Monday, January 31

Extra Virgin Olive Oil


I ran out of Coconut Oil, so for a replacement I got some Extra Virgin Olive Oil.  My hair would get a little hard this winter(I live in New England) after applying Coconut Oil(I believe it's because it solidifies at low temps), so I thought EVOO was a good replacement.  
I originally wanted to purchase Avocado Oil, but that cost about $15.00 for 8 oz and the EVOO was a lot less expensive($6.00 for 16 oz @ Stop and Shop).


Extra Virgin Olive Oil:
  • Is extracted without heat and chemical processing, which is why it has a high level of nutrients
  • Is Rich in high levels of fatty acids and Vitamin E which is great for hair moisturizing
  • Makes hair shiny and soft
  • Is rich in polyphenols. Polyphenols are water soluble substances, which are usually found in the waste water, after olive processing. These polyphenols have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, due to which Olive Oil for the hair acts wonders.
  • DOES penetrate the hair shaft, which makes it an exceptional oil because of the extra conditioning benefits
How I use it:
  • Prepoo and/or Hot Oil Treatment
  • Sealant- after moisturizing
  • Leave-in Conditioner- After using a creamy leave-in
  • to oil my Scalp


Also Great for:
Eye Make-Up Remover
to help Smooth Cuticles
Obviously to cook with
Great to use when Cleaning Make-up Brushes(helps restore softness)
Skin Moisturizer
Softens chapped lips

Friday, January 28

Still Not...

Arm Pit Length, but I am happy with my hair regardless.

                                         November 4, 2010                     January 28, 2011


I went through my blog and noticed that I "dusted " my ends 3 times since November. I also trimmed off about 1inch after my last touch-up. I may have cut off all of my progress from the last 3 months, but those ends needed to go. I now plan on dusting every 8 weeks and doing search and destroys(where I cut off any split ends) every month. I'm not too worried about reaching Full Arm Pit Length anymore. I just want healthy, thick hair.

To retain as much length as possible, I will do protective styles (buns, french rolls with hair sticks) during the week and if I want to wear my hair down, I will just do braid-outs or bantu-knot outs. No direct heat until my goal is reached!

                                                                          my hair today

my hair last Saturday

Monday, January 24

Thank You!!!!!

I won a give-away done by Miss Music from www.fromshorttolong.com.
I never win anything, so I am extremely happy! I just got the products today and I would like to extend a BIG THANK YOU to Miss Music!

If you haven't already checked out her blog, you really should. She has a lot of useful information, great hair styles and beautiful hair.

What I won:

V05 Moisture Milks Conditioner- Great for co-washes, smells great and very moisturizing
Hercules Comb- Seamless, wide tooth comb- great for detangling and minimizes breakage(I don't have one of these, but I am excited to try it out)
Aubrey Organics White Camelia Conditioner- I haven't tried this yet, but I heard its a uber moisturizing deep conditioner. This is an all natural product which came right in time because I just ran out of Aubrey Organics Honey Suckle Rose Conditioner.

Bleaching Skin the Same as Relaxers and Weave?


Vybz Kartel, a well known Jamaican Reggae artist was under a lot of criticism for his decision to bleach his skin to make him a lighter complexion. As you can see by the above photo, he is extremely lighter than his natural complexion. At first, he compared bleaching his skin to those who tan and his new response is below.


“I’m my own man, and as such I do my own thing. When black women stop straightening their hair and wearing wigs and weaves, when white women stop getting lip and butt injections and implants, when bald men stop getting hair transplants, and when people stop getting nose jobs and cosmetic surgery then I’ll stop using the ‘cakesoap’ and we’ll all live naturally ever after. Until then F**k you all.”


First let me say that he looked a lot better with that beautiful dark chocolate complexion.
He wasn't born to be that chalky brown color and it just looks unnatural(which it is) and so not cute(in my eyes).

