Saturday, July 31

Airdrying

As I have stated a few times before..I do not use any heat on my hair at all. No direct or in-direct heat, so I have to result in airdrying. One of the many complaints people have in regards to airdrying is that their hair or ends get frizzy. I don't have this issue. So here are a few ways I airdry to avoid that.
* I always use a moisturizing leave-in conditioner and seal with a light oil after washing
* When my hair is 80% Dry I either do a few big single braids or twists with silk rollers on the ends
* or when my hair is about 70% dry, comb hair back, apply some more leave-in or moisturizer to hair, then tie a scarf around the front with the ends hanging out, then put hair in two big twists,apply oil to my ends then place a bonnet on my hair
You can also airdry with regular rollers or flexi-rods. It may take a little longer to dry..but it's worth a try.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.4.8

Friday, July 30

New Face of Luster's Pink Lotion

Letoya Lucket is now the new face of Luster's Pink Lotion and although I strongly dislike their products..hahaha..she's doing her thing so I wanted to pass this along.


On how she feels being the new face of Luster's Pink Hair Lotion...
"I’m so excited! Its funny because I don’t have a professional background in hair but my grandfather was the first person to ever put a relaxer in my hair and he still to this day has his own shop in Houston Texas! And then of course with Destinys child, Tina would do our hair or we had to do each other’s hair and put perm and relaxers in each others hair, so of course this made sense, it jus made sense! Luster came to me and approached me about being a partner in the company and to join forces so I was like absolutely! And they are like a family in itself so its just great! Its crazy because I used to use PINK hair lotion when I was younger! So all of this just made sense!"
 
You know they are dead wrong for doing each-others relaxers..LOL..Well unless they really, really, really, knew how to do it right.  Haven't seen any of their real hair, so I can't say.
Oh and I used to use Pink hair lotion when I was younger too. This was when I knew absolutely nothing about hair care and thought this product would work wonders. Needless to say; with all that mineral oil in that product, it did nothing but coat my hair, not moisturize!
 
 
 
Courtesy of TheYBF and Necole Bitchie

Wednesday, July 28

Self Relaxing

I was researching ways to Self Relax and came across this thread on the Longhaircareforum posted by a member named Nixx. I think this method is perfect to a T and I decided that I will definitely be using this method and doing my own relaxer the next time around. The only difference is that I will be doing the front part of my hair first until I can figure out how I can wash the back without getting the front wet.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The following is what I to ensure an efficient relaxer application and prevent overprocessing. I also relax straight and process for 15 min.


-I do Half/Half Method where the back will always be done first. I apply relaxer to the back only and then, rinse, condition and then neutralize. After the back is complete, I do the same for the front. I put a shower cap with clips attached to section that is not being worked on.

-Apply conditioner(I usually Profectiv Breakfree) to areas of hair already relaxed.

-Part hair in four sections; two in front and two in the back.

-Part 1/4 inch sections within sections and loosely twist each section. I got the twist technique from Softresses and it works like a charm. I didn't get any relaxer on my already relaxed hair and I was able to navigate quickly. I took about 2-3 min to apply relaxer to each quarter.

Monday, July 26

Relaxer Date





I finally set a date at which I will relax my hair. August 14th!
That will make me exactly 20 weeks(5 months) post relaxer!












A week before I relax...
  •  I will shampoo and do a protein treatment in my hair to make sure it is extra strong to endure all those chemicals. I will use ORS Hair Mayo mixed with an egg.
  • I will not be working out as often to avoid co-washing/manipulating my hair.
  • I will not be oiling my scalp a week before the relaxer. For anyone using sulfur based products for hair growth you should discontinue use a week before the relaxer as well.
  • I will basically be leaving my hair alone!

Now I need to figure out if I should self relax or go to the salon! There are pro's and con's in both....but I have a little time to think about this.

Saturday, July 24

Scalp Massages

Remember the Vibrating Scalp Massager that I purchased online a lil' while ago?
See post here: Vibrating Scalp Massager

Well, it kind of died on me haha. I used to carry it in my purse, without a case or anything and use it on my way to work..or on my way home and now it no longer works :-(. Guess I got my monies worth. haha
Well now I'm going to massge my scalp kind of the old fashion way.

