 |
| Black Barbie |
I came across this article by Ben Arogundade, a London-based author and creative director who explored the new rules when it comes to ethnic beauty and I loved it and decided to share word for word!
This is an exciting time for black beauty.
Black women all over the world are discussing their hair and beauty choices as a result of the so-
called natural hair revolution that is sweeping across many parts of America.
Over 10 years ago, I wrote a book called Black Beauty, which tried to make sense of the history of different black aesthetic styles and the way they have been received within this culture.
With so much exciting debate going on right now, I decided to draft my own personal manifesto for the 10 new rules of black beauty.
1. Action, not hair, is what makes you black. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. remains our best example of this. The ultimate signifier of his blackness was not his hair, features or skin colour, but his words and deeds.
NATURAL HAIR BASICS: HOW TO DO A SIMPLE BRAIDOUT
By Hadassah Agbaps - January 13, 2014
Hi people, what's been on?
In my previous post (which was yesterday and not last week...hehe), I shared pictures of what my hair looked like without manipulation or products, then I braided my hair and promised to show what it'll look like as a braid out later.
Well, here it is and I decided to do a little tutorial on braidouts naijastyle!
1. I've selected products that are readily available in Nigerian stores and markets. I didn't use all the products, though.
The products I used were
- water ( in the blue spray bottle)
- coconut oil ( home made)
- Natural Nigerian Leave In Conditioner (for dry ends)
I decided to keep products to the minimum...
2. That's my freshly washed and dried hair. I used the African soap ( with the green cover) to wash my scalp and the VO5 conditioner to condition and fingerdetangle my hair.
The secret to a good washday is shampoo on scalp only, then condition hair only.
Then follow up with an oil and a leave in conditioner to seal in moisture from washing.
I skipped this part.
So my hair is detangled but dry. It's the moisturising process that brings out the boing in your coils and keep them defined. This is where a good moisturising product comes in.
3. I decided to make six braids. I wasn't ready to do more braids because I had to be out on time the following day.
I sprayed each section with water, then coated with coconut oil followed by a naira coin size of leave in conditioner. Then braided down and twisted the ends. I don't braid down to the ends to avoid breakage due to impatient loosening. Twists are much easier. Also twisting the ends instead of braiding makes sure you don't have thin straggly wavy ends in your braidout. Not nice...especially for fine haired naturals like me.
4. In the morning after my shower (protected by a ca of course), I loosed the braids with palms coated with coconut oil. Separated carefully for volume and I was good to go!
So that's how I do a quick braidout with the simplest products. If your hair is shorter, you can make more braids.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments section!
Till I spill again,
Live Beautifully.Naturally.
Hadassah.
In my previous post (which was yesterday and not last week...hehe), I shared pictures of what my hair looked like without manipulation or products, then I braided my hair and promised to show what it'll look like as a braid out later.
Well, here it is and I decided to do a little tutorial on braidouts naijastyle!
1. I've selected products that are readily available in Nigerian stores and markets. I didn't use all the products, though.
The products I used were
- water ( in the blue spray bottle)
- coconut oil ( home made)
- Natural Nigerian Leave In Conditioner (for dry ends)
I decided to keep products to the minimum...
2. That's my freshly washed and dried hair. I used the African soap ( with the green cover) to wash my scalp and the VO5 conditioner to condition and fingerdetangle my hair.
The secret to a good washday is shampoo on scalp only, then condition hair only.
Then follow up with an oil and a leave in conditioner to seal in moisture from washing.
I skipped this part.
So my hair is detangled but dry. It's the moisturising process that brings out the boing in your coils and keep them defined. This is where a good moisturising product comes in.
3. I decided to make six braids. I wasn't ready to do more braids because I had to be out on time the following day.
I sprayed each section with water, then coated with coconut oil followed by a naira coin size of leave in conditioner. Then braided down and twisted the ends. I don't braid down to the ends to avoid breakage due to impatient loosening. Twists are much easier. Also twisting the ends instead of braiding makes sure you don't have thin straggly wavy ends in your braidout. Not nice...especially for fine haired naturals like me.
4. In the morning after my shower (protected by a ca of course), I loosed the braids with palms coated with coconut oil. Separated carefully for volume and I was good to go!
If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments section!
Till I spill again,
Live Beautifully.Naturally.
Hadassah.
Hi people, what's been on!
I've been reading your helpful feedback and I agree that I need to blog more, do more DIYs and talk more on hair care.
So I decided that I will start afresh for the new year on a clean slate!
I will try as much as I can to post how to pictorials of easy peasy hairstyles you can do for any length or texture.
I've still not gotten the hang of video stuff and to be honest I'm quite shy! I tried making some videos and when I showed it to some friends and family members, they said I was looking really anxious and too serious...lol!
It's called video fright...but I'm working on it.
To begin a year of 'consistent' blogging, I decided it will be a good idea to show what my hair is like freshly washed without products or manipulation to give y'all an idea of what I've been working with.
