Solia Professional Ceramic Dryer vs Conair Turbo Styler | The High/Low Experience

Whilst, I'm a hair product connoisseur (that sounds better than product junky right?), I also love the thrill of finding a great bargain. Usually professional products are worth the money but sometimes, I wonder if the cheaper version would still get the job done. Thus the SavingOurStrands High|Low Experience was born. I'll review, compare, and contrast salon quality hair products versus their well priced affordable cousins to see which one does it best. First up---the Solia Professional Ceramic Dryer ($89.99) vs. the Conair Turbo Styler ($16.99). You can pick up both at Folica.com.

I purchased the Conair Turbo Styler a few years ago when my hair blower broke because it $16.99 and it had a nifty cool shot button lock. I most certainly didn't trust myself enough to purchase a high quality blower at the time (read: I didn't want to spend the money) because I dropped my old one entirely too many times. I also don't use my hair blower often enough to justify dipping into my savings. Still, I'm cheap and pretty picky (such a deadly combo right?). This is what I needed from my hair blower:

• Lightweight- I need to be able to hold it for extended periods of time with one hand.
• Lockable Cool Button- I only use hair blowers on cool so that it doesn't zap moisture from my hair.
• Fast Drying Time- I usually air dry because its easy and helps my hair stay moisturized. So, if I'm using the blower it's because I'm in a rush.

Thus far, I've loved everything about the Conair. It's certainly light weight (at about 2 pounds), the cool button works perfectly, and I can dry my hair (in sections of course) in 15 minutes tops. A few weeks ago, I won an awesome VeryBusyMama giveaway that included the Solia Professional Ceramic Dryer. This thing is pretty cool. It retails for $89.99 on Folica.com, has ceramic ionic tourmaline infusion technology (whatever that means), and has the same cool shot button lock as my Conair. I used it to to dry my hair before flat ironing a few weeks ago and it was amazeballs. Since, I've had a couple of chances to use it on myself and my 100% natural haired prima. It's super lightweight---it weighs about a pound, I leave it on the cool lock setting and it dries my hair (in sections again) with lighting speed. This dryer checks off everything on my list.

Both of these blowers are excellent. It was extremely hair to find complaints:

Ease of use: 
Although the Conair is slightly heavier, The Solia's longer nozzle makes it a little harder to use on my own hair. I found it fairly awkward for me to hold by the handle to tension dry my hair.
Winner: Conair Turbo Styler 

Drying Time:
Using both blowers with low speed, the cool lock setting and concentrator nozzle focusing on my roots only, the Solia dries my hair super duper fast. Each section (I divide my hair into 5 sections) takes about 2 minutes to dry.
Winner: Solia Professional Ceramic Dryer

Smoothness:
Now this is seriously getting nitty-gritty. The smoothness that I achieved with the Solia vs the Conair was what set these two dryers apart. I don't know if the ceramic or the ionic or the tourmaline (I still don't know what any of that mess means) has anything to do with it but the Solia left me with smoother and softer hair. My Conair usually leaves my hair feeling moisturized but just not quite as smooth.
Winner: Solia Professional Ceramic Dryer

Price:
Well it's obvious that the Conair wins this one coming in at a whooping $70+ less than the Solia. Considering that I don't use my blower often the Solia is most certainly a spurge in the price per use category.
Winner: Conair Turbo Styler 

In my not-at-all-professional opinion the Conair Turbo Styler is an excellent substitute for it's pricer cousin the Solia Professional Ceramic Dryer. I had to really dig deep for ways to tell these two apart. 


Have your say. Which hair blower would you pick?




Besitos!
KLP

How To Protect Your Ends With Protein Layering

I've hoovered in BSL land for almost 2 years now and I've so over it. I'm convinced that if I can keep my ends moisturized, protected, and strong---I'll finally make it into MBL. So, a few weeks ago, thanks to this post from Nadege over at Relaxed Hair Health, I was introduced to the idea protein layering. 
  
