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

JBCO Is The Truth!

I'm sure you guys have heard me mention that I have been using Tropical Isle brand Lavender JBCO (Jamaican Black Castor Oil) for a while now. I mix it with Africa's Best Ultimate Herbal Oil, and regular Home Health brand Castor Oil (it is Cold pressed and Cold processed) to stretch it, as JBCO is expensive! (I use an 8 ounce applicator bottle, 4 ounces of JBCO,  and make up the other 4 ounces using regular Castor Oil, and Africa's Best Ultimate Oil) However this stuff is amazing by itself.

I have heard of people experiencing an itchy scalp due to JBCO. If you are experiencing that, I suggest you cutting (mixing) your JBCO with another oil. It will help dilute it. I have not experienced this, I mix my JBCO by choice, and you guys can too if you so chose.

I have been using this oil on my scalp since sometime near the beginning of the year, and the amount of thickness I have obtained, is unreal! I just recently started using it along my hairline, and even my 'baby' hair has grown longer and thicker, thing is, it does not quite look like baby hair anymore, as it too long to lie down, and does not blend in with the rest of my hair (it is a shorter length). I can tell it is indeed 'baby' hair, because the front and sides of my hairline were super thin, and now it's filled in. You can see my side edges in my last post.

I also love the way it smells, I know a lot of people complain about it's smokey scent, but it has really grow on me, the lavender adds a nice touch too. It is good for those who are not too fond of the regular/natural scent of JBCO. I swear it is gold in a bottle! If you do not mind paying the shipping fee, it is definitely worth a try if you are looking to thicken your hair, pr to fill in a bald/thinning area.

From my understanding JBCO can be found on Amazon, BeautyofNewyork.com (I have not ordered from these places myself, but some ladies from one of the forums I frequent does, and of course from the official site for Tropical Isle Brand JBCO, Sams247.com.  I have also heard you can buy it from BSS (Beauty Supply Store(s)), however this is tricky. I think you will have some luck if is a Caribbean/African owned, but that is just my opinion.

There is another brand of JBCO, Sunny Isle Brand, and from what I've seen comes in different colors, and 'flavors', if you will, but I have not used it before, so I cannot give an opinion. I would suggest that you guys do your research before making a decision on which to purchase, of course my vote is for Tropical Isle. Check out forums, other blog/vlog reviews, hair forums, and even youtube. These are the best tools when trying to figure out what products are favored, or are considered the 'best'. Please do keep in mind, that what works for one, may not work for another, so use your judgment.

 Also both brands have branched out from JBCO, and have come out with pomades, shampoo, and other goodies, so you can also check those out on their websites.


Anyway, I just wanted to share my good news with you all!

Until Next Time, Naomi~

Hair- Back To School Edition

As you all know, school is back, some of you may have started school already, or starting this week, but that means busy schedules!

If you already have a regimen that works for you, great, if not, it is great time to form one, since you will have limited time to spend pampering your hair. So here are my suggestions for styling and a simplified regimen for you busy ladies & gents.


Shingling- Takes more time than wash n go's , but is similar in that it does give you defined curls. This method you can use a diffuser or a dryer to dry the curls to have it set.

Rod/Roller Sets- My favorite, depending on the size you can get tighter or looser curls, and can last for a week.

Two Strand Twists- A great style because it is two in one, it takes some time to install depending your hair density and length, but it is worth it, because this style can lasts for weeks with proper upkeep. The second style from these twist, is the twist out! Which can also last a week,with the proper care, or retwisting at night


Flat Twists- Like two strands, can lasts weeks if cared for properly. You can also do the twist out style.

Bantu Knot/Twist/Braid Outs- Are styles that can be installed overnight, and can last up to a week, and can be worn in different ways. Bantu Knots gives you curls, twists gives more of a wavy curl, and braid/plaits give you more of a crimped look.

There are also quick styling options like

Puffs- Forever simple, all it takes is a headband, and maybe a leave in for shine and moisture, and you are set for the day.

Wash n Go's- Are a life saver if you are looking for defined curls, but are in a rush, because this style can be worn damp and dries during the day. To achieve this style you can use Kinky Curly Curling Custard, or use a cheaper alternative, Olive Oil Eco Styler Gel, which is what I use. It does not flake, but I recommend using an oil or conditioner on the hair before applying.

Ponytails & Buns... which goes under the category of protective styling, as your ends are not brushing up against anything and are protected.

