A Bitter-Sweet "Farewell"

I've been avoiding this post because it's definitely bittersweet. But I won't drag it out and I'll jump right to it. Here officially ends this blog, "Shay-Buttah", as you've known it. As much as I love this blog it's actually a good thing that it is ending. Well not ending exactly...but getting revamped in a different and GREAT way...

I am still very passionate about natural hair care and embracing my natural journey. But I'm also passionate about so much more. You may be aware that I have another blog called chaoticDAYdreams, that has served as my "everything else" blog. With work, and life and everyday hectic-ness, keeping up with the two has been a challenge. I had/have no desire to abandon either blogs but naturally it slowly (or swiftly) happened. So I had a brilliant idea. Combine the two! And thus the revamped version of chaoticDAYdreams will feature everything from natural hair, music, d.i.y's, photography, fashion, world issues and anything else you could possibly imagine. It will be a place for everything and anything! With this re-vamping you can be sure that the quality of posts/photography will be better and much more frequent.

With that said I hope you all will join me in the move to the "new" blog. I promise it will  be devote to natural hair...just on an amped up level!

Thank you all for your support of Shay-Buttah. And thank you in advance for your support as well as subscribing over at chaoticDAYdreams. The journey has been great thus far...and will only grow from here on out!

(Click the photo below to be re-directed)

Calling all DMV Transitioners!!

I know I've been A-WOL. And an explanation will be coming ASAP. But until then, I was sent this flyer/ info last night and I want to share it with you...

Hey Ya’ll,

We are running a Big Chop Campaign!!! Our goal is to get as many women as possible to “Go Natural” on Wed, May 16th. Which is the day we’ll be hosting a Big Chop Event. The event will run from noon – 6pm on Wed, May 16th at our salon. All guests who show up between those hours will receive a free big chop service which includes:

- a consultation

- big chop

- shampoo

- conditioner

- leave in conditioner

This is an event to promote and encourage a journey. A gathering of woman to celebrate each others big step into hair freedom.

We will be serving cupcakes, champagne and Sparkling Apple Cider … bringing in the New Hair proper!!

(http://nnaturalhairstudio.com)

So if you or any one you know is itching to "cut it all off" and you live in the DC, Maryland and Virgina area make sure to come through. Spread the word! I'll be there with my best friend as she does her 2nd big chop. Hope to see you there! =D

Oh SNAP!!!

The happiest day of my young adult life...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

Android has Instagram!

It's about to be a muthafuccinwrap!

Instagram name: Shay_Buttahh


(Follow me so I can follow you. Or leave your name in the comments. I'm tryna stalk everyone's life =D )

"Tracks on Tracks on Tracks..."

As I was checking out one of my favorite blogs, Natural Belle, a video was posted of students from The University of Manchester in the United Kingdom debating Afro/Caribbean hair. Although the video is slightly lengthy it's definitely interesting to see that the same stigmas and opinions on black hair is shared universally. Check the video out below.

The Breaking Point

Breakage is the devil. When I was relaxed, my hair suffered breakage like a mutha, which is one of the main reasons I went natural. My natural hair for a while was growing very well and evenly all over. But around October I realized that the front of my hair (i.e. them edges!) wasn't growing at the same pace as the rest of my hair. And then around the beginning of Decemeber I realized that they were simply breaking off.

That red line indicates how long the very front of my hair is...smh!

I didn't understand how this could be happening. I was taking really great care of my hair. Regular washes and deep conditioning. Low manipulation styling. Heat-free styles. Gentle detangling. And yet them edges were leaving faster than ever. And then it hit me. Them God-forsaken puffs! 

I love me a bomb, slicked back, middle of the head, 4inch sittin high, afro puff. It was my go to style since the minute my TWA could fit into one. And yet it is the reason why I'm going bald! Well... no where near that drastic but my hair definitely broke off like CRAZY. I think it was a combination of the pulling of the bands I was using, the tightness of the puffs, the over use of gel and the frequency of the style, that contributed to the loss of my edges.  

Honestly you can't tell just by looking. And I can't either unless I'm trying to slick back my hair in a pony tail or puff, but that's not even a styling option right now. NO puffs anytime soon. It's been 4 months since the last one and I'm in no hurry to wear one.

Lookin' real normal!

Looks can be deceiving! 

 And although I don't think this is directly due to breakage the hair on both sides, on the very back of my neck are identically super short as well. I'm pretty sure that it's because of a shape up I got last summer. And since I never got another one after that, strands "A" (see pic below) are just the regrowth of the shaved off hair. But look at how far it has to go to reach strands "B" which are directly above strands "A" (confused yet? lol). It makes some styling a bit difficult and I'm debating on whether I should just chop it off.

Although I know there is no miracle product that will allow me to declare myself Rapunzel over night, I do have some ideas that I'll be sharing very soon to help retain the length of my edges and hopefully stimulate growth!

Stylin': mini twists (update/maintenance)

It's been two weeks and my cute little mini twists are still giving me the business in the best way possible. This has been a very suitable substitution to the braided/twisted extensions that I've been longing for. I've received so many lovely compliments and exclamations from fellow naturals for me to get my hands in their hair lol! Before I big chopped I always wore my hair in a similar cut to where these twists fall. My relaxed hair never really grew past the base of my neck for years. So now that my un-stretched twists have made it to the length I was before the BC, I'm hype!

My night time routine/maintenance is very simple, which I need and appreciate. I lightly spritz the twist with water and then rub either coconut oil or my Shea Butter mix on the twist, focusing on the ends. I throw on a satin bonnet and then it's "Goodnight!" In the mornings I shake my hair a bit and then either pin the front out of my face or just let them "do what they do." And it's as simple as that.

The funny thing about these twists is it makes me long for locs...immediately! I'm just imagining short locs I can play in. Who knows...maybe it will come to be in the future. until then, i'll stick to the mini twists and genie locs.

Shay Buttah's Shea Butter

Source

For this healthy (ayurvedic/natural) hair challenge I've had to rely heavily on my shea butter mix as a moisture aid and a styler. Almost 2 years ago I started experimenting with different recipes to make the most beneficial mix. Know what I found out? You can basically use whatever you like! And that's why I love shea butter mixes. They can be so versatile and can be mixed to fit your direct hair needs. Below is the recipe I've been using to make mine. There are no exact measurements at all. I just add and mix until it...well...feels right in my soul! But you can add and omit anything you want. Experiment with different carrier oils, plant gels, pure plant oils (essential oils) and even scents until you find what works best for you!

Butter:

100% Organic Unrefined Shea Butter | Sealant for moisture, 

soothes irritated scalp, protects hair form weather damage (heat/UVs)

Carrier Oils:

Coconut oil | Great conditioner, light protein used to nourish damaged hair

Castor oil | Stimulates growth, prevents thinning, increase strength of strands

Extra Virgin Olive Oil  | Prevents dryness, conditions, improves strength and elasticity

Amla Oil   |  Conditions hair, strengthens strands, Promotes shine

Pure Plant (Essential Oils):

Vitamin E oil   |  Stimulates growth

Tea Tree Oil   |  Anti-bacterial properties, combats build-up, decreases dandruff

Grapefruit Oil   |  Stimulates hair follicles, fragrance

Tangerine Oil   |  Battles shedding, fragrance

Lemon Oil   |  Repairs hair sebum, adds luster, fragrance