Goodbye...Again...Kind Of....

Okay, for real this time! I've decided to go ahead and merge two out of the three of my blogs. All of my natural hair posts have been moved on over to Scandalous Beauty. There you'll find hair and makeup all in one easy to locate blog. Please excuse my indecisiveness. I excel at that.

May I just say, for the record, that I miss my fro like crazy. I've wanted to lather it in Honey Hemp conditioner, create funky twist outs, and see just how big and crazy it could have been! But, my hair is confined to the locs that are emerging at the moment. And ya know what? I don't regret locking my hair at all. If I hate them, I'll comb them out. I hope that you will continue to follow me over at Scandalous Beauty. Remember, you can watch my natural hair videos (which I have a slew of them to work on!) at youtube.com/NaturallyScandalous and my hair albums at Fotki.com/Scandalous10010 and Fotki.com/Scandalouslocs.

My Newest Blog!

Hey everyone!

I clearly leave for my trip to NYC in 4 hours. I haven't packed a single item, but I'm on here blogging! Just wanted to let you all know about my new blog, An Urban Scandal. I discuss the things that inspire me, as well as some of my vices, neo-soul music, Starbucks, fashion. It's a sprinkling of everything!

My biggest decision at the moment is deciding if I will keep the blog seperate or combine it with Scandalous Beauty. As I said on Twitter, I don't want to be one of the "talkaboutalittlebitofeverything" blogs. SB didn't start out that way, and I don't want to alter it to be that way! So, feel free to check me out. I'll be mobile blogging from NYC, stay tuned!

An Urban Scandal
http://www.urbanscandal.com

Hey everyone!

I haven't used this blog in over 3 years, but I thought I should come on over and update you! If you follow me on Instagram, you've probably seen my loc progress. I've been loc'd for 4 years now! This is a style I created a few weeks ago at a blog conference.

Also, I have a lifestyle blog called Peace, Love: Erin Joy right here on Blogger. It's a lifestyle blog that covers family, food, decor and the journey to my wedding in March. I post there every couple days, so I hope you'll follow me there! I'm still blogging about makeup on my beauty blog, Scandalous Beauty, and I've got new videos coming to my YouTube channel soon!

The Oyin Handmade Contest Results!

Jamyla, Owner of Oyin Handmade

This is a Twitpic from my boss, Jamyla. She's one of those women that has a ton of hair, but wears it back all of the time. This is completely expected in her line of work. So, I have to say that I was FLOORED when I saw that she posted this pic of herself in the Oyin Store. Look at all of that hair!!!

Many people don't know that Jamyla had locs, and combed them out. She then just let her hair do its own thing. She is a DIY girl, she relies on no one for her hair. This is pretty evident since you already know that she is head mixtress and owner of Oyin! I'm trying to think of a way for her to reveal her regimen for her hair. An interview, maybe?

I always tell her that her hair is crazy gorgeous! She's a very humble and modest lady (with an infectious laugh, mind you) so she giggles away and keeps it moving. This is just a quick reminder that patience and nourishment can pay off!

Don't forget to check out the Oyin Handmade Blog for updates, new product announcements and banter from the super couple (her other half, Pierre also owns Oyin and is a crazy good film maker and artist. Check out some of his productions at www.youtube.com/exittheapple)! Their newest podcast will include the winners of the Oyin/NaturallyScandalous contest!!! Thanks so much for all of you who entered!

Video: Wait! Before You Relax Your Natural Hair, WATCH THIS!

(X-posted at Long Hair Care Forum)


I don't know if you all remember, but about a year ago I had a meltdown over the frustration of my natural hair. (I wrote about it here on LHCF on a thread called Naturals...Why Is My Hair Not Growing? I also did a video about it on Youtube. I was SO mad!) It was such a hard time in my life. It was dry, brittle and not growing (or so I thought). I ran on over here and did a post asking why my hair wasn't growing and all that jazz. Now, I am loc'ing, but my hair is healthier and happier than ever, and I'm still natural. I created a video for those that are frustrated, confused, scared, or feel ashamed, not confident, not supported and alone. Hopefully this helps someone. I'm working on a series of videos to help naturals and transitioners on my Natural Hair YT channel, Naturally Scandalous.



