Showing posts with label afro textured hair. Show all posts
Showing posts with label afro textured hair. Show all posts
I love love ♥ when I get good service.  This place is my new best friend.  I found Ugly N Beauty when my regular distributor flaked on me.  *boo hiss* I have to have Emergencee.  It is one of my "must have" products for my Afro textured hair.  It has been fundamental in my hair journey and, while I could find an alternative it doesn't have the same effect.  It's called Aloxxi now, but my hair reacts the same to this formula and I only see one difference and that is the amount of water in the ingredients.  I don't recommend this product for all hair types, especially fine hair, but if you have long Afro textured hair that tangles easily, this should be in your stash somewhere.  Most etailers sell this one 16.9 oz bottle for $50 or more.  I got two for less than $65 including shipping.  Great price, great service, and fast shipping.  They included beauty products as well.
Sadly, I am not sponsored, nor am I a "common name" in the blogosphere, therefore, when companies give me good service, I'm shouting from the rooftops since it seems you have to "be someone" in order to get good service these days.  I tried to call and thank them, but was too lazy to stay on hold, so I'm posting this instead.  I will do a review of this product in full, and indicate why I love it so much and how I use this.
see how matted? meh!

Cheers!
xoxo
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In my quest to use up all the crap under the sink, I am again at my Silicon Mix.  I bought this product some months back whilst perusing another hair forum (some people never learn).  I heard this thing could take my dry damaged hair and turn it into fine silk like those Pantene commercials.  Sure, you don't believe everything you read, hear, etc., but these were reviews from people who have hair in ten times worse shape than mine, clearly it would make my hair at least softer?  It didn't.  I don't know what people are using on their hair that Silicon Mix would be the answer to world peace, but this stuff could be Suave humectant and would be much more impressive. 
Naturally, a fool and her money are soon parted, I bought the $8.99 plus shipping and handling size from Amazon for the 16 oz size.  I never go through all of that simply to get a small amount of product.  It makes no sense to spend the same amount in shipping and handling for a product.  That was then, this is now.  The directions state you leave the product on for 2-3 minutes and rinse depending on your hair's health.  Well, I kept the mess on for about half an hour with heat.  The mixture is less dense than pudding and has a queer scent.  It's not a scent I can put my finger on.  It's not floral, spicy, or anything significant, but it doesn't smell like chemicals either.  It doesn't have a clean, soap like scent either.  It's similar to Terax Crema, if you're familiar. 
INGREDIENTS : Water, Mineral Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Glycerine, Citric Acid, Cetrimonium Chloride, Dimethycone Copolyol, Cyclomethicone, Keratin, Ceramide, Diazolidinyl Urea (and) Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Fragrance.
This product calls itself an "Intensive Hair Deep Treatment" huge misnomer.  An intensive deep hair treatment doesn't have the consistency of runny pudding and will coat the hair.  This stuff sat on my hair and upon combing it through my hair (best way to deep condition and coat each strand), it still didn't feel as if anything intense was happening.  I will not repurchase this product.  I'm still shocked at the reviews, or maybe I've been fortunate enough to move LeKair Cholesteral (worked at the time) type of conditioning treatments.  I will blog my favourite intensive hair conditioning/deep treatments, because I think there is a lot of misinformation which is why so many women are bamboozled into believing their hair wont grow.  I will say this may be good on synthetic hair or to maintain human hair weaves/extensions, but other than that, this product was an epic "FAIL."
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I wish I had a dollar for everytime I heard a person say that Afro textured hair doesn't grow.  It's 2010 and guess what?  Afro textured hair grows, and will continue to do so if you take proper care of it.  I have never had long hair.  My mum didn't really know how to care for my hair, and she didn't have the time to deal with it.  So, I thought I knew everything and took the wheel and anihiliated my hair for the longest.  The key to growing any texture of hair is knowing how to care for your own hair. I cannot tell you how many bandwagon products I jumped on.  They had great reviews, were all the talk on forums and/or YouTube but for me they were usually epic "fail" for me.  So, I have an arsenal of products I call my holy grails, a few essentials, and some items, I'm experimenting with.  The experiments are not because I don't have faith in my holy grails, but Creme of Nature was epic until I found KeraCare for dry itchy scalp (tingles) as was Motions CPR until Avlon and Nexxus had things which worked better.  It's difficult to let go, but the results have been learning to get products in the event my currents are either discontinued or reformulated or simply because the type of products on the market are improving (i.e. sulphate free).  In addition, don't think people who are not your ethnicity can't have products that will suit you.  Products marketed for Afro textured hair don't always equal success for me, just as many products for European/Caucasian hair work quite well.  It's all about trial and error.  Support helps also.  I am in a hide your locks, no trim in 2010 but I may have to quit because I need to cut six inches of old tired relaxed ends off.  I did buy some products from a hair trade show, and will give my 2 cents.  I can usually tell first try how a product will work for me, but I try not to give a rave review until really testing a product for some time.  To be continued...















