GONE FOR A MINUTE NOW I'M BACK WITH THE JUMP OFF

Hi Curly Family,

It's been SO long since I wrote to you all, and I apologize. Life has me all caught up and I remembered that writing has help detangle that in the past, so I’m back. In the last six months, I have been traveling so much for my job that it hasn't left me much time to do anything! We all get busy in life and try to hold on to those things that keep us sane; for me it's family, friends, and television (guilty as charged). It is also holiday time, which means parties, food, booze and shopping.  Two weekends ago was the annual Santacon in NYC, which is a fun bar crawl, where one dresses up as Santa, Mrs. Clause, an elf, or whatever Christmas related outfit. I was so excited about going, however mother nature had other plans as it snowed all day on Saturday. Instead of trekking out in that mess, I decided to stay indoors and do some much need nesting with my roommate Maritza, which included cooking and some rest.

Last year at Santa Con :) 

Before heading out to the grocery store, it dawned me that I had not been paying any to my beloved crown and glory. I knew then that a deep conditioning was definitely in order. Maritza patiently waited as I sectioned my hair, grabbed whatever conditioning agents I had, flipped it and tossed it, threw my hair in a bun, put on a plastic cap, and a wool hat to top it off. You didn't think I was going outside looking like Sweet Brown! Let the conditioning begin! Finally, Maritza and I slid off to the store in the snow, got tons of nesting food, came home, and cooked up a storm.  Later that evening, it was time to wash and style my hair. I did my usual routine of sectioning my hair into fours, co-washing and detangling each section carefully. I sat in a "Turbie Twist" for 30 minutes, still sectioned in order to air dry. Then I took my hair down to make about twelve twists using a leave-in shea butter and gel. What a difference conditioning makes, despite not giving my hair any extra love in the last two months (I know, I know). It resiliently snapped back; soft as ever! I promise on the natural hair care bible to never go that long without giving my hair some conditioning love.

A good hair day after my conditioning session...

What I learned from that experience is that simplicity is the key to sanity, when maintaining a hectic schedule. Not just with hair, but in all parts of life especially with my faith and fitness workouts. I found that taking various fitness classes such as spinning and yoga, which have become truly my friend gave me accountability to stay on track to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I also joined Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), which meets every Monday night where a group of us find time in our busy schedules to learn more about the word of God and fellowship with each other. When it comes to my hair trying tons of new products and deterring from my regimen is out of the question; less is more! Because as my schedule has gotten more hectic, trying out new products doesn’t provide me with the necessary conditioning and balance needed for healthy hair. Keeping it simple to what you know and love allows for more of a fuller and healthier look, until you have the time to experiment with different products and hair schedule. Below I have listed my winter hair schedule and products…

Curly Kami Jami's Winter Regimen

Co-Washing: Once per week

• Conditioners: Anything by TRESemme, Suave Scalp Solutions Anti-Dandruff

Shampooing: Once per month (I still struggle slightly with seborrhea dermatitis)

• Aveeno Nourish+Dandruff Control  Shampoo

Deep Condition: Biweekly

• Products: Coconut/Olive Oil mixed with any deep conditioner... right now I am using nuNaat Treatment   Curly Hair Intensive Mask, I also love Naptural85’s yogurt deep conditioner

Leave-Ins: Daily

• Products: Giovanni Direct Leave-In, Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Leave-In Conditioning Cream,   Aphogee ProVitamin Leave-In Conditioner

• When I Wanna Splurge: Deva Curl Set It Free, Ouidad Moisture Lock, Aveda Be Curly Curl Controller

Oils & Butters: Daily

• Products:  Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Olive Oil

Gels: As Needed

• Products:  Anything by Eco Styler …right now I am using their Moroccan Argan Oil (LOVE!!!)

Awhile back the Jones Girls adopted a saying...Simplistic Living! We hope that you find you easiest happiest self through that!

