Back in May 2020 I, like many other Black girls going through the pandemic and quarantine, realized I finally needed to learn how to do my own box braids. This was my first time doing DIY box braids and after rocking them for 2 weeks, I wanted to share my beginner tips to help (and encourage) other newbies who were curious about doing their own #QuarantineBraids.
I'm still lowkey shook that I actually did my own jumbo box braids and that they didn't look like trash!
Have you tried doing your own #QuarantineBraids? What tips have you learned?
Last month when I was in Chicago, I got knotless box braids for the first time... and after only having them for 12 hours, I fell in love. HARD! Although I live in Seattle now, Chicago is still my hometown and I wanted to spread the word about where everyone should go to get the best #KnotlessBoxBraids in the city!
I got my braids done by a woman on the North Side named Mimi (IG:@mibelle_beauty). I was referred to her by a girlfriend whose knotless box braids looked amazing (I was obsessed with them) and she told me she'd gotten referred to Mimi after asking a random girl in the bathroom who did her braids. Do you follow all of that? I know it's a bit extra. All of this is to say, referrals are powerful when your work speaks for itself... and so many amazing things can happen in the women's bathroom!
I've had braids a million times over the years, so I considered myself a bit of a pro going into this experience. Still, my mind was blown wide open when I finally experienced knotless box braids for the first time. I filmed this video to capture the true essence of my joy because I knew typing out a blog post alone wouldn't do them any justice.
Leave it to an amazing braiding experience to really make me blow the dust off my blog... even if statistics show that people only read on average for 17 mins a day, vs 2.5 hours/day spent watching their content (read: why I originally posted this video to Instagram weeks ago lol).
I've already referred a few folks to Mimi via Instagram, but I love making hair content available online (plus for SEO) to make it more accessible to people outside of Instagram.
The best way to reach Mimi is via her IG account (you can DM her). Note that a deposit is required to book with her (deposit is applied towards your final cost). She's located on the North Side of Chicago and braids out of her home. I thought her service was super professional and I appreciated her patience working with me via IG to solidify details (size of braids, size of parts, hair color(s) to use). I also loved that her work was extremely consistent! If you end up booking with Mimi, tell her I sent you!
Tip: Whenever you're booking with a stylist, it's nice to show them inspo pics of work they've actually done when you're going to them for a particular style. It shows that you've done your research and are coming to this because they're strong in the area of your desired style.
Remember back in the day when every natural hair bloggers was obsessed with doing length checks? When I was at the height of my hair blogging days (read: back when I used to be a vlogger for NaturallyCurly.com), I never really got into doing length checks. I remember debating if I should hop onto that wave (it seemed like standard natural hair content folks wanted to consume), but always felt so many of us were consumed (in an unhealthy way) with growth and yearning for our hair to reach that magical "BSL" (bra strap length) that I doubt many enjoyed the journey transitioning to natural hair and all the stages of growth.
If you went natural before 2012, think back and try to remember how many times you enjoyed the process of transitioning, doing a big chop, learning the quirks of your kinks or curls... how many can you recall? When I think about it I am flooded with memories of being a product junkie on a never-ending search to find the magic cocktail of products that would ultimately make my hair look like something other than what it actually was. So many moments of frustration, sprinkled with a few highs of nailing a style and feeling the f*ck out of myself. It all makes me chuckle now, but there was such a huge disconnect between learning to love and accept my natural, natural hair... not just idolizing some "perfect twist-out." I'm seriously a whole grown ass woman and JUST mastered a wash 'n go. Just fell DEEP in love with my natural hair in its natural state, with minimal manipulation. I'm talking about a REAL wash 'n go where you wash your hair, maybe add 1-2 products tops, shake and go!
I hope this doesn't sound like I pulled out my megaphone and high horse... but every time I rock a wash 'n go nowadays it blows my mind how adamant I was that this style was NOT for me. Never. Ever. I'd spent a lifetime not knowing my natural hair, spent all of 2 seconds with it and determined what "didn't work." Life is funny and time (and age) is a blessing.
