Calvin Klein - Cassie

Winter Hair Care - Hats

As I mentioned before Hats are an effective way to protect your hair.

Length Check - Feb 5, 2010

So last week I announced my goals and decisions. One of you asked if I would post pictures so you guys could follow my progress. As you can see I found my first set of pictures. This is from February 5, 2010 I got my hair trimmed and I decided to start a my own personal NO HEAT Challenge. This was interesting experience, I say that because up to that point I had been flat ironing my hair like usual. So NO HEAT at all was a serious step. Honestly it was the first and most important step of embracing my texture and curls. Thanks to certain Youtubers and bloggers I was on a natural hair roll! I learned bantu knots, puffs, flexi rods, buns, detangling, hair products, styling....and so much more. Feb 5 was really a defining point in my natural hair experience. It was the day I decided not to burn my hair (sort of speak), the day I decided to pay more attention to it, nourish it, love it, the day I decided I would truly help it to grow.

*The only modifications I have made to this NO HEAT is that I may use heat as long as it is indirect heat. Honestly I just want to use the hooded dryer. Especially in the winter, wet hair out doors is a no no.

I wanna be in LOVE with My Products

I'm in search for products I can say I love! I'm in search of saying I don't need to try anything else because I am happy with what I am using.

Having to try "every" product is not it for me. I don't have the time or the money for that. I rather share the products we have amongst ourselves so we know what works for us, individually without having to waste any money. See when I buy a product and it doesn't work, I look at the curls around me and think who would love this product and that's who I give it to. So far 100% of the time it works for them though its didn't work for me. So far no one has given me anything that works. Which is OK. Better to give then to receive. I like the thought that I'm helping a friend in their journey. It also allows me to know what products and or brands simply don't work for me, in turn more money in my pocket. 

I'm very excited about my new love 8=D my deeeep conditioner - Aussie Moist 3 Minute I can definitely say without a doubt the results are amazing, hair feels like silk! But that's my personal opinion.

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Currently I am looking for

 

Hair Styles - I would like to really get creative with my hair styles and recreate hair styles I have seen. I say this because I always get to a point where I get bored and want to switch it up. I want t build an archive of hair styles.

Protein Treatment - For some reason in my mind I feel like I need to buy a product to give me protein. When in reality I need to follow my own advice and go right into the kitchen. Eggs, mayonnaise, honey...etc. I do use them occasionally. As you can see I am still debating on this one.

Butter, Souffle or Cream - Yes I have my Shea butter and my hair loves it. BUT!!! I'm not sure if it has been breaking me out or not, so.... Just in case I would like to look for an alternative. Supposedly a butter, cream or something whipped goes very well with my 3c/4a hair texture.

Water Based Leave in Conditioner - I LOVE Knot Today, but its $12. I know how can I be picky about a price when I LOVE the results. I want to love the price and the results. So I'm on the hunt!

* I think that is everything, if not I will post more*

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Hair Styles I wish to Improve on

Braid/Twist Out - I know how to do a twist out, but... how can I explain this, I don't know how to wear them without altering them. For example I always twist them into a bantu knot or curl the ends. I never really have a plain old Twist out. This would be because I never like the look of them on my short/medium hair. I keep saying when my hair is longer then maybe I will like it. Or maybe it is simply not the look for me. 

Curl Icon - Free - Turning Head with my Hair

 

So I was watching the 10 year Anniversary of 106 & Park and was like WOW Free is on TV, It's been forever!!! So I searched and found her website http://freesworld.com/

I also came across and article about her hair. So I had to share. Enjoy!

 

(Source- Freesworld)

"So here’s the background on my hair: I was born with a head full of it (in more ways than one)! My hair is a mixture of my DNA, strong and stubborn in parts (especially on top of my head) and soft in curly in other spots, which makes me have what hairdressers call an “interesting head.” Here’s the real on my background: African American, Indian, and West Indian.

What does that have to do with my hair? Everything. Because I can wet it and it’ll get curly but as it dries it just rises up to that afro (even when I dont want it to). If I want a straight look for a night (and I mean one night because the humidity will curl it right back up) I use a blow dryer, flat iron and hairspray to keep it down as long as I can but I promise you in the AM my hair will be on its way back to its afro.

Now I am a fan of weaves and wigs, especially in this entertainment business. If you don’t take care of what God gives you, you will have nothing left. 

You’ll know how I’m feeling anyday if you look at my hair. Daring, conservative, funky, crazy, soft, sexy, rebel, even the “Pepe Le Pew” looks work for me. You know why? Because it’s just hair, it’s mine, whether it’s all mine or not, and I shall do whatever I feel like with it. Hmmph.

Two honest notes here: ladies that have multicultural children or thick, strong haired children, don’t be afraid to ask about how to take care of your baby’s hair. Don’t just perm it at 2 years old because it’s thick and hard to take care of; save your baby’s hair for their choices. Buy some natural products, keep it conditioned, braided, try twistlocks and more natural styles. (And I’m not a mother so I can’t imagine doing my daughter’s hair every morning…but it’s okay to be different, it really is.)"

- For the entire article go to Free's website -

My Decisions & Goals

Hair Hair Hair...

