The Awkward Stage

Look of the Day: 2/13/12

2012-02-13T13:02:00.000-06:00

Quick snippet here.

Like I told you guys last month, I have to wear my hair out more and actually get proficient at styling it. I love wigs but I can't wear them forever and there is no sense in growing my hair out long just to hide it. So, last week I wore my hair in the Gibson Tuck that I posted which I loved. This week, I'm wearing a simple up-do that I saw on Wendy's Lookbook. I love it because it keeps my hair off of my face and keeps it from being whipped around in the wind (SN: It is cold and windy here in B'ham for some reason). Anyway, take a look!

My hair is simply in a messy bun in the back and the in the front, I have simply added some volume to my hair and placed 2 headbands on it. That's it. Done. It took me 3 minutes to do.

I love easy styles. :)

Enjoy the rest of your Monday lovelies!

Favorite Grammy 2012 Looks

2012-02-13T12:52:00.001-06:00

Happy Monday lovelies!

Unless you have been under a rock, you know that the Grammy's were last night. I have to admit. I will watch the Grammy's each and every year. It's a habit I got into when I lived overseas and was STARVED for anything American pop culture. So, yesterday, as soon as the red carpet shows began, I was glued to the tv (and unfortunately saw that fcukery of a performance by Nicki Minaj).

Normally, when it comes to red carpet looks, people tend to focus on what folks are wearing. However, since this is a hair blog, I was focused on what people's hair looked like. For the most part, there wasn't a look that I disliked (except for one but I'll elaborate on that later). Last night's looks ran the gamut from classy up-dos to wild, crazy, and free. I would love to try some of these styles in the near future!

My favorite looks for Grammy Night 2012 can be seen on Taraji P. Henson, Corrine Bailey Rae, Alicia Keys, and Kelly Rowland. I just think that they are all pretty and unique in their own way. Take a look:

The one hairstyle I DID NOT like was Rihanna's ratty blonde bird's nest. It just looked awful!! I feel like if she's gonna rock this blonde hair thing, she needs to freaking own it! Even though she looked good, that did not cancel out that monstrosity on her head! Ugh. It was bad.

Did you watch the Grammy's? What were your favorite looks?

Protective Style 2/7/12: Gibson Tuck

2012-02-07T08:58:00.000-06:00

Hello once again lovelies!

I just wanted to stop by with this little snippet for you guys. This week, I decided to style my own hair some sort of way (*bum bum BUUUUUUMMM). To be honest, I'm a little bored with bunning and I wanted to try something new.

Enter the Gibson Tuck.

The Gibson Tuck is a throwback to the early 20th century....and an awesome hair style. Your ends are tucked away and you look cute to boot! Check out how to do it with this YouTube vid posted by Habioku!

Of course you can jazz it up to give it your own unique spin. You could flat twist or french braid the front of your hair, leave a little bit of hair out....whatever makes your boat float. I also think that this is a great protective style for those of you who have shorter hair (NL or SL). I know at that length, buns don't look quite right and can be frustrating. I think the Gibson Tuck sidesteps all that frustration.

Check out how I did my hair! * Please excuse the picture quality. My Nikon is out of commission at the moment but I really wanted to show you guys the style. I did the best I could w/ my camera phone!*

First Impressions: Salerm 21 Leave In Conditioner

2012-02-07T00:25:00.000-06:00

Happy Tuesday lovelies!!

I know it has been forever and a day (and then some!) since I've last posted anything! I have to admit, I've been hitting the gym pretty hard lately and that has made me some kind of lazy with my hair. I mean, yeah I'll do it...but it's not gonna be anything intricate. I just need something quick and easy and won't get in my way when I'm working up a sweat.

A few weeks ago, I got a bottle of Salerm 21 to try. I've been wanting to try this product for years but never got around to purchasing it. I have heard so many raves about this product, I figured that it couldn't hurt to give it a whirl.

Price: Varies. Depending on the site, it may cost you between $9-$15 dollars for a 6.9 oz bottle. On amazon.com, it is $12.80.

Ingredients: AQUA (WATER), PROPYLENE GLYCOL, CETYL ALCOHOL, GLYCERIN, CETRIMONIUM CHLORIDE, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, SERICA (SILK), PANTHENOL, PHOSPHOLIPIDS, LINOLEAMIDOPROPYLP PG-DOMONIUM CHLORIDE PHOSPHATE, ACRYLATES/C-10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATES CROSSPOLYMER, CHONDRUS CRISPUS (CARRAGEENAN), TRIETHANOLAMINE, EDTA, PHENOXYETHANOL, METHYLPARABEN, BUTYLPARABENM ETHYLAPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN, ISOBUTYLPARABEN, PARFUM (FARGRANCE), AMODIMETHICONE, SODIUM METHYLPARABEN, CITRIC ACID, TRIDECETH-12, DISODIUM EDTA, C.I.19140 (FD&C YELLOW N'5).

Claims:"To add gloss and life to damaged, treated, porous or dry hair, protects hair from harmful elements such as sunlight, heat, chlorine, saltwater, etc. The small size proteins, reach the core and repair hair deeply. Get the natural shine of healthy, looked-after hair"

I have to admit that I had high expectations for this product but not just because of the reviews. My hair has responded positively to another Dominican product (Silicon Mix) and I expected my hair to respond well to this one. The product is white in color and has a very thick consistency. In terms of scent, it doesn't smell like anything special...it pretty much has a medicinal scent to it. According to the product website, there are 3 uses for Salerm 21: a leave in, a DC, and a heat protectant. I'm gonna be real with you guys: I've only tried this as a leave in. I will not try it as a heat protectant. All I need is to fry my hair because I'm tryna be fancy. No ma'am. If I tried it as a DC, I don't think it would last me very long. So..that leaves only one option (and that is the angle that I'm reviewing this product from: leave in. I've basically put this product on following a good wash and DC session. On it's own, I have to admit that it leaves my hair moisturized and somewhat soft. However, when I pair this with Qhemet Biologics Honey Hydrating Balm (which I use as to seal), my hair is soft like butter! And when I say butter..I mean buttah!! I've been on an air drying kick lately (read: I'm to lazy to break out the blow dryer) and w/ this product, my hair isn't poofy, frizzy, or any other adjective you associate with air drying. My hair is smooth and soft! I love it...as a leave in (just had to remind yall).

All in all, I have to say that this makes for a good leave in. And for those of yall in EbonyCPrincess's rollersetting challenge, I have heard glowing reviews of Salerm 21 in making a super awesome rollerset (hint, hint. Nudge nudge). Pair Salerm 21 up with your favorite seal and you'll love the results!

So You Want To Get Your Little Workout On.....

2012-01-17T20:36:00.000-06:00

....but have no clue to do with your hair.

Happy Tuesday lovelies! I hope all of you have had a very productive day. Me? I'm currently laid out on my couch...kinda sore. I went to this Cardio Strength class and let me tell you-that instructor plays NO games! I almost died y'all. I felt like my heart was going to beat out of my chest and I was feeling like I was not gonna make it! Lawd. I will never fall off the working out wagon again (SN: I haven't worked out since July. Not consistently anyway. I wound up putting on a few pounds and THEY MUST GO!)!

I got through it though and it was definitely a good workout for me. I hope to have a good workout tomorrow when I go to CRUNK. Anyway, all that working out got me thinking about hair (of course!). How many women do you know (especially women of color) echo the sentiment that they would work out but they don't want to mess up their hair? Now as a disclaimer, I have to say that your hairstyle should NEVER EVER EVER.....EVER trump your health. I'd rather have good health and jacked up hair than to have poor health but have the flyest hair ever. That's just me. However, I do understand you want to look good when you leave the house and when your hair is not on point, you don't feel on point. Trust me, I totally understand.

Why can't we have both though? Why can't we have awesome hair and a banging body to match? When I'm working out, my hair is the least of my concerns because I follow a few steps (which are super easy..I promise) which makes my hair the least of my worries.

So let's start with what I do during the workout:

-Keep your hair up and away. Yes. It's that simple. I can't tell you how many times I have gone to the gym and see ladies with their hair all out. Just flowing. I can't help but chuckle when I see this. You aren't coming to the gym to look fresh to death. You're trying to workout. And with working out comes sweat and increased body heat. Therefore, you should dress accordingly. Usually when I work out, I put my hair in a high bun. That way my hair isn't on my back making me hotter, getting bathed in sweat, or getting in my face. Also, since I sweat primarily along my hairline, I will put a headband on for good measure (just to keep the sweat from running down my face). You don't have to do it that way though. Some of you many have straightened hair that you want to keep straight for awhile. For that, you can wrap your hair pre-workout. Others may want to put their hair in a french braid or two. Whatever works for y'all. I've just found that keeping your hair up and off your face it the easiest way to keep your hair together during a workout.

See? That wasn't so bad. However, I know most of you guys are worried about what you do after a workout. No one has the kind of time to go through their entire regimen every.single.day following a work out. I know I don't. However,the possibility of having to do that keeps a lot of women from working out because it is just that time consuming. I've found that this part really takes some planning so that it is not so overwhelming. First there are some things you have to consider:

-How often are you working out?
-What is your workout schedule?
-How do you sweat?

I think these things are crucial in planning for post workout hair styles. Let me explain. Take me for example. I'm going to be working out 5 days a week and those 3/5 of those classes are cardio. In a good cardio class, I sweat a lot, especially in the center of my hair. So, for me, that means I will have to co-wash (conditioner wash) 3 times a week (b/c I'm not sitting around w/ sweaty hair. Gross.). The other 2 days are low intensity so I will have little, if any, sweat in my hair so I can take it easy on those days. I just keep my hair as is, let my hair dry along my hairline (if I even wind up sweating), and keep it moving. So I say all that to say, it's a lot easier to plan for 3 days out of the week than to feel like you have to do your hair every time you work out(I hope that makes sense).

Once you have that all figured out, it's time to figure out what to do for your hair. Following a really good workout, I will co-wash my hair with HE Hello Hydration. The co-wash is just to get rid of the sweat that is in my hair. I only apply it to my hair (and not my scalp. Shampoo is made for your scalp, conditioner is not. Plus you don't want to get yucky buildup on your scalp). Following that, I will then put a leave in on my hair and let my hair air dry. From here it can go a variety of ways.

I can:
-prep my hair for a phony pony (put hair into high bun, slick edges down with gel, and tie with scarf. I can put the phony pony on when I get dressed in the morning)
-plait my hair for my half wig
-put hair into a bun (high bun, low bun, chignon, etc.)
-plait hair for braidout (may require sitting under a dryer for a bit so it can be dry in the morning)

...the list goes on and it is only limited by your imagination. When my hair was in a short cut, however, I did wash my hair (shampoo+DC) after every cardio workout, wet wrapped it, and sat under the dryer. I would then bump the ends in the morning. I didn't mind that so much because it really didn't take a lot of time. Point is, have a style in mind that you want to do. In my experience, the quick and easier styles work best. I mean, you could want to flat iron your hair after every co-wash but if your flat ironing process takes forever and a day, it may begin to seem like a burden. I'm just sayin.

So the point of this long post is this: Working out doesn't have to equal a lifetime of walking around looking like Buckwheat's sister. With some careful planning, you CAN have a banging body and equally awesome hair!

Wash Day 1/14/12 and Other Random Things

2012-01-14T18:55:00.001-06:00

Happy Saturday lovelies!!

So after 2 weeks of being lazy, I finally washed my hair last night. Wooooo! Yay!! Wash day was nothing fancy. I washed with Shea Moisture Moisture Retention Shampoo and DCed with ORS Replenishing Conditioner overnight. Today, I decided to go on ahead and get a blowout so I can wear my hair out just a little bit during the week. Sigh. Let me tell you that was a FAIL!!! Turns out the stylist was able to straighten my hair...but used too much serum in my hair! My hair feels just....greasy. Ugh. Gross. However, at least now I can easily do a search and destroy...and bunning this week shouldn't be much of an issue. In retrospect, I should have listened to my gut and just wore a wig for the week. Oh well. You live and you learn.

Lately, I have been doing some thinking about my hair. No, I'm not going to cut it or anything like that. I've just been musing about some things. As you guys know, I protective style like a BAWSE (that's BOSS for those sitting there confused lol)! I can go without manipulating my hair too much and be ok with that for months on end. However, I think it takes away from enjoying my hair..especially now that it's the longest it has ever been. Talking to my mom today, I found out that she alternates her protective styling. She'll half wig it up 4 days out of a 5 day work week. On that last day, she'll style her own hair. Well that sounded like a pretty good idea to me! From this point on, I intend on doing something similar. I think my hair would suffer no harm if I half wigged it up one week, then wore my own hair in a protective style/low manipulation style the next week. That way I get to enjoy my hair and actually learn my hair. What's the point of having a whole lot of hair if you don't know how to deal with it right? For 2012, I definitely want to enjoy my own hair more.

Also, maybe one of my lovely readers can tell me, Once you're full BSL, where does freaking MBL begin? I think I'm pretty much there because WL is a stone's throw away. It's driving me crazy!!!

Anyway, those are my hair musings for today. What are you guys doing to your hair this weekend?

My January Half Wig: FreeTress Monaco Girl

2012-01-03T09:17:00.000-06:00

Happy Tuesday lovelies!!

I hope all of you are having a wonderful day, although some of you had to go back to work today. I'm on the last days of my vacay and I'm trying to make the most of it. I figure since I have all this free time on my hands, I should make the most of it and do some blog posting.

After I relaxed my hair in December, I wore my own hair (either out or in a bun) for 2 weeks. Now, I'm ready to wear my hair in wigs again until I feel like wearing my hair out again (whenever that may be). So I swung by a BSS by my house (which carries Outre half wigs---which may or may not be a good thing for me know) and picked up some wigs to wear. The first one I decided to wear was FreeTress Monaco Girl

As always, I purchased her in 1B and I paid ~$22 for her. Although I was able to pick Monaco Girl up at my BSS, she can be ordered from websites such as blackhairspray.com. I have to say that every FreeTress wig I have purchased thus far have been pretty consistent in terms of their general make up. This wig has 2 combs (one in the front and one in the back) and the hair is very soft to be synthetic. My only gripe is that Monaco Girl tangles easily and you have to be careful with the finger combing. I'm not sure how well this wig will hold up throughout the month or if I'll have to switch out wigs around mid-month. Only time will tell.

However, I like the style of Monaco Girl. It's pretty similar to Outre Zahra except that it is fuller and has more curls. It's also pretty easy to blend. I just curl my leave out and take the blending process from there. You really don't need to leave a lot of hair out. In terms of length, this wig falls at the BSL-ish range.

Anyway, check Monaco Girl out!

First Impressions: Qhemet Biologics Moringa Tree Conditioning Ghee

2012-01-02T16:42:00.000-06:00

I'm back with the first product review of 2012!!! Whooooooo! :throws confetti:

As you guys know, I have been home in VA for well over a week now. One thing I wanted to do while I'm home was hit up Freestyle Beauty Supply (6198F Little River Turnpike, Alexandria, VA 22312<----awesome beauty supply store! When I say that they have everything...they have EVERYTHING!!If you want a Pibbs dryer, a Denman brush...whatever you want they have.) to pick up some products from Qhemet Biologics. Since the AOHC was such a bit hit with my hair (see review here) I wanted to figure out if I could achieve similar success with other products in the line. I am happy to report that the 2 products I am about to review in the next 2 posts were definite HITS for my hair.

Let's begin at the....beginning, shall we?

Moringa Tree Conditioning Ghee

I purchased this product at Freestyle Beauty in VA. However, you can also purchase this from the Qhemet Biologics website (www.qhemetbiologics.com). I know that they are gearing up for a sale soon so that may definitely be the time to check it out!

Price: ~$20+tax for 5oz (on Qhemet Biologics website: $5.50 for 2oz and $14.00 for 5oz)

Ingredients: Contains organic, virgin Coconut Oil for lubricity, slip and emollience. Pure Moringa Oil for its smoothing and softening properties. Extracts of Oatstraw and Burdock for their scalp conditioning and soothing properties. Amla, Brahmi and Nettle for their hair conditioning, strengthening and growth properties and MSM for follicular health and nourishment.

Their Claims (as per the website): "Our creamy, versatile conditioner nourishes, softens and detangles thick, dry hair."

I gotta admit..I was a little skeptical of this product initially. The product is touted as a multipurpose conditioner. It's a DC, leave in detangler, and styling aid all in one! However, the consistency of the product is so thin (consistency wise, it reminds me of Carol's Daughter Hair Milk) and I wasn't sure if it would really do a good job of DCing my hair. In fact, I was so sure it would be a DC fail, I had a pack of ORS Replenishing Conditioner nearby just in case I had to do a follow up! There was just no way something that thin would get my hair the moisture it needs. I applied the ghee to my hair, combed it through, and DCed under my heat cap for an hour (although the directions say to DC without heat for 20min, I just didn't feel like it would cut it for me. I decided to just go with my normal DC routine). When I washed the conditioner out, my hair was soft like BUTTAH!!! It didn't feel dry at all!! My only gripe with the product is that I wish it left my hair with a tad bit more slip...but that just may be me being picky. Either way, I would say that this is a decent DC.

As a leave in detangler, I think this product does exactly what it says it will do. However, I think I prefer KC Knot Today over this just because it has a thicker consistency and a little goes a long way. I have a lot of hair and if I have to run through a bottle in the first 2 uses, it becomes not worth it in my book. I think for ladies who have finer hair and need something lighter as a leave in, this may be a good option for you guys.

I have yet to try it as a styling aid but when I do, you guys will be the first to know! I am looking forward to doing a braidout with it sometime this summer!

I also wanted to point out for those who are sensitive to scents, this product has a medicinal sort of smell. It isn't bad...it's just medicine-y. It didn't bother me but it may bother those who don't deal well with scents.

The Bottom Line: Qhemet Biologics Moringa Tree Conditioner makes for a good DC and a good leave in. All in all, it's a pretty solid product. I also love how this product comes in a pump style bottle for easy distribution. I'm not a fan of the consistency ( a little to watery for my liking) or the scent (it's not bad....just medicinal smelling) but I have no issues with this product in action!

Christmas Eve Look of the Day: Loose/Messy Ballerina Bun

2011-12-24T09:41:00.000-06:00

Happy Christmas Eve lovelies!!

I hope all of you are having a great Christmas Eve spending time with the ones you love. If you're not spending time with the ones you love and are doing some last minute shopping, I hope it's going well. If you're traveling, I hope you all arrive at your destinations safe and sound.

Me? I arrived home in VA yesterday! :) I flew in last night (Can you believe a 12hr drive is an hour and a half flight!?!) and now I'm ready to run some errands with my mama. One thing I always forget about VA around this time of year is that it's cold.....cold and windy. It's not like B'ham where it's pretty much still warm (temps in the 60s, and some days the 70s). So needless to say, my hair is up in a bun right now. I wanted to do something quick that will get me out the door in a timely manner.

So......

Today I am rocking a loose/messy ballerina bun. The beauty of this bun is that you only need bobby pins. I didn't use a hair tie at all (mainly because I wanted a more loose look and not necessarily sleek). I pretty much gathered my hair, twisted it into a bun, and secured the bun with bobby pins. As always, I sleeked my edges down with gel.

Anyway, I just wanted to give you guys a look of my look for day: the loose/messy ballerina bun.

Anyways y'all, my mom is ready to head out the door. I gotta go! Happy/Merry Christmas Eve everyone! :)

Look of the Day (12/19/2011): Messy Side Bun

2011-12-19T17:09:00.000-06:00

Happy Monday lovelies!

I hope you all have had a productive Monday! I just wanted to stop by and post how I styled my hair for the day. Ever since my relaxer day last week, I have been wearing my own hair more and trying to come up with styles to wear. Following my relaxer day, I wore my hair out and straight for 1 day.....then I got annoyed and wanted it up off my neck (and not able to be blown around in the wind lol). Naturally, I went back to bunning. For the weekend, I primarily wore a high bun but for today in lab, I decided to rock a side bun.

As I was perusing through my InStyle magazine (which I love by the way), I came across this messy side bun worn by Lucy Liu:

I absolutely love it! It's done without being too done! Naturally, I wanted to try it out on myself...

....and I did.

