Quickie: Two Strand Twists for Men

I love two strand twists!!! Love them, love them, LOVE them. They're not just for the ladies though, men can wear them too! The process for the twists is the same for males and females. One difference that I do make when doing two strands on guys is the size and position of them. Most guys don't want a bang of twists for example. When I do other people's hair I take a little more care than when I do my own to make sure it's the best, it'll last, and that they come back.

I always start the two strands in the back at the nape of the neck and work my way forward. When doing guys hair I don't work in quarters, instead I work in rows if that makes sense. So, starting in the very back I part a row of hair to twist, and clip the rest of the hair up, and out of the way. If the hair's dry, I spray it; add product, and then twist. When the row is done I part a new one and repeat. The twists closest to the neck are small so that they hold and won't come undone from shirts, coats, or anything rubbing. Hair around the edges of the head and near the front generally are small too. The section in the middle, on guys, I typically twist a little bigger than I would on myself.

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What I Used:

• Wide toothed comb
• Hair clips
• Spray bottle (water, lavender EO mix)
• Eco Styler Argon Oil Gel

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You're able to wash your hair still while wearing two strands. If your scalp isn't too dirty you can co-wash -- meaning cleanse your scalp using conditioner to get rid of dirt and product without the 'poo (shampoo that is). Two strands can last as long as you're willing to let them, or maintain them. A second style for the fellas, undo the two strands and wear a twist out. At night you should protect your hair by wearing some type of satin cap, and/or sleeping on a satin pillow case. I don't know many men who own, or at least admit to owning, satin cases, so the head cap will work  ^_~"

Quickie: Stuffed Twisted Updo

I saw this style while surfing YouTube videos last week and decided to try it. The channel I saw the video on was PrettyDimples. You can find a link to her channel under my "Links" tab up top!!

I've been celebrating my birthday, my friend's birthday, and other Virgo's birthdays ALL month! I wanted to do something different with my hair for the last party we would be having. This style was simple enough to do, and didn't require me buying anything for it.


What I Used:

• Rat-tail comb
• Hair clips
• 1 pack of braiding hair
• Eco Styler Argon Oil Gel (find out more about it H E R E !! )
• Bobby pins
• Lighter

I started by washing my hair, adding leave-in conditioner, then blow drying it. A small section on braiding hair was folded in half, and then the fold was heated with the lighter, molded with my fingers to make a point, and then lined up with the beginning of the parted twist. Each twist has a piece of braid hair that I used to stuff the twist. After forming the twist as far as possible incorporating your own hair, keep twisting tightly to make the braid hair roll. You'll start to get the crazy twisted coils. Keep twisting til you're at the end of the braid hair, then secure with a bobby pin.

The finish results were my variation on the how-to video. I prefer bigger twists to smaller ones. Making big twists limited how much hair was left over to twist into the spirals pinned on the side. If you used smaller twists then the spiral section, in the end, will be fuller. Over all I'm happy with this style. I've gotten SO many compliments on it from friends, co workers and even strangers.

The entire style took me about 45 minutes total to do. I always multitask when it comes to doing my hair, so it usually takes me longer than if I just focused on it. The twisted updo is one I'd suggest for someone who's transitioning, wants a protective style, or just something different.

It's day 4 with this style and it's still holding strong. At night I use a satin hair scarf to protect the edges of my hair, and then cover the remaining hair with a satin hair bonnet. I also sleep on a satin pillow case-- if you don't own one, get one!! It'll be one of your hairs best friends  ^_^"

Essential Oils

Recently I had the pleasure of trying and learning even more about essential oils (EO). I've had some people ask me questions about using essential oils, what they actually were, and their uses. Some answers were provided in a previous EO post H E R E !!  After doing more research, and from the help of doTERRA here's what I've found.

