Feb 17, 2012
Lovely Lovelyne's Locs
Name: Lovelyne Pinder
Age: 30
From: Miami, Fl
KiK: What is your daily hair routine?
LP: I really don't have a daily grind when i wake up in the morning i spray my hair with (shea moisture) hold and shine spray and stick my hair in a pony tail. I wash every other week, I retwist most of the time if i'm not feeling lazy.
KiK: How long have you had your locs and why did you decide to get them?
LP: I've had my locs for 3 years and 5 months, I decided to get them because, I was upset with my hair for a long time, Until I got fed up and decided to chop off my permed hair and start my hair using the comb coil method, Also my husband has locs so he sort of persuaded me in that direction.
KiK: How did you start your locs?
LP: A loctian in my area started my locs using the comb coils.
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| Lovelyne's hair in the early days |
KiK: Okay. So how do you maintain your hair now?
LP: I wash my hair every other week or sometimes I'll wait every three weeks depending on how my hair looks and feels , I use the organic root stimulator to retwist my hair. I just started a deep cleansing method on my locs using baking soda and apple cider vinegar, I also use a deep masque treatment by (shea moisture) in my hair once a month.
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| Lovelyn's Locs |
KiK: Looking back, would you do anything different if you could start your journey over again?
LP: I would start it out a bit smaller but I would never cut my hair.
LP: Every now and then I would style my hair using perm rods, foam rollers etc. I would try a couple of flat twist on the side of my hair, or put my hair in a pony when I don't want to bother with my hair, My loctian started my hair using the two strand twist method. I see my locs reaching down my waist in the next five years lol.
KiK: Where can we keep up with your hair journey?
LP: You can follow me on Fotki at fotki.com/lovely1981.
Feb 16, 2012
More Natural Hairstyle Inspiration from Nappstar
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| http://www.whatsnappstar.com/ |
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| http://www.whatsnappstar.com/ |
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| http://www.whatsnappstar.com/ |
Feb 14, 2012
Tragus Piercing 101: How to Clean and Care for Your Tragus Piercing
I got my left tragus pierced and went back to have the right one done. It is by far my favourite piercing. I've gotten a lot of questions from friends, family and even strangers about it so I thought I'd do a frequently asked questions post.
What kind of piercing is that?
Did it Hurt?
Check out the video at the end of this post. A tragus piercing hurts less than a very heavy book falling on your toe. Hahaha. In a nutshell, I think 30-45 seconds of moderate pain is a small price to pay for a nice piercing.
Why did you pierce your tragus?
I pierced my tragus for the same reason I pierced my earlobes...twice. I thought it was cute. lol.
How long does it take to heal?
It's hard to say since this varies from person to person. I did both ears and one healed about 4 months before the other which superficially healed after 4 weeks. In general though, it should take about 6-12 months to fully heal. Most people suggest waiting at least 6 months to change your ring.
What size needle/gauge should I ask for?
YOu should really read up on gauges. It's too much for me to get into right now. Nevertheless
How do you care it while it's healing?
Melt a few crystals of sea salt (no iodine) into warm water. Next apply it using a cotton swab. Be sure to get the water in the front and back of the piercing. Do this in the morning and in the night and remember to never touch your piercing with dirty hands. Frankly, avoid touching it any at all.
What do I do if I get a bump at my piercing site or have an infected tragus piercing?
If you notice a bump on your piercing or any oozing from infection, follow the previous cleansing routine. Next, use a cotton swab to lightly dry the site, then follow up with a dab of tea trea oil on the front and back. You will Do this at morning and night. DO NOT REMOVE THE RING IF YOU HAVE A BUMP. It will possibly never go away and you will leave the piercing site even more susceptible to infection.
When can I change my ring?
I changed mine after about 4 months but it's best to wait between 6 and 12 months.
Why did you pierce both sides?
Why not? Hehehe. As you can see in the picture above, you can't see the piercing head on. So you're only seeing one at a time anyway. So I figured, why not pierce both. I think it's just the cutest thing so I like it to be seen as much as possible.
Tips!
It's called a tragus piercing. See the picture below.
Did it Hurt?
Check out the video at the end of this post. A tragus piercing hurts less than a very heavy book falling on your toe. Hahaha. In a nutshell, I think 30-45 seconds of moderate pain is a small price to pay for a nice piercing.
