Daily Archives: February 3, 2012

Feb3

ApHogee Two Step Protein Treatment: Application

Posted on by
Standard

Let the research begin!!

I’m planning on going for it this weekend! I want to make certain that I have plenty of time, so I think I’ll do the ApHogee Two- Step Protein Treatment this Sunday as I’m feeling tired right now and have plans for Saturday. I hit Sally’s right after work as I was afraid that the single application packet that I’d already purchased a few weeks ago might not be enough to cover my hair. I would totally FREAK out if I ran out mid-process. So, I ended up getting the big 16 ounce bottle of the step one protein treatment as there was a sale which included the 8 ounce bottle of the Balancing Moisturizer for FREE!! I figure, better safe than sorry. If I hate it, I’ll just return the products to Sally’s.

Anywho, I sniffed the protein treatment given all of the comments/reviews about how disgusting this stuff smells. At first, it didn’t seem too bad. But then I took a bigger whiff and I think I smell what people mean … a full head of this stuff probably won’t be too pleasant. I can’t find anyone who has added EO to it. But, I’m going to add a drop of oil (maybe lavender) to a small amount  and see if it helps mask the smell or makes it worse. I’ve decided to use a spray applicator bottle to make the application process go more smoothly and I’m hoping that I can just put my bonnet dryer over my head without cinching it at all to dry the treatment. I’d hate to have to use the hand held dryer! But, I’m thinking, my hair may be hanging down my back and I may have to use the bonnet and hand held dryer!! Ugh!!! Time for some more research!! I think Chicoro covers the process in Grow It! I know ShamIAmGlam makes a “protein cocktail” with the treatment by mixing it with a regular conditioner, so I’m going to check out her video on that too!, So, here I go!!

***********************************************************************************************************************

Do you use the ApHogee Two Step Treatment? Any advice for a first-timer? How do I make this process as smooth and successful as possible?!

Advertisement
Feb3

It REALLY Works: Downy Wrinkle Release

Posted on by
Standard

by Weusi

I know that this is a hair blog but …

I just wanted to share something that I’m SURE will make your S.O. happy …

It’s this stuff right here … Wrinkle Erase.

If your S.O. travels, they will LOVE this … but, if they are homebodies, they will love it too.

When you spray this stuff … you don’t have to iron! You just spray it and then you wipe the wrinkles out! It’s GREAT!!! I can’t even talk about it … just go get this stuff for your S.O. and let them love you for it!

Shelli … please co-sign!?!

♥

Co-sign?! I’m the one that put you on this Wei! LOL! And he actually wrote Wrinkle “Erase” guys. I decided to leave it as he uses it all of the time and still doesn’t know the name ;)! Made me laugh as it’s a typical guy thing! LOL!! Also, the title of the post came from me as I was planning on starting a series, “It Really Works,” last summer. Wrinkle Release was going to be the kick-off (but it never made it to the screen). You may remember that I mentioned that I hate ironing in a post the other day. Well, “this stuff right here?” It has saved me from pulling out the iron on many occasions! I even took pics last summer for the post! It’s hard to pick up the “before” wrinkles, but I tried to show the difference!


The spots were on the lens of my old camera, not the dress! *lol*

************************************************************************************************************************

So now that “It Really Works” has been officially kicked-off, hoping that you guys will join in the fun!! What “miracle” product have you tried to be astounded by when you discovered that it really worked?! Shoot an e-mail to me at hairscapades@gmail.com with a brief review and evidence;)! Let’s share the wealth!!

Feb3

Tales of a Transitioner: Raven’s HairStory

Posted on by
Standard

Describe yourself in 100 words or less.
Hey blog world, I’m Raven. I love God, music, food, the World Wide Web and, of course, natural hair!

When did you receive your first relaxer?
I actually didn’t get my first relaxer until my sophomore year of college. No matter how much I begged my mom growing up, she would not let me get a relaxer. Kinda proves the saying that, MOTHERS DO KNOW BEST.

Why did you choose to go natural?
I actually never chose to go “natural.” I currently attend college on the East Coast, but am originally from the West Coast. I only got touch-ups from my beautician back home. After my last touch-up last year, I decided to stop getting relaxers (since I was only getting them 1-2x a year anyway) and go back to press-n-curls. It wasn’t until I discovered YouTube and blogs like yours and BGLHonline.com that I decided to put the flatiron down and go NATURAL.

Are you a long-term or short-term transitioner, and why?
I’m a long-term transitioner, currently 16-months post relaxer. I am using this time to get to know my hair in its natural state and master certain hairstyles. I also would like to get my hair to a certain length before cutting off all my relaxed ends. My goal is to transition for 24 months total.

What was your initial reaction to your growing natural hair?
When I first began my healthy hair journey, my new growth frustrated me. I wanted those waves and curls to STAY DOWN AND STAY PUT. Little did I know that I would grow to love them…

How did family and friends react to the new you? What was your response to them?
For the most part, I’ve had amazing responses from the people around me. A lot of my friends like the natural hairstyles I try on my transitioning hair and say that it’s a refreshing change from the straight hair that I used to rock in the past.

What is your transition routine?
Once a week, usually on a Saturday, I deep condition my hair prior to washing with my olive oil/honey/deep conditioner mix. I wash and condition my hair in four sections. Once out of the shower, I dry my hair with an old t-shirt and apply my leave-in conditioner, moisturizer and sealant to each section. I then use my wide-tooth comb to detangle each section from the ends to the roots. Throughout the week, I’ll moisturize my hair and seal it with olive oil or my shea butter mix.

