HI, MY NAME IS JENNIFER AGWUNOBI AND I LIKE TEA.
So imagine being able to drink tea from the most OG tea mug ever invited? No, I'm not taking you for a mug, this is real life. Our dreams have been realised.
When IWOOT asked to send me this Knuckle Duster Mug, there was no hesitation. I was thinking I Want One Of Those (pun intended). I've actually known about them for years and I trusttt that they have some of the coolest gifts ever. Henceforth, this mug makes a PERFECT Christmas Gift because let's be real, who doesn't like tea? I mean I know it's the stereotypical British thaaang but is anyone complaining? Hands up please? Anyone? Nobody? Okay! I can't believe Christmas is literally round the corner! This season is all about being grateful, thankful and spending time with loved ones. If you are breathing, you are blessed. You are special. You are amazing. Oh, and you are BOOTYFURL!
Love you sooo much, don't forget I'm always here for you and you can talk to me at any time! Just call out my name, and you know wherever I am.. I'll come running to see you again.. winter spring summer or fall. All you gotta do is call, and I'll be there (yes I will), you've got a friend!
Yes, I really just did that.
P.S - as for my hair/skin, I've got some new vids coming up in case you were interested! *mysterious face*
Jenny
♥
Comment below and tweet me with all your questions and I will answer them here.I was featured on BGLH (18/11/2012), here are my answers :) Check out the feature here:
How long have you been natural?
3 years + (as of January 2009).
Why did you go natural?
My hair used to be relaxed (damaged, thin and EL/NL hair) yet I've always been (and still am) tender headed that almost every hair style left my scalp in agony, lord knows why I worsened this with chemicals. I guess I wasn't relaxed by "choice" as my mother took care of my hair (when I was younger). Since I can remember I've had problems with the balding of my temples (something that can be attributed to chemicals/over processing). A few years ago, it got so bad that I began covering it with a cut-out piece of stockings/tights every single day (hairstyle: ponytail and nylon headband). Everyone that has tried knows that lack of moisturising plus nylon (stockings/tights) plus damaged hair equals further breakage (more so to what I had). The pressure of the nylon also began to affect my nape area. As you can imagine, every single day I was distraught.
My parents always asked why I "had tights on my hair" so one day I picked up the courage to go into school without the "tights" headband. They assured me that my hair was "okay" - bless them, they wouldn't have known. So I went in and in front of lots of people a girl asked "did you shave your hair?" inside the knot in my stomach tightened. BY THE WAY, please bear in mind that I was about 14/15 and I think this was pre-Rihanna's "shaved side" hairstyle. Later on another girl (with relaxed hair) suggested that I "stop relaxing my hair" once again in front of people. To be honest, whether her intentions were malicious or not the comment somewhat changed my life,
July 2008 was my last relaxer. I actually started a "healthy hair journey" with no preference but when I saw how beautiful natural hair is, I dedicated not to relax my hair anymore! I didn't have a big chop (I wish I did, it seems liberating!) but I literally always had braids so I guess I "transitioned" but I remember January 2009, going to the hairdresser for the first time after the staff of my "healthy hair journey" and asking her to cut all the relaxed/straight bits off.
Since I went natural, I have never been happier. To me, it's not just hair. At all. It's life. My natural hair symbolises strength and happiness and I wish this is something that people can understand.
How would you describe your texture (is it predominantly 3a, 3b or 3c / 4a, 4b, or 4c, and how does it behave, are you strands fine or coarse, is your hair thin or dense, etc.)?
Good question! Hmm since being natural, I've always absolutely loved the fact that my hair was curly/coily/kinky regardless of the type. My hair has a mixture of types but I love the fact that it does :) If I had to choose I'd say 4C! :)
Density? I have A LOT of hair! A day doesn't go by that I wonder where it all came from! As for my strands, each individual one feels quite strong and I have crazy amounts of elasticity (as you can see from the pics!) - if there was an award for shrinkage... LOL.
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month, and the rationale behind your various styling decisions.
