Loose twists

This weekend I decided to see what all the hype was about and I installed some loose twists in my hair.  These were made famous by vlogger Cipriana of Urban Bush Babes.  Loose twists are just two-strand twists but they are done "loosly".  Some naturalistas braid the roots (about an inch down) and then loosly twist the rest.  I took the other approach and tightly twisted my hair at the root and then loosly twisted the rest.  I have to say that I am now a FAN!
The twist only took me about and hour and a half to install and regular twists take about 4 on my BSL hair. My hair looked super full and it was very soft.  I am going to wear them in a bun to maximize it as a protective style.  I will definitely try these again.

Cherry Lola Treament

So this past weekend I tried the Cherry Lola Treatment.  I heard that it is supposed to help relax your curl and be a good protein treatment.  After all of my hair stresses I figured a good protein treatment was in order.  So I mixed it up.
The Cherry Lola calls for Liquid Aminos, orgranic plain yogurt, and baking soda.   I was a little skeptical about using the baking soda because I wasn't sure if it was what caused my hair to come out using the MHM but I figured the protein would be help balance the effects.

Product free hair

My hair felt strong which was what I wanted.  I was hoping some of the curl definition stayed from when I had applied the product but I guess you can't have everything you want. :-(









I did however may some really good chunky twists and then I roller set them.  The effect was really cute IMO.

MHM Maximum Hydration Method

So last week I started the Maximum Hydration Method....

What is that you ask...From www.maximumhydration.com:"When it comes to Maximum Hydration (which this regimen is designed to give your hair), think about the effect water has on the hair. When your hair is wet, your hair responds positively to the moisture, getting softer. But because you don't have high enough levels of moisture retention, once your hair dries it feels brittle, rough, frizzy, and dry. This is what "nappy" hair is. This method allows you to understand, manipulate, and control the factors that cause your hair to remain chronically dry.  It allows you to absorb moisture and retain it, changing your hair dramatically. Now imagine what will happen as you build up moisture retention levels within your hair shaft. The water won't just be sitting on your hair anymore, leaving your hair temporarily soft while it's sitting on the closed cuticles, and evaporating and leaving your hair dehydrated. The effect is going to be from the inside of your hair, and more permanent. So even when your hair isn't sopping wet, or has product, it will be able to stay soft and have significantly less frizz while dry. This is maximum hydration."

In order to do this method you have to follow the regimen which looks like this:

Night
Step 1. Bakingsoda/ ACV rinse
Step 2. Deep condition/GHE, may add light oils to scalp. You may use thermal heating cap or steam for an hour before wearing the shower cap to bed

Day
Step 2.(continued) Rinse out DC and detangle in morning.
Step 3. Clay
Step 4. Leave in. Hair should be soaking wet, no matter how you go about doing it.
Step 5. Gel/ Oil to set into style (no glycerin or coconut oil)

You are supposed to do this for 7 days consecutively and then you can taper off to every 2-3 days but NEVER go more than 3.

I will say the first week of implementing this was a challenge because I had to do all of the steps after work and I wasn't use to washing my hair that much.  However, I believe the struggle was worth it.  My hair felt more moisturized every time I completed the regimen.  It was very easy to finger comb and it didn't tangle.

Since I workout a lot I started putting large twists in my hair and will wear them for a day and do a twist out for two days and wash.  My twist out look fab and my hair has even started to curl at the roots when I sweat.

I think I am going to stick with this over the next few months and see what happens.  Here are some early pics.

Day 2- Wash and Go (still frizzy, but best WnG I've had)

Day 3 - Wash and Go ( a little better)

           

I will take more pics soon!

GHE - Green House Effect

Since it is summer and the sun plays a major role in drying out the hair I have been trying to impart more moisture into my hair.  One method of doing this is the Green House Effect or GHE.

In order to create a GHE for you hair you just have to spray your hair with water (focus on the ends) but do not over-saturate.  Then add a cream and seal with a non-water base oil or cream, (which is essentially the LCO method of moisturizing) and then cover with a shower cap.  Cover the shower cap with a bonnet or scarf and go to sleep.  While you are sleeping the warmth from the shower cap and the water in your hair will create a GHE and make your hair soft and add more moisture to your hair because the heat will open up the cuticle.

I tried this the other night and I have to say it was great!  When I woke up this morning the ends of my twists felt ultra moist and my 4b/4c curls had some serious definition.   I will definitely try this again.  They say you can do it everyday but I think I will try to do this at least 3 days a week to keep my hair moisturized.

Have you tried the GHE?

Back to Basics Update

So I have really been sticking to my guns and really gone back to the basics.  I have been deep conditioning every two weeks and keeping protective style and my hair is very happy!  I have seen less tangles and I feel like it has started to grow again. 
I am going to be on the lookout for a few more protective styles to see if I can switch up my twists a little bit.  I love them but as my hair keeps growing mini-twists get harder and harder.  I love how long they last but sitting for 4 plus hours can be a turn off.  But they do make great twist outs!

Back to Basics Original Post

Beauty World - Durham - Hair Product Heaven!

