The 1000th Post!

My 1000th post was about to be just a regular posting of Sunday Style but I thought a reflection post would be better. A chance for me to spill my thoughts and opinions. After-all, isn't that what a blog is for? :)

Her Best Hair started a few years ago with the purpose of sharing my lessons learned to just a small group of people. Originally, I did not plan for the blog to go public, never thought I would have more than 100 readers, and really did not think I would be blogging for this long. At times, I feel bad that I do not have a ton of random hair topics to blog about or a million products to review. However, this is me - this is my hair. Why put up information and products that I will never use or do not believe in?

As for my hair, I have been natural for years (never had a relaxer) and there are so many things that I just smile at because they are not new to me but others are super excited about them. Example, the Denman brush - the paddle brush by Annie is the exact same thing and it was first used on my hair back in the late 80s O_o. Shocking right? Co-washing - I did it, just did not have a name for it. Straightening, yes it can be done without heat damage.

Want to know something else? There are not any rules for natural hair! Stop letting other people tell you what you can and can not do to your hair. I have used everything from a fine tooth comb to Blue Magic hair grease on my head. It is all about how you use it with any product or tool. Guess who knows your hair best? YOU! Yep, you know it best - that is, if you have taken the time to learn it.

It may seem weird for the chick with the hair blog and YT channel to say this but...IT'S JUST HAIR! I now get what India Arie was saying when she sang "I am not my hair." My hair changes daily unlike my consistent personality. My hair can be used to express how I am feeling that day but it does not define me as a person. It is just hair - it comes after God, my marriage, and my family. It's just hair - if I lose it all tomorrow I am still the same ol me.

This has been a fun journey and I have met a lot of new friends since discovering the natural hair Internet community. I thank every single one of you for your support, positive words, and encouragement. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Youtube ♥ Twitter

My God Is Awesome....

You Asked, I Answered

You Asked:

I came upon your blog this morning.  It's an answer to my prayers.
Please, could you tell me the name of the you tube vlogger from whom you learn about the Aloe Gro treatment?  When I clicked on the link in your blog I see it was removed and I don't just want to go to anyone you tube.  If you have the directions already written could you please email them to me.
In addition to growth, my hair is "see-through" thin - needs to thicken up and get stronger. I hope I started at the beginning of your blog (Nov 2009) so I could learn as you posted.
Many blessings and many thanks.

I Answered:

Thank you! You are so kind. It makes me happy that my lessons learned can help others. As for the Aloe Gro mix. The original ingredients are:  

Organic aloe vera gel (1.5 cups) , water (1 cup), sage essential oil (6 drops), peppermint essential oil (10 drops), eucalyptus essential oil (5 drops)

 OR

I did not have all the ingredients so I switched it up a little and used:1.5 Cup Organic Aloe Vera Gel,

1 Cup (distilled) water, 6 Drops Rosemary EO (Pregnant women should not use this EO), 

10 Drops Peppermint E, and 5 Drops Tea Tree Oil

Mix all the ingredients, shake well, and spray as needed. For safe storage you can keep this mixture in the refrigerator. The essential oils act as preservatives so you can also keep it at room temperature in cool dark space. 
Related posts: Product Review: Aloe Gro • Aloe Gro Treatment REMIX

You Asked:
What ProDucts Do U Use ?  (via YouTube)

I Answered: 
You can see all the products that I rotate through here → Staple Products
I like to use a product until it just does not work for me anymore.



You Asked:
What do you use to set your hair when you twist your hair?  (via YouTube)

I Answered: 
It really depends on how I am feeling and what I have available. I use Suave Tropical Coconut conditioner a lot to set my hair because it it light and I like the smell.Another setting mix that I love to use is CurlyNikki's Curl Defining Spritz.



You Asked: 
Are you relaxed? (via YouTube)

I Answered:
Nope.

I'm still here...

Yes, I know things have been quiet but there is a reason. The husband and I have been busy moving out of one house and into another. Who knew that you could accumulate so much stuff in such a tiny space. We moved into a much larger place and I am already scared about the amount of junk we are going to end up cramming in that house. I really need to stick to Spring and Fall cleaning in this place. Once we are a little more settled and I can actually find something I am planning to get up some more posts and create some new tutorials for this summer. I'll be back....

Meanwhile, I am pinning away some hairstyles on Pinterest. Check them out → tiashauntee on Pinterest

Sunday Style: Braid-out

There have been quite a few times that I looked back at some photos of my hair and wonder "how did I get that look?" I have a bad habit of not snapping pics or documenting how I set my hair to achieve that style. So my new goal is to take a picture of my hair while it is set in preparation for a style. To get this Sunday's look I set my hair in 7 cornrows on dry hair. I applied just a quarter sized amount of Suave Tropical Coconut Conditioner to each section before braiding. This particular style set for 2 days before I took the braids out (I had a busy weekend, it worked for me).

