Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Merry Christmas!

Hey All!

I'm pretty bah humbug this Christmas. The Grinch.stole my wallet...literally. I have to replace all my cards wait for money to be refunded to my account because whoever found it treated themselves to a 30 day metro card. I didn't get a chance too finish Christmas shopping, so gifts will be given late.

I hope you all holiday is going much better than mine! (lol)  I'm hoping late breakfast and 'A Nightmare Before Christmas' gets me in spirit! Hold your family close and enjoy the love they bring!

~Naomi

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Havana Twists Revamped

Hey All!

I've been meanjng to post but have been busy with moving and school, which is exactly why I installed Havana Twists.

As you all know I've done them before but I got so-so reviews from family and friends..I myself wasn't crazy about the either. Don't get me wrong, they were cute but too scalpy. I already have fine hair and I try my best to not look bald-headed.

This time I used 5 1/2 packs of Reggae braid or whatever it was called, no different than Marley braid hair. I'm missing hair in spots so I probably would have ended up using 6 full packs.

The night before, I washed my hair with Vidal Sasson Color protecting Shampoo, deep conditioned with my beloved Queen Helene Cholesterol. Then m&s with Design Essentials HCO, and sealed with Africas Best Ultimate Oil. I then put my hair into horizontal flat twists. The next day I blow dried my hair on medium heat with my wide tooth comb.To twist, I used 3 tufts per twist opposed to the 5 I used before. I have 50 twists altogether and at the end, I used blue cold wave rods and dipped my ends in boiling water. Oh and I used both the twist in and braid at root methods. Why? Because my hair is super fine and the weight of the added hair wouldn't stay in, in some spots.

Friends and family kind of got on board this time, though I got compared to Predator from 'Alien vs. Predator' (They tried it. Lol.) I have received compliments everwhere from people of all cultures. So I am definitely not complaining.

It's a super simple style so it will forever be a go-to protetive style. Will be rocking these into the new year.

Just wanted to share.

~Naomi

Friday, November 29, 2013

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hey all!

I know I'm so very late with this post but I would like to wish you all a very happy holiday. Enjoy the food but most of all, enjoy the company of friends and family!


~Naomi



Sidenote: Forgive the lack of posts but I've installed Havana Twists that im hoping will last until New Years, but we'll see. I'll be showing the next post and talking ablut installation, since I did them a but differently this time.

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Product Review- Elasta QP Olive Oil & Mango Butter Moisturizer

Hey All!

I have been meaning to do this review for a little bit now, so I've finally sat down and made myself do it! This is a product that I have been curious about trying since the beginning of my transition in 2009. I have been using  Elasta QP's Olive Oil & Mango Butter for a few weeks now and I have got to say, I love it! Now it is technically Curly Girl Approved  though it does have natural ingredients, (I'll do a post on what makes a product Curly Girl Approved soon) because it has cones, but I have never been one to only use all natural products. It all boils down to personal choice.


I use it in my L.O.C method, and it works wonderfully. I have very fine 4a hair, so a quarter size dallop is enough to moisturize my whole head, sometimes less. I have used it on dry hair and it perks up my thirsty strands. I can say that it's great for styling as well because I always do the L.O.C method after cowashing.

The product comes in a yellow 8.25oz jar. Apparently not only is it a "New & Improved" formula, but also 80% free. (Lol) So I'm assuming it was once sold in a smaller packaging. Once you open it, is a light yellow, think banana pudding. It actually could fool you into thinking it actually is banana pudding sans the scent and packaging. The scent is of mango, kind of hair product-y, but mango which is something I love. I need something that smells good after using Vidal Sassoon's Color Protecting Conditioner. My hair loves it, but I hate the smell.

Like I said, it smells great, it's good for moisturizing even on dry hair. I would be mindful about the amount you use because it is a pudding texture it's hard to tell how much you need.  It is spreadable, meaning you can rub it in between your hands before applying, it is also a good way to keep track of how much you are using. I would stick to a nickel-quarter size, though really it depends on your hair's porosity. Oh another thing I should mention is the shine/sheen, this products leaves my hair with the loveliest gloss. It is sold in any BSS or your local Rite Aid/CVS etc. It retails for $3.99 USD, so very easy on the pockets of curly/kinkies on a budget!

On the Jar it also states that it can be used as a thermal (heat) protectant as well, I have yet to test this theory as I am staying away from heat since contracting heat damage. Yes y'all I said contracting, because there is no cure for heat damage. (Lol)

The ingredients are as follows...

Ingredients:
 Water/Aqua/Eau, Olea Europoea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Capric Caprylic Triglycerides, PEG-75 Lanolin, Behentrimonium, Methosulfate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth 20, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Mangifera Indica (Mango) seed butter, Theobroma (Cocao) Seed Butter, Cocoa Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Ascorbic Acid, Biotin, Unoleic Acid, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Parfum/Fragrance, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Hydrolyzed Silk, CI 19140 (FD&C Yellow 5)


I'm not sure if it will work for my hair during the warmer months, but right now this product and I are best of  friends! 5/5 for me.

