Avocado Deep Treatment

What is an Avocado?  The Avocado is a native fruit of Central Mexico. They are often characterized by their green skin and fleshy inner. They also come in many varieties and can range in shapes from spherical to egg-shapped. wikipedia.org/avocado

What are the benefits of using one?  Within the beauty industry, they are usually used within a lot of the our skin care products but, through many studies have shown that they can also be beneficial for our hair. The reason is, because they are high in fats, vitamins E and A. All of these components have been said to help prevent hair loss, promote growth, and moisturize dry/damaged hair.

Ingredients used: 1 Avocado

                              1 Tbs of Olive Oil

                              2 Tbs of Honey

                              1/2 cup- 1cup water (or as needed to blend)

You do not have to use the exact amout that I used. Since it was my first time trying it out, I didn't want to add to many ingrediants because I wanted to see how well the avocado performed on its on. some people even add coconut milk as a wet ingredient.

What process did I use? I cut the avocado in half and scooped it out in chunks into my blender. I then  began to add the rest of the ingredients. Make sure you blend until smooth. You would want it to be the cosistency of a conditioner. If they're are any chunks left in the mix can be rather tough to rinse out of your hair. Once my mix was complete I proceeded to apply to clean, wet hair and I let it sit for about 20-30 minutes under a conditioning cap with a t-shirt wrapped around it to hold in the heat. Then, I rinsed and contiued to apply my detangling/moisturizing conditioner.

 After thoughts:  My first impression of this treatment during and after was similar to when I tried henna. They both weighed my hair down and after rinsing, my hair felt strengthend and more defined.The only diference for me was, that I didn't have to wait hours or overnight to get the same effects like I did when using henna (not saying they will/will not give your hair similar results..everyone hair is different).  It really did not moisturize my hair as much as I though/heard that it would. To sum it all up, I do like the fact that it was a very cost efficient way to give my hair a nice deep treatment using all natural ingredients. My only con was that it reacted to my hair more like a protein treatment than, a moisturizing treatment.

Have you tried using an avocado within your regimen?? Feel free to leave a comment below to share your experience!!!

Tools for Heat Styling

I've been thinking lately about flat ironing my hair (for the holidays) but, not really sure what type of flat irons would work best on my 4C Hair? I know many naturals blow their hair out before straightening it but, my hair really does not like all the extra heat. So if any of my naturals out there have any tips/suggestions please let me know! Have any of you tried the "tension" method? Did you have any heat damage? Feel free to comment and tell me about your experiences.

Exquisite Natural: Fall and Winter Styling

Exquisite Natural: Fall and Winter Styling: I'm usually a twist/braid-out type chic but, here lately I've been experimenting a little bit with some protective up-do...

Fall and Winter Styling

I'm usually a twist/braid-out type chic but, here lately I've been experimenting a little bit with some protective up-do styles. Funny thing is, I hadn't even realized that my had grown enough to pin it up because of the shrinkage that I get. Well, after a completed a set of mini twist last month I was sitting around watching tutorials on YouTube. Thing is, I was able to achieve a cute pin-up style when I wasn't even trying! I always felt my hair behaved the best when I don't try so hard! Smh. Anyways, I know a lot of you lovely naturals out there go hard for protective styling during the fall and winter. My question is, does it really  help with protecting the hair from breakage and other hair ordeals? Is it ok to wear it out on special occasions if you are on a protective style challenge? Do you think it mainly has to do with weather where you live, that dictates the way you style your hair? Please feel free to comment and let me know your thoughts about it!

Darcy's Botanicals Grand Opening Event!

So this past weekend I had the opportunity to be part of the Darcy's Botanicals Grand Opening Event! I must admit that it was one of the most exciting moments of my life! First and foremost, I would like to give special thanks to the Lysandra, the Creator of Darcy's Botanicals LLC. and Telise, the Director of Education for allowing me to be part of the fashion show for this grand celebration.

Now I know many of you were not able to attend the event so, I will post some pics of what I(well actually a friend of mines,) was able capture!
If you would like to see more, please visit their Facebook page or www.darcys botanicals.blogspot
com to catch a glimpse of all the fun!
Oh by the way, I want to give a special shoutout to all of the lovely natural ladies who I met while attending the event.
*dress: Max and Cleo
*shoes: BCBG MaxAzria "Anya" in champagne

AfroVeda's Spinach Leaf Pre-Shampoo Treatment

I know this product was suppose to been reviewed many months ago but....I like to take my time with some products. On Afroveda's Facebook page around the Fall of last year, I entered a contest in which two others and myself won a nice size sample of their Spinach Leaf pre-shampoo treatment. At the time they did have the recipe posted to their wall if you wanted to try it out for yourself. Luckily, I didn't have to make it on my own! Lol. Well this treatment is not yet on their site for purchase, I guess they may have been waiting on the reviews (sorry it took so long!) Well anyways, in this review I will explain what exactly it is, how it works, and how it is to be used.

