Hey Dolls,
My apologies for not updating in so long. I had been moving and transitioning from one job to another. In that time I was wearing my wigs and not doing my natural hair for the most part.
So I am trying to get videos added to my posts that way you can see how I am doing things. I have gotten several requests to include video so that is what is to come.
Please keep the feedback coming an if you have any request for videos leave me a comment!!
Ciao xoxo
Saturday, November 12, 2016
Saturday, October 8, 2016
Naturalversary: One Year Post Big Chop, My return to Natural.
ey Dolls,
So it is approximately (a few days earlier) 1 year since I cut all my relaxer out of my hair. This has been a journey, truly.
I remember that first day, I was in complete shock that I had cut all my long pretty hair off. I has made a decision after 9 months of transitioning that I needed to just let go of the chemically treated hair. I had gotten tired of struggling with two textures of hair and trying to avoid heat on my new growth. It had just become too much and I thought that I had just enough hair to put in a puff. I was wrong.
The first 3 months after my big chop defining my hair and maintaining moisture was the hardest thing to accomplish. My hair refused to stay moisturized and refused to curl. I did not even have an established curl pattern. I then became a product junkie and YouTube fanatic. I wanted so bad for curls to form and my hair not to be so dry.
After trial and error I established routine that worked and it actually was a lot simpler and required more natural products than man made products. My hair is thriving and I managed to bring my curls to life.
My hair is thick and gaining length (shrinkage is very real), most importantly it is healthy! I have gained about 4 inches of hair growth after minor trims in the last year.
Here are a few photos starting from January of 2015 to Today October 8,2016.
So it is approximately (a few days earlier) 1 year since I cut all my relaxer out of my hair. This has been a journey, truly.
I remember that first day, I was in complete shock that I had cut all my long pretty hair off. I has made a decision after 9 months of transitioning that I needed to just let go of the chemically treated hair. I had gotten tired of struggling with two textures of hair and trying to avoid heat on my new growth. It had just become too much and I thought that I had just enough hair to put in a puff. I was wrong.
The first 3 months after my big chop defining my hair and maintaining moisture was the hardest thing to accomplish. My hair refused to stay moisturized and refused to curl. I did not even have an established curl pattern. I then became a product junkie and YouTube fanatic. I wanted so bad for curls to form and my hair not to be so dry.
After trial and error I established routine that worked and it actually was a lot simpler and required more natural products than man made products. My hair is thriving and I managed to bring my curls to life.
My hair is thick and gaining length (shrinkage is very real), most importantly it is healthy! I have gained about 4 inches of hair growth after minor trims in the last year.
Here are a few photos starting from January of 2015 to Today October 8,2016.
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Dry Hair Problems, Post Blow Out
Hey Dolls.
So after blowing my hair out for the first time my hair turned into a dry,frizzy, nondefined mess! I have never seen my hair react like this, but what does one expect when applying heat after over a year without it!
NO MORE HEAT!!
So the first night I just cowashed and used the LOC method to seal in moisture for a twistout. My hair was light and fluffy but had spots with little to no definition and product was just sitting on top of my hair.
So let lift there hair cuticles and get some moisture in!!
Step One. Lift Cuticles
So to do this you will need conditioner (2part), baking soda (1part), and water (3parts). I say parts because however much baking sofa you have you will double the conditioner and triple the water. That is just a basic recipe. I also add ACV (2tbs) , molasses (1 tbs), and honey (1 tbs). I usually keep the extras to that amount because I don't want them to cancel out the base of the mixture.
So apply the mixture to your head, easiest done in sections. I take it through and finger detangle at the same time. After it is applied everywhere o apply a plastic cap for about 30min-40min not much longer as this can damage your hair just like over conditioning. Then rinse.
Step Two. Condition
Next I apply my deep conditioner Shea moisture mask. I put a plastic cap over and went to bed. I usually do not sleep in my conditioners but made an exception last night (9/20/16).
Step Three. Bentonite Clay Mask
Then I apply my clay mask to closed my cuticles and lock in the moisture while defining my curls. For my clay mixture I follow the directions on the container 1 part clay to 1 part ACV (1 cup clay = 1 cup ACV) I also add a tablespoon or two of honey for smell but not always. The mixture smell is not pleasant but it makes those curls pop!! I usually leave it on 30-40 minute enough time to dry and also apply to my face then rinse it all out in the shower as it is extremely messy!