Twist outs (flat twist outs!), I've found that I can flat twist my whole head so quickly so this is a great stretching technique. I flat twist then bun overnight, sometimes have the bun for the whole day and/or do updos with the stretched hair then have my hair out, whatever I feel like doing at the time to be honest!
Also I got Curlformers this year and have only used them a few times but they're the absolute BEST for when I want stretched styles. I have a lot of hair so it takes me 2 to 3 hours to install but I'll probably get super fast just like how I am with flat twisting now! Curlformers are seriously amazing once you get the hang of it, they're like straightening your hair AND then curling it but with absolutely no heat and therefore no heat damage. It's just a miracle product.
This is defo my most frequently asked question and I wish I could say EXACTLY what I do but It's crazy because even after three years, I am still experimenting! I love doing research and reading about the science of hair in general (not the book!) - I love reading Google Scholar for research, blogs and watching YouTube videos but I refuse to allow myself to become a product junkie. In fact, I am an advocate that you're better off keeping things very simple because when you do so much, how will you know what is actually working and what isn't?
One thing in proud to say however if that throughout my whole journey. Two things that have stayed consistent is Coconut Oil and Castor Oil. I found myself always re-purchasing these two products regardless. You have to go by your re-purchases. No matter what product I try, Coconut Oil and Castor Oil are absolute STAPLES! I use a bit of glycerin here and there, that's also great. I've also had amazing experiences with bentonite clay as I cleanser. Oh and I love Aloe Vera!
After the worst experience with weave, I looked into lace frontals (glueless and without clips) as a protective style as I'd use it as an intensive moisturising treatment by baggying underneath (and it works!) but now I have my real hair out. I love twist outs but recently I have been trying to create my go-to classy "up-do" and I think I found one! I call it my Statue of Liberty hair even though it looks nothing like the Statue of Liberty! It involves two massive jumbo flat twists (or a few jumbo two strand twists) which are pinned down at the back, it looks so classy and it's right on trend! I was recently invited to London Fashion Week (September 2012) and was surprised to see the exact style featured at many shows, so if anyone is looking for a protective style I would recommend it!
What does wash day look like for you? (Include the products you use)
My official wash day 'write-up' is pending, it will come one day I promise! I'm still experimenting but I can say that I love bentonite clay. However, I have been testing a brand new natural technique that I haven't seen use anywhere else and I believe it stimulates hair growth too! I'm going to do a few more rounds of testing and then I'll share it with the world! Look out for it, I want to help everyone :)
Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
For my "night time regimen" I always end up doing an updo which by the morning I'm like "whoa this looks kinda classy!" - it's either stemmed by pinning down jumbo two strand twists. Or other days I'll just low bun. As long as I combine these styles red lipstick, I'm good to go!
How do you combat shrinkage?
I LOVE how our hair shrinks. How fascinating it is that one second my hair can be at my neck then next second near my hip!? That's amazing. I say embrace embrace embrace! Have some styles for when your hair is at the most shrink-ed shortest stage and LOVE IT, ROCK IT! We all know living in England that one second the sun comes out to smile and then next the clouds are crying so be prepared. Don't end up hating your hair just because it shrinks up. Be grateful that you have such elasticity because if you were ever to get heat damage, shrinkage will be the first thing you miss!
I wouldn't say shrinkage was a problem but a few months ago it was raining loads in England and I was just rocking twist outs even in the rain so then one time my hair shrinked SO much even more than the "sunflower" picture, literally you would have thought I was less than a year natural, I was like "whoa but wow" at the same time. Like that's cool. I can go from Black Annie to Diana Ross back to Black Annie again! That day encouraged me to have hair styles for when it does rain and to be prepared. I love the short coily look and it's amazing to know that anytime I want to achieve that, I just need some water and glycerin. As I noticed that whenever I have glycerin in my hair (I'm normally generous with the glycerin!) that it shrinks to its optimal. That's a good fact to know because it proves the moisturising properties of glycerin.
What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require extra care and attention?
My temples. Up until the point when Iwent natural, my temples always seem to end up balding but Castor Oil has been my best friend since I went natural. Plus no more harsh chemicals I think has attributed to the care and growth so now it's fine! Hopefully with TLC, it stays like that :)
What are 2 do’s for your texture?
