Daily Archives: June 13, 2011

Jun13

Pin-curled Twists Updo Tutorial

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A couple of months ago, I came up with this really quick (5 minutes) and easy style for which I received quite a few requests for a tutorial.  I haven’t figured out how to do videos yet, so I figured I’d do a slide show tutorial.  I think it’s pretty self-explanatory.  However, in case it’s not, here are written instructions too.  One thing to note, I did this style on week old hair that was stretched in twists and twist outs the  prior week.

  1. Release twists.
  2. Move loose hair all to one side and over the shoulder (I chose the left side).
  3. Create 7 twists from front to back on the left side leaving hair from over opposite ear and lower nape loose.
  4. Create a two strand flat twist over right over, across nape and end in an 8th loose twist (Note: I didn’t do this last time. Also, I don’t really know how to flat twist, so this is haphazard and not too pretty.  I really have to figure out how to flat twist!)
  5. Pin-curl twists (roll twist around finger, lay flat and pin down with bobby pins).
  6. Adorn with flower(s).

(Note: I included  a slide show and a gallery.  If  you have a preference for tutorials [until I can figure out how to make videos], would you me know in the comments below?  Thanks!)

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After I took these pics, I misted lightly with a setting spray (Elasta QP) and smoothed my edges with a little Eco styler gel mixed with Carol’s Daughter Healthy Hair Butter.  I then tied my hair down with a satin scarf and put on a bonnet for the night. I think I can repeat this routine nightly and I should be able to get 3 days out of this style, even with exercising (with a scarf).

Hope that this is helpful!!

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Jun13

MSM Supplements: Distillation vs. Crystallization Purification

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From www.MSMguide.com:

MSM, methylsulfonylmethane (METH-əl-sul-FON-il-METH-ane) provides sulfur, a vital building block of joints, cartilage, skin, hair and nails, and methyl groups, which support many vital biochemical processes in the body, including energy production. MSM is a naturally-occurring nutrient found in small amounts of many foods. As a dietary supplement, MSM is synthesized. When made correctly, it is identical to that found in nature. MSM can be taken alone or in combination with other joint health supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin.

Published, peer-reviewed clinical research in the U.S. has shown MSM is safe and effective in increasing joint comfort and supporting a normal range of motion.

I’ve been taking a multi-vitamin (Nature’s Way Alive Women’s Energy) and biotin (Nature’s Way) since January.  Last month, I added MSM after  my fellow GOC blogger T-Kia mentioned that she also takes biotin, but really noticed increased hair growth after she started supplementing with MSM. I then read a very old post from Nikki regarding MSM supplementation. However, that was the extent of my research and I ended up just picking up the Shoprite store brand on a whim during a grocery expedition. I actually think I’ve noticed an increase in the rate of my new growth over the last month! After researching MSM a little more, I came across information regarding two different methods for processing MSM, distillation and crystallization. The article indicated that distillation was the preferred method as it provides for purer MSM whereas crystallization may result in contamination. The information indicated that, in order to guarantee that you are purchasing MSM processed through distillation, you should look for MSM labeled as OptiMSM. I then located this list of Brands that use OptiMSM. Yesterday, I went to The Vitamin Shoppe in search of MSM and found one labeled as lignisul. So, I googled lingnisul and found the following information OptiMSM vs. Lignisul  that indicated that lignisul is not the same as OptiMSM. Ultimately, I purchased the Vitamin Shoppe brand of MSM, which is labeled as OptiMSM and included in the brand list as well. I figure, if I noticed an increase in hair growth with the Shoprite brand, I might be at WL by September with OptiMSM;-).

Anywho, thought this information might be helpful to those of you interested in supplementing with MSM. Here is another helpful and informative link: MSM FAQs.

(Note: It seems there are some anecdotal reports of vivid dreams being a side effect of MSM. I have to say, I experienced one very intense, scary dream after a few weeks of using it. I don’t know if it was the power of suggestion, but let me tell you, it did freak me out. Fortunately, I’ve only had one since using MSM.)