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: 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 

Sleek and Straight Styles

I took full advantage of my post relaxer heat pass by styling it up to the moon. All of my styles required little manipulation,  low maintenance and high on sass. Here's my sleek and straight style week in review:

Tousled waves at Keyda's baptism. (Congrats again chica!)

Half down loose curls for my family photo shoot (Thanks guys for the suggestion!)

Double Dutch Braid into a bun

Loose up sweep for my sorority sister's bridal shower

Un mil besitos!

KLP

SOS: Protective Styling- Only Minutes to Win it

M2WI: Deep Side Part Twisted Bun

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! That's exactly what I've been doing for the last two weeks: taking my staple styles then switching it up with different types of braids and twists. A perfect example is the Deep Side Part Twisted Bun that debuted on SOS Hair a few weeks ago.  



To breathe new life into this style. I made the side part deeper, double strand twisted the front, then pinned the twist back into a side bun. Tada! New style! Sometimes its easier to go to a style that you "know" works for your hair and then spice it up a bit.

 
I. Heart. Simple. Sophisticated. Spicy. Protective. Styles. 

Un mil besitos
KLP 

L4LPSC: 2nd Check In!

Protective Style Challenge @ www.longing4length.com

SOS Hair isn't officially in the Longing 4 Length Protective Style Challenge, but I just have to show Miss Ebony some love and a sincere (and sisterly) thank you for hosting this challenge! I've followed L4L for almost 2 years and watched her grow, mature and just do all kinds of big things while being classy! *tear*

Back to all things protective styled: I'm sure that once length check at the end of this challenge, I would have retained a little length plus I think that my hair's overall health will be better because I've been rolling direct heat free going on 5 weeks! I guess that's what a good up-do can do for you!

Here's a recap of the styles Keyda and I dawned in February:

Only Minutes to Win it Series

Braiding it up!

Elegant but playful

Fluffy Air Dried Bun

Flat Twists with Bun

Minute to Win It Series: Deep Side Part Twisted Bun

Minute to Win It Series: Jazzy Faux Bob

Un mil besitos!

KLP

SOS: Protective Styling- Jazzy Faux Bob

 The next installment in SOS hair's Only Minutes to Win It protective styling series is here! "Minute to Win It" protective styles will be created on heat free (when you don't have time to do rolos or whip out that flat iron) and air dried tresses. ¡Pues claro!, you'll be able to recreate in just a few simple steps with only a few hair pins, some moisturizer, and less than 5 minutes. After all, we only have minutes to win it!

Jazzy Faux Bob:

Minute to Win it: Jazzy Faux Bob

Quick How to:

1. Detangle and moisturize your hair.
2. Split from ear to ear. Pull the back half of your hair into a quasi-roll or extra large pincurl. Then use a large bobby pin to secure the roll on each side. This technique creates the "faux bob" look.
3. Part the front section into a deep side part. Pull the largest section (only) towards your face then braid starting at the roots and down to the ends. (This will take a little practice)
4. Flip the twist back then secure with a bobby pin in the direction of your opposite ear.
5. Pull the last section towards your face and flat twist starting at the roots and down to the ends. 
6. Flip back this final twist and secure with a bobby pin.

You can vary this style by adding double strand or flat twists to the front. Don't forget to add accessories. Most of my protective 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! I love faux bobs because it frees my hair from the bun, but still allows me to protect my ends. Ironically, every time that I sport a faux bob, people think that I've cut my hair!

Enjoy!

Un mil besitos!  
KLP

SOS Protective Styling: Interviewing Edition

Front: Added a lil bump to bangs

WooooooooooooooHooooooooooooooo! I had another interview...This was a final interview! So, I truly hope I have some positive news to share soon with you SOS Divas!

I did a simple yet elegant style with my fave black flower clips :) I have actually seen this style done nicely/bigger with longer hair on Pinterest. I will definitely be playing with the "bun" more so as my hair grows! 

Back: With my flower pins 

Quick How to: 

1. Place back hair into pony tail. 
2. Separate from middle of head (without untying the pony tail). Take hair that is out and put it through that space made (like up and over). 
3. Tuck your ends inside of the pony and pin away. 

What do you think!? What is your interview style!?

Muahz
Keyda

SOS: Protective Styling- Only Minutes to Win it

Time is a precious commodity in my world. Often times I find myself tired of being tired of being stretched thin. So if I want to cross off everything on my to-do list--I've gotta be fast, efficient, and claro que si cute! Without further ado, I present to you the first in SOS hair's Only Minutes to Win It protective styling series. These styles will be created on heat free (when you don't have time to do rolos or whip out that flat iron) and air dried tresses. You'll be able to recreate in just a few simple steps with only a few hair pins, some moisturizer, and less than 5 minutes. After all, we only have minutes to win it!