Protein is a finicky topic for some, so here are my two cents: I think that all curly hair can and benefit from protein powered products. Protein Layering is a technique where by you only apply your protein products to your ends only. Your ends are the oldest part of your hair. They dry out faster, have had the most manipulation, and are constantly exposed to wear and tear. Whilst, I won't know how well it's benefited my ends until I straighten my hair later this week, I have noticed a steady decrease in broken hairs. Here is how I've used protein layering on my hair:

(Protein) Pre-Shampoos:
I use coconut oil several times during my wash day routine. My favorite is in my pre-shampoo. I love applying extra virgin coconut oil to my unwashed hair and letting my hair absorb it before I wash. Coconut oil is high in protein and naturally penetrates the hair shaft leading to softer hair. I adore coconut oil's assistance in detangling my hair and that it alleged prevents hygral fatigue. Wondering what in the world that is? Check out this article on RelaxedThairpy. 

(Protein) Conditioning:
Usually, I deep condition by applying a nourishing conditioner to my hair and layering an oil on atop to seal the moisture in before covering with a plastic cap. Then, I sit under indirect heat for at least 30 minutes and rinse with cool water. I've kicked this up a notch by applying a super moisturizing conditioner on my roots and then a protein rich conditioner from the line of demarcation (the place were my roots meet the chemically processed length) to my ends. So far, my favorite protein conditioners to use have been Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Mask and Joico K-pak Reconstructor.

(Protein) Leave Ins: 
Serums have been my go to for protein leave ins. They absorb easily, assist in detangling, and provide excellent shine. I've noticed that when I use Chi Silk Infusion and Organix Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum during the week, I don't have of those itty bitty broken hairs on the bathroom counter when I'm doing my hair.

One place in my regimen where I've restricted protein use is in shampoos. My hair hates shampoo. I'm sure that adding a blast of protein would only make it worse. 

Have you tried protein layering? What products do you use?

Besitos!
KLP

How To Grow Out Your Bangs

The Evolution of My Bangs

Believe it or not, but I've never intentionally wanted bangs. Never not ever. But until recently, I've always had them. Why? I used to be a heat loving, don't even know what a deep conditioner is, hair abuser. The front of my hair was flat ironed at least once a day and sometimes two or three times depending on where I was going. I didn't even care that it seemed like my hair wasn't growing, all I cared about was that my hair was sleek and smooth. Then in 2012, I committed to growing out the crown of my hair. Today, my bangs are the longest they've ever been, inching towards shoulder length. Here's how I did it:

Protective Styling:
Shh! I have a secret: I have a thing for keeping my hair tucked up and away! Okay---that's a not so secret. I kinda talk about it a lot. I started protective styling when my son was born. The day that he was born, one of the very first things that he did was grab at my hair. I knew that was the beginning of the end if I didn't change my hair styling ways. Ha-ha! After 2-3 months of buns and updos (aka the inspiration behind The Bun Effect), I started to notice an immediate increase in the length of my bangs. Once I stopping fiddling with my bangs, I started retaining length.

Extreme Deep Conditioning:
I feel like the front of my hair is more exposed to the elements and manipulation than the back. So I take care to amp up the moisture by extreme deep conditioning. Extreme Deep conditioning layers an oil over the conditioner. Then cover with a plastic cap and warm under indirect heat for at least 30 minutes before rinsing with cool water. Dry hair is more susceptible to breakage and deep conditioning can help quench the thirst. Don't forget to keep a little protein in your hair care regimen. Here's how I use it to maximize my length retention.

Apply Your Products Thoroughly: 
When applying products, especially leave ins, start from the bottom and work your way up. Yes, your roots need moisture, but so do your ends. I noticed that when I start product application from the bottom, I'm more likely to apply evenly. For sealing (when I air dry), I go a heavier on the oil or butter on my ends to add an extra layer of protection.

There you have it, three super easy ways to retain length in your bangs. Any other tips to growing out your bangs?

