Saturday, April 30, 2011

How To Achive Second Day Hair

Hey All!


I have been under time constraints lately, so achieving Second and Third Day Hair, had been essential!

The way my Regimen works is

Sunday Wash Day, which entails, prepooing, shampooing, cowashing, deep conditioning, oiling scalp, m & s, and of course styling.

Now whatever style I do Sunday night, whether it is a braid out, twist out, rod set, pony tail, etc. has to last me until Wednesday night, because Wednesday night is when I cowash, and do everything I do on wash day except for washing, and dcing.

How do I achieve this? Pineappling! It works for when your hair is in any curly style like the few I've named, it helps to preserve the curls.

You do this by loosely gathering your hair into a loose high pony, to prevent you from flattening your curls, coupling with your satin bonnet, you can also use a satin scarf, if not worn too tightly.


 I sometimes just gather my hair into two, one either side of my hair. This works as well.

Remember the Braid Out I did a day ago, I pineappled by putting my hair in two




and here is my second day hair.





This method works for me, as I am not one to rebraid, or retwist my hair after a braid/twist out.

Just wanted to share one of my curly methods for my curlies out there!

~Naomi

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Short Term Hair Goals & Braid Out

Hey All!

I'm still feeling a bit lazy about my hair, but I haven't been neglecting it completely, I mean after all, my goal is to reach APL by June. I am sooo not sure how I will accomplish it, and I am thinking about investing in some other stimulating oils. I have been eyeing this oil called Gro-aut Oil, it suppose to be chock full of these stimulating herbal &Ayurvedic (traditional oils native of India) oils.

Of course they do not share exactly what's in it so you cannot replicate their oil, but they have an ingredient list, and they say a few of those listed are in this oil.

They have "normal" oils listed like

Coconut- Helps with hair growth
Olive- Conditions/moisturizes hair and helps with elasticity
Lavender- Promotes hair growth, good for those with hair loss/Alopecia
Jojoba- Which is an oil closest to the oils our scalp produces naturally, and helps restore moisture
Rosemary- Promotes Hair growth (DO NOT USE IF PREGNANT)

Then they have the Ayurvedic Oils like

Bhringraj- Prevents hair loss, and helps with dandruff
Shakakai-  Also helps with dandruff and hair loss
Reetha- Helps give hair shine
Lodhra Chaal- Paste made from bark that helps prevent premature greying

Just to name a few.

I am interested in some of the oils listed, and thinking about making my own "Super Grow" oil, but we'll see!

I have been trying to embrace my natural fluff, and get over my hair not being as defined as I want it to be all the time, so tonight I rocked a braid out. I am a huge fan of low manipulation styles if you guys have not noticed!

Kept it simple, I cowashed with Suave Professionals Shea & Almond (my favorite), oiled my scalp with my Rosemary JBCO EVCO mixture, moisturized with my Creamy Aloe Mix, and sealed with EVOO.



I braided my hair into 9-10 plaits, put blue (Cold Wave) Rods on the ends, threw on my satin scarf and kept them in all night and didn't undo them until a couple of hours ago.

Before putting my hair in plaits, I parted my hair to the side, I also coated my finger tips with EVOO so my hair would not be as frizzy.

 Here was the result


















Poofy, but I like it! I am going to try to do braid outs more often, though my first love will always be twist outs!


~Naomi

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Sunny Isle Rosemary Jamaican Black Castor Oil Review (and Spot Comparison)

Hey All!

I'm back as promised, and I am here to do a review on Sunny Isle's Rosemary Jamaican Black Castor Oil. I have to admit, that this was an oil to get use to, as I usually use Tropical Isle Lavender Jamaican Castor Oil, and the are some differences!



* Please note that I did not purchase this JBCO. It was given to me, so I have no idea of how the shipping process works.

If you buy Sunny Isle Rosemary directly from the distributor's site, this JBCO goes for $10.99 USD for an 8 ounce, excluding shipping costs, which I am assuming will vary, depending on where you live.