Blessings & Happy Holidays,

Kami

Happy Birthday Maryam-o

It's been a crazy few days but I wanted to wish my co-blogger & sister a very Happy Birthday! Her birthday was Monday so this entry is alittle late but better late than never! We shall be continuing the celebration next month in New Orleans at the Essence Music Festival *screaming with excitement*

Mommy and I took her to dinner at Ruth Chris in Downtown Charlotte, NC with our Aunt Peggy and Cousin Roz. The food and service was ah-mazing! Her bun was sooo adorable on her birthday, maybe talking about it will inspire her to do a "tutorial" lol :) 

Have a great day y'all!

Smile,

Kam

Make You Slap Yo Mama!

Although this is a hair blog, (blah, blah, blah), from time to time, we may write on things that are not hair related.  Fortunately for you, this would be one of those times. Two Fridays ago, Maritza (the roomie), Liz (my good friend/workout buddy), and I set out on a mission to have a “Date Night”, just the three of us.  However, you may wonder, “Date night with three girls?  What’s that about?!?!??  Well, Martha Stewart posted a video a couple years ago on her website called “Date Night with Jim Cantiello and Brendan Kennedy.”  The video was about the three of them on a quest to try a bar called Dram and a restaurant called Pies-n-Thighs in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The video is amazingly funny; Martha really out did herself.  (see link below)

                                           

One look at the images of food and drinks in the video, I was instantly determined to try these “hipster-esque” establishments.  This great idea not only lived itself out on 90 degree day in NYC, which made me quite hot, bothered irritated, and exhausted.  Nothing could cure those sensations but a nice alcoholic drink (don’t judge me), a hardy cheat day meal (again don’t judge me), and some dawg ole blasting air-condition (sue me I am from the south)! 

The three of us set out to meet at Dram to have a drink, which must include a ball (you must watch the video to understand).  Dram was a very cool bar with a very “creative” wait staff/bartender.  There were cute little palm-like trees, and floor to ceiling windows which made me feel like I was on an island somewhere with the air conditioning pumping, all I needed was that drink.  So I asked the bartender for a Jones Girl Signature Drink of gin and grapefruit juice.  I am not sure if it was my curls that day, but he made a custom creation that was SO refreshing and delicious that I forgot to ask what he put in it.  I guess another reason to go back even after three of them!!!

Later we decide to roll across the street to Pies-n-Thighs to put our names on the waitlist.  As we chatted, many happy, but full faces rolled out of the restaurant raving about how good the food was including a family who said they’d come from Coney Island to Williamsburg just to enjoy the deliciousness.  Still raving about the bar while we waited, we discussed about the other possible places and we haven’t even sat down and eaten yet.   

Finally the moment arrived where we are seated at our table.  A little secret that the other girls did not know is that I had already combed through the menu a few days earlier so I already knew what I was going to eat (okay now you can judge me, lol).  I ordered the Fried Green Tomatoes, Chicken Biscuit, Black Eye Peas, and Hushpuppies (a lot of food I know).  I am surprise I am able to write this post as I nearly ate my fingers off!  I still can’t breathe because I ate so much.  The food was so good, it took me back to when I was 13 years old sitting on a barstool in my childhood home in Orangeburg, SC, while my grandmother made biscuits, chicken and other comfort foods.  The Chicken Biscuit (which was my fav) was only slightly hot and slathered in hot sauce, butter and honey.  The chicken was fried to perfection.  I believe that my southern ancestors would be really proud of such great cuisine.  Even though I do not eat meat off the bone, they served a “Fried Chicken Box” that looked delectable.  Not the chicken box that you would find at a local around-the-way Kennedy Fried Chicken either, for those that know what that is. 

