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 ~

Taking Down Braids & Mini Review- Suave Shea & Almond Conditoner

After having my hair in pixie braids for the past two weeks, today was the day I decided to start the process of taking them down, and boy was it a process! I really started Saturday night, did not take a lot out, I'd say a quarter or a little less than that. All in all, I'd say it took 7 hours give or take. I coated my hair in Castor oil, and conditioner, to soften my hair, so I'd have less of a chance of my hair knotting up on me, plus it gave my hair a little slip (easy to run through) which was well needed.


I also started to miss my hair, I started to forget what it was like to have 'loose' hair. I took some quick pics so you guys could see how big my hair looked! I think it is because it was stretched.

I went about my regular wash day routine, which I had to forgo last Sunday (my wash days are always on Sunday) because I did not want to get my braids frizzy, so I mainly just rinsed and sealed my ends during those two weeks. I'm trying to finish up my VO5 Moisturizing Milks Strawberries & Cream, because I'd like to try Suave Shea & Almond Shampoo, and I don't want to feel guilty for buying something I don't necessarily need. I'm going to get it soon though, probably some time this week.

Anyway, I do have Suave Shea & Almond conditioner, I've had it for a couple of weeks now, so I decided to give it it's debut today, I've only used it once, but I'm in love! It's the perfect combination of VO5 Moisturizing Milks Strawberries & Cream Conditioner or Herbal Escapes Free Me Freesia, and Suave Naturals Tropical Coconut Conditioner.

Mind you I have not ran a comb through my hair in nearly two weeks, when I cowash I use a wide tooth comb to detangle, I generously applied Suave Shea & Almond to my hair, of course wet hair, because I just finished shampooing, put my hair under water, and went to work, of course there were a couple of kinks, but it detangled them beautifully. I was literally able to run my fingers through my hair afterwards, so that is a major plus! Pleas remember that what my hair likes, yours may not!

I do find that 'testing' products are the best way for you to figure out your hair's likes/dislikes

I also love the ingredients! Of course it's not completely natural, but the majority of it is good stuff.

Suave Shea & Almond Ingredients:
Water (Aqua), Cetearyl Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice [Aloe Vera]*, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil [Lemongrass]*, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil*, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower/Leaf Extract*, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract*, Dimethiconol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Fragrance (Parfum), Dipropylene Glycol, Potassium Chloride, Lactic Acid, Disodium EDTA, TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate, PEG-150 Distearate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone

This is only based on one use, but this condition is great for cowashing! it has a creamy texture, and has a nice light scent! I will definitely continue to purchase. It's also very fairly prices. Depending on where you purchase you can find it anywhere from $1.80 USD, $4.00 USD. I find that Wal Mart has the better deal, as you get more bang for you buck, as you can get a 32 ounce for $2.49, whereas if you buy at, lets say, Rite Aid, you have to pay $3.49 for a 14.5 ounce bottle.



I am deep conditioning as we speak with Organic Root Stimulator (ORS) Replenishing conditioner, mixed with little Jarrows Formula brand Expeller Pressed Coconut Oil ( I am experimenting to see how this oil can be used best), with a cap, for a little over an hour.( I purchased this coconut oil because it was on sale, and I was always interested in using coconut oil. It also was on sale which made me purchase. However, it is not Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, and does not have a scent, but so far I do like it. It gives my hair shine, and it's good for sealing my ends.)

I have to go rinse, and I think I will put my hair in chunky twists, and use this new 'leave in' conditioner, I just created, I don't want to tell you all what it is until next post! I will let you know what's in it, and how I used it, and all that good stuff! I will also be sure to include pics!


Until Next Time, Naomi~
                

Deep Conditioning Challenge 4 Update

As you all know, my Deep Conditioning Challenge officially began yesterday May 16th, 2010, and will end September 16th, 2010, with official update posts from participants on the 16th of the month until September 16th, which is the ending date, rules are posted in the original Deep Conditioning Challenge 4 post , even though I am doing it on my home forum BHP you guys are more than welcome in joining the challenge!

I am using Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing Conditioner as my protein, and Hollywood Beauty Olive Cholesterol as my moisturizing deep conditioners, as the challenge requires participants to have both a moisture and protein deep conditioner.

