*February 2011 Updates on the YT[video].*

Dearest Ebony Coils,

If you have read my recent letter, you will know that I am making some changes this month. I feel it in my bones that it is the best thing for me at this point. I am just flowing with the force...

 I will write future letters on my baby loc phase. x


Stay Blessed,


<3 Ebony Coils

Why I am Choosing Locs'.

 There are many reasons why I chose to embark on a loc' journey. It is by no means an easy process but I have decided that it is for me at this point in my life. I will attempt to elaborate below.

 I decided to lo'c it up because I knew I needed a C.H.A.N.G.E and this was the best time for it ( not 5 yrars from now like I originally guestimate for locing my hair). My hair likes to matt up especially in protective styles and detangling is a nightmar!. So, I thought my hair would do fine in locs because ts in its nature to loc together. A good friend of mine shared with me Daoism's view on nature and our relationship with nature. Often, we challange and attempt to prevent the forces of nature. I decided that it was quite an ambitious task to fight nature as it is such a powerful force.  Our attempts are almost laughable. I want to live in harmony with nature. Loc'ing my hair is a step towards this.

I  heart the look of locs and mine will be uniquely me.

I' ve been thinking about loc'ing my tightly coiled  tresses since beign natural. The recent detangling incident  try locs since I have a bit of length and If I decided I didn't want them , I can always have a Low Fade.reintroduced to me  one of two options:,locs OR a low fade. After weighing out the pros & cons, I decided to

It's my perogative.

I want a low fade some other time in my life. I want to see my hair bloom like a flower without ripping it out while detangling. Locs need to be left alone to do their own thing (whether one chooses freeform or retwisting) and that what I need to do with my fin e& fragile strands. With this epiphany came the decision that I will nolonger use extensions in my hair as it prevents me from embracing my hair as is. I have worn braid extensions all my life, in my late teens I wore a few weaves (sew ins and glue in's) and since being natural have worn two wigs (very short & very long).

As a result, I am always shocked when my hair is revealed after hiding it in a protective style. I don't wear my hair out much due to tangles and such, since the average head of hair sheds 50-100 strands daily and combing my hair daily is not an option for me. So locs are a good option for me and my lifestyle. With this in mind, If I wanted to remove my locs, I would end up with a LowFfade because that is just my personality- I do not enjoy tedious tasks! And I hope to be comfortable with myself, hair or no hair. After all, I came out slightly bald-headed  [like a full moon shining-I heart India Arie].

It's me. So there can't possibly be anything wrong with that.


Ofcourse there will be opposition in every choice you make, but as long as you're hppy with it- it's all cheese & broccolli or Ying & Yang. What ever you do, do it for yourself. So long as you are not harming others.

This journey will definitely test my patience and perseverance to carry on even on the bad hair days, which will come... However, I have done my research and learning my loc'd loved-ones. I will not be surprised as I will be seeing my hair everyday and we will have to learn to get on. All 88 [divided 4 twists on 24.02.11] [originally 79 on 22.02.11] of my baby locs and I want to live in harmony. lol I couldn't help it! ;O)

I want my hair to do it's thang, so I can focus on other aspects of my life. This is not to say I won't maintain them. I will probably do a combination of freeform and retwisting. I don't want to retwist every time I wash because I will wash often because I work out a sweat.

Thanks for reading my inner thoughts.


Have a great weekend! ;O) x


Sincerely,

Ebony Locs <3 x

Detangling Woes Leads to Changes...

Dearest Ebony:

It has been a while. I have not had much to update you on but now I do.

I took my yarn braids out a few days ago. My hair strands were sticking out of the yarn because of frequent washes after working out (cardio). I had them in since Jan 26/11. That’s about as long as I can stand extensions in my hair.

I was happy to take them out and see my hair, and it took no more than 3 hours to remove which was about the same time it took to install them. I sprayed a section with water to cause less friction when untwisting to remove the yarn and finger detangles to remove shed hairs. Before going to sleep, I applied Africa's best herbal oil/an my own blend t my hair focusing on the ends. This method can be classified as 'prepooing'. The next morning, I went to the gym with a plastic bag, under my bandana and even relaxed in the sauna/steam room to work some magic on my hair with the help of the oil.

