Suzie CurlMichael

Been So Looooong (Mystikal Voice)...

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie CurlMichael) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 15:44:00 +0000

The first time someone mentioned to me that they hadn’t seen a Suzie CurlMichael post in a while I thought, “You’re right! I need to post something soon.”

When the second person asked me whether I was still writing my blog I replied, “Of course! I have a few things in the can.”

When my straight(haired), and curly(haired), and male(haired), and vanilla(haired), and chocolate(haired) friends alike began asking what was going on with my blog time and time again, I realized that I needed to devote some time to consider why I hadn’t been writing…

Did life get too good?

The holidays and the beginning of every year are always a really good time for me. I’m surrounded by people I love, I'm traveling, I’m eating good, I’m sleeping good, and feeling good which ultimately translated to my dedicating less time to sitting and writing about what my hair is doing. As the year began I dedicated an immense amount of time to self-reflection and my massive vision-board project. Writing took a back seat but was never too far from my mind.

Did I abandon my curls?

Hell NO! My hair still consumes a huge portion of my life and I am still a card holding member of #TeamNatural. I’ve trimmed in the last 6 months, I’ve hennaed regularly, deep conditioned weekly, Ebonnet-ed practically every night, washed-and-went most every day, twisted out, roller-sat, and spread the gospel to various Curlies who stop me on the street asking, “What’s that, a straw set?” (It’s not by the way).

Did I grow bored of talking about my curls?

(Pause) Well, I wouldn’t say that “bored” is the most accurate of words to describe how I'd been feeling… But I did reach a point where the anxiety of developing, writing, and editing posts exclusively about my curls became just one more thing I pushed off to tomorrow's to-do list.

So what’s a Curly to do???

When I began writing Suzie CurlMichael I limited my subject matter to my hair because I felt as though I could express myself without being an OVER-sharer... My mother reads this thing for goodness sakes (quite often if my view count when I haven’t posted in over a month is any indication “Hi Bernice!”) But my lovely Sugarer (blog about my sugaring obsession coming soon “Hi Misty!”) recently suggested that perhaps I should expand my subject matter. Hummmmmm.

While I’m probably not ever going to tell you who did what with the candlestick in the library, I am going to broaden my scope a bit and let you in on my world beyond my hairline. That being said… I gotta run. I just got back in town from a weekend in Vegas and I gotta put my life back together a little bit. And just in case you were wondering, there’s NO way you’re going to hear anything about that trip… girlfriend code. BUT I do have SO much to share with you now that I am loosening the reigns a bit. And I PROMISE I’ll be back soon.

Ciao!

SCM

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OUT OF STOCK… But not OUT OF OPTIONS

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie CurlMichael) — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 02:18:00 +0000

I believe that I am nothing if not loyal (to a fault at times). I am loyal to my soil (thank you E-40). I am loyal to my friends. I am loyal to my family. I am loyal (and here is where fault begins to rear its head) to my hair products. Since I big chopped in 2008 I have been a faithful user of the Hair Rules line (see my review of my favorite Hair Rules products here). I’ve maintained that there wasn’t a thing in the world that could gently cleanse my hair like my Hair Rules Daily Cleansing Cream. Nothing quenched my curls like my Hair Rules Quench Conditioner. And nothing could whip my curls into shape like my Hair Rules Curly Whip. When I first chopped my hair I was an 8oz. user. As my curls began to grow I bumped up to the 16oz. containers. Now that my hair stretches to 7 inches at it longest point I've moved on up (like the Jefferson’s) to the 32oz. containers… And herein lies the rub… Hair Rules has been OUT OF STOCK… of the 32oz. sizes of my three go-to products... For months (insert scary music here)!

If I lived in New York I would skip down to the Hair Rules Salon and restock my stash (easy breezy). But I don’t live in New York. I am a Cali girl (born and raised) and the stores here seem to think that 8oz. sizes of daily use conditioner and styler serve a valid purpose other than just making my curls thirst for more (Little Shop of Horrors Style… Feed me Seymour!). I’ve checked, and checked, and checked Hair Rules’ online store throughout the past few months only to find that the 32 oz. sizes of my go-to products are still OUT OF STOCK… Recently, I reached my limit, I decided that I would throw up my white flag and drive to the no so local Target (of course it would be too much to ask that the Target in my hood stock the line) and raid the shelves of all the 8oz. sized Hair Rules that I could fit into my cart. As I got into the car to prepare for my ride a voice of reason chimed in and whispered… “Why don’t you try something new???” Hummmmm… Well, it is the weekend… Hummmmm… I do have a number of other products I could give a go…. Hummmmm… I REALLY don’t feel like traveling south of the 10 to splurge on the small bottles of Quench and Curly Whip. Yes, in this instance size does matter… A LOT! The cost per ounce is more than 40% higher for the smaller bottles than in the larger ones)… Okay it’s settled. These things that made me go Hummmm inspired me to go back into the house put on a little CC Music Factory and raid my stash.

I grabbed some bottles and jars of the new stuff and hopped in the shower and low and behold… There is life after OUT OF STOCK. While my curls didn’t react exactly as they had with my Hair Rules products I achieved maximum slip, defined curls, and maximum softness. Perhaps the best reward was the fact that each of the products I used were readily available on the ground at most of the stores that I frequent (ie. the Target in my hood) and are sold at price points that don’t break the bank… Victory!!!

While I still plan on re-upping on my Hair Rules staples whenever the 32oz. sized containers are back in stock I’ve learned that just because someone is “Out of Stock” doesn’t mean I am “Out of Options.” I am enjoying this period of trying new curly products and styles. The braid out in this photo was achieved with Giovanni Organic Smooth As Silk Deeper Moisture Conditioner ($8), Giovanni Organic Direct Leave-In Weightless Moisture Conditioner ($8), Curls Curl Soufflé Curl Cream ($16), homemade flax seed gel to smooth my edges, and finished with a spritz of Shea Moisture Organic Raw Shea Butter Reconstructive Elixir ($10).

Which of your favorite products can be hard to find? What do you use as a back-up?