On to the comparison- I am so conflicted on whether I agree or disagree with him. I honestly have been sitting here for 30 minutes trying to think of what to write.
 Relaxers are done for numerous reasons, one main reason is for "manageable" hair, not because we hate the hair we were born with. Or some people just like straight hair. But in any case, relaxed hair can be cut off. The same goes for weaves and wigs, those can be taken out.  Yes, I have read articles about damage that can be done by relaxers, but the health risks caused by the kind of skin lightening Vybz has done, are far much greater. In some cases, you can stop bleaching your skin and return your original skin color, but some damage can be irreversable.
What I think he is trying to say is that a lot of people alter their God Given body for one reason or another and he is entitled to do the same. Which is true. If he is happy with the way he looks...then so be it.



Source:
 necole bitchie

I Walked Out

I got a touch-up at 16.5 weeks post relaxer. (Sorry no pics yet, this post is really so I can document my hair and I need someone to take a pic of the back of my hair so I can see the length.)

I went to a professional because of my bad experiences self-relaxing and everyone and their momma(even my momma) said I shouldn't do it myself.
 I went to the same lady I went to in April, but for some reason..things did not go as smoothly as I wanted them to.

The night before relaxing, I based my scalp really well and I applyed castor oil to my relaxed ends. I had to base my scalp myself because last time I went to her, she said because we are using a mild relaxer..no basing is necessary. What kind of ish is that? But whatever..she did an okay job last time so I was confident to see her again..
When I went to the salon, she said the relaxer might not take because my hair was too greasy...I didn't care too much for the statement and asked her to relax anyway.

To make a long story short, after applying the relaxer, she kept combing the relaxer through my new-growth. I asked her not to do that and smooth the relaxer with her hands instead. She didn't listen to me. I saw a lot  of relaxer on my already relaxed ends(thank goodness I put oil on it) and I told her to only do the new-growth.  I timed the whole process myself and she had the relaxer on my head for 25 minutes, in my opinion..thats 3 minutes too long. I told her my scalp was burning(which it wasn't) and asked her to wash it out. She said, no..that's too short of a time and sprayed some oil sheen on parts I said were burning. 6 minutes later I can tell my hair was straight and ask her to wash it out...she asked me to wait. I said, NO WASH MY HAIR OUT NOW.
She neutralized it like 3 times..then put some more neutralizer in my hair...then I got up, paid her half the price and left.

*I'm a client/customer...you listen to the customer needs and wants because this is a PAID service.  This is MY hair..I have to walk around with it..NOT HER! I was not going to let her continue doing my hair. Not at all! I don't care how over dramatic I may seem, but when using a chemical in my hair..I'm real serious about it

When I got home:
*I rinsed out the neutralizer
*did a 2 minute protein reconstructer
*then I neutralized one more time
* did a moisturizing Deep Conditioner then an Apple Cider and Vinegar rinse
*Applied Aphogee Keratin Leave-in then a creamy leav-in
*Detangled( I lost a whole lot of hair-some shed, some broken)
*then did a Pony Tail Roller set- 6 ponytails in my hair and added 2 rollers to each section)
*When I took the rollers out, ( clipped an inch off each section)
*Wrapped my hair then went back under the dryer
*didn't like how it looked so I did 4 bantu-knots on dry hair



*I used Silk Elements Mild Lye Relaxer and I added a teaspoon of castor oil to it to help with the burning.
The relaxer took pretty well. I do have some underprocessed areas in the back(which is ironic because she started from the back) but I'm okay with it.

I will now only self-relax with the assistance of my mother.  Next relaxer is in 4-5 months.
This experience really had me wanting to cut off all my hair and just go natural..but it's not my time yet.

