Tag Archives: styling products

Dec20

Mini-Hairscapader: Savannah’s HairStory

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Yeah!!!!!  We’re back with the hairstory of another cutie patootie!! Check out the details at the end of the post for how you can submit the hairstory of YOUR very own mini-Hairscapader!!

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image-2as told by Enjoli (mom)

What’s your child’s name and age? Tell us a little about her.
My daughter’s name is Savannah and she just turned two September 13th. She is a fun-loving, energetic baby and absolutely loves to sing and dance. Her favorite fruit is a banana. Probably because I call her Savannah Banana :-). She’s in love with Elmo and thinks ABC’s and numbers ROCK!!!

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How do you care for her hair? What products do you use, how often do you wash/condition, what techniques do you use (i.e., how do you detangle), etc.?
I wash Savannah’s hair every week, usually on Saturdays. She just finished swim classes and they were on Saturday, so that is our usual washing day. I generally wash it while she is in the bathtub at the end of a bath. I use the Shea Moisture Curl Defining Shampoo on her hair and the Restorative Conditioner as a leave in. I detangle it on days that I wash it especially. Once the washing is done, I go through and moisturize her scalp with pure coconut oil. I also put some of the oil on her hair. I usually braid it up and allow it to air dry. She generally wears braids or plaits to bed, so that her hair not all over the place in the am. I detangle her hair with the conditioner on it.

Products that we currently use (even though I am always looking):
Shea Moisture Curl Defining Shampoo
Shea Moisture Curling Souffle
Shea Moisture Curling Milk
Shea Moisture Restorative Conditioner
The Shea Moisture Deep Penetrating Shampoo (If hair is really dirty)
Cantu Shea Butter Leave in conditioning cream

This past weekend, I used a bootleg version of Miss Jessie’s called Curl La La at my BFF’s and loved it. Her hair was soft, smelled great, and the curls lasted all day. So I am looking for that where I live now.

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Do the same products that work for you work for Savannah’s hair?
For the most part. We both have curly hair, although her hair is softer than mine. Her dad has curly hair and his dad before him as well.

What is a typical style? Do you employ protective styles? If so, how often?
It depends on time and her cooperation. LOL! I am learning to cornrow. I can get something in her head and it will be cute, but with her having the texture of hair that she does, it doesn’t usually last too long. If I’m in a rush, we generally settle for the high curly ponytail on top. Its a bit of a cop-out, but when we are pressed for time, it always comes through. LOL! Most recently I did a style that involved beads and she was ecstatic. Had been nervous because I felt like she was too young. If her hair has been twisted up, braided up, or in ponytails for a few days, then I will let her wear it loose in a little curly fro thingy for a few days as well to balance out the tension from the other style.

What challenges do you face with Savannah’s hair?
I just have no idea if I am doing it right! Her hair is so soft, in order to get it to do any styles, it usually involves some type of anchor or holder/rubber band. I try not to use them often. Her hair around her temple is a little thin and, at first, I thought it was falling out. Then I realized as a baby and younger infant, she had no hair there. So, I’ve since calmed down and realized that it is just her hair growing in. It’s different lengths in different areas and I’m not sure what to do about that.

I also get frustrated because, due to the softness of her hair, styles don’t last. If she does get braids, I may get 2 days out of them tops. Twists have to be done daily, banding doesn’t work, and the Bantu knot out didn’t work. I did include pics for you to see what I tried.

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Have you ever relaxed/texlaxed Savannah’s hair? Why or why not and, if you relaxed her hair, what prompted the decision to return to natural?
I will NEVER relax my daughter’s hair. If she gets a relaxer, it will be her decision and her choice and her job to keep it up. LOL!

How does Savannah feel about her natural hair?
She’s only 2. So who knows. I know that she likes it when I do something fancy with it. She stands in the mirror and says, “Ooooh Mommy. Nice!” She enjoys playing in it and pulling on her ponytails. Her hair has quite a bit of length on it, so I think that is more important than texture right now. Just being able to reach it to play with it. She enjoys playing in mine, which is nowhere near the same texture as hers. So I’m guessing she likes it.

Anything else that you’d like to add?
While I will never relax Savannah’s hair, I would never be one to judge anyone who does. We all make the decisions we think are best for our kids at the time. I just hope that no matter what our babies’ hair looks like, we are encouraging them and telling them how beautiful they are. My mother relaxed my hair when I was 6 and I didn’t really need it. It was just easier for her since my hair was so thick. I’ve gone back and forth my entire adult life and am currently sans the creamy crack. I have no problem with relaxers, but have just chosen not to dabble in them anymore for myself. It has not been easy; it has been hard with my own hair. But, in choosing to embrace my hair … embrace me … it is making it easier for me to do hers and it makes her feel good about her hair as it is.

