The Songbirds Hair

Winterize Me

2009-10-26T17:23:00.005-04:00

I know I don't do updates that often, and I apologize...school is kicking my butt right now...but I thought I needed to give a friendly reminder of the upcoming winter season. This is the time that we need to protect and baby our hair the most. Winter is when our hair seems to grow the slowest and the shedding is at an all time high! Therefore we must do everything in our power to retain our length...and if you live in a place with harsh winters, below freezing temps and blizzards, you know we have to do our best to keep our hair moisturized and protected. So wash n go's are a no-no for me at this point (unless I want to walk around looking like an icicle). So I'm turning to wigs as my winter protective style. I only wear the wigs out of the house, so my hair breathes regularly while I'm indoors. Also, I wash and deep condition at least once a week. Here are a few of the one's I've rocked in the past:

I just bought a new wig so the photo will be coming up shortly. By the way, I can't remember what these wigs are called unfortunately. I just know they are by Freetress because that's all I wear.

Detangling made Easy

2009-05-31T18:34:00.005-04:00

Okay, I purchased my Denman brush along time ago, back when I was still relaxed and I liked it, but I didn't use it very often because as I transitioned, I found it to be too harsh where the natural and relaxed hair met. But now that I'm pretty much full natural (yeah, I finished chopping off the relaxed ends) and I wear my hair in a puff like everyday and I only detangle my hair once a week and each time I detangle its hell! Then I remembered my good ol' Denman, dusted it off and prepared to detangle. I saturated my hair in condition (Organic Root Salon Replenishing Conditioner) and detangling in sections and it was very easy. It completely seperated the tangles very effortlessly and what would normally take me at least 45 minutes only took 10 minutes. This is an absolutely necessary tool for natural hair in my opinion. I've very pleased with the results.

*Photo Courtesy of Folica.Com*

Guess Who's Back...For the Moment

2009-04-20T22:24:00.008-04:00

Yep, I was missing in action for awhile....why, you might ask? Well because of school, work and stress. I had to break from my hair for awhile because I was becoming overly obsessed with my hair and was very concerned about length. So, I had to place myself on punishment lol. But, while I'm on punishment, here's my updates. Fourteen months natural (not full, I have a few relaxed ends somewhere in there) and I hope to grow, grow grow! Updates about current reggie: Currently taking MSM supplements, Hair Skin Nails from GNC and Flax Oil supplements. I co-wash my hair probably every 3 days and keep my hair in cornrows so that I can wear a wig on top. I wash with shampoo maybe every other week. Very Simple.

Achieve a Short Cut without Scissors

2009-04-22T22:14:00.012-04:00

So I went to Caribana last year for the Caribbean fest and I wanted to switch up my hair a bit. It was burning up in Toronto and I had just gotten my hair flatironed and having hair on my neck at that time was driving me crazy. So I decided to try something different. I wanted to give myself a short cut without scissors. Here's what I did:

The Procedure:

Pull back straightened hair as if you were going to place it back in a ponytail.
Gather all the hair so that you don't have loose pieces that aren't in the style.
Hold the hair securely at the ends and roll them under, basically hiding them.
Secure with a few bobby pins by pinning the ends at the nape of your neck.
Then just smooth the style out so that it looks natural and kind of lightly fluff so you give it a fuller apperance.

This is what it looks like when it's done correctly:

Beyonce's Hair

2008-11-15T17:55:00.016-05:00

I found these pics of Beyonce's real hair. I'm not sure how old these pics are so her hair could be longer by now or thicker. I still think she looks great. The hair doesn't look the healthiest, but its nice to see a star rocking her own hair every once in awhile. Sometimes you see them with all that weave so often that its hard to imagine them without it.

It looks like her hair is just a little past shoulder length and fine. Her hair is also thin and its obvious that she is a real fan of blond. I'm not sure if her hair is pressed or relaxed in these photos (cause I know she's natural now). Notice the photo below. Thats how her hair used to look. It was very thick and long.

Election Day: Michelle Obama Style

2008-11-04T21:33:00.011-05:00

In honor of Election Day and History in the Making, I had to give a shout out to Michelle Obama. The very elegant and poised wife of Baraka Obama. She's someone to look up to and definately be proud of. She's stylish as well. We all know she versatile with her hair wearing everything from bobs to elegant updos. I've even caught her in sporty ponytails and she looks absolutely fab. Hopefully we will be seeing more of this dashing couple, meaning I'm hoping to see them in the White House. I'm just waiting for them to announce the outcome of this election. I'm expecting great things and most of all I'm expecting Change!

