Hey Cuties,
Hello February! Most know this as the month we celebrate Saint Valentine. Around here we know it as MimiCuteLips months. The month is starting out with temps in the 60’s, the sun is shining and we are enjoying the fresh air. Now I just need to wash the blizzard off of my truck. Oh, use promo code 2Love in the shop and get free shipping until February 3rd.
The first month of the year is behind us and I’m still knee deep into my goals. With that said, let’s talk hair. I’ve had a constant love/hate relationship with my hair. This might sound crazy to most but if I had to diagnose my hair it would suffer from multiple personality disorder. Think Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde.
The one constant is that I am consistently inconsistent with it. My mother started putting chemicals in my age around five years old or so. #Fail She wasn’t the greatest at doing hair so I suffered some serious hair tragedies such as a jheri curl. #Fail By sixth grade I was doing my own hair full time. I had a perm and that was all I knew. I started cutting my hair into various trendy styles by middle school and I was hooked like a crack head.
Fast forward {way forward} to July 2005 and I had gone natural {No longer having chemically straighten hair.} for the very first time since birth. I really went to the salon for a consultation and came out bald headed and chemical free. {My choice.}
When I went natural I took the road less traveled; I shaved off my shoulder length hair down to a 1/2 inch fade. I felt so liberated, I had no idea a haircut could/would bring on such an emancipation. Hell, I didn’t know I needed to be emancipated. After that I would grow out my hair long, perm it for a day, a week then shave it all off, and do it again. I would continue to do this until 2012.
The last time I had long natural hair was September 2012. Now here we are in 2016 and I’m going to grow this hair out again. {Let us pray!}
My tapered haircut and freshly shaved sides.
I love this haircut, but it’s time to move on. It requires minimal work and that is a bonus because I also have to do my daughters hair weekly. Her hair is down the middle of her back and it generally takes me a solid 3 hours to wash, condition, blow out, and braid up. I try to reserve that for Sunday but may take place on an occasional Monday if our weekend was hectic. My last haircut was right before Christmas.
I would typically wash my hair, blow it out and flat twist it up. I take the twist out and finger fluff and go. I do this once a week and keep it going. I would get lazy though and five days would turn into 7 days or 10 days. I need to make hair care a priority especially during the winter; I schedule everything else and so I’m going to create a hair schedule. It’s important to spend time every day on yourself. Exercise often and don’t forget to take care of your skin and take care of your hair too. This will add years of beauty and youth to your life. As I said before, I need to make my hair care a priority. It’s time for a change!
A bit fancy…
Then I added in a splash of hair color, yeah that isn’t enough.
It’s been blizzarding for the past week; that means I’ve doing nothing to hair, I mean nothing. I didn’t even put forth minimal effort. School was closed for the week so I would shower, lie around, sleep, shower, lie around and sleep. Once I finally dug out I decided to get my appearance together.
Craft shopping
I’ve been obsessing over head wraps, they are a great way to hide whatever unfinished business you have going on underneath. Yet still be cute, I’ve always love them on others but they didn’t translate well for me or my talents. For whatever reason I just couldn’t figure it out. I finally decided to go to YouTube University and watch class {video} after class until I found a basic one that I liked. This is a scarf I got from H&M a year or so ago and I usually just wear it around my neck. Not to day honey!!!!
This is was the unfinished business I was covering up…
I call this look WTF, it means just what it says. If you aren’t sure just think back to a time when you see someone or yourself and you look at their/your appearance and think “WTF is going on?” yup that is it. This was a week+ of lying around doing nothing to my hair + a bit a snow here and there + trying to grow out a tapered haircut. Cuts are cute when you first get them but the grow out process can have you walking around looking like WTF. You don’t have to look this bad, because lazy + blizzard; but it can be an ugly process. My eyebrows are right though.
