Five Easy to Use Hair Products

Five Easy to Use Hair Products

By Jonathan J Russell

Everybody loves their hair. After all, it protects your head. Plus, it's nice to touch, and it can easily add flair to your style. But sometimes, achieving that style is hard to do. Brushing your luscious locks can only take you so far. When you really want to add style you need a hair styling product! But which one is right for you?

Wax. Do you have short to medium hair? Then wax may do the best choice for you. If you have a long or thick mane, it may not be effective at all. Wax gives a natural shine to your tresses. It's best used for creating a spiky look or for creating the bed head look. It has a medium hold that can last an entire day. But the greatest thing about wax is that you can restyle it! Put it on, then style. Change your mind? Style it again. And you only need to apply the product once.

Pomades. Do you need to add texture and gloss to your coiffure? Use pomades! This product can be used on just about any hair type. Some pomades even moisturize and condition your 'do while styling it! It's also quite economical because a little goes a long way. You shouldn't use a lot of it anyway. Add too much and you will end up with an oily look. Pomades can also be difficult to remove, so remember to wash it out thoroughly.

Hairspray. A styling product that was popular enough to be the title of a movie. It must be awesome! Hairspray thickens your mop and adds shine. Some even include sun protection. Hairsprays should be applied on a wet locks so that you can style and mold it. Or if your tresses have already been molded, finish it with hairspray. It's very easy to apply. Just remember to cover your eyes! The only drawback? It can make your crowning glory look stiff and dry. Not to mention thee that it does have a strong smell.

Gel. This one is very good at keeping styles in place. Best of all, there is a type of gel for every hair type and style! Gel can do anything; scrunch, freeze, sculpt and mold. And it can do so very efficiently. But gels that are based on alcohol can dry your hair. Cheep or awful gels even leave dandruff-like flakes.

Mousse. Currently just as popular as when it had its heyday in the 80's, mousse gives your coiff an attractive sheen. It's especially good for thin or fine strands. It can and it will provide your thinning mane with a thick and full appearance. Some mousse can even add color to some graying tufts! The downside of mousse is that it sometimes doesn't have as much hold as some like, and using too much can only leave a person with a greasy look.

These are the five greatest hair styling products to choose from. Experiment with each one, and find the one for you!

Jonathan Russell is an artist and blogger that has been writing articles on many different topics for the last 2 years. You can find him contributing articles at http://www.besthairwax.net, a website that helps you choose hair wax as well as inform you about other products like hair putty.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jonathan_J_Russell


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Post Title → Five Easy to Use Hair Products

ANOTHER HAIRSTYLE WIN

Wanna know how I got here?....

 I gave myself a left-side part and flat-twisted my hair.

Then set the ends on some flexi-rods.

 And this is how it came out. I wasn't sure if it would look nice, but ended up being pleased.



As far as products, I used Jane Carter Solutions Revitalizing Leave-In conditioner, my nearly empty jar of Qhemet Biologics Burdock Root Buttercream and drum-roll please.....

Natural Oasis Hair & Scalp Conditioner

Remember the unknown "somebody's grease" that I mentioned in  my "Turning Lemons Into Lemonade" post. Well, I was reading Natural Urbanista’s blog and she mentioned using a product by “Natural Oasis”. As soon as I read the company’s name a light went off. And I recalled that this is the same company that I got my "unknown grease", which is actually known as Natural Oasis Hair & Scalp Conditioner from. Woo hoo! I was so happy to (1) get this revelation and (2) know that they are still in business. I remembered receiving the sample products from them and loving them. And seeing as I’m trying to simplify my hair product stash, this revelation is quite timely. ;) You can visit the company's webstore here.

Ttyl,

Post Title → ANOTHER HAIRSTYLE WIN

TO BOLDLY GO WHERE NO ONE HAS GONE BEFORE

The crew from the original Star Trek series (aired 1966-1969)

Okay. Not exactly "where no one has gone before", but definitely a new arena for me. The arena of rollersets, that is.

So…remember my recent hair dryer purchase. Well, I’ve since tested it out with protein treatments for my daughter and myself.  Aannnnd.... *drumroll please*,  I also tried my hand at my 1st flexi-rod set.

I think I did pretty good as a first-timer. Just a few areas that I will be sure to address the next time.

For instance, in some places, I set it a bit tight so my head is a little sore here and there. Secondly, I definitely have to improve on my endpaper threading skills. I can't tell you how many times I had to redo the ends. I also made the mistake of using too much tension to rod a tiny bundle of strands that I missed when setting some hair on a big roller. Lazily, instead of simply redoing the large rollerset to include the tiny bundle, I used one of the small, red flexi-rods, which lead to a few strands getting uh, "lost in the fire".

Oopsie.

I also learned to use a smaller amount of setting solution next time. I used way too much on most sections which led to some straight-out-the-gate product build-up.

What can I say?.....
Lesson learned.

And lastly, the next time I attempt this set will be during the daytime. This took a while. I promise you, I was all but ready to throw in the towel and just twist the rest of my hair, halfway thru the process. But I chose to tough it out and ride it all the way to the end.

I have to admit that I kinda wanted to go somewhere after removing the flexi-rods and separating the curls a bit. =)



Products Used:

Mop Leave-In Conditioner (Curlmart or Ulta stores)

Jane Carter Solution “Wrap & Roll” (JaneCarterSolution.com, Curlmart, most natural health stores)

Jane Carter Solution “Hair Nourishing Serum”

Purple, blue, orange and red flexi-rods. (Any beauty supply place store)



Products I plan to use next time:

Jane Cater Solution “Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner” in place of Mop leave-in

And a small amount of whatever pomade I purchase by then to smooth the flyaways.

 
 
If any of you, have successfully done a flexi-rod set, please share what you did. Or share what & if you tried anything different.

Post Title → TO BOLDLY GO WHERE NO ONE HAS GONE BEFORE

NATURALLY CURLY'S 12 DAYS OF HOLIDAY MAGIC GIVEAWAYS!!

Hi Lovelies,

I received an email early this morning and had to pass this great information along to you. I loooovve giveaways and contests because they tend to fall under the "FREE" category. Can't help but love that word! Anyhoo, I was so excited when I read the NaturallyCurly.com was doing another awesome giveaway series. This one is possibly even more awesome & major than the one they did before. Hint: They'll be offering another awesome giveaway later on this month. OH SNAP! Haha...

