Sunday, October 30

Simple Braids Regimen

The only reason why I have cornrows is to make my life easier...so why not have a simple regimen?

  • Spray scalp twice daily with Aloe Vera Mix (80% Aloe/18% Castor Oil and a few drops of Eucalyptus and Peppermint Oil)
  • Spray Length of Braids twice Daily with African Pride Braid Spray
  • Cover Hair Nightly with Satin Scarf
  • *if needed, gel down edges



That's all folks!

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Saturday, October 29

My Signature Cornrows

I know I said I wouldn't do it, but I put some cornrows back in my hair.
It's getting cold out and the colder it gets, the harder it is for me to get up in the morning. Being 9 weeks post,  even doing a simple bun takes me at least 10-12 minutes and I don't have time for that. So cornrows it is.

Few things:

  • I made sure to soak the hair in water/Apple Cider Vinegar to remove the alkaline base. I know if I didn't, I would be scratching my hair day and night.
  • I coated each section of my hair, before braiding, in moisturizer mixed with Avocado Oil. Detangled..then braided.
  • This took my about 4 hours (I did 3 rows)
  • I will keep these in for 2 weeks.




The knots don't look as noticeable in person. After a few nights of wrapping my hair, they wont be visible at all


If you are wondering why it took sooooo long, take a look at the what I had to de-tangle!







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Tuesday, October 25

Regimen Breakdown: Leave-ins, Detangling and Airdrying

So after I finishing pre-pooing, washing and DCing...it's time for my final wash day steps.

I let my the turban soak up the excess water for about 10 minutes.
Then I spray Chi Keratin Mist Through-out all of my hair
After I apply the Chi Keratin Mist, I put about a quarter size of Nexxus Headress throughout my hair.
Then I lightly finger comb my hair to distribute the products.



Then I tie a silk scarf around my neck and let my hair air-dry

Monday, October 24

So you Want to Go Back to Natural? Pt. 1


I thought I would offer some tips for those who are toying with the idea of transitioning back to their natural hair texture. I have transitioned back to natural in the past, but without the knowledge I have now about healthy hair-care. This is actually the longest time I have been relaxed. So, I do know a few things here and there.
But if I were to know what I know now...I would have never gone back to the creamy-crack(not that there's anything wrong with it).
So...for all of you out there thinking about or starting on your transition...here are a few tips.
  • Figure out why you really want to transition: Is it because you always encountered breakage from relaxers? Is it because you miss the natural texture of your hair? Is it because you want to set an example for your daughters? Is it because you are simply tired of relaxing and would like to see your hair reach great lengths naturally?  Whatever your reason may be...you kind of need to ENGRAVE that in your head. Why you ask? The mental transition is the hardest and once you get through that...the rest will be smooth sailing (well not really, but kind of). If needed, collect a whole bunch of natural hair inspirational photos to keep you from changing your mind

  • Figure out how long you would like to transition: Some people want to get rid of their relaxed ends right away and big chop at around the the 2-6 month post mark and sport a fade or TWA. Others who like length, opt to transition for 1.5-2 yrs. By doing that, when they finally cut off their relaxed ends, they will have almost(if they grow the average) 11-12 inches of hair and could rock a pony or do more styles they feel more comfortable with.

  • Blend Your Relaxed Hair with the Natural Hair...Not the Other Way Around- Now, I know some prefer straight hair styles and if that's the case, you will most likely end up being a heat-trained natural and will prefer to flat-iron your new-growth to blend with the relaxed ends. But for those who want to go back to natural sporting their natural curls, now is the time to say NO to heat and learn to work with your "new-growth", not fight it. So, opt for twists and curls, bantu-knot outs, braid-outs, braids and curls, roller-sets...you get where I'm going...no-heat, curly hair-styles.

Pt.2 Coming Soon..
De-tangling
Product Choices
Trimming Ends

For those out there who are actually transitioning...please feel free to leave some tips and suggestions!


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Quick Tip: Glycerin in the Winter

As many of you know; Glycerin is a humectant, meaning it attracts moisture from the air to your hair or skin.
Now in colder weather, there isn't much moisture in the air...so it's a little more difficult for Glycerin based products to work their magic (FOR SOME...some people have absolutely NO issue!).

So on to the Quick Tip:

Apply your Glycerin based moisturizer BEFORE showering in the morning.. then SEAL with an OIL once getting out of the shower.
The moisture or steam from your hot/warm shower will act as the "moisture from the air" and once you seal...that moisture will be locked in!


To Read a little bit more about Glycerin in Colder Months..Check out this blog post on The Natural Haven.

Examples of Glycerin Based Hair Products:
S-Curl
14-1 Hawaiian Silky
Care Free Gold
Basically anything with Glycerin as the second or maybe third Ingredient



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Thursday, October 20

Don't Do this At Home Ladies!

