[Review] Joico K-PAK RevitaLuxe

It seems like every single week I chat about protein. How much my hair loves it. How well protein layering works on my relaxed ends. How I really wouldn't have made it 73 weeks post relaxer without all of my relaxed ends breaking off it. Well---I guess that it was time that I share my {current} favorite protein conditioner: Joico K-Pak RevitaLuxe! 
 
Price: $5.99-$33.99 USD
Buy It At: Amazon.com
Promises: A luxurious restorative treatment that corrects years of damage while protecting against future damage. Keratin Peptide Complex delivers over 2X more resistance to breakage while protecting against color fade by 94%. Your hair will become dramatically stronger, softer, shinier and more moisturized with each application.

Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycerin, Behentrimonium Chloride, Propylene Glycol, Amodimethicone, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, PEG-8 Distearate, Sorbitol, Sodium Chloride, Glycol Stearate, Ceteth-2, Pentapeptide-29 Cysteinamide, Pentapeptide-30 Cysteinamide, Tetrapeptide-28 Argininamide, Tetrapeptide-29 Argininamide, Keratin Amino Acids, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolyzed Keratin PG-Propyl Methylsilanediol, Aleurites Moluccana Seed Oil, Psidium Guajava Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycolipids, Hyaluronic Acid, Isopropyl Alcohol, Myristyl Myristate, Citric Acid, Diazolidinyl Urea, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Bis-Isobutyl PEG/PPG-20/35/Amodimethicone Copolymer, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Polyquaternium-10, Sorbic Acid, Polysorbate 80, Trideceth-12, Cetrimonium Chloride, Butylene Glycol, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Thioctic Acid, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Allantoin, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Hydroxide, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Limonene, Geraniol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Fragrance/Parfum, Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Red 4 (CI 14700).

My Thoughts: This conditioner is simply amazing. It's moisturizing and strengthening with a great scent and super thick rich consistency. My hair easily absorbs it and just a little goes a long way. This isn't a conditioner that you want to use when you have tangles and need slip. But this is the conditioner that you want to use to help fortify your strands with a boost of strengthening keratin and amino acids.

I'd label Jocio K-Pak as a medium protein conditioner on my strands. It doesn't harden as it dries like you'd get from a hard protein treatment. But there is a noticeable difference in your hair's texture. Expect your strands to feel "plumper" almost thicker after a few uses. I've also noticed that my hair retains moisture better and longer when I use this conditioner on a regular basis. In fact, I got away with only moisturizing and sealing only on wash day for several weeks when I protein layered with this conditioner without crazy breakage.

The huge pink elephant in the room? OMGosh---did you see that price? Ladies---that price tag is no joke. So here's my suggestion. Grab the $6 sample (1.7oz) travel sized bottle if you want to test it out. #ballinonabudget

Have you ever used Joico K-PAK? Would you buy it again?

Besitos!
KLP

[Hairstyle] Perm Rods | #WashDayExperience

I was simply obsessed with my perm rod curls last week. #1 My roots were smooth. Chile, like I just got a relaxer smooth. I was actually able to see my scalp through my roots! I know that this might not be a big deal to you, but when you haven't seen your scalp in months because it's hidden under several ends of curly roots---you get pumped. #2 My hair was uber moisturized. I only moisturized and sealed twice in 7 days. Now before you call the hhj-police on me, I want you to know that I didn't moisturize because my hair didn't feel dry at all. #3 Old perm rod curls make THE BEST curly #iwokeuplikethis buns ever! Nonetheless, I went for the three-peat this week. Same style, Pretty much the same products. But lots o pictures. Here's how my #washdayexperience went:

