with; without knowing the chemistry of what we mix. I just thought I'd share that as I only tried the baking soda method because so many of us on these forums are doing it and having great results. Just be careful of too much of a good thing. Luv y'all and God bless.
- Album was created 2 years 4 months ago and modified 2 years 1 month ago
- 174 comments
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- 2 visitors
- 33 files
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| add to cart | | | - NOVEMBER-JAN 2010 Sorry guys I am in "protective-style-mode" so updates are few : )
- Well, let the cold weather begin. Cold, rainy, overcast weather is not my thing. On to hair.....my routine gets more simple everyday.
Current routine: Wash weekly with Kinky Curly Come Clean Shampoo (co-wash as needed) Twist with KCCC (wear twists x 5 days; twist out on days 6 and 7) * I love my coils so this weekly twisting is new to me. I am attempting to protect my hair the next few months. We'll see how long this lasts : ) Current Product List: Kinky Curly Come Clean Shampoo Kinky Curly Knot Today Kinky Curly Curling Custard Shea-coconut oil mixture Pretty simple huh? I have learned to use what works. After trying many products and methods I find that it is best to use what works and stick with it. My best advice to a newbie is to read, research, experiment, and keep it simple. My opinion is that you can't go wrong with a good conditioner, leave-in, and alcohol free styling gel. My products are tailored toward the styles I wear. I thank God that I have had so much support here. As my hair grows its needs change slightly as well. So please forgive me if you find me stalking your FOTKI ha ha. I have reached out to so many young ladies regarding natural hair and care. Continue to spread the word ladies. Women are curious about natural hair and still insecure. Whenever I get a compliment or question...I always say "you can do it too". I have yet to see a TWA look bad on anyone. There is also an explosion of ignorance and hater-ation! Just ignore and let God. Each one-teach one! Stay beautiful ladies and God bless. UPDATE: Believe it or not....my hair is shoulder length...at least in the back. My hair has grown about one inch and feels great since I have been twisting it every week. I'd like to stretch to two weeks but I have OCD : ) I have not changed my products at all and I just love the get-up-and-go benefit of twists. I DO miss my fro though. Maybe I'll wait until I have to look extra cute to unleash the fro. - Album was created 2 years 7 months ago and modified 2 years 4 months ago
- 126 comments
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- 1 visitors
- 24 files
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| add to cart | | | - JULY-OCTOBER
- It's my birthday! Ah, July is a wonderful month.
UPDATE: I can clearly say that my hair and oils don't really mix well. I add a little to remove 2nd day crunch or as a layer under a hair gel.
My favorite oil combo consists of coconut oil, shea butter, sunflower oil, castor oil, olive oil, vitamin E, essential lavender, and sweet orange oil. This mixture can be used as a hair, skin, and nail oil as well as a lip moisturizer/gloss. I have even used this mixture to remove stubborn eye makeup.
I have finally mastered the art of 2nd day and beyond hair. The secret: spritz with water and lightly rub (not pick or pull) hair.
The more frizzy and old my hair style the more compliments.
CURRENT ROUTINE: Shampoo weekly (co-wash as often as needed) Knot Today Conditioner as leave-in Shingle with Kinky Curly Curling Custard Air dry Spritz daily with plain water (or lavender water) add a small amount of Aveda Brilliance for shine add IC Fantasia gel to slick hairline as needed
I only comb my hair every few months. My fingers are my primary styling tool, however, I am excited to report that Kinky Curly has created a detangling comb and brush set that I can't wait to try out (my set is on the way).
UPDATE: After numerous Denman uses I can clearly report that it feels good to my scalp and is a good detangler. I just like my fingers better...they're cheaper and can catch any knot without snagging. Thank God for fingers...don't forget to use them often.
Last but not least--I would like to thank God for each and every last beautiful woman that has visited my FOTKI and left a guestbook message, comment , or has offered suggestions. I feel at home and comforted by you all. There have been times where I have felt like giving in but instead have been encouraged. It is amazing that when we free our hair we free our minds by embracing our true, God-given beauty. I can only pray that I have been a source of encouragement for someone. - Album was created 2 years 10 months ago and modified 2 years 7 months ago
- 198 comments
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- 1 visitors
- 42 files
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