A Goddess's Hair Story

I do have relaxed hair, but I am going to transition eventually. I've always been fascinated with natural hair. The versatility, beauty and funkiness of the style--a style once deemed "taboo" as opposed to innately individual. Candace sent me this email and it inspired me so much because I personally can relate.
I don't know very many people would would support my decision to go natural (I'm not even sure if I know many people who would care), especially since I know my own hair texture (transitioned before and I stretch for about 3-6 months between touch-ups) might not go over too well with some folks. (Keeping it real, I am AM a nappy-headed ho... i guess.)
But, this story was so cute and touched base with so many of the inhibitors that keep many black women from wearing their hair they way it (to be frank) should look. I have no qualms against relaxed hair (hello! I am chemically-treated myself!) but, lets be honest... I don't think God intended black women to be born with relaxed hair or else the market would produce relaxers for newborns.
But, I hope you all enjoy this little tidbit as much as I did. I will feature advice from her more often so look out for that!

A Goddess’s Hair Story
by Candace Doby

My hair was dark, relaxed, long and lovely. Whether it was styled up, down or to the side, I got tons of compliments from people about how beautiful my hair was. Honestly, I loved it silky and straight, too, up until I was nineteen. I was a sophomore in college when I started contemplating the idea of going natural. There was something about a short natural crop that I felt conveyed my personality, style and attitude so much better than the straight hair I was rocking. But I couldn’t quite commit to cutting it all off.

After months and months of unsuccessful internal deliberation over what I should do with my hair, I began asking those closest to me what they thought. I quickly found out that they were all were less than excited to hear about my contemplation to go natural. My parents told me not to do it because I would drastically reduce my chances of getting a good paying job. My brother told me I would look like a boy. My girlfriends told me that my long, relaxed hair was beautiful and that I would surely miss it if I cut it off. And my guy friends told me I would never enter a committed relationship with natural hair because most brothers liked long hair that blew in the wind. I was convinced they were right, so for two more years, I visited the hairdresser every six weeks to get my chemical. Deep inside, though, I wanted my hair to be natural.

When I was a senior in college, natural hair was still on my mind. But by this time, I was wise enough to keep these thought to myself and not disclose to anyone what I had made up my mind to do. For eight weeks I grew my hair out, and as a present to myself for my 21^st birthday, I cut the perm. All off! I had a half inch of hair on my head, and I loved it. And ironically, so did the very people who were initially skeptical. And for the record, I got a great job after school. I didn’t look like a boy. I didn’t miss my perm, and I had no issues with men, especially black men.

It took me two years to figure out that my hair didn’t define me. I defined it. It didn’t matter if it was long or short, kinky or silky, curly or straight, light or dark-- I was still a goddess. So, regardless of what hairstyle I decided to sport, it would only be an accessory to the personality I exuded. In addition to this, I learned many other lessons in this process that I want to share:

1. You are the only one who can make decisions about you. Opinions can be nice, but the last word should always be yours.
2. Don’t let people place their own limitations on you. When people can’t visualize a specific change in (or on) themselves, they typically won’t be able to see it in (or on) you.
3. Change is the only thing that’s constant. So, it’s ok to make changes.
4. Be confident in what your intuition is telling you. Because it’s usually right.
5. Relax. It’s only hair.

Candace is a marketing professional in North Carolina and is the owner of Goddess Zuri (www.goddesszuri.com), an ecommerce business that offers apparel and accessories to women looking to declare their natural beauty.

Its Protein Time!

I gave an overview about the importance of protein a while back but I'm going to go in depth with a particular kind of protein. I have seen Silk Amino Acids (or Silk proteins/extracts) pop up all over the hair care market. It seems to be the latest "it" marketing. SAA claims to have a smaller molecular weight than other proteins, allowing it to strengthen hair from the inside out.. Its also supposed to moisturize hair and give it a much smoother appearance over time. Basically, silk makes hair...well... silkier.

I recently purchased a small bottle of the stuff from LotionCrafters after hearing great reviews for years about this cosmecuetical ingredient. It came in a small 2 oz. vial/bottle. I added it to my Modern Organics Product Extreme Moisture Conditioner (along with Shealoe butter, Coconut Oil, Castor Oil, Hibiscus Extract and Orchid Extract).

