Happy Memorial Day!

I hope you all are enjoying your Holiday!

New Shealoe Batch (Whipped Method)

Hey All!

I have been out of Shealoe for a good month...or two, and I just decided to stop being lazy and make a new batch.

This batch is slightly different, as I used a blender this time around, so this is Whipped Shealoe, opposed to the Melt & Blend method.

I also opted to use an oil, in hopes that it would help give this batch a creamier texture. The oil I used is Africa's Best Ultimate Herbal Oil. I originally wanted to use Olive Oil, but I am all out!

The Shea Butter I had, was from Halo's Homemade Soaps, it was 1 pound (16oz) and came in a plastic baggy. I have ordered from them before, but through eBay. I know it's their Shea because it has their label on it.  The Shea is of good quality, at least in my own opinion. The texture is smooth, and smells nutty, as it should! I paid $5.50 USD, and the shipping was $5.00, so altogether I paid $10.50 USD. Here is  Where I buy my Shea Butter.

First I put the Shea Butter in the blender, I used maybe 8oz of that, let it mix a bit, stopped it, then added, my Aloe Vera Gel, which I used about 4oz of, stopped once more, and added my Africa's Best Ultimate Herbal Oil, I did not measure how much I used, but I would say I roughly used about 2oz.

So if you have not caught that it's about..
8oz of Shea Butter
4oz of Aloe Vera Gel
2oz of Africa's Best Ultimate Herbal Oil


To ensure everything was getting mixed in I would stop the blender to mix with a fork, scrape the sides, and continue. This process was so quick, I was done in about 10 minutes.

Here's how it looked in the blender when finished

I already started scooping some of it out.

This batch gave me two 8oz batches, yes I said TWO, which I can say that I did not expect in the least. So I am super happy about it!

Here's how the batches came out

Close up of one of the batches

Comparison Melt & Blend- Whipped

So there is a difference in the coloring, as well as the texture. The Melt & Blend batch was a bit thicker, and I found myself having to reheat, and mixing before use. Since these new batches are blended, there is no need to heat or mix.

Another difference is that when using the Melt & Blend Shealoe, I found myself overusing it, and having white residue in my hair from Shea that had not fully blended.

I used new Whipped batch, and I did not get any residue. Though both resulted in soft defined hair.

One last thing that I like about this batch is that it smells nice, as it smells like the Africa's Best Ultimate Oil which smells like baby powder, so perhaps if I used oil when I did the Melt & Blend method, it may have smelled a bit better, and helped with the texture.

I think what also contributed to the last batch not smelling as nice, could have been that the Shealoe was not blended as well. The last batch had a funny smell, and started to go bad.

 I am not saying the Melt & Blend method does not work, it is just that you have to work harder to keep your ingredients blended (reheating & mixing) to get the texture that you desire.

What is great about Shealoe is that it is great for Low Manipulation styling, like Twist/Braid Outs, Bantu Knot Outs, or even Protective styling  like Buns, Two Strand Twists, etc. It also works great as a Moisturizer/Sealant.

I am undoubtedly a fan of Shealoe, especially because it's natural, and so easy to make. Try making your own batch, to see what all the rave is about!

~Naomi

Flat Twist & Pony (Protective Style)

Hey All!

I did a quick style using a couple of flat twists. I think it was a nice change from my usual side parted pony.

I did this style on freshly cowashed hair. I used one of my favorites, VO5 Moisturizing Milks. I then oiled my scalp with my Castor Oil infusion, and then followed with my Super Moisturizing Coconut Leave in. I sealed with EVCO.

 I did this pony without using my beloved Eco Styler Gel! I only used a bit to slick down my "baby hair" before tying on my satin scarf to flatten my hair.

It is cute and simple, so it will be added into my style repertoire. Especially since my goal is to reach APL this year, as protective styles are vital! I have also found out that I get better definition if I do the twist horizontally, instead of vertically, like you would do cornrows.

Flat twists can also double as a style in itself, so this is a great protective style. ( Flat twists are done like cornrows, except it is done with two strands.)


Just wanted to share with you guys!

~Naomi

Update

Hey All!

So I have spent the weekend in my home city, New York, and it was quite an adventure! (Heading back home today) What I really want to share is my renewed love for my 'fro!

I blew my hair out Thursday night, for the purpose of my hair being stretched, to wear a braid out this weekend. Due to Friday's humidity, my braid out turned into a 'fro, by the time I left work. So I was rocking super big hair.

