Coconut Oil As A Selant in the Winter= Hard Hair!

Hey All!

I learned something new today, and just had to share. So Sunday's are my wash day, and after prepooing, washing, deep conditioning, moisturizing and sealing, oiling my scalp...I then have to endure the chore of putting my hair in some kind of style or prep style to start off the new work week.

This week I went with a braid out, a style which I have not done in a good while, only because braids are harder to take out than twists lol. The results of this braid out was very similar to my twist out, which I found strange because I did not use shealoe as I usually do with my twist outs. I oiled my scalp and used my Super Moisturizing Coconut Leave In, and decided to seal with my new jar of Nutiva, (which I am loving so far, and will do a proper review for soon!) to tie in the coconut theme I had going.


My hair felt nice and moisturized, I braided my hair up in 15 plaits, put some rods on the ends, put my satin scarf on, and went to bed. Again, the results are very similar to my twist out, just more of a crinkly than wavy curl (wish I had a picture, but I'm away from home, and left my camera)

So everything was fine...until I stepped outside! As soon as the cold wind blew, my hair felt as crunchy and hard as I don't know what, then when I stepped inside somewhere, it would return to it's natural soft state. Which is very similar to what the oil does while in the jar, it turns into a liquid when warm, then a solid when cold.

I have come to the conclusion, that EVCO (Extra Virgin Coconut Oil) is not the best oil to seal with in the colder months for that reason. I will continue to prepoo, and add to my deep conditioner, just not as a sealant, not at least until it gets warmer.

I guess we do learn something new everyday!

~Naomi

Simple Lazy Hair Style

Hey All!


I have gotten pretty lazy on the hair front, so I am still rocking a rod set from Monday. To get some extra life out of it, when it starts looking matted/flat, I turn to my new love...hats!

They are like the beenie kind, and what I do is create a bang with my hair in front, by taking it from one side, pulling it down in front, and tucking the ends back into my hat. No need for bobby pins.

Here's how it looks...

Just to give you all an idea!

Oh and I got my MAXIglide in the mail!
Everything works except for that stupid Styling DVD that came with it, my pc refuses to read the disc, so that was a waste, but hopefully I am not missing much.

I will be about 6 months since my last flat iron in October 10'. I'm excited to see how many inches I've retained, it's one thing to pull a strand and see where it reaches, but another to see your full length stretched out out.

I'm hoping I'm really close to reaching APL, and maybe only a 1-2 inches off, since my goal is to reach APL by May/June. So I hope I haven't been doing these protective styles for nothing!

My hair grows in layers, so I'm really only looking for my longest layer to reach APL, and I'm hoping the rest of my hair plays catch up.

If I give in and flat iron sooner I will let you guys know! Stay Posted!


~Naomi

I Got It!

Hey All!

Today I am super excited because I finally ordered the Maxius MAXIglide Xpress (flat iron), I have had my eye on since forever! Well technically it's not since I originally wanted the MAXIglide MP but the only difference between the two, is that besides the detangling plated, it also came with regular flat plates.  But since I am getting it for the detangling plates, and steam burst technology, which is suppose to help hydrate the hair while flat ironing. The plates are 1 1/4". The iron is part of a Premiere Set that features a DVD on how to operate the iron, 2 sectioning clips, a detangling brush, and a traveling case.

The reason why I have wanted to try this iron, is because every time I flat iron my hair, my roots would be straight, but my ends would look a mess! For some reason, I could never get them straight, and although I am natural, I like my hair to be bone straight whenever I decide to wear my hair that way.

So the detangling plates are suppose to really help get the hair straight all the way through, what is also great about it is the price.
The cheapest I saw the XP model go for was about $89.95, and the MP around $69.95. (Prices all excluding Shipping)

I ordered the Xpress model for $49.95 USD from HSN.Com . They even give you the option of making 2 payments of $24.97. (A video on how the iron works, is on the site, click on link for video, it will be on the side panel)

Shipping was not too expensive either, Standard 10 day Shipping runs $6.21, and Xpress 4 day Shipping, which I got, was $9.71, so altogether I paid $59.66. Which I think is quite decent considering most "good" irons can run you anywhere between $65-200, depending on preference and brand.

I chose quicker shipping because I plan on flat ironing in April (or last day of March), close to my 1 year 6 month mark, and probably again for my 2 year natural anniversary.