Mane n' Tail Enriched Moisture Enriched Hair Strengthener

I picked this up a few weeks ago because at Sally Beauty Supply, they had a BOGO sale for some Mane n Tail products. I needed conditioner, so I purchased their moisturizing conditioner and got this leave-in for free.
*See below for my review











What they Say:

•Provides essential nutrients to help prevent split ends
•Protects hair strands from heat styling
•Prevents damage from chemical services
•Conditions and prevents frizz
•Improves hair texture
•Alcohol Free
•Adds shine

Mane 'n Tail Moisture Enriched Hair Strengthener contains an advanced daily use protective formula that increases hair strength. Stronger hair holds up better to the stress of daily styling, heat appliances and chemical treatments. Conditions and fortifies already damaged hair for a renewed, lustrous, healthy look. Helps prevent hair breakage and split ends which make hair look dull and frizzy. Natural oils nourish and condition while essential moisturizing ingrediants corrects the drying caused by sun, wind and use of bleach and peroxide lighteners. Keeps hair tangle free, soft and manageable.

Ingredients:
Water (Aqua), Propylene Glycol, Polyquaternium-11, Dimethicone Copolylol, Isostearomidopropyl Morpholine Lactate, Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder), Horsetail (Equiesetum Arvense) Leaf Extract, Chaparral (Larrea Divaricata) Extract, Coltsfoot (Tussilago Farfara) Flower Extract, Horse Chestnut (Aesculus Hippocastanum) Seed Extract, Meadowsweet (Spiraea Ulmaria) Flower Extract, Clover (Trifolium Pratense) Flower Extract, DMDM Hydantoin, Polysorbate 80, Polysorbate 20, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolyzed Silk, Allantoin, Vitamin A Palmitate, Panthenol, Niacin, Fragrance (Parfum), Cinnamal, Coumarin


Cost: $4.99 (Sally Beauty Supply)

What I have Say: I used this product in the beginning of my hair journey and I don't know why I stopped.  My hair always felt strong & soft and I never had an issue with stickiness or brittle feeling hair.If you look at the bolded ingredients, this product does contain a little protein, but it has moisturizing properties as well.
After using it for the last few weeks, my hair still responds well to this. When using this as a leave-in, my hair drys frizz-free, which is a plus because I air-dry 98.9% of the time.
I don't think it smells too bad either. It's hard to describe the scent, but to me it smells okay(not great, but not bad)

How I use it: Because it is said that products made from the same manufacturer sometimes work best used together, I decided to use this as a leave-in after I do I co-washes with the Mane n' Tail Conditioner. I also spray a little of this through-out my hair before moisturizing with a creamy moisturizer.
*On the bottle it said this can be used on dry or damp/wet hair.

Will I re-purchase?- Yes. I am done with the whole experimenting thing when it comes to leave-ins and conditioners. I found what works for me...and I will now stick with them.


* When doing reviews, I try to review products that are affordable and easily accessable. What works for me may not work for you. But remember, items can be returned if you are not satisfied.


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Thursday, January 20

16 Weeks Post Relaxer

So, I am officially 16 weeks post relaxer! This is my first 16 week stretch with-out the assistance of extension braids. BUT...for the last 2 weeks I have been braiding my hair up. After I took my braids out last Thursday, I rocked a braid-out for 2 days, then I prepooed/washed/deep conditioned and braided my hair right back up on Sunday.


There are a few reasons why I have braided my hair the last 2 weeks:

* It's easier to moisturize and seal my hair
* Less manipulation
*It stretches out my new-growth so I am easily able to style for the weekend


Back to the stretch
I am so ready and anxious to relax my hair. One of the main reasons is because I need a trim, badly. I would like to cut off at least 1.5 inches of my bone straight, before hair journey ends. I know I have the option of blow-drying and flat-ironing to do so, but for some reason I just want a touch-up.
So...I don't think I will be stretching to 6 months...we'll see.

*I know I have been thinking about going natural for a while now, but I don't think I'm going to take the plunge until I can completely commit.

Nicki Minaj and Rihanna

Because I try my best  NOT to be negative or make bad comments on another persons choice of hair....I will keep my thoughts and feelings to myself about these hair-don'ts(I kid I kid).
One thing I have to say is, gotta love wigs. You can switch up your hair how-ever you like and not deal with permanent consequences.