                                                               

 As we left, Maritza ordered a homemade donut to take home. I cannot tell I lie I was scheming on it too.  As gracious as she was she shared a slice of it the next morning.  It was SO good, with a cake like taste and consistency.  To top it all off, one of the best things about this restaurant besides the amazing food was that everything was so reasonable priced.  Our total bill combined for the three of us was a whopping $60, which I can totally spend easy on hair products.  Even though this was not a hair related topic, I seriously urge you all New Yorkers and non-New Yorkers to pay a visit Dram and Pies-n-Thighs.  I promise you won’t regret it!  Remember the secret is to look at the menu before you get to the restaurant :). 

Links:

Martha Stewart Date Night: http://www.marthastewart.com/993078/date-night-jim-cantiello-and-brendan-kennedy

Dram:  http://drambar.com

Pies-n-Thighs:  http://piesnthighs.com

My Silent Killer!

I, Kamilah Jones, have a problem. Well, not the problem you may think... It ‘s a silent problem that I haven't heard a lot of people talk about. You see, about two summers ago Curtis (my beau) and I prepared to go on vacation with his dad's family. That was when it all started. Elise happened to be in town so she helped me get ready. I washed my hair, and as I was moisturizing and twisting out, Elise says to me, "Uhh, you have flakes in your hair". Like many things, I ignored her but she persisted to tell me there were huge flakes in my hair and insisted that I look in the mirror. KAM SCREAMS!!!! "Omg I must have left conditioner in my hair".  I washed my hair again but the flakes were still there. “Ugh... I am going on vacation on tomorrow. What am I going to do”??? We had a day between leaving NYC and starting our cruise so I went to Rite Aid and bought everything from Neutrogena T-Gel to Head and Shoulders. NOTHING WORKED! I basically flicked as many flakes off as I could to make my hair presentable.  A few days later, the flakes had increased, but with itching as well.  I was soooo frustrated and for weeks I kept treating my scalp condition as "dandruff". It would help at first but only to come back with a vengeance. 

When I returned from vacation I consulted with about 4 or 5 dermatologists over a two year period and all of them would write prescription after prescription of harsh shampoos that not only dried my hair but were expensive and required that I constantly see a doctor (with a co-pay).  I was diagnosed with Seborrheic Dermatitis (SD for short). My Mommy, "the herbalist", suggested that I try essential oils to clear the flakes, but those were super expensive and the smell could be over-powering. I was OVER IT; not only embarrassed, but ashamed that I, the problem solver to so many, couldn't figure this out. 

Like many people, I took to the Internet to find a fix. I came across countless people with SD on the web who either had symptoms much worse than mine or their hair was not natural (therefore I couldn't identify with their condition). Many suggestions were to wash your hair everyday and let's face it, I am a busy New Yorker who barely finds time to even wash my hair weekly, much less daily. 

I went to a new dermatologist’s office most recently to see what help they could offer me. I saw the Physicians Assistant (the only open appointment). She listened to my woes, showed concern and offered this (in addition to a stack of prescriptions):  Try unconventional methods such as Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV), products that contain zinc, tea tree oil or anti fungal creams in addition to the prescriptions. I had already done the ACV wash before, but I had never heard of using zinc or anti fungal creams. 

A week after that appointment, Elise and I were having our daily "life updates" chat and she suggested I try "Monistat".  Say whattttt?!?!?! You want me to use “va-jay-jay” cream on my head?!?! She had heard it worked well as a makeup primer, but thought it would be a good thing to try since technically SD is a yeasty fungus on the skin. I thought about it and thought, “What do I have to loose? I haven’t found anything that works consistently to my liking, so I’ll try it.”

Photo: Any product that is Miconazole Nitrate Vaginal Cream (2%) can be used....As Elise would advise, "Store brand works too" lol :)

So, I recently started a Monistat regimen: Wash every 4 days, separating hair into 4 or 5 sections and apply the cream to my scalp. This is hard to make time for because after washing I have to detangle and moisturize my hair, then part and apply cream to scalp, and then twist hair all over.  We are talking a 3-hour process (my hands are tired just thinking about it). But if this turns out to be a winner like I think....  It will be worth it. 

