[Tutorial] Swirled Flat Twist Bun for Natural Hair | The #WashDayExperience

My curlformer curls from last week went into bun. *curse you spring allergies!* I co-washed as usual and put my hair in a high puff until today's #washdayexperience. Because I'd left my poor ends to dry out---I tweaked the regimen that I've been sticking to just a little but kept the products exactly the same.

Here's what I used:

Pre-shampoo- DIY Moisturizing Mist (tutorial here) + Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Conditioner  (review here) + Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (Why I 💕 EVCO!) + My Stimulating Essential Oil on my scalp
Clay Rinse- Here's the dets on my recipe
Deep Condition- Jessicurl Deep Treatment Conditioner (review here)
Leave-Ins- Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (Why EVCO is AMAZING here) + Jessicurl Too Shea Conditioner (why I love this stuff here) + DIY Hair Butter (tutorial here)

RELATED: My Minimalist Natural Hair Regimen

And here's how I did it:

This week's theme is Dry Scalp Remedies, so I started by applying my Stimulating Essential Oil (Here's how to make your own) to my scalp. I've used this blend for years and its my favorite cure-all. The essential oil blend soothes itchiness whilst the oil relives dry scalp. Plus it smells divine!

RELATED: 4 Ways To Fight Dandruff and Flakes

Next, I spritzed the ends of my hair with my DIY Moisturizing Mist (tutorial here). Then I slathered my hair in Herbal Essence Hello Hydration (my full review here) and sealed my ends with a little coconut oil. Because my ends felt drier than usual, I covered my hair with a plastic bag and went to sleep.

RELATED: Why I Deep Condition Overnight

An overnight pre-shampoo session was EXACTLY what my hair needed because in the morning, my hair was crazy plump, soft, and uber moisturized! Next, I hopped in the shower, rinsed the conditioner section by section then applied my Clay Rinse with a narrow tip applicator bottle. I usually start my application process from back to front and I noticed that the curls in the back of my hair are completed defined from root to tip. So, next week, I plan to start the application process from front to back so that my curls in the front can get more clay love.


Next, I deep conditioned with my all time fave conditioner Jessicurl Deep Treatment Conditioner (review here), coated my ends in Extra Virgin Coconut oil (here's the kind that I use $) to seal in the conditioner and plopped under my hooded dryer for about 30 minutes.

RELATED: Why I'm in love with the Coco (Coconut Oil of course!) 

I t-shirt dried for about 10 minutes then installed Curlformers using a little more Extra Virgin Coconut Oil + Jessicurl Too Shea Conditioner (why I love this stuff here) + DIY Hair Butter (how to make your own Hair Butter here) as my leave ins.

I had to run grab the minions from the bus before I could figure out how I wanted to style my hair so I threw my curls up into a banana clip.

When I got home, I decided on this Swirled Flat Twist Bun.

Here's how I did it:

1. Begin with stretched hair (I stretched my hair using Curlformers.) 
2. Pull all of your hair to one side. I chose the left side. Then secure with a hair clip.
3. Take a small section near your left ear and section it off. We'll work with it later.
4. Now grab a small section of hair near your right ear and begin your flat twist. This twist will end near your temple. 
5. Begin another flat twist directly behind the first one.
6. Incorporate the first twist into the second twist.
7. Then flat twist along your hair line until you reach your left ear.
8. Then start to curve your flat twist towards your right ear. This will create the swirled effect.
9. Continue flat twisting until you reach the nape of the right side of your hair. Double strand twist your ends. 
10. Release your remaining section. Divide it in half. 
11. Then double strand twist each section.
12. Cris-cross the last two twists and secure the ends into a bun.  

Optional: Polish the look by smoothing your edges with little edge control. I used Curls Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Paste.

I'll wear this style for 2-3 days before I co-wash and bun my hair for the rest of week.

What are your remedies for a dry scalp? Share all the dets in this week's #WashDayExperience link up below!

Besitos!
KLP

An InLinkz Link-up

[Review] Jessicurl Hair Cleansing Cream

It's no secret that I'm not a fan of shampoos. More often than not, shampoos would strip my relaxed hair causing it to be dry, brittle, and tangle like crazy. I can honestly say that there was only one shampoo that I liked when I was relaxed AND I still love it now that I'm natural: Matrix Hydrasource Shampoo. But now---thanks to Jessicurl, I have two!