Image Source: PacificCoastNews/Splash/iamflashdance.blogspot.com





Tuesday, January 18

December Goal

First, let me say R.I.P to Aaliyah. She was a beautiful woman inside and out.
So, I need to have a goal in sight and this photo exemplifies where I would like to be with my hair and my Abs(hopefully I can make it in May) for December 2011. Wish me Luck :-)

* I chose this hair photo as a goal because I believe it's attainable and realistic.

Sunday, January 16

Baggy Method with a Twist



For those who are not familiar with the baggy method;
It is where you lightly moisturize and seal your hair then you could cover your ponytail/bun with a sandwich bag or a shower cap OR cover your whole head with a shower cap. Then cover your hair as usual with a satin or silk scarf.
This method is usually done at night and the purpose is to retain as much moisture in your hair as possible.

I sometimes do the baggy method only on my bun to keep my ends moisturized, but I don't do it often.
I tried the whole head baggy method(where I cover all of my hair with a shower cap), but ended up with soggy hair in the morning.

In an effort to keep my pillowcases clean and oil free...I started placing a plastic shower cap over my scarf at night. The next morning my scarf would be mildly damp, but my hair would be extremely moisturized.
I would basically kill 2 birds with one stone.

* I do this only when wearing protective styles or when my hair isn't straightened.
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Friday, January 14

3 Tips on Removing Braids

I'm pretty sure most of you know how to remove braids(if you wear them in your hair), but I wanted to offer a few tips. I took my braids out because I'm going out Sat. night and I was not trying to party with those braids in my hair! I took them out last night because tonight I will do my whole wash routine.

So...here are 3 tips

1.) Saturate each braid with Moisturizer-I used braid spray but  a lot of people use conditioner or moisturizer. The key is to make sure your braids are thoroughly moisturized before removing. This will ensure an easy removal with minimal to no breakage.

2.) Take your Time- Start from the bottom working your way up, making sure to remove any shed hair in the process. If you have braids with extensions and cut the ends, make sure to leave plenty of space so you're not cutting off your real hair.

3.) Detangle Before Washing- You need to make sure every bit of shed hair and tangles are removed before letting any water touch your hair. If not, you will end up with a matted mess and may have to cut some hair out.  I usually finger detangle each braided section when unbraiding. Then use a detangler spray and wide tooth comb to detangle all of my hair small section by section after removing all braids.


Before Detangling




 After Detangling (With Mane and Tail Detangler Spray)

Tuesday, January 11

Relaxer Stretching Tips

This is my 3rd long stretch and luckily, I was able to avoid excessive breakage while doing so.
1st stretch- 16 weeks
2nd stretch- 22 weeks
Currently Stretching @ 15 weeks post.
My first 2 stretches, I put in some box braids(with extentions) after about week 6 or 7. This time around I did not put any braids in my hair until now @ a little over 14 weeks. So, I have a few tips to offer.

What is Relaxer Stretching?
On the back of a relaxer "they" suggest to relax every 6-8 weeks. This may work for some, but some people do not have enough new-growth to avoid overlapping on to already relaxed ends. Although you can coat relaxed ends with an oil or vaselene, stretching is the sure fire way to prevent overlapping from happening.
So stretching is to extend the amount of time from each relaxer. If you usually relax every 7 weeks and would like to relax at 8, you are stretching your relaxer.


1.) Moisture, Moisture, Protein, Moisture
M-Keep your New Growth Moisturized At All Times- You also need to keep relaxed ends moisturized, but pay close attention to new-growth
M-If your not into Co-Washes, Make sure to use a sulfate free or moisturizing shampoo on wash day and always follow up with a very moisturizing conditioner
P- When your further in your stretch, starting at about week 8, you need to up your protein to keep the demarcation(point where relaxed ends meet the newgrowth) strong. So, do a mild-strong protein treatment after washing. An egg mixed with a moisturizing conditioner and an oil works great
M- Always follow up with a moisturizing Deep Conditioning Treatment after using Protein

2.) Try out some MSM- Not only is MSM great for bones and joints, but it is a good vitamin for hair. Some say they saw some increased hair growth, but when I took MSM..I noticed my curl pattern loosened up a bit. Mostly because I was deficient in that vitamin and by taking it, my hair became healthier and softer growing in. I was taking 1000 MG daily and made sure to take Opti MSM. Feel free to do a search on Google (MSM for Hair Growth). Because I had a looser curl pattern, I was able to manage my new-growth better.
DRINK PLENTY OF WATER too!

