Saturday, May 30, 2009

Just Pictures, Nothing Special...but I LOVE this Hair!









Here are some pictures I just wanted to show how much I love this hair that she used for my micros! I think its a good blend and it actually looks better than the wet and wavy. Excuse the frizzes but I have to wear a hat where I work and its on ALLLLL DAY! I am also thinking that because this hair is straight it allows me to better moisturize all my hair.

Tip: Peppermint oil



Peppermint oil is useful in hair care. It acts as a stimulant. It gives you that cooling affect that lets you know it's doing SOMETHING! It also removes dandruff and lice. I prefer to apply it to my scalp after I moisturize.
You should never apply peppermint oil directly to your hair. Its good to massage it into your scalp. It must be diluted! Mix two drops pure peppermint oil to 4 oz of water. Well that's what the site recommend but I mix like 10 drops into half a spray bottle of water so you know my head be on FIRE! LOL, its actually not that bad. I apply it at night so its very soothing and I am able to sleep better.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

March 2009 – May 2009 Strand Comparison


Here is a comparison of my hair strand from March 09 – 25 May 2009 (last night).These are two dry pieces. Its looks like I got about an inch. If that is the case then I can only assume that my hair grew at the ½ rate it is expected to grow. Now don’t get me wrong that is not a fact but I will hope to definitely see a good amount of growth once I take these braids down.

May 25, 2009 Texture Shot



Here is a shot of my texture. This is the point where the new growth meets the relaxed hair. This picture shows you how thin your hair looks when you relax.

Your Fastest Growth Cycle

Do you know the time or months that your hair grows a lot more than normal?

I was going through my pictures on my harddrive and I noticed that my hair seems to thrive from Aug-Dec. When August comes around I will make sure I pay extra attention to how much growth I got.







Sunday, May 24, 2009

New Growth PICTURES!!





Let's see I have had these braids since...ummm April 2009 and this is the new growth I have gotten so far. I guess this is okay. I haven't compared it to anything yet but I think its a good amount for a month. Come onnnnnnnnnn APL! This time if I am not APL I'm cutting it BALD! *cough* Ummm ya'll know I'm joking right? LOL! Also I am loving how moisturized my braids look in these pictures. They look like they are wet but they are not.

ETA: This is a picture took on 29 May 2009:



ETA: Took this picture on 03 June 2009

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Blog Under Construction..


Hello blog buddies! I am trying to update this site. Look up and you will see my menu bar. I have been searching for soooo long on how to do this but today I finally found out how to do it! So anyway. I made the different menu topics and now I have to go back and change the label in over 200 posts! :( So if you click on one and its jacked up or there is 1 post in it....MY BAD!!!! LOL! I will try to finish this B4 the week is out. Also for you bloggers who wanna do this to your blog here is the site: Add Menu Bar. I like sharing information unlike some people. :)

Product Review: Paul Mitchell: Super-Charged Moisturizer

Info:

Price Range: $12-$21 on amazon

INTENSE HYDRATING TREATMENT
Imparts Deep Moisture – This deep, weekly moisture treatment incorporates panthenol, soy proteins and vitamin E for extra conditioning and protection
Improves Elasticity – Providing deep down moisture improves the elasticity resulting in more manageable, healthy looking hair
Enhances Shine – The blend of aloe, chamomile, rosemary and jojoba provides high shine

Ingredients:

Water (Aqua), Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Stearalkonium Chloride, Bisamino PEG/PPG-41/3 Aminoethyl PG-Propyl Dimethicone, Hedychium Coronarium (White Ginger)/PEG-12 Dimethicone, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Bisamino PEG/PPG-41/3 Aminoethyl PG-Propyl Dimethicone/Algae/Aloe Barbadensis Leaf/Anthemis Nobilis/Lawsonia Inermis (Henna)/Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba)/Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary)/PEG-12 Dimethicone, Lecithin, Glycerin, Wheatgermamidopropyl Ethyldimonium Ethosulfate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Citric Acid, Fragrance (Parfum), DMDM Hydantoin, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbarnate.



