Natural Hair You and The Rest of the World

Hello Ladies,

If feel like it is my duty to write this post because I feel like it could possibly deter you from making the same mistakes I did in my first year of being natural.

For those of you that didn't read my first post. I've been natural since April 2011 so that makes 19 months, but I have a TWA..how you ask? Well, I had to a big chop again August 2012  because of SEVERE heat damage. I thought that I rather go back to a TWA and start over than deal with damaged dry hair on my head:( Can you say setback??

Anyways after months of denial I finally became honest with myself. It was my own fault I ruined my own hair. Why would I do that?? Now that I think about I realized I was 1. uncomfortable with my shrinkage and 2. I thought blow dryed hair  made me look cuter 3. I thought that the young men I was talking to at the time would accept my natural hair more in a stretched out state and 4. I wanted to show off my length.

I was fresh out of an relationship(with a person that didn't care if my hair was stretched or not) to single and ready to mingle. But also I was insecure and unsure about how these guys would react to my not so short but not so long natural hair. So anyways to get to the point every  Friday I was blow drying my hair out for the weekend.  I was using protectant but my techniques were all wrong ie: what direction to blow dry,what temp to have it on, how to section the hair. I  just turned it on and waved it around my head while combing it out..OUCH:( i know  But honestly that worked for me when I did it once every 3 months. No problem but honestly  even with alll the protectant  and techniques in the world blow drying every weekend was just to much for my hair.

I went for healthy curls to dry  damaged half fried straight  hair and half curly hair. It was a hot mess and nothing could save it, so it had to go. I was devastated and all the blow drying wasn't worth the year that I lost growing. Ladies it is not worth it. I believe that if your gonna go natural you have to learn to embrace that our most of our hair shrinks..dramatically. And I know there are so many women out there like myself that wanna show their length off at the club every weekend and want to DO these extra intricate styles every three days but ITS NOT WORTH THE HEALTH OF YOUR HAIR!!! So basically what I wanna say is what I learned from this experience that  1. you have to be on your journey for you and not worry about what others are thinking when they look at your hair 2.If a guy ain't feeling you with shrunken hair than he ain't the one for you and  your wasting your time. Its important that you come to the table(relationship) just how you are naturally like when you step out the shower lol.  There are so many techniques out there and youtubers that stretch their hair with no heat like my girl Naptural85. Her hair is gorgeous! So in conclusion I am in no way shape or form saying that if you use heat on your hair you hair will  automatically be damaged. But what I am saying is its need to be done in moderation and if you ain't stretching with heat for you your doing it for the wrong reason.

What are you ladies thoughts on this?

Review on Moroccan Argan Oil Intensive Moisture Treatment

Ok really quickly I must say that I came across an article yesterday that talked about the fact that reviews on products are useless because what might not work or work on someones hair might work or not work on another persons tresses. As I sat and thought about that statement, I came to the conclusion that that statement may be somewhat true. I feel that every head of hair is unique and even though someone hair looks like yours it may not be exactly like yours. But if your following someone(ie Youtube) extensively and they give an honest review on how they used the product and actually show you what their true texture looks like all over and they break down exactly how they feel their hair is (density, texture,coarseness/fineness,) and you feel like thats matches you all the way or mostly WHY NOT!.. chances are it you will probably get the same result. I find that I see 4c's running to buy products that 3a's said worked wonders for them  ._.  or I am seeing 2c's dissing a products calling I too thick and heavy that a 4b raved about ._. now does that make any sense .. not to me so i'll let you guys think about that while I say this..Disclaimer: The following review doesnt mean that it will or will not work for you..use your on judgement:).

By the way I believe my hair is

Type-85% 4a and 15% 3c(at crown)

Individual Strands-Fine

Density-Thick 

 I have to moisturize EVERDAY if not my hair will be dry come the next morning. 

So without further ado heres my review

 

Review on Moroccan Argan Oil Intensive Moisture Treatment

Ingredients: Water Behentrimonium chloride Cetyl alcohol CETEARYL ALCOHOL N DIMETHICONE 200 (DIMETHICONE 200 FLUID) DC-200 CYCLOMETHICONE D4 Glycerine Ceteareth-20 Glycol stearate Polyquaternium-11 Dimethiconol Fragrance (Irritating to eyes) Lanolin oil Simmondsia chinensis extract Panthenol Argania Spinosa Oil Tetrasodium EDTA Dmdm hydantoin Methylchloro isothiazolinone and Methyl isothiazolinone solution

 

