Tutorial: Wet Bun

Posted on Sunday, August 8, 2010 by ebeautyk

This is a protective style thats easy to do. In fact, its so easy that these are pictures of my first attempt. So here it is, my first wet bun:

1. Start off with wet hair. You can achieve this right out of the shower or with a spray bottle. I used a spray bottle.


2. Moisturize. This is really important because it makes this style a protective style. Since your ends are hidden, they can retain moisture and in turn be better preserved.

3. Smooth hair into a ponytail. You can either do a low pony or a high pony. (As a side note: I really didn't know how curly my hair was until I saw this picture).


4. Apply bun roll. I like to use sock bun rolls because they are inexpensive and easy to make. Something to think about when making your bun roll, make the roll specific to how thick and long your ponytail is if you're using your own hair. This prevents having to tuck away large chunks of hair if you hair is too thick and long for the bun roll and having the stocking show through or not being able to properly secure your hair if th bun roll is too small. Here's how I make my bun roll. Take any old silk stocking or buy one from the store, they usually run no more than $3 for a pair. Cut a hole into the foot of the stocking. Make sure the hole is not too big but big enough or you will have a hard time rolling. Roll the sock outward starting at the top and keep rolling until you have a tire shaped bun roll.


5. Brush hair around bun roll. You might want to use two mirrors so that you can get a good view of the bun.

6. Finish by securing you hair to the bun with and ouchless hair elastic. You can dress this style up with a colorful scrunchie, a scarf, double headbands, elegant hair pins, the possibilities are endless!

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10 Things a new Transitioner should know

Posted on Monday, July 19, 2010 by ebeautyk


These are just the first ten things I could think of that helped me start off on my journey:

1. The line of demarcation. This is the part of your hair where newgrowth meets relaxed/heat damaged hair. It is very delicate and prone to breakage. This area needs moisture and a delicate hand. Incorporating a protein treatment can minimize breakage and to avoid having to do a big chop before you're ready.

2. Deep Conditioning Treatments. These should be done one to two times per week. They aid in returning moisture to your hair as well as improving manageablility.

3. Use a gentle shampoo. Shampoos can strip your hair of its natural oil. Moisturizing, gentle shampoos can help remove debris without stripping your hair. Many have found that baking soda added to conditioner proves to be a good substitute for shampoo altogether. On the other hand, if you find that some of the products you love aren't working as well, you might want to try a clarifying shampoo.A good clarifying shampoo will gently cleanse your hair.

4.All hair is unique. One person's staple may be in someone esle's trash! Hair needs differ from person to person. Experiment with different products (samples are inexpensive and great) until you find what works for you.

5.You don't have to do the Big Chop. People often B/C out of the frustration of dealing with the different textures. I think the two most important things to think about before doing the B/C are: Will I be comfortable with my new length and am I prepared to style the new length? Your hair is growing so eventually you will trim off the damaged pieces.

6.Healthy hair starts from the inside. These vitamins are essential to healthy hair:
Vitamin B-3 promotes blood circulation to your scalp.
Vitamin B-5 prevents hair loss and helps your hair regrowth
Vitamin B-6 and B-12 aid in healthy hair growth
Vitamin A helps with lubrication of the hair follicle
Vitamin E has recently been found to be beneficial to hair growth

B vitamins can be found in whole grains, fresh fruit, brewer's yeast, eggs, fish, turkey, meat, and milk.Vitamin a can be found in eggs, red, yellow, and veggies, green leafy veggies and liver. Since B vitamins are water soluble, adequate water intake it vital. Since Vitamin E causes more oxygen to reach the blood it may cause blood to thin or clot depending on wheter you're taking too much of it. Consult with a physician before you go on a Vitamin E supplement. Vitamin E oil added directly to hair is a great alternative.

7. Protein/Moisture balance. Chemically processes and coloring deplete hair's protein leaving the hair dry, strawlike and prone to breakage. Protein treatments are great at repairing damaged hair and overall making hair stronger. Major protein treatments should be done every 6 weeks. Keratin treatments are the strongest proteint treatments and should fall into the six week category.Too many of these treatments can make your hair hard and dry so it is always important to follow up with a moisturizer or better yet a conditioner. Eggs, yougrt, mayonaise and avacado are all good mild proteing treatments that can be done once a week.