I started off my wash day and the official first day of the challenge by doing a cayenne pepper treatment, water only paste, which I left on for a little over an hour with a cap. I then, washed my hair with VO5 Herbal Escapes Kiwi Lime which is a clarifying conditioner (which strips the hair and scalp of product build up and oils) I  did a quick cowash with VO5 Herbal Escapes Free Me Freesia, and then added my deep conditioner. I chose to use Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing Conditioner, and added coconut milk, mixed with a tiny bit of oil to my hair after applying the dc, by using a spray bottle.

I have never used coconut milk, but I thought it would be cool to try something new. I put on two plastic caps, and also a towel around my neck, as the coconut milk made the dc very runny. I left that in for about an hour as well. My hair did not come out feeling as soft as usual, but it was not exactly rough either, it did feel stronger though.

I also used the coconut as a leave in, as sprayed coconut milk in my hair, again it was runny, I used Africa's Best Ultimate Herbal Oil to seal, and VO5 Free Me Freesia to add some softness to my hair, as well as to stop the coconut milk from running. I also put LJBCO on my spots and edges.

I parted my hair and did about 25 plaits in my hair, and left it alone. I still have them in and will probably take them down tomorrow. I will post the results then!

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

Hair Day

I prepooed overnight with a mixture of Home Health Castor Oil, and Africa's Best Ultimate Herbal  oil, after saturating, my straight hair melted into curls, which gave me relief. I am always afraid of getting heat damage.

 My Hair felt strong, I then did a Cayenne Pepper Mixture, left on for a half hour, will post a pic of mixture, when I remember lol. Then I used my samples from Frederic Fekkai, which were the glossing shampoo and conditioner. I hated the scent of both, way too perfumey, the shampoo's consistency was thick, and had a decent lather, and my hair felt soft afterwards, but the conditioner was not too great. Maybe it was because there was not enough, but my hair felt hard after rinsing it out.


I was so glad to deep condition, used Organic Root Stimulator Conditioner, the one in the bottle, for a couple of hours with a cap. Hair came out great, and well moisturized. Sealed with Lavender Jamaican Black Castor Oil.

Used Redken Curlwise14 to define my curls, it was okay in doing that, but it left my hair hard and crunchy! It also feels dry, at least my ends anyway, it could be the mixture of the castor oil, and the curlwise, but I don't think I will be using this product again anytime soon.

Will cowash either Tuesday or Wednesday, and will be trying my new V05 Tea Therapy Calming Chamomile. That is all until then.

Hollywood Beauty Olive Cholesterol Deep Conditioner

I purchased this product because I was searching for a moisturizing deep conditioner, but also reasonably priced. I paid about $3.50 USD at CVS, and comes in a 20 oz jar.

This product is suppose to " super shine & moisturize" and is for damaged hair.

The directions says that this product can be used as a cowash conditioner if used 2-3 minutes, as well as a deep conditioner if used for 10 minutes, and hair is wrapped in a moist towel.

I use this product as a deep conditioner, and I use it for an half hour to an hour, and wear a plastic (shower) cap, while the product is in. I believe they tell you  to use a moist towel, because this conditioner is meant to lather, when mixed with water. Again I do not use the moist towel, I just put the product throughout my hair, until it is saturated, and then add warm water, and then I massage it in, so it lathers, and then I put on my cap. This product has a sweet smell to it, like a candy, can't say a particular one though. The consistency is sort of like something that was pureed, it is also thick. But it changes once you add water. Which is sort of slick. I like the ingredients, because most of them are natural, and promote growth. It also leaves my hair smooth.

Ingredients: DEIONIZED WATER(AQUA), CETEARYL ALCOHOL, PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, STEARALKONUM CHLORIDE, CETYL ALCOHOL, STEARYL ALCOHOL, OLIVE OIL, PROPYLENE GYCOL, GLYCERIN, MINERAL OIL, TEA TREE OIL, JOJOBA OIL, AVOCADO OIL, COCONUT OIL, EGG PROTEIN, CHOLESTEROL, ALOE VERA EXTRACT, CALENDULA EXTRACT, LEMON EXTRACT, ROSEMARY EXTRACT, GREAT BURDOCK EXTRACT, IVY EXTRACT, PINE EXTRACT, SAGE EXTRACT, WATERCRESS EXTRACT, CHAMOMILE EXTRACT, WHITE NETTLE EXTRACT, CAPUCINE EXTRACT, FRAGRANCE, METHYL PARABEN, PROPYL PARABEN, DIAZOLIDNYL UREA, DMDM HYDANTOIN, DISODIUM EDTA, D & C YELLOW #10, FD & C YELLOW #5, FD & C BLUE#1, FD & C RED#33.

Rating:4/5- Only because it is a bit messy.