1. Pre-Shampoo- I slathered my hair in extra virgin coconut oil whilst I detangled. I put my hair in about 6 bantu knots to keep my hair sectioned.
2. Cleanse- I haven't shampooed in a few weeks, so I diluted a little Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Shampoo with water and applied to my roots only using a narrow tip applicator bottle on each section.
3. Protein Treatment- Next, I applied Joico K-Pak Revitaluxe from root to tip. 
4. Deep condition- After I rinsed the protein treatment, I applied Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Conditioner from root to tip, then I massaged my stands with extra virgin coconut oil, covered with a plastic cap and let sit for a few hours.
5. Air Dried- I applied a bit of Chi Silk Infusion to 80-85% wrapped in a cotton t-shirt.
6. Leave ins-I used Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner to moisturize, extra virgin coconut oil to seal and Good Hair Is Resilient Styling foam for a soft hold, then set my hair on about 35 orange perm rods and left in overnight

The results:

Whilst, I used the same products this week, my technique was a little different. It's been a million years since my last shampoo (okay---I'm just kidding it's been like 4-5 weeks) and I knew that it was time to give my scalp and hair a fresh start. Matrix Hydrasource has got to be the gentlest shampoo that I've ever used. Even diluted, it has a good lather and definitely doesn't strip my hair. I was also overdue for a hard protein treatment. And of course, I'm all out of Nexxus Emergencee. So I settled for Joico K-Pak and followed it all up with a deep conditioning with Matrix Hydrasource conditioner. K-Pak left my hair feeling strong and Hydrasource gave me the softness.

  
I'm not sure if I've mentioned this in the past but, on wash day, I do everything in sections. EVERYTHING. From the beginning, as I detangle, I pull my hair into large bantu knots and work section by section applying product, rinsing, and even styling. 

L: Before with conditioner R: After rinsing

I actually took some shots of my disgusting wet dog looking hair. Nothing about my wet mop appeals to me. I mean, look at the shrinkage! (I had to stretch it a bit so that you could see the texture) Look at how crummy my ends look when wet! *hangs head* I feel totally vulnerable and naked now that I've shown you. I guess that I'm a big girl now. The only good news is that once I stretch my hair---It all looks decent again.

Back to the results...It's official. I'm in love with perm rods. The orange rods give me the perfect sized curl, the tension smooths my roots (I mean, can you even tell that I'm 66 weeks post relaxer?), and the way that my hair holds on to moisture after the fact is extraordinary. I still suck at installing them. It still takes me well over an hour. But to only have to fiddle with my hair once a week? Meh...I think that I'm #winning. 

Are you participating in 30 days without heat? 





I am! Shoutie to Jeni, Jay, and Tiki for this amazeball challenge!
 
Besitos!
KLP

An InLinkz Link-up

Big Chop!

I fell in love with mi cuñada (sister-in-law) the very first time that I met her. She was about to celebrate her quince (15th birthday), independent, opinionated, and truthfully authentic. I loved her sass. I even loved her defiant teenaged angst. The first real conversation that we had was about hair. (go figure!) She was intrigued at how I was able to keep my hair straight and smooth even with the heat/humidity of the summer. But back then, I lived for my flat iron and texture softener. Eventually, she'd ask me to texlax her then BSL hair and of course I obliged. I'd texlax her hair every 3-4 months. I taught her to deep condition weekly. It grew to MBL. We tested out new products together. We learned how to moisturize and seal together. It grew to WL. I styled her hair for proms, homecomings, and graduations. 

Fast forward 6 years---and I get a text: "Can you bring your shears. I'm ready to cut off my straight ends." My heart skipped a beat. I felt proud and petrified at the same time. 

Her last texlax was over 2 years ago. During that time, I taught her to do fabulous braid-outs (You know the ones that I CAN'T get right on my own hair...smh) and big bantu knot curls. We perfected her big bun swag. She faithfully moisturized with Herbal Essence Touchably Smooth Split End Protector (say that mess 10x fast!) and sealed her ends with hair butter to keep them strong and healthy. And now she was ready to let 5-6 inches go. We started her big chop on freshly washed and deep conditioned hair. Because I've been caring for her hair for years, I knew exactly where her curly roots met her relaxed ends. I detanlged and whipped out the scissors. I showed her where I had to cut and she squeezed her eyes closed then told me to just do it. 15 minutes later---her WL hair was APL. Full. Thick. Healthy. APL. Honestly, I've never seen her hair so friggin healthy.