I use this now:


Product Features:
Stimulates the scalp
Creates the unltimate relaxing experience
Promotes hair growth
Fits in the plam of your hand
 
They sell this for like 89 Cents at CVS, Walgreens but I got mine at Sally Beauty Supply.
I massage my scalp probably every other day for about 5 minutes.
 
Reminder on the benefits:
Benefits-One of the most beneficial aspects of a scalp massage is that is will increase the circulation in the scalp area. This will help the hair follicles become receptive to the nutrients and oxygen they need for maximum health.


Effects-By increasing blood flow to the hair follicle, hair is less likely to go into the resting phase prematurely. After hair goes into the resting phase, it is shed so that new hair can begin to take its place. But if hair prematurely enters the resting phase, there could be an abundance of hair being shed at one time, which will give the appearance of thinning hair.

Wednesday, July 21

Moisturizers

What is a Moisturizer:
A creamy, mostly water based product that are used to hold moisture in the hair.
Why water based? Other non-water based moisturizers are heavy. Water based moisturizers are light which is great for your hair.

When to use Moisturizer: When ever hair is feeling dry. I usually moisturize my hair in the AM only because I condition wash almost every night. If I don't, then I moisturize twice a day.

How to Moisturize: To get the maximum benefits, I suggest moisturizing in sections. Part hair then apply the moisturizer to roots and concentrate especially on the ends. Some just moisturize the whole length of the hair.
Then to seal in the moisture, you should use an oil(coconut, sweet almond, grapeseed oil, or even mixed oils you would find in you local beauty supply store)

What ingredients to avoid when looking for a Good Moisturizer: Mineral Oil, Petroleum/Petrolatum. These do not moisturize the hair and just sit on the hair. Not penetrating the hair shaft where the moisture really needs to be.  GREASE DOES NOT MOISTURIZE HAIR

Example of a Good Ingredient List (this is for the Bio-Infusion)-

Water - Aqua , Soybean Oil - Glycine Soja , Coconut Oil - Cocos Nucifera , Propylene Glycol , Fragrance - Parfum , Olive Oil - Olea Europaea , Steareth-2 , Jojoba Oil - Buxus Chinensis , Steareth-20 , Dimethicone , Lanolin Oil , Polyquaternium-37 , Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate , PPG-1 Trideceth-6 , DMDM Hydantoin , Hydrolyzed Oat Protein , Propylparaben , Methylparaben , BHA , BHT , Bee Balm Extract - Monarda Didyma , Carrot Extract - Ducus Carota Sativa , Sunflower Seed Extract - Helianthus Annuus , Wheat Extract - Triticum Vulgare , Blue 1 - CI 42090 , Yellow 5 - CI 19140

My Fav Moisturizers-

Cantu Shea-Butter (this has some protein in it, so if your protein sensitive try out the others)
Bioinfusion Olive Oil
Hawaiin Silky 14 n 1
Hollywood Beauty Olive Creme Hair Dress


How to FInd a Good Moisturizer for Relaxed and Natural Hair Article

* Because I can't buy any products until I really need them, I am using up what I have. I ran out of Bioinfusion so I mixed up some 100% Raw Shea Butter, Glycerin and Aloe Vera Juice...and I have been using that as a moisturizer. I then seal in the moisture with some Almond Oil.

Monday, July 19

Bantu Knots- Total Fail

I think I may have way too much new-growth to do a successful set of bantu knots on my hair, so it looks like I'll be bunning and maybe braid-outs for the remainder of this relaxer stretch. I have this mini afro underneath all my relaxed ends.hahaha.  I planned to relax at 20 weeks, but I'm hoping I can go a little longer. The longest time I have been able to stretch was for 18 weeks, so making it to 20 will be a success regardless.

Since I'm working out, bunning is probably the smartest way to go.
I'll be rocking this bun for the remainder of the week(still cowashing and re-doing almost everyday).