ACCEPT YOUR HAIR, ACCEPT YOURSELF.
LOVE YOUR HAIR. LOVE WHO YOU ARE.
If you're worried that people you know like your friends may judge you then they're not your true friends. If you're worried that your family won't "accept" you then show them how fierce natural hair is! Prove the "haters" wrong :)
I've had so many people say to me that me being natural has inspired them. So many are transitioning now. I remember rocking a mini fro to school every single day for a while and I created a slight u turn. Suddenly I had girls (I went to an all girls school) thanking me for showing that natural hair is beautiful and loadsss more girls rocking their fros to school too! I'm at university now doing Economics but at sixth form I was 'Head of Mentoring' so girls would always come to me to talk and during school days I was like a big sister to like every single girl there!
Random but for example, just the other day a Caucasian male around his late 20s said to me: "excuse me, it's nice to see someone with real natural hair and none if that straightening/relaxing" how sweet? I'm not gonna lie, at first I was scared when I heard "excuse me" I was thinking "oh nooo, not one of these scary old men that talk to young girls" but then he went on to say such nice things and I know his intentions were pure/genuine as after I said "aww thank you so much!" he said "you're welcome" and went. I really don't know how he had so much knowledge! I think Natural Hair has been greatly publicised in the media which is amazing.
My family are still fascinated as to how I grew my hair so much and to be honest so am I! I definitely see myself as a young positive advocate for natural hair.
I love how with my natural hair I'm 100% me. Nothing to hide. I don't wear make up, only occasionally and I love having a "take me or leave me" attitude like love me naturally or don't love me at all. THIS IS ME. I know, I know, so cheesy but what can I say? A little bit of cheddar every now and again doesn't hurt.
Furthermore:
1. Protect at night.
2. Moisturise.
What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
DO NOT LET HAIRDRESSERS RUIN YOUR HAIR.
Allowing hairdressers access to my hair. I have memories of all my hairdresser visits where they just did not care for my hair, one in particular around two years ago left me with a bleeding scalp. I can only wonder how these hairdressers see a young vulnerable girl crying in agony but do nothing about it. You see, the thing that hurts me most is that I put my ultimate trust in these people. Before they start I beg them not to do it tight. I beg them not to hurt me. I'd much rather have a loosely sewn weave than sleepless nights and migraines for a month. Since I was younger, I have always had a tender scalp and rather than these hairdressers acknowledging that, they treat me as if I'm exaggerating and literally laugh. Worst thing is that it's not just one bad bunch, I tried SO many hairdressers all over the place. It has come to the extent that the smell of weave and walking past these hairdressers make me anxious. I have always experienced balding as a result of all of these (traction/tension alopecia I believe it's called) but I try to stay strong and see what I can do about it. The hair grows back and then I go for a protective style (weave at the hairdresser) and I lose it all again. It's a cycle that I'm starting to break.
My experiences with hairdressers always seem to be bad, I think I have the most tender scalp ever but on top of that they're so rough with me. I think they saw me as a little girl and they never listened to me. My parents are Nigerian, born and raised so I was taught to respect my elders! I guess the hairdressers took advantage of my respect. My advice is know your worth, don't let anyone treat you bad in any situation.
Furthermore:
1. Do not use excessive amounts of heat.
2. Do not apply excessive amounts of pressure, be gentle!
Lastly...
I hope my story can be an inspirational to you all. Whether you're natural, texturised or relaxed. Do your thing! Don't let anyone tell you what you can't do, show them what you CAN do.
Now go forth and love your hair because it's well and truly bootyfurl.
Follow me on Google Friend Connect and Twitter for the quickest responses and updates!
Jenny ♥
Peppermint oil is an essential oil which is normally paired with carrier oils such as olive oil, almond oil, or castor oil. Peppermint oil can also sometimes be found befriending other essential oils such as lavender, jasmine or wheat germ oil.
