As a busy mommy, wife, and beauty lover, finding multipurpose items are my THING. Baby wipes doubling as makeup removers, body washes that can be used for shampoo, and foods that fit in my beauty regimen. Things that make me smile! I’m sure many of you can relate so I thought I put together a list and uses of 5 things you probably have in your kitchen RIGHT NOW that can be used to keep you looking fabulous…right in between cooking dinner ;).
Hello loves! As I’m getting better acquainted with my natural hair, I find myself falling in love with an ever growing list of favorite products. It’s a tough life being addicted to products. It is. Although I can indulge deeper than the best of them when it comes to new products, nothing tops finding an au naturale alternative that works just as good (if not better) than the most expensive beauty items. What am I speaking of? Essential oils! And there are 3 that you NEED in your life. Yes NEED. So let’s get familiar with them :).
1. Olive Oil ~ I have been a fan of olive oil since the beginning of my life. Lol okay that was extreme but I’m for real. Before this natural thing was cool I promise you I was using olive oil faithfully in my life. It is the perfect natural oil that you can use for everything. I’m talking sealant for you hair, moisturizing your cuticles, removing your makeup, creating lip scrubs and skin creams, and the list goes on. AND it’s full of Vitamin A & E sooo I’d say that’s a win 🙂
2. Coconut Oil ~ Another oil that I’m very familiar with is coconut oil. Â There’s literally like a hundred ways to use this oil for hair, skin, and beyond. You’ll most likely find it in many natural beauty products because…well…I mean it smells amazing but it’s also a great moisturizer and can penetrate hair better than other common oils. You can use coconut oil as a deep conditioner, makeup remover, prepoo, or skin moisturizer. And did I mention it smells good??
3. Argan Oil ~ My most recent discovery! I first heard the buzz surrounding argan oil back when I was in my curious phase on my hair journey. I was gathering as much info as I could and this particular oil kept coming up so I did my research on it. Argan oil is full of vitamins and antioxidants and you’re most likely to see it in hair products like serums. It helps with shine and to reduce frizz. You can also add argan oil to your skin care regimen for a boost of hydration.
These are just a few of my favorites but there are tons of essential oils and natural products that us beauties can benefit from! Sometimes the best in beauty isn’t found in your favorite department store ;).
Peace, Love, & Blessings
~
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Hello my lovely queens. So I’m about two weeks post big chop and the feelings of “what in the world did I just do” are finally subsiding. At the end of the day loves…it’s just hair. Or is it?
Chopping all your damn hair off is a pretty monumental moment. I mean, hair, as I referred to it in my last post, is your crown and glory. And people regard it as such. Not just for us naturals but for everyone. We spend millions on hair products whether it’s shea butter, relaxer, or brazilian remi, we take great pride in our hair. So to cut it…all…it’s a bold move. I had a come to Jesus moment staring at my reflection and kinky hair. There is no hiding at that moment queens. This is you.
What were my thoughts? Oh I touched on everything from what hashtag I can use on my instagram pics to dreaming of going to Africa. I’m weird like that though…my mind tends to wander. But in all honesty it got deep. Somewhere between what would people say, and I how I could explain my decision…I got to thinking. What am I defending? The natural hair that grows out of my head? My thinking that kinky hair is MY beautiful? I didn’t have to put chemicals in my hair, or iron it bone straight to fit a standard of beauty that was not me.
It got deeper though. I started to realize how crazy this whole thing really was. When I really started to think about it, it was upsetting. Why did brown women chemically relax and straighten our hair? Why was straight hair something to be admired and kinky hair frowned upon? Why are we changing who we are in order to feel beautiful? I thought about so many phrases and things people have said over my life in regards to hair. What’s “good” hair, and how to make your hair “look nice”. According to what standard though was the question. I concluded that it honestly didn’t matter. The hair that I was given WAS good. The way my hair grew from its roots LOOKED NICE. Period.
This is a journey, as you’ve probably heard many of us making the return to natural say. It’s a process that doesn’t end after you cut those last relaxed ends off. Honestly for me…it was actually just the beginning. Embracing my natural hair.