3.) Low Manipulation or Protective Styles- Try out some styles where you don't have to focus or deal with your newgrowth on a constant basis or deal with heat.
*Bantu-Knot Outs
*Braid-Outs
*Roller Sets
* Buns
* Half Wigs
*Phony Ponys
* Wigs
* Braids

4.) Save all of the Combing for when you actually Detangle- Hair should really be combed when it is moisturized to the fullest. Excessive combing just means more manipulation and more breakage your may see. If you wear your hair down all the time and your roots aren't completely straight(from a blow-out or flat-iron), make sure your roots are extremely moisturized before combing or else YOU WILL SEE BREAKAGE. I also suggest finger combing.

5.) Blow-Out the roots- I don't suggest using a lot of heat, but you shouldn't always have to compromise what you usually like for the sake of healthy hair. If you like to wear your hair straight all the time, do a normal roller set and asked to have roots only blow-dried. Make sure to use heat protectant though!! This will help in dealing with the two textures.
To Keep it moisturized with-out the probability of reversion, try using oils that penetrate the shaft(Coconut Oil, Olive Oil or Avocado Oil) OR use an oil based moisturizer(water is still first ingredient, but an Oil follows water. So it's basically something much thicker then a moisturizer with a watery consistency)

6.) If breakage occurs at the line of Demarcation, fix the Breakage then just Relax-What I mean is stretching a relaxer is not for everyone. If you normally relax at week 8 and are trying to stretch 12 weeks and see breakage at 9. Follow tip 1.), make sure your breakage is under control, then relax. You don't want to cause more harm then good.


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Monday, January 10

Angela Simmons

One of my fav chicas decided to change up her hair a little by dyeing it blonde.
It looks healthy, but I like darker hair better on her- That's all I have to say.



Single Braids and Cornrows with NO Extentions

I'm pretty sure you're all sick of seeing so many braids in my last few posts, but I have just one more to show.
I am 2 days shy of being 15 weeks post relaxer and I just felt like I needed to give my hair a break of daily styling. I put some single braids in the back of my hair which took about 3.5 hours, then I got tired of doing them and stuck some cornrows in the front which took a half hour.  These aren't the cutest, which I know..but it will give my hair a little break.

Additional Info
*These will be left in for about 1 week.
*Daily Maintenance- Spray them 3 times daily with African Pride/Olive Miracle Anti-breakage Braid Sheen Spray(Smells soooo good)
* Maybe Co-wash after Work-outs
*Before taking these out, I will wash and deep condition my hair then let them dry...I will then remove braids after so my newgrowth can be stretched out for the next week.



                      Just took them out of a bun. Dang relaxed hair makes them look so sparse and thin!

                                                      Look at my side-burns..haha!
When I got to the front, I got real lazy..I have one big dookie cornrow in the middle, but I could care less at this moment
 
I keep them clipped up or I will put them in a bun. Just keeping my ends tucked away

Thursday, January 6

Lauryn Hill

A lot of people thought Lauryn Hill went from natural to relaxed..because of this pic here:




BUT it looks like she's still rocking the FRO. Love it!
This goes to show...just because someone has straight hair..DOES NOT mean they relaxed. That's the plus side of natural hair..you have the best of both worlds.
Sidenote: She either has some serious shrinkage..or cut a little bit of her hair off.

Wednesday, January 5

First Purchase of the Year- Tangle Teezer

One of my 2011 Hair Resolutions is to spend no more than $300 on Hair Products/Appliances.
What better way to track this then on my blog! I guess this can be like "Haul" or "Review"(not promoting, just letting you know what works or didn't work for me)  Posts. But there wont be many because I'm on a budget.

