What Some of My Sunday Co-Wash Days Consist of...

I've found that shampooing my hair often is a no no. When I started this natural hair journey, I thought this was something I needed to do. I mean it seems logic. Who wants dirty hair? But, for some (like myself) your natural oils are better than dry, brittle hair

Sunday's hair day: Wanted to showcase items I typically use on my hair every week on my wash aka Co-wash days.

-Applied VO5 Milk Moistures conditioner + oil mix (EVOO, coconut oil, grapeseed oil which is pictured below).
-Allowed that to stay on my hair for an hour & detangle my hair
-Washed it out

-Conditioned & detangled AGAIN with TRESemme moisture rich

photo: left-to-right mixed oils, Organic Root Stimulator Hair May & Restortative Mask

-Protein treatment: with Organic Root Stimulator Hair Mayo (left it in my hair for a few hours then washed it out).
-Applied the One n' Only Argan Oil Restorative Mask to my hair & let sit for 10mins.

-Hot oil treatment with my oil mix (pictured above) + JBCO (Jamaican Black Castor Oil). Sat under my dryer for an hour.

Lastly...

-Applied the ApHogee ProVitamin Leave in Conditioner

-The applied the Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil hair lotion

Question: What are some products you use when you CoWash your hair?

New Hair Regimen: NO To Breakage...

So0o0 my hair has me on punishment. All that careless care with my hair has caught up with me. I can't help but laugh & shake my head. Its nothing new when I say I dont really like my natural hair. The texture is fine. It's just the detangling process that get's on my nerves. And of course that's the MOST important part unfortunately. And I didn't have the patience to really give it the proper TLC when it comes to detangling. Taking the proper steps before washing it, after it's washed etc. I do well with keeping my hair clean, moisturized, styled & everything else except stupid detangling.

So I've done some research to see what I could use & how to take another route when it comes to this situation.

New regimen:

-finger comb hair
-pre-poo before washing hair
-don't use a Denman brush to detangle (only when doing wash n go's to define curls, which I don't do)
-protein
-use coconut oil (when taking down braids when hair is dry for easier take down.

How I knew I had breakage: 

When I straightened the front part of my hair last weekend I noticed I had way too many fly aways (the hair wasn't even or laying down, different lengths). I was so0o0oo0 mad. This had to happen recently because I've been straighening my hair for the past few months. I know I don't do a great job detangling but it wasn't THIS BAD before!

If you have any other questions regarding anything in this post, just leave a comment below & I'll answer it as soon as I can...welp, about to go work on my head :(

Ps. there's a BIG difference between breakage & shedding. They are not the same folks.
And no my hair breakage isn't from heat, or heat damage....

**If you're interested in the products & a break down of my new hair regimen, stay tuned for my next hair post this week**

Castor Oil Challenge Fall 2012...

I'm joining Kinky Curly Coily Me's oil challenge

The challenge will begin on Sept 1, 2012 and end on Dec 1, 2012.

Check out the link for more information...

will you be joining?

Homemade Deep Conditioner [6]

I'm back on my DIY homemade deep conditioners!!!!

The items I used:

- Plain Dani greek yogurt

-Oils

- A half of an avocado (remove the pit/seed)

I tried to mix it well to get some of the chunks out without using my blender or mixer

Either way it turned out great!

I applied it to my clean hair, put a plastic cap on, got under the dryer for 45mins

& let me tell you, my hair was stiff, which I found out, avocados do have protein in them.

So, if your hair doesn't like protein treatments I would substitute the avocado for something else.

Overall this DC mask made my hair bounce back & more lively.

The protein of the avocado made a difference (strength wise).

The oils added shine & made my hair soft

Check out the last homemade deep conditioners I made below with avocado in it

very similar HERE

Share your favorite DC product (store bought) or homemade below in the comment section

Diary of A Product Junkie: Backtracking

So you may remember me stating a week ago in the blog post The Curly Girl Method that I would be trying out. Well, I gave it a week & it didn't work for me. I don't wear my natural hair OUT often, if at all. I ONLY wear the front part of my hair out (leave out).


