Curly vs Straight

Bantu Knots on Flat ironed hair vs. stretched and air dried hair

I'm not comfortable in my straight hair anymore. I felt like I was wearing a wig. When I looked in the mirror---I didn't see me. I went to visit my family last week when someone literally grabbed a handful of my hair and said "This is the type of hair style that I like to see. Not that other bun thing that you had the other day." I replied---probably with a MAJOR 'tude---"Well take a picture, because I'm not doing my hair like this every week. Ain't nobody got time for that." I immediately walked away but heard her laugh and say, "Our hair ain't that good, you can't wear it like that."

Yes.

This is a true story.

No.

I couldn't make this up.

High Bun on flat ironed hair vs stretched and air dried hair

I'm a rainbow chasing, pixie dust sprinkling, glass pretty full kinda chica. I'm usually in my zone giggling at my own jokes. I truly believe that I'm the funniest person that I know. Ha-ha! Not a lot irks me nor am I easily offended. But this backhanded compliment stuck to me and I'm still mad almost a week later.

I don't believe that she was trying to be hurtful and I don't believe that her intent was to be mean-spirited or ignorant. But she was completely out of line and absolutely disrespectful.

Have your opinion. Share your perspective. But please, please, do not disrespect me or my choices. There is no "our hair" boo. There is your hair. There is my hair. Your hair might not be "that good" and that's your opinion. You might not want to "wear it like that" and that's your prerogative. However, my hair IS "that good" AND I will wear it however I feel like it.

Eventually this will be a distant memory. I won't care anymore. I won't be in my feelings. Yet still, it's comments like this that make me cringe. I believe in inclusion. I believe that we all have more in common than we think. I believe in encouragement. I love celebrating my hair and your hair too. Most importantly, I pray that women of all hair types and textures feel welcome at SavingOurStrands. And I sincerely hope that no one ever feels the way that I did that day when I got back handed by my straight hair.

How do you handle your hair haters?

Besitos!
KLP

[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 Use A Ferrum Professional Styler On Natural Hair

I used the Ferrum flat iron, that I won from the VeryBusyMama giveaway #woot, a few weeks ago to straighten my hair. I loved how it didn't give me that limp straight hair that flat irons are notoriously known for, but I was really skeptical to see if it would work on a head full of beautiful natural curls. So when my gorgeously 2 years natural prima came to visit last weekend, I was amped when she asked me to straighten her hair. She only straightens her hair 2-3 times a year and hasn't seen the length of her hair in months. I showed her the Ferrum, explained that one side has one ceramic plate with a satiny fabric in place of the other ceramic plate, she looked at me with bewilderment. I told her that we'd grab my Solia iron too, you know, just in case the Ferrum didn't work. After everything was said and done, she was shocked at how silky straight, shiny, and soft her hair was. I used the exact same process to straighten her natural curls as I did my relaxed tresses. Here's what I did:

1. Freshly washed and deep conditioned: I've learned the hard way to never apply direct heat to dirty hair. Although my prima had just washed her hair, I noticed build up on her strands and flakes on her scalp. So I shampooed the front half of her hair with KeraCare 1st Lather Shampoo and then another lather with KeraCare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo for her entire hair. Next, I deep conditioned with KeraCare Humecto under a hooded dryer for about an hour.
2. Perfect Leave Ins: I like to use a moisturizing leave-in + protein heat protectant serum when I flat iron. I'm in love with It's a 10! Miracle Leave In, so using it on her hair was a no brainer. I'd usually reach for my Chi Silk Infusion, but I decided to give Sedu Anti-Frizz Polishing Treatment with Moroccan Argan Oil another try. I applied the leaves in sections while detanlging, then blow dried her hair on cool. Surprising the Sedu worked great! Even she was surprised at how smooth her hair was and that was before we'd flat ironed!
3. Comb/Chase Flat iron technique: Ladies & Gents Ferrum Professional Hair Styler prides it self on straightening your hair with less heat, more shine, and more moisture retention. That sounds a little too good to be true right? But after finishing the first section of her hair, I was pretty impressed. I coupled the iron with my Sedu Carbon Flat Iron Comb and worked in 1/2" sections. Surprisingly I was able to get her hair straight with one pass. Yep, ONE PASS. She said that her hair had the volume of a Dominican blowout without the extreme heat and manipulation.