Monday, November 11, 2013

Happy Veteran's Day

Hey All.

I meant to post this ealier. I would like to thank all veterans who have served this country. A cousin of mine is a Marine, so I know the guts it takes guys to do what these men and women have done. So Thank you, I hope you all have enjoyed your day.

(Product Review next Post, so watch out!)

~Naomi

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Curly Girl Comic

Hey all!

I was browsing Facebook when I really should have been doing homework. Shame on me! Anyway I saw a link for a curly girl comic, and could use a laugh so why not. It was fun-ty y'all!

If I tell you anything I'll ruin it! Just check the link

Curly Girl Comic








~Naomi

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Sublimed Sulfur =Scalp Bumps Part 2

Hey all!

So remember how in the last post I said that I'd give my mix another chance? Well I did, and my scalp had bumps popping like popcoRN, not to mention, it itches!! I will NOT be revisiting! JBCO alone is just going to have to do.

Look at my poor hairline.

Im not saying not to use sublimated sulfur, I'm just saying be cautious about the amount you use when, infusing with oil.

I've between putting cortisone on it and it's improving a little bit. I have patches all over my head so I'm going to avoid cleansing my scalp for the next week. I'll update you guys sometime next week.

~Naomi

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Sublimed Sulfur= Scalp Bumps?

Hey All!


A year ago I received a lovely package from my Secret Santa on my home forum, BHP. In it, was some Sublimed Sulfur! Now this was the as Jay-Z would call it, Holy Grail, of hair growth. I have heard so many great things about it, and now could participate in a challenge the person who sent me, was conducting! How cool is that?

Well...it turned out to be a bust, not because it didn't work, but simply I let any semblance of a hair regimen go down the toiled in 2012. Hair was an all the way mess. So this year I'm picking it back up.

Hair in the bald spots were growing an er'thang. I had infused the sulfur, and I mean all 4 ounces of it into a bottle of Olive Oil...I was told that I shouldn't have because it could be over powering. I didn't find that out until recently. I added that infused olive oil into some JBCO for super growing..as I liked to think of it. Turns out, she was right, an I ended up with little itchy scalp bumps.

I'm seeing great results, but I was oiling my scalp almost everyday. I think I'll scale back to every other day or three times a week. If that doesn't work I'll discontinue..


 I'll upload pictures of the bald spots later. (lol)




~Naomi

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Happy birthday to me

I don't know how one is late to post their own birthday, but apparently I am. (lol) My birthday was last Friday (27th) I went to New York, and had dinner with girlfriends at this restaurant lounge called The Park. It was to start at 8, but you know we running on CPT time. (lol)  I had an absolute ball.

Just wanted to share.

~Naomi

Friday, September 20, 2013

Super Useful!

Hey Y'all!

I was on Facebook browsing, and I stumbled across this picture. It was too perfect not to share!

 It has the 4 main oils people chose to use in their HHJ and explain their uses.




I thought it would be helpful to those of you just starting out or were curious about these oils.  I have used all but Avocado, and would like to try it one day.


Anyway, do with it, what you will! (Lol)

~Naomi

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Product Review- Ampro Pro Styl Shine n' Jam Silk Edges with Olive Oil

Hey All!

I have been meaning to do a product review on this product for a while now. I have been using in I would say since May. I'm bad I know, but I kept forgetting. I wish I had pictures of how my edges look when I use this, but as of right now I have no camera so y'all just going to have to take my word on it. Lol.



Now this product is for slicking as I like to say, or laying down your edges. I don't have the kind of edges that roll up, but they fuzz up, and I need them to not do that when I want to wear a puff or whatever. Especially since I kind of use the to cover up that my side panels are missing (bald spots on sides of my head).





The first kind of edge tamer kind of stuff I used was Organic Root Stimulator (think the go by ORS now, not that forums weren't already calling them that)  Edge Control. Now I like some of their stuff, like the Herbal Cleanse, it's wonderful when I'm braided, and their Replenshing Conditioner that is a light protein/moisturizing, but that Edge Control, I do not like. (Just because I don't like it doesn't mean it won't work for some) The texture isn't any different from any other product made for the purpose, but the way it feels after how it goes on got to me. It felt like glue, and after a couple of hours, my edges frizzed right on up like there was nothing ever on them. I use to really like Design Essentials Sleek Edge Control, the problem with that one is the price, it's about $11 USD, which to me is pricey for a product only meant to smooth down hairs, but if you can afford it, it's worth it. It does the job and smells lovely, the texture on the hair is a bit like ORS' but it is not as glue feeling.

