Hello Beauties!!
I finally ended my 8 month stretch.... that's right 8 months! I had no specific time frame I wanted to stretch. I simply stretched til I could stretch no more (which was 2 months ago, but I just weaved for 2 more months).
I was not transitioning or anything that dramatic. I had a bad relaxer experience that left my hair thin and breaking. Since my usual relaxer (Creme of Nature) was "improved" I had to switch relaxers. So after months of asking questions, reading reviews, searching the boards I decided to self -relax with Affirm Fiberguard Mild.
Allegedly this is suppose to tex-lax your hair as it does not process (straighten) your hair within an inch of its life. I hardly ever get bone straight results from my relaxers and after the latest fiasco, I decided to intentionally t-lax this time.
I based with EVCO, used the protecto on the previously relaxed ends and painstakingly worked thru all that tangled NG. I have no idea how long it took, but even after smoothing (with a fine tooth comb), my NG is not straight. My hair is definitely more manageable, but it's puffy. I'm not disappointed, but I'm also not pleased. I have had my natural hair pressed (as a child) and it was much straighter than my hair is now. I don't know how I feel about this new texture I have to deal with. The one definite plus is my hair isn't all flat to my head even less than a week after relaxing. The minus is the puff at the roots. I don't have a flat iron with a temp gauge, and roller-setting didn't get it smooth.
I am currently sitting under my steamer with KC Humecto DC-ing with steam. I'll post a proper review of the Fiberguard (with pics) soon.
Ciao Bellas!!
New Year, New Resolution
Hello and Happy New Year Beauties!!
I can hardly believe it's 2010??!!
I've made a hair resolution to make time for my hair at least once a week. It's just not feasible to do a marathon hair session several times a week with my schedule. I would love to be one of those ladies who can dedicate 30 minutes here and 2 hours there every few days (every day with some) to my hair. A wash and go is not going down. I can not imagine leaving the house (in the winter or otherwise) with wet hair and not coming home with pneumonia??!!
As I sit under the steamer with water running down the side of my face I wonder how can I possibly do this 2X a week? I would love to DC 2-3-4-5 times a week, but really who has the time. I still haven't mastered the 30 minute wash. By the time I wash (1-2X), protein treatment, moisturizing DC, roller-set and sit under the dryer, I have passed the 30 minute mark hours ago.
But rather than making excuses for letting my hair, hard work, and progress go down the drain, I think once a week is a sensible compromise. I've tried the mid-week co-washes and weekly roller-setting, and honestly my hair thrived. But I simply did not have the discipline to stick to it. I'm going to make an honest effort to dedicating either Friday or Saturday as my "hair day". Since I've decided to add weekly strengthening treatments (protein) to my routine, that just tacked on 30 more minutes to my already long wash day process.
Any hoot, just wanted to say Happy New Year and ramble a lil... LOL.
I can hardly believe it's 2010??!!
I've made a hair resolution to make time for my hair at least once a week. It's just not feasible to do a marathon hair session several times a week with my schedule. I would love to be one of those ladies who can dedicate 30 minutes here and 2 hours there every few days (every day with some) to my hair. A wash and go is not going down. I can not imagine leaving the house (in the winter or otherwise) with wet hair and not coming home with pneumonia??!!
As I sit under the steamer with water running down the side of my face I wonder how can I possibly do this 2X a week? I would love to DC 2-3-4-5 times a week, but really who has the time. I still haven't mastered the 30 minute wash. By the time I wash (1-2X), protein treatment, moisturizing DC, roller-set and sit under the dryer, I have passed the 30 minute mark hours ago.
But rather than making excuses for letting my hair, hard work, and progress go down the drain, I think once a week is a sensible compromise. I've tried the mid-week co-washes and weekly roller-setting, and honestly my hair thrived. But I simply did not have the discipline to stick to it. I'm going to make an honest effort to dedicating either Friday or Saturday as my "hair day". Since I've decided to add weekly strengthening treatments (protein) to my routine, that just tacked on 30 more minutes to my already long wash day process.
Any hoot, just wanted to say Happy New Year and ramble a lil... LOL.
The Basics... Hair Conditioning
Hello Beauties!!
It's winter time again. I don't really have a true winter here in Florida, but you beauties up north know that dry winter wind/temps/air can torture your delicate tresses. Although my winters here are not nearly as harsh as what you northerners are accustomed to, it's time to step up the moisturizing, conditioning, and protection factor in order not to lose all the progress I've made this year. I'm all about less is more, but for the winter... more is more.
I was re-reading a hair damage post on one of my favorite hair sites and came across a post I found to be extremely informative. The post described types of damage, causes, and preventative measures. It went on explain the types and uses of various conditioners. Truly every hair addict should have one of each of these types of conditioners in their stash.
Here's a cheat sheet on conditioners:
It's winter time again. I don't really have a true winter here in Florida, but you beauties up north know that dry winter wind/temps/air can torture your delicate tresses. Although my winters here are not nearly as harsh as what you northerners are accustomed to, it's time to step up the moisturizing, conditioning, and protection factor in order not to lose all the progress I've made this year. I'm all about less is more, but for the winter... more is more.
I was re-reading a hair damage post on one of my favorite hair sites and came across a post I found to be extremely informative. The post described types of damage, causes, and preventative measures. It went on explain the types and uses of various conditioners. Truly every hair addict should have one of each of these types of conditioners in their stash.
Here's a cheat sheet on conditioners:
1. Leave-In Conditioners
These conditioners are applied sparingly after shampooing and left on the hair. Some provide effective UV protection. Modern-day versions are lotion-like in consistency and are quite excellent. They can moisturize dry hair, detangle, help protect against thermal and mechanical damage, impart sheen and give hair a soft texture.
2. Deep Penetrating Conditioners
Commonly known as substantive or intensive conditioners, this category of products penetrates the hair shaft to deposit moisturizing and/ or proteinaceous substances. They typically are left on the hair 20-30 minutes for the deepest penetration, and work to repair damaged areas, moisturize, detangle and eliminate static charge.
3. Reconstructors
Reconstructors are heavy-duty conditioners designed specifically for severely damaged hair. They typically contain micro- and macro- proteins to fill in cracks and ruptured areas on and within the hair shaft. Reconstructors may also contain polymeric agents to tightly bind the structures of the hairshaft together for the purposes of fortification and combability.
4. Moisturizers
Moisturizing Conditioners hydrate dry brittle hair and correct moisture imbalances.
5. Laminates
This category of conditioners is designed to: a) seal the cuticle layer for a glossy sheen, b) ease combing and c) ward off the style-wrecking affects of high humidity.
6. Thermal Styling/ Blow Drying Lotions
Used prior to heat styling, these conditioners help protect the hair from heat damage, reduce the force required to comb or brush the hair during blow-drying, provide sheen and eliminate static charge.
7. Finishing Conditioners
This category includes natural oils, cremes, mineral oil -based hair dressings, oil sheen sprays and laminate sprays. Such products are used to enhance sheen, manageability, and the oil-based products are sometimes used to lubricate the scalp.
8 . Pre-Chemical Conditioners
Pre-chemical Conditioners are sold as integral parts of some relaxer systems. These conditioners are especially formulated to deep condition and repair the hair during chemical processing. Depending upon the brand, a Pre-Chemical Conditioner will also leave hair with an extraordinarily silky texture and luster.
