What is beauty?

Well many say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, yet what if  the definition for this person is the commercialized view of the slender, fair-skinned, straight-haired beauty that we see everyday in the media? What has been seen as beautiful has transitioned over the years, but the idea of being thin has maintained. In the early years women used to suffocate themselves just to have that eighteen inch waist, even foregoing a few ribs in the process. Beauty=Sexy, and apparently sex sells, but at what cost, self -esteem, self-loathing, etc. But anyhow that's whole different blog, my point is about how many people are against going natural, why because of this ideal that straight is beauty and professional and natural is just a nappy mess. Me personally have chosen to go natural because it allows me versatility and is better for my hair. However, I find it unfair that being natural is not seen as what it truly is....EMPOWERING!!!Many women that I've talked to are afraid to take this step because they see natural nappy hair as unmanageable, but if taken care of  properly it actually quite the opposite. I think no matter whether you're natural or straight, its you that defines beauty within yourself, take care of your hair and yourself.

Shea Moisture Products

I recently tried the Shea Moisture African Black Soap shampoo, conditioner and intensive scalp elixir. I also tried the Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque. So, what I did may have been bad, I took out my sew in and just washed my hair, a friend of mine said I should have combed out my hair first, however I never did that before when I've had braids. So, my review of these products may be you know a bit negativo, hopefully I don't have the same situation next time. Basically my hair was a tangled mess afterwards, any way on to the products. The shampoo is really thick, however it doesn't really lather up very well, but it cleaned my hair great. I have dandruff so usually, my hair itches a few days after I shampoo, so this stuff is good. The conditioner honestly wasn't that great, it seemed watery to me.Now, the scalp elixir is GREAT!! I did not care too much for the masque, it was sort of thin to me and smelled too much like perfume for me. My hair however was nice after I took a blower dryer to help me get the knots out...OUCH!!! Head was tender for a few days. Overall, I spent $40 bucks on these products at Target, so I will continue to use them and I'm going to try them out on my cousins hair, and see what the results will be for her.

Braided Sew-in

My current transitional style at the moment is a braided sew-in, which I have had in my hair almost two months. Its a great style because it gives me the look of micro braids without having to sit for hours to get it done. This style also provides  the versatility I need for my busy schedule, I can wear it done or in ponytail, which I love. It is however beyond time for me to take it down and I now have to take it down but will post photos of the look for you to see at a later time. Now, I have to find a new style to work with that won't put too much stress on my hair, hmmm....

Taking back my roots

I am one of many sisters who are embarking on the journey going back to my roots. I started this process two years ago but ended up perming it. So, since January I have been transitioning and experimenting with a few styles and products.I currently have two to three inches of new growth. I am also searching for styles and products for my little cousin whose hair is completely natural. I know that this will be a process, but I think the results will be rewarding. I will review some of the products I've been using in my next post.The photo is of one of the last few styles when my hair was still permed.