 On to the product at hand, Ampro Styl Silk Edges. I got this product simply because I didn't see the ORS brand. Yeah I know I said I didn't like it, but it was the only one I knew of that kind of did the job at a decent price ($5.49 USD) and was sold at beauty supply stores...I remembered a while ago that this was one of the products (think it was a basket, or a least a couple of others to go along with it) that Nikki from CurlyNikki was doing one of her product give away MONTHS, not day, hun-ty. (Lol) She is one of the natural hair Pioneers, (Lol) check the site, but back to the review. I saw it, so I was like, hey, I should try it, why not, it's only $3.49 USD, and I have to say, it was the best $3.49 I've ever spent. It is only 2oz, but it is so worth it. It like the other edge pomades is clear, and has a jelly like consistency, it has a pleasant scent, and is really pliable, meaning I can smooth it out with a brush. I will say it can get greasy on you, meaning if it's a hot day, it may melt a little, but your edges will not go frizzy on you! Another thing that is cool is that it is Paraben and Alcohol free. Parabens from which I hears are linked to breast cancer (don't quote me on this) , and Alcohol is simply bad because it is very drying to the hair.

 Ingredients:
Aretsian Water, Ceteareth-25, Glycerine, Oleth-5, Peg-20 Hydorgenated Lanolin, Mineral Oil, Fragrance, Olea Euroea (Olive) Fruit Oil, DMDM Hydantoin, Hydrolyzed Silk Protein, Iodopropynl Butylcarbamate, FD&C Yellow #5,  FD&C Blue #1.


This is definitely 4.9/5 for me! The only thing that I don't like about it is that it gets a little shiny/greasy looking in the areas it's applied to if it gets hot out, and that is something I can live with!



Monday, September 9, 2013

A Small Hiatus

Hey All!

I've been having the worst of luck lately, my phone my only source of taking pictures got water damaged over the weekend; so I'm taking a break from focusing on myself on the blog to just hair in general! Styles, stories, whatever comes to mind! Just thought to tell you guys what's going on with me.


~Naomi

Saturday, August 31, 2013

Bosley

Hey All!

I'm sure you all have seen the commercials on TV. If not Bosley is this hair restoration company that helps restore people who suffer from forms of alopecia, or balding. I have always wondered about the cost of the procedure, and how exactly it worked, but now I'm too frustrated with them to find out. Lol.

I scheduled an appointment with them, and forgot to go. They called and I set up another appointment. I had intentions for a vacation to New York for close to two weeks, so to be polite I call back and try to cancel the appointment. They ask if I would like to reschedule, I reply no being that I was not sure what date I would be back, especially with school coming up (Yes y'all, I's in college now. I'm going to be educated! Lol.) so I simply said that I would call back myself when I felt I was able to.

Why are these people calling me once a week talking about rescheduling. I almost cursed somebody out today, but I had to remind myself they are just doing their job. I may schedule eventually, but I feel like they are pressuring me, Bosley, why do you have to be so pushy?!

Just something random I have going on with me. Oh, and the Yarn Braids are out. I feel bald headed, but it feels nice to be able to wash my hair.


Will be back with some stuff. I really want to try to be consistent with you all. Bear with me!




~Naomi

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

A Break Down of Healthy Hair Care- Pyramid Form

Hey All!

I was browsing topics on one of my favorite forums, BHP, and ran into this awesome thread.

It basically was a breakdown of how new naturals, or people starting over their HHJ (Healthy Hair Journey) could know what to do, and how much to do it. Makes building a regimen super easy.



I do not own rights to picture*

This is just about the best breakdown that you could ever get. Personally when my hair isn't in braids, I don't necessarily moisturize & seal everyday, that's more of an every other day kind of thing, but everyone is different. You'll have to learn your hair and see what works for you and make adjustments.

Also I do protective styles seasonally. Meaning, two months for the summer, and most of the time two months out of winter. Summer simply because it's hot, and I don't like fooling with my hair, and winter because of holiday season. That's what works for me. I definitely try to use flat irons occassionaly, at most once of the month, but I am guilty of using heat when I wear a puff, because even though I've been natural for going on 4 years, I still can't stand shrinkage. 

I thought this was good stuff so  I definitely wanted to pass it on!

HHJ!


~Naomi

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Beyonce's New Du

Hey All!

Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a HUGE Beyonce fan. Now I usually will get upset if people talk about my Beyonce, but the T these days are about her new cut. She done cut her hair off y'all! It's a full on Halle Berry Pixie, but blonde. As much as I love her, I can't come out and say that I love her new Du, but I definitely don't hate it. What do you guys think?




Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Oprah's Hair

Hey All!

I'm wondering if you all saw the cover of Oprah's current magazine issue. It is her of course, but did you guys see that hair?! I absolutely live for her hair on that issue!!! I'm not convinced it is all hers, but lord have mercy is it fierce! In case you didn't see it...