So I have decided to make some decisions! I'm ready for some bigger better results. I put myself on a NO HEAT Challenge in February  for 3 month at a time and I have been very successful. During that period of time I learned how to style my hair in its natural state. What products my hair is liking and which to throw away or giveaway. I want to continue the testing process...BUT not go overboard I don't wanna be a product junkie or waste money. So...I have turned to ordering samples of products. I have received two samples so far Pantene Curl & John Frieda. I will be testing these products soon.

I also have to be careful in the products I use because I have found that though my hair may like the product my face sure does not. So my goal is to find products that my hair AND my skin like.

So I WON'T be spending a crazy amount of money on products I WONT be using products that break me out. I WILL pay attention to all the signs my hair and my skin give me. and I WILL have long beautiful natural hair. 8=) Now goal time!!!!!!

GOAL
So my goal length is (drum roll please) 10 inches from my shoulder. Let's get to work! So I think in order for me to attain this goal I have to put some rules down for myself.

1. I will Track my progress every 4 months with length check
2. For 4 months apply NO direct heat: flat irons, blow dryers, curling irons.
3. MOISTURIZE MOISTURIZE MOISTURIZE!!!!!
4. Put in practice what I have already learned.
5. Use protective styles / low manipulation

Seems simple, right? Let's see what happens :)



Question of the Week

How often do you Trim your hair?

They say you should trim your hair every 3 months. Is that necessary? Should we trim more often or less often? What do you do? Personally. I am HORRIBLE with this. I really don't have a schedule to trimming. I do and don't think its important. I think my view has been tainted by trims turning into cuts! I hate that.

Jojoba Oil - What can it do for you?

Source: Jojoba Oil for Hair - Article Jojoba Oil for Hair, Nature’s natural moisturizer

Jojoba oil is one of the more common ingredients in hair care products and with good reason. This natural oil is considered by many to be the most compatible due to its similarity to the scalp’s sebum and its ability to work with all hair types. It has many therapeutic properties including its ability to protect moisture loss, protect hair health and improve the condition of damaged hair.

Jojoba oil is derived from the seeds of a perennial shrub that is found in northwestern Mexico and the southwestern United States. Although it is commonly known as oil, the extract from the jojoba is technically a liquid wax. It is golden in appearance and has a slight nutty odor plus it is hypoallergenic, non-irritating and non-comedogenic. It also contains vitamin E and has antibacterial and antioxidant properties as well.

Generally easy to find, jojoba oil can be purchased in many health food stores and is also commonly available online through a number of different retailers. Let’s look at some of the many uses for jojoba oil and how it can benefit you.

Eye Makeup Remover

Jojoba oil is a great way to remove eye makeup and condition your lashes at the same time. Soak a cotton ball or pad in the oil and wipe it over your eye shadow, liner and mascara. This is remove your eye makeup easily and gently without any fear of irritation.

Cleansing Oil

In addition to removing eye makeup you can also use jojoba oil to remove blush, foundation and lipstick. Simply soak a pad or cotton ball in the oil and wipe them away. Remove the oil completely by wiping after with a damp tissue or washcloth.

Facial Moisturizer

Our skin readily accepts jojoba oil with any threat of breakout or reaction due to its similarities to human sebum. Even if you have oily or combination skin you can feel assured that you will not have any worries because jojoba oil will help to balance the skin’s sebum by moisturizing dry skin and easing oil production in oily skin. You can apply it either by mixing it with your own moisturizer or by sparingly apply it on its own.

Lip Conditioner

If wind and sun have your lips dry and chapped then the solution for you is jojoba oil. A small amount of this applied to your lips is a perfect replacement for chapstick and lip balms that are costly and short lived.

Cuticle Oil

Constant use of your hands can result in dry, worn cuticles that look and feel ugly. Condition them and keep them soft by rubbing a small amount of jojoba oil into them on a regular basis. Your cuticles will never look better.

Hair Conditioner

Adding jojoba oil to your hair routine is a simple process that will provide numerous rewards. Just mix a few drops into your favorite conditioner and apply as usual. When you rinse it out the beneficial properties of the oil will be retained in the hair. You can also put a few drops on your palm and work it through the ends of your hair prior to blow drying for added conditioning. If you hair is looky frizzy or dull then the addition of a small amount of jojoba oil will smooth out the cuticle and make your hair shiny and healthy looking. It has also been said that by massaging some jojoba oil into the scalp that you will promote thick, lustrous hair.

Body OilJojoba oil can be used in a number of different easy to keep your skin hydrated and feeling smooth. Add a few drops to your favorite body lotion, moisturizer or oil and massage it in for a great, non-greasy feel. Hydrate your skin by rubbing it all over your body after you have bathed or showered, the open pores absorb it quickly and leave your skin feeling great. Another great use is to rub it into your legs prior to shaving. This will help to give you a closer, smoother shave and great looking legs that will be noticed.

We have looked at a number of the different uses for jojoba oil and there are many more we have not even touched upon. You also can find it as an additive to many hair and skin care products and can get the same results through their uses. A small amount of jojoba oil used once or twice a week will provide amazing results that will make your friend envious and have them wondering what your secret is.

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Author / Source: Jojoba Oil for Hair