Let me first say that Diana Ross had/has some beautiful hair!!
So beautiful that back in the day,  some women would go to the extremes to achieve this look.


In regards to Solange Knowles Style Inspiration, on Styleblazer.com she stated:

"Diana Ross is the quite obvious one. If you look at pictures of her in the ’60s, ’70s, through the ’80s, she embodied everything about that era in such a timeless way. Her hair is a whole other conversation! And seeing photos of my mother from the ’60s and ’70s, she was a total rebel with her style. She had extremely fine hair and washed it with detergent to coarsen it up and had this amazing Afro."


Washing Hair with Detergent?!?!?- Ladies..I don't suggest this AT ALL!!

Wednesday, October 19

8 Weeks In Review

Friday makes me 8 weeks post relaxer and since then I have:


Done a FAILED Caruso Roller set


Rising Star: Blogs You Should Know About


Every Month, I will show some love to a blog or blogs  that I follow and believe others should know about as well.
If you recall..I posted Black Enterprise Wealth For Life Principles' and # 8 stated:

 I Will Support the Creation and Growth of Minority-Owned Businesses

To me....this means that we should support each other and not only in regards to "Businesses".

This Month's Rising Star goes to......

My Little Obsessions 246

Steph talks about fashion, make-up and most importantly Hair on this blog.
Of course she touches on other subjects as well and she updates her blog often!


Check it out and support one our fellow sister bloggers :-D

P.S- I'm not choosing these blogs in any particular way. Whatever blog comes to mind..I post. There's a big chance your blog will be next ;-) 

Regimen Breakdown: Deep Conditioning my Hair

So...After shampooing and towel drying...it's time for me to Deep Condition.

So I squeeze about 2 tablespoons  of ORS Replenishing Conditioner in a Bowl



Then Add about 1 Table Spoon of Aloe Vera Gel (this helps make my new-growth softer)




Then add like a teaspoon of Hemp Oil

Mix..then apply to my hair in sections

Friday, October 14

Regimen Breakdown: Shampoo Time

After I rinse out my Pre-poo, it's time for me to shampoo.

So I place about 1 oz of  shampoo


In the below applicator bottle



Then fill the rest of the bottle with Water


Then I apply the diluted shampoo throughout my scalp and let the water rinse the shampoo down my tresses

After I feel like my hair is completely clean...I apply some of the below conditioner all through-out my hair, let sit for 3 minutes..


Rinse Out....Then apply a turban to my hair to soak up the excess water



Stay Tuned for my next steps...


Crochet Earrings

For those who know me, there is no secret that I have a slight obsession with earrings. On my 7 Random things post, it was stated that I wear black A LOT..so in order to spice up my outfits..I accessorize! I do have quite a few necklaces and bracelets..but my true love is earrings.

Anyway...

When I watch YouTube videos, I see quite a few naturals with Crochet Earrings that I adore.
So..I went searching to buy some and saw some pretty cute ones on Etsy but they were kind of expensive. So I was like, let me check out Ebay and see what they have.
I came across a seller who had these 2 earrings and I immediately placed my bid for both.
I ended up winning them for a whopping $2.07 total with free shipping!!
Talk about a good deal! I received them 5 days later (since they are located in Texas) and immediately fell in love with them. I sent the seller an email thanking him for such beautiful earrings and he stated his wife makes them and she didn't think anyone would purchase them...Boy was she wrong. He also stated that they will be selling more. So for anyone interested in Crochet earrings such as these..please feel free to check out this seller. They don't have any up now, but I'm sure they will soon. Plus they have other cute jewerly as well!

Sellers Name: accessorycavern



I can just picture myself wearing these with a big braid-out or even a bun.







Regimen Breakdown- My Pre-poo

The first Step in my wash process is my pre-poo treatment.
I do this certain pre-poo(pre-shampoo) once a week unless I DON'T want to lose the jet black hair I receive from the Henna & Indigo treatment I do quarterly(every 3 months).
Now if you look at the components in this mix, they all have "thickening" properties. For instance, the volumizing conditioner is said to add volume to your hair and castor oil is said to make hair thicker. I haven't noticed an extreme change in my hair, but after washing out..my hair always feels soft and strong.
A good Pre-poo treatment can be just plain ol' oil such as Extra Virgin Olive, Coconut or Grapeseed oil.
I choose to do the below instead.
So what I do is:

Put 2 Cups of VO5 Volumizing Conditioner in a bowl

Mix in 2 tablespoons of Karishma Henna

 Then add about 1 tablespoon of Castor Oil

Mix then apply to my hair in Sections

Cover with a plastic Cap


Keep on hair for about 3 hours
Then Move on to my next step (stay tuned for more info)

*If this is a week after my relaxer, I will add an egg for extra protein...
*I also sometimes add other oils or humectants, but the above are my main components


Thursday, October 13

Rihanna- Phony Pony's

Rihanna is the queen of style, from head to toe. I typically love her hairstyles, but for some reason, I'm not loving these ponytail/bun styles on Rihanna. I think a more textured ponytail would look great on her! But she looks fabulous nonetheless!