9. Post-Chemical Conditioners
Post-chemical Conditioners are also sold as integral parts of some relaxer systems. They work to sustain and augment the deep conditioning treatment that the Pre-Conditioner effected. Post-chemical Conditioners also help normalize and re-balance the pH of the hair.
So now we know which conditioner types perform which duties. The article also describes which conditioner remedies and alleviates the various types of damage our hair sustains.
If you are like me and have a hair journey journal here's the link to the printable pdf of the entire article: http://www.dralisyed.com/hairdamage.pdf
November Poll Results
Hello Beauties!!
Poll question: What is your favorite Protective Style (PS)?
Here are the poll results:
Poll question: What is your favorite Protective Style (PS)?
Here are the poll results:
- 32% prefer Braid outs, Twist-outs, Bantu-knot-outs
- 23% rock buns for PSing
- 18% Phony-ponies & Half-wigs
- 16% Weaves and Braids
- 11% Don't PS
Thanks for voting!
Cheap Closure Review #1
Hello Beauties!!
I am always on the search on how to skip corners, make things easier, do it quicker, and still have fab results... all on a budget. If you stalk hair boards and the YouTube channels of some of the hair gurus, then you have seen, heard, drooled over some of the more expensive closures out there. I see some ladies' installs and am in complete awe. However, I just can't see myself spending $$$ on a piece of hair??!! Especially, when I have an equally (if not stronger) addiction to shoes! I'll have the shoes forever, the hairstyle I'll rock for a month tops! There are advantages to "investing" in more expensive hair(pieces) for your weaves: (longevity, quality, construction, etc.). However, this post does not focus on any of that. It's all about getting the "look" of a natural (or more natural) part, with limited investment (cha-ching!!!).
Okay, if you've read (browsed) my most recent posts, you see I tried out a cheapy closure (from golenmartbeautysupply.com). It is the Do Me Upscale Closure. I happened on it while browsing closures online. It looked as fake as all get out when I took it out of the package. However, with a lil manipulation it came out "okay".
This is the pic from the website. It's a thin-skin (plastic) base with hair injected into it. The thin-skin base is then sewn onto a mesh (not lace) base. The mesh has small holes and is extremely strong (which was a plus, cuz I had to remove and re-adjust and it didn't tear/rip).
The "thin-skin" came out of the package a dark gray-ish color. I don't know whose scalp is dark gray, but I had to remedy that. I simply fake dyed the scalp with some Sally Hansen Tan Spray. I sprayed the "tan in a can" onto a piece of plastic, and applied to the fake scalp with a q-tip (parting hair in fine sections and applying until the entire thin-skin base was covered). Allowed to dry, and voila! I attached the closure with good ole needle and thread (sewing around the perimeter). I wanted to wear it as close to my front hairline as possible so I ended up removing and re-positioning after this pic was taken. I sewed thru the mesh not the thinskin part of the closure, then sewed my wefts (tracks) onto the mesh around and around until I was right next to the thin-skin part, and stopped.
This is the same brand of closure (Do Me Upscale) in a different color combo (trying something new... for cheap). I did the same fake scalp dye technique and same results. I had a time trying to hide the mesh base and wear my hair swooped, so I opted for a bang this time. It's official after 3 weeks of wearing a straight across bang, I hate straight across bangs on me... I'm sticking with the swoop. I was not able to get a good scalp color with the tan spray (too light for me) and was too lazy to go back and mix in some of my foundation with it to get a more realistic scalp color.
This is the scalp on week 2 (it looked the same at removal a week later). It did shed a lil, but nothing too noticeable. There was a lil bald spot in the front that I covered up by changing the part. The tan in a can lasted the entire install with no touch-ups (and I co-washed 2x... didn't scrub the scalp, just ran condish thru).
I am always on the search on how to skip corners, make things easier, do it quicker, and still have fab results... all on a budget. If you stalk hair boards and the YouTube channels of some of the hair gurus, then you have seen, heard, drooled over some of the more expensive closures out there. I see some ladies' installs and am in complete awe. However, I just can't see myself spending $$$ on a piece of hair??!! Especially, when I have an equally (if not stronger) addiction to shoes! I'll have the shoes forever, the hairstyle I'll rock for a month tops! There are advantages to "investing" in more expensive hair(pieces) for your weaves: (longevity, quality, construction, etc.). However, this post does not focus on any of that. It's all about getting the "look" of a natural (or more natural) part, with limited investment (cha-ching!!!).
Okay, if you've read (browsed) my most recent posts, you see I tried out a cheapy closure (from golenmartbeautysupply.com). It is the Do Me Upscale Closure. I happened on it while browsing closures online. It looked as fake as all get out when I took it out of the package. However, with a lil manipulation it came out "okay".
This is the pic from the website. It's a thin-skin (plastic) base with hair injected into it. The thin-skin base is then sewn onto a mesh (not lace) base. The mesh has small holes and is extremely strong (which was a plus, cuz I had to remove and re-adjust and it didn't tear/rip).
The "thin-skin" came out of the package a dark gray-ish color. I don't know whose scalp is dark gray, but I had to remedy that. I simply fake dyed the scalp with some Sally Hansen Tan Spray. I sprayed the "tan in a can" onto a piece of plastic, and applied to the fake scalp with a q-tip (parting hair in fine sections and applying until the entire thin-skin base was covered). Allowed to dry, and voila! I attached the closure with good ole needle and thread (sewing around the perimeter). I wanted to wear it as close to my front hairline as possible so I ended up removing and re-positioning after this pic was taken. I sewed thru the mesh not the thinskin part of the closure, then sewed my wefts (tracks) onto the mesh around and around until I was right next to the thin-skin part, and stopped.
This is the same brand of closure (Do Me Upscale) in a different color combo (trying something new... for cheap). I did the same fake scalp dye technique and same results. I had a time trying to hide the mesh base and wear my hair swooped, so I opted for a bang this time. It's official after 3 weeks of wearing a straight across bang, I hate straight across bangs on me... I'm sticking with the swoop. I was not able to get a good scalp color with the tan spray (too light for me) and was too lazy to go back and mix in some of my foundation with it to get a more realistic scalp color.
This is the scalp on week 2 (it looked the same at removal a week later). It did shed a lil, but nothing too noticeable. There was a lil bald spot in the front that I covered up by changing the part. The tan in a can lasted the entire install with no touch-ups (and I co-washed 2x... didn't scrub the scalp, just ran condish thru).All in all, I think this is a good starter closure for novices in hair insallations or for quick cheap installs. The hair was pretty good (a lil shiny and fake looking). The high sheen wiggish hair doesn't bother me...LOL. I didn't have to thin the closure due to bulk. I flat-ironed and it behaved. It flat-ironed, braided, waved, and curled like a dream (lil to no product and results lasted with lil to no help from me).
The pluses:
- Cheap
- Hair quality okay (if you like silky texture hair)
- Easy installation (I would recommend sewing, as the mesh base goes around the entire perimeter and the thin-skin is too thick for a glued in application along the front hairline).
The minuses:
- Cheap (you get what you pay for)
- Unrealistic scalp (even with the fake dye method, up close it did look wiggy).
- Hair quality (very shiny silky texture... not for everyone)
- Versatility (you can not wear this pulled back off your face, must wear a bang of some sort). You are still limited in your style (only a 2" x 3" area for parts).