Praying for Change! Obama 08 and Yes on Michigan Proposal 1 and 2!

New Amazing Instant Working Discovery!

2008-10-26T20:11:00.004-04:00

LOL! Probably got a lot of folks attention with this one. Here's an old ad that I found that is advertising a hair straightener. I just thought it was interesting. Its funny how they tried to promote these hair straighteners back in the day. They have the natural hair (and they have it all matted) and then they show how "lovely" it could be. They use phrases such as "An Indian Secret" and "Long and Straight" and of course, "Glossy-Lovely". Not to mention is claims that it "Grows hair". Anything to sell to the consumer. I wonder if this product went flying off the shelves once this add came out. I would assume so. Any thoughts?

1 Year Anniversary

2008-10-17T19:35:00.006-04:00

Here are my one year anniversary progress pics. From October 07 to October 08. I'm really happy my hair has thickened up the way it has. I'm able to wear a decent looking ponytail, something I haven't been able to do in a long time. And my hair is finally growing in darker (I've been so sick of that copper color). Overall, I'm pretty pleased with my hair growth. I didn't receive as much length as I wanted but at least I got the thickness I've been craving. I'm looking forward to another year of amazing results.

I'm Keepin' it Simple Sista

2008-09-20T21:23:00.006-04:00

I've made a change in my hair reggie after becoming overwhelmed with life's little surprises. I've decided to follow my girl Traycee's footsteps and K.I.S.S. my hair woes away. Yes ladies, I'm keeping it real simple. My current reggie consists of pretty much nothing that I used to do:

I co wash every two days or so
I moisturize with a mix that I made
I braid my hair into four cornrolls to the back
I airdry hair completely
I throw on my half-wig
I blend with a headband and go

And that's it ladies. I shampoo and deep condition weekly as well, though I rarely go under the dryer anymore. I just don't have time like I used to. Seems like it's working though. I just started taking my vitamins again and I'm trying to eat better. My one year anniversary hits on October 19 so we'll see if I've made as much progress as I hope. Check back for progress pics at that time.

The Early Years

2008-10-12T22:58:00.007-04:00

In honor of my 1 year hair care anniversary (October 19), I decided I'd give everyone a glance at my hair before Hair Care. Here's a few photos of what my hair used to look like back in the days before hair blogs and LHCF. I have a few others so keep coming back for more. Enjoy!

December 2005

May 2007

Iridessa

2008-10-08T20:22:00.022-04:00

Iridessa is one of the Disney fairies who rolls with Tinkerbell and her crew. I just thought she was absolutely stunning and I'm glad to see her as part of the faires crew. She is known as the light fairy and the smartest and most disciplined fairy in the bunch. She's always up on her studies. She's rocking a braided updo which is cool, but I'd like to see her in some other styles as well. Check out her Youtube video and make sure to show it some love.

Mixed Chicks

2008-10-08T02:42:00.000-04:00

So I'm surfing the net and I came across a product that I've heard of before, but never really took the time to investigate. Since I'm going to be full natural pretty soon, I decided that it was worth looking into. The product I'm speaking of are the Mixed Chicks line. I've been reading the testimonials and looking at some of the before and after pics and it's looking pretty good to me. It's made for all races and all curly/kinky hair types and it's supposed to define the curls and help them to pop and be frizz free. The leave in conditioner is the big rave but due to popular demand, they've created a deep conditioner and shampoo. The two pictures to the left and right are a before and after picture. The last picture is of a little girl who uses the product. If anyone has tried these products with any luck please share because the recovering product junkie in me is dying to try them.

American Hair Idol

2008-09-28T12:42:00.018-04:00

Every seems to have their fave hair idol and mine happens to be the lovely Syesha Mercado from American Idol Season 7. This 21 year old superstar's hair is absolutely flawless.

Homegirl's hair got swag. Hopefully, one day, my hair will be swagalicious like hers. Not only was she talented, but she did it with style and of all the celeb naturals that I've come across, her hair is closest to what I'm hoping my hair behaves like. We will see. Give me about 2 more years ladies and maybe I'll have hot hair like this.

Here's one of my fave Syesha performances.

Purse Buzz

2008-09-21T17:28:00.003-04:00

This is one of my fave videos from Purse Buzz, a site full of hair and makeup tips that are surprisingly achievable.The syles are very simple to do, sexy and chic. Check out Purse Buzz for more beauty and hair tips. And be looking for my pics when I try to tackle this style.