About this Contest


Readers can take part in daily giveaways from sponsors: Folica, Carol's Daughter, Jane Carter Solution, Miss Jessie's, Ouidad, Curly Hair Solutions, Oribe, Joico, Jonathan Product, KeraCare, Z-One and AG Hair Cosmetics. In addition to the daily drawings—worth hundreds of dollars— each entrant will qualify for a chance to win the grand prize—a $1,500 Holiday Wardrobe Shopping Spree from Beyond The Rack, as well as a $500 CurlMart gift card and $500 worth of curly prizes.

WOO HOO!! Sounds awesome! Read on how to enter....


How to Enter

Participants must enter at http://www.naturallycurly.com/giveaways/index/holiday-magic to be eligible. Each entry also goes towards the grand prize drawing on December 13, 2010. The giveaway begins December 1, 2010, at 12:00 a.m. and ends on December 12, 2010, at 11:59 p.m. No purchase is necessary.
 
Good luck to all!

Post Title → NATURALLY CURLY'S 12 DAYS OF HOLIDAY MAGIC GIVEAWAYS!!

WOO-HOO TO GREAT HAIR DAYS!!!

Hi Gorgeous Ones!

I know it’s been a minute since I’ve posted anything on hair. I’ve honestly gotten a bit bored talking about it. Don’t get me wrong. I’m still lovin’ and feelin’ my chem-free locks of hair, I just don’t see myself devoting as much time or blog-space to talk about it. It's one of the things that I've been meditating on as far as where I will be taking this blog in the future. Besides, there are so many great hair blogs out there that you can go to for any given topic on hair matters. So just fyi, from here on out, my posts on hair will be sporadic.

And having said that, today’s post will be one of those sporadic picks. ;)

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending Shelley Chapman’s Taste of Naturi event. So yummy. After a week, filled with sweaty work-outs and buns, I decided to try something different. 

 Likey?.... I do.

I spritzed my hair with my own concoction of distilled water, essential oils, a lil' leave-in condish to the point where it was a bit damp. Then I applied a small amount of my fav leave-in, MOP leave-in conditioner from root to tip. Starting from the left side of my head, I horizontally parted my hair and then flat-twisted with Darcy's Botanicals Madagascar Vanilla styling creme. At the end of the 6 to 7 horizontal flat twists, I rolled 2 to 3 inches of my ends on red flexi-rods using Jane Carter Solution's Wrap and Roll.

I was pleasantly surprised when I took my hair down a couple of hours before the event. I was so happy with the outcome that I had to share these pics.

Please forgive my blackberry photos but I'm still waiting on the Universe to deliver my Nikon D60 to me. Just sayin'. Lol.

Post Title → WOO-HOO TO GREAT HAIR DAYS!!!

HAIR VS HUMIDITY...A PRODUCT REVIEW

This summer has been particularly cruel with the level of humidity in the air. There was no way to run or hide from it, especially being in the South. At a certain point, you just have to accept it, deal as best as you can with it and move on. I’ve sported an unintended fro because it. (And I must say that although it was unintended, I still liked it!)


To get the definition back; I broke out Boutique de Fleurzty’s Curls Nurture Cream and Hydrating Hair Butter to save the day. I was quite happy with the outcome. The definition was back and it left my hair soft. Not only did it help to re-hydrate my tresses, it also helped a bit with stretch. Now let me say that with the amount of humidity and heat we’ve had, frizzy (or poofy hair as my daughter says) is inevitable but these products undeniably helped me during a crunch time. And that, I feel, says a lot about them. And just as important, the ingredients are all natural.

************

Curls Nurture Cream

Has a nice, light and somewhat fruity scent. Least to me.

Low to medium hold

Consistency is like a light creamy paste (if that makes any sense).



Hydrating Hair Butter

I like the scent. The one I purchased was the Lemon-Ylang Ylang scent.

It’s a very rich butter that is not whipped. Contains mango butter, kokum butter and shea butter. I’ve even used it for my body and it left my skin so soft.

************

I like these products for separate use and together. The two of them are awesome when combined. Definitely a moisturizing power house duo.

I also use and love the Boutique de Fleurzty’s Nurturing Treatment Oil. I love the lavender-jasmine scent of it. I’ve used it to do oil rinses but love sealing with it the best. I just love for the scent to linger around a bit.

The Hair and Scalp Serum was used up a long time ago. I’m not a big scalp oiler so I used this mostly on my daughter. We both love the smell of it. And as I stated before, it was used up quite quickly.



To give Boutique de Fleurzty products a try, go here.
Ooh! Btw, they are currently closed for restocking but you can look at all the wonderful ingredients in the products.

Post Title → HAIR VS HUMIDITY...A PRODUCT REVIEW

SEPTEMBER HEROINE ENTREPRENEUR...... FLEURTZY

Storm from X-Men of Marvel Comics

What is a heroine?....
According to Merriam-Webster online dictionary:


A heroine is - a: a mythological or legendary woman having the qualities of a hero b: a woman admired and emulated for her achievements and qualities.

Introducing September's Heroine Entrepreneur.....

Fleurzty of La Boutique de Fleurzy

 
1. Tell us about your business, products, services and what makes it special or unique.

My business began as a blog. I started Texture Playground to research and share some information about natural hair care. I found myself drawn to the blog, writing and the readers as time went by. At the same time, I began experimenting more and more with some old recipes, some of which became the very products I now share with my customers.


The products are all-natural, including the preservatives and fragrances that are used. Three out of the four products currently available in the boutique are fragranced solely with essential oils. The focus of my line of products is to do more with less. They are heavily concentrated and effective, so a little bit goes a long way. The products also don’t use any filler ingredients, solely what is needed for maximum effectiveness within the recipe.


2. How was it birthed?

Texture Playground and La Boutique de Fleurzty both birthed out of passion and excitement. The same fuels that continue to drive their operation day to day.


3. What sparked the development of your business? How did you begin?

Believe it or not, I did my first big chop about 4 months before my wedding. I was seriously thinking about the idea of going natural and ridding myself of the harsh chemicals that I regularly subjected my hair and scalp to. My fiancé, now my husband, was very supportive and even took me to the stylist. Just as a symbol of my immaturity in the natural hair world, we went to Super Cuts! LOL! I learned a lot in the first years, much of which is now shared on the website. The products came on much later, and were the result of testing, sharing with family and friends and much kitchen play. After finalizing the Nurturing Treatment Oil, I shared the recipe with my readers who loved it. I also began making products for family members. We all loved the products. Little by little, I felt myself moving in the product creation direction.


4. Have you always been in this particular field? Do you have a history in this area?

I don’t have a history in the field of natural hair care and culture. It began with the research that I did for a few months prior to my first big chop in November 2004. I did my undergrad in psychology and my graduate degree is in Cultural Studies and Conflict Resolution.