Now Oprah already has an impressive head of hair already,




(Sorry Oprah, I know this isn't your best picture) but something about volume does it for me.


Oh, and did she, or did she not look great with Steadman on the red carpet?


More big hair. LOVE IT!!


I think Oprah had turned into one of my Hairspiratons y'all! (Lol)

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Check In

Hey All!

I haven't posted anything lately, as I have gone back to Yarn Braids for the summer. I've had them in since the 1st of the month. I have realized that I cannot go more than 2 weeks without cleansing my scalp. Can't exactly wash it, but it's close enough. So during these times, ORS Herbal Cleanse is my best friend.

My scalp was itching so bad, it felt as if it were on fire! On top of the fact that it didn't smell to great. I tried to hold off afraid that the scrubbing would make my roots fuzzy, but I had to give in. My hair doesn't look a hot mess, so now I know it's safe to use bi-weekly. You know how us women can get when we just got our hair braided.

This is kind of gross, but I wanted to share the joy of seeing the dirt that left my scalp.






I said it was gross! :)


That's about it for now. I don't wrap my hair, my head is allergic to scarves. How do I know? It's on my pillowcase by the time I wake up. (Lol) I at least try to oil and moisturize once a week. I definitely don't want to overdo it and get buildup too soon.

I'll be back with stories, styles, or even posts about styles on others I like. Think it's finally time I branch out from talking about me. (Lol)


Until Next Time,

~Naomi

Monday, June 24, 2013

Vidal Sassoon's Pro Series VS Color Shampoo & Conditioner Product Review

Hey All!

As far as hair goes, I haven't been up to much. Been rocking a slightly altered Wash n' Go Puff. I'll let you all know what I mean but slightly altered in a later post.  What I am here to tell you guys about now is Vidal Sasson's Pro Series VS Color Shampoo & Conditioner.

He is the father of Asymmetrical cuts. Has salons everywhere, has a documentary, the man is legend. Anyway, back to the review.

The VS Color Shampoo comes in a red bottle. The shampoo itself is a pearl white, and has a slightly thick consistency, think V05 or Suave, but just an smidget thicker. It has a perfumey scent. It lathers up wonderfully, but it is a Sulfate poo, so that is what it is suppose to do. After not washing my hair for more than a week, one wash left my strands feeling clean. I shampooed one more time just for good measure. Though my hair was still wet I did like how my hair felt clean, but not completely stripped. Also a whole bunch of my color wasn't washing down the drain, which is awesome, because that was something I was experiencing with V05 Moisture Milks.






Now you guys should know I'm not a shampoo girl, I'll wash my hair with just about anything, but this shampoo, seemed to like my hair, and my hair liked it back. It's filled with stuff I can't name, and though I'm new to color shampoo's, I'm sure is normal. The first ingredient is water, so that's pretty cool.  5/5 for the poo, that is for us colored girls! (That sounds horrible, but you guys know what I mean lol)

Just for those of you who are wondering, here's the ingredient list.


VS Color Shampoo 
 Water/EAU, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Glycol Disterate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Citrate, Cocamide Mea, Sodium Xylenefum, Dimethicone, Citric Acid, Polyquaternium-6, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Chloride, Tetrasodium EDTA, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone.





Now on to the conditioner. It comes in a white bottle. It has the same coloring and consistency of the shampoo because of that you have to be generous when using. The scent is reminiscent of an inflatable plastic pool. Lol. It smells horrible!At least in my own opinion. If you can get past the plastic smell, the conditioner is amazing! It works just as well if not better than my beloved Suave Professionals Almond & Shea. It leaves my curls bouncy and moisturized, the only thing missing is a lovely scent, but the results are worth it.





I believe I got them on sale, but I think it is individually sold for $3.84 USD, at least at Rite Aid. Which is a more than reasonable price. I rate the conditioner 4/5 just because of the scent, or lack thereof.

The ingredients list goes as

VS Color Conditioner
Water/EAU, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearmidopropyl, Dimethylamine, Glutamic Acid, Nopropyl, Dimethicone Benozyl Alcohol, EDTA, Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride Methylchloroisothiazolineone, Methylisothiazolione.

Overall, these products are great and work well with each other, or separately and are very easy on the products. I would like to explore other color protecting shampoo's and conditioners, but this one seems like it will be a staple.



Monday, May 20, 2013

Weavalicious Who?

Why me, of course! Lol.

Hey All! I have never had a weave in my entire life. The idea of having hair sown into my own just rang foreign to me. Plus I could never see myself patting my head to stop it from itching.

Working in the field I do, I have become obsessed with the idea of being able to change my look. Yes, I love my natural hair, but somehow changing my look makes me feel some what, that of a celebrity. Lol.

My coworker, whom also is my friend, had some hair she did not intend on using. Lord knows what type it is Lol. The one thing I do know is that it is synthetic; which was okay with me, because I didn't intend on keeping it in for more than 2 weeks, but I may extend to a month.

