Really Cute Kitten Being Tickled

Hair Tool for Naturals: {Part 1} Care for Your Natural Hair: A Better Way {Updated February 12, 2011}

{Updated February 12, 2011}

Is there such a way of caring for natural hair “the right way", well I'd say yes.


Let discuss a few hair care tips and tools every natural should invest in: You can add or enhance these tips in your own Natural Hair Care Regimen

HAIR TOOLS  

Bone Comb Also Called: Bakelite, Resin, Or Seamless Comb

Are made of resin; this type of combs are said to be very beneficial to hair:

1. Anti Static 
2. De-tangles
3. Helps prevent split ends
4. Seamless- combs prevent breakages and split ends to hair

REMINDER

Bone Combs (Resin Combs) can crack (develop small chips) over time: 

Cause by friction, heat, or shock to the comb, using a cracked comb can cause hair snags or can pull hair out.

Resin is not plastic; they are not as flexible as plastic combs are more fragile.

Please be sure if you buy a Bone Comb to inspect your comb on a monthly basis to make sure your comb does not have any chips, cracks, or hairline fractures.

WHERE TO BUY BONE COMBS? 

Be-aware there are beauty supply stores and some manufacturers are making plastic combs of the same color and calling them "bone" combs. 

Fake Bone combs is low priced: $1.00-$3.00 there cheap and have seams

 Whats are "Seams": Seams are the line running through the teeth of the comb, this plastic line causes damage to hair all combs have seams unless it is created without this manufacturer detail.

Bone Combs are seamless and provide better protection against breakage and split ends then regular combs.

 When buying bone combs online contacting the seller is always a good idea

Ask the seller if the bone comb they are selling are 100% Organic Resin, make sure to specify which comb you are referring to and want to buy

Links to Website Selling Bone Combs are Below:

EBay Bone Combs

HairSense Bone Combs (also known as bakelite combs)

Honey Fig 100% Organic Resin Combs

Wide Tooth Comb (Shower Combs)

You can buy a wide tooth (or a shower comb) at your local Beauty Supply Store, Drugstore, or Supermarket.

Wide tooth combs (in my opinion) is a good way to ensure less breakage  
(when it comes to combing natural hair)

• Less Stress on Natural Hair

• Less Headache (Literally)

• No Broken Comb handles (Ha ha ha). No really just last week I broke my comb handle, no I wasnt using the correct comb: I shoulda used my shower comb (also called a wide tooth comb).


Brush (Boar Brush)

Honestly I tried to ban my boar brush hard bristle brushes causes split ends and damage to the hair.
 I couldn't throw mines away, I purchase a softer brush instead my boar brush slicks my hard to tame areas: nape, foreline etc

Get a boar brush (you'll need it to create cute sleek styles with your natural tresses), just don’t abuse your hair, be gentle when brushing with a boar brush (any hard bristle brush). A couple of strokes is all it takes: if not, and theres still a few stray hair standing: Put Down The Brush and  Keep it Moving: Don't over do it with the brushing!

This professional salon type Boar Brush is used for styling hair with heat and distributing oils through-out hair, not for regular hair styling.

A small hand size boar brush is a perfect to hair in your Hair Tools          I have a boar brush like these there easier to hold and just right for regular hair brushing

Elastic Scrunchies (No Metal ) "Ouchless" Hair Scrunchies

Yea I know everyone says "buy the NO METAL ouch-less scrunchies", there popular and for good reason:

The no metal scrunchies may prevent less stress on the hair and these come in handy when it's time to de-tangle your hair.

I can't tell how many times my hair has snag, snap, and been pulled out by metal secured scrunchies: I also think these ouch-less last longer than the metal ones too.

Silk Scarf

I cant stress this enough: Silk scarves saves strands! Please buy at least one silk scarf, not only does it retains your natural hair moisture, less fly away's (lays your hair down quick), and keeps your hair from rubbing and breaking off:
Satin and Cotton scarves do not have the benefits that a 100% Silk Scarves has:
Buy at least one to cover your hair at night


Types of Silk Scarf
 Now here's the fun part, there are different type of scarf to buy and wear:


The Headband Scarf 
 If your tired of your silky scarf for slipping off especially when you sleep

"Paisley Dream"
"Bohemian Groovy Chick' Easy Tie Scarf





"Flower Child" Easy Tie Scarf

TIP: Type In Headband Scarf GOOGLE image search you'll find websites where you can purchase these pretty and functional head scarfs.

Heres's a shortcut google link to pictures and websites that sell silk scarfs:
 http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=1024&bih=573&gbv=2&tbs=isch:1&aq=f&aqi=&oq=&q=Headband%20Scarf%20elastic

Tips on Purchasing a Good Silk Scarf

Seems easy to do (buying a silk scarf) but there's so many types of silk and sizes of scarves
Silk Satin is a good choice

Here's how to spot a Silk Satin Scarf:

Shiny on one side dull on the other: Soft to the touch

Choose the right size scarf

You don't want to be drowning in a head scarf (Maybe You Do) I Don't Know BUT:

(Measurements Are in Inches)

Sizes Breakdown

"21" x 21"  (Small Bandanna Type)


"35x35" (Bigger Shawl size, ends of scarves can be wrap around head once and tied in the front)

Make sure you know whether the scarf measurements are in Inches and or Centimeters:
The wrong sized scarf can be too big or small for your head.

