Qhemet Product Review

Merry Christmas everyone!

Formalities aside, I really am upset that Qhemet has moved their sale to January!  I was hoping to gift some items and now won't be able to...so I scrambled some inexpensive things together last minute to have something to hand over to people.  Qhemet didn't do Black Friday...in preparation for another sale that they would be holding in December...and now we're holding for that sale.  I hope they hurry!!!   My mother was quite disappointed to find that I would be arriving without her Moringa Tree Conditioning Ghee...I thought she was going to hang up the phone on me!  I mean...hasn't holiday season been coming all year long Qhemet!!!?

Qhemet products are not shea butter based and they deliver big time in the moisture and management area.  They also all contain MSM...which has been shown to improve length retention.

Regardless...I plan to stock up on 3 very important things...Cocoa Tree Detangling Ghee, Moringa Tree Conditioning Ghee, and Olive and Honey Hydrating Balm.  Honey is my new hair boo!  I've used all 3 of these products in the past.

The CTDG is a single-strand knot's worst nightmare!  People rub it all over their hair expecting a slippery conditioner feel.  But no, it's not like that.  Ghee is a form of butter used in India.  It is VERY thick and stiff.  So that's probably why Qhemet calls it ghee- due to the texture and consistency.  It's creamy once you rub it between your hands and goes on kind of white, but easily and quickly rubs in.  Its smells like chocolate, of course, due to the fact that it contains cocoa butter, but it doesn't linger.  I really only use this product when I'm finger detangling.  I will inevitably run into SSK's and instead of ripping through and hearing that little "snap" that accompanies breakage, I take a dab of the CTDG, rub it between my fingers and apply it to the strands and tiny little knot.  Within seconds, it unravels.  This products works much better for me for spot detangling on dry hair.  It's great for getting braids or weave installed to keep the braider from ripping through your hair.

The Moringa Tree Conditioning Ghee is a newer Qhemet product.  It's thinner than the detangling ghee. They first tried it in a tub...due to the consistency it was moved to a pump bottle.  I know that now, they have "improved" the scent.  My bottle had a very heavy lavender fragrance.  So I don't know if that means they changed the scent or lightened it up a bit. Regardless, it made my hair very, very soft.  Which is difficult to do with my head without silicones.  I didn't really use it for detangling, because the bottle is small, I'd be pumping for days, and I'd rather use it to moisturize in order to stretch out the life of the bottle.  I stopped using it becuase the smell was too strong...I gave the remainder to my mom and now she is hooked!  Her hair is relaxed and thin and she still raved about silky, soft tresses.  So it's a very versatile leave-in/mositurizer for both thick, natural hair to thin, relaxed hair.

Olive and Honey Hydrating balm is THE BALM.  I love this stuff.  I should've realized sooner that honey was my friend...but I digress.  I put this over the MTCG and it seals the deal on softness.  It is so moisturizing, so much shine, so much softness...so much in need of more!  It has the Qhemet signature citrus scent that doesn't linger.  It only takes a tiny bit or you risk stickiness...otherwise it goes on very smooth and clear.  Together, these two products give me a super soft, smooth, manageable mane without the use of silicones.

SN: Many naturals use this product to seal in the Amla and Olive Heavy cream.  I tried the cream and it was great as well, but the softness I got from the MTCG + OHHB is what has made me a return customer.  4b/c would probably love the Amla and Olive with the MTCG.

I'm stocking up just because I know how much I like these products and they have a specific function that has already been established in my hair bun regimen.  I want them!!!!  I hope Qhemet doesn't make us wait much longer and I hope people aren't super greedy during the sale.  Let the love and softness spread people!

Thanks.  Merry Christmas again.  See you at the sale!

Love,

LL  XOXOXOXO

Ya Gotta Pre-poo, okay boo?

Ahhh...pre-pooing...it gets a lot of debate from naturals across the board.  It works for some but not for others.  My thoughts...it's a recession so MAKE IT WORK!  There are often times junkies get ahold of a "bad batch" or a product that just didn't agree with their personal preference for how they like their hair to look, feel, or smell.  So let's talk about adapting it to make it work for you and the debate is dead (drops mic).

In my humble opinion, the best way to adapt things, is to turn them into pre-poos.  Pre-pooing is the process of applying moisture to your hair for conditioning prior to using a shampoo or co-washing.  It's expecially useful in dryer months or for hair that has been less than babied for several days.  You can use a mixture of oils with a conditioner that was too thin or didn't smell good, or whatever caused you to shelf it.  You are always a mixtress in the making.  As long as you put a little good (your favorite oils) with the bad, you can make it work for you.

I like to apply an oil mix or a conditioner/moisturizer oil mix to my hair and let it sit while I run errands or overnight.  You don't need to apply it as heavily as you would a deep conditioner, because you want it to be easily washed out.  If you are using a sulfate free shampoo, it is especially important to be a little light handed.  I love me some sulfates.  It seems to be the only thing to get my hair and scalp clean and dandruff free.