Price: $16.99 USD
Buy It At: www.jessicurl.com
Promises: "Before starting Jessicurl, I used to hate the one or two days a week I “had” to wash my hair. I knew it had to be done but dreaded suffering through 2 - 3 days of fluffy, puffy, dry frizzy hair that resulted from washing with traditional shampoos. By the time it calmed down and the natural scalp oils were replenished, it was almost time to do it again. Seriously, I was traumatized by shampoo.

That’s why when I was developing Hair Cleansing Cream, it was very important to me to break this horrible cycle. :-) With Hair Cleansing Cream, you can wash your hair and have it look good on the SAME day! I know, it’s hard to believe, but it’s true. Hair Cleansing Cream is a gentle, moisturizing cleanser that doesn’t create tons of lather but will clean your hair and leave it quite soft. It’s best suited for thicker, drier hair types that need more moisture, and is also safe for color treated hair."

Ingredients:   Aqua (Water), Decyl Polyglucose, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetearyl Alcohol, C 12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, PEG 150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate (*These ingredients are naturally occurring active ingredients found in the essential oils used in some of our products.)

My Thoughts: I love this shampoo!  Didn't strip my relaxed hair; Didn't cause tangles in my transitioning hair; AND actually moisturizes while it cleanses my naturally curly hair. I always detangle before I shampoo and this is one of the only shampoos where my hair stays detangled after shampooing.

The consistency is a bit runny---not at all what I expected from a "cream." The color is slightly opaque and with an iridescent sheen. A little goes a long way and it actually creates a lot more lather than you'd expect from from a sulfate free shampoo. My scalp feels fresh and clean and any buildup on my strands is completely removed with one lather. I noticed that my curls are always more defined and softer after after each use. Although, I still only shampoo once or twice a month---I don't think that this shampoo would cause any damage if you used it once a week. Unlike my other fave shampoo, I don't dilute this shampoo when I apply it to my hair.

Have you ever used Jessicurl Hair Cleansing Cream? Would you buy it again?

Besitos!
KLP

[Review] Organix Luxurious Moroccan Argan Creme Conditioner {Keyda]

Price: $5.74 at Amazon (Or any drugstore)

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Dimethiconol, Polyquaternium-37, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, PPG-1 Trideceth-6, Cetyl Alcohol, Parfum (Fragrance), DMDM Hydantoin, CI 19140 (Yellow 5), CI 15985 (Yellow 6).

Product Description: Indulge in moroccan argan oil, whipped into an opulent, decadent creme to lavish each strand in moisture, smoothing and nourishing the outer cuticle for super-hydrated, soft, shiny hair.

Directions:  What you do - After shampooing with shampoo, apply Organix Conditioner generously to wet hair, working through to ends. Wait 3-5 minutes. Rinse hair thoroughly

The Reality:

I have used this product as a co-wash and as a pre-poo or mixed with my DEEP DC. Once again, I am shown that Organix has a affordable but yet AWESOME line of products. I have fell in love with Argan Oil infused products and have a desire to try argan oil itself on my hair. As a co-wash and pre-poo, my hair feels soft and manageable after this product. It smells lovely and has the right consistency. Best of all, I have noticed that my roots really soak in the moisture and my ends tend to have "life". I think this product will be in rotation as a co-wash and I will definitely use it consistently in my pre-poo regimen. Who knew that a product I bought because it was on sale would be a keeper! :P


Thoughts??


xoxoxo

Keyda

Wash Day - 6 weeks post {Keyda}

Happy Holidays Chicas!!


Some tidbits: I washed my hair right before Thanksgiving and the following hair style was my "go-to" for the Holiday Weekend! 

(1) Detangled my hair with my Magic Rake comb
(2) Prepoo with my OddStrandOut Coffee Oil mix on my scalp and the Repairing Awapuhi Ginger Instant Recovery Mask on the length of my hair. I also placed CHI Deep Brilliance Reconstruct on the ends of my hair.
(3) Cowash with Moroccan Argan Creme Conditioner. I absolutely loved the smell of this product and my hair felt yummy!
(4) Tea rinse with CC's Naturals Happy Hair Tea. Yummy! :)
(5) Smoothing Treatment- I added Aphogee Balancing Moisturizer over the tea in my hair and a cap. Then Faux steamed in the shower.
(6) Leave-ins: I air dried 80%. I applied Aphogee Keratin & Green Tea Restructurizer on length of hair, Nexxus Hydralight lift on my roots and Organix Coconut Anti-Breakage Serum on my ends. I lightly blow dried before styling my hair!