If the seller has the measurements in CM: Centimeters, you can print out a small list of Measurements to take with you while shopping, if your buying online, you can Google Conversions inches to centimeters, to make sure they have the size scarf your looking for.

Mist/Spray Bottle 

Naturals, I'm sure you have an old leave-in conditioner with a spray attachment cap Reuse! Fill that old spray bottle with purified filtered water (distilled bottled water is gentle on hair, rather than tap water with heavy minerals and sediments).

Spritz you hair every now and then keeps your hair well hydrated.
If you don't have a spray bottle pick one up at your local Drugstore, 99 Cents store, Wal-mart: or you can buy a sets of spray bottles containing 2 or up to 12 bottles that comes with the spray nozzle as well.

Moisturizing Conditioner and\or Leave-In's
 

Have a thick conditioner on hand? You can you a good quality moisturizing conditioner as a leave-in for your hair.

Some ladies on hair website suggest using a Leave-In Conditioner made for that exact purpose

I believe a regular conditioner without protein or heavy synthetic ingredients can be perfect for Leave-In Conditioner:

When using regular hair conditioners as a Leave-In's 

Dilute 2-4 ounces of a moisturizing conditioner to a liquid consistency and massage directly into parted hair or put into a spray bottle and spray throughout hair.

Remember to use only small amount (no more than a quarter size) if using straight from the bottle.

When using regular hair conditioners as a Leave-In's it's important to use as little as possible to soften the hair.

REMEMBER: Most conditioners are meant to be used as a 5-30 minute hair treatment and should be washed out of the hair:

Never Use Protein Conditioners as a Leave-In 

Never Use a Deep Conditioner as a Leave-In

Protein Conditioners and Deep Conditioners are not meant to be use on a every day basis or left in your hair.

Terrible results can happen if you put a Deep Conditioner or Protein Conditioner in your hair and leave it in as a Leave-In Conditioner:

• Brittle Hair (Prone to Breakage)
• Product  Build-Up
• Elastic/Stretchy Hair
• Sticky/Gummy Hair

So instead of using ANY conditioner to moisturize your hair, pick a conditioner (leave-in) that has NO protein, heavy synthetics, silicone, or alcohols in the ingredient label. Use a conditioner with moisturizing ingredients

This (link below) talks about How To Choose a Moisturizing Conditioner

Top 4 Ingredients To Look for when Choosing a Moisturizing Conditioner UPDATED! 

Care for Your Natural Hair: A Better Way {Part 2}: 

Coming Soon:

Types of Proteins, Do Natural Hair Need a Protein Conditioner?

Oils for Natural Hair Care UPDATED!

Original Post 
September 29, 2009

When I first started to truly learn about my natural hair, I continue to find threads discussing various types of oils on websites like LHCF: Longhaircareforum, of BHM: Black Hair Media, Nappturality, and NC naturallycurly

Each website discussed  there favorite oils to used for there hair, how some oils had the same or different qualities, and their method on how to "seal" with certain oils.

I had no clue what "Sealing meant" or how anyone could have a favorite oil. I mean besides Olive Oil and Coconut Oil, I didn't know there are so many different types of wonderful oils that can be used on hair; and with so many oils to choose from, everyone seem to have there favorite.

Whatever oil you plan on using in your hair make sure all oils you buy says: Unrefined and or Cold Pressed: these two forms of pressed oil are believed to be the safest and purest form of oils.

I wouldn't suggest anything but the cleanest form of oils since your scalp does absorbs theses oils. There is a lot of research that you should personally look into before settling on Unrefined or Cold Press Oils: Some companies Lie and say their oils are the purest: So please do all the research you can before deciding on how your oil is being processed.

A quick research on wiki and Google.com on these Terms

Cold Pressed, Hexane Free, Refined, and Unrefined Oils: Each is a different process of creating oil. Learning these terms will help you better understand which oil is the best for the overall health and wellness of not only your hair but body.

Oils Commonly Used for Hair

Camellia Oil Also called Tea Seed Oil

Color: Clear Yellow

Consistency: N/A

Scent: N/A

Benefits for Hair: Penetrates 10x deeper and quicker than other oils, natural sunscreen, great for skin also: helps prevent stretch marks.

 

Coconut Oil

Color: Soil white, clear (see through) oil when melted

Consistency: Thin, Light Smooth

Scent: Virgin Coconut oil has a light to strong coconut scent (depends on the brand you buy and how it is pressed Cold pressed Expeller Pressed), its pleasant smell if you like that way coconut smells: I love the way coconut oil smells!

Benefits for Hair: Natural Antioxidant, prevent dandruff, adds shine to hair

Jojoba Oil Jojoba Oil (pronounced "ho-HO-bah": Technically a liquid wax

Color: Stays a clear golden liquid

Consistency: Thicker than Coconut oil, silky smooth feel

Scent: Odorless?