- Access (I only found one place online that sells this brand closure, and they only have it in a few colors, only 2 lengths, and only 1 texture).
- Breathability (the plastic base makes for a no breathe area on your scalp).
I give this a thumbs to the side (not up, or down). The minuses aren't that big of a deal to me. It did exactly what it is marketed to do: close weaves! If you do your own installs, then you know closing off that top part is no joke, and it can make or break a weave. This lil beauty got the job done, got it done quickly. I don't feel it sacrificed the integrity of the look I was going for. I will not re-purchase as I do not feel it afforded me any additional versatility compared to my usual method of closing off my full weaves. If you are looking for a truly realistic part and versatility I would not recommend this closure (okay in pics, but wiggy up close). Also, availability and ease of purchase are 2 turn offs. I don't mind ordering things online. However, I often change up my look on a whim, and if I haven't ordered this in advance, then I'm out of luck. I think this is a so-so closure. It's an okay beginner closure for those who have a hard time closing off weaves and absolutely do not want any glue anywhere near their hair. So, for realistic scalp: thumbs down. For ease: thumbs up.
Any hoot, I bought several closures from the site and I will be reviewing them all. Stay tuned!!
Switching up your look... Kind of
Of course I got bored half way thru this install. I'm keeping it in 4 weeks so I had to switch it up, without really switching it up. I opted for waves for week 2. I put waves in via my fusion tools deep waver (click here for the review). I washed (diluted shampoo) and conditioned (VO5), blowdried, spritzed with Dove light hold holding spray, and waved it up. The waves were maintained by just tucking the hair into a satin bonnet at night. In the morning, I took off the bonnet and finger styled the waves.
Here are the pics.
I have to give the waver a 2nd thumbs up, cuz the waves lasted with no help from me. I did nothing to these waves the entire week (no oil, no product, nothing). Plus, I finger combed almost every morning to get rid of shed hairs (this weave shed like crazy...aargh).
The side...
The back of the waves. I wore it in these loose waves all week.
The following week, I was too lazy to even plug in the waver, so I opted for a braid-out. I sectioned the weave into 4 sections (one on each side in the front, and 2 in the back) and cornrowed each section (using Motions wrap foam mousse, and water). I let the cornrows dry over night, and this was the result. I got the bend on the ends by pinning up the ends (in order to tuck my hair into my satin bonnet). I flat ironed the bangs.
The side... It's a more "messy" wave than I got with the waver, but it works.
The back of the braid out. I maintained (lazily) as I did for the waves (satin bonnet, finger comb in the morning, no additional product). I am getting used to the color on week 3. I got (and still get) tons of compliments. The BF was (and still is) not feeling it. He misses my black hair.
Styled with a braid on the side (same old braid out).
The braid out after 6 days. I didn't do anything to this poor braid out (too busy for hair stuff this week). It kept up pretty well tho.
The closure after 3 weeks. It has held up pretty well. (Detailed review to come).
Here are the pics.
I have to give the waver a 2nd thumbs up, cuz the waves lasted with no help from me. I did nothing to these waves the entire week (no oil, no product, nothing). Plus, I finger combed almost every morning to get rid of shed hairs (this weave shed like crazy...aargh).
The side...
The back of the waves. I wore it in these loose waves all week.
The following week, I was too lazy to even plug in the waver, so I opted for a braid-out. I sectioned the weave into 4 sections (one on each side in the front, and 2 in the back) and cornrowed each section (using Motions wrap foam mousse, and water). I let the cornrows dry over night, and this was the result. I got the bend on the ends by pinning up the ends (in order to tuck my hair into my satin bonnet). I flat ironed the bangs.
The side... It's a more "messy" wave than I got with the waver, but it works.
The back of the braid out. I maintained (lazily) as I did for the waves (satin bonnet, finger comb in the morning, no additional product). I am getting used to the color on week 3. I got (and still get) tons of compliments. The BF was (and still is) not feeling it. He misses my black hair.
Styled with a braid on the side (same old braid out).
The braid out after 6 days. I didn't do anything to this poor braid out (too busy for hair stuff this week). It kept up pretty well tho.
The closure after 3 weeks. It has held up pretty well. (Detailed review to come).More weaves (a blonde moment, and closure #2)
I took a break from black and did a brownish/blonde-ish/reddish combo for my weave for October (late October into November). I tried the closure again (in a different color) in order to give it an accurate review (review coming later). My hair is completely braided up under this weave. Once again, I am not a fan of leaving any hair out cuz that has not worked out for me in the past. Plus I was 20 something weeks post at the time of this install, and my real hair was not about to behave and play nice with this silky texture weave (not gonna happen, and I was not about to fight to blend it every morning).
Here are the pics, enjoy!
The top of the closure. Once again, it looks "okay" in pics (still working on getting an accurate color for the fake scalp). Up close I still feel it looks "wiggy" in real life.
I really stepped out of my comfort zone with this weave. First of all the color : #4, & #27 (mostly), and some left over #1b, #33, #30 in the back). I'm the weave left over queen. I had to get rid of all those random pieces of hair from the past installs. Secondly the bang: straight across (or at least as straight as I could get it). I'm not at all a fan of the "china bang". I did thin/razor it a lil in order to keep it from being too blunt. It's "okay". I prefer my swoop tho! Thirdly length: another short weave. I luv my trademark down the back 18" or longer wraps, but this is a frankenstein weave (chopped up pieces and left overs from previous weaves), so not all the lengths were the same. I had to cut it to a lenght that didn't make it obvious, that the "look" was not intentional.
A look at the back/side with all the colors. It looks pretty good if I do say so myself, and I say so (LOL).
A better shot of the color combo.
Here are the pics, enjoy!
The top of the closure. Once again, it looks "okay" in pics (still working on getting an accurate color for the fake scalp). Up close I still feel it looks "wiggy" in real life.
I really stepped out of my comfort zone with this weave. First of all the color : #4, & #27 (mostly), and some left over #1b, #33, #30 in the back). I'm the weave left over queen. I had to get rid of all those random pieces of hair from the past installs. Secondly the bang: straight across (or at least as straight as I could get it). I'm not at all a fan of the "china bang". I did thin/razor it a lil in order to keep it from being too blunt. It's "okay". I prefer my swoop tho! Thirdly length: another short weave. I luv my trademark down the back 18" or longer wraps, but this is a frankenstein weave (chopped up pieces and left overs from previous weaves), so not all the lengths were the same. I had to cut it to a lenght that didn't make it obvious, that the "look" was not intentional.
A look at the back/side with all the colors. It looks pretty good if I do say so myself, and I say so (LOL).
A better shot of the color combo.
The closure (without flash). I'm still on the fence about the closure.
More weaves (and a closure too)...
I did this weave in the beginning of September. It is another wrap, but this time no swoop (side swept) bang. As usual, I braided up all of my hair. This time I added a cheapo closure from the BSS to close off the top. The "scalp" on the closure had to be doctored up in order to kind of look natural. I ended up removing this install b/c I tried a new braid pattern and it left my hair kind of bumpy. I hate bumpy weaves, so I took it out after 3 days and did it over. These pix are from the original bumpy install. My camera was acting up, therefore, I don't have any pix from the 2nd attempt with the closure. It looked the same, but much smoother, and the closure was closer to the front hairline the 2nd time.