She was in UTTER shock at the shortness; I was too. So to make the length easier to deal with, we immediately blew it out and evened up the hemline. I promised her that it would be back to WL with some TLC before she knew it but that we'd have to trim a little more in a few months to get rid of some heat damage. I'm so proud that she's in love with her curls for the first time in her life. I'm proud that we have been able to share your healthy hair journeys together. But most of all I'm proud that she trusted me with her hair. 

So, I've hidden my scissors for now because I'm totally afraid that my drooling over her blunt ends will result in my relaxed ends in pile on the floor. 

Gracias Felicia por confiar en mí con su pelo chcia! Te amo a la luna!

Besitos!
KLP

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[Hairstyle] Sleek Smooth Flat Ironed Hair | The #WashDayExperience

It look me 3 hours to straight my hair. THREE hours. *hangs head* That doesn't include washing or detangling time. That is literally 3 hours with the flat iron. After I got about a quarter of it done, I seriously considered washing it again and calling it a day. Ha-ha! But I know that I owe you guys some sleek and smooth hair so I preserved on. 

1. Pre-shampoo- I lightly detangled and slathered my hair in extra virgin coconut oil.
2. Shampoo- Next, I hopped into the shower for 5 minutes to rinse the oil completely. I combined about 1/2 oz of Matrix Biolage Hydratherapie Hydrating Shampoo with 4 oz of water in a narrow tip applicator bottle and applied to my roots only. I let the runoff cleanse my ends.
3. Extreme Deep Condition- Then I applied Matrix Biolage Ultra-Hydrating Balm from root to tip, covered with a plastic cap and left it in overnight.
4. Smoothing Treatment- I rinsed the conditioner then let a large dollop of Matrix Biolage Detangling Solution marinate on my hair for about 5 minutes.
5. Leave Ins- I decided to apply It's a 10! leave in and Chi Silk Infusion then detangled.
6. Flat iron- with my Solia Iron and Sedu Carbon Flat Iron Comb. 

The Results:
Before flat ironing, I gave myself a breakage pep talk. I reminded myself that breakage is inevitable, that tangles are unavoidable, and that there was a chance that my ends wouldn't be able to withstand all of the aforementioned. I didn't want to be disappointed if I didn't retain any length or if my hemline was a crooked mess. Then...I was done...And my hair actually looks really good. Like 100% better than I honestly thought that it would. Flat ironing is definitely a labor of love. (Here's the dets on how I get it done) But I just want to warn y'all---this will not occur again anytime soon! My arms still hurt! Ha-ha! I snipped off about 1/4-1/2 inch and I promise length check pics are coming down the pipeline. 

I hope that your #washdayexperience wasn't as long as mine!

Besitos!
KLP

The Wash Day Experience Linkup RULES

1. ​Follow your hosts SavingOurStrands and JustGrowAlready via Bloglovin', Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest.
2. Healthy Hair is the theme. Entries completely unrelated to the theme or linked to your homepage will be deleted.
3. Share it! Your blog post must link back to this site so others see. We even made this nifty button below which links back to The Wash Day Experience page! Just copy and drop the code into your blog post.
4. Encourage the wash day experience contributor that linked up directly before you with an inspiring  comment. We are each here to support each other and build a community of determined women and hair-friends. Don’t worry, the chica ​who links up after you will do the same; comment love for everyone! 

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An InLinkz Link-up

How To Wear Your Hair At Disney

Before we took off for Disney a few weeks ago, I knew that I was going to need to come up with some frizz proof hair styles that would A. keep my hair up---because it's hot, humid and sticky in Florida, B. Simple---because ain't no body got time for hours of styling, and C. Keep me looking super cute for the millions of pictures that I knew I was gonna take. Here are a few of the days that I wore while I was there:

During my first trip to Disney a few years ago, the only thing that I wanted to do was get a pair of sparkly Minnie Ears. Fast-forward four years and they are still my faves.