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On The Road Again... Traveling While Curly

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie CurlMichael) — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 22:55:00 +0000

Preparing for a trip brings about a laundry list (oh boy, I almost forgot that I had to do laundry) of items that need to be done prior to heading for the airport. This Thanksgiving my family and I headed to the east coast to mix it up with our east coast fam-bam. While my cousin perused her menu taking names of who was making their famous whatnot, and my mother called time and time again to tell me about the deal she got on a new sweater and her east coast winter worthy boots, I stared at a shower, cabinet, and vanity filled with products that were not going to make it past TSA without confiscation. As my anxiety began to rise (DARN YOU whoever decided that a quart sized bag of 3.4 oz containers was a reasonable limitation to impose on Curly-travelers) I had a “let go and let flow” moment. I pulled out my luggage, unzipped the expander, and began packing the full-sized quantities of my products. I was not going to let “The Man” and his Anti-Curly National Security Regulations get me down.

Because I was going to be gone for 7 days, I wanted to make sure I had enough of my essentials without having to rush into a Ricky’s to re-up mid-trip. I initially thought that I would rock twist outs the entire trip as cold weather, the lack of a trusty hooded dryer, and no LA sunshine to finishing the drying work did not sound like optimal conditions for The Becky (|T͟Hē bek-ee| n. a convenient hair style completed while in the shower. Also known as a "wash-and- go"). But I thought I should be prepared just in case I needed to return to my (co)wash-and-go during the trip. When it was all said and done, my Curly packing list included:

Hair Rules Cleansing Cream (2 oz) – I only “wash” once or twice a week so I didn’t need much.
Hair Rules Quench Conditioner (8 oz) – Conditioner is essential to The Becky.
Hair Rules Curly Whip (8 oz) – My go-to styler for The Becky.
Giovanni Direct Leave-In Conditioner (8.5 oz) – I’ve begun using a leave-in prior to applying my styler for added moisture… My curls are loving it.
Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner (11 oz) – The bottle was at the “shake and squeeze (then repeat)” stage. Since I was bringing everything BUT the kitchen sink I might as well bring a little deep conditioner.
Hair Therapy Wrap Thermal Heat Wrap – Ehhh, why not if it fits.
Wide-Tooth Comb
Ebonnet by EboniCurls – I don’t lay down without it.
Blow Dryer with Diffuser I am pleased I exercised some restraint and managed to draw the line at the idea of lugging a hooded dryer on an airplane.

I filled what remaining room I had in my luggage with the rest of the necessities… What else could you possibly need when you’re having a great hair day?

My first night in NYC I set my curls for a twist out. When I woke up in the morning my curls revolted with rebel-like un-definition. In that moment, I thanked Little Baby Jesus that I followed my instinct and packed my entire Curly life into my bag. I immediately wet my hair, went through the motions, and then sat down for what seemed like the longest diffusing session of my life. While I missed LA’s 70 degree weather which practically allows me to dry my hair with my sunroof I learned that I can adapt under less favorable conditions and make it work (“Curly Hair Away From Home” badge earned). Maybe by my Christmas trip I will earn my “Curly Hair in a Carry On” badge.

How do you manage your Curly-arsenal while traveling?

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A Tale Of One Transition...

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie CurlMichael) — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 09:12:00 +0000

Once Upon A Time… (No, too Disney)

It was all a dream, I used to read Word-Up magazine… (Nope, too gangsta)

It was a stormy night. You know the kind when the lightning strikes? And I was hanging out with some of my artsy friends… Ooohweeoooohweeeoooo (Hummm… That sounds about right... Now Playing Appletree by Erykah Badu)

I was given my first relaxer when was 5 years old in the garage my best friend’s mom had converted into a hair salon… My mom was on a business trip so every day my dad would send me across the street to get my hair done for school. At some point while my mother was gone I got a perm in that garage turned beauty salon. Had I have known that the relaxer would lead to years of commitment accompanied by bruised scalps and split ends, I probably would have run home screaming bloody murder. Instead I sat there inhaling the relaxer fumes (a smell I rather enjoyed right up until I got my last relaxer many years later). When I realized that having a relaxer meant my ears no longer had to get burned by the pressing comb my mother heated on the kitchen stove I was converted (THANK YOU Little Baby Jesus).

By the time I entered high school I began to feel differently about relaxers and the process associated with the quest for Jhirmack bounce back beautiful hair. Salon appointments always found a way of taking up my ENTIRE Saturday. At one point I had 3 stylists on rotation. I would drop one and go to the other if I was kept in the salon more than 3 hours or if I was left waiting idly for more than 45 minutes while she worked on someone else (anyone who’s ever been to a black salon knows this means I rotated stylists A LOT). Every time I went to the salon my stylist would look at the ends of my hair and declare that I needed a trim. The fact that my ends “NEEDED” a trim at every visit was frustrating. It became impossible to retain length and before long I had an ear cropped mushroom cut. I was done with the perm… But not with straight hair.

I elected to grow out my relaxer my sophomore year of high school. No matter how much my hair shed and broke off at the line of demarcation (Line of Demarcation: |līn əv dēmärˈkāSHən| n. the point in one’s hair where two different textures meet) I refused to allow my stylist to cut it. Short hair was a fear factor for me! I continued to get my hair pressed (this time exclusively at a salon… You can turn off the stove and toss that weapon of ear destruction Mommy Dearest). Eventually my stylists began burning my ears too (what is it with you people?!). The anxiety I faced in the chair as the piping hot pressing comb approached my scalp and ears was too much to bear… I eventually abandoned my standing bi-weekly salon appointments. By the time I entered college my regimen consisted of a nighttime bantu-knot session which led to a bantu-knot-out defined afro in the morning. This seemed to work fairly well and got me through my freshman year.

By my sophomore year in college I was once again ready for a change… The curly-afro had become more (let’s say) "popular" around campus and I wanted to do something that wasn’t so (let’s say) "easily duplicated." I made the decision to lock my hair. I found a Locktician (Locktician:|läk’ tiSHən| n. A Beautician dedicated to the styling and maintenance of locks) who twisted my hair beautifully. I really loved having locks! I was for the first time able to retain a lot of length and experiment with color. My permed hair was so fragile I never considered color and my pressed hair broke off the few times I tried highlights. Despite my love for my locks I began to get the itch to change things up around year 9.