Benefits for Hair: Similar to your Scalps own Sebum:

Castor Oil (Hexane Free Castor Oil, it's the safest form of Castor Oil)

Color: Clear very light yellow

Consistency: Extremely Sticky, Thick

Scent: Medicine like smell (in my opinion)

Benefits for Hair: Thickens hair, retains moisture

Jamaican Black Castor (JBCO)

Color: Dark Brown

Consistency: Extremely Sticky, Thick

Scent:  Black Castor Oil has a light smoky smell, others black castor oils have a heavy smoky scent.

Benefits for Hair: Thickens hair, retains moisture, stimulate hair growth

       

                 Avocado Oil   

Color: Light Green/Yellowish

Consistency: Stays a liquid, thicker than jojoba oil,  feels very oily

Scent: Odorless/ Light "Oil" scent

Benefits for Hair: It contains many nutrients including vitamins A, D and E. Also

some chlorophyll, avocado oil is great for nourishing and moisturize dry or mature skin.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Best Quality\Purest Form of Olive Oil)

Color: Ranging from Light yellow to dark green, Stays a liquid

Consistency: Light, thin oil, oily

Scent: Light to strong olive scent: Extra virgin has a lite scent, the darker the olive oil the stronger the smell.

Benefits for Hair: Olive oil is very useful for dry, damaged hair, and has the ability to strengthens hair

Sweet Almond Oil: 

Color: Light Yellow

Consistency (Thickness): n/a for the moment

Scent: Lightly scented oil smell

Benefits: Makes hair soft,  Helps hair retain it's natural moisture, rich in protein, contains many B vitamins which are known to not only stimulate hair growth but prevent hair loss. 

Heritage Products, Grape Seed Oil 16 fl oz

Grape Seed Oil: 

Color: Light Yellow/Green

Consistency (Thickness): Thin

Scent: Lightly scented oil smell

Benefits: Antioxidants nutrients for hair, and helps promote hair growth.

Meadowfoam Seed Oil: 

Color: Light Yellow/Light Green

Consistency (Thickness): n/a for the moment

Scent: Lightly scented oil smell

Benefits: Maintains hair's natural moisture. Natural Sunscreen is perfect for dyed hair (protect color)

Where to buy these Organic oils and oils online?

Organic Oils, Oils, Beauty Ingredients and Supplies

http://fromnaturewithlove.com/searchus.asp

Great Selections of Oils, Essential Oils, Powders and More:

Mountain Rose Herb

www.mountainroseherbs.com

Jamaican Foods, Beauty Care, and More: Delivered!

Black Castor Oil

http://www.sams24-7.com/jamaican-black-castor-oil.aspx

Coastal Scents (Oils aren't organic or cold pressed unless stated)

http://www.coastalscents.com/cfwebstore/index.cfm/category/13/carrier-oils.cfm

How To Use Oils to Retain Moisture in Your Hair

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=261337

"Sealing" is a term used applying oil to hair after using a leave-in conditioner/ moisturizer

Using oils as a seal; will help your hair retain moisture longer, of whatever conditioning or moisturizing products you use. Adding oil to your hair slows down water evaporating quickly out of your hair.

Steps on Sealing Hair:

1. Section your hair in four or more parts
2. Spray or Rub in a Leave-In Conditioner/Moisturizer
3. Pour a dime size amount of oil into the palm of your hand, rub into section parts

Don't forget the ends of your hair

Style hair as you like

More info about oils coming soon! 


Next Up Butters: 


What ???? 


Yup Butters, but not the kind you put on your English Muffin in the Morning!

Perfume Review: Diamonds Truly Are a Girl's Best Friend!

Created: 9-26-09

It's that time again, i'm back with another perfume review, whats the fragrance this time?

Giorgio Armani Diamonds

"Diamond smells amazing, it's long lasting, a soft deliciously beautiful fragrance".

 The scent is sophisticated, yet delicately feminine.

Age Range?? This fragrance is for ladies in there late teen (17-19) 20's-and up.

This review is of my own personal bottle of this amazing scent and the reviews on Fragrancenet.com

Though I disagree with the websites"Recommend Use is:  Casual

This perfume is way more than a "Casual" wear all day type fragrance:

This perfume can be worn anytime you want to feel sexy, confident, yet playful:

Which I recommend would be all the time, if you asked me!

But I feel it's more so for evening to night use 

 If you wear perfume(s) as your "signature scent" then, this perfume can be worn during the day and later on during the evening (after a nice bath or shower).

Diamonds is more so for evening to late night perfume, if your a lady who love to switch up your perfumes and\or body sprays, I would say use your body sprays

 (other fragrance classed perfume) in the morning through afternoon, then switch to Diamonds (a sexy and fun scent) by the evening:

Giorgio Armani: Diamonds would be perfect for a night out, date night, or being with your significant other.

