Going Natural 101 - Simple & Easy Tips for Transitioners, Newly Naturals, & The Frustrated

Are you transitioning?  New to natural?  Are you curious about going back to natural?  Or, are you just plain frustrated with your kinky coily hair and contemplating the unthinkable; the unimaginable?! {dramatically GASPS} 

If you answered "Yes" to either of these questions, I got you covered.  Watch my video for simple and easy tips that will help carry you through.

When I transitioned to natural, I had no idea where to start.  I also understand that you're bombarded with so much information on the web, which could be overwhelming.  The images below, are the basic natural hair care items I kept on hand (and still do) while I experimented and learned more about what my hair loves.  Click on the photos to learn more about them.  

I hope you now have some clarity, to begin or continue your natural hair journey with confidence.  To take a bit of mystery and work out of it for you, I've included my personal arsenal of natural hair must haves.  Take a look at and shop them here.  

For tips on hair growth, check out my 8 Easy Tips to Jump-Start Optimum Hair Growth. 




As Gramma used to say, Mo' hair! 

♥ RallyGirl

DIY Twist Headband - Tutorial (Type 4 Natural Hair Texture)

Wash N Go with D.I.Y. Twisted Headband - I Am RallyGirl

So, we've all seen the silky straight braided headbands right? Well, I thought it would be a BRILLIANT idea to make one that looks more like my natural hair texture!

This project is so inexpensive, and easy; it feeds so many parts of my soul, that I'm still tickled about it.  LOL  Watch this video and learn to make your own twisted headband.  For this tutorial, I used Marley Braiding Hair, but you can put your own spin on it, with any type of hair you choose, like Cuban Twist Havana Braiding Hair, or even the pre-twisted Havana Mambo Twist Hair.  Enjoy!



Thanks for watching & reading, and Happy Banding!

RallyGirl♥

Equal Box Braid CovaGirl™ GiveAway!

So....

I was at the beauty supply, minding my business, when suddenly our "eyes" met.

Finally, a braided unit that was not too long, with just the right amount of texture, and low sheen!  When I asked the clerk "How much is this unit?", she said, "Eighty-fih dollas"....  {blink blink}  Obviously, I was interrupting her meal.  O.o   

I digress.

.... Brand name (Equal Box Braid Lace Front) and other specs committed to memory, I high-tailed it to the house, popped open the laptop, and blow me down!  There she was...30 bucks!  Booyaah.  Did I NEED another box braid CovaGirl™?  Naw, but I couldn't let the deal slide, and for the price I had to also get a 2nd one for an illustrious member of my Afro squad!   

I'm a firm believer of protective styling as a tool to help retain length, especially during the cooler months.  Wearing CovaGirls™ is one of my favorite go to options during this time of year; your head is covered from the cold, and you can be stylish at the same time.  Functional beauty -- yeah, that's how I roll.

You're probably curious about the details of this braided baby.  Well, I gotcha covered!   Click on this photo (where I thought I was weeerking my eye makeup -- a look I "borrowed" from YouTube of course) to view my quick show and tell: 
  

Well, what are you waiting for?  Get your giveaway participation on!

GiveAway Guidelines: 

One winner will be randomly drawn; the more entries you have = higher chances for you to win!

- Join the I Am RallyGirl Afro Squad (provide your email address in the upper left column)
- LIKE I Am RallyGirl on Facebook
- Tweet this post with #iamrallygirl & tag @iamrallygirl 

Completing the above is the minimum requirement and automatically earns you 2 entries.


BUT, if you want more chances to win, here's what:  

- 1 additional entry each time you Tweet this post (exactly as instructed above).  No minimum.  

- 2 extra entries if you follow @iamrallygirl on Instagram (holla at ya girl!).

- 3 extra entries for each friend you invite to LIKE I Am RallyGirl on Facebook
(NOTE:  They have to LIKE the page & let us know you sent them)

Giveaway expires on 2/6/16.  Winner will be announced on YouTube, and on I Am RallyGirl on Facebook that following week. Stay tuned and good luck!

Equal Box Braid Lace Front:  Amazon.com 

Knotless Crochet (Latch Hook) Braids w Cuban Twist

Crochet braids is a quick and easy way to install hair enhancements to achieve a variety of fashionable protective hairstyles.  In my town, (back in the 90s) they were called "Latch Hook Extensions", because a latch hook needle is used to achieve them.  By the way, back then, the look was atrocious, and your girl absolutely did NOT rock it! 

As always, with time comes evolution.  Latch Hook Extensions were re-named Crochet Braids, and coincidentally we have a plethora of protective style options at our fingertips...No pun intended.

Some argue that added weight and friction caused by the extensions could mean that Crochet Braids is not the best way to protect your hair.  Well, mine responds wonderfully with this method.  For me, the key is to keep my scalp clean, and to moisturize my own tresses as often as needed.  It's always best to experiment and test the waters to see what your hair loves the most.

