Check Out Dem Curls: Sher!

" It ALL works out in the end just continue with your beautiful, natural, curly hair and have fun with it"

What’s your name? Sherena

How old are you? 12

What do you do? I'm in grade 7

Where are you? Home

How did we meet? We’re cousins

Describe your style. Normal. Fun.

Now Playing. This is love – will.i.am

Quote you live by? Life is like a coin, you can use it however you want but you can only use it once.

Describe your hair type? Short. Black. Porous.

Tell us a little about your hair history and what made you decide to go natural?

My hair started out strong but after a while I started using hair extensions. And one time one lady did it really tight and my hair started falling out after that. I have tried everything such as more hair extensions, deep conditioner, different oils but my hair just kept out falling out more.

After a while I just got tired of it, so I just cut it all off and went natural. It’s been a fun journey, learning what to use and what not to use.

Describe your hair regime.

For me I have been using water, leave in conditioner and coconut oil on a daily basis. I have Jhan reminding me all the time to work in the leave in not to just put it all in at once. In the morning I wet my hair (not so wet that it drips), I work in the leave in, and add coconut oil. For my hair I need a pick, so I pick up my hair then pat it down evenly.

When I wash my hair I use Herbal Essences Hello Hydration. I condition once a week but I shampoo every month (because it makes my hair dry). I work in the conditioner and then when I’m done I use the leave in and tie down my hair. In the morning when I wake up it’s easy to take care of my hair if I tied it down properly.

How do you normally style your hair?

I always pick my hair then pat it down so it’s even and looks smooth.

Who is your hair icon? Jhan because I remember how her hair used to be so short and thin but now it’s so strong and with her help I know that my hair can be just like hers.

What was your Momma’s best kept hair secret? Deep condition is key

The one hair product you couldn’t live without. My coconut oil because I can’t leave the house without using coconut oil or my hair would be all over the place and un even

Mistakes that you’ve learned from? Hair extensions are NOT worth it

What’s the best thing about being curly? It feels lighter without all the extra oils

Any advice for ‘dem curls out there? It ALL works out in the end just continue with your beautiful, natural, curly hair and have fun with it

  

Sherena <3



Baby Sher!

[JS: I just want to say how proud I am of my little cousin, and how beautiful she is - regardless of her hair style! She made the decision to do the big chop, and as each day passes she learns more about her natural hair and how to take of it. You rock munchkin!]

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus!

Hey everyone!

Yes. I had roasted red pepper hummus as my blog title.

No. It's not necessarily random. [I have been eating that 'ish for the past two weeks!] YUM YUM YUM YUM YUM

Just a quick note to say that new blog entries are coming soon! Also, as you can probably see, the web site is getting a do-over! It's been crazy hectic lately with work, but I got some special posts planned. Keep tuned in the coming weeks!




xxoo

Peace. Leave. Natural Hair.

J

Happy New Year!!

Going forward into the New Year, remember: 

1. Be kind. Everyone is fighting some kind of battle ...so when in doubt be kinder than necessary.

2. Practice gratitude.

3. Love. To love is to be free.

4. Forgive...life is too short to be angry.

I'm not one for new years resolutions because I think that you should treat everyday like a new year and resolve to be your best all year round. But since most people do set goals, I wanted to give some food for thought. Also remember that YOU DESERVE every bit of love, success and happiness. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise. Fill your mind with positive thoughts, because for every 60 seconds you're angry you lose one minute of happiness. In the coming year, let the world know why you're here....and do it with a passion.

Peace. Love. and Happiness.

Merry Christmas!

It's that time of year again: Christmas!

As the years progress, it is no longer about the mad dash shopping trips, or the gifts, or the boxing day deals. I haven't done ANY shopping this year. It's all about the love this time around (and ermmm...work has been super crazy).

My favourite part of Christmas is the time I get to spend with my family. I LOVE Christmas dinner. It's my favourite part of the holiday. Our whole family gets together and we eat, drink and be merry!

So in the spirit, I share with you a photo from last years Christmas dinner:

Merry Christmas!

We are not posing...we're just generally dysfunctional LOL

I also don't know why my sister is holding my foot...

