Thursday, February 12, 2009

MY BC




I guess my fustration took over the better part of me last night... as I sat watching tv I decided to two-strand twist my hair as I got down to the ends it was just thining out.. at that point I got out the sicssors and the ret is history...

Posted by at 4:43 PM 7 comments

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Transitioning Fustration!!

I am at my wits end with my hair.. I am seeing a lot of damage where the perm and new growth meets. I would like to BC but scared I won't have enough hair for a pony-tail or know how to style with this weather. I am very tender-headed and braids are not a good option for me - I would rather style my natural hair. If anyone has suggestions I am all ears... thanks.

coming soon.... a review on some products I have tried.
Posted by at 6:40 AM 0 comments

Thursday, January 8, 2009

New Year - Next Chapter


So I wanted a different look because I was going home for the holidays and with all the festivites, I would not have time to pre-poo or co-wash etc... Alrighty then.... I went to the Dominicans to get my hair blown out and flat ironed, asked the lady to trim my ends - she took about 5-6 inches off my hair. Needless to say I went from APL to SL, not too disappointed because eventually I would have to cut it off.
I recently started using Silk Elements products, so far so good - I will dedicated a full blog to the product review.
Posted by at 8:37 AM 3 comments

Thursday, November 13, 2008

The Holidays


I need your ladies advise, every 2 years my son and I take out christmas pictures together or not. Well this picture is 2006, now we are in 2008 and the time is approaching, but I have a problem I am transitioning and I need a nice hair-style other than the "BUN" I have been wearing it for 5 weeks now. YEAH me I am 5 weeks into my journey! anyhoo... and idea on something I can do different. I want to get our pictures taken Thanksgiving weekend - so any suggestions before that would help!

Also, I will be in NY for Christmas and my birthday - and I am going to hot iron my hair so my pictures come out good - so I am trying not to hot iron or blow dry now... so these suggestions are out the window.

I don't have everyday styling issues but when a special ocasion arises its hard to do something with my mane that says "SPECIAL". Do you guys find it hard around special ocasions to style... christmas parties, weddings, etc..
Posted by at 12:08 PM 0 comments

Friday, October 31, 2008

Choosing the right flat iron


When it comes to hair styling tools, the flat iron deserves a post all it’s own. It’s confusing to the consumer to have so many choices of flat irons to choose from. When shopping for a flat iron you will come across descriptions such as, ceramic, goldtone, sapphire, tourmaline, ionic and traditional. The price of these flat irons can vary from $20.00 to $200.00. Now tell me, what do these descriptions mean to you???

These terms all have to do with the makeup of the surfaces of your flat iron.
“least amount of heat to get the job done”

Ceramic — plates are infused with a ceramic material which will distribute the heat evenly with no hotspots. It is said to preserve moisture by penetrating to the center of the hair shaft, exposing the hair to less heat and to eliminate frizz.

Goldtone — is simply a gold-tone metal plate

Sapphire — lower grade mineral than the gem, it is ground and infused onto the plate to distribute heat more evenly

Tourmaline — a mineral ground and infused into the plate. It is rated most effective because as it is heated, it creates more pressure to flatten the hair than other of the substances, therefore leaving shinier hair and making the hair style last longer. It creates negative ions which leave more moisture in the hair

Ionic — Negative ions eliminate frizz by leaving more moisture in the hair shaft.

Be careful, the potential for damage to the hair is big, some of these flat irons reach 450 degrees and more. Be good to your hair, use the least amount of heat to get the job done and maintain a good hair care routine . . . condition, condition, condition. Use a thermal active product for at least some protection. (I like Kenras, Thermal Styling Spray for one.)

Choose a flat iron size that is right for your length and type of hair. The width varies; thinner irons are easier to manage than the wider ones, but the wider ones will cover more hair for quicker results (long or thick hair) The 1″ to 2″ are the most popular sizes.
  • A good flat iron will:
  • Create a lasting style - till your next shampoo
  • Be more effective and save you time on styling your hair
  • Leave the hair silkier, shinier and healthier
  • Not pull or snag your hair
  • Have a variable temperature selection
  • Heat up quickly
  • A flat iron that is not so good will:
  • Be less effective in lasting results
  • Take too much time to create a hair style
  • Cause hair pulling, causing pain and breakage
  • Burn the hair easily
  • Have minimal heat control
So, if you are looking for a flat iron, or, if your flat iron just doesn’t do the job, take the time to read up on it . Be sure to spend some time reading their Customer Reviews, Q & A and Tips and Advice sections. They encourage lots of dialogue and you will get good advice from users with all hair types not to mention great before and after pictures.
Posted by at 6:25 AM 1 comments

Monday, October 20, 2008

"Skepticism"