Using only water, oils, & gel doesn't work for my hair. After a few days my hair that I never touch & keep in a protective style was super dry. Something I was trying to avoid.
I didn't co-wash my hair everyday it's stated & most do. Overall it didn't work for me now I'm back to plan A.


Plan A:
-Using products that work for my hair
-Co-wash & shampoo my hair as needed
SIMPLE!


What Are You Going To With Those Products?
I plan on using just about ALL the products I have underneath my cabinet & in my storage drawer.
I've really been fighting the urge to purchase new products. But I did buy a few V05 conditioners for when I started the curly girl method. And I plan on purchasing items that I know work for my hair & stock up when there's sales at Sally's. Love that place.


AfricanExport gave suggestions on what you could do with the products you no longer us or care for in the video....I've named a few below
-donate
-swap

I never thought about donating used/unused hair products to shelters

Great idea :O)

Natural Hair: Let Me Try...The Curly Girl Method

So I decided to try something different. I'm all up for a challenge!!!

My reasoning behind starting the curly girl method is that I haven't been on top of things when it comes to my NATURAL hair.

I always wear protective styles. & with me being on break from work for awhile, I've decided to start this.

My hair is in need of moisture. I think that's the reason why my hair hasn't been growing as fast anymore.

I also am rough with my hair when detangling. I get frustrated & just brush away with my Denman brush.

I know it's not good. I do follow ALL of the "rules" when detangling except for the part where you need to take your time detangling.

Anywho...my hair LOVES conditioners vs. shampoos 

So I said hey, this would probably work for me.
(& also force me to NOT purchase any new products that I don't need)

I'm a curly/kinky hair girl & I want to step my moisture game up & be more cautious with what I'm putting in & doing to my hair.

I'm staying away from silicone, & sulfate products.

So, below are a few videos of naturals who talk about the curly girl method & things...

Check it out for more details :)

If any of you are natural hair girls, how long have you been natural?

Are you currently doing any challenges?

What are some of your favor conditioners?

I'll share a detailed post about the specific products I'm using soon :)
Until then, check out my natural hair journey:

The BC (Big Chop)

10 months Being Natural

Update [4] 2011 Hair Challenge- Products I'm Using

Update [5] 2011 Hair Challenge- June Hair Regimen

Update [6] 2011 Hair Challenge- Length Check & Time To Get Straight

Update [9] 2011 Hair Challenge-Protein Treatment

Natural Hair: Heat Training

Heat Training...April Hair Routine

& more...search away :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Natural Hair: Green Tea & Hair Growth. Hmmm

I just ran across this article & thought I would share it...


Although I use green tea on my hair every so often, I didn't think anything of it. Read how green tea can benefit your hair HERE

Sample Size: TRESemme Split Remedy

Yesterday I decided to try out my sample size TRESemme Split Remedy shampoo & conditioner I got for free from Wal Mart that I had to sign up for. I had shared the link with those who have "LIKED" my beauty blog's (GlamNoLabelz) Facebook page . I tend to share a lot information over there. Natural hair, fashion, discounts going on at different stores, how to get in on freebies etc. So if that's something you like, head on over to my Facebook page :)

[It also came with a $1.00 off coupon on their new line]

Anywho, onward...the reason why I decided to use these items the other day is because I decided to straighten my hair (which is natural) & give it a good trim. I noticed my ends are getting tangled. Although I trimmed my ends when it's wet, I want to trim it again for more accuracy.

I'm a big fan of TRESemme. I bought their color treated conditioner a few months ago because I colored my hair I think it was in Nov. Although I was late in purchasing it. I didn't discover until Jan. that it's important to use certain products when you're color treated. So shampoos, conditioners, & reconstructive repair creams, & protein are a MUST. But you need to pay attention to your hair & see what it needs.


I've done more co-washes than shampooing my hair these past month (because that was the regimen that worked for me during that season/months) before it got really hot. So I was shampooing my hair once a month, but co-washing every week. Now, my routine will be changing. I'll be sharing that soon in another post.