I'm posting this by mobile, so I'm not sure where the photo will be placed. Oh, and please excuse the faces in the picture, I know I don't look too enthused. Lol. Next time, I'd definitely would want to use human hair, and have it be fuller, but I do like the outcome. I'll never become a permanent weave wearer, but ill visit every now and again. ~Naomi

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Setback # a Zillion

(Lol) Hey All.

I know the title is silly, but that is really how I feel right now. Ever since taking out my Havana Twists, I've been back on my regular regimen. M&S, deep conditioning, all that good stuff.

The one thing that I was NOT doing was...duh, duh. Duuuuuhhh!!! Comb my hair. I was liberally putting my hair in 5 flat twists and taking them out the next day.

I wanted to try something different the other day so I used some small cold wave rods (blue, white, and gray) to get a tight curly/coily fro look, which in this case I actually did comb my hair to smooth it onto the rod.  My ends looked chewed up!!!

At this point I knee a trim was not optional, but ridiculously necessary. My hair needed to be straightened to do so, so to make sure I get a really good trim, I had a good friend and co-worker of mine do it for me.

Lord, when she combed my hair it sounded and felt as if she were using a rake! Total torture! She trimmed a bit at first, and tried to "save" my hair, but after seeing it wouldn't curl, she went ahead and cut a bit more... Somewhere between 1- 1/2 in. Were cut so I went from a damaged CBL to a healthy SL. I'm a little saddened, and feel a bit bald-headed, but I know it was.for the best. Can't hold on to hair that is already gone.

Let's just hope I can keep it healthy this time. Not sure how I'm going.to work out tonight without totally ruining my hair, but we shall see!

Oh, and make sure you baby those ends!

~Naomi

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

I Colored My Hair!

Hey All.


For a long time now, I have disliked my natural hair color. It was a very odd ashen shade of, brown. It pretty much was my deterrent from rocking my hair out for a long time. I have always had braids, or put it in some for of a ponytail, or straightened, to avoid having to wear a 'fro. Not because I was ashamed of my natural texture, but because I loathed my hair color! Sound strange I know.

I've always liked black hair, and it is always my go to shade, whenever I chose to do a protective style with extensions. I was afraid of the whole notion because of the way Naturals segregate themselves. I felt that I would be categorized as a "Colored Natural" opposed to just being, Natural. I understand it to a degree, because Color does have chemicals and can alter your texture slightly; but after talking to my lovely ladies on BHP, I decided to go ahead and darken these strands!

The first time...yes there was more than one, (Lol) I used Adore Blue Back,


which is a Semi-Permanent bottle. I paid around $4.00 USD for one bottle. I made sure to do this on clean hair, it was wet, so I let the color sit for maybe an hour, without a cap. I used about half the bottle. A good portion of it was used on my white wall, which I'm sure my Landlord is going to kill me for! (Lol)

I liked the idea of a Semi Permanent because it pretty much is deposit only, meaning it contains on developers. It merely coats the hair until it washes out, which is great for someone like myself who is afraid of commitment. I was so pleased to have my Blue Black Hair, it was Black but you could see the Blue in the light.

I had one of my coworkers wash my hair since I felt like I wasn't able to wash my hair properly alone, and low and behold...I lost some color! I was UPSET when I saw my Ash Brown roots rear it's ugly head! I mean I should have expected it, a Semi is only meant to last 4-6 washes, which a lot of people mistakenly call a rinse. A rinse, washed out in 1 wash. Another one of my coworkers suggested a Demi Permnent Color, which lasts a little longer than a Semi, because it contains a small about of developer (ammonia). Then I thought, what am I afraid of, so what if I get called a "Colored Treated Natural", it's my hair, and I should be able to do with it, what I please!

That same day I ended up got to a local Rite Aid, I know box color, horrible, (Lol), and ended up getting Revlon Colorsilk in Blue Black.
It was extremely cheap for Permanent Hair Color, I believe I paid $4.00USD for this as well. Again I did this on damp hair, it made it easier for me to work it through the sections, because my hair is prone to tangles when dry. I followed the directions, application was easy, and left it on for the allotted time, but it started to itch/burn so then I ran to the sink! It felt like a relaxer when you first get that itch sensation.

Again I was pleased with the results! I'm natural so I wet my hair on multiple occasions during the week, and have yet to see a fade in my color. I love the darkness of it, but to be honest, I don't really see any Blue, but that's okay, I finally have my black hair I've been wanting for years!

I wear Flat Twists out's and, Puffs just about all the time now. Though I'm deeply suffering from those pesky SSK's! Either way I'm just in love with my hair again, my family and friends are too! Which makes it all that much better!!!



Tip: Just because you are natural, doesn't mean you have to limit yourself! It's your hair, have fun with it!

~Naomi

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Trying Something New- Organic Root Stimulator Fertilizing Temple Balm

Hey  All!