FACTS:

• 50 to 70 times more powerful than herbs
• 1 drop of peppermint essential oil = 28 cups of peppermint tea
• Fight some viruses and bacteria

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There are 3 ways to use Essential Oils

1. Aromatic-- Breath in or use a diffuser. Kills germs in the air, opens airways, affects moods
2. Topical-- Applied to a specific area such as the head, ears, chest, back
3. Internal-- Depends on the EO. Can relieve issues such in the throat and digestive system

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Some oils I own are: 

Grapefruit-- EO are gathered from the rinds of the fruit. The acid in grapefruit can help seal your hair after washings. Try doing a rinse with this and other citrus EO

Lemon-- EO are gathered from the rinds of the fruit. Diffusing this EO can help cleanse a room. With this and other citrus EO you have to be careful if applying topically, then going into the sun. The citrus can magnify the sun's rays and make your skin sensitive to it.

Ylang Ylang-- Often used as a perfume. It has calming properties and can be mixed with coconut oil for the hair. It can also be used as a dandruff treatment

Peppermint-- Often used as a breathing and digestive aid, which is why you find products such as gum, toothpaste, antacids, etc. in peppermint flavor. It also stimulates the scalp, blood circulation, and can be added to a shampoo, or conditioner for added benefits.

Lavender-- Can be diffused and used as a calming aid and can help you sleep peacefully. This EO is good for sensitive skin if used in a water mixture spray for hair. It's also a natural antimicrobial, so it'll help fight germs.

Rosemary-- Another EO used for its abilities to help digestive issues, muscle aches and pains. A rinse made with this EO is good for oily hair and dandruff

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I've never thought about it before, but some EO can be used in food recipes too. The key is to make sure you check the contents of the EO you're using before ingesting it. Some EO out there can contain additives, so be mindful. A recipe I saw using EO was for salsa. Lime and cilantro EO were used in the recipe. I'm a big fan of salsa, so I'll probably try this out. You can find the recipe, and more information including spa treatments using EO  H E R E !! In case you didn't know I have another blog called Skinny Girls Can Throw Down Too, so be on the lookout for this recipe and more!!

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 EO have an almost limitless amount of benefits and uses. Here are some for the head:

Dandruff can be helped with lavender, rosemary, and cypress EO

• dilute the EO with water, massage into the scalp, then rinse after about an hour

Dehydrated Skin can benefit from lavender and geranium EO

• apply topically to the affected area

Dry Skin can benefit from lemon, geranium, and chamomile EO

• apply topically to the affected area

Eczema can benefit from geranium, thyme, and helichrysum EO

• apply topically to the affected area as needed

Hair Loss can be helped with thyme, rosemary, and lavender

• dilute 5 drops EO in a carrier oil (olive, jojoba, etc) and massage into scalp every night

Head Lice can be helped with lavender, lemon, and geranium EO

• dilute and apply to entire scalp, shampoo, and rinse 30 mins later. Repeat daily for several days

Itchiness can benefit from oregano, lavender, and peppermint EO

• apply topically to affected area as needed

Oily Hair can benefit from basil, thyme, and cypress EO

• add to shampoo when washing hair

Psoriasis can benefit from melaleuca, roman chamomile, and helichrysum

• apply topically to affected area a couple times a day

Sunburn can be helped with lavender, helichrysm, and melaleuca

• apply gently to affected area

I'm usually the type of person who sticks to what they know, especially when the "know" is a good one, and works! The usual brand of EO that I buy is Aura Cacia. You can read more about the brand, and learn details on specific EO  H E R E !!  EO by Aura Cacia I usually see at natural food stores, health stores, or just about anywhere that sells organic items, or supplements. The price I usually see for a bottle is about $12.


A new brand I've recently tried and like is by I Heart doTERRA. You can keep up with the happenings of doTerra by following on Twitter @iheardoterra or by visiting the site  H E R E !! On the site you can also get a FREE sample of EO to try.



Have you tried and essential oils yet? Which brands, which kinds, how do you use them? Let me know!!