5. How much support did you receive when you first started out?

By the time I actually launched the products, all my readers were already anticipating them. It was great to see the outpouring of love and support. I could have not asked for a better group, more supportive beginning.


6. Is there anything that you wish you would have done or handled differently?

I took the time to research, plan, and manage all of the necessary steps to start my hair journey, website, and products. A lot of the information I learned during those times spent on preparations has not been used, some will never be in fact! I think it has made me a better business woman and a more educated consumer, but I would be more discerning in the information I read and the time I allocate to that if given the chance.


7. What was your biggest hurdle in developing your business?

 My biggest hurdle has come in a tri-pack, time, energy and finances. Being able to manage my time between family and business; having enough energy to get the work done that I know needs to get done; and of course, being able to financially support my ideas so that they can grow. This can all be summed up in a 4-letter word, L – I – F – E! What I have found is that there is no time that will be a, “good time.” I have decided to take action toward my dream, and have been blessed with success, thus far.

8. How did you stay motivated or what kept you motivated whenever you hit a bump/pothole in the road or a difficult time?

There are several things that keep me pressing forward and in no particular order I will discuss a few that come to mind. The first would be my faith. I have a passion for what I do because it is what I enjoy, but I also know that God has a plan for me and I believe that he has blessed me with strength to allow the rough times to simply smooth out edges. The second would be my readers and supporters. I feel so humbled to hear others speak highly about my products, website, posts, and other contributions to the natural hair community. It is difficult to put into words, but it is an awesome feeling when you know that you are positively influencing so many women from different walks of life and figuratively speaking, liberating some of them from the restrictions of beauty and their natural afro hair. I would be remiss to not mention my hubby. He supports me and my work and does not allow me to give up. He is adamant about my progress and so is our son who supports in his very toddler-ways.


Thankfully I also have a host of siblings and friends who make their support known. I am grateful for my surroundings and constant encouragement and appreciation.


9. There are quite a few women who are seeking to do what you’ve done. What advice would you give them?

 This may not be the answer that someone would like to hear, but the best advice I can give is, ‘be yourself.’ You’re more likely to succeed and find a niche, if you think about what you love, and allow your personality to shine through. If your idea is to provide a natural hair service, do think of where you can serve best. It may be as broad as natural hair care or you need to specialize and cater to the care of a particular style. Wherever your heart leads you, follow it!

10. Is there anything new & exciting that we can expect from your business in the future?

Absolutely, but I am not ready to share much just yet. Don’t want to say too much prematurely ;-) Rest assured, I am working on some items for La Boutique de Fleurzty, some writing projects for Texture Playground and some more fun stuff for the Fall.


And there you have it. Another insightful and encouraging interview for all of you newbie biz owners, wanna-be biz owners and everyone else.

You can connect with Fleurzty at:
Her blog: Texture Playground
Her Store: La Boutique de Fleurzty
Youtube: Texture Playground Channel
Email: Fleurzty@textureplayground.com

**A special note to Fleurzty
Thanks for agreeing to do this interview. I count myself fortunate to have connected with you on the web. I remember following your blog soon after you created it. Loving your informative posts. And when I saw that you decided to go for it and create your own products, I was so excited and moved. I heart all who go after making their dreams and hearts desire a reality. Thanks for sharing yourself, your experience and your wonderful products with us. I pray for your continued success and growth in your business, your family and yourself.
Much love to ya!

Post Title → SEPTEMBER HEROINE ENTREPRENEUR...... FLEURTZY

STUMBLED UPON 'DO

Hi Beautiful Ones!



Hope all is well with everyone. And that you all had an awesome fourth.

Aside from celebrating the holiday, I did exactly what I mentioned that I would do on last Tuesday. I purchased a couple of products from the Hairveda sale. I bought the Sitrinillah Deep Conditioner, cause I’m totally out and loooove this DC. I  also purchased a detangling comb (As if I really needed another one, but it is different from the ones I already have. So there, I needed it. Lol.) I also purchased some more Hairveda Whipped Gelly. I promise you the more I use it, the more I love it.

I also did some shopping at Sage Naturalceuticals. So happy that I can find & purchase products that I normally would only be able to purchase online. From there, I purchased Uncle Funkys Daughters Curly Magic. I tested it on a few strands and was very impressed. I’ll probably try it all over in a week or so. I also purchased Donna Marie’s Miracurl Curling Gelly and Donna Marie’s Miracurl Leave-In Conditioner and Detangler. I know. I went a little crazy. To tell you the truth, I was a little embarrassed to do so. The owner, Cindy, was so helpful and nice.

Why did I buy two curl defining products? Well…What had happened wuz... my daughter told me that she wanted her braids out (Just had those girls put in a couple of weeks ago so that’s not happening til the end of this month.) so that she could wear her hair curly. And I got a lil excited because 98% of the time she is adamant about wearing her hair straight but suddenly she wants to wear her hair in its natural texture. (grins) Check this. This is the same young lady who wanted to write a personal blog entitled “Forced To Go Natural”. Lol.

So you see why I got a tad excited? I was just estatic that she has embraced her hair. *Grins from ear to ear*

Anyhoo, I actually intended to talk about my hair on last week. I was actually going for a flat-twist side bun. Unfortunately, it did not go well. I thought that I could manage getting my parts straight but that never happened. *If anyone has any suggestions please send them my way. So I ended up putting the ends on rollers and hopped under my beat up table-top dryer in hopes of working my hair into some type of curly fro. Was invited to a party so I was trying to dry my hair as quickly as possible. I ended up not having enough time so I just figured I’d roll with whatever came of my do’.

And lo and behold….

Looking for sumthing,huh?...Me too, dammit! I'm so frustrated. My camera (which is old) only works w/my daughter's laptop. Unfortunately, it can be slow. But what really pisses me off is that once I've uploaded them to her computer, I'm unable to get them attached to an email to send to myself. Boo.
Bottom line: add newer camera to wishlist

Anyhoo. I was rather happy with the outcome and got a lot of compliments. It pretty much came out like a Twist and Curl. And yes, I will be trying it again very soon.


Have you stumbled upon or tried anything new with your hair?....

Post Title → STUMBLED UPON 'DO

SAGE NATURALCEUTICALS PROMOTION

I sure do love the opportunity to win FREE stuff that is actually GOOD for you. What's even better is sharing with other people so that they have the same opportunity. :)
So here goes.

