Hair Growth

Hey! I hope this post finds everyone well. I wanted to share something natural-hair related with you all.

This past May, I did a second BC (big chop) - for many reasons. I've been enjoying the new journey and look forward to healthy hair growth again. In July, due to the humidity, I started installing Marley Twists again as a protective style. It made life so much easier for me as I didn't have to style/twist my hair daily or worry about frizz. I decided to wear my hair out again this week since it hasn't been humid anymore. It has been 4 months since my BC (so I'd estimate about 2 inches of growth which is average, though I haven't measured). I noticed that my hair is "bigger" so the growth was apparent.

I'm happy with the health of my hair now and I am still enjoying the cut and how it is growing out :) I don't plan to do another BC, but just regular trims to keep healthy ends. I want to my hair to grow out again and just enjoy the process.

Here is a comparison shot -

CurlFormers for Sale! -- SOLD!

UPDATE: They are now sold. Thank you for your interest :)

Back in 2011, I had purchased some CurlFormers from Sally's Beauty Supply. So many naturals were talking about them and I was so excited to try. I blogged about my CurlFormer's experience right on this blog back in August 2011 (see post here). I loved the initial results, but my hair doesn't hold a curl well. After a few hours my nicely defined curls were a bush (maybe I could have used a better holding/setting product, IDK). But, I haven't used them since then!! My hair is usually in twists and when it isn't, it's a lot shorter now b/c of my cut. So, I'm selling these. Being that I've only used them once and paid $70, I am going to let them go for $40. I will ship them to you, all the curlformers and the hook to use with them. (U.S. Shipping only)

FYI - I'm Still Here!

Hey, everyone!! It's been a crazy summer, but I am still here! My posts have been lax but I've been working on A LOT. For one, I created a blog specifically for Skincare and my Health/Wellness business. I won't be posting to this one as much anymore, but I will keep this online for reference and for random hair (or anything else) posts.

My focus is mainly skincare and health and wellness. My new blog is: Skincare by Keeta .

I've also moved this summer (I'm still in MD) and have just been busy with life, in general. But, all is well :-)

Please be sure to stay connected via the following:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/allthingskeetaray
Insta: @keetaray, @wrapped_fabulous
Blog: skincarebykeeta.wordpress.com
Pinterest: Markeeta Y.
Twitter: @1KeetaRay, @KeetaEsthetics
Health/Wellness products: wraptofreedom.net

I hope you all have enjoyed your summers and are having a good start to the fall season! Take care and chat soon.
:-)

Beauty | Summertime Faves

I wanted to share a few of my favorite summertime beauty items! :)

It has been super hot and HUMID lately here in Maryland. So, I've been skipping foundation and came to LOVE MAC's BB (Beauty Balm) Cream. My shade is Dark Deep. I apply it with a stipple brush and it blends right into my skin. You can also use your hands (clean, of course) or a sponge.
What is a BB Cream? Many beauty lines carry them now. Basically, think of it like tinted moisturizer on steroids. The MAC one has SPF 35, which I love. It brightens my complexion and evens it out but gives light to medium coverage. It feels very light on my skin and I haven't had to use concealer in addition to it. Go to your local MAC store/counter and try it out! Also available online :)

A great eyeliner to try - especially if you have oily eyelids even with primer - is by Stila (Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner). It doesn't fade, smear, rub off - it's perfect. To remove, just use an eye makeup remover before washing your face for the night. It will come off easily.

Natural Hair | More Protective Styling

Hi, Everyone! I hope you're all enjoying your summer so far. We've had a rainy start here in the DC-metro area but the past week has been good :) Anyway, I wanted to share my protective style with you all. It isn't new for me but it's still a change especially since my 2nd BC in May. I love my hair short and have been enjoying it. However, this heat and humidity isn't allowing my hair to be so great, so the marley twists are BACK!! They are my fave protective style. I did them about a week ago - I woke up on a Saturday and thought, I don't feel like doing my hair for awhile, I'm putting my twists in. And officially had more hair to grab in the back where it's shortest, so it was on! Lol As usual, it took me about 2-2 1/2 hours to complete them.

Natural Hair | Staple Products

It has been 4 years since I did my first big chop, making that transition from relaxed hair to all-natural/no chemicals. In that time, I have experimented A LOT, learned A TON, and finally have realized that my hair likes simplicity. The less I do, the healthier it is and the better it looks. That being said, I thought I'd share some of my simple staple products/accessories. My product junky days are ceasing - I've given a lot away and have been sticking with what I know works for me. 