Hello intervention…
I am intervening on my own behalf, that is a thing right? I washed my hair and blew it out. Yes the color looks even crazier when my hair is blown out. {Bathroom Beautician} I’ve solicited the opinionated services of Babe. *sigh* First I have to listen to him tell me I can’t grow my hair out if I cut it oh and didn’t we do this last year and you ended up shaving it all off again. *heavy sigh* YES & YES! Can we cut now? I just wanted him to take it down the so the height difference isn’t so drastic and to give it a better shape. This will reduce the WTF look while it grows out. Can you see his hair is down past his shoulders? He has had long hair since I met him {12 years ago} his last haircut was 16 years ago.
Final shape, for now.
He did just what I asked him to do. He took some of the height off, blended it in the back, and cleaned up my neckline. After he cut it I colored it back jet black, deep conditioned it and today I’m sporting a wash and go. During the cold months I try not to leave home with a wet head. Since it’s going to be 60 today I decided to go for it. I will probably wash it again tomorrow, blow it out and flat twist it up.
Jet Black wash and go…
Shrinkage is real; I wet my hair this morning, rubbed product in it and went to work.
Twist out on blown hair
I love the shape, ugh I should have had him shape it a long time ago. I’m feeling good about this grow out process for now. I’m sure your hair drama isn’t as dramatic as mine but how do you grow out a cut?
What is the hair drama in your life? Chat with me in the comment below or FB, IG or Twitter.
Shrinkage is real out here but your hair seems to grow quickly from the cuts. I feel you it’s definitely easier to maintain shorter hair, there’s times I just want to chop all mine off and start over too. Good luck on your hair journey
The shrinkage is so real, but yes my hair does grow fast. I complain but it takes me about five months and I have a head full of hair.
I’m also trying to grow out a tapered haircut. I need the sides to hurry up and grow more because it’s starting to look crazy. It’s too much to brush it so it lays down, but not enough that it looks good when I twist it either.
Yes Sonya, the sides aren’t loyal like at all. That is what I’m afraid of the most.
You remind me of my sister…she is always doing something to her hair! I think it turned out cute!!! Love the Black…I love playing it color but its something about jet black that I love!!! But I envy you and my sister for being able to just do it!! I just dont have it in me…I have been wearing a ponytail recently because I have so much heat damage…so Im headed for a big chop again and for some reason I am super scared to do it…but I know it will feel great to get this damaged hair off my head! I need to channel some of your energy to just get it done!
Carissa I agree, there is just something about jet black that sets it off.
{{sending you some great energy.}}
The quicker you cut, the quicker it will grow back.
This post spoke to me, as my last hair cut was back in January 2013. I’m long overdue for a shaping cut. The trims aren’t cutting it, no pun intended.
Ha! That is too funny, you are overdue. I just clipped Nori’s hair two weeks ago. I’m great taking are of hers meanwhile mine suffers.
Aww you cute bew. I always applaud the women that can rock a taper cut. My head is way too big! But you are so right, that in-between stage is the worst. That’s when I rock braids until I get the length I want. I’ve been wearing crochets for close to a year now, and I’m hoping to get rid of them by this summer and rock my own. The shrinkage facade is accurate! My goal is to have a nice, full length WITH shrinkage.
Keisha tha tis a good goal. My scalp hates braids and weaves, so I’ve ruled them out for now.
I have spent weeks with a ponytail while growing out a my hair. If it’s winter I have been known to wear a hat all the time. Whatever gets you through that phase.
Exactly Heather, I’m so finding my “whatever” right now. I do love hats, I wish I could wear them in the office.
Your hair looks great no matter how you style it! My hairstylist took 13 weeks off for maternity leave. When I finally got my “natural” blonde highlights touched up, I told her she wasn’t allowed maternity leave. My hair is more important. 🙂 JK I do have a love/hate relationship with my hair and all its dryness. Don’t laugh, but I use African Pride leave-in conditioner that I borrowed from my son. It works wonders on my dry hair!