Renew your hair’s inner health with argan oil nutrients, antioxidants, and vitamin E. Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Renewing Treatment is a deep conditioning, exotic formula to add brilliant shine and create lush softness without leaving any heavy residue which can weigh hair down.
You can use the Moroccan argan oil intensive moisture treatment several ways depending on your hair needs. Here are a few suggestions.
#1. Deep Conditioning Treatment - Apply the Organix renewing Moroccan argan oil intensive moisture treatment evenly over DRY hair with a wide-toothed comb. The trade-secret on this product is that you can leave it on for up to an hour and use it as a deep conditioning mask. Once you’ve got the mask on, put a shower cap on, and then wrap a hot, wet towel around the shower cap. The heat will help the mask penetrate the hair even deeper, ensuring maximum conditioning.
#2.  Pre-Poo Method - Apply the the Organix renewing Moroccan argan oil intensive moisture treatment evenly over DRY hair with a wide-toothed comb. Let sit for 3 to 5 minutes than shampoo, condition, and style.
#3. Use as a Conditioner - Apply the Organix renewing Moroccan argan oil intensive moisture treatment to wet hair after shampooing. Allow to sit for 3 to 5 minutes then rinse and style.

 

Now on to what I did and I think.....

I wet my hair  and slathered on the product. I didn't use any oils,fruits or veggies in conjunction with the conditioner, because I wanted to see how it would work on my hair alone. I left the product on for about 1 hour, only because I was busy injecting and marinading my turkey:) But It did feel softness half way through so you can leave it on as long as you like. Also I did not use any heat, I just put a plastic cap on it and let it do its thing. Organix has some usage suggestions above. As I was washing the product out(with cool water) I immediately felt softness. After completely  removing all of the product I lightly patted my head with a old t-shirt. I didn't completely dry it, just a a couple pats so water isn't dripping everywhere. After that I let it air dry, no products or oil. I did this because I wanted to see if their product keeps my hair soft on its own all through the day. Anndd.. IT DID!..my hair lovees this product.  It stayed soft and moisturized all through the day and evening. This will defiantly be my staple deep conditioner. But also since I know now that  it works awesome on my hair alone I am defiantly going to be adding oils, fruits and veggies.

What do you guys think about intensive moisture treatment??

 

 

 

 

 

 



DIY Hair Products and Walgreens Haul!

When I first went natural over a year ago I stayed very clear from the whole "do it yourself" thing when it came to my leave-ins and conditioners. But.. times have changed and now I no longer rely on companies like Miss Jessie, Carol's Daughter or even Shea Moisture to keep my hair healthy and make it look good. Natural hair companies and even regular hair companies in general are promising big things these days in their hair products especially with their conditioners so I will focus on that. Since this natural hair movement has kicked into high gear, more and more companies are trying to appeal to this whole"natural thing" that's seems to be spreading like wild fire. Now every company's products are pushing to the forefront that their products contain moisturizing amounts of Shea butter,avocado, honey and coconut just  to name a few. But how much of these ingredients are actually in the product. Though you may never know the answer to that question you can establish a general idea. The farther down on the list  the ingredient is in the ingredient section, the less of that ingredient is in the product. Simple as that! So even though the bottle says (blank's new Avocado Honey Coconut Conditioner) if those ingredients are the last three ingedients one the list there isnt really anything Avocado Honey Coconut about that product. But don't fear..lol this is when you inner mixtress can shine through. Now there is two ways you can go about it you can totally make up your own stuff which is what I do or you can just add what you want to your existing favorite conditioner which is what I do also.

Let me take very quick second to give you a run down of the products I use. I don't like using the word"regimen" because I don't think its that serious. I have enough regimen in my life, school schedule, work schedules ,children activity schedules.. those are all the regimens I need in my life seriously. :) But anyways..

Shampoo-Ahhh!. I don't go near it some do some don't, but if you do I advise you get a sulfate free shampoo becuase sulfates DRY out your hair. It doesn't have to be all natural and cost $100 dollars. Other naturals seem to really like the Tresemme Naturals line and the Loreal Sulfate free line.

 Cleansing Conditioner- If my hair has build up or its dirty which isnt often, I only  cleanse with a cleaner like every three weeks. I wash my hair with As I Am Cowash Cleanser, and thats all the cleaner ever need.