What is your staple transition hair style?
Right now, it would definitely be my “big bun.” It’s so easy to do and is the perfect hairstyle for a night on the town or working out. (Check out Raven’s big bun tutorial here.)

What techniques/products do you to manage the demarcation line between your relaxed and natural hair?
I never detangle on dry hair. If my hair is super tangled and dry, I heat up some extra virgin olive oil, dampen hair and begin to finger detangle. I also wear my hair in some sort of updo 95% of the time to protect my ends.

What is the most challenging part of transitioning and how have you been able to overcome or cope with it?
The beginning of my healthy hair/transitioning journey was extremely difficult. Let’s just say I was late to A LOT of things and often ended up wearing a beanie as a last resort. However, as I’ve gotten to know my natural hair texture and learned how to do different hairstyles (updos, bantu knot-outs, etc.), I’ve grown to love my transitioning hair, despite the 2+ textures. In fact, I’m a bit worried what I will do when I have just one texture of natural hair!

What has been the most fun/best part of going natural? What do you love most about your natural hair and/or going natural?
THE NATURAL HAIR COMMUNITY-hands down. Since transitioning, it seems that I notice naturals everywhere, whether it be at church, on campus or at home. I love talking to people about hair, especially those contemplating going natural. Whenever my friends and I get together, we’re always discussing hair. Actually, we discussed it so much that on November 2011, we started our college’s first natural hair and beauty organization on campus called B.A.N.T.U (Beautifully and Naturally Tangled Up).

Do you have a “hair crush?” If so, who?
I love the hair of IvyCharlaine from YouTube. Her curls are just gorgeous. If you watch her videos, you’ll see that her hair has done a 180 since recovering from heat damage and coloring. It gives me hope that, one day, my hair can be fully healthy and restored to its childhood curls.

Who do you follow online (i.e. blog/website, YouTube, Fotki, etc.)?
Maybe the question for me should be, “Who don’t I follow online?” LOL. I definitely enjoy reading the blogs AsiliGlam, UrbanBushBabes, and Kurly Kichana – thenaturalgirlsguidetobeauty.blogspot.com. On YouTube, I love watching Taren916 of course, 007newnew, and FusionofCultures. On Tumblr, I’m an avid follower of HeyFranHey, LeCoil, and NaturalHairEverything.

What advice would you give someone who is contemplating going natural and/or becoming discouraged with their natural hair?
As Nike would say, “Just do it!” With practice makes perfect—so take the leap! Nowadays, there are so many resources out there for transitioners and naturals alike. Going natural is deeper than just hair; it changes your thinking, lifestyle, and more. Ask me how I know? Because it did for me!

************************************************************************************************************************

Check out Raven’s blog, Mind of a Nomad, and YouTube Channel, ALifeofPeculiarity, to learn more about her transitioning journey, styles and regimen!

Feb3

Color Combo: Olive and Eggplant

Posted on by
Standard

Yup, still rocking the Chinese bun;). But, figured I’d show you my hair jewlery. I love this bedazzled rose hair stick. I ordered it from longhairgirl.com about a year or so ago, I think. This particular stick doesn’t seem to be available anymore, but they have a lot of pretty options, a few of which I have in my hair “wardrobe!” The bun is looking pretty lush here; it doesn’t really look this big in person! LOL!! Here’s another angle :).

I had snagged a little hair at the end of the stick. Whoopsy!

As promised in the comments on the OOTD post yesterday, here is what I wore to work on Thursday. I love the combo of eggplant, burgundy, borduox or any variation of deep purple with olive. I like it even more with a contrast of textures and structures. Here, I layered a structured corduroy blazer over a ruffled lace, mock turtleneck shell and velvet slacks. It’s sort of a two shade monochromatic look with the top half in one color and the bottom in the other. None of the colors match perfectly, but in office lighting, the slight tonal differences are almost indiscernible.

The corduroy blazer is from Old Navy, the ruffled lace, sleeveless top is by Kenar from Marshall’s (it’s lined and the back is a solid lace panel), the velvet trousers are from the Gap (I have the “matching” A-line skirt from the same season too) and the ankle strap, stacked heel oxfords are from Nine West. Again though, everything is several years old. I’ll try to update this link with similar options that are currently available when I have more time!

Love these shoes and the pink and yellow details!

On another note, I desperately searched for these shoes yesterday morning. I knew which closet they were in and I knew that they were in the old school grey and blue Nine West box. But, I couldn’t see the trees for the forest ;). I’ll give you a glimpse into my shoe stash so that you get an idea of what I mean!!

Ultimately, the jokers were staring me right in the face (they were right in the box to which that big red arrow is pointing!). As I believe that I’ve already confessed, my “junkie” ways aren’t limited to hair products. This is just one of four closets in which shoes are stashed and stacked. I chose my condo because of the closet space (you may notice all the button-down blouses organized in color families from lightest to darkest hanging above the shoes … yeah, I have issues). In my defense though, most of these shoes were acquired between 5-10 years ago. I don’t do nearly as much damage as I used to do. Also, I’m a cheapie, so most of my shoes were acquired for $40 or less. Hmmm, am I ‘splaining to much ;)? *lol*

************************************************************************************************************************

What was the point of this post? Oh yeah! What color combos do you like to wear together?