Back 2 Natural

Length Check: 7 Months Natural (January)

2012-02-11T14:50:00.000-06:00

Sorry for the late upload but, I had been super busy. It has been seven months post BC. My hair was 4 inches at the top and back with 3 inches sides. Now, my hair is about 6-7 inches all around. The back was at the end of my neck now, it is past my collar bone. I have notice that my hair have gotten thicker. I have been taking Viviscal for the past month along with biotin. I am super excited about the growth and thickness, hope it will continue. If anyone on a hair growth journey, leave a comment and tell me how you are doing.

Product Review: Anita Grant Raspberry Rhassoul Deep Condish Heart

2012-01-28T13:47:00.002-06:00

http://hairrogant.com/shop/Anita-Grant-Rhassoul-Deep-Condish-Heart.html

Product Review: Anita Grant Babassu Alma Shampoo Bar

2012-01-21T13:36:00.002-06:00

http://hairrogant.com/shop/Anita-Grant-Babassu-Amla-Shampoo-Bar.html

Product Review: Curl Junkie Pattern Pusha

2012-01-14T13:34:00.000-06:00

Original Formula Ingredients: Water, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Dehydroxanthan Gum, Corn Starch Modified, Xanthan Gum, Ulmus Fulva (Slippery Elm Bark) Extract, Camelia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Propylene Glycol, Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Fragrance.
New formula: Has Tetrasodium EDTA in it to help with the flaking problem.

Final impression of Carol's Daughter Olive Oil Infusion

2011-11-20T13:32:00.000-06:00

I know this over due. My first impression have not change. It is a okay hair treatment. My curls did pop more after I did the treatment (post color). As I said before, great for detangling. I think this treatment is great for after you take down protective styles that have been in place for awhile, straighten, or coloring your hair. I notice a difference more so after I color my hair comparing to my virgin hair. I think this treatment is best for damage hair, but if you take very good care of your hair (DC weekly), you might not know a big difference. 'Til next time, xoxo.

Natural Hair: Ombre technique on natural hair

2011-11-16T17:17:00.000-06:00

This is just an update on my hair color. I decided that I wanted to try the Ombre technique on my hair. I was really nervous. After I was done, I really like it. The sides have more of the color than compared to the back (the tips are colored). I can see it in its curly state but I think I really get the full effect when stretched out, blowed out, or straighten. I did a twist out this weekend and I was correct, you do see the full effect of the technique. Tell me what you think. If you want to know how I did it let me and I will do an update with the info. ‘Til next time, xoxo.

Lace Wig Review: Royalty Wigs

2011-11-09T16:41:00.000-06:00

Okay, new fav. I brought a new baby last month from royaltywigs.com. Foxy Roxy is a 16” Indian Remy, light yaky full lace wig in a color #2 with bleach knots on the front half of the cap that was professionally cut into layers. It came to package very well. She pinned the curls with bobby pins so, the curls would keep. I also got little goodies with the package. Three words about the unit: beautiful and natural. Due to the bleaching, the parting was amazing and the lace melt into your skin. The yaki texture was amazing. I didn’t have any problems with tangling nor shedding. The pricing and shipping were very good considering that the owner bleached the knots and took the unit to the salon for styling. Overall, love this company. I have already have a few units on my list to purchase. Tell me what you think. ‘Til next time, xoxo.

Natural Hair: Twist out

2011-11-09T16:37:00.000-06:00

This is going to be short and sweet. I decided to try my first twist out. Before bed, I did about 14-16 two strand twists in my hair and allowed to air dry for about an hour then, went to bed. The next day, I took them down. My hair was still soft from the conditioner I used. I thought it was okay (mom liked it). It was different from my natural curl pattern that I loved and it was something I have to get use to. I also think I just need more practice to get smooth curls. I guess I will use this winter season to practice. ‘Til next time, xoxo.

Lace Wig Review: Heavenly Lox “Kandi”

2011-10-16T18:37:00.000-05:00

I know you ladies been waiting on this review. I purchase “Kandi” a few months ago and rock her twice now. She is 20” silky texture full lace wig in a color chocolate truffle (mixture of browns and reddish browns). It was a custom due to the color and small cap size. I am on a search for a good company that you don’t have to wait forever and a day for your unit because you need a small cap instead of the standard medium. First, I must say I love the color (got a lot complements). This company really know they stuff. The lace was nice (the color and it somewhat melts into the skin). But I was a bit disappointed in that it sheds and tangle a lot. Maybe it is because it is a silky texture and it is easier for the knots to come loose. I did everything I was suppose to do at night (put the hair into a braided ponytail and sleep in a satin bonnet). I was frustrate because I paid over $400 for it. The packaging was very nice but what’s the point if the product is not at all impressive. I am not new at all to the lace wig world so, I felt like I should not have these type of problems or it should be at the minimum. I am not saying I will never buy from them again. But I would wait for a really good sale. Maybe, I would try the yaki texture and have better luck. I will rock it until I can't because I did pay a lot for it. If anyone had experience with this company, leave a comment. ‘Til next time, xoxo.