Photo: My hair sectioned off using Banana clips ......ready to wash

Stay tuned.....

Hangin' & Swangin'

Last summer, Elise & I both got Senegalese Twists to not only protect our hair but to also switch our look (keep y'all guessing lol). While the twists were a major hit with our "fans", we didn't love how our curly hair seemed to frizz up in them. I have seborrheic dermatitis (stay tuned for a entry on that subject) and having the twists while trying to keep that at bay proved to be challenging. Elise left hers in too long and it caused some slight breakage. So, we decided to give up on braids/twists for a while.

Recently Elise decided to give it a try again. This time she got box braids using kanekalon hair. She used our favorite braid-tress Alimatou (Amazing lady!) based out of Harlem, NYC. I'll list her contact information below the pictures.

 Watch this colorful character express her readiness for the fun of spring and summer :) See Elise sound off below...

Back soakin' wet...but hey you see crazier things in Harlem!

Selfies!!!!

My Senegalese twists last summer...

Summer 2012, Long Island Sound

Moral of the story kids... whatever style you're rocking this summer make sure your keep a flippant hair do, fun and free spirit, and most of all healthy mind and body.
                                                                   
                                                                        xo,

                                                                 Kam & Elise




The shop where Alimatou braids is located at 2294 Fredrick Douglas Boulevard, Harlem, NY 10027 and her phone number is (646) 290-0250

Spring has Sprung!

Happy Spring Y'all!

Spring is here despite the frigid temperatures in NYC! I am an autumn/winter person, but I can't deny the refreshing spirit Spring brings, not to mention when I leave the office there is sunlight!!!! Coats are shed, scarves and gloves are put away; we also begin to take inventory of our lives (what must go and what will stay). I like to think of spring as a reminder of New Year’s goals we have set. It's 4 months after goals have been set and the beginning of Spring is a good time to take measure. Make it a priority  to celebrate your accomplishments thus far, and reevaluate our methods of change and tweak them. 

Growing up in South Carolina our Mommy and Grams would start moving things into the attic and gardening the yard. One vivid memory is of them gardening in the front yard in what we called the "flower box". Neighbors would drive by, and even get out of their cars to see their beautiful work of art. I think for Mommy and Grams gardening was therapeutic. To be successful at gardening year after year, many tasks are involved; weeding, plowing, watering and most importantly love and care. 

I like to equate this same tending nature of gardening to hair care. Like most things, what you put into it you get back. The more nourishing properties such as water,vitamins/supplements, and moisture properties I put into my body the more positive results I get. 

I encourage you all to take a count of what is in your life (the good, the bad and the ugly) and decide whether it’s something you want to continue on with, or whether it’s time to let it go. As Kenya from Real Housewives would say…. “NOW TWIRL”!!!!! 

There Is Only One Thing I Want To “Shrink”…..

SHRINKAGE!!!! Ughhh… I despise that word.  In regards to my hair it totally drives me batty… however with my waist line…sometimes I wish it would do more shrinking; but that isn’t why we are here. Shrinkage with regards to fabric is defined as “becoming smaller than its original size”, which can be caused when the scales on the fibers come in contact with water or heat.  WOW!!!!  This definition depicts how my hair reacts to water (not heat). 

It wasn't until my hair started to grow longer that I even understood what shrinkage meant and how it could totally mess up my swag! I could go from flowing movable curls to a shrunken frizzy mess in the matter of a couple of sprays of water.  My hair texture is “fine” on most of my head and therefore sometimes styles don’t hold without a product that gives me tons of moisture with a holding agent. I have also struggled with some sections of my hair being more stretched than others. When you couple shrinkage with fine hair it is one uphill battle. It is so frustrating trying to style hair that is shrunken, frizzy and lacks definition. Through styling one day last week, I noticed the back-center section of my hair was especially shrunken; much more than on the rest of my head. The curls are also tighter in that section.  I remember once my stylist telling me that a natural client of hers would put a relaxer for 2 or 3 minutes in that section of her hair to loosen the curl. I AM NOT ABOUT THAT LIFE! Lol!