Whenever I do flat iron, I will be sure to post pics, I may start doing video soon as well, so we'll see!

Anyway I just wanted to share!

~Naomi

Rod Set On Natural Hair

Hey All!


I am not sure if you guys know this, but I adore rod sets! It is the cutest and easiest style to do once you get the hang of it. You don't even have to own a hooded/hard hat dryer. If you are like me and do not own one, you can set your hair over the night, and take the rods out in the morning.

I "upgraded" to the orange 3/4 inch perm rods as my hair has gotten a bit longer, and I want voluminous  curls, and my 5/8th inch pink perm rods were not cutting it.

Here is how the rods look in my hair. I used 5 packs they come in 10, so altogether I used 50 rods.

How the curls look after I took out the rods.

....The final results, after I separated the curls.

 

All I used was my JBCO to oil my scalp, a little leave in, in my case I used my Homemade mix- Creamy Aloe Olive Mix, (you can use any leave in really) and my beloved Motions Foaming Wrap Lotion.

Since it is a foam, I do add a bit of my Africa's Best Herbal Oil to seal,  I add it in sections, and only a few drops of the oil per section. It is what gives me that shine!

So yes, you can achieve curls with natural hair! Oh and what is great about this style is that it is low manipulation, and protective, so long as your hair is not touching your shoulders while in curls, this style can last 4-7 days depending on how well upkeep it (wearing a bonnet/scarf at night).


Just wanted to share.


~Naomi

What is Hair Porosity?

Hey All!

Well I have recently learned about Hair Porosity and wanted to share with you guys.

 Hair Porosity is just a fancy term to describe how quickly water or moisture can pass through your hair. So basically how well (and fast) your hair can absorb moisture.

High Porosity
Is the cause of damaged hair. It cannot hold retain moisture due to holes in the hair shaft. Meaning the moisture escapes just as quickly as it absorbs, Which explains why those with High Porosity hair feels the need to moisturize constantly. Damage can be caused from doing Chemical Treatments such as relaxers, mistreatment, etc.
Symptoms: Hair is always dry, will feel moisturized at first but will not stay moisturized no matter how often you use it.

Normal Porosity 
Is able to retain and absorb moisture. This type of hair also prevents too much moisture from entering the follicle. This hair is very healthy!


Low Porosity
Has a harder time absorbing moisture but once in, it is able to retain it.  This type of hair is also considered healthy.
Symptoms: Repels water when trying to wet it (hard time absorbing water/moisture), has a hard time "taking" Chemical processes, such as relaxing, coloring, etc. 


How can you tell, do a strand test! Take a single strand of hair, either by pulling or cutting it out (not a chunk! but a single (1) strand) and place it in a cup/bowl of water.

If it....


Floats, you have Low Porosity


Sinks, you have High Porosity


Floats/Bobs, you have Normal Porosity


I did the test, and as it turns out, I have low porosity. I am not surprised, I stopped moisturizing and sealing daily because product would just sit on my hair. Now I know why!

Crappy Pic I know, but if you look close enough you can see the hair. Just to give you all an idea of how to do it.

To correct High Porosity you can try
Protein Treatments-You need protein for balance, try doing a hard protein like mayo and or eggs, as protein fills in holes on the cuticle, it also makes the hair feel strong
Henna Treatments-This helps fill in gaps that high porosity hair has as it acts like a protein
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Rinses - Helps seal the cuticle, allowing it to absorb and retain moisture better, it also gives hair a nice shine.


I thought this was good information to share, so I hope it helps!

~Naomi

Curly Nikki's Natural Brides

Hey All!

I know I posted this for you guys, but I have been also featured there, so since I posted that last entry in a rush, there are extra pictures there.

http://www.curlynikki.com/2011/03/naomi-natural-hair-bride.html

Natural Bride

 Hey All!

Remember I mentioned wedding hair..well believe me, it didn't come out how I planned!

I had my heart set on doing a rod set using my perm rods, but everyone insisted I get my hair professionally done. I played with the idea of not only getting it done, but perhaps straightening it!

