4- FAQs about Individual/Box Braids

Individual/Box braids‘ trend is coming back.  You probably want to put some on.  I hereby answer some questions you may have about braids.

1-      How much time does it take to complete individual/box braids?

It all depends on the size, the length of your braid.  In general, it takes from 6 to 8 hours to complete waist-length Hershey’s-chocolate-bite-size braids.  Mine actually took six (6) hours.

My Individual Braids- Waist Length

2-      For how long can someone keep her braids on?

It is recommended that you keep your hair in braids not for more than six (6) weeks.  But, I have seen people keeping them for longer.

3-      How to maintain your own hair while in braids?

Dry shampoo once per week and do a full shampoo then condition with a cap covering the braids every three to four weeks.  From my own experience, I would suggest that you dilute the shampoo.

Daily spritz with water and one or more of your favorite oils and seal with any hair butter/moisturizing cream or oil of your choice.

Bag your hair before going to bed so that your roots can keep the moisture and your braids their beauty.

Picture from http://www.blackwomenbeautycentral.com

4-      How does someone prepare her hair before braiding?

Drink plenty of water to keep your hair hydrated.  Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove all residues.  Apply moisturizing shampoo and deep conditioning treatment or a hot oil treatment.  Get your hair cut to remove all damaged or split ends.

If you have further questions, please send at afroalice@yahoo.com or post on our Facebook page Afro Alice.

References: www.dailyglow.com / www.safarihairbraiding.com

My Favorite Natural Hair People on Facebook

I have been natural for two years but I know the feeling when you just start your journey and are in dire need of resources, tips and references to keep up with your napturality. 

Below you will find a list of natural hair people I follow on Facebook. I have learned a lot through them and they are encouragements to me. Some of them are also vloggers on Youtube.  Here is my hit list:

1- IKnowlee

2- Pretty Dimples

3- Natural Chica

4- Transitioning to Natural

5- KinkyCurlyCoil

6- Curly Nikki

7- Bèltèt Grenn

8- Afroniquely You

9- Beauté Afro

10- Natural Hair is Beautiful

11- Versatile Hairstyles

12- Black Girl with Long Hair

News from Afro Alice

Greetings to all my transitioning  &  natural hair sisters- especially to those from Haiti

I am writing you to discuss two things:

1- Would you prefer to have Afro Alice Hebdo written in French or English?  Please send me your reply by July 27, 2012 either on the facebook page: Afro Alice or via email at afroalice@yahoo.com or by answering directly to this post. I truly value your feedback and I need to know what would be more convenient to you.

2- It is summer, it is hot, sunny and we are rocking our fro beautifully and colorfully. This is time to show off the beauty of our natural sisters from Haiti. If you would like your picture to be featured on our page, please email us at afroalice@yahoo.com  with the following information:
Your name, your napturality beginning date, your hair type and the style you are wearing in the picture you send or  just post the picture on our wall with the required info.

Helpful Article for Those Interested in Becoming Natural

Greetings to all of my natural hair sisters and those en devenir

I recently read this article by Mae from Natural Chica and thought it could be useful to you:

http://www.naturalchica.com/2009/10/tips-for-going-natural/

Learn & apply 🙂

Afroliciously yours

July 10, 2010 – July 10, 2012, Two Years of Nappiness

This is it! I am two-year natural today 😀

To review my two years in photo, click on the following:  MY_HAIR_JOURNEY

My hair is doing good: length- 10. 5 inches, type 4 a & 4 b, very dry hair but kept moisturized, shiny and soft.  I could have done better than that but when I analyze environmental factors like the fact that I live in a tropical and dusty country, the majority of the hair products are not easy to find, I dyed my hair three times and colored twice during the past two years and last but not least I manipulate my hair a lot, I have done wonders with my crown.

Happy to be Nappy

How did I achieve this? Love for my natural hair + Consistence in my goal/decision to keep them healthy and natural + hard work in caring for it and styling it + a lot of research and experiment with my hair.

However, for the next year, my goals are to rock on more protective styles and to be more versatile in styling my hair.  My signature style has been the puff for the past two years.  I am officially adopting a new one: The Esperanza Spalding’s (at the Grammy Award 2011).

Growing out my natural hair was one of the best decisions I made and I am really enjoying it.  I look forward to continuing my nappiness journey.

Happy to be Nappy.

Afro Alice

3-Natural Hair Care Basics

Contrary to what a lot of people believe, whether your hair is wavy, curly or kinky, your natural hair needs to be maintained to keep its health and great apperance,

Here are the basics to a proper natural care:

1- Shampoo (or poo)- your hair needs to be kept clean and that’s why it is important for you to wash them at least once per week. However, frequent washing can dry and weaken your hair. Some people do not use poo to wash their hair and go with a conditioner wash (co-wash). A mild conditioner can remove dirt and product build up in your hair as well. If your hair is oily, you might consider co-washing is not the best cleansing option for you.

2- Condition: it is recommendable to use it after a shampoo. It softens the hair, adds shine to it and helps you in the detangling process.

3-Deep condition: this is a must!!!!! I’m repeating! Deep conditioning your natural hair is a MUST! Sun, dust, cold, heat, coloring and other factors cause our hair to be damaged/brittle/lifeless. Deep conditioning your hair once per week brings your crown back to life. Deep conditioning your hair repairs it and keeps it healthy. It also enhances your hair texture and beauty.

4- Detangle: to keep your hair tangle-free and manageable, you need to detangle it. Never detangle your hair when it is dry and be sure to use a wide-tooth comb through it. Section your hair, finger detangle then use a comb to detangle after having sprayed your hair with water and oil mist. You can also detangle your hair with a Denman brush.

5- Trim: Natural hair should be trimmed every three to four months to prevent split ends.

6- Diet: Healthy hair grows with healthy diet. You need to eat properly if you want your natural hair to glow. Eating foods rich in vitamins (E, A, B5, Biotin, Iron) and minerals will improve your hair’s health.

After reading this post, you surely have a lot of questions? What products to use? How to style my hair? Stay tuned……..

Afro Alice. Please excuse any brevity. Posted with WordPress for BlackBerry.