As I approached my 28^thbirthday I began considering what changes I could to make pre-Dirty 30. I knew whatever those changes were I needed to make them well before my 30th birthday (no ¼ life crisis here). While I loved my locks, I missed being able to run a comb (just a regular comb… not a pressing comb… I STILL don’t miss that thing) through my hair. I traveled to NY and on my 28^th birthday I went to see Dickey at the Hair Rules Salon. If I was going to take the leap and cut off all of my hair I figured I would at least find solace in knowing that a famed natural hair stylist had scalped me in the event I hated it afterwards. Dickey was FAB-U-LOUS… He looked at my reflection in the mirror and asked if I was ready. When I nodded he swung the chair around and proceeded to Big (as in HUGE) Chop my hair. Dickey even started cutting from the front JUST so I wouldn’t/couldn’t change my mind. When it was all said and done I had a ½ inch TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro), a forehead that was not nearly as big as I had thought it was all these years, and a face I was truly seeing for the very first time. When I walked out of the salon and found no one looking in my direction, pointing, and shouting, “you sho is ugly” in that Shug Avery Color Purple drunkin’ drawl, I realized that I would be alright. Besides, the haircut cost more than any haircut I had EVER gotten in my entire life so I figured I better focus allll my energy on liking it... A LOT! By the time I returned to California I had gotten enough compliments dipped in East Coast swag to carry me through any second thoughts I might have had. I loved my new look SO much no one could tell me I wasn’t fly.

My decisions to change my hair throughout the years have been fueled by my desire to maintain control of myself, my coming to realize that I don’t have to look like anyone else to be gorgeous, my accepting that change is beautiful thing, and my proclaiming that MY hair is MY business and I don’thave to make apologies or conform my looks to make anyone else feel… ANYTHING… Yup, Erykah Badu’s Appletree is the perfect soundtrack for this transition story…

See, I pick my friends like I pick my fruit. My Ganny taught me that when I was only a youth. I don't walk around trying to be what I'm not. I don't waste my time trying to get what you got. I work at pleasin' me cause I can't please you. And that's why I do what I do. My soul flies free like a willow tree. Dooweedooweedoowee. And if you don't want to be down with me, you don't want to pick from my apple tree... And if you don't want to be down with me, you Dumdumdiddy... And if you don't want to be down with me, you just don't want to be down.

What hair transitions have you made and what do they mean to you?

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Product Review: The Ebonnet by EboniCurls

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie CurlMichael) — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 04:13:00 +0000

When Ray Charles sang, “You know the nighttime (night and day) is the right time (night and day) to be (night and day) with the one you love” I am sure that he didn’t have The Huxtables… or my Double Lined Charmeuse Satin Bonnet by EboniCurls in mind. But, what I love right now (almost as much as I loved The Cosby’s in the 80’s) is how this bonnet has changed my Curly-life.

My nighttime hair regimen is as integral to the health of my hair as my daytime no-pooing, conditioning, detangling, hennaing, so my hair can grow regimen. However finding something to protect my hair from my curly-drying cotton sheets hasn’t been easy…

(Re)Introducing… The Scarf The scarf I depended upon to protect my hair always had a way of slipping, sliding, and disappearing in my sheets in the night which led to an all night cat and mouse game of Slide-And-Go-Get-It. No bueno.

Presenting… The Satin Pillowcase I purchased satin pillowcases as a remedy to the runaway scarf however my head (and thus my curls) inevitably ended up on the cotton fitted sheet by morning. Boooooo!

Maybe You Should Try… A Full Satin Sheet Set Ummmmm… NO! Move along!

What About A Satin Bonnet… I searched high and low for a satin bonnet that felt soft to the touch like true (ball gown, wedding dress, REAL) satin. What I found were “satin” bonnets that weirded me out with their cotton elastic bands and outlandish claims that they were infused with a magic potion that would make my hair grow… Seriously… Com’on Son!

What About A REAL Satin Bonnet… During one of my random YouTube sessions (you know those sessions when you watch one video, then click the next suggested video, and the next, and the next, until you can’t remember what you were looking for in the first place?), I stumbled upon a video posted by MahoganyCurls. In her hand she held a bonnet that was made by EboniCurls… The bonnet was hot (as in HAUTE) pink, large, and absolutely adorable... (insert light bulb here). I had to have one…

I looked for EboniCurls and found the Etsy store where she exclusively sells her bonnets (which she has coined “Ebonetts”)… EUREKA! Well, almost Eureka! The store was completely sold out. Looking through the sold items in the store I salivated much like a small child looking at a doggie in the window… I was so close, yet so far. And I wanted one… BAD! I Etsy-mailed EboniCurls and asked her how I could get my hands on an Ebonnet. Her response was something along the lines of: I restocked my store on the 1^st and they’ve sold out once again. I am currently working to fulfill orders placed on the 1^st and I will be restocking my store on the 1^st of next month.

I looked at the calendar to see what the date was and to my surprise it was only the 2^nd of the month… (What?!) Now I really had to have one of these bonnets. I started following EboniCurls on Facebook and Twitter so I remained in the loop. As soon as I saw that the store was restocked on the 1^st I went straight for the design I had stalked the entire month before (Peacock Dreams) when I encountered a problem… A NEW DESIGN that I hadn't noticed before??? What to do? Ebonnets were selling out left and right… My indecisiveness was going to cost my curls another month of CSID (Cotton Sheet Induced Dryness). I finally pulled the trigger and went for the new design (Tail Feather Nights).

Approximately three weeks after placing my order a package arrived in the mail and inside was my Ebonnet accompanied by a hand written note to boot (I Abso-freakin-lutely LOVED the personal touch… AND she lives in the BAY… Should have known!)

That night I donned my Ebonnet and off to dreamland I went. When I awoke the next morning I realized that my days of playing Slide-And-Go-Get-It with my slip-and-slide scarf were over. The imbedded drawstring and elastic did a magnificent job of keeping my Ebonnet right where I had left it… on top of my head. When I removed the Ebonnet and began unbraiding my hair for my braid-out, I immediately noticed that my hair was softer than usual. The moisture from the conditioner I applied the evening before hadn’t gone running about my sheets in the night, rather it remained where it should be… in my curls. The Ebonnet was well worth its cost ($45 for the doubled lined style). I was hooked, line and sinker.

The Ebonnet is softer and thicker than any satin bonnet I’ve ever felt in the beauty supply store varieties. I recently asked EboniCurls why she began making her bonnets and she replied, “the bonnets sold in most beauty supply stores, Sally's, Walmart, or Target are marketed as satin but the material is mostly in the nylon family.” While nylon is probably much better than cotton when it comes to protecting our curls, it’s far from the best alternative. EboniCurls’ motives were personal, she mentioned that her curls “could never retain moisture, and [her] hair strands would stick through the holes and cause breakage.” And I don’t know a Curly in the world who doesn’t want to protect from moisture loss and breakage.