Here's the video that I wish I had when I was on the verge of relaxing my hair.

bglh: An Inside Look At The Struggle to Stay Natural

Black Girl with Long Hair did an AMAZING feature on me and my struggle to stay natural. The video that I created last year. Part one of the story talks about the video that I created during my lowest emotional point with my hair. OMG, that was the worst. I still can't explain how horrible it felt. Part two is an interview from the current point in my life, and how proud I am to be a natural girl!

Ooh, I got my hair re-twisted for the second time this week! My locs are coming along very nicely and I am SO excited about this journey! It's been the greatest! You can check out my newest updates with my loctician Amira here at my Fotki album.

FREE Oyin Handmade!

Check out the video to find out how! Good luck!

Oyin and I

I'm not even going to lie, Oyin Handmade and I have a love affair. It's no secret. This is the first time in my life that I have EVER loved a brand so much that I am going to use only their products. And this is the second time that I have loved a brand so much that I have decided to work for them! If you follow me on Twitter, you already know this! ;-D

The store and facility are both located on Charles St. in Baltimore, MD. Every day at work is a great experience! My co-workers are on a whole different level of cool, I swear I had no idea that people this amazing even existed! Like the brand names says, everything is handmade! We are always mixing, packing, bottling, slicing, wrapping, stirring and anything else you can think of. And since I've started to be involved with other products there, my shopping list is pretty darn long.

So, in honor of my new job and favorite brand, I'll be doing a giveaway! I'm going to have it over on my natural hair YT channel, NaturallyScandalous. Trust me, you won't want to miss it!!!

The Spiritural Connection Between Women and Their Hair

I LOVED this article, check this out...The Spiritual Connection Between Women and Their Hair. This dude always seems to surprise me when I read his blogs, but in a good way. Check out Sankofa at www.black-genius.com.

Video: Men We Attract as Natural Hair Wearers

I created this video last night, and WOW is it causing a controversy! I really created this video to voice my opinion about the change in men that I met. It's funny, because people on my YT channel are feeling me and understand where I am coming from, maybe because 98% of them are natural. But apparently, on Black Hair Media, people are disagreeing with me to the utmost extent! Can't please 'em all, I guess...

http://forum.blackhairmedia.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=185940&PN=1

Hey everyone!

I haven't used this blog in over 3 years, but I thought I should come on over and update you! If you follow me on Instagram, you've probably seen my loc progress. I've been loc'd for 4 years now! This is a style I created a few weeks ago at a blog conference.

Also, I have a lifestyle blog called Peace, Love: Erin Joy right here on Blogger. It's a lifestyle blog that covers family, food, decor and the journey to my wedding in March. I post there every couple days, so I hope you'll follow me there! I'm still blogging about makeup on my beauty blog, Scandalous Beauty, and I've got new videos coming to my YouTube channel soon!

Yes, You Can Comb Out Locs

One of my favorite YouTube Ladies, Fauryn78 combed out her LOCS!!! Wowzer! They were an inspiration to many, including myself! Check out her video.

Budding Baby!

After just a few short days as a loc'er, I am budding!!! This is the point in the journey when the hair begins to swell, fuzz and feel like a real loc! I had no idea I would see them this fast. Although I have had my 2 strand twists in since March 1st, I've got buds popping up everywhere as of April 9th!

It's such a liberating feeling, really! I was a happy natural, but loc'ing is on a whole different level! It's amazing to see how your hair can change and mold and do all kinds of things depending on the chemicals, or lack of chemicals. Seriously, I am floored. And elated.

I have updated my Fotki with a few more pictures of the various buds I've found. As I have said time and time again, I will continue to create videos on my YT channel. My latest video is for all of the struggling transitioners out there. Don't give up loves!

Hey everyone!

I haven't used this blog in over 3 years, but I thought I should come on over and update you! If you follow me on Instagram, you've probably seen my loc progress. I've been loc'd for 4 years now! This is a style I created a few weeks ago at a blog conference.

Also, I have a lifestyle blog called Peace, Love: Erin Joy right here on Blogger. It's a lifestyle blog that covers family, food, decor and the journey to my wedding in March. I post there every couple days, so I hope you'll follow me there! I'm still blogging about makeup on my beauty blog, Scandalous Beauty, and I've got new videos coming to my YouTube channel soon!