Anyways, last month as I was getting ready in Vegas and admiring my curls, I felt inspired to film a quick video showing how I air dry my hair and use a diffuser to add volume! What makes all of this even better? The fact I've been getting curly haircuts by Alexis @ Coven Salon in the Montlake neighborhood of Seattle. Alexis is a dope chick, the co-owner of the salon and my go-to person for curly haircuts and hair color. Also - when your stylist has healthy, beautifully cut and colored curls and edges that are thriving, you trust her!
Don't know what a "curly hair cut" is? I'm sure the concept of a cutting curly hair while in its curly state has existed as long as people have had curly hair... but in terms of what's relevant to our generation, the curly haircut was coined by DevaCurl and the DevaChan salon in 1994!
What works for me may not work for you. With that said, this is what has been working for me and giving me SOLID results each time:
1) Wetting hair in shower and using a bit of Aussie Miracle Moist conditioner. to detangle/refresh curls. It has the perfect amount of thickness and slip, and my hair soaks this stuff up!
2) I usually finger detangle and if necessary use my shower comb to rake through my hair while it's under running water. This is also when I choose where I'd like my part to be (I usually rock bangs, but still choose a side to part my hair on for bangs to dry correctly). Getting the base "shape" for my hair while I'm still in the shower, with freshly detangled hair, under running water with SOAKING WET HAIR is the key for me.
3) When I get out of the shower I typically have wet hair (not soaking - I do a light wring on it) and then apply whatever product I'd like to it. Right now I'm mainly using only 1 product - DevaCurl's Super Stretch! I rake it through my hair and it's pretty amazing. If my hair is feeling a little dry (I just got fresh balayage color), I'll follow-up with a bit of Camille Rose Naturals Herbal Tea Seal & Soften. A little goes a long way.
4) Turn on a good playlist and shake, shake SHAKE my hair
5) I suggest waiting for your hair to be at least 75% dry (if not more) before using your diffuser. I extend my hair from the root, but do not disrupt the curls. I make sure the heat of the diffuser is hitting my roots and volume/lift is added at the roots.
If all of that still has your spinning, eyes rolling or you just prefer a visual, check out the video below! Also - for everyone who has said a Wash 'N Go style isn't for them... I urge you to give it another try!
Earlier today Vasuda Salon announced they'd be closing their downtown Seattle location on July 31st, 2017. After moving to Seattle back in 2013, I documented my many visits to Vasuda Salon's downtown location and raved about my experience with multiple stylists.
Vasuda truly was a salon that catered to EVERY texture of curly hair and one of the few places in the city where black women of all textures could go and get their hair done. It was one of my first experiences going to a salon with a diverse staff and knowing each person was trained in how to care for natural hair. It felt great.
As the years passed, I stopped going to Vasuda after my stylist left to open her own salon (with a few other former Vasuda employees) and then realized how poorly they'd been treated as employees of Vasuda. It truly saddened me to hear the crazy stories (most involved Jessica, co-owner and wife of the other founder/co-owner Emmett).
I do want to say that my personal experiences as a customer at Vasuda were ALWAYS professional from all of the staff, but as I formed friendships with the stylists, it rubbed me the wrong way to see business being handled in such a negative way. After that, I stopped referring people to Vasuda Salon and instead of shitting on their reputation, opted to just tell folks about other places they could go.
Once I learned about their location closing (they listed the reason as the bldg owner being unreasonable with their new lease), I decided I'd share the full story with everyone who may end up finding my various blog reviews on Vasuda through a google search on hair salons in Seattle.
Even with them closing the doors on what used to be my favorite salon in Seattle, the silver lining is that 4 years after moving to Seattle, there are quite a few options for where to go and get your hair styled! Vasuda may have driven out the majority of their senior stylists, but their salon served as a great training ground for nurturing and cultivating talented stylists who have gone on to create their own businesses.