** Also I usually will add water if the consistency is too thick, I prefer it thick and creamy like a nice hair butter/cream a couple tablespoons of water can make the texture perfect **
Step Four. Style
I usually do a wash and go to see how well my curls took to the treatment. Today 9/21 I just add EcoStyler gel while my hair was still soaking wet in the shower. I did not rake it through I applied a lot to sections and made sure to distribute to each strand without disturbing my natural curls.
So after blowing my hair out for the first time my hair turned into a dry,frizzy, nondefined mess! I have never seen my hair react like this, but what does one expect when applying heat after over a year without it!
NO MORE HEAT!!
So the first night I just cowashed and used the LOC method to seal in moisture for a twistout. My hair was light and fluffy but had spots with little to no definition and product was just sitting on top of my hair.
So let lift there hair cuticles and get some moisture in!!
Step One. Lift Cuticles
So to do this you will need conditioner (2part), baking soda (1part), and water (3parts). I say parts because however much baking sofa you have you will double the conditioner and triple the water. That is just a basic recipe. I also add ACV (2tbs) , molasses (1 tbs), and honey (1 tbs). I usually keep the extras to that amount because I don't want them to cancel out the base of the mixture.
So apply the mixture to your head, easiest done in sections. I take it through and finger detangle at the same time. After it is applied everywhere o apply a plastic cap for about 30min-40min not much longer as this can damage your hair just like over conditioning. Then rinse.
Step Two. Condition
Next I apply my deep conditioner Shea moisture mask. I put a plastic cap over and went to bed. I usually do not sleep in my conditioners but made an exception last night (9/20/16).
Step Three. Bentonite Clay Mask
Then I apply my clay mask to closed my cuticles and lock in the moisture while defining my curls. For my clay mixture I follow the directions on the container 1 part clay to 1 part ACV (1 cup clay = 1 cup ACV) I also add a tablespoon or two of honey for smell but not always. The mixture smell is not pleasant but it makes those curls pop!! I usually leave it on 30-40 minute enough time to dry and also apply to my face then rinse it all out in the shower as it is extremely messy!
** Also I usually will add water if the consistency is too thick, I prefer it thick and creamy like a nice hair butter/cream a couple tablespoons of water can make the texture perfect **
Step Four. Style
I usually do a wash and go to see how well my curls took to the treatment. Today 9/21 I just add EcoStyler gel while my hair was still soaking wet in the shower. I did not rake it through I applied a lot to sections and made sure to distribute to each strand without disturbing my natural curls.
RESULTS BELOW
** This is a Modified version of Caramel Treatment and inspired by the MAX HYDRATION METHOD **
Friday, September 16, 2016
11 months post BIG CHOP
11 months post BIG CHOP; 20 months free of the CREAMY CRACK
Hey Dolls,
I just wanted to give you all a hair update. So let's start with my hair stats. :)
Last Relaxer: January 2, 2015
Transition: about 9 1/2 months
Big Chop: October 11, 2015
So let me say that this is still a work in progress. It is a journey because my hair changes with the weather and I must adapt to those changes. It has not been easy, as I had to get to know my hair and its limitations. I have done several protective styles wigs and braids. I find that after a few weeks I miss my curls and have to bring them back out.
I have gotten a regimen down that works for my hair right now. I have a million and one products most I don't use because it did not work as expected. I have more realistic expectations of my hair and I can not wait to see what is to come!!
Hey Dolls,
I just wanted to give you all a hair update. So let's start with my hair stats. :)
Last Relaxer: January 2, 2015
Transition: about 9 1/2 months
Big Chop: October 11, 2015
So let me say that this is still a work in progress. It is a journey because my hair changes with the weather and I must adapt to those changes. It has not been easy, as I had to get to know my hair and its limitations. I have done several protective styles wigs and braids. I find that after a few weeks I miss my curls and have to bring them back out.
I have gotten a regimen down that works for my hair right now. I have a million and one products most I don't use because it did not work as expected. I have more realistic expectations of my hair and I can not wait to see what is to come!!
1/2/15 Last Relaxer
9/6/15 Transition month 8 post relaxer Twist & Curl
10/15/15 BIG CHOP
9/12/16 Blow Out
9/5/16 Stretched Braid out
9/9/16 Wash & Go (half way dry, the shrinkage is real)
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Max Hyrdation Method.... Sort of!?
