Simply sewn-in!

I see a bump!

Hi everyone!

Summer is in full effect here in St. Louis, and I've opted for an easier-to-manage style--the sew-in. For those who may not know, a sew-in is a hairstyle that is achieved by attaching extensions to your own hair with thread. I love rocking this style because I can wear any type of extension: straight, curly, wavy, whatever! And since my hair is tucked away beneath the tracks, daily damage to my hair is non-existent. I could even wear a completely different color without having chemicals strip my hair.

Here is a breakdown of the sew-in process:
1) Start with clean, conditioned hair. I make sure to do a deep condition before getting a sew-in, because it will be about a month or two before I'll be able to do it again.
2) The stylist will begin by parting and cornrowing your hair. The braids can be straight to the back or in a pattern that will accentuate the type of extensions you've selected.
3) Next, the extensions will be cut to fit your scalp and sewn in with thread using a simple stitch. The stitch will begin under your braids, then come over the track and repeated to secure it in place. A needle shaped like the letter "C" prevents any injuries. (Usually, the thread and needle can both be purchased at the beauty supply where you get your hair.) This continues until all of your hair is covered.

Can you see the braids?

4) The stylist finishes by applying any necessary finishing touches (an extra stitch here, a quick snip there) and styling the extensions. Top it off with oil sheen and you're good to go!

My daily hair routine is abbreviated by half the time. I just flatiron the tracks and comb it into place. The only product I'm using right now is ORS Olive Oil Sheen. I bought human hair, which is more durable, withstands high heat, and stays looking great, longer.

In the morning, about to flatiron the 'do. My bangs are clipped out of the way until the end.

There are some downsides, aren't there always? As with most styles involving extensions, there is some tightness to be expected. This time, the discomfort lasted about a week before the tracks loosened up a bit. And the itching, ooohwee! I combat this by spraying oil sheen onto my scalp or using alcohol soaked cotton swabs for the really itchy spots. The last unfavorable about this style is that washing or rinsing is not recommended. Wet this style at your own risk! Washing may result in tangled, dull extensions and loosened stitches. Swimming may result in the same effect.

Readers, what has been your experience with this style?

Updates!

Hello beautiful nappies! Hope you are well! I have lots of good news and
updates to share....where, oh, where to begin....

I'll start here-OBAMA! Even though he was officially announced the
Democratic nominee days ago, I'm still super-amped. Its just
unbelievable to me-I never would have thought I would have seen a Black
man so close to presidency in my lifetime. God bless him and this
country.

On to more good news. I am 17 weeks pregnant! My boyfriend, Greg, and I
are expecting a baby in November. My OB says he's 80% sure its a girl
(hey Shanon, he's the best!), and if so, she will be our little Malia
Gisele. I get so lost in my daydreams of sweet little curls, braids,
twists, and puffs. I can't wait 'til she's here! :)

Looks like a "yes" to me...

Our baby @ 7 weeks

Greg and I celebrated an anniversary in April, and I had the cutest 'do!
I did twists in the back with flat twists rolled into a half-bun on top,
secured with a decorative clip. My sweetie treated me to a professional
photo shoot followed by dinner at the Melting Pot, yum!

Love this 'do!

Me and the boyfriend, can you see him peeking while he's driving?

I also experimented with new eyeshadow colors that turned out wonderful!
I usually stick to neutral colors, and I really didn't think these
colors would work for me. But whaddya know, I loved how my makeup turned
out. A really special look for a really special day. Thanks, hun!

I love these colors!

Last week, I noticed my ends were very knotty and detangling in the
shower was taking way too long. Time for a trim. I put my hair in 16
twists and took off about ½ an inch. I thought it was kinda neat how the
ends puffed out into little pom poms! Took about an hour from beginning to end.

The photo below reminds me of the kid from Kriss Kross....

Have good days!
The Trotter is bright (:Þ)

Another Beauty Supply Discovery

A new beauty supply opened near my home and I couldn't resist. I noticed
right off that this wasn't your typical beauty supply. Mainly because
there was an African-American woman behind the register. Wasn't
expecting that. Here in St. Louis, the majority of beauty supplies are
owned and operated by Asians. Anyway....I took my time and went down
each aisle, taking in this particular store's inventory. There were your
usual staples: texturizers, relaxers, jars of grease, tubs of gel, etc.,
in abundance. This store was pretty dang big. And, oh, the weave! I
might consider this to be a synthetic hair emporium, becuase this joint
had all kinds. I considered a few different sew-in offerings, I might be
rocking this kind of style as the months drag on.......hint :)

So, I'm going down the aisles, looking like this: pick up a container,
read the front label, read the back label, find P/MO
(petroleum/petrolatum/mineral oil/paraffinum liquidum) or another
undesirable additive, put the container down. Initially, it was
frustrating to discover that the majority of products contained P/MO,
especially since it 86'd most of my former favorite products. I quickly
became pleasantly accustomed to the healthy shine my hair took on when I
used products lacking these ingredients. And did I mention my dandruff
vanished? Completely.