Before I do, I'll like to share some styles I've been able to achieve with my Nigerian natural hair in this our humid Nigerian weather...where it's like summer all year except for brief periods of cold, very dry and dusty harmattan.
Well, come rain..come shine..come dust...our fros will persevere!!! Amen!
So here are my hairstyles throughout the years...these are my go to styles....nothing really elaborate unless I'm in the mood...lol!
 |
| A few of my natural hairstyles through the years. My lazy day constants are the twists and the good ole bun. |
So here's what my hair looks like today without any products or curl defining manipulation. I henna-ed (please this should be a word!) my hair to strengthen it for the year then washed and conditioned.
 |
| This is what my product free texture is like.... |
 |
| This is what a lot of it looks like close-up. No products. Someone remarked upon seeing this picture that it looks hard and 'uncombable'. Truth be told I wouldn't dare comb it in this state to avoid breakage. This is the reason why I really can't rock an afro (most people think this is the default hairstyle of a naturalista) |
 |
| This is what it looks like at the back. You notice how frizzy and fine my strands are.... |
 |
| This is what it looks like in all its shruken glory. |
 |
| This is the same section (as from the close-up above) well moisturised with water and NappyGirl Pudding. Notice how it is less frizzy, has well defined curls and the clumping of the curls? This helps stretch your curls and makes it less prone to breakage and dryness. Like they say 'together we stand, divided we fall' |
 |
| Here's my unstretched hair braided. I admit, I'm really pleased with the length retention achieved using the Indian oiling method. Compare with the picture below taken several months ago with heat straightened hair. Yes there are fewer braids but the length gain is awesome. |
So, what are my current products?
Shampoo:
- Keracare Cleansing Creme ( It's sulfate free. I'm surprised how this has lasted long since Sept/Oct last year and it's been used by three naturals!)
-Aussie Moist Shampoo ( I love my Aussie!! The coconuty scent is just divine....even with the sulphates....yeah...even with the sulphates...lol!
- ORS Creamy Aloe Shampoo ( yes...I opened up three shampoos....)
Conditioner
- VO5 Strawberry Milk Conditioner (perfect for a co wash, smells yummy and doubles as a leave-in on lazy days)
- Herbal Essence Long Term Relationship Conditioner ( Now my hair is longer and the ends get older and more brittle, this conditioner is useful in keeping my ends tip top....and that's why I need the Aussie Moist)
- ORS Replenishing Conditioner ( Love the citusy smell, the slip for detangling and it doubles as a deep conditioner on days when I don't have time to prepare a protein deep conditioner or use Cantu seperately).
Leave In Conditioner
- Cantu Shea Butter Leave In Conditioning Repair Creme
- Natural Nigerian Moisture and Shine Detangling Leave In Conditioner ( Perfect for dry styling and you don't need to add oil for shine. This was gifted to me by Natural Nigerian at the last meetup).
- Elasta QP Mango Butter (to soon to say)
Stylers
- NappyGirl Ubermoist Pudding ( go to for the perfect well defined twistouts, braidouts and afro...if I ever do it again this year. It moisturizes my situation without poofiness)
- Beautiful Textures Bouncy Curl Control Defining Pudding (to soon to say)
Gel
- FOTE Aloe Vera Gel (multipurpose everything!)
- Ecostyler Gel ( tames the most stubborn stubborn frizz. Sleekness without hardness for days. Best part...a little goes a long way and it comes in a big tub...so I can share share share...lol!)
Oil
- Coconut oil ( staple...pre poo...post poo....)
- Castor oil (just in case I do braid or twist extensions. It preserves my hairline and I like that it has a little hold too for smoothening my edges).
- Olive oil
Heat protectants
Alterna Bamboo Sleek and Shine
Biosilk serum
Do I need to list the products in the back burner...erm...not yet. Let me run out of some of these first before sneaking in new ones. I've promised myself...no using new products until I've run out of old ones.....can't wait to share though!
Okay.....that's about my hair and the products I currently work with. Thanks to Nigerian online vendors, most of these products can be delivered to your doorstep in three days or less. For those who prefer brick and mortar stores, the ORS and VO5 range of products are available in good stores near you.
About the suggestions of DIY and more haircare posts, I've decided to start at the beginning with simple, no long grammar posts under the following natural hair care topics.
-How to detangle your natural hair
-How to wash and condition your natural hair ( inspired by Rubynnia)
-How to do simple styles on your natural hair etc....
I'm open to more suggestions......
To new beginnings!
Till I spill again,
Live Beautifully.Naturally.
Hadassah.
P.S. If you haven't entered for the #NNGiveaway, please go here to win Nigerian hair friendly products and more!!!
Hi peeps, what's been on?!
YES...I'm back!
