How To Store Solid Shampoo Bars

I've been using my Bobeam Rootz Herbal Hair Grower Shampoo bar for almost 3 months and I've yet to find a reason not to love every minute of it! Because it looks like I'm ditching liquid shampoos for good (except Matrix Biolage Hydratherapie Hydrating Shampoo when I need a good clarifying cleanse.), I wanted to show you how I've been able to make my bar last by storing it properly:

How To Store Solid Shampoo Bars

1. Rinse off your bar and allow to completely air dry on a flat surface
2. Wrap in plastic cling
3. Store in a shampoo bar tin or case in a dark, cool and dry place

Tips & Tricks:
- Never leave in shower or any place (i.e.: a soap dish without drainage) where it will be constantly exposed to condensation, heat or humidity.
- Always let bar dry completely before storing.
- You can get several months of use out of your shampoo bar if you store it properly. The typical shelf life is 2-3 months.

Pretty simple right? So...are you ready to hop on the shampoo bar bandwagon or are you still skeptical?

Besitos!
KLP

Just in case you missed it: Here's How To Use A Solid Shampoo Bar (on natural, relaxed or transitioning hair) and a few shampoo bars that are on my wish list.

Solid Shampoo Bar Wish List

It's official! I'm a shampoo bar lover! For the last couple of months, I've been madly in love with Bobeam Rootz Herbal Hair Grower Shampoo bar. Not only does it actually clean my hair---but it doesn't leave my hair feeling stripped, stringy, and tangled like typical shampoos. So, I've been on the hunt for my next bar to try. Here's a few that are on my wish list:

Sunrise Citrus- The Freckled Farm Company
Ingredients:
Olive Oil, Raw Goat Milk, Coconut Oil, Palm Kernel Oil, Castor Oil, Palm Oil, Rice Bran Oil, Shea Butter, Grapefruit Essential Oil, Orange Essential Oil, Lemon Essential Oil, Rosemary Essential Oil

Why it looks awesome: Hello coconut oil, shea butter, and olive oil. Three ingredients that make my hair do a happy dance! Ever since I read this article from Shelli over at hairscapades, I've been wanting to try something---anything with goats milk in it. Plus---y'all know that I love ANYTHING bright, fresh and citrus-y. 

Babassu Marshmallow- Chargin Valley Soap and Salve
Ingredients: 
Organic Babassu Oil; Organic Sunflower Oil; Organic Coconut Oil; Organic Avocado Oil; Organic Jojoba Oil; Organic Mango Butter; Organic Avocado Oil;  Oil; Water; Organic Shea Butter; Sodium Hydroxide*; Organic Marsh Mallow Root; Organic Castor Oil; Organic Walnut Oil; Organic Canola Oil; Organic Aloe; Organic Essential Oils of Ylang Ylang, Lemon, Ginger; Organic Rosemary Oil Extract 

Why It Looks Awesome: Remember this post from Jen @ JustGrowAlready and this post from Fiona @ LoveYourTresses about marshmallow root having AHA-mazing slip. Yeah. I. Need. That. In. My. Life. Anything that can help detangle, gently cleanse, and soften my roots is a winner all day in my book. 

Coco Honey & Amla Conditioning Shampoo Bar- Bobeam
Ingredients: 
Saponified vegetable oils, mainly coconut oil, glycerin, honey, purified water, sorbital (berries, moisturizer) sorbitial oleate (emulsifier) soybean protein (conditioner)

Why It Looks Awesome: A shampoo bar that cleanses while it conditions? Yum-o! Plus coconut oil, honey, and glycerin---all ingredients that my hair is known to lust after. I'm iffy on the soybean protein---I typically despise protein laced shampoos but Bobeam hasn't let me down yet and I dont think that this Coco Honey & Amla Conditioning bar will either.

Any of these look good to you? Which one should I choose?

Besitos!
KLP

Just in case you missed it: Here's How To Use A Solid Shampoo Bar (on natural, relaxed or transitioning hair)

ABCs of Bangin' Bantu Knots

I'm a one trick pony. I try braid outs---they fail. I even tried twist outs---they were a hot mess. Flexi-rods are just far too complicated. I'm too lazy for roller sets. Bantu knots are seriously the only low manipulation style that I can count on to blend my super curly roots with the rest of my texlaxed hair. I hope that y'all aren't tired of them! It's been over a year since my first set and here are the basic ABCs of bangin bantu knots:

Air Dry:
I always start with detangled air dried hair. I get the best results when my hair has been washed and deep conditioned 24-48 hours before I try to install the knots.

