4 Ways to Fight Dandruff & Flakes

I can relate to the fight for flake free hair. Until fairly recently, I would find flakes in my combs, on the bathroom counter, and all over my clothes whenever I touched my hair. I'd always "scratch my scalp" when I washed (which was like once a month at best...no wonder my scalp was going crazy!) but the flakes would still be there afterwards. Very un-sexy! Fast forward to today. My scalp is flake free and happy as can be. Here are 4 ways to fight dandruff and flakes

Evaluate Your Products (especially leave ins): Some products can cause dry scalp, contribute to yucky build up, or irritate your scalp causing what looks like dandruff. While food allergies can be different from contact allergies, be sure to label check your products before you use them. If you noticed that your scalp is irritated from chemical (read: relaxers, keratin, or coloring) treatments, you might need to consider ditching them.

How to: Start eliminating products---especially those that you're applying to your scalp---one by one. 

Essential Oil Pre-Shampoo: I love a good pre-shampoo treatment. Especially one with stimulating, detoxifying essential oils. My stimulating essential oil blend has a few drops of peppermint to invigorate and refreshes the scalp.  Plus, eucalyptus which is antimicrobial, revitalizing, and clarifying. Start with 5-10 drops of each essential oil + extra virgin coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil to see how it feels on your scalp. If the scent is overpowering, next time only use 2-3 drops of each essential oil. Or as you get customized to the sensation, you can add a few drops more. Never use essential oils undiluted as they are highly concentrated.

How to: Apply to unwashed hair and scalp then let this pre-shampoo sit for 10-20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. 

 

Gentle yet effective shampoo: I hate the way that shampooing strips my hair but I understand it's important role in removing dirt, excess oil, and sweat from my hair. Everyone and their mama wants to prolong the days between washes. I get it---washing can be long and tedious but if your scalp starts to revolt after a few days post wash, then you probably just need to cave and wash again. I typically wash or co-wash every 3-4 days to keep my scalp clean. And for the record---a dirty scalp does NOT make your hair grow faster. It's just gross!

How to: When shampooing be sure to focus on your scalp especially in those areas where you suffer from the most dandruff. Using the pads of your finger tips---not your nails---massage the shampoo into your scalp in a circular motion, allowing the suds to cleanse the length of your hair. My fave liquid shampoo is Matrix Biolage Hydratherapie Hydrating Shampoo. I recently fell in love with shampoo bars because they don't strip my hair of moisture but still get my scalp clean and fresh.

Tea Rinses: I love tea rinses because they combat shedding and alleviate icky scalp. One of my favorite blend is Rosemary Green Aloe. Rosemary acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory to soothe itchiness. Green tea is an astringent packed with tannins which protect your scalp from excessive oil and dirt.

How to: Apply 2 green tea bags + 1 cup H20 + 1 cup aloe vera juice + 2 springs of rosemary using a narrow tip applicator bottle so that you can target your scalp let it sit for a few minutes then rinse.

When the weather shifts, my scalp goes a little crae-crae but after a few days, it's good to go. Your diet and lifestyle can also have an effect on your scalp. Eat great, exercise and drink tons of water. If nothing helps, visit with your dermatologist. You'll be able to figure out if you’ve got dandruff as a symptom of something else or if you are actually suffering from psoriasis/seborrheic dermatitis.

How do you keep your scalp flake free? Shout out to Nikki for asking this question!

Besitos!
KLP

Herbal Tea Rinses To Combat Shedding

I am a tea rinse junky. I've tired over a dozen tea blends, but green, black, and chamomile are definitely my favorites. When I'm consistent in my tea rinse use, I definitely see less less hair clogging your shower. Plus I've noticed that my scalp is clear and free of dryness. Here's how I use herbal tea rinses to combat shedding:


Chamomile Peppermint Aloe Tea

Got Itchy Flaky Scalp and Shedding

Why It Works:
Chamomile soothes your scalp and conditions your hair. Peppermint's cooling sensation increases blood circulation in the scalp. Aloe Vera Gel is known to stimulates the production of new hair and may even lessen the effects of Alopecia. If you suffer from a itchy and inflamed scalp, this is the combo that you want to reach for. (Tip: I heart Aloe Vera Gel in my tea rinses because it gives the mix a thicker consistency so I don't have to worry about it running all over the place!) 