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Can’t. Take. All. the. CUTENESS!!!! LOL!! Just adorable!!

Okay, okay. *Wooosah* My ovaries have calmed down.  Soooooo, do you have a mini-Hairscapader in your house? Wanna share his/her story?! Well then, get on it!! Answer the Mini-Hairscapader HairStory Questions here and e-mail your responses, along with 5-6 (or, you know, 10) pics, to me at hairscapades@gmail.com!! Hope to get your sweetie pie’s story soon!!

(p.s. To see more of these mini hairstories, check out the Mini-Hairscapader category under the HairStory tab!) 

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Sep12

Evolution of a WnG

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On Sunday, I pre-pooed with a new Aubrey conditioner that I ordered from Vitacost a couple of weeks ago. Now you know that I love the Honeysuckle Rose (HSR) and GPB conditioners, but I’d heard good things about the Rose Mosqueta and wanted to give it a try.

I followed my normal process of mixing the conditioner with Vatika oil and then applied it while lightly finger detangling and placing my hair in 6 twists. I then applied Wild Growth Hair Oil to my scalp (I really owe you guys a review on the WGHOs, don’t I??) and donned a plastic cap and my thermal heat wrap for a couple of hours. Eventually I went to bed without washing my hair and, on Monday morning, just didn’t have time to wash it. So, I whipped out the trusty banana clip for my “go to” big bun. Added a big ol’ hair flower for good measure ;).

Yeah … didn’t wash it Monday night either … but my scalp was itching slightly, so knew that I had to shampoo on Tuesday morning. I placed my hair back in 6 twists, then washed with diluted DevaCare No Poo. Next, I applied HE HH to finger detangle under the shower stream (which was pretty easy, breezy, lemon squeezey). I re-twisted each section after detangling and rinsed under cold water. Hopped out of the shower and used my Curl Cloth to pseudo-plop my twists while I washed my face, brushed my teeth and lotioned up (was following some of CurlyNikki’s “Fluffy Definition WnG” steps with a few modifications). My hair was only slightly damp and then I tried a new WnG combo: Aubrey Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner (moisturizing leave-in) + LaBella Lots of Curls Gel (hold). I was a little nervous about how it would work out as I usually apply products to wet or soaking wet hair when I’m doing a WnG.

Morning: After product applied and still damp.

Early Afternoon: Fully dry, stringy, crunchy and untouched.

Fluffy, full and soft after scrunching out the crunch with Wonder Curl Polishing Pomade.

What a difference a scrunch makes, right?!?! It’s amazing to me how one little step can make my hair go from, “Ewwwwww … pathetic. Where’s that scrunchie?” to “LOVE it!!” I wonder how many give up on a style because of impatience or not knowing that one little step or trick that will take a style from #FAIL to #FAB??

Anywho, this is it in the evening after getting home around 9 pm.

So, I’m pretty pleased!! Looks like my curls are back one wash post-cassia, as I anticipated (whew!!). Shoot, even that straighter nape area is behaving and curling up to meet the shorter layers!! And, even though I didn’t deep conditioner post-shampoo, my hair feels very soft and light. The Aubrey Rose Mosqueta Conditioner was comparable to the HSR and I don’t know that I appreciated much of a difference between the two. If there was one thing, my hair did seem easier to detangle than normal. However, I’m not sure if that’s attributable to the conditioner or the 30+ hour pre-poo!! I’ll have to see if I notice the same ease of detangling the next time I use it with a typical overnight pre-poo. Though my hair doesn’t feel super-moisturized, it’s also not dry. It feels lightly moisturized, so I will probably apply a little something to it in another day or two. And, guess we’ll see what else evolution has in store for this WnG over the rest of the week. Only time will tell!!

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How does your WnG evolve on Day 1?

Aug30

Back to School: De-Summerize Your Child’s Hair

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(Chloe)

by Tameeka aka Jaded Tresses

After such a hot and humid season, it’s a good idea to “de-summerize” your child’s hair in preparation for the fall and upcoming school year. The sun, although fun for our little ones, can wreak havoc on their tresses. It’s important that we nurture them in preparation for the drier weather approaching. As adults, we may have catered to our own tresses a little more than we have done to our future manes, which may have been in and out of water/chlorine and salt/sun continuously  without care ;).

So now moms and pops, it’s a must for us to “de-summerize” their treasured locks. What that means is Clarify, Recondition and Re-hydrate  their precious tresses. Because a child’s hair is virgin, vellus and naturally porous, it can sustain the most damage during the hot summer months, leaving the hair parched and dehydrated craving moisture.

Here are few things that I suggest that you do in preparation that  can help aid you through the rough cold weather we are about to embark on during the school year.