Lace Wig Review: RPG Show ls069-s

2011-10-16T18:27:00.000-05:00

With the cooler weather coming in, you guys will see more protective styling and less wash n goes. So, with that said, on with the review. This company is my favorite so far. I brought a 20” yaki full lace wig in the color #3. It is one of the few sites that I did not have to longer because I needed a small cap. The color was nice but I wanted highlights (it was a stock wig). So, I added some blond highlights and must say I was really please with the results. The knots were bleached to about 4-5” back and the lace just melt into my skin. The hairline was okay; it could have been a little thinner. The yaki texture was super soft and full. I didn’t have any problems with tangling and shedding. After rocking it 4-5 times, it is still holding strong (I normally wear a unit for 1-2 weeks straight before removing and washing). The pricing was decent and shipping was super fast. Overall, nothing bad to say and will be ordering from them again. Right now they have a sale going on and new additions. If anyone had experience with this company, leave a comment. ‘Til next time, xoxo.

Product Review: Cherry Lola Treatment

2011-10-08T22:33:00.000-05:00

Cherry Lola treatment is a protein, alkaline treatment. It supposed to make your hair/curls less frizzy and more defined. Here is how you mix it:

16 oz of plain yogurt

2 tbsp of Bragg’s Amino Acids

2 tbsp of Baking Soda

What I did was cut the amount by 3/4 to make 1/4 of the amount and used greek yogurt (has more protein).I applied it to my dry hair in section (It has my head freezing. Note to self, let yogurt sit out to warm up). The stuff had my hair smell like a chinese food. You suppose leave the mixture on for 20-40 minutes. I left it on for about 45 minutes or so. I co-wash with DevaCare One conditioner and used Curl Junkie Curl Rehab as a leave-in. I must say my hair was super soft, manageable, and curls were more define. I only styled my hair with conditioner. I must say that I foresee more Cherry Lola treatments in my future.

Product Review: Ear Candy Collection

2011-10-08T22:28:00.000-05:00

I know the biggest issue of doing the BC is dealing with having short hair and how to dress it up. One of the ways is with accessories. Big, chunky, and beautiful earrings can help show off feminine style and beauty. I love big, bold, and unique jewelry. So, when I saw these, I had to get them. I must say that I did good because I have been getting lots and lots of complements on these beaus. I brought these beautiful earrings from a youtuber, Mrs. April aka muffinismylover. She was inspired by one of the ladies from the Basketball Wives and decided to create a collection of her own. The process and shipping time was very quick, getting my order within a few days. Customer service was great (she response very quickly to every e-mail that I have send). She now have a website, www.smoochesaccessories.com. The website was very easy to navigate and have a variety of accessories at reasonable prices. I have already have somethings on my wish list. Check out her website, I am sure you will find something you like.

Product Review: Carol’s Daughter Olive Oil Infusion

2011-09-27T07:34:00.000-05:00

This is a first impression of the Olive Oil Infusion. This at- home hair treatment suppose to soften and detangle hair. The box contain a bottle of Khoret Amen hair oil, a jar of Khoret Amen hair smoothie, application nozzle, and treatment cap. I followed the directions on the box and my first thought was maybe I should have wash my hair the day before. This is because according to the directions you applied the products to dry hair and I had styling products in my hair still. Anyhoo, the steps were easy to follow and I did feel like the smoothie immediately started to melt those tangles anyway. After rinsing the product out, my hair did feel soft. But the directions said that I could wash and condition afterwards, in which, I did. I hair felt okay. I mean it wasn’t amazing; my curls didn’t look more define, my hair wasn’t anymore manageable, and the smell was horrible (not a fan of herbal smelling things). I have a little pet peeve about this product. The directions have specific amount of product to use in your hair and it was hard to eyeball it, at least for me. I think the bottle and jar should have measurement lines for easier use. As of now, I do think it is good for detangling, it does have really good slip, and my hair was soft (it does have two cones, so it is expected). I am going to continue to use this product weekly for another two weeks (on freshly wash hair) to see if I get better results over time. So, look for an update in the next few weeks. ‘Til then, xoxo.