Before washing my hair in the evening, I had decided to try Lisa Akbari's 'Get the Length' method to baby my dry hair. I washed my hair with twists in, but they slipped out with the help of my fingers after washing and adding Tressemme Naturals Conditioner. I dried using a trusty cotton T shirt and proceeded to apply a protein treatment called Elasta QP Anti breakage Serum followed by Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing Conditioner. As prescribed by the hair doctor, I popped on my Heat Therapy Wrap for 10 minutes with a conditioning cap (courtesy of 1mits on the YT-Xmas contest. I applied more conditioner after 10 minutes and repeated this step once more ending with a total of 30 minutes heat conditioning. I noticed that my hair was taking in the conditioner well, and it was soft... and I imagined that detangling would be a breeze, but I held off because as the Hair Doctor prescribes in her book, the best time to detangle while using the hair growth program is AFTER conditioner is rinsed and leave in as been applied (wait for 5 minutes). Prior to this method, I had learned to detangle BEFORE Shampooing with a light conditioner (pre-poo) and then plait my hair for washing.
Anyway, after rinsing the conditioner, my hair was still soft but was drying quickly with the help of my Cotton T shirt which I used to blot dry. I then applied my leave in, diluted Giovanni Direct Leave in.
I ran my fingers through, but I felt knots... I left the leave in sit for a few minutes and proceeded to detangle while watching Misfits in bed with my partner. I put my hair into 4 parts, and each of the four would further divided for more manageable detangling. This is when I realized that I was living a N.I.G.H.T.M.A.R.E.!!!!! AAAAH my hair was so tangled and matted... it was as if I was attempting to remove mature locs form my head.

I was UPSET (WELL DOWNSET.. haha.) A hideous seen followed... I could not stop the salty water from running from one eye and weirdly both eyes were bloodshot. I wanted to cry out from the depth of my soul... I recalled a similar situation last time I removed yarn braids and the hair loss induced by detangling that followed. I knew then and there that something had to change. I cried because I was sad, sad that I couldn't stop my hair from tangling, matting. I had always joked around that my hair wasn't meant to be combed or detangled and always struggled to do so- even with techniques I had learned and people swore on.

I could not deal with it at that late hour (my suggestion: do your hair when you have time and your mind is clear). I added more conditioner to the four sections, wrapped up and rolled around in bed until morning. The tossing and turning was due to several facts:  sleeping with a plastic bag topped with a bandana and soft hat is uncomfortable; my mind was processing the events of the night; I knew change was coming because that event changed my relationship with my hair and my perceptions and fears.

Please read the Next blog to see the changes I am making.

-Ebony Coils <3

Valentine's Weekend 2011

 Dearest Ebony:


Happy Valentines! I hope you're all feeling loved- wether its platonic or not!  (Family, Friends- Loved Ones).
I personally think V-day can be overrated and comercialized in that it's yet another time to spend money you may or may not have I am usually single on February 14th, but not for the past couple years.

To celebrate the weekend, my baby and I went to Central Manchester (Picadilly) on February 12th  and shopped till we almost dropped. The best was not spending all that money, but it was going to 'Little Yang Sings' in Chinatown for dinner at 6pm. This was the very first restuarant we went to as a couple back in February 2009. It was tres romantique, the restaurant was decorated in flamming red and above out table was a 'Be My Valantine Heart' and 2 roses. The ambience was lovely! Great food. We could barely move afterwards...After dinner, we met a few friends for drinks at pubs.

The night unfortunately ended on the 'hell bus' which is the one from Manchester to Blackpool where we encountered drunk people talking foolishness and shouting at the top of their lungs most of the 1:40 minute trip until bus driver lost it and took one for the team..lol

Today is a much more relaxed day for us. We exchanged tokens of our love- in the form of a teddy bear holding a hear in a cute woven basket' for me (basket is not a practical bathroom organizer, the finest Ferrero Rocher for my partner and some lovely cards from oneanother which are now displayed.

How sweet it is to be loved by you!