Tools and Products

  • Hard hat or bonnet dryer: Great for deep treatments, as well as drying tresses once styled.
  • Plastic cap
  • Duck bill or butterfly clips to help section off tresses
  • A wide-tooth comb, double wide-tooth comb or Denman brush to help with detangling
  • Shampoo, conditioner and deep conditioner

I will list a few shampoos, conditioners and deep conditioners that may be of some use:

  • Non-sulfate: The Organix line has various shampoos, conditioners and masks (find in local beauty supply stores and Target).
  • Curlisto Natural Coils line has a cleanser, conditioner, leave-in and mask (find online at Curlisto.com and at the Fifth Ave salon).
  • Shea Moisture (Target)
  • Carol’s Daughter Monoi line (find at Carol’s Daughter locations and online).
  • Ouidad Curl Quencher shampoo, conditioner, moisture lock leave-in and signature deep treatment (find at Sephora, the flagship salon on 57th st or online at Ouidad.com).
  • Clarifying: Pantene Nature Fusion has a great shampoo and conditioner (find in local beauty supply stores and Target)
  • Deep conditioner: KeraCare Intensive Restorative Masque is a great deep conditioner (find in local beauty supply stores).

Step 1: Clarifying Shampoo
Clarifying shampoos help to  remove product build-up, salt, chlorine and mineral build up from the hair. So, if you have been consistently using a non-sulfate shampoo and/or conditioner on your child’s hair, as well as applying oils because they have been swimming and had a generous amount of sun exposure, then this is definitely your first step.

Directions:

  1. Wet the child’s hair thoroughly, rinsing out all of the old product until the water runs as clear as possible.
  2. Apply about a quarter-size amount or more of clarifying shampoo to the palms and massage it into your child’s scalp using the ball of your fingertips.
  3. Once a lather has been formed, finger through and DOWN the hair in a piano stroking motion. Never ball your child’s tresses on top of their head. That will only create knots and make detangling even more complicated.
  4. Rinse slightly and repeat if necessary. If you achieved a rich lather the first time, no need to repeat. Just rinse out thoroughly, allowing the water to run over the hair while you finger through the tresses to remove the soapy suds.
  5. Squeeze excess water out of the hair.

Step 2: Reconditioning
It’s wise to do this next part in sections and once each section has been conditioned and detangled, twist or braid it loosely so as to prevent it from tangling up again.

Directions:

  1. When applying conditioner, apply to the ends of your child’s tresses first, saturating the ends, smoothing and working your way up towards the scalp. It is not necessary to start at the scalp.
  2. Once saturated, using a wide-tooth comb, Denman brush or double tooth comb, hold the section upon which you are working in a ponytail and start detangling from the ends first, working upwards (the tighter you grasp the hair into a ponytail, the less pain the child will feel). Twist or braid each section prior to moving to the next section.
  3. Whiling leaving the hair in twists or braids, rinse the conditioner out, leaving a good 10% of the conditioner in the hair. (If you are deep conditioning right after this step, it is also okay to leave the conditioner in and apply the deep treatment directly on top of it.)

Step 3: Re-hydrating/Deep Conditioning
A deep penetrating, hydrating moisturizing mask should be done at least once a month.

Directions:

  1. This type of conditioner can be done with or without heat. However, when heat and a plastic cap are applied, it is more intensive. The heat opens the cuticle layers of the hairs shaft allowing the necessary moisture, protein and oils to penetrate deeper and bond to the inner molecular layers of the strands, which helps repair and strengthen the hair.
  2. When deep conditioning, be sure to rinse with a slightly cooler water temperature to seal and lock in all the good stuff for our little ones ;).

Hope that I was of some help to the guardians of our future manes ;)!

Please feel free to inquire about anything. I would love to hear from you and help guide you through you and your child’s natural hair journey!

Many blessings,

Tameeka McNeil-Johnson
#thecurlwhisperer

Facebook: Jaded Tresses
Twitter: @JadedTresses
Website: www.jadedtresses.com (under construction)
T#: 646.262.9157

Aug23

TLC Naturals Giveaway! *CLOSED*

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Less than 24 hours left to enter the TLC Naturals Giveaway!! The deadline is tonight, Thursday, September 6th, at 11:59 pm EST!!

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Here it is!! The TLC Naturals Giveaway that I told you about this morning has arrived!! So, what do Paige and I have for you? Well, I’m glad you asked;)! This giveaway is for full-size containers of TLC Naturals’ Grapefruit Hibiscus Hydrating Hair Spritz and Grow It Hair Growth Cream. Here’s a little more about the line and products!

ABOUT TLC NATURALS

We absorb over 70% of whatever is applied to our skin or hair. TLC Naturals products raw, truly edible products are made from raw, organic food grade plant ingredients, rich in nutrients, minerals & anti oxidants. The products are all handmade from scratch in small batches, using traditional methods.

