Life After a Breakup

As many of you know, I recently ended a love-hate relationship with my Tangle Teezer. It was probably one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make in my life...tear. It was so tempting at first that I had to hide it from myself so that I wouldn't use it to detangle. So for the past couple of weeks I have been using my "handleless" comb and my Goody Jojoba Infused Brush. Out of the two, I TOTALLY prefer the Goody Jojoba Infused Brush because it's kinda like the Tangle Teezer in the sense that it can define my curls while I'm detangling. I don't really like the "handleless" comb because it basically picks my hair out...which is why my hair was looking a hot mess when I got back from Vegas. But now I can proudly say that my hair is BAACCCKK !! Lately, I've been trying to get back into doing twistouts...sidenote: I really loved the way my hair looked with twistouts when it was shorter. Hopefully, I can stick with these twistouts and stop doing so many wash n gos and ponytails. 

Click Here to see the " Twistout on Wash n Go Hair" video

The Regimens...

I transitioned for nine months...

I Big CHOPPED on Dec. 13,2008

From 08-Feb. 09
My regimen from this time was pretty much not structured and because of that my hair stayed dry and I wasn't using the right products (even though I thought I was). I was in love with using products like Sunsilk Captivating Curls and Herbal Essence Long Term Relationship because of the way they smelled.


---I co-washed everyday...morning and right before bed.
---I was kinda against shampooing so I shampooed maybe once or twice a month....but I was constantly co-washing so that kinda cleaned my hair
---Whenever I did shampoo I made sure to deep condition and detangle
---I had a bald spot in the front of my head from transitioning so I made a mixture of rosemary oil, shea butter, castor oil, and jojoba oil and every night I massaged that oil mixture onto my scalp and mainly that bald spot. Within a couple of months I saw growth and now THERE'S NO BALD SPOT!!!

====Main products used====

 Sunsilk conditioner and leave in, my shea butter mixture, my hair growth mixture, and that's all I remember

From the end of Feb 09- May 09
By this point I started to see growth and with more growth came more tangles. I noticed that I needed to start detangling more and I needed to do something so that I didn't have to walk in the freeze'n cold in the morning with wet hair.So I started twistin.


---I co-washed no more than twice a week.
---Shampooed once or every other week.
---Deep conditioned everytime I shampooed
---I TWISTED MY HAIR UP EVERY SUNDAY NIGHT AND WORE A TWISTOUT UNTIL FRIDAY....Sat. and Sun. were my off days.
---I started back taking my vitamins and biotin supplements. 
====Main products used====
Cantu Shea butter used for twistouts, and my shea butter mixture

From May 09-Aug 09
During this time I was on summer vacation and didn't feel like twisting my hair up every Sunday night so I pretty much wore a puff or a wash and go.


---Co-washed a lot 
---Shampooed, DC, and detangled once a week or every other week
---Every now and then I wore a twist out.

====Main products used====

Cantu Shea Butter, shea butter mixture, Aussie Moist conditioner, Clean Eco styler Gel, and Giovanni Direct Leave in

From Aug 09-Dec 09

By the time I went back to school my hair grew a lot and I could finally say I had some type of regimen. Because of the amount of growth I had I was able to start doing way more styles. And in Oct I was finally able to get a PONYTAIL...YAY click here to watch the video. 

---Co-washing became more of a style so I didn't do it a lot only for certain styles 

---Shampooed, DC, and detangled once a week

---Every other night I would either castor oil or my Wild Growth oil from Sally's and massaged my scalp

---By Nov. I started wearing medium sized twist as a protective style

====Main products used====

Eco styler Gel, Organic Root Stimulator Lock and Twist gel, castor oil, Wild Growth oil, Giovanni Direct Leave in, and Bed Head Moisture Maniac

From Jan.10

I finally started to find my staple products and finished putting the final stages on my current regimen. There's nothing really major to talk about. 