Spotted: Business Woman

I love seeing women being highlighted for positive things in media--especially in important roles. Whether that be a political figure, a sports player, teacher, or a CEO it catches my attention every time. I love it when I see a woman being highlighted who also has natural hair. It's more common today than it has been in the past to see locs, for example, in a mainstream magazine. Not only to see them, but to have it talked about in a positive manner. 

I spotted this photo while reading the October 2011 Issue of Elle magazine. The woman in the photo is Malika Saada Saar and she is wearing Bantu knots. Bantu knots are a great protective styles to wear! When you tire of the knots, undo them and wear a knot-out. Who said that natural hair and professionalism don't go together?! Not only is she wearing her hair she's making big changes in the world!




"Attorney; founder of The Rebecca Project for Human Rights, 40"

This was one photo, of many, that talked about women who, "dress by the book and those who never do what they're told." The women were asked their fashion secrets. Here's what Malika had to say:

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"As a human rights lawyer, I'm very mindful of dressing in a manner that conveys strength. I choose the black suit, of course! With heels. And my hair in Bantu knots -- or, as my daughter refers to them: 'mommy's swords and shields.'"

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If you visit Malika's website: The Rebecca Project for Human Rights you're greeted with a ton of information, success stories, ways her program is helping women internationally. Who is Rebecca? How was this program named? There's a touching explanation to these questions. Read the story H E R E !! 

Things The Rebecca Project Tackles:

• A woman who was a trafficking victim is now helping others by getting a website shut down
• Advocating for rights of incarcerated mother's. Ex: They're to be cuffed while giving birth, then are given a polaroid of their child
• Putting a spotlight on the sex trafficking of children in America
• Educating and empowering girls in Africa to be involved socially and politically
• Providing summer leadership and mentor programs for teenage girls to empower them into leadership

An issue The Rebecca Project helped with that many may remember is the Craigslist human trafficking issue. This is a serious issue that knowingly and unknowingly affects a huge amount of people worldwide. One of my first posts was on child labor, which is a form of trafficking. To check that out visit H E R E !!

Quickie: Poof

The poof, or puff, is definitely one of my favorite ways to wear my hair. I like them simply because they're easy to do, can be worn causally or dressed up. You can make a puff from an old twist out, blow out, braid out, wash n go, and more. It's a style that can be worn in many many different ways!!

This morning's go around with the poof was a simple 2 minute style. I had an appointment to get to that I was running late for. Only a couple of things were needed for this. They include:

1. A hair ribbon
2. Spray bottle (I let the shower mist my hair instead)
3. Accessories (optional)

Just woke up and am in a hurry!! This is an old blow out that I was using. Note the black hair ribbon around my neck.

Making sure the ribbon is even I tie it around my head once, then adjust if necessary.

Here you can see how it's tied. It's like you tie the laces on your shoes before you make the bunny ears ^_^"  Make sure you don't make this first tie too tight!! You don't want to give yourself a headache or cause tension on your hairline.

Bringing the hanging  pieces of ribbon around the back of my head the same tie is repeated. Again, make sure you don't tie it too tight!! This is where you can decide on the position and size of your poof. If you want it smaller pull the ribbon more towards the center of your head. If you want it bigger leave the ribbon closer to the edges of your head.

****After you make 1 tie in front, and 1 tie in back you are able to adjust the poof if you choose to. At this time you can also loosen, or tighten the ribbon.****

My hair ribbon's long so 1 more tie in the front will do for this style. It's not necessary to tie this last one tight, because the poof is secured already from the first two. This last tie is really done to get the excess out of the way.

There ya have it!! A poof! I tied the ends of the hair ribbon into a bow. If you'd like you can tuck them into the pieces that are wrapped around your head to hide the ends. My poof looks on the small side here, but believe me there wasn't anything small about it.

I actually redid my poof to tame the size down a little. Here's a side shot!!