When we make our products, we keep the ingredients as close as possible to their original raw state so your hair & skin can absorb the rich nutrients, vitamins and anti oxidants in the products.

This is much better than absorbing petrochemicals, synthetics, mineral oil, silicones, sulfates, carcinogens & other toxins commonly found in a vast variety of cosmetic products.

Our customers report seeing an INSTANT difference to their hair & skin from the first use.

GRAPEFRUIT HIBISCUS HYDRATING HAIR SPRITZ – 250ML (8.5 OZ)

This natural vegan hydrating spriz and detangler is a natural, organic blend of purified water, flowers, herbs and hydrosols, delicately fragranced with essential oils. The Grapefruit Hibiscus Hydrating Hair Spritz helps hydrate, nourish and fortify your hair.

Result? Smoother, softer, shinier & healthy looking hair that stays moisturised for longer.

This natural hair care product is also great for refreshing your styles and as a well as detangling your hair.

Ideal for ALL Hair types and suitable for children.

NO parabens, petrochemicals, mineral oils or silicones

MADE WITH:
An infused blend of Hibiscus flowers, Organic Green tea & Organic Rosemary
Aloe Vera
Essential Oils of Grapefruit & Lavender
and much more

GROW IT HAIR GROWTH CREAM – 100ML (3.4 OZ)

The Grow It! Hair Cream is a natural and organic vegan formula that is a firm favourite of those having hair problems such as thinning hair, hair loss, slow growth, premature balding and alopecia. It combines potent Indian ayurveda plants with effective natural herbs, MSM and stimulating essential oils.

This product is particularly suitable for anyone experiencing damaged hair follicles, hair loss, slow hair growth, alopecia, thinning hair or damaged hair.

Customers have reported seeing visible hair growth, softness and thickness within 7 – 10 days

Ideal for ALL Hair types and suitable for children and vegans.

NO parabens, petrochemicals, mineral oils or silicones

MADE WITH:
Organic Mango & Kokum Butters
MSM
Indian Bhringraj and other Indian Plants
Organic Plant Oils
Organic Herbs
Blend of Essential Oils

♣

So, what do you have to do for your chance to win???

  1. Like the Hairscapades Facebook page;
  2. Like the TLC Naturals Facebook page and write “Hairscapades sent me” on the wall.
  3. Once you’ve done both, answer the following question in the comments below:

What’s your name, from where do you hail (town/city/province/country) and what are the JOYS and CHALLENGES of being a natural where you live?

Deadline: 11:59 p.m. Thursday, September 6th!

This giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY!! All subscribers, old and new, are eligible. Just make certain to like the Facebook pages and comment as instructed above!! A winner will be selected at random within the week following the close of the giveaway!

Good luck ladies!!

*No purchase necessary. In accepting the prize, the winner acknowledges that Hairscapades.com may not be held liable for any loss, damages or injury associated with accepting or using this prize. This contest is subject to all federal, provincial and municipal laws. Contest open internationally. One entry per person. Claiming of prizes requires an e-mail response to hairscapades@gmail.com from the winner within 15 days of being notified of winning. Failure to respond shall mean that the winner forfeits the prize.

Jul13

New Feature: I Found It Cheaper!

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7/26/12 UPDATE: “I Found It Cheaper” has arrived! Click the hyperlink to visit the page and/or find it under the Home tab!

About a month ago, I received an e-mail from reader Polly:

Good morning, Shelli–

So, I was thinking…

At my job, when we purchase products online, we have a feature called “I found it cheaper.” When we shop online for office products & such and we find it cheaper with vendors other than the usual one our Purchasing Department uses, it helps them to renegotiate prices and contracts, etc. It got me thinking…

A lot of times, we will suggest products to other curlies/naturals and sometimes we will tell folks where we get our stuff…and for how much. But sometimes, the products can be found cheaper. For example, after reading so much about the Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose conditioner, I got online and looked for it. I believe some people said they got it at the VitaminShoppe.com. I found it at vitacost.com for less than the Vitamin Shoppe price.

So that gave me the “I Found it Cheaper” idea for Hairscapades. Maybe your readers would not only appreciate advice on what products to purchase, but we may be able to help one another save some money if we can get it cheaper. Maybe it could be a spot where we can share online discounts or coupons, too.

What do you think?

Well, I think that sounds like a pretty dang awesome idea Polly!! I’m all about making my dollar go as far as it can! Shoot, I cut open lotion bottles to get the last bit of product out of them! Waste not, want not is my motto! For reals!

Anywho, wanted to know what you all thought of the idea? If you think that it’s a good one, this is the plan.

