Before getting these braids, I had already been in a season of protective styling.

In May of last year, I had a few damaged pieces from straightening my hair.
From that encounter and just in general, I’d been feeling like me and my hair were on two separate pages. I wasn’t feeling the shape of my fro and coloring my hair to add a little change was starting to become an idea.
Instead of that, I decided to continue my protective style season and get some braids.
However, I didn’t just want the black braids that I usually got. I wanted to step outside my box and try something new. Well, the amazing company Latched and Hooked popped into my head and we decided to do a joint venture!

After receiving their products, I then hunted down my braider lol and everything was set!
 (By the way, my braider is retired…until I call her again lol!)
So, my hair was finally done and I was IN LOVEEEEEEE with the results!
The hair color came out beautifully and my braider’s quality of work is unmatched.
 
I knew I wanted to keep my braids in for a while, so I did my best to take care of them and here are 5 staple products that helped me do so!

1. Shea Moisture’s Jojoba oil and Ucuuba butter Odor Neutralizing Mist
2. Blue Magic Oil Conditioner
3. High Beams Intense Temporary Spray On Hair Color
4. Satin Night Scarf and XL Bonnet
5. Snappee Hair Bow ( Company now called SwirlyCurlyHair)

 
Take a moment to enjoy my video explaining why these products are so amazing…and I’m sure you’ll get in a good laugh once or twice too.

So you can imagine the hesitancy of me wanting to pick up some scissors and get to snipping.
Before making my final decision to cut, I waited a little while longer and washed my hair again to see if the elasticity of those pieces had bounced back, but they hadn’t. I had a head full of beautiful thick hair, and two straggly no life pieces hanging on the sides.

So, I cut it.
​Here’s a visual, allowing you to see healthy hair verses damaged hair.
On the right is healthy hair that came out from detangling (I don’t wash my hair often, so that’s a normal amount of hair from detangling for me) and on the left are the damaged pieces that I cut out.
Just lifeless.​

Yes, this was a good hair experience for me, moreover, it was an even more amazing example about life.
When you visually see that something is dead and providing no benefit, LET IT GO.

Sometimes, we want to keep things because it took us a long time to get to “that length” or to get to where we are in life, but detaching yourself from that lifeless thing, allows you to keep growing!
Don’t stunt your growth hanging on to non-beneficial and lifeless things. Detach and grow!
 
Since cutting those pieces, I’ve had a variety of protective styles and when that time comes to bring the fro back out (her name is Maggie) I’ll provide you with a new update!
Until then, continue to let go and grow.

Xoxo,
ABnormally Ab

The worst possible thing that could happen to a natural hair girl happened to me.
* A part of my hair was damaged from being straightened (crying on the inside)*
Here's the backstory: 
I've been on this natural hair journey since 2013. Within 5 years, I've had my hair straightened by a professional twice. ONLY 2 TIMES!
This 2nd time was because I was in my Sorority sister's wedding. ( I love you sissy and wouldn't trade that experience for anything!)
​

The wedding style came out beautifully and I was excited I could achieve this look using only my hair and just enjoyed the versatility of having natural hair. 
I kept it straight for as long as possible & finally washed it, but there was one problem...not all of my strands bounced back like usual.

There was this one piece...RIGHT IN THE FRONT that didn't want me to be great lol. To say my heart was hurt was an understatement. Here I am thinking, I've taken care of my hair over the past years, one straightening session shouldn't effect my thick hair...and it didn't, except that one piece.

Current Situation:
The reality is I have a piece of damaged hair, however I'm so grateful it's not more.
Question:
-Should I cut it off?
- Has this ever happened to you?
-Is there a product I can use to help it bounce back?
Share your stories and/or advice with me.
xoxo,
ABnormally Ab

According to what you have on, what's your fashion MOOD today?
And there's no wrong answer.  For example: I put on a baggy shirt today, because I didn't feel like sucking it in lol!  I was in a comfortable MOOD.

I want to encourage you to enjoy the various moods that fashion & beauty give you. 

Moodable Fashion & Beauty is here to:
- Inspire you to express yourself 
- Help you hone in on your own personal style
- and enjoy the visual communication we put out when choosing our clothing, hair, and makeup choices. 

When you look good, you feel good. If I can empower someone to love and be his or her best self through a little inspiration for what to wear, how to style your hair, or what makeup flatters you, I'm walking in my purpose.