Sunday 29 May 2011

Featured Excerpt: Latoya

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Tell us a little about you……!       My name is LaToya. I have a BA in theater with a concentration in acting and I graduate with my MFA in May 2011 *deep breath*. I love to have fun and I consider myself a pretty goofy person…I kind of  have an obsession with makeup (don’t tell anyone) and I LOVE food. The treadmill and I are on visiting terms now. I love life and even through trials I feel blessed to have a life that is rich and full of wonderful people that reciprocate my love.

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2. When & why did you decide to go natural?    Last relaxer: Feb 2010; Decision to go natural: May 4th 2010. I was tired of getting chemically burned, wasting time at the salon, and not being able to get my hair to grow past my shoulders.  Big Chop: October 8, 2010

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3. Were your friends and family supportive of your decision? If not, how were you able to move forward?      My friends supported my decision, but my mother and boyfriend at the time were very discouraging. My mother was worried about my career and not being cast because of my hair. My boyfriend said he DSCF3460 didn’t like the ‘unkept’ look. I actually ended up posting a video on Youtube talking about it and I used it as a kind of anchor to help me go through with my decision. I didn’t want to publically announce going natural and then let the negative thoughts put me back in the salon chair to get another relaxer. I have always been a strong person and I wasn’t going to let discouraging words change my mind. I put my foot down and said, “This is MY decision and though I love and respect you for sharing your concerns, I’m going for it!” I haven’t turned back since.

4. How long have you been natural for?   6 months on March 8 2011.

5. What’s your regimen?    Wash: Kinky Curly Come Clean or Pantene Pro-V Relaxed and Natural (once a week)  ~  Conditioner: Giovanni or Pantene Pro-V Relaxed and Natural (at least once a week)   ~   Deep Condition: Organics Olive Oil Deep Conditioner(looking for alternative-once a week)   ~  Leave-in Conditioner: Garnier Frutise Leave-in or Kinky Curly Knot Today (everyday)   ~   Oils: Jojoba, Coconut (everyday)  ~  Butter: 100% African Shea Butter (once a week)   ~  Strength: Chi Keratin Mist (once a week)   ~  Shine: Chi Silk Infusion or Biosilk (as needed)

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6. What mistakes have you made with your hair that you’ve learned from?  *I went natural once before (poor, in college, couldn’t afford relaxers) and I used heat EVERY day. Since I decided to go natural I have only used heat once to trim.

*I have learned to TAKE MY TIME when detangling.

*I don’t comb my hair dry anymore

7. What has been your favorite product?    Honestly, my Garnier Frutise Sleek and Shine leave-in conditioner. My hair LOVES it!

8. Do you have any hair goals? What steps are you taking to achieve them?   Yes, my main hair goal is and was to embrace my hair and learn how to take care of it. I grew up thinking ‘nappy’ hair was ugly, but now my view has changed drastically. My vanity hair goal is to be mid-back length. I want a big OBNOXIOUS afro.

9. What has the biggest milestone you have faced in your hair journey? How did you overcome this milestone?    I had been afraid to wear my natural hair on auditions. I always wore wigs because for fear of not getting cast because of my hair. One day I woke up to get ready for an audition and I didn’t put a wig on. Simple as that. Now I have made it a habit of wearing my natural hair out for auditions.

10. You love your hair because?    It’s versatile, thick, healthy, soft, fluffy,big, makes a statement, and literally brings out my natural beauty. It demands attention when I walk in a room and contrary to what I have been told before, it fits my personality PERFECTLY. I feel blessed to have hair this divine.

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11. Where can we find you (a blog, website,Fotki, Youtube, Twitter)?   Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/toyaboo2     ~    Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/2Toyaboo2

L@@kie @ My New Haul!

 

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500g of Bentonite Clay
500g of Kaolin Clay
500g of Fuller’s Earth Powder
1x Bar of Honey & Oatmeal Natural Hand Made Soap
1x Bar of Seaweed & Algae Natural Hand Made Soap

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All was purchased @ thesoapkitchen

One ‘n Only Argan Oil Treatment

 

IMAG0181 Promises:    Protects against damage caused by the environment or heat styling

  • Mix with color/chemical processes for enhanced results and added depth to color. Creates brilliant shine and eliminates frizz
  • Compare to Moroccan Oil. For all hair types

One of the world's rarest oils, argan oil is derived from the Moroccan Argan Tree. Rich in essential fatty acids, Omega 6 and Vitamin E, it is valued for its ability to regenerate and nourish dry and damaged hair.

