UNDER CONSTRUCTION

NATURAL HIGH IS UNDER CONTRUCTION. . . . .TOTAL BLOG MAKEOVER COMING SOON. . . .

THANK YOU. ..

If you have any questions email me at emailnaturalhigh@gmail.com

Coils Quick Clip from Natural HIGH on Vimeo.

Carol’s Daughter Store Visit in NOVA

 

New Hair Stylist

My 8 year old cousin felt I needed some extra twists to go along with the hundreds already floating around my head.  So I let her do her thang! :)

Leave In off the Shelves

Cantu's Leave-In-Conditioner seems to be a big hit.  I ran out of the goodness a couple weeks ago.  So obviously I went out to the beauty supply to grab some more. 

 

 

After going to two beauty supplies I still came home without it.  Both beauty supplies told me it has been on back order and they cant seem to keep it on the shelves. 
Ummmmm pretty interesting.  I guess everyone likes it. . ..VERY MUCH. 

 

A friend came to visit me a couple of weeks ago and we happen to start talking about the leave in.  She happens to put it in her daughters hair and had an extra tub just for me.  :) How sweet. 

 

I will be sure to buy at least two tubs next time I go to the beauty supply.

 

My fingers will be crossed hoping the price doesnt go up either.


Photo credit: http://www.cantusheasoft.com/

Natural Hair Expo Coming to the Carolina's

This Summer. . . . . . . . .

L.L.: Locs by Law

 

 

 

Thanks Law!

$25 Dominican Blow Out

 

My First Dominican Blowout Experience

When I first heard of a Dominican blowout, I thought, “What’s so great about it? They probably have the same technique and call it something different!” Let’s just say, I was in for a BIG surprise.

After my best friend Jenelle steadily insisted on a consistent basis that I should try it out, I finally gave in. So the night before I planned to get it done, she consulted with a friend of hers to get more information on where to go, what to say, etc. By the end of the night, we had it all together! Her friend said to go to Monica’s on Mercury Blvd (Hampton, VA) and ask for a wash and set. I wanted to make sure I had the  details so I wouldn’t walk out of the salon bald!

So I got up the next morning , got dressed, ran a few errands with Jenelle and before I knew it we were on our way to get my hair done.

As I walked into the salon it was a little smoky, I looked around at each of the girls getting their hair done and they looked so calm. Spanish music filled the salon, while one of the hairstylist swayed back and forth in a cha-cha motion to the wash area. As I walked to the front desk, the lady asked, “What can I do for you today?” and then I remembered, “Ummm…a wash…and set please!” I answered.

She then directed me to the back of the salon where the sinks were. Jenelle and I waited patiently in the back for a bit as we tried to think of how my hair would look in the end. I bothered her almost every two or three minutes about taking pictures of the whole process. We all know that she has awesome “photog” skills and I knew she wouldn’t steer me wrong.

Then, out of nowhere, it was my time to get my hair washed!! I was so excited The hairstylist that was about to wash my hair was the “cha-cha” lady! Her hair was very long, dyed red and very thick. As she washed my hair very thoroughly, I was in heaven. But before I knew it, it was over.

She patted my hair dry and instructed me to go sit at her station. Then she got the hard rollers and silver pins and began to roll small amounts of my hair. She did not add any product to my hair at all, just rolled it while it was damp.  Before I knew it, she was almost done. I looked out the corner of my eye to see if Jenelle was still snapping pictures, and sure enough, she was! She finished and sent me to sit underneath the dryer.

I felt like I sat there forever, then my dryer went *bing* really loud in my ear! I watched my hairstylist finish her customers before me but all of the sudden this heavy set lady came from OUTSIDE and sat in her chair!

Another lady then came over to see if I was done and instructed me to go over to her chair, but I insisted on waiting for the woman I started with. As I insisted she went over to tell my stylist I was waiting on her.