Make sure to oil your scalp as well.

When you're ready to poo(shampoo), make sure your hair is detangled with your fingers first...then with your wide tooth comb.  Apply a little more prepoo mixture or conditioner to your hair if you find a tangle and work through it patiently.  Then, use your wide tooth comb to thoroughly remove shed hairs.  From there you can take your bottle of shampoo and apply it TO YOUR SCALP ONLY parting your hair little by little!!!  Once your scalp is covered, gently massage the shampoo to make a semi lather...then hop in the shower and let the water rinse the shampoo down the length of your hair.

It will make your life a lot easier to apply shampoo outside of the shower!

The benefits of prepooing is to add extra conditioning and moisture to prevent stripping from the shampoo to the point of being brittle or dry.  Also, because it's mainly an oil application mixed with your leftover conditioning products, you should be able to leave your house with ease-meaning no visible residue, just shine. 

Happy holidays and hair pooing.  I'm sure your holiday hair will be fab!

Love,
LL XoXoXo

L.O.C (liquid, oil, cream) Moisture Method how to, and why?

It's late.  I want to make this post both brief and informative.  The L.O.C moisture method is one of the best kept secrets for keeping your natural hair moisturized.  The method, to my knowledge, was introduced by Chicoro.  I have a link to her blog listed to your right.  This post was sparked after my many hours of Curly Nikki Forum stalking, with countless threads asking about how to keep their dry hair moisturized ESPECIALLY now that winter is upon us.  Well let me tell you...read on.

Here is the blueprint, then we'll get into variations and applications.  First you need a liquid...a liquid is a form of matter that takes the shape of whatever container it is in...so water...then you apply your favorite oil or mixture of oils, lastly apply a non-water based cream like a butter or Chicoro (and sometimes myself) uses grease as her cream.  Now would be a good time to add that her hair is long, thick, and absolutely gorgeous...and if you read her posts, you will soon discover that she is extremely smart.  So, her advice is solid.

These are some of the ways that I've used the method and made it adapt to me.  I've mentioned before that I teach hot yoga...so my hair gets exposed to a lot of heat, humidity, and sweat.  I sometimes teach multiple classes per day and there isn't time in between to patiently do my hair, and I don't want to make a spectacle of myself by taking up the entire counter with my tools and products for over an hour after each class. Not to mention that would be waaaay too much manipulation.

For me, wetting my hair in the shower creates a lot of work. So, instead, I seized the opportunity to purchase some rose water.  I saw Naptural85 using it in one of her Youtube videos.  So it sparked my interest.  I'll be writing a review after I've used it for a bit longer.  I release my bun and spray it all over my hair...then I add my oil of choice...usually a mixture containing olive oil and vatika oil at the very least.  I also now use my Olive Miracle (love) oil.  Lastly, is the cream step, which can be grease...or a Shea butter blend that is growing on me (not releasing details for a little longer until I can better compare it to grease).  Then I rebun and move forward with my life.

Here are some variations I have taken depending on my schedule and hair needs.  Sometimes, the sock bun would feel very dry even after doing this method the day before...I think it was the cotton sock drinking my hair dry.  If my hair feels dry, or if I feel like it needs extra attention after a long day of teaching and having to get up early to do it again, I will do the liquid and oil part and do a full head baggy (plastic grocery bag), tie my scarf on for extra security and less bag crunching, then put on one of my new knit baggy beanie hats (if walking to the train or running errands) I scored at Forever 21 for $6/ea.  Then I can be on my way.  I sleep with the baggy and scarf and I add the cream the next morning after removing the bag, while my hair is still slightly damp.

Another variation, maybe for a 4b/c hair type is to use conditioner as your liquid step or basically anything with water as the first ingredient.  Then add your oil lightly, and finally seal lightly with your non-water cream.

Lastly, if I want to baby my ends on an especially cold or windy day, I tie a plastic sandwich bag right back over my fold over bun after sealing with cream in the morning- sans the sock.  I ALWAYS have on a satin scarf under my beanie if I'm going out.  Or you can take out a little bang for yourself or add a twist to the front of your hair to preserve the sexy.

No matter what variation you try, this is a great blueprint!  It gives you a starting place to figure out what works for you!  You hear and see on a lot of hair boards to just do what works for you, and I don't know about you, but sometimes it just makes me feel even more lost.  The L.O.C moisture method is a solid starting point and system that clearly outlines what it is you are looking to achieve- long lasting moisture.  The variations are there to fit into your lifestyle be it heavy sweating, professional looking, or a student.  You can use inexpensive products and redefine how they apply to you and your hair journey.  Give it a try...and you can always  ask me questions or just let me know how it's going.  Happy hair caring.