DESIGN HOUSE - Giorgio Armani

YEAR INTRODUCED - 2007

FRAGRANCE NOTES - Raspberry, Lychee, Freesia, Rose, Muguet, Vanilla, Cedar, Patchouli, Vetiver

Price Range: $60.00-$30.00

Scent Life: 6-10 hours

Recommended Use:  Casual

Classification: Oriental/Spicy

 

The fragrance comes in 3 bottle size to fit almost anyone's price range:

EAU DE PARFUM SPRAY 1 OZ
EAU DE PARFUM SPRAY 1.7 OZ

EAU DE PARFUM SPRAY 3.4 OZ

Body Lotion and Showe Gel is also available

Sam Sparro - Black and Gold

Aussie Moist Conditioner: Product Review

So I've finally came around to use Aussie Moist Conditioner: All by itself with no added conditioners.

I deep condition with this yummy (skittle's candy smelling ) conditioner and I have to say, I am not impressed. I allow my natural hair to air dry, and well my hair was rough. Not soft to the touch, nor easily finger comb through. I did seal with pretty good moisturizers:

While my hair was damp  I applied

A dime size amount of: Jason Aloe Moisturizing Lotion: Yes it's the acutal lotion, the ingredients are better than many conditioners

Dime size amoount: Jason Mango Butter

Genrous helping of: CocoCastor: Coconut and Castor Oil to the ends of my hair

When my hair completly dried: which took over eight hours, I did not like the result of deep conditioning with this conditioner. My hair was left rough so Aussie Moist Conditioner:


Grade (On a Scale of A+ - F-) Aussie Moist Conditioner Get's a  C-

Aussie Moist gets a Low C: on further evaluation I did seal my ends with Coconut Oil (an moisture inhibitor) coconut oil natually blocks moisture out, which may be the reason why my ends was left dry, but what about the rest of my hair? My entire head was left thirsty so: 

Any product I grade lower than a B gets tossed,

So for all the naturals out there: I'd say pass on this conditioner, it's not even worth the hype nor the $3.50

Aint No Love....

In Jay's Heart for Lil Mama?

While I did not see the talk about unwelcome entrance of Lil Mama on the VMA's during Jay-Z's and Alica Keys performace of Empire State of Mind, I did get a clip, and man I feel for lil mama. As a fellow brooklynite: I could understand the overwhelming emotion of wanting to truly rep the beautiful city of New York. Now, would I have crash the damn stage in the middle of a very intimate clabo between Jay and Keys performance, mmm no, that "plan" was ill thought out: then again that wasnt Lil Mama's plan (well at least I dont think it was).

I took Lil Mama's absentminded "stunt" for what it really was: absentmindedness: I mean I understand: when your so in love with the lyrics of and the droning of the beat: Lil Mama was undoubtedly caught up in the moment.


Clip of the VMA Incident with Lil Mama and Jay-Z Shunning Her: Icy COLD!


Lil Mama Invites Herself On VMA Stage While Jay-Z Performs



Poor Lil Mama: while on stage Jay gaved her the "move out the way your blocking my path" walk, and swerved right passed her while on stage, letting Lil Mama know, he did not condone her crashing of a very special duo of him and Alicia Keys. The perfomance that Jay-Z & Alcia Keys peformed together Empire State of Mind was beautiful and I could tell that it was a moment between Jay-Z and Keys that was suppose to be just the two of them harking a beautiful melody to remember; Lil Mama accident or not, messed up a very special moment.


With that between said: Lil Mama apology may have been too much, since she was caught up in the moment and the "crashing" was not done purposefully out of rudeness or spite: Lil mama should have called Jay (if she could) and give a personal: "My Bad" I am so sorry to both Jay-Z Alicia Keys (Though I do not think Keys even notice Lil Mama on stage till last minute when the song was ending. An on air apology was too much for an act that was done for the Love of New York: I mean Lil mama went on and on (with her apology), as if she shot Jay-z dog!

Below is Lil Mama's apology

MTV Shows

Empire State of Mind Feat Alica Keys

Perfume Review: Fragrance VS Edition

Created 9-1-09

Usher for Women

VS

Usher UR

Usher for Women

Scent: Masculine, Woodsy, Oriental, Warm

Strength: Strong, and it lingers

So I bought Usher for Women tried it, didn't like it that much, have gotten compliments when wearing Usher for Women, but it smells like a very expensive good smelling cologne

On A Grading Scale: A+\F-

C - Usher for Women gets a C minus: It does smell good, but it'd smell better on a attractive guy: It's way too manly smelling for me

Usher UR

Scent: Lightly Sweet, soft, floral

Strength: Light but lingers sweetly

I just bought UR: It's a light scent but carry's very good, I can smell the scent even from a couple of feet away, but it doesn't overwhelms me.

It's sweet, yet not too sweet (not kiddie or candy like), I seem to have to take a close whiff of the perfume every couple of seconds to remind myself how good it smells. I sprayed it on and it smells very nice: it carries well. The scent smell better the closer than it does far away.