I know many people are skecptical about certain things, especially if it may be detrimental to your health and I totally understand that because in this day and age we should all be. But, for me to tell someone that I have started a new regimen with my hair care and for you to doubt that it will work because my hair does not require all this moisturizing - to me is really nieve. How can you believe that every other part of your wonderful body that god gave you requires attention but not your hair makes no sense. Oh well - that was just me venting a little..... now on to bigger and better things :)

My 2 week journey has been good - its slowly a work in progress but my regimen so far has been:

Saturday - prepoo with Suave professional Humectant and Hot six oil
Sunday - wash with Aphogee shampoo/Aphogee 2 min reconstructor (every other week)/Aphogee balancing mositurizure (every other week)/Aphogee conditioner or Elsta QP Intense conditioner
Leave-in treaments - Optimum care anti-breakage therapy & Elast QP H-Two.
Wednesdays - Co-wash with Suave Professional Humectant (plastic cap 1-2 hours prior to washing)
Tuesday & Friday - EVOO Extra conditioning for extra dry hair
Daily moisturizing with wave Nouveau & Optimum Oil Therapy with Hot Six Oil
Posted by at 5:59 AM 2 comments

Monday, October 13, 2008

New week

hey guys! I am back - ok this weekend I pre-pooed before I washed, I must say I was a little scared and skeptical not knowing what my hair would look or feel like in the morning. So there I was Saturday night - excited but scared. I used Suave Professionals Humectant Shampoo restores moisture to dry or damaged hair. Humectant Formula generously replenishes moisture and nourishes hair as well as Nexxus Therappe Leaves hair soft and manageable.


Then I sealed it with coconut oil hair conditioner, I then tied my hair with a silk wrap and off to bed I went. I think I got up around 3 times during the night feeling my hair making sure it was all there (LOL). Sunday morning my hair was a little stiff not enough for concern but obvious for the conditionair. I then washed it out with Aphogee Primrose Shampoo - then I added the Aphogee 2 minute reconstructor for 10 - 15 mins with a plastic cap on. I rinsed that out and simply conditioner my hair with Elasta QP Intense fortifying treatment. I towel dried and then added my Optimum anti-breakage leave in treatment, Optimum Oil therapy (see previous entries for pictures of product) and pure coconut oil- and let my hair air dry for about 5-6 hours..... now the results.... drum roll!!!! Ok my hair looked very curly (I liked that - almost natual state) .. I didn't think it was mositurized enough after the air dry - it felt a little brittle and dry. (Last week - I had so much hair fall out in the comb after I DC but this week it was very little) I figure this is still a work in progress so I am not complaining. Anyhoo... the big final touch - I added palmer's EVOO formula and let us not forget Wave Nouveau Finishing lotion (thanks Sunshyne for the introduction on that) then I rodded my hair, this morning I sprayed some oil sheen Organics EVOO sheen. (LOVE THAT OIL SHEEN) - sorry I was running late for work this morning so I didn't get to take a picture. I have to work out today so if my hair is still in good standing order I will take a picture for show. I love the final product - my hair turned out sofe this morning, my curls are bouncey and tight... See you guys in a couple of days with some more up dates on my hair-rasing journey!! - I will be Co-washing on Wednesday night - I will put up my regimen the next time I speak to you guys..

Palmer's Olive Oil Formula Hair Conditioner
A rich, deeply penetrating conditioner loaded with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Vitamins A, B, and E. Leaves hair strong , shiny and sleek.

Palmer's Olive Oil Formula Gro Therapy
A therapeutic balm with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and essential vitamins that restores softness and manageability and leaves hair silky with a long lasting sheen. Formulated with Palmer's Organi-GRO™ (an exclusive blend of Nettle Extract, Sage, and Hyssop) along with Keratin and Soy Protein to strengthen hair's structure.

Organic ROOT Stimulator™ has taken hydrating botanicals and blended them with olive oil into a vitamin-rich crème that replenishes the "natural" moisture balance of the hair. Proclaimed as "liquid gold", olive oil has been used for over 5000 years as a healing elixir, restoring new life to anything it touches.







Silk Protein enriched for adding strength and elasticity
Natural olive oil-derived Squalane adds emoiliency and moisture
Perfect for chemically treated hair to replace strength and moisture
Integral part of hair maintenance system for all hair types
Posted by at 12:19 PM 3 comments
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Great Information about Conditioners.

Shampoo is meant to remove dirt, sebum (a.k.a. oils), and product buildup from your hair. But there are dozens of different brands to choose from, and even more types within those brands. The same goes for conditioners. Conditioners are meant to add shine, protect hair from drying out and allow for easier combing. Here, we run down the best shampoos and conditioners for four different hair types.

1. Coarse, curly hair Curly hair is almost always dry hair and here’s why: Oils produced in the scalp don’t travel as easily down the hair shaft as they do with straight hair. We've found creamy, moisturizing shampoos work best for this hair texture. Look for wheat germ oil, shea butter and nut oils (macadamia, for example) in your shampoos. These tend to coat the hair shaft, trapping water inside.