  1. Comment on this post with products, hair tools, accessories, etc., that you would like to find cheaper. Tell us where you buy it/them now and for how much (you can approximate if you don’t know the exact price). If you haven’t bought it yet, but have been eyeing it somewhere, tell us where and the price.  If you buy/find the product online, give us an idea of the S&H charges and advise if there are any shipping promotions/discounts (e.g. free shipping for orders over a certain amount, $1 shipping all the time, etc.).
  2. Once we have 5-10 items, I will start a stationary “I Found It Cheaper” page under the “Home” tab.
  3. Once the “I Found It Cheaper” page debuts, future suggestions and prices must be indicated in the comments on that page to be added.
  4. If you find a posted product at a better price, let us know in the comments on the page, and I’ll update it with the information.
  5. The page will be updated regularly as we find products at better prices or want to add new products to find the best deals.

So, what do you all think? I want to hear from you! Should we give it a whirl?

Jun26

TLC Naturals Hibiscus Rose Leave In and Choco Shea Hair Butter

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This weekend, I tried a couple of new products to style my WnG … and neither of them was a gel!! So, TLC Naturals is a small UK-based company that contacted me about trying some of their handmade, natural products. They gifted me with their Hibiscus Rose Moisturizing Leave In Conditioner and Choco Shea Decadent Hair Butter.

via TLC Naturals

Hibiscus Rose Leave In Conditioner (250 ml/£11.00)

With coconut oil, panthenol, and our own herbal formula, consisting of Irish Moss, Hibiscus & Organic Rose petals, amongst other ingredients, the Rich & Creamy Hibiscus Rose Leave In Hair Conditioner, which is lightly scented with the hibiscus and rose ingredients, is PH balanced natural hair care product and hair treatment that can help to detangle your hair, as well as strengthen, hydrate, moisturise, soften and smoothen your strands.

This hair treatment formula was specifically created to combat the harsh cold and wintery months, although you can use it throughout the year. It is thick and rich to coat every single strand, yet light enough to penetrate the hair shaft, root and follicles. PH balanced to smooth down the cuticles, whilst also aiding in detangling, this product adds instant softness and moisture to your hair.

Helps with dry hair, thinning hair, weakened hair, damaged hair, hair regrowth and more.

Ingredients: Aqua with Hibiscus Sabdariffa, Rosa, Chondrus Crisspus, Althaea officinalis, Equisetum Arvense & Arctium Lappa Root (Herbal infusion with hibiscus, organic rose, irish moss, marshmallow, organic horsetail and burdock root), Aloe Barbadensis (ALOE VERA), Helianthus Annuus (ORGANIC SUNFLOWER) seed oil, GLYCERIN, Butyrospermum Parkii (ORGANIC SHEA) butter, Benhentrimonium Methosulfate & Cetearyl Alcohol (BTMS), Cocos Nucifera (COCONUT) oil, SILK AMINO ACIDS,PANTHENOL, HYDROYSED WHEAT PROTEIN, Tocopherol (VIT E), Rosmarinus Officinalis (ROSEMARY) extract, Citrus Grandiss (GRAPEFRUIT) seed extract, Guarhydroxypropultrimnium chloride (GUAR GUM), potassium sorbate, citric acid, cetrimonium chloride, Parfum (TLC Naturals fragrance), Phenoxyethanol & Caprylyl Glycol & Chlorphenesin (PARABEN & FORMADELHYDE-FREE PRESERVATIVE).

Choco Shea Decadent Hair Butter (100 ml/£9.00)

A deliciously decadent mix  of organic cocoa butter, organic shea butter & organic honey, combined with our organic hair nourishing and hair strengthening herbal formula, and added wheat proteins, our PH-balanced Choco Shea Decadent Hair Butter is a natural hair care product that smoothes down your cuticles, strengthens and softens your strands, whilst also imparting luxurious goodness into your hair.  The fragrances of the cocoa and honey makes this sumptious orgasmic hair treat smell almost good enough to eat!

Ingredients: Aqua with Uritca dioica, Salvia Officinalis & Equisetum Arvense (Herbal infusion with organic nettle, Organic sage and organic horsetail ), Theobroma Cacao (Organic Cocoa) seed butter, Butyrospermum Parkii (ORGANIC SHEA) butter, Mel (HONEY), Persea Gratissima (AVOCADO) butter, Helianthus Annuus (ORGANIC SUNFLOWER) oil, Ricinus Communis (CASTOR) oil, Cetearyl Alcohol (VEGETABLE-DERIVED emollient), Behentrimonium Methosulfate (VEGETABLE DERIVED EMUSLIFIER), Triticum Vulgare (WHEATGERM) oil,SILK AMINO ACIDS, PANTHENOL, HYDROLYSED WHEAT PROTEINS,  Citrus  Grandiss (GRAPEFRUIT) seed extract, potassium sorbate, citric acid, cetrimonium chloride, Parfum  (TLC Naturals fragrance), Phenoxyethanol & Caprylyl Glycol & Chlorphenesin (PARABEN & FORMADELHYDE-FREE PRESERVATIVE).

