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.

Update: Cosmetology School Edition

Hey All! I said I would be back with some photos of the things I have been doing in school, and I am going to do just that! =)

Cut & Lightening (Bleaching)

Spiral Permanent Wave & Highlights (To think all that time I was doing a Spiral Perm...minus the perm LOL)

I wish I started taking pictures sooner. I am starting to feel like a real stylist! Lol. I am still not keen on chemical services but that does not mean that their hair cannot be healthy and pretty! I plan on learning itt all!

~Naomi

Rod Set On Natural Hair

Hey All!


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

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

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

How the curls look after I took out the rods.

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

 

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

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

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


Just wanted to share.


~Naomi

(Finger) Coil Out Results

As promised, I am back with pics of the results of my (Finger) Coil Out. I did not use an product, just used my fingers to pull the coils apart, and threw on a headband.

 

I am pleased with the results, so I'll be adding this style to my repertoire! I actually find that the curl definition I got with this coil out is similar to two strand twist out curls. If you do smaller twists as I tend to do.


I only wore this coil out for a day, since I had to cowash (itchy scalp), but I am sure this style can last 2-3 days, perhaps more depending on how you care for it.

Although my hair type is 4a, I am sure 4b's and 3's can try this style too, since it requires you to use a curl defining product (gel, hair puddings, etc)


Anyway, just wanted to share, hope you guys like it, and try it for yourself! Comment and Subscribe!


Until Next Time, Naomi ~

New Low Manipulation Style: Finger Coils!

Yesterday I went through my normal wash day routine.

I have a couple of different brands I use,  but I ended up using Suave Naturals Tropical Coconut  to wash, cowash. 

I of course prepooed overnight, with coconut oil, after putting my hair plaits. I was able to do so did so overnight by using saran wrap. I made sure to put on my satin scarf and bonnet for good measure.


I made my own deep conditioner mix, using oils mixed with the Suave conditoner, and oiled scalp with JBCO/Castor Oil mix. I am out of leave in, so also used the same conditioner as leave in and sealed with coconut oil.

Now here came the hard part, deciding on whether to do a Low Manipulation (a style that requires little maintenance/does not need to be combed or redone. ie. Bantu Knot Outs, Braid/Twist Outs, Rod/Rollersets, etc.) ...... or Protective (styling that 'hides' your ends. These styles help retain length because your ends are not able to rub against clothing are are not subjected to the elements)

There are my go to hair styles , but I like to try something new every once in a while to switch it up.

So I eventually decided on low manipulation.

 Playing in my hair I realized that it can coil around itself resembling a curl. So I decided, 'why not try to do that to my whole head'?!


 I have products on my shelf that I rarely used, so I picked one of those to do my finger coils with, Redken Curlwise 14. It is a free sample I had received a while ago, and I have used it to do two strand twists, so I knew it would be okay to use.
Especially since this product is 'meant' to define curls.


This style was relatively simple to do, all I had to do is put a bit of product on my finger tip, and 'twirl' the hair around my finger.

I am sure you can use regular gel like Eco Styler brand, or your preferred gel or even a lock and twist gel like Organic Root Stimulator brand or something similar. I think anything product made to define curls would do.

Here are the results

It is a simple style, only took about an hour (if that) to install. It depends on how big or small your finger coils are. I like it so far, it kind of gives me the locked hair look, without the commitment.

Finger coils can start to lock (which is great if you are looking for, duck bill metal clips, may also be of help.) if kept in too long, so I plan to pull them apart tomorrow. Hopefully it will result in cute curls! *crossing fingers*


Will keep you guys posted on that one.  Anyway I just wanted to share.


Until Next Time! Naomi~

Today....

Well you guys, 12 am this morning is the beginning of my Birthday! I am feeling nervous and anxious, I've spoken about reaching 20 all my life, and I've finally reached it. It sure does feel weird. I guess it always takes a while for you to 'feel your age'.