So far, I've noticed a slight silkiness in my hair, but I cannot say it deposited back into my strands. I did an ApHogee pak this past weekend so it will be long before I can get my moisture levels back up. I did not notice a big change in shine, either. I want to experiment with more recipes before I can assume success with this new ingredient.

Steal The Look: Kimora Lee at Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute Gala

This past weekend, the stars came out for the annual Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala. The theme this year was Superheroes and Kimora Lee Simmons went all out. She wore a unique multi-hued, Jubilee-inspired gown with the matching eyewear that brought out the best of her uniquely shaped eyes. I tried my hardest to emulate this look and capture it with my cheap camera. A few of the items I have are no longer in production, so I've matched them with items I know are still around and work just as well.

Prep Canvas:

• I rubbed Smashbox Starlight Photofinish(discontinued) allover my face [Try Napoleon Perdis Retouch] .
• Applied two coats of concealer (I have very dark circles) around the upper lid and under eyes: Stila Eye Concealer in Bronze (discontinued) and M.A.C. Select Cover-up in NC50.
• Applied M.A.C. Shape And Sculpt in Warm Light/Definitive to contour bridge of nose, then M.A.C. Sheer Tone Blush in Peachtwist on the apples of my cheeks.
• Used M.A.C. Studio F/X in NC 50 for spot coverage (around nose, chin and forehead, as well as pimples).

Step One: The Lips


Apply lipstick first :Maybelline wet Shine in Flushed (discontinued) You may use Sephora Lip Attitude in Pink Carress and added M.A.C. Dazzleglass in Baby Sparks as a top coat.

Step Two: The Eyes



Contour eyes with L'Oreal Wear Infinite in Rich, then smeared Smashbox Single Shadow in 24 Carat.



I applied M.A.C. Pigment in Bell-Bottom Blue and Submarine on the rim of the lower eyelid. I recommend you get heavy-handed with it and and blend all the way to where the eyes and nose meet.



ow, I used a second coat with black eyeliner (Lancome Precision Point Artliner in Noir), but focused on the outer portion of lower lid. Then, I applied a coat of black liner to the lash line on upper lid, bringing liner all the way to the edge of lower eyelid. I used one swipe of Maybelline XXL Volume + Length and patted the lashes so they won't clump (this mascara is old now).






























Source
Do not steal these photos. I will effin' sue you.

REVIEW: Maxiglide Review

I want to thank Misikko for sending my Maxxius Maxiglide iron in safe and perfect condition. I could not have asked for better customer service.
Maxiglide iron is the one to beat out of all those on the market. Why? The steam feature and detangling combs are truly unique unto anything else.
The price was probably the best feature. I do love my Generic Chi Iron from Sally's Beauty Supply, but at $59 its only so much of a bargain when compared to the price of a Maxiglide iron (runs $70-80).
The first flaw I noticed with the Maxiglide iron is the size and heaviness of the unit. As I was watching 28 Weeks Later and using this iron for the first time and I couldn't help but to think: If only they had one of these! You could seriously bash a zombie's brain in to mush with this club of a straightening iron.
There's no way in heckleberry one would be able to use this with short hair. The two inch places are huge and in order to utilize the steam feature, you have to have at least an 4-6 inches of hair to use the steam feature. The packaging says you should use the steam feature only when the hair is 3 inches away from scalp. Honestly, and inch will be just fine. But, if you're have a kinkier hair texture such as mine, the whole purpose of the iron is to use the steam feature to straighten your naps.
The steam feature is also very tricky-tricky to use. You cannot close the iron all the way to use it or else nothing will come out. This is not the main component for straightening the hair. I guess the steam was created to loosen the curls so when you do close the iron it will be easier for the hair to run through the detangling pins on the hot plates.

Oh, and let me forget to mention that I totally hydro-scalped myself with the steam. Omigosh! That shit hurt like hell!