I've Been Tagged

2008-05-02T16:35:00.004-04:00

Alright... I've been tagged by The Anti Hair Slave.

Here are 6 interesting things about me.

I read magazines from back to front.
I'm a songwriter and one of my songs was sung on Detroit Radio.
I'm an English major but I wish I was in chemistry so it'll be easier to create my own hair product line.
I'm learning Arabic right now as my second language.
I believe I was a race car driver in my past life. I drive really really fast.
I'm prissy but I'm a tomboy also. I played three varsity sports all through high school and was an overachiever in each (softball, volleyball and tennis).

The Rules: Link the person who tagged you. Mention the rules in your blog. Tell about six unspectacular quirks of yours. Tag six following bloggers by linking them. Leave a comment on each of the tagged blogger’s blogs letting them know they’ve been tagged.

W.T.F???? Play This Video, NOW!

2008-09-20T21:55:00.006-04:00

.I just had to share this video with the world. Most of ya'll have probably already seen it but for those of you that haven't, you're in for a rude awakening. Not only was this behavior unprofessional, but it was impolite as well. Some things you just don't ask people. Thats like saying "Barbra, are you're teeth real or are those dentures?" Brandy handled herself well though so kudos to ya mami. If I were her I would've had to ask her if she ever had botox injections or something. And to my other sister, when she gripped her lovely strands like that, I cringed for her. I guess I couldn't be on The View because Barbra would've hit the floor at that moment.

Bold, Beautiful and Natural

2008-09-20T20:49:00.012-04:00

Talk about fierce naturals, Tamara Dobson, also known as Cleopatra Jones, actress and model is working that fro bringing sexiness and sassiness to a hairstyle that people in that time feared. I'm not 100% postitive if her coif had been chemically treated in any manner (rumor has it that it was all natural), but either way, she definitely shows that the afro can be a style that enhances ones natural beauty. And if you ask me, she definately pulls it off and very well. Who knows, with the increasing amount of women who are going natural right now, this just might become a style that makes a comeback. I know I'd rock it if I could pull it off half as well as she did.

Dobson is a fashion icon and paved the way for many black actress today by showing that black woman are beautiful. Period. We don't have to fit neatly into society's views of whats beauty is supposed to be (typically straight hair, blue eyes and so on). We are just to damn diverse for that. Black woman are beautiful natural or relaxed. And she was living proof... (it was rumored she went relaxed later in life). Regardless of what hairstyle we rockin, we gonna work it. Straight, curly, nappy, kinky, whatever! Black women are just that versatile and we have the ability to make anything we wear look fabulous!

1944-2006

Take Advantage of Beauty Schools

2008-09-19T19:36:00.010-04:00

With the state of the economy these days sometimes its not easy to find extra money to spend on life's luxuries, such as getting your hair done. So, I decided to look for an inexpensive way to achieve a classy style without a lot of fuss. I found that in Beauty Schools. In some Beauty Schools, there's a group of senior students, supervised by a licensed stylist, who will do your hair at a much cheaper rate than traditional salons. For a wash, condition, press & curl and cut, I paid only $18; something that would have ran me at least $45 at a salon.

The sylist did an excellent job. I was immediately seen (I got there when they first opened; walk-ins only) and all the attention was on me. This is a good option for ladies who are trying to save a buck in such a harsh economy. There were some downfalls: they don't style with extensions, you can't request a certain stylist, and you can't bring your own products. But the overall outcome was very pleasant. No harm in trying it out ladies if you're still sceptical. Afterall, who doesn't like saving moving and looking fly. Check your local listings for beauty schools near you.

Photo Credits: http://www.bestwigoutlet.com/

The Bird is Back

2008-09-15T02:09:00.004-04:00

After the whole ordeal with family health issues and such, I'm so glad to know that you all kept me in your prayers. I didn't know how long it would be as I recovered with the problems I was facing but I'm happy to be back and just as you all said, God conquers all. So, ladies, I'm back in the full swing of things and what better way to make a comeback then to give a taste of the progress one has made thus far. Unfortunately, I don't have any of those pictures available at the moment. So Check back in a while and hopefully I'll have those at my fingertips.

Down Until Further Notice

2008-05-31T00:48:00.001-04:00

I'm taking a break until further notice. Sorry. Lots of things I have to deal with. Hope to see you all soon.