Pre Poo- Before I use my As I Am cleanser I do a pre-poo for two reasons. One because I use the pre-poo as a way to introduce my hair to a moisturizing mix of fruits and oils and let that penetrate my hair before I wash it away with the cleanser. It gives my hair extra protection from becoming dry due to the cleanser. Even though it is sulfate-free it is still cleaning my hair its just not that harsh. So any extra moisture I can add to it before that only adds to the well being of my hair. My second reason is because it gives me a chance to add even more good ingredients to my hair aside from what I put in my deep conditioner
Pre-Poo: Plain Banana (use baby food its just easier)
Honey
Avocado Oil
Coconut Oil..
Thats it let it sit for however long you want I say at least a half an hour
Warning: This mix is a little messy, you may get a little sticky and it will have a strong banana secnt but that will go away when you rinse it out. But its all natural, you know whats in it ( you know your getting what you paid for), and it was have your curls DEFINED AND POPPIN!
After I wash that out I apply my deep conditioner

Deep Conditioner- Right now  I use Organix Acai Berry Avocado Condtioner. LOVE in a bottle:) No matter how good  a product it is on its own my inner mixtress is screaming for some action..lol so I mix the conditioner with
Avocado oil
Coconut Oil
Flax Seed Oil
I some times throw in some regular Mayonnaise (any brand) or a Greek yogurt(links of benefits at bottom). These two are packed with protein. Even though our hair has protein in it you defiantly want to balance out the moisturie/protein you are putting in your hair, There is such a thing as too much moisture.(link below)
That's it.. eat a bowl of cereal lol and wash out when you want  No specific measurements put whatever amount you want. I let that sit for like a half a hour, then rinse. I deep condition every week. This moisturizing condtioner does do a good job of ridding my hair of dirt and particles between my actual cleansing session with As I Am..
Moisturizing/Sealing-  I used to use a leave- in conditioners and berry juces and flower juices lol and all type of silly stuff then sealed with a curling cream but I no longer do that. It was expensive and unnecessary. So now the more seasoned and matured natural that I am just uses  plain tap water to moisturize and coconut oil or flax seed to seal, or I use the Cantu Coconut Curling cream and coconut oil/ or flaxseed to seal. You can tell I really LOVE coconut, but its been the only oil that doesnt sit on top of my hair leaving me with dry but greasy hair..I absoulutely hate that. Coconut oil  penerates and seriously moisturizes my hair.
Thats it thats everything I use:)

Now onto the Walgreens Haul.. I loved the Organix Condtioner so much I decided I wanted to explore the line further. So I picked up Organix Argan Oil Intense Moisturizing Treatment. I will be using this as a deep condtioner by itself on Wednesday. When you try something new especially something expensive($8.00 for 8oz) you should ALWAYS try it by itself to make sure it actually works for you. Ill let yall know how that goes.
I also heard good things about the Yes to Carrots line. So I picked up the Yes to Carrots Pampering Condtioner (16 oz for $8.00). I will also be using that as a deep condtioner next Wednesday.. I'll let yall know how that goes also.
What do you guys like to mix up?

Moisture/Protein Balance
http://blackhair101.com/hair-care/moisture-and-protein-maintaining-the-balance

Banana Benefits
http://www.healthcareveda.com/post/Benefits-of-Banana-for-Hair.aspx

Avocado Benefits
http://www.avocado.com/site/health-beauty/do-it-yourself/making-homeade-avocado-based-hair-products

Mayo Benefits
http://voices.yahoo.com/benefits-mayonnaise-as-hair-treatment-6820802.html

FlaxSeed Benefits
http://www.curlynikki.com/2012/02/flaxseed-gel-fsg-benefits-and-recipe.html

Greek Yogurt Benefits
http://www.hercampus.com/school/bc/godliness-greek-yogurt-benefits-greek-yogurt

Honey Benefits
http://www.bvhairtalk.com/2008/10/29/the-healthy-hair-benefits-of-honey/

Coconut Oil Benefits
http://blackgirllonghair.com/2011/12/the-benefits-of-coconut-oil/




Faux Hair Color!!

Hello Ladies,

Sometime last week I came across an article on CurlyNikki.com talking about an alternative to coloring your hair. Many curlies shy away from using dyes to color thier hair because of the dryness and damage it does cause. Of course there are rinses that dont contain peoxide or amonia that are completely safe and  wash out in 10 washes. But if you want something that has a little more pop than the usual honey blondes and reds you can try eyeshadow!  Thats right eyeshadow. Its free of peroxide  and ammonia and it comes in all types of colors that pop. Blue,gold,pink,purple. Also it doesnt wash out the minute water touches your hair like spray can color does. All you do is wipe coconut oil on you hair  and it rubs right out or you can apply cocnut oil and then  wash your  hair either way it comes out easily. So anyways I went over to Walmart to purchase the eyeshadow that Nikki used just to give it a shot..Hair color without the damage why not!