Oil Cocktail

Upon leaving my hair appointment, my loctitian told me to use a few key items on my new baby locs-oil for 'moisture' and sea breeze 'cleansing' and dry scalp. Man oh man, my scalp is THIRSTY! I had to reformulate my oil cocktail mixture, since it ran out some time ago. I forgot the essentials that I used when I was relaxed, but here is the version that I am using right now. (This was what I had lying around my bathroom).

Equal Parts (about 1/4 cup)
Amla (Ayurvedic Oil from Indian Amla Plant)
Vatika (Enriched Indian Coconut Oil)
Sweet Almond
EVOO
Grapseed

Back in the day, I used to SWEAR by Keracare Essential Oils for the Hair. Everytime I smell it I think of the hair salon and my perfect roller sets and up-do's! The ingrediants on the label include Sunflower Seed, Peanut, Castor, Coconut, Jojoba, Sesame, Aloe Vera, Almond and Olive oils. I have made a vow NOT to purchase any more hair products for the month of April. After I've used a good portion of my homemade cocktail, I'll add some of the other essentials that I just posted. Wish me luck!

I'm OFFICIALLY Loc'ed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stay tuned, I'll be conducting a giveaway very, very soon...

Loc Album

My name is Erin Indecisive. I am locing my hair. The twists are binding together, and I'm not going to fight it. While I am blogging here, I will document through images on Fotki. Feel free to check out my journey, thus far.

http://www.public.fotki.com/ScandalousLocs/

The Twist-Out Experiment

On day 15 of my 30 day twisting challenge, I decided to try something new. I took roughly 10-15 twists and twisted them again. Then, I put each of the twists into a knot around itself. Here are the results. I only left them in for 3-4 hours, because it was something that I was just fooling around with randomly during the afternoon.

Just took the twists out of the knots. The Medusa look is not what's up. Still need to do most of my makeup.

Untwisted the larger sections, and there is hair everywhere! I love the effect! Had I left it in longer, I'm sure it would have had way more bounce!

I threw it back in a band for a few minutes while playing around with styles. Later on, I pinned it up for a very cute look. I received compliments all day. Who says naturals can't be fly?!

Knots!

I can't believe that I micro twisted my hair and haven't updated on it! WTF?! Today I put them in knots. I took a group of 10-12 twists, then twisted them, then put them into knots. I'm hoping for some kind of effect, although I don't know what it will be. Hmmm....

Texture.

I'm in the process of doing my micro twists! While parting my hair, here's what I found. Man, these babies are one of the reasons why I'm not ready to loc!

Mega-Tek

Okay, yet again, I have fallen for another product from my fellow LHCF PJ's. After reading post after post about it, I searched for places that carried it. I went to a garden center and found it! Yes, this is yet another product that was (apparently) created for humans, then marketed for animals. Yikes. But, it smells pretty darn good. Much better than that funky MTG i used a few years back.

So, I am hearing that many people mix their Mega-Tek, and many people use it raw. It's creamy and white, so I hear that people are getting lots of flakes. Flakes are NOT what's up. I am going to use it on my scalp overnight, and then wash out in the morning. I'm trying to rock twists and twist outs for most of the Spring/Summer. Eh, we will see how it goes!

Can you see the stains from the semi-perm color on my forehead?! I'm so pissed!!!

Semi-Permanent Color

Since the color bug bit me, I tried a few semi-perm colors in my hair. Basically, it was a waste of time, energy and $10. I keep forgetting that semi-perm colors only really show up in the light. After I finished the process, I DC'ed extra hard. My hair is dry, brittle, and it's really agitating me. Luckily, the color only lasts for 6-8 shampoos. I haven't shampooed my hair 6-8 times in the last few months!!!!!!!!!! But, it looks like I will be doing a pretty good share of it. I am doing a story on Dark and Lovely color, which I really want to use to permanently color my hair for the Spring/Summer. I typically go to Hair On You, the salon I went to back in my relaxed days. I am starting to think that I should just let her do it, just like she used to. My hair was NEVER this dry when she colored it!

Oh well. Mission: Failed.

Edit: Two days later, my hair still feels like straw. Even when I slathered in my super moist Giovanni Condish, my hair STILL felt brittle. I have GOT to get this color out of my hair. This is disturbing.

