Protective styling: revisiting mini twists!

Hello All!

I've been away for a while, my apologies. I've been using the products I listed in my last post, so that I can get some reviews out to you guys! As of today I am 3 years and 4 months natural. Time is really flying guys. I had a protective style in not to long ago, which was the full sew in with bangs. I took that out and decided to let my hair breathe for a bit, while giving it some much needed TLC. Deep conditioning and a lot of moisturizing!

One of my staple styles is a braid out, and that requires a lot of braiding, rebraiding and handling of the hair.

 To much manipulation can cause damage and split ends! Since I am trying to reach a goal by my 4 year hair anniversary, I wanted to "protect" my hair, while giving it a break from my usual protective style which most times is a weave.

I decided why not revisit mini twists? They are great for all seasons, easy to manage and easy to moisturize. My hair has been stretched for a couple of days now from and old braid out. So I did not wash my hair before putting them in.

I put in the twists by sections. With each section, I sprayed my ends with water, and proceeded to use Darcy Botanicals Avacado and Honey twisting cream. This is a medium to thick consistency. Smells very light, with a faint scent of honey! This was the only product I used, (besides water) to moisturize my ends and keep them from unraveling. 

This Darcy Botanicals product makes my hair very soft, not greasy and it doesn't have a strong scent. I will come back when I take out these twists and give my final review.

From start to finish, it took me about 3 hours to do my entire head. Not to bad, considering I made the twists small to medium sized. 

I forgot how much I loved this style guys. It's so simple and the twists can be styled also! I will TRY to keep these in for at least 2 weeks. I say I will TRY, because my kinky, coily hair tends to matte up if kept in a style for too long, especially if I'm applying water to it. I will moisturize my ends everyday, especially because it is winter time. I will cover my head with a satin bonnet at night to keep the look fresh. 

How do you guys like this style? Check out Darcy botanicals website, she has some awesome products! Stay tuned for more reviews.

Thanks,

Dani

Product Reviews Galore!!!!

Hi All! 

Black Friday has come and gone. On that day, my mom (who is also natural) and I decided to indulge in some of the sales that went on from various natural hair care companies. I will be doing reviews on each product after I have had enough time to successfully use all of them. I want to be able to give you the best and most honest reviews possible. Here's a list of the products purchased:

1. Darcy botanicals avocado and honey twisting cream

2. Darcy botanicals Shea butter moisturizing cream

3. Carols daughter monoi shampoo

4. Carols daughter monoi  conditioner

5. Carols daughter monoi hair mask

6. Camille rose aloe whipped butter gel

7. Camille rose fresh care hair smoother

8. Obia naturals twist whip butter

9. Obia naturals curl hydration spray 

10. Alikay naturals lemongrass leave in conditioner

11. Aliyah naturals Shea yogurt moisturizer (sample)

12. Jane carter nourish and shine

13. Jane carter wrap and roll spray

All of these products will be reviewed within the next couple of months. Please bare with me in doing so :-) 

My hair has grown A LOT since I removed my most recent protective style. I will be allowing my hair to breathe for 3-4 weeks and then I will be installing another sew in to carry me through the next 6-8 weeks of winter. 

Thank you for reading my posts! I appreciate all my followers and subscribers. Happy holidays and happy new year to you all!

-Dani

Just checking in...

Hey guys!

 I wanted to take this opportunity to check in with you guys! 

I'm still rocking the full sew in with bangs I posted about a month ago. It's still working out wonderfully for me. I can really appreciate that I have not had to mess with, detangle or style my real hair for the last month lol. 

I plan on keeping this style until mid December, and then I will take it down to give my hair a good wash, deep condition, trim my ends and most importantly let my hair breathe!

It's so important to remember to take care of your hair underneath and sew in or any other protective style. You don't want to suffer from hair loss, breakage or tangled dry hair. 

I have purchased a couple new products, and will also be purchasing some things I've wanted to try during the Black Friday sale on November 29th. So there will be some reviews coming up pretty soon, going into the new year. Just this past week I celebrated being 3 years and 4 months in the game! ( 3 years and 4 months of being natural). It has been a long journey and I can't wait to see what my hair is looking like at my 4 year mark which is August 2014.