Bigger is better:I prefer my curls in big sections because I love volume. Big hair; KLP don't care. Ha-ha! The smaller your sections, the tighter 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.

Cocktail:
Moisturizer + Oil/butter + 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.

I studied Whoissuga's "How to do a bangin Bantu knot out" fifty trillion times to figure out how to knot my hair. Then Tressedforsuccess took my bantu knot game to another level. It will take some time. You probably will fail the first time. But you're totally not alone. Shoot, I failed a few days ago. It happens! 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! What's your go to low manipulation style this spring?  

Besitos! 
KLP 

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

How To Use A Solid Shampoo Bar

My hair hates shampoo. I promise that I'm not being my usual dramatic self. I'm oh so serious. Typical shampoos leave my hair stripped, stringy, and tangled. I hate it, but I understand that it's a necessary evil in my regimen especially when I my hair feels coated from a build up of residue from conditioners and other styling products. My favorite shampoo has been Matrix Biolage Hydratherapie Hydrating Shampoo for a while now. It cleans my scalp whilst being very gentle and super moisturizing for my strands. Then a few months ago won a Bobeam contest from Natural Haven (hey JC!) and I've been madly in love with Bobeam Rootz Herbal Hair Grower Shampoo bar. Here's how I use it: 

How To Use A Solid Shampoo Bar

1. Detangle and section hair before you wash. If you're petrified of stripped and tangled hair like me, try pre-shampooing with extra virgin coconut oil for about 20 minutes.
2. Saturate with water to thoroughly rinse hair your hair in the shower.
3. Form lather by rubbing shampoo bar between hands. 
4. Apply lathered hands to one section of hair focusing on your roots and scalp. Repeat until complete.
5. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap and suds completely.

And for my visual learners (hey y'all!). Here's a quick video from the best smelling store on the planet: Lush! Lush specializes in gorgeously green and awesomely handmade beauty products.

Soon I'll share what shampoo bars are on my wish list---as if I'm gonna run out of this Bobeam bar anytime in the near future. Ha-ha! And I'll show you how I store my solid shampoo bar so that it lastest forever (kinda). 

Have you used a solid shampoo bar? What's your fave?

Besitos!
KLP

How To Use Nexxus Emergencee on Relaxed Hair

It's no secret that I'm a fan of protein. I believe that using strengthening products that your hair loves helps minimize breakage, refortifies your tresses and maximizes length retention. Its been over 8 months since my last relaxer and I'm trying to defend my ends from breakage at all costs. Most hair obsessed chicas rave about Aphogee 2-Step---it wasn't my cup of tea. If you love the strengthening properties of Aphogee 2-Step, but like me, loathe the smell and consistency, then you'll love Nexxus Emergencee. The scent is mild and the formula is thick. Absolutely, no dripping! It dries quickly and makes my strands felt more swollen---almost thicker to touch. I use it whenever I notice that my ends feel a little ratty or when I see bits of breaking strands on my bathroom floor. Here how I use Nexxus Emergencee on my hair:

1. Cleanse: Although my hair hates shampoo, I always apply Emergencee to freshly shampooed hair. Why? Because you want the protein to bond and be absorbed into your hair and it can't if your strands are covered in junk. My favorite shampoo is Matrix Biolage Hydrating Shampoo.
2. Apply: Add an ample amount of Emergencee to completely cover the hair. If you're grossed out by the gel like consistency or trying to savor your manicure pick up a Sprush to make the process easier. Work through.
3. Let Dry: Air dry or pop under your hooded dryer for 10-15 minutes just until the treatment hardens. Whatever you do, do not manipulate your hair for any reason once it starts to harden. It's tragic. I've been using my trusty Gold N Hot Hard Bonnet since 2009 to get the job done.
4. Rinse- Thoroughly with warm water. Simply stand under the stray of your shower for 3-5 minutes while the water loosens and rinses the treatment. Again---do not manipulate your hair in any way until the treatment is rinsed.
5. Deep Condition- Emergencee is a major protein treatment. Always follow up with a heated deep condition. A little Matrix Biolage Hydratherapie Conditioning Balm does the trick for my hair.

Have you used Nexxus Emergencee before? How do you use it?