However, with all these faults I can honestly say I've never used an iron that straightened my hair as well as this one. I didn't have frazzled ends and my styled lasted for days. My family kept raving about how soft my hair was. I adored having a pouch to put the iron and that it didn't come with many accessories to lose! I liked the ridges on the back of the iron to keep it from sliding off my counter or dressers. There isn't a long cord knocking all over my bedroom, strategically discrete so I may trip and bust my head open (but, Hey! At least my hair looked great!).
I did see breakage while using this iron, but I will explain why:
I'm not sure if it was a good idea to blowdry my hair straight and then use this iron, because the course texture of the strands will cause them to become tangled in the pins on the hot plates. If you are several weeks post touch-up, I know many of the women on LHCF create fat twists with their hair the night before using the Maxiglide, just to soften the hair.
I personally used a lot of Castor oil to lubricated my strands so they would glide easier through the iron and that worked. Obviously, you don't want sticky hair so don't use more than a quarter size amount and run it through your damp hair so the oil will absorb better. I knew the steam feature was just right for me because it didn't allow my hair to scorch and sizzle because of the oil, so I didn't have to worry about my head smelling like cooked Keratin.
The best advice I can give to anyone thinking about purchasing this iron is to watch the DVD (comes in the box) on how to use it and read the directions. Don't allow the complications to immediately discourage you. With practice, I know I'm going to adore having this one.

I'll create a video soon (once I purchase a video-editing software) and post it here and on YouTube, Vimeo and Myspace--- so don't fret! For now, you can enjoy this one from the Home Shopping Network.

Silicones: Good or Bad?

Silicones often get a bad rap. Companies use them as cheap foolery to make hair seems and feel healthy at first. But, they can dry to either a hard finish or force your other products to not work. Silicones are often put into shampoos or conditioners to leave hair looking shiny and glossy but eventually dry to a heavy tacky feel or buildup.
Its hard to say whether or not all 'cones are bad for your hair because some are water soluble (meaning they dissolve with water). Some can actually penetrate hair and condition from the inside. But others are quite difficult to wash out.
Here are my tell-tale signs that my hair has had too much 'cone buildup.

• Regular rinse-out conditioners fail to work. If you cannot detangle with a product you've use for years, then something is wrong.
  
• Hair looks a dull black, even gray-ish. Build-up makes hair look discolored, even dingy.
  
• Hard to touch or greasy, even with airdrying. If you use a dryer and your hair is hard, then it could very well be buildup.
  
• Hair easily breaks off. Some cones seal the strands off from moisture in so, trying to replenish the shaft is futile and the hair begins to break.
  
• Deep conditioners and treatments no longer work, even when activated through heat, or applied for long periods of time.
  
• Organic oils/shampoos/ products don't work. If using products that contain all-natural ingredients do not work as they normally do, you probably have a silicone problem.
  
• Influx of split ends. If you cannot get moisture of protein into the hair, then you will start to see a very obvious spurt of splitting in the hair.

The best way to fix it is to find which ones are best for hair and limit use of those that are not. Dimethicone and Cyclic silicones are the two that do not do much damage to hair when mixed properly. Once the hair dries they have either evaporated or penetrated the shaft as a conditioning agent.

List of commonly used silicones (water-soluble and not)

Amodimethicone not soluble in water by itself
Amodimethicone (and) Trideceth-12 (and) Cetrimonium Chloride mixture that is soluble in water in the bottle
Behenoxy Dimethicone Sparingly soluble in water
Cetearyl methicone not soluble in water
Cetyl Dimethicone not soluble in water
Cyclomethicone not soluble in water
Cyclopentasiloxane not soluble in water
Dimethicone not soluble in water
Dimethicone Copolyol water soluble
Dimethicone copolyol water soluble
Dimethiconol not soluble in water
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein Hydroxypropyl Polysiloxane water soluble
Stearoxy Dimethicone Sparingly soluble in water
Stearyl Dimethicone not soluble in water
Trimethylsilylamodimethicone not soluble in water
Lauryl methicone copolyol water soluble

The best way to truly avoid this problem is to avoid or limit usage of cones altogether. Instead of using hairspray for shine, use coconut oil, olive or Camellia Oil. You can mix these in water and heat until boiling. Stir mixture and let it cool. Finally, pour it into an old spray bottle and use as oil sheen.