Here's some pictures of my hair in October right before I got the full sew in: 

Let me know if you guys have any questions!  Talk to you soon

-Dani

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 "outré" 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

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

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

Product review: Qhemet Biologics Alma & Olive heavy cream

Let me

First start off by saying that I have been pinning over this product for months. I could not give myself a good enough reason to purchase this because I have TONS of products sitting in my pantry, that have barely been used. * yes I am a product junkie* 

I went ahead and bought this anyway, bit the bullet and paid $23 including shipping. *shakes head* 

I've always read great reviews about Qhemet biologics as a company, and have always been excited to try their products. I decided to start with the alma and olive heavy cream because it seemed like the most practical and easy to use. I knew it could be used to seal in moisture and help with my dry, brittle ends. Now, everyone who follows my blog knows I have in a weave. I do have minimal leave out at the top, and I have to make sure that, that hair stays moisturized and soft. 

The consistency of this product is a thick, white cream. Just like the container says, it does have a "heavy consistency", which is just what my thick hair needs. 

The way I use this is simple: on wet or damp hair, I apply a MINIMAL amount from root to tip, making sure that my ends get most of the product. When I say minimal, I mean just that. This product is very heavy, and so if you use to much you will have a very greasy head of hair. 

I then proceed to twist up my hair and let it air dry. My hair always comes out soft, and shiny whenever I use this product. It doesn't have a smell, which most times I prefer with hair products. Some smells can be overwhelming. This product contains no preservatives or harsh chemicals and is basically all natural. This is the perfect leave in for those who have thick, curly, coily, kinky hair! This definitely gets a 5/5 in my book, and yes I will repurchase even though it is a tad bit expensive. 

Give this product a try. I purchased this directly from the qhemet website and I received it within 5 business days.

Comment, share & subscribe guys!

-Dani

Product review: Miss Jessie's pillow soft girls & Miss Jessie's jelly soft curls

Hey guys!

Finally bringing a long awaited product review. Im going to be honest. Miss Jessie's has not always been a favorite of mine. First off, the prices for the products are way to expensive. Whenever I look online or see them in target, the price of the products are an automatic turnoff. When I first went natural I bought the baby butter creme to help with my low cut style. Although it did help moisturize somewhat, I didn't see anything spectacular that would make me constitute paying $36 for an 8 oz jar. So I, sold it to someone and never looked back.

As you all know, I now have in a kinky curly weave. I am currently protective styling and have had this weave in since August 8th. This hair is wash and go hair, and twist out hair. It's very versatile. I figured with this hair I'd mainly be doing wash n go's and some twist outs. Since I do not wash n go my own hair, I figured this would be the time to have a little fun.

I seen the miss Jessie's pillow soft curls and jelly soft curls initially on IG and even got an email about them. I figured, maybe I can revisit miss Jessie's, while I have in a weave, just because. I was emailed a coupon for 25% off of a purchase and free shipping on the miss Jessie's website. I then took the opportunity to buy both of the products.  I have been using them now for over a month.

Miss Jessie's pillow soft curls

This product is a creamy substance, and blue in color. It has a floral scent which is pretty strong. It reminds me of a very strong laundry detergent. At first I didn't like the smell, but I got used to it after a while. 

I applied the product on freshly washed hair. I shingled it through in sections being careful not to use a lot because a little goes a long way with this product. Putting it on my hair it felt good, but as it dry my hair felt sticky and dry. Using it alone, I'd say it was an ok product. It gives minimal hold, but great curl definition. This is ideal for those with "type 3" hair textures. I wouldn't really recommend this for those who have "type 4" hair.  Because of the strong smell, and the feel of my hair after I put it on this gets a 2/5, if used alone.

Miss Jessie's jelly soft curls

This product is a clear, thick substance. Looks just like a clear gel. Lol. 

This has the same scent as the pillow soft curls product, *frown* which I did not like! (Strike one). The consistency is the same as my beloved Ampro olive oil gel. When this is used over top of the miss Jessie's pillow soft curls it gives amazing definition x2. Now the hold of this gel is not as strong as I like. In humid/hot weather my hair frizzed up instantly ( strike 2). All in all, there is nothing special about these products when both are used alone. But when they are used together sparingly, I'd give the combo a 3.5/5. If the hold for the jelly soft curls was a bit stronger this would have the potential to get a 5/5 from me. Because I got these products for such a great deal and free shipping, I'm not to bummed I spent the money on them. I did so to see if these products would be ideal for the kinky curly weave I have installed. Would I use these products on my real hair after the weave is taken out? Absolutely not. They would make my hair dry and do nothing as far as moisture and hold, which is what I look for in hair products.