Besitos!
KLP

Wash Day

I was so spoiled by deep conditioning over night two weeks ago, that I tried it again with today's wash. Winter is a harsh mistress and my hair just hasn't been its moisturized self. I'm considering adding weekly overnight deep conditions to my regimen to combat the dryness that's been plaguing my hair, skin, and nails:

Wash Day Products

1. Detangle- with my fingers.
2. Pre-poo- with extra virgin coconut oil.
3. Shampoo- one lather with Macadamia Natural Oil Rejuvenating Shampoo.
4. Protein Treatment- I applied Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque to only my texlaxed ends then covered with a plastic cap and sat under my heat cap for 15 minutes.
5. Extreme Deep Condition- I applied Matrix Biolage Ultra-Hydrating Balm to my strands (root to tip), then massaged my strands in extra virgin coconut oil. I covered with a plastic cap, relaxed under my heat cap for about 2 hours, then left it in overnight.
6. Air Dried- to 80-85% wrapped in a cotton t-shirt.
7. Leave-Ins- Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner and my kitchenista Tangerine Vanilla Whipped Hair Butter.

Results: 

Bantu Knots

The Rookies: This was my first time using Macadamia shampoo and conditioner together. My hair still hates shampoo. After rinsing my pre-poo, my hair felt really good. My strands weren't tangled and or clumped. After rinsing the shampoo, my hair felt stripped, matted, and just a hot mess. I don't see myself using shampoo more than once a month. After all, if it ain't broke then don't fix it right? Adding the protein treatment on top of that tangled mess wasn't the best idea that I've had in a while, but I'm committed to fighting breakage and strengthening my ends (to increase my length retention) so it was a necessary evil. I don't have much to say about the Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque except that it claims to strenghten hair---and that claim is definitely true. My hair definitely felt stronger, but I'd never not follow this protein packed conditioner with an ultra-moisturizing treatment. 

The Sophomores- I introduced Tea Rinsing and a smoothing treatment into my regimen earlier this year. With this wash, I skipped Tea Rinsing; not so bad. I also skipped my Smoothing/Detangling treatment using Matrix Biolage Detangling Solution. *Le sigh* I've been on the fence for months now about this detangler but now that I've experienced a wash day without it---I will never go back! The slip and detangling abilities that this product has on my 21 week post hair is ridiculous! Now I see why I've been able to manage my roots so well with it. 

The Seniors- Extreme deep conditioning has been a must for me for a long time. But Overnight deep conditioning kicks things up a notch and it's exactly what my hair needs this winter. Moist soft but strong ends+ elastic springy roots= a happy me! Matrix Biolage Ultra-Hydrating Balm always does my hair good. Detangling was tedious and my lost hair was a bit more than I'm used to, but it wasn't extreme. I've made a mental note not to skip tea rinsing or smoothing treatments any more! 

After I air dried, I bantu knotted my hair (without holding product) for about 2 hours, unravelled and went with the hubby to see The Best Man Holiday. If you haven't seen it. Go! 

How was your latest wash day? 

Besitos!
KLP

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Busted Braidouts Into Beautiful Updos

Braidouts hate me. No seriously. I can't get a defined fluffy big braid out to save my life. I try. I fail. I try again. I fail again. However, the best part of a busted braid out is the way that it gives an updo life, honey! Y'all have met my Old Faithful 30 Second Style many many times. I've sported this style on straightened hair, air dried hair, bantu curled hair, and now {busted} braid out 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. 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 these steps:

Old Faithful 30 Second Style-

1. Moisturize and detangle hair.
2. Split hair into two sections.
3. Bring your hair from one section to the front. Begin a french braid, instead of braiding to the back, braid to the front. (If this doesn't make sense at first, watch and re-watch the video.) Continue your braid to the end of your length.
4. Repeat on the other side.
5. Take one of the braids and cross it over the back of your head. Secure with a bobby pin. Repeat with the other side.
6. Tuck in all of the loose ends.

Whilst, I'm not giving up on braidouts by any means, I am going to stick with what I do best: bantu knots. What style to you turn to when your braidout hates you?

Besitos!
KLP

[Hairstyle] Messy Side French Roll | Mini Wash

How I wore my hair last week

Deep conditioning overnight might not be an every wash day event, but let me tell you this chicas, it's my new must do after a protein treatment now. My hair felt so amazing after my wash last week. Think soft, cottony, and springy. My roots were happy. The texlaxed length was happy. KLP was happy! I skipped my mid-week co-washing session and even thought for a second to delay my wash day because my hair felt so good. But, I figured that I wasn't so smart and went with a light protein conditioner to keep my tresses balanced.

