YouTube is a Natural Girls Best Friend

Posted on by Michelle

I’m a YouTube fanatic!  I love it so much I even started making my own videos.  Before I decided to go natural, I discovered tons of videos where ladies would explain what they did for longer, healthier hair.  When I noticed how damaged my own hair was, I turned to the internet for an answer.  All of these videos kept popping up.  Some were about the best flat iron to use, while others showcased hair styles that required little to no heat.

Not knowing where to begin, I used the YouTube search bar to locate videos on growing african american hair longer.  I found a video by Saleemah Cartwright, founder of  Hydratherma Naturals.  It was a picture slideshow of her hair from completely shaved to length down her back! I later found MacherieHair’s video (no longer posted)on how she does a silk wrap after doing a rollerset for straight and bouncy hair.  This one was a shocker!  In the beginning her hair is completely wrapped in saran wrap.  Then she starts to comb it out…whooaa!  Her hair was long, healthy and full of body.  So that was all it took…I was completely hooked. The videos about growing healthy hair led me to where I am today.

The Natural Hair community on YouTube is growing larger by the minute.  I joined in the Fall of 2008 and can see that there are a lot of new naturals hitting up the site.  It’s fun to share our experiences and give advice to those who are starting their journey.   It’s a great resource for naturals because you get to see how others care for their natural hair.  Since everyones’ hair texture is unique, you get a better idea of how a style or technique may work for you. 

I still check out YouTube videos when I’m looking for a cute new style or to watch product reviews.  I stop by each day to respond to comments and questions from my own subscribers.  You can check out my YouTube Channel here.  See you on the Tube!

My Favorite Transitioning Style

Posted on by Michelle

Once I decided to go Natural, I considered how long I should go before doing the Big Chop.  At only 3 months post relaxer, I was certain that I wanted to grow my natural texture out a lot more before this step.  Normally I wore my hair straight but I was beginning to see how damaging all of the heat was.  The next best thing was Rollersetting. 

My Hood Dryer
I personally had never Rollerset my hair before.  I had seen it done in the salon but that was about it.  From what I could see on YouTube, there were a lot of ladies who did it each week instead of using flatirons and blowdryers.  I also kept hearing about how handy it was to have a hooded dryer at home for this style and to do deep treatments.  I figured I would give it a go.
I went to my local Sally’s beauty supply and purchased the Ion hooded dryer with multiple heat settings for about $40.  When I got home, my husband thought I had gone mad.  I explained that it was an investment and that I would get a lot of use out of it. 

My Curly Fro
As for the rollersetting, I really didn’t know how it would turn out but it was worth a try.  I watched plenty of videos before going for it.  I used the small grey perm rods so that the two textures of my hair would blend together better.  The end result was a cute and curly little afro.  The style often lasted  a whole week which meant less stress on my hair.

It’s almost 2 years later and I still rollerset my hair.  I didn’t realize it then but it’s a technique that can also be used on Natural hair.  I’m glad that I learned how to do it during my transitioning phase because now it’s one of my staple styles.

Transitioning into Natural Hair

Posted on by Michelle

Once I finally decided that I was “going natural” and needed to grow out my relaxer, I looked for information on styles that would help with my transition.  The last time I applied relaxer to my hair was in July 2008.  It was now October and my new growth was coming in thick and wavy.  At the time, all I did was wear my hair straight.  This was harder and harder to accomplish the more my natural hair grew.  I looked to the internet and found tons of videos on how to do different styles while transitioning.  I figured why not just start doing my hair as if I were already natural.  That way, I would have some idea of what to do when I cut off the relaxed ends.

Braids with Perm Rods on the ends
Previously, in August ’08, I went back to a darker hair color.  With that out of the way, I began focusing on teaching myself how to style my hair without using any heat.  This was all very new for me.  Some styles turned out great and others were complete disasters.  In the months before my “Big Chop“, I taught myself how to Flat Twist, Roller set with perm rods and even do my own braid extensions.  Some days I just wore it up in a bun to give my hair a break.  
Now when I look back on my transition, which ended up being for 9 months, I realize that my plan worked.  I use these styles all of the time.  I don’t do extenstions anymore, but I enjoy wearing my hair in small individual braids from time to time.  
The “Braid-out” with Satin Scarf Headband
My advice to Transitioners; “Do your hair as if you are already natural,”.  Once you decide to go natural, you might as well start your journey and begin using products and techniques that will help you later on.  Not only will you know what to do once you do the Big Chop, but you’ll have some idea of how you’ll look wearing your
natural hair.

What finally made me decide to go Natural

Posted on by Michelle
My hair in Aug. ’08
After using a relaxer to straighten my hair for 20 years, there I was trying to decide if I should go Natural.  For me this would mean “re-learning” how to do my hair.  The last time my hair was Natural, my mother was still doing it for me.  I even called to ask her about my hair texture back then.  It wasn’t so thick and crazy that she didn’t know what to do with it.  I also remembered how long it was. 
Then it was like a light finally went on…my hair was long back then.  I also thought that it was pretty sad that I couldn’t even remember what my own hair texture was before the relaxer.  So, that was it, I had my mind set on growing out my relaxed hair.  I figured, I spent twenty years wearing it straight, so why not spend the next twenty natural?
Of course I had to talk it over with my husband.  He and I have known each other since High School and this would be new for both of us.  For weeks I kept asking him if he was okay with it.  Finally he just said, “I didn’t marry you for your hair!”  He was behind me 100 percent.  Even now, when I look at how fast it’s growing, he keeps saying how he knew all along that it would be healthier if I just quit putting all that harsh stuff in my hair. 
My hair in May 2010
So there you have it.  The last time I used a relaxer was in July of 2008 but I didn’t actually decide to go natural until October of the same year.  I waited until May of 2009 to chop off the relaxed ends. 
To watch my video on how I did it, check out my YouTube channel, mitchellzee

Chataqua Park–Boulder, CO

Posted on by Michelle
The view from the park entrance
With the mountains so close, there is always something to do that involves nature.  Normally we settle for hiking close to home at a nearby resevoir or nature reserve.  Since we were in Boulder to see the Celestial Seasonings tour, we just had to stop and take a hike at Chataqua Park.
Colorado University campus down below
The park is located off Baseline road which makes it pretty easy to access.  It sits just west of Colorado University, home of the Buffs.  What I love about the park is that all of the trails are easily accessible (without getting lost) and have great views of the city below.  Near the entrance there is a nice open park and playground where families can picnic.  There is a Ranger station where you can learn more about the trails and pick-up maps and a restaurant for a bite afterwards. 
Flat Irons
I have hiked Chataqua with just my oldest son (8 yrs old) and myself before, but this was the first time at the park for the twins who are 5.  My boys and I have been hiking ever since they were very young and now hiking is just how we roll.
The only way to get to the trails is up.  I noticed right away that I was huffin’ and puffin’ a lot more than the last time I was up there.  I’m glad my husband was there because the boys were jumpin’ on every boulder in site. The outstanding views made for a great payoff.  I figured, “What the hay, it’ll be awhile before we make it back,” so I trudged on.