Shrunken Hair... :(

Over time I knew I had to figure this out and conquer the “shrinkage” without damaging my hair. So you might ask…. What did you do? Well first… I add tons of moisture to hair; I also wear protective styles as much as possible to stretch and also shield hair. I workout three to four times per week and protecting the hair is very essential for my busy life. Plus my “trainer” and friend Liz wouldn't appreciate my taking years to get ready in the locker room. When wearing my hair curly, I do 12 twist-outs all over, then put them in a low pony tail to stretch overnight. In the morning I take the twists out, fluff and go.

Fluffed Stretched Hair ... That's better :)

There are also some new products out on the scene that claim to combat shrinkage. I recently received the Au Naturale 10-in-1 Styles Gelee by Dark & Lovely in my February CurlBox. The product has anti-shrinkage formula that defines and enhances curls. I gave the product a try and while I like what it does, it made my hair more firm than I would like it to be. Stay tuned for a review on that…..

How have you combated shrinkage without compromising styling?

Don't Call It a Problem...but an Opportunity!

            Maryam and I may or may not have a product junkie problem. Lol! Well not a problem but a high interest in using what works for our hair and flair for trying new things. Thanks to our parents for that one! Because we have fine strands, not"everything" will work in our hair. There are many products that easily weigh our hair down and give us build up. We are big fans of oils and leave-in conditioners. They provide moisture as well as act as a styler.

           You might wonder... What qualifies as a great product?! Well...It must be thin enough that it does weigh down,moderately priced (we have so many strands,we run through products), protects the hair, minimizes frizz and adds volume is always a plus. We have used this product exploration to our benefit. Not only have found what works for our hair but we have been able to become an expert to our friends and family (even strangers on the street) on the benefits of various products. 

* Picture 1: Maryam's Products*

* Picture 2: A few of Kam's Products*

 Maryam's Top 5 Hair Products

  

1.   Argan Oil - This is my favorite oil to massage into my scalpabout 2-3 per week and on my ends before I go to sleep every night. Itmoisturizes and fights split ends.

2.   CastorOil - this is such a great product to seal in moisture. I actually became a ware of this product through Kam. Don't be turned off by how thick this natural product is, results when used to seal the ends of your hair are amazing.

3.   Water-I know this is so cliche, but H20 is the truth and the light. It can take things from gumby status to manageable locks. Not to mention its great for your hair when combined with great products and a wonderful sealant.

4.   SheaButter- this is my favorite product hands down. It is really great as a pre-poo, wonderful to bring moisture to hair, and great for the skin. Filled with great vitamins like A (protectant), E (healing), and F ( Shine and Strength). This really is a must have, and it's great because a little goes along way.

5.   MBP Q & S  Pelamos Cinnamon Leave-In Conditioner - so this became a favorite of mine after Kam's inner product junkie snatched this from a friend, which I later inherited. This product is amazing! It proves you don't have to spend a lot on a hair product for moisture. The only drawback Is this is a very hard product to find. It took me on a quest through Providence to even did it. But I did and it was so worth it.

                       

               

                                     Kam's Top 5 Hair Products

1.     Ouidad Moisture Lock – This leave in conditioner is a new favorite of mine. It does just what it says…locks in moisture. I also love the feel of it…not too thick not too thin. The only disadvantage this product has is that it has a sticker price of $22.00 for a 8.5 ounce bottle *phew*

2.     Shea Moisture Organic Yucca & Baobab Thickening Conditioner – after using the Curl Enhancing Smoothie  made by this same brand, I had almost written off Shea Moisture because it didn't work for me. On a whim I purchased this product and it gave me sooo much volume. LOVE!

3.     CoconutOil – this product is my lifeline aside from Castor Oil! I use Coconut Oil as a pre-poo to detangle and loosen up my hair. Usually by wash day… my hair is screaming to be cleansed and detangle; this makes it so seamless for a“tender-headed” natural; all while give you loads of moisture.