1. Detangled- with my fingers.
2. Extreme deep condition- with JBCO on my scalp, a mix of Aphogee 2 Minute Reconstructor and Organix Repairing Awapuhi Ginger Instant Recovery Mask on the length of my hair and sealed the conditioner with coconut oil. I covered with a plastic cap, relaxed under my heat cap for about 2 hours.
3. Green Tea Rinse- After rinsing the conditioner, I applied steeped green tea, using a narrow tip applicator to my strands--focusing on the roots. I let it sit for a few minutes then rinsed.
4. Smoothing Treatment- with a large dollop of Matrix Biolage Detangling Solution.
5. Air Dried- to 80-85% wrapped in a cotton t-shirt.
6. Leave-Ins- Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner and my kitchenista Tangerine Vanilla Whipped Hair Butter.

   

   Wash Day Products

Results:

30 Second Ol' Faithful Style

After applying my leave-ins, I wanted to do something different with my hair and decided to attempt a braid out. Bad. Idea. Very. Bad. Idea. I double strand twisted my hair into 8 sections and secured the ends with a satin roller. In the morning, I unraveled to a bloody mess. Oh gosh, It was a fail on sooo many levels. The bird's nest in my front yard looks better.The definition was wonky, I had neck length shrinkage, and my ends looked ever so pitiful. Never have I been more thankful for the Bun Effect. I pulled my hair into my all time favorite 30 second updo (here's a how to tutorial) and went to church. The good news was that my hair still felt soft with a renewed strength and my shedding/breakage was low. Woot for happy endings. 

What styles do you use to save failed twists outs, bantu knots, or curls? 

Besitos!
KLP

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Mini Wash Day - 4 weeks post

Pin Curls

Hola Chicas!

I already have at least half inch/possibly one inch of new growth!! WTH!! I am like geessshhh! I will be heading to Hawaii mid-December *WOOT* and the way my new growth is going, I may need/want to touch-up early December which was not planned until Jan!! Soooo it's up in the air. I am also testing out a new product from Danielle at OddStrandOut. She calls it "Coffee Oil." I'm thinking that it would be great as an oil treatment on my scalp the night before wash day. Here's how my wash day went:

1. Detangled with my Magic Rake comb.
2. Prepoo with Coffee Oil Mix/EVCO on my scalp and On dry hair, As I Am: Hydration Elation Intensive Conditioner on length of my hair, making sure I paid special attention to my ends and roots. Then I sealed it all in with grapeseed oil. I sat under the hooded dryer for about 30 minutes and sat around for about an hour! I am terrible with heat...
3. Tea Rinse with CC's Naturals Happy Hair Tea. and I love it! I think I am about ready to write a full review and share! :) 
4. Smoothing Treatment with Roux Moisture Recovery conditioner over the tea in my hair and a cap. I then faux steamed my hair for about 10 minute in shower.
5. Leave-ins: After my hair was about 85% air dry I applied  Aphogee Keratin & Green Tea Restructurizer and Organix Coconut Anti-Breakage Serum. 
6. Low Blow Dry & Flat Iron: I lightly blow dried my hair to fully straighten...then on low heat, I flat ironed my hair and pinned curled it for the night! 

Pin Curls

 

Results:

I love the results....and although, I was not on #teamnoheat wagon this week, I feel that I did my hair justice by air drying majority and using low/medium heat for everything!! :) That's my story and I'm sticking to it. Lol. My hair was felt super strong but soft. It felt so different compared to my other deep conditioners. I definitely would want to try more of this particular DC in the future. I bought it primarirly because of the smell (haha!) but I must say I like it so far. I also noticed my scalp looked so healthy compared to other times that I've used it. I am not sure if it is the Coffee Oil Mix but I did notice a difference. 

Results

Fingers crossed that I can get the pictures of this wash day posted. My computer is being wack and not allowing me to upload but I did tweet them! So follow SavingOurStrands on Twitter!

