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♥

How to Grow Long, Natural Hair. EASY Tips That Work.

I was natural for several years before I got serious about retaining length.  When I made the decision, to buckle down, my goal (and one of my obsessions) was to acheive waist-length hair.  Somewhere along the way, my focus shifted primarily to just keeping my hair healthy and moisturized. 

Although, I was no longer obsessing over hair growth, out of habit, I continued with my normal natural hair-growth routines and regimens.  Now, (as I literally reach back and do an unofficial length-check) my hair is about an inch above my bootay.  Aye!!  

My "want-more-with-little-effort" nature forced me to come up with a natural hair care routine that's so simple, no one ever believes it.  My daily (morning & bedtime combined) routines take a total of 5 minutes or less.  After all, ain't nobody got, nor wants time for that.  

So, I created this cheat sheet of what's worked for me.  As always, it's best to experiment and do your own research to determine what works best for your natural hair, but certainly be free to use this as a guide to help you along the way.    

I should warn you though; when you find out what your hair loves, it will show up and show out.  So, be ready!

Thanks for reading and Mo' Hair!

♥ RallyGirl

Grow Natural Hair, Retain Length: 8 EASY Tips to Jump-Start Optimum Hair Growth

Over the years I've had many Naturalista's and transitioners ask how long it took me to grow out my natural hair.  The answer is a long one, but I'll try to keep it brief.

Let go of those raggedy ends

I transitioned for 6 to 8 months, and went back to natural in May of 2003; I big chopped 6" of dead, relaxed strands.  By grace, my hair did some growing, and I retained some length, but it wasn't all that, and certainly was no thanks to me.  Theoretically, for someone who big chopped 13 years ago, I should be able to sit on my hair, post shrinkage.  Okay, I might be exaggerating a bit, but you get the drift.  It wasn't until 2012 that I figured out the formula to retaining my length, and seriously began to cultivate my tresses.

Scalps love to be Clean - Hair loves to be Hydrated

Styling tools encourages hair breakage

After several years of guessing, hoping, and sprinkling fairy dust over my head, I finally stopped.  I did a little research, did some experimenting, waited...then BAM; I discovered the basic blueprint that has gotten my hair to where it is today.

RELATED:  Going Natural 101 - Quick Tips for Beginners, Transitioners, and the Frustrated.

Natural Oils

Hair grows an average of 1/4th to 2" per month; not everyone's hair grows at the same rate, so just rock YOUR way, and your results will come through.  Below is what I like to call a guideline of core practises to jump-start your hair to maximum health, and optimum length retention.  This method will yield results for most any curl, kink, and coil pattern (looser textures as well).  As always, add and modify as your hair sees fit.  Do your research, experiment, tweak, be patient, but have fun!  

Twisted Bun

• Clip ends, being sure they are free of all splits and damage
• Keep a clean scalp
• Cleanse hair with a moisturizing conditioner (sulfate & silicone free are best, but do your best).  Avoid oil-stripping shampoos & lathers. 
• Finger detangle as much as possible (easiest on stretched hair).  Limit the use of styling tools as often as possible.
• Seal in moisture, being sure to focus on those ends (the oldest part of your hair)
• Wear protective hairstyles
• Sleep on silk or satin (bonnet, pillow case, scarf, etc.)
• Drink lots of water

RELATED:  Grown Natural Hair, Retain Length:  3 Easy Ways to Quick Trim (Dust) Your Ends.

RELATED:  The "Cold Witch" - An Easy D.I.Y. Scalp-Cleaning Solution.

Choose  your satins or silks

RELATED:  Satins & Silks for Length Retention.

RELATED: Grow Natural Hair, Retain Length:  How to Seal in Moisture.



Thanks for reading and as always,

Mo' Hair!

RallyGirl ♥

EASY Bubble Bun - Natural Hair Updo for Weddings & Other Special Occasions

This natural hair wedding updo is so easy.  It's also, great for formals, and other special occasions, but most importantly, involves very little manipulation.  I also like it for a gorgeous casual look in the summer. 

Grab your hair band/tie, hair pins, your favorite adornments, and check out my video tutorial.  

Yes, I think this style is SO cute!  Try it with two afro puffs, bamboo earrangs, some red lipstick, and BAM!  LOL

Thanks for watching!♥


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!

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