Styling n' Relaxing! {Keyda}

Hope everyone has a FABULOUS start to the New Year!!

I had an AWESOME time in Hawaii and just wanted to share a few of my hair styles while relaxing in the warm weather! (If you're in the DMV, you know I was not missing this weather lol) I think I could live there honestly!! Well... Here are a few pictures with my hair styles..I admit that I was very into my vacation and probably did not take as many great pictures but take a look!

Unfortunately, I hilariously broke part of the shower at my BF's family home so I actually did not have a full on wash! (just shampoo rinse) :( haha I did a deep DEEP cleaning/moisturizing of my hair upon my return!

The style names are under the photos. :)

Braid Updo with Bow

Hike Hair: Braided Crown

Pin Up Style: Two French Braids with Bow

Swooped Style: Curls to side w/flower

xoxo Keyda!  How was your holidays!? 



Big Bad Curly Winter Vacation Hair

Left to Right: Road Trippin with beautiful Autumn Foilage | AHL Ice Hockey Game | Bored in the Car Big Bad Bantu Knot Curls Selfie| the minions bundled up | My recently natural little cousins bantu knot results--I feel like a proud mama!

Trekking Light | A Guide To Traveling With 5 Products Or Less

SavingOurStrands Approved Travel Kit

This past few months, I've been on the go-go. Up and down the eastern seaboard, from New Jersey to Florida. I try to pack light yet still be thorough. Here's a list of the 5 go to products and tools plus how I keep it organized, while never sporting a boring bun.  

1. Deep conditioner: Halka Baba de Caracol
2. Leave in/Co-wash/Detangler: Jessicurl Too Shea! Extra Moisturizing Conditioner
3. Hair Butter: Koils By Nature Hair and Body Butter or my DIY Kitchenista Tangerine Vanilla Whipped Butter
4. Hair Pins: In a tidy portable tin like these from Sallys
5. Banana Clips: Scunci Banana Hair Clips

Banana Clip Side Tuck on Loose Bantu Curls

For overnight or weekend trips, I can get away with trekking 
with 1000mL or less containers. I picked up this plastic carrying case with 4 empty containers included for less than $2. I was pleasantly surprised that the rest of my mini arsenal fit perfectly. For more than 5 day aways---I pack full bottles. Bonus Tip: When I want to be fancy, I carry a mini container of Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie so that I can sport big (heat free) fluffy frizz-resistant bantu knot curls.

What hair products do you trek with?

Un mil besitos!
KLP

[Review] Herbal Essences Touchably Smooth Split End Protector

Herbal Essences Touchably Smooth Split End Protector

Price: $3.99 for 6oz

Purchased at: 
Amazon or Walgreens

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

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

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

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

Amount that I use to moisturize daily

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

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

Have you had experience with HETSSEP?

Un mil besitos!

KLP   

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

Pomegranate Guava

Price: $16 for 8oz

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

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

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

Has anyone else tried KBB before?

Besitos!
KLP

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

Price: $12.97 for 8oz 

Purchased at: Bee Mine

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

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

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

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

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

Besitos!
KLP

 

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

Price: $16.95 (USD)

Purchased at: jessicurl.com or Amazon.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Besitos!

KLP

{Even More} Big Bad Curly Vacation Hair: Historic Georgetown Waterfront

Curls in the city. This time on the historic Georgetown waterfront in Washington, DC. If ever you're in this part of the world, try the "Shorty" from Circa. Love. @. First. Bite.

Left-Right: Wine Cruise Bound | Founding Farmers | Scenic Waterfront Walk | Key Bridge Selfie

Monuments pic taken from the Potomac | Georgetown Cupcake (as Featured on the hit TLC show DC Cupcake) | Circa's "Shorty" & Turkey Burger  Delicioso!| View from the Le Meridian Boutique Hotel

Besitos!

KLP

[Review] Koils by Nature Nourishing Hair and Body Butter (Heavenly Delight)

Price: $5 for 2oz sample size

Purchased at: Koils by Nature website (I purchased from the BHK Expo)

Ingredients: Shea butter, coconut oil, kokum butter, mango butter, avocado butter, aloe butter, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, *organic extra virgin olive oil, illipe butter, *Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Vitamin E, Pro-Vitamin (B5), *organic essential & fragrance oils.

Directions: Nourishing Hair & Body Butter is made from the best butters & oils nature provides, it will moisturize, revitalize, heal, and protect your hair and skin. The lightly scented heavenly butter will have you thinking of cookies, cakes and pies oh my! This butter smells delightful, please do not ingest, for external use only.
 