Hug and Touchers

So this post is dedicated to the the "Hug and Touch" and all those "Hug and Touchers" out there!

So how do you know when you've encountered a Hug and Toucher?

A hug and toucher is fascinated with your hair. You can see them eyeing it from across the room. They likely already know you, but it is not uncommon to meet someone for the first time and have them be a hug and toucher.

When they come up to say hello and go in for a hug, their hands end up in your hair (referred to as the Hug and Touch). And not just a light touch, but there's some scrunching action...and what could be mistaken as a head rub. You will likely be taken by surprise but not to worry they are not dangerous. Just fascinated.

The hug lasts slightly longer than the normal 2-3 seconds (due to the hands in the hair) and it is a normal to feel uncomfortable.

The hug and toucher often ends with :"I love your hair!"... "It's so soft!" ...or "Sorry, I couldn't help myself!"


Last week, I ran into 3 hug and touchers. It happens so often now, it doesn't even phase me. But for all you hug and touchers out there: If you must scrunch, please, BE GENTLE as to not mess up the curl pattern!


Take care,


J.

Peace. Love. & Hugs.

:)

xx

It's shea butter! Actually...PSYCH: It's petrolatum.

Now, we've all done it. Gone into the beauty supply store and gravitated towards the prettiest container or to the one that captures our attention:

".....Contains Shea Butter!....."

"....with Natural Oils!"

"....with added Argan Oil!..."

Excited by promises of natural oils and butters, that will promote healthy hair growth....well...PSYCH!! Many companies promise the world in order to get you to purchase their product, but when you read the ingredient list, there are next to no natural ingredients listed. The words are there to grab your attention...it's called Marketing.

It's important to read beyond the label, and look at the ingredients. You may be surprised at what you find...

Things to Avoid:

1. Lanolim, Petrolatum and Mineral Oil - these are cheap fillers that are commonly used in many hair products and offer no true moisturizing benefits. I repeat, they DO NOT moisturize the hair. They form a barrier on the hair shaft (contributing to product build up), and seal moisture out. Not to mention it clogs your pores and can contribute to dandruff and scalp issues.

2. Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate (SLS) - used in products that have foaming qualities (i.e., shampoo). It strips the hair of natural oils leaving it dry and brittle. It can also irritate the scalp.

3. Alcohol (i.e., ethonol, propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol)- Products with alcohol can dry out your hair. 

I could go on about all the bad ingredients found in many "natural" hair products, but the list could go on for a while. I've listed some major ones. Generally, my rule of thumb is that if I can't pronounce, or don't know what it is then it's probably not good for my hair.


What to Look For?

Look for natural ingredients like oils and butters (i.e., coconut oil, shea butter, jojoba, castor) and do your research before you purchase. Understand what's in your favourite products and what you're putting on your hair. It's important to be a smart shopper :)



Until next time!


J -

Peace. Love. Summer.

(Yes, summer....please come back soon!)

My 5 Fav Things This Week!

1. TRESemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture Conditioner

This has actually been my favourite thing for the past 3 weeks. I la-la-la-love it! I use it for my co-washes, and will leave a little in my hair as a leave-in. Smells gorgeous too!

2. Natural Shea Butter

TRESemme Naturals and Shea butter has been my ISH recently. Mainly because I haven't had time to do much else to my hair (work and dance). The Shea butter has been working miracles for me in this bitter cold. I use it to sell in all the goodness from my co-washes with the TRESemme conditioner.

3. Prairie Girl Cupcakes

My client is right across the street from their store and that's a peanut butter jelly cupcake. Enough said. I have a cupcake problem.

Check them out at: http://www.prairiegirlbakery.com/



4. On my ipod:  "Misteriosa - Atim" (Kizomba)

I have been on a Kizomba high for the past few months and I have been listening to this song non-stop all week. Can't wait to get on the dance floor this weekend! In case you guys don't know what Kizomba is, check out one of my fav couples who will be in Toronto in February for the Bachata Festival:

YouTube: Freestyle Tarraxinha with Albir and

5. NAKED - Urban Decay

Love!

xoxo

J

Peace.Love.& all of the above.