Review: 4 Stars, next to my Mizani Hyrdafuse! It's kinda pricey but worth every penny. The product is thick but once on the hair it provides incredible softness!

Using Mayonnaise


After reading an article over on another site I was tempted to purchase some Mayo. I remember back in the days my aunt used to slap it on my hair. My hair used to feel thicker for some reason or I guess you would say it had more volume to it and was stronger. Well last night I took some mayo and applied it to my braids in sections and saran wrapped it for 30 minutes.
The Results: Aww man my hair and micros is soft and feels stronger. It just seems like lately I have been picking the best products for my hair.
Cons; I used the commercial brand (Hellman's) that is not recommended. As I type this I am looking for a different brand. Later on tonight I will take some pictures and post them.
ETA: Pictures


Okay so this is what I am going to order:


Mayonnaise, Organic (Squeeze Bottle)

Formerly Squeeze Organic Soy Mayonnaise: new name with same great taste
Creamy, tangy and whisked to a feathery lightness, our Organic Soybean Mayonnaise is made from fresh, organic ingredients the old-fashioned way. In a squeeze bottle for added convenience.

Ingredients
Expeller Pressed Organic Soybean Oil, Pasteurized Organic Whole Eggs, Water, Organic Honey, Organic White Vinegar, Sea Salt, Organic Mustard Flour, Organic Lemon Juice Concentrate. (Gluten Free)

Friday, May 22, 2009

ACV For Skin, Hair and Weight Loss..


Today I was over on LHCF and ran across a post about using Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) on your face. Now I heard of it doing something for the weight but never on the skin. So I started hunting on the internet for info. Its TRUE! I can't wait to get home to try it on my skin. I have some that has been sitting up for a couple of days now. Anyway here is what I found:

ACV and Weight Loss:

Adding organic apple cider vinegar to the mix will not only increase the nutritional value of your food, but will also help you shed those extra pounds!

A well-known natural weight loss option is a diet that includes organic apple cider vinegar. People have been using this beneficial vinegar to reduce weight and improve blood circulation for hundreds of years as it is extremely rich in vitamins and minerals. The combination of vitamins and the pH level of organic apple cider vinegar help to detoxify the body, speed up the metabolism and burn calories. Two tablespoons before a meal will help break down ingested fat. Dont 4get to mix with water!


ACV on Skin:

Apple cider vinegar is amazing stuff that has endless uses. One use is for skin problems, particularly blackheads.

Apple Cider Vinegar has not only proved beneficial to take internally but also offer as many topical health benefits too. When you incorporate apple cider vinegar into your body-care regimen, you will quickly find that you don’t need many of the commercial beauty aids. Many of which contain preservatives, and synthetic perfumes. Apple cider vinegar (ACV), on the other hand, is an all-natural remedy that helps the skin/scalp Ph balance. Healthy skin has a protective acid mantle that can be stripped away by overuse of alkaline body soaps. The skin is the largest organ of elimination; so maintaining an acid mantle assists the normal detoxification process.


For refreshing and deep cleansing face wash
Add 1 c. of ACV to basin of warm water to use as a refreshing face wash. For a steam deep cleanse, add 3 tablespoons of ACV to a pan of boiled water and lean your face over it. Cover your head with a towel for five minutes, allowing the steam to open up the pores and loosen any impurities from the skin’s surface.



Apple Cider Vinegar-for your hair/scalp PH balances
Dandruff and Itchy Scalp: add two teaspoons of ACV to a large glass of warm water. Lean your head over a sink and carefully pour the mixture over your entire scalp. Wrap your head in a towel for 15 minutes. Unwrap head, comb hair and then wash hair as usual. The acidic nature of ACV combined with its potent enzymes can help scalp problems such as dandruff, itchy scalp, baldness and thinning hair. Apple cider vinegar also stimulates hair follicles to encourage the growth of healthier


Among the ailments where ACV is very helpful are: High Cholesterol, Flu, Chronic Fatigue, Candida, Acid Reflux, Sore Throat, Arthritis, Contact Dermatitis, Allergies(food, insect, and environmental), High Blood Pressure, Poor Digestion(It Speed up metabolism), Ugly complexion, Premature Aging and a lot more.