Rosemary oil, which I assuming makes the "Rosemary" part to this JBCO, is an essential oil. Essential oils are oils that have an aromatic compound, which makes it great addition to hair care products to give it a pleasant scent. This essential oil in particular has been know to help with stimulating hair growth, which is why it is a good combination to have with JBCO having the ability to help thickening ones hair.

Do not use Rosemary Oil while pregnant.

For easy application, I put this oil in a applicator bottle, I like to be more careful with oils that are harder for me to restock, or a bit pricey!

This is around the time where I do my Cayenne Pepper growth comparisons, but this has been the only "growth aid" I have been using, as I ran out of Cayenne Pepper, and have yet to restock. I refuse to buy a small tin for 5 bucks, so as soon as I see some reasonably priced Cayenne pepper, I will get back to doing my treatments. I have to admit that my regimen has been a teensy bit easier without doing them though, less stuff to do on wash day!

I have been using the oil alone, for a little over a month now, and like I have said before, there are some slight differences between Sunny Isle brand, and Tropical Isle Brand.

Sunny Isle has a thicker consistency, than Tropical Isle. It also has a darker coloring, which could mean a higher ash content.

The Ash comes from the process in which JBCO is extracted, it comes from a seed. The seeds are roasted to release the oil. It is believed that salt can be added to extract more oil, but this is what causes more ash, this ash is carbon, which also effects the consistency.

It is believed that the less ash in the JBCO, means more potency.

Although this oil is thicker than the Tropical Isle Lavender JBCO I usually use, it is still no where close to being as thick as regular clear Cold Pressed, Cold Processed Castor Oil. Which is easier to access, and is also good for thickening, it is just said that JBCO is a bit more potent, and it absorbs easier. For more comparisons check out this post http://beautifulkinks.blogspot.com/2010/07/jamaican-black-castor-oil-vs-regular.html

I can say that it has helped with growth! My bald areas are still filling in, slowly but surely.





It's not amazing progress, but I do see a slight change, I also have been using it along my hair line, and I have seen little baby hair pop up, so I like it. Oh and this JBCO also gives me soft roots as well. My hair also feels thicker, which is a good thing for me, as I have fine hair.

I have not used it long enough to truly tell which brand is better to be honest, so maybe after another month or so of use, I will get more of a feel for it. As for right now, I think Tropical Isle brand is still my favorite.
In the light of comparing the two, I will give Sunny Isle's Rosemary Jamaican Black Castor Oil, a 4/5, (though I have no idea as to which product line has better service/delivery) as I am still a bit weary on how dark this oil is, and it has a thicker consistency than Tropical Isle brand Jamaican Black Castor Oil.

I will revisit, and see if I like it any better...or worse. I hope this info helps a bit!

~Naomi



Thursday, April 21, 2011

New Discovery!

Hey All!

I have been feeling really lazy with my hair lately, so Tuesday after cowashing, I blow dried my hair (using Aphogee Keratin & Green Tea Reconstructurizer) , so I could keep it stretched throughout the week, and then put my hair in plaits. I took it out in the morning thinking I was all cute, with my stretched braid out. It was not raining but it was a bit humid, and by the time I got to work, my hair was a frizzy mess! Man I was hot! Lol, so apparently  humidity revert your Blow Dried Hair. Smh!

I was so irritated by that, I had to share!

I will be doing a review on Rosemary Sunny Isle JBCO, and doing a growth check for my bald spots, next post, so stay tuned!

~Naomi

Monday, April 18, 2011

Vitale Olive Oil Hair Mayonnaise Review

Hey All!

I do not do protein treatments often, as my hair does not need too much of it, as I have low porosity hair, however, I have made it a habit to do protein treatments every 4-6 weeks.

Usually I whip up a homemade protein treatment, like Mayonnaise & Eggs mixed with an oil, like EVOO ( Extra Virgin Olive Oil), but I found that after having that sit on my head with a shower cap, about 15 minutes later, it starts to drip, and it gets all on my face and neck which is irritating to say the least.

The last couple of times though I have used Vitale Olive Oil Hair Mayonnaise, which I received from one of my good friends from BHP (Black Hair Planet), and I have got to tell you guys, that I adore it!




