On March 1, 2014 I had the pleasure of going to my first natural hair event held by Just Cactus’s Founder and CEO Kia Boggan. Held at the Star Lounge in Fayetteville, NC, this was my opportunity to get in the know about what I can do for my past addiction to the creamy crack. I have been on a get healthy journey for about two years on and off. I knew that to really change the habit of destroying my temple with chemicals and processed food, I would have to start at the top of my head. So the first steps I took , were baby steps and trimmed my ends of the relaxed part and gradually trimmed every time I took my weave out(Don’t judge, Lol)
I got to my roots and realized that I had a good texture of hair but did not know how to care for it in it’s natural state. This event came right on time because I had braids and it was time to face the madness. So I was so happy to actually be able to be among other “Naturals” and learn about why I am not My hair.
The natural hair symposium hosted by Kia Boggan, CEO of the amazing natural hair product, Just Cactus. Kia has been natural for years and like us, she was through with the ritual of being a slave to her hair. So she and a business partner came up with Just Cactus. Just Cactus is made from the prickly pear cactus plant. This multi-use product is a godsend for the natural converter. It assists with keeping moisture in the hair, which is the first thing that is needed, to bring your hair back to life after damage has been done. If you are sick of using multiple products, Just Cactus is your shampoo , conditioner and stay in wrapped into one. The product is fresh so refrigeration is necessary.
The night started off with the smooth sounds of Val Richardson aka Stassi the Midday Goddess from 104.5 . A natural for 13 years, she told of her journey of doing the big chop six times. She set the tone and the mood by performing songs from Jill Scott and Billie Holiday. The treat of the night , was listening to her original poems that made me feel like I was on a exotic getaway with long dreadlocks, a drink in my hand and watching the waves crash on the beach.
The informative part of the evening I learned about the porosity of my hair. This was important to know because a lot of us rely on what works for other peoples hair and are discouraged when the results we want are not met. I for one is very guilty. Last year, I started watching You Tube and became obsessed with glorious thick tresses of the natural gurus . Each one boasting of products that claimed that my hair would grow into a magnificent fro. I sped to the grocery stores to try many with no results. The first thing we were asked was did we know our hair. To find out the porosity of our hair, Kia gave us a water test. The water test would provide us with information about what the porosity level of our hair. As cups were passed , halfway filled with water we were instructed to take a strand of our hair and put into the cup. If the hair floats it is Low Porosity. If the hair takes a long time to sink it is Normal Porosity and If the hair quickly sinks to the bottom it is High Porosity . I found out my hair was low porosity which meant that it is difficult to get moisture to my hair.
The highlight of the evening was the key note speaker, Kandra Ferguson, Hair Therapist and Educator. Ms. Ferguson is the owner of the Hair I am Natural Hair Salon . She talked about different ways to deal with each type of hair we had. Coconut Oil was high on the list for one of the products I should use that would give the moisture my hair needed. Her full service hair salon takes care of all your natural hair care needs. She said she was excited that she met Kia because the Just Cactus product remedied some the work of having to make her own products. She raved about using the Just Cactus on her clients. She also showed us many protective styles using the product and also why being natural is beautiful. One of the things she also told us to get was a satin pillowcase to prevent damage to our hair while we slept.
After she left the stage, I found out more bout her salon and it inspired me to do a challenge using the Just Cactus products that were given to me during the event. So for the next couple of months, I will leave my hair in their care and do a final review on my You Tube Channel.
We heard testimonials from the models who’s natural journeys ranged from one year to thirty five years. We were introduced to stylist QaSean Young , who gave us a demonstration of how the Just Cactus product is used as a heat protectant as he flatiron and styled Kelly who had been a natural for thirty five years.
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- Hair dry and clean
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- Hair Blow dried
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- Hair Straightened
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- Styling
Kia also introduced a new product that they are working on called Cactus Body Butter. The product is AMAZING full of moisture and made my hands feel great.
I am really excited for the new products that are coming. If the Just Cactus all in one is any indication, Just Cactus has a fan for life!
What natural products are you using? Let me know below or Tweet Me! @AngelaYvonne
Naturally Yours,
Angela Yvonne
AbsolutelyEverything By Angela Yvonne 