Today's Hair (w/Instructions) - September 2nd (Updated with Styles from the Week)

Today in my exercise post, I mentioned that I was taking part in Nappyfru's 30-day updo challenge. To that end, this morning after washing and conditioning my hair, I created a new updo.  It is a departure for me, because I flat-twisted my hair up and into a pony-bun thing...that I will modify during the course of the week.  It is interesting because I rarely plan to go to work with a head full of flat-twists, although I have worn my hair flat twisted all back with the ends done in some kind of decorative cinnamon-roll bun thing, but in any event - this feels somewhat different. We'll see how it goes over during the week.  

This style reminds me of a flat-twisted version of a hairstyle that I called "The Lollipop" in my book, One Hairstyle, Thirty-one Ways on Amazon.com. But I also feel the influence of a really pretty bun updo that I saw earlier this week, although I can't say that I had the same results. It would have looked very different if I hadn't made a bang, and instead flat-twisted the front into the bun. Or added pieces to the bun - either of which are options if you wish to try a similar style.... Anyway, this is how it ended up - and please know that when I start these styles that I don't really have a full plan in mind so what you see is my first try...

Here are the steps:

1. Section off a part of the front of your hair. The hair in that section will be used to form a bang. You will spearate that hair into 4-5 flat-twists going forward toward the face, and either roll them under to create a faux bang, or to twist into a single unit and pin back, as if to form a small pompadour.

2.  Take the rest of the hair and split it into at least 4 even sections. You may wish to put each section into a ponytail in order it keep it out of the way as you flat-twist.

3. Split each section into two flat-twists. Flat-twist upwards toward the crown of the head. When you reach the crown, two-strand twist any excess hair. Repeat until all 8 (or more) flat-twists are completed.

4. Style the ends as desired, although I chose to place the ends into a bun.

5. I then incorporated the ends of my pompadour into the bun.

Here are my updates from the week:

Variation 1

I took the loosened ends of the flat twists from the front, separated the hair into two sections, one section having about 3/4 of the hair, the other section with only 1/4 of the hair.

The side with the majority of the hair was split in two, and the hair was wrapped around the previously formed bun.

I then took the section of loose hair and swooped it to one side, and pinned the ends in place underneath the stretched section of hair.

Variation 2

I loosened the flat twists from the front, took down the bun, and put the ends of the twists and the loose hair in a ponytail holder in the front of my head.

I tucked the ends under and pinned them in place.

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Unknown bun, flat twists, hairstyle, instructions, natural hair, New Day. New 'do., newdaynewdo, updos

My Hair At Home

So even though I've been back in Atlanta for a week now, I still hadn't found the time to post about my time at home until today. I went to Connecticut to visit my family, enjoy West Indian week and celebrate my Grandma's birthday. I was there for 9 days and knew that I was going out a good portion of those nights, and exercising most mornings....oh and my Grandma is very opinionated and only rarely gives me a stamp of approval on my hair. And although I brought my comb, brushes, Obia haircare products and some pins - I did not have my full travel arsenal.

Quick overview of my activities and hair for the week:

Saturday I flew in, and immediately went to volunteer at the Riverfront where the Jerk fest was taking place. I worked in the Children's Corner - and wore the giant puff that I created on Friday.The night concluded with a concert by the great Yellowman! I put up a Keek about it, so if you want to hear him live (if only for a few seconds) check me out on Keek. Photo, upper right w/sister.

Sunday - church, lunch, shopping. New hairstyle. I did a post about it. And put this photo on Instagram.

Monday - Went to boot camp, and ran. I kept my Sunday style, and took my Grandma to the casino...I think that showed up in my post about my Grandma's birthday.But it turned out to be an all day outing, and dinner.

Tuesday - I worked on some things that I needed to get done, and ended up with a twist-out for Jamaica Night! I had fun, but the DJ wouldn't let one song play through - oddly enough it was his mini-soca block that got everyone going the most. Photo, middle left.

