Style Quickie: Fro Hawks!

Fro hawks are super easy to wear, fast to style, and very cute! Love them!! There was a time where all I'd wear were fro hawks. I like them, because you're able to dress them up, or wear them casually. I'm also able to have my curls and big hair; both which I love ^_~"  I also like wearing one half of my hair pulled back....half fro hawk??

Things I use to style: wide tooth comb, essential oil (EO) water mix, conditioner, bobby pins, rollers (sometimes), and hair flowers

Old styles such as twist outs, braid out, knot outs, wash n go's, blowout's, etc. can all be easily turned into a fro hawk....or half fro hawk <~~~ I need a name for this; help me out!



Hawks from Wash n Go's



Fresh highlights done @ a N.E.R.D. concert



Big hair!! @ a Common concert



Wash n go with conditioner only




Photo by: Anne Inez Photography



Hawk from a Twist Out





Other Hawks



Old Roller Set



Use flat twists/braids to protect your sides



You can get away with a fro hawk if you're transitioning by flat twisting or braiding the sides, then roller setting the ends. I wouldn't recommend wearing a fro hawk that's loose for too long. The longer you wear it the more chance there is for your hair to tangle. You don't want to risk damaging or losing any hair. If the style is a protective one using set curls, two strand twists, or braids, then it could be worn for a longer amount of time. Fro hawks are a style that can be worn with just about any length of hair. They're super easy to do, and there are many ways to style them.