Reminder to tell and show the ones you love how you feel all 365 days a year! Valentine's day is not enough y'all. <3 

 HAPPY VALENTINES DAY FROM MY FAMILY TO YOURS. XOXOXOXOXO 


With Love,

12.02.11 Sat on Train ;O)

12.02.11- Sat on Train ;O)

Ebony Coils <3 xxxxxxxxxxxx 

12.02.11 I wasn't ready for this one:train to Mancs.

In Manchester w. Minie Mouse. hehe

On Train Motion photography.

12.02.11 -This is out corner at 'Little Yang Sings after making a mess if the white table cloth.

12.02.11 Soo much food!

13.02.11 My Vday gift:  teddy in a practical basket!x

Protective Style Maitenance (Yarn Twists) & Styling Video.

Dearest Ebony:

I cannot wait for this upcoming weekend as I will be heading to Manchester with my baby! I am excited...because I deserve some fun after working hard and YOU do too! ;O)

Anywho, I posted a vid on the YT of Yarn Twists Styling. The front of my hair is getting messy.

Maitaining Protective Style:

*Prepoo/Hot Oil Treatment.
*Detangle (Will detangle front of my hair by mid week where I have in Flat Twists).
*Wash with shampoo (currently using sulfates to prevent wastefulness) every 2 weeks.
*Condition with Tresemme Naturals.
*Rinse with Apple Cide Vinegar.
*Spritz with water or apply waterbased leave in conditioner.
*Seal with Oil/Trex.
*Oil Scalp with  Emu oil blend.
*Moisturize and seal with oil morning/night.
*Cleanse scalp with Distilled Witch Hazel inbetween washing (leaves a cool sensation).


I plan to redo the Flat Twists fortnightly/bi weekly and keep in the whole style for 4-6  weeks.The roots are already starting to jump, meaning I see newgrowth and/or slippage due to washing.

Here's the Yarn Twists Styling Video. I hope you enjoy ;O)
 What is your winter protective style of choice?x

I hope you had a relaxing weekend & are energized for the upcoming week. x


<3 Ebony Coils x

Hair Trauma: The Satin Bonnet.

Dearest Flower:

This is just a quick update on my hair happenings. I sleep with a satin bonnet. Many of us  know the importance of covering our tresses at night to protect our delicate strands from the evil cotton pillow case. However, Satin Bonnets can actually dry out hair. Have you ever woken up in the morning with dry/brittle straw-like hair after having moisturized before hay-town the night before??(no pun intended). I have!

My Satin Bonnet obsorbs moisture even better than my cotton pillow case... So what are the other options? In my humble opinion, Silk Bonnets would be the best fabric to sleep on, whether it's made into a Pillow Case, Scarp or Bonnet. The next challenge then is that I am a ROUGH sleeper- In fact, I have been accused of elbowing my partner in the head consistently in 2010. I no longer do this because my arms get tied down with my useless satin scarf at night... LOL I am just being silly..or kinky depending on how you take this! And I digress...

 Solution # 1

  Anywho, I need a solution... I thought I had found one for £2.99 on Afrodesire.com.
Link: http://afrodesire.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=180&products_id=3776

Stay-On Satin Bonnet.

But... I am back to square one because although the Satin Bonnet claims to be smooth on the inside- I do not know whether the internal material is Satin or Silk. ): Has anyone used this bonnet before? Please Share your experience. I do like that it has a drawstring so it can stay on all night-at least I hope it will.

Solution #2 

I may tie my hair down with Silky Scarf and pop this Bonnet on so that I wake up with it on rather than at the foot of the best or on the floor.

Solution #3

Apply the above method (solution # 1& 2)  and use a Silk Pillow Case as backup! AHA!

Seems like a brilliant idea,RIGHT?!  However Silk is slippery (therefore repels moisture=good for hair) and I can imagine my head slipping and sliding. Actually, my mum once bought me a Silky Play Boy Pink Bedding including Silk Pillow Cases I used to sleep on- but I don't currently have them... I don't think she knew the message behind the cute pink bunny.  ;O)



My  Current Solution: I tie my hair down with my Satin Banana, then wear the Bonnet on top, followed with pantyhose stocking. I have also tied my make-shift Silk Scarf  on my pilow. I will look around for Silk Pillow Cases- if not fabric to make one myself. I don't have a sewing machine, so good ol needle and thread may do. I will also look for a Silk Scarf and see if it'll stay on throughout the night.