I know I do not post as often as I once use to, but I rarely experiment with my hair these days. I did buy something new though, which is pretty much what I named in the title (Lol) ORS's Fertilizing Temple Balm.


I have always been curious about this product being that I have Traction Alopecia, and it meant for the regrowth of hair...so they say; but the price never sat too well with me, because I am a cheapskate (Lol).

I work near a Flea Market that happens to open on the weekends, and they have a discount bss within. I have seen it being sold there, but resisted the urge to buy it the first two times, despite it's $2 dollar price. Probably out of fear of it not working, but ironically I bought myself a 8oz bottle of JBCO there too. So now I don't have to buy it online, lucky me!

Last weekend I finally broke down and bought it. I am only on Day #2, so I cannot say it's done anything. It's suppose to be part of a step system, along with their other products.

Steps being: 
  1. Exfoliate using their Scalp Scrub. Beneath says "This exfoliating scalp treatment provides the ideal environment for hair to thrive
  2. Clease using their Uplifting Shampoo. Beneath says "The herbal rich shampoo invigorates the scalp gently lifts flakes and removes excess oils.
  3. Condition using their Hair Mayonnaise. Beneath says " An intense conditioning treatment of Whole Egg Protein and Olive Oil that moisturizes and strengthens damaged/over-processed hair from within the hair shaft. 
  4.  THEEENNN Stimulate using their Fertilizing Temple Balm. Beneath says " For, relaxed, blow-dried, or pressed hair. Apply a small amount of Fertilizing Temple Balm in the morining and night to affected areas.
  5. Strengthen & Moisturize using their Carrot Oil or Olive Oil hairdress. Beneath Says "Carrot Oil is a vitamin-rich creme with beta-carotene to strengthen weak and damaged hair. Olive Oil replenishes moisture to extra dry or thirsty hair.
What do I fee like this is? A gimmick to force you to buy things from their haircare line. (Lol) You use products you already have to do all those "steps". Again, I just bought the Temple Balm to kill my own curiosity and to see if it actually works.

Now about the Balm itself:
It is said to have "12 Herbal Extracts and Vitamins that Exfoliate & Stimulate Scalp While Revitalizing Hair". On the packaging it also states:
"Fertilizing Temple Balm is an intensive herbal scalp formula that revitalizes and encourages healthy hair and scalp. Poor circulation, adverse scalp conditions, illness, hormonal imbalances, clogged hair follicles, and many other factorscan inhibit the hair's ability to thrive. Fertilizing Temple Balm delivers essential oils and vitamins to enhance the scalp condition for healthier looking hair".
 "
  • Phytic Acid Colmples helps to exfoliate clogged pores leaving the scalp clean and supple.
  • Sulfur-rich amino acids from horsetail, nettle and garlic "fertilize" the hair by delievering nutrients to the hair and scalp.
  • Cayenne, a known stimulate, is infused into this balm to stimulate the hair and scalp.
  • Essential vitamins and minerals of B, E, & Zinc help protect and strengthen newly emerging hair."

 Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Oleth 10, PEG-25 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Mineral Oil (Parafinum Liquidum), Proplyine Glycol, Glycerine, Isopropyl Palmitate, Oleyl Alcohol, Kola Nut Oil (Cola Nitida), Phenyl Trimethicone, Lanolin, Aloe Vera Extract (Aloe Barbedensis) and Ascorbyl Methyl,  Silanol Pectinate and Phytic Acid, Dimethiconol Panthenol, Zinc Acetylmethionate, Linoleic and Linolenic Acids and Tocopherol Acids (Vitamin E), Paprika Extract (Capsicum), Garlic Extract (Allium Sativum), HoreseTail Extract (Equisetum Arvense), Nettle Extract (Urtica dioica), Menthol, Diazolidinyl Urea and Propylene Glycol and Methyl Paraben and Propyl Paraben, Ammonium Monoxynol-4 Sulfate and Sodium Styrene Acrylates/Di Vinyl Benzene Copolymer, Fragrance (Parfum), Citronellol, Coumarin, Eugenol, Geraniol, Hexyl Cinnamic Aldehyde, Hydroxycitronellal, D'Limonene, Linalool, Caramel Color.


*Kola Nut Oil is an oil that is composed of caffeine, starches, and sugars. I'm assuming it has to do with stimulation. Similar to that of the tea that is used in the Hairdrenaline potion. 

It kind of killed me to type the word stimulate over and over again, but I just wanted to give you all the info that the put on their packaging.

Now as far s the Directions go...
Before using this product the want you to conduct at patch test to for an allergic reaction before use. For that you are to apply a dime size amount to a small area of the scalp, and wait 24 hours. If itching, scalp pimples, or redness develops, DO NOT USE. If there is no reaction, you may proceed with  application.