Really this is my version of "messy." The bun itself is loose and not super duper tight. That's about as messy as it gets! LOL

Anyway, check it out!

It's a super duper easy protective style and quick, too (which was a plus this morning because I was running late! I'm exploring other options for protective styling since I will be going home this Friday and will be unable to bring my arsenal of hair products. I'm definitely going have to find some easy styles to do while I'm home. :/

Hair Lessons for 2011

2011-12-18T19:57:00.001-06:00

Happy Sunday lovelies!

I hope you are all having a nice, restful, relaxing Sunday evening. For the first time in about a month or so, I have had an entire weekend for myself and let me tell you...I've enjoyed every minute of it!

Anyway, as you guys know we are coming up on the end of the year (can you believe that 2011 has gone by so quickly!?) and usually around this time, I like to take stock of what I did hair-wise through out the year. I sit and figure out what works, what didn't work, what stays in the regimen, what can be replaced, etc. I figure that by keeping my regimen as flexible as a can (because let's face it, there are some things in my regimen that are non-negotiable ), I am constantly doing what is best for my hair. By weeding out the practices that are detrimental for my growth and retention, I can ensure maximal results.

Here is what I learned for 2011:

1) Long stretches are not for me. Recently you guys just saw me complete a 20 week stretch! However, that stretch came with some issues (tangling, matting, etc.). I learn that although some ladies can stretch and stretch and stretch some more, I am not one of those people. My hair rebels at a certain point. Going into 2012, I will stretch only to a maximum of 16 weeks.

2) My hair is not short! Let me explain. Yes I know my hair is long. I know this. However, in terms of product application, I was treating my hair like was still in that short cut and acting like I could just haphazardly plop product on and my hair would get what it needs. Nope. Not now. I really have to make an extra effort to ensure that product gets to my ends. I have to do that at this point. NO ifs, ands, or buts.

3) Low maintenance doesn't mean NO maintenance. From September until now, I had been half wigging my little heart out. I would wash/DC my hair, put plaits in, and put my half wig on. It was a very no fuss, no muss type regimen. And I loved it. However, my hair did not. I have to admit that I got a little lazy in my regimen during this time. I didn't apply product like I should have and I didn't detangle like I should have. The end result? Nasty tangles on wash day. Lesson learned: just because you have a low maintenance regimen, it doesn't mean that it is completely hands off.

4) My hair is a moisture junkie. This is pretty self explanatory. However, when I first started my journey, I was anal about maintaining a strict protein/moisture balance. Now, I tend to err more on the side of moisture and my hair is cool with that.

5) There are more protective styles than braids. The Summer of 2011 was the first summer since the start of my journey where I didn't use braids, kinky twists, etc. to get by. I was quite proud of myself for this AND I got to find new styles to incorporate into the mix (bantu knots, braid outs, mini twists, etc.). Definitely makes protective styling all the more interesting!

Those are the major hair lessons for me this year. I wonder what hair lessons I'll learn as I continue growing to greater lengths in 2012.

What hair lessons did you learn?

No-No Products: Do You Use Them?

2011-12-15T20:41:00.000-06:00

Happy Thursday lovelies!

Tonight I took on the task of putting my hair into a high bun since it is supposed to rain tomorrow. As I was putting the bun together, I used a pretty good amount of Dove Holding Hairspray. Yep. I use hairspray...the one with alcohol in it...the stuff that is supposed to make our hair shatter into a thousand pieces because alcohol dries it out. I don't use it all the time and primarily use it when I need my hair to stay in a certain position (usually just for buns). Actually, hairspray has been a consistent staple in my arsenal...well before my hair journey days. At one point in my life, I had a love affair with the purple Optimum hairspray (which I can't find anywhere).

Anyway, that got me to thinking.

From the start of our hair journeys, we've heard about products to keep away from our hair. We hear about how to stay away from mineral oil/petroleum based products, alcohol based products, and the like. For the most part, a lot of us do stay away from those products. However, how many of us have said "Bump what the hair boards/blogs/forums say, Imma use (___________)?"

Like I mentioned I do use hair spray. But, I also use hair grease (usually as a base for my relaxers) and oil sheen (again, not all the time). As you guys can see, there are no detrimental effect to my hair. I just use them in moderation.

What "no-no products" you use? Do you have an affinity for the black Ampro gel? How many of you still use Pink Oil Moisturizer ~~(even though it's hell in a bottle)~~. Go ahead and tell me here.

I won't tell anyone... :)

December 14, 2011: Final Relaxer for the Year

2011-12-15T00:20:00.000-06:00

Whew!

I am finally done with my hair!!

Tonight was relaxer night ( I was pretty much waiting 72hrs from the time I had last washed my hair) and I am finally done with my hair! It took around 6hrs to do but I am pleased with the results.

I relaxed my hair using Mizani Butter Blends. However, because I had so much new growth I relaxed my hair in halves. For each half, I applied the relaxer and left it on for 15min. I then rinsed the relaxer out and put ORS Replenishing Conditioner in my hair for 5 minutes. Next, I washed the condish out, neutralized my hair with Silk Elements Neutralizing Shampoo, and DCed with Silcon Mix for an hour. Following the DC, I put Roux Porosity Control in my hair for 5 minutes and rinsed it out with cold water.

After alla that, I sprayed my hair with Aphogee Green Tea and Keratin Reconstructor, applied a little One N Only Argan Oil and blow dried my hair. Finally, I flat ironed using Fantasia IC Heat Protectant (yikes! That sounds like a ton of heat! I probably should roller set but I'm not doing that until I get a decent hair dryer. And by decent, I mean a Pibbs).

You guys, my hair has grown so much this year (as you will see in the pics). My retention has pretty much been on point! I'm also noticing that my nape is starting to retain length (you'll see it...it's the patch of hair that looks shorter than the rest. It is NOT breakage though. I checked.). I know I'm going to have to get a trim..I'm just trying to figure out when that will happen. In the meantime (not tonight though), I will do a Search N Destroy w/ my shears until I figure out when the trim day will be. I'm not sure if I'm ready for a deep trim yet and considering that I don't really use heat like that, I think I'll be ok holding off for awhile. Besides, I got my last trim with my last relaxer.

ALSO! I'm thinking about getting bangs. I feel like my hair needs more...oomph! In the past when I got bored with my hair, I would cut it. Like seriously cut it...but I can't really do that now. I mean I can...but I think it would crush my soul. Anyway, more to come with that.

Let's check out the pics!

This time last year, my hair looked like this:

In July, my hair looked like this:

I didn't tell y'all this but in October I did a legit length check. Straightened my hair and everything:

and...for the pics I KNOW you're dying to see....my hair now is this length:

Yall see that spot I'm talking about? It's lagging behind the rest but I'm not too worried because it's growing. But...I think it's safe to say that I'm full BSL. Even if yall don't agree...I'm still claiming it lol :) I think I'm going to wear my hair out for a while because let's face it... I never do. My hair is ready to be whipped back and forth and dangit I'm not gonna fight the feeling!!

Anyway..I know I'm tired because I'm being kinda silly at the moment. I just wanted you guys to be the first to see my progress!

Week 20....

2011-12-12T15:48:00.001-06:00

:deep sigh:

File this under: How do I know when my hair can't handle a stretch?

My hair is on some 'EFF YOU!!' status right now and I hate it! HATE IT!

I'll be hitting 20 weeks post on Thursday and my wash day this past weekend was horrendous. Yes..it was that freaking bad. I had tangling and matting on a massive, massive scale (you guys should have seen the hair ball that resulted from my wash day). I'm guessing that at this point, the 2 textures are just too much. The relaxed part of my hair just wants to tangle and the new growth......my new growth is just on some other stuff right now. I spent a great deal of time just trying to detangle my hair even though I just wanted to cry. Worst wash day ever.

With that said, it is definitely relaxer time. I was trying to wait until the new year to relax again but with the way that my hair has been acting lately, that may do more harm than good. I'm looking to relax this weekend (if not sooner) with my beloved Mizani Butter Blends and will probably do the half and half method because I have sooooo much new growth right now. I considered going to a salon to get it done but that thought is just terrifying to me.

Welp. It's been a good run with this stretch but it's time to relax. I know I said this before but...I will NEVER EVER EVER EVER stretch this long again! EVER!!

Sorry for the sad post but I'm kinda blown right now. I really wanted to make it to the new year. :(

My December Half Wig: Outre Zahra

2011-12-05T21:21:00.001-06:00

Happy Monday lovelies!!

Well I FINALLY got my December half wig. This month, I felt a little adventurous. I've been rocking super duper curly wigs since September and I just wanted to change it up a bit. Sooo...this month's wig is a little bit straighter, with some curl to it.

Isn't this wig just awesome!?!

I purchased Outre Zahra in 1B from blackhairspray.com. Just like my other Outre wigs, the 1B is true to color (meaning: the 1B is an off black and not a dark brown). Zahra also has 2 combs, 1 in the front and the other in the back. However, I found the front comb to be a tad bit flimsy. It was definitely a struggle just trying to secure the dern wig to my head lol. This wig doesn't have a drawstring BUT it does have adjustable straps if you need to adjust it. Like Samara Girl, this wig is pretty long--around BSL. Compared to my curlier wigs, this wig is thin. It's not super duper thin (I mean I just still put my hair in 2 plaits and it doesn't make the wig look jank), it's just.....different from what I'm used to. It's certainly not as thick as the picture would lead you to believe.

Although Zahra is a synthetic half wig, it is very soft. In terms of blending, I had to work with Zahra a bit. I pretty much just straightened the hair that I left out (I REALLY REALLY had to work it too. My hair just doesn't want to lay down). However, I finally got the blending straight....I even have one of my gray hairs showing ( I know...I KNOW!! I'm 26 and I have gray hair. Tis an unfortunate situation).

Anyway, I snapped a few pics...or what pics I could. I think the battery chamber to my camera broke and I had to be super creative with getting these shots. So, if the pics look jank, don't blame me lol.

You've been warned....

Incorporating More Oils Into My Regimen

2011-11-30T21:27:00.001-06:00

Happy Hump Day lovelies!!

Lately, I have been on a huge Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO) kick. I've been using it for hot oil treatments as well as for sealing my ends and let me tell you...my hair absolutely loves it. I'm starting to notice less breakage (I'm still shedding like a dog though) and my hair just feels better overall.

So that got me to thinking: maybe I should incorporate more oils into my regimen.

I've never really been much to utilize oils. My thinking has always been that if you're on top of your moisturizing game (via DCing and things like that), there shouldn't be a need to add oils. However, as my hair gets longer (and my ends get older and more prone to breakage) I have to re-evaluate my regimen and do the things that are best for my hair.

Anyway..back to the oils.

JBCO is a hit for my hair and I will most likely continue to use it during the winter months. I'm also going to use up this bottle of Wild Growth Oil (WGO--bought it at the beginning of my journey but I stopped using it b/c it stank like all to be damned. I'll be using WGO just to oil my scalp during the wig when my hair is under the half wigs. Other than that, I will be looking for other oils (other than EVOO--I like it and all but I just want to branch out a bit) to use on my hair when the weather warms up. I love JBCO but it is so thick and I'm afraid that it may be too heavy for my hair once the mercury rises.

Do you guys use oils in your regimen? What benefits have you noticed? Any suggestions on oils to use?

My "Right Now" Wig: Vanessa La Trixy

2011-11-29T09:00:00.000-06:00

Hey lovelies!!

I just wanted to stop by with the wig I'm wearing for right now. Although I love her, I got bored with Samara Girl around mid-November and wanted to change things up a bit. Enter Vanessa La Trixy.

I purchased La Trixy a few months back and just had it sitting in my closet. I used my current boredom to try out a new wig. Like my other Vanessa half wig, it has 2 combs (one in the front and one in the back) along with an adjustable strap. In terms of length, La Trixy is sits at SL...maybe a little longer. This wig also has loose curls but they aren't as loose as Samara Girl (can you tell..I love curly wigs!) I think it's perfect for those just wanting to rock a shorter style and it makes for an excellent day to day wig. Also, for it to be a synthetic half wig La Trixy is very soft. I purchased this wig in a 2 instead of my regular 1B (the BSS was out of 1B).

Currently, I'm using a headband for blending. I only plan on wearing this wig until the end of the week at most. This wig was perfect for scratching the wig boredom itch.

I took of few (and by few I mean two) snapshots. What do y'all think?

Working Through The APL-BSL Hump..

2011-11-28T09:00:00.000-06:00

As you guys know, BSL has been my goal length for this year and I finally reached it in October. When I started aiming for this length, I thought it would be so easy to reach. After all, I had successfully gotten past the dreaded SL-APL hump that you hear so much about on the hair boards. BSL should be CAKE right?

Not necessarily.

During my quest for BSL, I discovered the APL-BSL hump. Anyone who has experienced this hump know that watching your hair growth during this time is like watching grass grow or watching paint dry. It's like nothing ever happens and you're the same length every. single. length. check. Talk about discouraging. BSL seems so far away and although you're doing everything right regimen wise, it doesn't seem like it is reflecting in your retention. So what do you do when you came running head first to this (retention) brick wall? Let me tell you what helped me:

~~Wash and DC your hair 100x a day.~~ Psych! Just playing.

1) Pay attention to your hair. This step is very important. You have to determine if you are doing right by your hair. Are you staying on top of your moisture/protein balance? When was your last trim/search and destroy session? How have your stress levels been? What is your diet like? All of these things are important for healthy hair growth and it is easy to get really lax in your regimen the longer you have been on your hair journey (how many of us were super duper on top of things when we first started are now like....meh? Go on...admit it. We've all been there). Speaking from experience, it is important not to slack on your regimen if you are still actively trying to meet your length goals.

2) Know thyself. By that I mean, know your body. Personally, I have a long torso. That's just the name of the game. It took me dang near forever to reach APL and it took me dang near forever to reach BSL. That's just what it is. Since I can't undo the wonderful genetics that is me, I just work with it. I have to operate with the mindset that it will take me longer to reach certain goals because my torso is so long. I can't compare myself with other women who may have shorter torsos.

3) Check Your Bra. Seriously. BSL is such a tricky length because the goal doesn't have an anatomical landmark. Instead, it uses an article of clothing...and a fickle one at that. Depending on how your bra sits, BSL can be as high as APL and as low as MBL. If your bra sits too low, BSL can take forever because really you're going after MBL. If it's too high....I don't really know what to say about that LOL. My point is, take care to check the position of your bra to ensure an accurate reading of length. If BSL is too all over the place for your, use the anatomical marker 'Below Shoulder Blade' (BSB).

4) Patience. Ultimately, patience is key for this length. If you know you have been doing everything right by your hair, BSL will come. However, take comfort in the fact that for a lot of ladies, there is an APL-BSL hump and that length wasn't reached with relative ease.

Stretching Blues (Week 17)

2011-11-27T19:04:00.001-06:00

Lawd.

First let me say happy Sunday to all of you and I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I, for one, had an awesome Thanksgiving. My mom and brother came down from VA and I just really enjoyed them being here. I definitely miss them and let me just say that my current time in AL will be the last time I'm this far away from my mom. True story.

Why is this relaxer stretch taking soooooooooooooo long!?!?!?

Tonight as I was washing out my DC, it hit me that I am trying to go the rest of the year without a relaxer. I don't know how good of an idea that is. This stretch is the first stretch in a loooong time where I've gone beyond 14 weeks. I totally forgot how much new growth I have around this time. When I say that I cannot comb my hair unless it is wet or loaded with conditioner, I really can't. That would be asking for trouble. However, because I am on point with my regimen (for the most part) I don't have any (extreme) breakage but I am shedding quite a bit (I think this is due more to my current low manipulation regimen that me stretching).

I don't know if I'm gonna make it y'all. All I have to say is come January 2nd a relaxer will be put in my hair and I better have the best retention ever!

I just wanted to vent a little.....

Have you ever stretched so long that you were upset or frustrated by it?

What Every Hair Diva Should Have: The Science of Black Hair

2011-11-16T14:27:00.001-06:00

Happy Hump Day ladies!! I hope you're all having an amazing day!

I tend to read a lot about hair care because I just want to expand my knowledge about hair in general. I feel like the more I know, the more I am able to successfully deal with my hair. Today, I just wanted to stop by and tell you about this wonderful hair book that I have been reading: The Science of Black Hair by Audrey Davis-Sivasothy (the author is Sistaslick on LHCF who has always given helpful, science based hair care tips). I am about half way through it and I had to stop and recommend this book to you guys.

This book is like a crash course in all things hair care. It starts with an introduction to the structure of the hair and works its way up to explaining things like pH, porosity, how relaxers work, shampooing (very in depth breakdown of what is actually in shampoos), how conditioners and other moisturizers work, regimen building, and more!!! I think it's a perfect book for those who are starting their hair care journey because it explains why a certain technique is followed. I think it's easy to do something because we see others do it but still not necessarily understand why it's done. I also think it's perfect in allow folks to really evaluate what they have been doing hair care wise and why it may/may not be working for them. I also think it's a perfect reference for veterans in this hair care game. I have certainly learned things that I did not know prior to reading this book.

So please, check it out and refer to as many people has you can. If you want copy, you can purchase it at:

booksamillion.com

Barnes& Noble.com (you can also purchase it as a Nook Book-which is what I did)

Amazon.com (also available for Kindle)

Detangling? Yeah It's Important.

2011-11-13T21:56:00.001-06:00

The other title for this post is Wash Day: 11/13/11.

I learned something that I should have been known this wash day. I learned that you cannot half a** detangling! Not when you have a regimen where you aren't manipulating your hair much and you have all this shed hair with nowhere to go. Shed hair mats. Shed hair tangles. And all that equals no fun for me SMH.

I have to admit. My wig regimen is pretty low key. I wash, DC, and plait my hair. That is it!! However, I'm not gonna lie and say that I haven't been a little lazy with the regimen. Maybe I don't comb my hair like I should because it's going underneath a wig. And maybe I don't distribute product (moisturizers,leave-ins) like I should because it's not like I'm putting heat on it. Today, however, was a big wake up call for me. There is nothing like having your hair rebel b/c you've been effing up somehow.

This wash day started like any other wash day (albeit, I was incredibly lazy with it. I DCed my hair for 8hrs because I didn't feel like washing it out. Yes. That lazy). I did a hot oil treatment with Jamaican Black Castor oil and washed with Shea Moisture Moisture Retention Shampoo. The trouble began after I applied my DC (currently using Silicon Mix b/c I have been too lazy to trek out to Whole Foods). Usually, after I apply my DC, I ~~detangle~~ run a comb through my hair so that I can distribute the product and detangle my hair. Today, however, as I was combing my hair I ran into this HUGE monster knot in my hair!!! I had to sit and slowly work it out ( I didn't want to rip my hair out after all). Once I had successfully removed said knot, I thought that was the end of it. I thought my hair was cool. WRONG!!! I had 2 more knots to work out of my hair as I was washing the DC out!! So I really got to work detangling my hair and let me tell you, so much shed hair came out! My hair is fine and tangle free now but I was kicking myself for not being as thorough as I should be given my current style regimen.

So let this be a lesson: doing the bare minimum may seem like a good idea at the time but you'll pay for it. You're definitely going to pay for it.

On another note, I did something like a length check and found that my longest length is past bra-strap!! This makes me anxious for my end of year length check!! I plan on getting my hair straightened for the Christmas holidays and I cannot wait!! Using half wigs as a protective style has been so beneficial to my hair. I know for sure that my hair thrives more when I'm not doing much to it! :)

Not So Hair Related.....

2011-11-10T23:32:00.001-06:00

...but it is.

If anyone knows anything about me, I stan for relatively few artists. Seriously. I don't get too excited over a lot of artists. I can count the number on one hand. Number 1 is Janet Jackson (been a fan since BURF!!! Yes...burf!). Number 2 is Mint Condition. Number 3 is The Foreign Exchange.

I have absolutely LOVED The Foreign Exchange from the moment I first heard them. Amazing music and a great alternative to half the BS that is out there nowadays.

Tonight, The Foreign Exchange performed tonight in B'ham and of course I had to be there! Now if you have never heard of The Foreign Exchange, take a moment to listen to the following song:

Anyway, being hair obsessed and all that, I could NOT take my eyes off of singer Sy Smith's hair! Her natural mane was just simply gorgeous!

