Last year, I came to realization that it was time for me to spice up my look a bit (in regards to my hair). I didn’t really know how I would do it but the need for a “change” was tapping on my shoulder. I toggled around with the idea of color and I explored that option by getting rinses in a dark plum color. I took baby steps with the color because of the fear of damaging my hair when its already in a fragile state (due to medications). I tried the semi-permanent rinses a couple of times. On both occasions the color was just “okay” nothing that anyone even noticed really. One day I came across a picture of Taraji P. Henson rocking a classy and sassy “bob”. She is often rocking some type of cropped or shoulder length bob style and I quickly realized that I’ve always loved this look. I’ve often wondered what it would look like on me.

I was approached with the idea of doing a hair makeover by K. Logan Salon. I went to her website to view all of the styling options and got down to the bottom and saw that this salon features hair extensions for retail and installation. The first thing that came to mind was “That’s it..a sew in…that’s what I need”! I immediately pulled up the inspiring photo in my iphone of Taraji and forwarded it to the salon owner “Akia” aka Kia and made my appointment.

In the days leading up the appointment I had second thoughts about the idea of getting a “straight” styled partial sew-in weave. I hadn’t straightened my natural hair in 3 years so I was nervous about the thought of my hair reverting back to its natural state too soon after being straightened. After much consideration, I was too nervous to risk it and decided to try a curly/natural sew in instead. But it was too late, it was not enough time to order the curly hair/weave for a curly/wavy style.

Alas…after a long consultation with Akia I was back to my original plan. I knew I wanted to try this style out BAD! So I just said…what the heck…let’s do it.  :)

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!! Here are some pics from my experience (click on the picture to enlarge it and read the captions)….

Thanks so much to Akia at K.Logan Hair for transforming me into a Taraji look-alike LOL. She did a great job and was very knowledgeable about hair care (natural/relaxed) and weaves. She kindly answered all of my questions during my consultation and was very patient with me. I know nothing about weave and she quickly learned this as we joked about this and that. I was very comfortable in her chair…often nodding off while she washed, conditioned, blow dried, & braiding up my natural hair to prepare for the install. I let her know it was a good thing for me to fall asleep because it meant that I was very relaxed and comfortable. My experience was fun & I most certainly recommend that you all go and visit her.

Well done Kia!

On slightly damp hair I used 1.25 in Cold Wave Rods along with Mahogany Naturals Hair Milk and sat under my Laila Ali bonnet dryer for 1 hour.

I pulled out the rollers and voila!

After wearing the curls unseparated for a few days I combed them out for a fuller bushy look and slapped on my The Natural Me headband (love these headbands…they don’t squeeze my head!).

The splash of red hair added to the front is Essential Coil (comes in many colors) and sold exclusively at www.stylistaprilb.com.

Atlanta relationship coaches and marital educators Ken and Myra McKnight are known best for their radio segment on The Spike Davis Morning Show and their bi-monthly relationship column in Sheen Magazine. On May 17, 2013 they will be marrying 5 lucky couples, free of charge (location TBA in Atlanta, GA)!! One of these five couples will also win a free honeymoon weekend to Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Couples interested in entering to become one of the five couples chosen to be married should email info@abetteroneisabettertwo.com for contest rules and regulations. Also visit ABetterOneIsABetterTwo.com for more information.