Why did you pierce your tragus?
I pierced my tragus for the same reason I pierced my earlobes...twice. I thought it was cute. lol.
How long does it take to heal?
It's hard to say since this varies from person to person. I did both ears and one healed about 4 months before the other which superficially healed after 4 weeks. In general though, it should take about 6-12 months to fully heal. Most people suggest waiting at least 6 months to change your ring.
What size needle/gauge should I ask for?
YOu should really read up on gauges. It's too much for me to get into right now. Nevertheless
How do you care it while it's healing?
Melt a few crystals of sea salt (no iodine) into warm water. Next apply it using a cotton swab. Be sure to get the water in the front and back of the piercing. Do this in the morning and in the night and remember to never touch your piercing with dirty hands. Frankly, avoid touching it any at all.
What do I do if I get a bump at my piercing site or have an infected tragus piercing?
If you notice a bump on your piercing or any oozing from infection, follow the previous cleansing routine. Next, use a cotton swab to lightly dry the site, then follow up with a dab of tea trea oil on the front and back. You will Do this at morning and night. DO NOT REMOVE THE RING IF YOU HAVE A BUMP. It will possibly never go away and you will leave the piercing site even more susceptible to infection.
When can I change my ring?
I changed mine after about 4 months but it's best to wait between 6 and 12 months.
Why not? Hehehe. As you can see in the picture above, you can't see the piercing head on. So you're only seeing one at a time anyway. So I figured, why not pierce both. I think it's just the cutest thing so I like it to be seen as much as possible.
Tips!
- While waiting on your piercing to heal, wear your hair up and away from your ears so that you don't get oil or other bacteria/products from your hair up against it. Sadly, my hair snagged out my piercing a few too many times.
- Get a ring with a hook on the end or use a hoop earring. It lessens the likelihood of your hair pulling your ring out. Talk to your piercer to discuss your options before you get started.
- Go to a professional shop. Do not attempt this on your own and do not use alchohol to try to heal your piercing. Simply put, it doesn't work.
Inspiration: I Have Depth Perception Issues
What is your limitation to being who you want to be or having what you want to have? There is always a reason... a really good reason for which you can't achieve something. It usually isn't very hard to find these excuses reasons too. Well, today I chose to have depth perception issues. Yup. Watch the video to see what inspired my issues this morning.
Feb 13, 2012
KinkyCurl's Lovely Locs
Name: Kinkycurl
Age: 29
From: Georgia, Atlanta, USA
Daily Grind: Photographer
Locked Since: July 2010
KiK: Why did you decide to lock your hair?
KC: I decided to lock my hair because honestly I wanted a low maintenance lifestyle. I always admired the looks of locs and how they really made women look like queens.
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| KinkyCurl's natural hair before locs |
KiK: Well, do you ever miss your loose natural hair though?
KC: At times I miss my natural hair. There are times that I wanted to have my cute curls, then I quickly get over it when I remember how time consuming it was to actually style my natural hair.
KiK: I know exactly how you feel. So, tell us more about what method you used to start your locs?
KC: My locs were started by a Jamaican woman. She looked at my hair and stated because of the texture of my hair backcombing was ideal. I had been turned down by three locticians before then who said my hair wasn't "nappy" enough. But, I think they were afraid to try. She backcombed my hair and palm rolled each section. This made the locs look more mature and allowed the hair to stay together.
KiK: We Jamaicans know our stuff then, right? (wink) Anyway. So how do you maintain your hair now?
KC: I oil, oil, oil!!!! I wash my hair once every three weeks with Taliah Waajid products and condition maybe once every two months. For my hair, I have learned that conditioning isn't necessary every time I wash. I don't do many updos. I am very afraid of my hair breaking around my temple area so I mainly keep my hair down.
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| The texture of KinkyCurl's Locs |
KiK: If you could lock your hair again, what would you do differently?
KC: If I could lock my hair, I wouldn't do anything differently, I love them!!!
KiK: Great! Do you think you will ever cut or cut off your locs to go back to loose hair?
KC: One day I may cut my hair. NOT NOW! I am enjoying what I have at this present moment.....I think they are absolutely divine!!
KiK: Tell us more about your profession?