Peppermint oil can be mixed as many combinations, e.g with jojoba oil and glycerin; or with castor oil and olive oil; these mixtures are known to promote hair growth.
Peppermint oil has pH balancing qualities that can also be used to treat dry scalp and dandruff. The neutralising effect on the scalp also reduces itching.
To penetrate the hair shaft, mix the oil with any carrier oil - massage into scalp then put hair up in a shower cap and place a heated towel on top (optional). Let the heat from the outer towel penetrate - the oil will hopefully stream down the hair shaft combined with the natural heat regulation from shower cap.
As the smell suggests, peppermint has anti-bacterial properties so feel at ease when applying it to your scalp! Gives that fresh sensation too and that tingling fresh sensation also stimulates your hair follicles and promotes hair growth.
Don't stop there! Peppermint oil has other uses :) The menthol present in the oil helps in making your skin healthy and glowing. Peppermint oil can help in controlling excess oil production and can therefore be used as a cure for oily skin. Peppermint oil is one of the ingredients used in lip balms. It makes the lips smooth and don't forget the anti-bacterial properties! It is used as a remedy for sunburned and cracked lips. This oil is known for relieving different body pains. It is can be used to soothe headaches. Peppermint oil is one of the ingredients present in different mouthwashes and toothpastes, as you probably know :)
Lalala loveyoulongtime!
Peppermint oil can be mixed as many combinations, e.g with jojoba oil and glycerin; or with castor oil and olive oil; these mixtures are known to promote hair growth.
Peppermint oil has pH balancing qualities that can also be used to treat dry scalp and dandruff. The neutralising effect on the scalp also reduces itching.
To penetrate the hair shaft, mix the oil with any carrier oil - massage into scalp then put hair up in a shower cap and place a heated towel on top (optional). Let the heat from the outer towel penetrate - the oil will hopefully stream down the hair shaft combined with the natural heat regulation from shower cap.
As the smell suggests, peppermint has anti-bacterial properties so feel at ease when applying it to your scalp! Gives that fresh sensation too and that tingling fresh sensation also stimulates your hair follicles and promotes hair growth.
Don't stop there! Peppermint oil has other uses :) The menthol present in the oil helps in making your skin healthy and glowing. Peppermint oil can help in controlling excess oil production and can therefore be used as a cure for oily skin. Peppermint oil is one of the ingredients used in lip balms. It makes the lips smooth and don't forget the anti-bacterial properties! It is used as a remedy for sunburned and cracked lips. This oil is known for relieving different body pains. It is can be used to soothe headaches. Peppermint oil is one of the ingredients present in different mouthwashes and toothpastes, as you probably know :)
Lalala loveyoulongtime!
- ANNOUNCEMENT (21/11/2013): I've started You'Tubing! I will be doing a video on the Green House Effect VERY SOON, showing you comparisons and the huge amount of growth I got IF I get enough subscribers and requests so pleaseee click here to subscribe to BOOTYFURL on Youtube! It's freee to subscribe! -
No, I'm not going all environmental on you! The Green House Effect is a method in hair care where you promote hair growth naturally and restore moisture by simply locking in the moisture (via natural heat). Confused? I'll explain. Simply and literally, all you do is trap the heat by putting on a plastic cap and then adding layers! Layers? Yes layers (it's winter, go crazy!): scarfs, hats, another plastic cap maybe? Be creative! It is not the GHE unless you further secure the initial heat because as you can imagine the moisture stays in your hair as it has nowhere to go (sad, I know!).
No, I'm not going all environmental on you! The Green House Effect is a method in hair care where you promote hair growth naturally and restore moisture by simply locking in the moisture (via natural heat). Confused? I'll explain. Simply and literally, all you do is trap the heat by putting on a plastic cap and then adding layers! Layers? Yes layers (it's winter, go crazy!): scarfs, hats, another plastic cap maybe? Be creative! It is not the GHE unless you further secure the initial heat because as you can imagine the moisture stays in your hair as it has nowhere to go (sad, I know!).