It is cost effective too,  only $7.29 USD from Sally Beauty, for a 30oz Jar, and being that protein treatments should not be often, maximum of once a month, this conditioner can really last you!

It sort of smells like relaxer, but I kind of like the scent, but that is just me. It  has a thicker consistency, which I love, so that means no dripping, and the ingredients aren't too shabby either!

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Olive Oil (Olea Europaea), Hydrolyzed Oat Protein (Avena Sativa), Hydrolyzed Soy Proteinn *Glycine Soja), Glycerin, Dimethicone, Polyquarternium-32, Dicetyldimonium Chloride, Cetyl Alchol, Lanolin, DL Panthenol, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Menthol, Camphor, Cholesterol, Benzophenone-4, Tocophherol Acetate, (Vitamin E ), Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), Egg Protein, Carrot Oil *Daucus Carota), Tea Tree Oil ( Melaleuca Alternifola), Kuki Nut Oil (Aleurites Moluccana), Parsley Flakes *Carum Petroselinum), Extract of Arnica Montana Flower, Centella Asiatica, Uritca Dioica (Nettle), Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf, Capisum Annumm and Cochlearia, Aromoracia (Horseradish) Root, Propylene Gylcol, Methylparaben, Propylparben, DMDM Hydantoin, FD & C Yellow No. 5 (CI 19140), FD & C Yellow No. 6 (CI 61565), FD & C Blue No. 1 (CI 42090), Fragrance (Parfum)


This conditioner (bold) has ingredients are to help with stimulation as well as dry hair, and does not leave your hair feeling hard as with most protein conditioners, although I do still suggest, that you follow your protein conditioner with a moisturizing, just to assure your hair gets the balance it needs.

This conditioner leaves my hair feeling strong, without feeling like hay afterwards, the only con I have is that the parsley flakes in it can get left behind in your hair, and you have to make sure you rinse your hair well. The scent may bother others with sensitive noses, but I am not bothered by it.


Anyway, with all that being said, I love this conditioner! I finally found a protein conditioner that works! Although it has it's cons- the scent, the flakes, this product still gets a 5/5 from me!



Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Queen Helene Super Cholesterol Hair Conditioning Cream (Deep Conditioner) Review

Hey All!

Remember my previous post about not wanting to wash my hair...well I did, and my curls came back immediately, thank the Lord! What I really want to talk about though is this new deep conditioner I have been using. Well it's more like revisited, because I tried it earlier on in my HHJ, and felt so-so about it.


The new deep conditioner is a cholesterol- Queen Helene Super Cholesterol Hair Conditioning Cream. I have the 907.2g/2 pound one, and it has a pump, which I love, for a reason I'm getting to...


I can't exactly remember how much I paid for this product, but I bought it from Walmart, and I'm pretty sure I got it for less that $7.99 USD, why do I say that, because I am cheap, and have yet to pay $10.00 USD, on any one product!  You can find Cholesterol conditioner, not necessarily this brand, at any BSS or drug store, like Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS, etc.  Other brands I have heard of Lustrasilk, Lusti, Hollywood Beauty.

Believe it or not, cholesterol is good for your hair! It is good fat that helps condition and give your hair luster! So this is great for those who have dry/damaged hair!


Now the ingredient's does not sound the best...


Ingredients:  Water (Aqua), Glyceryl Stearate, Mineral Oil, Stearyl Alcohol, Lanolin, Myristamidopropyl, Dimethylamine Phosphate, Cholesterol, Glycerine, Propylene Glycol, Cetrimonium Chloride, Keratin Amino Acids, Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance (Parfum), Methylparaben, Disodium EDTA, Yellow #5 (CI# 19140), Yellow #6 (CI# 15985), Red #40 (CI# 16035), Red #33 (CI# 17200).


But believe me it works! I find that it works best if you mix it with oils, or melted shea butter. That is at least what I have used. My favorite combo is to use Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) and Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (EVCO). It leaves me with such soft hair, and it's a lot of product for less than 10 bucks! (It also works nice alone, still soft, just not as soft with additives.) The pump makes it worth the money as well because it's less messy, and allows me to get an eye for how much I'm using.