Also, I will take a look at Poundland for a reusable bag as suggested by 'TheNaprika' on the YT.

My Satin Bonnet (Grey/Black).

Satin Bandana(Actually bought it for  my partner a while ago). ;O)

I also wear this banana under my hats/headband to keep my hair down as it is getting messy (after washing them).  I will be redoing the flat twists at the front next week.

Any ideas or tips on the subject disccussed? Please leave a comment below. x


TGIF! Have a great weekend!x ;O)



<3 Ebony Coils

Dairy-Free February Challenge [2011]

 Dearest Ebony:

My partner and I started a dairy-free challenge today. Why? Because I am lactose intolerant, and many people probably are without being conscious of this. Being lactose intolerant means that the enzymes in your body that break down milk products do not work well in digesting dairy products. When I consume milk products, I am often left with an achy tummy that only rest or a bowel can resolve. I have done Ultra-Sounds and nothing appears to be the problem. I even started taking lactose pills, which are overpriced for the amount required to digest dairy products. Being dairy-free is a big jump from my current diet although I am Vegetarian and my partner is 95% by association. I love cheesecake, and I have always used that reason not to be dairy free! However, there are dairy free cheesecake recipies among others. But I don't know if they are as good as dairy cheesecake.

We eat alot of cheese because we like it. ;O) But milk products also can make you bloated! And we have experienced this. Also, we have gone back to drinking alternative to cow milk such as rice, almond, and soy milk. Currently drinking soy milk as it is affordable and accessible as compared to rice or almond milk. If you like your milk creamy, it is as creamy as whole milk. I prefer rice milk as there is controverial research on soy milk and its negative affects. I will provide a link below for your information.





What does DAIRY FREE mean?


DO's   (Dairy-Free Products)                                              
                     
*Soy/Rice/Almond Milk                                          
*Dairy Free Butter                                                        
*Fruits/Veggies
*Fresh Orange Juice

* Soy Cheese
*Pasta
*Tomato Sauce
*Milk free cocoa


*Multivitamins
* Peanut Butter (If not allergic*)

DON'TS (All dairy products including...)

*Bread containing milk
*Milk chocolate
*Cheese
*Rose/creamy pasta sauces
*Cow's Milk
*Eggs
*Store bought snacks containin dairy (You can make your own dairy free snacks at home).
    *Biscuits/Cookies
    *Certain Cereals

*NOTE* This diet (way of eating) is my choice and I am in no way endorsing it however, it may do some good if you have indigestion problems. It is up to you what you put into your body. However, you are free to join in. Let me know. ;O) You can be dair free for a month starting from the day you join.

Meals of the day:

Breakie: Museli Mix Cereal/Soy Milk

Lunch (Missed it as I was working ):)

Snack: Pear/Tangerine

Tea or Dinner: Brown Rice/ Green Cabbage/Corn kernels/Peas  Stirfry (With soya sauce).

Take Care! x

-Ebony Coils <3

*For your Information: (Always encourage you to do your research and what is best for YOU:)

http://www.vegetarian.org.uk/campaigns/whitelies/dairy-free-guide.pdf

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/soy-milk-dangers.html
 
http://www.milkfree.org.uk/

http://www.dairyfreeuk.com/forum/index.php






                                              

January 2011: Update/Check-in For Hair Challenges.

Dearest Ebony:

I am such a night owl... I should have been sleeping 2 hours ago! Ok, just a quick post before hitting the hay. ;O) I posted a Check-in vid for my two Hair Challenges this year:

1) Protective Style Challenge (By: GrowBlackHairNet ) Youtube.
Duration: Dec 2010-April 31st 2011

2) 6 INCHES IN 2011 (BY: NaturalHairGrwthShow) Youtube.

Below is JANUARY UPDATE/CHECK-IN:

I hope you enjoy this vid, and join a challenge of your choice. ;O) x

Goodnight! x zzzzzZzzzzzzZZzz