She's a pretty amazing singer too!

As soon as my pictures load to my computer, I will post them so you can see what I saw tonight! I'm just so excited!!!

If you aren't a Foreign Exchange fan....you should be! :)

Sulfate-Free Shampoo Round Up

2011-11-07T21:49:00.000-06:00

This post is potentially part 1. I'm sure there are many sulfate-free shampoos that I have yet to try. However, I have tried a few. Some I've liked, some I've hated, some I was...meh about. I'm always on the hunt for good sulfate free shampoos. That way, if a company wants to pull a Cream of Nature and yank a product off the shelf to replace it w/ crap, I won't freak out because I have a back up. I just wanted to make one definitive post about what I thought of them and how my hair reacted to them.

All right...are you ready? Here we go.....

~~Once upon a time not long ago, when people wore pajamas and lived life slow~~

(^^^Yeah I was jamming in my mind, sorry about that)

Kinky Curly Come Clean Shampoo

Ingredients: Purified water, organic mandarin orange fruit, organic marigold flower, organic white willow bark, organic sea kelp, c14-16 olefin, sulfonate and cocamidopropyl betaine (coconut derived), citric acid, sea salt, phenoxyethanol, natural fragrance

You would think that something that is paraben free, silicon free, sulfate free, and protein free is awesome sauce for your hair. You think that your hair will turn out all nice and soft and clean afterwards. Especially one that is geared for natural hair ladies. Well, it wasn't awesome sauce for my hair. In fact, it left my hair incredibly stripped and squeaky clean. After I finished the bottle, I never purchased it again. My hair absolutely hated this shampoo.

Giovanni Smooth as Silk Shampoo

Ingredients: Aqua (Purified Water) With Rosemary Oil (Rosmarinus Officinalis) (Certified Organic), Nettle (Urtica Dioica) (Certified Organic) Oil, Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) Oil (Certified Organic), Birch Leaf (Butela Alba) Oil, Chamomile (Anthemis Nobilus Flower) Oil (Certified Organic), Clary (Salvia Sclarea) (Certified Organic), Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia) (Certified Organic), Coltsfoot Leaf (Tussilago Farfara) (Certified Organic), Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium) Oil, (Certified Organic), Mallow (Malva Sylvestris) (Certified Organic), Horsetail (Equisetum Arvense) Oil (Certified Organic), Soybean Protein (Glycine Soja) (Certified Organic), Cetyl Alcohol (Plant Derived), Stearalkonium Chloride, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Trace Minerals, Citric Acid (Corn), Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Grapefruit Seed (Citrus Derived).

I wanted to like this shampoo. I really really did. I had heard so many awesome things about it and the ladies raved about it on LHCF (and any other hair forum you can think of). Plus it has mostly natural ingredients and smelled like citrus!?! I just knew that it was going to do great things for my hair. I was wrong. WRONG WRONG WRONG! Similar to Kinky Curly Come Clean, my hair was left stripped and squeaky clean. Le sigh.....

Shea Moisture Moisture Retention Shampoo

Ingredients: Deionized water, decyl glucoside (sugar beets), African Butryospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), aloe vera leaf juice, argan oil, panthenol (Vitamin B-5), rosemary extract, sea kelp extract, vitamin E, Lonicera caprifolium (honeysuckle) flower and Lonicera Japonica (Japanese honeysuckle) extract.

I love this shampoo and did a review on it, which you can find here I love how this shampoo leaves my hair feeling clean but soft and moisturized. I definitely made it a point to stock up on it when Wal-Green had their "Buy 1, Get 1 Half Off" sale on Shea Moisture products last week.

Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo

Ingredients: Water, disodium cocamphocarboxyproplonate , cocamide MEA, polyquaternium-10, olea eupoea (olive) oil, cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, retinyl palmitate (
Vitamin A), tocopherol (Vitamin E), ascorbic acid (Vitamin C),biotin (Vitamin H), linoleic acid ( Vitamin F), persia gratissima (avocado) oil [contains VITAMINS B2, D, A, E, K, and POTASSIUM], citric acid, ethylene glycol distearate,parfum (fragrance), DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, C119140 (FD&C YELLOW 5)

My beloved. My staple. When CON discontinued their awesome sauce sulfate free shampoo, this one filled the void left behind. I use it faithfully and my hair loves it. It cleans without stripping and I love how I can get a big bottle of it for under $10!

Curlicious Curls Cleansing Cream

Ingredients:Water, Sodium Cocyl Isethionate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Steric Acid, Glycerin, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polyquaternium-7, Fragrance, Silk Amino Acids, Panthenol, Certified Organic Daucus Carota Sativa (carrot) seed oil, Certified Organic Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Certified Organic Aesculus Hipocastanum (Horse Chestnut) extract, Certified Organic Salvia Officinalis (sage) leaf extract, , Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Caramel.

We're not even going to discuss how I feel about this shampoo. Just read my post about it here

KeraCare Sulfate Free 1st Lather Shampoo

Ingredients:Water, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Cocamide MEA, PEG-120, Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Polyquaternium-7, Fragrance , Citric Acid, Diozolidnyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Benzyl Salicylate, Hexyl Cinnomal, Linalool

In comparison to original recipe 1st Lather Shampoo, this is a very good clarifying shampoo. It is definitely not as stripping as original 1st Lather. If you want to read more about it, check out my post here

Help! My Hair Is Dry!!!

2011-11-07T20:00:00.000-06:00

Well...not my hair. Not at this very moment anyway...

Moving on along....

We are now knee deep in autumn with winter fast approaching. I don't know about yall but around this time of the year, my hair craves moisture. It *needs* it. It has to have it. My hair likes a little protein every now and again but it absolutely hands down needs moisture! Usually around this time or year,my hair will tend to lean towards being on the dry side. Currently, this long behind stretch that I'm doing has my roots feeling a little dry and puffy. So, I have really had to be on my P's and Q's about this moisture thing.

So how do I remedy, my hair's need for moisture? I have a few things I do once I rule out porosity as being an issue ( a quick way I check for porosity is to observe my hair after I wash it. If my hair is bone dry mere minutes after I get out of the shower..I need to get my porosity in check...asap-edly). Keep in mind that I may do them individually or in varying combinations (e.g.--a hot oil treatment followed by relaxer method DC). Do whichever works for your hair w/ the products your hair loves!

1) Pre-Poo: It is the most obvious fix, right? Bombard the hair with moisture from all angles (from pre-poo, to shampoo, to DC) and your hair will be good to go! What I usually do is take a moisturizing cheapie conditioner (my favorite is HE Hello Hydration) and slather it on my dry hair. I then put a plastic cap on my hair and sit under the heat cap for an hour (or two or three). Following that, I shampoo and DC as normal.

2) Hot Oil Treatment: I have been loving hot oil treatments right now. My hair just drinks up the moisture! One of my favorite hot oil treatments to do is one with EVOO (extra virgin olive oil). I love how I can grab something out of my pantry and just go to work. Another oil that I have been introduced to (thanks to one of my blog readers :) ) is Jamaican Black Castor Oil. I did a hot oil treatment last Friday with it and let me say that my hair is in LOVE with it. During a typical hot oil treatment session, I warm up the oil and then proceed to apply it to my hair. I primarily focus on applying the oil to my roots but I work the oil down my hair shaft ( I hope that makes sense). I then put on a plastic cap and sit under the heat cap for about 30min (if you can sit longer, more power to you. I just get annoyed from the oil running down my face. And I get super paranoid about oil getting on my furniture. Imagine me sitting extremely upright...lest I get oil on the couch. Yeah....I can't do that beyond 30min lol). I then shampoo and DC as usual. Keep in mind that you can do a hot oil treatment with any oil you desire....grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, EVCO, EVOO...heck you can even use those blends you see in the store. I know yall have used Hot Six Oil... don't front lol. It makes for a great oil treatment though. I will caution against using coconut oil. Don't get me wrong...I love coconut oil. However, it does have some..protein-like qualities. So...use it in moderation if that is your oil of choice. I don't want your hair to start breaking b/c you went overboard with the coconut oil.

3) Relaxer Method DC+ Extended DC time: I really don't know why this works for my hair. I just know that it does. I guess it's because I'm taking the time to make sure my strands are coated with conditioner. I dunno. It works though and I can't argue with that.. I basically section my hair (4 big sections, then I section within those sections) and I apply my DC using a relaxer brush. I make sure to focus primarily on my roots, then work my way down. I then DC for 2-3hrs or even overnight. My hair comes out feeling soft and moisturized for days!

Having dry hair sucks but there is always a remedy for it. Sometimes you have to bombard your hair with all the moisture it can stand and just give it some lovin'. I guarantee that your hair will love you for it!

What are your tried and true methods for combating dryness..especially during the cold, winter months?

My November Half Wig: FreeTress Samara Girl

2011-10-29T21:36:00.000-05:00

Happy Saturday lovelies!

As you know, the end of the month is upon us and that means it's time for me to switch up my wigs! I got TONS of compliments about La Doral and she is one of those wigs that gets better as time goes on but alas, it is time for something new.

For November, I will be wearing FreeTress Samara Girl. I purchased this half wig in 1B this past summer at my local BSS.I paid around $22 for her although you can get her for less at websites such as blackhairspray.com. Like most FreeTress half wigs, this wig has a long comb in the front of the wig and two smaller combs in the back.

Since I will start wearing Samara Girl on Monday, I wanted to just play around for a bit and style her and just really figure out how she looks on me. Straight out of the package, Samara Girl is very curly, silky, and soft. I had to fluff her out a bit just to give her some volume and look a little more natural. Samara Girl is also very long! She's about BSL/MBL length (side note: why does BSL/MBL feel so long on a wig but when it's my actual hair it's just....meh).

I will be blending my own hair with this wig and will probably reserve the headband for days where I'm just feeling extremely lazy. On my wash days, I will section out my bangs and straighten them just to aide in better blending (I'm 14 weeks post and I have some new growth going on). I will then set them on large perm rods like the ones shown below:

I will not use any gel, holding spray, etc on my curls. The curls of the wig are pretty loose so I want my own hair to have a similar look to that. As always, I will continue with my wash routine and keep the majority of my hair in plaits underneath the wig.

What do you guys think? Is Samara Girl a yay or a nay or a eh (lol)?

My Return to the Hot Oil Treatment

2011-10-28T22:31:00.002-05:00

I have to admit. I slacked off on my hair last week. I just didn't feel like washing it.

Unfortunately, my hair felt some kind of way about that, particularly my roots. They were dry and just BEGGING for some moisture in their life. So, I decided to do a hot oil treatment. I haven't done a hot oil treatment in a lonnnnnnnng time. I think the last time I did one, it was at the beginning of my healthy hair journey and was testing various techniques. Let me remind you that I started my HHJ back in '08 so..........yeah.

Anyway, for my hot oil treatment, I finished off my bottle of Africa's Best Ultimate Herbal Oil (I've had that bottle FOREVER. I don't even remember why I bought it. I promise I don't). This oil is mixture of oils and includes castor oil, sweet almond oil,jojoba oil, carrot oil, and safflower oil. I also used extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) which I had in my kitchen. I placed both oils in a bottle with an applicator tip ( makes for easy application....trust me on this one) and warmed it up. I take extra care to not heat my hot oil treatment to boiling. I want it to be warm...not scalding. I basically heat up some water and place my bottle in the water for about 5 min, then apply.

After applying to my hair, I put on a plastic cap and sat under a heat cap for about 20minutes. I had intended to sit for an hour but oil was running down my face and neck...I looked like an oil slick! Well, it turns out that 20min was all I needed! I rinsed my hair out and proceeded with my wash routine.

I have to say that my hair definitely needed that hot oil treatment. It made my hair (my roots especially) so soft. This may have to be something that I incorporate into my routine as I continue my stretch. This past Thursday I hit 13 weeks post and my hair is definitely a jungle right now. I'm not sure when I will relax my hair again because I have been wearing wigs and just hardcore protective styling. Right now I'm just all about getting my hair the moisture it needs.

First Impressions: Curlicious Curls Cleansing Cream

2011-10-28T22:18:00.000-05:00

Let me start out by saying, I have NEVER been so underwhelmed with a product in all my LIFE!!! I picked up this shampoo because I just wanted to try a new sulfate free shampoo...just because. Right now I'm lightweight upset that I shelled out the money for this product when I know I could have purchased something that I know works for the same price.

Let's get to the review, shall we?

Price: $9.99+tax for 8oz bottle (On the Curls website, the price is listed as $15)

Ingredients: Water, Sodium Cocyl Isethionate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Steric Acid, Glycerin, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polyquaternium-7, Fragrance, Silk Amino Acids, Panthenol, Certified Organic Daucus Carota Sativa (carrot) seed oil, Certified Organic Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Certified Organic Aesculus Hipocastanum (Horse Chestnut) extract, Certified Organic Salvia Officinalis (sage) leaf extract, , Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Caramel.

Their Claims: (per their website) This creamy, sulfate free cleanser is gentle enough to use daily and moisturizing enough to use alone! Ideal cleanser for curly hair. Great for chemically altered and color treated hair. Perfect for active women on the go!

This rich and creamy sulfate free cleanser gently cleanses your curls, hydrates, and conditions the hair all in one step. Produces a mild, gentle lather, as it is sulfate (detergent) free. Infused with Carrot Seed oil, Horse Chestnut, Sage Leaf and Arnica Montana Flower Extract. Perfect cleanser for relaxed, chemically altered, and/or color treated hair.

This shampoo is different than other shampoos that I have tried in that it has a thick, creamy texture. It is more like a conditioner than it is a shampoo. I have to admit that I actually liked the thickness of it. It looked like it would be super duper moisturizing for my strands. Also, this shampoo also has a really strong, sweet smell. It is almost sickeningly sweet. I think it may be too much for those who are sensitive to scents.

I have to say that this shampoo has little to no lather. Don't get me wrong, I don't expect sulfate free shampoos to be super duper....lather-y but it's nice to have a little something. It felt like a was putting a leave in in my hair instead of shampoo. I really did not like that at all. I wound up going through half the daggone bottle before I felt like my hair was sufficiently clean. For that reason, this shampoo isn't a good value for the price. I think it is a complete waste to spend $10 on a shampoo and you only get a 2 good washes out of it. Aw nah...hell nah! I can spend my money on something else for all of that. However, it did rinse out very clean and didn't leave my hair stripped...which is always a plus.

Bottom Line: I will not repurchase. There are much better sulfate free shampoos out there and if I wanted to co-wash, I would use my beloved HE Hello Hydration. I also don't think it's a good value for the money you spend on it . $10 for 8oz and 2 washes is just funny math in my book.

How I Clean My Wigs

2011-10-17T21:11:00.000-05:00

It just dawned on me that I may have readers out there who are new to the wig game and may be lost as to how you care for your wigs. So...in this short and snappy blog post, I'm going to outline what I do.

To clean my wigs, I use Fantasia IC Wig Cleaner and Conditioner.

Maybe it's just me but, for my synthetic wigs, I use products that are formulated just for synthetic wigs. That's just my thing that I'm particularly anal about. My goal is for my wigs to last awhile. I feel that if you can completely wear out a wig in a few weeks, you need to re-evaluate your life.

Anyway....I place about 3 oz of the cleanser ( the markings are designated on the bottle and you get 3 wig washes out of a bottle) into my sink and fill up the sink with tepid ( not too hot but not cold either) water. I then place the wig in the sink.

Once in the sink, I kinda swirl the wig around. I try to be as gentle as possible with the wig so that I don't tangle it. I do this for 2 or 3 min.

I then drain out the nasty, dirty water (trust me it's gross!) and rinse the wig with cool water to remove the cleanser. Once finished I hang up the wig (can be in the shower if no one will be immediately using it) and let it dry overnight. Once dry, I spray the wig with wig spray, place the net over the wig and put the wig back into the package.

That's it! Very easy to do. I typically wash my wigs when I'm changing them out. So, if I'm done continuously wearing a wig, I will wash it prior to me putting it back into the package. Hopes this helps some of you wig newbies out! :D

First Impressions: KeraCare Sulfate Free 1st Lather Shampoo

2011-10-17T20:51:00.000-05:00

So my friend ~~conned~~ asked me to come to the BSS with her today after class and of course I obliged. I mean who am I not to join her on her trip to the BSS? While I was there, I picked up a shampoo that I had been dying to try: KeraCare Sulfate Free 1st Lather Shampoo. I had heard pretty good things about it but I wanted to give it a test drive. I wound up trying it out this evening since I wanted to be utterly lazy this weekend and didn't wash my hair.

Price: $11.99+ tax for 32oz bottle

Ingredients: Water, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Cocamide MEA, PEG-120, Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Polyquaternium-7, Fragrance , Citric Acid, Diozolidnyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Benzyl Salicylate, Hexyl Cinnomal, Linalool

Their Claims: KeraCare 1st Lather Shampoo Sulfate-Free deep cleans hair and is designed for use prior to a conditioning shampoo. • Produces a rich lather to cleanse hair without stripping the hair of natural oils. • Beautifully prepares hair for a second sudsing with a conditioning shampoo. • Contains no sodium stearate (soap), like most creme shampoos. • Concentrated formula. Cleans hair of oil, dirt and styling product build-ups. • Helps hair absorb conditioners during a second shampoo with KeraCare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo. • Does not promote dryness and leaves no dulling film. •

Let me first point out that this shampoo is a CLARIFYING SHAMPOO! I only recommend using it to remove nasty gunky buildup (like the -cone build up you may have following a good straightening session) and to use it before you lather up with your moisturizing shampoo. I have found that this shampoo is surprisingly gentle. In the past (waaaaaay back in the beginnings of my HHJ), I used the 1st Lather Shampoo w/ Sulfates.....and it stripped the ever loving life out of my hair. When I tell you that my hair was *squeaky* clean....smh. Anyway, this shampoo didn't leave my hair feeling that way. My hair wasn't squeaky clean but I knew I had did something to it.

Another thing I liked was that the pH of the shampoo is listed on the bottle (4.5) and that the product isn't heavily scented. Another thing I noticed is that the shampoo has a clear, thick, Jell-O like consistency. I just found it interesting because I haven't seen too many shampoos with this consistency. The shampoo also rinses very clean as well. Once i rinsed out the 1st Lather Shampoo, I followed up with my Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo. My hair felt soft and moisturized afterwards.

Also, if you look at the ingredient listing, disodium laureth sulfosuccinate sounds suspiciously like a sulfate. Disodium laureth sulfosuccinate is a surfectant like sodium laurel sulfate but is a larger molecule that cannot penetrate the skin (unlike sulfates) and is gentler overall. However, if it worries you, contact Avalon to find out what percentage is included in the formula. 10% of Disodium laureth sulfosuccinate can cause as much irritation as sodium laurel sulfate ( Contact Dermatitis)

Bottom Line: If I had to recommend a clarifying shampoo for someone, this would probably be it. It doesn't strip your hair like most clarifying shampoos do and it simply isn't as harsh. I think that you get a good amount of product for your money too. Definitely a keeper!

Kreativ Blogger Award

2011-10-12T20:17:00.000-05:00

Thanks Texlaxed&Things for posting my blog! I figure I better get to answering these questions before I forget ( I tend to be scatterbrained like that lol)

RULES
Link back to the person who passed you the award
Complete the form below
Award 10 Blogs & drop them a line about it
Share 7 random things about yourself

Name your favorite song: Oh geez I have so many! I would have to say that it's a tie between 'Stay With Me' by Debarge and 'Enjoy Yourself' by The Jacksons

Name your favorite dessert: Red Velvet Cake.....Red Velvet cupcakes.....Red Velvet ice cream.....you get the idea

What pisses you off: Terrible spelling. I'm sorry it just irks me like no other.

When you're upset, you: shut down. I don't speak and I don't want to speak. Leave me alone until I cool off.

Your favorite pet: I had a turtle back in high school. His name was Edward.

Black or white: Black

Your biggest fear: Birds...especially pigeons. :shudders:

Best feature: My eyes

Everyday attitude: No worries!