I heard great things about the Tangle Teezer as far as detangling natural and relaxed hair. My relaxed ends don't get tangled much, but my new-growth is something else, especially being 14 weeks post. I need to avoid tangles and matting as much as possible or this stretch would be counter-productive. So, I went out and purchased one yesterday. I of course used it yesterday as well, not only because I was anxious to try it out, but my hair needed a good detangling session.

So here goes my Review:


What they Say:
Your perfect hair care partner, Tangle Teezer Original is a gentle pain free hair detangler that has been referred to as the miracle brush that detangles like nothing else. Its secret is it allows you to manage and style your hair as never before, transforming tangled hair into stress free, style-able hair and encouraging your hair’s natural shine and thickness to return




What I Say:


I like it...I really like it! Never has my 4B(really kinky,course) hair detangled so easily and come out really soft at that. The brissles glided through my new-growth so effortlessly and easily. I felt like it removed shed hair that was stuck between my strands for a while. However, I did have 5-6 broken hairs, but this could be normal wear and tear. This is the first and last detangling brush I will purchase.
UPDATE
Tangle Teezer has been returned to Sally's due to more breakage then normal.
How I used it:

1.)Sectioned Hair of in medium to small sections
2.) Sprayed each section with moisturizer(more moisturizer on roots)
3.) Lightly Detangled Relaxed ends with Wide Tooth Comb
4.) Combed through new growth with Tangle Teezer, then lightly glided through relaxed ends
* This could work better on wet hair loaded with conditioner which I will try next.


Purchased from: Sally Beauty Supply (can be ordered on Amazon, but it's more $$...this item also originated from the UK)

Cost: $10.00 ($9.49 with Sally's card) I paid $8.40 because I had a 15% off coupon

*Remember, if you purchase any hair products from Sally's (maybe other places too, just not sure)  and you don't like it...you can always return them as long as you have a receipt. Do not let your money go to waste. Also, on the back of most products there is a number to call for a refund as well.
                                                                                     

Monday, January 3

Solange Knowles- Braids

I love how Solange always comes with something different. That's the joy and beauty of "Our" hair!
When I first saw this pic..I wasn't wowed, now I am absolutely loving it. The Scarf is just another added touch! Both BeyoncĂ© and Solange look gorgeous!


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Graduated from Henna Glosses

If anyone recalls my first few Henna treatments, I always mixed in Conditioner and only added about 1-2 table spoons of Henna, which made them a Henna Gloss.

 I no longer mix in Conditioner and now do full blown Henna Treatments.

Here is my Mix:
150 G of Henna
Enough Black Tea to make a yogurt consistency
1 Egg (for Protein)
1 Tablespoon of Castor Oil

I apply in sections using an applicator brush to get my roots and demarcation line really well
Once completely applicated, pull hair up then apply a plastic bag over head
Keep in overnight
Rinse
Rinse
Rinse
and Rinse Some more in my sink
Then I shampooed with diluted Black Soap
Then I applied a moisturizing deep conditioner(Aubrey Organics Honey Suckle Rose) mixed with some oils in sections
Kept that on for about 2.5 hours then washed out.

My hair was really soft, yet strong after. At first I was scared of doing full Henna Treatments because some complained about breakage after doing so, but the key is to follow up with a Moisturizing DC.


I recently stumbled on Karishma Henna at an Indian Grocery store near my parents house and I must say I like this Henna. I only paid $2 for a bag of 150G, so I got a pretty good deal.
BUT any Henna that is Body Art Quality will work JUST AS WELL!
Contains Pure Henna, Amla, Shikakai, ARITHA,BHRINGRAJ and selected
Herbs as described in Century old Indean Vedas. Regular use of
Karishma Herbal Henna, Darkens Hair, acts as natural Hair
Conditioner, Controls Dandruff & prevents Hair loss. Due to natural
cooling effect of the herbs used it improves eyesight and gives sound
sleep.


While applying, I ran out of some. I was like scraping for some henna, hence the little bit of black hair you see.