On a grading scale A+\F-

B - I'd give Usher UR a B minus

And for a B\C (and sometimes A) student I think thats a pretty good score


Staying Power (How Long the Perfume Last: 7 Plus Hours
I even workout with a light spritz of this perfume and after a 3 hour workout routine, it smells fresh and sweet.

The scent is nice, but capturing the true scent is a little difficult since all the fragrance notes do not carry: only some so it smells like a different scent up close then farther away: If that makes sense.


I like a perfume that has the whole bouquet I can recognize, Usher UR only some of the scent carries, which makes me think its a whole different perfume altogether.


It's still a nice casual perfume, maybe even a signature scent for a lucky girl.

Aussie Moist Yummy Smell: But How Does It Work

Why didn't anyone tell me that Aussie Moist (purple bottle) conditioner smells like candy!

Oh my does it smells yummy, I mean YUMMY!!! I took a whiff of it before I bought it at target and I was like OMG.... I love you conditioner: based on your smell alone



I know, I know: I should buy stuff for a good solid reason: NOT for the smell alone.... but damn it smells so good!

Anyway: I heard news buzzing that Aussie Moist does some justice to Naturals who use the conditioner: So I'm giving the delicious candy smelling conditioner a try.

I have hear that the company has change the original formula: great I'm always LATE with hearing about New News....... So I've heard the NEW formula is horrible compared to the old formula.

Check it out (The Ingredients Are Below) Via LHCF

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25334

"Recently Aussie decided to revamp it's products so I took a look at the new Aussie Moist shampoo and they've changed the ingredients drastically. I bought it today but haven't used it yet. I worry that I won't be as good as it used to be based on the ingredients. Please tell me what you think."

The old ingredients
Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Cetyl Esters, Aloe Barbadensis Extract, Macadamia Ternifolia Extract, Chamomile (anthemis nobilis) Extract, Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos Flavidus) Flower Extract, Dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale) Extract, Calendula Officinalis Extract, Wild Cherry (prunus serotina) Bark Extract, Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) Extract, Sambucus Nigra Extract, Garlic (Allium sativum) Extract, Nettle (urtica dioica) Extract, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Starch, Amodimethicone, Acetamide MEA, Emulsifying Wax, Propylene Glycol, Fragrance, Cetrimonium Chloride, Sodium PCA, Trideceth 12, Phenoxyethanol, DMDM Hydantoin, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, FD&C Yellow No. 5, D&C Red No. 33

The new ingredients:
Water, Stearyl Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Psidium Guajava Fruit Extract*, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Fruit Extract, Euphrasia Officinalis Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Dimethicone, Glutamic Acid, Fragrance, Benzyl Alcohol, EDTA, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone.*Guava Extract
Wow talk about getting jiped, I mean the new formula doesnt has nearly all the benefits of the old formula: I mean Comapnies are insane: once they know how to cut corners: what do they do: CUT THEM!!!

I haven't tried Aussie Moist Alone: I have mixed the conditioner with my other moisturizing conditioner: so the jury is still out: No Review yet......

Summer Rain

sometimes life isnt easy, we as people think we need
things to get us by, to start or complete a task (goal)

when sometimes, everything that we have is
enough. We make excuses for why things are the way
they are and become stubborn when the question
comes into focus on how to fix the problem, then its
either this is the only way i'll fix things or else
nothing will change

this is one thing i wish to change

Maybe the answer isnt to fix "the problem"

but to evaluate a more effective way to apporoach a certain area of our lives.......

I think like this sometimes: Can't get anything DONE without this thing or that:

From stating: If I dont get my HRM I cant workout properly, when knowingly I have lossed weight without the thing!

To having a certain brand of supplements from a particular store or company

I mean really, I need to get it together, and while I dislike saying "get it together": It's true...

It's raining, peaceful, quiet, and the slumber like essence I can just think for a moment

One of MY favorite Songs:

Updated: The Bob VS The Lob Wig HairStyle

Ok it's been a while and I have chosen my summer wig this year: And the Winner Is:

It's the BOB!

OUTRE SYNTHETIC 3/4 WIG QUICK WEAVE COMPLETE CAP ALI

http://www.clairhair.com/en/ProductDetail.php?ProductId=1292

I bought this from clairhair: it took a week to arrive: NOT in the color I wanted. My first color choice was: #S4/30: but I guess they didnt have that in stock (these wigs are so damn popular),

# S4/30 #4

It's cute, lite weight, and feeling no hair on my neck and back feels so much cooler!

I know many ladies on Youtube have a tutorial or review of this wig, that's what made me want to try it out, and I like it!

Pictures Coming Soon!

The Baking Soda Treatment **UPDATED** Orginal Post August 2009

The Baking Soda Treatment

For 4A\4B Naturals Looking to Loosening Up Those Coils

I've tried it, like the results, and I may be a little addicted to the results. Is it that good?

Mmmm I don't know about that, but for my 4B Triple x Natural hair texture
it makes the texture of my 4b so much easier to deal with. Using The Baking Soda Paste gives my 4b natural hair a new texturized feel, it's really nice change. Since it's summer time, and the heat index has gone up to 99 degrees for the scorching months of summer my hair needs all the help it can receive.


