Faux Locs; YAY OR NAY? | BOLU NOELLE

25 March 2017

HEY HEY HEYYYYYY
I'm BACK, BY POPULAR DEMAND.


Okay I'm done. Anyway, I've been doing faux locs for a while as a style I absolutely LOVE.
It still hasn't gone out of fashion (I don't think it ever will), so I decided to write a blog telling you tips and tricks you can use when doing them and also the pros and cons of faux locs.
TIPS AND TRICKS
  • If you're doing single faux locs the traditional way, you must know that it is a full day (maybe even a 2 day) job. One great way of saving time is by not covering your head with full single braids.
    A lot of people waste time by installing full length Box Braids all over their head before wrapping to form locs. Instead, just do pick and drop. This is where you section the hair as though you are doing box braids, add extensions but only braid for one or two inches down the hair to secure it in place before wrapping.
  • Use Kanekelon Hair to braid and Marley Hair to wrap.
    Along with the time taken for faux locs, the price can start to weigh on your wallet if you use pricey hair. My 2nd tip is to use cheap Kanekelon Hair for the pick and drop underneath, and use Kinky Hair for the wrapping. I'm not too sure about the States, but here in London at least, kinkier textures cost at least double if not triple the price of Kanekelon hair. Alternatively, you coulkd use Kanekelon Hair (such as Xpressions) all over the hair.
  • Another reason to use Kinky Hair to wrap is that it holds together better than the smoother texture of Kanekelon Hair. All 4 times I have done faux locs on myself, I used Kanekelon hair to braid underneath AND to wrap.  I like the look as the locs look silky. Some people may not prefer this as it doesn't look as natural.
    However, when I do the style on clients, I normally use Kinky Hair for wrapping.
  • Two Styles at Once: Two out of 4 times when I did faux locs, I wore box braids as a style for 2/3 weeks before wrapping them to become faux locs! What's great is that when you loc the hair it looks fresh, as it you've just got it done from scratch. Also, by doing each style individually, you save time.

PROS:
-Once they grow out, the don't look raggedy like twists and braids, they look even more natural! (DISCLAIMER: Please don't keep your hair in for 6 months and say it looks cute. It doesn't. Flies are laying eggs. Stop it.)
-They are a great protective style as they actually conceal your hair all the way round. Twists and braids leaves bits of your hair exposed, but the wrapping of the braid ensures that your hair is really protected.
-You WILL get called Queen. Or Empress. Maybe even Goddess. Throw a few prints into your outfit, lol.

CONS:
-Time taken to install
-The strain on your NECK. LISTEN TO ME.
HOWEVER>>>> These 2 cons can be solved by doing crotchet locs. Search the hashtag on Instagram or Pinterest to see some more examples! You can buy packs of premade locs at most beauty shops.
The only potential negative is that, depending on the braiding pattern underneath the crotchets, your styling options may be limited e.g you may not be able to do certain parting or wear your hair half up half down if cornrows will be exposed. But there are many intricate braiding patterns wonderful women have come up with to maximise styling options.

I hope you slay like Santa and his reindeer and don't forget to hashtag #CurlsAunaturel when you upload your faux loc selfies!

Love and light & MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Bolu Noelle
x


Hold Onto Your Roots | NATALIE PURSUE:INSPIRE

19 March 2017



I love Ghana. I love the aspects of community and culture. I love our beautiful, bright bold Kente which is like no other material in the world, and I love the sun kissed land. 

I’m a British born Ghanaian and when I was younger I spoke a quite a lot of Twi (one of the languages in Ghana) and used to dance traditionally with a friend of mine, her sister and an auntie. Now I am older, I miss it all. I began to lose my fluency in Twi when I started Primary School so for a while went to Twi school in Brixton to re-learn and also learn how to write in the language. I remember on the drive to class, we’d listen to Ghanaian music, two songs I think I remember being “Aben Wo Aha” by Daddy Lumba and Kojo Antwi “Bomi Nkomo De” (not that I know all the words lol).

