Short Hair, Don't Care??

Before I started my hair journey, I undertook A LOT of research.  From hair care to routines, to product supplies, I wanted to ensure that I was physically and mentally ready for this new beginning...a new dawn as they would say.  What inspired me the most, was seeing that actually, black women CAN grow their hair long!  I must admit, I'm not adverse to this.  My girl cousins have long hair and only because they look after it.  As a child, my hair was good in terms of health and length but as soon as I look over the reigns to care for my hair, that was it!

If I'm honest, I didn't really pay particular attention to my own hair.  If it was in a weave, it was in a weave!  I didn't like trying to navigate beyond tracks to grease my scalp, so I just left it.  The only attention my hair would get, was 3 (yes, I said 3) months later when I finally decided to take that particular weave style out!  So fast forward to 3ish months ago when I thought enough was enough and I had to look after my hair, before I started to lose it or something.

I remember watching some YouTube videos where women would talk about the frustrations of their hair journey and yup...I'm at that stage.  I am happy to say I am trying with all my might to leave the negativity behind but I feel that I could create cute styles, etc if my hair was just that little bit longer.  However, I have vowed to forget about the length and concentrate on having hair upon my head!  So many people don't!

So, short hair, don't care?  I admit I do a little.  Only because I feel that my face suits longer lengths.  Not everyone has the face for shorter dos.  However, as part of my 'love my short hair journey', I have documented it by taking pictures and sharing it on instagram.  And actually...I don't look half bad :)

My Instagram:- whatdawndidinheels

Outfit Of The Day

 

 

 

Jumper: H&M (new collection)

Wet Look Jeggings: Boohoo.com

Shoes: Ebay

Necklace: Aurora (find them on twitter and facebook)

I love casual Friday at work. Gives me a chance to see what people really wear in the outside world.  It also gives me a chance to put my fashion heel forward and express my own self.

This week, I went to look at the Lana Del Rey collection at H&M.  While browsing, I came across the jumper above.  It's short at the front and long at the back, in keeping with the trend that is currently upon us.  I dressed it up with the spiked necklace and to give it that extra edge, I paired it with the multi buckle shoe boot.  See previous blog for details.

 

The search for a great, Afro hair salon..is on!

So I'm taking time out from my busy, waiting-for-my-hairdresser-to-start-my-hair period, to write this blog. If you follow me on my YouTube channel, you will know that I expressed my opinion about going to black hair salons. The majority of the comments agreed that black hair salons needed to step up their game in the industry, when it came to customer service. There was 100% no denying that the black hair stylists within these salons were talented, it was the places and sometimes their own attitudes which let themselves down.

I used to travel all the way to Brixton to go to this one hair salon because the hairdresser/stylist was amazing. She knew how to care for my hair and knew exactly HOW I liked it styled, etc. However, the one thing that used to get on my last nerve was her attitude towards my time. She was forever late! A process that should like up to 3-4 hours, took from 10am( me waiting), to me leaving at 6pm! I kid you not. The salon had seen better days, it was a bit dodgy but she was great. We ALL knew that because she would have people queuing outside the door! Again, I kid you not!

But five years on, copious amounts spent on topping up the parking metre and eventually a car parking fine..I was done! I had to end our 'relationship' because my plans on a Saturday had to be pushed back as she didn't value my time.

Now that I'm on my natural hair journey, I look after my hair much more than I did while in the weave and therefore, I want a salon that both respects my natural hair( in terms of advising me and treating it) and my time. I no longer want a grubby salon where stylists feel the need to take a lunch break right in the middle of doing my hair, or ones that don't even write down my appointment time! I'm officially done with that!

I've found a half decent salon in my area, but I'm still not satisfied. They don't treat my hair, I always have to bring my own products and to top it off, I was told by the stylist that I should relax my hair!!! You should not be advising me of such, when I have specifically highlighted my hair journey and WHY I am now natural! So, are you a GOOD hair salon? Do you want to show me how you are breaking stereotypes in the hair industry? Get in touch. I really want to vlog a video which blows all stereotypes out of the water and show people that not all black hair salons are back-a-yard grubby get ups!

Come on! Let's start changing!!

Sleek Be Beautiful Blemish Balm

I can't tell you how excited I was when I heard Sleek was bringing out their own BB Cream.  Women of colour in the UK rejoiced, as many of us had experienced the wash of ash cloud type BB Creams, which other makeup brands had brought out.  Props to them for bringing out the colour dark, but as there are so many different shades of 'dark', their dark just didn't cut it!

The BB Cream comes in 4 shades:

 

                                                    Fair           Light            Medium            Dark

Looking at my colouring, it was clear to see that I would be more suited towards the medium shade.  Here is the actual product on my hand.

The cream itself states that it is full coverage with an SPF of 15, which is great.  As I suffer from an oily T-zone, there is nothing worse than me having to pile on a ridiculous amount of product, even before I have started to put my face on.

I want to show you how the product looked on me, with a before and after type look.  Here was me before I started the process (please don't be scared):

So that's me.  No makeup.  Nothing.  I then applied the BB Cream direct, using a foundation brush.  I didn't use much of the product because I hate the feeling of wearing too much makeup:

This is the result.  I must say, it went on so smooth and it's really, REALLY blendable!  A little really does go on a long way.  The consistency reminded me of MACs tinted moisturiser, but less sticky.  I did feel however, that the medium was a tad too dark for me.  If there was a shade for the dark skin tones which sat just before the medium, I think that would have been perfect for me.

I therefore decided to even out the colour, by using MACs Mineralize Skinfinish Natural, in colour Medium Deep.  I finished off my face using a bit of concealer and made up my eyes:

So far, I haven't had to use any of my blot powders to combat oiliness on my skin, which is great.  One of the main purposes for me buying this product, is that I shall be on holiday soon and I want a 'foundation' which can withstand the heat.  I can honestly say that I feel as though I'm wearing nothing with this product.

My next experiment will be to wear this product and set it with MACS prep and prime, as this is how I intend to use it on holiday.

So far, so good ladies.  I love it and at £8.99, it certainly beats having to spend over £20 on a foundation!

Let me know what you think if you've purchased Sleek's BB Cream.