I want to see how well these two products work. My hair is really thick, so I may need to shampoo with another shampoo before using the TRESemme products. I don't know yet. I'll indicate all that information below :)

Hair process: Wash Day

-PRE-POO (apply a mixture of oils to my hair for ) you can apply 1, 2 or however many oils to your hair, there's no right way. The pre-poo helps when shampooing because it strips our natural oils away.
-Shampoo (I didn't have to use any other extra product)
-Conditioned
-Towel dried my hair & applied a mixture of 2 leave ins I had (there was only a little left in each bottle so I put them in 1) 

Blow Dry

- Applied Hawaiian Silky (which helps with the detangling process 100xs better).
-Blow dried my hair in sections

Get it Straight

-I used a plug in pressing comb instead of my flat iron for the front part of my hair

Heat Training...April Hair Routine

When I started heat training was Feb. 17th the day before my birthday....

At that time, I had planned on washing (shampooing) my hair once/twice a month, but co-wash as needed. I started off slow. Since most of my shampoos have sulfates in them & really cleanse the hair, I don't need wash it every week. What I do need is moisture & TLC to my hair.

Currently doing...

So this month (April) & what I've been doing since March is washing my hair once a month, but co-washing it every week. This week I'll be straightening my hair again. Last weekend I straighten my hair twice for Easter Sunday & that was it. I may blog about the process of me heat training. Nothing different than any other time. Just extra steps to make sure I don't cause any breakage.

April Routine...

So this months routine consist of 1 wash (which I did last weekend), co-wash each week, & straighten my hair every other week. & the days I don't wear it straight I'll add moisture, conditioner (mix) & Shea butter mixture I made. OMG I forgot to mention I finally got my hands on some unrefined Shea butter. Yessssssssssssss BABY!

Any who, again...my whole reason for switching off weeks of straightening my hair is to loosen my curls, & allow the detangling process to be much more pleasant. Detangling is a VERY important part in a curly girls life like me. I have coarse hair which means easy breakage & it's harder to retain the length. And it's a headache 99.9% of the time. I've found that I need to start trimming my hair once a month or as needed (More often).

Although I have been slacking on my hair since Nov. when my hair challenge ended & I added some hair color to my hair, I am back to my length I started with before doing the BC in May 2011.

Video...right on time!

Check out the video below of one of my favorite Youtubers AlexandraBond who went to a salon in ATL. This is another salon I'd like to check out when I go there.
I like the stylists "Elecia's" technique/routine with "her hair"...similar to mine. 

You can fast fwd to the part I'm referring--> 6:50 where she explains how hydrating is important for curly/straight hair or watch the whole video

Natural Hair: Heat Training

As some of you may know, I've been on my natural hair journey for a year & two months now. I started out not knowing what to really expect during my transition, and eager to see how my natural texture was. Welp, after transition for a few months, I did a BC (big chop) on my hair in May 2011, and my hair has grown out a lot since then. I didn't think it would happen. Dealing with short hair is NOT my thing. I am a natural chick aiming for LONG healthy hair.

You maybe thinking..."healthy hair & heat training? That doesn't go together" Well it does, just like colored treated hair. I know of quit a few natural hair ladies that have big, beautiful healthy natural COLORED treated hair. I don't see anything different with them & ladies that heat train their hair. Just like ladies who relax their hair. Some of them have LONG healthy hair. Whatever works for you boo!

Won't that mess with your natural curl.kinky pattern? Yes. I have really, CURLY, coarse, & kinky hair (click link for photo). I love the results I am getting from being natural (thickness, growth), plus it allows me to be more hands on with my hair & take care of it how the way that I should have been when I was in school (college), and when I was younger (high school) & didn't know any better. That's beside the point.

The way that I will be heat training my hair is by using a blow dryer & flat iron or blow dryer & pressing comb. How often, new regimen is MUCH needed for this new change. I'll more than likely go into MORE details in another post.

Why are you heat training your hair? Because it's really difficult to detangle my hair now that my curl pattern has made it's way into my life a year & some months now. I don't ever plan on wearing my natural curl pattern & if I do, I rather let them be loose then tight. My hair has really bad skrinkage that I hate. People say embrace every part of being natural but I don't like it & I will NOT embrace that part about it. That's just how I feel. There's no right or wrong way. It's my hair right?