What is perfection: The best that you are able to give

Guilty pleasure: The animal cookies with the pink and white frosting w/ rainbow sprinkles. I know I'm too old to like them but they make me happy :D

7 Random Facts About Myself

1) I'm an Air Force brat. I've lived in the Philippines, Montana, Washington, D.C., Italy, and Alaska. The D.C. area is home though.

2) Because I'm used to moving so often, I have an urge to move every 4 years. Like clockwork.

3) I'm a leftie.

4) I come from a family of basketball players. However, that urge to play basketball just skipped right over me. I understand the game but I don't enjoy playing it.

5) I have an incredible sweet tooth. I adore sweets! In fact, it takes a lot of restraint to keep me from eating sweets for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

6) I jokingly call myself a mutant. I had 5 (instead of 4) wisdom teeth and I have a third nipple ( I know TMI but it looks like a mole). I probably have an extra kidney or something lol.

7) My first language wasn't English, it was Tagalog. Unfortunately, my mom put a stop to that ASAPedly.

10 Blogs I'm Awarding

Gosh it's so hard to choose. There are a lot of great blogs out there!

Napturally Inspired This is my LS's blog. She's natural and this blog is great for ladies who are natural or are thinking about transitioning!

Longing 4 Length We are both chasing the same goal right now (BSL). She has a really good blog AND....she's my soror! :)

My Healthy Hair Journey Love her blog! She is very detailed about what she is doing and how she goes about doing it!

Hair2Toe Beauty Great blog that covers hair, beauty, and everything in between!

What's Up With My Hair Yet another great blog!

....ok so I stopped a 5 since my brain decided to just blank out. I'll be back with the additional 5.....

Early October Rambling...

2011-10-11T21:25:00.000-05:00

Happy Tuesday lovelies!

I know it has been awhile since I have last posted. Honestly, I haven't really had much to talk about. I'm not really trying any new products because i'm on a mission to use up the products I have and I'm not doing much to my hair since I've been wigging it up.

So what do I talk about!?

I figure that now is a good a time as any to post my hair goals for the month. I usually have hair goals every month but I don't post them because the seem so mundane. However, I think I'm going to start so that you guys can get an idea of how I view my hair journey as well as the things I struggle with.

All right, here we go:

1) Keep up with my personal Autumn wig challenge. This can be hard at times because it is so easy to get bored. I know that in the long run, this will be beneficial for my hair but sometimes I want to jazz it up a bit.

2) Be consistent with the Vitamin B complex pills. I don't like taking pills and they are such a pain to remember to take.

3) Find a way to decrease this massive shedding. I shed like a freaking dog. And I don't like it.

That's it. Really October is my month to fight against the boredom. What are your goals for the month. How are you progressing in meeting those goals?

October Half Wig: Vanessa 'La Doral'

2011-10-01T14:32:00.000-05:00

It's October 1st y'all and you know what that means......

IT'S SWITCH UP HALF WIGS TIME!!!!! WOOOOOOOOO! (: throws confetti and hits celebratory dougie:)

Yes, today marks the first day that I'm not wearing Tammy. However, as you guys have noticed from the title, I did not purchase the wig that I wanted--Vanessa 'La Frisco" I really really wanted that wig but my local BSS only had it in 1B/30. I've never been a fan of extra colors in the wigs ~~on me~~ so I passed on that. Instead, I found another wig--Vanessa "La Doral." I paid $22.99 for the wig at my local BSS and purchased it in 2 (they were out of 1B---lawd that BSS was just failing me completely yesterday lol)

La Doral is another curly wig that reminds me of FreeTress Creta Girl but it has looser curls and is not Chaka Khan big (it's more like Tracee Ellis Ross big). This wig has 2 combs (one in the front and one in the back) as well as an adjustable strap. Another plus about this wig is that the 2 is not a super duper brown that you see with other wigs. It matches up nicely with my hair and I only saw a brownish tint when I was in the sun. I don't know if this characteristic is unique to all Vanessa Half Wigs but it's something to keep in mind as you go on your own wig search. Finally, for a synthetic wig, La Doral is very very soft. I absolutely love it. One thing you have to be careful about is that the more you mess with this wig, the bigger it gets. So, unless you want to look like Ms. Ross the Boss for a day, do your wig manipulations with a light hand.

I've decided that with this wig, I will not be blending my hair with it. It just seems like too much work (lazy, I know). Instead, I will be using a headband to hide the seam between the wig and my hair.

So far, I've gotten good comments about the wig. My friend mentioned to me this morning that you can't tell it's a wig (which is great) and I had another person ask me who did my hair. All in all, La Doral is a go. What do you think?

SN: Please excuse my makeup less, jank face. I just spent the better part of my day coaching my cheerleaders. Now that I have eaten and updated my blog, I'm about to take the most EPIC nap! :D

What Will My Next Half Wig Be?

2011-09-25T19:55:00.000-05:00

Happy Sunday lovelies!

Well...I'm starting my 4th (and final) week for wearing Tammy. I have to admit, this final week came just in time because I was starting to get bored with Tammy. She's a great half wig and all but after a month of wearing her (and only her), I'm ready for a change.

I've been contemplating which wig I should wear for the month of October and after much debate, I decided to stick with a curly style. I just figure it will be easier in terms of maintenance/blending and I can save my other wigs (Samara Girl and Monica) for the colder months.

I went to my local BSS about a week or so ago and saw Vanessa La Frisco.

Let me just say...I love the look of this wig (hmmm.....not in that color though)! I can see myself rocking it with a headband and it looks like blending won't be an issue. The plan is to purchase this wig on Friday to start wearing it on the first. Be on the look out for a post that details my La Frisco regimen!!

What do y'all think of it? Yay or Nay?

I Could Not Resist....

2011-09-20T21:09:00.000-05:00

So I was sitting around today, just piddling, when I decided to do a super duper small, mini length check.

I went to my bathroom, plugged up my trusty old Sedu (and set it to 280), and unraveled one of my braids. After I ran a comb through said section, I lightly ran my flatiron thru it ( just enough to loosen it up but not straighten it. I also didn't bother to get my roots--believe me when I say that I have some new growth. I'll be 8 weeks post on Thursday).

Lo and behold, my wacktastic flatiron job revealed that my hair is now touching BSL! For the record, it took me 9 months just to touch BSL coming from APL. I'm super excited and I can't wait to see what my hair will look like when I decide to straighten it for real (probably around November or December). Also, let this prove that my line of thinking was correct: my hair likes to be left alone. Yeah, bunning it was cool and the low manipulation styles were great. However, I'm learning that if I braid my hair up and leave it alone, it pretty much does its thing.

Anyway, without further ado, my hair. :)

**Side note: please forgive me and my Miss Celie braids. Like I said, this particular length check was random and haphazard....and I'm still wigging it up so...yeah**

:hits celebratory dougie: I'm so excited y'all!!!!!

My 'Tammy' Half Wig Regimen

2011-09-18T16:25:00.000-05:00

Happy Sunday!! Can you believe the end of the weekend is upon us already!?

Anyway, as I mentioned in my last post, since I'm half wigging it up for awhile, I thought it would be a good idea to detail my regimen for each wig I wear. That way, you can see how I'm wearing my hair underneath the wig, how I'm styling the hair that I leave out to blend with the wig, and how I'm caring for the wig when it isn't on my head.

So, let's get to it!

After I'm done washing and DCing my hair, I put my hair into four plaits (leaving out a section of hair for blending). Using bobby pins, I then pin my hair up (as you can see):

I then style the leave out. Since Tammy has a crimped sort of look, I place crimpers on my hair (that's what those red things are). Here's a look of them 'head on':

And another look:

I find the the crimpers give a very nice (heat-less) way of getting crimps.

Anyway, when I put Tammy on, I place my wig cap on my braids and leave the crimped part out. I put the wig on, pull on the edges a bit to bring them up (and to cover the wig cap), and secure with long bobby pins.

Once I do that, I then blend the leave out, making sure to cover the 'seam' where my hair and the wig meet. To do this, I take a bit of the leave out hair to cover the seam and secure with hair pins (Note: Notice that I said hair pins. Bobby pins give too tight of a clamp for this). To finish, I brush the rest of the leave out to the side to make it look like a shorter layer

That's it!! Tammy is really easy to blend though. Also, on days where I don't feel like blending, I just use a headband to cover the seam. Easy as pie!!

When I take off my wig for the day, I use a paddle brush to get rid of any tangles (Note: I love Tammy and all BUT she has a tendency to get tangled around the nape) and spray with a wig conditioning spray ( the kind I use costs around $3 at the BSS). I use a softer brush to distribute the spray throughout the wig. I then cover the wig w/ the hair net it came in and hang it up (usually on the doorknob on my bathroom door. What? I live alone. I can do those sorts of things. #dontjudgeme).

*Roundup of products I use: hair crimper, DeMert Wig Conditioning Spray, long bobby pins, hair pins, and paddle brush*

Whew! I know it was a long post but I really just wanted to show you guys how I work with Tammy. Hopefully it will give you guys some ideas or encourage you to venture into half wig territory (*nudges those who may be on the edge*). I absolutely love Tammy and I always get the most compliments when I'm wearing her. I'll most likely get another Tammy wig soon ( I've had this one since April).

Anyway, what do you think?

Wigging It Up!: Weeks 1 and 2

2011-09-17T22:24:00.001-05:00

Happy Saturday lovelies!

I hope you guys are having an awesome weekend! My weekend has been so hectic! So much to do, so little time!

Anyway, I just wanted to drop by and update you on how this wig thing is going with me. As you guys know, I have been wigging it up for the past 2 weeks. I essentially wash/DC my hair, put it into plaits, and wig it up (hmm...I may have to post what my wig regimen is for each wig...complete with photos). So far things have been going well. Well, except for that one thing....

I pretty much found out that I'm absolutely, positively going to have to wash my hair 1 time a week, at LEAST!!! See, I tried to be slick and stretch my washing time to once every 2 weeks (even then, I didn't make it. I wound up washing my hair just 3 days after I was supposed to). However, when I finally washed my hair, I had so much shed hair. OMG. I don't know if you guys have ever had long strands of hair on your body ( I wash my hair in the shower) but that is the CREEPIEST feeling ever! Lawdhammercy. It was just hair, hair, hair, hair, HAIR all over the place. At that point I vowed to stick to my once weekly wash/DC routine. Thick, long hair sheds a lot. Got it.

Other than that, I will be rocking my Tammy wig until the end of the month (Yeah, I'm faking like that hair is mine and I don't want to switch up wigs too frequently). In October, I will be wearing a new wig so stay tuned to see what it is!

Also,I'm also still taking my B-Vitamin complex. I've been taking it for a month and I've noticed that my nails are growing in stronger and my skin is clearer. I can't make any assessments about my hair growth....yet. I'm trying to wait until I finish the bottle that I am using before I make any judgments about that. At any rate, so far so good!

That's it for now really. Just wanted to give you an update on this wig wearing thing. I'm not bored ~~yet~~ and trust me when I say that it is so easy to just slap on a wig and head out the door in the morning. I'm really anxious to see what kind of retention I get from this!

Finally.......

Shoutout to the reader who ran into me at my local BSS today (looking at wigs no less!). Definitely made my day and thanks for reading! :)

First Impressions: Kinky Curly Knot Today

2011-09-07T20:48:00.000-05:00

I should have titled this post "10th Impression."

I purchased KC Knot Today when I was home to VA at the beginning of August.I was feeling pretty sad because I couldn't purchase a full sized version of Qhemet Biologis AOHC (the store was sold out). So, I go some Kinky Curly products to make myself feel better.

I went to my local Target and purchased Kinky Curly Spiral Spritz ( which I have used previously and adored. It was my staple for flexirod sets. In fact, I purchased it so I could do flexirod sets. However, it is now September and I have yet to do one. Uh...yeah) and decided to try out Kinky Curly Knot Today.

Let's get to the review, shall we?

Price: $11.99+tax for 8 oz at Target/ $12.99+tax Whole Foods

Ingredients: Organic Mango fruit extract, organic slipper elm, organic marshmallow root, organic lemongrass, cetyl alcohol, behentrimonium methosulfate, citric acid, phenoxyethanol and natural fragrance.

Glycerin Free
Organic
Paraben Free
Protein Free
Silicone Free
Sulfate Free

Their Claims (as per the Kinky Curly website): "KNOT TODAY TM is a creamy herbal conditioner and detangler designed to smooth the cuticle and remove knots, snarls and tangles from thick curly textured hair.

After washing hair, apply KNOT TODAY TM generously and work through troubled areas with a wide tooth comb.

Can be used as a regular rinse out conditioner for wavy hair or as a leave-in for thicker curlier hair types. An excellent product to use after removing braids and extensions."

I LOVE the product and I have been using it every wash day. It definitely lasts awhile (for me, anyway). I've had it for a month and I'm at half a bottle. This product has a creamy consistency ( which my hair loves, apparently) and has a slightly tropical scent. I can't place what that scent is but it reminds me lounging on a beach in Hawaii. I have been using this product straight out of the bottle ( no dilutions, no super secret mixes or anything like that) as a leave in. It definitely helps with detangling and make my job easier (since the longer my hair gets, the more my strands want to love on one another). However, once my hair is dry....oh em gee. Knot Today leaves my hair super soft!. It also leaves my hair moisturized, which is always a plus in my book.

Bottom Line: Don't let the name fool you. Kinky Curly Knot Today is an excellent leave in/ detangler for us relaxed girls. If your hair craves moisture like my hair craves moisture, this product will be a hit for you. As we transition from summer to autumn, I will use this as my staple leave in since it is glycerin free (hint hint to you all you ladies looking for a product w/ no glycerin in it for winter). I love it so much that I'm contemplating ordering a bigger size online.

My Fall 2011 Regimen

2011-09-04T13:42:00.001-05:00

Happy Sunday lovelies!!

Can you believe that it's September already!?! Now is the time when the weather cools down, leaves change color, and we begin our slow march towards winter. If you're hair obsessed like I am, this time of year marks a change in regimen as well.

During the summer, I have more freedom in the types of products I use simply because it is so humid here that my hair will be ok moisture-wise no matter what I do to it. However, once autumn hits, I really have to be on top of my moisture game.

As per usual, I will continue to wash (w/ my beloved Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo) and DC once a week. I will DC with Aubrey Organics GPB or with Aubrey Organics White Camellia. Following the wash and DC, I will apply Kinky Curly Knot Today as a leave in (I really need to do a review on that because I really love that product) along with a little Qhemet Biologics AOHC.

See, no major changes right?

WRONG!!

Right now I'm about sick of bunning my hair everyday. It's just too much work ( or maybe I'm just lazy). So, I'm going to be styling my hair in a way that requires minimal effort from me. At first I thought about weaving it up but that is just a lot of money. I mean, I have to drop major bucks just to get the hair (of course I want hair that is of good quality) for the weave, then drop money to get it installed? No sir. Forget that. Then I decided that I can just wear half wigs. And that's exactly what I will be doing.

So following the wash and DC, I will make 4 plaits in my hair (I could make 2 french braids but that requires me to blow dry my hair first and I really don't want to bombard my hair with heat every week) and pin those plaits to my hair. I will leave a little bit of hair out for my half wigs.

The half wigs I have currently are Outre Tammy, Outre Monica, FreeTress Creta Girl, and FreeTress Samara Girl. I plan on also purchasing FreeTress Toronto Girl and any other wig that tickles my fancy. Since I don't want to get too excessive with the switching up w/ the wigs, I will wear one wig for 4 weeks, then switch up. Currently, I'm wearing Tammy. For my leave out, I use these crimpers by Annie (I purchased them for like $2 at my local BSS):

I find that the crimp is similar to the wig and really helps with the blending. If the crimpers look kinda suspect to you, you can always just braid the leave out and mimic the texture that way. As always, I will not sleep in the wig and I do not keep it on if I am not leaving my apartment. In October, I will switch the wigs up for a different look.

That's it for now. Have you ladies begun thinking about your Fall regimen? What changes are you making to your regimen?

Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque: Redux

2011-08-31T22:38:00.002-05:00

As you guys remember ( or may not remember), I tried the Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque...and wasn't particularly impressed by it.

I mean, as a deep conditioner, it did its job of moisturizing my hair but it left no slip! I pretty much felt -meh- about the product.Lately, however, I have been trying to get rid of products that I have stocked up in my bathroom ( I admit--I am a product junkie) and I realized that I have a tiny bit of this product to use up. On the label, the directions indicate you can use the product as a leave in moisturizer. So, I have been using it in that way for about a week or so.Let me say that I think I like this product more as a moisturizer and less as a DC. It leave my hair very soft and moisturized (something that I wasn't really expecting given my previous experience). So...ladies...I am somewhat eating my words. Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque may be so-so as a DC but it makes for a good moisturizer!

The Art of Blowdrying (It's Really Not That Tricky)

2011-08-30T20:47:00.000-05:00

The weekend I had the urge to wear my hair straight for a day or two. Crazy right? What's even crazier is that I decided to straighten my hair...by myself....after being out in the sun for the better part of the day. Can you say tired!?

Anyway, I am learning that there is an art to blowdrying your hair. Back when I was younger and didn't know any better, I would blow dry my hair using a regular blow dryer (not a ceramic/tourmaline one) with a comb attachment that you can pick up at Wally World. I wouldn't detangle my hair beforehand thinking that the comb attachment will do the job and I definitely didn't put any product in my hair. I can't tell you have many comb attachments I have broken using that method.

The end result of all that poor hair styling? Big, poofy blow dried hair. I looked like Alex the Lion from Madgascar.

I never really quite knew what to do with my hair after those blow drying sessions. SMH.

Well thank goodness for knowledge!

I found that proper blowdrying consists of 3 things:

1) the correct tools

2) the correct products

3) the correct technique

On Saturday, after washing and DCing my hair, I applied Kinky Curly Knot Today (moisturizing leave in), Aphogee Keratin and Green Tea Restructrizer (I spray this on my hair whenever I'm using heat), and One N Only Argan Oil (heat protectant) to my hair. I then proceeded to blow dry my hair w/ my FHI blowdryer using the method that Salon Cabelo describes (yes with the Denman brush and everything):

The result? Non poofy, non cottonball like hair. If I wasn't trying to go for a bone straight look, I could have stopped at the blow drying.

The point of this ~~horrendously long~~ post is this: when blow drying your hair it is important to have the right tools. However, it's equally important to use the right products for you hair (I know for me I have to have a great leave in and a great heat protectant. Otherwise you can forget it) as well as a great technique. Once you get those three things in a magical, glitter driven configuration-you will have perfect blow drying results every time! :)

The Vitamin B Experiment

2011-08-23T20:37:00.000-05:00

Happy Tuesday everyone!

~~Three days ago~~ Recently, I've had to start taking a Vitamin B supplement for non-hair reasons (nothing major but let's just chalk it up to the fact that being a girl can suck sometimes). This current development has me thinking. As some of you may know the B vitamins are great for hair growth. In case you forgot, let me tell you what B vitamins do:

Biotin – This vitamin produces keratin that prevents hair loss and hair graying.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)-activates vitamin B3 and vitamin B6

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)- Allows scalp blood circulation.

Vitamin B5 (Panthothenic Acid)-prevents hair loss and graying.

Vitamin B6- prevents hair loss and helps in the formation of melanin to give hair it's color.

Vitamin B12-prevents hair loss

Cool, huh?

Being the scientist I am, I want to do an experiment to see if me taking a Vitamin B supplement has any effect on my hair growth (I'm particularly interested in what Vitamin B3 can do).

So, here's the plan: I will take my Spring Valley Super B-Complex daily for 3 months or until I run out (but I shouldn't run out since certain factors dictate that I need to take them). Each month, I will do a length check to see if there are any drastic differences in hair growth. Hopefully, it will help you guys to decide if you should believe the hype regarding supplements!

Earrings (and things)

2011-08-19T09:30:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday lovelies!!

This week has been so busy for me now I'm back in the swing of things in lab. I just wanted to stop by and just fill you in on what has been going on.

As you know, I have been bunning for the majority of the summer. There's nothing wrong with that right? It's a great protective style and it's low manipulation. Everything should be good, right?

WRONG!!!