The Steps

It varies (I use different products and experiment) but I just did a Baking Soda Treatment a week ago here are the products

Product's You'll Need: Just 3 (How easy is this)!





1 Cup Herbal Essence Hello Hydration or any Conditioner (good smelling conditioner)
2 Tablespoon Baking Soda
2 Tablespoon Castor Oil (this is optional: you don't need oil)

Before you Start:

Wear something you don't mind getting dirty like an old bath towel or T- Shirt

You'll also need:

Shower Cap\Plastic Bag
A Towel for you shoulders (To catch the drips)

Mix and apply to dry hair (I like to make part my hair, make rows then apply)

Cover with shower cap\plastic bag: anything to catch the liquid, and they'll be lots of moisture between the Castor oil and the baking soda this mixture gets drippy

Let this mixture sit in your hair for at least 30 minutes: no longer then 1 hour (Less than 1 hour, if you have sensitive scalp)!!! Please heed all suggestions!

Rinse and do your usual routine: Shampoo, Condition: Style

OR: After you rinse out the baking soda mix

You can do a DC (deep condition) with heat

To Deep Condition following up with Conditioner Using Heat:

Rinse out the mixture and Immediately apply a nice scented deep conditioner, allow the conditioner to saturated your hair for at least 30 minutes with a hooded dryer.

You can also add 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of oil to your deep conditioner

Remember: You want to make sure you hair is well moisturized: Baking soda can strip your hair of oils and your natural oils in your hair. Your hair can become very dry if you dont properly moisturized\condition your hair before and AFTER your Baking Soda Treatment

The Results?

Your hair should feel a little different:

While wet your hair should feel: fluffy, airy, soft, smooth to the touch, and easy to brush up either with your hand or with a brush

When completely air dried: Soft, airy, fluffy, and still easy to brush up with your hand or with a brush



Tips

Have fun and experiment with different oils: Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Castor Oil mix it in your baking soda treatment

AND Remember to Use a Good Moisturizing Conditioner that smells nice

Use a Moisturizing\Hydrating conditioner that has a nice scent so your hair will have a lightly fragrance scent to your hair.

I usually keep my hair in braids so I can do a follow deep condition the NEXT day (after the baking soda treatment). This is to ensure that your hair is getting the moisture it needs, since the baking soda cleanses your hair and scalp: it strips your hair of oils (even scalp oils): I've experienced this, so remember to deep condition.

Please Read This blog Fully Especially The Warning Segment: It's for Anyone who wants to try The Baking Soda Treatment Safely:

Warning Warning Warning

Do NOT put a heating cap on to attempt more heated moisture  (while doing the baking soda treatment) doing so may cause a sore scalp and result in SCABS

Heating Cap

heat from your head is ENOUGH to activate the baking soda and work to create a looser texture in your hair.
 

Do NOT leave this treatment on your hair no longer that 30-60 minutes: 

 

Keep this mixture in your hair for less then 30 minutes if you have a sensitive scalp or thin or weak hair strands.

Do NOT mix baking soda and any stinky smelling Cholesterol treatment as your moisturizing conditioner your hair will smell like a BAD RELAXER!!! 

 

**Tip** I like to put a shower cap on instead of having my hair out: The baking soda (I feel) absorbs better and keeps the liquids from dripping on my shoulders.

DO Use a good smelling conditioner, any strong smelling conditioner will interact with the baking soda and make your hair smell BADLY

DO Deep Condition your hair the following day (the day after the Baking soda treatment), to protect your scalp and hair for extreme dryness: and dryness can\will result in BREAKAGE!!

How long does this mini texturizer last???

If you rinse you hair or wash your hair everyday or 3 times in week, your hair texture may revert back to your regular texture in less than 3 weeks: faster if you are using shampoo

My baking soda treatment last for a month or so, I do rinse my hair with water (and spritz my hair) every day BUT I do not use shampoo when I need to clean my hair and scalp, I like to use vinegar and conditioner. If you'll like to clean your hair this way remember to dilute your vinegar.

Here's a recipe: Vinegar Rinse (To Clean the Hair & Scalp)

2-4 Cup of filter or distilled water: or regular tap if you do not have filtered or distilled water
1-2 Tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar (Do not use White Vinegar, it has alcohol which dries the hair out).

Place this mixture in bottle or big bowl and pour slowly over hair with one hands and massaging your scalp and smoothing the liquid over your hair

Repeat two or three times if needed

You may follow up with conditioner or rinse your hair with luke-warm water: to get the extra residue of vinegar or dirt out of your hair, and then follow up with a good conditioner

Note: Give your vinegar water a little taste on the tip of your tongue, and relax its just water and vinegar you can taste it: Your Vinegar Rinse (it should have a little tang to the water, if it doesn't it may be too much water and not enough vinegar.

 

That's all there is to it :)

What I Like About The Baking Soda Treatment (Baking Soda Paste)???