I finally decided to go with it after I got my nails done, and everyone told me I should not do my hair because I might mess up my nails. To the powers that be, the salon I intended to visit day of did not come through, their stylist was not there! So within 30 minutes of hopping in the limo to the ceremony, I had to do I quick style, I did have help from my Mother, and Mother-In-Law, though. I blew out my hair to get rid of some shrinkage, and did a side sweep pin up. My hair did not come out how I wanted, but I still had a blast!

Oh and I would like to add that my make up was done by Mrs. Ashely Callaway! My day wouldn't have been as special without her, she does freelance, so if you are interested in her work shoot her a message at

♫

thefirstlady84@aol.com.

~Naomi

Lush Retread (Deep Conditioner) Review

http://www.lushusa.com/shop/products/hair/solid-shampoos/newHey All!

I received Lush Retread as gift from my dear Mother-In-Law, for Christmas, as she knows that I am a fan of anything hair related!

I have always been interested in LUSH products, because they tend to stay away from chemicals for the most part, so I was really excited to use this conditioner. (I used it along with my Stimulating Spice Shampoo Bar, which I happen to love! I gets my hair squeaky clean but not stripped, it is not filled with a whole bunch of harsh chemicals, and it is also convenient to use and travel with)

 It is a deep conditioner, and it is said for it to be used when "...your hair is feeling rough, harsh, and wrecked". It states that after use it will "...restore sanity and get it under control". Which I can only assume that they were speaking of hair..duh!

It is mostly natural, the few ingredients that are not natural or do not sound like they are

• Propylene Glycol (A synthetic liquid that is tasteless, colorless, and odorless, that acts as a humectant (humectant means to draw moisture) and helps soften hair
• Perfume (Fragrance)
• Cetearyl Alcohol (A mixture of fatty oils that is used to smooth and thicken hair/skin products)
• Sodium Lauryl Sufate (An agent used in cleaning/hair products that enables a produt to have a lather)
• Cetrimonium Bromide (Salt used in hair/skin products that help prevent static build up and fly aways)
• Benzyl Benzoate (This is not a chemical, it is a component from Cinnamon Leaf Oil, which was used as a fragrance for this conditioner)
• Methylparaben (A Paraben used to lengthen a products shelf life)
• Propylparaben (Also a Paraben, but this one is used to prevent or control yeast, mold or bacteria from forming)
• Synthetic Musk (Used for fragrance)
• Lanolin (A natural yellow waxy substance that is secreated from animals that have wool (sheep for example. It is very moisturizing, but can be heavy)

(Complete) Ingredient List

Agar Infusion (Gelidium cartilagineum), Propylene Glycol, Soya Milk (Glycine soja), Cetearyl Alcohol and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Fresh Cantaloupe Melon (Cucumis Cantalupensis), Olive Oil (Olea europaea), Perfume, Natural Yoghurt, Avocado Oil (Persea gratissima), Lanolin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetrimonium Bromide, Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis), Synthetic Musk,Violet Leaf Absolute (Viola odorata), Orange Blossom Absolute (Citrus dulcis), Neroli Oil (Citrus amara), Benzyl Benzoate, Methylparaben,Propylparaben.

(Ingredients that are bolded are natural)

This product does have an expiration date because it is all natural for the most part.

I used it all of three times, because that is all I could get out of the 8.4 oz jar. I would have loved to get 4 uses out of it, but it could have been that I was using too much at a time. Thing is, this product's consistency is very loose, it is not as thick or creamy as I would have liked it to have been, so I felt I needed more product for my hair to feel covered.

The scent was not unpleasant, it does smell like melon, but it has a musky scent to it. It dissipates after a while anyway. It does not detangle for you, meaning it does not have super super slip. It does have slip, just not the kind where knots just 'melt' away if you get what I mean. So it was still necessary to detangle before or after use.

However, it did do great job at moisturizing and refreshing my hair, especially considering that I shampoo before deep conditioning, and I do not always detangle or prepoo before hand. It would be a staple if it were not for the $24.95 USD price tag.

Call me cheap, but 25 dollars for an 8 oz product is way too much in my opinion, but if that does not deter you from wanting to purchase this product, you can buy it online at LUSH (they have websites catering to different countries, so if you are not from the states, go to Lush.Com, and pick which country you are from) you can also buy from their stores, to find a store near you, use the store locator on their site.

This product gets a 4 out of 5 from me, only because of the price, and it did not provide as much slip as I would have liked.

Anyway, I just wanted to share.


~Naomi