One 'n Only Argan Oil is a premium finishing, smoothing and conditioning product. This non-greasy, alcohol-free formula instantly absorbed into the hair, creating brilliant shine without leaving an oily residue. Smoothes cuticle for the silky, conditioned and healthy looking hair. This precious oil eliminates frizz and leaves hair more manageable while helping to protect against damage caused by the environment, chemicals or excessive heat from styling irons and dryers. Provides UV protection and long-term conditioning while reducing split ends and breakage.

Ideal for all hair types, One 'n Only Argan Oil reduces drying time and speeds up styling time producing consistently silky smooth results.

Directions:    Styling and Finishing: Distribute a small amount of oil evenly through clean, towel-dried hair; use heat to style. Distribute a small amount through dry hair to moisturize, reduce frizz and add instant shine.

Smoothing and Conditioning: Smoothes the hair instantly, leaving it revitalized with a healthy look and feel. Hydrates, protects, revives and detangles natural hair, wigs and extensions.

Color/Chemical Process: Prior to treatment massage a small amount of oil evenly into hair. Do not rinse. Then mix approximately 1/4 teaspoon of oil with the color, highlighting, straightening or relaxer solution and process as usual. One 'n Only Argan Oil increases absorption of product into hair for enhanced shine and depth of color.

Apply a small amount of Argan Oil Treatment through damp hair after shampooing. Style as usual. For added protection apply a small amount to dry hair.

Ingredients:   Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethiconol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Fragrance (Parfum), Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Yellow 11 (CI 47000), Red 17 (CI 26100)

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The TRUTH:    Sorry about the little argan oil SNATCHER, I tried taking the same photo several times and the snatcher kept coming back :D. I had to give up and use one of the pics. I was not going to win with the SNATCHER!

When I got the bottle I thought how cute and neat lol I like cute packaging of hair products, silly yea I know. Upon opening the bottle, the smell was divine. I was so eager to see how it works as I have been hearing nothing but good things about it. I got down to doing my hair that weekend (I did the usual wash and DC) and as a leave-in all I used was this oil treatment as a leave-in. (a). It is not too greasy, despite the reviews on the sallys site, a little goes a loooong way. (b). It is absorbed in the hair instantly and nicely, making it manageable and soft…., the BONUS is it gives a wicked shine! (c). This is my favourite thing about this oil treatment; is that as a transitioner anything that eases detangling of both both texture is a transitioner BEST FRIEND! WELL when I say it makes any come  slides though both texture like the wind, it is the truth.

This is one of the products that is helping me to last this transitioning journey out for the ext 10 months. As I have no fear of detangle with a lot of breakage or excessive pulling between both textures. This is a holy grail for every transitioner IMHO.

(d). It smells awesome and it lingers lightly for days, having that light, sweet aroma is heavenly.

(e). The colour of this oil treatment (as shown above in the bottle cover) is of pale red/burgundy colour, very much resembles the kernel butter/oil, which is obvious as it is the 6th ingredient on this oil treatment list. 

(f). I mark it down a point as for a 3.4oz bottle of not all pure ingredients I find it mightily expensive personally.

Other than that it is a nice little oil to help you transition and for all hair types. Speaking of it the bottle I have is not even half and I have requested for another bottle to shipped to me. I have no intentions of being out of it anytime soon. I plan on lasting it out for the 24 months transitioning.

Rating: 4/5

Price:  $9.49 for 3.4oz @ sallybeauty

Sunday 22 May 2011

Featured Excerpt: Aliya aka SewDope

Tell us a little about you......!     My name is Aliya and I live in Philly. Blog 002

When & why did you decide to go natural?     I decided to go natural 2.5 years ago. I  was wearing weaves pretty religiously and just got tired of it. I realized that I was using them as a crutch instead of an option. My hair underneath was damaged, dry, unhealthy and just really ugly! lol! I stopped wearing weaves and cut my hair into a short and relaxed style (while under weaves I was texlaxed). I really saw how horrible my hair was at that point. My hair was so thin that you could see my scalp. I've always had fine, thin hair but this was just ridiculous. At that point, I decided to grow my relaxer out for a few months and then wear my hair natural.

