Natural Hair Anniversary

July 2nd marked 6 years being relaxer free. This past year has simply been a year of maintaining health and trying new things.

In September, I finally got up the nerve to do give my self an undercut (click >>>here<<< for more on my cut). I am still loving this cut and I'm still able to do some of the styles that I did prior.
I also took this time to grow my color out because I just wasn't feeling it anymore. I honestly liked how the color looked once it began to grow out.

Things that I've learned this year about my hair this year? Nothing really. Other than the cut, I haven't really experimented with many products, styles or regimens. The previous years have taught me just enough to keep my hair in decent condition

Staple products? If you look at any of my Pick 6 post, you'll know that I am #TeamSheaMoisture...This also applies to hair products; I use their Superfruit Complex shampoo and conditioner for cleansing, my whipped shea butter mixture as well as home mix of oils (whatever I choose to mix) to lock in moisture. For styling products, I use Elasta QP Olive Oil & Mango Butter Curl Defining Pudding.

Go-to styles? With my cut, I have been wearing "The Puff" on a regular (mainly because I rarely feel like doing my hair). I have also done faux top knots, pompadours and my version of a Halo braid or what I like to call the twisted crown.

No real plans this year with  my hair other than possibly coloring it again. I am really interested in trying out Shea Moisture's Hair Color system... And although the "internets" is saturated with tutorials on this product, I may come with a demo.

Preparing for Fall...Protective Styling

I love Fall because I enjoy layering: cardigans, scarves, cozies...I love it! Another thing I love about the Fall weather is that almost perfect for wearing my hair in twist outs or braid outs because it isn't as humid so I can retain length throughout the day without weighing my hair down with a lot of product(s). The reason I said the weather is "almost" perfect is because I have to remember that even though my hair looks fabulous during this time of year...It doesn't always feel fabulous. With my tresses rubbing against my scarves, and sweaters, and the dry air, I come home to some dry ends when its time to prep my hair for bed. 

This Fall I will be doing more protective styling to keep my hair moisturized as we enter into the colder months. over the past 5 years I've filled my repertoire with go to styles (some basic, some a bit more detailed). Protective styles help me keep my hands out of my hair so it has a chance to rest. I have learned that my hair LOVES to be left along BUT since I'm can't just put my hair in straight backs and slap a hat on (because I look weird with straight back corn rows and we aren't allowed to wear head gear to work) I have to be creative with my strands to still look presentable.

The game plan is to share my styles with you. I'll be posting pictures on Instagram, Twitter, and Tumblr.

Do you protective style? If so, what are your go to styles?

I'd love to see you styles (and possibly copy them *smiles*)

-Creatively Coiled 

Curls Around The World - Mini Haul

I'm always excited about going to expos to enjoy the presentations, networking, and fellowship. But the main thing I like is checking out the vendors to see what they have to offer. Vendors are awesome as you're normally looking at one of a kind items, or items that you know are not mass produced (which I'm always attracted to).

With that being said... LET ME SHOW YOU WHAT I GOT!!

We received mini swag bags with samples from JessiCurls, Eden BodyWorks, and Coco Curls.

Made a lovely scented purchase from the Pure Shea Store: Cocoa Mango Shea Butter, and a mango scented shampoo bar (more deets on how that worked out in a late post). 

Now, with it just laying on my vanity, you are not getting the full effect of this. Made a wonderful fashion purchase from S. Benson. This my friends is a Peplum belt that can be paired with any plain outfit.

Last thing I walked away with was a bottle of Almond Oil from Monique's Natural Boutique.

If you want more information on the products, please visit the merchant sites below: 

http://www.sbenson.com/

http://puresheastore.com/

http://moniquesnaturalhaircare.com/

https://www.jessicurl.com/

http://cococurls.com/

Have any of you used any of these products? If so, what are your thoughts?

- Creatively Coiled

Curls Gone Wild 2013

I had the pleasure of joining Ms.Naturally Random on a trip to Greensboro, NC for the Curls Gone Wild Natural Hair Expo event on July 13th.  The event was to showcase all areas of beauty whether it be hair, makeup, or fashion. It was an awesome event and I am glad that I was able to attend.

Vendors covering every area of beauty were in attendance. From Eden Body Works, Entwine Couture to Clinique, many jewelry/accessory booths, and style demonstrations.

Along with vendors there were panel discussions that covered vlogging and blogging, head wraps and the different wrapping techniques, how to dress to flatter your figure, men and their views on natural hair, and how to maintain healthy hair and scalp.

It was a awesome experience. I was able to to meet and talk with some YouTube vloggers and web bloggers such as Fabellis, and The Trendy Socialite. And there was a special appearance by the Author of Better Than Good Hair Curly Nikki.

If you're in Louisville, KY get your ticket for the Curls Gone Wild event as it will be there September 14th. 

I'll certainly be in attendance next year if the Expo comes back to North Carolina and hope to see you there!