-Next few posts I plan on speaking on the Bigen permanent hair color I applied in my hair Nov 2011 *Once my healthy hair challenge was over*
-Products I've been using lately
-Length check *photos :)

Product Review: Bigen Hair Color

Product: Bigen Permanent Hair Color

Purchased from: Sally Beauty Supply
Price: $6.49 plus tax
Size: 0.21 Oz.

Color: #59 in Oriental Black

About the  product: It's Ammonia free, no Hydrogen Peroxide required! Awesome right? It's a permanent powder hair color. 

What it comes with: 

This small bottle is what the hair color powder comes in.

I have thick hair, 2 bottles would have worked for my hair.

But since, I don't wear ALL of my hair out (Just the front) it was fine.

I did apply it all over my head as much as I could, but focused on the front part.

The clear plastic container is used as a measuring system

Mixing process: You need to use a non-metallic bowl to mix the Bigen Powder & "room temperature TAP WATER" together in. 1)Pour the powder in bowl first, then the tap water, & mix.

RATING: 5/5

Views/opinions: I don't think I'll use any other brand for awhile when it comes to permanent hair color. When it's time for a touch up, I'll be using a rinse out just because it wont be as harsh & no need to apply permanent hair color to my hair AGAIN (More info & reason why in another post). I did notice Walmart has this hair color as well for $4 something. But they didn't have the popular color "Oriental black" nor a big variety when I saw it. I never knew they carried it.

Overall I love this hair color, it got the job done. My hair was super black (how I wanted it). I would recommend this to anyone looking for a product that's going to do what it's suppose to do!

Update [17] 2011 Hair Challenge-What My Hair Likes

I'm super duper excited to report what my hair likes. It's been a struggle for 9mos. with transitioning in the begging of this hair journey, to the big chop, to this hair challenge and being on my P's & Q's. I'm finally being rewarded with quit a few things. One being that my hair is actually working WITH me not AGAINST me!


I want to try to make this short as possible but specific as I can for me to be able to reflect back on later. As far as the different products/items I've noticed my hair loves are the following:


-Water is number 1


Oils:
-grapeseed oil
-Coconut oil
-EVOO


Shampoos:
Herbal Essence- Hello Hydration, the Strengthening one
Shea Moisture 
VO5 Milk Moisture- for detangling 
Creme of Nature Shampoo-Conditioner


Conditioner:
Mixed Silk leave in conditioner
Suave


Moisture/Moisturizer:
-Mixed Silk leave in conditioner


Protein:
Aussie leave in conditioner
APHogee: balancing moisturizer & leave in conditioner


Other:
Deep condtioning with:
ACV: Apple Cider Vinegar rinse (every 2 weeks)


We should really pay attention to what our hair likes the most, and not what's popular or what so-&-so is using. What does YOUR hair like/love?

Update [16] 2011 Hair Challenge-Lets Get This Straight

So it may seem like this is my second time straightening my hair, when in fact this is my  3rd time during this Hair Challenge...

[above are the tools i typically use when straightening my hair]

Why am I straightening my hair so much?

Because I'm trying to loosen my curl pattern. I kid you NOT! My hair is so difficult to detangle...so this process will help, plus I don't wear my hair naturally curly. So, it won't hurt nor harm the hair styles I wear.

Am I worried about heat damaged? 

No. 

But I don't plan on using heat on my hair THAT often. Once I straighten my hair for the week, I don't go back & flat iron it again.

Process:

-Wash/Detangle/Condition my hair

-Oil scalp

-apply a little of the Argan Oil

-Then the TRESemme heat tamer spray

-Blow Dry

Conair PRO Infiniti

-Flat iron

My hair challenge will be over next week :)

I hope this process doesn't hinder my healthy hair :-/

Update [15] 2011 Hair Challenge-My Curl Pattern

This picture was taken about a month ago...I just thought I show a glimpse of what my hair pattern looks like. It's not a very good picture.