Trim is the home of former Vasuda Stylists Izzy, Erica and Liv. They used to all have chairs on the window side of Vasuda and I affectionately referred to them as the "dream team". They were the "heart" of Vasuda and kept the energy light and fun in the salon. In their new salon space you can expect more of the same... with the added bonus of a parking garage! Izzy is my bae and will be re-joining the team after a brief hiatus, with a limited schedule on Sundays and Mondays. Izzy does all of my color and is someone I HIGHLY recommend. Quatro Salon in University District https://www.quatrosalonstudio.com/
If you were a fan of Celeste at Vasuda, you can continue to get your hair styled by her at her new studio in the UD! Celeste, along with a few other stylists, created Quatro Salon located in the University District/Ravenna. Although I never had my hair styled by her, she came recommended by a few girlfriends who go to her for regular styling needs. ELLEtique in Downtown Seattle
Linda was one of the last Senior stylists to leave Vasuda and is located closer to central downtown on Terry/Stewart. If you were a fan of having that flexible downtown location, Linda may be the right person for you. Although Linda can hook up curly hair, I've found my friends with relaxed hair tend to prefer going to her. Coven Salon in Montlake http://www.covensalon.com/
When Izzy took a brief hiatus from hair styling, I needed a new salon that was closer to Cap Hill. I also was interested in getting curly hair cuts, often referred to as a "deva cut" after the DevaChan Salon. So far Alexis has cut my hair once and my 2nd appointment is in a few hours. I'll be doing a full post on my experiences at Coven and getting curly hair cuts on my natural hair! Wanted to get a few appointments under my belt before sending folks that way.
My first experience getting a curly haircut at Coven (by Alexis, co-owner):
A few weeks ago I reached a point where I was absolutely OVER doing my hair, so I scheduled an appointment with my favorite Seattle braider, Michelle of Natural Legacies Salon in Burien, WA. I knew I wanted something that would last a few weeks, so I opted for this cool cornrow style I found on Instagram. Thank God for that bookmark feature because it makes it super easy to save styles I like. I have so many hair and nail art options saved... wish I could try them all.
If you'd like to re-create this style, ask for "natural start" or "feeder" cornrows and show the design. I am a huge fan of natural start (instead of that hideous big bump cornrows sometimes have) because it seems to be easier on my edges and naturally blends in your hair with the extensions.
It took Michelle about 4 hours to do this style on me and I think we used about 4 bags of hair.
Can we take a moment and get into this epic sew-in that I got back in March!! I originally planned on filming a YouTube video to review the hair, but got busy and decided to share the video my stylist Rigat (@RoyalRoots on IG) filmed.
Her prices aren't cheap, but her quality is fucking amazing! I swear her fingers are blessed... plus she braids secure and flat, blends to perfection and all of her clients have edges! She's the MVP and only person I'll let do a sew-in weave on me in Seattle.
The pool of stylists doing weaves in Seattle is small in comparison to major cities with black populations, but if you want to make sure you don't look a hot ass mess... please do your research and give Rigat a call. I always try to warn people that her prices may give you sticker shock, but the quality is superb. I stand behind her quality 100%, but with that said I must warn you -- do not, I repeat DO NOT get a quality sew-in with cheap hair. I have made this mistake 2 times with Rigat (once w/ curly hair, another time with straight hair) and I promise you'll feel like an asshole rocking the best sew-in of your life with cheap hair. Just say no. Don't do it. Get your coins together, do your research, and pick a style that you know you'll love.
If you have any questions please feel free to ask away.
2.5 years after moving to Seattle I FINALLY found a braider I want to rave about! Her name is Michelle "Mimi" Lee and her hands are touched by the Lord.
Being a transplant in Seattle, the term "closed mouths don't get fed" rings very true. If you don't make the effort to reach out to people and ask questions, you can remain relatively in the dark on dope stuff in the city. This includes hairstylists. For some reason, locals will know about dope stuff, but there is zero transfer of this knowledge. This is something I've found extremely frustrating, but y'all know me -- I'm ALWAYS going to keep my ear to the streets and share the information I find.
So, when I was walking to breakfast one day and passed a woman with amazing cornrows (the style I was currently obsessing over), I had to stop her. She was really friendly and gave me the contact info for her stylist and I followed up right away.
I can be a bit judgmental when it comes to researching a business and their digital presentation online... and although Michelle is still growing hers, seeing her work in-person is what sealed the deal for me. Any reservations I had on the "look" of her Instagram page was trumped by the fact I'd seen her work in person and was sold. I wish this was uncommon, but since moving to Seattle I've seen so many small business owners struggling to promote themselves. I was (and am) excited to share my experience with Michelle, the quality of her work, and send people her way. Knowledge is nothing without sharing it.