              (awaiting testing)
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Gah!  It was so freaking cold but how does one track their progress without a picture?  Ugh!  I guess my hair is ... waist length almost??? When it's dry it's to the lower part of the small of my back.  My hair is 4c, and it doesn't accept relaxers well.  I'd declare my hair as texlaxed because it's chemically altered but not straight.  For example, if I went to the hair dresser, she would not declare my hair relaxed because it isn't "bone" straight, but it's not natural.  *Note* This is not about the relaxed v. natural stuff that's going on in the black hair community.  Do and where your hair, but don't let it be who or what identifies you!  So, my goal for myself is to take care of my mind, body, and soul by eating better, getting some form of exercise, reducing stress, cutting back on sweets, adding more fun into my life and keeping a journal of my hair, weight, skin and overall well being.  Time to let of of toxic people, places and things.  If you would like to join me, I'm a great motivator and I've never had long hair in my life, my mother didn't know how to care for it, and neither did I.  If I'm honest, sometimes, I want to shave my head.  So, how did I grow it?  It wasn't easy, and protective styles will save you a lot of pain, frustration and get you through the tough times.
xoxo
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Recently I had a discussion with a friend regarding natural versus relaxed hair.  I won't go into the debate, that would take another post; however, I can tell you how I care for my hair.  I've posted pics of the length ad nausea so, I'll just get to the details.
I wash and deep condition my hair once a week. 
I wear my hair in a protected style and only massage my scalp.  No other manipulations are done to my hair.
I use a set of products which has taken me more than twenty years to "discover."
I state I have relaxed hair, but I have to admit, I am one of the small percentage of women, whose hair does not completely straighten.  I have accepted this, and know a few others whose hair is the same.  I can put a relaxer on my head, comb it from root to tip (coarse/super) and it won't get my hair bone straight, I've even applied heat.
I have done EVERYTHING with my hair, blonde, black, blue, bald (yep), natural, braids, weaves, wigs, lace fronts, "natural relaxers" et al.
I think I've spent a fortune on hair products; however, as a child my mother didn't know how to care for my hair, I abused it, I had poor health for a good long time, and I truly believe God is taking care of my hair and I'm just the person physically taking care of it.  I have never had hair past my shoulders, I've had to get shots to stop stress induced hair loss and seen a dermatologist for alopecia.  I got shots in my scalp and if you are interested in what they were I would be happy to provide that information.  Currently, I use a bit of cinnamon and peppermint oil to stimulate the blood circulation in my scalp.  It's what works for me.
Of the six products, the most important for my is the Affirm Fiberguard Sustenance: it gives me the BEST slip ever, better than I received with Nexxus, which I have as a backup.  Aphogee has stopped the breakage, it is vital to my regimen, and I have to use it more than the recommended six week intervals.  Keracare shampoo for dry and itch scalp is the only shampoo which cleanses my hair and scalp without tangling it in the process.  There may be better, but I've used a lot and none work as well as this.  I depend on Joico for the Cuticle Sealer to seal and normalize the pH levels in my hair (apple cider vinegar smells too strong), the Kid's Organic Moisturizer is a back up detangler if when detangling, my hair is having a bad go.  I  will give reviews for each product, but this is my "arsenal" and it is possible to grow afro textured hair to your waist if you learn what works and how to care for your hair. 
For those who wonder about shedding, here is how much I lost this past week.