Products you may use: any carrier oil on your HAIR, e.g. coconut oil / olive oil - GHE should stimulate natural oil from your scalp. You may also find that you don't need to reapply oils every night but just the plastic cap / scarf (as the GHE is great in re-activating moisture). Such nights, you can spray a squirt (literally) of water and then proceed with the plastic cap. You do not have to wash the oil out as all it's doing is benefiting your hair and stimulating growth but if you feel as though it's too heavy for your hair type, feel free to wash it off the next morning!
Quick stats: my hair is Type 4 and Natural however this technique can be used on all hair types.
Be sure to read the latest on my hair here: http://www.bootyfurl.co.uk/2012/10/my-hair.html
Your hair can and WILL grow. What are you waiting for? Incorportate the GHE into your regemin now! Comment below if you have any questions, I will answer them ASAP :)
AUGUST 2013 UPDATE: I did a quick length check a few months ago, it's TAILBONE LENGTH!
ANY QUESTIONS? TWEET ME @BOOTYFURL - I reply straight away!
Jenny ♥
Quick stats: my hair is Type 4 and Natural however this technique can be used on all hair types.
Your hair can and WILL grow. What are you waiting for? Incorportate the GHE into your regemin now! Comment below if you have any questions, I will answer them ASAP :)
AUGUST 2013 UPDATE: I did a quick length check a few months ago, it's TAILBONE LENGTH!
ANY QUESTIONS? TWEET ME @BOOTYFURL - I reply straight away!
Jenny ♥
Hola mamacitas!
Ok so I'm gonna talk about basic science in hair care (uh, I know right! I thought it was the holidays too!).
Closed (flat)/ normal cuticles is when the third outer layer of the hair strand is smooth, open (raised) is the opposite and normally results to dry/rough and/or altered curls, therefore the aim is to flatten those cuticles chicas!
When I first started my natural hair journey 3 years ago, I was 15 but started researching when I was 14 so I remember coming across all science-y stuff and literally running away (sprinting like I was Usain Bolt) or not even acknowledging the existences of such theories in hair care. However, now I'm gownnn now (yeah right!) - 18 and I got A's In science and additional science so the science fears me not and with my miminal but useful knowledge, ima enlighten you (omg tbh amount of times I have said science so far is starting to give me a headache #flashbacks!)
#leggo! You somewhat remember the acid/alkaline thing right? Or do you vaguely remember watching the birds mate outside as your teacher tried to explain? Well either way, let's start by saying water is neutral. It's pH is 7 #woooo mega exciting! Acids are below 7 as in 0-7 and alkalines are above 7 (as in 7-14). Remember water is neutral so spraying water on your hair does not change the pH level which is why it's so good as an initial moisturising spray before locking in moisture with creams/oils. Changing the ph level of my hair, why would I want to do that? I hear you ask! Ok, fine I'll answer. Only because you're being nice and reading up to this point! Have you ever been scurrred to wash your hair just in case something went wrong? Well now be in control! More acidic products not only help with porosity problems (look out for post on porosity!) but because they smooth down the cuticle, they help your curls POP! When I use more acidic products, my curls spiral like no one's business! Looking at them make me feel dizzy LOL #ThatIshKray!
So if you have suffered from any damage, especially heat damage I'll first suggest a mild protein treatment to strengthen your hair (if you need any recipes just holla!) and do an apple cider vinegar rinse (if you can take the smell and remember to dilute, 1 part water to 3 or 4 part ACV) and products within a ph of near the hairs neutral pH of 5 (Hair actually has a pH that ranges from 4.5 to 5.5, so anything within these pHs are good). Products are better for the hair when they more closely match the natural pH of hair. Products within a pH of 6-7 won't do any harm at all in fact since it stems more towards the neutral pH of 7, if you ever want stretched styles like twistouts, during washing just remember that and dilute more (water: pH of 7). However anything with a pH of above 7 is a no no as your cuticle will be raised and won't maintain moisture! So stay away from alkalines!
Also as well, as acidic products/rinses - for a last rinse splash with cold water to close cuticles as much as poss & ensure super shiny curly healthy hair!