Hahhahaha of when the stylist takes off for an extended amount of time is is criminal. hahahaha I’m not laughing at your Alli, I love it. I’m all about whatever products that work for your hair. #NoLimits
I do love your current haircut, it’s so fun and unique. it also looks great on you! I know what you mean about the long hair though, I haven;t had really long hair in a long time… every time I start to grow it out, I get sick of dealing with it and cut it off!
Thanks Esther, it is the most fun cut I’ve ever had. That is my exact problem, I try, I cut off.
As women, we put a lot of effort into making our hair look great. I think your hair looks fabulous! I’m trying to grow out my bangs, and it’s taking forever!
Thanks Jenn. Yes, this is yet another burden we put on ourselves as women. I totally agree.
You know, I’ve never cut my hair. Ever. Nothing beyond a basic trim. I just don’t have the courage. And truthfully, I don’t think my head is shaped right. You need the right kind of face to be able to carry off a cut successfully which is why I don’t bother with mine (you have the right face for it). My mother also permed my hair when I was 7 (good grief!) and I didn’t grow it out until I was in my early 20s (I think). My hair has grown a lot but is still not at my desired length. I’ve promised this year to be more consistent with deep conditioning my hair, but it’s such a process. I think most black women have some sort of love/hate relationship with their hair, but over the years, I’ve definitely learned to love mine.
OMG I wonder how long my hair would be if I never cut it. Hmmm. Maybe I will keep long hair until I’m 40. That would be the longest time ever for me.
I have a love/hate for sure but I do love it. I love that is puts up with all of my crap.
I’m so glad that you’re not afraid to cut your hair and the result is fabulous, you’re still pretty.
Thanks Chris!!!
Sometimes you have to look at the grow out process as a chance to find some great scarves or vintage hats. It’s all temporary, but a great hat helps!
You are so right Jaime, scarves are my friend for sure.
You rock every look girl! Hair is so important to every woman. I recently took some of my platinum blonde out, and it’s been different, but I love a good change.
Thanks Jennifer, I love a good change. A bit more than most. lol
I had a haircut mishap and it took a long time for me to grow my hair back! Ugh I’m sure it’ll be a bit easier for you since you’re natural. Natural hair grows sooooo much faster! Good luck!
OMG Adrienne, I would totally freak out. You’re right, my natural hair grows really fast.
I love how you said if your hair had to be diagnosed it would have a personality disorder which is like my hair. I only get my hair cut one a year and I cut my own bangs. The loner my hair gets the wavier it gets. I think it is great you are growing yours and it looks good shaped.
Oh wow Rebecca, I’m going to exercise self control and try your method.
Girl! Wigs are what got me through. Lol! Stay strong sugar!
I wish I could deal with weaves, wigs and braids. That would make things much easier.
I think you could pull of any hair style! Your hair always looks so great. I have been growing out my hair for so long now that its so puffy and uncontrollable. I need to get it done asap.
Thanks Jeanine, the weather is helping a little bit. I don’t go out as much in the winter. That means less people are looking at it. lol
I absolutely love your hair, it has so much character! I could never pull off such a cut, but you do flawlessly! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks Susan, I love some funky hair.
First off, not every one can rock a short cut. You are rocking this well. Since I’m a hair blogger, I so look forward to watching you grow out your hair. I know a thing or two about long wash days. I feel sorry for you on the days you’re washing your daughter’s hair.
Thanks Jay, I think that is why I love them so much. I have the perfect peanut head. Thanks hun, by blogging about it helps me remain accountable.
Cutting hair is so liberating. When I graduated from college I did the same thing. I had no hair. It was like a man’s I had waves and everything! I loved my hair that way, that was before the natural hair movement so I was getting all kinds of crazy looks, people thought I had cancer. I am highly considering doing it again but that grow out process. LAWD!!
Oh can you share the color of your lippie?!!
OH MY GOSH at people thought you had cancer. They just didn’t understand. The grow out process is something, for me it takes about 5/6 months for me to have a puff again.