How has your perception of beauty changed since going natural?     This is actually my second time going natural. I also wore it this way while in high school. For me, natural hair has always been an option. I grew up in a household were blackness and having kinky hair were NOT looked down upon. To me, everything black has always been beautiful. Self acceptance has never been an issue. However, I am truly grateful for this natural hair revolution. When I was natural before, there wasn't much information about what to do with your hair while it's kinky. I was using a lot of heat and all the wrong products. My hair broke off pretty badly so I decided to relax it again. This time around I know I will never go back to relaxers because I've got this.

Were your friends and family supportive of your decision? If not, how were you Blog 005 able to move forward?     All of the people that really matter were very supportive. My immediate family has always been accepting of me and my choices. My grandmom and  grand pop were totally against it. They asked me why I was going natural? What was I trying to prove? Blah, blah, blah.... They've come around since then though because it's grown a lot. I did lose a few friends in the process but I'm grateful for that. If all it took was a hairstyle choice (which isn't that major in the grand scheme of things) for you to change your mind about me as a person, then I really don't need you in my circle. I live my life for me. If you can't accept that then you need to roll. Some have tried to come back since but I have no interest in having them around. The only circle of mine that flakes belong in is my bowl for breakfast.

How long have you been natural for?    I've been natural for 2 years. :)

What’s your regimen?      Pre-poo with mixture of oil (olive, castor or wild grow oil), water and a cheap moisturizing conditioner in a spray bottle. Alternate between washing with a sufate free shampoo and cowashing every week. Deep condition with a protein conditioner for an hour.  Rinse then apply a thick, deep moisturizing conditioner, let that sit for 5 mins then rinse again. Apply Kimmaytube leave-in, seal with whipped shea mix. Air dry in two-strand twist overnight and take them out in the morning. Rock twist out for a week. Spray with water as needed during the week or just let the steam from the shower moisturize. (I try new products all the time so for me the products aren't important, its the process).

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What mistakes have you made with your hair that you’ve learned from?    My hair thrives in the summer but you still have to protect your hair from the sun. I always wear hats when I go out for extended periods of time like to the beach or to an amusement park. I also wear hats in the winter to protect my hair from the cold weather. I made a huge mistake rocking my fro when I went to the Bahamas and had to cut off about 2 inches of sun damaged, dry, brittle hair when I got back. I also learned that combing and brushing my hair very often isn't necessary. Fine/thin hair detangles pretty easily on it's own with water, conditioner and your fingers.

What has been your favourite product?    Water

Do you have any hair goals? What steps are you taking to achieve them?    Not really. I just focus on healthy hair. I feel as though if your hair is healthy, the length will come.

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What has the biggest milestone you have faced in your hair journey? How did you overcome this milestone?    My hair line was JACKED UP from wearing weaves for so long. It's not 100% yet but it's come a long way. I am very happy with the way it looks. :) I now know that because my hair is so fine, that the best thing to do is leave it alone. Tugging on it with braids, headbands, bobby pins, etc is a no no. For the most part I just rock a twist-out and occasionally do other styles when I get bored with it.

You love your hair because?   I love my hair because it enhances my beauty but it's not the source of it.

Where can we find you (a blog, website,Fotki, Youtube, Twitter)?   I'm on Hairlista.com as Aliya aka SewDope.

BONUS Question!

Naturals have more fun because........,?   Having fun is what naturals do! lol!

Treatment: Rhassoul Clay

Origin- Morocco

Extraction- 100% naturally occurring and naturally quarry mined
Shelf life- Indefinite (4-5 years recommended)

Other Common Names- Red Clay, Red Moroccan Clay, Ghassoul Clay, Oxide Clay.

