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!

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)

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

What The Rust?!

Hey All!

Lol. The title says it all y'all! I was so upset yesterday when I discovered what become of my MaxiGlide. I meant to post yesterday, but it somehow slipped my mind. I noticed that it was becoming more difficult than usual.

If any of you guys are familiar with the blog you know that my flat iron has teeth. It suppose to help with detangling, and getting the ends well, which is what I had a problem with with my previous flat iron. Thing is, the dang things are snagging my hair! I thought I was just being rough, but I looked at my plates, and low and behold, the things have rust!

I have no clue how to get it of because of the teeth! It is quite upsetting being as though I have only had this flat iron for a year. It is a great iron but it I may have to get another one, probably with regular plates, just to ensure that I can clean it properly.

So heads up to any of you who own or are thinking about purchasing a MaxiGlide!

.

~Naomi

I Got It!

Hey All!

Today I am super excited because I finally ordered the Maxius MAXIglide Xpress (flat iron), I have had my eye on since forever! Well technically it's not since I originally wanted the MAXIglide MP but the only difference between the two, is that besides the detangling plated, it also came with regular flat plates.  But since I am getting it for the detangling plates, and steam burst technology, which is suppose to help hydrate the hair while flat ironing. The plates are 1 1/4". The iron is part of a Premiere Set that features a DVD on how to operate the iron, 2 sectioning clips, a detangling brush, and a traveling case.

The reason why I have wanted to try this iron, is because every time I flat iron my hair, my roots would be straight, but my ends would look a mess! For some reason, I could never get them straight, and although I am natural, I like my hair to be bone straight whenever I decide to wear my hair that way.

So the detangling plates are suppose to really help get the hair straight all the way through, what is also great about it is the price.
The cheapest I saw the XP model go for was about $89.95, and the MP around $69.95. (Prices all excluding Shipping)

I ordered the Xpress model for $49.95 USD from HSN.Com . They even give you the option of making 2 payments of $24.97. (A video on how the iron works, is on the site, click on link for video, it will be on the side panel)

Shipping was not too expensive either, Standard 10 day Shipping runs $6.21, and Xpress 4 day Shipping, which I got, was $9.71, so altogether I paid $59.66. Which I think is quite decent considering most "good" irons can run you anywhere between $65-200, depending on preference and brand.

I chose quicker shipping because I plan on flat ironing in April (or last day of March), close to my 1 year 6 month mark, and probably again for my 2 year natural anniversary.

Whenever I do flat iron, I will be sure to post pics, I may start doing video soon as well, so we'll see!

Anyway I just wanted to share!

~Naomi

Today Marks 1st Year Natural!

Well guys, I officially made my one year mark as a natural. Man does time fly, it's also my sweetie's bday so I've been a little busy today, but I just wanted to share my news with you all. I straightened my hair to commemorate today to see how much growth I've obtained in a year.

I actually flat ironed my hair on Wednesday, out of pure excitement to do a length check. I also gave myself a trim, since my ends weren't looking too hot.

Honestly I'm on the verge of heat addiction because I have flat ironed everyday since, so hopefully I will not suffer from heat damage. We'll have to wait and see for that one.



I self big chopped last year.

I would say I was about EL here (after I bc'ed).





A Year Later

Didn't like these pics much, but the show my length! I finally made it to SL!


Anyway I just wanted to share my good news with you all! I'm hoping to make it to APL by June 2012!


Until Next Time, Naomi~

My Heat Appliance Wish List

You guys, I have hit a wall. I am officially bored with my styling options. Having these bald spots have proven to be difficult because I cannot wear updo's or high ponytails. It's growing in well, even though I have been slacking on my cayenne treatments. I plan on doing an intense sitting this Sunday, and I may straighten in preparation for my birthday this Monday.

Or I may do a rod set for my birthday, and straighten for my boyfriends birthday, since he hates that I wear my hair curly all the time. I don't know we'll see how I feel. I kind of want to wait until I get my new flat iron. I do not have the funds now, but I plan on getting the MAXIglide XP straightener, which is a part of my wish list!