Watch this video to see how I achieved my knotless crochet braids.  I warn you though; my cornrow game needs work, but I got the job done!





What's your favorite go to Crochet Braid style?  Leave it in the comments!

Stunning Holiday Look Book - Adorn Your Puff!

Seasons Greetings!

Grab some of your show-stopping jewels, hair pins and spruce up your "do" for the Holidays!

D.I.Y. Hair Ties/Elastic Bands Easy & CHEAP

Mmhm.  I knew I'd getcha with CHEAP...you know who you are.   ; )  LOL

Who DOESN'T want cheap and easy these days, right?  Well, grab your supplies and sissors and check out this video demonstration:

Tell us what options, you've used for D.I.Y. hair ties and such.  Inquiring minds would love to know daaaawwwling! 

Hair Steaming with Q-Redew

Keeping your hair moist, is one of the essential steps in retaining the length of your hair.

Steaming is a great way to add moisture.  When I'm not in the mood to completely wet my tresses, I use the Q-Redew vapor wand to loosen up, re-moisturize, and even to refresh my wash and go's and other styles.  

I've enjoyed using this convenient tool for a couple years now, and my mane loves it.   Check out my review and demo below:

If you have this nifty little tool tell us how you like it, and if it lifted the spirits of your dry hair.  If you don't have the Q-Redew, but plan to invest in one, take advantage of the coupone codes below.    

'Tis the season to enjoy discounts!   Merry saving!

Cheap, Deep Protein Conditioning Hair Mask

Protein is essential to having strong hair.  Not everyone needs a protein treatment all the time.  My strands felt thinner, more fragile, and the elasticity wasn't there, so I knew it was time for some protein.  A hamburger for me and milkshake for Honey Puff...

Okay, that didn't happen. LOL        

Anywho, I'd been so busy lately, that I hadn't had time to pamper my tresses the way they deserve.  As much as I enjoy playing in and styling my natural hair, I simply don't believe it should take tons of time or MONEY caring for it. 

So, for this deep co treatment, I started the night before, and opted for simple, CHEAP, and moisture & protein packed.  Below are the only products I needed to feed my soul -- and my hair.

- Coconut oil  - I stock up on mine from Amazon. I prefer the 2-pack, because it's cheaper.
- Conditioner of choice - To keep cost low, I selected what I had on hand.
- Plain yogurt - Whatever brand is on sale. 

100% Organic Coconut Oil

First, I finger detangled.  For this step I used coconut oil, because it easily penetrates the hair shaft, helps the hair retain moisture, and helps to reduce protein loss.  All which makes the hair soft and manageable.

Conditioner

Next, I applied GENEROUS amounts of a conditioner that I got from a hotel while on vacation.  Turns out, it was Giovanni's 50/50 Balanced Hydrating Conditioner.  I'd never used it before -- didn't know the brand name until I went through my product stash that night.  

Anywho, I put on my plastic curl cap and HEAD RAG (yes, I said it), and allowed my hair to "bake" overnight. 

Plain yogurt

The next day, I added plain yogurt.  Yogurt helps with making your hair soft, easy to detangle, and adding extra moisture.  The acid in yogurt helps to contract the cuticle layer, which makes the hair appear smoother and shinier = reduces frizz.

Deep Conditioning Application

Deep Conditioning Under Thermo Cap

And this was me all day, rockin' my thermo, Jiffy pop pop popcorn situation like a champ.  LOL!  That evening, I rinsed, co-washed and go'd.  Translation:  I did a wash and go.  tee  hee!   


Thanks for reading!

RallyGirl♥

P.S.
I have no idea why the fonts and colors in this post look so wack.  O.o

Comparison: Finger Comber's Havana Hair -vs- Acrylic Yarn -vs- Marley Braid Hair

I'm in denial. I'd love to say that I like wearing my hair free and flowing in the wind.  I do, BUT there is a reality.  

With my on-going quest to retain length, AND with my love of low maintenance, I've grown accustomed to and DO enjoy rocking protective styles.  In efforts to save money, I've done my fair share of twist/braid installations for myself (oh the agony!), using various types of hair enhancements.  

Which is best you ask?  You're in luck!  I've done the work for you!  

This video features Finger Comber's Havana hair, Acrylic Yarn, & Marley Braid Hair.  Here, I compare price, moisture retention, longevity, prep, & overall value. 

After you check out the video, come back & let us know which option you think would best meet your needs.  Do tell!  

Finger Comber Havana Hair -vs- Acrylic Yarn -vs- Marley Braid

Which hair enhancements have you tried?  Which do you like the best and why? Let us know in the comments section below!

Finger Comber's Havana Hair

Acrylic Yarn

Marley Braid Hair