The deeper conversation about natural hair

November 2, 2020.Reading time 4 minutes.

Channel 4 recently aired a documentary as part of its black history month programming called Hair Power: Me and my Afro. It was an insightful look into a few people’s experiences growing up and having natural Afro hair in the UK. It was really interesting, if you haven’t seen it I encourage you to check it out.

It got me thinking about my own hair, how I view it and if there is a deeper meaning to how I’ve chosen to wear my hair.

My hair has been relaxed since I was 4 years old, so for as long as I can remember my mum has been relaxing my hair and I’ve never had any issues with it. I love how manageable it is for me. I’ve learnt how to style it, treat it, trim it, deep condition it. The fact that I can wash, dry and straighten in under an hour really appeals to me.

However, after watching this documentary I do question whether I am in someway not being true to the hair that God gave me. Should I be rocking my gloriously curly mane regardless of how long the maintenance of it may be?

Does my natural hair give my daughter (whose hair is natural) the wrong idea about the value of her natural hair?

Am I conforming to the ideals set by society or diluting my blackness by wearing my hair in a way that I feel may help me be accepted by other races?

Yep deep questions right? Lol. I’ll be honest, even as I write this I’m undecided. It’s not the first time I’ve thought about whether or not I should have natural hair and it also won’t be the first time I’ve considered going natural.

My argument so far has been that relaxed hair doesn’t make me any less of an african after all I have far more prominent features that are telling of my heritage – for example the rounded contours of my nose, the warm hue of my skin- is that not enough?

What if I grow out my natural hair and because of time restraints or otherwise end up wearing wigs? Does that not defeat the purpose? Are wigs not relaxed hair in synthetic form? Are lacefronts, closures and the alike all a nod towards the European standard of hair beauty? Just thinking aloud here…

Maybe that’s not a strong enough reason, maybe I should proudly rock the hair that God gave me, regardless of the time it takes to maintain. Wear my tightly wound curls with love and pride and show my daughter that my hair is just like hers and it’s beautiful.

Even at the end of this I’m still undecided, relaxed hair I feel has become a part of my style and I really enjoy wearing my hair in this way but maybe just maybe it’s time for a change…

The Fenty Skin review – Facial cleanser, fat water toner, hydra vizor moisturiser

September 9, 2020.Reading time 3 minutes.

As soon as I saw these new products I just HAD to try it. I have been so impressed with the fenty make up range that for me it was a no brainer. So let’s jump straight into the review 🙂

As far as cleansers go, this really does do what it says on the tin. It’s delicate enough to not irritate my skin yet tough enough on even the most oily of foundations and concealers. I love the creamy consistency and it smells amazing. I’m really enjoying using this on my skin and my skin loves it too. The twist to open device means you don’t waste any product. A little goes a long way with this cleanser so I squeeze just a little and it’s enough for my face and neck. I probably wouldn’t buy again simply because there are other cleansers that are equally as effective such as the La Roche Posay purifying foaming gel

I was unsure about this toner when I first started using it. As the name suggests, I was expecting a gel like consistency but it’s actually. I’m used to using cotton wool to apply my toner and I wasn’t sure initially that it was really making any difference to my skin. But after a week of using this morning and evening I started to notice that my pores were much smaller, my skin looked smooth and it didn’t leave my skin feeling tight. I let it sit for a while before applying the moisturiser. This toner is so gentle on the skin. I squeeze a little onto my middle finger, spread across three fingers and apply all over my face.

This is my favourite of the trio. A moisturiser that leaves my skin feeling and looking beautifully dewy. When I first apply it the cream seems to just sit on the skin and it looks like I’ve just put lots of sunscreen on but then its absorbed by the skin, leaving it looking juicy and supple. This does also contain spf30 which means I’m protect from harmful rays and I like that. It’s hard to find a cream that does that whilst keeping your skin moisturised.To me it smells of vanilla and roses- just delightful :). All three of these products work beautifully together. It’s evident that a lot of research, care and attention has gone into this and it shows.

Have you tried any of these products? How have you found them?

As always thank you for reading xx

Skincare and self care

March 17, 2020.Reading time 3 minutes.

I never knew these two went hand in hand until I started taking my skincare regime seriously somewhere around November 2019. Not only have I noticed a difference in my skin but it’s time I carve out for myself and do something for me. Which as a stay at home mum is important to have.

Prior to this I’ll be honest that I have used whatever cleanser I’ve had available including bar soap which isn’t really recommended for the skin on your face. Having a good skincare regime some day will save you money in the long run. Having a regime now could prevent deep wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and keeps skin healthy and moist.

Before starting my regime I did some research into what I wanted for my skin, what I wanted to achieve and did an assessment of the type of skin I have, which is combination oily but has changed a bit during pregnancy.

Getting good products is key but so is being consistent with your routine. I’ve seen a difference in my skin because I’ve been committed as much as possible to cleansing, toning and moisturising even when I’m at my most tired (which can sometimes take a bit of motivation!)

Here are the products that I use:

I start with this Caudalie cleansing oil which gets rid of the tougher make-up like gel liners and mascara plus oil based make-up like foundation and concealers. After this I use Simple moisturising facial wash for an even deeper cleanse.

I then follow with a cleanser on my face and neck, I have a few but this one is my favourite to use at the moment from Clarins.

This toner is great, it’s so gentle on the skin and I’m loving the results. Again I use this on my face and neck.

This serum is great and I use it during the day if I’m not wearing makeup and every evening after my toner. It’s got such a lovely smell and a few drops goes a long way.

I finish off with a gel moisturiser in the evenings. I prefer using a gel moisturiser because of how quickly they absorb into the skin.

I haven’t perfected this regime yet as I do need to add a daily moisturiser that contains an SPF so would love to know your recommendations. What other kind of products do you use on your skin?

With all that’s going on at the moment please do make the most of the time you have with family and check on your friends and relatives too. Have a great week! Xx