Staples:

- Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner (moisture)

- As I Am Twist Curling Cream (styler, moisturizer)

- Spray bottle with water or water/vegetable glycerin mix (moisture)

- Coconut Oil (sealant)

- Jamaican Black Castor Oil (sealant/assists with thickening & regrowing my edges)

-wide tooth comb (only used 1-2xs per week)

Natural Hair | Randomness

Hi, All! If you've read my blog or followed me on social media the last week or 2, this isn't new to you. But, I posted a vid on YouTube (finally) about my hair. Check it out and be sure to Subscribe if you're on! :)



More updates to come.

Thank you for watching!

INSPIRATION | Big Chop to Stop Cancer

I'm so excited to see this, but sorry that I didn't see it prior to Sunday when I cut my hair. I definitely would have participated. If you're thinking of cutting your natural hair or know someone who is, PLEASE READ!

(via ZuriWorks - Andrene Taylor)

The Big Chop to Stop Cancer invites women to use their hair as a statement that goes beyond personal aesthetics. We invite women to “big chop” to take a stand for the health and well being of their mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and sisters. We invite women to be fearless and big chop. Each big chop promotes lifesaving cancer screening and early detection.

All women, regardless of race, ethnicity, and hair type, are invited to participate in the Big Chop to Stop Cancer Campaign.

Our hope is to unite women for the greater good – saving black women’s lives from cancer.

Stylists, salons, and individuals across the country are invited to participate in the Big Chop to Stop Cancer with ZuriWorks, Johnny Wright, and other celebrity stylists.

Find out how you can help women who face the challenging road ahead of cancer treatment and recovery with dignity and joy.

Natural Hair|The cut AFTER the BC

I've decided to cut my hair after my last post. For several reasons.
1. I needed a change
2. My hair was growing out in an awkward way where I couldn't wear it completely out w/o looking like I had a mullet.
3. I had breakage from over-doing it with protective styles last year. (I didn't take a break for 6 months)
4. I've been seeing so many fly hair cuts lately!
5. I'd rather have healthy, short hair over broken and unhealthy long strands, any day.

Natural Hair... WOES??

Hey, ladies 'n gents.

I'm coming to you today in the most honest way: I'm so over my hair. Yes. It's true. No, I don't regret being natural and no, I don't want to relax or straighten (I've been natural for 4 years now). What does this mean? I'm not sure, but I think I am really just BORED with my hair. It is in a weird grow-back stage where the length is awkward (really long in the back, shorter in the front). I got my hair cut in layers last Sept/Oct and initially it made my hair fuller and yielded great twistouts. I also got color then. However, now it's growing out and not laying right and every twist out turns into a high puff because I'm never happy with it. Smh Over it, I tell you! Another thing: I think I have become dissatisfied with my hair after wearing so many protective styles over the last 1-1.5 years. Now, I'm brainstorming ways to "keep it interesting" and am strongly considering cutting in. I don't even know how I want it cut but I need a major change. And the sooner, the better.

April 2013

International Natural Hair Meetup Day

It's that time again! Natural Hair Meetup Day is coming to a city near you on May 18th, 2013. Please visit the link (here) to get more information and for tickets. Maybe I'll see you there!

Avoiding Heat Damage | Hair Update

My hair has been straight for approximately 5 weeks now. Every time I wash it, I anxiously check to make sure there are no heat damaged pieces. You will know your hair is heat damaged because it either won't curl back up at all, or it will have a looser curl pattern than before. Using a heat protectant and as little heat as possible is so helpful. Everyone is different - because I have friends who straighten their hair often but don't get heat damage, and then there is me. My hair tends to suffer from this easily (which is why you haven't seen me straighten my hair more than 4 times in the 4 times I've been natural).

I've been using and happen to really like Moroccan Oil and Organic Root Stimulator's Heat Protectant. I apply the ORS heat protectant prior to blow drying and the Moroccan Oil prior to using the flat iron. I don't pass the flat iron more than 2 times on each section.

When You Have to Eat Your Words...