This straightener has steam technology, and combs that detangles hair as it is being straightened. This by any means does not mean that you do not have to stretch your hair, by blow drying, or air drying in plaits. It comes in hand for those like myself with ify ends that tend to want to stick together. The picture is the exact set I plan on getting, with retails for $89.95 USD, and $8.23 for Shipping. You can also pay in two sets of payments, $44.97 USD. The protection plan is an extra $13.95 USD, but it lasts for 2 years.

I'm hoping I can get this for Christmas, I will definitely be sure to review it for you guys!

Also on my list of things to get is a blow dryer. I have a drug store blow dryer right now, and it does absolutely nothing for my hair. It a Remington D-3310 All That Speed Ionic Dryer. I am looking to upgrade to a professional dryer. During my relaxed days, I use to go to Dominican Salons for a Blow out, and my hair was always bouncy and really straight, especially at the root. I believe it is due to the professional dryer, and the nozzle attachment, so now I am looking to get something something similar to what they use in the salons, but in an affordable price range, as I am cheap lol.


So as of late I have been looking at Turbo Power MegaPower 3000, but I am not sure about its authenticity, it is not sold on Folica.Com, and I have only seen it on Amazon. However, I have seen someone do a beautiful Dominican Style blow out on her daughter's natural hair on youtube using this brand dryer.(Here is the video)  I was sold on this model because it is recent and cheaper priced than the Twin Turbo or the 4000 model. I am really trying to avoid spending 100 buck on a hair dryer.

Lastly, my interest lies in a hooded dryer. I have been wanting one of these since forever! They are awesome for deep conditioning treatments, add your dc, put on your showercap, and prop yourself under one of these baby's, and your dc time is cut in half, as the heat helps the dc penetrate your scalp easier. So instead of sitting with conditioner on your head for an hour, you can sit under the dryer for a half hour. It's good for those with busy schedules, or simply those who do not like waiting. It is also good for roller or rod sets.

I have been wanting to try magnetic rollers, this is the rollers used in Dominican Salons, that uses the metal duck bill clips to keep in place. These rollers give curls with body. They also can prep hair to be blown out, which is the method used in Dominican salons, at least to the few I have been to. Walgreens has a set of Magnetic rollers in various sizes, that comes with metal clips, and a comb for styling, or applying the hair to the roller. It is Conair brand, and is on sale for $11.24 USD right now.

These rollers cannot be used on dry hair, you can simply just apply wet/damp hair or use setting lotion. I like setting lotion because it gives my curls hold.


Anyway, back to the subject, I get side tracked easily lol.

I have not picked out a dryer as of yet, I am either going with a Gold N' Hot brand or Conair. Again, I want something that is inexpensive because I will mostly using it for dcing and the occasional roller set. Though I do not want it to be too inexpensive because I want something of quality, I'm hoping 50 bucks or less would do it.

I would love to purchase my toys (heat appliances) in bulk, as soon as I get all my other priorities settled, so I'm hoping I will be able to treat myself this Christmas. You guys will be the first folks I tell, and I'll be sure to review all my goodies!

As you can see, since these are things that will cost a pretty penny, no matter what appliances you are buying, because quality is key,  you want to do your research and make sure these appliances will fit your hair, and it's needs, and also what is in your price range, so again I encourage you to do your research ladies (and gentlemen)! I know I hate to waste money, and I would hate for you to do the same!


It will be a while until I am ready to purchase my toys, so I am open to suggestions guys, if you have any good heat appliances that you can't stop raving about, comment and share!

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~

Review- Beyond The Zone Turn up the Heat Protection Spray

For quite some time I have been contemplating flat ironing my natural tresses. The problem was that I did not own a proper heat protectant, and I've always wanted to invest in one. Reason being is that I had been using Organic Root Stimulator Incredibly Rich Olive Oil Moisturizing Hair Lotion as a heat protectant. Now, on the bottle, it states that it can be used for heat protection against heat appliances. The problem I encountered, was product kept building up on the plates of my flat iron.

It could be the combination of oils, and the hair lotion, that caused the build up, but either way, I would have to stop flat ironing to scrape the build up off the plates before continuing, which can be damaging, and strenuous. It also could be that I do not own the best flat iron. I actually only own a mini flat iron, which is okay, since I have naturally thin hair. I am also looking into buying some new appliances. I own a Power IQ Mini Mojo Tourmaline Ceramic Flat Iron, which I got on sale at SallyBeauty, for about $15.00 USD.