There are many organic hair lines that have setting and wrapping lotions without heavy cone build-up. If you notice any of these symptoms then use a clarifying shampoo once or twice a month. If your scalp moisturizer contain these products, use a chelating shampoo to get product off hair and scalp.
Source

How Did She Get Her Hair? Nicole Scherzinger in Giant Magazine

Steps For Creating A Forward Counterclockwise Curl

1. Part off a section of damp, not wet, hair for the base of the curl. Apply a small amount of styling gel.
2. Insert the comb across the section strand. Place the index finger of the left hand in the center of the strand and control the ends with the comb and the thumb of the right hand.
3. Begin to circle the strand forward with the comb while holding the base of the curl with the thumb and index finger of the left hand. Forming the pincurls is a lot like winding a piece of string into a ball.
4. Use the end of the comb to ribbon, or stretch, the hair forward, turning it in a counterclockwise direction. Be sure that the very ends of the strand are inside the circle.
5. Hold the formed curl with the index finger and thumb of the left hand and insert a pin curl clip across the curl to hold it in place securely.

Steps For Creating A Forward Clockwise Curl

1. Part off a section of damp, not wet, hair for the base of the curl. Apply a medium amount of styling gel.
2. Insert the comb across the section strand. Place the index finger of the left hand in the center of the strand and control the ends with the comb and the thumb of the right hand.
3. Turn the comb down a quarter-turn forward so that the comb forms a twist at the base of the curl. Forming the pincurls is a lot like winding a piece of string into a ball.
4. Use the end of the comb to ribbon, or stretch, the hair down along the index finger of the left hand.
5. Continue to ribbon the curl upward in a clockwise direction to form a circle. Be sure that the very ends are inside the circle.
6. Hold the circle with the index finger and thumb of the left hand and insert a pin curl clip across the curl to hold it in place securely.

Steps For Creating A Reverse Counterclockwise Curl

1. Part off a section of damp, not wet, hair for the base of the curl. Apply a medium amount of styling gel.
2. Insert the end of the comb into the hair at the open end of the shaping and place the index finger of the left hand over the shaping to hold the hair.
3. Direct the hair back around the index finger and then place the thumb at the base of the curl to bind the hair into a semicircle.
4. Ribbon the ends, holding the hair at the top of the circle that is formed. Forming the pincurls is a lot like winding a piece of string into a ball.
5. Place the circle hair down on its base. The ends are looped into the center of the circle.
6. Insert a pin curl clip through the center of the curl, pinning it from the open ends. This allows the curls to overlap.

Steps For Creating A Reverse Clockwise Curl

1. Part off a section of damp, not wet, hair for the base of the curl. Apply a medium amount of styling gel.
2. Insert the comb across the sectioned strand. Place the index finger of the left hand in the center of the strand and control the ends with the comb and the thumb of the right hand. Turn the comb down a quarter turn at the base of the curl. This tightens the curl at the base and prevents the hair from buckling.
3. Turn the hair up over the index finger and place the thumb of the left hand over the strand of hair to hold it in position.
4. Now that a circle has been completed ribbon the hair and lock the ends together. Forming the pincurls is a lot like winding a piece of string into a ball.
5. Place the completed circle over the base. Hold the curl with a clip as the ends are fitted into the center of the circle.
6. Insert a pin curl clip through the center of the curl, pinning it from the open ends. This allows the curls to overlap. Avoid using bobby pins when possible. They can leave unslightly bumps and dents in the finished curl.

Removing Pin Curls

After you have created the pin curls either let them dry naturally in the air or sit under a hood style dryer until the curls are completely dry. If you in a hurry you can use a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment. Be careful to use the blow dryer on a slow speed, medium heat, to avoid overblowing the pincurls.

Once hair is completely dry, allow them to cool. Remove the pins and then use your fingers to gently fluff and arrange. For bigger hair use a brush. Finish with a good application of hairspray for long term hold.

source

How long should I wait after a relaxer before treating my hair?

