I had been contemplating for a few months on my hair. I knew I loved my natural hair that is frequently blown out, but I knew I wanted some extra sass to myself. My first thought was a tapered curly fro. Now mind you I have not had a short cut since my shaved sides a few years ago.
Well you know what the saying is "When a Woman cuts her hair, she is about to change her life"
I've been craving change and betterment so I decided to chop my hair off, AGAIN!
Now the initial style was a doozy to me. So I've been playing around with it a lot. Mind you short hair does require maintenance and upkeep.
And, I have to get use to it. At first I wanted to drown in tears, thinking what did I just do?! But so far it's growing on me hour after hour...
You like? What style have you been afraid to try? Or what style did you go for ? Let me know your thoughts ...
Before I even let you view the pictures I have to tell you that you are going to holler when you see this failed attempt. Remember when I told you all a few posts down that I was going to try the crochet hairstyle? Let me tell you how horrible it was... Well let me show you the pictures first and you will see...
So I thought I really had something going after I installed the cold perm rods in right!
But wait let me show you how I was a lioness after the initial install.
And then the final product of a Poodle *covers eyes*
It was just horrible. I was so upset that I took it right out. Mind you I stayed up until 1:00a.m and woke up with a pounding headache all for it to turn out to look like this. Where did I go wrong?
Have you all had a style that went so left field you didn't know what to do? Did you revive it or just take it down?
I've been on a no heat journey and I was gunning for 3 months. After the failed attempt I straightened my hair because I did not want to deal with the long process of another protective style and this is what I'm looking like now.
You ever had the urge for a NEW Hairstyle but didn't have the guts to really do it?
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I've always been a risk-taker when it came to my hair and I usually cut it once a year. Since, the natural and healthy hair journey I have left it alone besides getting my ends trimmed when needed.
I've been seeing this Natural Hair Tapered Cut on many Youtubers and I freaking' adore it so much. Getting bored with my hair, I was thinking what style should I try next? Yesterday I came across this video on Curly Nikki and jumped for joy.
The youtuber goes by the name AskPRoy and she shows you how to get the Faux Tapered Fro without actually cutting your hair. I am so excited and will be trying this as my next hairstyle.
Remember way back in the day when people wore Crochet Braids? You used a tool to install the hair in your braids. Well, it looks like the style has made a comeback, Crochet hairstyles for natural gals. I must admit that I am actually really loving the style and want to try it out very soon. Since, I am on the no heat kick I believe that it will be great for me because my hair will be braided up and then I would have no reason to even mess with it.
(Image CC: www.google.com)
There are many ways to rock the style, which I love. You can wear your natural color or opt for a bold color and make a statement without having to dye your own hair.
The process consists of....
1.Braiding your real hair.
2. Installing textured hair such as Marley hair or Cuban curly hair.
3. Setting the hair with Perm Rods and dipping them in hot water.
4. You're ready to go! :)
(There may be more steps in between what I have here).
You can check out Chic Natural for a tutorial on installing crochet braids.
Also, Border Hammer for her hair tutorial. Which I LOVE!
I can't wait to try this style and give you all my full review. Coming Soon....
Let's talk about this natural hair thing that's going on in my life at this moment.
So, January 13th I decided that I wanted to go heat free for Atleast three months. Why? Well, I washed my hair and realized that my curl pattern was not anywhere where it used to be. Straightening my hair once and sometimes twice a week has put me in a bind. I can see many straight pieces and I know it's not healthy. So, I decided to find styles to wear while on this journey. One that takes little effort is the bun.
Products Used:
EcoStyler Gel: Green Jar
100% pure Jamaican Black Castor Oil
Miss Jessie's Leave in Condish
Toothbrush for those edges (don't judge)
Goodys bobby pins
Human Braiding Hair
Another go to style is Perm Rods & Bantu knots. After a few days I usually pin them up into a pineapple.
Sometimes I have an epic fail and will brush the curls out before pinning them up for a full fluffy look.
Things I have learned when transitioning and on a healthy hair journey kick:
1. Low manipulation- try styles you can wear for a few days. You don't have to brush or comb through your hair everyday.
2. Dry your hair with a tshirt. This helps your hair from snagging and popping with a rough towel.
3. Deep condition and make sure to keep your hair moisturized.
4. Stay awwaaayyy from heat.
What's your favorite natural style when going heat free?
Last Night, Blogger Courtney of ThinkNGrowChick and CEO Myleik held a Life Haul Master Class on Google Hangouts and to say that it was great is such an understatement. Can we say EMPOWERING, MOTIVATIONAL, INFORMATIVE...