Nourishing Green Rosemary Tea
Got Dry Scalp and Shedding

Why It Works:
Rosemary acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory to soothe itchiness. Green tea is an astringent packed with caffeine known to help increase oxygen to your hair follicles. Glycerin is a natural moisturizing humectant. 

Black Eucalyptus Coconut
Got Breakage and Shedding 

Why It Works:
Black tea has about 55 mg of caffeine per serving versus green tea's 35mg of caffeine. Traditional drip coffee has 100 mg of caffeine. Caffeine is known in the hair world for stimulating the scalp, increasing blood flow, and thus allowing your scalp to get more oxygen and more "food." Eucalyptus is antimicrobial, revitalizing, and clarifying. Coconut oil has been shown in studies to be the only oil that prevents protein loss while helping hair retain moisture. It reduces hair porosity making it spectacular for chemically relaxed hair which is typically higher porosity.

Do you tea rinse? 

Besitos!
KLP 

SOS Mini Wash Day - 8 weeks post {Keyda}

Hola Chicas!

Products

So, I realized that I did not post about my last relaxer! It was a very quick decision because I wanted to fly out to Hawaii with sleeker hair (less stress in managing my hair) hehe. It was a self-relaxer and I used Creme of Nature... I love this brand for my hair. I will have a length check at my next relaxer. I also plan on stretching to at least 12-15 weeks this time....we shall see. I think a good stretch is perfect during this time because it is too cold!! haha I have been relaxing at 10-12 weeks prior because I noticed my hair retained more length/roughly same without the stretch.

Side w/ individual braids

[1] Detangled with my magic comb... There is somewhat more shedding from my hair, WINTER is here! :( However, I will say that the shedding is extremely far less than I have had in previous years so I do not feel as though I am LOSING ALL of my hair.

[2] Pre-poo with JBCO/Essential Oil Mix/Philip Kinglsey Scalp Toner on my scalp and Organix Moroccan Argan Creme Conditioner with focus on the roots and CHI deep reconstructor with focus on the length of my hair. I sealed with Virgin Coconut Oil.

[3] Co-wash with Herbal Essences Hello Hydration

[4] Tea Rinse with CC's Natural Happy Hair Tea 

[5] Air dried 50% then I braided up my hair. I decided to braid it into a style. Individual braids that were braided into a larger one with a side french braid. 

French Braid 

My hair was very soft and manageable. I am hoping for little shedding as I comb it out over the weekend. I plan on curling my hair in the coming weeks to help stretch with a few braid outs. I really hope I can last haha. My scalp has been lovely. I admit that I can have a DRY/ITCHY scalp however my scalp has been rarely if at all irritated in between my washes recently. I am soo relieved with this. 










Does you scalp get irritated more easily in winter or summer? 


xoxoxo 

muahz

Keyda 

[Review] OddStrandOut Coffee Oil {Keyda}

Coffee Oil Courtesy of OddStrandOut

Ingredients: 
Hazelnut Oil, Castor Oil, Olive Oil and Coffee infused oil

My Thoughts:
A few months ago, Danielle of OddStrandOut gave us an opportunity to test drive her latest product: an Coffee Infused oil. I did a preliminary review in my "On Deck" post. But I didn't want to leave you chicas hanging about how I incorporated the oil into my regimen. I enjoyed how the product was packaged. The bottle allowed for the oil to easily come out and flow onto my scalp. The oil itself was not watery or too thick, so it moved through my scalp but did not overflow down my back or face. I was only able to use it for 4 washes, so I would have loved a little more to actually see how well it works or to compare with other products.

How I used it:
I used this as pre-shampoo product for my scalp. I noticed that my scalp looked almost dandruff free after using it and my conditioner products seemed to really soak into my roots. My shedding seemed less but it was not a significant difference from when I use Philip Kingsley Flaky Itchy Scalp Toner.

All in all, I would love to continue using Coffee oil on my scalp to see how it effects the growth of my hair! Good Product Danielle!


Have you tried coffee oil!?

Muahz
xoxox
Keyda

How To Fight Itchy And Flaky Winter Scalp

There are a zillion things to be loved about the winter: layering, tall boots, and hot cocoa are a few of my favorite things. But the dry, cold winter air and temps are no joke.  All of which can take a toll on your hair causing that pat yo weave *in my best Bey voice* dry, itchy, flaky scalp. Defend your hair with my 3 favorite scalp soothers:

Rosemary Green Aloe Hair Rinse

Homemade for the hairlista who knows her way around the kitchen

Ingredients:
2 bags green tea steeped in 1 cup of water, 1 cup aloe vera juice, 2 springs rosemary, and a little pixie dust.

