UPDATE ON MY HAIR

So I am off to get my hair done for the first time since Labor Day weekend. I  am in dying need of a trim. I don't want to get it done right now b/c it's gonna mess up the results of my 30 day Hairfinity test BUT the trim is more important.

My next two obstacles that I look forward to trying are the henna and no heat styling. One of my new years resolutions is to try to maintain hair styles that requires no heat. I don't know how long I can go without my hair being straight but I am about to put myself to the test. My hair probably would have seen more growth but due to frequent coloring and heat, I may have stumped it's growth (although it is growing).

Oh, also my next product that I'm going to pick up and try my twist out with is Deva Care One Conditioner. I am hearing nothing but great reviews about this stuff....so I have to try it for myself. They have a whole line of products.

So I will post pics of my hair when I leave the salon.....CHOW,

 FRONT VIEW (IDK WHAT IS WRONG WITH THESE PICTURES)

 SIDE VIEW

BACK VIEW

PJ1, Chan

GROWING UP TRYING TO KEEP MY GOOD HAIR..

For my whole life I have always measured my beauty on my hair. When I was a child I wanted long, straight, beautiful "white" hair- which is a tall order considering I have curly kinky hair by nature. So the better part of my childhood was spent in a salon chair, with a straightening comb burning my hair and ears...lol. When I was 15, my grandmother sent me to the hair dresser with what she thought was my mothers blessing to get me a perm...LOL...My mother had no idea and when I came home she was so mad at both of us but I did not care GIRLS...MY HAIR WAS SOOOOO STRAIGHT AND I WAS HOOKED EVER SINCE then TO THE CREAMY CRACK. As the boys LOVED IT TOO And the compliments never stopped coming about how pretty I WAS AND HOW BEAUTIFUL MY LOCKS WERE.... It was a falsehood as it was not my hair  it was  limp and fine no life in it at all. I killed my hair when I was 14. Im a murderer...LMBO
And then there was my braid phase, and although braids are easy for day to day living- literally wash and wear- having to sit in a salon chair for 8 hours while synthetic hair is fastened to my head and the resulting migraine, is not for the faint of heart; neither is the $350 price tag.
After years of braids and hair loss, I had the loveliest WEAVES ever; they were beautiful. But because the hair gods love to tease me, it did not last long. Somewhere along the line, my hair started to break, and my once beautiful hair became a broken, tangles mess; and when the hair was gone, so was my confidence. I realize how foolish it is to allow something as simple as hair to dictate how I feel about myself, but since I was young I have always craved "good hair"; and taken drastic measures to achieve it- why else would I put relaxer ie. lye in my hair.?
One day I just decided to do it and cut it all off; the thought running through my mind being " what would I be without my hair?" And that thought stayed with me for weeks. Why do I feel the need to be defined by hair? I am a mother,  friend, and daughter; I am creative, witty, stylish and happy. None of which are measured by the strands of waste sprouting from my head.
I am TAHIRA-PJ-4; I am not my hair.
I know this because I cut it all off!!

I AM NOT MY HAIR VIDEO WITH INDIA ARIE AND AKON

I LOVE THIS VIDEO AS IT IS HOW I THINK ALOT OF US THAT ARE GOING THRU THIS TRANSITION FEEL.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_5jIt0f5Z4

ARTICLE FROM ESSENCE MAGAZINE

"You have natural hair, so you're naturally about Black empowerment."

This was a statement made to me by a random person. Someone who knew absolutely nothing about me other than my name and what he could see with his eyes. Yes, I proudly sport a TWA (teeny weeny afro) and yes I'm about Black empowerment, but the two things are mutually exclusive.
Making an assumption like this isn't only troublesome for natural women but to non-naturals as well. If a sister who embraces her kinky curls is assumed to be pro-empowerment, does that mean women with relaxers or weaves are anti-Black? Of course not.Though afros may be associated with the I'm Black and I'm Proud era, for some women it's simply about aesthetics. Some were tired of using harsh chemicals. Some wanted to see what their hair would look and feel like without being manipulated. And some just like the look. Every woman has a different reason behind her hair-story.
Women with relaxers rarely, if ever, have to deal with presumptions about their character based on how they wear their hair. However, it seems many people create a mental outline of a woman who choose to go natural. She's a kente cloth wearing, incense burning, India Arie listening, tofu eating, hater of any woman who uses the "creamy crack. Not necessarily so. There's no singular set of beliefs we all share.
Though some (close-minded) napturals look down on women who choose to get relaxers, for most this isn't the case. The natural versus relaxed divide is one that shouldn't exist and for most women it doesn't. Choosing to rock our hair exactly as it sprouts from our scalp doesn't make us any more intelligent or liberated. I've seen natural sisters (and especially brothers) get baffling looks from onlookers who see a non-Black male or female on their arm. Does a 'fro or locs mean this person can't be an equal opportunity dater? Or is it just assumed this person is so pro their own, that they'd never date outside the race? In the same way that hair doesn't determine someone's political stance, it certainly doesn't dictate a code to dating.
Hair is just a style, not a predetermined lifestyle.This may be hard for some people to understand, especially with the intense online community that includes hundreds of forums, blogs and YouTube channels devoted to naturals. There's a certain solidarity among us because we understand common struggles (how to maintain moisturized tresses, where to find a salon that doesn't charge insane prices, etc.). But just like any group, it's comprised of individuals who are varied in thoughts and beliefs. No two coils are alike.