Specifications:Rhassoul%20Clay[1]
Color- Light Gray with a hue of oxidized pink
Odor- Flat
Mesh Size- US #70-80 Mesh
Mineral Content
Silica- 58%
Aluminum- 2.47%
Iron- 0.64%
Sodium- 2.3%
Magnesium- 25.2%
Calcium- 2.34%

What is Rhassoul and where does it come from?
From Morocco, comes this remarkable natural source, reddish brown cosmetic clay known as Rhassoul.
It has been used for over 1400 years as a soap, shampoo, and skin conditioner, and the finest spas across the globe currently utilize it for therapeutic benefits.
Mined deep beneath the Atlas Mountains in Eastern Morocco it must be extracted under extremely special conditions.

Through meticulous selection, and extensive contact with the raw material we are proud to offer this rich Rhassoul that is truly unique in quality and purity.
When first mined, Rhassoul clay appears as a polished brown, soap-like clay, which is chunky in appearance and resembling rocks. After further refinement and micronization, the end product is a smooth almost silken earth.

How does it work?
Rhassoul is a natural, mild cleanser. Unlike soaps and shampoos Rhassoul contains no surfactants and cleanses gently by absorbing impurities and excess oil. With a pH of 6.9 – 7.5, Rhassoul is THE choice for natural and chemical-free hair and skin cleansing.
Rhassoul is an absorbent clay that dissolves in water and plus-ionizes its mineral content when dissolved. The ionized minerals help to fill up the NMF (Natural Moisture Factor - natural cellulite between cells) that is lost by our skin through stress and aging. Its use has a positive effect on keratin carries out recovery promotion of the damaged of horny layer.  When added to water, the Rhassoul-paste is used to adsorb the oils, dead
skin cells, and dirt from the surface of the skin, scalp, and hair.

Rhassoul use for skin conditions. The results of this single use Rhassoul study produced these findings….

  • Reduces dryness (79%)
  • Reduces flakiness (41%)
  • Improves skin clarity (68%)
  • Improves skin elasticity / firmness (24%)
  • Improves skin texture (106%)
  • Removes surface oil and oil from inside and around comedons
  • Removes dead skin layers, resulting in a general smoothing of the surface skin
  • In addition to the oil removal characteristics

 

My First Rhassoul Clay Hair Treatment

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This is how mix my ‘Rhassoul Clay Treatment’ I use about 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup of warm water and 150g of rhassoul clay. I was not planning to use the whole 150g, but I added to much water and so I have no choice; it was bummer I tend to be good at getting these power mixes right on, awww well there is always a first.

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I mix it up and let it sit for a while it was a bit runny and I wanted a thicker consistency so I added a squirt of Mizani Moistufuse conditioner which did the trick of getting to the perfect consistency.

I then co-washed my hair with Aussie Cleanse and Mend conditioner (US version), loves this conditioner. I blotted dry my hair a bit then I apply the rhassoul clay mix in sections and then cover with two shower caps. I was hoping to do it for an hour, but I got busy doing bits around the house and it left in for about 5 hours.

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I then rinsed it out and I really like the results, it made my hair feel so soft, clean and conditioned. It made the natural parts of my hair the curls seemed more defined and was big and felt heavy. I really liked the results and the feel of my hair afterwards. I am going to order some more and do another treatment, so far really nice results.

Rating: 5/5

Price: varies, purchase from newdirectionsuk, thesoapkitchen, akuawood

Wednesday 18 May 2011

Featured Excerpt: Lias Forbes

1. Tell us a little about you……!   My name is L. I am an entrePOORneur meaning I have a lot of business ideas and ventures but as of yet none of them are paying off. I tell people all the time I still haven’t decided what I want to be when I grow up so for now I’m a nurse, Internet radio host, blogger, YouTuber, poet and artist manager. I also have degrees in Liberal Arts and PR/Marketing. I love to create but for a while I sort of forgot, so this year I've vowed to reconnect with my creative side and since I'm no longer a slave to the 9 to 5 looks like I have plenty of time! When I'm not working or creating I love to shop (that's an art right?).

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2. When & why did you decide to go natural?   I had been natural all of my childhood up until my first or second year of high school. Back then my mother pressed my hair or one of the neighborhood teens would cornrow it. I decided to go back to natural in 2005 out of boredom and curiosity. My hair had been in every style you can imagine and back again. I even at one point had a Grace Jones buzz cut with Aztec designs shaved into my nape (yea young ins I had already done that way back when) and a bleached mohawk. I’ve worn my hair long and relaxed, short and relaxed, braided and weaved. The only things left for me to do were natural or bald…I chose natural.