 There are other protective styling options such as Individual/Box Braids, Kinky/Spring/Senegalese Twists, and Cornrows. With these I would pay careful attention to how it is installed, if not done by yourself, as if it is two tight, it can cause more damage than good. However, it is a good option because it eliminates most of things done in a weekly regimen, like cowashing every other day, etc.



As for a regimen, I say get it Simple

Wash Weekly or at least Every 2 weeks-as product can build up on the scalp, clarify once a month to get rid of product that is left over in deposits

Cowash according to your styling Schedule- For instance, if you do a style and it lasts 3 days, cowash on the last day, or on the day you intend on restyling.

 Deep Condition weekly- If you are short on time, investing in a hooded dryer may be a better option, as the time is cut in half because the heat is helping the conditioner penetrate the scalp faster so instead of an hour without heat, you can do an half hour with heat. You can always heat up the conditioner, or just put on plastic bag/shower cap, and leave it in for an hour or two if you are not pressed for time.



Anyway, I hope those tips help you curly/kinky ladies and gents out there!


Until Next Time, Naomi ~

Homemade Coconut Leave In Conditioner & Bantu Knot Out

 A couple of days ago ago was my cowash day, before cowashing or shampooing, I always do a cayenne pepper treatment (for growth), and then I cowash. I detangle while cowashing, it is the only time I detangle, as I cannot do so on dry hair, as I'll end up ripping my hair out! I oiled my scalp using my favorite oil mixture of Lavender JBCO and Africa's Best Ultimate Herbal Oil (ABUHO) (usually it would also contain Home Health Castor Oil, which is regular Castor Oil, but I was out of it at the time) then it was time to decide what low manipulation style I wanted to do. Since I had not done Bantu Knots in a long time, I decided that that was what I was going to do.


 I discovered Bantu Knots( also called Chiney Bumps) back when I was still relaxed. It gave me the curly/wavy look without having to use rollers, or a hot curler. The reason the hair curls, is because of the method of which the knots are created.


You take a 'strand' of hair, and you twist it (not two strands), but all together twirl it around, I use my finger to twirl, it's easier that way, at least in my opinion. and then you wrap the hair around itself to form a little knot.

 Like this

Now that part was tricky when I was still learning, what really helped me, is of course is practice, but also watching tutorials on youtube. The one video that truly helped ME was a tutorial (how to bantu knot) by crownofHisglory. Her video's are great, and are really helpful!

After oiling my scalp, I used my Homemade Coconut Leave in to moisturize, and Shea Butter to seal.

The problem I encountered, the next morning, was realizing that my hair had not fully dried. I believe I kept them in overnight for about 8 hours or so. It could have been the size of the knots that caused them to dry slower than expected, but I prefer them that way, because my hair tangles when they are small, and that can form single strand knots, which I do not need!

It also could be that the combination of using my coconut leave in, and shea butter, made my hair too heavy. I sprayed the leave in, and then sealed with the shea butter. My hair was very oily when I took my knots out.

Here's how they looked when I unraveled them

Then with my fingers I separated the knots, again because they were not fully dry, my hair did not curl/wave like I wanted it to.

So I added a headband!

Next time, I will not use Shea butter on top of my Homemade Coconut Leave in, because that already contains oils, which could be the reason as to why my hair did not dry fully, as well as it being a bit oily to the touch.

This style is an easy low manipulation style, that generally lasts me 2-3 days. It could last longer if I slept better! Definitely one of my go-to styles.

I'm into my second day of the style, and will wear it for a third time, before wash day this Sunday.

I'm still in love with my leave in, it just can't be combined with any other products, or spray too much, as it contains oil, which is why I call it a moisturizer & sealer in a bottle!

This is not my best Bantu Knot Out, but I hope this still encourages you guys to try this style for yourself. (It also looks great on relaxed hair! Not just for the natural ladies!)



Until Next Time, Naomi~

Jamaican Black Castor Oil Vs Regular Castor Oil

I have using both Tropical Isle brand Jamaican Black Castor Oil, and Home Health Castor Oil, religiously. I'd have to say that both of them have contributed a lot to thickening my hair, as well as growth.

I started off using Home Health Brand Castor oil, but then became interested in using Jamaican Black Castor Oil, because of all the good results people ere having with it. 


The differences between the two are physical, again, they both help with thickening, and growth, however, it seems many, including myself have experienced a little more growth with Jamaican Black Castor Oil, but I would say it is due to regular Castor Oil having a thicker consistency. It's thicker consistency, means that it takes longer for it to absorb into the scalp. It is also easier to apply.