Lots of love,
LL XOXOXOXO

Aussie Sydney Smooth Conditioner review

I tried the Aussie 3 minute miracle and from that point I was hooked on Aussie products.  Over Thanksgiving, I reported that I got a family size, pump and all, of the Aussie Moist Conditioner.  Well...then I started sticking my nose where it didn't belong and ended up feeling the need to try the Sydney Smooth too.  I had already raised an eyebrow in regard to it while in the stores, but hadn't read many reviews or heard people talking about it, so I decided I would be the one to talk about it.

I watched a youtube video that described the smell as being that of the old school Herbal Essences- strong floral scents.  I really, really liked old school HE fragrances (pours a little liquor onto shower floor)-RIP.  Syndney Smooth does smell similar to that.  Not spot on, but vaguely reminiscent...I think it's the best description one could give.

Performance is exceptional.  I  haven't used it very much alone and not as a deep conditioner.  It is definitely thinner than the 3 minute miracle and Aussie Moist...BUT far from runny.  When I deep conditioner, I co-wash with this conditioner because it is in my shower....it keeps my hair detangled and definitely smoothed my cuticles.  I was able to easily gather my tightly coiled hair in the back into a ponytail while rinsing and the front of my hair usually has tons of frizz and flyaways, but after using this, my hair laid down nicely.

I only have good things to say about the Aussie line from what I've tried.  Using the 3-minute miracle as a styler has continued to make my hair soft, moisturized, and shiny without being heavy or greasy.  Moisturized strands do not need to leave residue on your hands to prove that they are retaining moisture...they need to be shiny, soft, and pliable.

If you haven't taken the Aussie leap yet, do it!  It's mutli-functional and a cheap go-to line.  If it doesn't work as a cowash, try it as a leave-in.  Maybe mix it with some oils and honey for a deep treatment.  The line is more versatile than the creators of Aussie probably even realize.  It's just another way we tightly curly people have figured out how to make things work for us in a world that seeminly forgot about the needs of our hair.  The solutions are there, we will just have to apply them in differnt ways to get the desired results.

Be happy!

Love Love,
LL XoXoXo

Goin' Deep on the Cheap

This post is a long one. As a product junky at the height of my hair addiction, sometimes my habit gets budget blocked!  I have more than enough products in my bathroom and kitchen to concoct anything I need to in order to promote strong, healthy, moisturized, and nourished hair.  And folks...I found a deep conditioning holy grail!  I will be using this routine weekly for my moisturizing deep conditioner prior to shampooing my hair; except for henna weeks- which I try to do every 4 weeks.  So, here's the skinny on the things you'll need and why! 
 
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO, whatever brand is on sale that week)
UN-refined Coconut Oil (about $11, but can last over a year)
Castor Oil ($5)
Honey ($3)
Suave Almond and Shea conditioner ($3 for the family size)

You can certainly use whatever oils your hair responds to the best.  I tried using Olive Oil and Coconut Oil because 1) I had them on hand and 2) they are the two oils repeatedly shown to have the ability to penetrate your hair and provide moisture and elasticity. Coconut oil in particular helps your hair retain protein, thus improving strength.  Read more on the science of it all here.  Castor oil is just so rich and thick.  It can provide more slip and has been shown to promote regrowth or just growth of hair.

I've noticed many people mix honey in with their conditioners, but I couldn't find a lot of information that spoke to the benefits or consistent results from using it.  I've tried it in the past, but was very light-handed (for once) because I do understand that it is a humectant.  Humectants (i.e. honey, glycerin, etc...) can be great things in moist months.  They can attract water molecules from the air and draw them into your hair, but watch out, that means little to no definition and poofy hair during humid months.  In dry months (winter), I've always read to be careful using humectants because water has to come from somewhere and if it can't bond to water from the air...it will start attracting water from your hair which will result in adverse effects in the moisture level of your strands.

This time...I figured with the addition of the oils, I would be fine.  I also realized that I was not adding enough honey during previous deep conditioning sessions to truly see a difference.  You have to add a generous amount...a table spoon or two...to give it a chance to do great things for your hair.

So I started by melting the coconut oil, olive oil, and castor oil in the microwave a little...I recommend 10-15 second intervals depending on the strength of your microwave.  I just swirled the bowl around in between heatings to distribute the warmer parts.  I did this until I had a warm liquid. 

I then added the honey to the warm oils.  It makes it easier to mix in.  Lastly, I added the Suave Almond and Shea Conditioner.  It claims to moisturize as well as Aveda Dry Remedy.  I've never tried the Aveda product so I cannot compare the two. Some of the Aveda scents are just to herbal and over the top for me.  I do know that this one smells very nice.  A light floral and almond scent. 

