Recent Comments
Well since I have a some time on my hands I decided to start a little journal/dairy of my hair. Which should be very interesting. I guess to start off, my goals that I have set are:
* No more coloring (to be honest, it gets old and these formulas keep changing. If need be a semi/wash-out color only)
* Of course stretching relaxer (I have been doing this ever since I can remember and my hair remains healthy and strong)
* Continue to grow my hair and get regular trims
* Continue to rock my sew-in weaves (since I have positive outcomes from them)
I think thats it. A little about myself/hair. It is a mixture of a 2b-3b (wavy and thick is my natural texture basically) thanx to the mix I have in my family. My natural hair color is actually a mix of 4, 30, and some type of red in the summer...NO LYE, I'M DEAD SERIOUS. I do keep it weaved up but I also wear my hair sometimes. I always keep my hair moisturized (which is very important), clean, and minimum to no stress/no harsh styling.
UPDATE FOR 2008
What I use on my actual natural hair
* Kemy Oyl Moyst Line
* Kemy Oyl
* Silk Elements Mega Conditioner
* CON detangler shampoo> red bottle
* ION moisturzing shampoo
* ION Clarifing shampoo
* ION Product line
* Sulfur 8 light hair condition
* 100% Natural Virgin Coconut Oil Refined
* Mizani Product line
I actually did it on Monday April 3rd 2006, What I can say that to be honest it is tricky as hell with straight hair vs. curly. Curly you dont have to braid as much micros as you would with straight. So far it looks okay (since I have it in a ponytail and curled with rollers, but once I let it all out and free we shall see (I will do that Thursday 4/6/06 and take pics). I might have to take that top row out and micro that up. (hense the way that I cornrowed the back to be weaved up makes it easier if I need to take a row out because its not joined together) Anyways for those that actually read my journal check out the pics in my Remyhairtoday hair folder, since thats the hair being used. :0)
Well when I did my moms, since I couldnt fit it correctly, it didnt really stay/stick well. So of course while at work (12hrs is a killa so I got to keep myself being productive right LOL) I did research on BHM, found a sure way or a way to try to apply the lacefront. I fixed the one up that I've gotten from a BHM member and attempted the processes Wednesday. Of course I washed, conditioned, moisturized and cornrow my hair up. I then proceeded to apply mines to my hair. I took my time and it actually came out good for that being the first time applying on myself..(If anyone would like instructions on how I did it then let me know) So of course I have to do my moms again tomorrow/late on today since she took it off because it was not sticking right, but now I know how to do it right so she will be looking tight as well. :0)
Well on Friday night or early Saturday morning (which ever way you wanna put it) I was like..huhmm let me try applying this LF again since I got it layered, I trimmed more lace off the front and cut the back up further so it will not be so far down on my neck (thats why I got it a little big so that I 'work' with it..smaller units you can't do anything with right)
Anyhow I used the tape on the front like right before my hairline and only used Tight grip. I first washed my face and then used alcohol on a cotton ball and went around my entire head/hairline and my ear so that its clear of oils and extra protection against irratation since I have sensitive skin. I used the eye shadow brush and did a thin line around my head and then appied the tape, let them both set and applied the LF. Front first and pull tight but no too nightly then the back and sides. I then let it air dry and then put a folder scarf around hairline over night. I think this one was one of my best applications. My mom cut some more babyhairs for me in the front and I might have to style more because one area looks a little thin to me but I can handle that. Not a biggie.
BTW: I oiled/greased my hair and then cornrowed it undernieth and used a light brown wig cap.
But yeah I am happy with this application and I will see how long this adhesive last without sliding...I also ordered some Coolpeice Cream Adhesive as an alternitive for me and my crazy skin..I should get that Monday since I did a 2day priority. So my next application I will use that and tape.
I'm for real as you can see from my previous post that I attempted the LF thing and its just not for me right now....At work last night the thing slipped back close to the middle of my head...WHY..I dont know, I mean its like 50 degrees here where I work so I was not sweating...Ohh well I will be putting my favorite hair of all times back in because I LOVE THAT STUFF (of course my RHT hair)and just stick with that. I may try the LF later on in the year like when it cools down but I will stick with my hair or weaves....
Besides that I will be rocking my weave next week to the beach so I will post how it does out in 'real' weather. Until then this is about it.