If Patch Test is favorable.
Apply a dime size amount of Fertilizing Temple Balm to thinking area(s) of scalp. Take precaution to apply only to thinning area(s). Do not use in nape area. Massage into area(s) of scalp to insure full penetration. Apply twice a day, morning and night. Shampoo weekly with Uplifting Shampoo to allow proper penetration of  Fertilizing Temple Balm. Results usually occur within 8-12 weeks. After achieving desired results, you may continue to use Fertilizing Temple Balm twice a week to enhance  further results. Discontinue use of Temple Balm 4 days before or 7 days after all chemical services.


Here's what it looks like.



It smells and has the consistency of any other grease or hairdress.

This stuff has some strict rules! (Lol) I'm going to stick it out the eight weeks and see if any growth comes from it. Here is what I'm working with!



 The left side is a little worse than the right. This is after I just applied the Temple Balm.

From only two days of use what I can say is I feel a sort of throbbing/pulsating, not particularly a bad feeling, I hope it's a good sign though, and not one of my dust hair falling out (Lol).

I'll try my best to stay consistent, and use this product twice a week, for eight weeks, and see what comes of it. If nothing I will always have my beloved JBCO.

I'll be posting an update in 4 weeks! So stay tuned!


Monday, February 18, 2013

Havana Twists

Hey All!

I have not been sharing something with you all...and that is this my new favorite style; Havana Twists!

They are twists that are suppose to look like that of your natural hair. They can be as big or as thin as you prefer though the style is meant for a puffier look. The creator of this style has a specific hair for this style. It can be purchased on their site Fingercomber.com The hair is being sold for $12.99 USD per pack.

On the site it states that it can take 5-7 packs of hair to achieve the look.


My struggling stylist, pockets could not handle a price so steep, so I chose to use Marley Hair. Lol. Now the issue with Marley hair is that is has a "crinkly" look to it, and does not mimic the smoothness of a twist done with one's natural hair.

For that I had a trick; I blow dried the tufts before I used to sort of iron the hair out, then I twisted with them. I used 4 tufts for each twist, and I have 29 or 30 twists altogether. Not sure which one lol.
I did something different and incorporated a little color, by using a red in 4 twists, placed randomly, just for a element of surprise to the look. Due the the blow drying time, I would say it took me two hours to put in, not counting the time it took to wash and blow dry my actual hair the day before. To seal the ends I put Cold Wave Rods on the ends and dipped them in hot water.

Here is how they came out.


I have had to redo them over a couple of times due to slippage. I used 5 packs but really I needed 6. I probably would have had 2-3 more twists if I had extra. I originally liked the middle part, but it looks a bulbous-y due to me opting to start of with a braid, rather than the twist in method. That method truly does give the "Natural" effect, but something about puffy roots drives me bananas. Lol. That is just me I guess.

They are about BSL length, which reminds me a lot of my Yarn Braids I had all last year, so to have "my" length back is nice.

I really love the ease of this style, it takes me 30 mins to take out and redo my whole head if I feel fit. It is also easy to keep my hair moisturized. Next time I think it would be best for me to just shell out the extra cash and buy the real hair. As it is reusable and you can treat it as your own hair, which is great!

Again, I adore this protective style, and definitely recommend for you Curly-Kinkies out there!

~Naomi

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Straight Sexy Hair Smooth & Protect (Flat Iron) Spray Review



Now to be honest, I have never been tempted to try any of the Sexy Hair Care line, but this particular product was recommended to me by one of my instructors while I was in Cosmetology school, so of course I took their word for it. Come to find out, I was right to! I was hesitant at first because it is in an aerosol and I have not had good experiences that with products that are packaged in this form.

I purchased it months ago, 50% during a school sale. I have no recollection on how much I paid, but I am  pretty sure you can purchase it at a local Drug Store, Salon, or online on websites like, Amazon. On there I saw it for $12.99 USD for the 4.1oz bottle.

It has a hair producty-perfumy scent, which I personally, find to be pleasant. It gives your hair a nice shine, and actually protects your hair against humidity, which had me sold!  This product is meant to be used for straight hair, or hair that is going to be straightened. Hence the name.

The Directions state that this product can be used on damp or dry hair, and I have tried it on both, and to be honest, it is much better to use on dry hair. Why? Because you can tell how much you are using. When we use products we tend to go overboard, and put enough where we can "see" that the product is actually in our hair, leading to overuse, and because this product contains no water, it pretty much left me with stiff greasy looking hair. Only when used while wet. Could just been how I used it.(*Shrugs* Lol.)

I use it more like a finishing spray to keep humidity out and for shine, rather than a heat protectant. It does the job that way, but I just prefer to use it to finish my flat ironing with.

To be honest, there's not any natural ingredients in this product, but it's a heat protectant/sheen spray, so it really should not be expected anyway. Just for fun here are the ingredients.