As far as measurements, I just eyeballed it.  My hair is shoulder length when straightened.  All the products together filled a cereal bowl to being about an inch from the top.  I would say a full tablespoon of each oil is necessary with about 2 tablespoons of honey. Then just add in the conditioner.  I would rather have a little too much than not enough.

With dry, dirty hair, I use my hands only to part it and apply a little conditioner at a time to each section.  This doesn't have to be time consuming or precise, just thorough.  Your purpose here is to ensure that you coat every strand.  Make sure to apply it to your ends first...then work your way up to the root.  Try to avoid your scalp.  If there is excess conditioner, just add it to your ends and around your hair line or any part of your hair that you feel needs more attention.  I finger detangled lightly as I did this process.  I knew I would be pulling my hair into a high bun, so I didn't want to have to detangle twice. 

I was tired, so I slept with my head wrapped in a plastic bag with a towel around it for warmth.  I deep detangled with my wide tooth comb the next morning before applying shampoo to my scalp and massaging.  It was easy to detangle with very little hair shed considering I'd worn a bun for 4-5 days.  I rinsed and...OOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMGGGGGGGGG!!!!  I had finally achieved the hair softness I thought I would only read about from others...especially from the very defiant, coarse texture in the back of my head.  My hair was soft, smooth, and devolumized greatly.  I conditioned with Aussie Sydney Smooth and my hair was even more smooth (review to follow, of course).  When I got out of the shower...I thought I was a 3C!!!  LOL.  My curls were on and poppin', smooth, soft, and defined. I was over the top happy!

This is my mix!  Please, please, please try it out.  Play with the measurements.  Make sure you add enough moisture to balance out the humectant and add enough humectant to reap the benefits.  You will not be disappointed. These ingredients aren't that expensive and will last you for months...  My rant has to come to a close. 

Love and leave-ins,
LL xoxoxoxoxoxooooo

Regimen Revised...yeah, I know...

So...yeah...the previous regi ain't what's really going down in my life. I realized that I like my hair best in a sock bun...it's the most versatile style for looking like you care.  It's simply applicable in more settings than the flat twists.  Flat twists are a good weekend or evening at home style.  They can look pretty, as long as you can take your time (for me, no less than 40 min) to do them properly. 

Find my new and improved regimen below, and remember...just let life lead and the right path will effortlessly clear itself for you.  That's basically what happened here:

Sunday: puff or style for church
Monday: bun, baggy at night
Tuesday: bun, baggy at night
Wednesday: DC/co-wash/wash (listen to your hair), flat twist
Thursday: bun, baggy at night
Friday: bun, baggy at night
Saturday: DC and flat twist

This is what truly works for me...it's not contrived.  Every night, I put on some conditioner (liquid) and put a cheap plastic sandwich bag around my sock bun and secure it with a hairtie.  In the morning, I shower, remove the plastic and while my hair still feels a bit moist seal with grease (shout out to softee).  I just try to choose complimentary fragrances.  I also use grease to smooth my hair down and use a satin scarf if needed.  The weather is getting quite cold so heavy mositure is a must and I will have to start wearing my satin bonnet or scarf under my hood...it provides warmth and protects my style.  You can easily peel it off with your hood...no one has to know what's going on under there.

So let's get it!

Love, Love <3

Let's Build a Regimen, Shall We?

To a naive product junky, products are responsible for healthy hair growth AND length retention.  To a seasoned product junky, who enjoys purchasing products for fun, we know products play little part.  There is, of course, the exception of having an allergy or some other adverse reaction to a product; then, product choice is much more meticulous.

THE KEY TO GROWING YOUR HAIR LONGER IS CONSISTENCY!  You have to find what routine works for your hair and use your chosen products to accomplish that routine.  See the relationship?

So, as the title states- let's build a regimen!!!!!!  I want to build 1 regimen that will be easy to follow, fast for sweaty days, and healthy for my hair.  Use this as a guide  to your own hair needs and keep a journal right along with me for the next month-and-a-half.  So here goes:

Sunday: Sock bun and baggy using LOC (liquid, oil, cream) moisture method, scalp massage
Monday: Rock the bun
Tuesday: Co-wash and finger detangle. Oil scalp if needed and massage, put in flat twists
Wednesday: Wear flat twists
Thursday: Wear flat twists
Friday: Deep condition (henna, AO-GPB, or oil/honey/cond), scalp massage
Saturday: Shampoo scalp, and flat twist

I do prefer flat twists as a protective style.  Free standing two-strand twists allow my hair to tangle and I never get them in, in such a way that they are wearable in a down style.  They always show a lot of scalp.  Also, the back of my hair is very coarse...while the top and front of my crown are nearly straight.  It's a strange combination, but that's my head of hair.  I used to co-wash and wear a wet bun a lot, but this required lots more combing and the back of my hair would still get very matted after drying.  So it was hard to wear the same bun over and over due to a matted, shrunken mess in the back of my head that tangled and got the dreaded single strand knots.  UGGGGGHHHHHH!  But for variation and b/c flat twists can start to look fuzzy, I'll throw in the sock bun after my detangled hair is dry and stretched.