Extras You Can Try:

• If you'd like your edges smooth- before even adding the ribbon smooth a little product on your edges and smooth with a brush
• To jazz up your poof- try adding a hair flower in the front near your ear
• Add fancy chop sticks to the side of your poof
• To add color- use a decorative ribbon instead of a black one like I did
• Add a cool headband to the front for a different look
• If your hair's dried out- mist it with an essential oil-water mixture before styling

When taking pictures for this I noticed my hair color. I recently henna'd my hair for the first time. When it was wet I could easily see the color different, but after it dried not so much. At least I couldn't see it--others said they could. I like it, there will be posts on that project coming soon. Subscribe so you can keep in touch  ^_~"

Quickie: Protective Style

Protective styles in the form of extensions were something I loved while my hair was transitioning. It took some of the anxiety I was having off of my shoulders. A simple but cute age appropriate style was OK in my book.



Simple corn rows


It took the stylist about 30 minutes to complete this style for me. With the ends down they reached just below my shoulders.


To switch up this style here are some ideas:

• Twisted the hanging hair into a bun that was off centered at the nape of my neck
• Add a hair flower just above my ear
• Braid the hanging hair into one big braid
• Make a pony tail that hangs over your shoulder

You can dress this hair style up by:

• Adding chunk earrings with the hair pulled back
• Add a big hair accessory, such as a flower
• Make a pony tail using a decorative scarf
• Form a head band out of a decorative scarf

To extend the life of this style:

• At night put hair in loose pony tail, then cover with a satin bonnet or scarf
• Washing your hair is still possible, just massage shampoo in between the braids, then air dry
• If your scalp gets dry or itchy massage oil on it before bed
• Sleep on a satin pillow case if there's no bonnet or scarf available

This protective style could've lasted a good month or more if I wanted it to. I'm particular when it comes to braids in my hair. These were removed after too much fuzzy hair was showing in the braids from me washing, and from normal wear.

To remove I cut a good majority of the hanging hair off. This made it easier for me to undo the braids. If you do this make sure not to go too high, so you don't chop off your own hair!! Afterwards be sure to deep condition your hair before styling again.

Naturally Meet: Toia

Toia is an AWESOME photographer I had the pleasure of meeting, and working with on multiple occasions!!!! I was drawn to her work, because she has no boundaries. Toia doesn't limit her work to rail thin, salon perfect hair wearing, flawless skinned, 6'8" models. Her spectrum and mind are much more open than that. She is very true to herself, her work, and life. I love that in her! Even though she's been SUPER busy she managed to help me out by answering some questions, and providing great info for me to pass on. Here's your turn to Naturally Meet, Miss Toia!

When did you become natural? May of 2006 was my last relaxer.

Did you transition, or do the Big Chop? I transitioned first and then did my big chop on January 26, 2007 after watching Malcolm X.

What influenced you to become natural? I admired the uniqueness of being natural. I had tried to transition for five years before I actually went natural. Then, I met a local photographer who traveled all over the world taking images of beautiful people in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. I saw one image of a girl with really strong African Features. She was from West Africa. I thought she was not attractive, and I wondered what made him choose her to be photographed. He told me that he thought she was beautiful. I felt a bit guilty, because I realized as old as I was that I had been taught to hate those features that are unique to Africans and African Americans. It was self hate. I felt ashamed. I kept looking at the image, and I realized that I shared the same features (wide nose and full lips), but that I was somewhat of a hypocrite, because I hid mine behind a long silky wrap of chemically relaxed hair. I decided at that moment to go natural and to stand firm in my decision this time

What's the best thing about being natural? The cost! Economically, it is cheaper (besides experimenting with different products on my hair). I no longer have to spend 65 dollars for a relaxer. Also, I do not miss sitting in a chair for hours on end. I'm so glad that's not me anymore! 

Top 3 fave products? Carol's Daughter Hair Milk, Hello Hydration Moisturizing Conditioner, and Apple Cider Vinegar.