I went to SallyBeauty, and was done to either Silk Elements Megasilk Heat Protection Spray, and Beyond the Zone Turn Up the Heat Protection Spray, I've heard good reviews on both products, and there was only a 10 cent difference between the two. Silk Element was $7.39 USD, $6.99 if you own a SallyBeauty Club Card, (which you can for the the price of $5.00 USD, for a 1 year membership, it gives you discounts on all products, it can really add up!) the Beyond the Zone ws $7.49, since making the decision between the two was hard for me to make, I left it up to one of the sales associates at Sally's.


She told me that Beyond the Zone was the better of the two, so that is what I purchased.

Now on to the Review!

It is a spray of course, and I sprayed it on my damp hair to blow dry with. Immediately I saw the difference, my roots came out a lot straighter using this product, and less frizzy. The scent is awesome too, it is a cross between cake and candy! Now although my roots were straight it was a bit tough to comb my ends, but it could be that I did not detangle properly before hand.

Another thing I immediately noticed was the shine/sheen! It was noticeable with just blow drying. I also flat ironed with ease using this spray. I did not use it sparingly as the instructions says to do, for fear of heat damage. (Heat damage- is when hair is exposed to excess amount of heat at a time, it causes hair to loose it's natural texture, leaving hair limp and straight, it will not revert, and as far as I know, the only way to rid of it, is to cut the damaged hair off)

I would be mindful of how much is used, because it can leave hair feeling oily, I did not experience that, but I'm sure that it can be a factor.

I also did not experience any product build up on my flat iron, it literally glided through. I'm sure this product would be great coupled with a better flat iron. I like my flat iron, however, it does not make me ends straight, it could be my technique.

Beyond the Zone Turn Up the Heat
CYCLOPENTASILOXANE ,NEOPENTYL GLYCOL DIETHYLHEXANOATE ,TOCOPHERYL ACETATE ,ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE ,FRAGRANCE ,DIISOPROPYL SEBACATE ,DIISOPROPYL ADIPATE


I have not used other Heat Protectants, but as far as how it worked with my hair, I give it a 5/5!

Until Next Time, Naomi~

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

Uneven Hair Growth

As you all know I have been natural for the past six months, and everything has been going well. My bald spots are growing hair, thanks to my cayenne pepper treatments, my hair is healthier than it's ever been, I experience little to no shedding or breakage, I have no heat damage, no split ends that I know of, but yet my hair decided it wanted to grow unevenly.

I BCed at home, and I believe my hair was EL (Ear Length) or close to NL (Neck Length) since then the back has grown to be about SL (Shoulder Length), but yet the front only reaches about CL (Chin Length) /EL, I know this because I decided to flat iron my hair, since I am not home, and cannot style it everyday because I do not have my beloved products! 

I am sure this is pretty common, but I am frustrated! I am hoping my hair becomes even by the end of this year, I refuse to claim SL until then! I also have a piece of hair that broken off while I was relaxed due to hair care ignorance lol. To help influence growth, I will keep up with my reggie, I have not been trimming/dusting (dusting means to trim a tiny amount of hair, small enough to resemble dust, hence the name), because I really haven't felt a need to, my ends are not not split, they are uneven in places, but I want to give it a chance to catch up, especially because it has been so long since I have retained length.

While I was relaxed, my hair never surpassed EL, which was really upsetting, because of how badly broken off it was, I cut my hair short back in 2007 so my hair would look decent. What I did not know, was cutting my hair was not going to solve the problem if I still had the same bad habits, you know, relaxing every 4 weeks, not sealing, not deep conditioning,washing/cowashing, basically not doing anything, and relying only on my visits to the salon, and the "advisory" of the beautician.

Anyway, I am entering myself in my own challenge! The retaining length for even hair challenge! Lol, my goal, like I stated before is to get my hair close or the same length all around without trimming or dusting. I hope it works, I am giving myself until the end of this year to complete this challenge! You all are welcome to join me, or set your own personal challenge, and share your experiences!

Until Next Time, HHG TO ALL! Naomi <3