Conditioners: More than any other hair type, women with coarse, curly hair must condition every time they shampoo. Look for an ultra-moisturizing conditioner made especially for coarse hair. Once a month use a hot oil treatment. For extra-dry hair, use an intense moisturizing treatment every 2 weeks.

Extra tip: Curly hair should not be washed every day. You’ll only dehydrate hair and make it more frizzy and unmanageable. Another alternative to shampoo washings is to rinse the hair with water and then follow with a conditioner. Also, lay off the blow dryer (they tend to dry out hair even more) and let curls dry naturally.

2. Fine, oily, or limp hair Fine hair is most susceptible to looking 'oily' and can get this way after only one day. Opt for clear shampoos and stay away from the creamy ones that were made for your curlier sisters. You want a gentle shampoo marked for daily or frequent washing. The secret fine hair shampoo lies in a bodybuilding ingredient called panthenol. Hair experts swear that panthenol penetrates the hair cuticle making each strand thicker. Another tip: Use a dry shampoo or talcum powder between washings. Not only will the powder soak up oils, but it adds body as well.

Conditioners: Not all limp-haired ladies need conditioners. If you find you can easily comb out hair after washings without a conditioner you can skip it. Conditioners are good for combing out fine hair. Just don’t let the product touch your scalp. Massage a light-weight conditioner from mid-shaft down and no need to leave it on for long. If you have extremely greasy hair, look for the oil-absorbing tea-tree oil in your conditioner.

Extra tip: Consider using a spray conditioner. They tend to be more light-weight and therefore don’t weigh the hair down. Also, unless your hair is extra-oily, there’s no need to ‘rinse and repeat.’ One shampoo will do you. You don’t have to lather twice.

3. Processed hair Adding moisture is key for colored, permed and relaxed hair. Unfortunately, overly-processed hair can suffer from oily roots but dry shaft and ends. Therefore, washing processed hair can be tricky business. You want to cleanse the roots while moisturizing the ends. We suggest washing hair every other day with a shampoo made for normal hair. Concentrate on cleaning the scalp. Then use a strong conditioner only on the midshaft to ends of hair. Here are other shampoo tips for the following processed hair types:


Colored.

Hair experts swear color-protection shampoos contain gentle cleansers and ingredients that preserve color. Other experts suggest shampoos for colored hair are just another way for companies to make money off you. They suggest using a gentle cleanser such as baby shampoo instead of the pricey specialized shampoos. We say: Whatever works for you. Don't mind paying for the fancy stuff? Then do it. If you like it, then stick with it. Dozens of products on shelves must mean they work for somebody.


Permed or relaxed.

Any moisturizing shampoo will work for your hair type but apply it only to roots and rub it in well. Then apply a quick burst of water. While the water is running down the hair shaft, massage hair to remove any dirt and grime. Rinse well. You don’t want to skip the conditioner. Make sure to keep conditioner from the roots.


Conditioners: Look for a rich conditioner to be used primarily on the ends of your hair. Avoid conditioners that contain silicone, since they tend to strip color. Extra tip for processed hair: Wash your hair only every few days to prevent drying out. You can use a dry shampoo or if you're blond, a talcum powder, in between washings.

4. Dry, damaged hair. Avoid clear shampoos and go straight for the creamy ones. These smooth, detangle and diffuse static.

Conditioners: Again, moisturizing is key. You’ll want to look for an ultra-moisturizing conditioner.

Ingredients For A Moisturizing Conditioner

Glycerin - A humectants meaning that it attracts moisture into your hair. It draws water from the air into the hair. It conditions your hair and it's very moisturizing for dry, brittle ends.

Oils - For lubrication. Gives more moisture to the hair. Helps to maintain softness, adds sheen, and protection. Depending on the oil, it can also strengthen the hair strands, i.e. Coconut Oil. Some good oils would be, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Jojoba Oil, Avocado Oil, Castor Oil, Grape seed Oil etc.

Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein - Excellent penetration into the outer protective layer of hair up to the outer cortex. It adds body and shine to hair. It's effective for repair and restructuring benefits. It also reduces brittleness and limpness. Your hair will get great benefits from this.

Panthenol (Pro-vitamin B5) - Helps thicken each hair shaft naturally. Panthenol penetrates the hair shaft and root, and can thicken the hair by up to 10%. It also increases the strength of hair, giving it resistance to breakage. Panthenol makes a wonderful addition to hair conditioners, giving elasticity and luster to hair.

Fatty Alcohols - For example, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol are all natural fatty alcohols derived from coconut oil. They are widely used as emollients and stabilizing agents in conditioning and moisturizing treatments. These fats give back that soft feeling into the hair shaft by helping the cuticle to lie flat on the surface of the hair. They help to condition our hair and make it soft and manageable.

Wish list

  • Herbal Essence Hello hydration