Check out this story I also got from the web:

Story: At first I couldn't take the taste of ACV because they told me to drink it first thing in the morning but then I still do because I heard from a friend that it is really good for constipation. I want to lose some weight also and I have some rashes on my face and neck, so I decided to continue drinking it. Well one thing I've noticed immediately is that my bowel movement became regular even though I don't eat much fiber, my skin is not so itchy anymore, and the rashes is fading. And I found the best time to drink it, I like staying out late, working on my computer I usually sleep around 2am, I always have a glass of water with me when I'm working so I thought, instead of just drinking water why not put ACV with my ice cold water, so I put 2Tablespoon per glass of water(I have a medium size glass) It taste really good, its like drinking lemonade (if you like it sweet you can put honey for added benefits). After drinking that for a few days I've noticed I have a lot of energy even when I stay up so late, I can work more, its really amazing!!! , not to mention that my skin tone improve, well because I'm not longer constipated so I don't retain that toxin on my body which is the cause of my rashes and irritability.

Make sure you buy the organic ACV, the ACV I prefer to buy is the one with a cloudy content on it, the brand I always use is BRAGG.


Loving My Hair...

The other day I took down a couple of strands of braids on the side/back of my head. I have to admit as a result of the new products and techniques I been performing it has made those little strands look and feel healthy and moisturized! The new growth has a looser curl to it. I cant wait to update. I just found out that I will not be able to take my R&R until August. :( The last time I had a relaxer was December 2008.

Issue 1:
Should I relax in August or stretch it out till December? If I stretch to December that means another year would have passed where I would be relaxer free for one whole year!

Issue 2:
I really wanna see my length. :(
Possible solution: Why not flat iron or try that BK stuff errr-body is raving about.

New Products I am loving: Mizani Hydrafuse, Oyin Juices and Berries, Pentratt protein treatment

New Technique I am using: I never used to moisturize and seal in sections. I would spray Scurl all over my head and then seal it. Now that I moisturize and seal in sections I am giving special attention to a section of hair.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Product Review: Oyin Juices and Berries - Nourishing Herbal Leave-In


OMG, yall this stuff is soooooooo yummie! Not only does it moisturize my hair but I am dying to taste it because it smells soooo damn good! Girl's I think I have found the replacement or backup for Scurl. Unlike Scurl this stuff is not thick so if you put it on your scalp I dont think it will cause buildup. For us wearing micro's that is grrrrr-great to hear.
Purchase at: oyinhandmade
Price: $11.00

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Wash Day....






Okay last night I clarified and washed my hair with the attached products in the pictures and my hair actually feels like I got a fresh relaxer. It has that strong but moisturized feel to it. I am loving it and I cant stop putting my hands in it! I was kind of worried that my hair would not come out right because I didn't have my shower filter installed in my new room yet but it came out okay.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Eggs and Your Hair...



Every time we go onto the BSS (Beauty Supply Store) there is a new intriguing product that promises longer, thicker and healthier hair. To the average girl that knows nothing about hair care or a little about ingredients then she will probably wind up picking up the worst product and wasting her money. You can never trust commercial products. If you want the real stuff get with the natural products that you are already using on ya sandwiches like mayonnaise, or the stuff you are eating for breakfast like eggs or go steal some honey from some bees! LOL. Eggs, honey, cider vinegar and olive oil not only make a wonderful salad dressing, but also are great for use on hair to give you smooth, silky locks.

Ya’ll already know if it’s about hair I am all for it and if its “natural hair care” then I’m a get with it. And don’t be acting like back in the day momma didn’t slap some eggs or mayonnaise in ya nappy azz head! (J/k!) Okay enough joking. I was on LHCF this morning and a young lady posted an article about eggs and hair care which brought me to do a little research on eggs.