My current regimen:

---Again I don't co-wash a lot only if my hair is dry, I am about to switch styles, or I just feel like it.

---Shampoo and detangle once a week

---I don't deep condition any more only if it is a protein deep conditioner

---I have trimmed my hair multiple times since I've been natural.... so I guess I trim maybe every 4-6 months

====Current products being used====

Sheamoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie and Moisture Retention Shampoo, Eco Styler Argan and Olive oil gel, Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding, Pantene Curly Conditioner, and Tresemme Conditioners

Thanks Mother Nature.

After wearing my hair straight FOR ONE WEEK...so disappointed =( I decided to go back to curly today. In the past two days it has been raining here but all that didn't bother my hair until I put my shea butter mixture in my hair yesterday. The problem with that mixture (and I knew what it would happen) is that it has glycerin in it. I wish would taken a picture of my hair yesterday but I was sooooo embarrassed. After being outside for less than 5 minutes my hair poooofed up so big that it looked like I just blow dried my hair and didn't style it. But I love that mixture with my straight  hair because it moisturizes and adds shine. So today I just decided to wash it since I would probably only be wearing it pulled back in a ponytail for the rest of the week. But all that doesn't matter now since my hair REVERTED BACK....YAY!!! 

After wearing my hair pulled back into a bun my hair calmed down...a lot.

This picture was taken today before washing.

So I'm going to try to rock a braidout this week...wish me luck =)

Itty Bitty Twistssss

Finally after two and a half days my mini twists are done. It was hard in the beginning but I got through it (had a little accident with the wii...lol) 

Products used:


*Yes to Cucumbers Leave-In (revisting and it seems to be great for these twists)
*Sweet Almond oil


Done on dry stretched out hair. I also didn't wash my hair before I did these because I had just shampooed my hair like 4 days before but I co-wash the day before twisting)

How to get waves....

Hopefully I can make a video showing you guys how I get my waves in more detail.  It's pretty easy. 

I always start start with dripping wet hair.
Then I apply a leave-in/moisturizer followed by oil.
Then I brush my hair back a little before applying the gel with a soft bristle brush.
Next I apply a generous amount of gel (I love using the clear Eco Styler for a more wavier  look).
Then I brush the hair back.
Next I put my scarf on for a few minutes. 
And that's pretty much it !!




Be sure to look out for a quick tutorial on this =)

Givin my hair the best....

For those of you who are subscribe to my youtube channel, you probably know that I have buying a bunch natural hair products. So you can imagine how excited and anxious I was to try a couple of  them out. The other day I tried the Giovanni 50:50 conditioner, Giovanni hair reconstructor, and the Yes to Cucumbers leave-in, all of which I am EXTREMELY happy I bought. So here's a quick review of each:

Giovanni 50:50 Balanced Hydrating Calming Conditioner (they always have the longest names for their products.lol):
       I have to say that I absolutely love this product!!! The consistency is thick and creamy. The scent is light and kinda fresh. The price is descent for a natural product. If I had to compare it to another conditioner it would have to be the Yes to Carrots conditioner that I RAVED about in this video. It's moisturizing and I love it!!!

Giovanni Nutrafix Hair Reconstructor:
       This was my first time using a protein treatment product, so I was very nervous and careful when I was applying the product to my hair (totally not necessary, it's just like applying conditioner).  The consistency is very thick and creamy. A quick tip for applying it to your hair, kinda warm it up in your hands a little, it spreads a lot better in your hair. The scent is light. The price is very good for a deep conditioner. Don't be scared of the amount in the container, I found that if you section you hair off properly you won't go through so much product.

Yes to Cucumbers Leave-In Conditioner:
        I've been dying to try this product out ever since I tried the Yes to Carrots conditioner months ago but the only problem was the availability. I never could find it in stores and I didn't want to pay for shipping online. Now that it's in my possession I can finally sleep.jk. The consistency is like your typical conditioner. The scent is light, not as fragrant as Yes to Carrots conditioner. The price is pricey. 12 whole bucks! I used this product  to braid my hair for a twistout, there was no hold what so ever.NONE (not there's supposed to be). This product would probably work great on mini twists or just moisturizing a protective style. 