Why it works: 
Rosemary acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory to soothe itchiness. Green tea is an astringent packed with caffeine known to help increase oxygen to your hair follicles. Aloe vera juice is very subtle, absorbs easily, leaves no residue, almost odorless, naturally combats frizz, soothes the itches, all while moisturizing hair with vital nutrients.

How I use it: 
Tea Rinse: After deep conditioning as a final rinse.
Deep Condition: Sprtiz a little on your scalp and hair before applying your deep conditioner.

(Simple) Stimulating Essential Oil Blend

Semi-homemade for the hair obsessed chica who ain't got time for all that measuring

Ingredients: 
Peppermint Essential Oil, Eucalyptus Essential Oil, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Why it works: 
Peppermint invigorates and refreshes your scalp. Eucalyptus is antimicrobial, revitalizing, and clarifying. Extra Virgin Coconut oil soothes and protects. Extra Virgin Olive Oil is an light weight moisturizing emollient (and it's super cheap!)

How I use it: 
Pre-poo: Applied to my scalp in a spray bottle.
Scalp massage: For a few minutes a few times a week.

Philip Kingsley Flaky Itchy Scalp Toner

Store Bought for the healthy hair connoisseur who loathes anything DIY

Ingredients:  
Aqua (Water), Alchohol Denat, Benzalkonium Chloride, Camphor, Piroctone Olamine.

Why It works:
Camphor cools as it soothes. Benzalkonium Chloride helps to prevent recurrence of flaking.
Piroctone Olamine provides long lasting relief from the itchies. 

Your scalp is the key to healthy hair. And the good news is all all 3 treatments help reduce shedding! Two birds one stone!

What are you doing to keep your scalp healthy this winter?

Besitos!
KLP

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Foot Loose and Fancy Free Fall

Adios Summer

Can you believe that its almost Fall already? Whilst, I refuse to let go of my midsummer night dreams, I know that its time to get my hair regimen ready the seasonal shift. The leaves aren't the only things changing on the east coast. Here's what I'm doing to prep for the cooler weather:

1. Chillax On Co-Washing- A little wet hair during the summer's scorching temps is totally welcome. In 50° or less weather---not so much. I love my mid week co-washing sessions, but I want to be extra careful about allocating enough air drying time.
2. Protect, baby, protect- I've spent most of 2013 in protective styles. Why stop now? I want to continue the trend and keep my ends full and fabulous. Perhaps a Bun Effect Deux is in order?
3. Snip, Clip, & Trim- I'm a few --eek!--months-- overdue for a trim and length check. Expect to see a length check from yours truly this week.
4. Steady Diet of No Heat- If it ain't broke then why fix it? I'm in love with my big air dried hair and still committed to this Bad Habit Detox. Aside from this week's check in, I'm not really sure when my straight hair will reappear. 
5. Keep Shedding at Bay- My follicles are totally susceptible to seasonal shedding. While there really isn't anything that I can do to prevent it (aside from a futile attempt at changing my DNA). I want to keep up my shed bust routine of tea rinsing and mindful breathing.

Anyone else already missing summer? What are your hair plans for this transitional season?
Besitos!
KLP

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[Review] Herbal Essences Touchably Smooth Split End Protector

Herbal Essences Touchably Smooth Split End Protector

Price: $3.99 for 6oz

Purchased at: 
Amazon or Walgreens

Promises: 
"Stop feeling like you're in splitsville. This is the beginning of beautiful ends. My formula quenches your strands for smoothness and helps strengthen them against breakage. Your hair will feel as smooth as silk. Go ahead, touch, toss, or twirl.

Ingredients: 
Water (Aqua), Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Dimethicone, Glutamic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Fragrance, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Chloride, Methylisothiazolinone, Zea Mays (Corn) Silk Extract, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Silk

Directions: 
Massage through wet or dry hair. Leave in to give your tips a kiss of conditioning"

My Thoughts: To me, the keys to any successful stretch is moisturizing your roots and then guarding your line of demarcation from breakage (the place where your new growth meets your relaxed hair).  My first use of HE TSSEP was last year at the tail end of a 6 month stretch. After being disappointed with most creamy leave-in products that I've tried I was pleasantly surprised by this little gem. When I read the promises, my brain zoomed in on the words "quench" (moisture) and "strength" (protein). But it was the price that got me to toss it into my cart. At $3.99, I've spent much for for products that have turned out to be duds.  