 Plus they are the perfect accessory for my Banana Clip Side Bun. (Check out the tutorial here) I don't do low buns because they're annoying on the roller-coasters and I'm certain that they simply sweat catchers. *gross!*

I apologize in advance for the abundance of side braids in my life right now. I adore them! I grabbed this polka dot bow from my little girl's collection to secure my braid and put on a straw fedora.

You probably think that this style is super complicated. I promise you that it's not. It's simply two braids pinned together. Don't believe me? Check out the tutorial here.

It was love at first sight when I spotted these sparkly pink magically Minnie ears. I. am. a. sparkly. pixie. dust. kinda. girl. Ha-ha!

This look was achieved on a few days old bantu knots and a banana clip. You can check out the tutorial here.

Ugh! I can't wait to go back!

Besitos!
KLP

Summer Braids

There is nothing that screams summer fun like a sexy, quick, and easy braided updo. During the summer, I don't fuss with frizz or even attempt to straighten my hair because it's immediately ruined by the heat, humidity, and daily 100% chance of thunderstorms. Today I'm sharing a few of my favorite braided updos, perfect for BBQs and beach lounging.

Naptural85 Mohawk Dutch Braid
This braid is the perfect mix of glam functional causal chicness. I love that I can sport it at the pool, wear it to the gym, and out on a date night with the hubby. Plus, it's the only protective style that I've done that's lasted more than 2 days!

How To:

1. Moisturize and detangle.
2. Create a pompadour. 
3. Separate hair into 3 vertical super high ponytails using satin hair ties
4. Starting with highest ponytail, dutch braid gather a small section of hair at a time. For extra fullness use Kankelon braiding hair or an extension.
5. Smooth and pin flyaways.

Goddess Braids
I'm in Goddess Braids at least once a week---especially during the summer. They are simple, easy, and quick, plus they're fun and flirty for the summer. If ever you need a style to stretch your roots---this one is it!

How To:

1. Moisturize and detangle.
2. Divide your hair in half. Deep Side Parts flatter all faces in this style.
3. Start your Dutch braid at the front then braid away from your face until you reach the ends
4. Repeat on the opposite side
5. Cross the two braids in the back and secure with bobby pins

Milk Maid Twist Braid
I love this style on stretched but not completely straightened hair. I think that the texture makes it casual plus all styles of Milk Maid Braids are totally on trend everywhere right now. Instead of a traditional braid, I do my milk maid style using twists.

How To:

1. Moisturize and detangle.
2. Divide hair into two sections. (Optional: Leave a small section out to fame your face.)
3. Create two loose twists on each side (Four twists total). Start one of the twists at high level and the other near your ear. This will create the illusion of fuller twists. Pull the top twist over to the crown of your head and secure with a bobby pin. Do the same with the bottom twist
4. Repeat on the opposite side.
5. Pin until the braids feel secure.

Viola! The only 3 braided updos that you'll need this summer---kinda. Ha-ha! How are you styling your hair this summer?

Besitos!
KLP

Healthy Hairology Medley

New to Healthy Hairology Medley? It's simply the place where I share my favorite healthy hair tips, tricks, and techniques from bloggers, vloggers, and forums for you each week with the occasional mention of simply cool stuff. I'm a little obsessed with all things hair related. Wait---but you already knew that huh? Ha-ha! Here is the best of the best from last week:

Acidic and Alkaline pH Levels & Why They Matter justgrowalready: Are you ready to unleash your inner chemist? We already know that ingredients matter----but so do pH levels. Jeni explains why.

Brush Bath thebeautydepartment: I do not own a brush. I ditched them at the very beginning of my hhj. But my hubby does. And its gross. I honestly don't think that he's ever washed it before. Check out TBD's tips and tricks for giving your brush a spa day.

New Fave Hair Sealing Tool---The Misto Oil Sprayer loveyourtresses: Need a fine misting spray bottle? Check out the Misto Oil Sprayer. Oh and Fiona has a review for that!