I think I got to a point where before I knew it I wasn’t speaking Twi, but as I understood it I thought that was enough. Now at 28 I listen to my friends who are able to speak fluently and quite frankly, I’ve felt jealous and guilty for not keeping my roots internally. It’s so easy to wear the clothes and say “I’m proud to be Ghanaian” but there’s so much more than just occasional attire. What about remembering the history? Not that I was the best dancer (probably the worst at times haha) but I look at some of my girls now and they are just amazing when it comes to our traditional dances and sometimes I just think to myself “If only I kept going...”

I could really go down “what if” lane but there’s no point. It’s good to acknowledge the past, but it’s equally as important not to get stuck in it. I am where I am now and all I can do is move forward. I’m sure there are quite a few people from different countries who have had similar experiences of losing some aspects of culture and would love to get back into the swing of things. The problem is where to start! Well, who can you ask to help you relearn your native tongue/family dialect? What software/apps can you use? Which reliable websites can you browse to keep up to date with news back home? One of the ways I’m keeping my brain active in understanding Twi is listening to Ghanaian Gospel songs and trying to sing along with them. They have been such a great help! I’ve also found 2 apps that I can use to learn basic phrases so I can at least keep a conversation for now.

I urge you, especially if you’re still relatively young, to be proud of where you come from. Speak the languages, Learn some of the traditions. Make the food. Keep informed. Embrace your heritage. Don’t let time pass you by. 

Hold onto your roots.

Natalie @pursueinspire

HEADWRAP STYLES| ELEANOR J'ADORE

18 March 2017

Pin this image on Pinterest
Listen up Naturals. The answer to keeping your hair protected while looking stylish is here, and it comes in the form of the brand Lavish Atelier. Towards the end of last year I was sent two products by Charmaine Nyikadzino, owner of Lavish – a beanie as well as a do.rag to try out.
What makes these hair accessories so special is that they are all satin-lined, which makes them perfect for sleeping in to ensure moisturised hair for longer. In addition, they make for the most elegant protective headgear I’ve ever come across and I can’t deny how much I’m loving them.
Charmaine believes that a healthy hair regime consists of more than choosing the correct shampoo and how to style your hair. How you treat your hair when you sleep or exercise is equally important to maintaining a healthy head of hair. And I couldn’t agree more. In recent months I have only been wearing my hair out, never in a protective style and only up  and out of the way in a loose bun while I would see to Rupert (my 1-year old boy), so these two items have come in especially handy those times when I’d look for a quick and easy way to get my hair out of my face, while still trying to look cute.
They come in different sizes so when you place your order for one, simply indicate your head circumference in cm’s or inches and you’ll receive your item specifically made for your head size. Also, feel free to select a colour of your choice as they’re available in a wide range of colours.
I’ve come up with six different looks for the two items I was sent. Have a look below and let me know firstly if you like the way I styled them and secondly, if you would rock these looks.
Sleek Beanie
My absolute favourite thing about this beanie is that it is long and slouchy and accommodates hair of almost any length. So the days of trying to squeeze all your curls into a regular sized beanie are long gone. Of course the satin lining helps to retain moisture, preserve styling and prevent brittleness. The beanie also has an elasticated headband which ensures a snug fit to your head at all times.
Look 1
eleanor j'adore - Lavish Atelier - a first for elegant and chic protective stylingPin this image on Pinterest
eleanor j'adore - Lavish Atelier - a first for elegant and chic protective stylingPin this image on Pinterest
eleanor j'adore - Lavish Atelier - a first for elegant and chic protective stylingPin this image on Pinterest
eleanor j'adore - Lavish Atelier - a first for elegant and chic protective stylingPin this image on Pinterest

Look 2
eleanor j'adore - Lavish Atelier - a first for elegant and chic protective stylingPin this image on Pinterest
eleanor j'adore - Lavish Atelier - a first for elegant and chic protective stylingPin this image on Pinterest
eleanor j'adore - Lavish Atelier - a first for elegant and chic protective stylingPin this image on Pinterest
eleanor j'adore - Lavish Atelier - a first for elegant and chic protective stylingPin this image on Pinterest

Look 3 
eleanor j'adore - Lavish Atelier - a first for elegant and chic protective stylingPin this image on Pinterest
eleanor j'adore - Lavish Atelier - a first for elegant and chic protective stylingPin this image on Pinterest
eleanor j'adore - Lavish Atelier - a first for elegant and chic protective stylingPin this image on Pinterest
eleanor j'adore - Lavish Atelier - a first for elegant and chic protective stylingPin this image on Pinterest

