Flat Iron Regimen Results

Hey All!


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

Air Dried plaits from the night before

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

Finished result before the trim.

 

Finished result with the trim.

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

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

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

~Naomi

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

That's it, I'm claiming it!

Hey All!

I am not sure if you guys know, but my ultimate goal is to grow my hair out to WL stretched, so that would be MBL-ish unstretched. My short term goal for this year was to make it to APL by June of this year, but unfortunately I did not meet my goal. Hey, it happens. I continued on with my regimen, I do not let things like not meeting goals discourage me, it makes me want to try even harder!

I think I got a lot of growth from my hair being in braids during the summer, since it is a protective style, even with me not washing my hair. Which is something I totally do NOT advice. Don't believe that myth about hair growing on a dirty scalp. It does not, a clean scalp is best environment for growth.


I am part of a challenge; The Six Inches Challenge for 2011 over on BHP, and still my goal was to reach APL. We recently had another check in to do. So my growth comparison was from when I flat ironed my hair back in April.

Well I flat ironed my hair with my MAXIglide Xpress a couple of days ago.I did not blow dry before hand. My hair was in a Bantu Knot Out from the day before, and I really got the urge and I had an important interview to go on, and it worked out because of the check in. I did make sure to moisturize with my Aphogee Keratin & Green Tea Reconstructerizer, and sprayed my Beyond the Zone heat protectant on each section before flat ironing.  Here is what my progress looks like.

 

Judging by the picture I think I made APL. So I really retained a lot of growth since then. My head is a teensy tilted, but even if it was not, I would be APL because I am a little over the armpit mark. I am ecstatic! I think Hairfinity has something to do with it. :)

Oh I am layered by the way, it is how my hair grows. Not everyone likes, wants, or has a blunt hair cut, and just because you do not have one does not take away from your length. I pay no attention to "Full" length titles, (Full SL, Full, APL, etc.) because I feel it limits you to having your hair look a certain way. It's like those who's hair grows in a V shape, or U shape. I actually like the V look and I think my hair has a natural V shape.

Getting to this length means a lot to me because I have not had hair this long since I was a kid (before relaxers), and I thought I would never get my hair to grow past CL for the longest time. With BHP and other forums for advice, tips, and learning new methods, along with educated myself on hair, and proper hair care, my hair is the healthiest it's been in years.

Anyway, I just wanted to share my good news with you guys! Now I'm on to my next short term goal; BSL. I will aim for June of 2012. We shall see!

~Naomi

Length Check Update & Review of MAXIglide Xpress

Hey All! I'm back...with straight hair!


I flat ironed my hair a couple of days ago since I got my new MAXIglide Xpress not too long ago, which I bought from HSN, which to my knowledge has the best deal on this iron.

I felt it was a good time to do it since I have not straightened my hair since my 1 year natural anniversary, last October.

Before flat ironing I made sure to do my wash day duties, including a protein treatment since it was about time for me to do another treatment, and my hair could use a good dose of strength before applying heat to my delicate strands!

Using the iron was so easy! My only complaint is more so about my styling tips DVD not working, however that does not effect my review of the iron itself! I did get a tip from one of my good friends from BHP, who also owns the flat iron, to not use tap water, but use distilled/bottled water instead.

Since I have no patience, nor do I know how to make distilled water, I went with the bottled. The iron uses maybe two cap full of water, to fill the compartment.

The iron has notches that goes all the way up to 10, being the highest temperature of 428 degrees Fahrenheit . I used mine on the 7th notch (it's numbered so you will know which one your using).

I blow dried my hair using  my Aphogee Keratin & Green Tea Reconstructurizer, and my hair came out pretty straight by using that alone, it also gave my hair a lovely sheen.

Here's my hair half blow dried

Before flat ironing, I added my Beyond The Zone Turn Up The Heat- Heat Protectant, since it can be heavy, I sprayed it twice in my palms rubbed them together, and added it to my ends and throughout my hair. I did this in three sections.

The iron was fully heated I don't believe any longer than 30 seconds. I sectioned my hair using the clips that came with my iron, which made flat ironing so much easier, they were sturdy clips too, which I loved. The reason I say this is because one clip was able to hold a whole side of my natural hair.

I use the steam at two points, once when I am about 2 inches away from my scalp, to prevent burning myself, and another before I get to my ends to smooth, and to to be honest... my hair got straight in one pass! That's right I said one pass!

But being the perfectionist that I am when it comes to my hair, I went over it again. I got my hair done in less than an hour, which I loved!

My hair got so straight it was scary, it was like I got a fresh relaxer! Here's a close up of my roots...

Here's the end results....

I gave myself a slight dusting after straightening, and I have got to say that I am quite pleased with my growth.

I'll be doing another length check on my 2 year anniversary in October, which is 6 months away. Let's see how much growth I can retain by then! I have no clue what hair length I am now but I'm hoping for full APL by that time.

Which is quite strange to say because at one point of my life I was convinced my hair wouldn't grow past CL (chin length), let alone do it natural, yet here I am. That's why pics are so important during your hhj, it lets you get a visual, we do not notice our growth but pictures help us see that we are progressing!

Anyway just had to share!

~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

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