Last night, my hair started to smell a little from the Sulfur in my hairdressing (Growth Specifics Grease). I washed my hair with Phytospecific Intense Nutrition Shampoo, and deep conditioned twice. The first treatment I applied was Paul Mitchell's Super Strong Treatment and left it on for about 40 minutes.
After I rinsed the hair, I used a mix of Pantene Nourishing Mask and Pantene Relaxed and Natural Mask. I would estimate that I had this one for about an hour, transitioning back and forth between the dryer and no-heat [I was watching Wife Sway with my mother and grandmother. [Wasn't the girl with pageantry obsession dumb as a box of rocks? Girrrrrl...Somebody PLEASE get this girl a Leap Frog reader and the accompanying books].
After all of this, I towel blotted my hair (you are no fool. You should know that I rinse all of these conditioners out) and sat under the dryer with the big rollers and clips. I got a good amount of body, but I still wanted more. So, I used the heat roller setter to finish drying and curl my hair. Wrapped it and popped into bed.

Hair is strong and clean. Not too much breakage and very soft. Its been 4 days since my relaxer touch-up when I washed it.Hair is still straight and hell didn't freeze over. No real reversion of the hair. Under processed parts are still wavy and my hair was never going to get bone-straight. Bottom line: 4 days, tops and your hair will be fine. Although, I've heard of ladies washing even sooner. Heck! I think I might have washed sooner and saw no big changed in texture. Usually the stylist says 48 hours after you get a relaxer you shouldn't get hair wet.

How to straighten hair

How do I get a sleek, straight look with all my new growth?

I used to roll my hair with rollers and then try to straighten it with heat. However, I found that my hair would always tangled and break. I now use the blowdry method. Although the excessive heat used during this method seems dangerous, it doesn't have to be if you want. Lower the voltage of the appliances from high heat to medium. If you tools get very hot at a low setting, use low. But, I would not recommend doing this every week.
1. After I wash my hair with a moisturizing or straightening shampoo and conditioner, I apply deep conditioner and put on a shower cap, with heat for 40 minutes. Do not skip this step.After I rinse, I apply a small amount of leave-in and coaxing or heat serum/balm.

Your conditioner should have strengthening and moisturizing properties, so you may have to use a reconstructor first, and follow-up with a moisturizer. You know you hair best and what it need and when it needs it most. Or, you may use something that is all encompassing, like Affirm 5-in-1.

2. Once I am done, I use a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment and get at least one round barrel brush. Its better to use a diffuser than the vented nozzle because the Diffuser attachment will reduce the effects of high heat.

[[You may use several small ones for those harder or shorter kinks. Please, make sure the bush is made of soft boar's brustle and not a synthetic mix.]]

3. I, then turn the dryer on at a high or mid-level heat. Its best to have your hair sopping wet so the bush may glidge easier and so as you do both motions the hair becomes straight. Part the hair in fours and clip the section with banana clips.
Start with the longes pieces, or the portion you want the straightest first. Place the right size brush under the newly grown hair. Hold the dryer (hopefully you have it on at this point) and hold it too the kinky root of the hair. Pull the brush down, rolling it at is traveles down the root.

4. Let the dryer follow Avoid the end, unless you are natural. If so, dry hair from root to tip, twirling the brush as you go down. If you hair tangles in the brush, slowly unwind. Try switch to a small brush and re-wet the hair.
6. Continues this until the hair roots are completely dry. The hair should feel straight once it dries. If not, over over the same section again before moving on.

It might be best if you keep a pray bottle of water next to you in case you need to re-wet the hair.

Go over the top side of the hair with a straightening iron for a "relaxed" look. Depending of the thickness or length of new growth, this step could take anywhere from 20 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes. Some can move faster than others.

6. Tame your hair with a shine sherum or very light moisturizer to give ends moisture. If you ends are too dry, spritz them with water and wrap end papers around large magnetic rollers. Roll hair with rollers. Remove when dry. Voila!

Winter Hair Care Help

The winter can be especially harsh on hair, no matter if you live in unpredictable Florida weather or the freezing-cold weather of the N.Y.C. But don't go rummaging through your cabinets yet to throw away all your summer faves. All you may need to add more moisturizing ingredients to the old stuff and give them a little boost. And, before you bang your head against the wall trying to figure out a new weekly routine, think about adding a couple little tweaks here and there.