Here's my first style:

Quick How to:

1. Detangle and moisturize your hair.
2. Split your hair into a deep side part. Then part that section from crown to ear. Pull this section (only) towards your face then flat twist starting at the roots and down to the ends.
3. Flip the twist back then secure with a bobby pin near where you want the base of your bun. 
4. Finger comb the rest of your hair back and use a metal-free elastic to secure a ponytail
5. Twist your pony into a bun. Secure your bun with bobby pins.

I also love varying this style with a double strand twisted or braided. 

Enjoy!
Un mil besitos! KLP

SOS: Protective Styling--Twisted Bun

I love protective styling, but I've always found it difficult to come up with styles that suit my big fluffy air dried tresses. I usually resort to a high bun with a cute head band or accessory and call it a day. Well, this week I was feeling sassy and wanted to change it up a little. I think that this style is super easy and takes just minutes to whip up. I. Heart. Simple. Sophisticated. Spicy. Protective. Styles.

Quick How to: 

1. Detangle and moisturize your hair.
2. Part your hair from ear to ear then split this section on a sharp diagonal from front to back. Pin away. (I usually finger part)
3. Gather all of your hair in the back into a semi high bun.
4. Tightly flat twist (braid or double strand twist) the right section from crown to ear. Extend the twist down to the ends, then wrap the ends counterclockwise around bun. (if your hair doesn't quite make it around the bun, just use hair pins to secure it.)
5. Repeat with the left section of hair. Wrapping the ends clockwise around the bun.
6. Add some spice with with a cute hair accessory. 

Enjoy!

Un mil besitos!
KLP     

SOS: Protective Styling- Elegant but Playful

Protective styling can get boring and monotonous if you don't actively attempt to change your style. Sometimes just a simple roll in the front, twist to the side, or ridiculous height can exaggerate an easy up-do. This style is elegant but playful and I love the fact that it looks different from all angles yet simple. The bun is classic chic and always puts your face, neck and ears on display. The height at the front gives a basic bun a sexier feminine feel. So go big or go home!

Interview Style!

So, I probably did the quickest wash EVER! lol ... I did my normal (regimen post soon) routine but in half the time.. I did prepoo with essential oil blend, and my Baba de Caracol on length of hair, placed a warm towel on my hair and enclosed it in a cap! I used KeraCare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo and my Emergencia Coconut Conditioner as a quick DC. I admit my hair was SUPER manageable and sooo soft! I used my fave leave-ins and air dried for a bit. I eventually did a light blow over with my dryer...

My hair reality:

I styled it in a up-do for my interview..I did a bump, and then split my back ends like pigtails. I twisted each side and pinned it around the crown of my head going to the opposite side. I only flat ironed my bangs! (link of this hairstyle to come...it was many cute up-dos to choose from :D)

Team no heat!

I decided to put my flower pins in!

Since my hair is not super long..yet! .. I did two twists for each section

** I plan on adding green/black tea rinses back into my routine...I have noticed a difference! I also plan on getting a touch-up very soon...I want to retain my length and not face breakage...soo I plan on touching up those roots! lol by next week! Soo, look out for post!

What you think? Think I should hold fast or go for it!?

muahz
Keyda

PS... Can I get some fingers crossed I get a call back! :D

L4LPSC: 1st Check In

www.longing4length.com PS 2013 Challenge

Although, SOS Hair didn't officially join the Longing 4 Length Protective Style Challenge, I still wanted to show Ebony some love and semi-check in! Ebony is my sorority sister and moreover, my hair idol so I'm more than willing to do what I can to participate. I'm kind of kicking myself in the behind for not signing up because the prizes are Ah-MAZING. You can check them out here. 

I usually keep my hair in protective styles 90% of the time. Of course, I keep my hair pinned up to reap the benefits of retaining length, but I also have two little ones under three who are notorious hair pullers. I really don't know what's wrong with these kids of mine, but every time that my hair is down, it's like their little fingers are magnetically drawn to it! I don't have to worry about hand in hand disease because they'll always beat me to the punch! Then with a flip of a wrist, my hair is up again. (Another reason why I love them though!) Well without further ado, here are a few looks that I dawned in January:

Classic Big 'Ol Bun

Dramatic Dame

Double Time (R)

Double Time (L)

Vintage Pin Up (Pin Curls)

Forever Braid

Forever Braid (L)

Forever Braid (R)

Are you in L4L's Protective Styling Challenge?

Un Mil Besitos!

KLP