What's your hair routine? In the summer, I wash with an apple cider vinegar rinse in the shower. I then use a cheap conditioner to comb through to detangle. After that, I rinse thoroughly and then apply either the hair milk OR the conditioner (depending how my funds are). I never comb it after detangling. I allow it to dry with the product on, in ringlets. In the mornings, I shower and allow the mist to spray my hair and I may apply a little more product as needed. In the winter, I have my hair wish, blow dried and flat ironed professionally, or sometimes I do it at home.

What do you love the most about being natural? I love the versatility and my hair seems so much healthier. It's growing like a wild fire!  

More Information provided by Toia:

~~~~If you're interested in learning more about the Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse  H E R E !!  is a helpful how-to video.

~~~~Want to learn how to condition your hair like Toia described above? Watch this how-to video H E R E !! This is what Toia had to say about it:

"I also condition and comb my hair through in the shower. After doing this, I NEVER comb my hair again. I put the next product in and let it dry in ringlets. That's if I'm doing the conditioner only. In this video, the girl uses a plastic brush to define her curls, but I don't like it. It makes my hair too flat, so I just let it air dry with conditioner after conditioning in the shower. I use a cheap conditioner in the shower and rinse it out. I use a heavier one after showering and let it air dry with the conditioner in it."

~~~~I myself have used the Conditioner Only Method. You can find more information on how to do this H E R E !! This site shows you the results of this method on different hair types.  

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Helpful links for networking, videos, and more hair information:

• Rustic Beauty via YouTube  (she doesn't have a channel anymore but you can search for old videos)
• Curly Chronicles via YouTube 
• Pretty Dimples via YouTube 
• For Networking 
• Nappturality 
• Grow Afro Hair Long 

The following are some photos of me that Toia has skillfully taken! Remember these photos are protected, copyrighted, and permission for any and all use must strictly have permission from Toia herself.

Wearing a Twist Out

Two Strand Flat Twists on the side with loose two strand twists in the back

Small two strand twists

 You may find more about the wonderful Toia, her craft, and maybe a photo or two of me    H E R E !!

 

It's My (BC) Anniversary!!

I am coming up on the anniversary of my BIG CHOP (BC)!!! Deciding to go chemical free wasn't a hard decision for me. Up until I started college I actually didn't relax my hair. What pushed me into doing it was I honestly had no idea how to do my hair. Sounds bad right??

Well, back home I was able to go to a salon once a week to have someone else manage my huge head of hair. Being 100 plus miles away I was lost and confused. After relaxing it I STILL had to learn how to do my hair. Relaxing my hair wasn't the simple fix I thought it would be. The "I need my hair relaxed" phase lasted about a year or so before I was sick of it. To me, there was more maintenance, upkeep, and rules (no chlorine, avoid the rain, dance too hard and your curls will disappear, etc) that needed to be followed.

There were two attempts at transitioning my relaxed hair back into my natural state. They both failed! Failed either because it hurt SOOOOO bad to comb my hair that I couldn't take it and was near tears, or because my hair was breaking off badly. Both of these reasons caused me to go to town on my hair with scissors and a relaxer kit! The end results were super cute, but that's not the point. As you've probably heard before, the third try was the charm for me   ^_^"  What actually made a difference my third time around was I had a close friend who did a BC, and had met other people who already had natural hair. They helped me learn some things along with a hair dresser I started going to.

Strike 2: relaxed and cut my hair

Strike 1: layered and relaxed my hair

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Research was a big help in me transitioning. I did an online search for salons in the city that had stylists who specialized in natural and/or textured hair, then went from there. It was important to me that I had a full in person conversation with the person that I would be trusting to do my hair. There have been plenty of times I've went to salons and the stylists are confused, don't know where to begin, call others over to see, tell me it's going to cost more, ask me how I do my hair, so they can do it.....there is no way I'm sitting in your chair and letting you do anything if your initial reaction to my hair is even remotely similar to these!!!!