Eat your Omegas.
The smell of the sea might make you seasick, but eating fish and fish oils can help rehydrate your hair from the inside out. Omega Fatty Acids help rebuild cells throughout the body. Proper cellular rejuvenation is important for hair and the scalp by constantly giving back what nature takes away. Omega also moisturizes your body from the inside- stopping dry scalp and strands. Consult your doctor before changing your diet or eating fish. After the MD gives you the okay, try incorporating more fish in your diet, or mixing Borage Oil in your coffee. Still doesn't sound appealing? Flaxseeds, Sunflower Seeds and leafy greens all contain your Omegas without your breath smelling like a fisherman's dwarf.

Add Oils and Butters.
Adding organic oils and butters to products can help make them work more effective. Heat the butters and oils and then add them to your shampoos, conditioners, and moisturizers. (Make sure you invest in a good blender or food processor). But, what kind should you use in the winter? Well, Burdock Root Butter is great for those who suffer from dandruff or dry scalp. Hemp Seed Butter is high in Omegas and just as moisturizing as Shea. Cocoa gives your products a chocolat-y note and protects your ends from winter wind. Avocado Oil and Jasmine Oil are a great sealant for dry ends, plus combines well to make excellent hot oil treatment. Make your own Ojon-like restorative treatment with this recipe:

1/4 Tbsp of Sweet Almond oil
1 Tbsp of Palm Oil/Butter
1/4 Tbsp of Wheatgerm oil
1 Tbsp of Castor Oil
1/2 Tbsp of Babassu Butter
1/4 Tbsp of Avocado Oil
1/2 Tbsp of Cocoa Butter

Heat Babassu into liquid. Blend all ingredients until the mixture is smooth. Rub mixture into hair and place a shower cap over head. Sit mixture on head 25 minutes. Rinse completely with cold water.

Heavy, Heavy.

During the winter months, ease up on the strong protein because they can be very drying; most breakage during this time isn't contributed to a lack of strength, but a lack of moisture. If you can find product with an equal combo of both so you don't have to worry about breaking the balance. Deep conditioner your hair more often or use rinses instead of regular conditioners. They tend to be thicker and richer. You leave them on your hair for about 5 minutes and wash right out. Actually, if you add a little heat to the rinse, they re-moisturize the hair and makes it just soft as a full sun day wash. Some even make great leave-ins. Use a leave-in that makes it easier to detangle hair. Try Gala Olive Oil and Wheat Germ Rinse or Lafier Almond y Miel rinse.

Protective Styles
These are so important. The weather is already drying, why add more to your troubles by using excessive heat or combing. Two-strand twists and braids are superb ways of keeping hair from being exposed to the wind. Cornrow your own hair into funky-cute styles or get extensions. Just make sure to wash and moisturize-- you can skip the deep conditioners.

BlogTalkRadio Share Show Widget

This a great show from The Mane Talk, a podcast dedicated to stopping breakage in the black community. Check it out ladies! The show is hosted by Deshawn Bullard, also known as The Hair Coach, from Another Look Salon in Atlanta. DeShawn is a noted author and speaker in black hair issues and growth. She has even going as far in her career to be able to give seminars at Bonners Brothers major events, as well as international and stateside hair shows. A few more accolades for Bullard is her consultation on creating Sally's line of products, Silk Elements, and a contributing columnist in Salon Sense magazine and Essence. Her celebrity clientele include Lynn Whittfield and T-Boz of R&B multi-Platinum selling group, TLC. I highly recommend her for advice and I highly recommend her salon.

NajahFace video on Indian Powder Rinse

I just wanted to thank Seraphim712 for finding this Tutorial on Youtube.

She is also a contest winner and she finally made Shoulder-length. YEAH!!!

Growth Aids: Do they really Work?