Another thing that makes them differ, is Jamaican Black Castor Oil is less processed, making it more 'pure', which means that it has more potency than regular Castor Oil.

It is pricier than regular Castor Oil, and from what I have seen, it is not sold in stores. You can find JBCO on Jamaican Black Castor Oil

A 4oz. of Jamaican Black Castor Oil can run you $5.29 USD, the 8oz can run you $9.99, not including shipping. They also have one that is scented with Lavender. I use this kind, it still has the smokey scent the original does,but you can also smell the lavender, I use this kind.

The Lavender is a bit pricier, the 4oz is $6.99 USD, and the 8oz is $11.99. I have yet to order from the Sams website myself, as I have used my BHP credits to purchase from the forum store! It is a great forum, there are raffles for holidays, and you can earn credits daily just by posting, and logging in daily.

Since JBCO is a bit pricey, I mix it with regular Castor Oil. They both work wonderfully! It also insures I do not use a whole bottle, that way it lasts me longer.

If you are on a tight budget, but still want to thicken your hair, I would suggest using regular Castor Oil. It's the economical choice, as it is sold in stores like GNC, and Vitamin Shoppe, you can even use the kind they sell in Wal Mart or drug stores. Whereas Jamaican Black Castor Oil can only be ordered online (as far as I know).

They both work, it is just a matter of preference.

Until Next Time, Naomi~

Cayenne Pepper Challenge Update

As you all know, I conducted the Cayenne Pepper Challenge (part 1 &2) on BHP which was held from the beginning of this year, until the 1st of this month.

The 1st of every month everyone were to post an update about their experiences using cayenne, and what have you,  of course I do as well. The challenge ended the 1st of this month, and again, everyone were to post about experiences, and post pics if possible, and thought it be a good idea to share my pics with you guys, so maybe you can get a sense of how cayenne pepper can be beneficial for hair growth! I think Castor oil has also been extremely helpful.


 I put cayenne pepper paste on both bald spots for a hour or more at a time with cap. Unfortunately I did not take pictures of my bald spots every month, so I only have comparisons from May 2010 to July 2010. You are more than welcome to post and let me know if you see any difference. (I started using Cayenne February of 2009, before then, those spots were completely bald)



First set (May 2010):The first is the left side, second is the right side.

Second Set (3rd & 4th pic)(July 2010)- Left side, then right.

HTH, Until Next Time! Naomi~

Rod Set+ Heat= Curly Afro

Yesterday I decided to do a rod set since I had an interview today, which went well as far I as can tell. Anyway, I had to do a bit of walking, and I believe it was close to 80 degrees this morning, so of course I start to perspire, and that means moisture on my scalp.

So of course the roots which were straight for the most part, started to curl up, and the ends started to frizzt  Since I cowash every 2-3 days, I wanted to keep my hair styled in some sort of way, so I decided to pick apart my curls, using my fingers.

Will keep this style until Wednesday night, or Thursday. 

FYI: I used the same method as usual for my rod sets. The only thing I can say that differed was that I used coconut milk mixed with oil as a leave in before adding my Motions Foaming Wrap Lotion. I also sealed with my mixture of oils (jbco,abuho, hhco)

Until Next Time, HHG to All! Naomi <3

Side Part Swoop Rod Set

I decided to do a rod set yesterday, but wanted it to be a little different from usual, as I do rod sets usually on a weekly basis.

I went about my regular regimen, my cayenne treatment, cowash with VO5 Herbal Escapes, detangled with a wide tooth comb, deep conditioned with Organic Root Stimulator Repenishing conditioner(in the bottle), sealed wtih Africa's Best Ultimate Herbal Oil, without doing parts, added LJBCO on spots and edges, and then began to start the process of rod setting my hair.

I made a side part, and used Olive Oil Eco Styler Gel  and a tough bristle brush, to slick the front parts down. I then used Motions Foam Wrapping Lotion, with a couple of drops of Africa's Best Ultimate Oil in my hair in sections. Then used (pink, I forget what size) cold wave rods, which I believe were Salon Care, or Diane Brand.

I put my rollers in vertically, and it took me about an hour to complete sealing, and rodding, and I slept with the rollers overnight, and I took them out this morning.

This was the results!

Hope you like it, and maybe try it at home for yourselves!

Until Next Time, HHG to All! Naomi <3

First Pony!