What I like about this semi texturizer is that I don't have to "water" spritz my hair with water 15 times a day: only just 3-4, to keep it moisturize. I usually wake with my hair in cornrows, apply a dab conditioner to my hand rub, then rub it in my hair

Spritz my hair with purified water

Add a little bit of oil (dime size): rub in on my parts

I spritz my hair with water if needed throughout the day, but it's not as much

So to review

My Results:

My hair lays down with water alone, which tells me my hair will be easier to put in a pony tail or braids.

Styles I Do (With my New Texture)

Afro's (that doesn't shrink up to 1 inch)
Braid outs
Puffy pony(which is so easy to do since using this treatment)

Pros

My hair absorbs water better
My hair is easier to style: pull up into a ponytail, easy afro
My Double Strand Twist are thicker
Better quicker waves: I take my twist out and my waves are formed: even if I don't keep my twist in for a day or week!

Cons? Any Problems?

My hair gets a little frizzy, and (for me) it's harder to braid since my hair seems to slip out the braids

My hair texture seems softer and feels little weaker so I have to be gentle while combing and braiding.

I combat the frizz with Shea butter a tiny dab through-out my hair after I moisturize with water and conditioner, then another dab of conditioner, and spritz my hair with water.

To Sum It All Up

I really enjoy my texture: All three ingredients to use cost little and gives really good results, what more can a girl ask for?


Original Post August 8, 2009

Perfume Review: Usher For Women Perfume Orginal post: 8-22-09

All right I bought it, Usher's fragrance and no not Usher UR, but just Usher for women. I researched both fragrances and compared fragrance notes:

Usher UR

FRAGRANCE NOTES - white freesia, peach nectar, jasmine, osmanthus, pink peonies, creamy musk, honeysuckle, praline, soft woods


Usher for Women

FRAGRANCE NOTES - Pink Freesia, Red Currant, Frangipani, Apple Blossom, Jasmine, Apricot, Amber, Rose, Musk, Wood, Incense, Cashmere Wood



I think I was going for UR since it has the fragrances notes I as feeling. But I thought why not Usher for women and then I'll get Usher UR?

Sometimes I test the perfume out at the mall and because I have on lotion: which last week I did while testing out a few hit fragrances:

(Vera Wang Princess, DKNY Be Delicious, Ralph Lauren Romance: And more)

I couldn't really tell if it was for me so I gamble: which I'm not good at (not enough confidence nor common knowledge) and I was robbed! I can honestly say I'll never know what exact type of perfume is for me until I actually test it on my body, that is the only way, hell not even that, I have to make sure I use the same hygene products so the scents dont clash: sometimes my scents clash: and I have to re do my whole scent.


On the gift box of Usher for women it states :

"It's not how famous UR it's what UR famous for"

Was that quote for sombody in particular Mr. Usher Raymond: huh??? Huh, lol

Anyway, Usher for women has kinda a manly scent to it, I mean if your into oriental, woody, musky, sandalwood type perfumes: you'll love this fragrance. BUT I'm more of a freesia, vanilla, type chick. I have to admit I am not a strong oriental type I can wear oriental fragrences if the base note isnt so strong like this Usher scent is...

I am a sweet, fresh candy type, that's what my skin blends so well with and make me smell irristable.

The sad part is I wont even be able to pull off this perfume, I'll stop every once in a while thinking whose wearing that cologne? When it's ME! It's coming off as a mature older women on my skin: I am mature but mmmm, I'm not going for the "sexy mature older lady", more like the cute fun girl: you know?

This perfume is strong and it lingers, no good for me: I bought a gift set: smart I know right?


The whole look of the bottle and gift set box reminds me of stetson cologne you know the manly mans cologne with the leather, cowboy boots, suede, etc

Sigh whats a girl to do: Regift, I could though who could I pass this off to?

My mom: Like Musk


My Big Sis: Likes Truly expensive floral scents

My 2 Big Sis: Likes Body Sprays and water\fresh scents



Oh well, I can't return it.... I guess I'll place this perfume on Ebay!

Kitchen Corner Recipes: Creating Whole Wheat Pizza

 

My Very First Homemade Pizza: Yay Me!

Sorry for the yellow picture, I took this pic in the kitchen I should have either changes settings on the camcorder or took the pic else where. I'll remember to change the picture setting next go around. I "fix" the darkness of this picture using photoshop: I didnt get such great resultsAlso I made this pizza in my beloved Nu Wave! I love my Nu Wave: It cooks all my foods in less time than the oven <- Get a load of me, I sound like an infomercial


I used the Whole Wheat Dough Recipe on All Recipe.com: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Whole-Wheat-and-Honey-Pizza-Dough/Detail.aspx), and picked up some ingreidents fast from a quick store run: This was definitely a spur of the moment baking idea

I think I used a little too much salt while making the whole wheat dough........ I Misread the measurements: OOPs, and if you saying wow how hard is it to READ: Hey I was very upset with myself for this simple mistake! The dough actually came out flavorful with a taste of salt: nobody really notice the salt, besides maybe their internal organs begging for water! I'll read the measurements twice next time to avoid this mishap.