I am a "by any means neccessary" type of lady when it comes to reaching a goal; especially my hair goals. I'm not asshamed to say it: I am impatient and I have used growth aids to help achieve the length I want in a timely manner.
Do I consider it cheating? No, not at all. Hair will grow regardless, but sometimes it grows slower than I would like. I simply don't have the patience to wait.
Remember, the growth is only HALF of the battle. I actually have to keep the ends and shaft of the hair long and strong while having baby curls sprout out my scalp.
Here is a comparision of the best growth aids on the maket. Highlighted are the various ingredients that blend together to pop reluctant hairs out of the scalp. I've heard great things about all of these products and I know of certain growth aids that definitely work.
Of all the ones I've used in the past, my favorite was Lenzi's Request. I saw substainable growth with this product and it came in a nice grease format. It also doesn't have sulfur in it, for the ladies who are allergic. Komaza Care's Hair Growth Oil is another prize for me. My have becomes so thich with this product and its good for sealing ends.
Currently, I have Growth Specifics Grease on my scalp. I love the tingling of the peppermint and the size (1 lb.). It also makes it easy to detangle and moisturize my root.

BTW: A breakdown of the growth
Most of the photos you saw in the "Coming From Where I'm From" post I was experimenting with growth aids. I've used the famed Boundless Tresses MTG before, but I cannot contribute length to it because I coupled it with Lenzi's Request. I had a hard time with the oil so Caisha made it into a grease form, and I am using it now. I'm an AVID Lenzi's Request fanatic and have been using it for months. I would say that I got the exact amount of new growth as advertised on the site--No LIE! I did see an extra 1/2 per month and saw little sprouts new growth after one week of use. I would apply to my scalp after every wash and co-wash, twice a day.
I didn't use much at a time because I didn't want greasy hair. I've recently started on a Komaza routine and yes I have seen substaintial growth. The photo from October was taken when I first got the Komaza Care oil, so the new photo at the end of January can be contributed to Komaza and BT grease.
I know it will be hard to tell which one will work for you, based on my experiences, because I don't always take the photos and I don't always use the same one. But, I suggest you just take the plunge and try them.
Still afraid to do it? Try nightly scalp massages. I've done this as well with Rosemary Oil, Ylang Ylang, Peppermint and the Komaza Care oil. Candy_C suggested this one;
Do not apply the essential oils (rosemary, peppermint, or ylang ylang) on your scalp without dilluting them ( for every drop of essential oil, add 2 drops of a carrier oil/vegetable-based oil). Adverse effects may occur including heart palpitations, so please be careful. In fact, speak to you doctor before joining a growth regminen or test it on your arm first. Some people are HIGHLY allergic to sulfur.

Another great idea is to do hot and cold rinses. I cannot remember who suggested it, but a member of LHCF said to alternate between hot water and cold water when rinse shampoo or conditioner out of har. Now, of course the water must not be scalding hot or frostbitten cold.

Good luck!

Soybean Oil-->protein , Soy Methyl Ester , Sweet Almond Oil-high in Omega fatty acids and vitamins, including Panthenol , Oat Extract-->Humectant and moisturize, Oat Protein-->hair conditioner , Meadowfoam Seed Oil-->prevents moisture loss , Shea Butter Extract --> Africa's most sought after moisturize , Fragrance , Propylparaben , BHA , Tea Tree Oil -->keeps scalp clean of bacteria or fungus, Retinol Vitamin A-->creates sebum in scalp, Ergocalciferol Vitamin D , Tocopherol Vitamin E , Matricaria Extract , Goldenseed Extract , Hops Extract , Soap Bark Extract , Cherry Bark Extract , Calendula Extract , Henna Extract -->stops breakage and strenghthen root , Horsetail Extract-->Sulfur, main component in growth , Safflower Oil-->revitalizes dammage-prone hair

Castor Oil-attracts and retains moisture, emollient.Coconut oil-penetrates hair shaft. Sulfur-rejuvenates growth.Peppermint oil-starts growth

Water Aqua , Oleth-10 , PEG-25 , Hydrogenated Castor Oil , Mineral Oil Paraffin Liquidum , Propylene Glycol , Glycerine , Isopropyl Palmitate , Oleyl Alcohol , Kola Nut Oil Cola Nitida , Phenyl Trimethicone , Lanolin , Aloe Vera Extract Aloe Barbadensis( moisturizing) , Ascorbyl Methyl Silanol Pectinate , Phytic Acid , Dimethiconol , Panthenol , Zinc Acetylmethionate , Linoleic Acid (nourishing) , Linolenic Acid , Tocopherol Vitamin E , Paprika Extract Allium Sativum , Horsetail Extract Equisetum Arvense , Nettle Extract Urtica Dioica , Menthol , Diazolidinyl Urea

Source

Photo Source

Photo Source

Braid Out Tutorial (2006)

If your ends are not curling up, use rollers (esp. twisty rods) to get the "natural" effect.