My Thoughts: I've tried a lot of products and techniques in my healthy hair journey, however this was the very first "hair butter" that's touched my strands. And I'm not sure if you noticed, but I LOVE IT. There is nothing about this product that my hair doesn't want. 

The scent is heavenly? Absolutely. It smells sweet, light, and slightly citrus-y; A lot like cake batter. The consistency is light and creamy. *shame face confession* I did think about tasting it.  It looks exactly like the whipped butter from my fave restaurant Mike's "American." Yum! *drools a little while deep in thought* Okay, okay. Back to the review... If you love the sealing properties of butters like shea and coconut but hate the heaviness, then this butter is a winner. Yes, it does sit a little on your hair, but within seconds, all of that buttery goodness absorbs into your strands sealing in moisture and locking out fuzzy frizz. It's super easy to apply---it melts with the warmth of your hands and you'll only want to use just a dab at a time because a little goes a long way. Here are a few ways I've used it: 

• Daily sealing after moisturizing my hair with a creamy leave-in. 
• As the "oil" or sealant in my bantu knot cocktail
• To moisturize my entire body. (Perfect for rough knees and elbows)

Did I mention that this stuff smells AH-mazing? *reads back* Yep--I did. Okay, but I just want to reiterate. It is the best smelling product in my hair stash. This butter delivers a low product build up with a high sealant ability. Being in a tub, allows easy access to every nook and cranny. The 2oz sample lasted me for a little over a month (even with use as a body butter on both myself and my kiddos). Would I buy again? Heck yeah! Why haven't I? Keep reading---

As I alluded to in my last wash day post, I made a kitchenista Tangerine Vanilla Whipped Butter mimicking the ingredients in this butter. I bet you are asking why in the world would I go through all the trouble to make it myself? Well---KBN is in the process of moving their headquarters from the DMV to Atlanta, GA (Congrats, Pamela!). But they have temporarily closed their website. *sad face* Long story short, I love 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. The BIG JAR this time!

Have you ever used a hair butter or any products from KBN?

Besitos!
KLP

{More} Big Bad Curly Vacation Hair: DO AC

Just stopping by to share a few of my mini-(va)cation curls with you; Heat free and low manipulation. Wondering how I got these whimsical curls? Check out my guide to the best bantu knots ever! 

Atlantic City, NJ

Besitos!
KLP 

Summer Big Girl Techniques

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

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

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

Besitos

KLP

How To Do Bantu Knots

I don't know if you noticed but Bantu Knots have been my go to style for this air drying heat free summer. (Say that 10 times fast.) Here's a breakdown of 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 + Argan oil + 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. 

5. 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, 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

Vacation Hair Exposed

Here are a few tidbits that I learned about my hair while I was on vacation in Florida: 

1. My hair is hydrophilic. Yep. GRE word y'all. It simply means that my hair loves moisture. I've never been a fan of frequent washing because I felt like it would strip the natural oils in my hair causing dryness. Dryness=breakage. Breakage=heartache. Okay, well maybe I'm being a little dramatic. But you get my drift. However, this vacation because I hung out at the pool so frequently, I co-washed about every other day and my hair loved it. Co-washing kept my roots moisturized, my scalp clean, and rid my hair of dryness from the chlorinated pool water. My new go to co-washing shampoo is Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Conditioner.
2. Water pressure matters. My vacation home has the world's greatest water pressure. Random, but true. It was a breeze to rinse my hair because I could turn the spout to concentrate the water. Rinsing required less manipulation and less time post wash detangling. My hubby isn't happy with this discovery. When we purchased our home, I asked him to install a rainfall shower head. Not because we needed it. But because I thought that they were cool. Yesterday, I asked him to change it back. *shrugs* Its a woman's prerogative to change her mind right?
3. Big hair rocks. The one thing that I've learned this year is that my hair can look "done" and cute without heat. I absolutely fell in love with my big bantu curls. They would last for 2 days, withstood the heat/humidity, and allowed me to keep my hair moisturized to the max. Do not be surprised if you don't see any sleek and smooth styles from me for the rest of the summer. Sorry chicas!

What have you learned about your hair this summer?

Pool Co-Wash

Pool Co-washing rocks!