My Experience
Michelle and I did most of our communication via Facebook (her preferred method of communication right now) and she was friendly and extremely patient with me and all my questions. I think it's very important to give a stylist as much information as possible, so I sent her pictures showing the length, size, and color of the style I wanted. I also sent her a picture of my hair so she was able to get an idea of the texture and color because I wanted an ombre look. Once we were on the same page re: the style I wanted, Michelle gave me the pricing for the style with the option of me getting the hair OR having her get the hair for me. I don't mind paying for convenience and I didn't have time (or the desire) to look for the hair, so I paid a bit more to have her get it for me.
Location
Michelle does hair out of her home located in Burien, WA (20 mins South of downtown Seattle). She has a separate room on the first floor of her home and it's a relatively standard set-up. The chair was comfy enough and she had a movie playing. My favorite part? Her 2 adorable dogs lol. The smallest, cutest things.
Contact Info
Michelle is in the process of revamping her booking system, but for now she prefers having everything filtered through her personal Facebook page. She's a really warm person who loves connecting with potential clients before they book, so sending her a Facebook message is the perfect first step. Let her know Ishea sent you!!
I was browsing IG when I came across the slayage that is blogger Gabi Fresh and her dope lavender hair! I was instantly swooning over her beautiful purple hue... and now I'm sitting here pondering how I can pull this off! I love my balayage, but for some reason I have a tendency to go light in the winter and darker in the summer. Blame my cancerian mood shifts. #KanyeShrug
I've been extremely bored with my hair and am ready for a change. I don't know for sure if additional color is the best route to go, but the lack of talented braiders in Seattle is a buzzkill. That's something I miss about living in Chicago -- access to talented folks in a variety of price ranges who knew how to do my hair. Life in Seattle is not a total hair struggle (I have a colorist and insane weaver on deck), but for fairly standard protective styles I'm SOL. On top of that, I just can't seem to learn how to do it myself. Yes, these are very much so first world problems, but ... #KanyeShrug.
After rocking my Indique curly sew-in for quite some time, I was ready for a hair change. It had been a while since I last had my hair professionally colored and I was feeling very curious about the new balayage technique. One of my friends and co-workers had recently raved to me about her experience, but I wasn't sure how it'd look on natural, African-American hair. Doing a google search there wasn't a ton of info, so like always... I wanted to share my experience with everyone!
Why Balayage?
I absolutely LOVE color and was started to feel rather blah about my hair. In the past when I've had color it made my curls come alive and I seriously fell in love with my curls. A friend had raved about her experience getting balayage, but I didn't know how the results would look on my natural, African-American hair. In short, it was one of those styles I lusted after on Pinterest... white girls were slaying it lol... but I didn't know if I could pull it off. Looking online there weren't many examples of black chicks rocking balayage, so I thought it'd be a great opportunity to take the plunge and share my experience.
Risk of Color Damaging my Curls?
Color is a chemical process on the hair, so there is always a chance of your hair being damaged. The appeal of balayage was the idea that I wasn't getting allover color, but instead highlighting hairs here and there. On top of that, my stylist didn't use any bleach and I was also equipped with more patience, knowledge, and resources than I had in previous years when I had my hair professionally colored. Also - - I was feeling like life was entirely too short for me to be nervous over hair color! I was taking care of my body inside and out, so why not have fun with my hair. My motto for the week: Life is short. Get the color! Lol...
Process?
I arrived at the salon with my hair detangled in 2 flat twists. I wanted to make it easier for my stylist to work with my hair, so I'd also recommend prepping your hair prior to the appointment if you also have natural curls.
Once I was in the chair, my stylist (Izzy @ Vasuda Salon in Seattle) and I discussed the color I wanted, along with me showing her the inspiration pics I pulled. I also showed her examples of what I did NOT want. Often people bring in a slew of inspiration pics for their hair appointment, but I think there is a ton of value in making sure you also show your stylist clear examples of what you would NEVER want.
I received the balayage technique over my entire head and was pleasantly surprised at how quickly the process went. About 20-30 mins to apply the balayage and then another 30 mins to sit with the color and allow it to process.
Results?
Once the color was done processing we washed it all out and it was time to blow dry and flat iron my hair. I can easily create curly styles at home, so I tend to opt for straight styles when I'm at the salon. For some reason I've always struggled to recreate salon quality straight hair at home (sans the Brazilian Blowout), so I enjoy having a few days of salon straight hair.