I have been natural for close to 7 months now, and have never been able to catch it all in  pony tail.

Yesterday, I was in a rush to get ready, and had not done anything with my hair the night before but slap some LJBCO on my scalp. So I rinsed my hair in the shower yesterday morning, and made a side part, and put some Olive Oil Eco Styler Gel, throughout my hair, and brushed to slick it down and put it in a little pony, with the ends tucked! I am so pleased! 

The gel shows off my natural pattern!  It did dry hard, but that could be because I did not add any moisture to my hair before applying, but I like it because it lets me be able to wear it again without having to apply any gel or other products. All I did was put on a satin bonnet last night, and it looks the same as it did yesterday, will be rocking the pony again today!

I finally found a simple PROTECTIVE style. Before, the only protective styling I could do was wear individual/box braids (which I do myself) with extensions, and Kinky twists.

I Just wanted to share my good news with you all!

Until Next Time, HHG to All! Naomi <3

Rod Setting Natural Hair

                                         (Ignore the date)

I had a wedding to attend, and I already had my dress and shoes together, my accessories, but I still needed to do my hair. I don't go to salon's nor do I know of any good one's. I also don't like spending money on something I can do myself! The problem was, I was having a hard time deciding whether to flat iron, or do a roller/rod set. My boyfriend said it didn't matter, but he never really has an opinion when it comes to my hair.

I then turned to my sisters on BHP and asked what they thought would be the better choice. As it turned out, a lot of them, including those who were relaxed suggest that I do the roller/rod set instead. Another thing that factored in my decision was that I am part of a no heat challenge, and I want to try my best to stay away from using direct heat on my hair.

I use perm rods and Motions Foaming Wrap Lotion for my rod sets. If you ever wanted to try this rods out, my only suggestion is that if you prefer a looser curl, go for the bigger sized rollers, the smaller the roller, the tighter the curl will be. I like small curls but I plan on purchasing more of the gray colored rods for when I want a looser curl.

I only mixed them because I ran out of yellow/blue rods lol.

I prepooed the night before, then I did my cayenne pepper treatment, washed with diluted V05 Moisturizing Milks Strawberries & Cream Shampoo, cowashed with matching conditioner, and then deep conditioned with a cap, without heat, for two hours with, Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing Conditioner. (In the bottle, same formula, make sure to buy see through bottle, the solid colored one has a different formula)

I sealed with my mixture of oils, and then did my hair in four sections, put Motions Foam Wrapping Lotion in the section I  was doing, and did that for all four sections, and put the rollers in downward, and made sure the roller was close to my root,( do not bunch the hair in one section of the roller, actually make sure it wraps around the length of it) and got the results of the picture above.

I left the rollers in overnight, so it would be fresh for the wedding which was the following day, and I split the curls, and it was done! The style can last a whole week, but I usually keep it for 3 days or so.

(The left side is where I split the curls, the right is how it looks when it comes out of the roller)

Try rod/roller setting at home, the results are rewarding!

Until Next Time, HHG to All! <3 Naomi

Cayenne Pepper Challenge

As you all know, I use Cayenne Pepper for hair restoration/growth, and since I started using it, my hairline is coming back, and I have hair where I never did before, but I was the only one using it regularly in my regimen, so I decided to enlighten my sisters on Black Hair Planet Forum about the benefits of using cayenne to help with hair growth, and made a challenge.

Well really it is the second part, but since people were not too sure about using cayenne, I made it a mini challenge of 3 months, starting from January 1st, 2010- March 1st 2010. I did not get the immediate response I wanted, but it was requested for the challenge to be restored!  So I gave everyone and newcomers a month break to get their mixtures together!

The challenge calls for Ground Cayenne Pepper (Must be used) to be made into a paste, using water, or water and an oil, or pretty much anything you prefer. The cayenne paste must be applied 2-3 times a week, and left on for a minimum of 30 minutes. There is no direct measurements but I will say that the mix should contain more cayenne than oil or water, otherwise you will end up with a liquid instead of paste, which can run, and cayenne stings eyes!( I do not suggest heating it up. If using water, it does not matter whether you use cold or warm water)


The second part of the challenge Begins April 1st, 2010 and will end July 1st. Everyone is to check in 1st of the month until July. If everything is going well I plan on extending to the end of the year.

This challenge is open to everyone! So if you would like to join, just subscribe and comment!