Luckily I did find a salon, and they offered a free consultation with the stylist. Some of the things I felt helpful that he asked, suggested, mentioned were:

• What was my over all goal with my hair. (Health, length, etc.)
• What products was I currently using? (Shampoo, oil sheen, hair spray, etc.)
• Mentioned the good/bad of specific products I named that I used. (Pantene for Natural, oil sheen, etc.)
• Suggested quality products I could find at stores myself. (Ex. Mizani)
• Asked about my typical hair routine. (How often I wash, what tools do I use, etc.)
• Explained why I had the issues I currently did (Breakage, etc.)
• Explained how different hair textures had different needs (Less oil, more moisture, etc.)

In my opinion this consultation was one of the best things I could've done. We ended our consultation with him giving me a haircut. Since I was terrified of cutting off ALL of my hair at once, he suggested that I get a shorter style and start there. Cutting my hair a few inches at a time helped keep the ends healthy, let me retain a comfy length, and slowly remove the relaxed hair. I'd get about 2 inches cut once a month. When I was finally left with a few inches of relaxed hair and the rest was a comfortable length for me I was ready. My hair was still short, but it wasn't too short that I didn't feel good about it. If you're in doubt or self conscious it'll show no matter how sweet your haircut is.



Courtesy of Mr. "Don't Use My Gov't Name" aka UIPHOTOS ^_^
Check him AND more of me out   H E R E !!



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It took about 6 months for me to finally say, "DO IT!" The picture above is what was left when every single chemically relaxed strand of hair was gone from my head and I loved it!! It's been a rap ever since and I haven't turned back.

The journey definitely wasn't always easy, and I honestly have had my fair share of discouraging time, but as you can see I'm still going strong! Some things I did to keep my head up before and after my BC was:

• Talk to friends and strangers who were chemical free to find out tips, get help, etc.
• Find blogs online for how-to's, product suggestions
• Splurge on products in clearance bins to try for cheap
• Join "Meet Up" groups that are geared towards natural hair, or just the interest
• Keep in touch with your stylist for pointers
• Find local support groups/events
• Watch YouTube vlogs (keywords: natural hair, big chop, encouragement, natural hair styles, etc.)
• Be open to trying new styles, or accessories you wouldn't have before
• Remember that opinions are just that..opinions, and everyone has one (family and close friends included)
• Search for books at your local library

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The last time I had a relaxer put in my hair (take #3) was fall of 2007. I transitioned from there to my BC in 2008! So for about 4 years I've been relaxer free. Occasionally I would get my hair cut into different styles, and of course keep up with trims as needed. My hair grows fast, but maintaining HEALTHY hair is my biggest goal so losing a couple of inches to make sure it's at its best doesn't worry me. I'm having fun trying new styles, meeting people (chemical free or not), and learning new things about hair in general. It's definitely been a journey with some bumps, but I'm in it for the long haul!

Dandruff vs. Dry Scalp

Did you know that there's a difference between having a dry scalp and having dandruff? There is, and other scalp conditions are often mistaken for having dandruff.

Since skin cells are so small, most of the time your skin cells are replaced, or flake off without you noticing. There are a number of things that can cause skin cells to shed more often in large oily patches. These patches are what make a difference between dandruff and dry scalp.

Some Causes of Dandruff:

• Allergies to hair products, or their ingredients
• Some medications can have a side effect of dandruff
• Eczema, psoriasis, and other dermatitis can cause a form of dandruff
• A fungus called Malassezia
• Certain illnesses such as Parkinson's disease
• Having a compromised immune system

Some Causes of Dry Scalp:

• Washing your hair with hard water can remove needed oils and moisture
• Being dehydrated or not eating right can effect your oil glands in your scalp
• Over blow drying, using curling irons, flat irons, and other heated hair tools
• Over using shampoos, or using ones that contain sulfates (read the ingredients)