Here are the pics, enjoy!!
This is the closure from the original install. It looks "okay" in pix, but I felt it looked really "wiggy" in real life. Unfortunately, my camera was acting crazy, so I couldn't get a good up close pic of the closure.
The following day after flat ironing, wrapping over night. The colors are mostly #33, and the closure is a mix of #1B & #33.
Here's a shot of the color combo (#1b & #33)... and it's 18" long in a silky texture. I prefer silky texture to yaki textures, cuz I don't have to fight with the weave to get it to lay right.
Another look at the closure piece. It's a lil plastic piece with hair injected into it on a mesh base. I attached it by sewing it onto my conrow base. I ended up removing and doing it over. All in all it was "okay". I don't feel it gave me any additional styling options than my usual closed off weaves.
I ended up cutting a side swept bang in this weave, cuz the long piece in the front was getting on my nerves. Sorry, no pix of the 2nd attempt as my camera didn't feel like cooperating with me.
Here are the pics, enjoy!!
This is the closure from the original install. It looks "okay" in pix, but I felt it looked really "wiggy" in real life. Unfortunately, my camera was acting crazy, so I couldn't get a good up close pic of the closure.
The following day after flat ironing, wrapping over night. The colors are mostly #33, and the closure is a mix of #1B & #33.
Here's a shot of the color combo (#1b & #33)... and it's 18" long in a silky texture. I prefer silky texture to yaki textures, cuz I don't have to fight with the weave to get it to lay right.
Another look at the closure piece. It's a lil plastic piece with hair injected into it on a mesh base. I attached it by sewing it onto my conrow base. I ended up removing and doing it over. All in all it was "okay". I don't feel it gave me any additional styling options than my usual closed off weaves.
I ended up cutting a side swept bang in this weave, cuz the long piece in the front was getting on my nerves. Sorry, no pix of the 2nd attempt as my camera didn't feel like cooperating with me.More Weaves....
I think I did this weave the first week of August.
Of course after giving myself a serious trim, it was time to hide my hair and the scissors from myself. I went back to my trademark wrap weave sew-in for 4 weeks. I washed, steam-dc, air dried, moisturized (heavily, as I would not have proper access to my hair/scalp for weeks), braided, and sewed in the weave. I have no idea what kind of hair this is. It was left overs from my weave stash (mostly black #1B, and some auburn #33 in the back). It was really easy to maintain (wrap at night, put on scarf, and go to bed... in the morning, unwrap, and voila!!).
Any hoot, here are the pics.
Enjoy!
This was the next morning after install. I had to cut a "swoop" bang, it's my fave!
I almost NEVER leave any of my real hair out when doing sew-ins. I used to leave out a lil "horseshoe" area in the front to cover tracks and blend. But, then I noticed that lil piece of hair was seriously short...all the time. I stopped leaving it out, and it has flourished. I completely close off my weaves now. It's not the most realistic, but it keeps my real hair protected from daily styling stress.
This was week 3 of the sew in. In spite of the fact that this is cheap BSS hair, it held up pretty well. I washed (diluted shampoo) weekly, flat ironed, wrapped at night, and that's it. It did shed like a mangey dog, but that is to be expected with lesser quality hair. Maybe next time I'll seal the wefts... maybe, maybe not.
Of course after giving myself a serious trim, it was time to hide my hair and the scissors from myself. I went back to my trademark wrap weave sew-in for 4 weeks. I washed, steam-dc, air dried, moisturized (heavily, as I would not have proper access to my hair/scalp for weeks), braided, and sewed in the weave. I have no idea what kind of hair this is. It was left overs from my weave stash (mostly black #1B, and some auburn #33 in the back). It was really easy to maintain (wrap at night, put on scarf, and go to bed... in the morning, unwrap, and voila!!).
Any hoot, here are the pics.
Enjoy!
This was the next morning after install. I had to cut a "swoop" bang, it's my fave!
I almost NEVER leave any of my real hair out when doing sew-ins. I used to leave out a lil "horseshoe" area in the front to cover tracks and blend. But, then I noticed that lil piece of hair was seriously short...all the time. I stopped leaving it out, and it has flourished. I completely close off my weaves now. It's not the most realistic, but it keeps my real hair protected from daily styling stress.
This was week 3 of the sew in. In spite of the fact that this is cheap BSS hair, it held up pretty well. I washed (diluted shampoo) weekly, flat ironed, wrapped at night, and that's it. It did shed like a mangey dog, but that is to be expected with lesser quality hair. Maybe next time I'll seal the wefts... maybe, maybe not.
After washing it that last weekend it was too poufy to wear in a wrap so I threw it in a ponytail/bun for the final week (nothing special). I removed it and did a serious treatment that week. I wore my half-wig the following week in order to properly moisturized my hair nightly in preparation for the next month's weave.
Last Trim of the Year??!!
Hello Beauties!!
I trimmed my hair back in July after combatting tons of breakage from my last relaxer (April). I did everything I could think of to save my ends, but it was a losing battle. I ended up cutting off 1-3 inches all over. I still have a lot of raggedy ends, but couldn't bring myself to get rid off all my length (no matter how damaged).
...About 2 inches of ends Gone!
...About 3 inches of ends Gone!
...A sink full of raggedy see thru ends that had to go.
...What is left of my pony tail after the trim. The ends are still really see-thru, but that's enough cutting for now.
...still at the #5 line after the "trim". Tons of gapping and bad ends still left. I'll correct that at the next relaxer.
I trimmed my hair back in July after combatting tons of breakage from my last relaxer (April). I did everything I could think of to save my ends, but it was a losing battle. I ended up cutting off 1-3 inches all over. I still have a lot of raggedy ends, but couldn't bring myself to get rid off all my length (no matter how damaged).
...About 2 inches of ends Gone!
...About 3 inches of ends Gone!
...A sink full of raggedy see thru ends that had to go.
...What is left of my pony tail after the trim. The ends are still really see-thru, but that's enough cutting for now.
...still at the #5 line after the "trim". Tons of gapping and bad ends still left. I'll correct that at the next relaxer.
ORS Replenishing Conditioner... Hate it or Luv It
Hello Beauties!!Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing Conditioner
What they say: Deep Penetrating Conditioner. Restore moisture & rebuild damaged hair. Infuses moisture directly into cuticle. Improved elasticity, hydration and shine. The essential ingredients including olive oil, silk proteins and sweet orange oil provide the ultimate conditioning experience,leaving the hair refreshed, and restored with natural softness and shine.