Moving on. I get excited when I think I've found a new, promising
product with no P/MO. Imagine my excitement when I saw, in the distance,
a product that screamed "NO PETROLATUM/MINERAL OIL"!

Tell me lies, tell me sweet little lies...

What! I grabbed it off the shelf, smiling at the huge sticker on the top
promising me good, natural moisture. This product appeared to have
organic ingredients with nappies in mind. Amazing! Finally, someone
realized that there is a market of consumers that are conscientious of
their product's contents! I proceed to the back label to see what
goodies are held in my hand. Natural oils, yes! Vitamin B, yes!
Paraffinum liquidum, ye-what?

This may be too small, but the truth is in the fine print...

Yep. I was bamboozled. Hoodwinked. Led on a wild goose chase! They got
me, ya'll, and good. There in plain sight is paraffinum liquidum, just
another name for good ole' mineral oil. And to make it worse, "mineral
oil" was in parentheses right next to the pseudonym. So not only was I
tricked, I was lied to. Oh well, back to shelf it goes. I couldn't be
too mad, because its not like I actually used the product. The most
justifiable action is to simply not buy the product. I'm thinking maybe
they should come up with a more honest, straightforward marketing
tactic.

Would anyone like to share their own ingredient no-nos? Leave a comment

Which brings me to my next product observation. This one in particular
caught my eye because it was so dang cheesy.

Real smooth.....yeah, that's it.

"It's A Black Thang" texturizer line. Shaking my head. Afrocentric color
scheme, ultra-"down" brotha models, emphasis on the "a" in "thang".
Here's a slogan for you, free of charge. "When it's time to get those
napps in check, use 'It's A Black Thang' texturizers-because only we
know how to contradict you right!". Ugh. I'm just gonna leave that
alone.

Until next time, have good days.
The Trotter is bright (:Þ)

Strange Marketing Ploys

I wonder why the huge mark-down?

I was browsing a beauty supply one evening when I came across two of the
most unusual products I've ever encountered. Well, I'd found a
color-laxer (wha...?) and a package of hair, but that isn't the strange
part. The weirdness of the products was how they caught my eye.

The first was the color-laxer, a product that apparently straightens and
colors the hair simultaneously. I'd never heard of a product like this
before, has anyone else? Regardless, I definitely didn't feel the urge
to try this one! I can only imagine the wallop of damage this could do
to the hair...

The second product was a package of hair specifically for sewn-in styles
by the name of M.O.M. Hair. No biggie yet, right? Upon further
inspection, the packaging bears an illustration of an African-American
woman doing a girl's hair, pressing it maybe? The particular type of
hair on the package in the photo below is called "Oprah". Oh really? I
suppose when I'm perusing the aisles for a pack of weave that I'm apt to
reminisce on the days that Auntie fired up the pressing comb to give me
that straight and silky look. Yeah right, this package just made me
shake my head. Whatever.

Thanx for reading my blog!

The Trotter is bright (:Þ)

Random Animals and Cheezburgers

Me, in the morning.....


I'm a pretty goofy person, and I need to get my daily laugh fix from my favorite silly-site, I Can Has Cheezburger? . The site is very simple: chuckle-worthy photos of animals, mainly cats, with clever captions to boot. There is even an adapted "lolspeak" that generalizes how cats or animals would sound if they could talk. I check the site every day for new pictures (or "lols"), just for giggles. Good way to waste time online.

Since T-Bird is oh-so-photogenic, you know I had to make a lol just for him. I made a few for some funny dogs that have crossed my path as well.

T-Bird is computer literate, notsomuch in English.....

moar funny pictures

They're.....catching, Jasmine....

moar funny pictures

How about we try a blow dryer, then?

moar funny pictures

I Know, I Know.....

Its been a long time, I shouldn't have left you, without a dope product
review...

I've been MIA for an extended minute. Please forgive me. Trust, its was
for good reason, but I couldn't neglect you for too long, and you know
this, maaaan.

Here I am, in the beginning of March, still facing harsh winter
conditions. As they say about St. Louis, if you don't like the weather,
wait 20 minutes and it'll change. It definitely seems that spring is
sneaking in, but I can't escape snow and dry air. My tresses are drier
than ever, and I'm working very hard to keep them moisturized.

