The Best of 2015: My Hair's Hits & Misses

2015 was a really great year for my hair. I wasn't concerned with length, I didn't use heat, and I lived for deep conditioning. I still made a TON of mistakes along the way. Here's a recap of the best things (and the worse things) that happened to my hair.

Hits: Protective Styling

If you haven't read about my LOVE AFFAIR with Kurly Klips---then---idk where you've been chile! It's all that I talked about for the last 6 months! So here's your chance to catch up on why I think that

KURLY KLIPS ARE THE WORLD'S MOST VERSATILE PROTECTIVE STYLE EVER!!!!

Hits: Trimming

I've trimmed and dusted my hair several times this year (Like here, here, here, and here). Way more than I ever have in my healthy hair journey. And while frequent trimming would have been a miss for me in past years---this year it was a hit. My hair is as healthy as it's ever been. My curls look fantastic when wet and my ends are perfectly blunt---and y'all know that I LIVE for healthy blunt ends!

Hits: Curlformers, Perm Rods, and Twist Outs
When my hair wasn't in a protective style---I styled using (most recently) curlformers, perm rods and twist outs. I can't say that I've masted any one of them, but I can say that y'all will definitely see more of them next year.

Hits: My New Staple Products Bentonite Clay Hair Mask Treatment
When I first chopped my hair, I cut it whilst it was straight---which was a total mistake because I was still left with some bits of straight hair on my bangs. It was nearly impossible to tell the difference between my texlaxed hair and my natural curl so I turned to Bentonite Clay! It's amazingness in a jar. It's moisturizing, detoxifying, a shine enhancer, frizz eliminator----just curl defining goodness. Here's how I mix it up and get my curls poppin!

Misses: Wash and Gos
I mean---wash and NOsss!  After about a month of experimenting with wash and gos---I realized that my hair behaves better when it's stretched. It's less tangled, it stays moisturized, my end are far less prone to breakage. Maybe one day, I'll revisit wash and gos, but for now---I'm staying far far away from them.

Misses: High Puffs
My staple natural hair style! Omgosh---how I love this style. It's effortless. And that's the problem. It's so effortless that I'll rock this style for days without moisturizing or sealing my hair. My ends dry out and the curls tangle. Whilst, I'm not vowing to never wear a high puff again, I am going to wear them less and make sure that I moisturize my hair better. Plus, my hair is long enough now, that I can rock a high bun instead! Which is far more kind to my ends!

What were the best (and not so wonderful) moments of your #washdayexperience this year? Share the dets below!

Besitos!
KLP

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[Tutorial] Curlformer Side Swept High Bun

I live for a fun side swept updo! All you'll need for this style is a hair tie and a few bobby pins.  First, I used Curlformers to stretch and set my hair. They're a fantastic way to smooth and elongate my curls without heat and with relatively low manipulation. For the products I used to get these crazy bouncy and smooth curls, check out my #washdayexperience here.

1. Create a deep side part on stretched hair.
2. Pull a large section of your bangs to the front of your head.
3. Gently take the rest of your curls and pull them into a very loose high ponytail.  
4. Swoop your bangs to the side (take care not to stretch the curl too far) and secure with a hair pin.
5. Using a few more hair pins, tuck and secure the ends of your ponytail into a bun. 
6. Add height by fluffing your bun and bangs.

Viola! That simple! Let me know if you recreate this look!

Besitos!
KLP

[Hairstyle] Curlformer Side Swept High Bun | The #WashDayExperience

First, I was obessed with Kurly Klips---now I'm TOTALLY in love with Curlformers!

AND

*drum roll please*

I figured out a way to install curlformers, let them dry, and get twice the amount of curls in 2 hours WITHOUT sleeping in them !!!!!!!!!

Let that sink in for a minute...

Install

+

Drying time

+

Double Curls

=

2 hours!!!!!

It's a Christmas miracle!

Here's what I used:
Pre-shampoo- Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Conditioner
Shampoo- Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Shampoo
Deep Condition- Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Conditioner + Almond Oil
Leave-ins- Almond Oil + Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Leave-In Conditioner + EVCO

WIN MY #WASHDAYEXPERIENCE PRODUCTS HERE!

