Braidout versus twistout

So now that I am a braid- out expert, having done it two-three times now I can evaulate their difference from twist outs. In general I like the look of braid-outs more than the look of twist outs. Also since the braid keeps the hair together better it is easier to do fewer braids and get a similar look. Twist outs usually require more work for a look that I like. I also like the way a braid allows you to keep more of your length. When I twist I often find that the length of my hair quickly disappears before I can do anything to prevent it. I have taken to banding my twists to prevent this. I have found that a braid out needs to remain in for less time to affect the hair pattern. Whereas I cannot do twists and then remove the same day for a nice affect.
A small twist out can remain well defined for two days or more, depending on your luck. Whereas a braid out only maintains shape for one day. Twist outs had been my favorite but now that I have done braid outs that may have changed. I may plan my braid outs and only do small twists for twist outs. I will no longer do the chunky twists for twist outs.
I'm so glad I finally tried the braids!

My first braidout, Yes Really 2 1/2 years and my 1st braid out

So don't ask me why but earlier this month was the first time that I did a braid out. Maybe it had something to do with my limited ability to braid or just that I had been doing twists and twist outs for so long and liking the results. So my accidental braidout was the result of a style I attempted which called for 8 cornrows that were then twisted up to make a cute up do. Of course the style really didn't work for me as my hair though its relatively long draws up so much the length needed for the style disappeared. When I took my hair down at the end of the week I was amazed. My twistouts never lay like the braidout did and the length was AWESOME. See for yourself below

Only down side? It looked quite unattractive the next day :(

Three free Miss Jessie's products

I finally took my mother's advice and typed http://www.missjessies.com/ into my browser. They are offering three free products when you visit. I don't know how long this will last so I am glad that I made it in time. They do ask for your credit/debit card information for verification purposes.

I received my lovely bag today with my three samples of the Creme de la Curl Shampoo, Sweetback treatment, and curly pudding. I plan to use all of these this weekend as a part of my weekly washing. I will let you know how it goes, I suggest you try it yourself as well if they are still available.

I know I am probably super late to jump on the Miss Jessie's bandwagon but I only purchase things that I can find in my local stores until I know that it works. I am hoping to get a curly box subscription so I can find the right products for me. Happy curling :)

Stylin'

Wearing twists can get a little old below are a few ways to spice them up:

This also helped to stretch my hair a little

The before hum drum look

The spiced up more interesting version

Here is a style inspired by a style I saw on another blogger's page

                                                         

Bad hair day fixed

So as I mentioned in my last post I have discovered an out for the "bad hair" day or really the "I am tired of messing with my hair day". Below is one of the scarves I have worn this week. The two new ones I have purchased recently are oddly shaped rectangle ones so this is the only way to wear them that actually covers and protects my hair.

(disregard the puffy eyes, I was sleepy;)

Bad hair day

Have you experienced those days that you just hate your hair. Not that it is doing anything out of the ordinary just that all you can think to do with it you are tired of doing? Well I had one of those days this week. I looked up some ideas for what else I could do, which only ended up making it worse. I go to try a hair style that a woman with similar length hair did and it just wouldn't work. Sometimes I feel that no one else has hair as thick and shrinkage prone as mine. I know of course this is not true but get frustrated when I can't find tutorials posted by these like-haired people.
I decided not to wallow in this feeling too long however and just amended the style and felt cute again. I decided that since I don't always feel like spending hours on the weekend doing twists that will last all week; there is no reason I can't do chunky twists that I cover with a cute scarf and then enjoy a weekend of twisted out styling.
Having natural hair requires constant commitment and self pep talking to remain feeling positive about how you look. At least it does for me. It is also great to have natural friends who randomly text me photos of their hair and comment when I try something new that I am not yet confident about.

Update after visiting Too Groovy for the 2nd time

So as promised here is the report from my second visit to Too Groovy Salon in Atlanta, GA. Here is the before picture:

Here is the picture after I got my hair blown straight:

Look at that growth!!!!

Here is the picture of the finished, styled product taken 6/29/2012:

Then on my flight to Texas my hair fell but was still wonderfully cute!

I had a wonderful experience again at Too Groovy. She told me that my hair is dry and asked what products I was using. She said that others have had issues with Shea Moisture making their hair dry, but I don't know that I agree. My hair has always been dry and I have used many different products over my 26 years. I think my own make up and the water quality have a lot to do with it. I know now that there is no need to waste money on high dollar products that claim to repair the moisture content like I did when I purchased new shampoo and conditioner at the last stylists suggestion. My bestie is planning to get me a shower head that will soften the water and I am hoping that I see some changes. Though since my hair has always felt dry I don't know what non-dry hair feels like.

So after 10 days may hair is still clinging to the straightness thanks to a low activity week for me. Though with the rain and dance this week I know I won't have straight hair much longer so good bye length :(

Taken today 7/9/2012