Straightening Long Naturally Curly Hair

Please note: My daughters hair did not look like that before straightening. That's just a picture showing you what her curls look like.

I finally straightened Miss A's long natural hair. Can you believe it? I sat her down and I told myself I would try one section and if that one section was not straight after one pass of the flat iron, I would quit. Well as you can see, it worked! And the best part, the actual straightening process only took roughly 40 minutes. #Winning

So I'm sure you want to know how it was done, right? It's not as difficult as you may think...

• I washed her hair a few nights before using Bee Mine Products. Don't forget you can use our reader discount code: COLDBBB for 10% off your purchase only at Beemineproducts.com
• After washing and detangling, I moisturized her hair with our favorite product, Bee Mine Luscious Moisturizer. Click here for Miss A's full hair care routine.
• I banded her hair immediately after moisturizing in two sections. Click here for Banding F.A.Q.
• The following day I removed the bands, detangled and put her hair in one banded ponytail going straight down her back.
• On day three it was time to flat iron her hair but first I applied a small amount of extra virgin coconut oil to her hair to protect her curls from any heat damage. Grabbing a very small (about 1 inch in width) section, I brushed the section with our Denman D3 brush and ran the flat iron down the section from root to tip.
• I used a pink Hana Elite 2 inch flat iron that was gifted to us from Misikko.com a while back. Absolutely love this flat iron. I kept the flat iron around 300 degrees and continued this process until complete, which again only took about 40 minutes.

Flat iron used, only we used a 2 inch made for thicker hair.

I think banding her hair made the biggest impact. Her hair was already stretched out quite a bit thanks to banding. If you plan on straightening natural hair any time soon, band the hair for a couple of days first instead of blow drying to reduce the amount of heat used on the hair.

Bed time routine has been very simple. I have been placing her hair in 1 or 2 twisted ponytails or one loosely banded ponytail, nothing special.

Please feel free to ask any specific questions.

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Bee Mine Products Black Friday Sale!

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OUR FAVORITE HAIR PRODUCTS! Bee Mine Products Black Friday Sale starts TONIGHT at 10pm EST! $20 minimum purchase. Early bird discount tonight for 30% off! Use redemption code: BBB23BLK at check out! 25% off all day tomorrow. These sales don

't happen often so take advantage while you can!www.beemineproducts.com Please allow 7-10 days for your order to process as these hair products are hand made. :) Discount can not be combined with any other offer. Have a happy Thanksgiving! 

Little Girls Natural Hair Style: Flat Twist Ponytails with Twisted Bangs & Rainbow Beads

By: Carrie Fay of Amaro Baby

With hair as amazing as Violet's, it's easy for me to get carried away with new styles.  Sometimes I lose track of the fact that my daughter is only 3 years old and does not (in my opinion) need to look any older thanks to the too-fancy styles that I can't seem to resist.  So it's refreshing when we find those styles that are simple enough for me to do, sturdy enough to last a week or two, and CUTE enough to make her look like the adorable 3 year old that she is.  

This is one of our "go to" styles:  Flat twist ponytail(s) with twisted bangs and rainbow beads.  

Flat twists have always worked better on Violet's hair than cornrows for keeping the fuzzies away, and some type of bangs just seem to suit her.  It adds a feminine touch and protects her hairline better.  Beads aren't something we normally do, but when we do them, it's usually a "color explosion" kind of thing.  (Once, my five year old son asked me, "Can we just put Violet's hair back the way God made it?  You know, with rainbow beads??")

We opted for heart snaps at the end of each twist this time.  Last time we did beads, we used rubber bands and saw a bit more breakage on the ends than I would like to see.  Snaps fall out occasionally, but I'd rather that than cause damaged hair.  

Anyway.  This is our style for the week.  The pigtails and colors suit her fun personality and her age.  And most importantly, Violet is a happy camper.  She loves her rainbow beads, skipping and jumping around the house to feel those pigtails swinging (and as a direct result, we can hear every. single. step she takes... another wonderful perk of a head full of beads!).  

Have a great week, everyone!  

CARA B Naturally / Walgreens.com Gift Card Giveaway!