And here's how I did it:
I started by applying a little Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Conditioner in sections to detangle my hair. Then I hopped in the shower and lathered up with Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Shampoo. I let my hair dry for a few minutes wrapped in a cotton t-shirt, then applied Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Conditioner plus a little Almond Oil to seal it all in. I covered with a plastic cap and sat under my heating cap for 2 hours. Then I kinda fell asleep. LOL. Overnight deep conditioning for the win!

My hair was crazy soft after rising the deep conditioner the next morning! After tshirt drying for a few minutes, I applied my leave ins- Almond Oil + Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Leave-In Conditioner + EVCO and installed all 40 curlformers in my set. It took me about an hour to install them.

I get double the amount of curls because I two strand twist the roots of each section then install the Curlformer! No snagging on the Curlformer plus two curls per rod! WINNING!!

Then I sat under my hooded dryer for an hour while they dried! I was utterly shocked that they only needed an hour to set!!!

This has been my shinest and smoothest curlformer set to date! Y'all better believe that I'm NEVER sleeping in these things again!

To style, I went for this kinda messy---kinda classy Side Swept High Bun. Here's how I did it:

1. Create a deep side part on stretched hair. (I stretched my curls using Curlformers)
2. Pull a large section of your bangs to the front of your head.
3. Gently take the rest of your curls and pull them into a very loose high ponytail.  
4. Swoop your bangs to the side (take care not to stretch the curl too far) and secure with a hair pin
5. Using a few more hair pins, tuck and secure the ends of your ponytail into a bun. 
6. Add height by fluffing your bun and bangs.

Fingers crossed that I can get this cute curly high bun to last until Christmas!

How are you styling your hair for the holidays?

Share the dets below!

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[Tutorial] Easy Crown Braid for Natural Hair | The #WashDayExperience

I moaned and complained about how TERRIBLE Curlformers are to sleep in last week.

And then I did it again.

*Hangs head*

But let me xplain!!!

My hair was crazy easy to manage last week! No tangles! Perfectly stretched! Moisturized like crazy! Did I mention NO TANGLES?!?

My #washdayexperience today was even easier. So easy that all I had to do was deep condition! Here's what I used:

Don't miss your chance to win my #washdayexperience products!

Deep Condition- Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Conditioner + Almond Oil
Leave-ins- Almond Oil + Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Leave-In Conditioner + EVCO

And here's how I did it:

After rocking my Lace Braid for a few days, I unraveled and wore it in a bun. On wash day, I pulled my bun down, misted my ends with a little water, and then section by section, gently finger detangled to remove shed hairs. I applied Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Conditioner from root to tip and sealed the conditioner in with a little almond oil. Next, I covered my hair with a plastic cap and put on my heating cap for about 30 minutes.

In the shower, I rinsed and detangled in sections. Once I was done with one section, I put it in a chunky twist and moved on to the next section so that I could keep my hair stretched. Out of the shower, I applied my leave ins- Almond Oil + Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Leave-In Conditioner + EVCO and installed all 40 of the curlformers. Then I let the rods dry overnight.

This time, I loosed the rods a little at the base of my scalp to lessen the tension. BEST. IDEA. EVER! I didn't get the world's best sleep, but I did get more sleep this time than last time.

My curls were super super cute. My ends were a little frizzy. But that didn't matter I decided to go with a crown braid! Here's how I did it:

1. Create a side part on stretched hair. (I stretched my curls using Curlformers)
2. Begin your braid at your side part and braid along the perimeter of your hair.
3. Continue this braid until you get to your nape. Then finish braiding the ends
4. Start another braid from the opposite side and repeat
5. Tuck the end of the first braid into the second braid and secure with a hair pin. 
6. Repeat on the second braid.

My {not so} secret to BIG BIG braids? Fluff your braids by plucking apart the sides for a fuller look.

Can I just get a soul clap for the smoothness and shine of this braid?!? Gosh...I think that I'm rolling in deep with these curlformers!

How was your #washdayexperience?