Wash Day Routine
Now that you have the specs, here are the deets ;).

  • On Friday night, I pre-pooed/DC’d, finger detangled and placed my hair in 6 twists with a mix of Aubrey Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner and Vatika Oil. I also applied some Wild Growth Hair Oil (WGHO) to my scalp … sparingly (lesson learned from last week!).
  • I left the pre-poo/DC in for 1 hour with heat and then slept in it overnight.
  • On Saturday morning, I washed my scalp and hair with diluted DevaCare No Poo and rinsed.
  • Then, I applied Aubrey Green Tea Finishing Cream Rinse, finger detangled again and rinsed under cool water.
  • After I got out of the shower, I released the twists, divided my hair into one section on either side and applied the Hibiscus Rose Leave In Conditioner.
  • Then, I used the “Rake and Shake” technique to apply the Choco Shea Hair Butter. I re-wet my hair with a spray bottle, as needed, to ensure my hair was damp/wet before applying the product.
  • Finally, I lightly diffused my hair, while holding my head upside down, for about 10 minutes. There were still damp spots, but I was mostly diffusing to scrunch and dry my ends.
  • Once my hair was almost completely dry (I’m so impatient! I can never wait for it to be totally dry!! That’s bad! Don’t do that;), it had a little crunch. So, in order to “break the cast,” I emulsified a little Aveda Anti-Humectant pomade in my palms and smoothed it down my hair while holding it like I was going to pull it into a low ponytail.

And voilà! Here were my results on Day 1 (click to enlarge pics):


On the evening of Day 1, I applied a little WGHO Light to the length of my hair, placed it in a pineapple and hit the sack (satin pillowcase, of course ;)). On the morning of Day 2, I applied some Wonder Curl Butter than Love Pudding to refresh my situation, fluffed and kept it moving. In case you forgot, this is how my WnG looked on Sunday (you’ve already seen more pics here, but including this one as a reminder. :)):

Oh, almost forgot! I also applied a little of the new, heavenly smelling Wonder Curl Polishing Pomade after Scarlett gave me the sample at the event! PJ Powers Activate!! 

On the evening of Day 2, I used a little Pooka Hair oil on my scalp and pineappled again. And this is Day 3 hair, which also got a touch of WC Polishing Pomade applied to it!

Review: Initial Thoughts
As you can see, I got some pretty nice results from using the Hibiscus Rose Leave In and Choco Shea Hair Butter. So, what did I think overall? Here goes.

Ingredients: Partial lists of the ingredients are listed on TLC Naturals website, but are not fully listed on the packaging. I like to know all of the ingredients in my products and know that many naturals feel the same. So, I think there is room for improvement in the labeling of the products and the ingredient listings on the site. However, overall, these products appear to contain high-quality organic and/or natural ingredients. My one concern was that both products contain wheat protein, of which my hair is not a fan. Leave-ins and stylers with wheat protein often leave my hair feeling a bit dry and crispy. These products were no exception. However, a little oil and/or pomade seemed to quickly and easily remedy that issue.

6/29/12  “EDITOR’S” RETRACTION: The full list of ingredients are included with the products. Both products were shipped with tags attached to the containers. I removed those tags without really reading them!! Bad Shelli!! These tags did contain a list of all of the ingredients in each product and I have corrected the ingredient listings above! Thanks TLC Naturals for clarifying that and directing me to where I could find the list of all of the ingredients in your products!!

Packaging: No frills and functional. As this is a newer and smaller company, this is totally fine to me. I prefer not to spend my money on expensive packaging and cheap ingredients, though I know some appreciate “shelf appeal.”

Pricing: Speaking of not spending money on packaging;), these products seem to be priced in the mid-range compared to similar products in the USA. I used a currency conversion site and £9.00 is approximately $14 and £11.00 is $17. That’s more expensive than, say, Shea Moisture products, which run around $10. However, the prices are pretty comparable to a line like Qhemet Biologic.

Scent: I’m not a fan of floral smells and the Hibiscus Rose Leave In definitely had that type of fragrance, though it wasn’t overpoweringly strong. The Choco Shea Hair Butter smelled a lot like the Qhemet Cocoa Tree Detangling Ghee, which has a strong chocolatey smell that I like better, but chocolate is also not one of my favorite scents. I prefer fruity berry and/or citrusy smells. However, the odd thing is that, when these two products were layered together, they were complimentary and somehow created a new scent that I actually liked! I don’t know how to describe it, but the scent almost became fruity. I guess the smells combined tempered each other! Regardless, they didn’t seem to linger once my hair dried … though, I also don’t have the strongest sense of smell.

