I've Joined Twitter!

Happy Holidays & Merry Christmas to everyone! This blog has been a bit slow as of late, as I have been busy with work. I plan for Bleu Coiffure to be more active starting in January--as well as I hope to start a new painting or two. In the mean time, I have opened a twitter account--feel free to "follow" me: @bleujones

Enjoy.the.Journey.
Danyelle

Random.

I just wanted to post a picture of my new favorite nail polish--OPI's DS Coronation, which is a holographic polish. It drys quickly and doesn't chip easily (even w/o a top coat!). :) I'm currently working on a pencil drawing for a family friend. Realizing for the first time as I work, I don't like pencil that much. I guess I choose to do it in pencil because she wants the people too look exactly as they do in real life and I have more control with the pencil to try and achieve that. I can't wait to move on to something new, I have a few ideas for hair related paintings I'd like do soon!

I hope everyone is enjoying their start of this week so far.
Danyelle

My.Natural.Hairstory.

I decided to go natural in October of 2006. My choice was made purely out of wanting to try something different and seeing if it would yield a different (and hopefully better) result. My relaxed hair had always been around shoulder length (sometimes slightly longer,but never at/past APL) and I never had any BIG problems out of it. I've always taken great care with my hair--I probably picked up that habit from the way my mother cared for it when I was a child. Though I had a relaxer, used heat, and other things that are not the best--it always looked fine--not perfect but not bad. Most of the time while relaxed I did have breakage in the front and around 2004 I start experiencing breakage in the middle of the back (the front breakage has changed, but the back is still a problem even with me being relaxer free--still figuring that out).

I transitioned for a year by slowly cutting my hair of every few months. By the end 2007 I was totally relaxer free. 2008 was spent somewhat experimenting (nothing too crazy, I can't say I was a total product junkie lol) but I also stuck to a few oldies but goodies I used on my relaxed hair such as Aphogee protein treatments. Through curlynikki.com I also discovered Henna, of which enjoy the whole process of mixing and applying (i'm a bit weird like that). It added thickness(I have thin strands)and of course color to my hair. By 2009 I stopped using Aphogee and went strictly to Henna because I read online that is was a protein treatment in it self. So I figured I didn't need the Aphogee protein any longer.... this is where I think I went wrong. From about mid-2009 to the beginning of 2010 I've experienced ridculous spilt ends/breakage setbacks so I've recently (2 months ago) cut off about 2 inches and started up my Aphogee Treatments again. What can I say, may hair must love protein?

Currently I love playing with Indian/Ayurvedic powders to cleanse my hair and aid in keeping it strong between Aphogee treatments (every 6 weeks). I finally found a deep conditioner that works well and is moisturizing for me (Aussie 3 minute miracle deep moisture). I've raved about my favorite oil on this blog already(coconut)--it really helps added sheen on my dry hair. This year also, I don't feel the need to wash my hair as often as I've done in the past (personal preference), so I cleanse & deep condition every 2 weeks. My current regimen is as follows:


Week 2
Cleanse with no-sulfate Ayurvedic shampoo bar
Deep condition,rinse
Leave-in conditoner
Seal with oil
Braid & air dry, or roller set

Week 4
Cleanse w/ no-sulfate Ayurvedic shampoo bar, OR make a mask with powders (w/Henna if I'm in the mood)
Deep condition, rinse
Leave-in conditioner
Seal with oil
Braid & air dry, or roller set

Week 6
Cleanse w/ non-sulfate Ayurvedic shampoo bar, OR Aphogee Shampoo if there is build up
Aphogee Protien treatment
Deep condition, rinse
Leave-in conditioner
Roller set

So on year 3 of being natural I think I'm finally getting to what works for me, and finding products that I love.I in no way am here to push products or say what I use/do to my hair is perfect. I will however do updates on my progress every once in a while. My hair goals as of right now are maintaining its health and hopefully the growth will be the benefit of that throughout this next year(My "dream" hair/inspiration). We shall see... :)

enjoy.your.journey.
Danyelle

3 Things I ♥ (03.2010)

1. Spring-time is coming! Living in an area that gets extremely cold in winter, makes me extremely excited to see it all melt! Also to feel/see the sun come from behind the clouds and warm the earth. The process of seeing things grow and change is here once again and I'm glad I'm alive to see it.

2. Virgin Coconut Oil (any brand, not necessarily the one pictured). Love, love, love it! It can be used from your head to your feet--and even to cook your food. I recently began using coconut oil as a part of my hair regimen and I've noticed a change for the better--more shine & softness that lasts. I think coconut oil is a keeper for me!

3. Leopard Pumps...I've recently taken a walk on the 'wild side' by purchasing these shoes. I saw them for a great price @ TJMAXX, so tried them on and they looked o so great with my dark skinny jeans,yet I put them back. Did I really NEED them? I wasn't so sure. So I went home.... and couldn't stop thinking about them...sitting there all alone in the store...so a few hours later I went back to the and made them mine. I have no idea how, when or what I will/can wear them with (feel free to leave suggestions!)--BUT they are pretty to look at--to me.




enjoy.the.journey.
Danyelle

1998

I visited my parent's home over the weekend and found some of my old art and magazine photos I saved when I was in high school (o so long ago). This photo in particular I saved at age 14. My art teacher made us go through magazines to find pictures to draw from--I remember seeing this photo as if it were yesterday. I recall looking at the curls on this model and thinking how big and pretty her hair was but never did I think my hair could look like that. I didn't even give a thought to what my natural texture looked like---having a relaxer was "natural" for me at that time...

(Photo Credit: Teen Magazine: January 1998, Bleu Coiffure)

Why?

I am not totally new to the blogging world you can also find me here.
So why am I here, right now? My story:

I decided to stop relaxing my hair near the end of 2006. I was always curious to see what my natural hair texture looked like & I had just moved to Chicago--so I figured I'd try something different?! I transitioned slowly, with no big chop, from 2007-2008. In 2007 I had to fulfill a Grad school requirement by taking a printmaking class. I was kind of frustrated that I had to take the class, as it was $1,000--and I already had Bachelor's in Art (I took every class BUT printmaking lol). Instead of letting the frustration get the best of me I turned it into a positive and decided to motivate myself during my transition period through creating natural hair etchings in the class. Here is one of my first etchings:


(Photo Credit: Bleu Coiffure, 2007 Etching)


I've always enjoyed painting and drawing people--but never before had I explored using the beauty of natural hair in my art--as I was not natural nor did I know any one that was. So exploring natural hair through art was something different that brought and entirely new element & feel to my work--and I find drawing each strand of kinky/curly hair kind of calming. Weird? ;)

2008-2009 I got a bit side tracked on my art work and focused more on finishing my degree in Education, as well as planning a wedding. My hair eventually became an after thought too.

Mid-2009 I decided to re-focus on the health & worth of my hair, as well as motivate myself & others to continue on this natural hair journey through sharing my art, beautiful fashion/hair accessories, and the art & photography of others.

Thus, I present to you: Bleu Coiffure.

welcome & enjoy.the.journey.

Danyelle