Besitos!
KLP

Your Healthy Hair On: Coconut Oil

If you're not using coconut oil somewhere in your regimen, your hair hates you. Okay. Sorry, that's a just bit dramatic. We both have a love affair with coconut oil straight out the jar for our hair plus a bunch of our favorite products have coconut oil in them. But everything about this oil is wonderful for your hair. Here's how we use it and why:

Pre-Shampoo: (Spectrum Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil)
How: Apply coconut oil to your hair before your wash as a pre-shampoo treatment. 
Why: 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. Washing your hair can cause hygral fatigue, which is a fancy way of saying damage caused by frequent swelling (absorbing moisture) and shrinking (losing moisture) of hair fiber.

Keyda's fave coconut products

Leave Ins: (Organix Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum)
How:  Apply a coconut oil laced serum to your hair ends for a boost of strength.
Why: Your ends are the oldest parts of your hair and thus the weakest. Coconut oil prevents them from getting weaker by binding to the natural protein structure of your hair. We love serums with coconut oil. It absorbs easily, assists in detangling, and provides excellent shine. We've noticed that when we use Organix Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum during the week, we don't have many of those itty bitty broken hairs on the bathroom counter whilst styling. 

Sealants: (DIY Hair Butter)
How: Apply a coconut oil based hair butter to seal in your hair's moisture.
Why: As with most oils, coconut oil coats the outer cuticle layer of your hair which increases the hair fiber’s pliability. It also reduces friction and static electricity between the hair fibers. Sealing with a hair butter containing coconut oil prevents moisture loss and moisturized hair is happy hair.

We didn't believe the hype until we tried it for ourselves and read the no-nonsense (but kinda boring) studies about coconut oil and hair here, here, and here.


If you use coconut oil in your regimen, share with us how and why. If you don't, we'd love to know why!

Besitos!
KLP & Keyda

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

How To Protect Your Ends With Protein Layering

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

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

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

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

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

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

Besitos!
KLP

Winter Relaxed Hair Tips

Winterizing Your Relaxed Hair 
The cold temperatures, wind, and dry indoor heat has made keeping my hair moisturized a challenge this winter. Here are some ways that I'm keeping my hair moisturized whilst warding off breakage this winter: 

Find an air drying method that works for you: 
Wet hair in the winter isn't really my cup of tea, but blow drying (with high heat) or using the flat iron daily isn't going to help my already thirsty hair. My air drying method of choice right now is (faux) banding. I detangle in sections, apply my leave ins, gently stretch my hair and secure with croc clips then let dry. Not only does the tension prevent tangles at my roots, but it also smooths my hair and is the perfect base for big voluminous buns. If banding isn't your thing, try a roller set or tension blowout with cool air.

Stock up on your favorite creamy leave in:
Winter weather will laugh as your light watery leave in. Creamy leave ins that absorb and deeply nourish are musts in the winter. My favorites are Herbal Essences Split End Protector and y'all know that I can not say enough about Jessicurl Too Shea! Extra Moisturizing Conditioner. 

Consider adding a shot of protein to your ends:
Protein is only one factor preventing breakage and aiding in length retention, but I do believe that all hair can benefit from a little protein power, especially on your ends. Your ends are the oldest part of your hair and it totally needs a lot of love. My hair loves silky protein serums. Here are my go tos: Chi Silk Infusion or Organix Coconut Milk Serum.

Seal it with a buttery kiss---of Hair butter:
I'm trying to be more mindful of what my ends do and how I treat them. I'm convinced that if I can keep my ends moisturized, protected, and strong---especially this winter, I'll finally make it out of BSL land. We all know that we need to seal our hair. But sealing with a hair butter that is chocked full of nourishing butters, oils, and nutrients will protect hair from damage, deeply moisturize and ease manageability. I love making my Kitchenista hair butter but if you're not about that DIY life, check out Koils by Nature Nourishing Hair and Body Butter (Heavenly Delight). You won't regret it!

How has your regimen changed this winter? Share your tips below!

Besitos!
KLP

Your Healthy Hair On: Butter

Top: Ingredients | Left: Cocoa, Shea, and Mango Butter | Right: Mixing in Action

Benefits of Healthy Hair Butter:

Spoiler! I have a this kinda weird thing for hair science research. My strands are my test subject, so I guess that you could call me a healthy hair mixologist. (Yep...I just made that up. Ha-ha!) I've been wanting to try out hair butter for one reason only: to save my ends. The last 2 inches of your hair are the oldest and most fragile section of your tresses. I know that if I want to retain length, that I've gotta be more mindful of what my ends do and how I treat them. I've hovered in BSL land for entirely too long now and I'm convinced that if I can keep my ends moisturized, protected, and strong---I'll finally make it into MBL la-la land. Hair butter is chocked full of nourishing butters, oils, and nutrients that protects hair from damage, deeply moisturizes and eases manageability. But wait! There's more!