Consistency and Application: The leave-in was pink with a rich, creamy consistency, but not so thick as to make is difficult to distribute. The butter had a thicker whipped consistency with a creamy, bit light feel. Both the leave-in and butter applied very smoothly and spread easily. They quickly absorbed into my hair and blended well, leaving no white chunks, flakes or residue.

Appearance (Hold/Definition) & Feel: Although these products aren’t touted for their hold or definition, they provided me with both! I felt that the clumping, definition and hold were very comparable to my gel/CD Healthy Hair Butter combo! In regard to the feel of my hair, it felt a little dry prior to the application of a pomade or oil. So, I don’t know that it felt well-moisturized once dry. But, it wasn’t hard, tacky, flaky or overly crunchy. In fact, it felt pretty product-less. In regard to the shine factor, my hair didn’t appear duller or shinier with these products once dry. The application of the oil and pomades over the leave-in and butter kicked the shine up a notch.

Conclusions
So, will I use these products again? Absolutely! Based upon my initial results with the TLC Naturals Hibiscus Rose Leave In and Choco Shea Hair Butter, I will definitely be use them again! I did have the anticipated dry, slightly crispy feeling due to the liquid wheat protein in both products. However, both the WGHO Light and both of the pomades seemed to quickly “soften the situation ;).” I think the hold and definition were great for products that are not specifically formulated for that purpose and have so many good ingredients.

But, if you live in the UK, TLC Naturals may be a great local option for handmade, organic/natural products for your natural hair! If you don’t live in the UK, but are in an area where natural products are few and far between and love what you’ve seen and read, TLC Naturals does ship internationally and even provides an invoice payment option for those in areas without access to PayPal!! How sweet is that?

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If you live in the UK, do you think that you would try TLC Naturals? If you live elsewhere, would you pay international shipping for high-quality products?

Jun19

“Share the Love” Beauty Soiree

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Hey ladies!! Live in the NY/NJ Metro area?!? Wanna learn a little more about natural hair methods, techniques and products … live and in person?? Then, why don’t you come to the 2nd Annual “Share the Love” Beauty Soiree where I’ll be speaking on Protective Styles?? Tickets are only $5 and proceeds go towards the Black Girls Rock organization! You can get yours here.

Jun7

We May Have A Winner! Another Dry TnC

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It’s dry twist-out day on Hairscapades ;)! LOL!! Here’s Tiffany with her most recent dry TnC results!

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by Tiffany Millican

Well, on Saturday, I hennaed. I used apple cider vinegar, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, green tea and Herbal Essences Hydralicious conditioner. I only applied to the roots. Well, about 20 minutes into the process, my head was on Fiyah! (Yeah that’s how I spell it.) I remember my friend telling me that her head heated up too when she used henna one time in the past (of course I don’t remember the brand). I left it in for about 2 hours and then I couldn’t take it anymore, so I washed it out.

I conditioned and deep conditioned. My hair looked normal, but it itched, hmmmm … IDK. I did a wash and go with a diffuser. It was cute, but too wild for work.

So, I decided to do twists. I saw this video on YouTube using just Cantu Leave-in as a styling crème. I’m like, “HEY! I have some of that,” which I had only used on my daughters Wash and Gos. SO here we go!

This is 3 part video process and I loved her results!

via 101LadyT

Part 1: Twist Out Prep (Summer Routine) 

Part 2: Twist-Out Results w/Cantu

Part 3: Twist-Out Maintenance (Night Routine)

Prep
I did the basic two strand twist set up: Part the hair into sections (approx. 15 twist), coated each twist in Cantu Leave-in and Taliah Waajid African Healing Oyl (my cousin gave it to me; she said it did nothing for her locks), rolled the ends with perm rods, bobby pinned the roots and air-dried.

Product Info

Cantu Shea Butter
Leave In Conditioning Repair Cream

  • Made with real shea butter and essential oils to replace vital oil in your hair leaving it stronger and healthier with a natural shine.
  • Can be used on wet hair as an intensive moisturizing treatment or to tame frizz and fly-aways.
  • Helps moisturize dry brittle hair with deep penetrating oil and emollients soften, detangle and add shine to hair protect hair against heat and sun styling damage provide extra protection from split ends and breakage

Directions for Use:

  • Daily Styling – Apply to towel dried hair. Work a generous amount of product into hair beginning at the roots to the tips. Comb through for even distribution. Do not rinse. Apply more to longer hair at the ends or problem areas.
  • Leave In Treatment – Apply as directed for “Daily Styling” just after shampooing. Re-apply and cover with a plastic cap overnight for maximum absorption and intensive conditioning.
  • Frizz Free Hair – Apply daily to split ends or damaged areas. Comb through and let dry naturally.

Taliah Waajid African Healing Oyl 


  • A multi-use product that can be used on both the hair and body.