It took me some time to get adjusted to this iron. You have to remember to place the ceramic plated side of the iron on the top of your hair and the satiny fabric plate on the bottom of the hair. My only complaint was the weird static that it created. I was able to kill the static with finishing drop of Sedu Anti-Frizz. It was annoying but not a deal breaker. The instructions suggest to use the iron on it's highest temperature of 450 for kinky hair. I absolutely whole-heartedly disagree. I used the iron on 300 for her 4a curls. She wanted straight hair---not burnt hair! No matter how much healthier this flat iron might be for your hair, it's still direct heat and you should totally use it very sparingly.

Do I love the Ferrum Professional Styler over my Solia Flat Iron? Meh...not yet. But it's growing on me but It is hard to justify the $189 price tag for something that I'll only use 3-4 times a year.

What kind of flat iron to you trust with your tresses?

Besitos!
KLP

Why I Love My Straightened Hair

The last time that I flat ironed my hair, I was convinced that my straight hair was out to get me. It got stuck on the clothing hook in my car, while it was down, I just knew that a spider was crawling on my shoulders, and I was constantly getting weave checked---by my family-friends! I just couldn't wait to wash my hair. However, this go around, I'm so in love with my straight hair. Here's why:

Easier detangling: I split my hair into a couple sections, gently finger detangle to remove shed hairs then moisturize and seal. Omgosh, not spending 20 minutes detangling, moisturizing and sealing is so dreamy.

Easier styling: Hello, updos, buns, and braids. My hair did exactly what I told it to do. I didn't have to worry about my edges or having to use a ton of tension to smooth my hair.

Easier Oops Coverups: It's been almost 2 weeks since I last washed. Ewww....I've got some icky oily gross hair. But, I've got errands to runs and thangs to do. So I've been sporting this threw a cute satin lined wool floppy hat. Shh...don't judge me. I'm washing later tonight! I promise.

I'm sad that my straight hair is leaving, but I'd be lying if I didn't miss my big hair! What do you love about your straight hair?

Besitos!
KLP

How To Flat Iron Relaxed Hair

Using direct heat frequently, leads to serious dryness in my hair. I've learned that when my hair is dry, it's most certainly susceptible to more breakage thus preventing me from retaining length. Ain't no body about that life! So last year, I challenged myself to put down the flat iron and learn to love my air dried hair. Air dried hair create the fluffiest buns, most voluminous bantu knots, and sexiest twist outs, but every 3 or 4 months, I get the itch for some straight hair. Here's how I straighten my relaxed hair without breakage:

1. Deep condition: Soft, smooth, sleek flat ironed hair starts with moisturized hair. A flat iron doesn't even come close to my hair unless it's been recently washed and properly deep conditioned. Flat ironing will zap water from you hair so your best bet is to amp up your hair's moisture before. My all time favorite rich conditioner is Matrix Biolage Ultra-Hydrating Balm . No matter what, this conditioner delivers on moisture every time.
2. Perfect Leave Ins: The best leave ins for straightening your hair are light weight, absorb easily, and still detangle like no body's business. I like to use a moisturizing leave-in + protein heat protectant serum when I flat iron. It's A 10! and Chi Silk Infusion are my go tos. Always make sure that your leave in's play well together. When I straightened my hair last week, I attempted to use Sedu Anti-Frizz Polishing Treatment with Moroccan Argan Oil as my serum. It was a miserable #fail. It just didn't play well with the It's A 10. I literally had to re-wash my hair and it wasn't fun. 
3. Cool Air Tension dry: Comb attachments are the epitome of high manipulation. Hot high heat blow drying will take your hair from moisturized to desert dry in a matter of minutes. Using this deadly combo frequently pre-hhj left my hair in a miserable state. Today, I when I blow dry, I use my blower on the cool setting and apply a little tension to my roots so that they dry stretched and smooth. If you don't have a blower with a cool setting, check out the Solia Professional Ceramic Ionic Hair Dryer. It offers amazeball drying time and no holding of the cool air button. All you have to do is set it and forget it!
4. Flat iron: Your flat iron of choice is just as important as your technique. I've trusted in my Solia flat iron for years but last time that I straightened my hair, I tested out Ladies & Gents Ferrum Professional Hair Styler. It has a creates straight hair without being a volume serial killer or drying out my hair. This flat iron has one ceramic plate with a satiny fabric in place of the other ceramic plate. Think: Less heat, more shine, and more moisture retention. It's been a week since I flat ironed and my hair is still super soft. I'm not sure if this iron had anything to do with it, but it totally didn't make it worse! I coupled the Ferrum iron with my Sedu Carbon Flat Iron Comb, to get super straight hair with only two passes (one just for my roots and another for the entire length) using this comb/chase technique shown by Ms. Kibbi:

 
Using your flat iron frequently on your relaxed hair, will definitely cause some heartache, but you don't have to give up on it completely! Like all things in life---moderation is key. I'm curious, what are your tips and tricks to sexy smooth flat ironed hair?

Besitos!
KLP

Wash Day

A good moisturizing wash day before flat ironing is my secret to smooth and sleek straight hair. This flat iron was totally over due, as I haven't seen the length of my hair in nearly 4 months! Here's what I used to wash my hair this week:

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 sat under my heat cap for 2 hours 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- Here's where things got dicey. I decided to apply It's a 10! leave in and Sedu Anti-Frizz Serum then detangle.

My hair revolted. I'm not being dramatic y'all. It took me 2 1/2 hours to detangle. I was pretty much in tears by the time that I was done and very late to church. My hair felt awful and looked it. So, I called it a lost, pulled my hair into a bun, and thanked Jesus that at least I still had hair on my head. When I got home, I  realized that there was no saving this wash session. I had to re-wash:

1. Pre-shampoo- I didn't need to detangle again, so I slathered my hair in extra virgin coconut oil again. 
2. Extreme Deep Condition- Next, I hopped into the shower to rinse the oil completely. Ah! My heart felt normal again! I applied another helping of Matrix Biolage Ultra-Hydrating Balm from root to tip, covered with a plastic cap and sat under hooded dryer for 45 minutes. 
3. Smoothing Treatment- I rinsed the conditioner then let a large dollop of Matrix Biolage Detangling Solution marinate on my hair for about 5 minutes. 
4. Leave Ins- I kicked the Sedu Anti-Frizz Serum to the curb and grabbed my old faithful flat ironing combo of Chi Silk Infusion and It's a 10!
5. Tension blow dry- Using my Solia dryer on cool, I applied a little tension to my roots to dry my hair. 
6. Flat iron- with my Ferrum flat iron and Sedu Carbon Flat Iron Comb. 

The results (finally!) 
Gloriously shiny straight hair. From start to finish this wash day lasted 30 hours. Smh. Not. A. Fan. But, I'm very happy that I decided to re-wash. If I hadn't, it would have been a waste of a flat iron because I doubt that my hair would have been smooth or flowly at all. The culprit was probably the newbie Sedu Anti-Frizz Serum. It left this weird filmy coated residue on my hair that I just couldn't love. Lesson learned (again): leave ins totally have to play well together. My new Ferrum iron did a marvelous job straightening my hair using 2 passes and it has tons of shine. I snipped almost an inch all the way around and I'll promise to post length check pictures tomorrow. Don't stone me!


How was your wash day? Using something new? Share with us below!

Besitos!
KLP

The Bun Faceoff

Besitos!
KLP

Get More Bang for Your Banana...Clip

Using Banana Clips To Protective Style

I probably about a dozen banana clips in assorted colors. They're quite durable; I actually still use one that I bought in high school on the regular. Ha-ha! When you're short on time, they are a quick way to style your hair, regardless of how your edges, roots, or ends look that day. It doesn't matter if your hair has been heat styled or air dried. Y te preocupes---the messier and effortless the better. Here are 3 of my favorite ways to work a banana clip:

Banana Clip French Twist

Banana Clip French Twist-

This is my to style for freshly washed hair. It allows my roots to be stretched while my ends are kept up, protected, and moisturized.