I'm thinking and more likely will do a weave challenge..meaning that since I have so much positive outcomes from wearing a weave, I'mma just do that. I am planning on just wearing a sew-in weave for the rest of the year and of course in between give my hair a break if need be. The reason> well because since I have been attempting new things, it just doesnt work for me and yeah my hair is healthy and growing but I believe that it can be better like it use to be...So all in all thats what I am going to do. Now I feel like myself again...LF well not for me but its something that if I have a 'bad hair day' can plop ang tape or glue on and thats it...but I just can hang with them though. Ohh well.
These are the basic products I use on my weaves....Straight Virgin Indian Remy as well as Deep Wavy Indian Remy Virgin Hair
* Kemi Oyl
* Kemi Oyl Moyst Shampoo
* Kemi Oyl Moyst Conditioner ( all from www.kemilabs.com)
* Fantasia IC Moisturizing Serium (Olive oil or Chemically treated hair)
* Hot Six Oil (for hot oil treatments after every shampoo)
* Pantene Pro V Hydrating Curls shampoo
* Pantene Pro V Hydrating Curls Conditioner
* Vanilla Moisturizing spray (from www.remyhairtoday.com)
* Wet n' Wavy Product line when needed to bring out the waves/curls such as: Curl and Wave Mousse, Curl-Moisture COnditioner, Wet Gel
Thats basically it.
FOR CURLY HAIR/ NG 3B Curly
I have recently found that the Sunsilk Hydra TLC works GREAT. (can get samples, which I used at www.sunsilk.com)
I also used the Curl Keeper products from NG website (started kit) but that sometimes leave it crunchy and I wanted soft supple curls.
Patene ProV Hydrating Curl Shampoo and Conditioner works fine as well.
This is what worked for me and I hope can work for others.
Let me start off by letting you know that I too sometimes 'forget' the simple things such as when cutting the wefts of handtied weft be sure to reinforce it first..Otherwise the hair will come out in clumps/excessive shedding...And then after cutting, re-reinforce it again...just as an extra precaution.
Before weaving the hair in always do a nice shampoo/conditioner and hot oil treatment:
What I do for the hot oil treatment is use Hot Six Oil, * heat that up in one of my shot glasses LMAO,
* then have the wefts in a plastic bag, pour it over the hair and kind of press on it to get it over all the hair * place in the microwave for about 45seconds...
* Afterwards let it cool a bit place in a warm to cool basin.
* Rinse and let air dry and you should be good to go.
* FYI now I believe that you should always, after every shampoo and conditioner, do a hot oil treatment.
This is just my personal experiences that I wanted to share to help others out. You live and you learn!
That's right, if anyone reads this I hope this will give then insight on the many different vendors thats out there.
Extensions-Plus Already Made Relax Texture, I of love this hair too..what else more can I say!!!
As of recent I was rocking Nature Girl Curly 3B, expensive but its WONDERUL! You have to keep this hair moisturized, otherwise it will tend to frizz, but thats what curly hair do!
Halley's Curls hair and I must admit..I LOVE IT! yeah yeah yeah I know yall heard it before but this hair blends with my hair to the T (when darken/match my haircolor with it) As well as the fact that I can wear it loose at work not worrying if it will tangle, becomeing that birdnest that everyone dreeds. I did not and are not planning on highlightening this hair at all. I think thats where I went wrong with the other hair I have purchased and worn.
Now RHT, I too LOVE this hair, IMO however the deep wave was a little more work than anticipated, but I managed to work it out. The straight is fine though same as I said before for Halleys..blends perfectly!
BSS hair is what it is, BSS...I can not and will not go back...basically you pay for what you get. As well as a lot is a mixture of other materials interwine with the 'so-called' human hair.
Well that's about it with my intake on hair. Of course this is my personal opinion and experience as I an a hair-a-holic and probably need to go to rehab for. LMAO
I still use the Kemi Moyst Shampoo and Conditioner but I also came to love for my weave hair and mines of course:
* Bath&Body Works Signature Collection Volumizing Shampoo Mango Mandarin
* Bath&Body Works Signature Collection Volumizing Conditioner Mango Mandarin
* Jojoba Oil (100% Natural)
* Kemi Oyl (my hair)
* Fantasia IC Hair Polisher for Color Treated Hair (my hair)
* Fantasia IC Hair Polisher Olive Oil (my hair)
* Kemi Oyl Pomade (my hair)
* Kemi-Oyl Conditioning Spray (my hair)
* Kemi-Oyl Pro-Cidic Plus Rinse (my hair)
Yeah I am a Kemi product Head LOL
* Ion product line (Sally Beauty)
* SunSilk Hydrating product line (pink)
As always do research (from hair to stylist)
* Always start with clean and conditioned hair and scalp..do not style nor braid hair that has not been cleaned prior to weaving (including bonding, sew-in, fusion, clip-on, etc)as well as braiding
* Care for the hair as if it was your own
* Wrap hair at night with a silk or satin bonnet or scarf (you can pony, wrap, bun or braid the hair)
* Try to use products that is weightless or light(will not cause the hair to weigh down)
* Brush/Comb starting for the bottom up and hold the hair while doing so
* Washing > do so in the shower with your head towards the showerhead and use diluted shampoo OR braid the hair into 2 braids and wash in the sink (personal choice) OR use good old Witch Hazel/Sea Breeze/Alcohol/Herbal No rinse or No Wash with a cloth to clean the scalp
* When hair underneith is wet make sure it totally dries, such as by sitting under a hooded dryer, bonnet dryer, or airdry before going to bed..otherwise there may be mild dew that may form on the cornrows
* When working out wrap hair in a cotton scarf/bandana so the sweat is soaked up into the cotton bandana and not just sitting in your hair.