Luvs!
Keyda

Mini Wash Day

Last week, I began a post titled "Dear hair---you suck." Ugh, my hair just was so disrespectful that I had to co-wash every other day--both after working out---just to coax it into a bun. Luckily, It all worked out because I had travel plans for the weekend. I wanted to rock my curls and bantu knots always their best on recently washed air dried hair. I wore my curls down for two days then in a faux bob and lastly in a big side bun. I'm sure that my protein powered wash and abbreviated deep conditioning session from last week was the culprit for my uncooperative hair---luckily I've got a solution for that: an overnight deep condition. Yes--I know that many discourage it---but when you hair is dry, disrespectful, and dehydrated---it works like wonders: 

Wash Day Products

1. Detangled- with my fingers and Mizani D'Tangle Leave-In Milk.
2. Extreme deep condition- with JBCO on my scalp, Matrix Biolage Ultra-Hydrating Balm, and massaged my strands in extra virgin coconut oil. I covered with a plastic cap, relaxed under my heat cap for about 2 hours, then left it in overnight. 
3. Green Tea Rinse- After rinsing the conditioner, I applied steeped green tea, using a narrow tip applicator to my strands--focusing on the roots. I let it sit for a few minutes then rinsed.
4. Smoothing Treatment- with a large dollop of Matrix Biolage Detangling Solution.
5. Air Dried- to 80-85% wrapped in a cotton t-shirt.
6. Leave-Ins- Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner and my kitchenista Tangerine Vanilla Whipped Hair Butter

Results-

Shed Hair: Prewash | Shower | Postwash

Hello big fluffy, soft, and smooth hair! Oh how I missed thee! Overnight deep conditioning #ftw! I whipped out an old favorite: Mizani D'Tangle this wash to give myself a thorough detangle. I've never cared for this product as a leave in, it gives my hair this icky coated feeling but it's awesome as a pre-wash detangler. 

Air Drying Fluffy Banana Clip Bun

Thanks to that protein powered wash day last week---I had very very little shed hair and breakage. You might have noticed that my beloved Magic Rake comb has been MIA for a few months. I've realized that finger detangling is and will always be far gentler than any other tool that you can buy. I still adore my Magic Rake---I just see tragedy in my minds eye if I used it on these 19 weeks post roots. Finger detangling forces me to work patiently in smaller sections---which is what my hair needs. Because the back half of my hair was much more unprocessed (unintentionally) from my last relaxer--sometimes it feels like at least 1/3 of my length hasn't been relaxed. Fingers crossed that my new protein rich regimen keeps that line of demarcation in tact and breakage at bay. Look ma! No mesh donut! Just in case you were wondering---here's the secret to my big fluffy buns: More Bang for Your Banana Clip.

What technique do you use when your hair is unruly?

Besitos!
KLP

The Bun Faceoff

Besitos!
KLP

How To Get A Big Bun Without Mesh Donuts or Weave

Healthy Hair Question: 
Q: First, do you use mesh donuts for your buns? If not, how in the heck do you get those bigggg buns?

A: I love me a BIG ol doughy bun! I have used mesh donuts for some of my buns in the past, but I've never used a weave. Here are my secrets to big doughy buns without a mesh donut, heat, or a weave on about shoulder length or longer hair:

1. Air Dried Stretched Hair- My fluffiest buns are started on hair that has been detangled, air dried, and stretched. Moisturize your hair however you want. Seal it with whatever you like. But be sure to detangle and stretch your curls without heat. Because I have 18 weeks of curly post relaxer roots, I faux band my hair and bantu knot it (without a holding product in my cocktail). My favorite moisturizing triple threat has been my Aloe Tea Spray, Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner and Tangerine Vanilla Whipped Hair Butter.
2. Banana Clips and Hair Pins- I don't know about you, but finding a hair tie in my house is like panning for gold. Most of the time, I'm totally unlucky. However, I can always find a Scuni Banana clip. They are super cheap, less than $3USD and extremely durable. Plus, I feel like there is less stress on my edges and I have a smoother look. How To: Gather your hair into a pony, high or low, its your pleasure, then secure with your banana clip. Separate strands to fill out clip, then guide hair into a bun around the clip. Your hair should completely cover the flip. Keep it loose and big.
   Secure your fluffy bun with hair pins. Two of the longer pins are usually enough for me.
3. Aloe Vera Gel- I know that not everyone is about that fuzzy roots and frizzy curl life. So if you slap a little Aloe Vera gel on your edges and then use a silk scarf to tie your hair down, after 10-15 minutes you'll have tamed hair.