My hair takes heat well, but getting the results to last an extended time isn't the easiest for me. I did a slightly bootleg job at wrapping my hair (without my trusty mesh wrap), so the results weren't as smooth. I took these pics the morning after in natural light to show a better look at how flawlessly my hair color blended. I wanted to keep my base color the same and naturally work the balayage highlights into my hair. I was smitten.
If you're on the fence about getting color, but itching for a change in 2015, I'd highly suggest going for balayage. You don't have to change your base color or deal with ugly roots growing out, which is a huge plus. On top of that you still get to play around with custom color and make your hair come alive.
For those in the Seattle area, please check out Vasuda Salon (I go to the Downtown Location) and ask for Izzy! She was absolutely amazing... such a talented stylist with the sweetest spirit and disposition. Tell them that I sent you!
I intended to post this video a few weeks ago when I originally filmed it. I was nearing the end of my 2nd installation with the Indique Bounce Collection Coil Curl hair and wanted to share with everyone how I'd been caring for it the 2nd time around.
Alas, I've already taken this sew-in out, given my hair a break for a few days, and gone into my 3rd sew-in with the hair lol... but the way I care for it is still the same. Take a look and let me know if you have any questions.
So, I'm back in a sew-in using the same Indique Bounce Coil Curl hair I originally bought back in June. I remember clutching my pearls at the price ($189 and up per bundle), but it turned out to be one of my best hair investments to date. I'm currently about a week into this 2nd install and the hair is doing great.
After a night full of wine and Jimi Hendrix, I was in a 60s/70s mood and wanted to fluff out my hair. So many naturals are obsessed with getting perfectly sculpted ringlets, kinks, or curls... but I wanted an old school fro.
The night before I'd thrown my hair into a high ponytail and went to sleep, so I was already working with less defined hair.
To add more volume and further diminish curl definition, I used my Denman Brush to fluff out my leave-out and the Indique hair.
I'll admit that I initially felt a bit intimidated by having such big hair. I almost pulled it back up, but my bf helped ease my worries... he was like, "if you're gonna rock it, you need to really just rock it." Wearing a fro is dope, but it does feel like the spotlight is on you... and honestly it really is. You have this big ass, dope hair! It's big, fluffy... blowing in the wind. It's awesome, but not for the faint of heart.
Anyways, in person the hair was SUPER big, but my iPhone 4s didn't truly capture it.
It dawned on me that I never I ended up rocking my Indique Bounce Collection Coil Curl hair for 7 wondrous weeks and was smitten with it every step of the way.
I had the pleasure of meeting Meechy Monroe, Chicago-based hair blogger and one half of the "Monroe Sisters" back in 2011 when we both worked a Beautiful Textures event in Chicago. I remember being struck not only by her beauty, but her warm, friendly spirit. She was gracious, humble, and personable. Reading about her fight with cancer last night struck a nerve with me and made me want to help spread the word and offer support to her family.
Life is SO incredibly short and with each passing day it becomes clear that it's also extremely random. Bad things happen to good people and there's sometimes no explanation as to why. It's heartbreaking any time someone has to experience struggles, but when you see a healthy, young person thrown a curve ball like cancer it leaves you scratching your head.
MsVaughn, Meechy's Sister, is heading up the #GetWellMeechy fundraising campaign to help raise money to help with medical bills and other expenses related to the health and recovery of her sister, Meechy Monroe. If you'd like to donate please click here.
I've always thought of myself as low maintenance when it comes to my hair, but dropping a ton of coins on a hair weave is the least low maintenance thing I can think of.... however, y'all - - can I just say how AMAZING. Scratch that, FUCKING AMAZING this Indique BOUNCE Collection Coil Curl hair is! It's the best hair weave decision I've ever made. Ever.
I filmed a quick video showing the results of the weave, how it blends, and my initial thoughts since rocking the weave a few days. Take a look and let me know what you think!
Sidebar: Indique sent me a "mystery discount code" valued at anywhere between 5% - 20%, but it expires at 11:59 pm on 6/27. If you are going to purchase hair from them this week, leave a comment below and I can send you the discount code! I promise you this hair is game changing.