Front w/ side bang

Results: My hair is continuing to feel strong but soft. However, as we are engulfed in winter, I have noticed more shedding :/ ... soo I am beginning to start the process of minimizing my shedding. The last thing I want is a increase of my hair falling out!! Ahhhh no bueno

Hair Style: I did a pretty nice (If I say sooo myself) Braid updo with bow for the holidays! Tutorial coming soon!


xoxox
Keyda
Let me know what you think!

{Keyda} Wash Day - 5 weeks post

Hola Chicas!!
 
I am in awe of my new growth! I really want a touch-up but I shall try to hold out. As I walked through Safeway, there was a sale on Organix Moroccan Argan Creme Conditioner, and I could not resist! Lol! I love Organix products. They are extremely affordable yet awesome on your hair.

New Fave DC

(1) Detangled my hair with my Magic Rake comb
(2) Prepoo with my OddStrandOut Coffee Oil mix on my scalp and the As I Am: Hydration Elation Intensive Conditioner on the length of my hair. I heated up a wet towel to place over my hair then topped with a plastic cap as well. I really wanted the moisture and oil to absorb into my hair.
(3) Cowash with Moroccan Argan Creme Conditioner. I absolutely loved the smell of this product and my hair felt yummy!
(4) Tea rinse with CC's Naturals Happy Hair Tea. Yummy! :)
(5) Smoothing Treatment- I added Roux Porosity Control Conditioner over the tea in my hair and a cap. Then Faux steamed in the shower.
(6) Leave-ins: Unintentionally, I air dried 100%. #FTWNOHEAT I applied Aphogee Keratin & Green Tea Restructurizer on length of hair, Nexxus Hydralight lift on my roots and Organix Coconut Anti-Breakage Serum on my ends.

Front w/ accent

Back

Results: 
My hair felt very soft yet strong. My scalp looked FABULOUS again! :) woot! I just love a healthy looking scalp. I am really a fan of the new conditioner from Organix...as of now..I would love to try it as a prepoo. I style my hair very simply and plan on going no heat for the entire time till my next wash!


What you think chicas!? 


Muahzz

xoxo
Keyda
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Reader Question: OMG! Your Hair Regimen Is Too Expensive!

$40 or less Hair Regimen

Q: OMG! Your Hair Regimen Is Too Expensive!

A: Chica you've got a good point! 

I may adore the products that I use on the regular but they definitely aren't for everyone. Many have limited availability in brick/mortar locations, are expensive, and can only be found in the continental US. Before you buy, regardless of who raves about it or what the ingredients are, understand that good technique will beat any uber expensive regime every day of the week. Detangling properly, keeping your scalp clean, deep conditioning regularly, and being gentle with your tresses will lead to healthy hair.

If I had to skimp back on my hair obsession, I'd turn to Organix and Herbal Essences. Both lines are sold at all major drugstores, mass retailers, and available internationally. Here's what my regimen would look like on a $40 or less monthly budget.

$40 or less Regimen-

Mid-week:
Co-wash with Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Conditioner + Extra Virgin Coconut Oil on the length of my hair.

Full Wash:

(1) Detangle with my fingers in vertical sections using EVCO to aid in detangling if necessary
(2) Shampoo with a diluted solution in a narrow tip applicator bottle

(4) Extreme Deep Condition- layers an oil over conditioner covered with a plastic bag and then under indirect heat for at least 30 minutes before rinsing.
(5) Green Tea Rinse-with 2 tea bags and 2 cups of water applied with a narrow tip applicator bottle
(6) Smoothing Treatment- Tea rinses make my hair feel a bit stiff so I massage a conditioner with tons of slip and moisture into my hair then let sit for about 5 minutes to soften my tresses. 
(6) Air dry- I let my hair air dry 80% wrapped in a cotton t-shirt
(7) Leave-ins/Sealants- Moisturize with creamy leave-in and seal with an oil.

Products I would use:

Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo $7.99

Yogi Green Tea $3.99 

Herbal Essences Hello Hydration $3.99

Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Conditioner $7.99 

Herbal Essences Touchably Smooth Split End Protector  $3.99

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil $4.99
Narrow Tip Applicator Bottle $1.99

Total: $34.93!  