I thought back to when I transitioned.  I remember getting regular trims to rid myself of the relaxer, cleansing often, and rarely using a comb.  I knew nothing about moisturizing and my hair was breaking A LOT, but it was growing just as fast.  So now that I know about moisturizing my hair, I want to go back to doing the things that actually were working.  For me that is more frequent cleansing.  My scalp can get a little dirtier than other naturals I know.  To wash once a month would be murder to my scalp and hair- I really don't understand how other people do it. I will trim every 3 months on my own.  And I will not comb my hair as often...1-2 times a month.  Gentle handling and finger combing should keep tangles at bay.  Also, super slippery conditioners.

To shampoo without drying your hair out...make sure you pre-poo with oil or oil and conditioner together.  Then deep detangle (detangling with a comb), then put your shampoo in a hair color bottle, part your hair and apply the shampoo to your scalp only BEFORE getting into the shower.  Then rinse in the shower trying to avoid agitating your hair. Use your fingertips to gently work the shampoo into a lather. If you like to wash, rinse, repeat, I suggest stopping the water and again taking your time to apply the shampoo to only your scalp.  And YES, I love sulfate shampoo.  Nothing else controls my dandruff better or gets my hair/scalp clean enough.

Obviously modifications will have to be made to this routine if I sweat more...in which case I might co-wash on a flat twist day.  But for the most part...I want to stick to this recipe for 6 weeks and see if it works or not.  Growing hair is a process...it takes time...you just have to be patient.  Too often people try something (be it product or process) a few times and call it quits saying it did not work for them...you need at least 3 weeks of consistency to know if your hair is prospering or if you're causing a setback.  Setbacks are easily detected and whatever is causing it should be stopped at once!

My goal in all of this is to grow my hair long enough so that I can co-wash and roll or twist my entire head of hair together and clip it against my head.  That would bring so much ease into my routine, seal in moisture, and look presentable.  Fingers crossed.  Weigh in on your routines and give me feedback!!!!  I will definitely keep this blog around as a little journal....and who knows...pics might be in order.  We shall see.

One Love <3

LoriLove

UHMAAA-ZING: Aussie Moist 3 Minute Miracle Deeeep Conditioner Review

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Naturals on Curly Nikki's forums and countless others RAVE about the Aussie Moist line and its superior performance to Herbal Essences for detangling and conditioning.  I used Aussie many years ago when I was relaxed.  I noticed nothing special about the performance then because I couldn't get past the grape-y smell.  To me, the whole line smelled like cheap, grape soda. IIIIIICK!!!

But now, I'm happy to report that the past is truly the past.  Things have changed. The smell is now very pleasant.  Kind of coconut/tropic/flower.  It is a nice smell to leave on the hair.  The lingering smell is predominantly that of coconut.

I bought the ginormous size Moist Conditioner from Wal-Mart when I was home for Thanksgiving.  So many naturals have confidence in this product, I know if nothing else, I can use it to detangle.  If that doesn't work out, I'll use it for the next time I do a henna treatment.  Herbal Essences works well for me, and many people who prefer Aussie do so over Herbal Essences...so it can be deduced that often times they've usually used both and had success with both, but like the results of Aussie more.  I haven't opened the bottle yet.  I gave away two bottles of conditioner so that I can get to it faster!

As for the3 Minute Miracle Deeeeep Conditioner...I cracked it right away.  So that brings me to the one warning I do have about this product-the packaging.  It is a squeeze bottle with no removeable cap of any kind...it has an opening that remains closed unless pressure is applied...so be careful packing it in luggage or gym bags or even getting it home from the store if the seal has been removed (which if it has, you shouldn't  buy it...just sayin'...)  I've not deep conditioned with it (I just can't follow directions). I've been using it as a leave in.  I henna'd, co-washed, and flat twisted my hair using the LOC (liquid, oil, cream) moisture method.  I usually use conditioners as a liquid if water is their first ingredient. I added my lovely African Pride Olive Miracle oil over the conditioner, and sealed with some of my new friend, grease.  I used the Softee Indian Hemp scent b/c it mixed well with the conditioner and oil.  I smelled bomb!!!!!!  Even more bomb was the definition, shine, manageability, strength, moisture, and overall look and feel of my twist out.  My hair looked good ya'll.

Well, I teach hot yoga as one of my gigs so I had to sweat it out a bit...and the Chicago wind got to my hair...so I retwisted last night.  I mixed Aloe juice and a little more of the 3 Minute Miracle into a bottle for a spritz.  I sealed my ends with a tiny bit of grease and my hair today was even more shiny and defined.  This conditioner is a keeper as one of my stylers. 