Amount that I use to moisturize daily

I've used it two ways (1) after washing as a leave-in conditioner or (2) on dry hair as a daily moisturizer. Two birds. One Stone. It absorbs very nicely in both methods. It doesn't revert my roots and it doesn't weigh down my ends. The scent is pleasant and the texture is quite creamy. The pump top allows me to use as much or little as I need (and a little goes a long way). I moisturize and seal daily, but one bottle (6oz) lasts for 8 weeks. It worked well last autumn to keep my hair moisturized but the real test came last winter. I paired it with Argan oil as sealer and it worked great. This summer, I've used it as the moisturizing component for my Bantu Knot cocktail with pretty good results. Not as great as when I use Jessicurl but much much better than when I used Bee Mine. At this price, I'm in love. 

The only bad thing that I have to say about this product is that it doesn't come in larger sizes and its been very hard to find in a brick & mortar store lately. (which means that I can't use my coupons! Grr...) I could probably get away with skipping one day of moisturizing but two days would be asking for trouble. This product has the best price of all leave-ins that I've tried. Just goes to show that even though because a product isn't marketed to ladies with textured hair, doesn't mean that it can't be what your hair needs---without breaking the bank.

Have you had experience with HETSSEP?

Un mil besitos!

KLP   

Wash Day

Messy Banana Clip Side French Tuck

Protein Power!

My hair has been easy peasy all week. I've been alternating between buns and banana clip french tucks for simple and sweet styling. Last wash day, I noticed a little more breakage than I was comfy with, so I decided that a hard protein treatment would be in order this week. I usually like to give my hair a protein powered wash once a month to keep my line of demarcation strong and resilient. It's been hard for me to distinguish the difference between my virgin roots and my super underprocessed length, thanks to my last relaxer disaster. So it sort of seems like I'm in a super duper long stretch. Is that a bad thing? Nah---not really. I actually don't mind (thus far). I just know that I have to follow my hair's lead. I have to be sure to keep my roots super moisturized, beware of SSKs, and be extra careful while detangling. Keeping my roots stretched is a must. Here's how my last wash went:

Wash Day Products

1. Detangled- with my fingers and a little grapeseed oil. 
2. Clarifying Shampoo- with diluted KeraCare 1st Lather Shampoo. Of my two clarifying poos, this one does a better job of cleansing my hair but still makes my hair feel stripped. I hate that feeling. But a good clarifying gets rid of product residue and allows the protein treatment to really pentrate the hair.
3. Moisturizing Shampoo- with diluted Matrix Biolage Hydratherapie Hydrating Shampoo. This is my favorite shampoo.
4. Protein Treatment- with Nexxus Emergencee; the world's easiest to apply protein treatment. To speed of drying time, I blow dried my hair on low to harden the treatment. 
5. Extreme deep condition- Next, I stood under the spray of my shower for about 5 minutes to rinse the Emergencee completely. I deep conditioned with with JBCO on my scalp and Matrix Biolage Ultra-Hydrating Balm on the length of my hair. Then I massaged my stands with almond oil, covered with a plastic cap and sat under my heat cap for 3 hours. 
6. Leave ins- Herbal Essences Touchably Smooth Split End Protector + Argan Oil. My hair really responded well to this combo last week. 

Results- 
I love the way that my hair feels post protein treatment and extreme deep condition. Strong, strands refortified, and happy. I'm especially concerned with breakage with this stretch because the top half of my strands are far more textured than usual. I've never dealt with unintentional under-processing before so this will be a challenge for me. Before my protein treatment I had a decent amount of lost hairs--a little more than I prefer but, after the treatment, I only lost 5-10 hairs. If only everything in life worked this easily. I lost 2 strands in my post wash detangle, then I realized that I totally forgot to tea rinse this week! Gasps! Oh well, I'll add it into my mid-week co-wash. 

Word on the street is that I owe you guys a length check. Good! Ha-ha! I've been missing my flowy straight hair. I'm going to flat iron at the end of the month because I'm a host at my grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary. Yep. FIFTY. They're awesome!