Ingredients: Aqua (Water) , Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil , Glycerin , Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil , Hydrolyzed Collagen , Quaternium-80 , Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil , Polyquaternium-37 , Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate , PPG-1 Trideceth-6 , Panthenol , Silk Amino Acids , PEG-9 Dimethicone , Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Extract , Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Extract , Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract , Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract , Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice , Achilea Millefolium (Yarrow) Extract , Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Fruit Juice , Dimethicone , Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans , EDTA , Triethanolamine , DMDM Hydantoin , Methylchloroisothiazolinone , Methylisothiazolinone , CI 15985 (Yellow #6) , CI 19140 (Yellow #5)
What I say: I am currently 28 weeks post relaxer, and at this point in the stretching game finding a conditioner that works well with the NG and relaxed ends is quite a task. I luv my KC Humecto, but beyond week 12 it does nothing for the NG and that's a real problem. Silky smoothed relaxed ends, and matted tangled dry NG is not a good mix. So, hence my search for a conditioner that works for both textures. I bought this product over a year ago on a whim, while at the BSS for something completely unrelated (darn BSS!!). It has a very thick creamy consistency that really coats your strands. I bust it out as soon as the Humecto stops working for me. By the time I start using it I have quite a bit of NG and my hair soaks it up like a dry thirsty sponge. I have grown to luv this product for making my NG, line of demarcation, and relaxed ends play nice together. I use it in different ways depending on what I need most, and it always delivers. I use it for pre-wash dry DC-ing (with steamer or heating cap). I use it to pre-poo (1 hr to overnight) after taking out braids/weaves. I also have used it as a conventional after wash DC treatment (steamer or heating cap). I have tried it as a quickie co-wash and was not pleased or impressed. I do feel that this conditioner needs to be used as directed (heated for 10-15 minutes or leave on the hair for 45 minutes to 1 hour without heat). It either needs to be heated for short application, or left on for a longer time for non-heated application for best results. I have had tons of hits and misses since beginning my HHJ, but this has become a staple.
Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing Conditioner... Luv it!
BTW, it has a very ORANGEY smell. The orangey smell is a plus to me. If you dislike oranges, beware the smell is super orangey and does linger. I like the orangey smell, and luckily so does the BF.
How do you stay motivated about taking care of your hair?
Hello Beauties!
I know I haven't posted anything in a while, but I promise I'll post tons of hair/weave pix soon... promise.
I've really fallen off the HHJ wagon lately. I haven't really done anything bad, but the point is, I haven't done anything at all. I relaxed the last week of April (currently stretching). After a few weeks of steaming, dc-ing, roller-setting, ps-ing... I got really bored with my hair. Of course, I went back to weaves/braids. I did the braid thing for a few weeks, then got bored. Plus, I think the braids were thinning my hair out even more. So, I went back to my old side piece: sew-ins. I've been rocking the sew in weaves for months, and am just not feeling like doing anything hair related. I'm definitely in a hair slump.
I'm going to get back on the wagon and get it in gear. I'm determined to be BSL (at least grazing) this next relaxer (whenever it finally happens). In an effort to motivate myself, I'm re-vamping my regimen (again). Also, I'm back to stalking fotki's, blogs, boards, forums, joining challenges, etc., to keep me motivated.
With all the things in life that we "have to" do, it's hard to make time for hair. But, I'm determined. I've got $$$$ worth of salon equipment taking up space in my living room that must be used. Not to mention a few more $$$ worth of products in my personal BSS under the bathroom cabinet.
How do you beauties stay motivated about your HHJ?
I know I haven't posted anything in a while, but I promise I'll post tons of hair/weave pix soon... promise.
I've really fallen off the HHJ wagon lately. I haven't really done anything bad, but the point is, I haven't done anything at all. I relaxed the last week of April (currently stretching). After a few weeks of steaming, dc-ing, roller-setting, ps-ing... I got really bored with my hair. Of course, I went back to weaves/braids. I did the braid thing for a few weeks, then got bored. Plus, I think the braids were thinning my hair out even more. So, I went back to my old side piece: sew-ins. I've been rocking the sew in weaves for months, and am just not feeling like doing anything hair related. I'm definitely in a hair slump.
I'm going to get back on the wagon and get it in gear. I'm determined to be BSL (at least grazing) this next relaxer (whenever it finally happens). In an effort to motivate myself, I'm re-vamping my regimen (again). Also, I'm back to stalking fotki's, blogs, boards, forums, joining challenges, etc., to keep me motivated.
With all the things in life that we "have to" do, it's hard to make time for hair. But, I'm determined. I've got $$$$ worth of salon equipment taking up space in my living room that must be used. Not to mention a few more $$$ worth of products in my personal BSS under the bathroom cabinet.
How do you beauties stay motivated about your HHJ?
My last braid-out...
Hey all!!
I think I am giving up on braid-outs. I know they are really easy and quick and low manipulation and all that jazz, but I have severe tangling issues on wash day. I like how it looks and the fact I don't have to do anything to my hair, but I have tangles up the wazoo at the end of it all. I must be doing something wrong? I only rock braid outs for 2 days tops, otherwise, I might as well get the scissors out. My only braid out since my last relaxer was only for one day (I got rained on and had to wash my hair). In spite of the fact it was only one day, I still had major tangling issues. Any hoot, let me know how you ladies keep your hair from tangling when rocking a braid out or twist out. I don't recal having issues with bantu-knot-outs?? Maybe it's too much texture with the braid out, or bad sleeping technique. Well, let me know what you do to keep evil tangles away.
Here are the pics of what maybe my final braid out.
Enjoy!
The left side... so much thinning.
The right side's thinning is worse. You can see right thru my hair! 
The back doesn't look so bad right here. IDK what's up with all the various shades of black/brown though??
I think I am giving up on braid-outs. I know they are really easy and quick and low manipulation and all that jazz, but I have severe tangling issues on wash day. I like how it looks and the fact I don't have to do anything to my hair, but I have tangles up the wazoo at the end of it all. I must be doing something wrong? I only rock braid outs for 2 days tops, otherwise, I might as well get the scissors out. My only braid out since my last relaxer was only for one day (I got rained on and had to wash my hair). In spite of the fact it was only one day, I still had major tangling issues. Any hoot, let me know how you ladies keep your hair from tangling when rocking a braid out or twist out. I don't recal having issues with bantu-knot-outs?? Maybe it's too much texture with the braid out, or bad sleeping technique. Well, let me know what you do to keep evil tangles away.
Here are the pics of what maybe my final braid out.
Enjoy!
The left side... so much thinning.
The right side's thinning is worse. You can see right thru my hair! 
The back doesn't look so bad right here. IDK what's up with all the various shades of black/brown though??
Wedding hair/braids...
Hey all!
My cousin was getting married and I was still in braids. I thought this would be a cute way to dress them up. 
These pics were taken at the end of the night so I'm really tired (and shiny... LOL).
A better pic of my GIANT braid bun.
The fabric flower came from the local BSS.
My hair from Mid May thru the Beginning of June...
Hello Beyouties!!
I'm bangin' out the posts since it's been months and I've done a ton of things to my hair in the past 4 months. Any hoot, I have had terrible thinning and breakage and frustration since my April relaxer. I think the relaxer was expired or something?? I haven't given up on relaxing totally (yet) but for now I'm keeping my hair weaved/braided/wigged until my next relaxer. This is nothing new to me. I typically stretch 5-8 months (depending on what I have going on). I'm just posting some of the pics of what I've done with my hair since about 2 weeks post. I only wore my hair out about a week (in buns and roller-sets), then I went back to my half wigs. I did a few braided hairstyles, but felt that was putting too much stress on my already damaged delicate tresses.
Here are the pics. Enjoy!
The back of my braided bun.
The top.
The side.
I'm bangin' out the posts since it's been months and I've done a ton of things to my hair in the past 4 months. Any hoot, I have had terrible thinning and breakage and frustration since my April relaxer. I think the relaxer was expired or something?? I haven't given up on relaxing totally (yet) but for now I'm keeping my hair weaved/braided/wigged until my next relaxer. This is nothing new to me. I typically stretch 5-8 months (depending on what I have going on). I'm just posting some of the pics of what I've done with my hair since about 2 weeks post. I only wore my hair out about a week (in buns and roller-sets), then I went back to my half wigs. I did a few braided hairstyles, but felt that was putting too much stress on my already damaged delicate tresses.