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I was sitting at the computer taking notes and texting my friends many of her statements. By the end of the night I just had to tell them Goodnight because I know they were tired of hearing me. When you are motivated and inspired at times others won't understand the way that you feel and it is okay. I have to remind myself that it is not anyone else's vision other than mines.
I just want to state some pointers that she spoke on last night that really stuck with me.
1. Have your MINDSET together.
2. She states she is not lazy and she is competitive. Sleeping in has a big impact on your life.
3. Don't have too much pride where you feel as if you can't do something that your coworkers do. i.e, take out the trash.
4. Learn that if people do not like you, it has nothing to do with YOU.
5. You will often be OVERWHELMED. But you rather be overwhelmed with your business than being broke and not able to pay bills.
6. When you start GIVING, the MONEY CHASES YOU.
7. Jobs will put you in a salary mindset.
8. College sometimes have you thinking in a limited way. If you take this and this then you can make $60,000/year when some people bring that income in monthly.
9. DO NOT get off of your SCHEDULE.
10. Start trying to figure out ways to INCREASE your INCOME.
11. DON'T put things off.
12. Get your FOOT IN THE DOOR and GO OFF!! Those chances lead to more opportunities.
13. When people come to you with their issues, POLITELY HAND THEM BACK!
14. Black women spend the most on hair products, and services.
15. Maintain relationships with people, whether it's old coworkers or friends. You never know who may be of help.
16. You should ALWAYS be SAVING MONEY. Save money so that you don't have to put up with other's bullsh** and so that you can have freedom.
If you want to see the video or read the notes from last night's Master Class, head over to thinkngrowchick.com/myleikmasterclassnotes.
Let me know your thoughts and which number was your favorite on thee list!
Today I would like to officially, unofficially introduce myself into the Big Business 1587. You might say that it's sort of cliche' or arrogant to salute myself into the Business Woman Files. But, if I don't believe in me, then who will?
I thought over and over as to who should be next, and something kept saying YOU, ERICA! So let's jump right in. I am a 28 year old Medical Instructor, Mommy, Blogger, and so much more. I am just an average woman like anyone else. No, I'm not the most successful or very well known nationally but I push myself everyday to become a better me.
I work hard and don't settle for mediocrity because that's no fun right? I'm pushing it to the limits because that's what life is about. It's pushing yourself each and everyday for your true purpose even when you are frustrated, even when you are doubting yourself, and even when you just don't feel like you can.
I've lost myself, I've found myself and I'm still soul searching for who I am really destined to be each day.... Believe me you, I don't look like what I've been through or Who I've been before.
I'm a woman who loves her little family, loves to laugh, I'm funny and I can be a total BRAT at times. I love Makeup, Fashion, Inspiring and just everything about being a Woman. It's who I am!
I am not defined by what I have or do not have. I can't be defined by other's opinions. I am merely on a journey of Purpose and Power and I won't stop until I am fulfilled.
Through this blog |THEE LIPSTICK CANVAS| I want to inspire many women, provide tips whether it's lifestyle, beauty, fashion and so forth. It's a place to come and create our own dreams and chat over the latest. So I hope that although you are seeing the beginning stages of my passion that you will ride with me the entire way.
I'm always talking about what I want, what I want, what I want. A bad habit that I have is impulse spending which I will not brag on at all. It is the worst thing ever. So, I've decided that a wish list is better. Things that I would like to have so that I can save up and splurge on when the time is right.
The mastermind behind the steamer is Ken Burkeen. The steamer is a product that hydrates and strengthens your hair. It is great for women with very dry hair because it basically restores moisture to your scalp and hair shafts.
I am a person who has a very dry scalp. I suffer from dandruff and psoriasis, so moisture does not stay with me for too long. I'm always having to go a day with very oily hair because after a while my scalp is screaming for some type of moisture. Also, having break outs on my face this steamer would be great for hydrating my skin. Using this product after tight masks could help to reduce the irritation and redness of my skin replenishing it again.
If you log on to the behuetiful webpage you can find out more information and tips. This will definitely be apart of my wish list and I can't wait to share with you all the results once I have purchased the product. (Information Credit Below: behuetiful website)
The science behind how it works
When your hair is dry thirsty the best thing for it to drink is water. Hydration strengthens your hair and improves manageability.
