Protective Styling in Full Effect!

Over the course of last month, I had my hair "out" for some time. I probably wore in twist-outs, wash and go's and two-stand twists for about 3 weeks or so. But the time for that has ended and I will be returning to wearing my hair in protective hair styles. While I was transitioning, I pretty much stayed with my hair crocheted. I only stopped briefly recently when I was rocking some self-installed microlinks. Now that I have a more developed hair care regimen, I am excited to go back and really start retaining length.

This rip I am trying a new color combo....and I absolutely LOVE IT. I installed the hair with my crochet needle and then flat-ironed it when I was finished. I love wearing my hair this way. It doesn't take much time to install or take down, it's good for about a month AND it is super duper "cost-efficient."

So here's a quick video for those who have never installed them, or if you just want to see how I did mine.

I will follow it up later with the finished look....stay tuned!!!! :-) And be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel as well as THIS BLOG (click the blue "join this site" button)

Length Check: August 2013 (and CO challenge 'before' shot)

Since my castor oil hair growth challenge started yesterday, I thought it would be a great time for a length check. I just trimmed my ends recently as well. So this is where I am now and I HOPE (fingers crossed) to be at BSL (bra-strap length) by this time next year. I'm working on it!

Cantu Moisturizing Twist and Lock Gel

OMG!!!! I love, love, love, love, LOVE this gel! No, seriously. I tried others and they just did not stand up to this one. They were too watery or too flaky or just did not produce the look I wanted, expected or would settle for. However, when I came across this one, I first fell in love with smell- mmmm...it's so, so good. The packaging seemed to have everything that I was looking for in a gel for my twist-outs, so I gave it a try.

The first time I applied it, I knew, or rather- I was quite hopeful that this was exactly what I was looking for and indeed it was. The consistency is great, nice and thick- something that can handle and hold my hair. Even when apply a very generous amount, it gives me the perfect hold and no 'crunch.'

I don't see myself switching to anything else. This is perfect. It leaves my curls nice and firm, yet still bouncy and light. Besides all those grea things it also doesn't leave a dent in my pocket some other products high in popularity.

Product Review: Cantu Shea Butter Leave-in Conditioning Repair Cream

Having already tried the Cantu Shea Butter Moisturizing Twist & Lock Gel and absolutely loving it, when it was time to shop for a new leave-in I naturally wanted to try this one. First of all, the smell is so very delightful - I love it. (If you didn't know, I am very big on smell, LOL).

I use it after shampooing but also as my daily leave-in. I have very thick, coarse 4b/4c hair and this stuff leaves my hair feeling so soft and smooth. The consistency is great, it isn't too thin or too thick. It doesn't clump up when you apply it or leave white spotches when it dries and not experiencing breakage as I was before. And, of course, the shea butter that is in it keeps my hair with a nice amount of moisture- which I can't get enough of! :-)

I would definitely recommend this product for those that aren't satisfied with what they are using currently. Or if you are just looking for something new and have never tried it-- give it a go, it just might be your new favorite conditioner!

I don't know what you're using, but this Cantu Shea Butter Leave-in Conditioning Repair Cream is most definitely keeping my hair both HAPPY and HEALTHY. A must-have for my hair!

Is The "Wash And Go" a Myth for Type 4 Hair?

I've heard many women say that one thing they looked forward to or even that they like presently since becoming natural is the "wash and go" hairstyle. Oh the joys of cleansing your hair and scalp and then running out of the door- no fuss, no muss. I mean, c'mon. We've all seen the pictures of glorious wet spirals glistening with moisture and bouncing in the wind! But you know what?- that is NOT my hair. I do not have curly spirals, ringlets, waves or anything of that nature.

My hair is extremely thick and very coily. If I were to do an actual and true wash and go, my hair would look a whole HOT mess! That is, IMO. It's just the nature of my hair. It is thick and course and the curl pattern is not all that defined. When I first started doing the WNG I was a bit frustrated that it wouldn't be so quick and easy as I had orginally thought.

So, if you're newly natural and thinking that this is what you want to do, don't be fooled by all the hype. If you've got type 4 hair, more specifically type 4b and/or 4c, to achieve a really good "wash and go" look you're going to have to put in a bit more work.

Depending on your hair regimen, you will have to wash or co-wash, condition, detangle, comb, towel dry, and add more product to produce the curl and look you hope for. It isn't so much work that it deterred me from styling this way, but it's definitely not as simple as it's name, that is for sure!

Getting Ready for a Growth Challenge!

My Castor Oil Challenge Details

Braids Into Twists: Protective Style

Semi-Mini Twists: My Protective Style

So, here they are- my semi-mini two-strand twists. They are most definitely smaller than what I would do for a twist-out, but not teenie weenie enough, in my opinion, to be full-on 'mini.' I like them. They fir my face well, easy to do, and not too time-consuming. I just hope they will last a full week! 

7 Essential Oils For Your Natural Hair

Coconut Oil -- Great for promoting hair growth, moisturizing, thickening hair, preventing damage,                                        straightening hair and preventing dandruff.


Olive Oil (Extra Virgin) -- Oilive oil helps with moisturizing, deep conditioning, eliminating                                        dandruff, improving the strength of your hair and it helps fight hair loss.


Castor Oil --   Castor oil promotes hair growth, thickens hair, moisturizes, prevents thinning, helps                                       tame frizz, reduces split ends and can prevent scalp infections.


Avocado Oil -- Has lots of nutrients, amino acids, essential fatty acids, as well as vitamins A, B, D                                         and E. Great for deep conditioning, strengthening hair, promoting hair growth and                                         boosting sheen.


Rosemary Oil -- Great for stimulating follicles for hair growth, preventing hair loss and dandruff,                                              as well as strengthening hair and boosting sheen.


Safflower Oil -- Nourishes hair follicles, protects hair and moisturizes. Stimulates red blood cells                                            which promotes hair growth and thickness.


Almond Oil -- Locks in moisture- great as a sealant. Smooths hair cuticles to help control                                                    shedding. Nourishes hair, promotes thickness and growth, prevents hair loss and                                          gives sheen.

DIY Quick Hair Masque : How-To

Coconut Oil Moisturizing Treatment: How-To