Sage Naturalceuticals is a shop in lovely Atlanta that "specializes in natural products for the hair, face, body, and home". Brands they carry include Uncle Funcky's Daughter, Donna Marie, Afro Veda, Bee Mine, Darcy's Botanicals, John Masters Organics, Komaza Care, Goldfaden Skincare, Pacifica Candles, Kobo Candles, Me Bath, Earthlust and more. I'll be hitting them up for a haul of sorts this weekend.

Here's the deal:
They have a current Facebook promotion to win $100 of Uncle Funky's Daughter hair products. Woo hoo!!

 Never heard of Uncle Funky''s Daughter? Well, they are a salon, a boutique, and a natural hair product line that believes in "offering the best in sustainable, non-toxic hair care in a healthy, chemical-free environment. " Click here for more information on UFD.

Here are the deets on how to enter?....

There are two (2) ways to enter the drawing.

•Enter here then, “Like us” on Face Book.

•Or, refer a friend to enter the drawing through the contest page.

Prize Includes:

Curly Magic, Extra Butter, Good Hair, Rich and Funky, Richee Rich and FREE shipping to the continental US.

 

 

This promotion ends on Friday, July 16th at 5pm PDT.

Click here to enter.

 

Wish you all the best!!

 

 

 

 

Post Title → SAGE NATURALCEUTICALS PROMOTION

HAIRVEDA'S SUMMER SALE

*image is Hveda girl from Hairveda.com

Hola Beautifuls!

One of my favorite hair product retailers is having a summer sale.

Hairveda's Summer Sale begins this Thursday, July 2nd and runs thru Saturday, July 10th.

Here's what the sale includes:

Whipped Cream for $5.80

SitriNillah Masque for $14

Big Whipped Gelly for $15

CoCasta Oil for $7

Or get it ALL FOR $40.00!

Want to see more? Click here.

What am I gonna buy? Well, I'll definitely be purchasing the SitriNillah Masque. Possibly two of them since my hair loves it so much. ;)

Post Title → HAIRVEDA'S SUMMER SALE

HAIRVEDA SPRING FLING SALE

This coming weekend you can get some serious savings during Hairveda’s weekend Spring Sale! It will also be your last chance to purchase Vatika Frosting for the season.


According to the email I received, this is what’s going to be on sale:


-Vatika Frosting 50% OFF


-SitriNillah DC 20% OFF


-Whipped Gelly 20% OFF


-CoCasta Oil 30% OFF


-Whipped Cream 20%OFF


-URBAN AROMA Artisan Soaps-20% OFF


-PUR Buttercreme-50% OFF

I had to pass this along because Hairveda has some awesome natural products. I swear by their Vatika Frosting and love the Sitri Nillah Masque Ultra-Moisturizing Deep Conditioner.

This time I will try the Whipped Gelly since I’m looking into different and protective hair styles.



Happy Shopping!

Post Title → HAIRVEDA SPRING FLING SALE

DARCY'S BOTANICALS EXPERIENCE

Hola Gorgeous Ones!

Today I’m writing about my experience with a few Darcy Botanicals products. I’d been eyeballing this line for awhile. But before I get into that, I just have to share that I used Coconut milk instead of water in my ayurvedic mix (same as last week).

I really like it and will continue to use this in my mixes. But get this! I had no idea that coconut milk was solid. I expected it to be a liquid. Who knew?!... Guess I didn’t. Lol.

Onto my experience with Darcy’s Botanicals. If you didn’t know this is a natural and organic line for naturally curly hair and skin. I purchased the Deep Conditioning Mask, Madagascar Vanilla Styling Crème and the Herbal Leave-In Spritz.

Herbal Leave-In Spritz (purchased before the other products)
Ingredients: Botanical infusion of Distilled Water, Organic Nettle, Organic Peppermint leaves, Organic Burdock Root, Organic Horsetail, Organic Marshmallow Root, Organic Coltsfoot, Organic Sage, Organic Hibiscus Flowers, Organic Kelp, Organic Sea Moss, Vegetable Glycerin, Organic Aloe Juice, Sea Salt, Polysorbate 20, Litsea Cubeba, Tangerine, Patchouli, Sweet Orange, and a paraben free preservative.

As I looked at her site, I see that she has slightly changed this product and added peppermint and tea tree oils. Sweet. It’s now called “Herbal Tea Leave-In Conditioning Spritz”.

The scent is definitely herbal. Its very light and refreshing to smell. I’m good with herbal scents. Especially this one because it’s not overbearing. If it’s not your thing you may want to keep this in mind.

The description on the bottle states that it will “instantly moisturize, condition & soften your luscious locs, waves and coils”. Check. It was great for moisturizing my hair. After a workout, I simply spritzed my hair and then retwisted it and added a little of the styling crème. It was back to soft and moist in the morning.

The directions say that you can spritz “onto wet or dry hair to refresh, condition, detangle & moisturize your lovely tresses”. I pretty much got all of that except for the detangling aspect. It just did not do that for my hair. But otherwise, it is a great refresher and moisturizer. Loves that about it.

Deep Conditioning Mask Moisturizing Hair Mask
Here are the ingredients: Distilled Water, Lavender Water, Vegetable Glycerin, BTMS ( a mild emulsifying conditioner), Manketti Oil, Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Marula Oil, Cocoa Butter, & Shea Butter, Panthenol, Yarrow, Sage, Nettle & Lavender Extracts, Bentonite Clay, Organic Kelp, Hydrolyzed Oats, Guar Gum, Ylang Ylang, Sweet Orange, Vanilla, & Patchouli Essential Oils and a paraben-free preservative.

Its consistency is like a very light crème. Almost lotion-like so it went on my hair very well. I actually felt that this product has more detangling properties than the spritz.

The scent, I can’t quite put my finger on. But it is very faint.
I enjoyed using this product. Loved the fact that I could detangle my hair and that it is moisturizing. It’s definitely on my good list.

Madagascar Vanilla Styling Crème Natural Hair Butter Crème
Ingredients: Organic Palm Oil, Organic Aloe Vera, Organic Madagascar Vanilla, Vegetable Emulsifying Wax, Candelilla Wax, Organic Castor Oil, Rice Bran Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil and Potassium Sorbate.

This is a pretty thick butter crème which I found to be a great styler and great for moisture. The directions say to “rub a small amount between the palms of your hands and apply throughout dry or damp hair.” I used it both times on damp hair. It also states, “A little goes a long way”. I second that. The first time I used it I kept this in mind. The second time around, I totally forgot and was my usual heavy-handed self. Oh my!! I’m a little greasy right now but after spraying my hair with the leave-in and letting it set over night, I think I should be okay. So just so you know, follow the directions. This is a great attribute for a product to have. I believe it gives you more bang for your buck since you’re not using the product up as quickly. And we all love anything that is “recession friendly”.
The scent is a faint vanilla. Definitely not a slap-you-in-the-face scent.