I've never really been a fan of frequent co-washing, but there is just no way that I wouldn't wash my hair after going to the pool. The thought simply screams breakage in my mind. So, here's how I've been co-washing and taming my 13 (I think) post hair after kicking it at the pool:

1. Protect: I start by detangling my un-washed hair then moisturizing with Herbal Essences Hello Hydration and sealing with coconut oil. I apply a few hours before going to the pool and pull back into a low bun or french braid.
2. Pre-poo: When I return from the pool, I let down my hair to dry a bit. I find it so much easier to detangle partly dry hair vs. soaking wet hair. Next, I gently and very carefully detangle in small sections using my Magic Star Jumbo Rake, adding more coconut oil to my roots as I work.
3. Shampoo: Next, I hop in the shower, rinse, then apply diluted Matrix Biolage Hydratherapie Hydrating Shampoo using a narrow tip applicator bottle.(Don't forget to enter the Matrix Bun Effect Giveaway so that you can win your very own bottle!)
4. Leave-ins: After lightly t-shirt drying my hair. I massaged a big dallop of Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisture Conditioner in sections then applied a little Chi Silk Infusion to "seal." I pull my hair back and then cover with my scarf to coax my roots into laying down. I air dry then pull into a bun or install bantu knots.

Because I don't disturb my roots while I'm washing, it stays tangle free. Plus our vacation home has the most amazing water pressure! I have co-washed every time that I went to the pool (4 days so far). Which has kept my roots moisturized, my scalp clean, and rid my hair of dryness from the chlorinated pool water. Sadly, I'll be saying adios to Florida in a few days. My next wash day I'll be doing a protein treatment in preparation for my relaxer next week. Finger's crossed for a smooth, woe-free relaxer day!

Enjoy your weekend lovelys! 
KLP

Big Bad Curly Vacation Hair

Just stopping by to share a few of my vacation curls with you. All are heat free and the curls are courtesy of Bantu Knots.

 

Buena dias chicas!
Don't forget to enter the Matrix Biolage Giveaway!
KLP
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Vacation Wash Day

With my sister-in-law in Florida

Hola Loves!

It's holiday vacation time! I've spent the last week or so shopping, relaxing, and kicking it with family. It really can't get any better than this! I've co-washed every three days, air drying then setting my hair with Bantu Knots. However, after a day at the pool and a few sweat drenching runs in 90+ degree weather, it was beyond time to give my tresses a good wash.

1. Detangled in the same sections that my hair was knotted in. Then added a little coconut oil to aid in detangling and moisturizing.
2. Shampoo- with my favorite clarifying product KeraCare 1st Lather Shampoo to clarify first and then Matrix Biolage Hydratherapie Hydrating Shampoo to give my back some moisture. Don't forget to enter the Matrix Giveaway so that you can win your very own bottle!
3. Extreme deep condition with Halka Baba de Caracol and a bit more coconut oil massaged into my hair. I really concentrated on my roots and ends. I covered with a plastic cap and relaxed under my heating cap for about an hour.
4. Air dried for about 30 minutes then speed detangled using It's a 10 Miracle Leave in.

I pulled my hair up into a high bun then bantu knotted my bangs for soft curls. This wash I skipped my tea rinse and I hope it wasn't a mistake. But I totally forgot my smoothing conditioner and I didn't want to deal with hard or brittle hair. My hair has been on its very best behavior especially considering that I'm 3 months post.

Hope you guys are having a great start to the summer!

Besitos!
KLP

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Dear Bantu Knots, I love you. That's all.

Braid-out 2011

Big Bun 2012

My family vacays are always the best time of the year for me. When I say "family," I mean FAMILY. This year we have family members coming from as far as New York to Florida to celebrate my hubby's grandparent's anniversary. In our family, we don't need much of a rhyme or reason to celebrate. So this anniversary is a BIG deal. Fifty-plus years of marriage in this day, is a mega blessing. I always have a great great time, but I feel like I fight with my hair. A LOT. And it wins. Every.Time. The humidity is no joke. Straightening is just silly. My braid-outs are totally hit or miss---With more misses than hits. Last year, I resorted to big buns and updos. I really want a way to wear my hair out that's low maintenance but high style. This year, I'm thinking Bantu knots on stretched air dried hair might be my saving grace. *cue angelic music*

Three hours later

Freshly un-twisted

I did a test run today using a little Herbal Essences Touchably Smooth Split End Protector and Grapeseed oil. I sectioned my hair and then make little buns or Bantu knots. The knots only had a chance to set for about 2 hours before I had to get out of the house. 

I was out and about in 95% humidity for about 4 hours. I could literally feel my curls dropping and my roots getting bigger. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating, only a little. Ha-ha!

Overall, I really like this look. It was super easy to do and its good to know that in 2 hours I can get a pretty nice low manipulation style. At night, I'll either pineapple or re-set in the same sections. I probably need another leave-in that can give my hair a little more hold and definition. Sugerencias?

Besitos!
KLP