Quick How To:

1. Moisturize and detangle hair. (This style was created on 90% air dried hair.)
2. Create a centre part. Bantu knot two small sections of hair in the front.
3. Gather and smooth the rest of your hair back. Secure where comfortable with a banana clip. 
4. Take the ends and roll into a french twist, securing with a long hair pin at the top and bottom of the roll. 
5. Remove bantu knots after they've set and separate to frame your face.

Bantu Knot Side Tuck-

So your last Bantu knot out was a terrible fail? No sweat, whip out your banana clip for a big, messy side tuck.

Quick How To:  

1. Moisturize and detangle hair. (This style was created on a busted Bantu knot set.)
2. Create a side part then gather all of your hair to one side. Leave a few curls in the front.
3. Secure with your banana clip. Finger fluff and separate curls for a fuller look. 
4. Tuck all of the ends up with hair pins. 
5. Pull your the loose curls in the front back, tuck, and secure with hair pins.

Giant Top Knot with Side Swoop-

Giant Top Knot with Side Swoop

This style is perfect if you're looking for that coveted doughy top knot but don't want to use a sock bun. I keep it super messy and super simple.

Quick How To:

1. Moisturize and detangle hair. (This style was created on straightened hair.)
2. Create a side part. Bantu knot a section of hair in the front.
3. Smooth rest of your hair up to the crown of your hair and turn your banana clip horizontal across your head and secure hair. 
4. Separate strands to fill out clip, then guide hair into a bun around the clip. Secure with hair pins.
5. Remove bantu knots after they've set and separate to create your curly side swoop.

Do you use banana clips to style your hair?

Besitos!
KLP

How I Moisturize My Straightened Hair

Kitchenista Hair Butter & AVJ

After spending 2 hours to flat iron my hair---I want my hair to stay straight for as long as possible. I'm 11 weeks post with a little less than 2 inches of growth. I'm also training for a 5k by running 2-3 times a week, loving Spin twice a week, and I occasionally drop into a BodyCombat class. Pre-Bad Habit Detox, I probably would have skipped moisturizing to prevent reversion, used a silicone based product daily causing yucky buildup, and flat-ironed the life out of my poor ends. I'm trying not to be about that life anymore, so instead I pulled out some Aloe Vera Juice and my Kitchenista Hair Butter. The results---almost two weeks of smooth roots, moisturized tresses, and protected ends. I'm so in love.

Now, I know that you're probably wondering how in the world did this mix keep my hair smooth for almost two weeks? Here's the technique that I used nightly: 

1. Finger sectioned my hair into four quadrants. 
2. After finger detangling one section at a time, I lightly misted aloe vera juice mixed with a few drops of tangerine essential oil from root to tip. I was looking for a dewy feeling---not damp or wet. 
3. Next, I massage just a smidge of Kitchenista Hair Butter.
4. To smooth out my roots, I bantu knotted each section, covered with a hair scarf. In the morning, I unraveled my knots and styled.

Banana Clip Side French Roll

Why it worked for me:
Aloe vera juice is very subtle, absorbs easily, leaves no residue, almost odorless, naturally combats frizz, soothes the itches, all while moisturizing my hair with vital nutrients. My kitchenista hair butter is a diva too. It seals my ends, is ultra nourishing, when used with a light hand--is weightless, and adds a softness that can't be beat. Bantu Knots stretch out my roots without needing heat, prevented tangling of the two textures, and gave my hair insta-style.

What do you use to moisturize your hair when it straightened?

Un mil besitos!
KLP

The Jessicurl Giveaway ends tomorrow! You've gotta enter to win!


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My Straight Hair Is Out To Get Me

Giant Top Knot with Side Swoop

My hair has been straight for about a week and I can NOT wait to get my big hair back! Here's why:

Day 1: Why did I choose to straighten my hair on the only 90+ degree day in mid September. The low temp two days prior was 49. I was hot. I was sweaty. I felt like I had too much hair. It was not fun. My hair ended up in a bun.  My straight hair is out to get me.