Wash Day/Regimen

I love wash day because it gives me a chance to feel pampered and baby my hair! To me it is like going to the Salon, because it takes hours to get to the results I want (by choice) but in the comfort of my own home, which is the best part! Who like sitting in a salon for 3-4 hours? Not Me! lol

 My wash day comes once per week, and that is the day my hair gets the works. Everybody does not have the same washing ritual, whether natural, relaxed, or texlaxed. Some people wash once a week like me, some people twice a month, or once a month, so it varies depending on the person an the hair type.

I decided on once a week because I found that after two weeks my scalp is dirty, and hair is limp, and packed with product I have been adding over the days. Plus it starts to itch then lol.

I start by prepooing. Prepooing is a lot like deep conditioning, except that it is done on dry hair before Shampooing. It depends on my mood, but I do oil only prepoo's, and conditioner prepoo's. For my oil only I use Home Health Castor Oil, and Africa's Best Organics Ultimate Herbal Oil. For my conditioner prepoo I use V05 Tea Therapy Calming Chamomile with a few drops of the same oils I use in my oil prepoo. I like to leave it overnight with a plastic cap, if not done that way I do my prepoo a couple of hours before I plan on shampooing, same method.

I then rinse, and then do my Cayenne Pepper Treatment for an hour or two, rinse, then shampoo. I clarify 1-2 times a month using V05 Herbal Escapes Clarifying Kiwi Lime, if I clarify I use the matching conditioner to cowash, if not I use V05 Moisturizing Milks Strawberries & Cream.  Cowashing can be done in between wash days, as it helps keep your hair moisturized and clean. When I am not using my clarifying shampoo, I am using my moisturizing shampoo, V05 Moisturizing Milks Shampoo Strawberries & Cream. I tend to wash my hair in one big bunch, some braid their hair in plaits and wash their hair in sections. 

I then deep condition using one of my three conditioners which I alternate, Africa's Best Hair Mayonnaise, which I use as my protein, Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing Conditioner as my in between, meaning it contains both protein and moisturizing ingredients, and Hollywood Beauty Olive Cholesterol, which I use as my moisturizing. I believe Mineral Oil is an ingredient in the (bolded) conditioners I use, but I does not bother me if it is far down in the list of ingredients. Many people try to stay away from mineral oil, and petroleum in products, because it is said to coats, and acts as a barrier, but it works fine for me. I have great results using all three of these conditioners.

After, I seal with my mix of Home Health Castor Oil, Africa's Best Ultimate Herbal Oil, and Lavender Jamaican Black Castor Oil. I put pure LJBCO on my balds spots and edges.

Sometimes I use V05 Moisturizing Milks as a leave in, and then I style!

I what is called low manipulation styling, which means to style without direct heat. Styles such some featured on my blog, and others such as braid/ braid outs, (two strand/flat) twist/ twist outs, bantu knot outs, puffs, pin curls, roller/rod sets, etc.

Every once in a while I may do a protective style, which is styling that keeps ends protected. Such as individuals, and kinky twists, but you can also do buns, pony tails, wigs/lace fronts, cornrows, etc. This type is styling is suppose to help in retaining length.

My low manipulation styles usually last me two to three days. Unless it is wash day, I then cowash, seal, and style again!

I find that it is good to have a regimen to know what products works for you, and to know what treatments your hair may need throughout the week. Remember it is different for everyone, and some products may work for others, may not work for you, so it is trial and error, but at least it gives you a chance to get to know your hair!

Until Next Time, HHG to All! Naomi <3

Part II of, Why Use Cayenne Pepper?

I have been meaning to post a picture of the mixture I use to give you guys an idea of what it looks like, in paste form, I almost forgot again, when I used half of my batch up lol. I use to make a batch for the week, but in order to keep it fresh, I left it out unopened, and it would dry out a little bit, and I would have to add water to get it to turn into a paste again, but I figured doing that to a batch 1-2 times over would ruin the potency, so I only make enough for one use. It can be covered if stored in the fridge, but if you leave it out, it cannot have a lid on, or else the batch will get moldy lol.

I like my paste to be on the thick side, because I found if it is made to watery it will run. The batch depicted in the picture is consisted of only ground cayenne pepper, and water. I find that it is stronger this way, because I get more of a tingle, to me that indicates that it is working. If you do not want it to tingle you can add an oil. I sometimes use olive oil, canola oil, or castor oil. I also like adding paprika, when I remember too.

If you are wondering why I use cayenne pepper for hair growth, check out part one of this entry!


Until Next Time, HHG to All! Naomi <3