• Over using hair products that have harsh chemicals such as a high alcohol content
• Simply dry weather

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Dry Scalp




VS.



Dandruff



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What is dandruff??

Dandruff is a mixture of dead skin cells, and sebum (oil) clumped together. It usually has a yellow tint to it and can be flaky. In severe cases there's actual scalp tissue, bacteria, and/or fungus in the mix too.

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What is dry scalp??

Dry scalp is dehydrated and/or shedding dead skin cells. It usually is white in color and flaky.

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Need Help with Dry Scalp?

• Drink plenty of water. It'll help keep your skin (scalp) hydrated.
• Don't wash your hair daily
• Minimize the use of heated hair tools, or use cool air to if you must blow dry
• Use a shampoo that's specialized for dry scalp
• Try a hot oil treatment of coconut, olive, or caster oil!!!
• Use essential oils such as: tea tree, rosemary, or peppermint, which all help dry scalp

Need Help with Dandruff?

• Try a specialized shampoo that's sulfur, tar, or zinc based
• In extreme cases prescription steroid creams are helpful
• Use lukewarm water to wash hair so no further damage is done to the scalp
• Identify allergens and irritants of your skin, then avoid them if possible
• If all else fails, it may be time to visit a dermatologist
• Stressed? Try to relax. Stress can cause oil glands to go out of whack. Either producing too much oil (causing pimples) or not producing enough (irritating current conditions)

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I've never had to personally deal with dandruff. Knock on wood that I won't have to. Dry scalp is a different story! My favorite way to deal with dry scalp is to use hot oil treatments!! I have a few concoctions that I pull out, so be on the watch for that!!

Also don't forget to subscribe and/or follow me   ^_~"   You can now subscribe by simply typing your email into the box at the top and hitting submit!!!

Product Quickie

There are so many stores that sell hundreds of products. What's the best store to buy hair products at--I'm not sure. It depends on what you're looking for and your budget. A lot of products I use, or try, I find randomly. I might be at the store for socks, and see there's clearance shelves full of conditioner, and there it is! I'll show you some products that I use, describe them, tell where I found them, and how much.

I've used Eco Styler gel for some time now. Just recently was the variation with Argan Oil was discovered by me. Eco Styler with olive oil was the version that I was familiar with. It was mostly used to smooth down the edges of my hair, for flat twists, and wash n go's. Notice the difference in size of these two containers.

Eco Styler Argan Oil Gel:

• Bought at Sally's Beauty Supply
• 32 ounces
• Cost about $8
•  Alcohol Free
• 100% Pure Argan Oil
• My uses: wash n go's, edge smoother, flat twists

Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel:

• Bought at Dollar General Store
• 16 ounces
• Cost about $5
• Alcohol Free
• 100% Pure Olive Oil
• My uses: wash n go's, edge smoother, flat twists

My favorite way to do wash n go's, and probably the easiest, is to simply use conditioner. If I'm in a hurry, or know that I'll be doing my hair later in the day, I'll use a cheap conditioner. Conditioner is the easiest and quickest way to define my curls after washing/wetting it. I choose a cheap one, because I can afford to use a ton of it at a time. If I pay $15 for conditioner it's not going to be used up in one day--just saying. Suave Naturals is my go to cheap conditioner for quick wash n go's! I like the smell of coconut, so Tropical Coconut is the scent I choose.

Suave Naturals: Tropical Coconut

• Bought at: Dollar General Store
• 15 ounces
• Cost $1
• Water based
• Contains honey, rosemary, and coconut extract
• My uses: wash n go's

Lustrasilk is great for deep conditioning. This helped me a lot while I was transitioning! Your hair feels soft, smells great, and is easily detangled after using this. There are a few different kinds out there, but these are the two that I use the most. I see these often at just about any store I go to that sell hair products. The only difference, like with the Eco Styler, is probably the price. After washing my hair I use a couple of hand fulls of this, and soak my hair, then cover with a shower cap for at least 30 mins before rinsing.

Lustrasilk Tea Tree- liquid cholesterol (blue):

• Bought at: local hair store
• 20 ounces
• Cost: about $5
• Contains vitamin E, tea tree oil, soybean oil, safflower oil, peanut oil, rosehips extract