3. Were your friends and family supportive of your decision?  If not, how were you able to move forward?    I can’t say they were either. I didn’t discuss it with anyone I just did it and they shook their heads as always. My dad was a bit disappointed not because I went natural but because I was once again cutting my hair off.

4. How long have you been natural for?  I went natural initially in 2005 and then had to start over again in 2006 following a brief moment of insanity involving a texturizer and a long strawberry blonde weave. We try not to talk about that.

IMG_20110408_080051 5. What’s your regimen?   I don’t know if you can call what I do a regimen because it is really simple and basic. I only do what my hair needs when it needs it but if you really want to know : When my hair feels or looks dirty I wash it When my hair feels dry I moisturize with Hollywood Olive Cream and seal with argan oil. On a whim I deep condition overnight usually 1-2 times a month I spritz with water and usually some type of product mixed in almost daily. I usually use Suave conditioner but I may also use glycerin, aloe vera gel or tea tree oil. Sometimes I use all of the above. I rarely wear my hair out. My protective style of choice (for now) is bunning 4 to be exact.

6. What mistakes have you made with your hair that you’ve learned from?  Early in the process I didn’t know how much knowledge was readily available. My hair was growing but it lacked proper moisture I wasn’t conditioning nearly enough. Once I found the natural hair community on YouTube and joined forums like Nappturality I learned that I needed to do a little bit more to maintain my hair. In doing so I found my own technique for training my hair to maintain its curl pattern and definition. Now I am using this hair01 knowledge to inspire other women with the same texture to not limit themselves by what hair typing charts claim their hair is supposed to look like. If I had bought into that my hair would not be what it is today.

7. What has been your favourite product?   Hollywood Olive Cream is my absolute favorite product. If I could only have one hair product it would be this one. I’ve used it both as a deep conditioner and moisturizer. It’s very light and keeps my hair very soft without being heavy or oily. Sounds like I’m doing a commercial (holla at me Hollywood Beauty!).

8. Do you have any hair goals? What steps are you taking to achieve them?    My goal is to have waist length hair by 2014. I’ve joined Hairlista and KISS to share ideas with likeminded women and to gain inspiration. My routine has always been pretty low maintenance but I am paying more attention to protective styling and I am also documenting my progress as inspiration.


9. What has the biggest milestone you have faced in your hair journey? How did HAIR5you overcome this milestone?   I can say my transition to natural has been fairly uneventful. When I started I didn’t have any clear goals, ideas or expectations about what I was going to achieve. All I knew was I wanted to be natural so anything that came after that was a bonus.

10. You love your hair because? Do you see it? What’s not to love?

BONUS Question!

Naturals have more fun because……..,?   We are self -aware. When you spend so much time learning about and caring for one part of yourself you become more aware of other aspects that make up you and being self- aware is SEXY!

Keracare Intensive Restorative Masque

Promises:   KeraCare Intensive Restorative Masque IMAG0132
The ultimate treatment for weak and damaged hair. It actually
fortifies hair so that it is 42% stronger! A specialized blend
of fruit extracts work to enhance elasticity, helping the hair
withstand styling without incurring further damage.

When to Use:
Use as a deep conditioner for weak and damaged hair.
Use to repair hair that has been damaged from frequent heat
styling, chemical treatments or stressful styling practices.
Use to strengthen hair.

Directions: Gently massage an ample amount to freshly shampooed,
towel-dried hair, distributing evenly from roots to ends. Note
that the product is concentrated, so take care not to
over-apply. Comb through and cover hair with a plastic cap.
Leave on 15-20 minutes. For a deeper treatment, process under
a warm hood dryer or heat cap for 30 minutes. Rinse and style.
May be used weekly.

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Ingredients: Water, Cetearyl Alchohol, Petrolatum, Cethyl Esters, Trideceth-10, Behentrimonium Chloride, Gylcerin, Trideceth-5, Soybean Oil, Lauryl PEG/PPG-18/18 Methicone, Poloxamer 407, Amodimethicone, Water and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Propylene Glycol and Water and Apple Fruit Extract, Propylene Glycol and Water and Lemon Peel Extract, Propylene Glycol and Water and Sugar Cane Stalk Extract, Perfume, Polyquarternium-10, Tocopheryl Acetate, Simethicone, Methylisothiazolinone.

