​Before I share the secrets to a great puff, let me clarify what type of puff I’m referring to.
I’m not talking about a Cheetos puff or puff balls lol. I’m talking about a
​ natural hair puff.
The hair puff is a common hairstyle for naturals. It keeps our hair up and out the way while still looking cute!

​In my beginning stages of being natural, I felt like my hair was going to take FOREVERRR to make it to the stage where I could really get a good size puff.
Until one day, I looked in the mirror, shocked myself! I realized, HEY! You have a puff like your hair crushes you’ve admired for years.
 I caught myself by surprise (and stayed in the mirror for a while lol) but it felt good to reach a goal that I’d had for a while.
Here are a few essentials I use to obtain a good puff:

​1 – Good hair bow:
 It took me awhile to understand that I needed a good hair bow that was tight enough to secure the base of the puff but would also let the top blossom like a beautiful flower in the spring time lol!  MY Go-to hair bow is The Snappee hair tie from @SwirlyCurlyHair.
I love using the Snappee because I can make the hair bow as long or as short as I need it to be because of the snap feature at the end of each hair bow. You can attach and detach as many as you’d like.  Feel free to use my discount code: “ABIGAIL10” to save some coins and watch my YouTube video to learn more about the Snappee hair tie.

​2 – Afro Pick:
 A good puff has great coils and/or volume. I’ve realized I’m a volume-kind-of-girl. I love a good voluminous afro and puff. I use the afro pick to give me my desired volume and shape.

​3 – Product to add hold:
I use Eco Styler Gel (Green Olive Oil Version) and EBIN edge tamer to prevent fly-a-ways and keep things in place. Feel free to tie your hair up for a few minutes like I do before leaving the house to mold it together and Viola`!

Enjoy what current stage you’re in right now. There is a style at your hair length stage that someone with another length may not be able to accomplish. Relish in your present hair length and know that your hair goals can be met. Stay encouraged!
Xoxo,
ABnormally AB
 

I agree with Michael and feel the same way about hair!

At first, when going back natural, I was a little disappointed at the thought of not having the ability to wear hair accessories (especially hats) because the majority of hair accessories are intended for straight hair and get so lost in this mane of mine! Lol.

​However, as I’ve learned to experiment with my hair in all of its beautiful stages, I’ve found creative ways to incorporate hair accessories within my styles!

Hair accessories are fun, great conversation starters and just add a little “umph” to a look. You know what I mean:)

You’ve asked! I delivered!
I filmed a tutorial teaching you step-by-step how to achieve this faux loc look.
I had such a fun time filming, and definitely have to do it more often! I make myself laugh lol.
I provide the products I used as well as what method I used.
​

I make YouTube videos on certain subject matters to inspire and motivate you to be your best self. This particular one is about hair.
Click the link below to learn how! Like, comment, and subscribe to my YouTube channel while you’re there!
​

Mirror Mirror on the wall, what curls are the prettiest of them all?
ALL OF THEM!
For those of you who aren’t familiar with the term “4C Curls,” it’s a specific type of curl pattern within the natural hair world. Black Girl Hair Magic has so much diversity that we had to break it down into types which help us know what hair products cater best to our hair.
Now, I’m sure there are hair types for all ethnicities, but this post is focused on what I’m familiar with and experience.
Type 4 hair is described as tightly coiled, coarse, and one of the most common hair types found in African American Hair.
There’s a lot more detail explaining hair types, but that’s just the top of the surface information.

SO! As common as 4C hair is said to be, unfortunately, it doesn’t receive as much celebration and love as other hair types.
Let me break it down:
Looser curl textures have been coined as pretty natural hair as opposed to a tighter texture, like my hair which has been called “nappy”. The way nappy is said most definitely comes with a negative connotation.  
That’s from my very own experience as well as what I’ve seen within the community.
 
People with my texture have also been charged more in the hair salon because our hair is said to take much more work.
It’s very unfortunate but true. I’ve even had some of my followers reach out to me sharing their personal and very vulnerable natural hair stories. One of my very sweet supporters allowed me to share her story:

This. This got me. No one should ever have to feel uncomfortable with displaying what God gave them.
HE MAKES NO MISTAKES.
 