8. Heat protectant! If you don't already use one, start. They provide an important barrier between your hair and heat. Going natural doesn't mean you can't wear your hair straight, it just requires more protection. Straightening natural hair may take more time but the results will look better and feel better.

9. Do your research! Whatever it is, try to find someone that has tried it before and ask questions. Testing on a small section of hair is also a good way to try something with a minimal amount of risk.

10. Don't get discouraged. Transitioning can be difficult at times but it is also very rewarding. You are on your way to unlocking your hair's full potential! Finding a support systems is also highly beneficial to this journey. If your friends and family aren't on board, there are many
online communities where naturals share tips, stories and techniques to help make your journey easier. These are only a few of the many things new naturals need to know. I hope this is a good starting point for you and please feel free to comment and add any of your own tips.

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Naturally change the texture of our hair?

Posted on Tuesday, July 13, 2010 by ebeautyk

Can you go from kinky coils to S-curls? Visit the Haircare section to find out.

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What's my hair type?

Posted on Monday, July 12, 2010 by ebeautyk

Finding your true hair type can assist you in finding the right haircare regimen. While all hair is made of keratin, a type of protein, our curl pattern determines how much of our natural oils reached the ends of our hair. The most well know hair typing system is the Andre System developed by Andre Walker. While it has received mixed reviews on the hair care boards, I have found it to give a general idea of the hair type you have. I think some of the natural hair boards aren't happy about the fact that the Andre system pretty much lumps African American hair into one category but I don't see it that way. According to the Andre system my hair type is 3 and both of my parents are black. African American hair comes in many different forms from wavy to curly to kinky and all combinations of each. Here is the Andre system:



Type 1
This hair is straight with no discernible curl or wave pattern. This type of hair tends to get oily and is usually shiny.











Type 2
Hair that has some soft waves, but little or no real curl. It doesn't form rings, just waves. It typically is more coarse than Type 1 hair and will cling to the scalp in long "S" shaped waves.










Type 3
Hair has a more definite "S" pattern to it with the "S" being more tightly formed. It will typically be relatively soft and will have less shine than type 1 or 2 hair. It will straighten out or form ringlets when wet but will draw up into a curlier pattern when it dries. This hair type is typical of biracial (African and Caucasian mix) people and of Blacks of a more mixed heritage.





Type 4
Hair will have kinks and twists and possibly coils but does not form an "S" shape. It may be "L" shaped with bends in it. It may form tight coils or "O" shapes (not really the same as the "ringlets"formed by Type 3 hair. This type of hair generally doesn't change shape much wet or dry. It can be wiry and usually is fragile. It tends to be drier than other hair types because the bends and twists not only provide points that are more fragile, they actually make it hard for the natural oil (sebum) produced by the scalp to reach the ends of the hair shaft. Because the cuticles do not lay flat on Type 4 hair, the hair tends to be less shiny than Types 1, 2 and 3 and people will often think natural Black hair is dry or dull looking.

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Straightening Tutorial:

Posted on Saturday, July 10, 2010 by ebeautyk

Tutorial of my straightening process:


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Fav Products

Posted on Wednesday, July 7, 2010 by ebeautyk

Coming in at number one....Pantene Pro-V Relaxed and Natural Conditioner. I have been using this conditioner for three years and I absolutely love it. It moisturized my hair and I personally have noticed that it loosens my curls. My second favorite product is Hawaiian Silky 14 in 1 Miracle Worker. This is a great product if you want to see what your curls really look like. I have this product in my hair right now and I can't stop touching my curls. In my experience, this product dries up really fast in the sun so its a good idea to moisturize you hair before using it. I learned that the hard way :) I only moisturize my hair with lotions or creams because I have found that they do as good a job at moisturizing as greases without the buildup or shiny face effect. The next product is a new product for me Olive Oil Moisturizing Hair Lotion. I learned about this product on youtube from a lovely Diva, DPrincess28. She said so many good things about it that I just had to try it. It really is the best hair lotion I have found to date. I use it as a moisturizer daily and before using Hawaiian Silky. Well, thats is for now, bye.

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