Ingredients:

Khoret Amen Hair Oil: Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Fragrance (Parfum), Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Oil, Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Oil, Jumiperus Virhiniana (Cedarwood) Oil, Salvia Sclarea (Clary Sage) Oil, Pimenta Racemosa (Bay) Oil

Khoret Amen Hair Smoothie: Water (Aqua), Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Brassicamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Amodimethicone, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Mauritia Flexuosa (Buriti) Fruit Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Panthenol (Pro-vitamin B5), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Oil, Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Oil, Juniperus Virginiana (Cedarwood) Oil, Salvia Sclarea (Clary Sage) Oil, Pimenta Racemosa (Bay) Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Tetrasodium EDTA, Aspartic Acid, Polysorbate 20, PEG-40 Castor Oil, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance (Parfum)

Product Review: Henna

2011-09-19T01:32:00.000-05:00

Sorry, I have been MIA for awhile. I didn’t have time to write between work, family trip, and being sick. I have been doing henna since I have went natural. I started doing it twice a week and now I am doing it once a month. I combined henna, amla, bhringraj, fenugreek seed, hibiscus petal, kapur kachri, and shikakai powders together with water and lemon juice. I applied it to my hair in sections and sat under my steamer for about 3 hrs (took breaks so, it was on my head for 4 hours). I then, shampoo the paste out of my hair and applied my conditioner. Then, I rinse out my conditioner, applied my leave-in and styler. My hair now has this copper tint to it when I am out in the sun or certain lighting. My curls are more defined, softer, and manageable. Together the powders suppose to promote hair growth and thickness. I do think that overall, I did see less breakage and hair fall. I will continue to use the DC treatment until I grow tired of mixing. Below are pics of my hair with the paste and after I have rinse it out. ‘Til next time, xoxo.

Natural Hair Question of the Week: How often should I DC?

2011-08-28T01:48:00.000-05:00

Okay, I am a little late with the question of the week. Will do better next time. I know when I first started thinking about going natural, I did a lot of research. One of the many questions I had was how often was I suppose to deep condition (DC) my hair. I come to realize that the answer to that question is, whenever your hair needs it. I, for one, DC my hair twice a week and this partly because I wash my hair that often due to stylers I use. At the same time, I know people that DC less often (once a week or every two weeks). This really depends on what your hair needs. How long? Varies from people to people. Some DC overnight, while others DC for 15 minutes. Depending what my hair need, it could range from 30 minutes to 3 hours (henna treatments). Once you start working with your hair and experimenting, you will find what works for you. If you have any questions you want me to address, leave a comment below. ‘Til next time, xoxo.

Product Review: Carol’s Daughter Monoi Repairing Line

2011-08-21T12:00:00.001-05:00

Here is another product review. This review is long overdue. Carol’s Daughter as a whole have mix reviews: either you love it, love some, or none at all. For the Monoi Repairing Set, I love it. The line suppose to undo and prevent damage. They say that theses products have certain ingredients that strengthen and help you grow healthier, longer hair. Monoi Oil (deeply nourishes your hair from root to tip),Hibiscus Extract (help quickly detangle any hair type, but especially delicate, damaged hair), Coconut-derived cleansers (gentle enough for even the most fragile, distressed hair), Bamboo water (the strongest plant on our planet, helps to reinforce your hair’s structure), Pro-vitamin B5 (helps to reconstruct your cuticle), and Hydrolyzed Silk (helps fortify your hair against future damage). It has NO Parabens, Petroleum, Mineral Oil, or Artificial Color. From the first time using the products, I saw less shedding and breakage. The shampoo was not drying nor stripping compared to most other shampoos. I didn’t need a lot of it to clean my scalp and hair properly. The conditioner was moisturizing and had a lot of slip. The hair mask was okay. Like the Curl Junkie DC and my homemade products better. I have been using theses products once a week now as compared to in June and July using it twice a week. I have been switch it up with my Curl Junkie Shampoo. I must say that the shampoo and conditioner are on my holy grail list. Below are the ingredients.