Spring Color?

I think I am ready for some hair color! I already have some brown in my hair, but I want some REAL color. I need to make sure that my hair is highly moisturized and is conditioned like crazy if I do it. Don't want any regrets! If I don't loc, I'm definitely going to get some color. Here are some color inspirations from the Essence Style Gallery.

The Chlorella Experiment

Man oh man, if you're going to be a member of Long Hair Care Forum, you had better be ready to spend!!! I went into a forum about Chlorella, a "superfood" with a host of benefits for the body. This whole situation stemmed from others using it for detoxing the body, weight loss, etc. Some members noticed that they were also getting clearer skin, longer nails, lashes and hair! Since I had been looking for a good detox plan, this was pretty much a good start.

I was up for hours researching this last night, and when I went to GNC this afternoon, I settled upon Kyo Chlorella. One of the videos that I viewed on Youtube ( which was VERY informative) said that people don't benefit from pills as much (vs. powder, since many people use this for quicker results) because the cell walls aren't broken. So, I made sure the pills that I purchased had pre-broken cell walls. Many people are mixing the powder with juices and smoothies, but I know those will NOT settle with my stomach. Yuck.

So, today I am starting out taking three 3g pills a day. The package says that you should take 6 a day. Each brand's dosage is different! I am really on a health kick lately, and I (now) believe what I put into my body will result in how my body works! This goes for my hair as well! More water, less junk, more fruits and veggies, less crap. I think this change will be a life saver...

Happy 2 Year Birthday, Hair!

I cannot believe that I cut off the remainder of my relaxed ends 2 years ago!! Wow, it's been a CRAZY journey, but so worth it. My and my fro have a personality of our own!!! ; )
I went back and forth about going natural for years, and I still think it is one of the best decisions I have made. My hair is thicker, healthier and more fun than I ever thought it would be. It's really life changing, from the way you maintain it to the guys that are attracted to you and the stereotypes that people cast. Looking at this picture, I didn't even realize that my edges looked that bad. Yikes!!! Oh well, happy birthday hair! The present to myself??? A super thick, creamy, moisturizing deep conditioner!

Remember my cries for help and motivation just a few months prior?!?! Wow, I've come a LONG way!!!!



Here's a photo album of my entire natural hair journey, up til last August, when I decided to start blogging about my hair. Maybe it will inspire someone, or give someone hope!

The Aphogee Treatment Tutorial

Okay, so you've already heard me talk about Aphogee Treatments, I'm sure. The goal of this treatment is to stop breakage dead in its tracks. Salons all over the place swear by it. It has saved my hair on more than one occasion! They have renamed and repackaged their products, which was throwing me off. Couldn't figure out why nobody had the bottles of the stuff! Anywho, here's a trial packet of the product, and what it really looks like. It's a liquid, very thin, very watery. It basically spilled all down my face, floor, shirt, and everywhere else.

The directions say to use the treatment of freshly washed hair. I used Giovanni Smooth as Silk Deep Moisture Shampoo. This, as well as the conditioner are cult faves of mine. I'll never live without them.

The Aphogee Balancing Moisturizer is a MUST if you're going to use the treatment. Seriously, it says so on the package! This is a bottle that I've had for a bit over a year. I liked to use it before or after a co-wash to give my hair some added moisture.

Just for some added punch, I used the last of my Redken Real Control Intense Renewal Masque. It sure was sad to see it go. This is one of the first masques that I have found that may work wonders on relaxed and natural heads. I added about a tablespoon of grapeseed oil and EVOO to the masque for some extra love.

Hair is freshly shampooed. I must admit, it feels kind of nice to cleanse my hair. I do this about once a month, since I am an avid co-washer.

Time to get it on! This mess stinks. It smells overly fragrant, obnoxiously even. It's like the treatment stank on it's own, so they overpowered it with a perfume-ish scent to hide the original stank. lol

Kind of blurry, but this is my hair with the stank in it.

Came down to my room to let my hair dry. Directions specifically say NOT to manipulate the hair as it gets hard. You can sit under the dryer, air dry or blow dry. Once the hair is hard, and I mean REALLY hard, it's time to wash it out!! Then, follow with balancing moisturizer. After this, I opt to moisturize the hell out of my hair, adding the masque. Afterward, hair feeling stronger and ready for war, I twisted my hair in 10 sections for a twist-out tomorrow.