Peace, Love, & Blessings
~
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Hello loves! Today’s post is dedicated to my crown (I like the way that sounds 😉 )…also known as…my hair. For my new loves and old ones who have wondered what’s happened, let’s catch up shall we? I officially started my transition to natural hair in March. My initial plan was to transition for a year. I salute all you naturalistas that were able to big chop from the door but I was not ready for all of that! So I thought a year would give me enough time to grow my hair to what I thought would be a comfortable length. My transition was…”rocky” to say the least. You can read allll about my trials  and recent triumphs here. But I was determined and I’m not the kinda girl who gives up so I was going to do this. Around the six month mark (September) I started getting antsy. I mean not only was I thoroughly over the transition, I felt myself really straddling the fence on the whole thing altogether. Either I was going to DO this or I wasn’t. After weeks of failing twist outs, major breakage, and sad scraggly ends, I made my decision. I couldn’t do this anymore. While standing in front of mirror this past Saturday night. I did it. I big chopped.  I had finally returned to natural.
The first question I was asked was “So, how do you feel?” How DID I feel. I mean, I just chopped my hair off. All of it. I have maybe 3 solid inches of hair on my head. How do I feel?? Crazy. But liberated. It is gone. Those last strands of hair signified so much. Holding on to my previous images and thoughts of beauty. Holding on to the last part of security I really had when it came to my hair. This whole thing is way bigger than one simple little post. I have a million thoughts and feelings post big chop that I can’t wait to share with you all. From my thoughts on hair typing to my husbands overwhelming support of this all. I’ll be visiting those topics later and also adding more natural hair posts in general featuring my updated regimen, styles, new products, and more. For now, I’ll get it to it and let you guys get a sneak peek (and the very first introduction ever) of my baby fro. I like her <3.
I’m a natural girl now…what does that even mean? Am I part of #sheabutter Twitter? LOL you see where my priorities lie.
Peace, Love, & Blessings
~
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Happy Thursday Queens! My post earlier this week on my transition has me feeling all types of inspirational. My renewed sense of determination has me floating and I’m gonna bask in it as long as I possibly can. Or…at least until wash day. Oh wash day *sigh*. Anyway take a look a some of the most gawjus brown beauties to rock a natural crown like no other. I think I’m in loveeee.
In no particular order: The love of my life Erykah Badu, sister in my head Solange, the gorgeous Chrisette Michele, my best friend but she oeno Janelle Monae, my girlfriend Tracee Ellis Ross, and my favorite model everrr Yaya Dacosta <333
Happy Thursday Queens!
Peace, Love, & Blessings
~
**Stay Connected! Follow me on Twitter @thisbrownqueen & Instagram @tyshia_shante**
I had a different post written. I did. I had a whole other piece written on my feelings at this six month mark in my natural hair journey. I knew what I wanted to say, I took pen to pad and let it out. It was  indifferent. But that’s how I felt at that moment in my journey. I don’t know why I didn’t  post it. I guess I just didn’t like the language in it. It wasn’t exactly badly written…I just wasn’t keen of the way I was expressing my feelings. A week ago if you would have asked me about my transition I would have replied something like…”It’s going.” Truth is I was  at crossroads. Stuck somewhere between if this is really worth it and deciding if maybe a different time would be better. Basically I was at a stalemate. There was  nothing pulling me in one way or another and being the passionate person I am, that’s a bad place for me to be in. I absolutely hate feeling stuck.
I hadn’t been able to stick to a regimen. My life is so crazy I just couldn’t commit to anything. And anything I did try was so time consuming I couldn’t keep it up. So I wasn’t really making any progress with finding out what works for my hair. As a result I was still using products that probably weren’t the best fit for me because that’s what (insert any amazing hair envied blogger here) was using to achieve the most awesome fro ever. They were flourishing and I was not. So it was discouraging. It all seemed the same to me. Nothing made me feel like Yassss! Instead just meh. But I was  seeing the new growth and seeing my curl pattern….I could see the potential. I could see the possibilities. I just had no idea how to get  there and after six months I was  at the point that I was just doing this for the sake of doing it and thinking to myself I would look and feel so much better with a relaxer and a flat iron.
You know what I probably would have looked better though. Because I would have taken the time and effort into that, so my appearance would reflect that. The fact is I hadn’t been very persistent in my transition so I was not achieving results that I liked or didn’t like for that matter. I had to DO THIS or don’t. So over the weekend, I looked through my products for something I didn’t use. Something maybe I used  before I caught up in all the natural hype. I decided to take a real approach on this. Using the knowledge I learned so far and what I know about my hair, to really  figure out how to make this work for me. And then I had my first YASSSS moment. My first moment where I detangled my hair and it was actually detangled. The first moment I felt an instant change in my hair the moment the product touched it. The first time my hair ever was just like “HONEY CHILD this is it!” I was so excited. I mean ecstatic. Who knew a moment so small could mean so much? In that one moment I realized that I could do this. That I could make it. It was all about patience. And hence, this post was written.