The random “line-jumper” got out her chair and went to another seat. I was called over to her chair and she unrolled my hair. It was so bouncy, straight, and long and she hadn’t even done much. She pinned up the top of my hair and began in the back. She used a round bristled brush and handheld dryer with a concentrator nozzle and applied heat as she rolled my hair around the brush.

This is done from the root to the tip of the hair and the brush is placed on top of the hair first to smooth it, and then the brush is put under the section of hair and once the brush is at the tip, it is rolled under so the ends of the hair are slightly bent under.

She flat ironed it a little in certain spots to make sure I wouldn’t have any hair sticking up. Then she applied Chi Hair Oil on my hair to give it a shine.

Through post-research I found out that oil, hair polisher, or gloss is only applied after the hair has been completely blow dried and is finished as applying oil before blow drying would cause hair to burn.

As she finally finished, I couldn’t believe my eyes! My hair was so pretty and long, I got up out the chair and immediately asked her name, she responded “Iris”.

I shook her hand and told her that I would definitely be back. I walked to the front to pay and told the receptionist what I got done. She then said “ 25 dollars”. WHAT?! 25 Dollars for this!! I gladly handed her my money and walked over to Iris to tip her.

As Jenelle and I walked out of the salon the wind hit my face and then it my hair. O my goodness, it flowed freely through the wind as I jokingly walked as if I was in a movie or hair commercial of some sort.

When it is all said and done, I know for a fact that I will be going back to get another Dominican Blowout in the future.

It’s long lasting and there is hardly any extra daily maintenance. I don’t have to apply heat to my hair as often throughout the week and my roots are still straight as a bone a week in a half after.

I just unwrap it, apply oil sheen if needed, and go! I absolutely love it!!

Thanks Kandice for sharing:)

shouts out to Nel for the pics!

DIY:Kayla’s Mix

 

Kayla J was kind enough to contribute her special shea butter mix. 

Check it out:)

 

How to make:
1)melt shea butter, don't know the exact measurement just two big hunks.
2) Add vatika coconut oil-about 5 tablespoons melted
3) Add olive oil- around 4 tablespoons
4)Add about 2 table spoons of a good conditioner- suave coconut conditioner
5) Mix and let cool!
6) Use!!!

How to use it:
1) My favorite use is when hair is wet or damp, its acts as a gel and as a moisturizer. Its great for slicking hair into a puff or two strand twist or box braids. When used on wet hair, its helps to seal in moisture.
2) Also great on dry hair, on ends and edges.

CHEAP, SIMPLE, AND EFFECTIVE!!!

 

thanks Kayla:)

DIY: Honey and Brown Sugar Facial Scrub

 

You know what D-I-Y stands for?  Uh Uh. . . Do it yourself.  I have always been the kinda gal that makes her own stuff.  Whether its creating a new simple recipe, drawing a picture that's inspiring or now making my own facial scrubs and hair products. 

Here is one that I recently made. 

Honey Brown Sugar Facial scrub and yup it’s exactly what it sounds like.

 

 

First, you need the honey.  I use this Pure Honey I get from the market.  I do a lot of market shopping for fruits and veggies, but anyway this stuff is great for my tea and now my facial scrubs.  :)

Check out the honey comb in the jar.:)

 

 

I use about a tablespoon.  Really just measure it to your liking.  Don’t use too much though. 

 

Then you have to have your brown sugar.  I use about a tablespoon and a half.  You can use a little more or less given the amount you want to apply to your face.  I always say, start with less then you can always add more. 

 

I add a little lime juice to loosen up the paste.  The citrus in the lime is also good for your face too. 

 

 

 

Mix it all together until it makes a paste like this.  Then wet your face and apply it all over in a circle motion, then rinse. 

This paste is great as a exfoliate.  :)

 

Happy Making:)

Art Appreciation: Ebony Beauty By Kira

 

It’s Art Appreciation time.  Check out this beautiful artwork by Kira Rivers.  She was kind enough to let me feature her art on Natural High.  This piece is called “Ebony Beauty.”  Her hair is clearly natural and beautiful in this pic with the Bantu/ Zulu Knots. 