Yay or nay for fro hawks?? How do you wear/style yours? Show me!!

~~~~~ Don't forget to Like A Natural Hair Affair on Facebook ~~~~~

CLOSED: Hakuna Matata Giveaway

A NATURAL HAIR AFFAIR: HAKUNA MATATA

Las Vegas!! This is the last year for the Vegas show, so go now before it's gone!

Hakuna Matata is Swahili for, "there are no worries". That's what I think of when it comes to my hair. I'm pretty laid back and carefree about it. My hair is important to me, but I refuse to let it be me if that makes sense. When I'm styling it, accessorizing it, or just wearing it day to day I don't really have any worries about it. Hakuna Matata fits my personality when it comes to my hair. It doesn't hurt that the Lion King is my all time favorite Disney movie,  ^_~"  and probably the best Broadway musical I've ever seen!

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Red is my favorite color, and I love wearing fros!

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I wanted to have a business card made to help spread the word about my blog. Most importantly I wanted it to portray me! I had no clue of how to make one, where to buy one, or anything. Dun dunna duuun, Liz to the rescue!! Liz is a great photographer, and artist that I had the pleasure of meeting. It was so much fun being able to work with her. It was at least 90 degrees, and we were working in a huge warehouse with no air conditioner.

Can you tell we were being tortured by the elements doing this???

Since Liz has been oh so great to me I wanted her to be a part of my blog. Now it's your turn to Naturally Meet Liz:


What's your name? Liz Pumphrey


How old are you? 27


Where are you from? I'm originally from a little town called Bandera, the self proclaimed "Cowboy Capital of the World." Yeah it's about an hour outside of San Antonio, Texas. I work hard to hide my southern accent.

What do you do..job, hobbies? My full time job is teaching, but my favorite job is being a professional photographer. Photography is my passion, and I'm fortunate enough to have my own business! I also like to play video games, knit, and spend time with my husband and our dog.

What was your first impression when we met? You can be honest...I won't cry, promise! You were infectiously upbeat and I LOVED it!


How would you describe your hair? I love my hair. It's naturally wavy, but easy to straighten which makes it very versatile. It can also be problematic, because there is so much of it. Sometimes it just wants to hang there instead of having movement, so a good cut is a MUST. Ultimately, I think I have sexy hair....when its not in a pony tail.  

What are your thoughts on natural/chemical free hair? Too many girls go for that "dead, frizzy, fried" look and to be honest...its not sexy. At all. I think natural hair is more manageable and attractive than hair that's been destroyed by chemicals. That said, I do dye my hair, but I've educated myself on the best ways to do it without causing damage, and if I have questions then I go see my stylist.


Any must have products? My blow dryer...not that it's a product per say, but it's a necessity. I also keep a bottle of Tony and Guy's Frizz Ease around for days when my hair is really unruly.


Where do you currently get hair tips and ideas from? I Google punky/emo/funky hair and go from there. lol Not that I can do any of the things I want to do with my full time job....Sigh. 


Where can you and/or your work be found at online?
Photography Website
Model Website  
Facebook

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No worries, red, and, my love for fros helped inspire the business card (above) Liz designed. So here comes my challenge. If you had to make, or find an image that fit your personality what would it look like? Show me and tell me how it reflects you!!

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In a little more than 2 weeks I'll choose a winner for my very first giveaway!! I'll be giving away a super cute, fancy business card holder. Below you can see the one that I use!

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*** R U L E S !! ***

1. Enter via email, Twitter, Myspace, or Facebook
2. Submit an image that is NOT you, but reflects your personality
3. Tell me how it represents you
4. In the Subject line, or available space put, "I'm entering @MzDezy Hakuna Matata giveaway"
5. Be Creative and have fun!!!
6. 18 yrs of age or older to enter please

Want More Entries??

You may enter up to 4 times 

1. Email me your submission
2. Follow me on Twitter, then Tweet @MzDezy by the above rules
3. Like "A Natural Hair Affair: Hakuna Matata" Facebook Fan Page, then post by the above rules
4. Friend me on Myspace, then submit by the above rules 

Giveaway Closes October 31, 2011 at 11:59 PM

Quickie: Poof

The poof, or puff, is definitely one of my favorite ways to wear my hair. I like them simply because they're easy to do, can be worn causally or dressed up. You can make a puff from an old twist out, blow out, braid out, wash n go, and more. It's a style that can be worn in many many different ways!!

This morning's go around with the poof was a simple 2 minute style. I had an appointment to get to that I was running late for. Only a couple of things were needed for this. They include:

1. A hair ribbon
2. Spray bottle (I let the shower mist my hair instead)
3. Accessories (optional)

Just woke up and am in a hurry!! This is an old blow out that I was using. Note the black hair ribbon around my neck.

Making sure the ribbon is even I tie it around my head once, then adjust if necessary.

Here you can see how it's tied. It's like you tie the laces on your shoes before you make the bunny ears ^_^"  Make sure you don't make this first tie too tight!! You don't want to give yourself a headache or cause tension on your hairline.

Bringing the hanging  pieces of ribbon around the back of my head the same tie is repeated. Again, make sure you don't tie it too tight!! This is where you can decide on the position and size of your poof. If you want it smaller pull the ribbon more towards the center of your head. If you want it bigger leave the ribbon closer to the edges of your head.

****After you make 1 tie in front, and 1 tie in back you are able to adjust the poof if you choose to. At this time you can also loosen, or tighten the ribbon.****

My hair ribbon's long so 1 more tie in the front will do for this style. It's not necessary to tie this last one tight, because the poof is secured already from the first two. This last tie is really done to get the excess out of the way.

There ya have it!! A poof! I tied the ends of the hair ribbon into a bow. If you'd like you can tuck them into the pieces that are wrapped around your head to hide the ends. My poof looks on the small side here, but believe me there wasn't anything small about it.

I actually redid my poof to tame the size down a little. Here's a side shot!!

Extras You Can Try:

• If you'd like your edges smooth- before even adding the ribbon smooth a little product on your edges and smooth with a brush
• To jazz up your poof- try adding a hair flower in the front near your ear
• Add fancy chop sticks to the side of your poof
• To add color- use a decorative ribbon instead of a black one like I did
• Add a cool headband to the front for a different look
• If your hair's dried out- mist it with an essential oil-water mixture before styling

When taking pictures for this I noticed my hair color. I recently henna'd my hair for the first time. When it was wet I could easily see the color different, but after it dried not so much. At least I couldn't see it--others said they could. I like it, there will be posts on that project coming soon. Subscribe so you can keep in touch  ^_~"

Naturally Meet: Toia

Toia is an AWESOME photographer I had the pleasure of meeting, and working with on multiple occasions!!!! I was drawn to her work, because she has no boundaries. Toia doesn't limit her work to rail thin, salon perfect hair wearing, flawless skinned, 6'8" models. Her spectrum and mind are much more open than that. She is very true to herself, her work, and life. I love that in her! Even though she's been SUPER busy she managed to help me out by answering some questions, and providing great info for me to pass on. Here's your turn to Naturally Meet, Miss Toia!

When did you become natural? May of 2006 was my last relaxer.

Did you transition, or do the Big Chop? I transitioned first and then did my big chop on January 26, 2007 after watching Malcolm X.

What influenced you to become natural? I admired the uniqueness of being natural. I had tried to transition for five years before I actually went natural. Then, I met a local photographer who traveled all over the world taking images of beautiful people in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. I saw one image of a girl with really strong African Features. She was from West Africa. I thought she was not attractive, and I wondered what made him choose her to be photographed. He told me that he thought she was beautiful. I felt a bit guilty, because I realized as old as I was that I had been taught to hate those features that are unique to Africans and African Americans. It was self hate. I felt ashamed. I kept looking at the image, and I realized that I shared the same features (wide nose and full lips), but that I was somewhat of a hypocrite, because I hid mine behind a long silky wrap of chemically relaxed hair. I decided at that moment to go natural and to stand firm in my decision this time

What's the best thing about being natural? The cost! Economically, it is cheaper (besides experimenting with different products on my hair). I no longer have to spend 65 dollars for a relaxer. Also, I do not miss sitting in a chair for hours on end. I'm so glad that's not me anymore! 

Top 3 fave products? Carol's Daughter Hair Milk, Hello Hydration Moisturizing Conditioner, and Apple Cider Vinegar.

What's your hair routine? In the summer, I wash with an apple cider vinegar rinse in the shower. I then use a cheap conditioner to comb through to detangle. After that, I rinse thoroughly and then apply either the hair milk OR the conditioner (depending how my funds are). I never comb it after detangling. I allow it to dry with the product on, in ringlets. In the mornings, I shower and allow the mist to spray my hair and I may apply a little more product as needed. In the winter, I have my hair wish, blow dried and flat ironed professionally, or sometimes I do it at home.

What do you love the most about being natural? I love the versatility and my hair seems so much healthier. It's growing like a wild fire!  

More Information provided by Toia:

