Back in Acition: Full swing

WOW!!! I seriously can't believe its been this long since my last post! Im sure some are wondering what happened to Naturalluv! Well folks its a long story which is why I am taking this time out to say hello and let you know I will be back!

After I made my last post a lot has happened with my life. I moved twice and received several promotions. After I obtained my 4th promotion at my company my time was limited. I was up at 4:30 in the morning and home by 3-5pm each night, sometime later. On my days off I would sleep and sleep! I was too drained to do anything. This was becoming a problem for me. I thought chasing hours and working my butt off would make me happier, financially, but it didn't. So lately I have pulled back and since then I have been able to do more. You will see more post from not only my blog but on my youtube channel as well. I have so much in stored and now with all this extra time I can do what I love doing, sharing information with all of you!. Stay tuned for my first vid in over a year on Monday on my flat twist bantu knot, twist out!

Well it's time for me to go. See everyone around folks!!! =)

xoxo
Naturalluv
A.K.A Natty Luv

Black Silk Products Review

Black Silk Products was created by Desreta Jackson. Many people will best know her as Young Celie Harris from the Oscar Nominated Film "The Color Purple" Desreta has spent over 12 years of research to finally perfecting what she calls a “Mahoginized Technique” and a product that does what it says it will do. I was able to speak with the creator herself to get an insight on Black Silk. In our conversation she explained to me how the product came about. Her daughter was having issues with her skin. She went to numerous Doctors and nothing they gave her worked. She began to think about how West Indians used natural items for remedies. Desreta herself a native of Tortolla knew what she had to do. She began to mix, add and take away natural ingredients to make a product that would eventually turn into what it is known as Black Silk Products. What started out as a remedy for her daughter's dry skin became a hair product made by blacks, for black. It is the FUBU of the hair industries. She started to test the products on her daughter and herself. As they continued to use the products she notice who their hair began to grow longer and silkier. She moved from using the products to herself and daughter to friends, family and clients. It became an overnight success that she was able to run a successful home-base braider. The demand became so overwhelming she couldn’t meet the demand.

Interestingly enough, Desreta also owns her manufacturing plant. She has all the power on who and where she distributes her products, which is rare when it comes to African Americans and the hair industry. She stated that when she started to go into the manufacturing phase many have told her that her ingredients were on the high end. Their fear was that African Americans would not spend money on such a product. She stood her ground despite what the manufactures said because she knew the beneficial factor of each ingredient that made Black Silk Products so great.

As we got deeper into our conversation she began to explain to me how she got the data she needed to make changes to the product. Desreta did hair on the side to help put herself through film school. Each time her clients came back she would have them write down what they noticed about their hair getting real time response to what the product was doing. While attending film school she took up extra course in Chemistry. She stated to me "A lot of the time we use products knowing that its working or not working, but don't know why, I wanted to know those reason" Which is why chemistry was so important in her research.

I was able to get my hands on this products and tried it for myself. Of course I was skeptical as most will be when they hear about a new hair product that is promising wonders. First thing I remember that Desreta did we we first started to talk about Black Silk was put a sample of the product on the back of my hand. What happened next was mind blowing. The shampoo and conditioner literally absorbed in my skin. What shampoo do you know your skin will soak up? She told a funny story about her husband actually taking the shampoo one day and used is as a lotion because he was too lazy to get actual lotion. She later went into detail and told the main function of the product was made to re-balance the Ph level in your hair. So no matter what state your hair is in Black Silk WILL re-balance your ph level. Remember that your hair is basically made up of protein.

Facts About Ph Level:

Ph Scale base 0-14
Ph of 0 is considered Acidic
Ph of 14 is considered Alkaline
Pure water ph is 7
Hair and Skin ph can range from 4.5-5.5
Your hair is always adjusting depending on the weather. Your hair will take some time to adjust to the new conditions. When we use products especially new product your hair will take time for your hair to adjust to the changes. The natural oil that is produced in your hair that maintains moisture and balance is Sebum. Sebum is a natural protectant not only on your scalp but on your skin as you secret sweat. Think of your hair follicles as fish scales. As you use products the "scales" open and close. Products with low ph level (high acidity) will cause the hair follicles to lay flat and smooth trapping the moisture your hair needs. Products with high ph will cause the follicles to open like a pine cone causing the moisture that you need to escape which ultimately will dry your hair out. You can also test the products you are using with litmus paper to determine the ph level. It is important yet difficult to find balance with your hair. This is what Black Silk products are made to do just that. So you can stop the guessing game. Remember to keep away from products with a high Ph level. This can cause damaging to your hair.

