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