The TRUTH: This is my second jar of 32oz Keracare Intensive Restorative Masque, it is an awesome conditioner.  (1). It is of a good consistency, it has a lot of slip, it is like a slimy consistency. Due to this consistency, it easily detangles the hair, you don’t even need a comb to distribute it evenly. Your fingers and this conditioner is all you need. I know you also hear this a lot but, this is the truth and anyone who has use this conditioner will concur, a little and it is honestly the truth a little is all you need, as the consistency is so stretchy/slimey lol. With that being said this conditioner will last you a long time and you get your monies worth ;).  (2). It does ALL THREE in one (a). Moisturize (b). Strengthens (c). soft and restore the structure and appearance of the hair. This conditioner has been helping me through my transitioning as it helps with the two texture, I don’t have to struggle with detangling either, both are strengthens, soft and moisturize. I use to use this when I was texalxed, but I am more appreciative of it during my transitioning as it has been helping me greatly, I am hoping the jar will last by the time I am ready to BC lol

Rating: 5/5

Price: 32oz for $32.99 @ IRBYSBEAUTYSUPPLY

Sunday 15 May 2011

My go to Style to GET away from BCing!

 

Remember my last RANT in regards to BCing haunting me, well I was saved by my sister. She offered to cornrow my hair and I would DC and take care of hers in reverse. I will be uploading some pictures of her starting hair status and will update on a regular basis as to how her hair is progressing; once I start taking care of it for her……..watch the space for my sisters hair care progress!

Anyways back to me running away from the BC lol so this is the style I got the very next day after my thread. I kept it in for 15 days.

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I am sorry for the not so good pictures, I was not going to blog about it, but then I saw the pictures I was messing about with my camera and then decide I might as well blog about it lol

I have now taken them down; as you can see in the pics above that they were getting old. I am going to leave my hair out for a week and then get them re-done. I will make sure I get better quality pictures next time.

I think if I want to win the race to the 24 months transition line, I will have to keep this going for a while until BC decide to keep it moving and stop haunting me :P

Anyways I thought I would just show you some pictures of what I have been up to with my hair.

I tested out a new product that has been sitting in my stash for quite some time now, so watch the space……,! I will give you a hint, it is a powder/clay ;). Stay tune.

Hair Care Ingredients: Part V

 

EDTA ( Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic Acid) - A sequestering (chelating) agent with unique properties of "neutralizing" trace metals (like calcium, iron and magnesium salts, etc.) and other deposits on hair.


Ethyl Ester PVM/MA Copolymer - Humidity resistant, non - tacky polymer.


Ethoxydiglycol - Viscosity decreasing agent.


Essential Oils - Used for fragrance, as an antiseptic, germicide and a natural preservative. Derived from natural plant oil.

Friday 13 May 2011

Lustrasilk Sheabutter & Mango Cholesterol PLUS

Promises:   Contains shea butter and mango extractSSA50151 , Adds moisture to brittle hair, Eliminates split ends, Protects hair from relaxer burn and damage

This unique triple-acting formula features the healing properties of cholesterol with Shea Butter and Mango Extract to help repair severely damaged hair to near-perfect condition. Moisture is added to dry & brittle hair and will eliminate split ends. Protects both hair and scalp from Relaxer damaged.

Directions:   Shampoo and towel dry hair. Apply Shea Butter Cholesterol Plus to hair and scalp. Leave on for 3-5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with water.

Ingredients:  Water, Stearamidopropyl, Dimethylamine, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl alcohol, Shea butter MangoSeed Butter, Cholesterol, Soybean Oil, Safflower Oil,Wheat GermOil, aloe VeraExtract, Fragrance, Vitamin E, Methyl Paraben Propyl Paraben, Phosphoric Acid Sodium Chloride DMDM Hydantoin, Disodium EDTA, Yellow #5, Yellow #6.

The TRUTH:    The truth be told I am impressed with how good this conditioner made my hair feel. I had cleansed my hair prior to applying this conditioner form root to ends……, Note I always deal with my hair in sections, so I had my hair in 4 sections clipped up and I deal with one section at a time and clipping back up each section as I thoroughly apply this conditioner throughout each section.