Hollywood Hair Part 1

2008-04-29T22:50:00.007-04:00

Operation Straight Wrapped Hair:

So I tried this Hollywood Beauty Olive Creme after hearing a few girls say they really love it. This just goes to show you, what works for one might not work for you. It had decent ingredients (no cones) and it seemed like it would do wonders for hair because it has coconut oil and water is the first ingredient but I was unimpressed. I picked it up at CVS for $3 and I wish I would have used that money towards something else. My hair is still soft but I wouldn't credit that to this product. My hair was weighed down and all the body that I had from my flatiron style that I had earlier was completly snatched from me. Maybe I used to much (only about a nickel sized amount) but who knows. I loved how free flowing my hair was before I used this product and I'm sad that I ruined that. Oh well, maybe I'll never find the perfect moisturizer. This is my opinion about this product when wearing your hair straight down and flowing.

Oh, and Happy Birthday lil Brother!

My Miracle Oil

2008-04-29T15:46:00.010-04:00

Everybody seems to have their favorite oil. There are raves about coconut oil, castor oil and even extra virgin olive oil. I rarely ever hear about Avocado oil. I think people are just sleeping on this wonderful miracle oil which happens to be my favorite. What can avocado oil do for me, you ask. Well, first of all, it is very light. So it doesn't weigh your hair down in the slighest. It's high in protein, so it leaves your hair feeling strong yet moistuirzed because it is also extremely high in Vitamin A&E. It is also high in vitamin D and potassium.

Because it's such a high quality oil, you don't even need much to have outstanding results. So although it can be pricey, about $10 for 4oz at the Vitamin Shoppe, it will last you a long time. It has also proven to be the best sunscreen as opposed to other oils (almond, jojoba, ect). I use it as my carrier oil when mixing with my essential oils because unlike other heavier oils that I've used, it actually allows the essential oils to penetrate the scalp. This is some really amazing stuff that I even love better than my perfect coconut oil. I love this stuff and I'd highly recommend it to all those who still haven't found that perfect oil.

Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

2008-04-30T00:39:00.005-04:00

I been saying that I was gonna try the ACV rinses and I finally did. I'm very pleased with the results. My hair was shiny and soft and easier to detangle (not easy as pie, but easier). I mixed about 3 tablespoons into about 3 cups of water, but don't quote me on how much should actually be used because I'm not exactly sure. I poured this mixture over my hair in the shower after I shampooed. I followed with my V05 conditioner which completely masked the smell completely. It restores the natural acidity of hair and truly has powerful benefits that will improve the look and feel of your hair and also help remove residue so hair will be more able to absorb moisture.

According to Bella Online:

"The acidic nature of ACV combined with its potent enzymes can help scalp problems such as dandruff, itchy scalp, baldness and thinning hair. Apple cider vinegar also stimulates hair follicles to encourage the growth of healthier hair."

It's all in the Pack

2008-01-17T22:44:00.001-05:00

After all the talk on LHCF about the Replenishing Pack from ORS, I just knew I had to try it. From the moment I opened that bright yellow pack and that thick, creamy condish oozed into my hands, I knew I was on to something good. This stuff is amazing. The moment I placed it on my strands they felt instantly revitalized! This was the type of moisture that my hair has been yearning for. The ingredients were excellent and the results were astounding. I'm very pleased with this little yellow guy and I will definately be using it again. I just hope I can find the actually bottle so I don't have to keep purchasing the packs. Extra bonus: It smells nice too! I think that's the orange oil. 5 outta 5 from me!

Oooh La La! So Sexy!

2008-01-14T02:05:00.002-05:00

The ladies on LHCF were raving about Vicky Secrets So Sexy poo and condish for dry/damaged hair. And of course, I couldn't resist. Normally, I'd never by hair products from some place like VS, but I thought, "hey, what the heck." This stuff is amazing. I give the products 4.5 outta 5 stars. It smells heavenly which attracted me to it in the first place, but beyond that, it seems to be very moisturizing. The condish is a little on the thick side which made me take off half a star. Actually its too thick and I often struggle to get it out the bottle but other than that, this stuff is perfect. It detangles well and gives me good slip and its nice for a final rinse. For the poo, I created a little mixture: in a small bottle, I fill it halfway with poo, 1/4 with water and 1/4 with avacado oil. This mixture works lovely. All is all, these are a lovely bunch of products and they're going for 3/$21 so if you wanna try it, this is the perfect time. I recommend them.