How was your latest wash day? Anyone else 8+ weeks into a stretch? How is your hair behaving for you?

Besitos!
KLP 

[Review] Karen's Body Beautiful Hair Nectar Leave In Conditioner (Battle of the Leave-Ins)

Pomegranate Guava

Price: $16 for 8oz

Can be purchased at: 
Karen's Body Beautiful/Select Target Brick & Mortar/Complimentary sample received at BHK Expo

Promises: 
Detangles. Softens. Moisturizes. Works best for- Medium thick to loose curls, relaxed, color treated or dry hair.

Ingredients: 
Purified Water, Grapeseed, Jojoba and Coconut Oils, Vegetable Glycerin, Vegetable Wax, Panthenol, Yucca, Horsetail, Nettle, & Melissa Extracts, Essential and/or Fragrance Oil, Ascorbic Acid & Vitamin E
Directions: 
Apply a generous amount to hair when damp or dry to refresh and moisturize. Can be used several times a week or daily.  Use before you apply heat (flat ironing, blow drying, etc.), since this product is water based.
My Thoughts: 
I received this 2oz sample as a part of an awesome swag bag during at the BHK Expo back In July. After chatting with the KBB reps during the expo about my hair's needs, they recommended the Hair Nectar line of moisturizers. I checked out the ingredients. Water first---perfect. Grapeseed, Jojoba and Coconut oil---even better. Vegetable Glycerin---Hmm..jury's out on that one. I haven't had much experience with glycerin. All that I do know is that many discourage its use during cooler weather. Of course my weird self had to smell it. Yeah. I did it right in front of the KBB reps. (I've got to work on my home training.) OMGosh--- Pomegranate Guava---I love you. No joke. The scent of this moisturizer is amazing. It's right up there with hibiscus coconut scent from Shea Moisture that I love more than puppies, glitter, and rainbows combined--and I really LOVE rainbows. Never have I met a natural product with a better scent. 
Aside from the scent, I love Hair Nectar's consistency. It absorbs into my hair instantly, leaving all three textures almost plumped, fat, and full with moisture. I was a little shocked that my hair felt so hydrated but light. I've applied to damp hair and completely dry hair with the same results- smooth, shiny, soft tresses. I can't speak much to its detangling properties, but I can say that my hair stayed tamer longer (read: little to no SSKs during my next wash session) with this leave in than many others that I've tried in the past. There were days when I didn't really feel like I needed to moisturize but I really wanted to. (Blame the intoxicating scent chicas) Even with daily use, my hair didn't feel coated or weighed down. With each use, my roots did feel refreshed, light and fluffy all over again. It spreads evenly, I never needed a lot to reap its full benefits, and best of all---it plays so well with my hair butter. Using this product as the "moisture" component of my bantu knot cocktail was a success each and every time. I'm not sure if the winning ingredients are the oil blend or the glyercin but either way, I'm not complaining. I started using this at 2-3 weeks post, so it didn't get as much testing as Jessicurl deep into a stretch but the back half of my hair is just barely processed and loved this hair nectar.
My only gripe is THAT PRICE. Yes, the ingredients are top notch, but the price tag on a full size bottle hurts. It's the pricest of all of leave ins in this battle. Good thing that a little goes a long way. My 2oz sample lasted for a month. Thus, the 17oz full size bottle that I'm craving should last at least 8 months. (Is my math is right y'all?--I have a BA in English---not Math. If that's wrong don't sue me. #highereducation) If it can last for that long, then maybe a $24/bottle price isn't that scary. I think...

Has anyone else tried KBB before?

Besitos!
KLP

[Review] Bee Mine Daily Leave-In Conditioner (Battle of the Leave Ins)

Price: $12.97 for 8oz 

Purchased at: Bee Mine

Promises: Dramatically improve the moisture balance of your hair with the natural and organic nutrients in our new Daily Conditioner "Bee Lovely." With the soft & creamy consistency of Cupuacu Butter, offers exceptional daily moisture for the hair also provides some protection against UV-A and UV-B rays.  Enjoy hair that feels soft and smooth all day after just a single use without weighing it down. With daily use, even dry, brittle and damaged hair can see noticeable improvement in softness, smoothness and manageability.
 