I do realize that products are less than half the battle.  It's about consistency with your regimen. When leaving conditioner in...there are still requirements for it to become part of the regimen...first on my list is making sure it won't dry WHITE in my hair...then moisture.  LOL...if something leaves your hair dry and white...it makes for a horrible and humiliating day.  You don't want to find out that the conditioner ain't working on your way to work after doing a wet hair bun or removing twists.  UGHHHH!!


After sweating and wearing my hair out twice...it's time to deep condition and get those flat twists back in until there is an event worthy of removing them.  Aussie...you're a great thing. I highly recommend giving this available, inexpensive, and wonderful product a try.

As always, there's much more to come.

Smoochies,
LoriLove :)

THIS IS YOUR FINAL WARNING- Trim your ends!!!

I held off...not for as long as possiible...but longer than necessary.  For over a year I did not get my hair trimmed.  Last time, it ended up being CUT...not TRIMMED.  I am of the thinking that there is a significant difference.  The beautician swore up and down that she could trim afro hair...but she had no clue that 1 inch of wet, 4a/b afro hair is about 3 inches of straight hair.  So after that set-back...I swore off of beauticians.  I was paranoid...thinking that they are all out to make sure my hair never reaches my length goals.

It was well overdue.  I had "dusted" my ends a few times when attempting double strand twists.  I guess that wasn't good enough, cuz my hair was actin' a straight fool.  So that's what got me on the braid kick.  I was determined to grown past shoulder length once and for all even if it meant holding on to ravaged ends.

It did me no good.  At the end of the day, I was retaining hair that had to go and that caused me more problems than any good midback length hair could bring.  There was tangling, ripping, snapping, shedding...and all that suffering over about an inch of hair.  Had I cut it sooner, I might be further along now.  Damage attracts more damage.  I beg thee...cut the mess off!  Do not allow the split ends to entangle perfectly healthy strands into it's destructive path.  Just trim it.  Don't reach for the creamy crack...just trim it.  Don't give up...just trim it.

If you can find someone with at least enough skill to get your hair straight without causing more damage and breakage in the process, then do it.  Or maybe straighten it yourself, then go for the trim.  Or just blow dry it and let them flat iron and trim.  Whatever combination you have to do to feel comfortable in that chair...just do it.  Delay the inevitable no longer.

I'm convinced the woman who did my hair this last time caused me damage.  Aggressive scrubbing 3x's with shampoo, then rubbing my hair around in circles with the towel, and after all that picking at the tangles with what I would consider the inappropriate tools.  After all was said and done, my hair fought her back and I was happy.  It resisted any flat iron she brought my way.  The appointment ended with making her run 40 min. behind and 4 flat irons laid out on her station.  It was a glimmer of hope for the resilience of natural hair.

Stay strong!

XoXo,
LoriLove  ;)

Product Review- Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Conditioner

Many curlies I know loooooove them some Herbal Essences. It's cheap, available, and heavily ladden with silicone goodness (great for detangling the super tight curl textures). It's usually a toss-up between Hello Hydration (HEHH) and the one I will be reviewing today- Totally Twisted (HETT).  Sometimes I'll see a Long Term Relation (LTR) thrown in there, but normally...it's one of the first two in the tightly curly community.

http://www.herbalessences.com/en-US/hair-products/curly-hair-products/curly-conditioner

I've tried the HEHH before, but I don't remember a lot about it in comparison with other conditioners.  What makes the HETT stand out for me, is the smell!  It smells sooo good.  It is a strong scent described on the bottle as wild cherry and orchid.  Yum! I like it to linger.  Certain conditioners and butters that I have used have had men (total strangers) secretly all up in my hair bun sniffing it.  It's flattering really.  Who doesn't like to smell nice?

Performance...for me...is ok.  I would repurchase if the mood strikes.  If on vacay and I don't want to pack conditioner for security purposes, I would feel comfortable grabbing this from the local pharmacy.  You see the balance?  I can live with it or I can live without it.  It is good for detangling.  It just doesn't give the lingering moisturizing benefits.

I have used it as a leave-in.  It mixes well with other things.  It has a nice, violet hue so it doesn't dry white!  I have been doing the LOC moisture method that I found on Chicoro's website (see right side bar for link)...so I have been experimenting with several conditioners to be my liquid, water-based leave-in.  This is good.  I had two bottles to use up that I got on sale months ago.

The bottles are skinny and because it smells so good, just throw it in your gym bag, co-wash after that workout, and get to brunch smelling like a million bucks.  Gives light-medium moisture, useable as a leave-in, decent conditioning and detangling properties.  It's a solid product.

Have a happy love-filled day beautifuls.