A friend of mine shared with me some time ago a business that she is involved in. She would give body wraps to women, helping them to tone and firm and lose inches, and also reduce the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite. I was skeptical, and at the time declined the offer to get involved or to even try it for myself. As an esthetician, I know there are so many products on the market that claim to do so many things. And I stand by the tried-and-true "workout and eat right" to get fit. Fast forward 6 months. My sister tells me she is involved in the same business. What!?? Still, I was skeptical. But, I always support my baby sis. So, that  prompted me to look further into the products she offers and to do my own research. I liked what I saw, because unlike my initial thought that people were doing wraps thinking they'd lose weight from just doing that alone, I learned that this is not the claim. The wraps and the other products offered are to be used in CONJUNCTION with a healthy diet and a workout regiment to ENHANCE the results. Being that I recently made some major changes in the last month to my own diet (eliminating meat and refined sugars) and started exercising, this definitely caught my attention. I also learned that other products are offered besides the wraps, like skincare products to tone, tighten, and firm the skin, as well as nutritional supplements and detox products. This is awesome! After learning all this, I had to tell my sister - and eat my words - that I am going to get involved, too. I couldn't pass up this opportunity (not this time), because I love helping women to feel and look better, inside AND out. This is right up my ally!
(click to read more and see my results)

Baltimore Natural Hair Care Expo 2013

I've attended the Baltimore Natural Hair Care Expo for the last 3-4 years and I always enjoy myself. I'm happy to see that it is growing into a bigger event with each year. THIS year, it has moved to the Baltimore Convention Center. The dates are March 23 and March 24 (a Saturday and Sunday). I usually attend on Saturdays because I like to dedicate my Sundays to church/rest. FYI in case you may want to meet up! :)


Link to the event: http://www.bmorenaturalinc.com/
Buy Tickets here: http://www.bmorenaturalinc.com/buy-tickets.html
$15 online; $20 at the door

Baltimore Convention Center
1 West Pratt St
Baltimore, MD 21201

What You Can Expect in 2013

• Exposure to approximately  1000 - 5000 (varies per show)
• Quality and informative workshops, classes and exhibitors
• Instructors/Educators
• Professional and friendly team of staff and volunteers
• Remarkable entrepreneurs opportunity to market products/services to a widespread & diverse audience
• The best in the natural hair care industry, instructors/educations, manufacturers and YOU!

(Above info from Baltimore Natural Hair Care Expo's Website)

Essential Oils - Uses for Lavender

Essential Oils have so many useful properties. If you're anything like me, you prefer home remedies over medications/medicated products. Below, I've attached a useful pic giving many of the uses of Lavender. Lavender oil is an essential oil obtained by distillation from the flower spikes of certain species of lavender. Lavender oil, which has long been used in the production of perfume, can also be used in aromatherapy. The scent has a calming effect which may aid in relaxation and the reduction of anxiety and stress. Check it out, and if you have any other uses for lavender or other oils, do share! :)

Something New

Hi, All! I'm back :)

I came back to my social networks about a week ago. I decided to do something a little different with my hair. I'm wearing it straight for a little while. Here is the thing: I didn't want to straighten MY hair for fear of heat damage. And I didn't want to cut my hair because I am growing it out. So, what's a girl to do?

Some Time Off

Although I am aware that I don't have to "explain" my whereabouts, I do feel a sense of responsibility with you all, and just out of respect for my readers or those who may follow me online, I wanted to share this. I have bonded with a few of you and I don't take it lightly. That being said, I'm taking some needed "time off" from everything (social media, blogging, etc.) for an indefinite time. It may only be a week or two, or it may be a month or two. I'm going with whatever God leads me to do, but I feel this is necessary at this time to recenter and refocus my energy and time into what God is telling me to do. And I can't hear from Him if my mind is always cluttered with everything else. As much as people may think that I am a very social person, I'm actually pretty introverted and can be quite quiet. That's just my nature, I've always been this way. Alone time is something I crave and need from time to time.

I really just want you all to know - I appreciate you! Many of you have reached out to me, and I even know some of you now on a personal basis and I am grateful for that :) Thank you for everything, and I will be back soon. So, don't get worried or think something bad has happened when you don't see posts for awhile. Lol I am truly blessed and doing well, and doing my best to follow God's plan for my life. xo

Keeta

IT'S GIVEAWAY TIMMMEEE!!!