Day 2: I slept, not so comfortably in 6 flexi-rods to throw some curls in the mix. Loved the curls---hated the the way that my hair rubbed on my shoulders the next day. I had a major freak out while walking down the street with the wind blowing my hair about. I just knew that there was a spider crawling on me. My neighbor saw the whole thing. *shame face* My hair ended up in a bun. My straight hair is out to get me.

Day 3: "Wow! I love your hair. <whispers> Is that your yours? Is it a wig or a weave?" Really tho? *le sigh* ---Yes it's real. It is really growing out of my scalp. This is a very awkward conversation. You've known me since I was in diapers. My straight hair is out to get me.

Day 4: My ponytail got caught on the clothing hook in my car while I was buckling my kid's car seat. Even a pony can't save me. My straight hair is out to get me.

Day 5: Whilst shopping, my hair got caught in my purse strap on the right and then in my reuseable grocery bags on the left. My straight hair is out to get me.

Day 6: Grr... I blew a bubble and my gum got a hair in it. Soooo gross. My straight hair is out to get me.

I love my straight hair, but I'm totally over it! I'm bunning until wash day! Flowly hair is fun for a little while---I'm just not sure that it's me anymore.

What's your fave? Sleek and Straight or Big and Bad?

Un mil besitos!
KLP


Don't forget, you can enter the Jessicurl Giveaway DAILY!
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Why you should never leave your flexi-rods unattended

One set of flexi-rods, Endless Possibilities

Besitos!
KLP


Win the SOS_Hair Battle of the Leave-in Winner, plus a few of her friends for free! Yep, you can enter daily!
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Sleek and Straight Styles

My sleek and straight hair only comes to visit every blue moon. So I took full advantage of it by and styling testing out a few styles that my fluffy air dried hair can't quite pull off. All of my styles required little manipulation,  low maintenance and high on sass. Here's my sleek and straight style week in review:

Bantu Knots on Flat-ironed Hair

Flexi-rods

Another variation of my fave 30 second bun-less style

Un mil besitos!
KLP

There's only a week left to win my favorite leave in, plus a few of her friends! Check out the Jessicurl Giveaway! You can enter daily!
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Mini Wash (and Length Check Preview)

I can't believe that I'm already 10 weeks post. Not only am I not ready to relax in 2 weeks, I really don't feel like going through the hassle. Perhaps my relaxer fiasco from July is engrained in my hair psyche. (Can hair even have a psyche? Hmm...) Any who, simply stretching my air dried tresses then whipping it up with a The Bun Effect style is keeping this stretch easy breezy.

I am however, a little hair-bored. So what does this chica do when I get bored? Straighten it! I wanted to go this entire stretch heat free, but since this is only the 5th time that I've straightened since starting this Bad Habit Detox in March, I think I deserve it. Woop! *insert really embarrassing happy dance here* I see that judgey look on your face; my happy dance is awesome---weird---but awesome nonetheless. I also had a chance to trim and length check. Double Woop!

Here's how I prepped by tresses for flat-ironing:

1. Detangled- the night prior with Aloe Vera Juice, sealed with my DIY hair butter, and pulled into a low bun.
2. Extreme Deep condition- On wash day, I massaged my essential oil blend and JBCO into my scalp, Matrix Biolage Hydratherpie Conditioning Balm to the length of my hair, and the layered EVCO on my ends. I hung out under my heating cap for about 2 hours.
3. 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 bit and rinsed.
4. Smoothing Treatment- I applied a large dollop of Matrix Biolage The Great Detangler to my strands and massaged it in from root to tip for a minute or two then rinsed.
5. Air Dry-80% in a cotton tshirt
6. Leave-ins- It's a 10! + Chi Silk Infusion.
7. Styling- Straightened with my Solia Iron.

Results-

 I loved how soft and fluffy my hair felt after I rinsed out the deep conditioner. Oh man, it took everything in me not to just hop out of the shower there. The tea rinse definitely killed a smidgen of that softness and the Matrix Great Detangler won't be replacing my Paul Mitchell Smoothing Conditioner either but it did do a fab job of loosing tangles at my roots. Perhaps it has potential after all. 

I cut about an inch off my hemline. I'll probably trim a bit more later and take a better pic. I feel so weird with straight hair; I almost don't recognize myself. Weird right?