• The information below comes directly from the product label. The rest of this review will include my own personal opinion about the treatment and how it works with my hair type.

Spinach Leaf  Herbal oil Pre-Shampoo Treatment

Spinach has many nutrients and vitamins. Vitamins that are vital to hair growth and found in abundance. The vitamins that are found includes: Vitamins A and C, which are essential for the body to produce sebum while, Vitamins E is used as an antioxidant that boosts scalp circulation. It also includes, Alpha omega-3 and Alpha omega-6 fatty acids,which is needed for healthy hair growth.If you are familiar with Afroveda's system on hair types, this treatment is considered as:



 TRIDOSHIC: For all hair types and textures.

Ingredients

Mustard Seed Oil,Organic Baby Spinach, Yerba Mate (Green Tea),
Organic Hibiscus Flower, Organic Triphala, Tumeric, Organic Kelp,
Organic Slippery Elm, Organic Horsetail, Moringa Leaf, Essential Oils
of Rosemary and Peppermint.

On the label it also tells you how to use it and other tips.

How to use

Massage oil onto your hair and scalp three or more times a week. Each time, leave the oil in your hair for at least three hours before rinsing it out with shampoo. You will have healthier, stronger. faster growing hair in just a few weeks.

• Tips- To benefit from this oil, you have to keep using it.

*Claims product.


*You can see small oil deposits that are sitting on my hair....it really takes some time for it to penetrate the hair shaft and scalp. Excuse the roughness..pre-wash lol!!

My Thoughts

As soon as I received this product the smell of a peppermint patty hit my nose and I promise you my sinus cleared up!! LOL. I must admit that it took a while to understand that a little does go a long way when using it. It is a very heavy, thick oil that will take some time to absorb into your hair and scalp thus, goes back to the instructions on leaving it on your hair for at least three hours. I have never really been into pre-shampoo treatments before, so this is one of the first products that I have actually used for that. After some trial and error I realized that it does help with keeping my dry, thick. course, 4c hair from being stripped when washing or using shampoo. Now I have tried going against instructions by co-washing it out.......yep won't be doing that again. The reason, I still had a lot of oil on my hair and scalp after washing, detangling, and drying my hair. Epic FAIL!! I had to go back and wash it all over again. As far as the claims for growth and how often you should use it, well that is sort of another story. I do not wash my hair more often then once a week. So as far as using it more often will make my hair grow? Not sure about all that but, I do know that it has enabled me to detangle my dry hair before washing (especially after mini twist) a whole lot easier. Some oils are way to light for my hair, so it has lead to retaining most of that growth.
The final word, I think if they were to market this treatment, it has a lot of potential. The only thing I would do is to make it in a lighter scent. The peppermint is a little overbearing on the nostrils...... I really do feel that it would be a great treatment to buy if you did not want to make your own. The thick, heavy consistency is great for Type 4 hair!

*If you were one of the winners of this product, please let me know how it worked for you, or if you made your own, feel free to share your experience also!!!

** Special thanks to www.Afroveda.com for the chance to try out this pre-poo treatment. By the way I am in Love with you Carrot Seed Shampoo Bar!! Everyone should definitely check it out!

Letting It Flow!!!

Having  a lil springtime fun!!!

Post Henna Treatment...Blowout/twist out

Pre-Henna Treatment...mini twist out!!

Mini twist out using Shea Moisture's Curling Suffle'

Henna Experiences!!

So, I have been thinking for a while about experimenting with the plant Lawsonia Inermis or what many of us naturals know as Henna. Of course like many of you I went straight to YouTube to do a little research about this particular treatment, the pros and the cons. Now some of you may have been using henna for a number of years now, but for some who are newly natural or just discovering it like me, lol.

*In the Picture above shows the brand and henna "color" that I chose to use on my hair. I used  Persian Red  because it was the only color that had only henna in its ingredients. The other colors were a mixture of indigo and cassia. So be sure to check your labels for other ingredients that may be harmful to be sure that your henna is 100%. Rainbow henna.com
Benefits:

• Smooths and seals hair cuticle
• Conditioning
• Thickening
• Shine
• It can also be used as a natural hair dye. Only if hair has been previously lightened. It will not change the color of your otherwise.
• The effects are more noticeable after each treatment.
• For some curl patterns, you may experience a loosening effect on your curls with extended use.