FAQs:
*How do i manage to braid the two textures?

I usually Co-wash my hair in the middle of the week with Organix Coconut conditioner (I have also added oils and butters to it, honey, and more coconut milk). I then deep condition and blow dry it. My mom braids hair, so leave it slightly damp and saturate it (pretty much) with Kids Organics Shea Butter Detangling Lotion. Makes the hair easier to comb so it doesn't hurt and doesn't break. Some choose to use curly creams like Miss Jessie's Buttercreme to aid in the process and to get hold on the curls.

What are the "do and don'ts" of braid outs?
Do not straighten or "blowout" the hair before braiding it. If the hair is too straight the the braids will unravel. I had to learn this the hard way.
Do make sure you deep condition and moisturize the hair. You don't want the hair to break as its braided.
Do use organic butters to help detangle and moisture the hair.
Do use your growth aids. This is the perfect chance for you to soak up all of that Boundless Tresses, Lenzi's Request, Surge 14, MN, Sulfur 8 into those strands.
**Do moisturize and oil
I am a PJ so I am always finding ways to get rid of all the products I have so I can buy more. I alternate between my favorite butters, moisturizers and oils; This makes my un-braiding so much easier and my hair is getting stronger.

If your ends are not curling up, use rollers (esp. twisty rods) to get the "natural" effect.


Here is a view of the un-braided strands. I know, my hair is a little greasy and my BF complains (quite frankly,I don't know why he has his hands in my hair to begin with, WTF???). But your hair becomes too oil to be enjoyed, just wipe braids with damp cloth or hold up on the greases.


How do i tame the fly-aways?
This is easily solved in 1-2-3 steps:
***Wet hair with detangler or Surge 14, or water (in spray bottle) and run it through the hair. Don't spray too much or your curls will go limp.

***Use a damp cloth and run through hair. Then comb through with detangling comb or K-cutter comb.

***Hop in the shower and let the steam loosen the kinks.
Photo belong to LeAnne@hairsmystory.com
Not for Fair Use.

Blowout Tips from Sephora

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Power Hair: A Blowout Recipe for Success

"Men have power suits, women have power hair," said Allure editor-in-chief Linda Wells in an article called "Women Spare No Expense for Hair" in today's Indianapolis Star. "Women want strong, straight hair because it makes them feel confident." She's right. I've seen a few articles lately on "last minute beauty," Read more

Stetching Relaxers: The Dos and the Don'ts

Stretching your relaxer touch up is basically taking the time to grow hair in between your last relaxer and the next. Most stylist recommend that you come back and relax after 4-6 weeks--and their wrong and should have their license taken from them. A good stylist knows that your hair and scalp need time to recover and grow before coming into the salon to get your hair chemically-strengthened again.

It's important to take time and allow your hair to grow before applying another relaxer to your scalp, as too prevent the previously relaxed hair from being coated again.Every time you fully process the hair, from the root to tip, the chemicals burn the exterior protective film. Its super-difficult to rebuild that film once its been broken, so please be careful.
Why does it matter if it coats the other sections of the hair? The first time you allow a relaxer on your virgin hair, it is permanently straight and will stay that way until you cut off the relaxed ends.
The chemical process is meant to strip away at the strands, removing the proteins that form the curl so the hair can remain straight. So, if you continuously apply relaxer to previously-straightened hair, the hair will become brittle and break.

Whenever my hair would become damage, my mother would rush me to the salon to get another touch-up. Big mistake! Its best to take care of your hair before ever allowing another chemical onto it. Here are my sure-fire tips and products for growing out your "perms," sans breakage and dry hair. Also, look out for more articles this month about stretching, including some of my rollerset photos and braid techniques.

Do moisturize everyday. Moisturize your scalp and moisturize your ends. It will keep the ends from getting statick-y and breaking under manipulation.
Do find a low-manipulation style and stick to it. I roller set most of the time and don't straigh