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[Hairstyle] Curvy Lace Braid | The #WashDayExperience

My goal of rocking Kurly Klips until the end of the year sorta fell short. No shade to my darlin' Kurly Klips. They're fantastic. I was the problem. I was just bored! I really didn't know what I wanted to do with my hair. But I did know:

I still wanted to honor my "protective style" pact that I made in August.

and

I needed to stretch my hair because it behaves better--aka  stays moisturized and has less tangles when it's stretched.

So I picked up a package of Curlformers!

My first curlformers experience was interesting. I wouldn't call it a win necessary. Yes, my hair was stretched, smooth, bouncy, and happy. But...

OMG those things are HORRIBLE to sleep in. *le sigh*

Anywhos, here's how my #washdayexperience went:

Pre-shampoo- Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Conditioner
Shampoo- Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Shampoo
Deep Condition- Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Conditioner + Almond Oil
Leave-ins- Almond Oil + Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Leave-In Conditioner + EVCO

And here's how I did it:
I started by applying a little Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Conditioner in sections to detangle my hair. Then I hopped in the shower and lathered up with Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Shampoo. I let my hair dry for a few minutes wrapped in a cotton t-shirt, then applied Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Conditioner plus a little Almond Oil to seal it all in. I covered with a plastic cap and sat under my heating cap for 2 hours.

My hair was crazy soft after rising the deep conditioner. Then I applied my leave ins- Almond Oil + Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Leave-In Conditioner + EVCO and installed almost all of the curlformers. Then I let the rods dry overnight.

I loved the curls, but it was a updo that I really wanted. So I went for this Curvy Lace Braid situation! Here's how I did it:

1. Create a deep side part on stretched hair. (I stretched my curls using Curlformers)
2. Begin your lace braid (which means that you only pull hair into the braid from the front of your hair) about an inch above your ear, then start to curve the braid towards the opposite direction across your head. Keep your turn tight so that your edges stay neat.
3. Continue this braid until the end of your hair. Be sure to only pull hair from the front of your hair. This is what creates the "lace" effect.
4. Start another braid from the same side and repeat with your remaining hair.
5. Then roll the braided end of the second braid into a bun. 
6. Tuck the braided end of the first braid into the bun with a hair pin. 

 Optional: Fluff your braids by plucking apart the sides for a fuller look.

I can dress this style up or wear it to the gym which makes it a winner winner in my book!

How was your #washdayexperience?

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Matrix Hydrasource Shampoo & Conditoner Giveaway

It's giveaway time!!! Here's your chance to win a set of my long time favorite products from Matrix! One lucky chica will win the Matrix Hydrasource Shampoo and Conditioner. You can check out my GLOWING reviews of both here:


Matrix Biolage Hydrasource

Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Shampoo

Pero, lo siento, this giveaway is only open to my continental US friends.

Enter daily!
Buena Suerte
KLP

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Bored Bored Bored | The #WashDayExperience

I love my Kurly Klips.

Love. LOVE. LOVE them thangs!

It's definitely not a secret.

I mean, these clip ins are the ONLY thing that I've talked about in the last just about 6 months.

But...

There's one teeny tiny problem....

I'm soooo over them.

It's not the clips.

It's totally me.

I just miss my hair.

I can't put it off another day.

So, let's all say goodbye to the Kurly Klips (for now)...

I'm sitting with deep conditioner in my hair now. I have no idea how I'm going to style it, but I'm kinda siced. *bounces in her seat*

Anyone else bored with their hair? How are you changing it up?

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[Hairstyle] Hot Pink Chalk Curls Using Kurly Klips

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I'm usually pretty classy.

I try keep it sophisticated.


Chic is my middle name.

But today...

I just wanted to have some fun!

Say hello to my HOT PINK CHALK CURLS!

*giggles uncontrollably*

I washed and styled my hair per my usual Kurly Klip regimen. (You can find all the details here) I put my bangs into two braids, left a little hair out to cover the wefts, then installed my clip-ins. Using hair pins, I put the hair into a half up half down situation.

Then, I had an A-HA moment!

HAIR CHALK!

Remember when I chalked my relaxed hair? Here...

Hair Chalk Highlights

and here...

How To Use Hair Chalk on Relaxed Hair

and here....

Hmm...looks like I tap into my ratchet side a little more than I realized...lol!

So what do you think? Love it or leave it?