I purchased Maybelline Color Tattoo in Gold($5.47). This eyehshadow is very creamy so it works perfect for application. Ive seen on other sites that people who  didnt have a creamy eyesahdow mixed the powder one with a little water and it worked the same. So I went home took a clump of curls from the back and smeared it on. Its that simple. The only thing is that I had to be generous  with the Gold so It would show against my brown hair, but if you use the blue or purple they are brighter colors so It might not take that much eyeshadow to show. Anyway I LOVED IT! It was such a great idea. I  applied to the front of my hair in various places and it spiced up the look of my overall hair do(twist-out). I defiently will be using this as hair color as my hair grows out. Try it and see if you like it :)
Heres a link to Curly Nikkis post about it and Fro envy's post about it  both have  pics..http://www.curlynikki.com/2012/10/blue-highlights-anyone.html
http://froenvy.blogspot.com/2012/05/quick-tip-i-dont-chalk-i-cream.html

CantuShea Butter Coconut Styling Cream/Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie/As I Am Cocnut Co wash REVIEWS!!

A couple days ago I told you guys I would give a review of the three products I used for my twist-out so here they are

 

 

Product- As I Am Coconut Co-Wash

What it is- A cleansing Condtioner

What it does- Gently cleanses your hair without stripping it of your natural oils

Price- $8.00(Sally Beauty Supply)

Key Ingredients:
Tangerine, Coconut Oil, Castor Oil, Saw Palmetto and Phytosterols  Aqueous (Water, Aqua Purificada, Purified) Extracts: Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) and Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine)¹, Cetyl Alcohol², Cetrimonium Chloride, Cetearyl Alcohol², PEG-40 Castor Oil, Stearlkonium chloride, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil², Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil¹, Phytosterols¹, Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract¹, Quaternium-18, Potassium Sorbate, Fragrance/Parfum, Limonene, Methylisothiazolinone.
Source: 1-Natural, 2-Coconut

 

IMO- I LOOVE IT!!- It washes all the product I use on my hair  out without stripping my hair of its natural oils  and drying it out because it is sulfate free.



 

 

Product- Cantu Shea Butter Cocnut Curling Cream

What it is- A moisturizing cream that defines your curls

What it does- It defines, softens and adds managablity to your curls

Price- $5.27(Walmart)

Ingredients

Water (Aqua) , Canola Oil , Glycerin , Ceteareth 20 , Fragrance , Cetearyl Alcohol , Ceteth-20 , Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (Shea) , Glycol Stearate , Petrolatum , Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) Leaf Juice , Cocos Nucifera Oil (Coconut) , Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil (Jojoba) , Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil , Persea Gratissima Oil (Avocado) , Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil (Sweet Almond) , Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter , Olea Europaea Fruit Oil (Olive) , Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil (Macadamia) , Melia Azadirachta Seed Oil (Neem) , Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil (Carrot) , Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil (Argan) , Silk Amino Acids , Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract (Honeysuckle) , Laminara Cloustoni Extract (Sea Kelp) , Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract , Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract (Grape) , Urtica Dioica Extract (Nettle) , PEG 75 , Polyquaternium-10 , Phenoxyethanol , Ethylhexylglycerin

IMO- This is my new staple product..Its smells great and it doesnt leave my hair with that dry but greasy feel. It doesnt  contain mineral oil, sulfates, parabens, silicone, phthalates, gluten, paraffin, propylene glycol, PABA or DEA. After I get out the shower I put a mix of this cream and avacodo oil  into my hair and then I proceed to do my two strand twist style. For the rest of the day my hair looks and feels moisturized. :)

 

 

 

Product-  Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing  Smoothie

What it is-  A nutrient rich vegetable butter that conditions your hair, and restores the moisture, body and shine.

What it does- Enhances curls, minimizes frizz and provides curl control. .

Price- $9.99(Walgreens)

Ingredients-Deionized Water , Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) , Cocos Nucifera Oil (Coconut) , Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil , Persea Gratissima Oil (Avocado) , Vegetable Glycerin , Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract , Silk Protein , Ammonium Salt , Melia Azadirachta Seed Oil (Neem) , Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil (Carrot) , Sorbitol Esters , Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B-5) , Caprylyl Glycol , Essential Oil Blend , Tocopherol (Vitamin E)

IMO- This was my first love! She"yes she" that's what I call her, was the one and only hair product I used the first year of my  journey. Shes perfect this product leaves my hair  soft looking and feeling, moisturized and defined all  day all by its self. Its also doesn't leave me with that dry but greasy feeling. I am now currently using  both the Cantu cream and Shea Butter smoothie  every other hairstyle so I'm switching between the two.

