Takes me Back...

I've never really seen Nora's Hair Salon but this part just finished playing and I thought it was HILARIOUS...lol It reminded me of back in the day when I used to get relaxers and couldn't wait to wash it out...I was a scratcher. I'm soooo glad those days are over. 

I Don't Know What I Want...

Seriously you  guys she makes me wanna loc my hair!!!!

Bucket/Experiment List

I recently have been busy thinking of different styles and techniques to try on my hair. Since it's summer and I'm out of school now, I figured it would be the PERRRFECT time to start checking off stuff from the list. So instead of keeping track of them in my head, I decided to document them on here. Feel free to post yours as well in the comment box =)

• Apply gel to my hair while in the shower to see if I get the same definition as when I section my hair off and do
• Complete a whole head of mini braids <<< I did mini twist
• High bun
• Rollerset
• Find an easy everyday style, that doesn't involve a ponytail or puff
• Incorporate more hair accessories
• Be able wear a fedora   <<<< not happenin :(
• Try the cinnamon hair lightener 

I'll update this post if I think of more =)

Party, Party, Party...

 Can you say BUSY!!! March and April have been INSANE for me...Besides the mountains of work, projects, and events going on at school, my family has thrown two big parties. One in March and the other this past Saturday (April). But all the work put into it both, were sooooo very worth it.

 

This event was my dad's birthday, 70's Soul Train theme. You can't see but I have on high waist bell bottoms =)And of course I was SUPER excited to rock MY OWN afro puffs to the party...a lot people actually came up to me and asked if I had on a wig..lol Oh and that's my boyfriend with his unshaped afro...lol

Okay these 3 pics are from my aunt and uncle's anniversary party. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THAT DRESS!!! Thrift store $$$. The look I was going for with my hair was the cinna-bun hairstyle inspired from many youtube ladies...but it wasn't as defined as their but it was still cute =)

Transition Pic #2...

 Here is another picture from when I was transitioning. Okay here's the story behind this here hair... I started transitioning April of 08' and then cut my hair (by myself) in early May. And I LOVED IT!!! But then it was time to go to college, so I figured that since I was SUCH A GREAT HAIRCUTTER I would do it again. Unfortunately, that time I was not as lucky and ended up messing up my hair. I was cutting my hair while it was wet and forgot all about the new growth, so one side of my hair was up to my ear while the other was about to my shoulder. I tried and tried to fix it but continued to mess it up. After a day of crying and disappointment, I was able to schedule a time with a hair stylist. Thank the Lord she was able to do something with that crap. So my first year of college was kinda hard because I was self-conscience of how my hair looked short. And not to mention I was transitioning so I didn't want to put too much heat on my hair and majority of the time my hair was pulled back into a ponytail :( But I'm glad those days are over...now I'm just LOVING MY NATURAL HAIR!!!

This two pics were taken towards the end of my transition.

Corinne Bailey Rae

I am really really really diggin Ms. Bailey Rae's new look =) Her hair is big, thick, and gorgeous  ...and I love it!!!

Oh and she sounds really GREAT during her performance!!!

Here's My Theory

Lately I've been trying to figure out why there are people out there who either don't understand natural hair or just too SCARRRRED  to go natural. Yeah I'm sure it has something to do with the media and the opinions of our loved ones and those we DON'T even know. But here's my theory...which can be added to that list. Hairstyles. I think it also has to do with hairstyling....I've talked to many women who want to go natural and ask me what are some hairstyles they could wear other than a fro. But natural hair is not just afros (it can be but it doesn't have to be). There are soooo many things we can do with our hair. Those who work in a professional setting you can do updos, ponytails, buns, and so much more. Those who like to party, party, party you can braid it, push it off to the side, wear it wild, or even just put to little hump in it. And of course you can wear those styles wherever you want...but there just some suggestions. Since I've been natural, I've worn more styles than I ever did with relaxed hair. It all depends on how you decide to wear it. That's why I try to post pics and videos of styles I wear to help get rid of those negative deceptions of natural hair.

I'm in Love...

I was just reading Necole Bitchie's blog and I saw this gorgeous man and his hair. I love his curl definition and it just looks soft, I just want to touch it (the computer is in the way though...lol) In case you're wondering what the post was talking about, it was on how to go from girlfriend to wife...lol

Hair Jewels.

As I explore new styles, I have found that I really love hair accessories. And one of the main places I get mine from is Forever21. They have trendy hair accessories at a decent affordable price.
Here are some of my faves I just randomly picked through. Accessories are great for everyone transitioners, twas, and even the long big hair don't care ladies =.)