Ingredients: Isobutane, SD Alchol, 40-B (Alcohol Denat.), Cyclotetrasiloxane, Hydrofluorocarbon 152a, Cyclopentasiloxane, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Panthenol, Dimethicone, Copolyol, PEG-8 Methicone, Panthenyl Ethyl Ether, Propylne Glycol, Ethyl Ester of Hydrolyzed Silk, Phytantriol, Fragrance (Parfum), Linalool, Citronellol, Eugenol, Benzyl Salicylate. 

 I adore this product, and I have run out and though it is a teeny bit more expensive than the products I usually buy, it is definitely worth it. I rate it a 4.5 out of 5 curly girl points!


Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Flat Iron Regimen Results

Hey All!


I did not get a chance to post the results of my recent Flat Ironing! So here what it looked like. Sorry about the quality of the pictures!

Air Dried plaits from the night before




I blew dried my hair and sectioned it in a bun. Where you see the straight part is where I started flat ironing.

Finished result before the trim.

 
Finished result with the trim.




Ironically, it was a foggy/rainy day, so I ended u putting my hair into a ponytail, after finally getting dressed to go out. (Because I was in a bra all that time. LOL)





By the end of the night, my pony became frizzy and I put it into a bun



There you have it! (Lol) I love the results that flat ironing regimen gives, so I will not every stray. I just wanted to share that. I will be back with reviews as promised a little later!



~Naomi

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Flat Iron Regimen (No Heat Damage!)

Hey All!

I am pleased to announce, that my flat iron regimen was a complete success! How do I know,  because I did not suffer from any Heat Damage! I have 100% reversion. Now, I feel comfortable enough to share my regimen. I was afraid that I used too much heat, but apparently my delicate strands can handle it. It was a two day process.


Flat Iron Regimen
Day 1
Wash my hair. I used Suave Naturals Juicy Green Apple. Yes I use sulfates, (LOL) I know, I am horrible
Cowashed quickly, because I used a sulfate poo.
Protein Treatment using Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing Conditioner, mixed with Mayonnaise, for extra umph. Covered with baggy for 1 hour.
Moisturizing DC I used Suave Professionals Almond & Shea Conditioner mixed with Ginseng Miracle Wonder 8 Oil, and Shea Butter. I ended up heating everything up in the microwave because the Shea Butter would not melt (Lol). I covered with a baggy for an hour.
Rinsed and Detagled with Tangle Teezer
Oiled scalp with my Sulfur infused Olive oil
Moisturized using Aphogee Green Tea and Keratin Restructurizer (Sprayed in sections)
Sealed using Ginseng Miracle Wonder 8 Oil (Sprayed in sections)
Put my hair into plaits (10) covered with a satin scarf, and let it air dry overnight.

Day 2
Undo plaits
Paddle brushed hair
Blow dryed hair using paddle brush
Combed out each strand before...
Flat ironing 

Sidenote**: I used two flat irons. Just to draw a comparison to the two, to see if one is better than the other.. My MaxiGlide Xpress on level 7 about 420 degrees, and my other I received from Cosmetology school, to which I have used on clients. It is a Diane Jetz #4010, which to my surprise, works amazingly. (I will do this regimen again this weekend minus the protein treatment, using the two flat irons so I can give a proper review next post, with pictures!)


I would say I was done in a little over an hour, and my hair came out silky straight. You would think I had gotten a fresh relaxer, and that is saying a lot because I have 4a hair.

Oh, and to finish, I sprayed my hair with....

Straight Sexy Hair Smooth & Perfect. It is not a sheen spray, but a flat ironing spray; which means you could use during the flat ironing process, I prefer to use it after, as I find it helps block humidity!


 It worked for me, so I wanted to share the wealth! I will be back with pictures!


~Naomi

I can do a review on the spray at a  later post as well.

Anyway, that is my Flat Iron Regimen. I kept my hair straight for 2 weeks, with flat ironing my edges and nape in between, and again, still did not suffer from heat damage. This is what works for me!

Oh and hair burns at 450 degress, so do not use your iron that high! (You will know because that is when your hair will start smelling like you are cooking it. Lol)


Thursday, January 3, 2013

Happy New Year!

Hey All!

I have been away so I honestly have not had time to post, but I hope everyone thoroughly enjoyed their Holiday. I have seen enough of my family to last me the whole year! (Lol)

I have been committing hair crimes over these past couple of weeks; for I have been flat ironing my hair often. I believe 2-3x, and hit my nape and edges numerous times to get my ponytails and buns sleek. I did not realize how much effort it took to maintain the bone straight look, at lease then you are natural. I do not regret it though, because I honestly did not have time to really fuss with my hair.

I love the method I used to straighten it though. I have not oiled my scalp since straightening it, but it still has a sheen; which is unheard of for my dry porous hair. Will be sharing that regimen next post, the products I used, flat iron(s) and so forth, so look out!





~Naomi

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