I am definitely likin’ this butter crème. It defines my twists quite well and keeps them free of the frizzies. On top of which, I’ve gotten plenty of compliments on my hair since using this product. It’s on my list for possible repurchase.

I’m really happy that I went on and purchased these products. I had heard plenty about this line, and what I purchased definitely delivered. I’m sure I’ll be revisiting her store in the future.

You can find Darcy’s Botanicals where she also sells bath and body products at Darcy's Botanicals.com and on Etsy.com.

Post Title → DARCY'S BOTANICALS EXPERIENCE

AYURVEDIC MIX DONE RIGHT

Good Morning, Gorgeous!

Just had to share w/you my hair day on this past weekend. I did my first successful ayurvedic hair treatment. Woo hoo!!

A few weeks ago, I had my hair blown out and flat ironed, which I will NOT be doing again. (We’ll talk about that later.) So I pre-shampooed with my trusty Hairveda Vatika Frosting. Then I co-washed with Herbal Essences Totally Twisted condish. Rinsed that out and did an oil rinse with Carol’s Daughter’s Hair Elixir (It's one of the products I'm trying to use up). After rinsing the oil out, I applied the powdered mix.

This is what my mixture consisted of:
2 T amla
2 T brahmi
1 tsp maka

I added enough hot water to make it into a slight paste and let it sit for about 20 minutes (not sure if that was necessary).



After rinsing out the condish, I applied my ayurvedic mixture. Next time (this weekend), I will remember to used Coconut Milk instead of water. I let it sit on my hair for about 40 minutes. Then I rinsed it out and did a 30 minute steam treatment with Darcy’s Botanicals Hair Mask.

Once that was done, I did a cool rinse out and spritzed my soaking wet hair with Darcy’s Botanicals Herbal Leave-In Spritz. After which, I wrapped my hair with a Curl-ease towel for about 10 – 15 minutes. Then I twisted it up with Darcy’s Botanicals Madagascar Vanilla Styling Crème. I wasn’t too sure how I felt about it as I used the products and even after twisting my hair but I will say that I was lovin’ my twist-out on Monday. My hair really felt soft and moist so I’m glad I made this purchase….says the woman who’s trying to use up the products in my ever increasing stash. Lol.

Now back to me not getting my hair blown/flat-ironed out anymore. Well, at least no more this year. I really felt like it was dry this time. And that did not make me happy. So from here on out, I’m sticking with no direct heat. I’ll probably try a roller-set among other styles just to quench my need to switch it up.

So what’s going on with your hair?....

Future reviews coming soon on:
Darcy’s Botanicals
Afroveda Hemp Seed Lock, Twist & Roll Butter
Donna Marie’s Lock & Twist Pudding
La Boutique de Fleurzty

This Week, look for:
Carolyn’s Corner on sweeteners
Review/experience on Agape Bars

Post Title → AYURVEDIC MIX DONE RIGHT

GUESS WHO'S OPEN FOR BUSINESS.....

It's Fleurzty of Texture Playground!! Congrats are in order!

Okay, so I know this post is late in the day but I promise you, being back in working mom mode has me playing catch-up/balancing-act with my schedule-again. So I may be late but I'm still here. =)

I just wanted to give you all a heads-up that fellow-blogger, Fleurzty at Texture Playground has opened her boutique (Yay!!) of all-natural hair products. I am so happy for her, and proud of her. Work it out, Lady!!

You can visit her store here or simply go to her blog site at Texture Playground, which is a great hair resource and one of my fav blogs to visit. I've already placed my order and cannot wait to receive and use my hair goodies.

Ttyl,


Btw, be on the lookout for a familiar face for March's Heroine Entrepreneur post on this Thursday.

Post Title → GUESS WHO'S OPEN FOR BUSINESS.....

TUESDAYS ARE FOR TRESSES

Hi Beautifuls!!!

First off, I have to thank each of every one of you who sent me well wishes via this blog, Facebook and phone calls. I don’t think you can ever imagine how much they greatly impacted my spirit. I honestly was in tears by the end of the night. Thank you soooo much.

OOOXXX,


So, yesterday was wonderful. My only disappointment was that I missed out on the products that I had planned on buying from The Good Hair Mart. This new hair product site opened up for business at noon on yesterday. My plan was to be one of the 1st ten so that I could get the discount and to snag Afroveda’s Hemp Seed Lock, Twist and Roll Butter (which, I believe, is being discontinued) and Donna Marie’s Lock and Twist Pudding. Needless to say, I didn’t quite make it in on time and the only thing on my wish list that I snagged was Darcy’s Botanicals Hair Mask. So yes, I was a bit disappointed that I didn't catch those products in time.

Anyhoo, let me talk about Essential Balms Head to Toe Liquid Balm with jojoba. I actually got it as a free sample when I subscribed to their YouTube page.
Here's the description of their products:

Affordable 100% GENUINELY all-natural hair & skin care. Made with the highest quality vegetable oils, beneficial herbs & all-natural fragrance. Our products do not contain sulphates, parabens, cones, synthetic ingredients, or synthetic fragrance.

According to the website (which is temporarily down), you can also eat the balm. That. Did. Not. Happen. However, I did use it to twist my hair. And I was quite pleased with how my hair felt and turned out. It was very moisturizing but not greasy. And the scent (cause you know I’m a scent woman) is pleasant. It’s kind of sweet, slightly fruity scent that isn’t too strong. Its consistency is very thick. Like thick to the point where you really have to work to squeeze it out of the bottle. I ended using my rat-tail comb to get the last drop out.

Bottom Line: I love this balm. Wouldn’t eat it. But definitely purchasing in the future for my winter regimen.

In an effort to use up the products that I have in my stash, (THIS IS AN INTERRUPTION. I REPEAT. AN INTERRUPTION. YOU DO NOT REMEMBER THE ABOVE SECOND PARAGRAPH. IT IS A FIGMENT OF YOUR IMAGINATION. I REPEAT. A FIGMENT OF YOUR IMAGINATION.)I decided to try Carol’s Daughter’s Hair Balm.

Now I really like its consistency. It comes out of the bottle with little effort. And it’s fairly runny so the application was "easy breezy".
Here is the website’s description and ingredients of the product:

Experience frizz-free hair with one of Jada Pinkett-Smith’s favorites! Hair Balm’s nutrient –rich Soy Oil and Sweet Almond Oil combination produce perfect shine, moisture and manageability without build-up. The rich blend of protein, and nourishing B vitamins and minerals are specially formulated to prevent breakage and promote healthy hair growth.

