Category: hair forums

The Satin Braid-Out

Posted on by Michelle

I joined yet another group over at the K.I.S.S. network. This time it’s a group where we will be doing “Satin Braid-Outs” and sharing info on how to perfect the look. I watched a video on YouTube by NinaPruitt where she demonstrates how to do it. I used a long satin scarf that I thought would work and cut it into 4 strips. I cut it using pinking shears because I didn’t want the fabric to fray. My hair was freshly washed and conditioned so I applied the KimmayTube Leave-in where I substituted Giovanni Direct Leave-In for my creamy base and coconut oil instead of jojoba oil. Then I sealed in the moisture with my castor, coconut and olive oil mixture.

The braiding wasn’t as tricky as I expected. It was just like adding extension hair to a braid except you’re using a piece of satin fabric. My strips were not quite long enough though so tyeing the ends was a little awkward. The next morning, my hair was very defined but, the strips did leave small pieces of frayed fabric in my hair. I did not enjoy picking those out of my hair all day. Also, my hair was still damp which I knew would lead to crazy, frizzy hair so I put it up into a protective style.
So it’s back to the drawing board on this one. I’ll have to check back with my group and find out what other ladies are doing for this style. I really hope to get the braid-out down because I know it will come in handy later on.

Hair Challenges for Length

Posted on by Michelle

I am a member of K.I.S.S. (Keep it Simple Sista), a gathering place where ladies (and men) learn more about caring for their hair.  It’s a place where you can ask other members for advice and find out what people have done to reach their healthy hair goals.  After lurking through all of the hair challenges, I finally decided to join in on a few.  What is a hair challenge you ask?  From what I gather, it’s when a group of ladies (and men in some cases) decide to all do something that will benefit their hair over a set period of time.  At K.I.S.S., everyone is striving for longer, healthier hair and a hair challenge is that extra, little bit of motivation we sometimes need to achieve our goal. 

“Bunning” for Length
I have always had my own goals for where I want my hair to be by the end of year 1, 2, 3 etc.  I keep track of my progress by taking photos each week. I was getting pretty antsy once my hair reached my shoulders.  The dreaded “Shoulder Length” can be hard to get past because the ends of your hair are constantly rubbing against your clothing.  This means wearing it up most of the time or you will be doomed to this length forever…muuaaahahaha.  I love to wear my hair down so this in itself is a challenge for me.
In July, I joined my first hair challenge group called “Shoulder Length to APL (arm pit length) by Dec. 2010”.  It was comforting to know that others were in the same boat as me.  It’s a place where we can share progress pics and encourage each other.  The second challenge I entered was the one started by K.I.S.S. founder, Traycee, called, “The Bunning Challenge”.  All I have to do is wear my hair in a bun or up-do M-F and then I can wear it down on the weekends.  The third and more recent is the, “Ultimate Hair Growth Challenge”.  This one is new territory for me.  I realized I only have 3 months until December to reach my goal of APL and I may not reach it unless I up my game.  In this challenge each participant was asked to pick their poison (growth aid) and multivitamin, apply the aid several times per week (vitamins as directed) and voila…hair growth on a whole ‘nother level!

My husband teased a little when I told him what I had been up to.  His hair is Mid-Back Length with little to no effort so he didn’t see the point of all these “challenges”.  I tried to explain that it just helps to know that there is support out there for those of us who need it.  So far, it’s actually kinda fun and I’m learning a lot.  For now, I’m just trying not to be impatient for the length that is to come.  All in all, I know it’ll be
worth it.