I have found that buns have the tendency to make you look like Plain Jane if you aren't careful. And we all know what happens if you look like Plain Jane, right? You get bored with bunning and then you're on the hunt for another protective style. So, I have decided to start accessorizing more to get rid of this bunning boredom. I figured a good place to start would be with earrings. I have 2 piercings in each ear (got my ears pierced as a baby and again at 16) and I barely wear earrings. I need to change that. Although I have just started to really wear earrings on a daily basis, I am finding that they add much needed oomph to basic, boring buns (hooray!).

I just want to show you a few pics of my buns w/ earrings. Keep in mind that my earring collection isn't extensive (yet!) but I plan on adding more earrings as the months go by!

*SN: Sheesh. I need to expand and get some gold earrings, huh?*

Look of the Day (8/15/11): Top Knot Bun

2011-08-15T08:07:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday lovelies!!

I just wanted to stop by quickly before work with my look of the day! I was feeling incredibly lazy during my wash day yesterday so I wanted a style that was quick, easy, and allowed me to air dry. Enter the top knot bun. I put a little leave in on my hair (I've been using Kinky Curly Knot Today lately. No particular reason....just for kicks), added some gel, and tied my hair up for the evening. I just had to remove my scarf this morning.

Check it out:

Note: a) pics are taken to the side you that you guys can see the bun! You can't really see it if you're looking at me dead on b) there is no flash b/c the primer I'm currently using doesn't photograph well :/

Well what do you think? What look are you rockin' today?

Hair Boredom/ Look of the Day: 8/11/11

2011-08-11T07:51:00.000-05:00

Happy Thursday ladies!

Well, it has been awhile since I last posted. I have been having a bit of hair boredom lately. I mean, it's too hot to straighten it and I'm too lazy to do a flexirod set. So, I have been washing DCing and bunning. The bunning is driving me to frustration since I usually bun with my hair all the way back. This would be all well and good if the front part of my hair would get some 'act right' and not want to look jank all the time.

As a result of all these factors, I am bored with my hair.

In an effort to add some spice into my (hair) life, I'm trying to jazz things up a bit. Since I bun a lot, I'm trying to wear earrings more (so I don't look so plain). I picked up some great ones at Forever 21 and Rue 21. I also purchased some beanies for the Fall. I'm also trying to style my hair so that my hair isn't straight back when I bun.

Today, I am rocking a side bun/ flat twist. I think it's pretty cute. Take a look:

* I purchased the earrings from Rue 21 *

: Sigh : Hopefully this is the first step in getting me out of my (hair) funk :/

Thank God You Can't Eff Up a Flexirod Set...

2011-08-05T11:20:00.000-05:00

Le sigh.

I went to a hair salon to actually get my hair styled for the first time in a long time yesterday. I wanted to share in a girls day out w/ my mother and her friend so I figured I get a rod set.

And I regret it.

Lawd, I saw everything from people who don't need relaxers at this moment in time getting relaxers pulled through the entire length of their hair to the shampoo girl being entirely too rough with folks hair. I saw combing from root to tip with a small tooth comb, too. Basically, everything that could be done incorrectly-was. And don't get me started on the condition of some of the hair tools. SMH.

The poor hair care practices that I witnessed in that salon was enough to keep me away from salons. No one in that shop had hair past NL and if they are frequenting that salon I understand why. Oh and don't get me started on what their advice for weave care was ("come to me every month or so and I'll wash and style it for you"). I am just disgusted.

So for the rant but I've been holding that in since yesterday.

First Impressions: Qhemet Biologics Amla and Olive Heavy Cream

2011-07-31T18:08:00.001-05:00

Happy Sunday lovelies!

As promised, I have my review of Qhemet Biologics Amla and Olive Heavy Cream. I have had it for about a week now and feel like I have tried it enough (and in a variety of ways) to give a complete review. So let's start with the basics:

Price: $5.50 (2oz)/ $16.50 (8oz)

Key Ingredients (per Qhemet Biologics website): Amla, Brahmi, African Aloe, MSM sulfur, Olive Oil, Glycerin, Castor Oil

Their Claims: A perfect all-in-one for moisturizing and softening afro's, coils, curls, pony puffs, two strand twists, braids, cornrows, fades, chemical and color processes, softening new growth and restoring softness and elasticity to dry brittle ends. Also helps weigh down kinks and coils.

Use as a:
Soothing and regenerative scalp butter
Post-shampoo conditioner
Overnight Deep Treatment
Moisturizing daily leave-in
Replenishing body butter
Evenly distribute a small to moderate amount through dry or slightly damp hair.

Let me just say, I absolutely love this moisturizer. LOVE IT!! I have been on a hunt for the perfect moisturizer since the start of my hair journey and I have finally found it! Qhemet Biologics AOHC keeps my hair moisturized for 3 days or so before I have to reapply again (I do apply more to my ends daily before I bun though). It definitely keeps my hair moisturized and although I prefer to use it on dry hair, it can be used on wet hair as a leave in (as a leave in, I find it to be ok....nothing earth shattering though. Hair feels moisturized enough when it dries).

This product is thick and creamy, with a light, pleasant smell. Also, a little definitely goes a long way. It is important to keep in mind that this product is oil based so using too much may weigh your hair down. For that reason ladies with a thinner hair texture should either pass on this particular product or just be aware and use as little as possible since this product may weigh the hair down.

In terms of ordering, I just want to point out that it takes about a week or so to receive your product since it is handmade. However, if you're itching to get it immediately, check out the Qhemet Biologics website (www.qhemetbiologics.com) to see if there is a local vendor near you that sells it! Another thing that I love is that you're able to purchase a sample size before you commit to a full size (which costs more). The sample size is very generous (it looks like I barely put a dent in it)so don't be afraid to try it!

Bottom Line: There are few products that I absolutely love hands down. This moisturizer is one of them! I fully intend to purchase the full size now that I have given this product a chance. My only regret is that I didn't try it out sooner!

Relaxer Day: July 28 2011

2011-07-29T13:29:00.000-05:00

Welp. I relaxed last night.

My hair was pretty much signalling that it was about that time.Shedding a lot and just being downright---rebellious. I was 14 weeks and 2 days post--a pretty decent stretch. I try not to stretch too long because, as a self relaxer, I want to have an easy relaxer day. I've self relaxed at 20 weeks post and it was just....a mess. So, I now try to stretch long enough for it to be of benefit to my hair but not so long that becomes a source of frustration come relaxer day.

Anyway, I put my hair in sections and relaxed using Mizani Butter Blends. I neutralized with my Silk Elements Neutralizing Shampoo (I finally finished the bottle--YAY!!) and DCed with ORS Replenishing Condtioner (also finished off 2 almost empty bottles!) for an hour. After rinsing the condish out, I sprayed Aphogee Keratin and Green Tea Restructurizer on my hair and used Qhemet Biologics AOHC as a leave in. To finish off, I used One N Only Argan Oil as a heat protectant and straightened my hair.

Today, I went to SuperCuts for a much needed trim. I'm pretty pleased with the trim. The stylist wound up cutting my lead hairs so that they are on par with the rest of my hair (YAY!)

*PSA: When you go in for a trim, make sure you emphasize you want a trim. Some stylists think that a trim= you want your hair cut in layers. Do yourself a favor and make sure you emphasize that you want a trim NOT layers.*

See how evened up everything is!? Now I can really really begin to predict when I hit BSL. In the meantime though, now that I'm trimmed up...I'm back to protective styling.

On my next wash day, I will lather 1 time with a neutralizing shampoo to ensure that there is no relaxer in my hair and follow up w/ Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo. I will then DC with a protein condish (Aubrey Organics GPB- I'm big on getting my hair's protein/moisture balance in check immediately following a relaxer) and do a final rinse with Roux Porosity Control. I'll probably wind up air drying my hair and bunning.

BSL Is Gonna Tick Me Off I See.....

2011-07-25T12:54:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday lovelies!!

I just wanted to stop by with a super quick post. Sometime last week, I had a strong urge to do a length check. I mean I've been protective/low manipulation styling for so long and I've had to make some progress right? :slanty face:

Well I did the length check and I've learned one very important thing. This little tidbit is something that I must carry with me throughout my hair life. You ready to hear what it is? Here it goes:

ALL OF THE HAIR ON YOUR HEAD DOES NOT GROW AT THE SAME RATE!!

...that was me yelling at myself, by the way.

As per usual, some of my hair is touching BSL while other parts are inching ever closer. Ugh. I mean I'm glad my hair is doing well...~~I guess~~ but I would just prefer it if my hair could just sync up for this length goal.

Either way, I'm expecting to hit BSL by early Fall (September/October).

Check it out!

* Oh before you check it out: just note that my hair is not breaking off, it just grows out jankily until all of my hair is about the same length *

Loungin'

2011-07-23T16:44:00.000-05:00

.....that was an LL Cool J reference for all you youngins out there.

Seriously though, today has been a lazy Saturday for me. I was supposed to help at a carwash for the local pee-wee football/cheerleading league but that got postponed. Naturally, I wound up making a really good breakfast and passed out.

I woke up to my mail person knocking on my door to deliver my package from Qhemet Biologics (yay!! :hits celebratory dougie:). I purchased a 2 oz sample of the Amla and Olive Heavy Cream ($5.50+shipping). I haven't had much time to do a full assessment of the product (c'mon, I've only had it 2 hours!) but I can tell you some basic things:

1) This product has a thick, creamy consistency. You can tell that a little definitely goes a long way with this product. I only purchased a 2oz sample but you can tell it will last a bit before you run out.

2) It has a pleasant, lemony, citrus-y scent. It isn't overbearing at all!

3) It is another moisturizer that is good for laying edges down. I applied this product to my edges, applied a little Ecostyler gel and was good to go!

So far I have no complaints. I'll post a full, first impressions assessment of this product once I use it a little bit more.

Also, since I'm just loungin' (lol), I have my hair in a loose, high bun. It's very laid back and it makes me feel like I put in an effort to look somewhat presentable (even though I'm not going anywhere lol). Check it out (feel free to check out my edges too!):

So, yall tell me: what are your Saturday/weekend (hair) plans?

I FINALLY Figured It Out!!

2011-07-22T11:31:00.000-05:00

Slicking down my edges when I'm wearing a bun (or just wearing my hair back in general) has always been the bane of my (hair) existence.

I have tried every manner of gels, glazes, and pomades and have met minimal success with each. Some would slick my hair down but as soon as I come into contact with the slightest bit of moisture, my edges would pop back up. Grrr. Do you know how frustrating that is!?????Today, however, has marked the end of my frustration. I've pretty much found that the key to keeping your edges slicked down lies on 1 key product: moisturizer.

Yep. That's it. Moisturizer. If your edges are moisturized enough, the easier they are to ~~beat~~ brush into submission. Who freakin' knew?

Now, I can't tell you what moisturizer to use since every head of hair is different but I can tell you what moisturizer worked for me:

Darcy Botanicals Coconut Lemon Transitioning Creme. Oh.Em.Gee. I put some of this on my edges and followed up with the olive oil Ecostyler Gel. Edges are laid down! Even after walking in the sauna that is Birmingham, AL in the summertime, my edges have stayed put!

So there you have it. If your edges seem to laugh at any gel, pomade, or glaze you put in your hair, try moisturizing it first. It may make a world of difference.

Happy Friday ladies!

First Impressions: Mixed Chicks Deep Conditioner

2011-07-21T20:50:00.000-05:00

Today I had a little extra money to spend and I decided to take a trip to LeVia's Hair and Body Essentials, a natural hair care store that just opened up here in Birmingham. During my trip, I picked up 2 things: Mixed Chicks Deep Conditioner and Darcy Botanicals Transitioning Creme (no, I'm not transitioning. I just thought it may be a good product for my 13 weeks post hair). I always love a good DC, so I'm always on the hunt for one. I admit it. DCs are my (product) weakness. Lately, I have been into products that are geared toward natural haired ladies. As I have mentioned repeatedly, my hair is still pretty textured (even though I'm relaxed) and craves moisture. It just so happens that a lot of products geared towards naturals have moisture as their hook. That sounds like a match made in heaven for my hair!!

So lets get to the nitty gritty about this deep conditioner!

Price: $14.99 + tax ($10.99 on the Mixed Chicks website) for 8oz

Their claim: Nourish, detangle, and restore curly, tightly curled or straight hair with MIXED CHICKS exclusive conditioning blend which penetrates and reconstructs damaged areas, transforming style-stubborn-locks into resilient, easy to maintain tresses.

Ingredients: Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Glycerin, Amodimethicone, Cetyl Alcohol, Dicetyldimonium Chloride, Octamethylcylotetraxiloxane, Isopropyl Alcohol, Safflower Oil, Cetrimonium Chloride, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate and C14-18 Perfluoroalkyethyl Thiohydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride and Benzoic Acid and Glycereth - 2 Cocoate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Chloride, Fragrance

Ok. Where do I start with this review? Let's start with the good: I wound up washing my hair this evening with my beloved Elasta QP. I then applied this DC to my hair. I loved how thick and creamy this product is. I also liked the fact that I didn't have to slather my hair in conditioner. A little really goes a long way with this product. I DC'ed (with heat) for about 45 minutes. When I washed the DC out, my hair felt so soft and my Jilbere comb just glided through my hair. Detangling was a breeze!

Now for the bad.....

This DC is extremely scented. Powerfully scented. Oh sweet Jesus is it scented! It has a perfume-y scent that I swear I've smelled before but I can't quite put my finger on it. I've never been particularly sensitive to scents but this DC wound up giving me a massive headache. No es bueno. It felt like my eyeballs were trying to escape through my eye sockets that's how bad it was. Fortunately, the headache went away as soon as I washed it out.

I also have a problem with the price. Paying around $15 for 8oz is not a deal in my book. Especially since I have a lot of hair and no matter how you slice it, I'm gonna use a lot of conditioner. I just think paying $15 for 1, maybe 2 uses isn't worth it especially when I can get a TUB of Silicon Mix for $3 more.

Bottom Line: Mixed Chicks DC does what it says. It provides moisture and it makes detangling easier. However, no product should be so strongly scented that it gives you a headache-a massive one at that. I don't care how good it may be. I also think that $15 for 8oz is just too much. I can find (and have) conditioners (that have more product) that give the same results as Mixed Chicks for way less money. Ultimately, I will finish up the DC but I will not repurchase. The scent and the cost were definite deal breakers for me.

Look of the Day (7/18/2011): Braidout Ponytail

2011-07-18T08:58:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday lovelies!

The weekend went by entirely too fast and now it's time for another work week. Le sigh.

This past weekend, I plaited my hair for a braidout today. Now, I fully intended to wear a braidout today I promise I did. However, my braidout had me looking too much like Ms. Ross the Boss (*starts humming 'It's My House'*). Ordinarily, I like big hair but today, I simply wasn't feeling it. Plus, I don't know about yall but we have been experiencing a heat wave so any style that keeps my hair off of my neck is a good one.

So here is my braidout ponytail. Definitely a good Monday morning look!

Twists Are Out!!!

2011-07-17T21:52:00.000-05:00

Happy Sunday!

As you know, last weekend I put some really cute mini twists in my hair. Well, I found out that I can only keep them in my hair for a week max. I began to notice that shed hair was beginning to accumulate at the ends and form knots (which could up my chances for a potential setback). I also began to notice some product accumulation at my roots. So, on Friday, I took my twists down and detangled my hair using HE Hello Hydration. I then clarified my hair using ORS Creamy Aloe and followed up with Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo.

* My 'naked' hair. My mom doesn't call it a lions mane for nothing! *

I also DCed with Silicon Mix. Now that I'm 12 weeks (well 13 weeks this Tuesday) post, I have to definitely make sure that I'm getting enough conditioner on the line of demarcation. For that reason, I have been applying my DC the same way that I would apply a relaxer. I find that it keeps my new growth soft and moisturized. However, on Friday, I was feeling particularly lazy so I DCed overnight. My hair felt so soft! I may have to do it more often. Saturday morning I washed the DC out, sprayed on Aphogee Keratin and Green Tea Restructurizer , and some One N Only Argan Oil and air dried using the scarf method. When my hair was about 80% dry, I put my hair into plaits for a braid out. Since I didn't go anywhere today, my hair remains in plaits and will be taken out tomorrow morning.

I still have no clue when I'm gonna relax. I don't want to push it to 20 weeks because relaxing my hair will take more effort than usual to do (lesson learned from last summer). However, I'm not really feeling the urge to relax just yet. I do know that I want to straighten my hair for my birthday so I will be getting my hair flat ironed for that.

I'm also on a mission to curb my PJism. I'm doing pretty good with that so far in that I'm trying to use up products that I haven't finished up yet. For example, I'm using the Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque as a styling aid (because I wasn't impressed with it as a deep conditioner--it has absolutely ZERO slip!) for my braidouts. I think I like it a little bit better now.

My PJism isn't completely curbed though. Last week I ordered a sample from Qhemet Biologics. I'm looking for a moisturizer that has no protein in it and they offer that. So stay tuned for my review on that!

Well...I've chattered enough for one evening. Good night lovelies! :)

It Be Callin' Me Man....

2011-07-13T08:10:00.001-05:00

It being hair products.

This week I've been feeling a little bit like Pookie in New Jack City. All week, I have wanted to go out and purchase hair products. Not any product in particular, just something. Nevermind the fact that I have bottles and tubs of unfinished hair products taking up space in my bathroom cabinets. I just have the itch to try something new.

Fortunately, my attempts at purchasing something have been thwarted at every turn. From the store being closed to me being too lazy to drive somewhere during rush hour traffic, I have been able to return home sans product. Another plus is that I'm actually making any effort to use up the product that I have! :gasp: I know! It's shocking. Today I actually pulled out my bottle of unfinished Hawaiian Silky 14 in 1 to moisturize my twists. I actually forgot how much I liked this product during the summertime (it has glycerin in it, which is a humectant and is perfect for the summer when there is so much moisture in the air).

*Rediscovering long lost products in that cabinet of mine? Heck yeah! :D *

I suppose I should stick to this pattern of using up things that have yet to be used. I know for a fact that I have an entire tub of Cantu Leave In. I don't remember why I bought it and have yet to figure out how to use it.

:sigh: I need to do better with this product junkie business.

Mini Twists: Day 3

2011-07-12T07:53:00.001-05:00

At this point I have had my twists in for 3 days and I LOVE them!!! They aren't frizzing up or unraveling at all. I have been keeping them moisturized w/ my Shea Moisture products and sealing w/ One N Only Argan Oil.

I have been doing some research abou twists trying to determine if they are a protective style or low manipulation style. I've found that, depending on who you ask, it can be either or. However, in my humble opinion, twists are a low manipulation style. I say this simply b/c your ends are out and you have to take great care to keep your ends moisturized. Now twists can be made into a protective style if you wear them in a bun or some other style to keep you ends tucked away. However, as it stands, twists are low manipulation.

Today, after an experiment gone wrong (apparently I DO have to set my ends on flexirods every night if I want to have curly ends), I'm wearing my twists in a bun (thus, making them a protective style). I suppose that's a good thing. I had a serious case of hand in hair yesterday and today I'm feeling extremely low key. Also, it has been extremely humid here lately so it just may be better to keep my hair up.

Anyway, here is how my hair is looking today. Still fresh and happy! :)

This Is What Happens When......

2011-07-10T11:16:00.000-05:00

.....I have nothing but time on my hands.

Yesterday I had decided to do absolutely nothing. I was gonna lounge around my apartment and like it. Yep that's what I was gonna do. I was doing great on achieving nothing until I went on YouTube and looked up videos for mini twists. That was the wrong move. They looked so cute and low maintenance that I wanted to give them a try. I figured that I have enough texture left in my hair to make twists that actually stay twisted and decided to test that hypothesis. Lo and behold...I actually can do mini twists!! A little over 3 hours later (many thanks to 'Clueless', 'The Wedding Planner', and Keeping Up w/ the Kardashians for keeping me entertained), my twists were complete and I was putting flexirods on the ends of the twists to get them to curl at the end.

I didn't use a lot of product for the twists, just some Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl and Style Milk and some EcoStyler Gel (the green one). I plan on keeping these in for a week or two since they took so daggone long to complete.

Well....what do you think?

My Top 3

2011-07-07T19:25:00.002-05:00

So I saw this on the My Healthy Hair Journey blog and the [Hair].I.Am--WORLD! blog and figured that I should give go ahead and fill in my answers. So here goes.....