4.     Silicon Mix Leave In Conditioner –  gives me a healthy dose of protein. It smells delicious and melts into hair. A little bit goes a long way.I can’t exactly tell you what is in this product other than silk proteins because it’s all in Spanish but its works great!

5.     Banana Clips – I know what you are thinking…  Banana clips aren't products. However they area natural’s best friend. Sometimes when styling….you need the hair OUT OF THE WAY! 

As you can see...we love products... What products have you experimented with and love...or could do without? 

Smile, 

Kam :) 

Ooo Girl You So "Fine"!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

After going natural in October of 2009... I expected to grow these luscious thick locks, don't we all?!?   In the beginning, I admittedly only focused primarily on the curl pattern. IT.WAS.BEAUTIFUL! As my hair grew longer, I noticed that while there was a whole lot of it, my strands were what I thought of as coarse, but "thin". I felt, "I have all this hair...yet I can see through it". After about 2 years of being natural and experiencing breakage, hundreds of single strand knots and finally a drastic cut, I discovered that my curls are FINE!   Not fine in the sense of good looking like myself but fine in texture, lol! 

Through some research, I started to try to figure out what it exactly meant to have fine hair. I consider myself a little heavy handed and therefore somewhat rough on my strands. This had to stop... Fine hair is very delicate, thus, must be treated as such. I also found that I was probably using products that were way too heavy. Previously when a product label read "for thick coarse hair", I would automatically reach for it. This new discovery made me second guess every single product I put in my hair. For example, just about every natural I know absolutely loves Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie; It did my style injustice... It weighed my hair down, made it gunky and immovable.  I had pretty much given up on the line! One day while getting my product junkie fix... I was surfing the hair aisle in my local Astoria, NY CVS drugstore.All Shea Moisture products were on sale.  I thought to myself "Umph... sure would be nice if I actually liked that product"; then a second later I spotted Thickening Growth Milk for Fine, Thin Hair. Hey Hey Hey, maybe there is hope! I grabbed up the product and headed for the register. Many of my friends know meas the coupon girl, if there is one to be had... I got it! I paid $4.50 for a product that normally costs $10.99; it was on sale for $8.99 and I had a 50% off coupon. 

How do you know if you have fine hair.... Below are some characteristics..

1.  YourCurls need to be refreshed with either water or re-twisting nightly to hold astyle for the next day

2.  Hair is very prone to breaking and single strand knots, even when moisturized 

3. Hair looks flat,  you can see through it and straighten very easy (depending on texture)

What I have done to make my hair healthier.....

·       I use Coconut Oil with Deep Conditioners as  Pre Poo

·       Protein Treatments

·       When washing, I put hair in 4 sections detangle then wash with conditioner

·       I avoid shampoos except when needing to clarify the scalp ( Isometimes use apple cider vinegar)

·       Using styling products that "thicken" - aka SheaMoisture Thickening Growth Milk and Living Proof Full ThickeningCream (I swear it makes a difference) 

·       Allow hair to dry as much as possible before styling

·       Castor Oil as a sealant and light Gel as a holding agent

·       Condition, Condition, Condition...Leave Ins have become my bestfriends!

Pictures ofmy hair.....

   Picture 1: Fine Hair Twisted Out 

    Picture 2: Fine Hair in a puff 

  

Not everyone has thick hair, though it may appear to be. I know that many mistakes made with my hair were because I didn't have the knowledge of not just my curl pattern (3c/4a), but also the types of strands I have. 

Being natural... I've learned so much about my hair, and, it has made me more intuitive to my body. I am paying closer attention to the signals it sends me and I aim to adjust my lifestyle accordingly. Moral of the story... Pay attention to the messages your curls are telling you, it will help you learn best how to care for your hair, as well as insight into health and body function. 

Smile Y'all,

Kam