Showing posts with label healthy texlaxed hair. Show all posts
Showing posts with label healthy texlaxed hair. Show all posts

Thursday, July 17, 2014

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

Wednesday, July 02, 2014

[Hairstyle] Caruso Steam Roller Set | The #WashDayExperience


Moisture + keeping my roots stretched is everything to me right now, so I figured that a good moisture only conditioning treatment was in order for today's #washdayexperience. My hair and I have been on really good terms and it's even been manageable through Florida's 1000% humidity. Here's how I treated my hair this week:


  1. Pre-Shampoo- I gently detangled with my fingers and slathered on extra virgin coconut oil. I let it marinate for an hour or so covered with a plastic cap.
  2. Shampoo- with Bobeam Rootz Herbal Hair Grower Shampoo bar.
  3. Extreme deep condition- I deep conditioned with Jessicurl Deep Treatment on the length of my hair. Then I massaged my stands with extra virgin coconut oil, covered with a plastic cap and left it in overnight.
  4. Tea Rinse- using 2 Bamboo tea bags steeped in 2 cups of water + 2 tbsp of glycerin and a few drops of Eucalyptus essential oil. 
  5. Smoothing/Detangling Treatment- with a large dollop of Matrix Detangling Solution
  6. Air Dry with Chi Silk Infusion applied to wet hair then wrapped in a satin scarf for about an hour.
  7. Leave ins- I used Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner to moisturize, my kitchenista Tangerine Vanilla Whipped Hair Butter to seal and then "faux" banded my hair to stretch roots while it dried. 


Results: 
I've been in buns for a few days now and I needed something fresh. So I whipped out my Caruso steam rollers again for another run. I'm not abandoning Bantu knot curls by any means---but can I just confess that I LOVE LOVE LOVE the fact that I can get a bantu knot look alike set in 30 minutes?!? I used smaller rollers in the back and bigger ones in the front for an inverted bob effect. So what do you think---are these steam rollers keepers or what?

 

Friday marks my one year post relaxer mile marker! I guess that I need to stop putting this straightening business on the back burner and give y'all a proper length check! Pray for my arms!

Besitos!
KLP 



The Wash Day Experience Linkup RULES

  1. Healthy Hair is the theme. Entries completely unrelated to the theme or linked to your homepage will be deleted.
  2. 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.
  3. 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! 





Monday, June 30, 2014

Healthy Hairology Medley


Has it looked a little empty around here the last few weeks? Yeah...I've been on vacation in Florida! But that hasn't stopped me from bookmarking my favorite healthy hair tips, tricks, and techniques from bloggers, vloggers, and forums for the last few weeks! Here is the best of the best from last week:

How to stretch/ do a heatless blow out for natural afro hair (3C/4A/4B/4C)

How To Do A Heatless Blowout yolandaas: I'm almost a year post and the only way that I've been able to live is by stretching my roots. Check out Yolanda's way to stretch her natural hair---without heat!

Oils that penetrate your hair thesizzlingmommy: Dr. Fomsky shares why she always adds oils to her conditioners and which are her favorites. 

How To: Fishtail Braid Tutorial | A Contributor Post by Three in Three 
How To Fishtail Braid hairsprayandhighheels: The next style that I want to conquer this summer the fishtail braid. They look super sassy and complicated but Angela's tutorial makes it look like a piece of cake! 

DRY HAIR PROBLEMS

Dry Hair Problems blacknaps: Do you know that hand in hair syndrome can contribute to dry hair? *stops twirling hair around fingers* Check out 7 other things that you can stop or start doing today for more moisturized hair.


5 Minute Summer Styles belowthawaist: Only have 5 minutes to style your hair? Abbi gives you five fabulous styles when you're short on time but want to be glamified!

Besitos!
KLP

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Wash Day


Extreme deep conditioning is just a super fancy pre-shampoo that layers an oil over your conditioner to seal in all that moisturizing goodness. This week I applied my extreme deep conditioning combo of Jessicurl (on my roots for extra moisture) + Joico (on my ends for strength) + Coconut Oil (all over to seal) to dry hair to knock out two birds with one stone: pre-poo AND deep conditioning!