I then put on a steam cap and went under my dryer to DC for 30mins, I then let the hair cool down and begin to rinse each section out one at a time, upon rinsing the conditioner out, I must say I felt a difference in the way my hair feel, it was strong but moisturized. I used my fingers to finger comb the sectioned hair as I rinsed and there was little to no hair coming out.

Even after completely I used my wide tooth comb gentle detangle my hair and there was again little to no hair in the comb, my hair was so soft, moisturized and felt strong.

My other attempt to use this as DC was to add some oil to it and it made the results even better, the results was awesome. I had shiny and soft hair.

My final test for this cheap-y conditioner, was to use it to o a twist that would be later become a twist out. It gave a good hold and the twist out definition was very nice. The only disadvantage was that it made my hair a little dry when used as a leave-in on my twist-out. I needed to use a good amount of oil to prevent the dryness I had experience.

All in all I really do like this conditioner and I am pleased with the results it gives, I will be keeping this in my routine of products. I mean for £1.99 you cannot go wrong, right?

Rating: 4/5

Price: £1.99 for 20oz jar

Wednesday 4 May 2011

Featured Excerpt: Giselle Santos

Tell us a little about you……!   My name is Giselle Santos, I am 24 years old and was DSC03494born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I am currently finishing my degree in  International Business and Economics in a all women college in Minnesota. I just gave birth four months ago to THE most beautiful baby girl and I feel very blessed!!!!

When & why did you decide to go natural?   I didn’t have an exact moment of deciding to go natural. I was 10 weeks post relaxer when I found out I was pregnant; therefore I decided it would be best for the baby that I didn’t perm my hair during that time. As the months went by I began to LOVE my new growth (I had no choice it was there to stay for AT LEAST 9 months lol) I also realized that I did not want to perm my daughters hair in the future and in order to show her that she was beautiful natural I  had to go natural myself. I couldn’t picture myself saying one thing and doing the opposite. So a couple of weeks after I gave birth I was ready to cut the permed ends off. By that time it had been a whole year of transitioning and I loved the result!

Were your friends and family supportive of your decision? If not, how were you able to move forward?  Everybody was very supportive of my choice to go natural. We were all excited to see what my natural hair looked like.

DSC03885How long have you been natural for?  I have been natural for about four months and I am loving every moment of it.

What’s your regimen?  I don’t have a regimen. I love to do wash and go’s. I also like to co-wash and wear my hair in a puff : ) DSC03880

What mistakes have you made with your hair that you’ve learned from?   I have learned to not even try to detangle my hair while it is not wet, and to detangle it often because it can get very messy and completely tangled if I don’t.

What has been your favourite product?  I would have to say my favorite products are the same as from when I used to perm my hair. I love to deep condition my hair with Africa’s Best Organics Hair Mayonnaise and I love to moisturize with Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Moisturizer.

Do you have any hair goals? What steps are you taking to achieve them?   The hair goals that I have are to attain healthy natural hair, moisturized hair since my hair gets really dry and to try different hair styles as much as I can.

 DSC03850What has the biggest milestone you have faced in your hair journey? How did you overcome this milestone?   I think the biggest milestone was to actually be able to go in front of the mirror and cut my hair, instead of going back to the relaxer. It was definitely a hard choice to make but I am happy with the decision that I made.

You love your hair because?  I love my hair because it is DSC03867ME. Giselle is finally complete lol. My hair defines my core and who I really am. It shows where I come from and what I am made of. It makes me unique and beautiful. I love my hair because I don’t have to worry about hiding it anymore. I love my hair because it shows how proud I am to be me 100%. 

Where can we find you (a blog, website,Fotki, Youtube, Twitter)?  I am all over the place, here are my links:
Youtube http://www.youtube.com/user/ellesig1987?feature=mhum
Jewelry Line http://www.wix.com/atrevida06/ellejewels
Blogger http://finding-the-beautiful-me.blogspot.com/
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Elle-Jewels-by-Giselle/172974086082466
Hairlista http://www.hairlista.com/profile/Giselle32

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BONUS Question!
Naturals have more fun because……..,?   We can do EVERYTHING to our hair. We can have it straight, curly, kinky, braided, weaved up…you name we can do it!