Shampoo: Water (Aqua), Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, PEG-150 Distearate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids, Coconut Oil Glycereth-8 Esters, Shea Butter Glycereth-8 Esters, Polyglyceryl-3 Laurate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Gardenia Tahitensis Flower Extract, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Phyllostachis Bambusoides Juice, Moringa Pterygosperma Seed Extract, Helianthus Annuus(Sunflower) Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Hibiscus Esculentus Extract, Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide, Hydrolyzed Silk, Panthenol (Pro-vitamin B5), Glycerin, Glycol Distearate, Cinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Quaternium-91, PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate, Disodium EDTA, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Methylisothiazolinone, Fragrance (Parfum)

Conditioner: Water (Aqua), Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Glycerin, Isododecane, Fragrance (Parfum), Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Isohexadecane, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Gardenia Tahitensis Flower Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Moringa Pterygosperma Seed Oil, Phyllostachis Bambusoides Juice, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Hydrolyzed Silk, Hydrolyzed Hibiscus Esculentus Extract, Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Extract, Panthenol (Pro-vitamin B5), Cetrimonium Chloride, Cetrimonium Methosulfate, Cinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Octyldodecanol, Ceteareth-20, Quaternium-91, Citric Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sorbic Acid, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Methylisothiazolinone

Natural Hair Question of the Week: To Poo or Not to Poo?

2011-08-20T20:48:00.000-05:00

Okay, there is a lot of thoughts about this subject. I just going to give my input. Many people say it depends on your hair type. Okay, if that is so why is it that two people with 4a hair type react differently with same products? I do think that it is helpful to talk to people of same type but you have to try thing on your own to figure out what your hair do or don’t like. Everyones hair is different. I am considered a 4a (using this system due to the popularity of it) and shampoo at least once week, sometimes twice depending on what products I am using that week. I watched this chick on youtube and she said that she shampoo her hair once a month. Now, she claim to use all natural products and it is true that natural products tend not to build up as bad as non-natural products. Never the less, natural products do build up. Co-washing does not clean your hair very well unless you are using a cleansing conditioner (eventually you do need to poo every so often). Now, I believe that the scalp needs some air occasionally and applying products after products without proper cleaning cannot be good. This is just my opinion and I am a firm believer that in the natural world, ‘do you’. Meaning, that do whatever make you feel comfortable and what your hair likes. If your like poo once a month or twice a week, that is okay. Comment below about your experience with shampooing or not shampooing. ‘Til next time, xoxo.

For Girls Like Us Comments

2011-08-11T20:42:00.000-05:00

This post is for the comments I have gotten about the For Girls Like Us lace wig. First, I would like to say thank you for your comments. The first comment, I am sorry that you had a bad experience. I have another lace wig from them and had the same problems you had. But it was my first lace wig and I chalked it up to not knowing how to care for it. Now, having about 8 or 9 wigs under my belt from various of sites, I can say it was part mine fault and theirs. You will have some shedding but not excessive even if you are a little green or had the wig for long time.

The second comment, I just took pics of the wig when my cousin cut it. Do to the heat wave of Arkansas' summer, I have not been wearing any of my lace wigs. I took some pics of the parting on the mannequin head, but remember I bleached the knots and thinned out the hairline a little. In my opinion, I would try somewhere else. You are paying $300 for a curly unit that do not have the versatility of most full lace wigs (wearing the unit straight or the complete seamless, natural look of the wig). I had to tweak it and even then, people thought it was a sew-in. That is the reason I said that would buy for them again and customize the unit. Just to make sure it was just theirs stock unit but again had stock unit with natural hairlines from other websites. Sassy Secret have a good variety of wigs just $50-75 more (if you get their regular units). RPG show have nice units and excellent bleaching. Most people thought it was my hair (waiting for the Fall/Winter months to re-apply and take pics for the review). My Little Secret Online have a good variety but can be pricey and take forever on processing/shipping. Heavenly Lox needs more variety but great hairlines (waiting to re-apply for pics). I have heard good things about bestlacewigs.com. Hope this help.

Product Review: Kinky Curly Curling Custard

2011-08-08T19:23:00.000-05:00

First, I must say I love this stuff. It has everything: the slip, it’s moisturizing, great hold, and smell amazing. I just section my hair into 4 sections and apply. A little went a long way. I didn’t get the crunchy like I would get with the Eco Styler. It have a vanilla icing scent that last all day. The ingredients are good: botanical infusion of water, horsetail, chamomile, nettle and marshmallow, organic aloe vera juice, agave nectar extract, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin e), pectic, citric acid, potassium sorbate and natural fragrance. It is Glycerin, Paraben, Protein, Silicone, and Sulfate Free. There two downers about this product. One, shrinkage (had more compared to Eco Styler) and two, the price ($17 for 8 ounces). Love this but have to use it sparingly. 'Til next time, oxox.