Images: PacificCoastNews/WENN

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Monday, October 10

My Products

These are the products I use on either a daily or weekly basis. If you have any questions on how I use any particular product, let me know.

Shampoo- Organix Cherry Blossom Ginseng Shampoo

Conditioner- Mane n Tail Moisturizer, Texturizer Conditioner

Moisturizing (with very little protein") Deep Conditioner- ORS Replenishing Conditioner

Light Protein Conditioner- Roux Mendex

Porosity Control Conditioner- Roux Porosity Control 


Leave-ins- Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine OR Nexxus Headress, Chi Keratin Mist

Bantu-Knot Out on Straight-ish hair

When I flat ironed my hair last weekend, I put my hair in 5 big bantu-knots which resulted in very loose waves.




Don't mind the dishoveled look!

Friday, October 7

Damaged to Healthy (RE-POST)

I have been getting a few questions on how I grew my hair from above neck length to the length I am at now and I usually share my regimen and offer some tips.
I was going through some old posts and came across this one which I think will be helpful to some.

Damaged to Healthy

Whether your hair is short, long, relaxed or natural..the main concern should be the health of your hair.
In my eyes, good hair means to have healthy hair so if your hair is damaged...you need to work on repairing the damage first and foremost.

Here are a few tips to get your hair healthy and keeping it healthy. One thing you have to remember is that it doesn't happen over night but after a few months you should see much improvement.

Hair strands

Cut off any dead, damaged, split ends- I prefer to cut hair when its completely straight and dry. This is where you see the true length and state of the hair

Take some time and do a search and destroy method over your whole head of hair- This is where you examine the long and short strands of your hair and cut off any split ends you see.

Wash Day(once a week or every other week)

Shampoo your Hair- by clarifying or washing your hair, you are removing any residue and products from hair. This is giving you a clean slate to start from.

Deep Condition- If you hair is extremely elastic and damaged..I suggest you start of with a protein treatment. For serious cases of Damaged hair..Aphogee has a 2 step Protein Treatment that I heard works wonders. The first step is the hard protein then the next step is the balancing moisture. Or you can whip up an egg into your favorite conditioner, apply and leave on hair for 15-20 minutes and follow up with a moisturizing deep conditioner. If your hair is just really dry, then do a moisturizing deep conditioning treatment.

Always apply a Leave-in Conditioner- This is to ensure your hair dries with moisture locked in your strands and a good leave-in will help combat frizziness

Cut back from Direct Heat such as blow-dryers and flat-irons- Try drying hair with a roller set, a wet wrap if your hair is freshly relaxed and detangled properly or air-drying

Day to Day Maintenance

Moisturize your strands when you feel you need to- I do this daily...but some people do every other day or 3 times a week. Remember, dry hair will cause breakage and split ends. You need to keep your hair moisturized at all times

Thursday, October 6

I've Been Tagged: 7 Things

Aly from It Better Grow tagged me in the "7 things tag". If you haven't already checked out her blog..you should! It's very cute and keeps me engaged, so I'm sure it will do so for you too!

Basically for this tag you just have to list 7 random things about your self. This is a great way for others to know you a little better...so I hope you ALL enjoy! :-D

1.) I wear Black almost EVERY day- I'm not a "gloomy" or "gothic" person, I just love the color black. I always spice it up with colorful accessories, but black is my color of choice. I do have a lot of color in my closet though!

2.) I go back and forth about either starting my own business or getting my MBA- I would love to receive my Masters Degree before I turn 30 (I am now 25), but I also want to start my own business and feel like I don't need a Masters Degree to be a successful business owner.  Most likely the MBA will win because I actually like school and it's always good to have something to fall back on. Although I am VERRRRY happy that I received professional experience after receiving my Bachelors.

3.) One of my biggest fears is being Broke- I save money like crazy just in case. (You should have at least 3 months (6 is ideal) of income in the bank just in case something were to happen)

4.) I LOVE to Dance- I don't care what kind of music is playing, you will see me dancing. Every morning I put on my Pandora and I dance while getting ready. When I go out...sometimes I am the only one in my group dancing...but I just can't help it!