I do not have anything special planned but I did treat myself to a rod set. It has been a month since I've last done one, and I want to look pretty on my day. It may look strange though, because I ran out of pink rods, which are the biggest I own, and had to use gray rods for the front. The reason it I say it may look strange is because different sized rods produce different curls, the bigger, the looser the curl, the smaller, the tighter, and so on so forth. Oh and I used Motions Foaming Wrap Lotion, it has been a while since I've used setting lotion, as I had been using Olive Oil Eco Styler Gel for my rod sets, so we'll see. I'll make sure to take pics of the rods, and do before after shots for you all. Anyway, Happy Birthday to me!

I Believe It Is......Shedding!

I know I promised you all an update about whether I have breakage or not, and I finally got around to it yesterday, I cowashed, which I am most thankful for, because my hair was super stiff with gel, I'm heavy handed with products lol. I was running out of both my HE Hydralicious Self Targeting Conditioner, as well as my VO5 Free Me Freesia, so I decided to mix them to cowash. Which made my hair feel super soft, but I cowashed again just to make sure my hair was free of product.



Detangling was pretty easy, but hair came out, but it look to be the usual amount. I managed to catch most of it.

The strands did not have a white bulb, which usually is the tell tale sign of shedding, because that means it came directly from the root, however, it seemed to be the length of my hair, so I do not believe it is breakage, I guess we'll see as time goes on.


I was in a rush, so I did not have time to do my overnight low manipulation styling as usual, so I opted for a Wash N' Go. I did not dry my hair, I oiled my scalp with my usual oil mixture (JBCO, ABUHO) in my applicator bottle, and then used what was left of the same conditioners I use to cowash with as my leave in. I was prepared to use gel, but I was satisfied with the curl definition I got from using the conditioners alone. Her is how it came out...

My hair was still damp with product, but it essentially looked the same when it dried fully. We'll that is the update!

Until Next Time, Naomi~

Dry Rod Set on Semi Straigth Natural Hair

You guys must realize by now, that I love, love, love, rod sets! It is my favorite staple. Anyway, as most of you guys know who have been follow, I straightened my hair a few weeks back. I believe I left it that way for a week and a half or two weeks. Within that time I of course did a rod set, but since my hair was still semi straight, and I say semi, because my roots were starting to revert, but none the less, I installed my trusty gray rods, and left them overnight with a satin bonnet. I adore this style because of the poofy texture, my hair has lots of volume! I made sure to take pictures for you guys!

Hope you guys like it! As you can see rod sets can look get on natural, or straightened hair, and I love to wear it on both.

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 ~

Hair Update

Last week I decided to do some two strand twists, which came out nice (sorry no pics) and I left them in for two days, and wore a twist out for two or three. When I started to take those things out, man did I have some knots.

Remember those pesky little single strand knots I mentioned not too long ago? Well, they got me, again!

It could be that my hair was dry, as I did not add any moisture to my hair nor cowash while they were installed. I did manage to save a few strands by catching them before they turned into true knots but undoing them with a bobby pin. With that being said, I think I am going to stay away from two strand twists, at least until I can figure out how to moisturize them without getting them frizzy.


Anyway, my hair felt really dry and stiff after taking the twists out, so I had my hair soak in some conditioner- VO5 Herbal Escapes Free Me Freesia, mixed with Coconut Milk, and Canola Oil, on dry hair with a plastic cap.

I left in for a few hours do not remember how many, but my hair felt a lot better, moisturized and soft! I did not wash my hair after, but decided to try something new. I wanted to try an Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) rinse, which is Apple Cider Vinegar mixed with baking soda, as I've heard that this combination does well for cleansing the hair and smoothing.

Thing is, I just had regular ol' vinegar, but I decided to go for it anyway. I did not measure, I put about 3 spoonfuls in a tiny plastic bowl, probably around 4-5 cap fulls of vinegar, mixed, and poured the mixture on to my scalp.