1) Top three things you love about your hair

-its thickness (it took my hair breaking off for me to appreciate it. Like Joni says: Don't it always seem to go, that you don't know what you've got till it's gone)
-its versatility ( I am able to do so much with my hair that I thought I'd never be able to do with it)
-its length (yeah I said it. It's never been this long before!)

2) Top Three things you have learned since being on your hair journey

--No one NEEDS a relaxer. It's a styling choice. Your hair is manageable if you're natural or if you're relaxed.
--My hair needs moisture. Ain't no getting around it, under it, or through it.
--Protective styling is only as boring as you make it. Protective styling so frequently has forced me to be more creative with my styles!

3) Top three things you want to accomplish during your hair journey

--I want to get to mid back length--maybe waist length.
--Perfect my straightening technique so that I use less heat (and don't mention rollersetting. I got beef w/ rollersetting lol)
---Did I mention I want to get to mid back length?

4) Top Three things/Products you love:

--Mizani Thermasmooth
--AO conditioners and Silicon Mix
--Buns, braidouts, and bantu knot outs

5) Top three Hair inspirations (youtube or otherwise)

Anyone who is on a journey for healthy hair inspires me. To see AA dispelling the myths that surround our hair care on a daily basis is definitely inspirational to me. It's what keeps me going on in my own journey! :)

Water Has Never Felt So Good!

2011-07-06T20:44:00.000-05:00

I am currently sitting under my heat cap, deep conditioning happy as a freakin' lark.

After refusing to wash my hair in that stuff they call well water, I finally got to wash my hair now that I'm back in B'ham. Plus, I had to wash my hair. Aside from the fact that it was dirty, it smelled like smoke (my grandparents smoke) and I had to take care of that ASAPedly.

I swung by the BSS to pick up some Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo (funds are kinda tight this month so spending $10 for the little Shea Moisture Moisture Retention Shampoo is not really cost effective) and got to work. I'm DCing with Silicon Mix (I have this huge tub of it and I like it....and I figure that I better use it so...yeah). I'm finding that in the summer (maybe due to humid behind Alabama) I can be more lenient with my DCs. However, during the winter I have to alternate between AO GPB and AO White Camellia religiously otherwise my hair will revolt.

Anyway, following all of this, I'm going to air dry (with a little moisturizer, some argan oil, and a scarf) and call it a day! I'll gonna use my banana clip to bun tomorrow (SN: Can you guys tell how much I LOVE the banana clip? I mean seriously. I'm tempted to write an ode to the banana clip that's how much I love it lol).

This particular was day has made me happy. It's like eating after a month long fast. :)

4th of July Weekend and My Hair

2011-07-04T19:07:00.000-05:00

Happy 4th of July everyone!

I hope all of you are having an amazing day, eating lots of yummy food, and watching some amazing fireworks. Currently, I'm laid out on my aunt's couch because I have eaten entirely too much. So, I figure it's best not to move...a lot.

So for the holiday weekend, I drove to SC to my grandparents house. My mom and brother drove down from VA and I met up with them in SC too. Now I love visiting my family, I promise I do. However, every time I come to SC I have to make some serious decisions as to what I'm gonna do with my hair. Let me explain. My grandparents live in Middle-of-Nowhere, SC (read: the country) and I have always had an issue with the water at their house. This is mainly because it's well water. It smells like eggs and even as a little girl, I didn't want that water touching me. Well, I have to shower of course but I refuse to let that well water touch my hair with its contents unknown. Nope, I'll just wait to go back to my good ol' Birmingham water. At least I know what's in that.

Anyway, I decided to keep my hair simple. With my trusty banana clip, I wore 3 styles over the course of my time here.

1) Banana clip bun. I absolutely love this bun and it was perfect for my day at the beach with my family. Besides, SC is so flippin hot and humid, I couldn't picture having my hair just out and about.

2) Braid out bun (please excuse my red teeth. I had just finished a wild cherry Icee. It was delicious.) I tried doing a braid out and it didn't turn out the way that I had planned so I bunned it. It was a good thing I did b/c we spent the day playing Putt Putt golf. In the hot sun......yeah.

3) Bantu knot out ponytail? (I did a bantu knot out and put it back with a banana clip. I'm not sure what you'd call that but that's what it is). It wanted to wear a bantu knot out for the family cookout today but then I went outside and knew I wasn't gonna wear my hair out. At all. What you see it the end result.

All in all, I have enjoyed my time w/ my family, meeting my baby cousins, talking, laughing, and carrying on. Now I'm ready to head back to B'ham to give my hair some much needed TLC.

June 2011: 6 Month Update

2011-06-29T07:50:00.000-05:00

Wow. The end of June is upon us and I cannot believe that 2011 is halfway over!!! Thus far, this year has been nothing short of amazing! Anyway, I just wanted to make a post that shows my progress from the beginning of the year to now.

This picture was taken in January following my first relaxer for the year and a trim.

I took this picture 2 weeks ago following my proposal defense. I was so excited to not have anything school related to do when I got home that I did my hair!

You know what? Now that I look at the pictures I see that I have made tremendous progress in 6 months. For awhile, I've felt like I haven't made the kind of progress I wanted to. However, now that I see the pictures from January until now, I see my hair is doing it's thing.

How is your progress going? How would you classify your progress in 6months?

Look of the Day (6/29/11): Banana Clip Bun

2011-06-29T07:43:00.000-05:00

I told you guys yesterday that I would post pics of my banana clip bun and here they are as promised. There is one slight alteration though: I didn't leave any hair out. Trust me...I tried to but it looked jank so I wound up brushing my hair back lol.

I like banana clip buns because I have a nice full bun. Also, as I'm looking at the pictures I realize how much new growth I have (do you guys see all the 'waves' in my hair?).

Anyway, without further ado: the banana clip bun.

**Took these w/o the flash b/c I didn't want to blind you guys...or myself lol**

Summer Bunnin'

2011-06-28T21:29:00.000-05:00

...and that was my corny attempt at referencing the movie 'Grease' (one of my favorite musicals, by the way lol).

As you guys know, this is my first summer since the start of my hair journey where I have not used braids (extensions). At this point in the game, I feel that my hair is too long for braids w/ extensions...and I've seen what they do in those braiding shops. I've seen how they pull out scissors to make the style look neater :side eye: All I know is, if someone cuts my hair they're gonna get drop kicked.

Anyway, I've been doing the bunning thing for awhile and there has definitely been a learning curve. I've recently figured out that high buns are not for me :sad face: Trust me you guys. I've tried it so many times! However, my nape consistently says "eff yo' bun!' and decides to just be out while my edges say "You may have slicked us down but we ain't gonna stay that way." The end result of all of that? I look like a 5 year old who has been out playing all day. Being that I'll be 26 in August....I don't think that is a good look.

Today, I finally found use for the banana clips I had laying around in my bathroom (for some reason I have tons of hair toys laying around that I never use). What'd I use it for? A bun!!! So far I like it. It makes my bun look fuller and not so...meh. I also like that fact that with a banana clip breakage becomes less of an issue (as compared to using a hair tie). I'm being a wee bit creative though and I left a section (I guess you can call it a bang) out, braided it, and it shall be a braid out bang! I'll post pics tomorrow so yall can see what I did.

I will say that bunning has drastically simplified my regimen. Currently, I wash and deep condition at least once a week (sometimes more since I'm slowly easing my way back into the gym). I then air dry and put my hair into a bun. I use Shea Moisture products to moisturize, when needed. That's it. Easy as pie! It's definitely a good thing since I'm trying to hold back on my relaxer (currently 10 weeks post) until the weather cools down. I just don't see the point of relaxing my hair when I'm constantly gonna wear it up. We'll see how long that lasts though.

Well I've rambled enough for one night. I'll be back tomorrow with pics!

"My Hair Isn't A Unicorn!!"

2011-06-26T14:39:00.000-05:00

^^^ This is what I have been thinking more often than not as of late. On the hair boards I frequent, I find that we are all are in an insulated community. We are all striving for the same goals and are (more or less) engaging in healthy hair practices. However, I find that there is an abrupt shift from this in real life. In real life, I find that the "good hair" mentality is firmly entrenched in a lot of people. Well, at least the people that I have come into contact with. They take one look at my hair and say " If I had your kind of hair, I would do x,y,z" or " With your grade of hair you can do things like that" or any other comment that leaves me making the screw face.

Let me be real with yall. My hair isn't comprised of soft textured ringlets that can easily be straightened and never breaks. Nope. Not even a little a bit. My hair is coarse, tightly coiled, and I have a lot of it! My hair can also be a rebellious little such and such. However, I took the time to figure out what my hair craves (moisture, moisture, and did I forget to mention moisture?) and adopted a regimen that fits my hair ( No, I can't relax frequently and no, I definitely cannot use heat frequently). That's it. There's no magic to it...just common sense. It just frustrates me that in the AA community that this myth of good hair/bad hair still persists. What is even more saddening is that so many women think that healthy, long hair is beyond the realm of possibility.

What do yall think? Have you encountered anything like this?

I Have My Life Back!!

2011-06-26T14:27:00.000-05:00

Before you begin...I know it has been a looooooong time since I posted. Well, I had my dissertation proposal on the 15th of this month so I kinda had to fall off the face of the Earth. The good news is that I got admitted to PhD candidacy (go me!) and I'm back to posting! :D

So let's begin shall we?

I want to talk about 2 things I have been trying lately. The first is Queen Helene's Garlic Shampoo.

I don't know if I ever mentioned this but um....my hair sheds...a lot. It never really bothered me because I know that's what your hair is supposed to do but gee whiz I had a lot. I had heard about this shampoo before and when I spotted it at the BSS I had to pick it up and give it a shot. I paid about $6-$7 for it and so far....it's a'ight lol.

The plus about this shampoo is that it is unscented so you don't go walking around smelling like a big ol' ball of garlic. However, a drawback is that it has ammonium lauryl sulfate as the second ingredient so it made my hair feel stripped and I had to follow up with a sulfate free moisturizing shampoo. As far as shedding goes, I'm not gonna lie to y'all and say it stopped my shedding---because it didn't. I will say that my shedding has decreased a little bit following this first usage but time will tell how effective it is.

I've also been trying One N Only Argan Oil which I :love:!

I paid $12 for this at my local BSS and it has been one of the best hair finds for me. Now I will say the name is kind of misleading. One N Only Argan Oil is mainly chock full of 'cones and not just 100% oil and oil alone. However, this product is amazing! I have used it for blow drying and flat ironing and found that it makes for a pretty good heat protectant. A little goes a long way with this product and my hair never feels weighed down with this product. I've also used it for air drying and I found that it goes a great job of keeping the frizzies at bay. Really, there isn't enough that I can say about this product. I just know that I love it and it is definitely staying in the rotation!

I am a Braidout Queen!!

2011-06-03T09:09:00.000-05:00

...well not really lol

Happy Friday everyone! I can't believe I actually have free time to post something today (I have been incredibly busy-and stressed- trying to get this thesis proposal together)! Anyway, this past week I started doing braidouts. Why it took me so long to do them, I have no idea. All I know is, it dawned on me that my hair is actually long enough to do them. Check it out:

Pretty cool huh? That is actually the second braid out that I have done. The first one was quite tragic. I pretty much learned the hard way that uh....you really shouldn't mess with the braid out too much. Doesn't turn out good. Not at all. Once I figured that out, it has been smooth sailing. Braidouts are a low/lowered manipulation style. I just braid my hair at night and undo in the morning. No combing or anything!

Since I know you're dying to know what products I used and how I did it, I'm gonna go ahead and tell you.

1) I separate my hair into 6 sections.
2) To each section, I apply Shea Moisture Curl and Style Conditioning Milk (just enough to moisturize it but not enough to weigh my hair down).
3) I braid my hair so that I end up with 6 plaits.
4) Place stain rollers at the end so my ends aren't straight
5) Spray Shea Organics Hold and Shine Moisture Mist (just a little).

In the morning, I undo the plaits with a little bit of oil (I mainly place the oil on my ends) adjust my hair so that I can get a headband on and head out the door! Easy peasy! I haven't noticed any breakage (I'm guessing that's because I'm basically moisturizing and sealing every night) and it allows me to enjoy my hair!

10:38pm

2011-05-26T22:52:00.000-05:00

It's 10:38pm on a Thursday and I'm sitting under my heat cap...deep conditioning and watching Snapped. I decided around 9pm that I had to wash my hair TONIGHT! I wasn't going to go to bed with a dirty head of hair. Fortunately, I am not straightening it so I will be able to get into the bed at a decent hour.

But that's not what this post is about.

As you guys know, my hair has grown quite a bit during my journey. However, from time to time I find myself doing the same things I did when I first cut my hair. This was really, really evident when I would wash and condition my hair. Now when my hair was shorter, I never had to worry about product (shampoo, conditioner, etc.) getting onto all of my hair. I mean, how could it not? It was all very no fuss, no muss back then. :sigh:

Well, I have been following the same washing procedure. I didn't section anything off. I just washed.......and apparently I can't do that anymore lol. For awhile, there have been parts of my hair that is OMG amazing! Soft, lush, and all that good stuff. Then, there are other parts that just feel....eh. It's not super duper dry but it's not make you slap your mama soft either-it's just there. So, after doing an intensive search (well, not really intensive. I just used the search function on LHCF) I figured that I have to start washing my hair in sections. That way I can ensure that all of my hair gets the product that it needs. This is what I've been doing:

1) I section my hair into four (4) braids before getting into the shower
2) Once in the shower, I unbraid one (1) section, wet it, finger comb it a bit, and apply shampoo. Once finished, I rebraid that section.
3) Repeat for the other sections (**)
4) Once all sections have been shampooed, I proceed to rinse the shampoo out section by section and rebraid each section once the shampoo is washed out.

**I let the shampoo sit on my hair for at least 5 minutes. I don't know what the science is but I find that sulfate free shampoos work better on my hair that way.

I also apply my deep conditioner to my hair in sections....basically, as of right now, my wash day process is done in sections from start to finish. So far, my hair is loving it! All parts of my hair gets the product it needs and makes my life that much easier.

So the bottom line is this: you gotta learn how to to adapt sometimes! :)

Musings of a Sleepy Girl....

2011-05-23T21:09:00.000-05:00

It has been about a week or so since I last updated this thing. I was meaning to but last week, I was just extremely tired for some reason. I would come home 'nap' and wake up around 9pm or 10pm. The post is just random things that are going on and some random thoughts I've had during the week. Now keep in mind, that are absolutely random. Don't expect any logic to them whatsoever lol

1) My french braids are getting better! :D I've been rocking my Tammy half-wig for awhile now and I pretty much keep my hair in two french braids underneath. Now let me tell you, my braids have come a looooooooong way from where I started (meaning: my first set of french braids were really really sloppy). Now, they are much better but you can still tell where my hands got tired-usually on the second braid. I'm finding that I really have to take my time with these particular braids.

2) My hair feels...meh. I need to wash it but this past weekend was not my own. I was in meetings followed by social events..I just haven't found the time. My hair still feels pretty moisturized for the most part but I know I need to wash it and soon.

3) One n' Only Argan Oil is awesome! I'm gonna have to do a product review for it but for now, just know that it's awesomeness.

and finally (and this is totally non hair related)

5) I don't like that Beyonce song. I don't care if her performance was good at the Billboard Awards, that song is still suck-tastic. There I said it.

Happy Monday everyone!

This Can't Be Possible....Right?

2011-05-14T22:14:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone!

I hope you guys are having a awesome weekend! Mine has been pretty busy but I thought I'd pop in with a not so random musing of mine.

Last night, I washed and DCed my hair (and actually found that I have to wash and DC my hair in sections-just so all of my hair gets product on it). I then straightened it for this meeting I had to attend (Girl Scouts of North Central Alabama Annual Meeting). For kicks, I wanted to see what my hair progress was...if any. I did a length check on April 19th so I didn't expect much from my hair. However, this is what I saw:

Now if you recall, in April after my relaxer my hair looked like this:

I didn't adjust my bra any differently and I'm not hitting the gangsta lean (lol) to make my hair look longer. I'm just flummoxed. Is it possible to have that kind of retention in 3 weeks? Granted, I bun and half wig (shoot my hair is back in a bun now!) a lot but I wouldn't expect this kind of progress so soon.

Y'all weigh in and tell me what you think!

My First Video (on YouTube)!

2011-05-11T23:25:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone!

I just did a super duper quick review on the Goody Bun Spiral. I decided to make a video for it b/c any attempt at a picture review would've been a big fat fail!

Enjoy!

Return to My Beloved: Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Conditioner

2011-05-11T22:15:00.000-05:00

Happy Hump Day!

The mercury is rising here in Alabama (90 degree weather anyone?) and um....I don't feel like going through the motions of straightening my hair. I just really don't feel like it. So the way I see it, this summer is about to be a huge break from heat for my hair. All right, enough with this rambling.

I've started co-washing again (and right on time too since I plan on getting back on a workout schedule sometime this month) and after months and months of not using it, I used my HE Hello Hydration conditioner. I love everything about this conditioner from its smell to the way it moisturizes my hair (and my hair is a serious moisture junkie). I have no clue why I abandoned it to use that Aussie Moist stuff. It just doesn't compare. <3

I just wanted to share my love for this product with you guys. I guess that's the good thing about staple products. You can stray and try new/different products but you can always come back to what works...and this works! :)

Lessons My Mama Taught Me

2011-05-08T13:22:00.000-05:00

Happy Mother's Day to all the mommies out there!

In honor of Mother's Day, I just want to take a moment to talk about my mom and share some hair related (and some non hair related) things I have learned from her.

Onto the hair stuff.....

Now let me say that during the time that my mom had me, she was the tomboy of all tomboys. She wasn't into hair or makeup for real but then here I come...her firstborn...all extra girly and stuff lol. However, she has taught me some important lessons about hair.

1)You should wash your hair frequently. When I was coming up, my hair got done weekly (usually on a Saturday or a Sunday). That was just what you did. Now granted, we had no clue about sulfate free shampoos or deep conditioners but we did know that you couldn't go weeks (or months) at a time w/o washing it.

2) Relaxer broke your hair off? Stop using it! Ah. The Great Relaxer Debacle of '98. I had gotten my first relaxer (hey..I was in middle school and wanted to be like the other girls in my class), my hair was super straight, and my hair began to break off. It was my mother who first took notice of it and it was my mother who put the breaks on me relaxing for awhile. She set up a regimen of sorts for me during that time too. I was to wash and condition my hair weekly, then she would braid it (cornrows, french braids...it didn't matter). It actually turned out to be something good for my hair.

3) You aren't supposed to relax that frequently. When I was in high school, I started relaxing my hair again but this time, it was my mom who would relax my hair. Now the frequency in which my hair was relaxed was entirely dependent on my mom and a lot of times she just didn't feel like it. Shoot, a lot of times she didn't feel like relaxing her own hair. The result? I would go 3,4, or 5 months between relaxers. I was stretch before I even knew what it was! In retrospect, my hair was a lot healthier then. I really didn't begin to see damage in my hair until I went to college and started relaxing every 4 weeks.

Since life isn't only about hair, I've learned a lot of life lessons from my mom as well. However, since I don't have the space or the time to list out almost 26 years worth of lessons (and I'm sure you guys don't feel like reading all of that lol), I'm narrowing it down to the 3 big ones.

1) Be yourself. Yeah I know. It's so simple but it is so true. I spent a good portion of my life trying to fit what other people thought of me--and I was miserable for it. Now, however, I am 100% me--quirks and all. I can be a little too blunt sometimes (well a lot of the time), I'm kind of a nerd, and a tad bit goofy ...and that's ok with me. That's the person I am.

2)It's never too late to do the right thing. Admittedly, this is something I struggle with from time to time b/c I find it difficult to forget when someone has slighted me in some way. However, I can now appreciate someone making the effort to want to make things right and I can be a little more receptive to hearing their side of the tale. On the flip side, I can realize that if I have slighted someone, it's never too late for me to make things right.