 Here’s another example to show you some of the challenges that come with having natural thick hair. Click below:

Although society has their own standard of beauty, we do not have to conform to what they say is acceptable. As I write this, I’m encouraging myself too, because it gets hard at times going against the grain even when you know what you’re doing is right.
But if we stick together and celebrate each other, it will help the journey of each of us appreciating all the unique ways God created us much easier.
 
I represent 4C Hair type women because I saw a significant gap in representation.

​What’s better than finding the perfect little black dress?
The perfect pair of jeans!
​ I’m going to share with you the love story of how my jeans and I found each other! (Just go with me lol)

​But THANK GOD for heaven-sent mothers like mine who saw the disappointment on my face and took the time to explain how a lot of companies/brands vary in size. God bless that woman.
So after my fashion lesson, I kept what my mom said in mind and stopped allowing a number to define me. If a Juniors 9 fits, good, but if I get a little more space in a 10 and it’s more comfortable…I’m going with the 10! No worries!

​Now, let’s talk about where I found my favorite pair of jeans. These jeans are from Target. They are the “Skater Jeans” from the Wild Fable Collection. Now when shopping for jeans, Old Navy is my go-to all day and still is. I know what style and size fit me there and I am faithful to my Old Navy jeans.
However, I stumbled across these jeans on the CLEARANCE rack! (We save coins around here!)
When looking at them on the hanger, I wasn’t quite sure what to make of them, but I’m a fan of high waist jeans and that’s what they looked like.
I go in the dressing room and turn on my music (am I the only one that does that? It’s a whole fashion show in the dressing room!)
I try the pants on......
This moment felt like Cinderella when the prince (the jeans) finally found Cinderella (me) and put the glass slipper on realizing it’s a match!!
These jeans have more than enough room for my hips, thigh, gluteus maximus, and calves. AND the waist wasn’t gappy like usual! These jeans gave me a whole 90’s vibe.  
You should’ve seen the victory dance that commenced in the dressing room. I was so happy.
After purchasing and wearing them, I tried not to wear them every day lol!

​I loved these so much, I began looking for them in any Target that I went to. I had no luck, but I didn’t stop there. I looked on eBay and someone was selling them in my size WITH THE TAGS STILL ON!
Like…God REALLY loves me!
Now, let me share with you how to find your perfect jeans.
I follow my 4 C’s guidelines:
Cut
Comfort
Color
Cute  
1: Cut - Be sure to know what type of cut you’re looking for. Boot cut, skinny jean, flare, etc. There are so many out there. Know what cut flatters you.
2: Comfort - This is a biggie. Comfort is key. I hate to see someone uncomfortable in an outfit. If I’m uncomfortable for that person, I can only imagine how uncomfortable they really are. Be able to sit, and walk comfortably in the pair of jeans you choose.
3: Color - There are so many different types of wash when it comes to denim. There’s light/dark/distressed/bleached etc. Know what color denim you’d like.
4: Cute – We all know that when you look good you feel good. Choose jeans that you feel great in!
. . .
Well, that’s my story and tips on how to find your favorite pair of jeans. Let me know if these tips work for you! If you’d like me to create a video on how to find jeans, let me know! Happy shopping!
Xoxo,
ABnormally Ab

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.

​This blog post is not meant to be a rant. It is intended to give insight, be educational, and most of all be helpful.
This post is merely scraping the surface of this topic and I’m sure there will be a part two…or three lol. However, we have to at least start the conversation. So let’s talk about it.

​By the way, this message is for every ethnicity...including my own.

​My favorite book says…
”But for a woman, if her hair is abundant, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her for a covering.” – Corinthians 11:15

Let that sink in for a second.

In order for you to get in my headspace, let me share some experiences I’ve personally had.
 
In Elementary school,
my mom had to threaten my life and drill into me that no one had permission to touch or change my hair.
Before that threatening of my life...lol…people would play in my hair and I’d come back home with a changed and diluted version of the style that my mom started me out with.
Not understanding how much time was spent to get this thick hair to cooperate (sorry mom!), I couldn’t understand why she got so mad. But TRUST, as I grew up and had to learn to do my own hair, I understand now.

​Throughout grade school,
 when wearing my straight hair, people wanted to touch and run their fingers all through my hair. Little did I know, when rocking my afro that would multiply times 1,000. And unfortunately, that’s no exaggeration.
As an African American woman, understand that my hair takes TIME. It is a full time job washing, styling, and taking care of this mane.
 Being that I interact with very diverse people, I’ve often run into very interesting situations and find myself having to correct and educate those individuals on proper hair etiquette I guess you can call it.
​ In laymen’s terms, to those I’m close to, I’ve explained why it’s a no-no to touch African American women’s hair WITHOUT permission.