....and NO I did not stop blogging.....I almost did what with everything going on right now....but then I couldn't....I kept thinking about all the readers and bloggers I have come to know through this blog, your comments that made my day and I knew...I CAN'T STOP!
So, I'm wishing you all a beautiful year of new beginnings....I wonder if there's anything like an old beginning, tho....lol!
HAPPY 2014!!!!!
I'll like to shout out my appreciation to all readers and followers (old and new) of this blog. Your readership and comments have been the life force of this blog. I wouldn't have been able to keep blogging without your support. Your questions and comments provide inspiration for blogging and gives me the strength to keep on twiddling with my hair and products to find better, simpler and more effective ways to care for our natural kinks.
I also want to appreciate my friends/family and all the beautiful people that took part in the 'Nigerians Got Good Hair Too' series. You made it worthwhile!
I want to specially thank Nussie Dabiri, I really appreciated your email. Thanks Boo.
Special thank you to
Troy of CitiMart Magazine,
Mrs. U. Oguejiofor of BSS Magazine,
Toyin Awesu of TwentySix85.com,
NaturalNigerian of naturalnigerian.com ,
Chichi of Chocolatekisses and
Chichi of chichiscuisine.blogspot.com
As a token of my appreciation to my readers and followers, I'll love to give away a set of products to one lucky reader.
These products are:-
To stand the chance of winning,
- You must be resident in Nigeria (if you reside outside Nigeria but have someone who can help you redeem your price, then by all means participate!)
- You are allowed only one entry.
- Follow and/or subscribe to NappilyNigerianGirl blog.
- Follow NappilyNigerianGirl on Twitter on @nappilynigerian and use the hashtag #nf.... #NNGiveaway e.g.
#nf @nappilynigerian #NNGiveaway
- Answer this question in the comments section 'what do you like most about NNG and what do you like least'
Shikena!
Pls note... anonymous comments are disqualified.
The NNGiveaway starts on the 12th of January 2014 and ends 31st of January 2014. The winner will be announced on the 2nd of February 2014.
The winner will be selected randomly via a computer application.
Till I spill again,
Live Beautifully. Naturally.
Hadassah.
YES...I'm back!
....and NO I did not stop blogging.....I almost did what with everything going on right now....but then I couldn't....I kept thinking about all the readers and bloggers I have come to know through this blog, your comments that made my day and I knew...I CAN'T STOP!
So, I'm wishing you all a beautiful year of new beginnings....I wonder if there's anything like an old beginning, tho....lol!
HAPPY 2014!!!!!
I also want to appreciate my friends/family and all the beautiful people that took part in the 'Nigerians Got Good Hair Too' series. You made it worthwhile!
I want to specially thank Nussie Dabiri, I really appreciated your email. Thanks Boo.
Special thank you to
Troy of CitiMart Magazine,
Mrs. U. Oguejiofor of BSS Magazine,
Toyin Awesu of TwentySix85.com,
NaturalNigerian of naturalnigerian.com ,
Chichi of Chocolatekisses and
Chichi of chichiscuisine.blogspot.com
As a token of my appreciation to my readers and followers, I'll love to give away a set of products to one lucky reader.
These products are:-
 |
| Aveeno Daily Moisturiser for Dry Skin This dermatologist recommended lotion contains natural oatmeal blended with rich emollients and is clinically proven to moisturise your skin for a full 24hrs. |
 |
| Stretchy double comb hair grip This bendy grip is perfect for elegant updos |
 |
| Herbal Essence Long Term Relationship Conditioner Give Rapunzel a run for her money with this velvety conditioner. It indulges every inch and gives your hair strenght against damage so you can grow it longer and longer.....and that's no fairytale |
 |
| Organic Root Stimulator Edge Control Alcohol free gel perfect for slicking down edges while adding shine and moisture to your hair. It's non sticky, non greasy and provides excellent hold without hardening your hair. |
 |
| A tub of NappyGirl Ubermoist Pudding Made from 100% natural butters, humecants and essential oils, this hair pudding is the perfect friend for length retention, reversing hair/scalp damage and providing soft, shiny hold to your dos! The secret to my long lasting twistouts and fros |
To stand the chance of winning,
- You must be resident in Nigeria (if you reside outside Nigeria but have someone who can help you redeem your price, then by all means participate!)
- You are allowed only one entry.
- Follow and/or subscribe to NappilyNigerianGirl blog.
- Follow NappilyNigerianGirl on Twitter on @nappilynigerian and use the hashtag #nf.... #NNGiveaway e.g.
#nf @nappilynigerian #NNGiveaway
- Answer this question in the comments section 'what do you like most about NNG and what do you like least'
Shikena!
Pls note... anonymous comments are disqualified.
The NNGiveaway starts on the 12th of January 2014 and ends 31st of January 2014. The winner will be announced on the 2nd of February 2014.
The winner will be selected randomly via a computer application.
Till I spill again,
Live Beautifully. Naturally.
Hadassah.
