Sunday, October 27, 2013

Protective style #2/ full sew in with bangs

Greetings!!!!!!
You guys know that I am currently still doing my protective style challenge for the winter. I had in a kinky curly weave, and removed it about a month ago. I gave my hair a break for about 3 weeks, clipped my ends and deep conditioned my hair each week. I had my hair in a bun, while giving it a break and allowing it it "breathe". Recenty, I had my newest protective style installed which is a full sew in with bangs
I love this style guys :-) 
It's perfect for fall/winter, and it keeps all of my hair protected. I don't have to worry about any leave out, or prepping any of my real hair.
The hair I bought isn't anything fancy, but it's called "Visso" by bobby boss. It's a long the same lines of "outrĂ©" hair for those of you familiar with weaves. I paid $32.99 per pack, and I have 2 1/2 packs installed of two 14 inches and 1/2 bundle of a 12 inch. 

My plan is to keep this in for at least a month, maybe longer.  The reason I am unsure is because there is no real way for me to moisturize my hair and "take care" of it while it's under a full sew in. I want to make sure that my real hair is nurtured while also being protected. 
How do you guys choose to protect your hair during the colder months? Do you ever give your hair a break? Don't forget to subscribe and leave your comments below!!! I plan to be back soon to give and update on the hair :-)
Peace,
Dani  

Guest feature: Meet the beautiful Whitney!


1. Please introduce yourself!

Hi Everyone!! I’m Whitney. I’m from Ohio and I’m a PR, Marketing and Special Events consultant. I write a blog too!www.Whitneybillups.com


2. Why did you decide to go natural/ become chemical free?

It all started when I had an internship in NYC in 2008. I was getting a lot of sew-in’s because I didn’t have a hair stylist there. While I was there I saw so many woman with beautiful thick curly hair and it inspired me. By the time I got back home to Ohio I had a good chunk of new growth. My hairstylist of 6 years said “Let’s not put a perm in your hair anymore.” And I said, “Ok!”



3. How would you describe your natural hair texture?

Like most naturals I have a few different textures. The crown is very soft and lose so I would say that’s a 3C. However the rest of my hair would be a 4A. My hair tends to get dry pretty fast so I try and moisturize it often.



4. Describe your most recent style regimen within the last month.

I’ve been working out almost every day so throughout the week I try and keep it in some sort of protective style. I don’t know how to french braid L so I usually do a chunky flat twist or maybe some small 2 strand twist and pin it up. Actually as of late, I’ve been feeling very 1950ish and have been wearing a lot of pompadours. I guess I think I’m Janelle Monae or something lol.

5. What are your go to hairstyle(s)
Go to hairstyle is 2 strand twist. My hair loves that. I love to do flat twist outs also, especially on stretched hair because it gives such a great feel for the length I’ve got. But my super go to is a bun. Just gel this bad boy up and I’m good to go for a few days!


6. Do you have a specific wash regimen?

Yes. And btw I hate wash day. I’m so tired afterwards. Lately I’ve been deep conditioning the night before. Then the next day I’ll section the hair off into 4 parts and use the finger detangling method. I don’t like combs or brushes so I spend a considerable amount of time detangling in the shower.

7. What are some of your favorite hair products?

Coconut oil, shea butter, Suave Professionals MoroccanTrader Joes Tea Tree conditioner, Mizani’s Puriphying shampoo, The Conditioner by Paul Mitchell, Giovanni Direct Leave in Conditioner Deep Moisture Conditioner

8. Do you have any natural hair goals?

My goal is firstly to maintain strong healthy hair. Secondly, I would like to reach back of the bra strap length. 

9. Do you have any advice for other new naturals or those aspiring to be natural?

This is spiritual journey as much as it is a hair journey. As a woman our identity is directly connected to our beauty. Our hair is an extension of our beauty. You are going to have to come to grips with your hair being short for a while. You are going to have to be ok with seeing the curl pattern, no matter if it’s loosely curled or if it’s super tightly coiled. Love this experience and love who God made you to be. A beautiful Queen  J

10. How can you be contacted?

Whitney Billups
WhitneyBillups@gmail.com

Or IG: @letwhitbrandit



Thursday, October 10, 2013

Moisturizing: water and glycerin mix


Greetings everyone! 
For the past couple of weeks, I have been trying a new method of moisturizing my hair, more specifically my ends. I recently bought a large bottle of glycerin from my local BSS. 
Glycerin is classified as a humectant. It draws in and absorbs moisture from it's surroundings. This is one of the reasons why glycerin is a great ingredient in most hair care and skin care products.  Glycerin helps to retain moisture in dry hair, which can and will lead to growth and length retention. 
Mixing glycerin and water is and cheap moisturizer than be used for most curly girls all year around. 

I spray my hair with this mixture 40% glycerine and 60% water every other day.  Sometimes I spray my hair every day depending on how dry my hair is. This is especially important in the winter! I the. Seal with a butter, such as qhemet biologics alma and olive heavy cream, or carols daughter healthy hair butter.


Moisturizing your hair is very important in terms or length retention and the over all health of your hair! It is very important to know what products to use on your hair, to ensure that it stays moisturized.