 
Also, I neglected to mention I also monitor the hair in the shower to gauge if there is an excess there as well.  I keep a journal in order to discern what's working, the amount of growth achieved, and the products used.
Hope this helped someone!
xoxo
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Hello Beauties,
Hope you had a great Saturday evening and Sunday is going to be filled with fun, pampering and preparing for the week ahead.
I was apprehensive to discuss this upcoming movie since the web has been buzzing about it in anticipation of its release. Well, after speaking with my girlfriend a few nights back about my hair woes and Tyra's challenge for "Natural Hair Day" I mentioned the Chris Rock documentary and she had no clue. Which was good for me, not everyone is a slave to the internet.
I am going to join Tyra, and figure out some way to wear my hair au naturel. I will use natural products and not color it until that day.
Here is what I'm working with. Note: I am wearing a hair tie and this is it natural, no product, no heat, no nothing. I will look a hot mess, but I love a challenge.
So...I don't know how or what I'll do as I am vain about my hair, admittedly. My partner will have to sign a contract, (no tugging, no pulling, no fussing about my product obsession, etc.) I care less about a prenup, but my hair? Too much money, time, and work and hopefully this film will enlighten me and help me to remember that I am not my hair. Who's with me? Can you let go of your hair obsession?

credit youtube

Good Hair Trailer!

by on 11:27 AM
Hello Beauties, Hope you had a great Saturday evening and Sunday is going to be filled with fun, pampering and preparing for the week ahead....
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I am a sucker for all things healthy.
Healthy hair, healthy skin, healthy body, but being a product junkie, sometimes products whisper my name from the shelves. I'm working on a zebra print set of ear muffs, but until then, enjoy!
These two are from the Deep Conditioning Treatments for the shampoo and conditioners of their respective hair types. I selected moisture and strength. The hair:


Claims:

Garnier Fructis Moisture Works
Drench your hair with moisture! Active Fruit Concentrate - an innovative combination of vitamins B3 and B6, fructose and glucose - helps restore moisture in dull, brittle or dry hair. Moisture is replenished and brilliant shine returns. Hair is up to 5x stronger, up to 5x smoother and so much shiner.* The result? You just have to touch it. Hair is so smooth, soft and supple that it feels like silk.

Garnier Fructis Moisture Works Instant Melting Conditioner is a breakthrough in conditioning technology. It instantly melts into the hair while Hydra-Replenishers deeply moisturize and strengthen hair without weighing it down.

How to use: After shampooing, apply the Instant Melting Conditioner to wet hair from root to tip. Rinse. For best results, use the Garnier Fructis Moisture Works System.

Results:

Didn't do much for my hair. It didn't detangle, it didn't make my hair feel like silk (wasn't expected) and it didn't seem to dry to a higher sheen.

The other product I had not seen nor heard of and found it by a lark. It's thicker, comes out more like a cream than lotion in an off white to peach color and smells nice as well.


Claims:

Garnier Fructis Strength & Repair
Garnier Fructis introduces the Strength & Repair System to help reverse the signs of damage in one week,* leaving hair intensely nourished, repaired from the inside out, and more resistant to breakage. The formulas with Nutritive Fruit Micro-Oils - a combination of apricot and avocado oils - nourish hair, and Ceramide Reconstructor helps repair and fortify hair. The result? Up to 7x less breakage.*

Garnier Fructis Strength & Repair Instant Melting Conditioner is a breakthrough in conditioning technology. This formula with Ceramide Reconstructor instantly penetrates deep into over-processed, damaged hair to help repair and revive the hair on contact.

How to use: After shampooing, apply the Instant Melting Conditioner to wet hair from root to tip. Rinse. For best results, use the Garnier Fructis Strength & Repair System.