Kira is a self taught artist and works with all the fun art stuff like Photoshop, charcoal, pastels and paints. 

That girl good:)

 

 

Check out Kira’s other artwork here and on Facebook. 

She has other artwork for sale including T-Shirts of Ebony Beauty. 

 

Thanks Kira:)

Bull’s Eye: Miss Jessie's products coming to Target Stores

Miss Jessie's Natural Hair Products will have a new spot on Target store shelves' starting this March. 

So if you love Miss Jessie's products you will soon be able to make a quick stop in Target to get your fix. 

 

 

photo credit: Missjessies.com

Random Natural High Shot

Newness: Urban Outfitter Headbands

Urban Outfitters is one of my favorite stores.  That store knows my style to a T.  :)

Anyway, check out these headbands that have out for the new season.  Just lovely for natural hair.  :)

 

Beaded Applique Headwrap $24

 

 

40's Beaded Headwrap  $24

 

 

 

 

photo credit: urbanoutfitters.com

Coming to a Closet Near You!: Natural HIGH Tee’s

 

 

Coming to a closet near you! This spring. . Natural HIGH Tee’s will make an official debut.  Here are some pics of the prototypes.  The Men's T-shirts  and Ladies tee’s will be made on American Apparel 100% cotton. 

Stay Tooned

Hair Experiment: Pin-Curled Twists

Here is a couple of pics from my most recent hair experiment.  I two-stranded my hair as usual, but then pin curled it.  It gave it some extra body.

I used the jumbo size bobby pins.  Those work the best in my hair. 

It looks better as it gets older believe it or not, because the curls loosen up. I like to pin up this style when I pin curl it. 

Check out my pin curl job in the pic above.:)

Not to bad uh?

In this pic, my hair is pulled around my forehead like a bang and pinned on the side, by my temple. 

In this pic, my hair is pulled over to one side and pinned down on top of my head. 

Remember this pic?  I’ve had it in an eariler post.  I pinned curled my twists in this pic as well.  My hair is all pinned up in the back and pinned on the side in the front.  See, it gives it a fresh new style and a nice pin up.

 

Here is the style from one side. 

These pics were taken when my hair was about 3 days old.

Black Barbie Addiction Continues. . . . .

Yup! I think I am starting to have a Black Barbie addiction! It’s all good though.  I mean come on it’s Barbie's, what’s not to be addicted to. :)

I was in Target a couple days ago and ended up in the toy section.  Please don’t ask me why, because I don’t know myself.  I know it started with a couple oooo’s and ahhhh’s and that was it. 

Anyway, check out this new Barbie Basics line Mattel/Barbie has out now.  Not sure how long it has been around, but I think it’s pretty new. 

There will be different collections along with Model Numbers.  This specific Barbie is in the first collection and is number 4.  From what I have seen, these Barbie's are all dressed in very simple ‘basic” black clothes.

I thought she looked very different and loved it.  She has a short cropped hair style and looks a little more ethnic then many of the rest of the black Barbie's I have seen. 

 

 

Dolls are $19.99 in Target and Barbie.com

I See Blue People

Ok, So I went to see Avatar.  It’s been ummmm maybe about 3 weeks now.  Anyway, it was a good movie, but very long.  Yes, I did nod off a couple times, but we aren’t going to talk about that. 

The story line was a great, along with the visual effects in 3-D, hence my shades.  Yesssss I kept them:)

Avatar’s creator and director, James Cameron was on Oprah last week sharing his vision for the movie. 

Although I think it is a great movie, I do not think it was as amazing as many are making it seem to be.  I’m really trying to make the connect with greatness of it.  The movie did walk away with two Golden Globe awards last night. 

Help Haiti!!!!!!!!!!!