  1. Extreme Deep Condition- I applied Jessicurl Deep Treatment to my roots as I gently finger detangled. Next, I applied Joico K-Pak Reconstruct Conditioner from the line where my unprocessed hair meets my relaxed hair down. I massaged a little extra virgin coconut oil from root to tip, covered with a plastic cap, then let it all marinate over night.
  2. Tea Rinse- using 2 Bamboo tea bags steeped in a 1:1 ratio of water and aloe vera juice + 2 tbsp of glycerin.
  3. Smoothing/Detangling Treatment- with a large dollop of Matrix Detangling Solution
  4. Air Dry with Chi Silk Infusion applied to wet hair then wrapped in a satin scarf for about an hour.
  5. Leave ins- I used Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner and Pura Body Naturals Cupuacu Hair Butter to seal then set my hair in about 12 bantu knots
The Results:
Well hello curls! I sure hope that y'all aren't sick of my bantu knot curls because I am sooooo in love! I usually prefer when my sets are big and bouncy, but lately all I've gotten are super tight curls. I worn it out for a day then the next day I sported tousled high bun.

How was your #washdayexperience? I'd love it if you shared below!

Besitos!
KLP




The Wash Day Experience Linkup RULES

  1. Healthy Hair is the theme. Entries completely unrelated to the theme or linked to your homepage will be deleted.
  2. 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.
  3. 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! 




Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Wash Day


This week's theme on the #washdayexperience is Summer Bun Fun. I think that this might be my favorite theme to date because I absolutely adored the way that my hair turned out. Plus, I had the best wash day in...well forever. I think that I've found my winning conditioning cocktail! Here's how my wash day went:
  1. Extreme Deep Condition- I applied Jessicurl Deep Treatment to my roots as I gently finger detangled. Next, I applied Joico K-Pak Reconstruct Conditioner from the line where my unprocessed hair meets my relaxed hair down. I massaged a little extra virgin coconut oil from root to tip, covered with a plastic cap, then let it all marinate over night.
  2. Tea Rinse- using 2 Bamboo tea bags steeped in a 1:1 ratio of water and aloe vera juice + 2 tbsp of glycerin.
  3. Smoothing/Detangling Treatment- with a large dollop of Matrix Detangling Solution
  4. Air Dry with Chi Silk Infusion applied to wet hair then wrapped in a satin scarf for about an hour.
  5. Leave ins- I used Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner and Pura Body Naturals Cupuacu Hair Butter to seal then "faux" banded my hair to stretch roots while it dried. 


Results:
While I rinsed out my conditioner mix my hair was literally like silk. I felt like I'd just relaxed! I didn't have one tangle in the shower and honestly, I didn't really want to tea rinse for fear that I'd loose that super moisturized and smooth feeling. Luckily, my bamboo tea rinse didn't disappoint. Test run #2 and I'm still madly in love with it. I think that it just might be the most moisturizing tea rinse that I've used.

Once my hair was about 90% dry after banding, I used a little Chi Twisted Fabric to pull my hair into a high bun and accessorized with a floral headband. You're probably tired of seeing this headband but it's totally my favorite!

How was your #washdayexperience? I'd love it if you shared below!

Besitos!
KLP




The Wash Day Experience Linkup RULES

  1. Healthy Hair is the theme. Entries completely unrelated to the theme or linked to your homepage will be deleted.
  2. 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.
  3. 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! 






Monday, June 16, 2014

Healthy Hairology Medley


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

Kilo-Kish-Bumble-and-bumble-into-the-gloss 10
Kilo Kish’s Summer-Proof Hair Routine intothegloss: I've never been daring enough to sport my bantu knots out of the house, but the way that Kilo does it and how the process ensures that her hair is super moisturized has me wondering---which are cuter: Bantu knots or Bantu knot curls? 


My straight hair bed time routine 31ofmay: Did you hair frizz up when you attempted to straighten it? Well Chantelle has got a cure for that---in 3 simple steps you can say good bye to frizz and hello to sexy beach waves!

Post image for Got Yourself A Gun: Talking All That Sh*t Online Got Yourself A Gun: Talking All That Sh*t Online kisforkinky: The one thing that's not allowed here at SavingOurStrands is negativity. Simply put: If you can't be respectful then you just can't participate. I love 's take on this and I hope that it encourages someone to think again about being rude.


Before and After Coloring with Feria Intense Ombre 030

My DIY Ombre Hair Color Experience naturallystellar: There is something about ombre color that SCREAMS summer loving to me and Candace's curls are why! My ends would probably be murdered so for now I'm living vicariously through you boo!