Thanks for your question chica!

Besitos!
KLP

Wash Day

I have a love/hate relationship with colder temps. I love layering. I love boots. I love scarves. I hate how dry my hair, skin, and nails get. Last week was another ordinary week in the life of a chronic bunner. High buns. Low buns. Side buns. (I'm starting to sound like Dr. Suess! Ha-ha!) I haven't done anything exciting to my hair in weeks. Perhaps a day in big fluffy bantu curls is in order?

Wash Day Products

1. Detangle- lightly and gently with extra virgin coconut oil. 
2. Clarifying Shampoo- Kenra Chelating/Clarifying Shampoo diluted with water and applied with a narrow tip applicator bottle to my roots only.
3. Moisturizing Shampoo- Matrix Biolage Hydratherapie Hydrating Shampoo again diluted with water and applied with a narrow tip applicator bottle to my roots only.
4. Smoothing Treatment- with a large dollop of Matrix Biolage Detangling Solution.
5. Protein Treatment- I applied Joico K-pak Reconstructor conditioner and let sit for about 30 minutes without heat. 
6. Extreme Deep Condition- with Jessicurl Deep Treatment on the length of my hair and extra virgin coconut oil to seal in the conditioner. I sat under my heat cap for about an hour. 
7. Air Dried- to 80% with silk scarf.
8. Leave ins- Aloe Tea Spray to moisturize, my kitchenista Tangerine Vanilla Whipped Hair Butter, and Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner 

Lost Hair

Results: 
The Bad- I'm not a fan of the squeaky clean feeling and tangles that I get from clarifying, but I knew that it needed to be done. If you really want a protein treatment to bond to your strands, you have to make sure that there's no buildup on them. *Le sigh* Luckily, Matrix Detangling solution saved the day and eased my tangles like no body's business.


The Good- My shed hair was a joke. I lost maybe 10 strands in my pre-wash detangle. Maybe another 15 or so post wash. And none in the shower.I don't know what I'm doing right, so I'm just going to keep on doing what I'm doing and pray that this success continues.

Fluffy Air Dried Bun

The indifferent- I've only used Joico K-pak as a mid-protein step after a relaxer. After hearing so many rave reviews about it, I pulled it out and used it instead of my beloved Nexxus Emergence this wash. I don't know how I feel about it yet, but it's strengthening and fortifying abilities aren't to be questioned. My hair definitely felt stronger after use---think kinda stiff. Once I deep conditioned with Jessicurl Deep Treatment---my hair was in heaven again.

I didn't really feel like detangling, but un-stretched roots are like disaster waiting to happen. So, I as I detangled, I faux banded then bantu knoted my hair to stretch it. At almost 5 months post, I'm all about this bun life.

Besitos!
KLP

Mini Wash

Last week, I kept it super simple-- I moisturized with my Aloe Tea Spray, Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner and Tangerine Vanilla Whipped Hair Butter daily. I co-washed after my 5k with a little Cibu Hi-Ya! Keratin Reconstructive Conditioner---a random salon buy from many moons ago. It left my hair less soft and more strong so I knew that a deep moisturizing treatment was due with this wash.

Wash Day Products

1. Detangled- with my fingers.
2. Extreme deep condition- with JBCO and Philip Kingsley Flaky Itchy Scalp Toner on my scalp, spritzed my length with a little Aloe Tea Spray to dampen my hair then applied Jessicurl Deep Treatment. I covered with a plastic cap and relaxed under my heat cap for about 2 hours. 
3. Aloe Green Tea Rinse- After rinsing the conditioner, I applied 4oz of steeped green tea + 4oz of Aloe Vera Juice, using a narrow tip applicator to my strands. I let it sit for a few minutes then rinsed.
4. Smoothing Treatment- with a large dollop of Matrix Biolage Detangling Solution.
5. Air Dried- Applied Organix Anti-Breakage Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum then air dried 100% with silk scarf.
6. Leave-Ins- Aloe Tea Spray to moisturize, my kitchenista Tangerine Vanilla Whipped Hair Butter, and Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner

Results- 

My multi-textured hair's detangling sweet spot is at 75-85% dry. When it's drippy wet, I have a harder time identifying knots and removing shed hair. When it's completely dry, I have more breakage because my strands aren't as elastic and I don't get my hair to dry as smooth. Needless to day detangling today at 100% dry was a really bad idea. I wish that I had a better excuse for being so reckless---honestly, I just feel asleep. Ha-ha! I only had 3 hairs in the shower drain but a little more lost hair than usual during my detangling session. I stretched my 17 weeks post hair by faux banding and using the LOC method to moisturize. Then pulled it all back into a banana clip bun. 

What's your hair's air drying sweet spot?

Besitos!
KLP




 

How to Stretch Natural, Transitioning and TexlaxedHair Without Heat

Faux Banding

I'm 4 months (eek!) into this stretch and I don't see it ending before the ball drops on 2014. I've been using banding for about a month to stretch my stretch. (Say that 10 times fast. Ha-ha!) Here's a breakdown on how I get my big fluffy "straightened" air dried hair.

1. Start with damp hair: If I've just finished washing, I wait until it's anywhere from 75-90% dry before trying to do anything to it. Why? Wet dangling is the devil--to me. If you prefer to detangle while soaking wet--use caution. Wet chemically treated hair is weaker when wet and can break even with lower force.

2. Everything in sections: My hair laughs at me when I try to comb through it all at once. The smaller the sections, the more "straightened" your hair will be. I usually end up with 12 sections. 

3. Cocktail: Detangler + Creamy Moisturizer + Oil/Butter. Use whatever your hair likes. Today, I'm crushing on this combo: Aloe Tea Spray + Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner + my kitchenista Tangerine Vanilla Whipped Hair Butter. Whether you LOC or LCO or ABCD---it really doesn't matter. As long as you've equipped yourself with products that will detangle your super curly roots, that don't leave an icky residue, and that play well together you'll be fine. Gently finger detangle removing your shed hairs working from the ends up then comb through. If you need a good wide tooth comb try my fave-- Magic Star Jumbo Rake

4. How to: Everyone and their mama has a different---yet totally the same---hair banding technique. Whoissugar is my all time fave YouTube "personality" and her technique is on point. If you need a few laughs--just listen to her video without watching it. *Hilarious honey*

 
Real Banding- Take your detangled, moisturized, and sealed section then secure a hair band at the base of your hair. Grab another hair band and secure it about an inch or so below the first continue adding bands until you reach the end of your hair. Repeat on each section until complete. Let dry for a few hours to overnight.

"Faux" Banding on Texlaxed Hair

My "Faux" Banding- Instead of using a hair tie (who can find that many hair ties anyway?!?), I secure the detangled section with two Colortrak Safari Croc Clips on each side at the base of my hair. I usually add another set on each side about 2 inches down and then just one clip to tuck my ends under. Once I finish detangling the next section, I gently add it to the previous banded section and repeat until complete. Total amount of clips: 5. My hair dries in about an hour or two.  

5. Troubleshooting: I started "Faux Banding" before I even knew what real banding was as a way to stretch my roots because shrinkage ain't no joke! I'm BSL in the shower then neck length within an hour if I let my hair dry without assistance. I noticed that if I secured the clips with a little tension at the base of my hair I could get voluminous fluffy air dried hair, keep tangles at bay, and stretch my hair. But I had a few epic fails in the process:

• Poor product selection- I can not stress this point enough. Use what works for your hair. While choosing your products think about your desired results and what you hair needs at the moment. Notice some breakage? Spritz a little Chi Keratin Mist in with your detangler. Did your hair feel too heavy or coated in the end? Ease up on the amount of product that you use in each section. Were your ends not smooth enough? Roll them like you would do a pin curl next time.
• Fuzzy Roots- When you're done, slap some Aloe vera gel on those edges and get your silk scarf to lay it all down. This should smooth down your edges and take a little volume out of the crown of your head.
• Used sucky clips- So you tried to use those metal prong clips and poked yourself. Or better yet they were sliding all over the place and didn't provide enough tension. Yep. That's why I use croc clips. No slip. No tangles. And super cute. Be careful. Friends, cousins, and children will try to steal them. Ha-ha.