1. Start by shampooing and conditioning your hair; leaving your favorite conditioner in your hair for 5 minutes
2. Sit under the Huetiful Hair Steamer for 15-20 minutes without a cap on. The steamer will automatically shut off when done
3. The warm steam naturally lifts up the hair cuticles (Note: hair cuticles are like shingles covering a rooftop)
4. By lifting the hair cuticles, your conditioner can more deeply and effectively penetrate into every strand of your hair (moisturizing)
5. The steam will also be infused into the hair shaft (hydrating)
I must admit that I am kind of a product junkie. Wait, let me be honest I AM A PRODUCT HOARDER. I love trying new beauty and hair products. Healthy Skin, enhancing beauty, and healthy hair is important. But, also it is very fun and intriguing when you purchase a new product and it is one the best things you've tried in a while.
So, let's talk about some of my favorites.....
Neutrogena Face Wipes ROCK OUT! They are great for removing makeup but also moisturizing. An Oldie in my stash but TRESemme heat protectant is a must have. It is wonderful for my natural hair that is frequently blown out. Before I blow out my tresses, I use the spray and before flat ironing as well. Milani Teddy Bare Lipstick is a go to lippie. It is on the nude side but has a warm brown tone which I love. It's great for everyday wear. ELF cream eyeliner in brown is a new product that I have been playing trial and error with for a few weeks. I actually use this eyeliner as a brow filler. I'm not into heavy dark brows so I am really light handed when applying this liner to my brows.
These are only a few products that are in my makeup bag and shelf. Let me know what products you are loving at the moment.
Can we say Whoop! Whoop! to a good wash, trimmed ends and a style I love on my natural hair. I've been having a hard time battling with my hair and styles for many months now. To be honest it has affected my confidence tremendously.
Where it all began is when I shaved my head thinking I was Cassie. *don't side eye me* lol. But I must say I really loved the style. Until it was time to grow my shaved side out and I was lost on what to do with my hair. I have been wearing installs for a long time but in reality I had dealing with the proceeds if sew ins and everything that comes with it.
I struggle with thin edges and I have such fine hair but one product I have to really mention in this post is SIMPLICITY OIL. It has really helped me out so much. It's a product created by a lady name Lisa and I came across it on Instagram. The product is made with oils such as Jojoba, Tea Tree and Coconut. The regimen I use on myself is to place about 10-15 drops around my edges and massage for a few minutes. I also use it just to moisturize my natural hair before applying heat or whenever needed. It does my weigh my hair down at all.
I haven't had my natural hair pressed out since I've been transitioning and I must say I'm in love with this style. It boosted my confidence once I looked in the mirror at the salon and I couldn't thank the stylist enough. I must say that I won't be wearing weave for some time.
What boosts your confidence when it comes to your hair and what kills it at times? Do you have any style or healthy hair tips?
Well Hello, Monday. We meet again. It's been awhile since my last post but I have been busy with my work and personal life. So I got great news and I'm taking a leap of faith into a new job role and I'm both very nervous and equally excited. I've realized that you have to take yourself out of your comfort zone and be uncomfortable at times in order to grow. While they say the grass isn't greener on the other side, we won't know until we shift ourselves to see.
Life is a juggle, a struggle but it has beauty and lessons in each of those. We have to be willing to let go of our comfortable ways. Each day, each mistake is an opportunity to become better. Faith of a mustard seed is all you need. Sometimes we feel we need more confirmation from others or we need this and that when it all could be so simple at times. Believe in you!!
Honestly, I slack more often than I should and one of my goals has been to push myself even when I don't feel like doing something. I'm trying to be consistent in so many areas of my life because I know it's very beneficial to me. I have been trying on the weekends to get out of bed and make it up when I do so that I don't become confined and have a lazy weekend. What are some steps you take to jump start your days or weekends off?
This weekend I went to a friends housewarming party and I must say that I enjoyed myself. I hardly get out or hang with friends donut felt good to do so.
What goals do you have in mind this week? I wish you all love, laughter, and lipstick!!
So I thought I really had something going after I installed the cold perm rods in right! 
I must admit that I am kind of a product junkie. Wait, let me be honest I AM A PRODUCT HOARDER. I love trying new beauty and hair products. Healthy Skin, enhancing beauty, and healthy hair is important. But, also it is very fun and intriguing when you purchase a new product and it is one the best things you've tried in a while.
Neutrogena Face Wipes ROCK OUT! They are great for removing makeup but also moisturizing.
An Oldie in my stash but TRESemme heat protectant is a must have. It is wonderful for my natural hair that is frequently blown out. Before I blow out my tresses, I use the spray and before flat ironing as well.
Milani Teddy Bare Lipstick is a go to lippie. It is on the nude side but has a warm brown tone which I love. It's great for everyday wear.
ELF cream eyeliner in brown is a new product that I have been playing trial and error with for a few weeks. I actually use this eyeliner as a brow filler. I'm not into heavy dark brows so I am really light handed when applying this liner to my brows.