~~~~If you're interested in learning more about the Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse  H E R E !!  is a helpful how-to video.

~~~~Want to learn how to condition your hair like Toia described above? Watch this how-to video H E R E !! This is what Toia had to say about it:

"I also condition and comb my hair through in the shower. After doing this, I NEVER comb my hair again. I put the next product in and let it dry in ringlets. That's if I'm doing the conditioner only. In this video, the girl uses a plastic brush to define her curls, but I don't like it. It makes my hair too flat, so I just let it air dry with conditioner after conditioning in the shower. I use a cheap conditioner in the shower and rinse it out. I use a heavier one after showering and let it air dry with the conditioner in it."

~~~~I myself have used the Conditioner Only Method. You can find more information on how to do this H E R E !! This site shows you the results of this method on different hair types.  

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Helpful links for networking, videos, and more hair information:

• Rustic Beauty via YouTube  (she doesn't have a channel anymore but you can search for old videos)
• Curly Chronicles via YouTube 
• Pretty Dimples via YouTube 
• For Networking 
• Nappturality 
• Grow Afro Hair Long 

The following are some photos of me that Toia has skillfully taken! Remember these photos are protected, copyrighted, and permission for any and all use must strictly have permission from Toia herself.

Wearing a Twist Out

Two Strand Flat Twists on the side with loose two strand twists in the back

Small two strand twists

 You may find more about the wonderful Toia, her craft, and maybe a photo or two of me    H E R E !!

 

Myspace, afros, twists...and More!!

Not too long ago for some super random, strange reason, I remembered Myspace! Forgot ALL about that website, and me having a long lost profile on it. With some playing around of email-password combos I was able to login. Boy oh boy was I entertained for about 15 minutes! On my profile are a ton of pictures that go back a few years.

One of the things that stood out to me was how my hair has changed over time and how often. I rediscovered pictures of me with a relaxer, during my FIRST try at transitioning, after my BC (big chop), with braid extensions, with hair tracks, etc. It took me about three tries before I actually stuck with being chemical-free. Saying no to a relaxer was definitely not the easiest thing I've done. Now, there's no turning back for me =^_^= Enjoy!

My first couple attempts at transitioning:





I remember this hurting SO much to comb!! I had no clue how to manage my transitioning hair. That ultimately sent me back to a relaxer.

 

At the beginning I found it easier to maintain my do' by blow drying and straightening it. I do NOT suggest that if your ultimate goal is to have healthier hair!

 

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Love roller-sets!! If I had a hooded drier I'd wear them more often.



Reasons I like Roller-Sets:

• It's a SET style, so it'll last longer than a style usually would
• You can set your hair by air drying
• Even though your hair's "set" there's still versatility in styles you can wear
• If you do visit a salon they're usually very inexpensive to get





Comb twists (coils), or finger twists is another great style! A different look with similar pros of roller-set styles.

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Protective Styles:



Two Strand Twists curled with rollers



Single Braid extensions that a friend did for me back in the dorm days

Corn Row Braids with hair extensions. The hanging braids can be twisted into a bun at the neck for a different look.

Christmas with Scrappy!!!
Senegalese Twists with hair extensions that were curled with hot water



Pros of Protective Styles:

• They help minimize breakage that your hair might incur from daily wear
• Usually can be worn for a long period of time
• With braid extensions I was still able to wash/condition my hair regularly
• Easier to just "get up and go"

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The last point mentioned might be one of my favs! I like to just get up and go...get as many winks in as I can . This is why wash and go's are at the top of my list for hairstyles!



My 24th bday party I believe




NERD Concert!!!!!!



Wash n Go Fro



Side View



Front Row of a N*E*R*D  concert



A very spontaneous shot! Was helping a photog out at an event.




Night out with my girl! Good times!!



Big bro and I!! Wash and go with short locs.

For the most part, wash and go's are preferred by me, because of what they simply are. In and out, but still looking good! There are a number of different ways that I go about doing my wash and go's.

Keep an eye out for that posting and others in the near future!  ^_~"   Don't forget to follow me for updates. I also LOVE feedback, thoughts, advice, etc., so keep it coming and thank you!!! *MUAH*