Summer time fine

It has DEFINITELY been a while! Here's what I've done so far this summer, and what I plan on doing!

I've been doing more twist/braid outs so far (but also a lot of maintenance, so it balances itself out!) HOWEVER, I do plan on doing more protective styling!

Love this look!

I love this style! Protects, while
looking elegant!

I'm not sure if I'd do this on MY hair...
but maybe on someone else's!

SO4 2-

For those of you who aren't familiar with the title, it's the chemical formula for sulfate! So yes.... You've clearly figured out that this post is about sulfates!
(I know what you're thinking. It does look really pretty, but it's not so nice to your hair!)


..but what does Sulfate have to do with my hair??


Most shampoos contain sulfate (because of its wonderful cleansing ability). Some  conditioners do as well, but most conditioners contain sulfates that are not harsh. A harsh sulfate has an amazing ability to strip your hair of its moisture. Having dry or brittle hair will cause much breakage and there goes all your attempts at retaining length... down the drain (pun intended). Here are some harsh sulfates that you should check your shampoo ingredients for: Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, TEA Laureth Sulfate, TEA Lauryl Sulfate. Some nicer sulfates that you may run into (you might even see on the back of your shampoo bottle because you're probably gonna check.....NOW): Polyoxethylene Fatty Alcohols, PEG 80, Sorbitan Laurate, Decyl Polyglucose, Cocamidoprpyl Betaine, Sodium Myreth Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate. 


If you have been using a shampoo with a harsh sulfate, you may want to switch it up as soon as possible. If you have been experiencing a lot of breakage, you hair is asking for some TLC! Maybe you need to add regular protein treatments to your regimen (every other week, every couple of weeks), maybe you need to up the moisture, perhaps you need to do some more protective styling, it's probably time to limit heat, or maybe you it's time for a trim. Whatever it is, you will only figure it out but experimenting (FYI, none of this suggestions will actually hurt you, so feel free to try all of them! 


What I'm doing now: Cowashing! 
I haven't shampoo'd since about... Late March? I've been cowashing once a week with TRESemme Naturals, a sulfate free conditioner. 


How do I feel about it?
LOVE. I like the fact that my hair doesn't feel even the slightest bit of stripped when I'm done washing. It also has made my hair extra soft and EXTRA curly. I hadn't realized until I mini twisted recently. The look wasn't expected, but I don't totally mind.


Hope this helps! :)

Twenty Twelve!

I know we're well into 2012, but HAPPY NEW YEAR!! I was trying to see if I had any natural hair resolutions for the year, and I realized, I absolutely do!

1. Retain length!
How do you do that, you ask? Simple! Take care of your hair! That statement alone however is a general statement. It doesn't mean you have to follow someone else's regimen down to the type of pillowcase they use! Taking care of your hair is more than just the products you use. It includes your diet, making sure you take care of your body, (EXERCISE), etc. it's kind Of like taking care of a baby! ^__^

2. Make my own hair product(s)
I've been searching for all natural whipped Shea butter recipes. I've found some helpful ones but there's always an excuse for me (shaking my head at myself). HOWEVER! Before the year is over, I'm gonna have my own recipe. Scents and all!

3. Start vlogging?
Possibility. I have friends who text and call asking for hair tips and tutorials. Making a video is so much easier than texting it all... But I haven't completely decided yet.

4. BLOG MORE OFTEN!
I'm really gonna shoot for at least one blog post a week. I know I've said this before but I'm gonna try my best this year! Maybe I'll get a shadow write or something for those weeks when I'm extremely busy! Lol we'll see what happens. There's A TON of info waiting to be shared about the beauty of natural hair... Enough time wasting, Sophie!

And finally...
5. Inspire at least ONE person!
I hope that one day, someone reads my blog or sees my pictures and feel like they want to do something creative themselves. Thats enough for me!

Have a creative new year! ^__^