I like this a lot better than the Hollywood Beauty Olive Cholesterol I use to use.


I have been looking for an affordable, moisturizing, deep conditioner, and this is it! Although I love this conditioner to pieces, it will get a 4/5 from me, only because to I have to add oils to get that suppleness I'm looking for!

Check this product out if you haven't already!

~Naomi

Friday, April 8, 2011

To Wash, or Not to Wash?

Hey All!

As all of you know I flat ironed my hair last week, and I have been enjoying my straight tresses, but here is my dilemma....Sunday is coming, and Sunday is my wash day!


The problem is.. I don't think I'm ready for my hair to revert just yet! It has in the front a bit, and around my edges, but for the most part it is still straight. I am curious to know whether my hair endured any heat damage *crosses fingers*, but I think I want to at least try to keep my hair this way until next Sunday, (even though I'm sure a moisturizing deep conditioner, and a good moisturize & sealing session is what my hair needs) since the next time I will be flat ironing will be on my 2 year natural anniversary.

I also have not been m &s lately, as all of my moisturizers are water based and will cause reversion, so the only thing I've been able to do with my hair as of late, is oil my scalp with the Rosemary Sunny Isle JBCO I have been using, which I am almost out of! (Will be reviewing soon!)

What is a girl to do!? Just had to share, your welcome to share any input!



~Naomi

Monday, April 4, 2011

Length Check Update & Review of MAXIglide Xpress

Hey All! I'm back...with straight hair!


I flat ironed my hair a couple of days ago since I got my new MAXIglide Xpress not too long ago, which I bought from HSN, which to my knowledge has the best deal on this iron.




I felt it was a good time to do it since I have not straightened my hair since my 1 year natural anniversary, last October.

Before flat ironing I made sure to do my wash day duties, including a protein treatment since it was about time for me to do another treatment, and my hair could use a good dose of strength before applying heat to my delicate strands!

Using the iron was so easy! My only complaint is more so about my styling tips DVD not working, however that does not effect my review of the iron itself! I did get a tip from one of my good friends from BHP, who also owns the flat iron, to not use tap water, but use distilled/bottled water instead.

Since I have no patience, nor do I know how to make distilled water, I went with the bottled. The iron uses maybe two cap full of water, to fill the compartment.

The iron has notches that goes all the way up to 10, being the highest temperature of 428 degrees Fahrenheit . I used mine on the 7th notch (it's numbered so you will know which one your using).

I blow dried my hair using  my Aphogee Keratin & Green Tea Reconstructurizer, and my hair came out pretty straight by using that alone, it also gave my hair a lovely sheen.

Here's my hair half blow dried


Before flat ironing, I added my Beyond The Zone Turn Up The Heat- Heat Protectant, since it can be heavy, I sprayed it twice in my palms rubbed them together, and added it to my ends and throughout my hair. I did this in three sections.

The iron was fully heated I don't believe any longer than 30 seconds. I sectioned my hair using the clips that came with my iron, which made flat ironing so much easier, they were sturdy clips too, which I loved. The reason I say this is because one clip was able to hold a whole side of my natural hair.

I use the steam at two points, once when I am about 2 inches away from my scalp, to prevent burning myself, and another before I get to my ends to smooth, and to to be honest... my hair got straight in one pass! That's right I said one pass!

But being the perfectionist that I am when it comes to my hair, I went over it again. I got my hair done in less than an hour, which I loved!

My hair got so straight it was scary, it was like I got a fresh relaxer! Here's a close up of my roots...


Here's the end results....





I gave myself a slight dusting after straightening, and I have got to say that I am quite pleased with my growth.




I'll be doing another length check on my 2 year anniversary in October, which is 6 months away. Let's see how much growth I can retain by then! I have no clue what hair length I am now but I'm hoping for full APL by that time.

Which is quite strange to say because at one point of my life I was convinced my hair wouldn't grow past CL (chin length), let alone do it natural, yet here I am. That's why pics are so important during your hhj, it lets you get a visual, we do not notice our growth but pictures help us see that we are progressing!

Anyway just had to share!

~Naomi

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