* Do not leave weave in over the given timeframe...the general is 6-8weeks/1.5-2months
* Make sure that while weaved or braided up that your natural/real hair and scalp underneith is moisturized therefore eliminating breakage, damage, and split-ends
* That is it for now :0)
I am going back to braids. I am working on braiding my hair or actually continueing braiding in the morning when I get off..
Anyhow here is my plan..I want to wear a 'carefree' style that I dont have to comb, brush, etc right now...so I'm doing indiviual medium to small braids
I have washed, conditioned and applied a leave-in as well as ORS Olive Oil Moisturizing lotion. Let airdry and started braiding. I have noticed a hella lot of new-growth going on in the back as I part and braid.
General info about braid care and maintenance that I 'live' by:
* Tie up at night with a satin/silk scarf or bonnet
* Never pull in tight ponytail or updo
* Have the hairline touched up in about 2-3weeks
* Moisturize scalp (keep hair and scalp moisturized to minimize any type of breakage/damage)
* Do NOT wear over 12weeks without redoing
* When washing, best to do so in the shower with diluted shampoo and use a non-creamy leave-in.
* Or the use of the dry herbal shampoo for braided styles, or good old sea breeze/witch hazel/alcohol to clean the scalp with a cloth
Basically I have came to a decision to get rid of my 'lighter' ends. And by doing that I had to get a cut...which is actually cute. I also have a relaxer and plan for touchups via haircuttery every 2-2.5months for right now. The relaxer type used will be lye (Mizani brand).....
Of course I will be rocking weaves in the near future again because I want my length back (who doesn't LOL)
But as far as the technique I will use for a weave will be a sew-in but with the use of the net (net weave basically), I may also do clip-ins for certain styles I may want or updo's that may require 'length'
For bad hairdays or if I'm lazy I have purchased a quick/half wig/weave thingy that's also a ponytail..a two in one style. Cool right LOL.
Since I will only go to the salon for relaxer and cut, I will continue to do my own hair, style it, etc.
I will shampoo and deep condition more likely ever week to ever other week,
may use a hairdryer only if I dont have much time..but going for airdrying like I have been doing,
protein treatments, and co-washing once a month or when needed.
And moisture, moisture, moisture
Now I must admit that I have fallen in love...With EP-RT, this is some wonderful hair that's an OUTSTANDING investment. As of today, 2/22/07, I am on my 2nd official sew-in weave with EP-RT.
The hair is holding up great, no shedding, no tangles, and not over processed. It feels wonderful and I can wear it freshly washed well airdried and/or flatironed and curled. Either way it blends with my texture hair.
I also had the chance to wear the closure, which looks sooo natural.
The upkeep is very simple, just take care of your hair and keep it maintained. Also just common sense such as, dont sleep on wet hair.
For more about upkeep and maintenance check that journal entry out.
If its natually yours, weave (human) hair, tangled hair, etc. I have found and used the infamous Silicon Mix. Can be purchased via www.roundbrushhair.com
Now, what I did with my weave hair was dampened the hair with water and then slabbed on a good amount of Silicon Mix and put it in a bag and in the microwave for about 30secs, let cool down and rinse with cool water and hang dry the hair.
Now, with my natural hair I just shampooed and conditioned with majority Silicon Mix and Silk Elements Mega Conditioner or anyother deep conditioner of your choice. Let sit in hair for a while...I did 20mins and my hair came out very soft.
REMINDER: may work for some but also may not work for others.
ADDED INFO THANKS TO THE LADIES OF BHM:
For curly/kinky/tangled hair no matter if its an lace front unit or weave
Mix in a spray bottle: Water, Glycerin, Biolage Normalizing Detangling Solution. You want more water than the two products.