XoXo,
LoriLove  :)

African Pride Olive Miracle Growth Oil Review

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!  Today I'm thankful for family, food, and black Friday hair store sales!!!!  Thank you Lord!

http://www.african-pride.com/item/root-health-anti-dryness-strengthener.html

Ok...on to something that is very, very important- African Pride Olive Miracle Growth Oil.  I had crochet braids for 8 weeks, which I've mentioned a few times now.  When I have my hair braided I've learned to NOT use conditioner...which is like breaking a cardinal natural rule.  But conditioner eventually gets into every crevice of every braid.  It causes buildup and attracts lint and dust.  Not only that, but my coils are so tightly wound in the back of my head, that it causes my hair to form a dirty and unwanted version of dreadlocks (I say version b/c I'm fully aware that dreadlocks are not dirty).  So, no to conditioner.  Instead I used vatika oil (review to follow) and APOMGO (see article title).  I mixed them together in a bottle and the results were quite favorable.

First of all...the oil smells really good.  It's a nice tropical/fruity/hints of flowery smell.  Not overpowering or lingering...but great for covering up the smell of the vatika oil.  The ingredient list is solid.  It includes soybean oil, olive oil, wheat germ oil, coconut oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil and avocado oil.  These are the first ingredients...many other really great oils follow.  There is some coloring, lanolin, and TBHQ (hydroquinone, known as a bleaching agent, but used as a preservative here) at the end of the list.  I did not find these ingredients to affect performance.

I would use this oil mixed with my Dabur Vatika oil after every wash- it was my conditioner.  It kept my hair smelling nice, dandruff at bay, and I do think it gave my hair strength.  Olive oil and coconut oil are the only two molecules besides water that can penetrate the hair shaft and help you retain protein.  So while braided, my hair is not missing out on getting fed or weakening!  

The oil was super cheap at $2.69 (or $2.99 if not a Sally's club member).  Smells nice.  You get a lot.  And my hair did seem to grow a little faster than normal.  At 3 weeks, I had considerable new growth from the braids.  When I went to have my braids removed, my braider asked me to please write down what oils I used because I had so much growth and moisture.  

During this time I was also doing a lot of hot yoga (great for circulation).  So I'm sure my regular exercise routine helped stimulate some growth too.  The big thing with this oil is that it claims to stop breakage which is key to retaining length and realizing that your hair is growing.  I plan to buy another bottle when I run out of this one.  It's a keeper and I highly recommend it.  I'm going to try to get my hands on the rest of the line...reviews to follow!!!!!

So thankful!  Extra love your way today!

XoXoXoXo,

LoriLove

VUH-TIKA (vatika oil...love love love)

Hola!  So Vatika oil.  I love it!  I just finished giving my mom a treatment.  She is relaxed, with thin, fragile hair. She was complaining about shedding.  I instructed her to break out the bottle of Vatika oil I had gotten for her months ago, heat it up, and get to using it!  By the next day when she washed it out, she saw considerably less shedding. I had her oil her scalp with it after her wash and I just oiled her scalp with it now and mixed in a teaspoon with about 2 tablespoons of her conditioner.  I massaged the oil in, then added the conditioner/oil on her detangled hair.  With all of that, there was hardly any shedding. When I use it on my natural hair, it keeps the dandruff at bay, minimizes shedding, and helps me detangle wonderfully!  It's a great oil.

Here's a picture of the one I use:

I only use this one.  There is also one in a white bottle with a green top and one in a clear bottle with a yellow hue.  Both of these are still good oils, but they do have TBHQ tacked on to the end...which is a preservative and used in beauty products as a bleaching agent.  Do I use products where this is present? Yes.  If I can avoid using it, will I?  YES!  So because there is one available without all the extra yucks...I prefer it.

It smells, to me, kind of soapy.  It contains lemon oil and rosemary...as well as henna and other great Ayurvedic extracts.  I find the lemon to be most prominent...mixed with the herbs and flowers...it smells kind of like a generic cleaning agent, think lemon PineSol.  Most people don't like the smell.  It doesn't nauseate me, but it's in no way artificial or made to smell like something it's not.  Everything in it is with purpose and the smell is that of a naked, beneficial oil!

I've tried the HairVeda Vatika frosting before.  Smells like cake.  It smells yummy...I don't always like to smell yummy, I'm partial to clean scents.  Also, it lacks many of the herbs and flowers that Dabur Vatika oil is comprised of.  The ingredient list for the frosting is short at only 5 things...5 very important things...but still only 5 things at $11 + shipping= second thoughts.  I love HairVeda and the products have always been reasonably priced.  BJ, the owner, is so sweet BUT, I can get my green bottle on the ground at the Indian grocer for $3 and it is power packed!  I'm in turmoil to not load up on that yummy smelling, fancy frosting during the Black Friday sale...I thought maybe I could keep some around as a treat or a backup when I want a Vatika treatment but feel self-conscious about the smell.