Sunday, July 18

16 Weeks Post Relaxer

It's been exactly 4 months since I had my last relaxer and I think I'm going to be a long term relaxer stretcher for life. I have learned the most important factor in avoiding breakage is MOISTURE. Keeping the newgrowth constantly moisturized has. prevented breakage big time.
I tried some bantu knots the other night but they didn't come as cute as I wished. I'm going to do them again and hopefully I'll have better pics for ya'll.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.4.7

Saturday, July 17

HydraCap

I absolutely love these caps! Instead of going under the dryer when I deep condition, I would just put the cap over my head, blow-dry the cap starting around the edges for about 30 seconds on high heat and the cap somewhat suctions on to my head trapping in the heat/moisture. These are great, no water drips down and I get the full deep conditioning benefits.

Here's a lil more info from Sally Beauty's website:

•Innovative way to deep condition your hair
•Helps deep conditioners work better
•Opens the cuticles of your hair for better absorption
•Locks in heat and mositure
•Pushes conditoners into the hair

The HydraCap Processing Cap is a new innovative way to deep condition your hair. Everyone knows that deep conditioning treatments work better with heat. Warm, moist heat opens the cuticles of your hair, allowing deep conditioning treatments and hot oil treatments to penetrate the hair cuticle. The HydraCap Processing Cap Traps in heat, locks in the mositure, no drips from the casing/less mess, the cap pushes the conditoners into the hair

Cost for a pack of 4 @ Sally's: $3.99

Friday, July 16

African American Hair Care Myths

Today is just re-posting day...haha.
I saw this on http://www.sizta2sizta.com/ and wanted to share this with my readers. Many people have misconceptions about black hair care. To me, knowledge is key. The same way I would study for school, research a new place to live, research new ways to improve my job performance...is the same way I research hair care. Don't believe everything you hear/read...even from me...research it and you will sure find out if it's the truth or not

Pink= Notes by Ms. D

Myths about black hair care

Myth # 1 - Black women can't grow long hair.

That is simply not true! All hair including African American hair grows on average of 1/2 inch per month.
I have seen soooo many women with my hair texture (4B/4C- Very kinky) with bra-strap or longer hair on forums such as www.longhaircareforum.com, www.forum.blackhairmedia.com and even in my family(mom, aunts and cousins). It is possible for us to grow long hair! It just takes finding the right products, regimen and knowledge to get us there. While some people just "got it" and have had long hair all their life...for those who haven't..it's time to make some changes to get you to that point.

Myth # 2 - There are pills and greases that can grow hair.

Although there are many different vitamins & minerals that can add great benefits to the health of your hair "there is no such thing as a magic pill or potion for hair growth."
Vitamins help aid in growth, but just because its growing doesn't mean it's healthy. As said before it takes more then just taking vitamins and using a certain product to grow healthy hair..

Myth # 3 - cutting your hair every six weeks or keeping your ends trimmed makes your hair grow

Ladies, although this is what we've been taught it's not true. I personally put this to the test by not clipping my hair for a year and my hair grew!
If the ends are healthy and not split..to keep a straight edge look only a minor dust(1/4 inch or less) is needed.

Myth # 4 - If you don't cut your hair or keep your ends trimmed they will split all the way up you hair shaft and break off.

Again, not true. In fact when hair splits it’s on an angle it can't split evenly all the way up to the scalp. I also tested this theory by not clipping my ends for a year and when I had the hair dresser clip my ends she stated" your ends look great, I don't see any split ends."
If you do have split ends though.....cut them! I don't see why people would hang on to them..there are ways to cut off the split ends with out losing much length..(I will do a post on that soon)
Also the poster probably didn't have split ends because she reduced heat usage, stayed in protective styles and moisturized her ends daily

Myths # 5 - Black women with good hair, curly or fine hair have a better chance at growing their hair longer than someone with bad hair.

There is no such thing as good hair/bad hair! All hair is good hair! Ladies how long are we going to perpetuate this stereotype handing it down generation after generation to our little girls?
RIGHT!

Wednesday, July 14

Roots Only Applicator Bottle

With all of this new-growth, the only way I can oil my scalp without too much manipulation is with the Roots Only Applicator Bottle. I could use a regular applicator bottle, but this covers more area in a short period of time. This was orignally made for a dye touch-up of the roots, hence the name "Roots Only"
I just put my oil(s) in the bottle and do exactly what the lady in the picture below is doing all over my head. I only have to squeeze a little and my whole scalp is lightly oiled. It now takes me about 3 minutes to oil my whole scalp.