How was your #washdayexperience? Share the dets with the rest of our healthy hair squad!

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When My Hair Was Natural...The Last Time

I've been completely natural a billion times in my life. No seriously...a BILLION. My mother only relaxed our hair for special occasions. Think Easter or Christmas. Maybe a birthday here or there. I had no idea how to care for my relaxed hair. I most certainly had no idea how to care for my hair while "stretching" my relaxer. And I definitely had no idea how to care for my natural hair---once all of the relaxed ends inevitably broke off. Ugh...it was a vicious cycle. My hair never grew past my shoulders.


When my hair was natural (unprocessed)---the last time...

I flat ironed it daily. Okay I'm lying. I flat ironed it twice a day.

I never wore it curly.

I lived for my blow dryer.

I watched my hair grow.

Then I cried as it all broke off.


This time---it's different.

This time---I've learned to love my curls.


And this time---I gotta remember not to abuse my hair for just for a style.

Because it's just not worth it.

The Best Moisturizer for Natural Hair EVER + The #WashDayExperience

Hmm...Let me add some fine print to that before y'all fry me...

The best moisturizer for my natural hair

That I've ever used to date...

*boy, that was awkward...*

Now that we got all the legal mumbo jumbo out of the way. Chile, let me tell you all about this amazing moisture concoction that I came up with!

I casually mentioned this moisture mist when I shared with you guys How I Protect My Hair Under Kurly Klips. But today, I wanted to elaborate on it's awesomeness.

In this cute little blue bottle is Aloe Vera Juice, Glycerin, vitamin e oil, and a few drops of tangerine essential oil----you know---so that it smells heavenly.

I mist it on my twists every night after I've pulled my Kurly Klips down. Then apply a small amount of Jessicurl Too Shea Conditioner focusing on my ends. I usually seal with my DIY Hair Butter, but---but because I want to really keep my ends protected from the exposure to the friction from the clip-ins---instead I'm sealing with Jamaican Black Castor Oil. Then I pull all the twists back into a low pony tail and cover with my scarf.

And let me tell you this---my hair---relaxed, texlaxed, or natural---has never been this moisturized.  

Remember when I had to dust my ends a couple of months ago because of dryness (and overall laziness)? Yo---all of that nonsense is a thing of the past since I started using this mist and protective styling!

Just in case you missed it, there are only four ingredients

Aloe Vera Juice

Glycerin

Vitamin E oil

Essential Oil (just for the scent)

Yes. You may fangirl now...

How was your #washdayexperience? Share the details with the rest of our hair obsessed squad!

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[Hairstyle] High Ponytail | The #WashDayExperience

I'm treating you guys to a regular old #washdayexperience this week!

AND I tried a new product.

Yep Yep. Your girl is doing BIG THANGS right hurrr

*giggles hysterically*

Feel free to judge me. I'm an absolute mess!

Anywhos, here's what products I used in my #washdayexperience:

Pre-shampoo- Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Conditioner
Shampoo- Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Shampoo
Strenthening Treatment- Aubrey's GPB Conditioner (NEW!)
Leave-ins- Almond Oil + Jessicurl Too Shea Conditioner + EVCO

And here's how I did it:
I unraveled my twists and slathered my hair in Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Conditioner. My love for this stuff goes deep. So deep that I buy it in bulk, several gallons at a time. Again, you may feel free to judge me. LOL. But what I do know is that it's amazing slip was great for detangling and removing my week's worth of shed hair.

Right after pre-shampooing, I went ahead and jumped into the shower, rinsed the conditioner, and shampooed twice using Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Shampoo. I haven't bothered diluting my shampoos anymore because (1) I only shampoo about once a month so I want to really clean my hair and (2) shampoo (especially) just doesn't strip my natural hair. I'm not sure if its because my hair has been ultra moisturized or if it's because my natural curls isn't as dry as my texlaxed hair was.