KC: I am a professional photographer. I was always into art and bought my first camera and started to snap pics. Before long, I had people calling and asking me to take pictures of them. It turned into a business, and in 5 years I hope to own my own studio
KiK: OK lady, where online can we follow you and your loc journey?
KC: You may find my loc journey on fotki.com/kinkycurl :)
Feb 12, 2012
Q&A Sunday: Should I Interlock on Wet or Dry Hair?
I've heard so many opinions but I want yours. I've been locked for about 2 months. Is it better to interlock my locks on dry or wet hair?
Answer
It's better to interlock on damp hair. Keep reading to find out why.
Wet hair tends to be very elastic in nature. You are likely to interlock and feel fine but once your hair is dry, the hair at the root shrinks up feels really tight which can cause fine bumps and possibly eventually cause permanent hair loss. Interlocking on dry hair makes hair less pliable. This often results in broken strands and loose hairs after all the manipulation to the hair that causes the snapping and cracking of delicate strands. This can also result in loose hairs at the root that cannot be caught into the lock because it is broken and too short to incorporate until it grows out. That is not a cute look.
Damp hair is the best of both worlds. Your hair is damp/wet enough to be pliable but not too stretchy and wet to cause you to interlock too tightly and your hair won't snap and break like it does when interlocking on dry hair.
Feb 11, 2012
Feb 10, 2012
Sandy Salty Beach Water and Locking Hair
I went to the beach the other day. The sea was fairly rough but the salt water splashing against my in-need-of-a-massage-back was all I wanted that day. The second I got out of the car, however, I was met by sand beneath my feet... that may eventually get into my hair. This isn't usually a bad thing but now that I am trying to lock my hair, I was concerned.
Now, a lot of people suggest salt water for encouraging a speedy locking process. I don't like the idea. You basically dissolve sea salt in warm water, cool, then add to your locs (oil optional). My locs, to me, are still hair to be nurtured. I still want some amount of softness and the friends should not feel like they are touching steel wool when they touch my hair. I like the idea of moisturizing and having the softest locs possible. Sea salt can be very drying to both the scalp and the hair strands. Nevertheless, here are some other ideas on salt water and locs.
Feb 8, 2012
Natural Hair and Natural Hair Oils
I've spoken about oils before on this blog but thought that it would be good to feature the following videos that discuss uses of oil for natural hair care. KiK will post all of the videos on the oil series.
Feb 6, 2012
KiK Chats with Transitioner, Peeks of The Mo-Am Network
You may know Peeks for her uninhibited style and fun personality on youtube.com/moaamnetwork but Peeks is a showstopper to be known wherever she goes. Keep reading to find out how she is keeping focused on keeping her hair kinky during her journey to natural hair.
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| Peeks of The Mo-Am Network on keepitkinky.blogspot.com |
Name: Peeks
From: UK London but born in Scotland (Nigerian eh eh)
Last Relaxer: April 2010
Daily Grind: Professional blogger/graphic & web designer/presenter
Last Relaxer: April 2010
Daily Grind: Professional blogger/graphic & web designer/presenter
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| Peeks experimenting with hair colour with relaxed hair |
KiK: How long have you been natural and what inspired the transition?
Peeks: After much experimenting, weave, colour & relaxer I put my hair through the mill and had a looot of breakage! I was also getting really bored of relaxing my hair & started researching going natural & thought – sod it, I can do this, plus I never had long natural hair EVER so I was really curious how it would look on me. After experimenting with afro wigs I then decided to take the plunge and go natural in April 2010. Woop woop! ;p
KiK: Did you Big Chop (BC) or transition and why?
Peeks: After much experimenting, weave, colour & relaxer I put my hair through the mill and had a looot of breakage! I was also getting really bored of relaxing my hair & started researching going natural & thought – sod it, I can do this, plus I never had long natural hair EVER so I was really curious how it would look on me. After experimenting with afro wigs I then decided to take the plunge and go natural in April 2010. Woop woop! ;p
KiK: Did you Big Chop (BC) or transition and why?
