Curls can be everywhere...

This picture means the world to me...Thank you to Jessica Millward of Twin Pearl Photography for capturing this moment.
Whenever my three year  "lets" me do her hair, my heart fills with joy.  She now has her own opinion of what style she wants and I couldn't be prouder.  Some days, these opinions delay our departure or her hair doesn't get done at all.  In the grand scheme of life, this works for our family.
These days, "one puff Momma" is the usual request because that is how Princess Tiana wears her hair don't you know? :-)

People always ask me, "What will you do when she wants it straight?"  I will cry.  Just kidding, okay I will cry a little.  Supporting Naima in whatever she truly believes in, is one of my many priorities.  Showing her that her natural curls are unique and beautiful is an ideal fantasy.  But someday if she wants it straight, then straight it is.  Nothing permanent though :)

When we go the library, I scour the shelves to find books that show little girls with her skin color and curly hair.  Honestly, these kind of books are few and far between. A big thank you to Baby Big Hair for the valuable book review on their blog.   I am so excited to learn about this new book,  "Princess Truly and the Hungry Bunny Problem" by Kelly Greenawalt.  I immediately bought this book for Naima and it definitely will go under our tree this year.  Thank you for writing this beautiful book Kelly!  Here is a link to learn more about the author, order your books, and find out about Princess Truly.

I can't wait to see Naima's expression when she opens this gift on Christmas morning.  A little girl that looks like her will surely make her smile.  Curls can be everywhere, you just have to look :)

Morning Hair Ritual

Naima's hair, after she wakes up, is definitely not the "let's just leave the house" kind of hair.  Also, don't talk to her too soon....lol.  You probably will hear a big "NO".

Our morning routine: In addition to eating breakfast, Mommy & Daddy getting ready for work, packing lunches, showering and getting dressed.......the HAIR must be done :)  I would like to thank Apple for making the iphone, it is the only thing Naima will look at while I do her hair.  Sesame Street doesn't cut it anymore :)

The pictures below show Naima's hair when she wakes up in the morning, during the Kinky Curly Knot Today application, and the after result: 2 Puffs :)

This Mommy knows I could send her to school with the hair she woke up with but I just can't. Naima loves to look in the mirror and see her puffs or whichever style she has.  I try to vary the styles so her hair isn't up all the time.  Currently, we have a handful of styles and hope to increase our options.


The journey we are on has many paths and is full of wonderful people......That is why it's so great to make a connection with others.





 




After - 2 puffs





Morning Hair

















After (2)



Her right side-Kinky Curly Knot Today







First Haircut & Braids....

I believe the right product for the curls and the proper maintenance of the curls are both important. This brings me to one of the dreaded questions.....lol :) 
When are you going to cut her hair? My answer is never...just kidding.  My mind races with so many questions...Will she let someone else touch her hair?  How the heck will they untangle all the curls?  Will they cut it too short? 
Maybe all the bad experiences with my own curls are delaying this first haircut for my daughter.  She will get a hair trim, as I like to call it, when Mommy finds the right place :)

Another dreaded question is: When are you going to braid her hair?  This Mommy loves that question because i don't know how to braid.  Yes, I will learn.  My old college roomie will be in town and she is supposed to show me how.  Synthia: Where are you???? 
Naima really enjoys her curls and likes to play with them...braiding her hair to her head might be a problem but who knows.  I look forward to learning how to braid and to Naima smiling when she sees her new hairstyle. 
I ran into a woman the other day who says that her daughter only wears her hair braided.  It is much easier that way was her response.  I've never taken the easy road :))))
Naima is three years old and there is plenty of time to enjoy braids just like we enjoy her curls now.  Braids will be one of our paths that we take in this incredible hair journey!

My idea of simple braids......she liked them :)





Thought for the day.....

I want my daughters curly hair to have definition.  I just don't want her curls to define her.  She is only three years old but somehow the "hair" can be a topic that goes on and on......just ask Gabby :)
Naima loves her curls and so do we, but most importantly we love her! 



Product "Arsenal"

The question I ask and get asked is: What products do you use for her curls?  I would also like to add, what doesn't work for us doesn't mean it won't work for you :) Here is a list of the product "Arsenal" we currently have.

• Shea Moisture Curl & Style Milk, Deep Conditioning Treatment, and Curl Enhancing Smoothie:  All were bought at Walgreens but you can also find them at Target.  The products are currently on the back shelf because i feel they leave a white film and dry out the hair  www.sheamoisture.com
• Carols Daughter Healthy Hair Butter:  The smell is too strong and the product seems to thick for some of her curls.  Daddy gets to use it on his scalp instead..Sssssshhh don't tell :)  www.carolsdaughter.com
• Mixed chicks Kids line:  I really do not like this product in her hair.  I previously used the adult line which includes a shampoo, conditioner and leave-in conditioner.  This worked much better :)  www.mixedchicks.com
• Kinky-Curly Knot Today is a leave-in conditioner but can also be used a rinse out.  We love it!!! I never thought i would get my fingers or a comb through her curls. Heading to Target to buy the shampoo and curl custard and will keep you updated www.kinky-curly.com
• Curls products actually have a baby line that I used for Naima when she was an infant.  It worked really well.  I didn't try their professional adult line but now they have a retail line sold at Target and Sally's Beauty Supply.  The products shown are the shampoo, conditioner, leave-in conditioner and gel.  The gel definitely dried out her curls.  It works great in my hair :)www.curls.biz
• Cantu  has many products in their line but I have only tried the Daily oil Moisturizer in my daughter's hair...too greasy and then her hair seemed dry later in the day.  www.cantusheasoft.com

Hair Pictures from 2011

Last year I loved using Mixed Chicks as a Leave-Conditioner.....here are the results :)

Mixed chicks website

Before

After



Thanks for even checking out my blog :) Its my first attempt and i have no clue what i am doing lol :) 
My Three year old has the most amazing curls and I love that i am able to "do" her hair.  Thank goodness i have an iphone, otherwise I'm not sure if she would let me. 
The journey has been trying to find the right products for her hair and the different styles.  At some point I will post other photos from birth.  This will allow you to see the progression of her curls and how some products work and some just plain don't.
Be back soon :)