Results:

Loved it, I will definitely repurchase this when I finish my others. This product comes closer to melting into my hair than its predecessor; however, the thing about this product is the moisturizing ability. I don't put this above my HGs but it was really nice to finally get a product which delivered most of its claims.

Five paws bellas!
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Noooooo!

I did it AGAIN! How many times have I told people to research, research, and do more research prior to making any purchases unless it's for something frivolous like a mocha, type of food or anything experimental which is of a small value? I got bitten by my product junkie desires, and low and behold have aquired another product that won't even tame my unruly eyebrows.
In my defense, it was my research which caused me to take the $43.95 plunge. I was bored on Sunday, and wanted to rock a new look for the week ahead. I went to makeupalley and did some research on products for chemically/color treated hair and there were two products which caught my eye. One I could not find anywhere and I looked high and low all over Northern California. Finally, I waved my white flag and settle on a product called "Enjoy." I think I had seen or heard about it before but with the volume of catalogues, magazines and forums I am exposed to, not to mention the "gurus" who are popping up en masse. This product had about a dozen reviews who all gave it five lippies! Impressive to find more than three product junkies who all agree about one product so I got bit and tried to ignore the wound. The anticipation hit an all time high on Sunday morning. Seriously, I located a store and had it before they even had time to fully open.
Well, I should have read more into the reviews rather than getting into the 100% rating. What type of hair, what length, texture, etc. Nope, the rating was all it took, and now I have this:

in my shower and it does nothing for my hair.
Pros: smells great, thick but not too thick in consistency, no sulphates, soft scent and is also good for skin.
Cons: price is a bit steep, doesn't detangle, doesn't have the "slip" my hair needs.
The lesson kittens, when you do your research, do it thoroughly and ALWAYS find out the store's return/exchange policy. Haste makes waste in my case.


B.P.
by on 8:43 AM
Noooooo! I did it AGAIN ! How many times have I told people to research, research, and do more research prior to making any purchases unle...
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Hello Gorgeous,
I don't know about you, but I'm really not feeling this new hair era. African American women have so much more knowledge, resources and products than our ancestors, but we can't seem to come together when it comes to certain issues.
The other day I was having a conversation with two beautiful sisters and the topic of hair came up. One woman was under the impression black women should never wash our hair more than once a week. The other woman and I protested immediately! "What?" we were a bit frisky, "You can wash your hair everyday if you care for it properly," I told her still looking at her like she immediately grew a second head on her shoulder. She then went on about white hair versus black hair. It reminded me of the old, "good hair, bad hair" arguments I had grown tired of. Why do people believe African Americans are deemed to hell for having a coarse texture of hair. No, we don't all have 4 a/b hair, but even so, with proper care and maintenance, you can grow your hair to your waist and I have done this and I don't have any Dominican Republic or another ethnicity I can trace.
That said, the conversation got a bit more interesting when another sister came and scolded us for having "relaxed" our hair!
I knew where the conversation was going, so I'll speak my peace here. What anyone chooses to do to his or her hair is their business. Why does our "crowning glory" determine our Afrocentrism? I am no less black for having relaxed hair than a person is for having natural hair. I'm not going to become any less black by chemically straightening my hair than bleaching my skin. I'm not brainwashed and I don't think Madame C.J Walker was either. If I want "natural" hair, I don't think I'm going to be embracing my race any more or less than I do with it relaxed.
I remember being in Texas and being "educated" about how white America had brainwashed me. Well no, I wasn't brain washed when I marked "black" on the plethora of applications for school, work, etc. I knew I was black. I wasn't in denial the first hundred times I was called a "nigger." I don't think when I was called a "black bitch" by a woman in the mall that she meant me. So...I am pretty sure I'm black.
It should be infuriating this is even a blog post, but it's sad. I am not in denial the black culture has a lot of issues in terms of afrocentricity. If we aren't fighting over light skin vs. dark skin, we are ghetto or sell outs, we are representing or perpetrating. When will be just be?

Peace,



B.P.

Hair It Is!

by on 12:35 PM
Hello Gorgeous, I don't know about you, but I'm really not feeling this new hair era. African American women have so much more knowl...
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