Peeks: Oh gosh, I’m totally transitioning I really hate short hair
on me (love it on others), I have a pea head you see. lol. I had a big chop once
due to blonde hair & relaxer gone very wrong, warning do not attempt you
will have no hair! Eeeek, that’s what happened to me, I had to cut my hair,
but hated having short hair. I still relaxed as I didn’t even think at that
point to go natural, so this time I’m a transitioning sista !
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| Peeks showing her new growth while transitioning to natural hair |
KiK: So, the question everyone asks - what is your hair regimen?
Peeks: You can just
give us a brief summary. Well I
normally wash my hair every 7-10 days depending on what styles I’ve been doing.
I love olive oil shampoo &
conditioner. I don’t wrap my hair
but I also put some product in at night and massage a lil. For that I usually
use olive oil, carrot cream or shea butter.
KiK: Was it easier to maintain your hair when it was relaxed?
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| Peeks' rollerset on transitioning hair looks great |
KiK: Was it easier to maintain your hair when it was relaxed?
Peeks: Yes I had been relaxed for yeeeears. And yes it was so much easier to
maintain & honestly that is the hardest part of going natural, it’s a whole
different approach to managing, styling, products… everything. You really need
to learn and understand how to play this new afro game, its like having a baby
to tend to.
KiK: Thanks for being so honest. lol. It was hard for me too. Will you ever flat-iron or relax your hair?
KiK: Thanks for being so honest. lol. It was hard for me too. Will you ever flat-iron or relax your hair?
Peeks: I wont go back to relaxer but
I do use flat irons and hairdryers, it just depends on what I want to do with
my hairstyle. Just because I am going natural doesn’t mean I never want to rock
a straight or wavy look, to me it’s the best of both worlds as I now have added
volume because of the re-growth.
KiK: What do you wish you knew when you just started to go natural?
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| Peeks showing off her picked out fro |
KiK: What do you wish you knew when you just started to go natural?
Peeks: Hmmm. You
deffo have to be mentally ready to do it, I would say spend some time
researching and learning how to keep & grow natural hair. I find my hair
needs constant moisture. Oh and
keep encouraged, look for hairstyles for variouse hair length stages so you don’t get bored, if
you miss having length cause you did a big chop or your hair grows slow aint no
shame in using hair pieces or wigs till you feel comfortable, do what works for
you gurl!
KiK: Before you go, what are your three favorite natural products?
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| Peeks shows off a natural-looking wig |
Peeks: I loooove
aloe vera, my goodness did it stop my hair breakage and shedding! I use it in
gel form from Holland & barrott. Shea butter and water, I feel a lil water
stops it from feeling so dry and helps absorb the products I use.
KiK: Is there anywhere online that we can keep up with your hair or life journey?
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| Another wig Peeks wears to keep it fun while maintaining her natural hair |
KiK: Is there anywhere online that we can keep up with your hair or life journey?
Peeks: Yeeeah! I have a youtube channel and website. I’m sharing my journey
and also picking up tips from my lovely subscribers, big shout out to them mwah,
x.
Youtube/moamnetwork (search for peeks natural hair journey)
Braidocs 101: The What, Why and How of Braidlocs
Feb 3, 2012
Work Outfit: Black, Grey and Pink
Feb 2, 2012
Jamaica 50 Inspired (Jordana and China Glaze) Nails
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| Manicure inspired by Jamaica's 50th Year of Independence |
It's an exciting time for Jamaica. This year, 2012, Jamaica celebrates it's 50th year of political independence. The island is having a year of celebration mode while awaiting our Independence Day. Keep It Kinky, a Jamaica-based blog, will feature several black green and gold/yellow coloured nails as a way of joining in on the celebrations for 2012.
Polishes Used:
- Orly, Top and Bottom (base coat)
- China Glaze, Electric Pineapple
- Jordana, Real Green
- (optional crackle polish) Colour Club, Black Crackle
- Orly, Won't Chip (long-lasting top-coat)
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The Jamaica National Flag
"The Jamaica National Flag was first raised on Independence Day, August 6, 1962. It signifies the birth of our nation.
"The Jamaica National Flag was first raised on Independence Day, August 6, 1962. It signifies the birth of our nation.
Symbolism
“The sun shineth, the land is green and the people are strong and creative” is the symbolism of the colours of the flag. Black depicts the strength and creativity of the people; Gold, the natural wealth and beauty of sunlight; and green, hope and agricultural resources.
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