Hey dolls,
Over the weekend I did a partial max hydration method. I have done it before especially when my hair isn't accepting moisture, lol. I find that doing this method makes my curls more define and clump together rather nicely, it also allows me to get a good a mount of moisture in my hair as well.
STEP 1. I separated my hair into 6 sections. Spritz with water and detangled. I put them in plaits and trimmed my ends as dead ends can attribute to a lack that my hair will give lol.
STEP 2. My Caramel Treatment for dry undefined hair. You can YouTube this from many a hair guru.
Cherry Lola Caramel Treatment (CLCT)
Over the weekend I did a partial max hydration method. I have done it before especially when my hair isn't accepting moisture, lol. I find that doing this method makes my curls more define and clump together rather nicely, it also allows me to get a good a mount of moisture in my hair as well.
STEP 1. I separated my hair into 6 sections. Spritz with water and detangled. I put them in plaits and trimmed my ends as dead ends can attribute to a lack that my hair will give lol.
STEP 2. My Caramel Treatment for dry undefined hair. You can YouTube this from many a hair guru.
Cherry Lola Caramel Treatment (CLCT)
- Greek yogurt (2 cups)
- Baking soda (2 tbsp)
- Organic apple cider vinegar (2 tbsp)
- Raw coconut liquid aminos or liquid Soy aminos (2 tbsp)
- Raw honey (1/2 tbsp)
- Unsulfured molasses (1 tbsp)
- Half an over ripe plantain or banana
- Avocado (3/4 tbsp)
- 1 egg (optional, but I used it no problem)
Blend them all together. I do mean blend in a blender btw, I used my hand mixer and my banana chunks got stuck on my hair I do not recommend using a hand mixer. If you do not have a blender skip the banana, I have.
I apply this to my hair it will be sort of foamy. I apply to my hair root to scalp and rake through after my hair is saturated in that section. Place under a plastic cap for 45min-1hr. Then I rinse out with luke warm water.
*I do this step only once every few months it is not recommended for daily or weekly treatment. I prefer every 3 months I do this and in between I will do just ACV and water to cleanse my hair and follow the remaining steps verbatim.*
*I do this step only once every few months it is not recommended for daily or weekly treatment. I prefer every 3 months I do this and in between I will do just ACV and water to cleanse my hair and follow the remaining steps verbatim.*
Pictured above: Here is my hair with the CLCT on it. You can see that my hair looks nice and defined. Below: is a video of my hair with the CLCT on it to give you a better view.
STEP 3. After ringing out CLCT , I apply conditioner and deep condition. This time I used Manuka Intensive Hydrating Hair Mask from Shea Moisture, applied plastic cap for about 1 hr 1/2. The method advises to condition over night however I find it leads to shedding and makes my hair weak.
***SN: I no longer deep condition longer than 1hr 1/2. There is no science that it provides additional moisture deep conditioning past that point. I also notice with my hair when I deep condition for extended periods of time my hair is a bit weaker and needs protein or else it will shed like crazy.
***SN: I no longer deep condition longer than 1hr 1/2. There is no science that it provides additional moisture deep conditioning past that point. I also notice with my hair when I deep condition for extended periods of time my hair is a bit weaker and needs protein or else it will shed like crazy.
STEP 4. I apply my bentonite clay mask (after rinsing DC out), which is one part clay one part Apple cider vinegar with a few tablespoons of honey for smell and shine. I usually require 1/2 c of each to cover my whole head. I have found that my making half batches to do the front and then the back I end up being able to use it all without short. I apply it in the same way I apply the CLCT by smoothing on then raking my fingers through. after it dries I rinse it out. I will be honest this is not the best smelling thing in the world but it does my hair wonders.
Pictured above: My hair with the bentonite clay on it. Below: A video with the clay on it to give you a better visual.
STEP 5. I apply my olive oil then my leave in conditioner for this particular time I used Design Essentials Almond and Avocado leave-in. I braided my hair back in four plait to stretch my hair for styling. I usually use my Kinky Curly Knot Today as deep conditioner and leave in (I mix with water for my leave in as it is highly saturated). I am falling in love with DE conditioner.
I wore my wig on top for one day to allow full drying and moisture absorption. I planned to do a braid out but I want to do it on stretched hair.
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Flax Seed Gel! I have found my gel love!
Hey Dolls!
I made Flax Seed Gel not once but twice and I officially love it!