Ex: you want 25oz of H2O, 4oz of Glycerin and the remainer of the Biolage.
Easy to use and can be purchased at CVS, Walgreens or any hair product/professional type store such as Sally's. Believe me when I say it does wonders.
Okay, since I did not sale the Lydia Lacefront, but have been admiring it and messing with it (feels so nice LOL) I have decided to take the advice of giving lacefronts another go. And this will be my last try, so if it does not work out..then I am toally done (including skin damage or irritations, adhesive issues, etc). Also this will definitely give my hair a break from the braids/micros I just had and weave/sew-ins.
So I have purchased ORWG, Scalp protector, All purpose remover for lace, skin, etc, Blue Liner clear tape. All from www.Coolpiece.com (they have great prices and speedy shipping) I should have all my items by Monday 12/3/2007.
Therefore tomorrow, Friday 11/30/2007, since I have nothing planned I will be washing my hair and deep condition it. I am still debating on if I will use a wig cap or not.
As far as the application goes, I will use ORGW for the front and sides and I think I will use the clips in the back and leave a little bit of my hair out so I can put it up in a pony tail. Sounds easy right LOL.
UPDATED: Found out Friday that I will not be able to receive my items until Monday, which I updated above. Therefore I will apply on Wednesday since I will be off that day. Stay tuned!
So far so good I must admit. The application looks okay, but of course I can and will do better when I re-attach.
I sewed on 4 snap clips, two in the back and one behind my ears. I only used the adhesives in the front to my ear not behind them.
After I applied and attached my LF I tied it down for the rest of the day with a satin head band type scarf.
It held nicely at the x-mas party I attended Wednesday night which I was very nervous about...so that is totally whats up.
Now the big test is will it hold this weekend while I'm at work (work Fri, Sat, Sun night) we shall see and I will udate Monday 12/10/07
UPDATE:
Well it lasted till Monday the 10th, however I went ahead and removed so that I could oil my cornrows and scalp. It could have lasted a few more days though and yes I presperate a lot.
Anyhow, I reattached Tuesday 11th, But cut back the lace in the front. I think it looks good this time around.
Im already addicted to hair in general. However I think that I am becoming addicted to lacefronts. I just recently bought a stock full lace front from Ideal-Hair.com and I am in owe and in love with it. The hair is unbelievable. I truly think that this time it work out because I am only attaching the front from ear to ear with adhesives and sewing the back and sides down. This is a great opportunity to give my hair a rest from weaves for a while. Dont get me wrong I still and will always love my weaves.
I am planning on purchasing another from Ideal Hair in the near future. So stay tuned
So I have been rocking my lacefront and purchased a few more. Yes I am addicted (well addicted to hair really LOL)
And I must say that this time around is working in my favor.
I only use adhesives(Blue liner and ORWG) in the front and I sew the back and sides down. This may not work for others but I love it.
My hair under is cornrowed in med-small cornrows and I oil my scalp weekly.
I have found that using a tan/brown wig cap keeps my cornrows from messing up and helps with the illusion of my real scalp.
Also I have learned that when relaxing or laying down, tieing the hairline down helps preserve the install. Well thats it for now
Well since its getting about that time of the year for warmer weather. I have decided, well still thinking about rocking my natural hair. As of now I am wearing a weave (tired of the LF right now). But have researched on the RIGHT products for my hair texture. I have found that the Miss Jessies (www.missjessies.com) may be the products for me. I purchased the travel size set which includes all of the hair products. This will give me a chance to know which works and doesnt work instead of wasting money on a full size jar or bottle never to use it again type mess that I have done in the past. Anyhow, I will keep you posted of when I do it, pics and the outcome. I am excited. Yes I am natural now and my hair loves it and looks very healthy. :0)
UPDATE:
Yes the Miss Jessie products works great, the only thing that I have found is that you have to use the entire line and not just one or two (which is what I did) and my hair was curly but it frizzed back up and I did not wait till my hair was fully dried nor used the product that was for frizzies. LOL. Anyhow I will attempt again and post pics when I do.
Well I am natural as you all may have taken noticed, for about what 3yrs now..
Anyhow, I love being natural and learned a lot and I mean a lot about my hair in its natural form/Kinky curled fro like style and when flat ironed straight type style.
Advice to any that need it from my experiences:
When going to maintain your natural tight curls, always detangle with creamy thick type conditioner before washing or combing/brushing.