Here are the pics. Enjoy!
The back of my braided bun.
The top.
The side.
I wore these braids for 2 weeks. After I take the braids down, I pre-poo, moisturizing shampoo, ApHogee Keratin 2 minute, DC steam treatment. I would take one week off between braids with one of my half-wigs.
This is a synthetic hair half-wig. The back is a tangled mess, so I pinned it up and wore it in a wavey bob-thingy for a week between braids.
This is a synthetic hair half-wig. The back is a tangled mess, so I pinned it up and wore it in a wavey bob-thingy for a week between braids.
I thought about transitioning...
Hello Beyouties!!
In the previous post, I mentioned I was pleased with my relaxer results *at that time*. Well, about a week after relaxing I noticed my hair was super thin. My ponytail looked like half of what it had been in the past. At first, I attributed the thinness to the fact my hair was freshly relaxed and straight. I was wrong, there was/is definite thinning. I don't know what I did wrong, and was so upset, I thought about transitioning. I know there are so many benefits to being natural and did a ton of research as to the best way to do it (the BC is not for me).
When I first began my HHJ I was having a really hard time finding info regarding caring for relaxed hair. I was frustrated and a lil offended. The lack of info made it seem to me, that since I choose to relax I also choose not to care about the health of my hair??!! Luckily, I finally found a few good sites with tons of info on caring for relaxed hair. But, after my relaxer/thinning fiasco, I felt the same frustration looking for info on bringing my relaxed hair back to a state of health. It seems like everything out there in the world of healthy hair care is geared towards natural/curly hair. So, I started thinking, maybe I should just stop relaxing?? I typically only relax 2 times a year and wear weaves the entire stretch. I know the chemicals used to relax are hazardous (to say the least), but I luvs me some straight swinging pantene commercial looking hair. Today, as I sit here with my trademark wrap/weave and 16+ weeks of NG hiding under it, I know that going natural is not for me at this time. I don't think I will still be relaxing at 80, but today, I gots to have my creamy crack.
I spent the better part of this morning and afternoon trying to comb thru and braid just 2 inches of NG!! My relaxed ends were behaving but my NG wanted nothing to do with being touched, manipulated, parted, braided, none of it. I have tried every "miracle" concoction out there to tame my NG, but it is not having it. I had to take a break half way thru, cuz my arms were hurting and I was starting to get frustrated. Frustration plus detangling, equals breakage for me. I have no idea how the 4z ladies deal with a head full of tight curls. I watch the youtube tuts on natural hair and my mouth simply waters at the sight of all that thick luscious healthy hair. I keep telling myself one day that will be me. I just don't have the heart to cut off 12+ inches of relaxed ends and strut my stuff with 2 inches of TWA. Those ladies are braver than me, and rock those TWAs like nobody's business!
That was just my rambling and day dreaming of WL natural hair. I will most likely be relaxing in November, or December of this year depending on how long I can stretch.
In the previous post, I mentioned I was pleased with my relaxer results *at that time*. Well, about a week after relaxing I noticed my hair was super thin. My ponytail looked like half of what it had been in the past. At first, I attributed the thinness to the fact my hair was freshly relaxed and straight. I was wrong, there was/is definite thinning. I don't know what I did wrong, and was so upset, I thought about transitioning. I know there are so many benefits to being natural and did a ton of research as to the best way to do it (the BC is not for me).
When I first began my HHJ I was having a really hard time finding info regarding caring for relaxed hair. I was frustrated and a lil offended. The lack of info made it seem to me, that since I choose to relax I also choose not to care about the health of my hair??!! Luckily, I finally found a few good sites with tons of info on caring for relaxed hair. But, after my relaxer/thinning fiasco, I felt the same frustration looking for info on bringing my relaxed hair back to a state of health. It seems like everything out there in the world of healthy hair care is geared towards natural/curly hair. So, I started thinking, maybe I should just stop relaxing?? I typically only relax 2 times a year and wear weaves the entire stretch. I know the chemicals used to relax are hazardous (to say the least), but I luvs me some straight swinging pantene commercial looking hair. Today, as I sit here with my trademark wrap/weave and 16+ weeks of NG hiding under it, I know that going natural is not for me at this time. I don't think I will still be relaxing at 80, but today, I gots to have my creamy crack.
I spent the better part of this morning and afternoon trying to comb thru and braid just 2 inches of NG!! My relaxed ends were behaving but my NG wanted nothing to do with being touched, manipulated, parted, braided, none of it. I have tried every "miracle" concoction out there to tame my NG, but it is not having it. I had to take a break half way thru, cuz my arms were hurting and I was starting to get frustrated. Frustration plus detangling, equals breakage for me. I have no idea how the 4z ladies deal with a head full of tight curls. I watch the youtube tuts on natural hair and my mouth simply waters at the sight of all that thick luscious healthy hair. I keep telling myself one day that will be me. I just don't have the heart to cut off 12+ inches of relaxed ends and strut my stuff with 2 inches of TWA. Those ladies are braver than me, and rock those TWAs like nobody's business!
That was just my rambling and day dreaming of WL natural hair. I will most likely be relaxing in November, or December of this year depending on how long I can stretch.
April Relaxer Results
Hello Beyouties!!
I know it's September... I'm just getting around to posting my April relaxer pics. I am so behind. I have been soooooo busy with... life and stuff that this poor blog has had to take a back seat. Well, I'm back and in full effect.
I missed you guys. I am still on my HHJ. I have taken a serious break from daily hair care and been wearing weaves/braids/wigs for the past few months (I will explain why in a later post).
I got relaxed back in April and was super pleased with the results at the time. I did a ton of research on the best way to relax and have minimal damage. Well, I thought I did everything right. I did a hardcore protein treatment the preceding week (ApHogee 2 step). I know I said never again after the previous time, but "a hard head makes a soft behind". I am officially never doing another ApHogee 2 step hardcore protein treatment... never, ever again. Luckily, nothing bad happened, but 20+ weeks of NG plus hard/helmet hair, is not a good match. It took forever to comb thru the hardness (after wash and moisturizing). I did not touch my hair for the next few days, I was pooped from the marathon detangling process following the 2 step.
The night before relaxer day, I greased my hair/scalp with EVCO like I was the official spokesperson for EVCO. I had class the next day, and thank goodness EVCO wasn't running down my neck like I was sweating oil (I have had that happen before). The day of I applied CHI silk infusion to the NG, mixed in a lil EVOO with the relaxer and relaxed as usual. I did a pre-neutralizing protein treatment (ApHogee Keratin 2 minute), neutralized, and followed up with Roux porosity control. I washed, and washed, and washed, and washed, and washed some more. I followed all that up with a one hour steam session with KC Humecto. Rollerset my hair, dried and was super pleased with the results.
I did not get a ton of length (as evidenced by the first pic), but my hair was super shiny and swangin' like a hair commercial. I did notice it was a lil thin, but thought that was due to the fresh relaxer. Any hoot below is a close up of the texture. I was lovin' my hair for that week. I was a lil sad that I wasn't full BSL at this relaxer (just barely touching the tippy top of the bra), but the relaxer came out nice??!!