My Experience with Black Silk

About a week after I received my Black Silk System I finally used the products. ( Took me while to use the system because my hair was already washed and done a day prior to receiving the products and it was styled)
First thing I noticed was the smell. It was rich of coconuts fragrance. I started with the shampoo which took only about two half pump for me. Of course I wasn’t expecting it lather because it was designed to cleanse with out stripping the moisture from your hair. After I was finished the the shampoo I felt how clean my hair was but also still soft and not dried out. This was a good sign. After my cleanse I proceeded to use the Silk Restoring Conditioner, which can also be used a a curl definer. It really didn’t take that much to get complete coverage. I did what I normally do, Put my conditioner in, detangled and sectioned off my hair where I placed medium size twist in it, place it under a conditioning cap and let sit for however long I keep it on my head. This does depend on what is going on so I can have conditioner in my hair from 1-8 hours

8 Hours later, hey don’t’ judge me lol I got real busy =)

I finally washed out the conditioner. My hair felt so soft!!! Ladies with 4c hair you know how hard our hair can feel (Brillo pad) I couldn’t stop running my hand through my hair. It was just that soft. Hmmmm I could get use to this!! Next I applied the clear protector. Now because I was so eager to use the products I didn’t read. The clear protector is suppose to be the first step I did. Black Silk Products is a system so when we hear system that means there is an order to how and when you use each product. Once you use the clear protector once (first time) you don't have to use it again for another 4-6 months and when there is new growth. So the Shampoo and Conditioner will be the only main things you would use during your regular wash.

The real test for me came in when I detangling my hair. I was amazed on how easy my hair slid through the comb with ease. I even walked on the wild side and used a fine tooth comb as I started to do my two strand twists. *GASP* GUH SEY WHET!!!???! Yes it was the only way to truly test this products capabilities. When I Say that comb went from root to tip without a snag I was a believer!!!! *Queue Shrek music* I have used Black Silk twice and I can say I love the way my hair feels with each use.

Picture of Black Silk Model

Be sure to check out www.BlackSilkProducts.com buy now and save today!!!!!

Overall I can say Black Silk Products is a must have product that you should have in your cabinet. Hope you enjoyed reading my review on Black Silk. Be sure to get your hands on this wonderful product you have nothing to loose, you try everything else so why not? Trust me, it will be worth the money!

Til next time,

Natural Luv

Hairlista Castor Oil Challenge part 6

If you are a Hairlista you know what I’m speaking of. The Castor Oil Challenge begins tomorrow. I have decided to jump on board with the rest of the Listas and do this challenge. Last year I tried to do the Ultimate Growth Challenge and that posed a challenge for me. I became "Lazy" and didn't make it two weeks. Yea that's bad isn't it lol Now that I am on my new revelation and I have jumped back on the natural hair horse I decided to try my fate at this one.

On Wednesday I went to Whole Foods to pick up my bottle of Castor Oil. You might want to know a little bit more on what this challenge is Well, Here's the scoop

The Castor Oil Challenge

Start Date: September 2nd, 2011

End Date: December 2nd, 2011

(total of 3 months!)

There are different levels that you can choose from

Basic: Apply Castor oil to scalp twice a week.

Intermediate: Apply Castor oil to scalp twice a week followed by a scalp massage (2-5mins focusing on damaged areas). Add 1 tsp to your weekly deep conditioner.

Advance: Apply Castor oil to scalp three times a week followed by scalp massage (2-5mins focusing on damaged areas). Add 1-2 tsps to weekly deep conditioner.

I have decided to try the Intermediate level of this challenge. Of course you can do which one you feel most comfortable doing. This is an inexpensive challenge to do. A bottle of Castor Oil is about $10 for the 16fl. oz. Remember this is a 3 month challenge so getting a good size would be most cost efficient.

What I have done was getting a small bottle with a tip (.99-$1.59) and added some of the Castor Oil in it so that it can be easier to apply to my scalp. It’s less messy that way.

Challenge Goal

So far I am at EL (Ear length) I plan on achieving NL (Neck Length) by the end of this challenge!!! My hair is not damaged but I will focus most of my massaging on my temples and the nape of my neck since that's where my hair seems to not grow as fast as the rest of my hair.