I'm SOOOO EXCITED to be doing this. OK. If you follow me on any of my many social networks, you already know - I have 2 copies of CurlyNikki's book "Better Than Good Hair" - and I am giving 1 of those copies away to a lucky reader!! Yes! Why? Because I really love and appreciate you all, AND I am so proud of CurlyNikki for writing this book for us naturals and educating those who aren't aware of what being natural is, how to transition to natural from chemically-treated hair, how to style our hair, and much more. This book also includes many styling tips and stories from other bloggers who share their own experiences. Definitely a book you want to have in your collection.

So. What are the rules? It's so simple.
1. Follow this blog :)
2. Go to my Facebook page and "Like" it. (www.facebook.com/allthingskeetaray)
3. On that Facebook page, I will have a post already up for this Giveaway. ON THAT POST, I need you to please select a # from 1 to 500 - NO DUPLICATE NUMBERS (so don't post like, 0 or 798 -- Just a number between 1 and 500 Lol). If someone posts a # you've chosen, you'll have to choose and post another number. I've already written my chosen # down. Whoever guesses that # or comes closest WITHOUT going over, gets the book.

That's it!! Simple, right?

*Note: Please do not post your #s on this blogpost. Only on the FB page.

The contest starts once this post goes up and ends on Friday, 2/8/2013 at 8:00am EST.

Thank you for participating, and GOOD LUCK!!

CurlyNikki's "Better Than Good Hair" Book is Available!

OK, the book has been available since this Tuesday, but I wanted to remind you naturalistas out there!! I have a copy of her book on my Kindle and to support, I bought a hard copy, too. Let's support Nikki's mission in getting the word out about OUR hair and how to care for it - let's make this MAINSTREAM by helping Nikki's book reach record-breaking heights THIS week!! Please go to Amazon to get your copy (mind you, they dropped the price down to $8.99 for the book! AND you get a $10 Shea Moisture coupon per CurlyNikki). *Note: In order to get the Shea Moisture coupon, you have to purchase by tomorrow, Feb. 2. Also, be prepared to send a copy of your receipt (you can scan it or take a screenshot from your phone). Then, go to Shea Moisture Giveaway's website to fill out the form -- this offer is only available while supplies last through Feb. 2. Don't forget to SPREAD THE WORD!! xo

KeetaRay

SKINCARE REVIEW: Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner

In addition to using Murad products (I've started alternating between the Vitamin C cleanser and the AHA cleanser, along with the Vitamin C Infusion At-Home Peel - I'll review those at a later date), I've started using a product from the Mario Badescu line - the Glycolic Acid Toner. My skin texture has improved significantly already. In a few weeks I will post before and after pics, I want you all to see the difference. In the meantime, here is some product information.

Benefits: Formulated with 2% Glycolic Acid and Grapefruit Extract which work together to exfoliate, refresh and stimulate dry and congested skin. Helps reduce discoloration from old acne scars as well as build-up that can cause skin to look tired and dull. Alcohol free. 

How to Use: Twice daily after cleansing, pat skin dry and apply lotion dampened cotton by wiping in an outward direction until cotton comes up clean. Avoid eye area. Follow with moisturizer or night cream. 

Ingredients: Deionized Water (Aqua),Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice) Gel,Grapefruit (Citrus Grandis Fruit) Extract, Glycolic Acid

After 1 week, my skin is softer, the small bumps from congestion I had on my forehead, cheek, and jawline are gone, and I can already see my hyperpigmentation getting slightly lighter. I will take an "After" shot in a few weeks so you can see the comparison. I got this product from Ulta. You can also buy it directly from the website or select department stores. This product is good for all skin types but it is labeled for those with dry or sensitive skin. My skin is oily with some dehydration (not to be confused with dry skin). An 8 oz. bottle will run you $18, but it is so worth it.  

Product Review: Shea Moisture Organic Yucca & Baobab Thickening Line

I love the Shea Moisture line of products and decided to try their thickening and volumizing Shampoo and hair mask recently. I was very pleased with my results today.

New Posts Coming!

(twistout pic from a previous post)

I haven't blogged in awhile. My hair has been in this protective style (Marley Twists) for a few weeks now. I plan to take them out tomorrow, so some new posts will be coming. I want to try braid outs and of course my usual twist outs, and some updo's, etc. So, please bare with me! I have 2 jobs now and makeup artistry on the side so it's tough, but I'm still here. :) I hope you're all enjoying 2013 so far, and I wish you all a blessed year full of happiness, peace, and love. xo

~KeetaRay~