3) Get your finances in order. This is something I learned a long time ago as a child. My mom struggled to make ends meet during my childhood. Even though she was in the military, there were plenty of times when Pepco turned our lights off, our water got turned off, we had to go into the Commissary w/ only $50 to spend on food, etc. I knew at the age of 9 that I didn't want to struggle like that when I was a grownup. Growing up through that not only taught me that you have to be able to discern between a need and a want (I mean it really did) but it taught me the importance of budgeting and paying your bills on time. I'm still working on the budgeting thing but I definitely pay those bills on time lol.

I know this was kinda long but I just wanted to share some things that I have learned from my mother and let y'all know just how awesome she is!

What lessons have you learned from your mother?

Goody Bun Spiral=One Big Ol' Spin Pin

2011-05-07T21:39:00.000-05:00

So it's Saturday and I haven't done much of anything all day. I have been playing in my hair though. Well, playing isn't the word...I've been doing "search and destroys." I noticed a lot of single strand knots (ssks) and splits in my hair and them suckers had to go! Now, my hair is in a Kourtney Kardashian inspired bun (and I'm gonna keep it bunned b/c lawdhammercy I have to lay off the heat!). Anyway, that's not important. What is important is this new gadget I bought about an hour ago- the Goody Bun Spiral. The bun spiral has been out for awhile and I've had my eye on it for awhile but just never purchased it until now.

The Goody Bun Spiral cost me $5.99+tax at Walgreens (side note: I actually was able to purchase 2 different Goody gadgets for $8.98 since there is a sale going on). Like the spin pins, the bun spiral comes in 2 colors: light and dark (of course I purchased dark). What I like about the spril is that it is super duper easy to use! All you have to do is gather your hair into a ponytail, secure it or not secure it with a ponytail holder (according to the package you don't need a ponytail holder but I guess it depends on how sleek you want your bun.), twist your hair into a bun, place the bun spiral onto your bun(make sure your hair goes through the opening), and twist the spiral clockwise to secure. That's it! I kinda like it so far. My bun is definitely secure and there isn't a chance of two spirals latching together and getting tangled in your hair---don't ask me how I know.

All in all, I say definitely pick this spiral up-especially if you bun a lot!

Look of the Day: 5/3/11

2011-05-03T13:24:00.000-05:00

Good afternoon everyone!

I decided to give Tammy a break today and wear my Outre Monica half wig. So far I love it! The style reminds me of a loose bantu knot out. Like Tammy, I purchased Monica in 1B from blackhairspray.com for $17.99. I did my blending using 2 headbands (didn't have time this morning to mess with blending my actual hair with the wig).

So..would you wear this wig? Is Monica a yay or a nay?

My Not So High Bun: 4/29/2011

2011-04-29T09:05:00.002-05:00

I've been rocking Tammy for the past two weeks or so and I just wanted to give my hair a break for a bit so today I attempted to put my hair into a high bun. For some reason, I can never get my hair into as high of a bun as I want to lol. I like it though. It's simple, understated, and perfect for a Friday. I may be wearing more buns as the mercury rises but only time will tell. :)

First Impressions: Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo

2011-04-29T08:33:00.002-05:00

The other day I decided to try this shampoo on a whim. I have seen a lot of relaxed ladies on LHCF rave about how awesome this shampoo is and decided to give it a go. I have to admit that I was kinda skeptical about this shampoo because I wasn't too impressed with the deep conditioner from this line. Either way, I wanted to test this shampoo for myself.

I purchased this shampoo at my local Walgreens (it can also be purchased at Target) and it cost me $9.99+tax. for 12oz which places it on the expensive side compared to my staple Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo (I can get a huge bottle of Elasta QP for less than $9.00. Like most of the products in the Shea Moisture line, the ingredients are natural.

Ingredients: Deionized water, decyl glucoside (sugar beets), African Butryospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), aloe vera leaf juice, argan oil, panthenol (Vitamin B-5), rosemary extract, sea kelp extract, vitamin E, Lonicera caprifolium (honeysuckle) flower and Lonicera Japonica (Japanese honeysuckle) extract.

Claims: This shampoo claims to be gentle and will help to "soften, moisturize, and repair damaged, over processed hair."

My First Impressions

It seems to me that the products from this line (well, the products I've used thus far) have a characteristic cake batter scent. Consistency-wise, I would have to say it is no different than any other shampoo-not too watery and not too thick. My only complaint is that you kinda have to work to squeeze the product of the bottle. I think it would be great if you could distribute the product through a pump instead of a squeeze bottle but that is must my personal preference.

In Action

To be a natural shampoo, this 'poo lathers up quite nicely (unlike a certain shampoo by Carol's Daughter). I find that it rinses out easily too (I wasn't rinsing my hair out forever and a day just to get that stuff out like I have to do with Elasta QP). Now let me say that I LOVE LOVE LOVE this shampoo! Once I rinsed the shampoo out, my hair felt so soft and moisturized! I have to say that I was shocked because when I used other natural shampoos, my hair felt stripped as all get out (I'm looking at you Kinky Curly Come Clean and Giovanni Smooth as Silk). I couldn't believe it! My hair was so moisturized that I could have skipped my DC if I wanted to.

Bottom Line: I'm impressed! Although I'm going to have to use this shampoo a little bit more to get a definitive impression on the product, I generally know within the first use if a product is good for my hair or not. I must say that this shampoo is a keeper! For now, I give this product a 5 out of 5!

Perhaps I Overreacted....

2011-04-21T13:28:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I posted about an anti-climatic relaxer day. I was a wee bit disappointed that I wasn't the length I expected to be. However, as I looked at my progress pics from March to April, I realized that progress had been made.

Yes, my hair is gaining in length as I am inching closer to BSL. However, I found that the majority of my progress can be seen in the fact that the rest of my hair is catching up to my longest length (hence the perfect U shape!). My hair is basically trying to even itself out! My hair has really been growing in this pattern for my entire journey. The longest length would grow, the rest of my hair would play catch up, then the cycle would repeat again.

So what's the moral of the story? This hair journey isn't just about gaining wonderful lengths. There is a bigger picture involved. It really is about learning about your hair, how it grows, and what makes it happy. I was thisclose to feeling discouraged but once I took stock of my hair's progress, I realize that I have made great strides.

Now you guys tell me: Have you guys ever felt discouraged in your hair journey? How did you overcome it?

A Watched Pot Never Boils...

2011-04-20T23:09:00.005-05:00

I just had the most anti-climatic relaxer day ever.

I relaxed my hair yesterday after a 15 week stretch (since 20+ week stretches are not for me)using Mizani Butter Blends.After going through all the motions of getting a relaxer, I expected to be grazing BSL by now but wound up at pretty much the same length as seen in my March update. o_O

All things considered though, my hair is still thick and healthy. It's also taking on a distinct U shape which I think is kind of neat. In the meantime, however, I'm still half wigging it up and will probably do so until September or so. Anyway, here are the comparison shots. The top photo is the newest update and the bottom is the March 2011 update:

I guess if I keep trying to track my progress, I'm never gonna see growth as fast as I want to. I'm gonna have to keep my hair hidden for a bit so I don't get frustrated trying to reach this hair goal. I guess it is true what they say...a watched pot never boils.

That Relaxer Itch, Half Wigs, and Overall Rambling

2011-04-15T16:57:00.005-05:00

Happy Friday everyone!

I was thisclose to relaxing this weekend. I'm about 14 weeks and 4 days post, trying to stretch to 16 weeks. I wound up not relaxing because I got 2 new half wigs so I figure that will keep me from relaxing for another week or so (which is exactly what I need!). However, after washing and DCing my hair last night, I know I cannot go past 16 weeks. My hair has so much new growth, it's starting to look like a lion's mane lol. So, I can't relax now but it's gonna happen soon.

On to the half wigs...

Last weekend, I ordered 2 half wigs from blackhairspray.com (awesome site to order from by the way!): Outre Tammy and Outre Monica (color 1B). They are synthetic, fairly inexpensive and they run about $17.99 each. Right now, I'm trying out Tammy and I *LOVE* her! The hair is very soft for it to be synthetic and the style of the hair reminds me of a braidout. It has 2 combs (one in the front and one in the back) and fits securely on my head. There is also a drawstring in the back so there is no excuse as to why this bad boy can't be secured. I had a hard time blending it (that's more b/c of my hair, it's a COMPLETELY different texture than that of the wig right now....I really really need a relaxer). I'm basically wearing Tammy with a headband right now but, I think you relaxed ladies should have no problems with blending. It's definitely perfect for half wig newbies. Check Tammy out (please excuse my makeupless face! lol)!

I think Tammy is a perfect everyday half wig. It's divatastic but not too divatastic! As you can see, I'm becoming a big fan of half wigs. As someone who doesn't like to manipulate her hair too much or use a lot of heat, half wigs are perfect. I can still get to my hair too-which is awesome. I also think this would be a good transitioning hairstyle for those ladies who are considering that.

I have yet to try out Monica..it seems more like a going out half wig than anything. Trust me though, as soon as I try her out..you guys are gonna hear about it!

What do you guys think? Would you try Tammy out?

My Hair: 4/12/11

2011-04-12T12:55:00.004-05:00

Happy Tuesday everyone! I just wanted to stop by with my hairstyle of the day. I actually took the time to do a bantu knot out! Last night, I sectioned my (dry) hair into 8 parts (2 in the front, 2 in the middle, and 4 in the back). I placed a light gel onto each section and proceeded to make my bantu knots, securing them with a bobby pin. I unraveled my bantu knots this morning and voila! Instant cuteness!

If you can't tell, I love wearing curly styles during the spring and summer. It just looks so carefree and relaxed to me.

Well what do you guys think? Yay or nay?

Freetress Drawstring Full Cap Creta Girl (and Me)

2011-04-09T17:33:00.007-05:00

I have to admit it. I have been a little full of myself lately. I've been wearing my hair out, flinging it all about..you know basically enjoying my hair. Well, in all that enjoyment I forgot that I am still trying to reach length goals. I also forgot that it was about to get here and I'm really not gonna be in the mood to do anything to my hair. I didn't want to bun and I needed a new protective style.

Enter the half wig.

I spent half the night last night looking up half wig tutorials on YouTube and looking for recommendations for half wigs that are universally flattering and easy to work with. I ordered Outre Tammy and Outre Monica from blackhairspray.com then proceeded to pick up Creta Girl (number 2) from my local BSS.

I paid about $23 plus tax for Creta Girl. Creta is a synthetic half wig that can also be worn as a ponytail. Surprisingly, the hair is very soft. It's also very very curly and very very big (which I love!). Like most half wigs, there is a long comb in the front of the wig and 2 smalled combs in the back. There is also a drawstring (again, this is if you want to wear it as a ponytail).

What's my verdict? I LOVE IT!!! I have gotten so many compliments on it so far and it doesn't look like an obvious wig. I don't know why I didn't try half wigs before but I am so glad I did!

Tell me what you think...is Creta Girl a yay or a nay?

Why I Dislike Redken Smooth Down Heat Glide

2011-04-02T22:36:00.002-05:00

I admit. I have tried a fair share of heat protectants in my day. I have my staples: Mizani Thermasmooth, Tresseme Heat Protectant Spray, and Fantasia IC heat protectant. I've even had to revisit heat protectants that I thought I hated (can we say Beyond the Zone Turn Up the Heat?).

However, there is one heat protectant that I absolutely cannot stand. No matter how many times I've tried it. No matter how many different ways I have tried it...it. just. will. not. work. Now, I'm over it. I feel like I've given it a fair shot and now I'm gonna voice how much I do not like it.

The heat protectant in question is Redken Smooth Down Heat Glide. You would think that something that is similar in composition to my beloved Mizani Thermasmooth wouldn't be so awful but it is! I've determined that Redken Smooth Down Heat Glide is just too heavy for my hair. No matter when I use it and no matter how much I use, the end result is heavy, weighed down hair!

Well, I'm listening to my hair now and I refuse to purchase this mess anymore!

Is there a product that your hair simply cannot stand?

My Review: FHI Nano Weight Pro 1800 Hair Dryer

2011-04-02T21:54:00.004-05:00

For months now, I have been at my wits end trying to perfect my flat ironing technique. I mean, don't get me wrong...my technique so far has been ok. It was just really hit or miss. Sometimes it would turn out decent, sometimes it would be a huge, fat fail. I had to learn how to get great flat iron results though. I refuse to pay anyone to straighten my hair when I have a $130 flat iron sitting in my bathroom. After some research, I found that the good basis for any flat iron session, is a good blow dryer. A good blow dryer will do the initial straightening for you and result in less passes of the flat iron when you finally do flat iron.

So, I looked at my Jilbere Porcelain Series hair dryer that I got waaaay back in the beginning of my journey at Sally's for about $50. I found that no matter how good my technique was and after tweaking my technique a variety of ways, my flat iron results were never quite what I wanted them to be. It became clear to me: I had to get a newer, better hair dryer.

Today, I swung by Ulta and picked up the FHI Nano Weight pro 1800 hair dryer. This dryer is a ceramic tourmaline dryer-which is exactly what I wanted. It comes with a diffuser and a concentrator (nozzle). Unfortunately, it doesn't come with a comb attachment. I have to warn those who are watching their pennies, the dryer is pricey. It ran me about $100. If you order it online, it may cost more.

Now, without further ado, the review.

The cool stuff:

-The dryer is very lightweight! I was able to dry my hair without my arms getting tired midway through.

-It isn't as loud as your everyday dryer. I mean, yeah, it's gonna make some noise but it's nowhere near as loud an ordinary dryer.

- This sucker will dry your hair fast! Usually, it takes me about an hour to dry my hair completely. With this dryer, my hair was dry in 30min! It cut my drying time in half!

-Once dry, my hair wasn't puffy at all. It was very sleek and didn't have a dry feeling to it. My hair was dry and moisturized.

The bad stuff

-Limited heat options. There is low heat and low speed and high heat at high speed. I usually prefer to dry my hair at medium heat and this dryer doesn't have that. The high heat wouldn't be so bad except....

-The high heat freakin feels like Hell's furnace! This dryer blows out the heat! However, the high heat is just entirely too hot for my liking. What makes it suck even more is that you can't really go to low heat because low heat is slightly less hot than high. Slightly.

Bottom Line: This dryer definitely did the job in terms of being the perfect basis for my flat iron. It got my hair straight and did it in less time than my usual dryer. However, the high heat setting is just too hot! Additionally, there isn't a medium heat setting. In the future, I would probably air dry for a few hours then blow dry, just to limit the time I spend blow drying. Either way, if I give this hair dryer 4 stars out of 5.

Year 3: A Reflection

2011-03-29T21:21:00.003-05:00

March 2011 marks my 3rd year of my healthy hair journey. To say that this journey has been nothing but amazing would be an understatement. I've watched my hair grow to the longest length it has ever been and I'm finding myself to be the go-to person amongst my family and friends for hair care.

This was not my initial goal. Way back in 2008, I just wanted a solution for my dry hair and a way to keep my hair from breaking so much. Back then, I couldn't imagine my hair getting close to BSL, but yet here I am. :)

Looking back, I've learned so much but I admit that I don't know everything. I've never had hair this long so that comes with a new set of rules for maintenance. This summer, I'm learning how to make it through w/o braids. Shoot, I'm still learning what products work and when.

However, I am excited what the next year will bring and to see if I will reach my ultimate goal of MBL (anything beyond that would be too much for me to care for). Thank all of you for taking this journey with me. Hopefully my experiences, have been of help to you in your journey. :)

Happy Tuesday you guys!

The Weekend's Here! What are you doing to your hair?

2011-03-25T18:55:00.007-05:00

After a long and productive work/school week, it's finally the weekend! I don't know about you but for me, the weekend signals that it's time for my weekly hair ritual. During the weekend, I take time to wash, DC, and style my hair. It's usually a very soothing and relaxing time for me. Almost therapeutic in a way.

This weekend, it is supposed to do nothing but rain in Birmingham so it is the ideal weekend to do hair. I'm not gonna want to go anywhere because it'll be icky out. As usual, I will wash my hair with Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo and DC with with Aubrey Organics GPB or with Aubrey Organics White Camellia.

However, instead of straightening my hair, I'm gonna start building up my summer style portfolio. This will probably be the first summer in a long time where I'm not in braids and as much as I love buns, I'll probably get tired of them by the time July rolls around.

This weekend will be devoted to bantu knot outs. I've wore bantu knot outs before but it has been AGES since I've worn them. They provide a nice versatile curly style that is very summer-ish.

Check out the vids below to recreate bantu knot outs of your own! One is from Macherie from Healthy Textures (isn't her hair just gorgeous!!)

The second is from crownofhisglory. It's a very short and to the point tutorial but essentially this is what I do for bantu knots. I usually put them in while I'm in front of the tv or something.

....so tell me, what are your hair plans for the weekend?

Call Me Crazy But.....

2011-03-25T18:10:00.003-05:00

I think I'm gonna extend my stretch by 4 weeks. I'll be 12 weeks post on Tuesday and I just don't feel the need to relax just yet. My new growth isn't particularly unruly and I'm wearing loose buns the majority of the time anyway. I'm gonna push it to 16 weeks (which will put me at 4 months post).

Gonna keep you guys posted! :)

Guess Who's Back!

2011-03-25T17:57:00.004-05:00

Hey everyone! I'm back with another post!

Well I have to tell you that I took the tree braids out 2 weeks ago. They were starting to wreak havoc on my edges. I'm glad I took them out when I did though..I was starting to get buildup galore on my edges. After going through all that, I think tree braids would be the last braid style that I would recommend to anybody. If you have to get braids, get kinky twists.

I also did a my first length check of the year. I'm slowly getting to BSL. However, I wonder if my bra strap is actually where MBL is. Anyway, let's take a look at the progress from December to March. The top photo is is the most recent photo while the bottom one is my update from December.

You can see my hair starting to even out a bit which is great. I can't wait until I reach my final goal of MBL. Maybe I can get there by the end of this year. Who knows? :)

A Method Revisited: Air Drying

2011-02-25T10:43:00.003-06:00

Way back in March '08 when I started my hair journey, I air dried my hair (in addition to various other techniques lol). However, every time I would do that my hair would be a puffy, fluffy mess. So I began to not do it so often. Not when I first cut my hair and definitely not when I'm 10 weeks into a 12 week stretch. However, a few months ago, I began to notice that my hair can't take blow drying as well as I thought it could. I mean, if I blow dry every once in awhile my hair is ok but do to it after every wash? Yeah, my hair was NOT pleased.

So, with caution,I approached this air drying thing again. I have to admit that I was kinda scared b/c my hair is much longer and thicker than it was back in '08....if I don't air dry correctly the results could be catastrophic. Anyway, I had heard great things about the scarf method for air drying and after doing an exhaustive Youtube search about the method, I decided to give it a try.

Here's what you need:
-Your favorite leave-in
-A wide tooth comb
-Your favorite anti frizz serum (I use Fantasia IC Frizz Buster)
-Ponytail holder
-Scarf

Here's what you do:
-Section your hair into 4 parts
-Individually spray each section with your leave in then detangle with your wide tooth comb
-Apply the frizz serum (not too much! I use a quarter sized amount)
-Gather your hair into a a ponytail and secure it with a ponytail holder
-Tie on your scarf
-Let your hair dry (however much is up to you-you can wait til it's 80% dry or 100% dry or whatever floats your boat)

When your hair dries, it will not be puffy. Actually it will be pretty smooth and ready for whatever style you are gonna put it in.

So the moral of the story is this: air drying doesn't necessarily have to end with unruly hair. It's all about what products you use and what methods you use.

Awesomeness :)

Taliah Waajid Protective Mist Bodifier: A Review

2011-02-25T09:56:00.004-06:00

Happy Friday everyone!

I hope everyone has had a productive and successful week. I know I have been M.I.A. a bit and I do apologize for that but it doesn't mean that I don't have products to review.

About a month or so ago I was in my local BSS (one opened up by my apartment--a product junkie's dream and worst nightmare) just browsing when I saw Taliah Waajid Protective Mist Bodifier. It markets itself as a daily leave in conditioner but can also be re-purposed for other uses (e.g.--braid removal). I had heard great things about it via LHCF so I decided to give it a whirl. I paid around $7-$8 for a 8oz bottle which makes it cheaper than my staple (Jane Carter Solution Revitalizing Leave-In).