So I want to tell you about my first batch which I hated. I was following a recipe the included Shea butter and coconut oil and I hate it. I also used a stocking to strain and ended up with seeds everywhere in it and was highly disappointed. I didn't even get to truly use it because it had so many seeds.
My second batch is life!!!
So here is what I used:
1. 1/4 cup of Brown whole flax seeds (the brand was not important, can be picked up at whole foods $7-$10)
2. 2 cups of water
3. Metal strainer with extremely small hole. ($1 at dollar tree)
4. 1 tbsp. Jojoba oil
5. 2 tbsp. Olive oil
6. Large spoon to stir
7. Container to store (I used a glad bowl
In a pot you will bring to a boil the water and seeds. Stir frequently for about 6-13 minutes. Rule of thumb the longer you boil the thicker the consistency, I prefer thicker so I boiled for 11 minutes. Immediately after removing from heat strain seeds from gel as it will begin to congeal immediately. As it is cooling I add my oils and you can use whatever oils you prefer I just do not recommend adding a butter like Shea butter. Stir and allow to cool. I store mine in the fridge and it can last anywhere from 1-2 weeks in the fridge.
I made Flax Seed Gel not once but twice and I officially love it!
So I want to tell you about my first batch which I hated. I was following a recipe the included Shea butter and coconut oil and I hate it. I also used a stocking to strain and ended up with seeds everywhere in it and was highly disappointed. I didn't even get to truly use it because it had so many seeds.
My second batch is life!!!
So here is what I used:
1. 1/4 cup of Brown whole flax seeds (the brand was not important, can be picked up at whole foods $7-$10)
2. 2 cups of water
3. Metal strainer with extremely small hole. ($1 at dollar tree)
4. 1 tbsp. Jojoba oil
5. 2 tbsp. Olive oil
6. Large spoon to stir
7. Container to store (I used a glad bowl
In a pot you will bring to a boil the water and seeds. Stir frequently for about 6-13 minutes. Rule of thumb the longer you boil the thicker the consistency, I prefer thicker so I boiled for 11 minutes. Immediately after removing from heat strain seeds from gel as it will begin to congeal immediately. As it is cooling I add my oils and you can use whatever oils you prefer I just do not recommend adding a butter like Shea butter. Stir and allow to cool. I store mine in the fridge and it can last anywhere from 1-2 weeks in the fridge.
I did a wash and go on freshly and tested the flax seed gel out. My hair was pretty much soak and wet I apply a little olive oil to lock in the moisture then I added the gel. I did use a diffuser alternating between low and high heat to dry my roots and to create volume.
Friday, August 5, 2016
Design Essentials Natural Almond & Avocado Line REVIEW
Hey Dolls,
I am reviewing this entire line that I received in my April 2016 Curl Box. I received the following products:
- Almond & Avocado Moisturizing & Detangling Shampoo $11.99 8.0 oz.
- Almond & Avocado Moisturizing & Detangling Conditioner $12.99 8.0 oz.
- Almond & Avocado Detangling Leave-In Conditioner $11.99 8.0 oz.
- Natural Curl Enhancing Mousse $13
Smell 5/5
The smell of this line is pretty awesome. It has a very natural smell that is not overpowering but still smells great.
Shampoo 5/5
The shampoo is pretty awesome it is sulfate free which I love. It is very concentrated so it doe not require you to use a whole lot of it and with a little of water lathers right up. Once on my hair I was able to detangle which was a surprise most shampoos does not have slip and this one had some. It leaves my hair feeling cleaning without feeling stripped, which is a plus as well.
Conditioner 5/5
This is my go to for conditioning!! It has amazing slip and make detangling a breeze! It does require a lot for thicker hair but once it is on it is like your hair is butter.
Leave-In Conditioner 3/5
I did not really like it to be honest. I had to apply another leave in because my hair did not feel moisturized nor did it make my curl pop left it more fluffy, which would be great for blow outs as it is very light weight. It was great for detangling as well. I will try again and update when I straighten my hair at my 1year post big chop.
Mousse (1/5 for natural hair) (5/5 for my wig)
So this really requires two separate review but I will squeeze it in one. I hated this on my natural hair. It did not mix well with any products and it left my hair feeling gummy, which could have been due to product mixing but I did not like it and washed it out. I didn't even let it dry. Now I did apply to my Brazilian curly deep curl wig and it was awesome it didn't leave a film or leave a super crunchy feeling and I still use it for that hair. I also did a flexi-rod set on the wig with it and loved it as well .
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