Smooches!
Salon Hood Dryer...
Hello Beyouties!
I bought my hood dryer a few weeks ago and got it on my B-day last month. I have been roller-setting every wash and I am finally getting around to posting a review.
I bought my dryer from Salonsrus.com and I am super pleased with my purchase. This is not a plug for this company, but my dryer got to me in exactly one week (ordered Tuesday, received the following Tuesday). I had been dreaming of getting a Pibbs for months, but couldn't bring myself to purchase something so expensive. I bought this cheaper alternative, and I am as pleased as pie.
The details:
- It was a quick and easy assembly. It arrived in 2 boxes (the stand in one, and the dryer unit in another). The stand was in pieces (quick and easy to assemble). The dryer unit comes fully assembled, just pop it right on the stand and it's ready to go.
- It has a flip top visor for easy in & out access. I love this feature, because you don't have to be a circus contortionist to get in and out of the unit. Just flip the visor...E-Z-P-Z.
- It has variable heat settings. The website says upto 165 F, but the dial reads up to 80 (no units listed). 80 (the highest setting) gets really hot.
- It has variable air flow settings. The dial reads from 0-3. I always use it on 3 (max air flow) and it does an excellent job at circulating the air. The motor is surprisingly quiet. I still have to set the TV kind of loud, but it's not so loud to disturb anyone else.
- Up to a 60 minute timer. The timer dings quite loudly at the end of the time. It has startled me a few times. It does not cool down as the time draws near the end. You would have to set it for an additional 5-10 minutes on the cooler temps if you want to cool your hair quickly.
- The stand adjusts up and down, and the actual dryer unit also tilts back and forth.
- The dome is very large. I am able to comfortably fit with a mix of grey and purple rollers. I haven't tried all grey rollers yet, nor have I tried my jumbo black rollers.
- The hood is shaped in a way that the air flow is directed so the dreaded nape area dries quickly and easily without having to do the "rotisserie chicken" move to get it all dry. All of my hair dries at the same time, instead of the top (near the heating element) being crispy while the nape is sopping wet.
I have been faithfully using my dryer for almost a month and I am officially in lust. It dries my regular sets (grey & purple rollers) on 50 (temp setting) in 50 minutes. It probably dries quicker, but I always set it on 50 minutes.
I did a tighter set (light pink rollers) yesterday, and did not think it would dry my hair quickly. I was wrong. I sat under the dryer on the highest temp setting (80) for about 15-20 minutes until I couldn't take the heat anymore. I have officially decided 80 is too hot for me. I turned it down to 50-55 and continued to dry for the remaining time. At 50 minutes, the timer went off and I went to the see how wet my hair was. My hair (including the nape) was completely dry...completely. My curls are soft and bouncy. Even after a quick walk in a light drizzle this morning, my curls are still perfect.
I've sat under dryers at the salon and burned the tips of my ears from high heat, and still the nape was not dry...not to mention the curls that dropped the minute the rollers came out!
I think a combination of healthier hair, better products, and better appliances are making a noticeable difference in the outcome. I think next set I'll use the small green rollers for tighter/smaller curls and use a lower temp/heat setting, and see how long it takes to dry.
If you are in the market for a good hooded dryer, this is it. I don't know how it compares to a Pibbs, but this one gets the job done, and at a fraction of the price. If you've got one of those table top dryers, there is no comparison. I had a Gold-n-Hot table top. It got super hot. The top of my hair would fried/dried to a crisp, and the nape would still be wet (even with the rotisserie chicken turns). I also used a friend's Conair table top, and it dried my hair with some maneuvering, but the heat was still too hot, and it took a couple of hours (I had to take a few breaks from the heat). Under my new stand dryer I am able to sit comfortably in a chair and adjust the dryer to me, in stead of the other way around.
Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo....Pass or Fail??
Hello Beauties!
I know I'm not supposed to be experimenting, but I saw this at the BSS and decided to give it a try. I was actually looking for the EQP neutralizing poo (it wasn't in stock) and saw this and bought it.
Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo
What they say:
For Dry/Damaged hair
Adds Moisture
Leaves Hair Manageable
Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo is an ultra-rich, ultra concentrated formula for moisturizing while gently cleansing dry, fragile hair. Maintains proper moisture balance in chemically treated hair/relaxed hair. This shampoo is acid based (pH 5.5). It detangles as it cleanses, returns the hair to its proper pH range, moisturizes, is non-stripping, and is extremely effective in hard water areas.
INGREDIENTS:
WATER, COCAMPHOCARBOXYPROPLONATE, COCAMIDE MEA, POLYQUATERNIUM-10, GLYCOL DISTEARATRE, CITRIC ACID, DMDM HYDANTOIN, FRAGRANCE, FD&C YELLOW # 5 (C119140), FD&C YELLOW #6 (C115985), FD&C RED #40 (C116035), FD&C BLUE #1 (C142090)
What I say:
I used this poo Tuesday. I poured a healthy palm-full onto wet hair and it lathered immediately (a lot). It is a thick very creamy poo with a pleasant (not at all overwhelming) smell, and I must say it lived up to the hype. It cleansed without stripping, and I was able to detangle my 20+ week hair in the shower without any condish??!! It worked extremely well. Better than my beloved CON? IMO, it was comparable. It gave excellent *slip* and detangled better than a lot of condishes I've tried in the past. I did not feel that it left a "coating" on my hair like some people complain of. Then again I don't feel my hair is "coated" with the CON, and many people complain of that with the CON. My hair was soft, detangled, and even my NG felt moisturized. I will not be re-purchasing (right now) b/c I have gallons of CON sitting in my closet (that's right...gallons). If I ever do run out of CON, or it stops working for my hair, I will be using the EQP creme conditioning poo.
ELASTA QP CREME CONDITIONING SHAMPOO...PASS!!
I really liked this poo. It works well, and the big plus: it's sulfate free...YAY!! I'm not overly concerned with sulfate free products. I try to do the "healthier/safer" hair thing, but I will not purchase products that give mediocre results. I don't care what they are or are not made of and with!! An even bigger plus than being sulfate free, is it's hella cheap. I bought a lil 8 oz bottle at the BSS for $2.59...$2.59??!! Now, my 8 oz bottle of KC hydrating detangling is $11.50 and it's loaded with sulfates and other stuff I can't pronounce. So I'm all about healthier hair practices if they make sense for my lifestyle and budget. I will not be one of those women washing my hair everyday, because it's not practical for me. I will also not buy organic hemp poo that leaves my hair a dry tangled mess b/c it's good for the environment...I just won't. But this poo is the best of both worlds: sulfate-free & cheap!
If you see it at your local BSS, try it. It may work for you too!
Ciao!
I know I'm not supposed to be experimenting, but I saw this at the BSS and decided to give it a try. I was actually looking for the EQP neutralizing poo (it wasn't in stock) and saw this and bought it.
Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo
What they say:
For Dry/Damaged hair
Adds Moisture
Leaves Hair Manageable
Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo is an ultra-rich, ultra concentrated formula for moisturizing while gently cleansing dry, fragile hair. Maintains proper moisture balance in chemically treated hair/relaxed hair. This shampoo is acid based (pH 5.5). It detangles as it cleanses, returns the hair to its proper pH range, moisturizes, is non-stripping, and is extremely effective in hard water areas.