Hey everyone!

I haven't used this blog in over 3 years, but I thought I should come on over and update you! If you follow me on Instagram, you've probably seen my loc progress. I've been loc'd for 4 years now! This is a style I created a few weeks ago at a blog conference.

Also, I have a lifestyle blog called Peace, Love: Erin Joy right here on Blogger. It's a lifestyle blog that covers family, food, decor and the journey to my wedding in March. I post there every couple days, so I hope you'll follow me there! I'm still blogging about makeup on my beauty blog, Scandalous Beauty, and I've got new videos coming to my YouTube channel soon!

Time for a Trim!

Since I've decided to take out these twists and get a good old deep condition, I'm going to trim my hair. I am not of fan of trimming, but I know that my ends aren't in the best shape, so I'm just going to get rid of them. No pain, no gain right??? I have a pretty basic trimming technique, as many of you may have. I clip the ends of my twists. I might not even be cutting off enough to keep the split ends from spreading, but hey, it's worked this far! I typically trim 3 to 4 times a year, just because I don't want to get carried away.

Do I Really Want to Lock???

Okay, I can't lie, I'm having second thoughts. Within the past 2 months, I've spent over $100 stocking up on my favorite hair products, moisturizers, oils, conditioners and things of the like. And then, I started looking over my pictures, various fotki's that I have saved, loctician's prices. I'm having second thoughts!!! So, I'm thinking that I may just wait it out a bit, use up my products, do tons more research, and then set the date. My hair has been growing pretty well, and I'd kind of like to see what more I can do with it. Oh well, I haven't used conditioner in my hair since the week before I decided to lock. I cannot WAIT to deep condition!!!

I swear, I hate being so indecisive.

It's Begun...I'm Locking!!!

I have officially decided to loc my hair. I still love all types of natural hair, and will continue to blog about it. But, I will also keep you all informed about my loc journey. I'm so excited!!!

On January 9th, I was sick and tired of being sick and tired about a whole lot of things. So, I looked up my favorite black movie youtuber, Watunobouthat, and watched 3 movies while twisting my hair. I used Taliah Waajid Lock It Up to twist. I haven't been able to find my freakin' camera cord, but the minute I do, I'll show you all pics! I am slightly blown because I just bought a bunch of Indian Oils to add to my conditioners. Apparantely, I can't use the conditioners that I have because they provide tons of slip, great for relaxed and naturals, not so good for those trying to keep in two strand twists. I wanted about 150 twists, but I have around 130. There are a few that could be separated, since they are slightly larger than the others. I know that the twists will get thicker as they loc, and I am elated about this! The part that I was most nervous about was estimating how thin the twists had to be to give me the future thickness that I desire.

So, the picture above is the twists as they begin to get worn in, rough and kinky. I have made an appointment with a loctician so offically start palm rolling my hair. I am eventually going to maintain them myself, but to start, I'd rather have someone else do it.

I Want Locs!!!

Did I tell you all that I am thinking about locing my hair?? I'm about 70% sure that I want them in, like, next week! I may just try them myself to see the look, then take them out until I am ready. Najahface breaks down some different ways to start your locs here!



This portion was cross-posted at Scandalous Beauty:


Yes, it's true. I want to loc my hair! I have been thinking about it for months and months now, but haven't officially expressed my feelings about it. But, as the days go by, I constantly check out locs of all shapes, sizes, lengths and colors. I even re-watched videos of myself in twists just to make sure that I was comfortable with the look. I want my locs to be about the size of my pinky finger!





I have had such an awesome time during my natural journey! I haven't had a relaxer since 2005!!! There are a ton and a half of options for natural hair, and I haven't done a tenth of them. But I just love, love, love the locked look!!! I must have it!!! I will probably procrastinate and not get them done for a few more months, since I already bought those huge tubs of Miss Jessie's Baby Buttercream andQhemet Biologics Amla & Olive Heavy Cream. That stuff was NOT cheap, so I will NOT loc until I use them entirely! To be on the safe side, I'll probably keep my hair twisted more often.

Doesn't Lauryn Hill look amazing in the picture? Billy B. was the face beater, clearly.