FYI. this was hair that I detangled after having my hair in plat braids...I have tight, coily, curls..more bitter than sweet for me.

You can also check out my past post: Share Your Hair Type where I talk a little about the texture of my hair...etc.

Update [14] 2011 Hair Challenge- Have I Fallen Off?

Okay, if you've been following me & my hair journey here, you maybe wondering where has the updates on my 6 months hair challenge been? Well I've been semi busy with work & projects, and when I do have a little time to update I'm lazy. I'm still going strong though! I'm still on the road to healthier, & which seems to be curlyer (Nope, not a word) hair. 


I was suppose to have BEEN posted a blog post about the different products that my hair loves!!! Haven't even gotten around to posting it. Shame on me right? Yes, I know. I'm really going to try my best to push out as many helpful, updated blog posts about my hair before this challenge ends.


Speaking of....I am currently in my 5th month which means next month I will be done (Nov. 6th). If you're into natural hair, check out my challenge/journey (links will be below). No I haven't posted pictures of my hair here. I was undecided, and as you can probably tell, I won't be really doing that. But I do have a picture or two of how curly/coil my hair is. It's stupid hard to detangle. I really don't see a point in detangling my hair because it just curls back in the position it was in...so defeated -_-


Links: to my hair journey:
Update [1] 2011 Hair Challenge-Brief

Share Your Hair Type: Simplicity

The BC (Big Chop)

Update [2] 2011 Hair Challenge-Concoction: Mint Spritz

10 months Being Natural

Update [3] 2011 Hair Challenge-Going On Two Months

Homemade Deep Conditioner [2]

Update [4] 2011 Hair Challenge- Products I'm Using

Update [5] 2011 Hair Challenge- June Hair Regime

Update [6] 2011 Hair Challenge- Length Check & Time To Get Straight

Homemade Deep Conditioner [3]

Update [7] 2011 Hair Challenge- Getting Back On Track

Update [8] 2011 Hair Challenge- Protective Hair Styles

Update [9] 2011 Hair Challenge-Protein Treatment

Update [10] 2011 Hair Challenge-Frizz Go AWAY!

1 Year Being Natural....Woot Woot!!!

Update [11] 2011 Hair Challenge-August Hair Regime

Update [12] 2011 Hair Challenge-The Benefits Of A Good Deep Cond.

Update [13] 2011 Hair Challenge-A New Way To DC

Homemade Deep Conditioner [4]

Homemade Deep Conditioner [5]

Thanks for the encouraging words, & comments regarding my natural hair posts :)

Homemade Deep Conditioner [5]

LOL. Yes, I'm back with another...I can't help it!!! I'm a mixologist & my hair loves me for doing these deep conditioners.  Anywho, I did a review on the coconut oil I used in this concoction HERE on my beauty blog GlamNoLabelz. I know a few were anticipating this. You can check out my last Update post where I've combined all of the homemade DC posts I've done HERE

Now for the recipe of my Avocado Deep Conditioner:

EVOO, Tropical Traditions CoConut, Grape seed oil, Proclaim natural 7 oil, honey & a Avocado

The Coconut oil in it's liquid stages

This is what the Avocado looks like after I scraped all of the inside out...

This is what it looks like as I'm blending it in the blender

(The best way to get it smooth & where you're able to apply it to your hair)

[bad photo...sorry]

This is what it looks like after its been blended to my liking....

I just applied it to my hair like you would with any other store bought deep conditioner. I ran my fingers through my hair & massage it into my hair as well to really get it throughout my hair...

Apply a plastic shower cap on & work around the house or chill.

2-3 hours later I washed it out with cool water (Probably for 5mins).

Results: It really made my hair feel refreshing. My curls were extra tight *bitter-sweet*, but most importantly it felt great!

Thank you! Hello! And All That Jazz...

Although it's been a week since my last...random blog post "What Bothers Me About Breast Cancer Awareness Month". I feel like it's been a month!

What have I been up to? Work, getting my mentoring program together (MY Girls), work, & blogging over on my beauty blog. I haven't had much to report about other than my protein diet that I did for a few weeks.