Ok, so I know this is what all up in your face but you made it here! Take it all in, make notes, go and check your products or go and make products! Entirely up to you but I hope this helped! My hair is MBL/WL now so I must be doing something right! :)
Products with pH of 4.5 to 5.5 (more acidic) #YAY
Aloe Vera (I do a water & aloe spray before I seal with Shea butter and/or oils!)
Diluted Lemon Juice (maybe try a diluted lemon juice and honey condish & rinse off?)
Diluted Apple Cider Vinegar (do as clarifier instead of shampoo and/or final rinses)
Products with a pH of above 7 (alkaline) #NAY
Harsh Shampoos (co wash instead!)
Baking Soda (but better than shampoo)
Hair Colour (try henna!)
Lalala loveyoulongtime!
Ok so I'm gonna talk about basic science in hair care (uh, I know right! I thought it was the holidays too!).
Closed (flat)/ normal cuticles is when the third outer layer of the hair strand is smooth, open (raised) is the opposite and normally results to dry/rough and/or altered curls, therefore the aim is to flatten those cuticles chicas!
When I first started my natural hair journey 3 years ago, I was 15 but started researching when I was 14 so I remember coming across all science-y stuff and literally running away (sprinting like I was Usain Bolt) or not even acknowledging the existences of such theories in hair care. However, now I'm gownnn now (yeah right!) - 18 and I got A's In science and additional science so the science fears me not and with my miminal but useful knowledge, ima enlighten you (omg tbh amount of times I have said science so far is starting to give me a headache #flashbacks!)
#leggo! You somewhat remember the acid/alkaline thing right? Or do you vaguely remember watching the birds mate outside as your teacher tried to explain? Well either way, let's start by saying water is neutral. It's pH is 7 #woooo mega exciting! Acids are below 7 as in 0-7 and alkalines are above 7 (as in 7-14). Remember water is neutral so spraying water on your hair does not change the pH level which is why it's so good as an initial moisturising spray before locking in moisture with creams/oils. Changing the ph level of my hair, why would I want to do that? I hear you ask! Ok, fine I'll answer. Only because you're being nice and reading up to this point! Have you ever been scurrred to wash your hair just in case something went wrong? Well now be in control! More acidic products not only help with porosity problems (look out for post on porosity!) but because they smooth down the cuticle, they help your curls POP! When I use more acidic products, my curls spiral like no one's business! Looking at them make me feel dizzy LOL #ThatIshKray!
So if you have suffered from any damage, especially heat damage I'll first suggest a mild protein treatment to strengthen your hair (if you need any recipes just holla!) and do an apple cider vinegar rinse (if you can take the smell and remember to dilute, 1 part water to 3 or 4 part ACV) and products within a ph of near the hairs neutral pH of 5 (Hair actually has a pH that ranges from 4.5 to 5.5, so anything within these pHs are good). Products are better for the hair when they more closely match the natural pH of hair. Products within a pH of 6-7 won't do any harm at all in fact since it stems more towards the neutral pH of 7, if you ever want stretched styles like twistouts, during washing just remember that and dilute more (water: pH of 7). However anything with a pH of above 7 is a no no as your cuticle will be raised and won't maintain moisture! So stay away from alkalines!
Also as well, as acidic products/rinses - for a last rinse splash with cold water to close cuticles as much as poss & ensure super shiny curly healthy hair!
Ok, so I know this is what all up in your face but you made it here! Take it all in, make notes, go and check your products or go and make products! Entirely up to you but I hope this helped! My hair is MBL/WL now so I must be doing something right! :)
Products with pH of 4.5 to 5.5 (more acidic) #YAY
Aloe Vera (I do a water & aloe spray before I seal with Shea butter and/or oils!)
Diluted Lemon Juice (maybe try a diluted lemon juice and honey condish & rinse off?)
Diluted Apple Cider Vinegar (do as clarifier instead of shampoo and/or final rinses)
Products with a pH of above 7 (alkaline) #NAY
Harsh Shampoos (co wash instead!)
Baking Soda (but better than shampoo)
Hair Colour (try henna!)
Lalala loveyoulongtime!