Accessories

• Plastic or glass bowl
• Plastic or wooden spoon
• Vaseline(to protect edges)
• Tint Brush (optional)
• Plastic wrap or cap
• Protective clothing and old towel
• RUBBER GLOVES!!!!
• yea I must say one of the most important because your nails and hands will be stained for a looong time!!!

Depending on where you purchase your Henna, will have an effect on how long you should let your henna sit after mixing for its dye to release. So make sure you check the directions from its manufacturer first.
Also, there are many things you can add to your henna mix; green tea, coffee, lemon juice, your favorite conditioner, or oils. Its all about Experimentation!! So, after my first henna treatment I didn't see much of a difference but I did notice that my hair did not shrink up as much as it normally would. It was a whole lot easier to detangle (if you have 4c hair you know what I mean!! lol.) I will be doing another treatment within the next two weeks so be on the look out for pics and an update!!

~If any of you have tried henna before please feel free to tell me about your experiences. I would love to hear them. Also, if you have any tips on "how to henna" leave me a comment or message!

For more information please check out my favorite blog: curlynikki.com

~Jamaican Black Castor Oil~ Another Bandwagon???

Well I haven't had much time to see what are the new trends and holy grails within the natural hair community lately but, for some reason I have been hearing a lot about Jamaican Black Castor Oil. Now I have not tried every oil out there but I do intend on testing out a few although I am very happy with my coconut oil!!! Lol. I'm currently am wearing a a protective style (sew-in) so I can't go mad scientist on my hair at the moment but, as for you other lovely naturals out there if you have tried JBCO please let me know your results and why do you think it is more beneficial than regular Castor oil? How would you compare it to other carrier oils? Feel free to leave a comment or two on your thoughts about it and would you consider it as another "bandwagon" for product junkie's (like myself) to invest in?

How it can be used:
~  to strengthen the hair
~ hair growth and retaining moisture
~ eyelash and eyebrow growth
~ massage oil

If you are interested in purchasing JBCO, check it out at:
http://www.jamaicanblackcastoroil.com/

Another Shea Moisture Haul!!

While shopping at Target with my mom and nephew today,I just so happened to pick up a few of Shea Moisture products from their body care line. Yea I knew exactly what was gonna happen when I went in there although, I didn't actually go to Target for that reason...lol Anyways, I spotted the Coconut & Hibiscus Shea Butter Lotion. Of course, I picked it up saying to myself I would just try it out. Now If I had just picked up the lotion and left I would have been alright but no, I ended up buying the groom and shave soap for my dad ($4.99) and a pack of three of their soaps which included the Lavender & wild Orchid; Yucca and Baobab; and the Red Bush & Sage for only $2.99!! What?????? I have no idea why the pack of three was cheaper then the one but, I COULDN'T RESIST!!!  I definitely cannot wait to try them!! I also managed to snatch up the last package of the African Black Soap kit so yea I think I'm getting a bit addicted......lol!!

Well if any of you have tried their body products let me know how your experience was with them. I will be posting a review about the products I picked up after a few weeks of constant use especially the lotion because it is suppose to be for "Toning" the skin so we will see!!!

Happy New Years!!!

 I am so very thankful unto God for letting me and my family to see another year!! I will surely never forget the loved ones lost and many of whom I may not have known. It is most definitely a blessing to be even sitting here typing this blog...we all have so much to be thankful for whether we know it or not.
I would like to wish everyone a prosperous year and, to keep all of your goals and dreams in mind. Do not let anyone tell you that what you want to accomplish cannot be done. YOU have to know it for yourself. Well my holiday hours at the job will be slowing down soon so there will be more coming from me very soon so be on the lookout!!

Merry Christmas!!!

Hello to all, and a very Merry Christmas to you!!!! So I have finally got a day off from work and I must say things have been really crazy and I never knew how crazy people could be during the holidays until, I started my photography job!! Really is it that serious people????  Now I must admit some people are nice while others just seem to think they can do, get what they want when they want it...how rude!!!! lol On to other things, I haven't had the opportunity to try any new products here lately because I am currently wearing my wonderful kinky twists until after the holidays are over! Mainly because I'm to lazy right now to do anything else to it.
*QUICK UPDATE* Also, I forgot to mention (just in case you were wondering) that Shea Moisture's Curling Souffle' does work well by itself on my two-strand twists!! I tried it once before with the smoothie which was fine, but it can stand alone. I must admit that my hair was so soft,defined with a nice shine to it!! I never knew my hair could look that way especially since the natural color of it is a sandy, ashy brown!! Lol.unfortunately I figured this out before I put the twists extensions in so, I forgot to take pics!!