Overall, miss Jessie's products may work for many naturalista's but unfortunately, they are not my ideal hair product for type 4 hair. I will continue to use the products while I have in this kinky curl Mongolian weave.  

Let me know if you guys have questions. Have any of you all tried these products?

Thanks for tuning in!

-Dani <3

Protective styling, one month so far...

Hey guys! 

Coming to you with a brief update. As you all know from previous posts, I have been wearing an install of Mongolian kinky curly hair purchased from a vendor out of Virginia. I have had it in for just about a month and I am still loving it! I co wash this hair once weekly with my favorite conditioner tresemme naturals moisturizing conditioner. Products that I have used on this hair are still miss Jessie's pillow soft curls for definition and miss Jessie's jelly soft curls for a bit of hold. I think I may switch up the product use are far as styling goes, and try some other products I would use on my real hair. Once I figure out what works best, ill post and let you know.  I have a TINY bit of my hair out on the top and I take care of that the same way I would without the weave. I usually twist it up at night.

As of right now this hair is doing wonderfully with minimal shedding. I anticipate leaving this hair in until early October. Maybe longer. I would really like to obtain some length and see how fast my hair can grow within 6 months of no heat and no manipulation. My goal by year 4 of my hair journey is to be halfway to mid back length :-/ ( when stretched) we shall see! 

Let me know of there are more questions! Ttyl

-Dani

Review: Mongolian kinky curly 4a-4b hair/ protective style challenge

Greetings friends!

Finally coming to you guys to give an anticipated review on my current protective style. 

Let me start off by saying that I love to wear weaves occasionally. The most important thing to me when wearing a weave or sew in, is that your natural hair and the fake hair blend properly to give a NATURAL look. Whether you decide to wear curly hair, straight hair or wavy hair, make sure your hair blends properly! I can't tell you how many times I've seen someone wearing a weave, and you can tell where the weave hair meets up with the persons natural hair! :-( awful!

Anyways, I chose to purchase some hair that matched my hair texture exactly. The purpose of this protective style, was to keep heat off of my hair, and give my real hair a break from styling weekly. As I stated in a previous post, I will be protective styling until February 2014 as apart of my very own protective style challenge. In between styles I will be letting my hair breathe periodically,  trimming my ends and deep conditioning. 

I purchased this hair from a vendor I seem on Instgram. Her Instgram name is @vabk and she also has a business Instgram account which is @beautybyvabk . There are so many other vendors and companies that now produce Mongolian kinky curly hair like: heatfreehair , haute kinkyhair onyc hair and so on. I chose to purchase from this particular vendor because her prices were the more reasonable and at the time, she had a special that included free shipping. I purchased 2 bundles, a 16in and a 18in. Both totaled up to $200 with free shipping. 

I had my friend Alyssa install the hair for me. I got a full sew in with MINIMAL hair left out on the top, and a tiny bit of hair left out around the top perimeter of my hair. That way I don't have to worry about styling a lot of my real hair, which would defeat the purpose of this protective style.

When the hair was done being installed, let me just say it was HUGE! Like Diana Ross huge. Lol, I was a little intimidated by how big it was, but nonetheless owned it of course. Since I had to go to work the next day and didn't want to scare everyone off with my now massive curly fro, I wanted to tame the hair down a bit so I decided to do a two strand twist on the hair. 

This hair can be shampooed, co washed, dyed and blow dried. You can do roller sets, rod sets and anything else you can think of. It acts just like our hair and mimics our hair. It shrinks up when wet, and can be stretched out by various styling.

I spray the hair down with water almost daily; if not daily then every other day. I use miss Jessie's pillow soft curls and jelly soft curls on this hair, for twisting and to give some hold. I have not co washed the hair yet, but will do so before the weekend is over. I sometimes use Eden body works glaze/edge control on my edges when I want a sleek look.

Over all, this hair is the bomb.com. It blends with my type 4 hair PERFECTLY!!!! I am so in love with this hair and will definitely be repurchasing this hair for more protective styles to come. I will say that this hair is NOT low maintenance at all, it still requires that you style, wash, detangle and maintain it just like our real natural hair. 