How You Can Use it:

This bad boy is a jack of all trades that you can use for your hair and body- 

• Sealant- Daily sealing after moisturizing my hair with a leave-in. 
• Styler- As the "oil" in my bantu knot cocktail
• Skin Softener- To smooth my entire body. (Especially for rough knees and elbows)

Healthy Hair Butter Recipe & How To:

The best part of DIY'ing your hair products is that you have control of what goes into your blend. I love being able to skip the icky not so good for you ingredients and then add more of the yummy yum yum nourishing ingredients.

Tangerine Vanilla Hair and Body Whipped Butter 
    Ingredients:
    1/2 cup Shea Butter
    1/2 cup Cocoa Butter
    1/2 cup Mango Butter
    2 tbsp Jamaican Black Castor Oil
    1/2 cup Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
    1/2 cup Sweet Almond Oil
    2 tbsp Vitamin E Oil
    1/2 cup Aloe Vera Gel
    Tangerine Essential Oil
    Vanilla Infused Oil (I purchased from my local farmer's market)

    Directions:

1. Melt the solid butters (Mango, Cocoa, then Shea) together over a double boiler (Make your own using a glass/metal bowl over a pot of boiling water. Be sure that the boiling water does not touch the bottom of the bowl).
2. Remove from heat. 
3. Using a hand mixer add the remaining oils (except the tangerine and vanilla). 
4. Mix until completely blended (no lumps, hard bits, and homogenous color) and add Tangerine oil. 
5. As the blend cools, it will start to harden, so keep mixing until light and fluffy.

I actually started with this really simple recipe. But I the consistency was too thick/hard to apply. Plus y'all know me---I needed a great scent too! It took 3 batches to develop this recipe and get the fluffy, smooth, light blend that I wanted. Sometimes, you'll have to play with the ratio of butter, to oil, to aloe vera gel. 

So you're not the kitchenista type but want to try hair butter? No hay problema! Koils by Nature Nourishing Hair and Body Butter (Heavenly Delight) will always hold a special place in my heart. I promise you, this is an awesome product---no mixing required. 

There's only one downside: you might have to clarify more often if you are a regular hair butter lover. Other than that---Butter makes it better for my tresses. 

Have you tried hair butter? If so, share your recipe or product suggestion in the comments field. 

Besitos!
KLP

Battle of the Leave-Ins

Battle of the Leave-Ins

A good leave-in can make or break your hair's shine, elasticity, and most importantly---your moisture swag.  My hair has been  dating a few leave-ins here and there, in search of it's ultimate soul mate. It's been a fun discovery process that I intend on sharing over a few posts. Before we get started, let me give you my perfect leave in run down:

What makes a moisturizer good...to me?

1. Hydration- My forever leave-in has to be the boost of moisture that wards of breakage in drought-like conditions and maintaining my post wash day moisture levels. I love my texlaxed hair because it's sassy, big, and very temperamental. The ideal leave in has to roll with the punches, warding off frizz and fuzz.
2. Nourishment- Read: ingredients that prevent the evaporation of said moisturizing product, preventing me from having to re-up daily. I need a margin of error for when I forget to moisturize at night and want to crash in bed---life is always trying its best to sabotage my hair.
3. Absorption- My strands have to want to soak up every bit of the moisturizer that I add. I'm not about that sticky-repelling-coated-icky feeling-hair-life. Yep. I just made that up. But y'all know what I mean. I'm all about smooth and soft strands. If it just sits on top of my hair and looks back at me stupid---it will be disqualified immediately! I'm looking for silkiness when spread plus a thick and creamy consistency. This leave in also has to play nice with whatever I choose to seal my hair with. Right now, I'm all about butters.

A little about my mane:

1. My strands are thick- Super thick. Many a bobby pin have been lost for days thick.
2. My strands are inconsistent- Thanks to my last relaxer, the back half of my hair looks like I'm transitioning. I have about an inch of super curly, 3-4 inches of not quite super curly, with the rest being wavy fluff. Not a bad thing. I actually kinda like it. But this leave in will have a few textures to keep muy contenta.
3. My strands are hydrophilic- Water loving. All day. Everyday. The first ingredient will have to be water.

If you are a regular SOS_Hair-ista, then you've seen these leave-ins here and there before. They were great contestants and I would have loved to keep them all, but there can only be one (for now...lol) winner!