• Great for dry, itchy scalp
• My uses: deep conditioning, wash n go's

Lustasilk Herbal- cholesterol (orange):

• Bought at: local hair store
• 20 ounces
• Cost: about $5
• Contains carrot oil, rosemary oil, sage
• Great for damaged, relaxed, and chemically treated hair
• My uses: deep conditioning

I try to keep an eye out for clearance bins of random products. When products are super cheap it's a great time to buy and try! Even travel sizes are cool if you're curious about something, but don't want to spend the money on the full bottle. Walmart usually has a clearance isle. I've found tons of hair products, tools, accessories there before. I'll keep you posted if I find a good haul!

Do you have any products to add to the list? Know of any places for hair products? Comment below ^_~"

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Warning: High Heat

Did you know.... that using a heated hair tool that's too hot can permanently damage your hair after just one use?? Yep, it's true! This damage causes the cuticle to stay straight and not return to its curly state even after many washes.

Did you know.... that your hair can literally boil from heated hair tools if they're not properly used? When this happens the keratin softens and can explode.


Magnified you can see the heat damage--bubbles were caused
Image from: pgbeautygroomingscience.com



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The 1st piece of hair gets the tool when it's at its hottest and in its most damaging state!!
Example of heat damage from a styling tool--courtesy of my cousin

 Did you know.... that different hair types (straight, curly, wavy, and thin, etc.) have temperature limits when it comes to heat?


Do you use the suggested amount of heat? Too much, too little?
Image from: Folica.com


Did you know.... that the smoke you see while blow drying is actually moisture evaporating from your hair! This can cause serious damage that can't be repaired.


Image from: wikipedia.com



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Photos of Heat Damage:



Magnified Split Ends
How to fix--cut them off! If you ignore
them, they can travel up the hair shaft.



THIS is what my patch of hair looked like when I tried to hot comb it!!!
The only difference was that the damaged remains were in the crown of my head. There was NO hiding them!



Healthy hair over length! If you focus on the over all
health; the length will come.



Over processing your hair with chemicals can result in the same damage as putting too much heat on it!

****TIPS****

~~Always flat iron clean and conditioned hair! This can help minimize possible damage.

~~It's best to towel dry your hair as much as possible before blow drying. Blow dry on medium-low heat.

~~Invest in a good flat iron. The money spent is well worth the protection and outcome of your hair!!

~~Always use heating tools that YOU can control the temperature of! Off-On buttons aren't going to cut it.

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Ways to Protect Your Hair:

• Check to see if the flat iron you bought also has heat protecting products
• Use the lowest recommended setting to begin
• Recognize different textures (if any) in your hair. Different sections may need different amounts of heat
• Never style wet hair!! Make sure your hair is 100% dry
• Use shampoos/conditioners that assist in straight styles. That way you won't have to apply heat daily
• Blow dry/flat iron in sections. Smaller sections will need less time under heat vs. a thick section
• If heat's a must--deep condition weekly to prevent damage
• When possible--air dry your hair
• Try heat activated products
• Follow the directions that actually come with your styling tools

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You shouldn't be afraid of heat, or avoid it completely. With all things, moderation, information, and protection are the key!! At least in theory right ^_^  Me personally, I use a flat iron, and blow drier, but on rare occasions. It only takes one time for damage to be done though! There are ways to help protect your hair against the heat of styling tools.

Heat can also be a positive thing for you hair. When conditioning, the reason it's advised to rinse with lukewarm water, or to wear a warm towel/shower cap, is because of the heat. Heat "opens up" your hair allowing for the conditioner to be absorbed. If the heat source is too hot, yes damage may be done.

Are there any products that you use to help prevent heat damage?

Have you had to deal with damage done by you, or a stylist??

Is there a brand of styling tools you'd recommend???

Comment below!!!