Olive Oil...miracle oil...get on it!

Hey all.  It's been far too long, but I haven't forgotten about the blog.  I was just trying some things out to write about them.

One product that has definitely become a staple of mine, and I'm sure many of you already use, is Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO).  I've been experimenting with using this oil in deep treatments, alone as a deep treatment, on my scalp, and on my skin...and it has not failed me.  I sprung for the $20, 3L tin of it at the grocery store last night...that's how important it has become to my body as a whole.

If you read my post on deep treatments, you are well aware that you can mix this wonderful oil in with cheapy conditioners to get maximum results!  If you haven't read it yet, you can do so here.  Anywho...

I've been doing that pretty consistently.  I'm going to mix it with my henna tonight to see how that goes.  Olive oil fortifies strands and has molecules small enough to penetrate the hair shaft.  When used in MODERATION, I do not find it to be greasy.  Early in my hair journey, I didn't think the oil absorbed very well, but I was probably using too much and my strands may have not been in a place, porosity wise, to absorb much of anything.

I've used the oil alone as a prepoo...and many times I end up not pooing at all becuase my hair is so shiny and healthy looking in the morning, and I won't be leaving grease spots anywhere...so it helps me stretch my bun one more day.

I've also been using Olive Oil quite faithfully as a night cream and an all over body oil.  I. LOVE. IT.  If you have dark skin, you understand that hyperpigmentation can be a big problem all over the body.  Any little bump or scratch will leave a dark mark that can take months to fade.  Using EVOO on my face and body has changed my skin remarkably.  Dark marks on my face, shoulders, and legs are fading faster than ever and my skin is much smoother to the touch.  My face in particular was not acne ridden, but when I get a zit, I GET ONE!  As a side note, many people have raved that EVOO has healed their acne.  Overall, I wanted my skin to be smoother , and I was definitely concerned with taking care of the skin around my eyes.  EVOO does the trick.  I wash my face only at night...then apply some olive oil a few drops at a time.  At first my face has shine, but give it time, it absorbs.  I also sometimes use it during the day, especially on days when I leave before sunrise to teach yoga.  I rinse my face with water only in the morning, then apply.  Otherwise, you can mix in a few drops with your SPF moisturizer.  My skin and hair are very, very happy.  Give it a try!

Slowly, I'm making my way to a one bottle routine, it's just a matter of deciding, one bottle of what?

More reveiws to come...ummmmmm...and SN:  Qhemet is busy updating their facebook, they need to be busy opening that store back up!  End rant.

Lots of love,
LL

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