How To: Caring for Braids thekindani: The last set of braids I had were in middle school and I remember having them for at least 4 months without washing my hair. *shudders* I wish that I would have known that washing them would be this easy!

Besitos!
KLP

How To Do Bantu Knots

Bantu knots are my favorite heat free way to style my hair. I first discovered them last spring and it's been love since. Bantu knots are usually the base of all of my updos and perfectly smooths my roots whilst giving my ends some life. Here's an update on how I get my big fluffy curls.

1. Detangled and Air Dried: I start with detangled air dried hair. I get the best results when my hair has been washed 24-48 hours before I try to install the knots.
2. Large Sections: I prefer my curls in big sections because I love volume. Big hair; KLP don't care. Ha-ha! The smaller your sections, the smaller the curls. You can experiment to see which curl you like the best. I usually end up with 10-12 knots. My knots take about 15 minutes to install.
3. Cocktail: Moisturizer + Oil + Holding product. Use whatever floats your boat. My go to cocktail has been Jessicurl Too Shea! Extra Moisturizing Conditioner + my kitchenista Tangerine Vanilla Whipped Hair Butter + Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie. I do believe that order of operations matter on this one. I've found that many products that "hold" aren't particularly moisturizing and can make my hair feel or look very dry over time. Layering on a moisturizer and oil prior to the holding product traps that moisture in and keeps the frizz at bay.
4. How to knot: Bantu knots can be best explained as mini coiled buns that are twisted around itself and secured in place. It's easier seen than explained. Anybody else in love with Whoissugar on YouTube? She is hilarious honey! *in my best whoissugar singing voice* She has some of the best natural hair tutorials on the block and her bantu knot tutorial can not be beat. Watch it a few times, until you get the hang of the technique. 

Troubleshooting
Chicas, I can not count how many bantu knot fails I've had since I started my HHJ. One time, my knots were so bad that I had to go and re-washing my hair just to leave the house with my hair in a high bun. Simply. Terrible. Here are the 3 biggest reasons that my knot-outs were so awful:

• Poor product selection- My cocktail selection can make or break my curls. The wrong products make my hair dry, frizzy or won't provide enough hold. End result: chia pet.
• Not drying completely- I've attempted wet bantu knot sets and well----y'all will never see pics of that. I waited 8 hours and my hair never dried. When I took them down, I looked like I got stuck by lighting. *shudders* I achieve my best results when my hair has been air dried. Also, note that if you use too much of anything in your cocktail, the knots either won't set and it will frizz. End result: chia pet.
• Knots un-raveling: First, be sure that your knots are coiled tightly. Not so tight that your scalp hurts and your eyebrows looked snatched, but tight enough that your ends are tucked securely near the base of the knot. When in doubt, use a pin to secure your ends. If your knots unravel unbeknownst, in that section your curl will be wonky. End result: chia pet.

So your first set was awful. No sweat. You're totally not alone. Throw it all up and rock a curly bun or tuck it under and work a faux bob. Whatever you do, do not give up!  

Besitos!  
KLP

Don't forget about this month's giveaway!
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Healthy Hairology Medley

Bantu Knots on Texlaxed Hair

New to Healthy Hairology Medley? It's simply the place where I share my favorite healthy hair tips, tricks, and techniques from bloggers, vloggers, and forums for you each week with the occasional mention of simply cool stuff. I'm a little obessed with all things hair related. Wait---but you already knew that huh? Ha-ha! Here is the best of the best from last week:

Trimming Natural Hair (Without Straightening) hairdiariesofanonguru: Although it will be a while before I trim again, I've been wondering if I really need want to spend 2 hours straightening first. The beautiful Raena shares tips on dusting your hair---no heat required.

Growing Long Hair: Diet, Exercise, and Vitamins hairscapades: Baring a health condition, your hair is always growing. Read why Shelli thinks that a good diet, exercise, and vital nutrients is the best way to retain length.