It felt grainy, but I rubbed my scalp just as I would if shampooing, or cowashing, and rinsed out. My hair felt clean afterwards, but different from when I shampoo, almost if it had been stripped of product, but was still left soft. I cowashed with VO5 Free Me Freesia, and detangled afterward. I am going to purchase Apple Cider Vinegar, and actually try to do measurements so you guys can have a recipe. You can also wing it and see how you like it!


I always style my hair after cowashing, and sinceI had not done a rod set in a while, that is what I settled on.  I oiled my scalp with my usual mixture, used Coconut Milk, as a leave in, sealed with the same mixture of oils, but instead of using Motions Foaming Wrap Lotion, I wanted to try using Olive Oil Eco Styler Gel. I added a bit of gel to each strand of hair when I was about to roll it onto the rod ( I used gray cold wave rods). I kept the rods in overnight wearing a satin bonnet, and this were the results.

Before Separating Curl

After

Until Next time, HHG to All! Naomi

Braid Out Results on Natural Flat Ironed Hair

Last posting I promised you guys that I would do a braid out, on my straight hair, and post results...here is how it came out.

I did not use any product, didn't even part to be honest, just braided my hair in plaits, and added yellow cold wave rods which are 3/16th of an inch, to the end of each plait. I covered my hair with a satin scarf, kept them overnight.

I took the curlers and plaits out individually, and used a paddle brush to tease the front pieces for volume, separated the rest of using my fingers, and put on a headband, and voila! 

Hair turned out big and curly, which I liked, I kept it really for that day to be honest, but it was cute while it lasted.


Until Next Time, Naomi <3

Rod Set on Dry Flat Ironed NATURAL Hair

As you all know, I flat ironed my hair not too long ago for dusting purposes, I decided that I will leave my hair that way for the rest of the week. Thing is, I haven't really styled it, just thrown it into a pony/bun, and called it a day. 

Last night I decided to do a rod set, since I wanted to change it up a bit. Only this time, I did it on dry hair without any product. I used gray cold wave rods, to my knowledge there are three brands. Salon Care, which I believe is a Sally Beauty brand, and Diane & Annie brands, which are sold in beauty Supply Stores. I believe the gray colored ones are 3/8ths of an inch in size.I use this size rod for medium curls (I have SL hair). 

I also have the blue rods which are 1/4th an inch , which are for tiny curls. The largest size I have used is the pink/orchid 9/16th an inch which are for bigger curls. Pretty much, the larger the roller the less tight the curl, but more volume, and the opposite for smaller rods.

These rods are great because the are easy to use, because they have a cap like thing at the end of the rod to close it, so there is no need for metal clips or bobby pins. They come in a pack of 12, and the price varies where you go, but they are usually less than 1 dollar (USD). I also believe the larger the roller the more it costs. I believe the biggest size still is less than 2 dollars, so it think they are still relatively cheap.

I put my hair in rods last night, in the same fashion as usual, left them overnight, slept with a satin scarf, and took the rods out. I picked the curls out a tiny bit, and that was the extent of my styling.

Glad I took the pics before heading out today, as natural flat ironed hair does not like moisture, well more like it does, because my hair fluffed right on up. At least I know it can revert! Anyway, it is a good style whether you have straight or natural hair, I plan to do plaits tonight, so I will be posting about that soon too!

Until Next Time, HHG to All! Naomi <3

What is your Hair Type?

To be quite honest, one cannot know their hair type unless they are natural, have been natural before (relaxing/texlaxing), or if transitioning, and have a substantial amount of growth, at least six months. I am no expert at typing hair, just sharing stuff I have learned during my transition.

There are many sites which help let us know what types there are. A lot of people, use the 1-4 hair typing system, which has A,B,C subcategories. Now I feel that density, can vary within these hair types, but that is just me.