I’m working on a new post for ya’ll with regimen and product details but like I mentioned I really don’t have one of those and I’m still stumbling and fumbling my way through this whole thing. But one thing is for certain, halfway through and I’ve finally had a breakthrough. Be encouraged queens!
Peace, Love, & Blessings
~
**Stay Connected! Follow me on Twitter @thisbrownqueen & Instagram @tyshia_shante**
Yasssss Bey! So if you didn’t know, Beyonce debuted her new hairstyle on Instagram with a series of candid photos. This elegant yet edgy short blond cut is something I honestly never expected from B and I am love, love. LOVING everything about it. I hope it’s here to stay! At least for awhile… Yasss Bey chic and stylish as ever!
Do you love this as much as I do?!
Peace & Love
~
Tyshia Shante
Founder and Editor of This Brown Queen
**Stay Connected! Follow me on Twitter @thisbrownqueen & Instagram @tyshia_shante**
As promised here is my complete update on my transition. I gave you guys my  quick 10 random things about my journey so far. If you haven’t read it make sure you check it out here. So now let’s get down to the nitty gritty. What’s life been like for THIS brown queen now that I’m transitioning. Let’s sum it in one word and say: Tough. Because Queens…it ain’t easy. But I’m getting there. With the summer upon us and the first heat wave in full effect here I’ve been keeping it simple, straight forward, and to the point.
What I’m Doing: I co wash weekly. That’s a given. Every other week I use shampoo. I needs shampoo. My hair just doesn’t act right without a cleanse. When I shampoo I make certain to prepoo for an hour and deep condition for at least an hour. Once a month or as needed I do a protein treatment. I don’t use ANY heat. At all. I stretch using my bun method and allow my hair a full 24 hours to dry. I’ve been rocking twist outs daily. Because I’m a rookie, I retwist every night. My hair just does not cooperate if it’s not retwisted each night. It’s fine though. I’ve gotten really quick with it. I moisturize EVERY DAY. This is a requirement. I’ve also been doing a personal castor oil challenge where I seal and apply castor oil to my edges every other day.
What I’m Using: If it weren’t for the fact that I’m on a strict budget I’d be a product junkie. And it would be bad. But I am, so I’m not. Thank God. So I’m pretty much using the same products I started off with. I use Tresemme Naturals Vibrantly Smooth Conditioner for co-washes and to detangle. For my deep condition I use Pantene Truly Natural Deep Conditioner. When I wash I use Tresemme Naturals Vibrantly Smooth (low sulfate) Shampoo, or depending on the state of my hair Pantene Truly Natural Clarifying Shampoo. I use ORS replenishing pack for my protein treatment. As for stylers…eh I could use some help. They just don’t seem to do it for me. So I don’t really use anything except the Motions Define My Curl Creme. It does the job and helps my edges smooth down. Win win. Prepoos are a simple honey and coconut oil mixture. My moisturizer is WATER. I seal with JBCO or EVOO. Dassit!
My Thoughts: JBCO works. I’m serious. If you haven’t tried it you should. My edges fell out something serious after I gave birth to my prince and the JBCO brought them back to life! I love it.
For ME, less is more. I can’t tell you how many YouTube videos I’ve watched with like a hundred million steps and their hair comes out looking flawless and then I try it and my hair comes out looking…messed up. Less steps, less products, less doing equals better results for me.
I’m having an increasingly difficult time dealing with my new, new, and more new growth and the difference it is between my relaxed ends. I’m determined to go at least a year transitioning but it is NO. JOKE.
So that’s where I’m at now. I’m about to get my Poetic Justice on and get box braids for a few weeks to give me and her a much needed break. I’ll post pics when they’re done (yes I’m doing them myself duh…you can everything with YouTube 😉 )
So that’s 3 down, 9 to go! I hope ya’ll enjoying my journey so. As always PLEASE don’t be anti social and let me know if you have any tips, tricks, or advice! It’s much appreciated!