I'm still doing the hair challenge, I'm still happy, & still praising His name. Life is so so so so much better than a few months back. It's crazy. I mean those months seemed like 6 long, depressing months!


On a better note, I've noticed throughout the last few weeks I've gained quit a few followers. HIIIII, thank you for following me. For whatever reason, I'm glad you're here. I hope you can take something from my blog & use it in a positive way :)


I just wanted to get this post OUT THERE & properly say hello to everyone & thank you for the love & follows. I'll be checking you new people out if you have a blog that's under your profile.


I plan to talk more about my hair journey, official update on ME...my life. More so for me, & share a few projects I've been working on. I hope those that find the different things I will post, find it interesting & will support them, if not, that's quit alright :)


Have a blessed day everyone...will be posting soon!

Beauty Mixers/Meet ups: Hair, Bloggers, Makeup etc

I wanted to ask if anyone knew, or heard about any Southern Cali Mixers or Meets up regarding natural hair, beauty or bloggers in general the next coming months. If so please let me know. Leave a comment below. I'm thinking about having one next year. We'll see how that goes though :)

Ps.

I also have reviews, hauls, & more information about my hair journey coming soon. I've been slacking on those type of posts. Forgive me lol. I'm a working woman now. Thank you Jesus!!!

Product Review: Shea Moisture-Shampoo+Curl Enhanhcing Smoothie

I WAS SUPPOSE TO POST THIS LIKE MONTHS AGO -_-
I posted on my beauty blog "Shopping List Item: Curl Enhancing Smoothie" of wanting to purchase this item and I finally DID! Yes! Walgreens was having a buy one get one free deal (Bogo sale) until Saturday (April 2nd). I was somewhat broke and couldn't past up this deal, so I scrapped up some money and went down to make that purchase.

As I stated in the Share Your Hair Type: The Simplicity post (Which was basically a description of my hair)...Coarse!

RATING: 4/5

This is the Shea Moisture: Organic Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo

I'm not a big fan of the scent, but I like the way it makes my hair while working it into my hair/scalp. Depending on how much build up & product you had in your hair it may take the second time around to get your head soapy/foamy. It doesn't easily foam because of the ingredients that aren't used in this product versus other shampoo's we should stay away from as often. 

It does a great job of cleansing my hair :)

With the top on

RATING: 4/5

With the top off 

As you can see it's really creamy. It's semi-thick/clumpy until you dip your finger into the product. I love the scent. This as well as the Aussie leave in conditioner have really great scents & that's one of the main reasons why I use them.

I noticed that it helps with my curls. When my mom used it on the front part of her leave out hair (Which she presses *With a pressing comb*) she said she noticed the next day when she presses her hair that her hair is curly from the other of using this & that she found it difficult to straighten her hair. So it does what it says.

 I actually don't use it to enhance my curls. I just use it as a replacement of IF I had Shea butter to use on my hair, and then seal my hair & ends with an oil (EVOO). So this is MY Shea butter.

The purchase was so bitter-sweet at the time....but I'm glad I was able to make this purchase. 

Have any of you tried out any of their other products? I plan on going BACK to WalGreens this weekend because their having another BOGO sale (Not as good as the last). It's buy 1 get the other 50% off. So check it out.

Homemade Deep Conditioner [4]

Yes, here I am again sharing another DC (Deep conditioner) concoction with you all. As always, it's no different than the others I've done. Awhile ago, I wrote for Update [7] of my Hair Challenge: Getting back On Track, and that's what I've been doing :)


That week I Co-washed my hair, I did a random DC on my hair.

The following items I used were:
1. Proclaim Natural 7 oil
2. Motions Conditioner
3. Herbal Essence "Hello Hydration"
4. Honey
5. EVOO


The next DC concoction I'll post about is the one I've been waiting to share with you all...I'll have pictures & stuff.


Ps. Honey is a great ingredient to mix in your own DC mixes. It makes the hair feel nice & locks in the moisture (Something we need). Also, remember to keep the DC on for as long as you can. Your hair will love you!!! You can also sit under the dryer with a cap on low heat to help as well.