Type 1- is bone straight hair, with no curl pattern. All hair (scalp) produces its own oils, but it distributes easily through straight hair, as opposed to someone with 3 or 4 (subcategory) hair. There is no subcategory for type 1 hair, as I have said before, it has no curl pattern. Think Jennifer Aniston.

Type 2- is wavy hair. To me it resembles hair that has a loose s curl pattern, which is the bridge between curly and straight hair.

A- C. From Loose S Curl Pattern to a tighter S Curl pattern, closer to resembling curls.

Type 3- is a curly hair. Which has defined S Curl Pattern.You can tell this because the hair is loopy.

A-C. this type of hair is curlier the deeper the pattern. For example, type 3a can start of straight, and then begin it's loopy patter, whereas type 3c hair can be curly from the root.

Type 4- is curly hair as well but this type hair can resemble an s or z curl. The Z curl looks  like a zig zag. This type hair is tightly coiled, but is the most fragile of them all, because the hair is packed more densely. 

A-C. This type can be tightly curled, all the way to 4c which does not have a defined curl pattern.

A website that truly helped me me make sense of this whole hair typing this is NaturallyCurly.Com Their hair typing gives an in depth detail of what hair types are, and what products is best used for each type, although in my opinion, you really won't know what works for you unless you do trial, and error. 

Another Hair typing system brought to my attention, was posted on my Home hair care forum, Forum.BlackHairPlanet.Com by one of our best contributers, V, she really knows her stuff. Is Mizani's Natural Curl Key. Their typing is a bit different, as it does not follow the 1-4 a/b/c categories, but has eight categories, from type I being Straight Hair, to type VIII Zig Zag Coiled Hair.

I knew my hair type by the time I found the Mizani Natural Curl Key, but it helped me narrow it down a bit more, and is also specific in how each type hair grows, and what have you.

Anyway, those two typing systems really helped me during my transition, and even when I was newly natural, and still trying to figure out what my hair type was, and what worked best for it. Again, I stand by the good ol' trail and error. Remember, what works for one person, may not work for the next. I am no expert, but I hope this information helps!

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

Two Strand Twist out Results

I did super tiny two strand twists last Saturday, and decided to untwist them today. I was planning on doing a prepoo subsequently. But I liked the way it looked, so I kept it for the look of today. I did not use any products to untwist, just used my fingers, and slapped a headband on, and the results were that in the picture.







I ordered the Ion Color Brilliance Spray Bottle and  Sally's Wide Tip Color Applicator Bottle, of course they take forever to get here, well, at least in my opinion. So the applicator is what I expected, I like that it has the liquid level on the side, so measurements are done easily. I am not too sure if I like the spray bottle though, the tip screws off, so it's really a cap, and the spray is not really forceful, it kind of just comes out in glops, but I only tried it out with water, so I suppose we'll see.


What really ticked me off is that I also ordered Roux Mendex conditioner, which was 99 cents, which is why I jumped at the chance to purchase it, even though I have not used it before, purely the junkie in me lol. Anyway, order gets here, and it is not in the package, but it it's place is two sample packets Miracle 7 Color Protect Shampoo. (Didn't even have the nerve to send me the conditioner) I was not charged for it, but in the payment sheet, it stated that the item was not available in their warehouse, and is no longer offered on their website, I have got to say, that I am a little bummed, because I was looking forward to trying it out, but I guess I'll be trying out the shampoo next wash day.


Until Next time, HHG to all! Naomi <3

Two Strand Twists on Natural Hair

Not sure if I mentioned in my previous post, but after conditioning, and all yesterday I used Redken Curlwise14 to see if it could define my curls, which it was not too bad at doing, although it left my hair a bit crunchy.

(Results of Redken on natural 4a/3c Hair)


Playing around with my hair a bit I ended up making small twists, and decided to keep doing them since I liked the way the looked. I still had the Redken in my hair from earlier, and this helped give my ends a bit of a curl.


(Two Strand Twists with Redken)

 Until Next Time, HHG to All! Naomi <3