Oh and by the way if you're wondering I used the regimen mentioned in the previous post with Bed Head Self Absorbed conditioner to detangle and Giovanni Smooth as Silk shampoo. I'll update ya'll if I see a change in these products.

New Wash Regimen

Since I've been natural I have gone through soooo many wash day regimens. So I come to y'all with a new and hopefully final wash day regimen. Okay so you guys who have seen my recent videos on Youtube, click here if you haven't, you know I've been in Myrtle Beach for the past week. And if there's one thing that I've learned this summer, is that my hair doesn't particularly like the ocean water if it's not twisted up (even though it gives amazing curl definition, out of this world). Halfway through the week, I had become sooo frustrated with my hair being tangled at the ends that I just decided to detangle my hair while I was there (which I NEVER do while vacationing ANYWHERE). So that helped a little but obviously not a lot, when I got back home I decided to try something different. Usually when I wash my hair it tangles up a lot more than when I first start but this time I decided to detangle FIRST with conditioner, then rinse that out a little, then I apply shampoo and rinse that out COMPLETELY, then co-wash. When I was done with everything my hair was not tangled AT ALL. It was amazing!!! So I'll give it another try and update y'all if it works out the same. 

The Regimen:

           1.  Start with dry hair

           2.  Section the hair off into medium sections and spray with water and apply conditioner

           3.  Smooth the conditioner into the and start to detangle
           4.  Braid the section up (every important: twist will slowly come out while washing)
           5.  Rinse 90% of the conditioner  out
           6.  Apply shampoo
           7.  Rinse out completely
           8.  Co-wash
           9.  Deep condition if you want!

By the end of all that my braided sections were still in.

Donut Anyone???

Here's another simple, professional, quick, versatile, easy, on the go, and everything like that protective hairstyle. giggle.

I have been trying to do one of these buns ever since I was able to get a ponytail but for some reason they always ended up looking odd and not what I wanted. 


I used to do donut buns a lot when I was relaxed with the sock bun. So I'm SUPER EXCITED about my neat little bun. BUT the only issue I have with it is the size. it's too little. I want a bigger, thicker, and a little looser bun. So I'll keep working on it, I'm sure all I have to do is just pin the hair down farther than what I did this time.


Products used:
~Co-washed w/ Bed Head Self Absored Conditioner
~Giovanni Direct Leave-In
~Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel (MY LOVE)


I'm keeping this it in for at least 5 days (as I'm typing this, it is day 3)




Sidenote:
I would also like to add that I think I have finally mastered the art of waves. Like the bun, I have also been trying to master how to get those gorgeous waves that we naturals produce oh so lovely. With a little help from my mother (who by the way is au naturale now!!!) and inspiration from my Big Bro, I get sick sea thinking about how crazy their hair waves up. ok that was a lil lame.lol, I think I got it now =)

Sale Alert...Sale Alert!!!

Yes!!! Ulta is having their Bed Head sale again. Well actually its been going on for a couple of weeks now (I just didn't feel like going). You can get Bed Head conditioner and/or shampoo for just $9.99 reg. 24.00. I  love  love love the Moisture Manic conditioner and only get it when it's on sale. But today I accidentally picked up the another bottle that looks actually like the Moisture Manic. I'm sure it'll work just as well (at least I hope it does lol). 

Happy Shopping =)

New Video!!

I did it again...They were getting on my nerves!

Okay so the title is a lil EXTREME!!! I know I said I would try to keep the twists in longer but I just couldn't do it. Today at work I saw a girl with some big ol' hair, which made me miss my loose hair. The good news is that I have been doing more protective styles summer which is more than I did last year =)


I don't really stretch my hair out often to do length checks but when I took the twist out I was AMAZED and EXCITED about the amount of growth I had from the last time I documented my length on my channel. Check it out =)

This video is from February.