Ingredients: Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil, Beeswax, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond Oil), Butyrospermum Parkil (Shea Butter) Fruit, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Fragrance, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Annatto seed.

Everything sounds nice. Although I’m not a big fan of the Beeswax, I do like the other ingredients in it. The scent reminds me of ole skool hair grease. I used this to twist my hair a couple of times. Yes, the application process was great. It goes on pretty easy however, it wasn’t as moisturizing to my hair as I thought it should be. My hair honestly felt slightly dry yet a little greasy when I used this. Not sure why but it just did. Either way, I can’t see myself repurchasing this one. And after two tries, I doubt that I’ll use it again.

Now let me see where I can find me some Afroveda Hemp Seed Lock, Twist and Roll Butter. ;)

Peace.

Post Title → TUESDAYS ARE FOR TRESSES

NEW 'DO AND GIVEAWAY

Hi Gorgeous!

I'm finally getting around to sharing that I can put my twists in an up-do. I did this in early January and was elated that my hair was long enough to pull it off.

For this particular style, I pulled all of my twists back as if I were about to put them into a ponytail. I secured them in place with a banana clip. The ends were tucked under it with many bobby pins so that the banana clip was not visible. I was so happy about this not only because it signifies hair growth but also because I realized that I can do other styles. I'm getting a bit bored with my usual twists and am wanting to venture out with other styling options. Woo hoo!! Now I'll really be head-over-heals when I can pull all of my twists back into a low-pony. Don't know why that's so big on my list but it just is.

THE GIVEAWAY:

Not sure if you recall me mentioning that I may do a giveaway on a particular, unopened, still in the plastic bag, Hairveda Vatika Frosting. Well, it's on and poppin'!

According to Hairveda.com, this product is great for pretty much all hair types. Here are some suggested ways to take advantage of its natural goodness.

Vatika Frosting Usage

Vatika Oil Frosting has many uses. Here are the ways you can get the most out of this great oil:

Pre Shampoo:
Vatika Frosting is a great pre shampoo mix. Directions: Slather your hair with a good amount of Vatika Oil Frosting. Leave in 45 mins -Overnight. Shampoo or rinse out in the morning for beautiful, soft, shiny locks. It is best to apply oil and leave it for a day before washing.

Deep conditioning Recipe:
Mix 2 tbs. of Vatika Oil Frosting with 3 tbs of your favorite -cone free moisturizing conditioner. Leave in for 15 mins - 1 hour. Rinse or shampoo. You'll experience a high shine after this treatment.

Ends sealant:

After you have applied your hair moisturizer, seal your ends with Vatika Oil Frosting. You'll love how your ends feel. You should oil your hair at least 3x a week.

Scalp massage:
Keep your scalp and follicles in tact. Oil enriches your hair, protects it and the massaging stimulates better hair growth. Directions: Massage Vatika Oil Frosting into your scalp to stimulate circulation and help promote growth. The amla, & lemon extracts help keep your sebum quantity at bay promoting and aiding in constant growth.

Here's what ya gotta do to get a chance to have this baby in your hands. You must be a follower or subscriber. And yes, I will check. Lol. Next, leave a comment as to why you would love to receive this 8 oz jar of goodness. I'll use the Random Number whatchamacallit to pick the destined winner. You'll have until this Friday, Feb. 5th at 8pm EST to leave a comment. I'll announce the recipient on next Tuesday, Feb. 9th.

Wishing you all the best. =)

Post Title → NEW 'DO AND GIVEAWAY

THE GOODNESS OF HAIRVEDA'S VATIKA FROSTING

"How do I love thee? Let me count the ways." *sighs*

I am finally getting around to reviewing Hairveda’s Vatika Frosting.

You had me at “Hello”. *sighs* or better yet, that scent.

That undeniable scent of frosting on a freshly baked cupcake. The heat from the perfectly sized petite cake causing the scent of warmed vanilla frosting to invade my senses. *shakes myself back to my senses*

Okay, let me get to my review. Since you already know that I’m taken by the heavenly scent of this product, I’ll focus on its performance.

I have used this only as a pre-poo treatment and am extremely satisfied. This product, whose consistency is that of …well, frosting leaves my hair quite manageable. However, because it is an oil, please know that it melts in your hand …just like frosting in your mouth. Focus, CO! Focus! But I digress, with the addition of this to my regimen; I can feel a difference in my hairs moisture retention alongside its manageability during my washing regimen. I especially find it helpful when I do a henna treatment or another ayurvedic hair treatment since they can be a little drying during the process.

The following is straight from the Hairveda.com:

Vatika Frosting-Enhanced Coconut with a Sweet Twist!
Vatika in Hindu means garden. In India, coconut oil is widely used in Ayurveda health remedies. This special blend of coconut oil, henna, lemon & Amla provides natural nourishment to your hair.
The blend gives the hair body and radiance, taking care of the critical balance of nutrients. Our pure coconut oil is blended with henna and Amla with lemon to strengthen each strand of hair from within.
When used 1 day before washing, Vatika Frosting provides a protective coating promoting shine and health. A scalp massage with Vatika Frosting also promotes hair growth. To maintain the oil and moisture balance of your hair, remember to do a conditioning treatment with oil at least three times a week.
________________________________________
Ingredients include: Pure unrefined Coconut oil, Amla extract, Henna extract, Lemon extract, Fragrance.

Among being a pre-poo treatment, you can also use Hairveda Vatika Frosting after final conditioning, then rinse with warm water (oil rinse). You can use it as a sealant. Or you can mix it with conditioner and leave it on your wet or dry hair for an hour before rinsing out.
An 8 oz jar costs $10, but I happen to catch it on its $5 sell. Bought two, so I’m contemplating doing a giveaway but this scent has me a little greedy. ;)

This is staying in my hair care regimen for life! Loves this stuff.

Post Title → THE GOODNESS OF HAIRVEDA'S VATIKA FROSTING

BACK TO HENNA

Hi Gorgeous,

On last Friday, I finally hennaed my hair after it seemed like ages. In reality is was only a month or so. Henna is another type of ayurvedic herb. Henna, also known as Lawsonia inermis, which comes from a plant is a green powder that have a red-orange dye molecule. It stains the hair red-orange but it is a translucent stain that combines with your natural hair color. Body art quality henna , which I use, has a much higher dye content than the henna sold for hair. I personally prefer Yemen henna as it is touted as having the highest concentration of natural dye in it. Aside from the fact that henna is a natural colorant, it's also an awesome conditioner. For more information on the henna dying process, click here.

