Twist-Out FAIL! [VIDEO]

My hair doesn't always do what I want it to do.  It doesn't always act the way I want it to act.  We fight sometimes.  Sometimes we fight a lot (see previous post "Why is my hair so big, and my two strand twists so small??"). But that's just how it goes.

Below is a short (ish) video on how those two strand twists, from the previous posting, looked when it took them down.  I was not really happy with the result.  It just didn't suit me.  I've said it a million times, I like big hair.  I wear big shoes,  and big bags, and big jewelry, and I like my hair to be big too.  It is a nice contrast to my modest frame.  I've seen this style look amazing on some folk.  Just not me.  Click on the vid, and let me know what you think.  - YB

Throwback Thursday! Levi's Edition.

This awesome ad harkens back to a more pure time in our history.  I sometimes wish I was a twenty-something back in the 70's.  Afros, black pride, and killer kicks. #OneCanDream.  -YB

Afro Perms??? [PICS]

I just had to giggle when I caught wind of this.

They have created a chemical process that can change straight hair into kinky afro hair.  Not wavy - not curly.  I'm talking straight up kinky!

Can all kinkies grow long hair?

Many kinkies can indeed grow long hair, but sadly, there are some that cannot. The key to determining potential length of some one's hair, is understanding hair growth cycles.  Every person has a genetically predetermined length to which their hair can grow.  There are 2 factors at play, to make this determination:  Average rate of growth and average length of time it takes the hair to shed.

On average, most people's hair grows between 1/4-1/2 inch a month.  That is 3-6 inches a year. ( I am not sure which end of the spectrum I fall, but I am inclined to believe my hair grows relatively quickly.  I will know for sure when I do my 1 year length check in 2014.)

The growth cycle of hair consists of 3 stages.  The growth phase, the resting phase, and the shedding phase. On average, most people's growth cycle is between 3-6 years, meaning, that is the amount of time it takes from when a new hair emerges, until the time of it's natural shedding.

Now, if you have a person whose hair grows below average at 2 inches a year, and whose hair  growth cycle is 3 years, the longest potential length that individual can achieve genetically, is 6 inches.  Once you take into account breakage or trimming, the length is even shorter.

On the other end of the spectrum, if you have a person whose hair grows above average at 7 inches a year, and their hair growth cycle is 6 years, the longest potential length that individual can achieve genetically is 42 inches. It will of course be shorter taking into account breakage or trimming.

I think it is difficult to gauge one's exact hair growth cycle, however tracking annual hair growth is a lot easier.  I have never attempted to grow my hair out, so I have no idea if I have potential for long kinks, of if I'm a short hair kink.  Either way, I think my hair is rad and I'm going to continue to werk it!! - YB

Low Manipulation Vs. Protective Styling - What's the big difference?

 

The best way to retain length whilst natural, and especially in the type 4 category, is to protect your hair.  If protection is not your thing, the next best way to retain length is to minimize daily manipulation.  The need for protective styling may not be as critical to other hair types for length retention, as for type 4 gals.  This is simply because our hair is the most fragile of all hair types, and therefore, the most susceptible to breakage.

For clarification, let's define the two practices:

Marley Bun Tutorial! [VIDEO]

This hairstyle is super cute, super stylish, and super easy to do!  It's definitely going to be my go-to for this spring.

What you'll need:
Styling gel
Natural fiber brush
Bobby pins
1 package of Marley Kinky Braid
4 black hair bands
Silk scarf

Why is my hair so big, and my 2 strand twists so small???

This is a question that has plagued me for a long time.  I have big hair.  Although it is very fine, I have a lot of strands, so my hair is super thick.  That is why I can't for the life of me, understand why in the world my two strand twists look so paltry.  I will concede that my postpartum shedding has devastated my edges, so that could explain the temples, but that is not the case around the rest of my head.

If you've seen my hair history video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CY5LbeZCljI), you will notice I have a penchant for wearing my hair in bigger styles.  I like chunky twist-outs, and fluffy Afros.  My Marley buns are big.  When I have braids, they are super long.  My Senegalese twists are more dramatic.... When I wear my finger-comber unit, I wear it big.  I don't like to do things half way.  I'm a go-big-or-go-home type of girl.

Maybe someone out there can explain to me what the problem is.  Perhaps I don't have as much hair  as I thought....*sighs*.  Perhaps I need to improve my technique....*sighs again*

In any event, because of this disconnect, you will never catch me wearing my 2 strand twists out of the house.  NEVER.  I don't think the look frames my face nicely, and I don't think it provides enough drama for me.  I wonder if this will change as my hair gets longer.  Thoughts?? - YB