WIDE TEETH combs and the Denman brush/D3 are your best friends
When straightening, use a thermal style product before using ANY heat carring tools (dryers, irons, etc)
Take your time, do not rush or fight with your hair. Love it and pamper it.
Styling: Try to use natural or organic products or at least products that do not contain alcohol.
For protective styles: I love my weaves and lacefronts.... I will ALWAYS rock them... Braids are fine alternative too, but my hair grows WILD with box braid/twist.
Last: Do NOT allow others to dictate to you on how YOU should wear your hair. DO what YOU want to do with your hair. Keep it healthy and listen to it.
Products I use:
* Giovanni Smooth as Silk Deep Moisture Conditioner
* Burts Bee's Conditioner (recently purchased, havent used yet)
* Organix Hydrating TeaTree Mint Shampoo
* ION Moisturizing Shampoo and also the Clarifying Shampoo
* Organix Revitalizing Pomegranate Green Tea Conditioner
* Silk Elements Mega Conditioner
* Kinky Curly Curling Custard and Spritz
* Coconut Oil hair conditioning
* Lite Sulfur 8
* Kemy Oyl
* Strawberry Deep Conditioner
* CHI Silk Infusium
* Mizani Thermastrength Serum
* Mizani Moisturizing Silking Liquid Gel
So late summer/early fall I had my hair trimmed quite a bit due to some hair loss from medications I had to start take.
I started a new routine of shampooing and conditioning with Silicon Mix Product line from http://www.roundbrushhair.com
I do not have any breakage and my hair feels great. NOW my hair is back growing still a bit uneven due to trim all the split ends, but I'm fine with that.
My protected styles were: Micros (yeah not again for a longgg time), Sew in weave, and my hair in its natural state of tight spirals when it was warm weather out.
As of now, Nov 11, I have kinky twist... I love this style and I am thinking and probably will keep this for a while (when it gets old, re do them) as I have maintained a lot of new growth. YAY
I still do hair but its really on my time, when I have the time and strength.
So this is my PERSONAL EXPERIENCE on this product as I do not endorse it in anyway.
Anyhow, I used this on my hair as I wanted to straighten my hair/flat iron where it would not revert or poof or frizz as soon after I flat iron. I saw this in Sally's one morning and purchased it. I must say that it did do what it stated.
As everyone knows from my site that I am natural and have been since 2005-2006. My hair tends to be frizzy in both natural state and flat ironed state it poofs in less than 24 hrs.
The backside is the smell of the actual treatment and the feeling of temporary hair hair when I washed it out. HOWEVERRRRR, after I started putting the deep conditioner on my hair, my hair soften up nicely and was smooth as ever/as before hand. The after effects I like. Its now a week and my hair is not frizzy and it hasn't reverted even when I was hot and perspiring. So yes I recommend this product.
NOW, if you have damaged hair, please please please this is not a REPAIR or MAGICAL product. Damaged hair will be damage no matter what until you cut the damaged area out. Common sense right, well not many understand that concept.
I will updated after my first wash, and if I decide to re-flat iron or wear my hair in its natural kinky curly texture and how it goes as this product is stated to last 6-8weeks if using the correct non-sulfate product. Otherwise it will revert. HTH
First and far most ladies, I did NOT have to re-flat iron or anything. I can say that my hair could have lasted longer, but I like a clean head of hair though and I wanted to see if my natural curls would come back since there have been a lot of talk that product contains the same ingrediants as a relaxer.
Well I can't see it as mines reverted back to my kinky curls, but fuzzy in a few area though.
I washed my hair this morning. I did not use the Kera Minerals smoothing shampoo or conditioners. But I did use Rite Aid sulfate free mixed with a bit of Garnier dry hair/scalp shampoo. I conditioned using Rite Aid sulfate free mixed with Silk Elements Mega cholesteral deep conditioner.
Afterwards, I towel rung my hair and put some Perfect Result Vitamin E hair and Scalp treatment (which I only had just a little left *sigh*) and Argan Oil Treatment as leave in. Massage my scalp, did a pin front back style, wrapped it up in a scarf/bonnet and went to bed as I had to work tonight.
NOW, what I have noticed is that my hair is a bit dry. I even saw this during shampooing that it was drying up. That's when I figured that it highly possiible due to the smoothing system as this does not happen normally.
Therefore, I can truly inform that the key with performing this treatment and many like it and even the upkeep in between the 6-8wks this suppose to last is MOISTURE.
I will be flat ironing again probably tomorrow if I feel up to it and update on that. However, I am planning on doing a partial weave so the hair that I'm leaving out should be good to go right... ummm we shall see!
Please wait...