So, how was the EboniCurls store born? Initially, Ebonicurls made bonnets for people who contacted her after watching a DIY tutorial she had posted on YouTube. After making that HAUTE pink beauty for vlogger Mahogany Curls, EboniCurls began to give serious thought to opening a retail site. In May of 2012 EboniCurls took her Etsy store live and her Charmeuse Satin Ebonnets have been flying off the virtual-shelf ever since.

One might think that the creator of this enterprise would go to sleep wearing a different Ebonnet every night (perhaps I am projecting here). However, when I asked EboniCurls how many Ebonnets she had in her personal collection she surprised me by replying, “Honestly, I do not have an Ebonnet at this time. I've made three for myself in the past but each time someone will ask me for the one I’m wearing and I will give it away”. EboniCurls does have plans to right this selfless wrong in the near future as she is working on a one-of-a-kind Ebonnet for herself. “I've saved a piece of material from every Ebonnet I’ve made. I am in the process of sewing each piece together so when I’m done, I am going to have an Ebonnet collage of Retro, Damask, Peacock, Kitty, Eco, Paisley, Floral, Bubble Gum, Tail Feather, Zebra, etc.” I am sure there are quite a few of EboniCurls’ fans who hope that replicas of her E(Cou)ture Ebonnet makes it to the sales floor in the future. All in all the success EboniCurls has experienced in the past 5 months has not fallen upon her unnoticed: “It makes me feel honored and proud that someone wants something that I’ve made. God has truly blessed me this year.”

Well, I am PERSONALLY glad that EboniCurls’ blessing has been played forward in spades because my curls are happier than they’ve ever been since I purchased my Ebonnet. And as an added bonus, I am much more fashionable in bed these days (despite the popular belief of my male co-workers who suggested that I only wear “that thing” in bed... ALONE... Note to self, no more opening personal mail at work).

Now… You might be wondering how you can score a hand-made-to-order Ebonnet of your very own… Check the calendar... What is the date today??? EboniCurls will be stocking her Etsy store on November 1^st… She keeps the exact stocking time a mystery so get your computers fired up, log on to her Etsy store here, place your mouse on the refresh button, and snag an Ebonnet before they are all gone… And if history is any indication… they will be… and FAST! Good Luck!

What do you use to protect your curls at night?

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Product Junkie… I Know You Are But What Am I?

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie CurlMichael) — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 23:53:00 +0000

Product Junkie |ˈprädəkt ˈjəNGkē| n. a person with an obsessive compulsive habit of trying and collecting new hair products.

As the daughter of a bona fide Product Junkie I cannot help but worry if my aimless perusing of the beauty isle, adding more and more items to my “must try” list, and ever growing shopping cart containing natural hair products at Amazon are signs that I am headed for trouble.

This year, I made a conscious effort to boost the health of my natural hair. In my quest for a longer, thicker, and healthier mane, I boosted my research efforts and created my blog to share my experiences. The blog also serves as my accountability partner (thank you Iyanla for that phrasing) in this journey. What I didn’t anticipate was that I would spend my days and nights thinking of what I could buy, try, or apply to enhance my results.

FACT: Achieving a healthy head of hair takes work. While this comes as no surprise, this fact is oftentimes ignored on a day-to-day basis. The harsh reality of this fact is sometimes only realized when what hair we have grown is left on the cutting room floor after a visit to our stylist for what we thought would be a simple “trim.” Arming yourself with an arsenal of products and processes that will leave more hair on your head and less hair on the floor is a key component in this mission.

My hair care regimen that once consisted of A shampoo, A conditioner, and A styling product has grown to include an arsenal of conditioners, various oils, multiple essential oils, a hand mixer, a stash of BAQ (what the hay is that?!) henna, and a number of items that do double duty between my kitchen and my bathroom (no I do not take these items from the kitchen into the bathroom and back again… Ewe!)

While my shopping list has grown, I am pleased to report that my hair has too (probably not as much as my shopping list… But we’re building a foundation here). Here’s a list of what I’m currently buying and where I am buying it from:

On The Web…

Hair Rules Daily Cleansing Cream

Hair Rules Quench Conditioner

Hair Rules Curly Whip

available online at www.hairrules.com and some Target stores

Jamaican Black Castor Oil

Unrefined Shea Butter

Body Art Quality (BAQ) Henna – available online at www.mehandi.com

At Trader Joe's...

Aloe Vera Juice

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Grapeseed Oil

Vitamin E Oil

Jojoba Oil

Whole Foods (aka “Whole Paycheck” hence why these items read “or online”)…

Argan Oil – available at Whole Foods or online

Peppermint Essential Oil – available at Whole Foods or online

Rosemary Essential Oil – available at Whole Foods or online

Lavender Essential Oil – available at Whole Foods or online

Target…

Shea Moisture Organic Raw Shea Butter Reconstructive Elixir – available at Target and many drug stores

TRESemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture Conditioner – available at Target and most drug stores

Herbal Essences Hello Hydration – available at Target and most drug stores

Glad Cling Wrap – available at Target and most grocery stores

Sally’s (or any other local beauty supply)…

- Processing Caps

- Reusable Latex Gloves

Unless you have an unlimited product budget (or a Sugar Daddy hanging in the wings) I would recommend that you build your product arsenal over time. Starting with the items you will use most then moving on to products that can serve multiple purposes, and lastly on to those “just for kicks” novelty items will ensure that you are keeping your inner product junkie in check.

When was your last Product Junkie moment and was the product “the bomb” or "a bust"?

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How Do I Love ACV? Let Me Count The Ways...

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie CurlMichael) — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 21:57:00 +0000

Throughout the years Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) has been touted for a multitude of uses such as a digestive aide, weight loss enabler, silver cleanser, and salad dressing component. My first experience with shots (shots shots shots shots SHOTS SHOTS, EVERYBODY! – LMFAO voice) came at a very young age when my Aunt Gladys would offer up a shot of vinegar as a preventative measure after I consumed fish just in case I happened to have swallowed a bone while I was throwing down. While I am no longer a toddler at risk of asphyxiation by hidden fish bone I have recently found another way for this miracle potion to save my life... One curl at a time.

The Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse has on more than one occasion resurrected my lackluster tresses. Whenever shrinkage is at an all time high, shine at a depressing low, frizz is running rampant, and God forbid I forget to wrap my hair at night (insert shriek here) ACV is my saving grace (queue Christina’s "I Turn To You"). The mix is a simple one and the process takes only as long as it takes one to pour out the contents of a bottle.

The Mix:

Step #1: GRAB an empty (and clean) 10-16 oz sized water bottle.