CARA B Naturally products

CARA B Naturally and Beads, Braids & Beyond are teaming up! You may remember the name CARA B from Miss A’s Updated Hair Care Routine post. Great natural products for babies and children! Since you’re here reading this blog, chances are you love trying new hair care products for your kiddos. Well, did you know Walgreens.com carries CARA B Naturally? How convenient! Even better, CARA B Naturally will be buy one, get one half off (BOGO!) at Walgreens.com and with your purchase you can be eligible to win a $50 gift card to Walgreens through this contest! Note: No purchase necessary to enter, see end of post for details.

“Wait…so you’re telling me I can buy natural products for my child BOGO AND be eligible to win a $50 gift card to Walgreens and spend it on whatever I want?”

Yes! That’s what we’re telling you.

Follow the details below to enter!

·         Visit Walgreens.com and make a BOGO purchase of CARA B Naturally products. Come back to this post and leave a comment below telling me you have done so. Make sure you leave your first name and last name initial. Example: I purchased CARA B Naturally products on Walgreens.com! –Nikki G,

·         Visit this link to CARA B Naturally’s special contest entry page and enter your invoice/receipt number. Same rules as above apply. Come back to this post and leave a comment below telling me you have done so. Make sure you leave your first name and last name initial. Example: I entered my receipt/invoice number on CARA B Naturally.com! –Nikki G,

·         Once you enter your information be sure to mention Beads, Braids & Beyond (BBB) as the blog where you learned about the contest. After you've entered your information, you can email friends, post and/or tweet about CARA B Naturally’s Walgreens BOGO contest! Each additional email, post or tweet will count as a separate, additional entry. Leave a separate comment telling me you shared on Facebook or Twitter or emailed. Leave your first name and last name initial at the end of the post.

·         A winner will be chosen at random on November 17th and the gift card will be mailed/emailed.

Disclaimer: No Purchase necessary to enter.  To enter without a purchase, send an email with your name, email address and zip code to info@mycarab.com with the Subject Line "Contest”

Top 10 Most Popular Natural Hair Styles for Little Girls

Braids, twists, cornrows, twist outs, beads, oh my! I know how overwhelming it is looking for natural hair styles for little girls on our blog with hundreds of styles to choose from. I'm here to share with you the top 10 most viewed (on Beads, Braids & Beyond) natural hair styles for our curly and kinky haired gals!

Number 1 - Natural Hair Styles for Little Girls: Cornrows & Twist Out - Flat Twists & Twist Out
I guess it's no surprise that a simple but pretty hair style like this one is number one at 44k+ views. This style is very easy as long as you know how to cornrow. Basic cornrows with a twist out topped off with some cute bows from Gymboree and your little lady is good to go! Read more...

Number 2 - Little Girls Natural Hairstyles: Twist Out's + Puff with Twisted Bang

With 28k+ views and counting this post showcasing three completely different little girls hair types comes in a strong second. Cornrows, twist outs, puffs, what's not to love here? Read more...

Number 3 - Half Cornrows & Twist Out

Over 21k+ views! As you can see, cornrows and twist outs are very popular for African American and biracial little girls. I'll echo what I said for number 1, this style is very simple as long as you know how to cornrow. The cornrow pattern is slightly different here but nothing too intricate. Read more...

Number 4 - Side Cornrows into Sister (Rope) Twists

One of my personal favorite hair styles for my little girl! Coming in fourth at 20k+ views. Inspired by singer and actress  Jill Scott and the beautiful Tiashauntee of Her Best Hair. Not only is this style cute, but it stays put for up to two weeks if cared for properly. We love protective styles for little girls as long as they are not done too tightly. Read more...

Number 5 - Natural Box Braids

Ah, yes. Back to the basics. Over 18k+ views, natural box braids comes in at number 5! What little girl doesn't love to swing her braids? Not a care in the world. Dress the braids up with beads or barrettes or keep it simple with bows or a headband. Curl the braids. Put the braids in ponytails. The possibilities are endless! The best part? They can last 4+ weeks with proper care! Happy mommy and child! Read more...

Stop by later this week to see the remaining styles in our Top 10 Most Popular Natural Hair Styles for Little Girls series and see if your favorite style made the cut!

Of course these are just the top 10 most viewed styles on our blog so these may not be your top 10 hair styles for natural little girls. 