Lippies:
Red: Mac Ruby Woo + Nightmoth liner
Nude 1 Headwrap: Mac Siss + Chestnut liner
Nude 2 Last pic: Mac Blankety + Chestnut liner
You look great! Beautiful hair style, i wish i can cut my hair short enough….
Thanks Rika, short hair is so super easy.
Growing out a haircut is the worse! I’ve never had my hair that short, but after growing out a bob during college and having to deal with that, I vowed not to cut my hair for at least another 10 years LOL.
LiveLifeWell,
Allison
lol I need to take that vow.
You may not feel it, but YOU’RE SO LUCKY, because with your pretty face and the shape of it, you could literally wear your hair in any style and it would look good. I’m in a hate/hate with my hair. it’s just this lifelong thing. I grow it all one length, layer it, grow it out, layer it….etc
Awww that is so sweet. lol @ hate/hate relationship Why does our hair do this to us?
I like the tapered cut – it’s your signature look :). My sister has something similar, but she adds colored hair pieces to switch it up (dark blue, purples, grey).
Valerie it really had become my signature look. Now yall got me second guessing this grow out. lol I like the idea of adding color.
I am not a fan of the grow out stage. I loved my short tapered cut but decided to grow it out and chile… I feel you.
See, this hair aint loyal. It has one job and it is failing me right now. lol
I’ve been wearing my scarf as a turban ever since o took my braids out. Idk what to do with my hair lol
Jamila, I love a turban. I wish I could wear them to work.
Your hair looks great and it also looks great on you! I wish i can cut my hair short!
Thanks Jasmine, I’m going to have to learn to deal with it for now.
Wow I love your style in general! Your haircut is awesome, and all your outfits are unique and fun. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Jennifer I love just do my own thing, whatever that is.
I love you with the short look. I had my hair locked, then cut it, chemically straightened before growing it out again. Now I have it natural but is sporting a protective style.
OMG I could never commit to locs. Short is my favorite look on me as well.
You have the perfect face for that cut, it looks so cute on you. I actually had an asymmetrical cut prior to transitioning to being natural. It was a pain but I just kept it in bantu knots until I finally did the big chop.
I love bantu knots, I can’t wait until I can do those.
Girl, I’m literally rocking a protective style now for this very reason! I love my hair, but because it has grown substantially since my Jan 2015 big chop, I’ve got to figure out what to do with it lol. We are >here< on this!
Yes Ariel we really are in the same phase. I’m going to hang in there and see how it goes.
Well, I’m afraid I cannot add too much to this I have had long hair all my life, but I have had something like it with my bangs. Sometimes I want bangs and then I don’t and I have to wait for them to grow out, so I just brush them back and pin them down and I have nothing. I really like a side bang, but it has to be longer. Headbands give me headaches and putting my hair back for too long gives me headaches. Awww heck my hair is one big headache!!! hehehe Have a great weekend.
I am cracking up at you, headbands give me headaches as well.
wow you are seriously rocking some nice hairstyles! I wish I could do all these fabulous things with my hair, i am useless at styling it, always ends up the same.
Thanks Anosa, I like to change it up a bit with my hair.
My hair drama is never ending! I went natural… big chopped during pregnancy…. had RJ… relaxed my hair again… decided to stay texlaxed… missed my natural hair… and now im transitioning again.
I never know what to do with my hair LOL. But it’s just hair. It always grows back thank God. So I’m always satisfied with each phase.
You sound a bit like me for sure. I should have just gone natural while I was pregnant. My hair was growing so fast at that time. At least you are satisfied which each phase, I need to get to that place.
Girl I always loved the tapered cut on you. I have been tempted many times to take the plunge, but then I think of what you’re going through and I’m like. “let me put in these crochet braids real quick because I don’t have time to do my hair right now”. Hair drama indeed!
Thanks, it was my favorite cut to date. See, you already know to save yourself the trouble.