Step #2: FILL the bottle half way with Apple Cider Vinegar.

Step #3: FILL the rest of the bottle with filtered water.

Step #4: APPLY after rinsing out conditioner and before applying styling product. If you follow The Becky the ACV Rinse would be applied in between Steps 4 and 5. I usually apply my ACV Rinse in the shower and I do not rinse it out. I store both my ACV and filtered water in the refrigerator so this rinse is pretty cold but it does a stellar job sealing up the hair cuticle.

Side bar… Be VERY careful not to get the ACV Rinse in your eyes. I speak from experience when I say it stings like the Dickens if you do. Remember Daryl Hannah's trailer scene in Kill Bill (the one where her second eye gets pecked out of the socket by a vengeful Uma Thurman)? Yes, I was screaming and flailing about my shower something like that. The pain and horror did pass once I realized that Quentin Tarantino was not behind a camera in my bathroom and I was not going to be nominated for an Oscar for my performance. Upon realizing that I was not dying, I took a breath and was fine after a few seconds of rinsing my face in the shower stream. Nowadays, I take every precaution (close eyes tightly, pour rinse with my head leaning back instead of forward, and rinse my face frequently) to ensure that the ACV doesn’t wander into my eyes.

Step #5: STYLE as usual. You should instantly notice smoother curls, less shrinkage, killer shine, and definition that would impress the curliest of Curly-Idols.

I typically do an ACV Rinse only when my curls are feeling unusually drab and frizzy and when a good old sulfate-free shampoo does nothing to bring them back into alignment (which at this stage in the game is about once every other month). ACV has cleansing qualities so I do my rinses in between wash days so I don’t overly strip my hair of needed moisture and my natural oils.

What is your go to process when you need to resurrect lackluster tresses?

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Here Come The Curls… Wedding Day Hair Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie CurlMichael) — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 08:03:00 +0000

Weddings are joyous occasions that bring with them their fair amount of anxiety. Achieving the perfect “Wedding Day Hair” is up there with finding the perfect dresses, securing a venue, finalizing the guest list, and choosing those all important dance songs.

I had the esteemed pleasure of serving as a bridesmaid in one of my best (and longest) friend’s weddings this past weekend. Wedding Day Hair Anxiety (WDHA) set in almost immediately. Would I straighten my hair for the big day? If so, would my curl pattern be forever changed and I be left with permanently straightened (and scorched) strands? If I wore my hair curly would my curls cooperate under the pressure of such a special occasion? I know I wrote that I have stopped trying to control my curls in They're Gonna Do What They're Gonna Do, Baby but on this day, I really, really, REALLY needed them to behave (and obey).

I feel my hair looks its absolute best on Day 3 so, I pre-pooed on Wednesday night to maximize the moisture and shine in my tresses. On Thursday I shampooed my hair with a sulfate-free shampoo, double strand-twisted with a leave-in conditioner and homemade flaxseed gel, then let my hair air-dry overnight.
On Friday I released the twists and rocked a twist-out while running last minute errands (aren't there ALWAYS last minute errands?). I was so pleased with the results I achieved with my twist-out that I did a little twist-out touch-up for the rehearsal dinner by water-spritzing, applying a touch of flaxseed gel, and re-twisting some of the sections that had succumbed to frizz throughout the day. I released the touch-up twists right before walking into the rehearsal dinner. Friday night I water-spritzed, sectioned, detangled, braided and wrapped my hair with a satin scarf to maximize moisture and minimize shrinkage. Saturday morning I released the braids, did my usual wash-and-go (aka “The Becky”) and prayed that the Curly Gods would be on my side…

And my prayers were answered! Once dressed I gently fluffed my hair right before walking down the isle.

The wedding (held at the Cathedral of Light in Oakland, CA) was absolutely beautiful. Curly Divas showed up (and showed out) in marvelous ways.

Robyn, the Maid of Honor, said she loves her curls most on Day 2. She wore a pinned up wash-and-go with side bangs.

Margaret (alllll the way from Lafayette, LA) rocked a beautiful salt and pepper afro.

Cometria’s side-pinned braid-out was marked by classical sophistication.

All in all the wedding, and its curly accompaniments, embodied the fun-heartedness and beauty of our bride who frequently rocks curls but opted for a sleek side bun adorned with a fresh cut orchid for her special day.

Congratulations Risha & William!

How do you ensure your curls are picture perfect for special occasions?

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Hair Rules Review (The "Special Offer" has Ended)

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie CurlMichael) — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 15:30:00 +0000

Living the Curly (Curly, Curly, Curly)… Liiife requires a certain amount of dedication. One moment of weakness can set you back weeks, months, and sometimes even years. One trip to the salon to “see” how long my hair was when straightened left me with strands that just wouldn’t get curly and right again. One long weekend where I abandoned my nighttime braiding and satin head wrap ritual left me in single strand knot city. A week (or two) without a deep conditioning session and my hair reaches desert level dryness with frizz to match. This year, I made a commitment to my hair: I was going to maximize its care so that it could reach its maximum potential.

My newfound (or re-found if I am being totally accurate) commitment has led me to explore new products, invest time in new processes, and express appreciation for my hair by treating it with my best possible care… While I have stumbled upon some new practices (such as The Pre-Poo) that have left me (and my mane) forever changed… there are some things that just don’t require fixing. My commitment to Hair Rules (yes, Hair like H-A-I-R and Rules like R-U-L-E-S) is one of them.

My relationship with Hair Rules dates back to my Big Chop (BC) circa 2008 (Big Chop (BC) |Big CHäp| n. An event in which one cuts a significant and oftentimes dramatic portion of hair off). My BC story is a tale within it self (one which I will save for another day). But the short of it is I had a head full of locs and I decided it was time to try something new (again) so I made the decision to cut my hair and I planned an entire weekend around the event. I made an appointment with Dickey (yes, THE Dickey) of the Hair Rules Salon in New York City. I figured if anyone could cut my hair to the quick and still make me feel pretty it was going to be him. I set the appointment, and flew from Los Angeles to New York. When I sat in Dickey’s chair he asked my reflection in the mirror if I was ready. I replied, “yes” and he got to cutting. When Dickey was done there wasn’t much hair left to talk about BUT I loved my new look and I wanted to do everything within my power to care for my hair so it would grow out and eventually look like the Curly Divas decorating the walls of the salon. So, off I went… with a bag of products in tow.