Directions for Use:

  • Hot Oil Treatment – After shampooing the hair using the Total Body 
Black Earth Shampoo, towel dry the hair. Section off the hair and apply the 
African Healing Oyl to the hair and scalp. Cover with a plastic cap and sit 
under a dryer for 15 minutes on medium heat. Rinse and condition the 
hair use the Enhancing Herbal Conditioner.
  • Skin – After showering or bathing, apply to body and feet to 
eliminate dry skin. Can also be used as a moisturizer 
for hands and cuticles; simply rub into the skin anytime dryness occurs.

Results
My twists were not that plump and I really didn’t have much shrinkage. I went to sleep hoping that it would look right, because I had to be to work at 6:30 am and didn’t have time to rebound if I looked like Kizzy in the morning.

Well, to my surprise … WE HAVE A WINNER!! I used no product, just untwisted, separated and fluffed. Shine and defined! In one pic, you can see that my front is my problem area; I have waves and not curls. I have to work this section a little harder and I also have this bob look going on where my back is shorter than my front.


The end.

May16

Frizz Ball

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So, on Monday, I mentioned that I re-braided my hair on Sunday night with a new product, which I would reveal on Tuesday. Well, I didn’t reveal the results, because I didn’t capture them upon releasing my hair and when I got home that evening, my mop was about as defined as the picture above!! LOL!!

I didn’t feel like the product got a fair shake though, because it clearly states on the tub, “Medium Curl Cream – without hold.” However, it does also state, “for effortless, frizz free curls.” The earlier claim I can co-sign, the second one, not so much. You see, it was hella humid and rainy on Monday and my braid-out did NOT survive the  moisture-filled air. In fact, halfway through the work day, I formed two twists to tame the frizz cloud that was floating around my face.

But, my hair was super soft and felt lovely. So, I know what you’re saying … “WHAT’S THE PRODUCT SHELLI?” *lol* It was Curls Souffle gifted to me in a Curls Cocktail box by CurlyNikki. It’s one of her faves. And, again, I don’t think I gave it a fair shake. So, this isn’t really a review. I’m just sharing to appease “my public” as Veronica put it!! LOL ;)!!

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Have you tried the Curls Souffle? Any recommendations on what to layer it with to get moisture with hold? 

May9

April GOC Update: Cococrispecurl (#32)

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Hi Ladies!

Hair:
Guess what? On Saturday April 14th, I did it! After watching Naptural85’s mini twists videos for a couple hours, I felt ready. Seven hours later, I crossed over. I. Became. A. DIYer.

I know, I know. You’re thinking, “Seriously?” Yep. Seriously. I can’t cornrow, flat twist or trim my own ends. I can’t do those fly buns, knots and elaborate styles. But guess what? I’m one step closer. Because now, thanks to our naturalistas and the celebration of natural hair, I can do mini-twists.

And, I’m still obsessed with mini-twists. I kept them in for 2 weeks and then wore a twist out for 2 weeks; most of the time, wearing protective styling like buns and pulling it up on the sides. I attempted a WnG at the end of the month and turned that into a loose braid-out. I think there’s a little growth. Too soon to tell.

Twists Regimen:

  • Separate hair into 2 sections.
  • Pre-poo with EVOO the day before and again one hour before washing.
  • Clarify with 1 part Head & Shoulders shampoo, 1 part water
  • Separate hair into 4 sections.
  • Detangle with Herbal Essence Totally Twisted conditioner.
  • Deep condition with The Body Shop’s Banana (2 teaspoons of Kemi Oyl added) for 20 minutes under the dryer.
  • Apply 2 teaspoons of Herbal Essence Totally Twisted conditioner to each section as a leave in conditioner.
  • Prior to each twist:
    • Saturate hair with water (if drying). Squeeze excess.
    • Apply Jojoba oil 1 inch from root to ends.
    • Apply IC Fantasia gel from root to ends.
    • Run comb through and twist.
  • Set twists on purple and orange perm rods.

This regimen worked pretty well. It was my first time using Herbal Essence Twisted conditioner. I can’t wait to get my ends dusted in a few weeks when it’s straightened. I trimmed a few pieces myself, but I’m not ready to trim my entire head. My ends are pretty rough; they haven’t been tended to since January.


Health & Fitness:
I went to the gym less than 10 times. I need to be going 3 to 4 times a week. I created a schedule in 10 day increments to keep me motivated … we’ll see.

Weight Watchers is going okay. The hardest part is the weekends. The work week keeps me on schedule but, come Friday night, something happens and I want to eat a cheesesteak, chicken wings and chinese food. On a good note, ChaCha got a lot of long walks. Next month, I’m going to add 3 lb ankle weights.

Reward:  6 lb loss, a new hair oil.

Happy Growing Ladies!

♦

 Missed Cococrispecurl’s first GOC post? Then head on over here to check it out now!