Summer/Vacation Hair: Marley Twists  laurenmechelle: I want Marley twists so bad but I know that I won’t leave them in long enough to justify the installation time! In the meantime, I'll live vicariously though all of you. Especially Lauren! Just gorge! And here's bangin video so that you can get your summer marley twist on too!



Besitos!
KLP

Friday, June 13, 2014

How To Run A Virtual 5K | #FitnessFriday


Do you want to run a 5K but don't know how to start? Or maybe you really want a wingman and none of your friends/family are interested? No local 5K races? Perhaps you haven't found a race that fits into your schedule. Well today on #FitnessFriday, I'm sharing how you can run a 5k race regardless of your fitness level, location, with anyone, and at anytime. Welcome to the world of virtual 5ks and here's how to do it:
 
REGISTER TODAY
  1. Get Registered: Find a race online and just say yes! Don't know where to start? Join Black Girls Run and sign up for their WalkB4URUN! Virtual 5K
  2. Start Training: Black Girls RUN! has a super cool, effective, and simple training plan that I recommend to everyone. You can download yours here. Plus it's totally free! #woot You start my walking on week 1. You'll end running on week 12.
  3. Map Your Route: Whether you're running in your neighborhood, at the park, or on the trails, the very last thing that you want to do is not complete the full 3.1 mile race. If you're not sure where to run, meet up with your local BlackGirlsRun group for training sessions and the beautiful encouragement. You can find a group in your city by visiting here
  4. Get your bib: After you register, most virtual races provide a link where you can download your bib. Race bibs are like badges of honor---I never run a race without one!
  5. Run your kinda race: It doesn't matter if you run a 15 minute race or you crawl a 151 minute race. The goal is to finish. Plus you already know that you can do it!
  6. Submit your results and do an embarrassing happy dance: Follow the directions that your race provides. Typically you have to upload your time on your hosts virtual roster. Then cabbage patch, dougie, or butterfly! You did it! Next, stalk the mail man for your race bling! It's typically delivered 3-4 weeks after the race. I HEART race bling! 
Tada!! There you have it, how to run a virtual 5k. Easy enough right? So who's lacing up their sneakers and running with me?

Besitos!
KLP


Let's inspire together! Create a fitness related blog post and link up every Friday with me, KLP of SavingOurStrands, Ebony of Longing4Length, and Britt of One&20

Fitness Friday Linkup RULES

  1. ​Follow your hosts: SavingOurStrands, Longing4Length, and One&20 via Bloglovin'
  2. Fitness is the theme. Entries completely unrelated to the theme or linked to your homepage will be deleted---we not about that life!
  3. Inspire the Fitness Friday contributor that linked up directly before you with an encouraging 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; So everyone gets love​!).
  4. Share it! Your blog post must link back to this site so others see. We even made this nifty button which links back to the Fitness Friday page! Just copy and drop the code into your blog post.

Fitness Friday


Besitos!
KLP





Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Wash Day


My Caruso roller set last week was...well...it was interesting.The curls were beautiful but maintaining it was impossible without doing another set. I tried setting the curls on satin rollers and while the results were still super cute---and very reminiscent of a braid out---it wasn't the same. I guess that I need to keep working on it. Ha-ha! The good news is that my hair was soooo smooth, moisturized and tangle free all week. I had absolutely no trouble styling and I didn't even feel like I needed to do a mid-week co-wash! Totally winning! Any who, here's what I did to keep the good times rolling:

  1. Pre-Shampoo- Detangled with a generous amount of Almond Oil and applied JBCO to my scalp.
  2. Co-Wash- with Shea Moisture Co-wash Conditioning Cleanser.
  3. Extreme Deep Condition with Jessicurl Deep Treatment.
  4. Tea Rinse- using 2 Bamboo tea bags steeped in a 1:1 ratio of water and aloe vera juice + 2 tbsp of glycerin.
  5. Smoothing/Detangling Treatment with a large dollop of Matrix Detangling Solution
  6. Air Dry with Chi Silk Infusion applied to wet hair then wrapped in a satin scarf.
  7. Leave ins- I used Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner and Pura Body Naturals Cupuacu Hair Butter to seal then "faux" banded my hair to stretch roots while it dried. I installed about 10 bantu knots for curls.