I'm curious to know; did your favorite hair style make the list? If so, which one? If not, what is your favorite natural hair style for your little girl? Better yet, feel free to share pictures of your favorite style on our new Facebook page, Beads, Braids & Beyond. I look forward to seeing you all there!

Introducing New Guest Blogger: Carrie Fay

By: Carrie Fay of Amaro Baby

I never in a million years thought that "cornrow" would be a regular part of my vocabulary.  Seriously.  Let alone flat twist... beads... bantu knots or the hundreds of other words that float around our house.  

But then Violet joined our family and my world was turned upside down in a thousand perfect ways, not the least of which is caring for her amazing hair.     

With practically no hair on her head the day she turned 11 months (also they day we met!) she and I have learned this process together, step by step.  Slowly, steadily, and to both of our great delights.  Now we eagerly anticipate hair days.  We collaborate on styles, colors, and the movies to include in our movie marathons.  (Hair days are fun for lots of reasons, people!)   

I get a little too excited talking about hair, can you tell?  So excited that I forget to write about what I'm SUPPOSED to write about:  A little about myself.  I am a proud mama to Violet (3 years old) and Daniel (5 years old).  I am a wife to the most ridiculously amazing husband out there.  I have experienced motherhood through adoption and through pregnancy.  I am a photographer and am relentless in my attempts to stop time (or at least slow it down!) through photography.  I am totally in love with Jesus.  Also, ice-cream.  I am a part of a family where no one matches - four skin tones, four hair types, four different stories - and we love it.  I began homeschooling our two kiddos a few months ago and am daily floored by the experience - it's beyond my wildest expectations.   

I am beyond thrilled to guest post on one of my all time favorite hair blogs.  Violet and I owe so much to the online community of natural hair care supporters/educators and it's my hope that I can encourage the mamas out there who are just starting out, just reaching out for information about natural hair.  You CAN do this!  One cornrow at a time.  

Now, if you'll excuse me.  Hair day is tomorrow and Miss Violet is in the next room, trying to decide on bead colors for her yarn twists.  It might not be the most important decision we'll make all week, but I wouldn't miss it for the world.  

New Blog:  In the works!

Old (Outdated!) Blog:  www.amarobaby.blogspot.com 

Miss A's 7th Birthday...in the hospital?!

Hi everyone!

I know it's been a while. There have been so many changes going on in my life lately that I don't even know where to begin!

Let me first start by saying I'm sure most of you noticed our Beads, Braids & Beyond Facebook page is gone. I don't know why. I don't know how. It has saddened me and I was quite depressed over it. I wasn't even sure if I wanted to make another one but I did. We're nowhere near our 40k + likes but I know with your help we can get there. Please go like the new page www.facebook.com/BeadsBraidsBeyond and share it with your friends. Thank you so much!

I guess I'll just cut to the chase, Miss A's 7th birthday was last week. After work I took her to a new game room where we live and she had a blast. It was nice just spending some 1-on-1 mother/daughter time. I got a new job a couple of months ago so time has been limited. We try to enjoy every moment we have now that's for sure!

Birthday braids with beads

The next day I was at work and received a call. Miss A had just had a seizure. Many of you know Miss A was diagnosed with epilepsy last Spring. Read more about that here. I grabbed my keys, eyes full of tears and rushed out the door. As I was in a hurry driving to the hospital, the ambulance was rushing her to the emergency room. Once I arrived, she was sleeping. She gets very sleepy after having a seizure, which seems to be pretty common.

Always smiling

Miss A was in the hospital for 4 days. They did an MRI and a 24 hour video EEG. The MRI results were normal. The EEG was abnormal, which was to be expected. The neurologist said she had about 6 "starring spells" or "mini seizures" within the first 2 1/2 hours which can easily go unnoticed as they only last about 10 seconds each. He increased her medication so we're home now and hoping and praying for the best. 

I'd like to take a moment to thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers. We truly appreciate it!

Please don't forget to go "like" our new Facebook page!

www.facebook.com/BeadsBraidsBeyond

Beads, Braids & Beyond FACEBOOK! What happened?!