Almost bra strap length=)

Cruise Hair

 

I'm back from my cruise (okay I've actually been back for a week now) and I must say I had a wonderful time with the fam =) As you can see from the pictures I didn't wear my twists. I took them out before the trip but don't worry I put them right back in when I got back home. I'm going to try to keep these in for at least 3 weeks to a month. 

While vacationing I learned a lot about how I should maintain my hair while vacationing.

1. Moisturize. A LOT!!!
2. Wear some type of protective style.
3. Don't shampoo your hair too often. Of course.
4. Don't co-wash too often. (My hair was tangled up soo much when I got back)

What I took with me:

- Giovanni Shampoo

-Tresemme Flawless Curls Conditioner

-Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel

-Shea Butter Mixture

-A Comb

-Satin Scarf

But overall, my hair didn't get too dry. Because I was on chill mode, I didn't want to be in mirror too often doing my hair, so I wore wash n gos, puffs, and buns. I think applying a lot of shea butter and sometimes leaving the conditioner in helped to keep moisturized. 

First Set of Mini Twists

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After 6-7 hours of twisting my hair, I am EXTREMELY overjoyed!!!!! Lately I have been tired of going through the process of co-washing and then trying to style to my hair, all for it not turn out how I wanted it. So I started watching a lot of videos on Youtube and became really inspired to do my own. I started Sunday night and watched The Wiz and Boomerang and listened to some music then I went to bed at 4 am and woke up early Monday morning to finish the rest. Excuse the first picture, I had just taken out all the big twists and some were still a little wet...but it was okay=)

Products used:

Giovanni Smooth as Silk Shampoo

Tresemme Flawless Curls Conditioner

Chi Silk Infusion

Shea Butter Mixture (shea butter, vegetable glycerin, sweet almond oil, coconut oil)

What I did:

Shampooed

Co-Washed

Detangled with a little bit of conditioner still in the hair/ Twisted hair into big sections

Washed out all the conditioner

Put Silk Infusion on each section

Blow dried all sections on medium/hi heat then twisted each section back up (hair was still a little wet)

Took out all twists and sectioned the hair off into three sections

Started from the back and twisted all night long =)

And I was done!!!

Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap Review

For the past few months I've been on the hunt for a good shampoo. I know a lot of naturals use the Dr. Bronner's soap, so I decided to give it a try....I'm sooo proud of my self because I didn't buy the biggest bottle instead I bought the little sample/travel size bottle =) But I must say I think I have found a winner!!!! Not only does it clean the hair but it also can be used to clean your body, teeth, clothes...not sure if that makes y'all feel as excited about the product but trust me it doesn't dry your hair like some shampoos. Please remember this is a shampoo, so your hair is not going to feel like you just put a lot of conditioner in it. Dr. B's soap doesn't contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, it's pure castile. Also make sure you dilute it and remember a little goes a long way. 

This product removed the build-up from my hair right away. With some shampoos I have to shampoo more than once because I can usually still find little white balls.

Pros: Cleans hair very well. Foams up like crazy!!! Didn't strip my hair too much. Versatile. Affordable. Easy to find in stores.

Cons: The smell is SUPER STRONG!! (Not a fan of lavender scented stuff). It's not thick at all, like water.

Overall, I give this product 5 sparkles!!!

I'm sooo Proud....(tear)

I just finished my first FULL set of flat twist....hand clap!!! Earlier this week I wore a flat twist headband, which gave me the courage to flat twist my whole head. Plus I loved the gorgeous wavy look it gave me =) I think this would be the perfect hair setting thingy for days when you're just bumming around the house not going anywhere. These pictures were taken right after I finished them, so you can still see the product and water.

Products used:

Cantu shea butter

And here are some pictures of that twisted headband =)

Products used:

Afroveda Curl define 

Cantu Shea Butter
Hair was done on twist out