Style Tutorial: Twisted Pin Curl Side-do

I actually wore this style nearly a month ago, but forgot I had taken pictures to share with everyone. Unfortunately I did not get video or still shots throughout the process. It was an impromptu style. I will still give step by step instructions.

Similar to my Rolling Side Puff, this is a "side-do" (like updo, but to the side...yeah I'm making that a thing). I used flat twists here so the style would last longer.

The flat twists went 2/3 of the way across my head. The last third was left for loose twists. Then I pinned the ends of the flat twists and each loose twist into pin curls.

I've been waiting a year to do this style. My hair wasn't quite long enough for the full effect last year. I got the idea from MahoganyKnots on YouTube. Check out her excellent tutorial for details.

Style Tutorial: Rolling Side Puff

I was going through old videos from my YouTube channel and came across this gem. Sometimes I can't tell if my hair has really grown that much, but comparing the current length to my length in this video from nearly two years ago I can really note the difference.

This was part of my quick styling series... when I was working an office job and really needed to cut down on my styling time in the mornings. I used rolling twists in this style, which are quicker than flat twists- but not as secure so they don't last as long. I think I kept this style for three days by wearing a silk scarf at night.

What are your favorite quick styles that take 15 minutes or less?

Rolling Side Puff

Awkward Moments & Triumphs 1

That awkward moment when you've put in your doofy wash twists you wouldn't dare been seen wearing, then realize you're out of your staple product.

That triumphant moment when you can improvise with something in your kitchen.

DIY Recipe: Avocado and Oatmeal Face Mask

Today the weather was icky, so I decided to give myself a home spa treatment. The ingredient of the day: AVOCADO. I deep conditioned my hair with my staple moisturizing protein deep conditioner and pampered my face with an avocado oatmeal mask (placing chamomile tea bags on my eyes.) Avocado is a super fruit with so many benefits to hair and skin!

Avocados contain many essential nutrients, proteins, vitamins A, D, E and K, B vitamins, magnesium, copper, iron, folic acid, potassium and amino acids. These ingredients help to repair and replenish dry and damaged hair. The proteins, vitamins B and E found in avocados can also increase the strength and elasticity of hair, giving it a healthy shine and texture... Avocados are high in sterolins, which help to reduce age spots, and help heal sun damage and scars. These sterolins (also called plant steroids) are what help to soften the skin and moisturize it. Using avocados in facemasks can also have a deep cleansing effect, working to remove impurities, wastes and dead skin cells. Facemasks tighten pores, remove excess oil from the skin, and moisturize and replenish dry skin.

Source: http://www.avocado.com/

Click here for my Coconut milk & honey & avocado moisturizing protein deep conditioner.

Avocado deep conditioner in hair,
 avocado oatmeal face mask,
& avocado plant growing  behind me.

Avocado and Oatmeal Face Mask

Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon of Oatmeal Finely Ground
• 2 tablespoons of Avocado
• 1 Tablespoon of Full Fat No Flavor Yogurt
• 1 Teaspoon of Honey

Instructions

In a bowl, mash avocado. Mix in yogurt, honey and oatmeal. Stir well. Apply to face and leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse mask off your face and pat dry.

Source: http://www.squidoo.com/

Why I Love the Kitchen Salon...

I live for moments like this: doing my goddaughter's hair!

What do you love most about a kitchen salon or DIY hair care?

THANK YOU: The Kitchen Salon Featured on Natural Sunshine

I've come a long way since my first timid post on Natural Sunshine at the start of last year. I was learned about the online forum from a YouTube video and was immediately impressed and grateful for this community. I've since witnessed and participated in the amazing growth of the forum, and now it is (I would argue) one of the largest and most dynamic online communities supporting not just natural hair, but women of color!

The founder Sunshine Abuwi has shown me nothing but love since day one, and it is her support and her own blog Sunshine in the Making, that encouraged me to start The Kitchen Salon. Below is a video recently posted on Natural Sunshine that shouts out the sites top blogs/bloggers of the week- and I'm featured!!!

Thank you Sunshine for all of your continued support and for being such an inspirational woman. I am continuously inspired not just by your perseverance, but by your honest transparency too. Here's to powerful Black women! Ashé!