No matter what other products I have explored, Hair Rules remains my bread and butter. It’s the standard to which I compare EVERY new product I try. My hair loves it, I love it, and The Becky wouldn’t be “The Becky” without it. So, without further adieu here is my review of the three Hair Rules products I use most:

Hair Rules Daily Cleansing Cream ($15, 8oz) is a sulfate-free conditioning cleanser. While this product can be used daily I find myself using it 1-2 times per week (or whenever my hair feels like its needs cleansing or stops responding to my styling products. This no-poo has a pleasant smell, and gets my hair clean without stripping it of its moisture. I usually detangle with this product it is JUST that moisturizing.

Hair Rules Quench Conditioner ($15, 8oz) is my end-all be-all in the Hair Rules line. I use this product daily as a co-wash for my wash-and-gos. The conditioner provides a major punch in the slip department and does an AMAZING job moisturizing, detangling, helping my curls find each other, and preparing my hair for the styling product. Again the smell is mild and sophisticated (I like the way babies and bubble gum smell, but I don’t necessarily want to smell like them).

Hair Rules Curly Whip ($18, 8oz) is the styling product that defines my wash-and-goes. It offers enough hold without making my hair crunchy, it coats my hair without creating build up, and it has a way of disappearing into my hair to the point where I’d never even know it was there if I hadn’t have applied it myself. When I first started using Hair Rules I used their Kinky Curling Cream as my styler. As my hair grew longer I switched over to Curly Whip which is significantly lighter and maximizes the definition of my curls.

Hair Rules has changed my life and my hair for the better. The products are available in a variety of sizes both online through the Hair Rules website, and on the ground at select beauty supply and Target stores. While the price point is higher than many other products on the market I feel the benefits are well worth the splurge… BUT everyone likes a good deal SO, for 24 hours only (10am EST Wednesday 9/26/2012 to 10am EST Thursday 9/27/2012) Hair Rules is offering their products at a 40% discount through their website. Log on to www.hairrules.com, fill your cart to your heart’s (and head’s) content, and enter promotion code FLASH40 at checkout to score this monster deal. Act soon as products are already beginning to sell out.

What is the product line that you just can’t live without and why?

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Have You Pre-Pooed |pre poo ed| Lately?

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie CurlMichael) — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 21:36:00 +0000

Pre-Poo |pre po͞o| v. To treat your hair with a mixture of moisturizing conditioner and/or oil prior to shampooing or co-washing.

We all have our tell-tell signs that we need to take a moment away from the hustle and bustle, that is life, and get our ship back in order. For some of us the sign might be the laundry piling up. When someone asks you, “is that shirt new?” and you “hmmm and ahhh” because you don’t want them to know that you have resorted to pulling clean clothes out of the “For Goodwill” bag. For others it’s a stranger writing, “wash me” across the back window of your car because it is way past time for you set a date with the carwash. My “pause for the cause” indicator rests atop my head.

My hair is, at times, reminiscent of a baby in need of a nap. When I’ve pushed my curls to their limit they revolt in extraordinary ways and none of my attempts to band-aid the situation (applying additional product, co-washing, head-banding, twisting-out, or braiding-out) are going to mask the inevitable freak-out my tresses are preparing to unleash on me. In moments like these, my hair won’t hold a curl, twist, crimp, or braid, it tangles at the drop of a dime and shrinks to the teeny-weeniest of afros. When my hair refuses to compromise any further, I know its time for a special session. One of the easiest ways to bring my curls back into alignment is with a good old pre-poo.

Pre-poos are fundamental to the moisturized, bouncy, shine effect that categorizes my best of good hair days. Following a pre-poo my products work better, my hair feels healthier, and my curls shine brighter. And the cherry on top is that pre-poos are very easy and inexpensive. Here’s how I preform my pre-poos:

Step #1 – Reach for an oil such as extra virgin coconut, olive, or jojoba. The oil I use is a homemade mixture of extra virgin coconut, jojoba, vitamin e, argan, and castor oil.

Step #2 – Grab a moisturizing conditioner. Lately, my pre-poo go-to has been TRESemmé Naturals Nourishing Moisture Conditioner. It’s silicone free and does a good job providing true moisture to my hair. Silicone laden products can at times generate false positives on the moisturizing scale.

Step #4 – Mist hair with water until it is slightly damp (not dripping). My water bottle contains a 50/50 mix of water and aloe vera juice. I spray my entire head of hair, smooth the water in and spritz more if necessary.

Step #5 – Work a small amount of conditioner into hair. I use a golf-ball sized amount for my hair (which touches the bottom of my neck when stretched). Because my hair is usually pretty upset with me when I get around to doing my pre-poo I don’t dare try to section my hair at this stage. I just want to get the conditioner in there.

Step #6 – Section hair and apply oil. Now that my hair has had a chance to begin absorbing the moisture from the water spritz and conditioner, I begin to section and gently detangle my hair. When the section is thoroughly detangled I saturate it with my oil mix and double strand twist.

Step #7 – Let it marinate. Once my entire head is sectioned, oiled, and twisted, I apply a conditioning cap and let the pre-poo work its magic. If short on time, I might chose to move right along to the next step, but sometimes I sit under a hooded dryer for 20 minutes and let the pre-poo work as a hot oil treatment. Other times I will wrap my head with a towel and tidy up other areas of my life that might need a little TLC (like that overflowing laundry basket). When I’ve been running not stop I find that I have usually cheated myself out of a few hours of sleep, so sometimes I secure my head with a towel and leave the pre-poo on overnight.

Step #8 – Release and jump for joy. After the pre-poo has had a chance to work its magic I am left with soft, manageable, blissfully moisturized (albeit a little greasy) hair. I take down the twists and shampoo with my favorite non-sulfate cleanser (shout out to Hair Rules Daily Cleansing Cream), then I style as usual.

Once complete, curl-regularity is restored and my hair and I are once again on speaking terms.

When was the last time you pre-pooed and what is your pre-poo ritual?

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Introducing: “The Becky” |THē bek-ee|

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie CurlMichael) — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 15:16:00 +0000

Perhaps the most frequently asked question about my hair (other than, “can I touch it?”) is: How do you achieve those perfectly coiled curls? While straw sets, twist outs, braid outs, and finger twists are all methods I have employed at one time or another, my daily go-to is a tried and true wash ‘n’ go… A 6-step style I have affectionately nicknamed “The Becky” (|T͟Hē bek-ee| n. a convenient hair style completed while in the shower. Also known as a "wash 'n' go").