Vatika oil is a staple for me.  I love Ayurvedic haircare!!!!  Reviews to follow on powders and how to put it into your regimen.  I have a little more experimenting to do.  Many reviews to follow.  So excited to share and please, ask me questions if you're curious about any of the products.

XoXo,
LoriLove

Organic Root Stimulator Edge Control Review

I promised a review...and now it's happening.  I've been eyeing this product for months- the ORS Edge Control.  I've spotted it on clearance isles, red ticket sales, and being regularly distributed.  I was able to resist because my edges are not that big of a problem area .  I don't get knots or tangling at the hairline, but sometimes, I do want a more polished look.  Hence the reason this product became necessary.  :)  I found it on sale at Walgreens for $3.99.  I'm in a readjustment period and doing lots of bunning after having Crochet braids for 8 weeks.  No better time than now to try it out!  Here's the lowdown from Lori's perspective:

http://www.organicrootstimulator.com/products/83

The product claims this:  The perfect control of your edges!   This non-sticky, non-greasy formula allows for an excellent hold without hardening your hair.

The product did have an unusual texture.  I expected it to be looser...or at least more loose than what it was.  It's clear and kind of hard...it feels like it would be an extremely firm clear pomade...but still thicker than any of the other pomades I've tried.  It's kind of hard to scoop any out, you have to dig a little then you get a little more than you bargained for so you scrap a little onto the side.  I don't know...you do have to master that part.  It's also not very melty, so I just rub it on to my edges and grab my smoothing brush to break it up and then work it in with my fingers.  I like it...it gives that hair ripple effect if you apply enough.

I don't know have to work about over-applying.  It smells clean, which I like.  I don't get into having food smells like chocolate or vanilla in my hair.  It's fresh, cotton-clean.  Apply and tie...within minutes you will have smooth edges.  It does hold up to it's claim of not being hard like gel.  I found it to give sufficient hold, but again, my edges aren't that resistant.  I used it on wet hair and didn't have to reapply the next day.  Seems to rinse out easily with a co-wash too!  All in all...this product is a winner.  A great, non-drying, accessible replacement to gel.  I would repurchase.  It will be awhile thought, I suspect it will last for some time.  

Weigh in!

Goin' back to Grease! Or for it...read below

Good day all.  I've been keeping up with the many naturals who are now openly admitting to their union with "GREASE" aka...petroleum, mineral oil, petrolatum...etc...  I'm talking Vaseline and Blue Magic type ish.  After getting my crochet braids out, I was finally able to start trying out some of the products I've been stock piling.  I may or may not have done a little shopping in the Walgreens isles.

I know Black Friday is just a little over a week away, but I'm just not into shipping fees, waiting, and running out of things anymore.  I digress...

I was googling at the selection and sale items (both physically and for reviews of products on my phone).  I walked out with some skinny black scrunchies, bobby pins, a hair trap for my shower, and ORS Edge Control (it was on sale for $3.99 (review to follow)).  That's when I spotted it...for only $1.00, Softee Indian Hemp grease and Softee Mango Butter...and many more uber cheap, petroleum based goodies.  My mind started sweeping through my mental Rolodex of all the blog confessions and curlies standing by their greasy little decisions and seeing great results!  I walked away and vowed to not go back for anything else hair related until everything in my bathroom is gone.

Then today came...and all I could think about at work was that Indian Hemp grease!  I love Ayurvedic haircare...it was haunting me.  So as soon as 5:00 came, I went flying out the door back to Walgreens.  I rationalized that it only cost $1.00 so even if it had to be thrown away, it was nothing to cry over, why not try it?  I get to the isle and spot the Mango Butter too...with its artificial coloring and fragrance.  But I still wanted it!  So I picked them up and began to wander the isles full of guilt for what I knew what would inevitably happen.  But the ingredient list was super short and good with Petroleum, Shea butter, mango butter, and coconut oil.  So...my gemini nature kicked in...I couldn't decide which one to get.  The solution- buy both!  Ohhhhhh the shame!

So, I am now the proud owner of not one, but two jars of hair grease!  And I'm excited!

I didn't even let the cashier give me a bag...I threw them in my purse and hightailed it out of there.  I felt as though I was being watched!  LOL.

I'm giving the Mango Butter a try first.  My hair felt a little crunchy on the ends after a cold day in Chicago.  I just sprayed some aloe juice on the ends...added a little more conditioner...then put a small dab of the Mango Butter to really seal it in. I put a plastic baggie over my bun and secured it with a hair tie. Already my hair feels softer.  I will stick with this routine until I get my hair rebraided next week.  Many a review to follow, but these things take time.  I will keep you posted on who's winning the mineral oil war in my life so you can be inspired to take your pick. So far, so good...crunchy winter hair is never in and if petroleum relieves me of that...it gets to stay. Until then...

XoXo,

LL