Wednesday - Went to the track. Later, I ran some errands, went to the mall, had lunch with my bestie, took two of my nieces to see Smurfs 2 in 3D.  That's love because I generally don't see 3D movies, and I wouldn't have EVER voluntarily seen a Smurfs move. But I went. And washed and twisted my hair an hour before going out to Guyanese night. I used Wen to wash and some petroleum based grease to twist. I had a great time - the music was good!!! And people loved the reggae block in the middle of his soca set. Photo, bottom right.

I've got my nephew, cousin, nieces, and a bunch of photos of
me, my sister, sister-in-law, Grandma and my hair.   

Thursday - I ran. Then I spent the day with my Grandparents with my hair in pulled back twists. I got to eat some delicious Brown Stew Chicken (I wish I had taken a photo). Later on I went to Zumba - and went to sleep!

Friday - Boot camp. Lunch with my brother - that ended up being like 3 hours, then a few minutes of shopping, then a children's museum and shopping again with my other brother and niece. Then it was time for Grandma's party, so I did a quick twist out, and kept it moving. After the party I hung out with Grandma and some family for a couple of hours. I love those people. Photos, middle (Grandma and I) bottom middle (nephew and cousin), mid left-ish (me heading to lunch).

Saturday - PARADE DAY!!! My sister and I volunteered to march with my oldest niece's dance troupe during the parade - and I had a lot of fun!!! I haven't been in the parade since 1993 (yes I did say 1993) - OMG that is 20 YEARS!!!! But I found the energy to dance and wave my flag from the start to the finish. Afterwards there was a concert on the lawn where Mr. Vegas performed, and just good music and good food. We were there until early evening, but then we went on a river cruise - and I had to turn my twist out into something before we got on the boat.  I ended up with flat twists in the front and a ponytail. I created double strand twists out of the ends of the ponytail and formed a bun. I pinned up the ends of the flat twists into a swirl - it looked decent. Photo, top middle.

Sunday - I left my hair in the updo. Went to church, cooked, visited grandparents, visited neighbors, took a nap, did laundry, and tried to sleep.

Monday - Travel. Then work.... 

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Unknown hairstyles, random, two-strand, updos

Fall Into Your Autumn Routine...

Do you change over your routines and hair products for the cooler, dryer weather? If you haven't in the past, here is your chance to make some changes for this year.

Autumn leaves

1. This may be a good time to check your ends to see how they survived the summer. Since there is a lot of washing and going, swimming, sun exposure, and carefree summertime days, it might be time for a good trim so you don't carry the dead weight of split ends into the winter.

2. Do you need to change your conditioner for the colder weather? It might be a good time to use a richer conditioner, or even consider the addition of oils to some of your favorites. Some olive, almond, jojoba or even coconut oil may boost your conditioner's oomph in the fall.

3. Now might be the time to add (or increase) your use of deep conditioners and homemade hair treatments. Your hair might be crying out for some extra protection against the elements. Imagine yourself bundled up in a warm robe, some hot tea, and a good book while your hair gets wrapped up with some deep nourishment.

4. Does your hair need a different oil mix or sealing products in the colder months? When it is humid, our hair is constantly drawing in moisture from the outside air, but when it's cold the story changes. It is all about retaining moisture. Now is the time to seal with heavier products and be more consistent with applying your oils.

5. Clothing will become thicker and possibly more coarse, so while you protect your neck, now might be the time to step up your protective styling. During this time of year you may have to be more mindful about your hair rubbing against your higher collars, hats, wools, and tweeds. Protective styling - updos, twists, braids, etc. all work.Check out One Hairstyle, Thirty-one Ways if you need style inspiration!

6. And remember that eating healthy foods and drinking lots of water help all year round!

I try to remember that I put on an extra layer of clothing, so I should at least give my hair an extra level of protection. I checked my ends the other day, and yeah, they need a trim. For now, I'm just cutting out bad ends as I see them, but I need to get a cold weather-trim soon. I also have to be particularly vigilant about keeping my hair moisturized in the colder months. I put in some leave in and oil every morning instead of every few days. And I TRY to deep condition more often. I also change my hair oil mix. I use coconut oil all summer, but in the fall I start to add Castor oil. How does your routine change?

Source: nopoojillipoo

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Unknown maintenance, trim, updos