These can be found at Walmart(I got mine there for about $3.50 I think back in April) or on Rootsonly.com
To My Sister: One of my most loyal readers...haha

Tuesday, July 13

Serena Williams

Serena Williams has been doing it big in the tennis scene for a looooooong time along with her sister Venus. I love their determination and hard work!!! I absolutely love and admire all of our sisters doing big things in sports, entertainment(music, dancing) and business world.. I can always appreciate a hard working black women(and men) and those always looking for progression!
I used to get offended when people said I looked like Serena,..lol..sorry, I don't know why..maybe that was just my immaturity.But in this picture of her....I would def take that as a compliment!
Go Serena! Looking good girl...and the hair...the hair is on point! :-)




One more pic from her ESPY party....


Pictures courtesy of Necolebitchie.com

Exercising and Hair Growth

One of the main reasons why I am working out more is because I want to remain healthy for a looooong time. In other words, I want to live a long life(catch me when I'm 115 j/k). Another reason is because I am on a mission to get a 4 pack by my birthday(2.8) and get more defined legs. If I can get a body like Ciara, that would be an added bonus...haha..


Who knew that exercising also helped with Hair Growth!
Now that's my motivation to keep me in the gym!
There are many articles on why exercising is good for hair growth, you can do a quick search on google. But here's a little excerpt I got from beaty.makeuptips.com


People understand that exercise is more than just moving up and down and running a mile it does things for your heart and other parts of your body. More people are starting to find out the benefits it has for the scalp and growing hair. One of the things that has been learned for the longest time is usually the main reason behind no hair growth is because something is usually blocking it. Blood flow has been found to be one of those problems. Exercise helps release this block area and release new nutrients that could start new hair growth. This is why more people are turning to exercise to help their hair loss and finding some very good results with it.
 Combine the exercise with a good balance diet and you may just have a recipe for good long term hair growth. You never really know until you give it a try.

Monday, July 12

Regimen Revised

I have incorporated a few new things to my regimen which will help me during this long relaxer stretch. I am trying to go 5 months until my next relaxer, right now I am almost touching 4 months (15weeks post).

I also started working out(yay). I was doing it at home for a few weeks faithfully and now that I see I am committed to this, I got a membership to the gym and will be going there M-F. and every other Saturday.

Now that I work out, I have to co-wash my hair after every work-out to remove the sweat which can cause dryness to the hair.

So here's my Regimen:

Monday- Shampoo, Condition(moisture or 3 min mild protein reconstructer), Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar/Water, apply leav-ins, seal

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and every other Saturday-  Co-Wash, apply leav-in's, moisturize, seal,

Thursday- Co-Wash, Coffee or Black Tea Rinse, Deep Condition(Moisture), leave-ins, moisturize, seal

Sunday is my day of rest :-) - I will just moisturize and seal.

I will be bunning/ clipping my hair upMonday- Friday
Braid-outs or other Styles on Saturdays & Sundays
I always Airdry in braids with a satin roller on the ends
I only moisturize once a day now because I will be co-washing very often
I detangle my hair almost everyday when 80% airdried to keep my hair from matting, knotting, and being all tangled up. So far this has worked for me.
Henna once a month
Relax every 5-6 months (hopefully only twice a year now)
*Subject to change

Posts coming soon: How to take care of relaxed, roller-setted hair after/during working out
                                Benefit's of Co-washing
                                Hair Benefits of Working out
                                Henna Experience
                                Coffee Rinse Experience

Friday, July 9

Hair Update

So, do you remember these?


 I had to do it..I took them out last night! I couldn't even last 3 weeks like last time. This time I only had them in for 2 weeks. It was either I take the front out and re-do them or take em all out. Taking them all out won! Like I said before, I am not doing single braids anymore. Time to think of more and better protective styles. If you can't tell already, I get bored easily. Back in the day I would re-do my weave and braids every 2 weeks and I guess I haven't changed.
I am officially 15 weeks post relaxer!



Look how much darker I got! This is my hair after taking the braids out before detangling. Notice how it kinda looks wet, well that's because I sprayed my braids with braid spray before removing them. Result: Soft moisturized hair

Anyway...I washed and conditioned my hair last night following an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse.
My hair now looks like this....