Ingredients: Distilled Water, Chamomile Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, PEG-40 Castor Oil and Stearalkonium Chloride, Cupuacu Butter, Organic Coconut Oil, BTMS (mild emulsifier), Organic Raw Honey, Preservative (Paraben & Formaldehyde Free), Fragrance (Phthalate Free)

Directions:
Apply to hair from roots to ends on wet hair. Rinse it out or use use it as a light leave-in. Good for daily use very moisturizing, and doesn't weigh down the hair.

My Thoughts:
As soon as I received this 2oz sample size as a part of the Loving MY Hair giveaway sponsored by the lovely Miss Age in ATL back in March, I smiled. One of my favorite bloggers Ebony @ Longing4Length has raved about this company for months. Next, I checked out the ingredients; Water first--excellente. Castor Oil--not exactly what I expected as a number 2 ingredient. Cupuacu butter---I had to google that one. Ha-ha! Lastly, I smelled it. (I see that judgey look in your eyes. Y'all know that my nose is particular!) To my surprise, its scent was very faint and that weird smell that I usually associate with natural products wasn't present!

I tried applying this to damp hair and completely dried hair with similar results. While the product appeared to be light and creamy---it was very oily. My hair seemed to absorb it well, but it doesn't play so nicely with my hair butter. Adding the butter on top of it lead to very oily next day hair---yet moisturized hair. The curliest inches of my strands seemed to like it. The straightest bits were overwhelmed. My multi-textured hair just wasn't on one accord. I moisturized every other day in an futile accept to prevent icky build up. But my hair was still pretty oily by the next wash day---BUT when I hopped in the shower, my hair felt like butter. This got me thinking, If it had just a little more slip, this would be an interesting co-wash. I also used it for a bantu knot out that you guys will never see. I did not take a single pic. Yep--It was that bad. Ha-ha! It has been hard to want to use this one consistently. I just kept choosing other products over it. If this was a battle of the best co-wash; this would would have a real potential. But, Bee Mine Daily Leave-in--- I got asi asi moisture but super oily hair. Meh, I don't think that I'm a fan.

Have you ever tried any other product in the Bee Mine Collection? 

Besitos!
KLP

 

[Review] Jessicurl Too Shea! Extra Moisturizing Conditioner (Battle of the Leave Ins)

Price: $16.95 (USD)

Purchased at: jessicurl.com or Amazon.com

Ingredients: Water (Aqua) infused with Equisetum Maximum Lam (Horsetail), Mentha Piperita (Peppermint), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary), Laurus Nobilis (Bay Leaf), Ocimum Basilicum (Basil), Arctium Lappa (Burdock Root), Althaea Officinalis (Marshmallow Root), Origanum Vulgare (Oregano), Cymbopogon Flexuosus (Lemongrass), Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme), Salvia Officinalis (Sage) and Urtica Dioica (Nettle); Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Behentrimonium Methosulfate (and) Cetearyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Hydrolyzed Oat Flour, Soy Lecithin, Diazolidinyl Urea (and) Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate

Directions: 
Apply to wet hair, comb through and rinse after 3-5 minutes. Follow with your favorite Jessicurl styling products. Too Shea can also be left in for all day moisture on dry curls or used as a deep conditioner for finer hair that gets weighed down easily.

My Thoughts:
I received this product as a part of the Loving MY Hair giveaway sponsored by the lovely Miss Age in ATL back in March. She promised that my texlaxed hair would adore this conditioner and I was absolutely skeptical but excited. Does anyone else drool over her hair or is it just me?!? I digress---I've been searching for a daily light yet nourishing leave in to keep my hydrophilic roots happy, so I gave Jessicurl a try. 

My first impressions: Meh--I.hated.the.scent. I still don't care for it. Island Fantasy it is not! The scent isn't overpowering, extremely floral or perfumey. It just smells "earthy." Real talk---It smells like wet dirt to me. Which is typically why I shy away from natural produced products. They tend to smell weird. Ha-ha! So, I don't like the scent. However, it absorbs well, its not oily, and my hair adores that ingredient list! 

I love that this product is multipurpose. I've used it as a daily moisturizer, to cowash, and a post wash detangler. Used daily caused no build up. Cowashing with it was absolutely amazing; even my 14 week post relaxer roots were smooth and springy. Plus, this is my go to moisturizer when I want to create lasting, defined, and shiny bantu knots. It plays along nicely with hair butter as a sealer. Lucky for me---there is an unscented and citrus lavender version!