Flexirod Set Results on Relaxed Hair laurenmechelle: If you don't want to check the flexirod bug then do not click on this link! Lauren's results are out of this world with only two products to thank! 

Today's Protective Style: Twisted Faux Bob justgrowalready: I love a good faux bob, but Jeni takes it to another level with her elegant updo.

How I do My Marley/Havana Twists hairmary: Dear Amber, I'm living my marley/havana twist dreams vicariously through you! Ha-ha! Aren't her twists fabulous? Read her low down on how to recreate this uber cute protective style.

Besitos!
KLP

[Review] OGX Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco Conditioner

Price: Under $10

Purchased at: BJs (any national retailer)

Ingredients:
Water (Aqua), Behentrimonium Chloride, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycol Stearate, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Parfum, Argania Spinoza (Argan) Oil, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa Butter) Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Leaf) Extract, Panthenol, Tetrasodium EDTA, DMDM Hydantoin, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Red 40, Yellow 5

Promises:
A unique, precious blend of Moroccan argan oil which instantly penetrates the hair shaft restoring shine and softens while strengthening and creating soft, seductive, silky perfection. 

How I use it:
Pre-shampoo
Deep conditioner (+ heat)
Leave In conditioner 
Co-wash

My Thoughts:
I haven't met an OGX, formerly Organix, product that I haven't liked. The Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco Conditioner is no exception. It gives my hair the perfect hint of moisture during a pre-shampoo. I love it for co-washing when I'm sweating like a sinner in church at the gym. I'm guilty of diluting it with a little water and aloe vera juice to use as a leave in conditioner. Plus it's a very gold star worthy deep conditioner when you hair is feeling uber dry. It contains a few of my fave ingredients: coconut oil, glycerin, behentrimonium chloride, and argan oil. Plus the scent is fabulous and the consistency is rich. My hair easily absorbs the conditioner, so a little goes a long way. Not to mention that the price is very right, honey. Under $10---you can't beat that!

Have you tried any of the OGX products? Share your faves!

Besitos!
KLP

Length Check

After last wash day's marathon detangling session, I flirted with the idea of cutting my hair into a sexy blunt long-bob. That's how bad it was, y'all. I also forgot to mention that about 2 weeks ago, I got the brilliant idea to dust my hair whilst I was sectioning off for my twist out. The intent was to take off no more than 1/4" but I managed to clip 3/4" - 1" off of one section. Smh.The twist out was banging but I'm so not winning in the hair department right now! So, when I went to trim my ends, I attempted to even everything out. I'm not sure how much I snipped, but I'm relatively content with the results. 

Whilst flat ironing, I decided that I wasn't going to place any more length expectations on my journey. It's time for me to really put emphasis on health over length! If I'm stuck in BSL/MBL purgatory for life but have sexy blunt ends---I'll be a happy lamb! Last year, I gave up on using direct heat frequently and I'm happy to say that I've totally mastered the air dry. I went 20 weeks without using direct heat. Wow! That feels so good to say! Just a year ago, I was flat ironing at least once a week! *it's officially confetti time* And I'm actually surprised that how well my ends are holding up since my last relaxer in July. Usually by now, I would be experiencing complete and utter chaos but my hair feels so soft and my bangs are arm-pit length. 


Sometimes, I feel like I have so many shoulda, coulda, woulda moments with my hair. If I would have done this, if I hadn't done that, etc etc. Then I remember what progress is really about: a forward or onward movement for gradual betterment. This hair journey isn't a race nor will it ever be perfect. As long as I am learning from yesterday to make today better, then there is progress. 

Besitos!
KLP

Sunday Healthy Hairology Medley

Here are a few of the week’s best healthy hair related blogs, vlogs, and forum features that we've found about the web. 

Tea Rinses camillescorner: Ever since Keyda featured Camille's teas here, I've had them on my "must try" list. Read this chica's expert advice on which tea blends to use when you're battling shedding, dry scalp, or attempting to strengthen your tresses.