Here's how I do it:

Step #1 – Saturation – I saturate my hair with water from the showerhead. I use this as an opportunity to rinse out any product from the previous day. I press the water through my hair and I lightly massage my scalp but I am careful to avoid the temptation to detangle at this stage.

Step #2 – Condition – I apply enough conditioner to fill the basin of a cupped palm (about a ping-pong ball sized amount). I rub the conditioner together in the palms of my hands then I plant my hands onto the various zones of my head (front, back, and middle) transferring the product equally. Next, I smooth the conditioner through. The smoothing motion is similar to one used to make a high ponytail (front, back, and sides). I then go to work down the middle of my head to ensure the conditioner is equally distributed. I will add additional conditioner if needed to achieve maximum slip.

Step #3 – Finger Detangle – Now that my head is fully coated I gently detangle my hair using just my fingers (a process sometimes referred to as “raking”). If I have applied enough conditioner this process should be a breeze (especially if I braided my hair and protected it with a satin scarf or bonnet the night before). If I run into any areas that give me trouble I reach for more conditioner. I finger detangle in the direction of the style in which I am going to wear my hair. I typically like my curls to frame my face, so I finger detangle so my hair falls in each direction (front, sides, and back). If you wear your hair parted to one side or straight back, you should finger detangle accordingly. At the end of this step I am left with somewhat of an afro mop-top and I resemble a Chocolate Beatle. I let the conditioner sit while I move on to my other shower business.

Step #4 – Rinse – Now that my body is squeaky clean, and the conditioner has had an opportunity to work its magic, I rinse my hair. If you can do this with cold water you are a superstar! Because I want to maintain my shape (remembering the Chocolate Beatle) I practically have to stand under the water stream to rinse, so, lukewarm is about as cold as I can go. I rinse my hair until it is soft to the touch which usually means there is about 10% of the conditioner remaining.

Step #5 – Styling – I now reach for my styling or leave-in product. The amount of product I apply depends on its consistency, crunch factor, stickiness, and build-up potential. If there is one thing I DON’T LIKE (Chief Keef voice)… It’s sticky, tacky, crunchy, producty feeling hair. Hair Rules' (yes, “Hair” like H-A-I-R and “Rules” like R-U-L-E-S) Curly Whip is my go-to saving grace (full product review coming soon). I apply the product in a similar manner to which I applied the conditioner. I use a raking motion to comb the product through all the while stretching my curls with ever pass. I splash a little water on my hair and rake/stretch some more. I continue with this process until I feel as though my curls have “found” each other as much as possible. If I resemble a Chocolate Beatle with a drippy S-curl mop-top I have done everything right. I bend forward and shake my hair vigorously. Then I hop out of the shower.

Step #6 – Dry – I step out of the shower and sit under the hooded dryer to set my curls and eliminate the “drip.” The goal is to be curlylicious not inspire a rendition of “Soul Glo” as I go about my day. The warmer the weather outside, the less time I dedicate to the dryer (thank God for Cali sunshine and sunroofs). I finish with a spritz of oil for that “not-so afro sheen” shine effect (SheaMoisture Elixir is my go-to “no-so afro sheen”). Once my hair is relatively dry I fluff my curls ever so slightly and very carefully… Too much fluff generates a whole lotta frizz. And I am done! Becky complete!

What is your go-to style and what you do to maximize its efficiency?

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A Vitamin (or 5) A Day… Helps Your Hair Grow Long & Pretty (read: |pritā|)

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie CurlMichael) — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 15:00:00 +0000

“Take your vitamins” and “drink lots of water” are words of advice often given to those trying to achieve optimum health, skin, hair, and nails. I have found that my vitamin regimen is at its best the weeks leading up to my annual appointment with my doctor (aka my eat meat, take your vitamins, get on birth control, nope too late you better have a baby now, iron supplement pushing medical professional). Dr. Angela and I have had our share of battles… When she recommended I take a pre-natal in lieu of a traditional multi-vitamin I asked her if she was aware how awkward of a position I would be in when the bottle was spotted by potential suitors. When she suggested I begin eating meat to combat my anemia I respectfully declined but agreed to make a conscious effort to load up on iron rich veggies. When she encouraged me to begin taking birth control I confessed that I was not getting it in frequently enough to justify the potential side effects including: mood swings/weight-gain/hormone imbalance/blood clots/cancer/and “in some cases death”. During my last visit Dr. Angela dropped the “use them or lose them” egg bomb on me. How we went from “take this pill/get this shot/insert this ring down there” hard sell to “use them or lose them” I may never know. But I wasn’t ready to have the “your eggs are getting old so it's time to freeze them” conversation with my Doc so I agreed to the iron supplements and the "anybody want to go half on a baby" pre-natal vitamins. I probably would have eaten a cheeseburger right then and there if it would have kept Dr. Angela’s mind (and mouth) off my aging eggs.

It’s been 9 months since I last saw Dr. Angela. After our appointment I got on my supplement game pretty tough. I trekked down to Whole Foods (aka Whole Paycheck) and stocked up on the goods, I bought a pretty pink pill case, and I set a daily alarm on the iPhone to remind me that it was vitamin time (a tip I learned from one of my birth-control pill popping friends). For the first month or two, I was militarily regimented but as time has passed I’ve been less than consistent. These days, the only reminder of the commitment I made to Dr. Angela is the muffled sound of a few pills jingling in a pill case at the bottom of my handbag... Suffice to say, I’ve moved on. These days healthy hair experiments and this blog consume my thoughts and free time. But today that muffled pill box at the bottom of my bag called out to me louder than any biological clock ever has. I had a revelation: If the pills in this box are good for my body, they just might be good for my hair.

I got together with my good friend Google and researched the potential benefits the pills in my stash could/should/would have on my mane. Here’s what I found:

· Vitamin A –Aids in sebum production which works to keep the scalp and hair hydrated from the inside out. Curly girl rule #1: hydrated curls are happy curls.

· Vitamin D – Assists with the absorption of calcium, which is essential in the maintenance of healthy hair follicles. Happy follicle = happy new hair growth.

· Vitamin E – Works as an antioxidant and protects hair from free radicals. Aids in the production of red blood cells that help with blood circulation. I've also heard that vitamin E contributes to shiny hair and glowing skin.

· Folic Acid – An essential component of cell function and tissue growth. This vitamin is the main reason Dr. Angela pushed for a pre-natal over a regular women’s multi-vitamin. Apparently the body is able to build up stores of folic acid over time (translation: you don’t pee it out). So, when I do decide to have a baby the folic acid I’ve accumulated over the years will give him a super strength baby brain (What that means for my 2^nd born who won’t have access to all these years of folic acid build up is a mystery.)