So let me get back to what I did.


I pre-pooed overnight with that fabulous Hairveda Vatika Frosting. I'm so gonna have to dedicate a post to "the Frosting". Loves this stuff. Anyhoo, I cleaned my hair with some of a sample of Mixed Chicks Shampoo that I had. It was a little harsh on my hair so I only used a drop w/a lot of water on each quadrant of hair. Note: I do wash/condition my hair using the quadrant sectioning method. It's simply dividing your hair into the four quadrants on your head. Front right, back right, back left and front left. It makes handling my hair so much easier.

After the cleaning, I applied the henna to my hair. CurlyNikki has a great and simple pictorial on henna. I used a mix of Chamomile tea and Green tea to make mine w/a lot of honey. Similiar to how a relaxer is applied to the hair, my application started from the back and moved to the front. I basically smooshed/stroked it into sections of hair from the root to the ends. After all sections were done, I put a plastic cap on to cover my hair. Actually, I used two caps cause it definitely can be messy. Then I used my heatcap for about an hour and a half. After that, I was out and about with chores and errands. What?! But of course, I broke out the tam to cover up all that. Lol. Btw, I've generally purchased my henna from Mehandi.com or Mehndiskinart.com. If I'm in a pinch then I'll hit up the local Indian grocery or an Indian salon.

After about 5 hours or so, I washed the henna out. First, I literally dunked my head into a water-filled bucket. Yes, I did. Then I continued washing the rest out with my fave henna rinse-out condish, V05 Moisture Milks. I may have used close to a full bottle to get all of the henna which is okay because it's very cheap. They typically run around a dollar a bottle. After all the henna was rinsed out, I did a 30 minute deep steam treatment with Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Moisturizing condish topped with Laquita's Bobeam Oil that she sent me to try. Woo Hoo!!

The next step was to cool rinse the conditioner out. I finished with a final cool tea rinse. Another something I hadn't done in ages. My tea du jour consisted of equal parts of rosemary leaf, horsetail, burdock root, chamomile, lavender and half of Tablespoon of ACV. You can check out the goodness of ACV or Apple Cider Vinegar at Zainab1's blog Au Naturale. Zainab1 has a really straight-forward informative blog. You should check it out. You can also find some info on ACV over at another fav blog of mine, Mane and Chic. Oh, back to my hair tea. I used about 20 oz of distilled water with maybe a T of each herb. A very small amount of ACV and 5 drops each of lavender essential oil & lemongrass essential oil.

My leave-in of choice was MOP leave-in conditioner. I then twisted my hair with Jane Carter Solutions Twist and Lock while sealing my ends with her Nourish and Shine. I know it sounds like a lot but keep in mind that I still enjoy playing with my hair. And yes, it was a hair day. I guess I did a hair spa day, like Fleurtzy over at Texture Playground.

I'm quite pleased with how my hair feels and looks. As I stated in a previous post, my shed hairs are down to small numbers and I haven't had much of an issue, if any, with tangles. I'm still contemplating getting my hair blown straight before spring just for a check-up trim. Not sure on that one yet.

Any of you had a "hair day" lately? Do share...

Post Title → BACK TO HENNA

HAIR + EXERCISE = SWEAT

Hi Gorgeous!

I hope that you all are having a wonderful week. Mine has been great. I've interviewed some awesome ladies for the "Heroine Entrepreneur" series, spent time with family & friends, and have been pretty consistent with working out.

Speaking of which, am I the only person who sweats from head-to-toe?! In particular, my scalp is soaking wet during and after a workout. Its part of the reason (outside of winter weather) that I've chosen to wear my hair in protective styles. These styles still don't keep my scalp from sweating but it does help to protect my hair a bit more from the salt in the sweat. Remember, the salt in sweat will dry your hair if you don't treat it.

Now, seeing as I'm not trying to manipulate my hair a lot, this does pose a slight dilemma. If I'm working out often, that means I'm sweating often. Sweat equates to salt on the scalp. Which also means that I need to cleanse my scalp from the threat of drying out. Cleans how? By washing/cleaning, however I don't want to wash my hair all the time cause that will negate the main reason for me wearing my hair in protective styles. Capiche?...

Well, here's what I've come up with. I swear I've read this somewhere. Witch hazel.

What is witch hazel?...

Witch hazel is a low growing shrub native to North America. It has a long history of use medicinally, and cultivation of the bush has spread to Europe for this purpose. Preparations of witch hazel ranging from tinctures to soothing creams are available in most drug stores, as well as specialty stores for skin care. The plant acts as an astringent, firming and tightening tissue and acting to reduce itching and irritation. Other properties have also been ascribed to witch hazel making it an excellent all-purpose addition to the medicine cabinet.

What I'm trying?.....

I used a cotton cloth and gently rub the witch hazel mixed w/distilled water throughout your scalp. I suppose you could also use a cotton ball or cotton swab. Then I moisturized my scalp. It is also suggested to cleanse your scalp once a week using witch hazel in spray bottle. Not sure if I wanna try that yet simply because it is an astringent. I certainly don't want to turn around a really dry my hair out. We'll see how my method works before graduating to the spray bottle method. If you exercise often, this cleansing method is especially suggested to do once a week.

Witch hazel can also be used on the scalp to treat dandruff, Psoriasis, oily and itchy scalp.
Here are some recipes to treat a couple of these issues:

Dandruff
Mix 2 oz. of witch hazel with 1 cup of distilled water and 3 tbsp. of lemon juice. Combine these ingredients thoroughly.

Apply the witch hazel mixture your scalp when your hair is damp and clean. Leave the mixture in rather than rinsing it out. Allow your hair to dry naturally and style it as usual.

Repeat the application of the witch hazel mixture two to three times a week. It helps to keep your dandruff under control and gives your hair a nice shine.

Add cider vinegar to witch hazel to treat dandruff. Mix witch hazel and lemon in the same proportions as described in Step 1, but instead of 1 cup distilled water, use cider vinegar. Again, ensure that you mix these ingredients thoroughly before use.

Put this second mixture on your scalp when the hair is dry. Leave it on for 30 minutes, then wash it off with a mild shampoo. You can repeat this procedure as often as needed and you can dry and style your hair as you would normally.

Oily Hair
You can help slow down oil secretion by applying a homemade astringent directly to your scalp. Apply a mixture of equal parts witch hazel and mouthwash, with cotton pads, to the scalp only. The witch hazel acts as an astringent and the mouthwash has antiseptic properties. If your scalp is very oily you can do this each time you shampoo.
Mouthwash?!.. Let me know if anyone has tried this one, eh.