I'm sure many of you are wondering what happened to Beads, Braids and Beyond's Facebook page, truth is, I don't know! Apparently Facebook deleted it. SIGH. Please go like and share the new page, thank you!

https://www.facebook.com/BeadsBraidsBeyond
https://www.facebook.com/BeadsBraidsBeyond
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Reader Mail! "Just an appreciation for your website"

Crystal's girls

I just received this email from a reader, Crystal. I absolutely love it and had to share. Her girls are complete dolls! :)

I love hearing from you all! If you would like to share something email me at beadsbraidsbeyond@yahoo.com

-Nikki

Hi my name is Crystal, I have two daughters (6&8) both with natural hair. I do not know their type but to me it's a headache. In the pictures I sent, you can see the various styles I try on their heads n this is just a few. Every summer I give them braids w/beads because it's easier and less maintenance and they r on a swim team so its easier for the pool. During the school year it's mainly ponytails ranging from 1-20. I do their hair every morning. I have been searching for the right hair products since their age of 2. Looking for the right grease that does not dry out the hair, shampoo that does not leave the hair in a tangled mess, and the right kind of moisturizer that will keep their natural curls for the day at least. 
I am soooo happy that I found your website that can guide me in the right direction for not only my girls hair but mine too. (Now I can stop asking people on the street 20 questions about their hair) :-) Thank you so much for your concerns for others and their hair. 
-Crystal

Intricate Cornrow Updo on Natural Hair

By Aisha of Braid with Me

We're back!! I haven't blogged much lately because we've been enjoying the summer and getting some much needed family time by taking a vacation!! 

This time we decided to do a beautiful updo that can be worn for any special occasion. A pretty updo is a must for the hot summer months when you want the hair to be protected! If you want to see more fabulous updo styles, head on over to Beads, Braids, and Beyond and check out Miss A's Natural Flower Girl Updo with Cornrows and Twists.

Now let's talk about the style! I started with clean, moisturized, and detangled hair. Next, I began parting the hair. I made an off-centered part in the back and I also created a smaller section of hair in the front that led  down to the lower left side of her head. I then began to make free style cornrows as if I were making a Mohawk. I did not continue the braid all the way to the end. Once I reached the center part, I discontinued the braid and let the rest of the hair remain free. The hair that remained free was later formed into one large cornrow that started from the nape and continued to the front of her head. The cornrow was then formed into a rosette and pinned into place. I also used the remainder of the hair on the left side to form more cornrows and two more rosettes.

Day 1:

Day 2: 

As always, we would LOVE to hear from you!! Leave a comment below to let us know what you think. Don't forget to "Like" our Facebook page to stay up-to-date on our latest styles!!! 

Products used: 

Spectrum Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

Carol's Daughter Healthy Hair Butter

Hair pins (for rosettes) 

Natural Flower Girl Updo with Cornrows and Twists

Another updo! I know you're probably sick of them at this point but we have been loving them! Miss A thinks she's Princess Tiana! (hmm, possible Halloween costume?) I know how hard it is to find natural flower girl hair styles or special occasion hairstyles done on curly hair so I'm going to try my best to showcase styles fit for the occasion. 

Let's begin with instructions, shall we?

Miss A's hair was already moisturized and stretched from her previous bantu knot-out. I parted a half moon shape on the top middle section of her hair and tied it off. I started by parting a curved section near her left ear for the first cornrow. I added a little Bee Mine Curly Butter to the section and braided. If you don't know how to cornrow you can do a simple two strand flat twist or check out our Cornrowing for Beginners post. I used a rubberband to secure the cornrow once I got to the end and left the remaining hair out. I only wrapped the rubberband about 3 times, just enough to secure the cornrow but not tight enough to cause breakage.

I continued beginning my parts at the nape of her neck, slightly curving each part and cornrowing until I reached the other side.

I banded all of the loose hair into three separate banded sections and had her sleep with a sleeping cap overnight. Not sure what banding is? No problem, check out our Banding F.A.Q. post.

The next morning I removed the banded and created three large two strand twists with the top section of loose hair. I played with the twists for a few minutes to see how I wanted the updo to look. I wrapped the left twist around to the right side and secured with a bobby pin then I wrapped the right twist to the left side and secured. I decided to do a twisted cinnabun with the last twist. As you can see I made it sit on her forehead a bit. A little bit of an old school feel.

To bring the entire flower girl look together I had her put on an old dress and placed a single flower clip bought from Claire's on the side of her updo. See below for more pictures!

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