 



Twist Out on TWA

FINALLY!..I have enough hair for a hairstyle, you guys dont even know how excited I am:) Before I did my 2nd Big Chop my go to hairstyle was the twist-out. So I couldnt wait to get back to my beloved hairstyle. IMO I think a twist out is doable when you have about 2 and a half inches of hair. When I first big chopped my hair I thought my hair looked good but now that its growing out its in  that weird stage:/ but anyway I think anyone that super low big chopped like me(started with a half inch) that is in the stage im talking about should defiantly try this hairstyle. So I started by co-washing with As I Am Cowash..(Love It!).Its sulfate-free but I do notice that if I over use it ..like 4 or 5 times a week it dries my hair..so I wouldnt recommend it as a every day condtioner if your hair dries out easily. Honestly I dont think you should cowash everyday even if its sulfate free unless your hair is super short like a inch or less. Anywayss.. After I cowashed I deep condtioned with banana(pureed baby food),mashed avacodo , avacodo oil, and honey for about 30 minutes. I washed that out and then lightly patted my hair with a old t-shirt. I leave it wet but not dripping because my hair is easier to work with that way and my hair dries soo fast so I need all the water I can get:)... Then I simply dip my fingers in a little bit of Cantu Shea Butter Coconut Cream or Shea Moisture Curling Smoothie:)(reviews coming soon) and take take pieces of my hair and two stand twist(like a braid but only two strands -very easy-)

I twist my whole head  and I let it sit for atleast a 1 hour( but the longer the better) for the twist out look. And its as simple as that. You will have to play with it and fluff the twists out it so your scalp wont be so visible but you hair will be more defined. The style lasts for atleast two days. In the morning of the second day all I do is turn on my faucet put my fingers under the slim stream of water and lightly pull, fluff and twirl my curls backto life. Also I do not wear anything on my head at night I sleep on a satin pillow case. My hair is also pretty smashed from the pillow but after about 20 min of fluffing my curls are popping again. I dont use any cream in the morning of the second day just water. Pics will be coming soon......

Sephora Alert!

 

Sephora! Sephora! Sephora!

 

 

I dont shop here very often due to the fact that everything in the store is EXPENSIVE!

Well..it is for this 22 yr old  full time mom and college student, but I do manage to try to get in there and spoil myself from time to time. I was in there 2 months ago and I stumbled upon this

 

AND THIS

 

 

(Not the O.P.I)

But I absolutely FELL IN LOVE:) with  NARS Tinted Moisturizer and Benefits Sunbeam 

 

Let me start off with the NARS Tinted Moisturizer- its a lightweight tinted moisturizer that evens  your skintone and gives you a sheer naturally glowing look and not that caked on look that some foundations and powders can give you.. Its perfect for ladies like myself who are either new to the make up world or just like to keep it simple. Its basically just a face moisturizer  that is tinted with color to make it look like you have on a foundation but this stuff is really lightweight and quick and easy to apply. You just apply it all over with your fingers like any regular moisturizer  and just blend it all in evenly.  You get the moisture and make-up all in one. It comes in 9 different tones from Finland which is for the fairest of skin tones to Polynesia for the darkest of skin tones. Now I have super sensitive skin and this tinted moisturizer doesnt effect my problematic skin AT ALL! And for all the sun conscious people out there it has SPF 30 so it will be protecting your face all summer long. The price at Sephora was $46.50(wow!) I know smh but  thats the price we have to pay for great products and your not getting anything like this at RiteAid !

 

On to Benefits SunBeam..where has this stuff been my whole existence. It literally is sunshine in a bottle.This golden bronze highlighter gives you a natural, sunkissed radiance. When I apply this liquid bronzer It gives me that SoCal beach girl look:) And there is just the right amount of shimmer to give you that glow but it subtle enough for work wear. I apply it right over my NARS tinted moisturizer and they blend perfectly together and it looks so natural. Benefits has a  few other highlighters like Moon Beam and High Beam but those two are for ladies with a lighter skin tone. Priced at 26.50 at Sephora its on the high side but this product is also worth the extra dollars. I'm gonna stop writing about it so you can go to your nearest Sephora and try it for yourself, and thats one thing I love about Sephora is that can can try before you buy. Sooo go try I know you will love these two products just like I do.