Leaving $5.07 for taxes and/or shipping costs. If you are a couponer, be on the lookout for Organix and Herbal Essences coupons in your Sunday paper plus many drugstores offer in store discounts. A few weeks ago, I caught a B2GO free deal on Organix and a 2/$6 deal on Herbal Essences from Walgreens.com, which offers free shipping on orders over $25. This just goes to show that frugal-hairlistas can exist!

How low can the price of your regimen go?

Besitos!
KLP

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

Freebies for our friends! Don't forget to enter the Jessicurl Giveaway daily!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

August (Over)Buys

Over the last few months, I've been slowly (moving literally like turtle) cleaning out my stash. Once all of my faves were gone, I felt a little betrayed by my self-imposed no buy challenge. It just didn't seem fair, but I kept moving along. But last month, when 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, meh, and bleech, I replaced all of my staples. 9 weeks into a stretch; This isn't the time to be playing around! Plus, there was obviously a reason that I was skeptical about those products in the first place. Here's what I restocked up on: 

August (Over) Buys

Matrix Biolage Ultra-Hydrating Balm: My #2 deep conditioner. found it on sale at the Exchange while I was vacationing. Deeply discounted + an additional 20% off + no tax = Giddy KLP.

Matrix Biolage The Detangler: I figured that this would make a good moisturizer deep in my stretch. Who doesn't need help detangling 12+ post roots? I tried it and loved the slip. But it didn't give my hair one ounce of moisture once dry. Ugh. Then I read the ingredients and directions closer when I got home and know I'm thinking that it would be better suited as a pre-condition detangler on co-wash days. I really hope that I figure out how to use it. Smh. I can't believe that I bought a liter! When a sale bites back...

Herbal Essences Touchably Soft Split End Protector: My favorite daily leave in under $5. It was on sale for $2.99 plus I had coupons. I couldn't say no. 

Organix Awapuhi Ginger, Argan Oil, and Hydrating Macadamia Oil Conditioner Treatments: Organix products smell great and are super wallet friendly. I don't recall how much I paid for these, but I think that it was B2G1 free on Walgreens.com.

Not pictured: I replaced my Jessicurl Too Shea! Extra Moisturizing Conditioner and I'm testing out the Deep Treatment.

Nada mas until the holiday sales hit! Perhaps, I'll be on a staples only diet for 2014?!?

Any one else testing newbies or have replaced staples lately?

Besitos!

KLP

Mini Washing Secrets Exposed

Example Mini-wash product selection

You may notice that I frequently skip pre-pooing and shampooing. I'm not being (totally) vaga (lazy); I've just noticed that my hair seems to respond better to less shampooing and more extreme deep conditioning. It's so important to listen to what your hair likes and what it doesn't like regardless of how unconventional it may seem. A mini-washing is nothing but a glorified co-wash with heat. I only have to get into the shower once and it literally cuts my wash day time in half. I still clarify once a month and I'll whip out a hydrating shampoo like Matrix Biolage Hydratherapie Hydrating Shampoo when I feel like there is an icky build up on my strands. Here's how I cleanse and rehydrate my hair with a mini-wash session:

1. Detangle first with my fingers and then if necessary my Magic Star Jumbo Rake in vertical sections.  
2. Extreme Deep Condition- layers an oil over a conditioner to steal in the moisture covered with a plastic cap and then under indirect heat for at least 30 minutes before rinsing with cool water. (My favorite deep conditioners are Halka Baba de Caracol and Matrix Biolage Ultra-Hydrating Balm)  
3. Green Tea Rinse with 2 tea bags and 2 cups of water (SOS: Shed Dread)  
4. Smoothing Treatment- Tea rinses make my hair feel hard so I massage Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Daily Treatment into my hair and let sit for about 5 minutes to soften my hair again 
5. Air dry- I let my hair air dry 80% wrapped in a cotton t-shirt then apply my leave ins. I just find it easier to detangle dry vs. dripping wet tex-laxed hair.   
6. Leave-ins/Serums- I finger detangle using Jessicurl Too Shea! Extra Moisturizing Conditioner and seal with an oil, my DIY hair butter, or Chi Silk Infusion.
7. Styling- I've been sporting either bantu knots or sassy protective styles. 

Does anyone else mini-wash?

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 

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