First Impressions: This leave-in has a thick consistency! I was expecting a more water based leave in but this was not so. For some, this can lead to product build-up so keep in mind that you can dilute the product with water to thin it out a bit (and to make the product last longer).

Also, if you aren't a big scent person be warned that this product smells.....tropical. To me it smells like coconuts. I like coconuts. I like the smell of them so this was cool with me. However, if you don't like coconut smell this may not be for you.

Product in Action: I have been using this leave in (not diluted) post wash and DC. Let me just say that this product is awesome for air drying!! When I use this leave in (with a little Fantasia IC Frizz Buster), my hair dries all nice and soft! I mean buttery soft. Oh so silky smooth soft! That for me is a plus. I have tried it diluted yet but I just may have to since I have these tree braids in now.

Bottom Line: I'd give this product 4 out of 5 stars. The reason for that is even though I can use the product straight out the bottle, some of you may not be able to and may have to dilute it. Also, the smell may be too much for scent sensitive folks.
Ultimately, it does what it says it does in providing moisture and I'll probably keep this in the rotation for awhile.

Tree Braids and Other Random Things....

2011-02-15T19:47:00.003-06:00

It has been awhile since my last update. It hasn't been because I'm busy though. I was just bored with my hair. I had been straightening and bunning my hair since October and quite frankly I was tired of it. About a week and a half ago I got some tree braids put in. At this stage in my journey, tree braids and cornrows are pretty much the only options for my hair in terms of braids with extensions. My hair is pretty much too long for micros and kinky twists. Anyway, have a look:

Ok, here's the run down on tree braids. I pretty much call them glorified cornrows...which they are. My hair is in small cornrows and has the braider braids about 4 strokes or so then pulls out hair which gives the illusion that I have a weave. So the pattern looks like (- equals braiding > equals hair pull out):

--->-->--->........( and so on and so forth)

It's actually kinda cool when you think about it. Since my hair is in cornrows, I can keep my scalp clean with the ORS Herbal Cleanse Dry Shampoo and I can spray leave in onto my braids. It's pretty low maintenance and I tend to keep the hair that's out in a bun since the hair gets tangled easily. The style takes about 3 to 4 hours to create, lasts between 6 and 8 weeks, and can be done with human or synthetic hair.

My only issue with this style is that the added hair sheds A LOT! I think the shedding is really evident because my hair is in a straight style. I may had to compare what happens when I use wet and wavy hair ( or something with some sort of curl) to make an accurate assessment about that. Also, you have to really be aware how tight the braider is braiding your edges b/c these braids are all up on them.

So far, however, I love tree braids and they are giving me a welcome break from my hair. I'm trying to decide if I should stick with tree braids over the summer or just do cornrows (w/o extensions). Time will tell....

I'm Going Heat-Free

2011-01-23T15:48:00.002-06:00

....for 2 weeks. What did you think I was gonna give it up completely? LOL
This winter has been a huge learning experience for me. My hair has been a little on the dry side this winter and I have been at my wits end trying to figure out how to remedy it. I've been buying moisturizer after moisturizer after moisturizer to no avail. My hair wasn't feeling completely, 100%, undoubtedly moisturized. A few days ago, I figured out why my hair has been dry. I stopped using my staple deep conditioners: Aubrey Organics White Camellia and Aubrey Organics GPB. Instead, I had been primarily using ORS Replenishing (which I love and will do if I don't have my GPB) and Mizani Moisturefuse (I have huge tub of this that I am trying to finish). I used the ORS and the Mizani during the summer with no ill effects. However, I am finding that during the winter, that combination is HELL for my hair. So, yesterday, I drove to the Whole Foods on Highway 280 and picked up my loves. I DCed with it last night and.....my hair is back to normal! It feels like it is moisturized! That is the feeling I have been searching for all winter long! :)
I say at that to say when you find your staples, stick with them.

Moving on to my next point....about the heat and everything. I'm just gonna bun for the next 2 weeks. If I bun longer than that so be it. I'm just tired of straightening every week. It's starting to feel like a chore so that tells me I need a break from it. So, for now I will be washing, DCing, putting my hair in a bun and letting it air dry. I guess I can call it a no-heat challenge but really I'm just being lazy.

Anyway, that's it for today. Happy Sunday everyone!

Rockin' the Curls

2011-01-09T15:24:00.003-06:00

Yesterday I talked about using flexirods on dry hair to get a nice curly style. Well last night I did just that so that I could wear my hair curly for church today! I have to say that I am absolutely loving the results. My curls are so bouncy and fun! I love them! I definitely gonna keep doing this!

However, one thing I will not do anymore is use 16 flexirods to set my hair. I had the hardest time finding a comfortable position to sleep in--and I likes my sleep so yeah. From here on out, I'm using 4 of these bad boys.

Anyway, without further ado.....my hair

Alternatives to Wrapping....

2011-01-08T21:22:00.006-06:00

I have to admit. Me and wrapping go waaaaaaaaaaaaaay back. I remember when I learned how to wrap my hair. I was a freshman at Norfolk State and up until that point I had never wrapped my hair. In fact, my friends thought that was quite odd (I went to an HBCU). Anyway, they were the ones who taught me how to wrap my hair. Fast forward 7.5 years and I'm still wrapping my hair.

Until now.

The further I get into this hair journey of mine, the more I see how traumatic this whole wrapping thing is for my hair. Simply put, for my hair it is A LOT of manipulation. Every time I wrap/unwrap I have a little more breakage than I'm used to. Quite frankly, I'm tired of seeing it. I just don't feel right doing it on a daily basis when my hair is straightened. This means I need to find alternatives right? Right!

Well so far I just have 2 alternatives (cross wrapping is not one of them...me+cross wrapping= #fail all around):

-Flexi-rods. I dunno why it didn't occur to me eons ago to use them on my dry hair like rollers. Oh well. Better late than never right? I pretty much take the 1 inch flexi-rods (the ones I have are green if you want to go by color) and roll them in my hair. I use a smaller flexirod for my bangs. I'm finding that the 1 inch flexirods provide a nice little "bump" to my ends. All I have to do in the morning is unroll and style. Boom! Done! It's great right? Another benefit of this is that I don't have to use heat on my hair. This is perfect since I just got a trim and if I wanna keep up with the trend of going extremely long periods of time without trimming, I gotta lay off the heat.

In the future, I may try using smaller flexirods to see what kind of look I get from that. For now, however, this will do.

-Pin curling. I've done this once and have been too lazy to try it again. Simply put, pin curling is basically rolling your hair without the roller. Honestly, I'm too lazy to do it. For me, it just seems like a lot of work to do night after night after night....ugh!!

But......

If you want to learn how to do pincurls on your hair, SalonCabelo on YouTube has an awesome pincurling tutorial. Just click the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLST3eCHgJ4

Hopefully, throughout the year, I can find more no heat wrapping alternatives but for now, these will do.

Happy Saturday everyone!

A Word About Trimming: How I Handle It

2011-01-06T18:50:00.002-06:00

There comes a time in your hair journey where you have to trim your hair (or "get rid of those janky looking ends" as I like to call it). Now, cutting your hair while you are on this growth journey may seem a little counterintuitive. Why would anyone cut hair that they are trying to grow out? Trimming is, believe it or not, an important part of retention and it gives your hair a new, fresh look.

Now some folks may say that you need to trim every 4, 6, or 8 weeks (or as some stylists will tell you--after every relaxer). In my opinion, that is far too frequent. I find that you may have to trim that often if you use heat a lot. Take me for example, I got my hair trimmed today after not having a trim in over a year. Then to top it off, a lot of hair didn't need to be cut off because my ends were in good condition. I attribute this to not using a ton of heat on a daily basis. Anyway, I say all that to say that you decide how often you want to trim. If you want to trim once you meet a hair goal, by all means do so! Don't feel like you have to stick to some hard and fast schedule of trimming.

How do I trim my hair?

Well, I trim my hair 1 of 2 ways. Usually, I will do a "search and destroy" mission through my hair. When I'm sitting in front of the tv, bored, I will grab my shears (you can pick up a good set of hair shears at Sally's for $25. Do NOT use regular old paper cutting scissors. They will jack your hair up!) and just go through my hair looking for splits. When I find a strand with a split, I will cut the split from that strand.

However, I cannot live on search and destroys alone. My hair does have to be trimmed at some point. To do that, I will go to a salon to get it done. Now, some people are coordinated enough to do trims on their own with shears or some sort of trimming gadget. I am not one of those people! I'm too much of a klutz and would wind up cutting a huge chunk of my hair. Before I go any further, let my post my personal thoughts about this. I firmly believe that if you want to get a trim that actually is a trim, go to a place that has the word -Cut in the name ( e.g.-SuperCuts, MasterCuts, the Hair Cuttery). I find at these places, they will do exactly what you want. First of all, these people have been trained in hair cutting. That is what they do all day everyday! They also know how to cut to specifications. These people most likely deal with members of the military (who have to have their hair cut according to regulations), parents of young children (who want their child's hair cut a certain way), etc. Trust me, they will do what you say. Now if you want to take your chances in a regular salon, be my guest but don't say I didn't warn you!

Anyway, I go into SuperCuts (and the girl who does my hair is amazing by the way). I tell her what I want done (trim) and tell her to cut no more 1/4 of an inch. She'll tell me she won't have to cut that much off and proceeds to cut off the bare minimum because she understands that I am growing my hair out (she also has a lot of AA customers so she understands we are serious about getting a trim and not a cut lol),
Now it's like my hair is starting off on a clean slate AND I didn't lose any length-which is great.

So to summarize (because I know this post is long):

-Trimming: you have to do it but you choose how often you do it
-You can search and destroy as a trim option or do a full blown trim
-Your best bet for a successful trim (if you want a salon to do it) is a place with the word "-Cut" in its name

Getting From SL to APL

2011-01-06T14:51:00.003-06:00

First, let me say Happy New Year! I hope you all are having an amazing 2011 so far.

Anyway, if you have been following my progress then you know that in 2010 I made SL and APL. One question that I have noticed on the hair boards I frequent that comes up a lot is a) How long does it take to get to APL from SL? and b) What do you do to get past the SL/APL hump? Well, I figured that it would be a good idea to share what I have done. Hopefully, this will help those trying to reach their APL goal.

First things first......

It took me 7 months to graze APL and it took me 9 months to achieve full APL. So for the people who say they reached APL in 3 months, I'd really like to know what they did.

How did I get past the SL/APL hump?

1) Maintain your regimen if it works. Whatever you have been doing to maintain your hair, keep on doing it! Your hair obviously is thriving from it. Do not feel like you have to kick up your regimen to achieve your goal! You washing and DCing your hair 20 times a day isn't gonna get you to APL any faster (yeah...I know that example is a little extreme but you know what I mean)

2) Lay off the heat. I think this is the most important factor...even more important than protective styling. If your ends (which are the oldest, most fragile part of your hair) are getting bombarded with heat everyday...of course they are gonna break off! In turn, you aren't able to retain as much length as you would like. Personally, I did a lot of bunning and phony ponying to keep from using too much heat. My hair is thanking me for it too.

3) Let your hair be. Give it a rest. I did a lot of low manipulation/protective styling during this growth period. During the summer when it was unbearably hot, I keep my hair braided up. In the late summer/early fall season, I wore a lot of phony ponies and buns. When I finally did wear my hair out, it would only be for 2-3 days at a time. For the most part, styling wise I left my hair alone. I wasn't constantly in it which meant I wasn't constantly combing, brushing, or whatever else. Again, my hair thanked me for it.

That is really all I did. There really wasn't an elaborate plan to reach APL. I just did what was best for my hair. I want to point out that some people can reach APL without doing any of this which is great. However, I am not one of those people. I really had to be aware of what I was doing to my hair at any given time. So as you begin your journey to APL, you really need to have a good idea of what your hair responds to...what it likes...what it doesn't like. Once you have a grasp on that, reaching APL is a breeze!

First Impressions: Shea Moisture Raw Shea Deep Treatment Masque

2010-12-22T12:41:00.003-06:00

So I'm home for the holidays and I have A LOT of free time on my hands (and I do mean a lot!). As a result, I've been really into my hair because I don't have anything better to do. LOL

Last night, I tried a new product Shea Moisture Raw Shea Deep Treatment Masque. If you don't already know, the Shea Moisture line can be found in Target. Although the majority of the line is targeted towards the natural ladies (every other product talked about 'defining curls' and since I am relaxed, I figured that those products were not for me), I wanted to give this moisturizing DC a shot. Wintertime is really a time to up the moisture game and I wanted to see if this condish met the goal.

Price: $9.99+tax

Ingredients: deionized water, butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), argan oil, cetyl esters, sea kelp extract, panthenol (vitamin b-5), ammonium salt, essential oil blend, avocado oil, lonicera caprifolium (honeysuckle) flower and lonicera japonica (japanese honeysuckle) flower extract, tocopherol (vitamin e), hyssopus officinalis extract, salvia officinalis (sage) leaf and equisetum arvense extract, soybean oil, daucus carota sativa (carrot) seed oil.

Just looking at the ingredient list, you can't go wrong! It contains all the good stuff. It also does not contain any of the bad stuff--mineral oil, parabens, etc.) When I opened the product, it had a very thick consistency...very thick. It also has a very sweet smell....kind of like cake batter.

After washing my hair, I coated my hair with the condish, placed a shower cap on, and DCed using my heat cap for 40min. When I rinsed the condish out, my hair felt....a'ight (yes a'ight lol). Now, I will say that when it comes to moisturizing my hair, this DC met all expectations. My hair felt very moisturized. However, I am accustomed to using DCs that have incredible slip and sadly, this DC did not have the slip I am used to. I had to follow up with Silicon Mix just to get some slip!

Bottom Line: Will I repurchase? Maybe----only if I don't have any of my staples nearby. Although I left my hair wonderfully moisturized, you really don't get a lot of product for the price and it doesn't have a good amount of slip. If you must use it, I suggest following up with a DC that offers a good amount of slippage.

End of Year Length Check: 2010

2010-12-19T15:48:00.003-06:00

Happy Sunday!

Well....it's almost the end of 2010! Hair-wise, my hair has grown so much! I started 2010 grazing SL, now I'm APL! I must say that I am definitely pleased that I have been able to meet my hair goals for the year and I hope the trend continues for 2011.

Ok....enough with the small talk. Here is the length of my hair as of December 19, 2010.

In case you forgot, in October 2010 my hair was here:

As you can see, my is is APL without a doubt! :)

Hats, Hats, and mo' Hats!

2010-12-14T09:52:00.004-06:00

LOL

I can be so lame sometimes.

Anyway, it has been downright FRIGID in the 'Ham as of late (it was 17 degrees this morning plus whatever the windchill was when I headed out to lab smh) and I found out that my hair doesn't like it at all. So this morning, I put some shea butter on my ends, bunned my hair, and placed a slouch beret thing on my hair and called it a day. It turns out that my ends love shea butter...well in this winter weather they do. My ends are definitely nicely moisturized and it's cutting down some on this breakage I have been seeing (nothing major, just a few more broken pieces than I'm used to seeing).

So far this week, I've been wearing hats and I just wanted to post my looks from Monday and today. Now, be warned, I've latched on to this slouch beret thing. I purchased a rack of them at Rue21 and my local beauty supply store.

I'll probably incorporate different types of hats as the winter progresses. I just need to find styles that I like. I definitely need to find satin/silk lined hats. As of right now, I have a satin scarf on underneath my hat lol. I gotta protect my hair man!

Happy Tuesday everyone!

Oh The Weather Outside Is Frightful.......

2010-12-12T16:32:00.003-06:00

....and it's kicking my hair's behind!!

This cold weather is just running a number on my hair and I am on a mission to keep my hair moisturized and happy. To this end, I am trying 2 new things: Shea Butter and Silicon Mix. Although I have been using them a short while, let me tell you about my experiences with them thus far.

1) Silicon Mix

Oh where has this wonderful conditioner been all my life!?!? I deep conditioned with it for an hour on Thursday (even though the directions say leave it on for 2-3min) and my hair felt......AMAZING!! It was so soft, yet strong. Although I can't definitively say that Silicon Mix is specifically a protein condish or a moisturizinf condish, I can say that this conditioner has protein (keratin), ceramides, and glycerin in it. A word of warning though. The second ingredient is mineral oil so if you're trying to avoid mineral oil, this may not be for you. Also, Silicon Mix is pretty heavily scented. I can still smell the scent on my hair and I DCed 3 days ago! All and all though, this is definitely a keeper!

2) Shea Butter

I had to find a thicker moisturizer to use during the winter other than my ORS Carrot Oil (which I primarily use in the summer months). I'm kinda weary about this. Don't get my wrong, I know how awesome shea butter is. However, it is so thick and I don't want to weigh my hair down with it. So, thus far, my experience with shea butter is being taken with baby steps. I basically place a small amount of shea butter in my hands (and when I say small amount, I do mean a small amount!), rub it until it melts, and place it on my hair focusing on my ends. So far, everything is good. My hair feels moisturized for the most part which is what I wanted. More to come on how it actually works for my hair.

Also, since it is winter time and we're all wearing hats and such, remember to either line your hats with silk or satin or wear a silk or satin scarf under your hat. It'll keep your hair from drying out. Also make sure to protect your ends (moisturize and seal or even bun) as they will be rubbing up against some rough fabrics (like wool, for example).

That's all I have for today you guys,

Happy Sunday!

Like a Moth to a Flame.....

2010-12-09T20:17:00.002-06:00

I am a product junkie for real yall!

A few weeks ago, a new beauty supply store opened up by my apartment. Of course I had to check it out! I'm getting tired of having to plan a trip all the way out to Ensley to get my beauty supply story fix. It's called: Hair Show Beauty Supply Store and it's off of Crestwood Blvd (for all you ladies who live in B'ham). It is a pretty big store and it have a decent sized inventory of wigs, weaves, and all that good stuff. Product wise, it was pretty...meh. Just your average products. However, they do sell Silicon Mix (which I'm trying out as a type this! I will do a review on it soon) and they sell bigger bottles of my beloved Elasta QP Creme Conditioning shampoo. :)

Don't you just love the opening of a new beauty supply store?

Creme of Nature Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment: A Review

2010-11-15T19:56:00.006-06:00

Ingredients: Aqua (Water) (Eau), Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Dicetyldimonium Chloride , Polyquaternium-32, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil) (Huile Minerale), Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Honey (Mel) (Miel), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Panthenol, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Lanolin Oil, Phenyl Trimethicone, PPG-1 Trideceth-6, Polyquaternium-10, Amodimethicone, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Starch , Isostearyl Ethylimidazolinium Ethosulfate, Parfum (Fragrance), Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Phenoxyethanol

It's raining outside and I figure what better time than now to try out this new conditioner from Creme of Nature.

I have to admit, I have been eyeballing this line for a while now. However, ever since Creme of Nature added sulfates to my former holy grail shampoo, they have gotten nothing but the side eye from me. Anyway, I noticed these packets in Walmart. They run about $1.50/pack. Under $2! If you're on a budget like myself, that is definitely not a bad price! I picked up 3 packets.

First impression: omg the scent!! It smells pretty good to me. However, for those of you who are sensitive to scents, you may want to steer clear of this conditioner b/c the scent is STRONG! I can still smell it on my hands, that's how strong it is.

Consistency wise, this conditioner is very thick and creamy, which is a plus for my strands. I can definitely see how 1 pack of this stuff can be enough for most people.

Post deep condition: Although the instructions say to DC for 10-15min, I almost always DC for 45min-1hr under a heat cap....that's just the way I have always DCed. Anyway, the condish rinsed out pretty easily. I didn't need to go back and wash out any residual conditioner. That's where the good stuff about this conditioner ended for me. My hair felt dry! I have never in my life used a DC where my hair felt dry afterwards. Fortunately, my hair was easy to comb through and didn't tangle.

Bottom Line: I am not impressed. With all the benefits I keep hearing about argan oil, I thought this condish would have done something beneficial to my hair. Maybe the ingredient listing should have been my warning but this conditioner hasn't done anything for my hair. Thankfully, I only got a packet worth instead of an entire bottle. Well...back to my Mizani and ORS I go b/c I am definitely not purchasing this again!