Peace, Love, & Blessings
~
Tyshia Shante
Founder & Editor of This Brown Queen
**Stay Connected! Follow me on Twitter @thisbrownqueen & Instagram @tyshia_shante**
So I’m into my 3rd month on my transition to natural hair. It’s probably one of the hardest, liberating, refreshing, dramatic, and frustrating things I have ever attempted. I’m learning. I’m failing. I’m learning some more. I’m failing again. Repeat. I’m going to post my official regimen and current products soon but since it’s been a minute since I’ve updated you guys on my crown I decided to give you guys this quick update on THIS curly queens transition. Ready, set, GO.
1. My edges stand alone. They are independent. They don’t care what the rest of the team is doing. They gonna do them.
2. She likes water for moisture. Dassit. Mixing with anything else serves no purpose. Don’t add any oil. Leave the conditioner out. Plain old water is what she likes.
3. I don’t have a hair type. I have hair TYPES. The middle is reckless. I’d say 4B. The sides and front on some days can legit qualify as 3C. The rest 4A. So yea. That’s at least 3. And I’m sure there are some more I didn’t come across yet.
4. I have YET to find THE ONE. You know the product I can’t live without, swear by, staple, whatever you wanna call it. I have not found it.
5. My ends will be the END of me.
6. I’m literally going on at least 10 weeks heat free! If nothing else this is a HUGE accomplishment for me.
7. I think other people like my hair more than I do some days. Don’t get me wrong I LOVE my hair but I get those awkward moments where I’m just like…O_O but then someone is like GURRRLLL your hair and then I’m like 😀
8. If I don’t prep my hair at night, there is NO hope, absolutely NO HOPE for the next day. Don’t even try. Wear a hat, turban, or just stay in the house. Don’t do it.
9. I must not be detangling right. It doesn’t take me long at all. So I must be missing something…right?
10. I don’t know how to “save” my twistouts. Yup I retwist every night. Bad news: I retwist every night. We covered that. Good news: I can do it fast now. Like REAL fast.
That’s all I got for now. Regimen, products, and more coming soon.
Peace, Love, & Blessings,
~
This Brown Queen
As most of you know, I’m about 2 months into my journey of transitioning to natural hair and I have my good days and bad. I think it’s safe to assume that, anyone who has been on this journey experiences moments in the beginning where you’re just not sure. Not sure about a lot things. If you’re me, your unsureness would go something like: Am I using the right products? Will this leave in work? Did I do those twists right? Does this bantu knot look nice? Do I look crazy? Why am I doing this? Whatever the case may be, you go through it. This past weekend, I was having a particularly rough time with my twist out. I’m somewhere between the point where, I “like” my natural texture, but I still don’t really know how to handle it. I’m wishing that I could just NOT have the relaxed ends anymore because they make me frustrated. I find myself trying out styles and loving the natural curl pattern at the root and just being utterly disappointed at how my relaxed ends just don’t hold up. BUT I still can’t really grasp the idea of cutting it all off. It’s a catch 22 I tell ya.
So, I did a twist out using my method that I talked about here. It was a success! I was feeling pretty confident and loving my big hair, don’t care. The Mr. was loving it. I was feeling myself…And then I had an interesting moment with my 4 year old prince. Now in case you’re new around here, I used to be relaxed, super relaxed, like every 4 – 6 weeks touch up relaxed. Thought I was gone with the wind fabulous *insert Kenya twirl*. This is the mother my son always saw. So now 2 months in to my natural journey…my prince spoke up. We’re in the car and he says “Mommy? Are you going to get you’re hot bun back?” (that’s what he calls a bun). I say “Why? You don’t like my hair?” Prince Shawn replies in a ever so sweet way “Well…I do…but…your hair just looks a little crazy.”
Now. HOW would my son know what crazy looks like? I feel it’s safe to assume that his idea of “crazy” had to come, at least in part, from me. I felt disappointed. I had inadvertly taught my son the very thing that I was now trying to go against. Why must my natural hair look crazy? I thought I was WERKING it. And I WAS.
That brief, and probably super insignificant to him, conversation got me thinking. What am I teaching my sons about natural hair. I’m the first woman they encounter in life. What do I want them to learn? To remember? It’s definitely not that natural hair looks crazy. So while I’m still unsure on many things, what I am sure of is I’m on the right journey!
Peace, Love, & Blessings,
~
This Brown Queen
This Brown Queen 