10 health & beauty benefits of extra virgin coconut oil



Greetings!
Extra virgin coconut oil is an awesome product that I have been using off and on for over 2 years. I use this product for my skin and my hair. I thought I'd come by and provide you guys with a few health and beauty benefits from using extra virgin coconut oil.

1. Skin- coconut oil helps to suppress dry, itchy skin. It helps those with psoriasis and eczema especially. I have mild to moderate eczema all over my body. Coconut oil has helped to clear up almost 80% of the eczema spots I get on my skin!

2. Removing eye make up- coconut oil works on waterproof mascara! This oil does a great job if breaking down waxy, inky eye makeup. It also leaves the delicate skin around the eye hydrated too.

3. To shave your legs- coconut oil has skin smoothing properties, and is not full of chemicals and preservatives like most bar soaps or shaving creams!

4. Body scrub- coconut oil can be combined with sugar, to make the ultimate body scrub! The coconut oil moisturizes while the sugar gently smooths away dead skin and debris. It's all natural and your skin will love it! 

5. Hair- Extra virgin coconut oil can be used as a deep conditioner for ALL hair types. Simply apply to strands, cover with plastic cap/bag and let sit for at least 30 minutes. Then rinse thoroughly.
Coconut oil can be used as a sealant for kinkier hair types, which means that it can be used over a water based moisturizer or leave in to keep hair moisturized. It can also be used as a "pre-poo", to help aid in detailing and mositurizing before shampooing the hair.

6. Weight loss- ingesting a tablespoon of extra virgin coconut oil daily, along with a low calorie diet can promote weight loss.

7.  Metabolism- coconut oil can help to boost and regulate your metabolism, keeping it under control. Along with regular exercise, this is also and added benefit to promote weight loss.

8. Oral health- coconut oil has been found to be an alternative from common toothpastes. It hardens tooth enamel, and reduces oral infections such as gum disease.

9. Oil pulling- bacteria in the mouth can be removed with this method. Simply take a tablespoon of coconut oil, and swish it around in your mouth for 10-20 minutes. The bacteria get "stuck" in the oil and dissolve  in the liquid oil. 

10. Infections- coconut oil contains cap relic and capric fatty acid. These acids fight bacterial and viral infections, by preventing organisms from growing.


I hope all of these fun facts and tips help you make the decision to start using coconut oil. It's awesome to have around the house not only for cooking, but for daily use on your body and hair! 
Let me know if you guys have any questions!  Don't forget to comment and subscribe :-)

-Dani


Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Tresemme naturals "woes". The conditioner that is ever changing!!!

*sigh*
Boy do I enjoy a good, cheap, moisturizing conditioner. One that is not filled with silicones, parabens, preservatives and other junk that simply won't be beneficial for my hair. For the last couple years, I have had all this and more in my beloved Tresemme naturals moisturizing conditioner. This conditioner comes in a large container, and is about $4.50 at any local target, Walmart, Walgreens or CVS. 
Now let me say that since my hair has gotten longer, I do not co-wash as much. I do however like to mix up my own deep conditioner, using a common store bought conditioner and then mixing in other items, such as honey, olive oil, coconut oil, eggs, mayo etc depending on what my hair may need. I could do that with Tresemme until... It happened.

I was browsing YouTube one night, looking at recent posts from those fellow naturals I have subscribed to. I noticed a post that popped up on my mini feed saying: "Review, the NEW tresemme naturals". Instantly my heart dropped. I knew then that the company must have switched something or taken out a precious ingredient. I proceeded to watch the post, and then went on to watch many other posts about this conditioner. To realize, that the company had not only changed the ingredients, but the "certified organic" ingredients it once had in the formula were no longer there!!!!!!! The new bottle had a different look. A black top, and the "tresemme" on the front of the bottle was in black, bold writing. 
The ingredients in the new formula are completely different from what was in the old formula listed below:


The old bottle with the old (better) formula, has a white top, and on the back it lists "certified organic" ingredients.  Which consist of aloe Vera juice, sweet orange and avacado.
Here are the ingredients for the older formula, which is the one that most prefer:

I'm sure the company was looking for ways to cut costs, and because organic ingredients  can be somewhat expensive, they decided to cut corners, add fillers and other garbage that won't do anything for your hair. Although I have not actually tried the new conditioner, based on the reviews I have heard, I won't be wasting my money and trying it at all. I have found something good in a product & I know that the newer conditioner won't do much for my hair. I went out and searched high and low in every target, Walgreens and Walmart until I found some bottles left over of the older formula conditioner. They were sitting in the back of the shelf, and the newer bottle with newer ingredients were all pushed towards the front. I bought all of them, because I wasn't sure what to expect next from tresemme. 
Will they keep the ingredients as is on the newer formula? Or will they change it back to the older, more popular formula once they receive so many complaints?

Why is this so important you ask? Why do I care so much about ingredients? Why does this matter? I don't know about you guys but I actually take the time to read the ingredients for products I use not only on my hair, but on my face and body. I have stopped using a lot of common lotions and creams that contain harsh preservatives, fillers and other harmful ingredients. It's important to really realize what's in the stuff that you use!
Since I have about 6-7 bottles of the older conditioner, I should be good for about 6 months to a year lol. Let me know what you guys think about this conditioner, if you've ever tried it, new formula or old formula. 

-Danielle