Ok so apparently I have been missing out!  Yesterday I ventured to Durham, NC and went to Beauty World, a beauty supply store.  I know what you are thinking...it is a beauty supply store what is it the big deal?!  Well, Beauty World in Durham is like a Mecca for hair products!  They have Everything!,  Everything...yes ERRYTHANG!  They have a ton of oils and a Fantastic natural hair selection from Qhemet to Miss Jessie's.  They even have products I didn't know existed. 

Who knew Laila Ali had a hair care line?!

The store is set up like a grocery store for hair care.  They had a section dedicated to nothing but gel.  I didn't even know they made that many types of gel. 

Be sure to go in with a game plan because it can be a little overwhelm if you just wanted to "browse".
However, it was well worth the trip.   I think I will make it there every two-three months to restock.

http://beautyworlddurham.com/

check out the pics!
http://www.newbeautyworld.com/stores/durham/

Keratin Treatments- Organix 30-Day-Pt.1

or

or checkout the playlist for all the installments
Keratin Treatments- Organix 30-Day-Experience (playlist)
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC-abS-LU661GeG8EknSYMKQJyI5Fj5ta

Natural Hair Event-- Raleigh NC!

It's rare when we get events in Raleigh,NC!! I'm excited!

Hydration and Vitamins

Beautiful Curls-Product Review

Ok, so I had a hair-gasm last night.  I tried the beautiful curls shampoo and leave-in conditioner for curly to kinky hair and I fell in love!!!
I was in whole foods looking to pick up some organic shampoo and saw this and decided to give it a try.  It was 8.99 for each bottle so not crazy expensive but not cheap either.  I did have a mental dilemma before I sprang for it but I was glad I did.

The shampoo is sulfate free and it has a great smell, almost like a vanilla milkshake.  It has shea butter in it which is awesome.  The shampoo was quite concentrated and lathered up very well, which doesn't happen all the time with sulfate freee shampoos.  I like lather because it makes me feel like my head is very clean ( I know suds don't equal clean but I like it anyway). 

The leave-in conditioner was very creamy and had the same great smell.  It gave me great slip during my detangle and kept my hair soft and moist as I styled my twists.  I am now anxious to try the other products!

www.beautifulcurls.com

Braid out

Ok, so I know I have been M.I.A. for awhile (sorry for that) but I had to show you my braid out. It came out so good! I applied shea moisture curl enhancing smoothie to large sections of my dry hair. I did it on dry hair so I would get more length because my shrinkage on wet hair is nuts! I the plated my hair in about seven big braids. I looked like Celie but it was night time so I didn't care. I took the out this morning and picked it out with my fingers and voila! The smoothie made my hair nice and moist so it wasn't hard to braid. Hope you like!
*Smooches*

Pleasantly surprised

Ok so it is official, Naturals are taking over!  I went to a party for a friend last night and I will say that natural hair outnumbered relaxers 3 to 1!
I think it is so wonderful and empowering to see so many women embracing their true selves.  Let's keep rockin the FRO ladies!

Shea Moisture- Moisture Retention shampoo review

Boing! Super Curly DIva Angela

This is a celebration...Check out a Super Curly Diva Angela!

She is professional ( Technical Sales Consultant) , active, and SUPER CURLY!   Check out her versatility.

SCD: How long have you been natural?

Angela: 7 years

  

SCD: How would classify your hair type:

Angela:Thick, tight curl

SCD:What inspired you to go natural?

Angela: Health reasons – wanted to stop using chemicals. Also, I heard the chemicals can cause premature hair thinning.

 

SCD: Being a professional woman, do you feel that being natural is a professional look?

Angela: Yes, if it is neat one.

  

SCD: What do you love most about being natural?

Angela: The freedom and flexibility, I don’t have to worry about getting my hair wet, or not working out because it will mess up my hair.

 

SCD: What are you hair goals for the future?

Angela: To find a product that makes my hair more easily manageable on a daily basis. 

She is a Super Curly to be admired! Go Girl!

Intro/Why I went Natural

Protective Styling

So during these harsh winter months it is important to do as many protective styles as you can.  Weave, wigs, buns, and updos can all aide in protecting you hair and those all important ends!
My favorite protective style are two-strand twists.  They last for two weeks or more, they look great, can be styled in a ton of different ways, they can be easily moisturized, and they protect the ends.  The benefits of twists can also be enhanced if you style them with aloe vera gel.  The aloe vera acts like a barrier to the cold and provides added moisture to your hair. Think of it as lip balm for the hair.  As and added bonus it provides killer definition for twist outs.

Happy Styling!

OMG!!!

OMG! I just got some awful news my favorite no-poo cleanser has been discontinued!  No more Kemi-Moyst no-soap shampoo.  I was heartbroken, it took me forever to find a hair cleanser I loved.  Ahh well, back to the drawing board I go.  So I will once again turn into a product junkie in my search for a new no-poo.  So I should have a couple of product reviews coming. 




to be continued....

I'm Here!!!!

Hello everyone and welcome!

 I decided to create this blog to help out my fellow naturalistas with teeny tiny pen-spring to coffee stirrer-sized curls.  I know it was hard for me to find inspiration and tips from sistas with curls like this so I am hoping that I can help a little.  

-Neena J.