Results: 
Success! I've used Shea Moisture Conditioning Cleanser several times during my mid-week co-washing sessions. My hair didn't feel particularly "dirty" so I figured that a simple co-washing cleanser would suffice. I promise to do a full review soon, but for now---know that I love it! The Bamboo tea rinse was amazing and you can expect to see me use that again. To style, I did a dutch braid across the middle of my head then pulled everything into a side pony. I wasn't expecting much from this simple style, but I actually really like it! What do you think?

Besitos!
KLP




The Wash Day Experience Linkup RULES

  1. Healthy Hair is the theme. Entries completely unrelated to the theme or linked to your homepage will be deleted.
  2. 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.
  3. 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! 




Tuesday, June 10, 2014

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.

Friday, June 06, 2014

What To Wear For Pilates Class | Fitness Friday


#FitnessFriday is a fun community building linkup that encourages women to keep their body strong whilst creating a sustainable healthy lifestyle. Losing weight, eating well, and growing long healthy hair isn't easy; but they do go hand in hand. Wellness starts on the inside and requires commitment, dedication, plus loads of support. We're totally all in this together!

The biggest reason that I love #FitnessFriday is because it forces allows me to stay on track with my overall healthy living goals---otherwise I have nothing to report each week! The thought of doing the same workout day (or even eating the same thing) in and day out is utterly boring to me, so I try to keep my routine as varied as possible. However, one thing that I've done at least once a week for the last year is Pilates. A few weeks ago I shared how I wear my hair to Pilates class, so today I'm sharing what I wear!

Honestly, you can wear whatever you want to the Pilates Studio. No matter what comfort is the key. You don't need anything fancy. But you do need to feel confident in whatever you wear.

1. Layers: Sometimes my Pilates studio is freezing cold. Other times its like they have the heat on in the summer time. I like to dress in layers to make sure that I'm comfortable regardless of the temperature in the studio. Always make sure that your outer layer is still Pilates mat and machine friendly.(Suggested: Reebok Yoga & Pilates Sweater $45)

2. Tank: The worst thing that you can wear to Pilates class is a top that's too tight or too revealing. My favorite tank fit is cut high in the front (to keep me from flashing the class), a loose in the middle (no muffin tops here!), and longer than most tops (just in case my shirt rides up a tad). You'll want your top to be able to move about with you. Not against you. (Suggested: Reebok Workout Ready Tank $17)

3. Bottoms: Sweats, windbreaker pants, or anything super baggy is totally a bad idea. Not only can baggy clothes be difficult to maneuver in, but they are potentially dangerous when working on the Pilates machines. Also, if you are doing mat work, you want your instructor to be able to see and correct your movements/posture. Choose pants that wear close to the body, provide freedom of motion, and claro que si make your butt look fabulous! (Suggested: Reebok Workout Ready Capri $40)

4. Socks: Pilates is performed barefoot. But I'm kinda not about that life, so I wear my lucky socks. They are purple and very awesome. Your teacher will probably freak if you wear your shoes into the Pilates room. Always take them off before you walk in. (Suggested: Those holey socks in the back of your drawer that you refuse to throw away. Yep. Those are the luckiest pair)

5. Pilates Bag: Although completely optional, I invested in a mat sleeve when I was in college initially for my Yoga mat. Now I use that bag for my Pilates mat (A Pilates mat has about twice the thickness of a traditional Yoga mat). My bag has a place for my keys, water bottle, and phone plus a few other things because I'm awful forgetful---so it works in my favor to keep everything in one place. (Suggested: Reebok Stripped Yoga Mat $22)

Are you into Pilates? What do you wear?

Besitos!
KLP


Let's inspire together! Create a fitness related blog post and link up every Friday with me, KLP of SavingOurStrands, Ebony of Longing4Length, and Britt of One&20

Fitness Friday Linkup RULES

  1. ​Follow your hosts: SavingOurStrands, Longing4Length, and One&20 via Bloglovin'
  2. Fitness is the theme. Entries completely unrelated to the theme or linked to your homepage will be deleted---we not about that life!
  3. Inspire the Fitness Friday contributor that linked up directly before you with an encouraging 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; So everyone gets love​!).
  4. Share it! Your blog post must link back to this site so others see. We even made this nifty button which links back to the Fitness Friday page! Just copy and drop the code into your blog post.

Fitness Friday


Besitos!
KLP