Our first contestant: Jessicurl Too Shea! Extra Moisturizing Conditioner

Besitos!
KLP

SOS Kitchenista: Tangerine Vanilla Hair and Body Whipped Butter

Top: Ingredients | Left: Cocoa, Shea, and Mango Butter | Right: Mixing in Action

If you're an SOS regular, then you know that I've mentioned wanting to DIY some hair butter. A few weeks ago, I feel in love with Koils by Nature Nourishing Hair and Body Butter (Heavenly Delight). I ran out of my sample size; Because KBN is relocating, I couldn't repurchase more. And yes---this made me a very sad chica. Anywho, I loved this hair butter too much to wait any longer, so last Sunday, I pulled out my hand mixer and went to work! As soon as their website is back to business, I'll repurchase. In the meantime-- here's how I whipped up my own: 

Tangerine Vanilla Hair and Body Whipped Butter 

    Ingredients:
    1/2 cup Shea Butter
    1/2 cup Cocoa Butter
    1/2 cup Mango Butter
    2 tbsp Jamaican Black Castor Oil
    1/2 cup Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
    1/2 cup Sweet Almond Oil
    2 tbsp Vitamin E Oil
    1/2 cup Aloe Vera Gel
    Tangerine Essential Oil
    Vanilla Oil (I purchased from my local farmer's market)

    Directions:

1. Melt the solid butters together over a double boiler (pot of boiling water and a glass/metal bowl).
2. Remove from heat. 
3. Using a hand mixer add the remaining ingredients, except the tangerine oil. 
4. Mix until completely blended (no lumps, hard bits, and homogenous color) and add Tangerine oil. 
5. As the blend cools, keep mixing until light and fluffy. Simple enough right?

How does this kitchenista verison stack up to KBN's butter:

So um---The fragrance is fantastic! I told my bestie that after using, I smelt like a Florida Orange Grove. She replied " Your so weird." <shrugs> That was totally a compliment, she just doesn't know it yet. Ha-ha! I love light, sweet, and citrus-y scents. The downside (imo) is that the scent doesn't linger as long as my KBN butter. The consistency is as light and fluffy as the KBN butter, but I wasn't quite able to incorporate the mango butter as well as I would have liked. I've noticed a few lumps in the mix. Will it prevent me from using it? Nope---I just rub a little between my palms, wait for it to melt, then apply to my hair (or body). A little goes a long way and putting it in a tub makes access to the product super easy, just like the KBN butter. I used it last wash day to seal and then every other day since. No real complaints. I do notice much more shine with the KBN butter than with my knockoff, but I think this can be cured by adding more oils to the next batch. I think that I'll also add a little aloe vera into the next batch to lighten things up even more. I'm using this batch for my curls this weekend--fingers crossed for fabulousity!

My Verdict:  
I'll definitely make this again. It was fun experimenting and getting to put exactly what I want in a product. Of course, I'm probably still buying the BIG JAR of KBN butter once the site is back up for business! My wallet hopes that it will be on sale!

Have you ever tried a whipped hair butter?

Besitos!
KLP

Healthy Hair Insight: To Trim Or Not To Trim

To trim or not to trim

April 2011

Before Cut March 2013

After Cut March 2013

I've struggled repeatedly (at least 2-3 times a year---every year) with whether or not I should trim or let my uneven ends grow out. I do believe that some individual hairs grow faster than others and that unevenness isn't necessarily attributed to breakage. I also believe that regular micro trimming keeps split ends at bay by preventing the split damage from going up the hair shaft.

I'm a cheerleader for health over length. I understand that there is no sense in holding on to raggedy ends make the hair appear longer; but how can you tell if your ends look scraggly because of the pace that your hair grows or because you're having a setback, if you trim as soon as a hair in your hemline is out of place?

Thus far along this journey, I've opted to trim as soon as a hair is out of place. I cut over 6 inches of my hair last year at random times so I vowed to keep the scissors hidden this year. Now, I micro-trim after each relaxer touch up about every 12-16 weeks. After my first touch up of 2013, I trimmed. Probably a bit too much; My ends didn't really need it and I'm wondering if it would do me more justice to just protect, baby, protect, then trim at the end of year. Decisions. Decisions. What's a girl who loves blunt ends to do?

Besitos!

