It's My Nappiversary

*singing* Do you know what today is? It's my nappiversary!

I'm at church as I write this, so I can't write too much, but here is a comparison pics. YouTube videos coming up later today/tomorrow.

Guest Blogger Post: The Misconception of Locs

Another Guest Post by WiseCurls...ENJOY!

I had a "Mr. Brown" moment a few days ago. I said "self", myself said "huh?” “Why don't you do a Yahoo search for WiseCurls to see what pops up?” So, being the curious person that I am, I did just that! For the most part, I was pleased, as nothing too out of the ordinary arrived on the search engine. That was until I clicked on the second page and found this question proposed by a curious girl: "Would you date a girl with dreadlocks?"

Most of the answers were negative (hence why I will not place any shine on them within this post. But if interested, please visit this link to see some of the responses). The overall consensus of those that participated in this question was that dreadlocks (or locs) looked dirty. Another participant stated that "(dreadlocks) just weren't their thing, but twists, afros and other natural styles are nice."

My first reaction was: "WOW - Oh NO they didn't!” But after about 5 minutes, I pulled myself (and my thoughts) together and thought about the bigger picture: The Misconception(s) of Locs. Then I thought, wow, for anyone considering embarking on a loc journey, what direction could something like the answers to this question steer him or her in? So below are some things I've learned along the way to address this misconception.

WiseCurls Truth:

• Having locs requires one to wash their hair (shocker, I know!). I recommend using a shampoo that has a great lather and leaves your hair feeling squeaky clean without stripping oils and luster from your tresses. Click here for a review of my favorite shampoo.
• Having locs or being a loc wearer does not make one dirty NOR does it mean that your hair is dirty. Like with any (natural) hair style, having locs requires maintenance and time. During the re-twisting session, I recommend using an alcohol-free gel or light pomade to keep locs moisturized. My absolute favorite is Taliah Waajid's Loc it up gel.
• As with many natural hair styles, having a night time routine is essential for preservation. I recommend covering your locs with a satin bonnet. This will ensure that locs are kept lint free.
• Help keep locs moisturized in between re-twisting sessions by spraying your tresses with a vegetable based mist. Oyin Handmade's Juices & Berries is great for keeping locs looking fresh.
• Finally,  keep scalp moisturized by using a light hair oil. Taaliah Waajid's African Healing Oyl is AWESOME for the scalp.

So if you're thinking about embarking on a loc journey, remember that it does require time and maintenance like it does with having loose & natural tresses. There is nothing "dirty" about having locs and is simply just another way to rock our hair in a Naturally Brilliant way.

I'm Ready for My Closeup Mr. Farr! :)

In a blog post last year, I posted pictures from a Suddenlink commercial I did. Well, I thought my taping ended up on the editing room floor. Then a few weeks ago I received a text that someone saw me on TV. I had to rack my brain to make sure I wasn't "caught on camera" doing something LOL. Since then I've received texts and comments on the commercial. People didn't think it was me at first, then they screamed, "That's Adeea!!!!" LOL

So for those of you outside of my viewing market, here is the commercial for your viewing pleasure.

Look to Duplicate

Pictures from Fashion Bomb Daily

Guest Blog Post: Confessions of a Loc Star!

I am so excited to introduce Angela of Wise Curls. She is a beautiful sister who is embarking on her second loc journey.

I do not have locs, but in my attempt to reach my Natural Hair Loc Sisters or those who may be considering locs, I wanted to have a loc blogger share with you all. Check back every other Tuesday for a guest post from Angela at Wise Curls. And be sure to follow her blog!

Confessions of a Loc Star

 Yesterday marked 4 months since I embarked on my second loc journey (YAY!).  Surprisingly, this second time around has not been easier than the first journey. Although I understand what products work best on my locd tresses during my re-twisting sessions, I still find myself struggling with a few things. These are my confessions:

• The urge to cut or comb out my locs has become a daily struggle since I passed my 2nd month mark. It has become increasingly tough as I see so many natural beauties on twitter and the natural hair blogs. The desire to just twirl my fingers in a chunky twist out or pat down an afro has consumed my thoughts more than I should allow.

• I do  not re-twist my locs in the same direction at every session. There is a ton of hype over how one should re-twist locs (counter clockwise vs. clockwise). I re-twist in the direction that causes less burn to my arms. 
• I. Am. A. Product. Junkie. Surprised? Yes, loc stars can be sufferers of product junkieism. Although I know what works best for my locs (at least I think I do), the need desire to try the next new product burns a hole in my pocket. Literally.

These are just a few of my loc confessions. What are your confessions?

Angela - WiseCurls

THROWBACK Video: My beauty drawer at work

I feel every woman needs a "beauty drawer" at work. Somewhere to keep toiletry and beauty items. You never know when you'll get called into an imporant meeting or even MORE IMPORTANT get asked out on a date... :)

Check out my throwback video about my beauty drawer at work.

Using Walgreen's Register Rewards as a Naturalista

I posted about my first couponing adventure recently. Then I started thinking that some of my naturalistas probably do not know that this register rewards program could be helpful with their hair care needs.

Last week, Cantu Shea Butter was on Register Rewards. On sale for $4.99 with a $4.00 Register Rewards back. So essentially it's like paying $.99 for Cantu Shea Butter. I still use that as the secondary creamy base for my Kimmaytube's Leave-in conditioner. Unfortunately for me, the Walgreen's I ended up shopping at did not have the cantu shea butter...sad face.

But here are other suggestions on what you can purchase as a naturalista using Register Rewards...

• Vitamins
• Shea Moisture Products (you don't have to wait for another BOGO)
• ORS products
• EVOO
• Distilled Water
• Hair Elastics
• Hair Accessories
• Spray Bottles
• Cheapy Conditioner for co-washing
• Plastic caps for deep conditioning
• Heat Protectant (if you straighten)
• Africa's Best Oil (if you don't know about this, use RR is a perfect time to try it)

And I'm sure I haven't even exhausted the list!

Give it a try...I think you will find it slightly addicting. I've been in Walgreen's and CVS more in the past 3 days than I have in the past 3 months LOL!