Thursday, July 8

It's HOT and your Hair Could be Hurting!

It's officially summer time and in most states in the North East there is a serious heat wave going on. I'm talking about 75 degrees in the wee morning and 95 plus in the afternoon. To some people that may not be that hot, but let's just say that I am happy to be sitting in AC from 8-5 everyday :-)





This hot weather can be good and bad for hair.

The Good: Most peoples hair grows faster in the summer. I guess the heat triggers some kind of growth spurt. It happens to me and it probably happens to you.

The Bad: Your hair can get extra dry because of the heat which can ultimately cause breakage.

5 Tips for Summer Hair

Drink plenty of Water- Not only does this prevent dehydration, but it will help keep moisture in your hair.
Water is also the ultimate moisturizer: Carry around a spray bottle with water in it and if your hair feels dry..just spray a little on it.

Give straight hair styles a break- First off, in order to get the straight style this will require heat.You don't need all that extra heat on your hair in summer! Once you step outside it will frizz right up anyway, right? I would save the straight hair for special occasions and always apply some type of serum to protect the hair from the sun.

Deep Condition once a Week: Your hair will thank you for this. You need as much moisture as possible. This will help strengthen hair and keep hair very soft

Try Glycerin Based Products: Products such as Care Free Gold, S-Curl and Hawaiian Silky are perfect for this kind of weather. They help draw moisture to your hair and will keep the hair very moisturized throughout the day.

Explore No-Heat Hair Styles: Other than braids and cornrows..why not try cute buns, braid-outs, twist-outs, roller sets, bantu-knots, cute up-do's...there's so much to do...and you won't have to worry about crazy frizzy hair at the end of the day

* You can also wear a cute sun-hat when going out-doors which provide ultimate protection from the heat.

Tuesday, July 6

Want Darker Hair?

Why not try a coffee rinse? This is one of the safest methods to darken up the hair a little and it also helps strengthen hair. Coffee, with its rich antioxidant content, can help repair the damaged hair and prevent breakage. I also heard that coffee can help reduce shedding immediately.
I have not tried this yet, but best believe when I take these braids out...I will be doing this coffee rinse.

Simple Coffee Rinse:
Brew 2-4 cups of espresso or strong coffee. Allow it to cool.
Use one of the following methods:
1. Pour coffee over your hair after you shampoo and condition. Leave it in as you dry and style your hair.
2. Pour over dry hair. Leave on thirty minutes and then shampoo out.
3. Pour over your hair after you shampoo and condition. Leave it in while you finish the rest of your shower. Then gently rinse.
4. Shampoo your hair. Pour coffee over your hair and wait 20 minutes. Rinse the coffee out of your hair with beer or apple cider vinegar to seal in the color. Then rinse your hair with lukewarm water.
5. Shampoo your hair and rinse thoroughly and allow your hair to dry. Apply the coffee with a spray bottle and gently comb through. Allow coffee to remain in your hair for twenty minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water.


NOTE: You may also use black tea for chestnut highlights. Brew 2 cups of tea using 6 to 8 tea bags.

NOTES on Coffee Rinses!
*The exact amount of coffee to use depends on the length and thickness of your hair, but 2-4 cups is usually recommended.
*Do not use instant coffee since it may contain additives that can damage your hair.
*Be sure the coffee is not hot. Since your scalp is much more sensitive to temperature than your hands, if the coffee feels hot to your finger, it will feel even hotter on your head.
*Do not use this on very light or bleached hair since coffee will stain porous or light hair.
*Coffee can also stain your towels and other equipment.
*Natural colorants will help you to take better care of your hair
ALWAYS FOLLOW UP WITH A DEEP CONDITIONER TREATMENT!

Got this from: chagrinvalleysoapandcraft.com

Friday, July 2

Rihanna

Ok, so for some reason...I love this color hair on her! Rihanna is always taking risks with her hair, which is 1 of the reasons why I like her. Now if I didn't work in Corporate America..would I do this? haha..I don't know. I sure do luv my jet black hair...but who knows.
Oh...and her fashion is 99% of the time ON POINT!