Giveaway : Hair-ology Conference Tickets [closed]

I love educational hair events, don't get me wrong the hair fairs and shows are amazing but I must admit I can be socially awkward/shy and small intimate events like this are right up my street!

I had the pleasure of being one of the guest speakers last year and I can honestly say it was a great event. Getting hair advice and tips from the likes of the Philip Kingsley team and salon owner Darren Scott & James was nothing short of a treat.

Unfortunately I won't be able to make the event this year due to work travel arrangements but I've been given two free tickets to giveaway here on the blog, so this time you can fill me in on it!

All you have to do to be entered for the giveaway is like the Hairology Conference Page on Facebook and comment  'enter me' in the comments section of this blog post 

Winners will be chosen at random. All the best!!!

Giveaway closes on June 23rd midnight and winners will be announced here and on Facebook!

UPDATE: Congratulations Laolu A & Cosmicgirl80!!! Please drop me an email with your contact details

Love always...
Fiona

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Imperfectly Perfect: Unapologetically Myself

If there is anyone in my immediate family that could have been labelled the nerd growing up it was me. I wore the highest rise turtle neck, indulged in poem writing, doing well in school and absolutely loved to read. I can't however say the same for my older self, who finds most of her comfort reads in hair/fashion/beauty blogs, youtube and my iphone bible app!

Well, just a few weeks ago I challenged myself to read more and made my first book purchase as part of this new reading lifestyle I intend on making permanent.  I was looking for something inspirational or motivational that I could apply to my life but also to the life of five beautiful young ladies I mentor. So I started with 'Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience' by Dr steve Maraboli. A good read? You bet! But not for the reasons you may think!

I've come to learn as a mentor that it's so easy to encourage and motivate others with lines and parables about happiness, joy, overcoming hard times and being the best you can be, but before you do this it's so important to deal with yourself first, and Lord knows I had a whole lot of dealing to do, especially on the topic of my weight and how I perceive and embrace myself.

Just like almost every female on the planet I've had my fair share of weight issues, you'll be pleased to know it has never been an option to lose weight as I think you'd agree there would be nothing left of me! But the jungles and rivers I've jumped through and over in hopes of throwing some extra thickness unto my thighs has been no joke! Peakmilk, supermalt challenge, nourishment, dollops of peanut butter in every smoothie etc. Whilst it's considered a blessing to be able to eat all of the junk and food in the world and not gain a gram, it most certainly hasn't always felt that way. I've always wanted to be just a tad bit thicker.

 Well, the time has come to put all of that to one side and embrace more, love more and appreciate the way I was created just that bit more… and so should you!

“There is nothing more rare, nor more beautiful, than a woman being unapologetically herself; comfortable in her perfect imperfection. To me, that is the true essence of beauty.” 

Love always … Fiona
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Hair Talk: Things I Wish I Knew Before Transitioning

I know I know the past few weeks have been a whole lot of transitioner talk! I can't help it! With two friends and three blogger sisters [Ebony of Longing4Length], [Jen of JustGrowAlready] & [Lesley of FreshLengths] recently deciding to give the transitioning thing a go, the excitement has me wanting to pour out all of my experiences and reflections here on the blog - I'm almost jealous they get to relive the moment, though I'm not sure I would sign myself up to do it all over again!
Had I been able to turn back the hands of time [#IfOnlyRight!] Here are some of the things I would have liked to have known

I wish I knew... That it is best to have your big chop/ transitioner chop done professionally. Doing the 'chop' yourself may, like in my case lead to 'unevenness'. Whilst the thought of cutting off your ends yourself may have you twerking with excitement, the reality of needing a second chop a few months later to even things out probably won't! Get a friend to follow you to a reputable salon and record/take pictures of the moment for you.
I wish I knew… Texture fantasies almost never come true! The video [below] goes into more detail on this but be careful not to become too fixed on a texture that you want. Transitioning is more than just a texture change, challenge yourself to embrace naturalness in its entirety and find yourself a natural role model with a texture you've never imagined yourself with. Peep how your natural role model rocks their hair and how confident they are wearing it and slowly you'll make your transition and life as a newly natural a whole lot easier!
I wish I knew… Single strand knots just can't keep away. Thinking of doing a second chop because the  knots have plagued your hair? Well don't! Single strand knots are very common among naturals and not so easy to get rid of. Give yourself a regular enough trim to keep them at bay and get on with enjoying your natural hair already!
I wish I knew… to steer clear of too many detangling tools. I absolutely love my detangling tools especially the Felicia Leatherwood detangling brush, however, excessive use of these means a whole lot of manipulation on your strands. Your fingers are also great detangling tools and wreak less havoc on your hair. Try and only use your tools when your hair is seroiusly tangled or when trying to achieve a style that requires extreme smoothness.
& for the final I wish I knew fast forward to 9:13 in the video below


Avec amour… Fiona
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Hair : Flower Bun Hairband… When The Sun Comes Out To Play

Over the past few weeks I've found myself super uninspired to do anything with my hair. My weeks are pretty much a blur of Monday flights, hotels, clients, unpacking, re-packing and catching up on lost sleep. I've even found myself in frequent hate-offs with my headscarf! The thought of having to put it on at night feels like a 2 hour workout! A girl just wants to sleep!

All of that changed however at the weekend when the Sun decided to come out and play! I wish you could have seen how quickly I jumped out of bed on Saturday morning when the first rays of sunshine hit my window, I love the Sun!!! 

After a shower and delicious red pepper and onion omelet I whipped out my glue gun and some faux flowers and got to diy-ing.

I love how something so simple can add so much life to a simple hairstyle! What do you think? I love it!

[What You Need]
Glue Gun
Scissors
Elastic
Faux Flowers
*all purchased from Hobbycraft*

cutting flowers from the stem

naked bun

also squeezed in a video!

Avec amour… Fiona
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