Benefits of Castor Oil in Hair

Increase hair growth

Thicken hair that is starting to thin out

Reduce and prevent hair damage

Eliminate dry hair

Make the hair fuller and shinier

Deeply condition and moisturize hair and scalp

Prevents dry scalp

Boost your hair’s overall health

Other Benefits of Castor Oil
Softens thick calluses and removes corns

Cures skin infections like athlete’s foot and ringworm

Prevents stretch marks

Removes moles and warts

Removes age spots (liver spots)

Cures acne

Keeps the skin looking smooth, youthful and unlined

Breaks up external and internal scar tissue, and prevents new scars from forming

Soothes shingles

Jamaican Black Castor Oil

There is also another more famous Castor Oil made famous by Tropic Isle Living Jamaican Black Castor Oil. It is said that Black Castor Oil is more potent than the regular Castor Oil and that you see more results when used. The difference in the two is that Jamaican Black castor Oil seeds are roasted then boils to remove100% of the oil. The longer the seed is roasted the more ash is produced which ultimately make the Castor Oil more potent. High ash content = high potency of the Castor Oil. Jamaican Black Castor Oil distinguished by the earthy smell it gives off. That is a distinctive feature to know that you have the real deal.

I am excited to stat this challenge. I have decided to start this challenge today since it was my day off and I wouldn’t have another one for another week and I want to get this thing moving. One day will not hurt and I don’t see it as cheating lol

Follow along as I update you on this 3 Month Journey.

Till we meet again,

Natural Luv

4C Natural hair straightened

Below: Castor Oil from Whole Foods, tipped bottle for application and DC mixture that I made

Resurrection of Natural Luv

So its been a while since I have shared my thought on my Natural Hair Journey. I figured it was time to get back on the saddle and start back writing about natural hair.

So here is a re-cap:

As you recall I began my Natural Hair journey on December 19th, 2009 (Yes its been that long) A month later I went away to Antigua and Barbuda for almost 6 months. While I was there I realized that my hair was not growing and I didn't know why. I noticed excessive hair shedding. After returning to the states my hair began to shoot out of my scalp! This was an odd surprise. It wasn't until one day I was speaking with a mother and daughter who are also natural. They talked about their trip to Antigua as well and they too realize excessive shedding while on vacation. We came to the conclusion that it HAD to be the water. Not only it was the water but also there we resources that we didn't have to our disposal or they were far too expensive. Yes I know it sound weird but that was the only explanation (water). I thought it was something that I was doing. I came back to the states and my hair began to rapidly grow. Now remember I still was doing the same thing I was doing in Antigua here in Georgia. So I let it go and move forward.

After my hair debacle in Antigua with my hair I began to look more deeper into my hair. While in Antigua I found the Holy Grail of hair knowledge Hairlista.com WOW can you say that this site blew my mind!!! I'm not going to lie it WAS overwhelming with information that was on the site. Women around the world talking about HAIR. The hard part was sifting through all non-relevant post. Each day I would go into the chat and talk with other Listas (members) about hair. What I noticed was I was giving all the great advise BUT I wasn't really doing them myself. You might want to know what advise I was giving that I was not using myself. Well here we go:
1. Regiments
2. Deep Conditioning
3. Vitamins
4. Products
5. Treatment, just to name a few.

I thought to my self.....SELF why do you have all the knowledge but don't do it. Frankly the only thing that could explain that was being lazy!!! Yes people LAZINESS was my down fall for my hair not doing so well. Well let me re-phrase that laziness was my downfall PERIOD!!! Now I can admit my hair was very healthy and still is. However my hair can be a lot more longer than it should be. Especially going into two year natural.

Now we are in the present day August 27th, 2011!! After dropping off the radar I am back to fill you in on some great information that I have discovered on the web and through trial and error.

Here's some backdrop on who I am:
Natural Luv
Natural since December 19th, 2009
Hair type: 4b/c
I am currently Ear Length ( EL) Sidenote: I have had my hair cut down twice
I want to be Bra Strap Length (BSL)
I am looking forward to start my new regiment from the NEW knowledge that I have obtained.


Well that's it for now stay tuned for updates on my NEW hair journey.

Love Always,
Natural Luv

10 reasons I Enjoy Being NATURAL and LOVING IT

1o. Hair growth: now that my hair is natural my hair ahs been growing faster than it eve has. I love looking on the growth of my hair. Its been 3 months since my BC and its had grown tremendously.