Let me know if you guys have questions or concerns about this hair or any other protective style. I will be keeping this hair in until late October or early November. 

Thanks guys!

-Dani

Guest feature: Meet lovely natural & YouTuber, Brittany!!!

1. Please introduce yourself!

 

Hello Hello Hello!! My name is Brittany! I am current living in Northeastern Ohio. I'm a full time Mommy, a grad student and I work full time Monday through Friday.  Busybee best describes me =)

 

 I recently started a YouTube Channel. Still a work in progress... My main focus is time/cost efficiency and simplicity when it comes to hair care, specifically natural hair care =) 

 

http://www.youtube.com/user/brickleyy

 

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

 

I attempted to go natural the summer of 2006. I wasn't really prepared, or educated on the process, to say the least. My hair was near platinum blonde, very short and very dry. After about 3 months, I went back to getting relaxers.

 

I decided to go natural for the second time in 2009.  This time by accident and during the last few months of my pregnancy. I was only going to the salon for "touch-ups" 2-3 times per year anyways, but when my hair dresser saw that I was expecting, she advised me that the chemicals, mainly the fumes, weren't the best for me and my unborn child. That was the perfect opportunity for me to give the natural hair process another try! Haven't looked back since.

 

I've been relaxer-free since July 2009. Chemical-free (hair dye) since August 2012.

 

3. How would you describe your natural hair texture?

My hair is a mixture of 3c and 4a. Looser curl pattern around front and sides.

 

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

 

I like to keep things simplified by wearing mostly twist-outs and braid-outs. 10-12 large braids/twists. I always do my hair before bedtime and let it air dry over night.

 

5. What's your go to hairstyle(s)

TwoStrandTwistOuts and BraidOuts for sure!!

 

6. Do you have a specific wash regimen?

 

Absolutely! I wash my hair atleast 2 times per week. I've found that keeping my scalp clean causes my hair to grow faster.

 

1st wash is always cowashing (Suave Naturals Conditioner in Tropical Coconut)

2nd wash, usually midway through the week, is just a thorough rinsing...water only.

**I only shampoo/clarify my hair once per month**

 

7. What are some of your favorite hair products?

 

Suave Naturals, olive oil, and my homemade Shea Butter and Coconut Oil concoction.

 

8. So you have any natural hair goals?

 

Ultimately, my primary focus is to have healthy hair. Length retention means nothing if your hair is damaged. 

Goals:

1. Heat free for 6 months continuously.

2. Become more creative when it comes to styling.

 

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

 

Like anything else, going natural and chemical free is a process that requires patience. Results are not apparent over night. What works for others, may not be benificial to you. You have to be willing to do a little experimenting to find out what works best for you and your hair. At the end of the day, it is just hair and you have to grow to love what the Lord blessed you with.

 

10. How can you be contacted?

 

brickleyy07@gmail.com  IG @brickleyy

Protective style challenge, starting August 2013

Good morning all! 

I will be starting a protective style challenge in a couple days. This challenge will be from August of 2013 and will end February 2014. So this will go on for approximately 5 months. 

This challenge will consist of protective styles only, that I will be wearing my hair in consistently. Mostly weaves and maybe braids. This Thursday I will be having a kinky curly weave installed and will be keeping it in for 8 weeks max. (2 months). In between the weaves, I will be giving my hair breaks periodically for 2 weeks at the most. During the breaks, I will be trimming my ends, deep conditioning, and making sure my hair is cared for, before braiding it back up for a sew in. So consistently; I will be protective styling, taking a break, protective styling,taking a break  and etc. until February of next year. My goal is to see not only how long my hair will get within that 5-6 month timeframe but to see how effective weave actually will be for my hair, and how effective not using heat is. Once I get my hair installed this weekend, I will post pictures and show & tell!  There will be a post to follow on "How to care for your natural hair under weaves". Let me know if you guys have any questions. Thanks for reading!

-Dani

Buns, protective styles and such...

Hey guys!

As of lately, I haven't been doing much with my hair. I've been wearing it in buns through the week and wearing braid outs on the weekends. The weather here in Cleveland has been kind of funky. Random rain showers, humidity and rainy mist have caused me to stop wearing my hair out so much. When any type of moisture comes in contact with my hair, it shrinks up like nobody's business. I'm used to it, but it's kind of annoying especially when I take the time to braid it so it can be in a stretched out style. Shrinkage comes with the natural territory and sometimes it can be a pain in the butt! 