The Benefits if Using Eggs in Hair

Raw eggs contain a significant concentration of essential proteins and nutrients. Because of the high protein content, eggs can be used to strengthen hair follicles. Likewise, the nutrients work much like conditioners to add volume, shine and texture. Raw eggs can be used in the same fashion as a standard conditioner. Many recipes for egg-based conditioners call for added ingredients. The addition of olive oil, lemon juice and other ingredients are common. However, the application of a single egg, two eggs for thick hair, is an effective and simple method to strengthen and thicken the hair. Using eggs as a conditioning agent is simple. Simply beat an egg as if you were making a scrambled egg. Massage the scrambled egg into your hair and scalp. Let the egg sit in the hair for at least 15 minutes. Rinse the hair with cool or lukewarm water. Be careful not to use hot water unless you want to struggle to remove it. Hot water can partially cook and harden the egg, making it more difficult to rinse from the hair.


Sunday, May 10, 2009

Video: How I Moisturize and Seal My Micros

Soooooo last night since I haven't posted in a couple of days I was wondering what could I post about. Well one of the comments left for me was how do I moisturize and seal my braids. I did a video on it b4 but it wasn't all that great so last night I did a little clip of how I moisturize and seal my braids and the products I use. Since I am at work I cant upload it to YouTube so I will have to post it here. Also here are some pictures of how I pin it up in sections after moisturizing to keep it out of my way and face. No, no no, I don't sleep like that. :) I undo them and sleep in a bonnet.














Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Product Review: MIZANI HYDRAFUSE® INTENSIVE MOISTURIZING TREATMENT

Gurlllll, lemme tell YOU! LOL Last night I washed my braids with Shikaki Soap and let some Mizani Hydrafuse sit in my braids with a shower cap for 10 minutes and my hair did not only feel moisturized while it was wet but when it DRIED! This is definitely a staple for moisture!


HYDRAFUSE® INTENSIVE MOISTURIZING TREATMENT
Creamy conditioner binds a moisture–rich
complex of ingredients to hair that has lost
its balance.

This intensive moisturizing treatment binds a rich complex of ingredients to hair that has lost its moisturization balance. By penetrating deep within each strand, the two-way moisturizing system attracts elemental moisturization while sealing in lubricants.

Panthenal:
repairs damage caused by chemical treatments.

Sodium Isostearoyl:
regulates moisturization and gaurds against dehydration

DIRECTION FOR USE: After shampooing with MIZANI PURIPHYING
shampoo, rinse thoroughly and towel blot. Apply 2 ounces of hydrafuse to the entire hair shaft with an applicator brush. To ensure complete coverage, apply to small sections at a time. Cover hair with plastic cap and place client under warm dryer for 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and towel dry. Process with styling techniques.

Monday, May 4, 2009

The Benefits of Using Reconstructors and Protein


So I joined healthy textures and I paid my $9.99 monthly fee just to see what it was about. I actually like the site and she has some informative info that can benefit a newbie to hair care or it can be a refresher course to the veteran. One of the things I learned from the site is that while I am concentrating on conditioning I need to remember to use reconstructors and light proteins if I plan on not trimming my ends. I now see how that step is detrimental to retaining length.

Conditioner only temporary strengthens the cuticle layer of the hair shaft. Remember the cuticle area is the shingle or scale like things that protect the cortex that’s inside of the hair strand. When that cuticle is damaged and doesn’t lay flat then you can expect dull hair amongst other problems. Using conditioner is good for the time being because it will assist in holding those split ends in tact. That is where the reconstructor comes into play. Unlike conditioner reconstructors can penetrate the hair shaft thus helping you retain length longer and nourishing the hair shaft.

The reconstructor is able to get into that hair shaft and fill in the main areas with the hydrolyzed protein. But again it’s only temporary. So what does that mean? Yes you guessed it. If you have badly damaged hair its best to trim it. Did you know that one of the ingredients in Megatek is hydrolyzed keratin protein?

I am going to try and concentrate on using my aphogee 2 min reconstructor at least one a week after a regular wash.