 

It will be one week tomorrow since the devastating earthquake shook Haiti’s core.  Every bit helps, whether its clothes, prayers, or small donations. 

The Red Cross is an official place to make a donation to Haiti relief. 

Beware of fake and phony places to donate. 

 

 

 

Photo credit: redcross.org

Hairstory II: KR Update!

Our very first hairstory featured Katrina Rene’e. 

Well, here is an update on her hair journey along with some beauty shots since she was last featured. 

I had my first blow out last week, since going 'natural' about 6 1/2 months ago. I was surprised at how much my hair has grown.  In fact, I didn't even think my hair was long enough to be blown out! 

I was shopping at the mall when someone approached me and complimented me on my beautiful twists.  That person had a blow out and their hair looked awesome - flowing, healthy and shiny.  She informed me of her hairdresser who was located at Bubbles Hair Salon in the mall. 

Immediately after speaking with her, I went to Bubbles to speak with the hairdresser, Besa, who I found out had been featured in Seventeen Magazine.  Besa looked at my coils/gel twists and said she definitely could do my hair.

I was excited about the idea of getting a "new" hairstyle as I was somewhat getting bored with wearing twists, everyday for the past 1/2 year (since late June).

Of course the day of my appointment I was nervous.  I didn't know exactly what to expect.  Technically, I've never had a blowout.  Many years ago (approx 12yrs) when I was natural, I had my hair pressed.  By the time, Besa had completed my hair, I looked fabulous! 

She trimmed all the ends so my hair was now truly even.  Although I was getting my ends trimmed when getting twists, since my natural curl is tight, the trims, as expected, were not perfectly even. 

After my blow out,  my hair was VERY soft and shiny. It was obvious how healthy my hair was and I was very proud. It had grown a lot and my hair has a tendency to grow slow.

I am excited to see how long my hair will grow with it being in it’s natural state.  That will be the real test in addition to it staying healthy.  My hair had previously been broken off (prior to going natural) and now it’s  back in business! 

It didn't have much of a bounce to it though, but it hasn't ever.  I think if I continued to get blowouts and 'train' my hair, perhaps it would a gain a little bounce.  I also noticed my hair has to be 'trained' to be curled.  My hair has never been the greatest at holding a curl and I see that still is true.  I must roll my hair, on sponge rollers, of course every night to ensure my hair has some curl to it the next day.

I've decided in order to avoid heat, I rather sponge roll my hair, then flat iron it consistently.
I only want to touch-up my hair once with heat.  I plan on doing so tonight because my hair is starting to revert back. It's been about a week since the blow out. I think I will try to get my hair blown out maybe once every six months.  This will allow me to see the true status of my hair (i.e. ends trimmed, observe length etc.).

 

In fact, I now feel like anyone who has natural hair, especially, if you have a tight curl like me, to get your hair blown out every now and then.
I'm definitely ready to go back to my twists! I didn't realize how low maintenance they are; with a blow out I have to dedicate extra time at night and in the morning to my hair.  With my twists I literally "get up and go" and rain is not my arch enemy!

When it comes to maintaining my hair I like to use Extra Virgin Olive Oil.  I buy it from the grocery store and put it in squirt bottle.  Also from time to time I like to use Carol’s Daughter’s Hair Butter.

I’ve noticed my hair being “drier” in the winter months and have to use the olive oil more consistently.  My old hair dresser also suggested Jojoba or Almond Oil. 

When she did my twists she used to wash my hair with black soap and sometimes tea tree (the tea tree agitated my scalp though so only used once).  She would twist my hair with shea butter (a concoction that was homemade) and Fruit of the Earth aloe vera gel. 

I've received numerous compliments at my job on my blow out! People love it!  People liked my twists too, but I think b/c I have something new it tickles them even more.

I've gotten so many compliments it almost makes it a little difficult going back to my twists...lol.

 

 

 

 

Thanks Katrina for giving us an update on your hair journey! We look forward to hearing more:)

 

Photo credit: KR