Buns are my best protective style now days, especially when I use the dreadlock hair I purchase from my local BSS (beauty supply store) to add to it.  When adding the extra hair my ends are protected and I spray my hair with water daily. 

I will be doing a review on the Eden Bodyworks hair glaze I purchased about a month ago, and more guest features from fellow naturals will be coming soon! 

Stay tuned,

-Dani

Product review & apologies.....

Hi guys,

I know, I know. Don't kill me! I've been away for a spell. My apologies! So much has been going on within the past couple months! Holidays, traveling, business ventures. I have been one BUSY woman!  Not to mention, that my hair has been in a protective style for the past month or so... I've been wearing my u part wig, and I recently got a full sew in with bangs while out of town for the July 4th holiday!!! Janice (my hair) needed a break! I definitely enjoyed the change I received with having some long flowing yaki hair in lol. It was nice not to have to detangle and twist up my fro for a while. 

Anyways, I recently took down the hair this weekend. My head was itching, and i was over it. lol I kept the sew in, in for a solid 3 weeks.  Anyone who knows me knows I get tired of things VERY quickly and I love change.  Besides, I was missing Janice (my fro) so much. The night I took it down, I decided to use a new product I bought while in Atlanta. I finally got to try the new Cantu Shea butter leave in repair cream with argan oil. 

There is another formula of this cantu Shea butter without the argan oil. This is the newest version! I braided my hair in plaits, and used this to braid with. 

I sectioned my hair in medium sized sections and raked this product through my entire head. I placed a generous amount on my ends as well. I put on my satin bonnet and went to sleep. 

Morning time came, I unraveled the braids & these were the results 

Soft, manageable, fluffy hair! The definition wasn't as good as I liked, but I can look past that because my hair was super soft! This product as of now, definitely gets a 5/5 from me. It's a thick, creamy, moisturizing leave in with a great smell! Left my hair soft and manageable. The real test will be when I use this on wet hair. I then sealed my hair with one of my fav products, carols daughter hair balm. 

The cantu Shea butter can be purchased at any Walmart, Walgreens, CVS or Target! Let me know if you guys have questions or concerns!!!! 

-Dani

New goodies!

While visiting family in Atlanta for the 4th of July weekend, I picked up some natural hair goodies!

1. Eden Bodyworks coconut Shea control edge glaze ( provides a firm , manageable hold along the hair line to preserve hairstyles

2. Cantu Shea butter leave in with argan oil ( a deep penetrating leave in conditioner that can be used for daily styling)

Reviews coming soon! 

Up north (Ohio), it's been hard to find these 2 new products on the ground. So excited to try them!! 

Homemade products/deep conditioner

Homemade deep conditioner! Works great every time. I only use this homemade concoction if I feel like my hair is feeling a little limp, and needs a boost of strength. 

This deep conditioner consists of :

1/2 cup EVOO (extra virgin olive oil )

2 tsbp of grapseed oil

1/2 cup mayonnaise 

1/4 cup of honey

1/2 of a banana 

It makes a creamy consistency, doesn't smell so hot, but works great nonetheless. Don't forget to use your heated bonnet to help get that conditioner working on those strands!

Ill be using this conditioner this coming weekend. Stay tuned!

Review: Shea Moisture African Black Soap bar

Let me start out by saying that I have extremely sensitive, dry, blotchy skin. I also have mild to moderate eczema. I have tried many and every type of bath wash, oatmeal scrub, sensitive skin wash and such to help with the itching and sensitivity in all weather conditions. I decided to try the Shea Moisture African Black Soap bar. I've seen it many times before in Walgreens, target and some Walmart's, but never thought to try it. I picked it up on a whim one day when I stopped in to get some other things. When I hopped in the shower, the first thing I noticed was the wonderful smell. It lathered very well, and it rinsed well also. 

The only thing I did NOT like was the black/dark residue that it left in my shower. (I guess that's fine since I have to clean the tub anyways). Once out of the shower my skin was not extremely dry,nor itchy. My skin smelled amazing and felt soft and smooth. I'd give this product a 4/5, only because its not perfect, but did a good job at soothing the dry spots and eczema on my skin. This can also be used for people who have acne prone skin, psoriasis or other skin conditions. Check it out guys and let me know what you think.

-Dani