9. Chemical FREE: Having chemicals in my hair did its justice on my hair. Although my hair was nice when it was relaxed it just feels great to know that my hair can be healthy and beautiful just the way God made it to be.

8. New Products: Since i have gone chemical free its exciting to try new products in my hair and seeing how well it take to my hair. Even the products that they say are for Caucasians. I don't study that because I'm NATURAL!!! That is applied to people who put chemicals in their hairs

7. Accessorizing: I love getting new things to put in my Inny Tinny Winny Afro (ITWA) because my hair is short using accessories just helps put that extra umph in my curly ITWA but its not that INNY lol so its a TWA

6. Time; They say time is of the essence well time for me is nothing now when it comes to my hair. My hair is short so if i get up and i m running late it nothing for me to jump up run some water through it and put a leave-in- conditioner and be out the door! ITWA rocks lol

5. NO wraps: I can be a wild sleeper at night and when i had wraps on i always had to sleep still so that my wrap doesn't come off because that meant waking up blow dry and then pressing it out all because my wrap came off and my hair got messed up yet again. Now i can sleep with out on and sleep as WILD as i want to lol  i just get up run some leave-in- conditioner in it and everything is AOK

4. Conversation Starter: Since my Big Chop (BC) people has asked me questions about what i do as my hair regiment and products that i have used. I love getting new information on what i can use and gaining more knowledge on this hair journey.

3.BLOGGING: I enjoy blogging about natural hair and helping other gain knowledge as i have gained knowledge from other Natural Hair blogger and vloggers, lets no for get those as well!!!

2.H2O: OMG i no longer have to worry about my hair getting wet!!!! I can take a shower without having to avoid water hitting my hair because that means having to pull out the hair dryer to dry it and then the flat iron to press it back down. When it rain all my friends run but i just walk and enjoy the rain. I can also go to the beach and enjoy the salt water rushing through my hair. Why go to the beach and cant get your whole body wet! That's the FUN in going to the beach or even the pool lol and because there's no chemicals i can wet it and not worry about my hair messing up or anything WWOOOOO HHHOOOOOO Gotta Love It!!!

1. SELF LOVE: After cutting my hair I felt like I cut off all the drama and past  struggles in my life and as my hair continues to grow I feel that I'm growing along with my hair. Cutting my hair was like a new start for me. I learn a lot about beauty and natural beauty and learning to love that hair I was born with and acceptance of who I was as a person and not wanting to change what was naturally given to me because its the style or because I feel that in order to be beautiful I had to have a relaxer in order to have “good hair” I have learn to acceptance with my Natural Hair =) 

As always thanks for reading and supporting me on my natural hair journey! What's one thing you enjoy about your natural hair or going natural

*double XO* Natural Luv

My Big Chop

Hey guys this blog is about my journey on going natural! On December 19th, 2009 I finally did it, I cut ALL of my hair. I didn't want to do it, but i was fed up with the state of my hair: short, dry and damaged. Before i cut my hair i spoke with someone and got a consult. lol the next day i was at the barber shop sitting nervously waiting for my turn in the chair. When I finally got in the chair a lady was sitting across from me under the hair dryer and all i saw was her eyes get really big when the barber made his first cut, I almost cried because I couldn't believe that I was really doing this. After all was said and done I got up out of the chair and looked to see my new look. At first, I was thinking OMG i look like a dkye lol what am I going to do get look like a woman? I am not the girliest of girls; trust me I'm not, but I still want to look like one lol

My first two weeks with my short look took everyone to get use to. I got great compliments s about my hair, most people did believe me when I told them what I did and had to send pictures to confirm it lol after browsing a few videos on youtube and speaking with some friends I finally got my hair care regiment on lock!

My Hair Regiment:
Co-Wash every other day
Shampoo once a week ( to clean dirt)
Deep condition once a month with special recipe(in early stages)
Apply leave-in-Conditioner after every wash
Oil my hair every morning and night and apply my special hair grease *will fill you in on my recipe
Wrap hair in silk bonnet or scarf

REMINDER: Find what best works for you


It will be a month on January 19th, 2010 and my hair has had some growth. Now that I found out what works for me I'm sure that my hair will grow even faster now. The picture above is about a week after I cut it off!

I'm glad that I finally made the decision to go natural and I'm sure you will too!
*double xo* Delca J