Besitos!KLP

Don't forget, you can enter the Jessicurl Giveaway DAILY!

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{CLOSED} Dominican Product Giveaway!

We're sad to say that The Dominican Product Giveaway is closed. Congrats to Cynthia A.!

A HUGE hug to all of those who entered! We love you to pieces! If you missed this one, no te preocupes, we've got another giveaway scheduled to begin in a few weeks! Stay tuned for the details!

Thanks for all the love y mil Besitos!

KLP & Keyda



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The Bun Effect: Top 3

Here are my top 5 favorites from our Bun Effect series!

Jeweled Side-Swept Bun 
Quick How To: 

1. Moisturize and detangle hair.
2. Split hair once above ear and once below ear. Using this section in the middle of your head, create a french braid that runs from ear to ear.
3. Split the front section into a side part. Braid the smaller section on the left to the ends.
4. Sweep everything to the right and section with a hair tie.
5. Wrap ends into a bun. For more volume, use a hair doughnut. Like this one from Sally's. Place a jeweled hair accessory above bun for a little more pizazz.



Hidden Fishtail Roll 
Quick How To: 
1. Moisturize and detangle hair. (This style was created on air dried hair)
2. Create a side part then separate hair ear to ear. Clip front sections up and away.
3. Split back section in half. Fishtail/french braid the top half.
4. Pull the left side across the back of your head. Secure with a pin. Repeat with the left side.
5. Roll the reminding hair up into a giant finger curl then secure with pins on each end.

Side French Twist with a Twist 
Quick How To:
1. Moisturize and detangle hair. (This style was performed on air dried hair)
2. Create a side part then separate hair ear to ear.
3. Pull the left side across the back of your head. Secure with a pin. Repeat with the left side.
4. Divide the back into four sections. Grab the first section closer to your ear and create a large finger curl, then use a pin to secure. Repeat on the next two sections, staggering the finger curls. To create the side twist.
5. Double strand twist the remaining section then pull it across the top of your side french twist. Use a pin to tuck it into the opening of the curl on the opposite side.

We're considering doing a Bun Effect Phase Two Series. Anyone interested?


Besitos!
KLP



Don't forget to enter the Dominican Product Giveaway!

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{Closed} The Bun Effect GIVEAWAY

We're sad to say that The Bun Effect Giveaway is closed. Congrats to Nerline blogger-extraordinaire  www.chicfromhair2toe.com!

A HUGE hug to all of those who entered! We love you to pieces! If you missed this one, no te preocupes, we've got another giveaway scheduled to begin later this month! Stay tuned for the details!

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Besitos!
KLP & Keyda 

[Review] Matrix Biolage Hydratherapie Hydrating Shampoo

Price: $14.25 for 16.9oz
Purchased at: Amazon.com
Promises: Gently cleanses and moisturizes very dry, thick, coarse hair. Formulated with nurturing silk amino acids to help smooth and control unwanted volume, resulting in intesely soft, rich and sumptuous hair.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Cocamide MEA, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, Benzyl Alcohol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Citric Acid, Glycol Distearate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Tetrasodium EDTA, Polysorbate 20, Hexyl Cinnamal, Coumarin, Linalool, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Hydroxycitronellal, Amyl Cinnamal, Geraniol, Algae (Algae Extract), Pollen Extract, Saponaria Officinalis (Saponaria Officinalis Extract), Salvia Officinalis (Sage Leaf Extract), Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Extract), Triticum Vulgare (Wheat Germ Oil), Yellow 5 (CI 19140)

Directions: Apply to wet hair massage gently and well.  Rinse well.

My Thoughts:
This is my all time favorite shampoo! It cleans my scalp whilst being very gentle and super moisturizing for my strands. I had religiously use KeraCare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo until my mother in law introduced me to this little gem earlier this year. I like it better than KeraCare because it just does a better job of cleansing my hair without stripping it. Plus the scent is better. It has the same light, fresh and clean scent that the Hydratherapie line is famous for. You don't have to use much to get a good lather, so the bottle lasts for months. It's paraben free but not sulfate free. If you're avoiding sulfates you'll want to avoid this one. 

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Besitos!
KLP