My current regimen:
*Co-wash every 2-3 days with John Frieda Curl Around Daily Conditioner.
This conditioner is great! It provides great slip for detangling, and
leaves my curls bouncy and juicy. Smells like Finesse.
*Flat twist with Cantu LICC or Hollywood Olive Cream. See previous
reviews.
*Deep condition using heat cap with Suave or V05 "cheapies" with olive
oil mixed in. You can find the cheapies anywhere, they don't bust your
budget, and they are great bases for adding oils, baking soda, or even
shampoo if you can't give it up.

*Clarify with baking soda mixture as needed. I'd noticed my hair wasn't
responding to products or co-washes as usual. Turns out buildup was my
problem. I loves this mixture because its easy to make (1 TBSP baking
soda to every cup of water), it gets rid of buildup like magic, and
leaves the hair baby soft instead of squeaky and stripped. I did notice
that after leaving it on for more than 5 minutes, it stung a little. I
think the mix irritated the spots where I scratched my scalp.

For styling, I put about 10 (give or take) flat twists in my hair after
a cowash. Once they dry, I take them down, rub my scalp to "erase"
parts, put on a headband, and go! Its so easy, and I do it at night so
it can dry and set while I sleep. This lasts me about 3 days, and keeps
me from detangling every day. I find that detangling is easier after
wearing this style because my hair stays in the twist pattern rather
than shrinking up and tangling with surrounding hairs.

I've had my first victim! This is my play-brother Nookie. He's 18, and
he's been growing his hair for 7 months. He usually would go to a shop
to get his hair twisted, but I convinced him to save his money and come
to me. He, ahem, wasn't aware that he was the first victim, but I felt
I'd practiced enough on my own head. :) I did a baking soda rinse and
then a co-wash. He said his hair never felt that soft before. Since I
had a captive audience, I explained why I didn't use shampoo. I made
small rectangular parts and flat twisted downward using ORS Lock & Twist
Gel. It took about 4.5 hours, not bad for a first. When I was nearly
done, I confessed that I'd never done them before. He said he never
would have let me do them (I know! LOL), but he's glad he did. I hope
he'll let his hair keep growing.

If you live in the St. Louis area and don't mind being a "victim",
contact me.

Thanx for reading my blog!

The Trotter is bright (:Þ)

Why NappyNest?

Why the name NappyNest?

Ever since I was a little girl I have loved animals. At the age of five, my grandmother, who raised me, got me a snow-white dove, just like the kind you see at weddings. Ever since then I have always had a bird for a pet. Right now I have a beautiful cockatiel named Thunderbird, T-Bird for short. Well, in my early stages of transitioning, I would let my hair air dry after washing. I noticed that T-Bird would fly or climb up to my shoulder and gently "preen" my hair or play with the droplets of water dangling from my curls. I was afraid he would break or nibble away the ends, so I would shoo him away or give him a toy to busy himself with. As my hair grew longer, my curious T-Bird was more and more attracted to my tresses. This was at a time when those around me were trying to convince me to use that creamy-hell-fire crack. I was feeling defeated since I was running out of styling ideas and was experiencing some social pressure.

T-Bird would take every chance he could get to fly up to my hair and perch, and I couldn't figure out what his fascination was! One day, while cleaning the house, I let T-Bird play out of his cage. As I was moving from room to room, T-Bird would fly into whatever room I was in and ultimately end up on my shoulder. At first, I was irritated and too busy cleaning to play with him, but he was persistent! I decided to see what was so interesting to him. When he perched on my shoulder, I let him stay. I walked up to a mirror to watch him do whatever he was doing. The next moment was life and mind changing for me.

T-Bird would scoot as close as he could to the base of my neck and surround himself with my hair. I could imagine that he felt as if he were deep in the Congo, surrounded by black vines! He then would, gently, grasp strands of my hair with his tiny feet and preen them with his beak. I've since learned that cockatiels preen their owners as they would a bird mate. It is a way of showing affection. He was so delicate and meticulous, and he wasn't nibbling as I had thought previously...he was simply running each strand through his beak. I know this may sound strange to some of you, letting a bird get all up in my hair. But birds are one of the most graceful creatures on this earth, and he was showing me something that I never discovered in my own life. He took his time and "did" my hair by bird standards. He was so careful as to not break one strand.

It was then that I realized that I didn't have that much respect for my hair, to handle it with care. I not once in my life was ever that gentle with my hair. As a child, I learned that my hair was a nuisance, a "job", a problem to be dealt with. It was to be raked through with a comb, attacked with a brush, sizzled by chemicals. I wasn't taught to explore my hair, I was taught to "get it over with". I wasn't taught to love my hair, I was taught to "do something with that nappy shit". I wasn't taught to be proud of who I am, I was taught to hide what made me who I am.