Items in this set:
Jewel Strip Hairclip, $4.80
Disco Glitter Headband, $3.80
Zipper Floral Bobby Pins, $3.80
Floral Sequin Hair Clip, $3.80
Large Blossom Hair Clip, $3.80

The Results are In...

Thank you guys so much for participating in my poll!!! I know it ended a little sooner then it was supposed to but something happened in between switching templates for the blog. Luckily, I've been watching closely. So now I have an idea of how many relaxed, transitioners, newly naturals and naturals I have reading the blog. Once again thanks so much for voting and continuing to read The Golden Sparkle = ]

Shows, expos, and more...

Last year I missed the two BIGGEST (from what I've heard) events for natural hair :( So this year I'm researching different events. Links provided below =) If you guys know anymore please feel free to contact me or make a comment and I will be glad to list them!!!

• Baltimore NaturalHairCare Expo-

March 20-21,2010

1801 Woodlawn Drive- Gwynnoak, MD 21207

$10 Admission

Click here to see out what to expect and other goodies

• World Natural Hair Health & Beauty Show-
  

April 10-11, 2010

Georgia International Convention Center, 2000 Convention Center Concourse, College Park, GA 30337

Click here for more information and pics

As the year comes to an end...

So as 2009 slowly comes to an end I figured I do make a list of things that I have learned since doing my big chop. 

1.) The importance of detangling. (It truly makes dealing with natural hair a 1000000 times easier)

2.) The importance of a regime 

3.) Good products are not hard to find, you just have to do a little research

4.) Heat damage can occur on the first or hundredth time you apply a lot of heat. (Learned that from other people's experiences)

5.) Co-Washing a lot isn't as great when your hair is growing longer.(Can you say tangles galore!)

6.) Deep conditioning is a complete MUST and hair changer

7.) Never rest your head on ANYTHING without a scarf or bonnet.

8.) In order to achieve fabulous twists or twist outs. Don't put a scarf or bonnet on right after finishing them and then go to bed because they will be flat. (It took me awhile to figure that out)

9.) I learned to love my hair more now that I know how it works

10.) Don't give up on a product just because it didn't work the first time

11.) Natural hair is totally MANAGEABLE!!!!

12.) Drinking lots of water and eating really does help your hair.

I Made It!!!!

Today marks the day that I did my Big Chop last year!!! Wow this year has flown by sooo fast. I can remember getting ready to come home for winter break and deciding that I was going to do the BC as soon as I got home. Over the past year I have learned so much about what my hair likes and dislikes. I think that when you learn how your hair works then it allows you to love it so much more and it makes manipulating a thousand times easier. One of the biggest shocks, is how much my hair has grown!!! Caring = Retaining. Like others have said many times before, going natural has been the BEST thing I have ever done!!!

Playlist...

Here are some artist that I've been jamming too lately...Let me just tell you, that I probably am totally fitting the stereotype of natural hair....but who cares.lol

Ledisi--I have been sleeping on this lady...wow beautiful voice.great music.
Maxwell--He's never leaving my list!
Mint Condition--This group..This group!!
Trey Songz- =)(=
Melanie Fiona-I loves me some Melanie
Nicki Minaj- Not the holiest music but ....lol
Eric Roberson- Great Music.
Maysa-Man she has some really great stuff
Anthony Hamilton- I absolutely LOVE his new album...Point of it all
Bebe and Cece- Heaven, Addictive Love, Close to You>>>Faves.
Mariah Carey- Love Mariah!!!!
Mario- Really like his first album...and a few of those new songs he has out
Crystal Waters- Throw Back!

It's a CHALLENGE!!!!

I've come to the conclusion that I am fortunately NOT A PRODUCT JUNKIE (when compared to others)!!!! But I do enjoy buying products that someone has recommended to me without doing much research. Which is mainly why I have so many products now....So to help save money and space in my room I have challenged myself to stop buying hair products until I finish three products completely. So far I have finished three: Vo5 conditioner, Lustasilk Cholesterol, and Fantasia IC Gel :)

To keep up with my challenge, look over in the side bar....Products I've Finished =)

**6 Must haves for Spring/Summer**

Hair:

-Giovanni Direct Leave-In ( Someone recommended this product and it is GREAT product....SUPER moisturizing)
-Eco Style Gel ( Just an all around good gel. But too much will make you hair hard)
-Aussie Conditioner-Moist ( Wonderful scent and I can use it for the conditioner only method)

Fashion:

-Rings and Pins ( I have been reunited with loving rings. Forever21 has the cutest!!!)
-Scarves ( They are FABULOUS on natural hair!!!)
-Jumpsuits/Romper ( Seriously I didn't think these would ever come back in style but I really like them and they are in season)