So, I bit the bullet and bought the Indique BOUNCE Collection Coil Curl hair. It was a splurge. Actually, more than a splurge. I reached deep down into my pockets and pulled out all of my coins (and fucks) and decided to go for it. This is officially the most expensive thing I've ever done with my hair... and the sew-in isn't even installed yet (read: when I'm writing this).
It's currently the night before my big weave adventure with the priciest hair in all of the land, and I'm lying to myself about how tired I actually am. I should be sleeping, but I'm up cranking out this post. I still need to seal the weft (because I can't recall or find any information online stating whether or not the weft came sealed), wash my face, and get my life together so I can make my 8am hair appointment. In hindsight I was probably being a bit too ambitious when I made that 8am appointment. Blame it on the excitement of my summer/birthday weave.
While living in loft ranks high on the "cool factor," but finding a place with doors, quiet, and lighting to film is a nightmare. I finally said eff it and filmed outside on my patio. I did manage to wait for the sun to set a bit so the lighting wasn't terrible.
In the video I show the unboxing of my hair, share my initial thoughts, and how I still feel like a slight d-bag for dropping so many coins on a weave. Take a look and let me know what you think!
My 30th birthday is right around the corner, so I've been brainstorming what kind of hair I want to rock for my special day. My hair appt has been made, but I'm wavering on whether or not to go all out and cop some high end weave.
One of my blogging boos, MsDanti, has been rocking the Indique Bounce Organic Curl and slaying IG in every pic. You know how you see someone rocking something and want to jump on the bandwagon? Well, that's exactly what happened to me... until I went to the Indique website and say the price started off at $189/bundle... and I'd need 2 bundles. Plus shipping and tax... you can only imagine how quickly my heart sank.
The idea of spending close to $500 JUST on some hair? I don't know... it's just crazy to me. I know that it could be spun as an investment and "worth it." I also know that it's some of the best hair out there, but something inside of me is causing me to get cold feet and be unsure about jumping ship and diving into the world of high end weave.
Am I crazy? What's the most you've paid for hair weave? Was it worth it?
So, I totally meant to post this video back in April, but you know the usual excuses... life got in the way, I was busy with work, wrapping up a class, getting ready to travel... just doing me. So, yeah... this is late lol.
Blending. It's one of the most important aspects of a sew-in and was at the forefront of my concerns when using the 'Wet and Wavy' hair. Overall, I was happy to try out the Wet and Wavy hair because I felt it was a good match for my actual hair texture. When straight, the hair had texture to it and blended easily. I also enjoyed having my hair and the weave sweat out at the same rate. That's winning, all day, every day.
Below is a quick video showing how the hair blends.
Hey Y'all! So in addition to getting a snazzy new blog layout (what do you think?) I also got some new hair! I took some time to decompress from the epic marley twist fail I previously blogged about, and reemerged ready to face the world with a freshly laid sew-in!
I went to Rigat at Hands of Artistry Salon in Renton, WA and y'all... her ability to lay a weave super flat is truly mind blowing! This is the first time I've used a weave net and had a weave lay down this flat. I'm in hair heaven.
Also, I was flip flopping between curly and straight hair, but knew I didn't have enough time to order high quality kinky curly hair online... so, I ventured into my local beauty supply and decided to take a leap of faith with Zury's Human Indian Remy "Wet and Wavy" Jerry Curl hair (color #2 in 14 inches).
I'll be doing separate posts on my experience at Hands of Artistry Salon, using the Zury 'Wet and Wavy' hair, and filming weekly vlogs to show how the hair is holding up. Below is a video of me showing the results and sharing my initial thoughts on the weave.
I took a few weeks to calm down and find my way out of the deep emo hole I live in so I could give an honest review of my experience with Marley Twists... or at least what the shop out here was trying to pass off as Marley Twists. ** Super Pause **
Okay, so a few weeks back I was beyond excited to give Marley Twists a try, but after getting them installed and coming home in tears, I realized that I wasn't about that life and took them down. A quick-ish vlog sharing my experience with what I've deemed the "Marley Twists from Hell."
Everyone loves a top knot, and whenever I'm rocking Senegalese Twists it's one of my favorite go-to styles. I created a quick "How To" tutorial which shows how I create my ninja bun. Keep in mind you can use the same method for creating your top knot even if you aren't rocking braids or twists.