If the only thing that I can honestly complain about is the scent---then this one is leading the pack out of the gate.

The next challenger in my battle of the leave-ins: Bee Mine Daily Leave-In Conditioner.

Besitos!

KLP

Wash Day

Bantu Knot Set

Last weekend, my hubby and I pretended not to be adults by spending the weekend in the city kid-free to celebrate our anniversary. I used my knockoff version of KBN's whipped hair butter as the sealant in my bantu knot cocktail. My knockoff butter version is definitely heavier and more difficult to spread than my beloved KBN's butter, but I loved the results. My hair felt full of moisture during take down. The curls were gorge and totally survived a day (and night) out out by the water. They were frizz and fuzz-less the next day, but I still opted for a high bun with bangs. I can only deal with my hair being wild and free for a few hours at a time. This wash, I decided to give my hair a good shampoo then fuse a heaping helping of moisture into my strands with a good deep conditioning. Here's how the moisture max wash day went:

Wash Day Products

1. Detangled- using my Magic Star Jumbo Rake seamless comb and a little avocado oil to aid in detangling.
2. Scalp Massage- with JBCO. I covered with a plastic cap for about an hour.
3. 1st Lather Shampoo- I applied about half the sample size of Mixed Chicks Shampoo diluted with water to scalp using a narrow tip applicator bottle. Being careful not to tangle my roots, I added the shampoo then rinsed. I'm so glad that I used in place of a clarifying shampoo. My hair felt squeaky clean and completely stripped. I'd probably never buy a full size of this one.
4. 2nd Lather Shampoo- To restore a little moisture, I followed with diluted Matrix Biolage Hydratherapie Hydrating Shampoo in an applicator bottle. Fingers crossed that this poo is never discontinued.
5. Extreme Deep Condition- Next, I deep conditioned with with a 3-1 ratio of Roux PC Conditioner and Matrix Biolage Hydratherapie Conditioning Balm on the length of my hair. Then, I massaged my strands with, Chi Silk Infusion, covered with a plastic cap and relaxed for 2 hours.This cocktail works like magic on relaxer days so I thought that it would be a delight in a regular wash.
6. Tea Rinse- I rinsed the conditioner then with 2 green tea bags steeped in 2 cups of water, I applied my tea rinse using a narrow tip applicator. I let it sit for a few minutes and rinsed. 
7. Smoothing Treatment- Next, I applied a large dollop of Nexxus Hydralight Weightless Moisture Conditioner, massaged it in from root to tip for a minute or two then rinsed. I'm glad to be done with this bottle. It wasn't a win for me at all. Keyda had much better results.
8. Air Dried- 70% with silk scarf.
9. Leave-Ins- Herbal Essences Touchably Smooth Split End Protector + Argan Oil

Results:
Some of the most moisturized tresses of the summer! My hair felt super light and very clean. I noticed that I lost a little more hair in the shower than I usually do, however, that was off set by only having 3 strands lost during my post wash detangle. Totally a #win! This week I intend on being laid back (but not lazy) with my hair. Time to whip out a few Bun Effect styles then keep it moving.

How was your last wash day? How do you keep your hair laid back without being negligent?

Besitos!
KLP

Wash Day

I don't know what the weather is like in your part of the world, but in mine--mother nature is confused! We went from 90°+ hot and humid to lows in the upper 50°s, cold, and raining. Summer's not over yet right? Did I miss the memo?

My hair has been on its very best behavior at 4 weeks post relaxer. I've kept my styling simple and sweet with variations of high, low, and side buns with an occasional braid for flare. Gracias a Dios por The Bun Effect last spring and the Minute to Win it series. Otherwise, I really would have no clue how to style my hair. Mid-week co-washing has kept my hair full of moisture---so much so that I figured it was time to hit my strands with a hard protein treatment. I've realized that I retain length and keep my ends healthier when I keep a balance of protein and moisture in my regimen.