This bird had no choice but to see who I am through eyes that would never judge, never categorize. I knew then that I needed eyes like him. I needed eyes that saw my hair for what it was-MY hair. I needed eyes that wouldn't wince at the sight of "new growth". I needed eyes that would gaze upon nappy hair and twinkle with amazement. I needed eyes that would stare for hours at the curls, zig-zags, and corkscrews sprouting from my scalp. I needed eyes that would tear up at the thought of ever damaging it again as I had done for so many years.

From that day on, I've been seeing with a bird's-eye view.

Thanx for reading my blog!

She's back!

Hello all, I'm sorry to have been gone so long. I've gotten quite busy
over the last couple weeks, and I really hadn't had the time to put
together a proper post. Never fear, topics for my upcoming postings are
always in the back of my mind.

Which brings me to this: has anyone ever noticed that mixing two
products or using one right after another can yield some undesirable
results?

I always read through the product reviews on Nappturality.com and
Motowngirl.com quite religiously, and I usually end up trying the most
popular products for myself. A couple weeks ago, I got my hands on a
bottle of ic Polishing Gel (with Sparkelites!) and added it to my daily
routine, (which I will elaborate on later). This gel is not tacky or
sticky, and it contains glycerine-so it draws moisture instead of taking
it away. The first time I used this gel I really liked the shine that it
gave as I smoothed down the top of my head and my edges. The second
time, though, was another story. Right after applying Cantu Leave-In
Conditioning Cream to wet hair, I slicked the ic Gel onto my top as
usual. The two products together changed to this yucky, gummy
consistency. "Maybe I can brush this in," I thought. Wrong! The sticky
mixture only collected into little gray balls on the strands of my hair
and in the bristles of my brush. What a mess! I was in a rush to get to
a meeting, so I had to quickly rinse the top of my head and improvise
with a scarf 'do.

I eventually figured out the problem was the combination of the two and
made a mental note not to use those products in conjuction. A few days
later, I was getting ready yet again, and I wanted that wet-wave look
that I get when using the ic Gel. So, I grabbed it and some Garnier
Leave-In Conditioner to pull my hair into a high puff. Again, I ended up
with the same grayish-goo in my hair! With no time to rinse, I had to
cover it up with a hat. Crap!

My observation is that there is an ingredient in the creamy leave-ins
that reacts with an ingredient in the ic Gel and forms a completely
different compound. What those ingredients are, I haven't the slightest
idea. The ic Gel DOES work well with Elasta QP Mango Butter, Hollywood
Beauty Olive Creme Hairdress, and Shea butter. Beware the gray goo!

This brings me to my next topic: Hollywood Beauty Olive Creme Hairdress.
I love this product! I'm going to let you know all about my experience
with it. It is a wonderful moisturizer and styling product. High on the
list of ingredients is water, olive oil, and various extracts. This
product also contains no P/MO, which is always a huge plus+++! It has
the consistency of a very smooth and satiny cold cream. When rubbed
betwwen the hands, it warms to body heat and the consistency becomes
more like hand lotion. It defines curls quite well and keeps the hair
moisturized and soft. It doesn't leave the hair dull or leave a heavy
residue, as long as you don't use blobs and gobs of it. The fragrance is
unique and pleasant, not overpowering at all. Reasonably priced, I
picked up a 7.5 oz jar for about $3.50. The blurb on the back mentions
that after using the creme, you'll notice softer fingertips and
cuticles. This is true, not a bad bonus. Definitely try this out for
yourself and leave a comment letting us know what you think.

Have good days,

BrightTrotter
The Trotter is bright (:Þ)

And It Feels Like Oooooooh....

Hello all,

Wanted to share my style with you today. This really reminds me of the
Alicia Keys video for "You Don't Know My Name". I was perusing a Kings
Beauty Supply yesterday when I came across a tub full of these nets. I
picked up a few to see what I could do, and here is the result. I thinks
it looks pretty cute! It was easy as pie. I applied my product,
Hollywood Olive Cream (which I'll review soon), all over and brushed the
top smooth. I slipped on a headband and put the net on over it. Done in
5 minutes! I'm lovin' it like some Mickey D's.

I love stopping at beauty supplies to see what I can find. Of course, a
product junkie has their usual spots to cop a fix. But it seems like now
whenever I see that illuminated sign with wigs and posters behind it, I
HAVE to stop! I, personally like to go down each aisle, reading labels
and smelling various concoctions. I pick products almost like I pick
fruits and vegetables.