Let me break it down for ya:
 Wash day can take up half of our day. Sitting in a salon…whew child…you never know how long you’ll actually be in there. Sitting to get protective styles done like braids?! That can take 8+ hours! Oh, and let’s not even get into how much good hair products cost.

What I need you to understand is that our hair is truly our glory. Whether it’s a short cut or flowing down our backs, it’s a part of us.
So for someone to come up and touch my hair without permission is DISRESPECTFUL. Lacking courtesy. An invasion of space.

My hair is not a petting zoo.
You don’t get to touch it just because it looks so intriguing.

Let me give you some examples of what people have said to me after I check them for touching my hair without permission:
1) I just couldn’t resist!
2) But it just looks so soft! Like a pillow. I wanted to see if it felt like that too.
3) It’s just one touch. …….Just one touch??? Yeah, you and 25 other people today simple mindedly thought the same thing.

Listen, I have no idea where your hands have been. I don’t know if you just finished eating or what you’ve touched previously. Whatever oils and such you have on your hand can affect the flow of our hair. Yeah…it does.
For example, I personally don’t put lots of oil in my hair because it weighs it down. So just think about the oils of 25 people’s hands on my hair.

I’m not being a germophobe but these are facts.
 
I hope this is giving you insight and allows you to understand why touching someone’s hair without permission is a no go.
 
This wouldn’t be helpful without a SOLUTION so let me offer you a couple:
 
1) Ask permission to touch someone’s hair BEFORE reaching out to do so.
2) If you are really intrigued about someone’s hairstyle and would like to know more, Google it. Google offers great descriptions and examples to help you understand. Even better, watch a YouTube video. You can definitely learn a lot from there.

I hope this blog had offered insight, education, and help. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments. I’d love to continue the conversation. No question is a stupid question. I’m open and willing to answer. If you’d like your question to be personal, feel free to email me at: -[email protected]
 
For your entertainment, check out Solange’s music video called Don’t Touch My Hair.” Take in the lyrics and enjoy the great visuals that come along with it:
https://youtu.be/YTtrnDbOQAU 

Until next time:)
Xoxo,
ABnormally AB
 
 

I’m at a point in my life where once you figure out what your purpose is and realize it’s so much bigger than you, you begin to often re-evaluate things within your life to make sure it’s benefiting those around you.

I think we all go through moments of re-evaluating ourselves and how we’re making a difference in our community and in this world. That’s what phase I’ve been in lately.
 
Well, as I was browsing through my social media, I saw cute pics. I saw cute pics with good captions and an inspirational message…which is great! But, I want more.
 I’m capable of more.
Let me explain. Right now, I see myself as being a “Fashion Enthusiast.” An enthusiast is a person who is really passionate and excited about something, which I am! Fashion does excite me, but I’m ready to take it a step further and walk in the authority of a “Fashion Activist.”
​

 A Fashion Activist is a person who uses fashion as a means of social or political change. I am a confident 5’3” and 1/2 (never forget the 1/2) athletic/curvy girl and I’m proud of it! Unfortunately, all clothing doesn’t flatter my figure and that was a learning process for me. Thankfully, I have mother that is so fashionable and was able to help me find my stride in what works for me. Everybody doesn’t have that luxury, so that’s what I’m here for! Let me be that bestie that you take shopping with you.
Listen, we’re in this thing together and no number or size will confine our fabulosity!

Besides my own yearning to do this, I get so many women that compliment my outfits saying “I wish I could wear that” or “I’d love to rock that, but I don’t know how” or “I love that, but I don’t know if it’d work for my body.”
Figuring out what styles flatter your figure is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. Because when you look good you what…..FEEL GOOD!
My desire is to continue to post cute fashionable pictures lol, AND give you more ideas of how you too can achieve certain desired looks for yourself.

​Being a fashion enthusiast was cute and I got wonderful compliments, but that’s not the only reason I want to post... (Although, keep those compliments coming lol!)

So, my desire is to post more YouTube videos and have different episodes geared towards various areas of fashion to inspire and motivate you to continuously be your best self. Let me know in the comments  what videos you’d like to see! Until you read again!

​Xoxo,
ABnormally AB

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