Also...I make another dress. Sewing is addictive. I love new clothes and when I can make unique pieces for less than $10, that is even better! I made the dress maybe 2 weeks ago (sewing is now my stress reliever)but I am just now getting a chance to wear it. After I made it, I loved the way it fit so I made another :) The pattern only has two pieces - super easy. See the pattern used here → McCalls M6559

Sunday's Message 
The Anatomy of Worship: The Invocation 
2 Chronicles 20:5-9
invocation: 1. The action of invoking something or someone for assistance or as an authority. 2. The summoning of a deity or the supernatural. When you invoke God's presence He administers convictions and assumes control. As a result, you can rest in God's presence (See 2King 13, Psalm 16:11, Psalm 51, Psalm 46, and Psalm 10)

That is what I can use right now...rest.

Operation "back to normal" Was A Success

A few weeks ago when I vacationed in Florida, my hair was not happy. My plan to attempt to get my hair back to normal was to deep condition using the Greenhouse Effect method. I am happy to say that it worked! Below are the steps that I followed.

First, I shampooed my hair focusing on my scalp. I only shampooed once because I did not want to dry out my hair even more.

Second, I separated my hair into 4 sections and applied a generous amount of Aussie 3 Minute miracle Deeeeep Conditioner to my hair.

Then, after applying the conditioner to my hair in sections I applied Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO) to each section on top of the conditioner and worked it down the length of my hair.

At this point I really wanted to sit under my hair steamer but I was so tired I decided to skip this step and go straight to the baggy.

I put on my baggy (hair in 4 huge twists) and then my satin bonnet on over that - I slept that way.

The next morning I readjusted my plastic cap and bonnet and wore a knit hat over that for the day. Using a black bonnet under a knit hat is a great way to hide the mess going on under the hat.

Finally, that evening (many hours later) I rinsed out the conditioner and damp bunned my hair. After about two days I took the bun down and my hair felt awesome to the touch.

Success!!! :)

NC Natural Hair Care Expo 2012

Click on image to link for more info

This Too Shall Pass

I love this song! Amanda Seales is a woman that seems to get it. Always self expressive with vibrant colors, amazing hair, or through her art. She isn't afraid to be herself, speak her mind, and take the time to share her voice with the world. I became a fan when she was Amanda Diva. She has dropped the diva and just goes by her birth name now. I've tried to meet her on several occasions all a fail. She inspires me to want to be more creative. I'd love to have a interview with her over a dinner. Anyway this song goes out to all the brothers who are going through a season. And this is a Thank you to all the women out here supporting them emotionally. Remind them "This too shall pass."

#enjoythenow it's just music.-James P.

I Think I Just May Have A New Obsession

I made another one :) I have been drooling over the hi lo skirt style for a while now. I wanted a unique one that was not going to break the bank. I decided to try it and it was a success. I love this skirt and the crazy pattern of colors. The total cost to make this: $16

As for my hair, I had an event to attend on Saturday morning so my hair is actually a second day twist out. I did for flat twists in the back and three on each side. I did smaller flat twist because I wanted big hair with definition. If that is your goal then my recommendation is small twists/braids in sections. Be sure that you part your hair in the way that you want it to fall. Hiding parts can be tricky and mess up a cute style if you are not careful.

Lover's Tryst: Spicy Chocolate Mousse

Chocolate is a classic gift shared by those in love.  Everyone loves chocolate. Maybe not everyone but there is a lot you can do with it. You choose how you serve or what you serve this simple mousse on. Just remember you ca n not go wrong with anything this spreadable, lickable, and sweet. #EnjoyTheNow -James P.


3 cups mini marshmallows
1/2 stick unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp cayenne pepper
9 ounces best quality semisweet chocolate, chopped into small pieces. Chocolate chips work too
1/4 cup hot water from a recently boiled kettle
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Put the marshmallows, butter, chocolate,  cayenne pepper, and water in a heavy-based saucepan. Put the saucepan on the stove, over heat, keeping the heat low, to melt, stirring every now and again. Remove from the heat many times during the melting process to keep it from burning. Meanwhile, whip the cream in a cold stainless steel bowl with the vanilla until thick. If you do not have a stainless steel bowl place a good mixing bowl over a full bowl of ice and place the mixing bowl on top of the ice. Then whip the cream and vanilla until it is thick with peaks, then fold into the cooling chocolate mixture until you have a smooth spreadable mousse. Pour into small bowls or scrape with your finger or spread it on what you want to eat. :)
Serves 4-6