KLP

Kitchenista Hair Products That I'm Anxious To Try

Shocker alert: I love mixing my own hair cocktails and concoctions. I know---that's no surprise if you've been following SOS Hair for a little while. Ha-ha! My husband just shakes his head when he sees tea steeping or me mashing up an avocado hair smoothie. After being married for 5 years, he doesn't even bother asking. Any who, here are some recipes for a few kitchenista hair products that I'm anxious to try:

Loco Leave-In

Ingredients:
1 part of your favorite moisturizing co washing conditioner (Mine is Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Conditioner)
1 part Aloe Vera juice

Directions:
Mix the ingredients together well. Apply this leave-in daily when your hair needs a moisture lift then seal with an oil or butter. 

Whipped Butter

Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp coconut oil
¼ cup aloe vera gel
½ cup shea butter

Directions:
Mix the ingredients together using a hand mixer on low speed. Apply this whipped butter to freshly washed damp hair for locking in moisture or use it for twisting.

What are you favorite kitchenista cocktails?

Besitos!

KLP

Reader Q&A

October 2010

Q: I noticed in your "Imperfect Progress" section that your hair grew a ton from 2010-2011. What was your regimen then?
A: I started my healthy hair journey in late 2010 with shoulder length (SL) hair. Unhappy with my ridiculously thins ends, I started tex-laxing in the beginning of 2011 then spent the rest of the year snipping away at my over-processed length. My regimen then is much the same as today; focusing on keeping my moisture levels up, shedding down, and styling with care. (You can check out my regimen here).

Q: Have you ever been natural or have any desire to grow out your hair without chemical relaxers?
A: Si, claro---(Even excluding childhood) I've had "natural" hair as an adult. When I was in college, I discovered the flat iron and forgot allllll about needing to relax my hair to get it straight. Without even realizing it--I went for 2 years without a relaxer. So, I guess that you could say that I was heat-addicted naturalista. As you probably guessed, I had some seriously heat damaged hair. I didn't even know what "heat protectant" was, I cranked my flat iron as high as it would go 400degrees+, and I would flat iron multiple times a day. I got a neck length cut then I went back to the relaxer and decreased my flat ironing to una vez per day. *hangs head* 
Would I ever kick tex-laxing to the curb? Hey, anything is possible. I do love my super curly roots and I've been told that "natural hair" looks "good on me"---whatever that mess means. However, for the time being? The answer is no. Tex-laxing gives me the thickness, strength, and overall health that bone straight relaxed hair lacked with a greater ease of straightening which "natural" hair lacked. Best of both worlds! Now that I'm truly detoxing from the flat iron, lots of folks have asked if I've hopped on the "natural" band wagon. The answer is: "No!! Let me live!"

We love your questions! Keep 'em coming!

Un mil besitos!
KLP

On Deck: Bad Habit Detox

Bad Habit Detoxing
If you are looking for long-term dramatic results in your healthy hair journey, a little (or a lot of) sacrifice is required. To get the results that you want, its no secret that you have to put in work. It's not supposed to be easy, but it is possible. With that said, I have a terrible awful secret to share.

Flat Iron Addiction
Whilst digging around for photo for video that I'm putting together for my grandparent's 50th anniversary, I found a few pictures from the beginning of my HHJ. I was excited to see the progess but I realized I've hovered in BSL land for entirely too long now. And I've decided that I'm officially I'm over it. Yes, I started with over-processed thin ends. I gradually trimmed away at those. Yes, I had a terrible setback last year with shedding. I gradually trimmed away at that. However, I don't think those issues are the real problem. Up until a few weeks ago, I had a secret love affair with my flat iron Robby. (Yes, my flat iron has a name. We in a judgement free zone chicas!) More often than not, I would flat iron once a week only on wash day. Almost. every. wash. Eek! I actually felt like it was an accomplishment because before I started my journey I would flat iron once a day; sometimes more if I wanted to touch up my roots before an event or outing. (Which is why my hair was a mess to begin with!) 
  

November 2010

July 2011

November 2011

Whilst, ignorance was bliss, knowing that you are doing something to undermine your long-term goals just seems--well---loca! I want MBL this year. Therefore, I need to want to: freeze, put down Robby, and back away slowly with my hands in the air.

Bad Habit Detox
With all that said, I've gotta detox this bad habit. I really want to see how long I can go without whipping the flat iron out. For the last few weeks, I've ditched sleek tresses for fluffy air dried hair and it wasn't that bad. No seriously--It really wasn't! I hope to start detoxing after my next relaxer at the end of March. Can I go a full stretch (12-16 weeks) without using the flat iron? *Sigh*...I sure hope so. So here's the catch, I can't do this detox alone. I'd go mad! Please send all the air drying tips, detangling tricks, and styling tutorials that you got my way! I'm totally gonna need it!


You in?

Un mil besitos
KLP