  

Wash Day Products

Pre-washed detangled hair (post bantu knot curls)

1. Detangled- using my Magic Star Jumbo Rake seamless comb and a little grapeseed oil to aid in detangling.
2. 1st Lather Shampoo- I applied a half-dollar sized amount of KeraCare 1st Lather Shampoo to scalp using a narrow tip applicator bottle. I massaged into my scalp, careful not to tangle my hair then rinsed.
3. 2nd Lather Shampoo- I applied a sample (probably about a half-dollar sized) amount of Carol's Daughter Monoi shampoo to my hair again using a narrow top applicator bottle. I don't have much say about this shampoo, good or bad. I wasn't really impressed and I really don't care for the scent. 
4. Protein Treatment- I saturated my hair in Nexxus Emergencee then did some chores. It air dried for about 3 hours.
5. Extreme Deep Condition- Next, I stood under the spray of my shower for about 5 minutes to rinse the Emergencee completely. I deep conditioned with with JBCO on my scalp and a 3-1 ratio of Joico Moisture Recovery and Roux Porosity Control Conditioner on the length of my hair. Then I massaged my stands with , covered with a plastic cap and left it in overnight. It was so late that I didn't have time to get under my heat cap. :( I sure hope that I don't pay for this later.
6. Tea Rinse- The next morning, I rinsed the conditioner then with 2 green tea bags steeped in 2 cups of water, I applied my tea rinse using a narrow tip applicator. I let it sit for a few minutes and rinsed. 
7. Smoothing Treatment- Next, I applied a large dollop of Nexxus Hydralight Weightless Moisture Conditioner, massaged it in from root to tip for a minute or two then rinsed. I still don't have much love for this product. It makes me so sad because I heart Nexxus.
8. Air Dried- 70% with silk scarf.
9. Leave-Ins- Bee Mine Bee Lovely Moisturizing Daily Conditioner to moisturize and Bee Mine Bee Loved Hair and Scalp Moisturizer to seal.

Results: 
Meh. In my attempt to use up all of my samples and other assorted items that I've never truly cared for---my hair turned out blah. My strands were a little less fluffy as usual and the Bee Mine Bee Lovely Conditioner doesn't seem to absorb as well when my hair is damp. Very strange. Again--like most all natural products, I don't care for the scent. It's not bad---but its just not pleasant to me. I prefer lighter, sweet, floral or citrus scents. The only all natural leave in scent that I've loved is Karen's Body Beautiful Hair Nectar Leave In Conditioner and Koils by Nature Nourishing Hair and Body Butter (Heavenly Delight). I've learned to "sniff" past the scent of Jessicurl Too Shea! Leave in because it just melts into my hair and provides all of the moisture that a texlaxed girl could dream of. Bee Mine hasn't hurt my hair, but I'm not in love either. I just want to use it all up in an attempt to provide a complete review.

Any who, I'll be bunning until I co-wash mid-week then I might GO BIG with a fluffy bantu knot set! I didn't forget about those of you who asked how I maintain my curls. Your post is coming soon. 

How was your latest wash day?

Un mil besitos!
KLP

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Summer Big Girl Techniques

Summer Big Girl Techniques That I'm in Love With:

1. Sealed with a Buttery Kiss- Chicas--why ain't y'all tell me that butters are some kinda sexy?!? I've been sealing my ends with Koils by Nature Nourishing Hair and Body Butter (Heavenly Delight) for a few weeks now and my hair has been in heaven! Fingers crossed that butter makes it better and keeps my ends looking lush and moisturized (and not raggedy!). In a few days, I'm going to get my apron on and mix up a homemade batch of hair butter. Wish me luck!
2. No heat #ftw- Remember when I first started my bad habit heat detox in March? I did not think that I would make it this long and be able to count the number of times that I've used direct heat on one hand. Ah-mazing! Who knew that I would love my air dried hair so much?
3. Co-washing is COOL- My hair loves moisture. I've never been a fan of frequent washing because I felt like it would strip the natural oils in my hair causing dryness. Dryness=breakage. Breakage=heartache. Okay, well maybe I'm being a little dramatic. But you get my drift. However, this summer because I'm back into my 5k training routine and kicking it near the pool so frequently, I've co-washed about every 2-3 days. Thus far, my hair loves it. Co-washing is keeping my roots moisturized, my scalp clean, rids my hair of dryness from the chlorinated pool water and detoxifying sweat (sounds better than the regular old nasty sweat right?). My go to co-washing conditioner is Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Conditioner. During my last salon visit, the stylist mentioned how dry my roots were. Every. single. Time. I think about hitting my pillow without moisturizing my hair, I reply our convo in my head. #nojudgementzone Then I get up and take care of my hair. Makes me wonder: what if someone told me that chocolate would ruin my hair....

What new techniques have you discovered this summer? Hasta la manana chicas! 

Besitos

KLP