*Oh yea, I didn't get a chance to catch the Miss Jessie's BOGO if any one did let me know how the products are working for you!!*

A lil more art!!

So here is another painting. let me know your thoughts and if you know anyone interested in an custom oil painting! Lol I really need to sell some of this stuff!!

Art for sale !!

Although I love talking about hair, I would like to mention my more creative side. I have a lot of paintings that are sitting around my home and I have no idea (well I do but, it's hard to part with my work lol) what to do it it. So I guess I will actually put some of it out there!! If any of you know someone who has a child that loves Spongebob Square pants please let me know!!! If interested feel free to contact me at sosweeto7b4@yahoo.com for more info!!!

Also, I can do custom oil paintings on canvas!!!

Oil and Acrylic on hollow core door.

Holiday Rush!!

So it is almost that time of year again, you know the time when people are running over you in the stores with buggies and strollers!! Lol  I've recently just started a new job and things have been crazy!! I'm currently doing some photography work so things have been extra busy since this is the time of year when many families are coming together to take family photographs for the holidays. I've really been thinking about (again thinking) doing a braid out on my hair. My only thing is, that it seems that my hair has more tangles when I'm unbraiding my hair. I was wondering how many of you prefer a braid out to a twist out?? What kind of results do you receive from each?? If any of you have any tips on having a defined braid out let a sista know!!!

As soon as I can get to my hair I will be updating you! Lol Until then, I will be rocking my wigs!! Hate it or love it!!!

A Shea Moisture twistout..Day 2!!!

Hello everyone, just wanted to share with you my second day twist out!! It's even more fluffier than the day before. I am definitely loving the moisture that my hair is retaining from the smoothie and the souffle. I have never thought that i would ever be able to to get a really soft, defined twist out on my hair!! I mean I even got the end to curl up and they stayed that way all day and with not much shrinkage. I don't say this often but I have definitely found a staple moisturizer!!

Love it!!!

Product Review: Shea Moisture

So it has been a few since my last post and I have been quite busy with work and my B-day lol, but all the while I had to catch the Shea Moisture bogo sale at my local Walgreens!!! I have been eyeballing these products every since I've tried the black soap purification mask. I ended up purchasing the Curl Enhancing Smoothie and the Curling Souffle'!

I'm not big on wash and go's quite yet but these products worked beyond excellent for my twists/twist out!! I mean it usually takes me a while before I buy into the hype of a product but, after reading and watching review after review I must say it is the best moisturizer that has ever touched my 4C hair!!! Amazing!!! Now if I had just known about this product some time ago well then....yea I would have been better off!!! As for the Souffle, I have to play with the product a bit more. It is excellent though for holding your twist and braids without the crunchiness. Just make sure you use a very small to dime size, if that, amount on each section or you will have a sticky mess on your hands!!. A little of that goes a very long way. All in all I am in love with these products and I do plan on repurchasing in the future!

Let me know what products you purchased on your Shea Moisture haul!!!

Price: $9.99
12oz
Consistency/ Color: Very thick, varies from off white to a yellow-white.
Smell: Sweet and candy like...I can't really smell the coconut as much....
Can be found at: Target and Walgreens.com

Price: $9.99

12oz

Consistency/ Color: it is gelatin-like, not as thick as most gels; more runny. Clear yellow color.

Smell: Exactly the same as the smoothie but a bit more faint.

What's your experience with Miss Jessie's Curly Meringue????

Thankfully, I have been really busy lately because I've started a new job which mean more $$$$$$$ so I have not had a chance to write. Today I received my sample of the "Curly Meringue" from the Miss Jessie's Hair care line. Now, I've been wanting to try out their products for a while but every time I look at those prices I just can't purchase them! Although I have read and watched many reviews about this particular product in the end it seems to boil down to one thing and that is "you won't know how well something works on your hair until you try it!" That, my dear friends is exactly what I plan to do. I will most likely use it on my twists/twist out because I'm not into the wash and go's just yet perhaps, when shrinkage is not factor lol. Well feel free to comment and let me know your experiences about any of their products that you have tried!!! Oh yea by the way if it does do the job, I will definitely be repurchasing during the holidays!!

Carols Daughter Monoi Repairing Hair Mask

(Excuse the pic..I am extra tired but I had to make this post!! Lol)

A few of you may began to realize that I really love free samples. Well after I came home today from work I discovered a small package in the mail for me. