Wash Day

Notes: Am I still loving LOCing with my Tea moisturizer? Absolutely! It kept my hair so silky soft all week and I was even able to pull off this style from @mz_tammy to the right for my bestie's surprise birthday dinner in the city. More on this style in another post. :) 

On to my wash day: I did a protein treatment as its been a few weeks since my last one. Although the CD Monoi Repairing Conditioner from my wash last week could be classified as protein heavy, I like to keep my hard protein treatments in rotation.

(0) Detangled with my Magic Star Jumbo Rake in vertical sections.
(1) Pre-poo: Applied Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Toner, JBCO and my essential oil blend to my scalp. 
(2) Shampooed first with KeraCare 1st Lather Shampoo to clarify and then with Matrix Biolage Hydratherapie Hydrating Shampoo to moisturize. (3) Protein Treatment- I saturated my hair in Nexxus Emergencee then did some chores. It air dried for a few hours. Next, I stood under the spray of my shower for about 5 minutes to rinse the Emergencee completely.
(4) Green Tea Rinse with 2 green tea bags and 2 cups of water.  Then applied the green tea rinse with a narrow tip applicator bottle and let it sit for another 5 minutes. (5) Smoothing Treatment- with Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Daily Treatment (I reversed the order of my tea rinse and deep condition this wash)
(6) Extreme Deep Condition: Stepped out of the shower, added a mix Matrix Biolage Hydratherapie Conditioning Balm and Roux Porosity Control Conditioner to my hair, and then coated my strands in extra virgin coconut oil. I deep conditioned for 2 hours under my heating cap. During my final rinse, my hair felt Ah-mazing! Smooth? Check. Detangled? Check. I was tempted to skip leave-ins and detangling all together. But I'm a creature of habit...
(7) Air dry- I let my hair air dry 100% then applied my leave ins.
(8) Leave-ins- This is week 3 of moisturizing with tea using the LOC method. In sections, I detangled, sprayed my hair with green tea, applied argan oil, and then sealed with Jessicurl's Too Shea Conditioner. 

Results: The smoothest air dried hair that I've ever had. My hair didn't feel hard or brittle after the protein treatment, but it wasn't as soft as when I do mini washes only. I have a ton of items on my to-do list this week and I'm glad that my hair won't be an issue!

Un mil besitos chicas!

KLP

Healthy Hair Insight: 2 Comb Detangling Method

My tools for a 2Comb Smooth

Healthy Hair Insight: How to master tangles

Since I purchased by first seamless comb last summer, a regular comb hasn't touched my strands. Y'all know that I'm madly in love with the Magic Star Jumbo Rake. Everything about it is awesome. In the past, I assumed that when combing your hair, inevitably there would be breakage and it was my job to just keep that breakage from the comb as minimal as possible. But, excuse my language, that mess ain't true! You can comb your hair and not have breakage caused by the tool when you use a seamless comb plus a dash of patience. (unfortunately, you can't buy the last one. Ha-ha!) When I purchased my Jumbo Rake, I read on www.HotCombz.net about the 3Comb Smooth technique. This technique makes use first of a extra wide, wide, and then finally medium comb to detangle your hair in sections. They suggest that detangling should only be done while hair is wet and saturated with leave-in product. Recommended combs for the method are (my beloved) Magic Star Jumbo Rake (extra wide), HS1975 Styling Comb (wide), and HS696W Styling Comb (medium). Once I saw the teeth on the wide and medium combs, I moved on to the next thing on my to-do list. There was just no way that I was paying $26 for two more combs who's teeth, seamless or not, would definitely rip all my hair out! I just couldn't do it. Fast forward a few months, Age in ATL from Loving MY Hair graciously grants me the winner her giveaway and the goodie box included a Hercules Sagemann Contour Comb! This comb is a blend of the HS1975 Styling Comb and HS696W Styling Comb, accomplishing the 2nd and 3rd phase of the 3Comb Smooth technique.

I've been too chicken to do a full 3Comb Smooth while detangling my hair, but I did start using 2Combs (Magic Star Jumbo Rake (extra wide) then HS1975 Styling Comb (wide) just to see if employing the technique on wash day only detangling. For the last 4 weeks, I've been using this method and loving the results. My hair definitely says detangled longer. I have less SSK knots because my strands are getting a thorough wash day comb. My air dried hair feels and looks smoother whilst my flat ironed hair straightens with only the need of one heat pass. I was concerned that I would be pulling my hair out of my head by using a comb that was much smaller than I'm confortable with. I am extra gentle, which is clearly what my hair needs and I won't dare use the wide comb daily. I detangle my hair once its dry. For some reason, I lose a lot less hair when I detangle dry hair versus wet hair. (Another prime example of how what works for the gander might not work for the goose---or however that saying goes!)

If you've tried the 3Comb Smooth Method, which combs work best for your hair and do you prefer to detangle on dry or wet hair?

Besitos!

KLP  

[Review] Chi Silk Infusion

Chi Silk Infusion

Price: 27.99 for 12oz

Purchased at: Amazon.com

Promises: 

•     Silk Reconstructing Complex no pH
•     Rich leave in treatment
•     Enriched with pure silk along with wheat and soy proteins
•     Alcohol free
•     Ceramic heat will insure deep penetration of silk proteins
•     Strengthens the hair
•     Provides incredible softness
•     Adds manageability and shine without any build up

Ingredients: Cyclomethicone, Dimethiconol, Dimethicone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Panthenol, Ethyl Ester of Hydrolyzed Silk, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, D&C Yellow 11, D&C Red 17, Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Mica, Boron Nitride Powder.

Directions: Apply a small amount into palm of hand and work evenly throughout the hair. Leave in and proceed with styling.

My Thoughts: When I first purchased Silk Infusion about 4 years ago, I thought to myself "Surely I have lost my mind." I bought it from Ulta (The only place where I could locate it) and it was $40! Today, you can find this amazing elixir anywhere. Its sold in my local grocery store, Wal-Mart, and tons of online retailers. Because there are more distributors, now the price is a little easier to swallow. The good news is that my 12 oz bottle (the bottle in the picture is my 6oz size that I travel with) lasts for 6 months! Yes---no type-o: that's six months. 

Before a product makes it onto my "must have list," it has to have a great scent, live up to its promises, and it must have more than one place in my regimen (I heart multitasking products). The scent is amazing. Between you and me, it reminds me of my husband's cologne, but a little better. He-he! #judgementfreezone chicas On it's promises, Silk Infusion never fails to deliver. I actually don't have breakage issues and I can surely can give Silk Infusion some of the credit for that. (If only it stopped shedding too. Then I'd have to buy the company!) The consistency is that of a serum; silky and very light. I don't feel that its oily and even with daily use, my hair doesn't feel weighed down from build up. I learned not to be heavy handed with this one, because a little goes a long way. I love the smoothness, shine, and tameability that it gives my hair. I've used it in tons of different ways all with fabulous results: 

• To lock in moisture during a pre-poo
• To aid in protecting the previously relaxed portions of my hair during touchups
• To assist in detangling
• To strengthen my hair while using direct heat
• To provide a daily protein/strengthening treatment to my ends
• To provide shine and softness

Have you ever used Chi Silk Infusion? 

Besitos!
KLP 

SOS: Protective Styling- Old Faithful 30 Second Style

Once upon a time, not so long ago, a lovely lady named KLP hated to protective style. All that she knew how to do was pull off buns of varying height and width. Buns are fun but they got boring really fast. She knew that if she wanted to reach her goal of healthy hair from root to tip, she would need to get serious about nurturing and caring for her ends. Then she discovered this protective style that was easy, classy, and could morph from a picnic at the park with her little ones to a holiday gala at a 4 1/2 star restaurant. Thus, her "Old Faithful 30 Second Style" was born. 

Side view

Front View

Back View

Ha-ha! Okay all jokes aside chicas. I love this style. If I could sum up my character in one style---it would totally be this one. New and old. Different yet familiar. Messy but pulled together. All me. All day. I wish that I could say that I came up with it all on my own, but that would be a bold faced fib. However, since discovering this style on YouTube, I've worn it at least 2 times a week for the last year. Sometimes, I add a braided bang. Occasionally, I do a deep side part. Whilst, other times, I throw in a great hair accessory. No matter how I change this style up, it always begins here: 

 

I've sported this style on both straightened and air dried hair. I've done it so many times that I can do it without a mirror, one bobby pin, and in 30 seconds with a baby on my hip. Here are some examples from the past year of how I've worn this style:  

1. Variation: Left side part, Double braided; Air dried; Event: Vacationing in Disney World
2. Variation: Right side part, Triple twisted; Straightened; Event: Birthday party
3. Variation: Centre part, twisted back instead of braided; Event: Wedding
4. Variation: Centre part, Bantu knotted bangs twisted back instead of braided; Event: Bridal Party Together
5. Variation: Centre part; two strand twisted; Event: Bridal Shower

What's your to go "Old Faithful 30 second style"?

Un mil besitos!

KLP

SOS Poll : To Cut or To Lengthen!

Hola Chicas!


As I have stated in my wash day post... I face an important decision...I plan on getting my touch up in roughly 2-3 weeks (bachelorette party early may lol sooo I gotta be fly!) and I may cut! I do not need to cut for health (altho it is always good to have a snip for health every now and again) but more soo just because I want something different! KLP thinks I should get bangs and call it a day... Im still at a toss up sooo we both decided to see what you chicas have to say! Help a sistah out! Should I just trim/bangs or just go for the cut!? Here are two pictures...one of me with short hair (similar to what I want) and one with my flowing hair lol....which do you think!?

I was laughing lol

Cute right!?

 Ladies....Which one!?

Muahz
Keyda

Wash Day -- 10 weeks post!

Before...Hot mess! lol

Some tidbits: This stretch has been looooooooooonggggggg... I am sooo ready for my touch up! :) I had a very smooth wash day that was a semi-mini wash day. I am right now at a cross roads..........I really REALLY want to cut my hair. Yesss...I know...whaattt!? whyyy!?...I just want to do something fun and I missss my short hair lol...it is sooo freeing lol..IDK...This is a tough decision that I must make within these two weeks before my next touchup. I have been weighing the decision...I give swim lessons over summer time...soo the short hair is looking more like a winner but I do love to whip my hair! lol What would you do!?

(1) Detangled my lioness looking hair lol with my fingers then magic comb!

(2) Prepoo/DC: I placed my Essential Oil Mix/JBCO on my scalp... and Biolage Matrix Conditioning Balm and grapeseed oil on length of my hair. Sat under heat for 30 mins then chilled around house.

(3) CoWashed my scalp (mainly) with Nothing But Cleansing Conditioner (Review Coming)... My scalp felt soooo clean and fresh...it was just sooo delightful lol

(4) Tea Rinse with CC's Naturals Lavender & Chamomile ...yummmyy :D I massaged some Nexxus Hydralight Moisture Conditioner (Check my review!)  in my hair and let it sit for a bit then washed it out...Soooooo SOFT!

(5) Air Dried about 80% then placed my leave-ins ..Nexxus Hydralight Root Mist (Check my review!) all over, tad-bit Aphogee Keratin & Green Tea (focus on ends), and sealed with Organix Coconut Anti-breakage Serum.

Leave ins

Braids with Flexi-rods

I followed tips from our SOS Hero Adrienne from Age in Atl ..Loving MY Hair! blog (thankss girl!) and braided my hair then placed flexi-rods at ends. I also wanted to experiment with putting a little Aphogee Style & Wrap Mousse on my strands before braiding.

My hair reality: I loved the results! :D My hair was extra curly/wavy with a little umhph! cuz of the flexi-rods! And this braid-out seems like it shall last a lot longer than my previous ones...not sure if it is because of the mousse or flexi-rods tho!






Results

What you think!?

Muahz
Keyda!



Mini Wash Day

Extreme Deep Condition Products

Notes: Even after daily drenching workouts, my hair still felt incredibly soft last week. It was almost impossible for me to keep my fingers out it my head! Honestly, I didn't even feel like it was my hair. After reviewing my post from last week, I couldn't find the magical "it" that made my hair sooooo soft. I didn't deep condition as long as I usually do, I didn't use as many tea bags in my tea rinse as I usually do, and I used all of the same products that I always do when I flat iron. The only variable was my week of moisturizing with tea. Hmm...


(0) Detangled with my Magic Star Jumbo Rake in vertical sections.
(1) Extreme Deep Condition: Applied Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Toner and my essential oil blend to my scalp, and Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Conditioner to the length of my hair. Then I coated my strands with Argan oil, covered with a plastic cap  and the sat under my heating cap for a couple of hours.

After adding Extreme Deep Condition Products

(2) Tea Rinse with 2 green tea bags and 2 cups of water in a narrow tip applicator bottle.

(3) Smoothing Treatment- Then I massaged Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Daily Treatment into my hair (without rinsing the tea first) and let sit for about 10 minutes. I rinsed with cool water. 
(4) Air dry- I let my hair dry 85% in a cotton t-shirt. Next, I detangled and add my leave-ins. 
(5) Leave-ins- This is week 2 of moisturizing with tea using the LOC method. LOC- Liquid, Oil, Cream simply refers to the order in which you apply your leave-in products. In sections, I detangled, sprayed my hair with green tea, applied argan oil, and then sealed with Jessicurl's Too Shea Conditioner. 

Results: Moisturized, soft, big, fluffy hair plus very little shed hair. I attempted to install individual twists, then I saw my hubby's face half way through the process. He looked like he saw a ghost. I looked in the mirror---and agreed. I untwisted, bunned then called it a day! You win some and you loose some. Ha-ha!

My first impressions of Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Conditioner: Meh--I.hate.the.scent. Ugh. Again---another "natural" product with an awful scent. Its not "stinky," I just don't care for earthy, heavy, musky scents. I'm more of a citrus, flowery, sweet, light scent lover.  However, It absorbed into my hair like butter. I've never had a conditioner do this before. When I was done putting in the conditioner, I felt like all the product was gone. So weird. Its not oily and even though I would stick it with a protein conditioner label, it's well balanced. Meaning that my hair feels soft yet very strong after use. Carol's Daughter makes tons of claims about the use of this product that I'll reserve my comments on until I finish the bottle then post a complete review. But to be brief: I'm not believing in that "96% less breakage after one use?" line. Then again, I don't experience much breakage to begin with.

Anywho, I'm excited to be on week 2 of LOCing with tea. I'll continue the experiment for one more week after this one, and then I have a wedding, so I'll be straightening. Fingers crossed the same soft and silky results from last week! You guys want to help me pick a bridesmaid hairstyle?

Un mil besitos!

KLP

[Review] Nexxus HydraLight Moisture Root Lift Mist

Price: $19.99

Purchased at: Local Grocery Store or Amazon

Promises:

Provides hair with up to 4X volume boost and all over shine

Features silicone-free formula, infused with an advanced blend of deep sea minerals, antioxidants and nutrients

H2O Nutrient-Rich Technology is included in the formula to delicately nourish hair strand by strand

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), VP/VA Copolymer, Polyquaternium-11, SD Alcohol 40-B (Alcohol Denat.), Propylene Glycol, PEG-2 Oleammonium Chloride, Fragrance (Parfum), Citric Acid, DMDM Hydantoin, Dipropylene Glycol, Methyldibromo Glutaronitrile, Hydrogenated Coconut Oil, Ascorbic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Sea Salt, Red 33 (CI 17200), Blue 1 (CI 42090)
Directions: Towel dry hair after washing, hold bottle 20 cm from head and spray on hair from roots to ends for all over volume and lasting style. OR spray closer to head to target more lift at root. Dry hair: spray lightly into root area using round brush to lift and dry roots for style boost.

My thoughts: So, I bought this product based off of the excitement of KLP! :) My first time using this product, I sprayed it all over my hair while probably 60% air dried. I actually think I sprayed too much because my hair felt coated. However, when I spray just a tad bit all over, I luvss it! My hair feels super soft and with a touch of chi silk infusion...super shiny. I have used this product on my dry hair with a focus on my roots. My roots, especially during this long stretch, have been loving this product. They feel extra moisturized with this lovely bounce about them! I think this is definitely a staple for my roots during the stretch and a good rotating product as a leave-in. This product is definitely a potential staple assuming nothing changes!

Has anyone else tried this new line!? Thoughts!?

Muahz
Keyda

Travel Mini Wash

Hola!

So, I went on travel for work with a bunch of bright teenagers! :) Our future leaders! I decided to do a mini-wash that Friday with plans to complete another full wash or mini this wednesday. I know a late post.... really busy weekend! I shall be also posting reviews and my process of perfecting the best curls! :D


(1) Detangled with my magic comb and I forgot my oils! So, I did not have them for my scalp :(
(2)DC: I placed Emergencia Intensive Moisture Split Ends Conditioner  with Coconut Oil and Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Moisturizing Treatment on length of my hair ....then chilled in hotel..fun work times! lol
(3) Tea Rinse: After figuring out the coffee machine that morning... after my DC...I did a tea rinse with my CC's Naturals Lavender & Chamomile Tea (Yummm! Review soon). Trying something different almost thinking like KLP! .. I kept tea in my hair for a bit and massaged my Nexxus HydraLight Conditioner and kept that in my hair for a few mins.

My Hair Reality: My hair loved the conditioner with the tea rinse... My hair was extra soft and I was almost tempted to hold off moisturizing/sealing next day! I shall be continuing the process of conditioning with my tea rinse to see how I like it. I believe it is basically my "smoother"like what KLP does. I did a braid out and love my fluffy curls! I plan on doing flexi-rods next full wash but I think I shall be sticking with braid-outs for my stretch! My roots have been super soft too! I luvss it!

#noheatftw #9 weeks post relaxer

Sorry no pics! :(  I forgot my camera but promise pictures shall accompany my next braidout this week!

[Review] It's A 10! Miracle Leave-In (Plus Keratin)

It's a 10 Miracle Leave in (with and without keratin)

Price: $24.95 for 10oz
Purchased at: Amazon.com
Promises: Does 10 things instantly-

1. Repair dry damaged hair
2. Adds shine
3. Smooths & controls frizz
4. Seals & protect hair color
5. Flat iron spray & thermal protector
6. Detangles
7. Stops hair breakage
8. Creates silkiness
9. Enhances natural body
10. Prevents split ends

Ingredients: Purified aqua, cetearyl alcohol, behentrimonium chloride, methylparaben, propylparaben, propylene glycol, panthenol, cydomethicone, silk amino acids, sunflower seed extract, tea leaf extract, quaternium80, fragrance, eugenol3, coumarin3, cinnamal3, linalo

Directions: After shampoo and conditioner, spray product all over hair and comb through.

My Thoughts: 
The scent is pleasing. The consistency is quite thick so a little goes a long way. After air drying 80-90%, I section my hair, spray 4-5 pumps into my hands, rub between my palms then apply to my hair. Considering the price---only having to use a little is a very good thing. The first time that I used it, I used too much (I also used it on soaking wet hair) and it did make my hair feel weighed down. I purchased the 10oz bottle in November and I still have 2/3 of the bottle left. I call that a great value. It provides tons of slip, which is why its my go to leave in late in my stretch to help me alleviate tangles and SSKs. If I have a particularly unruly tangle, I just spray one more pump of the leave-in on it then work out the tangle strand by strand. Its not oily and it truly does make you feel like you've added silk to your hair. I love the smoothness and softness it creates whether I air dry or use direct heat. I can't say that its an excellent moisturizer or that it gives me tons of shine (which is why I use it in conjunction with my fave shine provider Chi Silk Infusion) but I still love it and will repurchase until the makers give me a reason not to (ie: If they change the formula. Grrr! That grinds my gears!)

I've also used the Plus Keratin version, but I wasn't very happy with the results. My hair felt weighed down, coated and stiff. No smoothness, no softness no fluffiness. I've come to realize that my hair doesn't really like protein leave-ins on a regular basis. If your hair isn't a fan of protein---don't risk it---I'd skip this version all together.

Birthday Buys

Last weekend, I celebrated my birthday by doing all of the things that I love: spending time with my wonderful family, cutting up with my besties, and shopping for goodies for my hair. I know---I'm a dweeb and ridiculously easily satisfied (This is a #judgementfreezone though!) Nonetheless, I had a great time. Here's few of the cool things that I picked up:

Birthday Buys

1. Carol's Daughter Coconut Shuffle- I received this body cream free with a $25 CD purchase at my exchange. Perfect for softening rough elbows and knees after a dry winter.
2. Carol's Daughter Hair Milk (Original) Leave-in- I fell in love with the Hair Milk Conditioner when I started using it on my little ones' hair a few months ago. I think (please tell me if I am wrong), since then that conditioner was discontinued, so I picked up the Hair Milk Original Leave-In. I hope that it works just as well.
3. Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Conditioner- I only bought this one to get to the $25 limit and get a free gift. Ha-ha! #judgementfreezone! I've never been a big fan of CD for my own hair, but one of you could win this in our first giveaway in a few weeks. Stay tuned!
4. Nexxus Hydra-Light Conditioner- Y'all know that I've wanted to try this since January. I just refused to pay full price though. When I saw that my commissary finally had it for less than $9 and I had a coupon for $1 off, I had to buy it and I can not wait to try it!
5. Nexxus Hydra-Light Foaming Leave In- After Keyda's review of the conditioner and reading up on the ingredients in this leave in, I thought to myself: either Hydra Light sucks or its amazing but there is nothing in between. Let's hope for the latter!  Castor oil, glycerin and coconut oil in a conditioning foam? Is it too good to be true?  I'll see in a few weeks!



I love snagging a good deal!

6. Hair accessories- May begins our 30 in 30 series where we plan to feature a new protective style each daily. It's definitely going to be a challenge but you guys keep us honest and truly motivated. Flashy accessories make updos, braids, and twists so much more fun! The silver cuff is a pony holder. (Think Madonna 90s Blonde Ambition sky high pony.) The pink band is a jeweled headband. (Think chic boho pin up) 

Have you tried any of my recent buys? Share your thoughts below!

Un mil besitos
KLP

Healthy Hair Insight: Daily Moisturizing Tea Treatment Experiment

Tea Spritz, JessiCurl Too Shea!, & Argan Oil

Healthy Hair & Tea: A Match Made In Heaven?

I've been faithful to tea rinsing for about 4 months now in an attempt to prevent the shedding that caused me to loose a couple of inches last Spring. I can say without doubt that tea rinsing has decreased my shedding; It's also made me wonder--if a spritz of tea on my scalp daily could decrease my shedding even more? This brillant idea hit me as Keyda and I penned our Your Hair On: Tea Rinses post a few weeks ago. I was already deep into my stretch and I didn't want to experiment with 2 inches of super curly roots, because breakage is a long term stretcher's worst enemy. I feared that the tea would dry out my hair, cause reversion, and could increase SSKs. Unconsidering that my stretch had been uneventful, why fix it if it ain't broke?

Let the experimenting roll!
Last wash day, I put my fears aside, I decided to start an experiment applying tea as a leave-in using the LOC method of moisturizing. LOC- Liquid, Oil, Cream simply refers to the order in which you apply your leave-in products. Daily, in sections, I finger detangled, sprayed my hair with green tea, applied argan oil, and then sealed with Jessicurl's Too Shea Conditioner. Now, this is my right time using the LOC method. I'm a moisturize with a cream/seal with an oil kind of girl. So, just getting the hang of the new order of operations will take some time to sit right. I thought that the products would cause a build up on my hair, it didn't. I thought that my hair would feel weighed down, it didn't. I thought that my hair might feel dried out; it didn't. In fact, after a week of moisturizing with tea then washing, my hair felt AMAZING. Silky. Smooth. Soft. Straightening took no time.I had no shed hairs in the shower and very very little while flat ironing.

While I can't call this experiment exactly scientific and I won't call daily tea spritzing "the best ever!" just yet, I am encouraged enough by the results from my first week to try it again for a week after my next wash. To be sure that the benefits were from the tea, I plan to change my moisturizing cream to Herbal Essences Touchably Smooth Split End Protector for a week, then change the sealing oil to grapeseed for a week. Y claro que sí, I'll share my first impressions in the next weeks and then after a month, I'll do a final wrap up.

Would you ever consider using tea as a daily moisturizer?

Un mil besitos!
KLP 

 

Mini Wash

Notes: Last week, I decided to start an experiment applying tea as a leave-in using the LOC method of moisturizing. LOC- Liquid, Oil, Cream simply refers to the order in which you apply your leave-in products. Daily, in sections, I detangled, sprayed my hair with green tea, applied argan oil, and then sealed with Jessicurl's Too Shea Conditioner. More details about my week one results in another post. 

Today, I washed with flat ironing in mind. My bestie took me out this weekend for my birthday and I wanted my tresses straight and flowing. 

(0) Detangled with my Magic Star Jumbo Rake in vertical sections. Again, detangling 2 week post hair is a breeze compared to 15 week+ hair. (1) Extreme Deep Condition: Applied Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Toner and my essential oil blend to my scalp, and Matrix Biolage Ultra- Hydrating Balm to the length of my hair. Then, I covered with a plastic cap  and the sat under a heating cap for 45 minutes.

(2) Mini Tea Rinse with 1 green tea bag and a few ounces of water of water. I let the rinse sit on my hair for about 5 minutes.

(3) Smoothing Treatment- Then I massaged Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Daily Treatment into my hair (without rinsing the tea first) and let sit for about 5 minutes. I rinsed with cool water.  (4) Air dry- I let my hair dry 85% in a cotton t-shirt. Next, I detangled and add my leave-ins. 
(5) Leave-ins- It's a 10! and Chi Silk infusion
(6) Flat-ironed with my Solia iron.
Results: The most moisturized and soft post straightened hair that I've ever had! Ladies---I just can not believe how silky my hair feels. I'm not going to give all of the credit to daily LOC moisturizing with tea all week, but I won't say that it wasn't either. For my night on the town I installed a few hot rollers to give my hair a little bounce. Even though the curls fell before I left the house, like I anticipated, I still loved the results. Sorry no pics. :(

I'm really happy with how little I've been shedding. I had just a little shedding in my pre and post wash detangling, none in the shower, and 6 strands during flat ironing. Plan Shed Dread is working thus far!

Pre-wash shed hair

Post wash shed hair

How was your wash day?
Un mil besitos!
KLP

SOS: Protective Styling- Only Minutes to Win it

I love the "Minute to Win it" protective styling series because all of the styles have "legs"; Meaning that once you've mastered it, you can change up small pieces of the puzzle and create a completely different style! Today, I want to introduce you to my take on Keyda's French Braid style.

  
Quick How to: 

1. Detangle and moisturize your hair. 
2. Split your hair in half from front to back. Flip out of the way. Then create a deep side part. Pull this section (only) into a double strand flat twist. Twist complete to the bottom of your hair. 
3. Take this twist and coil it into itself, to create a pseudo-bang. Secure the coil with a bobby pin. 
4. Dutch braid the back two sections and use a metal-free elastic to secure a ponytail. 
5. Twist your pony into a bun. Secure with bobby pins.

I love jazzing this style up with flower accessories to make it just a little more special. It also holds up extremely well. Simply cover with a satin bonnet at night and it can last for 2-3 days. Who says that heat free protective styling is boring?

Enjoy!
Un mil besitos
KLP

[Review] Tropic Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil

Price: 15.09 for 8oz

Purchased at: Amazon

Promises: Topic Isle Jamaican Black Castor oil is made the traditional hand processed way. Use in hair, skin moisturizer, and massage oil for aces and pains.

Ingredients: 100% Natural Jamaican Black Castor Oil

Directions: Apply to hair like hair grease for moisturizing purposes Massage into scalp for healthy hair growth and scalp problems. If you have dry, perm and colored hair, add 3 tablespoon black castor oil to your favorite conditioner. It adds extra moisture to your hair and seals it in. Use for hot oil treatments: warm three tablespoon castor oil and massage into hair then put on heating cap for half hour. Or massage 3 table spoons of black castor oil into hair, put on heating cap then go under dryer for 10 minutes. 

My Thoughts: In 2010, after struggling with scalp irritation after my relaxers, I started using regular castor oil to base my scalp. The results were great; the itchy, tight, and flaky scalp that I has come to associate with the days following a relaxer was gone. I researched other ways to use it in my hair regimen, but I found it too greasy to use daily with my sleek, straighten hair. Most hair boards and blogs are run a muck with Castor Oil challenges and have advertised its benefits for years. I just couldn't convince myself to buy into the hype. That is until last September. Whilst chatting with my good friend (a natural diva who runs I DO Wedding Connection in Maryland), she mentioned the growth that her sister-in-law saw with she committed to daily JBCO scalp massages. That's when I said, "Self: YOU need to get on this." That night I ordered my first bottle. 
After almost 7 months of using JBCO weekly, I'm just running out of my 8oz bottle. This product is very very thick and a little goes a long way. Once I realized how little I needed to use, I was able to avoid that greasy feeling that had turned me off in the past. My nose is easily offended by smells; I actually don't care for the scent at all. It's that same earthy/burnt scent that accompanies a lot natural products. When I first started to use it, I swear that it felt like my scalp couldn't breathe. I guess that I just needed some time to adjust to the tingly feeling on my scalp and the scent. Now, I don't notice either.

How I've used it:
(1) Pre-poo: I'll massage in my essential oil blend then top it with a little JBCO and conditioner. 
(2) Mid Week Scalp Massage: Once a week I'd use a tiny amount to massage into my scalp whilst moisturizing and sealing. I just couldn't convince myself to do it and more than that. 
(3) Sealer: When I went on my heat detox, I didn't have to fret over weighing down my straight hair with oil. I would moisturize, seal with JBCO, then pin my hair into whatever style I fancied. 

Will I replace my bottle? Yep. Here's why:
- I can't say that my hair is thicker, because it is naturally very thick.
- I can't say that my hair grew any faster, I experienced the same 2 1/2 - 3" of new growth that I see every 12-16 week stretch. 
- My ends fared much better this stretch than ever before during my HHJ. This just be because they were more moisturized and I was participated in the L4LPSC for the last 3 months. 
- My roots well much more manageable during my most recent stretch. They felt more moisturized and seemed to retain moisture better throughout the week.

So, If I can protect and nourish my roots plus maintain my ends with JBCO--then it is definitely a winner in my book!

How do you use JBCO in your regimen?

Un mil besitos!
KLP