My Hair Regimen pocahontas-secrets: If you don't follow waist/hip length Yahya, then you're missing out! Check out she "feels" her way through wash day. 

NO More Popping Pills to Boost Hair Growth tomesedition: With hair growth supplements flooding the market and thousands of healthy hairlista's starting about it, read about why Tomi takes a stand against them.

4 Reasons Her Hair Seems To Grow Faster Than Yours blackgirllonghair: No two head of hair are alike, therefore no two healthy haircare regimens need be alike. But boy is it frustrating when you follow someone who's hair looks almost identical to yours and shes killing you in length. Before you get all jealousy/judgey, read this article by The Natural Haven and take some time to evaluate why.

Fitness: 20lbs Gone in 3 Months longing4length: Ebony has been my hair hero for years now and I've watched/read and agonized/celebrated her weight loss journey. So, how uber excited was I to see that shes lost 20 lbs in 3 months?!? Fit and Fabulous! Health always comes before length and I'm sure that she got some extra growth from all that exercise!

Bloggers: What's on your list of the week's best healthy hair posts? Link up your run down post from last week below!

Healthy Hair Insight: Because You Need Another Reason To Try Inversion

The online hair world has been buzzing with claims that inversion increases growth rate from 1/2 per month to an inch a week!  While the proof isn't not quite what we'd call scientific, now you have a really good non-hair reason to try test it out. Or perhaps you were already practicing inversion in your yoga and Pilates classes! Check out this article in September's Women's Health Mag about the benefits of inversion for your body and 3 moves to keep it simple. You better believe that I'll be holding my downward dog poses longer and practicing my pilates roll ups more often. 

Are you sold on practicing inversion for longer hair and a stronger body?

Besitos!

KLP

Mini Wash

Ay dios, have you ever felt like having clean hair but didn't really feel like cleaning your hair? Ha-ha! Last week, I co-washed once and had an run in with accidental hair steaming that left my hair feeling pretty darn great. My grandparents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Sunday and I wanted to rock some big fluffy curls. However, I broke 2 out of 3 of my keys to perfect Bantu curls and I looked chia-pet-licious. *shrugs* You win some; You loose some.

I'm totally intrigued by the premise that you can prevent breakage on the oldest parts of your hair---your ends, by using strengthening leave-ins. This week I spritzed last 2 inches of my tresses with Chi Keratin Mist on the before moisturizing with Jessicurl Too Shea! and sealing with my hair butter. I'm happy to report that it hasn't caused any ill effects but I want to keep testing the theory until I feel more confident in my findings. Jajaja! I love hair research! Any who, on to my latest moisture packed wash day: 

1. Detangled- with my fingers.
2. Extreme deep condition- with JBCO on my scalp then Organix Hydrating Macadamia Oil Intensive Mask on the length of my hair. Then I sealed the conditioner with coconut oil, covered with a plastic cap and relaxed under my heat cap for about 2 hours. 
3. Green Tea Rinse- After rinsing the conditioner, I applied a few ounces of steeped green tea 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 and gently massaged into my strands.
5. Air Dried- 70% with a cotton t-shirt.
6. Leave-Ins- Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner, my kitchenista Tangerine Vanilla Whipped Hair Butter, and the "faux" banded my hair to stretch my 13 weeks post super curly roots while it dried.

Results- 

Loss Hair- Detangling

My hair feels so soft and fluffy. Detangling took about 20 minutes. In the past, I remember detangling for at least an hour. I think that this has something to do with that Matrix Biolage Detangling Solution but I'm not going to give it all the credit just yet. I also noticed only 3, yep---I counted, strands of lost hair in the shower. Crazy cool.

After reading about Divachyk's banding method a few weeks ago, I attempted to give it a try. As I applied my leave ins, I gently stretched my roots and secured with a clip. Once I was completely done, I tied down with a scarf to get my edges smoother and let my hair dry. I totally think that this technique is here to stay. I love how stretched and tangle free my hair is afterwards!

What new techniques did you try out on your last wash day?

Besitos!
KLP