Sleek Do.Rag
For me the do.rag is the ultimate head scarf to sleep in. The satin lining protects the hair, while the long wrap straps make it easy to fasten to suit my length of hair (or any hair length for that matter)  and ensure comfort through the night. This is perfect for me as I tend not to like anything tied too tightly around my as I easily get headaches.
I have to say that with each of these styles I created with the do.rag I felt incredibly chic with an undeniable femininity.
Look 4
eleanor j'adore - Lavish Atelier - a first for elegant and chic protective stylingPin this image on Pinterest
eleanor j'adore - Lavish Atelier - a first for elegant and chic protective stylingPin this image on Pinterest

Look 5
eleanor j'adore - Lavish Atelier - a first for elegant and chic protective stylingPin this image on Pinterest
eleanor j'adore - Lavish Atelier - a first for elegant and chic protective stylingPin this image on Pinterest
eleanor j'adore - Lavish Atelier - a first for elegant and chic protective stylingPin this image on Pinterest
eleanor j'adore - Lavish Atelier - a first for elegant and chic protective stylingPin this image on Pinterest

Look 6
I feel like I’m seriously channeling Audrey Hepburn with this look. The style I wrapped it in here is by far the most comfortable for sleeping in. But honestly, I much rather see myself beaching along the French Riviera in a form-fitting one piece with this style.
eleanor j'adore - Lavish Atelier - a first for elegant and chic protective stylingPin this image on Pinterest
eleanor j'adore - Lavish Atelier - a first for elegant and chic protective stylingPin this image on Pinterest
eleanor j'adore - Lavish Atelier - a first for elegant and chic protective stylingPin this image on Pinterest
eleanor j'adore - Lavish Atelier - a first for elegant and chic protective stylingPin this image on Pinterest
eleanor j'adore - Lavish Atelier - a first for elegant and chic protective stylingPin this image on Pinterest

To shop these products above as well as satin scarves and pillowcases, visit Lavish Atelier at their online store solavish.co.za.
What do you think? Would you wear these satin lined accessories?

YOUR HAIR NEEDS | NATALIE PURSUE:INSPIRE

6 March 2017



Happy Monday lovelies! 

Also Happy 60TH Ghana Independence to any fellow Ghanaians reading! 

Waaaaaaay back in a January post I mentioned that one of my hair goals was “to maintain healthy hair by looking at past experiences, doing research and implementing a consistent routine”. When you first go natural after perming, naturally you start to look for products that will work will with your “new” texture as your old products may not work on your hair as well. Part of my journey was making a list of different ingredients which were great for hair and the reasons why. I then started purchasing different oils and butter and make my own homemade products according to what qualities I wanted to bring out in my hair (back then it was mostly fast growth). 

I lost that discipline (and actually maybe that list) over the years but it’s something I’ve been wanting to relive to two reasons:

1) I get to pick what goes in my hair creams
2) I don’t become a product junkie haha!

However this time round instead of focusing on what I want to bring out in my hair, I want to think about what my hair NEEDS! That really should be the primary thought that drives us to research and buy products that will benefit our hair’s health, instead of just jumping on the latest hair trend. What should I be looking for in terms of hair needs? What question should I be asking to narrow down my search? Here are a few suggestions/pointers:

How porous in my hair?
Is my hair fine or coarse?
Is my hair always dull looking?
How well does it retain moisture?
Is my scalp intolerant to anything?
Does my hair break easily? If yes, why?

There are so many more questions you could ask but I’ll leave the suggestions there. When you have answers to your questions, you can go ahead and do your research. Read books and blogs on natural hair, google keywords such as “oils for moisturising natural hair” and note down your findings. This will help you to make more informed decisions when picking and trialling what’s best for you, as well as making notes on what didn’t work.

I must say that I can’t completely knock jumping trends as through that I found out my scalp does not like pure coconut oil at all! They’re just not compatible.

As much as hair has been categorized from 1 to 4c, no two people in the same banding’s hair is identical. We all have specific needs depending on how we look after our tresses and our genetic make up.

Happy researching!

Natalie | @pursueinspire

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