Let me just start off by saying thank you to each and every one of you! I appreciate everything from encouraging words to purchasing tickets to my exhibit to trusting me to style and care for your tresses. You all continue to keep me motivated and focused. Balancing the roles of mommy, wifey, student, autistic therapist and entrepreneur is not easy. But when I check my email, messages or social media and see genuine support, it gives me the extra push I need, especially on days when I truly need it.

As a special thank you, all photo-shoots booked during the first two weeks of August will be a flat rate of $100, all protective styles will be $80 and all prints will be $15. These rates will go on from August 1st - August 15th, so please take do not hesitate to take advantage because slots will fill quick! In order to receive the discount, when filling out the contact form, be sure to include "bigthx" in the comment section along with your message. Click the link below to be directed to the contact form.

I think we all can agree that the summer is not the most cooperative season for naturalistas! Between the humidity, frequent pool/beach visits, traveling, rain, etc. natural hair will always try to do it's best to fail us. So I'm going to list 4 tips that can help keep natural hair tamed and poppin during the summer months.

1. Twist outs/Braid Outs Instead of Wash and Go's
If you are someone who loves to wear your hair out year round, doing a braid out or twist out in the summer is going to show a BIG difference in the amount of moisture your hair is retaining daily.
A wash and go is awesome because I myself prefer a wash and go over any other style (I mean it is my hair at its most natural state, I'm proud of these tresses! Lol) BUT when you apply your product to your hair while it is soaking wet and then proceed to twist or braid your hair (don't have to be small, they can be chunky) your hair will absorb the water and product ten times better than it would with just washing, detangling, applying product and air drying (wash and go). Twisting or braiding gives the moisture more time to work its magic.

2. Conditioning Under the Sun
If you know you have a long beach or pool day ahead and all you know you'll be doing is tanning - take advantage of that sun and deep condition. When you're getting ready for your tanning session, dampen your hair, get your favorite conditioner (make sure it's organic) and apply it to your entire head from root to end and put your hair in a high bun. Sitting under the sun with conditioner is as natural as the deep conditioning process can come. When you go home to rinse your hair out, it should feel soft and rejuvenated.

3. Protecting Your Hair From Beach/Pool Water
If you are someone who loves to swim and be in the water all summer long, this one is for you! Before leaving for the beach or pool, give your hair three layers of protection. The first is a no brainier - water! Make sure you have soaked your hair from root to end before starting anything. This prevents your hair from having to go from dry to submerged in chlorine or salt water - ultimately causing a frizz ball. After you've soaked your strands, apply a generous amount of 100% avocado oil and finish off with just a dime size, if that, of conditioner. These three layers will keep your hair protected and when it is time to rinse it out, your hair will be so soft and luxurious.