5.) I have 2 Tattoos- 1 is Arabic Caligraphy saying "I Put my Trust in God" the other is my first initial with a crown on top (because I think I'm royalty--jk)

6.) Canada(more specifically my grandmothers(R.I.P) house) is my Second Home- As a child up until my preteens, my siblings and I spent every summer(2 months) in Canada with my Grandmother (& my aunt and uncle). I will continue to go there at least once a year for the rest of my life(God Willing)

7.) I want/need/would love to do LONG TERM Mission Trips- As soon as I have a certain amount of extra money, I plan on doing a mission trip in Haiti and different parts of Africa. God blessed me so I can bless others.


This is the part where I'm supposed to tag 7 other bloggers...but I'm not good at that. So I Tag ANYONE that hasn't done this yet.

My Poor Edges!

My edges thinned out ladies! The main culprit could have been the braids I had in for 5 weeks. Well, not the braids per-say, but the fact that I didn't re-do the perimeter every 2 weeks(#Lazy!)  like I should have which caused build-up and sadly, hair loss.
So...with that being said...no braids for me for a little while, even cornrows, until I get these edges back in shape.

Here's my game plan:

Apply Castor Oil mixed with a few essential oils to my edges daily
Massage the Oil in for 5 minutes daily to increase blood stimulation
For Protective Styles, I will only do loose buns and twists
No Bonnets!
Make sure my scarf is NOT too tight and placed before my edges start
Don't stress it- because stress will only lead to more hair loss for me!

I know I'll get my edges back because positive thinking yields positive results!
#Getmyedgesback in full effect!



Starting Pics (Now I'm not sure if these are considered baby hairs or edges..but they look really thin to me)



Right Side
Left Side

Wednesday, October 5

Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser



As you can see, this is a non-related hair post...sorry ya'll!

I just wanted to RAVE about this product. I used this consistently in the past and I'm not sure why I stopped. Whenever I would get a pimple, I would dab some of this on it and leave it on overnight. The next morning, I would wash it off and the pimple would either be gone, dry out or shrink to a much smaller size. I would also use this as a full mask once a week and a cleanser.

Fast-forward 2 years
Last/this week, I was experiencing some small break-outs and I was thinking of ways to get rid of them. Now, I typically use Aveeno Positively Radiant facial cleanser and moisturizer, but I started to realize my skin looks REAL oily towards the middle of the day. I remembered that my skin reacted better to Neutrogena Products, so I went to target and browsed that section and saw my Beloved Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser. I purchased it right away!

Last night, I put some on each of my pimples and washed it off in the AM with the Aveeno. Low and behold, the pimples have shrunken and I'm pretty sure they will be gone by tomorrow! So, this is something I will never..ever switch out of my skin care regimen again!
I noticed that my skin reacts better to Benzoyl Peroxide and it HATES Salycilic Acid. I'm trying to figure out if I should use this as my only cleanser and ditch the Aveeno. I'll figure that out soon enough.

More about the Product!

Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask is a breakthrough acne-fighting formula that can be used two ways:

- As a Daily Cleanser to kill the bacteria that can cause blackheads and breakouts. Gently massage the rich creamy lather over skin and rinse with water.

- As an Intensive Mask for deep cleansing and extra oil control. Smooth an even layer ober skin, allowing the formula to penetrate for up to 5 minutes before rinsing with water. You'll feel it's cooling intensity build as it penetrates into the pores.

Ingredients:

Active Ingredients: Benzoyl Peroxide 3.5% (Acne Treatment)

Inactive Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Kaolin, Bentonite, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Titanium Dioxide, Trideceth-9, PEG-5 Ethylhexanoate, Menthol, Sodium Citrate, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Fragrance

Price: $5.99 for 4.2 OZ

Tuesday, October 4

Bun Comparison Pic

Ya'll know me and my comparison pics. I love to see any kind of progress my hair makes because it gives me motivation to keep at this hair journey thing.

The first pic is on 11.24.2010- I believe I was about 8 weeks post and blow-dried my hair straight
Second pic was yesterday, 10.3.2011- 5 weeks post on flat-ironed hair


For some reason, I don't see that MUCH of a difference. But I can notice that the bun is a little thicker now.

Monday, October 3

Hair Tools and Accessories Storage

Being a hair fanatic I have accumulated a lot of hair tools and accessories. I started running out of places to store them in my bathrooms and office, so I decided to use an old t.v stand to help.
I could go out and purchase a small shelf, but why spend extra money when I can use what I already have.

See below if you're wondering how I store my hair "stuff".
Keep in mind that I do live alone and I am still renting..so I see no need in spending tons of $$ on things I will upgrade in the near future.


This is just how it looks from a distance

Some of my headbands and scrunchies

This is where I keep my hair sticks and some clips

I use an old product bottle to hold my most used scrunchies

Close-up of my blow-dryers, flat irons and curlers

This is just where I keep my bump-its, ez combs, hair flowers and other clips
I purchased most of the storage containers at the dollar store