My do for the week! Buns, buns and more buns!

Hey all you lovely ladies!! I just wanted to give you an update in regard to my … well … hairscapades last week! LOL! As you already know, I had a busy four day weekend and didn’t do much with my hair. I wore it in a bun all week. Buuuuut, I did make a few purchases, so I should have some reviews for you soon!

First up, as I mentioned last week, I picked up a Gold N’ Hot bonnet dryer from Sally’s for about $40 after reading Marsha’s review of it.

I’ve been in serious need of a dryer for almost a year now! My hair NEVER dries overnight and my dryer wasn’t cutting it, even after two hours under it! So, it’s been a big headache when trying to do TnCs, braid and twist-outs (I wouldn’t even contemplate a roller set!). I’ve been eyeing this salon dryer on wheels for a while. But, I’d have to buy it online ($128; free shipping though!) and I was worried about whether it would be worth it as the only review I’d been able to find was the one that prompted me to search for it! I didn’t savor the thought of having to pack it up, trek to the post office and pay return shipping. I also wondered where in the world would I store it! So, when I read Marsha’s review, I figured, “What the heck?” With the Gold N’ Hot, if it doesn’t work, I’ll just go around the corner from my house and return it! Low risk baby. I plan on giving this joker a whirl on Tuesday or Wednesday night for a TnC set in preparation for the Curly Nikki NYC Meet-Up! Review to follow!

Next, I’ve been experiencing a little more breakage than normal and I don’t like it! I’ve always avoided protein-based deep conditioners marketed for relaxed, textured hair. I didn’t know what the problem was, but I knew that they always made my hair hard. So, last year, I came to the conclusion that I’m protein sensitive after learning there was such a thing! I’ve relied on henna to act as my strengthening treatment as it’s my understanding that the plant resin bonds to keratin in the hair to fill in gaps in the cuticle similar to the way that protein treatments do. But then, it hit me, I haven’t been doing full strength henna treatments on my length since the beginning of this year due to curl loosening! Also, after reading and learning more about protein, I’ve come to realize that using a moisturizing DC after a protein treatment should restore pliability and softness to the hair. So, while at Sally’s, I decided to also pick up two protein treatments in order to begin experimenting with them. I’ve noticed that a lot of people use the ApHogee Two Step Protein Treatment. But, given that the directions indicate that you have to allow this to dry on your hair until it hardens and to avoid any manipulation, I thought that might be a little too strong for my hair and needs. At least, I thought, I don’t need to go that hard with my first protein experiment. So, instead, I picked up a bottle of the ApHogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor.

Also, since I’d read some good reviews of it, I purchased an Organic Root Stimulator (ORS) Olive Oil Replenishing Pak. It indicates, “Helps Restore Moisture & Rebuild Damaged Hair.”

I wasn’t sure if it was a protein conditioner because of the “moisture” part. However, I was pretty sure I’d read reviews indicating that it was. So, when I got home, I did some research and found this recent post on bglhonline.com about protein treatments that indicates one should look for “hydrolyzed” proteins in the first five ingredients for a true and effective treatment. I checked the ORS to find hydrolyzed collagen as the fifth ingredient, so I feel relatively confident that it is a protein conditioner. I decided to check the ApHogee too. Oddly enough, a hydrolyzed protein wasn’t in the first five ingredients! However, the sixth and seventh ingredients are hydrolyzed keratin and hydrolyzed vegetable protein (with some other long, chemical words that I don’t feel like re-typing!). So, I figure it probably should be decent too. I’m not sure which one I’ll try first, but I plan on using one of them, followed by either my JessiCurl Weekly Deep Treatment or Darcy’s Botanicals Pumpkin Seed Conditioner, this Tuesday or Wednesday when I wash my hair for my TnC set. I may not do a moisturizing DC after the ORS if my hair feels soft after rinsing. Anywho, again, reviews to follow!!

Finally, my last hair related purchase of the week was five bags of the Nafy Collection Afro Puffy Twist hair!! After two months, the distributor contacted me to tell me that it was finally back in stock, but he had a limited amount! Actually, I initially inquired about the New Nubian Twist hair that I told you guys about here. However, I was concerned that the hair might not look natural. So, after seeing this picture on the distributor’s Facebook page and asking him about what looks more natural, I decided to go with the Afro Puffy Twist hair in 1b.

The plan is to get my hair in puffy twists in November sometime. I’m still not sure where I’m going to get them done as I’m really wary of most braiding places. I also don’t know whether I’m going to trust someone to blow out my hair or if I’ll do it myself. Maybe I’ll try a Curlformer set to stretch it if the new dryer works well? I don’t know! Anyone have suggestions for a good heat protectant? Ugh. I really wasn’t planning on blowing out my hair until the end of this challenge. It’s been a year now since I last did it. But, I really feel like I want to give myself a little break with doing my hair and am looking forward to being able to leave the house in the morning without worrying about styling!

So finally, last week was an okay exercise week. I got in two interval sessions on the treadmill and two kettlebell routines (one 12 minutes and one 40 minutes). I would have liked to get in another day to make it five in the week (not including last Sunday, when I did do hot yoga), but four still wasn’t bad given that I was in the city all day, every day, from Thursday to Sunday and spent the majority of it on my feet. Anywho, I’ll definitely be reviewing the Lauren Brooks Kettlebell DVD, the good and not so good, this week. So, stay tuned for that too!

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What “acquisitions” did you make last week? Thinking of experimenting with anything? And, where are my FB Fitness Friends ;)?!?