· Vitamin B3 (Niacin) – Improves circulation to the scalp. Circulation is a key component of cell regeneration and is believed to be integral in stimulating hair growth.

· Biotin – A deficiency can cause the hair to grow thin and lead to breakage. A supplement regimen that incorporates biotin assists in keeping healthy hair strong.

· Zinc – Aids in cell regeneration, sebum production, and protein synthesis. Translation: stimulates growth, activates hydration, and aides in the composition of hair's building block.

· Vitamin C – Aids in the absorption of other vitamins and nutrients and stimulates blood circulation.

· Iron – Key to the production of red blood cells which transport oxygen throughout the body. Deficiencies in iron have been linked to hair loss. If keeping my iron levels in check will help keep my hair on my head, sign me up.

· Omega-3 – As an anti-inflammatory omega-3 promotes healthy hair follicles thereby preventing damage and facilitating healthy hair growth.

I have always believed and known that what we see on the outside is a direct reflection of what is going on on the inside. If a commitment to the supplement regimen of my past may help me in my quest for healthy, thick, bouncy, long, curly hair in the future, I vow to rededicate myself to the cause. Dr. Angela is going to be so proud when we meet again in a few months… Even though my eggs are still aging and I haven’t changed my mind about putting any on ice.

What vitamins, supplements, and/or nutrients are staples in your healthy hair regimen?

The statements in this post have not been evaluated by a physician (or my lawyer for that matter), so if you have questions about your personal supplement regimen, aging eggs, or baby stopper options, you should contact your personal physician. While your doctor may not share my sense of humor, he or she is a professional and knows way more about this stuff than I do.

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They're Gonna Do What They're Gonna Do, Baby

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie CurlMichael) — Sat, 15 Sep 2012 01:53:00 +0000

The BIGGEST lesson of my curly-journey (|kərlē ‘jərnē| n. The course of exploration, awareness, and acceptance one travels through as related to their hair) is realizing that my hair is going to do what it’s going to do. The mantra “let go and let flow” often comes to mind when I am faced with a finished style that leaves me a little underwhelmed (to put it mildly). People often look at my hair and think that I’ve got it made. They say, “It must be nice to just wake up and go” or “your hair must be so easy to do”… Not exactly.

I think back to the countless hours I used to spend in the straight shop (aka: the hair salon). Those hours peril in comparison to the time I spend co-washing, stretching, shaking, drying, fluffing, and drying (again) my curly hair. What sets my straight shop days apart from my life as a Curly is that when I left the straight shop I was done (at least for a week or two) and my hair was relatively “perfect.” At night I would wrap my hair and cover with a satin scarf, come morning I would unwrap it and go. Average time: 20 minutes. Degree of variance from day to day: Slim to none. Talk about “wake up and go” and “easy to do”. Those were the easy days.

The life of a Curly is anything but easy. The nights are filled with protective styling (hydrating followed by twisting or braiding), wrapping (with a silk or satin scarf), and sleeping on a satin pillowcase that totally throws off my meticulously coordinated bedding. The mornings are met with my taking down the braids or twists, co-washing, applying a styling product, raking my curls, shaking, and sitting under the hooded dryer just long enough to thwart anyone from looking at me and singing the Sol-Glo theme song (or muttering “follow the drip”) as I walk down the street. While in the car I continue this “wash-and-go” process using the fans and a carefully orchestrated window/sunroof configuration to finish drying my curls without blowing them into a frizzy mess… Average time: 45 minutes. Degree of variance from day to day: 99.9%... Primping Ain’t Easy!

When the moment arrives and I reach my destination (with a routine like this it’s no wonder I rarely reach destinations “on time”) I do a last minute fluff and I am done. With all the work and effort I’ve put in, you would think that I am always rewarded with maximally stretched curls that rest perfectly upon my head… No way! There are times when I have an unbelievable amount of shrinkage, when I’ve applied too much (or too little) product, when that co-wash should have been a real wash, when one side shines while the other dims, when some curls curl, others kink, and an entire section just frizzes. This is enough to drive a sensible girl mad and my day hasn’t even really started yet.

After being on the brink of a few unruly curls ruining a perfectly normal day a time or two, I decided that I would not be held hostage by my hair. I quickly learned that my curls (much like morning traffic, that annoying co-worker, those sluggish postal workers with a line out the door, and that boy who just can’t get it right… oops, I digress) are going to do what they are going to do… And if I had any chance of being successful in this quest, I had to start accepting my curls (and their moods) wholeheartedly. So, armed with a fierce cut, a little lip gloss, some confidence, and a whole lot of “relaxing, relating, and releasing,” bad hair days are nothing more than a less than perfect day… And I don’t know a person in the world who hasn’t had (or can’t handle) one of those.

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Birth of a Blog...

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie CurlMichael) — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 00:58:00 +0000

I cannot count the number of times a random passersby has stopped, chased, touched, over-talked, interrupted, honked at, (did I say touched?), yelled at, questioned, complimented, pointed at, praised, smiled at, stared at, and TOUCHED (yes, again) me JUST to tell me something about my hair.

They like it.

They love it.

They want to know how I do it.

They ask how long I’ve had it.

They wonder what’s in it.

They touch it.

They ask to touch it (some people… sometimes).

By their reaction I would think my tresses kissed the floor as I walked along the street, or I had a haircut whose edgy factor deserved a place on the cover of Vogue magazine… Nope… The hairdo that draws these women, men, mothers, fathers, children is nothing more (or less, I suppose) than my curly top. My (not so) TWA (“teeny weeny afro” as the Bloggers call it… Wait, am I one of them, now?) draws mucho attention.

After running down my routine (more on the “Becky” later), repeating my routine, spelling out my products of choice (yes, it’s Hair like H-A-I-R and Rules like R-U-L-E-S), demonstrating how I apply product/finger detangle/shake my hair into being, detailing my infatuation with the DevaCut, and vehemently denying that I am rocking a texturizer/twist-out/braid-out/straw-set/”kit” (Oh, I’m sure the men wonder, this is LA after all), and admitting there's nothing especially mixed about this chick, I decided that I would birth a blog.

I am going to read up, try new products, mix it up, put it on, and write it out. Suzie CurlMichael is here. She’s curly, she’s fierce, and she’s changing the world… one curl at a time.

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