I felt a bit self conscious about it, but quickly got over it, after a few guys tried to "holla". Yes, I know I shouldn't look for validation, but catching a guys eye is an instant confidence boost...married or not!

So I rocked my fro with pride, I did braid it again to attempt another braid out for Saturday, but ironically, I made the plaits too small, so I did not get the definition I was looking for.

Though with this, I did a new style! Remember how I told you guys I learned how to do flat twists, well, I parted my hair in the middle, and did one flat twist on either side, and secured the twists with a bobby pin, and my flat twists served as a headband.

I want to do this style over, but my cheap dollar store hair dryer finally gave out. So now I can't put off buying a new one. I will still post the pictures of the flat twists, I will just ponytail it in the back. So stay tuned!

~Naomi

New Batch of my Creamy Aloe Olive Mix

Hey All!

I made a new batch of my Creamy Aloe Olive Mix, a day or two ago. I am still very much in love with this mixture, it leaves my hair feeling so soft, and moisturized. Now I have an idea of how much use I can get out of one batch. The last one lasted me for 3 1/2 months, which is pretty decent in my opinion.

The batch I made this time is a bit thicker, because I probably used more conditioner, but as I go along, I will dilute it with a bit more water, and maybe some more AVG to get a looser consistency. It will be great if I can stretch this batch for 4 months, but we will see!

I have chunky two strand twists in, that I installed Sunday night, which I will be moisturizing with my Creamy Aloe Olive Mix, and sealing with EVOO or my Africa's Best Ultimate Herbal Oil, after oiling my scalp with my new mix. I have yet to name my new oil mix, but for now,I will call it my Super Grow Potion.  be taking out in the morning for a twist out.

I will be taking out my twists in the morning and will wear my hair that way, and will restyle either Thursday or Friday night.


My camera is still on the fritz, so I will have to figure out what is going on with it, if I can I will post pics of my twist out!


~Naomi

Single Strand Knot Woes/Update

.....And we're back! Hey All!


I wanted to brief you all on my on goings, but blogger had been down for a day or so. As of late I have done my very first set of Flat Twists, which I loved the results of.

I kept it simple, after conditioned hair, I oiled my scalp, I used my Super Moisturizing Homemade Coconut Leave In, sealed with coconut oil, and put my hair into 6 flat twists. I threw on my satin scarf, and untwisted in the morning.

I got the results of a twist out done the regular two strand way, but it turned out a little more stretched, and wavier. I wish I had the pics, I took a couple with my iPhone, but it refuses to send it to my email! So if I can figure it out, or if I do it again, I will take it with my regular camera.

Though I had great results with the flat twist out, I am finding a lot of Single Strand Knots, and I think it is due to my hair being in Low Manipulation styles like twists outs. With that being said, I will be doing a lot more protective styles, and will try to experiment with pin ups. My bald spots kind of make it difficult, but we shall see.


Also speaking of my bald spots, I made a new oil concoction. Not sure how it will turn out but it is a mix of

1oz of Sunny Isle Rosemary JBCO (For growth/thickness, stimulates)
1oz of Hollywood Beauty Tea Tree Oil (Helps with dandruff and stimulates growth)
2oz of EVCO (Strengthens hair, and I have also heard that this helps with stimulation)
2oz of EVOO (Helps with breakage, and adds shine)
4oz of Home Health Castor Oil (For growth/thickness, stimulates)

I was able to measure by using my applicator bottle.  I will be using this oil mixture a minimum of 3 times a week, although I would love to use it everyday. I am hoping this mixture will be a winner. *Crossing Fingers*


~Naomi

Happy Mother's Day!

I hope all of you Mother's out there are enjoying your day, and all you children treat your Mom special today, though it should be everyday!

(I wish I had an old school picture of my mom. :( )

Notice Your Growth!

Hey All!

Everyone who is on their HHJ finds things to obsess over. We obsess over things like gaining thickness, or length, for most of us, both! However we do not ever realize when our hair is in fact, doing those things!


You have gained thickness/growth if.....

You see curls popping around your hairline, or your roots feel plush

You have to buy bigger shower caps, or start using plastic bags

If you have to take more time detangling

You have to make more plaits or twists for your braid/twist outs
 
You are going through Conditioner way faster than you use to

You need to get bigger rods or rollers for your rod sets (Which is what I realized! I just upgraded to the orange Cold Wave Rods which are 3/4 of an inch, to at least one up, which is the 1 inch green rods, go me!)

Anyway those are just some things I picked up on! If you guys notice anything feel free to share!

~Naomi