INGREDIENTS:
WATER, COCAMPHOCARBOXYPROPLONATE, COCAMIDE MEA, POLYQUATERNIUM-10, GLYCOL DISTEARATRE, CITRIC ACID, DMDM HYDANTOIN, FRAGRANCE, FD&C YELLOW # 5 (C119140), FD&C YELLOW #6 (C115985), FD&C RED #40 (C116035), FD&C BLUE #1 (C142090)
What I say:
I used this poo Tuesday. I poured a healthy palm-full onto wet hair and it lathered immediately (a lot). It is a thick very creamy poo with a pleasant (not at all overwhelming) smell, and I must say it lived up to the hype. It cleansed without stripping, and I was able to detangle my 20+ week hair in the shower without any condish??!! It worked extremely well. Better than my beloved CON? IMO, it was comparable. It gave excellent *slip* and detangled better than a lot of condishes I've tried in the past. I did not feel that it left a "coating" on my hair like some people complain of. Then again I don't feel my hair is "coated" with the CON, and many people complain of that with the CON. My hair was soft, detangled, and even my NG felt moisturized. I will not be re-purchasing (right now) b/c I have gallons of CON sitting in my closet (that's right...gallons). If I ever do run out of CON, or it stops working for my hair, I will be using the EQP creme conditioning poo.
ELASTA QP CREME CONDITIONING SHAMPOO...PASS!!
I really liked this poo. It works well, and the big plus: it's sulfate free...YAY!! I'm not overly concerned with sulfate free products. I try to do the "healthier/safer" hair thing, but I will not purchase products that give mediocre results. I don't care what they are or are not made of and with!! An even bigger plus than being sulfate free, is it's hella cheap. I bought a lil 8 oz bottle at the BSS for $2.59...$2.59??!! Now, my 8 oz bottle of KC hydrating detangling is $11.50 and it's loaded with sulfates and other stuff I can't pronounce. So I'm all about healthier hair practices if they make sense for my lifestyle and budget. I will not be one of those women washing my hair everyday, because it's not practical for me. I will also not buy organic hemp poo that leaves my hair a dry tangled mess b/c it's good for the environment...I just won't. But this poo is the best of both worlds: sulfate-free & cheap!
If you see it at your local BSS, try it. It may work for you too!
Ciao!
Look What I Got...
Hello Be-you-ties!!I just got a steamer, I just got a steamer, I just got a steamer (doing the running man).
I ordered a stand up rolling steamer last Monday and it came this Monday. I ordered it from Salonsrus.com. It was an easy tool-free assembly (no instructions on assembly came with it), but it was pretty self explanatory. I clicked the stand together, popped on the steam unit (it was in one piece...thank goodness), and did a test run on Monday night. The steam started billowing out of the unit within a few minutes. It was too late to do a wash and steam, so I had to wait until Tuesday.
If yall are contemplating getting a steamer...stop thinking about it and get one! I am currently 21-22-23 weeks post (I've lost count) and my NG was acting a straight fool. (Caution run-on sentence alert) I washed my hair, did my ApHogee Keratin 2 minute reconstructor, slathered on my DC, clipped up my hair (no shower cap) and commenced to steaming. I ended up steaming for about 40+ minutes. I only wanted to steam for 30 minutes but there was still some water left in the resevoir and I don't know how to toss it, didn't want it just sitting with water in it. So I steamed until the water ran out.
I reached up several times during the steam to touch my hair and O....M....G!!! My NG and relaxed ends felt (and still feel) like buttah! Usually, no matter how long I DC, by the next morning, my NG looks like I haven't done anything to it. But this morning, my NG is still well behaved...and scarf method was not used to flatten/tame??!! I simply moisturized/sealed, put one loose braid in the back, put on my satin bonnet and went to bed (I was too tired/lazy to do anything more than that). I thought I would have a serious detangling job this morning, but my NG is moisturized and not at all frizzy/knotted. My hair was still a lil damp, so I blow dried on low/cool, added a lil more moisturizer, and threw on my wig. I have been wanting a steamer for a while and decided to get myself an early B-day present. I actually wanted a hooded dryer, but they were back ordered when I tried to order one on Monday. So being the die-hard PJ that I am, I substituted my intended drug (dryer) for an alternate (steamer), and am super pleased.
A few specs about my particular steamer.
- It came with no real assembly instructions (just a drawing pointing out the parts).
- It came with no operating instructions (I had to go online and check the boards with other members who had the same model to figure out what the switches were for).
- It has a 60 minute timer.
- It has 2 switches (yellow and red). Allegedly one is for light steam/heat (yellow), and the other is for maximum steam/heat (red). I of course flipped on the red one for my steam treatment.
- It automatically shuts off when it runs out of water, or the time is up, which ever comes first.
- The hood has 3 little holes that can be opened or closed to adjust the amount of steam/heat you are exposed to (of course I closed those suckers cuz I wanted maximum heat/steam).
- There is a lil water catcher bottle at the bottom to catch drips (I need to examine mine a lil closer, cuz that joker was dripping water down the stand??...but there was a significant amount of water in the lil bottle at the end of my steam session...so it saved my carpet).
- The dome hood is VERY large. There is a metal heating element running along the back rim of the hood where the steam shoots out, that gets seriously hot (hot enough to turn water to steam...duh), and I was concerned about possibly getting burned by it. But the hood is so large and shaped/angled in a way that it's almost impossible to get burned by it. I said ALMOST. I would not use this thing if I was sleepy. The steam is relaxing, but the possibility of a 3rd degree burn if I let my head/neck fall back on that metal heating element kept a sistah awake and alert.
- The steam comes out in a steady stream for about 10 or so minutes, then it kind of dwindled and then it was back on and popping. It did this about 4 or 5 times during my 40+ minute steam. I looked back to make sure there was still water in the tank, and in about a minute of light steam, serious steam was coming out of that sucker. I didn't know that it automatically shuts off when it's out of water...that would have saved me from getting up and checking it...now I know :)
- It rolls and and is height adjustable. I was able to park myself in front of the TV and watch some CSI repeats while I got my steam on.
- This is a large appliance. It does not fold down for easy storage, and I'm not taking it apart every time I'm done using it. I will be parking mine in my hall coat closet. If you don't have the space for it...make space...LOL.
- Did I mention, I luv my steamer?? Well, I do!
This is my first major hair purchase since beginning my HHJ. I was hoping this would not be another failed experiment, and thank goodness it was not. My steam session lived up to all the hype. I figured my hair would like the steam treatments, cuz my bootleg steams really made not so good products work better. Now I can steam whenever I want without steaming up the entire bathroom and running thru hundreds of gallons of water in the shower. So to my steamer I say: thank you. I thank you, and the environment thanks you (we're in a drought in my neck of the woods).
I went back to Salonsrus (to write a review...since there weren't any when I was trying to decide to buy mine) and the dryers are back in stock, so I HAD TO order my dryer too. It will not be here in time for my relaxer day (Saturday/Sunday), but I can't wait to get it and try it too. I really wanted a PIBBS, but my pockets were just not feeling $300+ for a dryer. I lucked out and was able to get both a dryer and steamer for less than what a PIBBS dryer would have cost me. I will give a detailed review once I try my bootleg Pibbs next week.
HHG!!
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