I used Aubrey's GPB conditioner as my protein treatment. I've been moisturizing my hair like crazy and I know from experience that my hair thrives with regular strengthening treatments.I applied the coditioner to my damp clean hair, covered with a plastic cap, and sat under my heat cap for about 1.5 hours. I'll definitely give you guys a thorough review once I finish the bottle, but let me tell you: I was VERY impressed with how amazing my hair felt after rinsing this conditioner. Strong. Resilient. "Plumper." My curls were crazy defined and tightly coiled. But UBER soft. #winning #winning #WINNING

I applied my leave ins: Almond Oil + Jessicurl Too Shea Conditioner + EVCO then two strand twisted my hair in random sections. I pulled all of the twists back into a low pony tail then let it dry overnight.

The next morning, I decided that I'm really OVER my big hair look, so I went with this crazy cute high ponytail. This is one of my FAVORITE ways to wear my natural hair and these Kurly Klips didn't disappoint in recreating the look! (I pretty much followed this tutorial to the letter)

I'll probably wear this look for the rest of the week, but y'all, I think that I need a break from my clip-ins. I love them. Don't get it twisted. But I realllly miss my hair. Any style recommendations?

How was your #washdayexperience?

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[Hairstyle] Braided Side Ponytail Using Kurly Klips

I really miss my real hair, but I'm not quite ready to give up my clip-in extensions yet. So, I'm going for the double protective style this week with another braided do.

Meet my Braided Side Ponytail (using Kurly Klips of course)!

*cue Price is Right you won a car theme music*

I love love love this style. It's fun and flirty but classy. Exactly what I look for in a protective style.

Anywhos, here's how I got this quick cute do:

1. Create a deep side part. (or whatever kind of part you want)
2. Dutch braid your bangs.
3. Install your Kurly Klips, leaving a little hair out to blend and camouflage the wefts
4. Pull all of the hair and the braid to one side, securing with a hair tie. 
5. Smooth your edges and fluff that ponytail honey!

So what do you think? Easier than it looks right?

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[Hairstyle] Double Strand Braid Using Kurly Klips | The #WashDayExperience

Once upon a time I was actually able to do this style with my flat-ironed relaxed hair. Now that my natural hair is a whole lot shorter, I'm siced to have Kurly Klips to give me the length that I need to get'er done!

The simplicity of this style is disgusting. Honestly, I don't even think that it's completely worthy of a #washdayexperience post. But---I'm started to get bored of rocking big hair.  

I know, I know. I didn't think that that was even POSSIBLE! I just miss my simple updos, braids, and twists. *sad face*

So meet my Double Strand Braid---using Kurly Klips of course!

I started by following my usual boring regimen. (You can find it here.) After I deep conditioned my hair and applied my leave ins, I put my hair in about 20 twists then pulled then all back into a low pony tail to dry. In the morning, I haphazard unraveled the twists, split my hair into two with a heavy side part, then installed 5 two-clip wefts on each side.

Once the clip-ins were installed, I two strand braided each side. Viola! All done!

I told you that it was disgustingly simple.

But I liked it so much that I'll be testing out a few more braided styles this week. Double protective style for the win! #woot

What do you think? Sophisticated or childish?

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[Hairstyle] Headband Braid | The #WashDayExperience

I didn't think that I would have this much fun playing around and styling my Kurly Klips! But today I'm back to share another, kinda sorta #washdayexperience with you guys starring this uber cute  Headband Braid.

I started by following my usual boring regimen. (You can find it here.) I've noticed that my hair has been crazy moisturized lately. Note to self to work in a legit protein strengthening treatment soon. After I deep conditioned my hair and applied my leave ins, I put my hair in about 20 twists then pulled then all back into a low pony tail to dry. In the morning, I arranged my Kurly Klip wefts into this crazy easy style.

Here's how I did it:

1. Separate your hair into two parts leaving about 2 inches of your hair out in the front.
2. Install your clips as usual in the back half of your hair using the "Reverse Clip" Technique shown here to maximize volume.
3. Start your dutch braid at your ear. Continue braiding incorporating only hair on the right side until you get to your other ear. Finish the braid and secure with a small hair pin.
4. Pin your hair back for a mini pompadour then fluff the back half of your hair.

This style keeps my hair out of my face while still allowing me to rock BIG BIG HAIR! As you can see, I left a very small bit of my hair out so that I could blend it back. It's crazy windy today here at the beach and I just couldn't get the clips in the front to act right. Ha-ha!

What do you think? Would you test drive this style?

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