Besides that, my homemade pizza taste better than any pizza chain store pizza, better tasting than a New York slice, mmmm, maybe not: I can't get over the delicious thin lusciousness of a NY slice of pizza

Ingredients I used

This recipe is for 3-4, I'm feeding 5-6 mouths Plus Enough for Seconds***Kroger Whole Wheat
Unbleached Flour (2 Cups)

Fleischmann's RapidRise Highly Active Yeast 1\3 OZ. (Two Packages)

Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Dark Green Oil)

Honey

Calbot Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese 8 OZ. (1 Package)
Polly-O Mozzarella Cheese 8 OZ. (1 Package)

The Pizza Sauce: Newmans Own Marinara (Industrial Strenght)
8" Non Stick Pan: The Dough stretched only to 9" so I decided to make a thick crustMy Rating (Unbiased) Of Course: 4 out of 5

The Whole Wheat Dough: Well most whole wheat dough to me has a meaty taste, it was soft, chewy, and good! Maybe that's why nobody notice the saltiness (beside maker of the pizza: ) because of the meaty taste of the dough.

The Oil: I decided to use Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Dark Green Oil)
The Sauce: Delicious, not garlicky nor overloaded with herbs or onions: thick and well balance

The Cheese was on point: Delicious and tasty

All in all, I'm neither discourage nor excited to make another pizza pie, unless there's a personal request (Which there was today, lol), for another pie: , so I'll tweak the recipes since the dough made only a 9" thin dough pie. I was thinking more of a 12" or 16" inch pizza so everybody can be satisfied with one slice but goes back for another purely for the taste!

The Complete Opposite: I'm Expecting Different Results

Or doing a 360, what I'm talking about is doing the exact opposite of what I instinctively would do for example: If a family member gets me upset, I would argue with them for a time, then go on a single rant making myself angier and more hot headed.

I dont think I ever developed an "healthy" way of expressing anger or "letting" go of a shitty situation. Taking a walk, or counting to 10 is bullshit. Excuse my language, but its true, when I'm angry I stay angry until something inside of me relaxes and I'm back to my usual jovial self.

Calming myself down doesnt takes long, but it does take a while, and while I'm still stewing, I find that I am more aware of what I'm doing: I get stuff done, if I'm really T- off I beome susie homemaker: bake a roast, cool a pie, and finish dusting all by 5 noon. I clean when I'm angry, but it doesnt help my body cool off, I just find myself not being able to sit calmly.


This post isnt just about emotions, its about making better choices, instead of feeling out of luck maybe I should make better decisions each day, and unknowningly one day soon I'd have the life I pictured: Not perfect, just not a hassle!



So I'm implementing "The Opposite": Like on Seinfeld (no, I'm not a tv head), but I remember watching that episode and agreeing with George: he was annoyed with every aspect of his life: from the thing he couldn't change to the job he had. So he decided to do the complete opposite of what he normally do.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Opposite#Plot



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKUvKE3bQlY




Instead of making the same choices resulting in the same outcome: why not switch things up a bit?

Live a little and see how thing goes without the cemented unwritten laws of my world. Well I actually done this before: what? I'm not a loser, but I do like an experiment from time to time:

Besides a life of boring repetition: is not the life for me! I did "The Opposite": for a whole week, it was a control environment (school), but it actually work!


If someone made a smug comment directed towards me I laughed it off and make a joke back: and kept it moving

Then a mindless teacher misplace a two week researched 5 paged essay (I work hard on) and told me they didnt remember me handing my essay in not only that but the "turn-in" date to hand-in the assignment was over. So Shifting to my "Opposite Gear: I simply breathe in deeply and asked for them to look through their stacks of unfinished graded papers.


And so on and so on: I mean you could call this method coping with daily life's hassles: but when your a "George" of this world (like me), you gotta create a break for yourself: it doesnt just happen.

The Outcome:

The Positive:

I had an awesome week, a great experience:

Instead of blowing up on a disrespectful chump, I acted cool and others around me notice my cool air of confidence and came up to me and thought I was interesting and that person whose was rude: was a jack ass: They were shunned

My teacher (the mindless idiot) didn't find my lost paper: so I handed in a different paper (one I was unsure if it I'd get a good grade), and my paper received the highest grade in class: and extra credit since they losted my orignal paper.


What's Irritating

The trick is to actually use it everyday, it's a lifestyle of" Making a choice to have a choice (a better option)": Though I feel "The Opposite" is better tool than the mantra: Being Happy is a Choice (Bullshit)



The Opposite Check List

So if I find myself, Not wanting to get my early morning workout in: I make myself do it: Why? because its the opposite of what I would do: sleep an extra hour or two!

If a family member wants me to babysit: The answer is no: instead of yes

A smug look instead of a grin: Yes I'm a cheeser

I have a whole list of "The Opposite" I'll try In the outside world: to post them all would be a thesis: Besides I'm doing the opposite: Remember? (;


Remember George told the truth when he use to lie about his life to (girlfriends, women, boss): since I don't lie about my life: I guess I can be more mysterious instead of an half open book.


We'll see.......