If banding doesn't work the first time, know that you're totally not alone. One of those metal clips got lost in my roots once. I found it--2 days later. Smh. But when you're rocking that giant doughy bun or using your stretched hair as a base for bantu knots---You'll be happy that you gave it another try. 

Besitos!
KLP

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Wash Day

I kept it simple and easy this week---Styling fluffy buns using banana clips. I moisturized with my Aloe Tea Spray, Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner and Tangerine Vanilla Whipped Hair Butter daily. I co-washed once and actually remembered to apply a protein leave every other day. My protein leave in of choice was Kedya's Fave: Organix Anti-Breakage Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum. I had very little breakage and very little shed hair. I think that my hair is happy.

Wash Day Products

1. Detangled- very lightly with my fingers adding a little bit of extra virgin coconut oil along the way.  
2. Cleansing Cream (Shampoo)- with diluted Curlicious Curls Cleansing Cream.
3. Extreme deep condition- with Jessicurl Deep Treatment. Then I sealed the conditioner with coconut oil, covered with a plastic cap and relaxed under my heat cap for about 2 hours. 
4. (Aloe) Tea Rinse- After rinsing the conditioner, I applied a mix CC's Naturals Lavender & Chamomile Tea and Aloe Vera Juice to my hair, using a narrow tip applicator to my strands. I let it sit for a few minutes then rinsed.
5. Smoothing Treatment- with a large dollop of Matrix Biolage Detangling Solution.
6. Air Dried- 95% with silk scarf.
7. Leave-Ins- Aloe Tea Spray, Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner and my kitchenista Tangerine Vanilla Whipped Hair Butter.

Results:
Have you ever used a product on your hair not knowing what to expect then wondered if it even worked? Lol. Today's wash was the first time that I've used a cleansing cream and...well...I just don't know what to make of it. Here's what I liked: 

• The Scent: Y'all know that I have a weakness for light, sweet and airy fragrances. This one smells like fresh baked vanilla bean cake. Yum! 
• Non-stripping: Curlz boosts this product as sulfate free, rich, and creamy. All---I agree with!
• Tangle free: It was a breeze applying conditioner afterwards because my hair was still tangle free.

Fluffy Air Drying Side Bun

Here's the indifferent part--I have no clue if my hair was cleansed. Ha-ha. Crazy right? When I hopped in the shower to rinse the coconut oil, my hair felt great! I diluted the cleansing cream with a few ounces of water in a narrow tip applicator bottle. After application---I didn't really feel like I had anything in my hair. No lather. No suds. No nothing. So I added more shampoo to my hair. Undiluted this time. The feeling didn't change. I didn't really know what to do, so I rinsed and moved on. My hair definitely didn't have that "clean" feeling but it wasn't dry either. I think that I'll give Curls one more try---Just to make sure that I'm not losing it. Ha-ha. 

Lost Hair: L: Last wash | R: This Wash

Now let's talk about Jessicurl Deep Treatment. Whatever the Curlz Cleansing Cream did or didn't do was recified by this deep treatment. As I applied it to my hair, it literally melted into my strands. The 2 inches of super curly roots loved it. My texlaxed length loved it. Every texture was happy. Yep--a Moisture Party on my hair. Woot! I've never been this impressed with a deep conditioner especially before applying heat. Then, my heat cap just took things to another level. As I rinsed, for the first time in my hhj, I was concerned about moisture overload. My hair felt that soft, smooth, and buttery. The Aloe Tea Rinse only made things better. And before I knew it, I was having the best wash day ever! 

My loss hair was the size of a green pea and probably half of what it was the week before. I'm shocked that I'm not having more trouble with washing, tangling, and breakage this far into my stretch. The only think that sucks is that I can't coax my hair with all these textures into my cute signature high bun anymore. *shrugs* You win some and you lose some. 

How was your last way day? 

Besitos!
KLP

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