Hair Style Review: Finger Coils

2011-08-08T19:18:00.000-05:00

Excuse, the no make up. Waited until bedtime to take the pic. I normally rock wash n goes but I decided one night to try finger coils. First, I want to say that it would not be a staple style of mine. This is simply because it took me 3 1/2 to 4 hours to do. It turned okay. Others thought it was cute. I left them in for a couple of days and did a coil out. Note that there are no pics of this. Was not cute at all and with a quickness wash my hair. But the finger coils were easy to maintain and save me the 30 minutes in the mornings I used to do my wash n goes. I can imagine that it could last a week and that the time spend do the coils would balance out. Again, not going to be my staple style but maybe once in awhile when I have time. If you did finger coils, tell me your story.

Sale Alert: Sassy Secret's One Day Sale

2011-07-19T18:45:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone, just coming to you with an update. Sassy Secret is having a One Day Sale Event this Thursday. Sale begins at midnight on Thursday July 21st and ends at 3 am on Friday July 22nd. During that time you save $40 on your favorite full lace wigs and glueless lace wigs. So, go check it out. Happy shopping.

Product Review: Curl Junkie Curl Queen and Curls in a Bottle

2011-07-17T14:44:00.002-05:00

I love these two products. The products on their own are great but, together they are amazing. Curl Queen is a conditioning styling gel with a light to medium. Curls in a Bottle is a light hold styling serum that helps to tame fizz. They both defined my curls very well and I had no fizz. They have an amazing scent. After I applied my leave-in and oil, I just divided my hair into four sections. I applied the Curl Queen (2 quarter size) then, the Curls in a Bottle (2 quarter size) and applied dime size amount of oil. I finger rake each section to make sure the section was fully coated. Pricing for both was not bad, Curl Queen ($22) and Curls in a Bottle ($18) for 12 oz. Will I buy these products again? Yes. The ingredients list for both products are below.

Curls in a Bottle ingredients: Water, Hydroethylcellulose, Agave Nectar, Propylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Matricaria Recuitita (Chamomile) Flower Water, PVP, Panthenol, PEG-8 Dimethicone*, Polyquaternium-10, PEG-8 Raspberriate**, Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Fragrance. *Water soluble-rinses clean!, **Derived from Raspberry Oil.

Curl Queen ingredients: Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hydroethylcellulose, Corn Starch Modified, Polyquaternium-4, Panthenol, PVP, Camellia Sinensis Leaf (Green Tea) Extract, Wheat Protein, Wheat Starch, Polysorbate 20, Propylene Glycol, Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl

Product Review: Eco Styler Moroccan Argan Oil Styling Gel

2011-07-17T14:39:00.000-05:00

This is a quick review. I love this styling gel. It provides me with a great hold and smells pretty good. The only problem with this gel is that you do not use a oil on top, it could leave your hair crunchy. I also had some shrinkage with it. Overall, this is a great product and with it only about $5-6 for 32 oz jar, it is a steal. The look in the picture was achieved by the eco styler and a denman brush.

Lace Wig Review: Sassy Secret- Serenity 22” Virgin Malaysian Hair

2011-07-16T12:40:00.001-05:00

Here is another lace wig review. Serenity is a natural color 22” virgin Malaysian hair full lace with stretch panel in the middle. The lace color is medium brown. The hair texture is a tightly curl pattern. It other words, gorgeous. The hair is so soft and beautiful. The parting is on point. The hair very natural looking. I have received so many compliments over this unit. Strangers actually thought it was my own hair. I had this wig since January and it is holding up strong. Again because this is a curly unit I do not bond down the back (still can wear in a low ponytail) nor straighten it. If you like big, curly hair. Then, this unit is for you. There is three down size to Sassy Secret. 1. The knots were not bleached. I did a faux bleaching on the unit. 2. The price was pretty steep. Might want to wait for a sale. 3. Limited amount of the units come in a small cap size:( and you wait 5-7 business days before your unit ship. Most of the silky, virgin, and fine yaki texture come in small size. There is a small cap size section but it doesn’t list all of them. Will I buy from them? Yes. Maybe I would wait until there is a sale. Here is the link to the website: www.sassysecret.com

Website Review: AVEYOU Beauty Boutique

2011-07-16T12:39:00.000-05:00

This a quick website review. AVEYOU is a beauty website that sells hair products, skin care, and such. You can get products such Curl Junkie, Devacurl, Miss Jessie’s, and etc. They always have some type of deal or coupons. Like right now, on orders of $50 and up will ship for $1. With each order, you get a free eco-friendly shopping bag. The customer service was good and shipping was fast (my order cam in within a week of ordering). You can also sign up for notice of sales and updates. Overall, love this website and will be ordering from them again. Now, I have a treat for you guys. If you use this coupon code: AY15off75 you will get $15 off any order of $75 or more plus $1 shipping. This is a thank you for stopping by my blog. Here is the link to website: www.aveyou.com