So what does natural hair say about a woman?

Absolutely nothing other than she likes the style she's currently sporting. Maybe she'll switch it up one day or maybe she'll forever be natural, but either way, it doesn't dictate who or what she is.

WHAT DO YOU THINK FELLOW BLOGGERS????????

PEACE OUT PJ4-TAHIRA

PIC OF THE DAY

PEACE IM OUT...PJ-4 TAHIRA

I AM IN LOVE.........

With KISS MY FACE Shampoo and Conditioner. It is sulfate and paraben free and totally organic description for both follows below. I got this at SHOPRITE in the organic aisle but i also see you can order it from there website as well. It was on sale for 4.50 for each. But the original price was 9.00 for each. BUT I AM STICKING WITH IT AS THIS IS THE BEST ONE I have found so far.Also they have a gel, I will try it and let all you product junkies know what that is like.

Whenever shampoo gently and thoroughly cleanses your hair without stripping or drying and soothes your scalp with pure essential oils and organic herbs. Especially great for the very sensitive shampooer. It's as effective as it is good for your hair, leaving your locks luminous. The unique, natural aromas will leave you exhilarated.
- for everyday use
- moisture balancing
- appropriate for all hair types

GOOD FOR YOU BECAUSE...Wheat Protein: helps lock in moisture for the hair
Nettle: stimulates hair growth and improves the condition of the scalp
Sage: promotes hair growth

INGREDIENTS:Certified Organic Floral Water of Rosemary, Chamomile, Lemon Balm, Water, Infusion of Organic Herbs of Nettle, Olive Leaf, Calendula, Sage, Lavender, Certified Organic Aloe Vera, Olefin Sulfonate, Cocomidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Sea Salt, Caprylic Acid, Glycine, Lavender Oil, Green Tea Extract, Wheat Protein, Tocopherol, Lime Oil, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid

Conditioner leaves my hair soooooo soft and tangle free and it curls without me putting any gel on it at allllllllll I LOVE THIS PRODUCT LINE

Formulated for daily use, Whenever conditioner restores the hair's vitality and replenishes lost nutrients. The organic botanicals and pure essential oils nourish and strengthen hair while improving manageability, diminishing tangles and split ends, leaving your locks flexible, full and healthier than ever. The scent-uous aromatherapeutic® essential oil blend will leave you uplifted and exhilarated.
- for everyday use
- enhanced nourishment
- appropriate for all hair types

GOOD FOR YOU BECAUSE...Wheat Protein: helps lock in moisture and smooths the hair shaft
Horsetail: adds shine and elasticity
Thyme: promotes a healthy scalp

INGREDIENTS:Certified Organic Floral Waters of Lavender, Hibiscus, Lemongrass, Water, Infusion of Certified Organic Herbs of Horsetail, Rose Hips, Lemon, Red Raspberry, Thyme, Certified Organic Aloe Vera, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Glycerin, Stearalkonium Chloride, Certified Organic Jojoba Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth 20, Lavender Oil, Green Tea Extract, Certified Organic Sunflower Oil, Wheat Protein, Wheat Amino Acids, Tocopherol, Lecithin, Panthenol, Lime Oil, Caprylic Acid, Glycine, Guar, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid
PEACE IM OUT...PJ-4 TAHIRA

VIDEO TRANSITIONING STYLES

Hey,
 I just wanted to post this video I came across on youtube from LoveIslandBeauty...She is in the middle of transitioning. I love this video because she gives you lots of different hair styles you can do while transitioning AND being completely natural. (not to mention they all look quick and easy).....Sometimes we run out of ideas and we get frustrated with our hair...I would recommend on your down time to watch a few of theses tutorials.....Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkGs7ErLb5Q