And just for the road, here are plenty of other uses for witch hazel that I found on Wisebread.com.

15 USES FOR WITCH HAZEL

1. Spot and Blemish Control.
Witch hazel can reduce the inflammation on a pimple. Some people claim daily use helps with acne, and witch hazel can be found in many Over The Counter treatments. Application with a Witch Stick is the most convenient, but you can dab it on with a cotton ball. Ask your pharmacist before you do this though.

2. Soothe and Heal Diaper Rash
If your baby's rash isn't healing quick enough, apply witch hazel solution (Dickinson’s Is good) with a cotton ball and you should see immediate improvement to your baby's bottom.

3. Shrink Bags Under The Eyes
Some people say that the application of Hemorrhoid cream to those little baggies under your eyes can take them away. It’s not an old wives tale. One of the magic ingredients in a product like Preparation H is witch hazel, which helps tighten up the skin and reduce the bagginess. And that leads nicely to…

4. Soothe and Reduce External Hemorrhoids
Not only does witch hazel tighten skin, it’s also a good anti-itch remedy. By combining witch hazel with aloe, glycerin or petroleum jelly and rub it on external hemorrhoids, you will reduce itching significantly and dry up most bleeding.

5. Varicose Vein Relief
Soak wash cloths in witch hazel and lay on legs, which are propped straight out, to reduce pain and swelling from varicose veins. The witch hazel helps to tighten the veins, relieving the discomfort temporarily

6. Soothe Poison Ivy and Poison Oak
Just like acne and blemishes, the witch hazel reduces itching and relieves swelling. Something definitely worth packing on your next camping trip.

7. Treat Chicken Pox Blisters
A combination of aloe, honey, lavender and other essential oils create a spray that will vastly reduce the discomfort of Chicken Pox blisters. And it’s all-natural. Here’s what to do:
Mix together 1 tablespoon honey, 40 drops lavender essential oil, 15 drops lemon essential oil, 15 drops bergamot essential oil, 5 drops peppermint essential oil, 1 teaspoon carrot seed oil and 1/2 cup aloe vera gel.
Once completely mixed, and 1/2 cup distilled witch hazel and mix again. Pour mixture into spray bottle and use on affected areas (avoiding eyes). A more potent and less unsightly way to treat the Chicken Pox than traditional Calamine lotion.

8. Heal Your Bruises Faster
Been in a fight recently? Well, maybe not. But if you bang your leg or arm and are left with a nasty bruise, a thrice-daily dab of witch hazel can help speed up the healing time of the bruise.

9. Soothe Razor Burn (and in some instances, prevent it)
The anti-inflammatory properties of witch hazel stop itchy bumps from forming up around your irritated hair follicles. Apply before or after shaving, it should certainly have an impact on your itchy red skin (and that includes ladies, too).

10. Treat and Soothe A Nasty Sunburn
Healing damaged skin is one of witch hazel’s specialties. But as sunburn is also a type of skin inflammation, witch hazel is ideal for treating this too (despite swelling not being obvious). Treating sunburn with witch hazel will lessen healing time and prevent the infamous skin peeling and flaking.

11. Treat Dry Skin
Especially useful after showering, witch hazel can lock in the moisture in your skin. By applying witch hazel immediately after showering, you are locking in the moisture that has just soaked into your skin.

12. Use to Heal and Soothe Various Cuts and Bruises
Many chemists and pharmacists refer to witch hazel as nature’s answer to Neosporin. Applying a dab of it will cleanse the cut, protects against infection, and encourage quicker healing of minor skin breaks.

13. Take The Bite Out Of Bug Bites
With it’s anti-itch and anti-inflammatory properties, witch hazel is ideal for treating bug bites. Just dab a little on the affected area.

14. Refresh Tired Eyes
NOT by squirting witch hazel in them, but by soaking a clean rag in witch hazel and cold water and placing the cold compress over your closed eyes. After 10 minutes, your eyes should be refreshed, and any redness should be gone. If you’ve been doing a lot of crying, this can get you back to normal quickly.

15. Make Your Own Deodorant
Witch hazel is often used in deodorants due to it’s natural skin-healing and skin-care properties.

If you have similiar issues, what do you use to clean your scalp in-between washings?.. Or if you've used this or similiar methods, please share your experience with it.

Post Title → HAIR + EXERCISE = SWEAT

WINTER REGIMEN *sigh*

Hi Beautiful!

Just wanted to let you in on what I’m presently doing w/my hair for the winter. I may have briefly mentioned sticking with protective styling which is what I’m doing. But I’m not gonna lie.

This... Is... A... Struggle.

You see, I had just gotten a handle on mastering the “twist-out”. On top of which, I have a serious case of HIH (Hand-in-Hair) disorder. So although my hair has been in twists for 6 days (since last Friday), it feels more like 6 weeks. This is such a struggle for me right now. I swear I'm having withdrawal symptoms. Seriously! However, I’m in it to win it. I’m determined to take better care of my ends, not manipulate my hair as much so that it will retain its new growth better, and not lose as much length at my next hair trimming. My goal is for my hair to be slightly pass shoulder length when lose.

THIS IS WHAT I’M DOING:

I moisturize my hair every other day using my spray mix (distilled water, lavender essential oil, & lemongrass essential oil), topping my twists off with that good ole unrefined shea butter and sealing an inch worth of my ends with oil (Jamaican Black Castor oil, avocado oil, almond, jojoba, whichever one my hand picks up, or a mix). Then I cover it with a scarf and put on my trusty cap when I go out. God knows I need to expand my hat repertoire.

I wear a scarf when I go to bed. I also sleep on satin pillows for double measure and for the nights when I just don’t care. I’m only wearing my hair loose when I go out to an event, function, etc.

I’m pretty much going to stick w/the twists and probably a few buns here and there to mix it up. Although, I think I will try loose braids this time just to mix it up. Maybe even this beautiful style I saw on Texture Playground. I don’t know. I love putting my hands in my hair and playing around a bit but when it comes to styles that require a lot more work, I get a little apprehensive.

I’ll be washing my hair along with an ayurvedic treatment on this Saturday. And yes, I'm still loving my hair steamer, sweet Betty Jo (name given by Tina aka Beanie of Elan Tresses thankyouverymuch). Last week I used it on my daughter’s hair. I combined Jane Carter Solution Nutrient Replenishing Conditioner with Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Moisturizing Conditioner. Talk about a sweet combo. I’ll definitely be trying that on my hair.

So what are you doing for your hair this winter?...

Post Title → WINTER REGIMEN *sigh*