First I look at the label. Is it cheesy or too much of a gimmick? You
know what I mean...Ultra African Herbal Voodoo Grow & Shine Elixir with
Amino Acids (33% more free!) usually equates to the first few
ingredients being petroleum or mineral oil (P/MO). Blech!

Once I've given the label a once-over, I check the ingredient list. We
know the the first ingredients listed are the most abundant in the
product. So, if P/MO pops up, its going straight back to the shelf.
Check for paraffinum liquidum, which is another name for mineral oil. I
also look for panthenol (a vitamin), natural oils (like almond or olive
oil), glycerine/glycerin (draws moisture), shea butter (butyrospermum
parkii), and esssential oils. Its never a bad thing for water to be
early on the ingredient list. All the syllables and weird words may make
you dizzy at first, but educate yourself and you'll be reading labels
like a pro. Do it!

After checking the contents, I open the container to see, smell, and
feel the product. I know, it sounds intrusive, but this is necessary. I
don't mean rip open boxes or break safety seals. But, if you can easily
open the bottle or jar, give the product a quick test. First, I look at
the product. Does it look like it would leave buildup on my hair? If the
ingredients are separated or all messed up, it may be an old product.
Pick another jar to test.

Then, I smell it. Is it strong? Mediciney? Funky? Gag-inducing? Scents and fragrances are deal breakers for me. I just can't use it if I can't stand smelling like it
all day. Then I take a SMALL amount and rub it on the back of my hand.
Of course, you are looking for the product to do what it says it does.
If it is a moisturizer, you want it to eventually absorb into your skin.
You don't want a lot of residue or the product to just sit on top of
your skin. If it is a pomade or gel, you want it to have nice hold. You
don't want it to freeze up your hand, get flakey, or look tacky and
dull. Conditioners are creamy and leave your skin very soft. This sounds
like a lot to do before buying a product. Trust me, take care in what
you choose to put in your hair and your hair will respond by looking its
best.

Have good days, and thanx for reading my blog!
The Trotter is bright (:Þ)

Thank You, MotownGirl!

Very exciting news today! NappyNest was chosen as the October '07
Spotlight on MotownGirl.com!

*screeeeeeaaaaaam!*

Imagine my surprise as I checked her site today and saw my pix! Wow, I
hope that those who come across my site are helped by the information I
give.

MotownGirl, you rock my socks! You were, and still are, the biggest help
to me while finding my natural self. I can only hope that my blog
touches as many people as yours does. Thank you, thank you, thank you
for starting your site and inspiring me to start mine. Much love!

I'm going to be walking on clouds for awhile....I'm so happy. It is so
important to me that I reach someone who had the same questions as I
did. Do me a favor, please? If you know someone, anyone, who is thinking
of going natural or is beginning to transition, tell them about
MotownGirl, my site, Nappturality.com, hell, any site you can think of.
The support and information is much needed by us "newly-nappies"

Have good days, and thanx for reading my blog!
The Trotter is bright (:Þ)

Gotta Use Protection!

Hey all, how's it going?

I have a concern. I've noticed some breakage at the top of my head and also while detangling. I really need to commit to some protective styles. Since early July, I've worn my hair back in a headband. About 3 months later and I'm seeing frazzled short hairs where they weren't before. I would hate to have grown my hair this long and then have it break off!

Since winter is approaching, and wash 'n gos aren't going to do well with the harsh St. Louis cold, I've gotta learn some protective styles. I'm thinking of keeping my hair in a sew-in weave for the next few months, but I haven't decided. Well, my pocketbook has already. Sh!t gets runny when your money is funny, LOL! (My grandma said that once and I thought that was hilarious!). Anyway, I've gotten much better at my flat-twists. I just don't know where to start. Half twists in the front and puff in the back? Flat-twists on one side, twists on the other, bantu knots in the back? A french braid? Afro puffs? My hair is so versatile...

I remember a time when my grandmother took me to a salon that had just opened in our neighborhood. It was run by a middle-aged beautician, and she was a unique individual. I remember her being very talkative and kinda weird. She had these crazy ideas and theories about everything, entertaining if nothing else. I remember her talking with my granny and me about all the things our hair can do. It can be straight one day, in braids the next, curly a flowing, majestic in a 'fro. So thick you can't run a hand through it to slipping through your fingers with the silkiest ease. I never thought of my hair that way. I was glad to have hair that I could do anything with, rather than be stuck with the same old straight hair everyday. Unfortunately, she talked my granny into letting me have a texturizer, which took my versatility away.

I'm off to research some fotki albums, wish me luck!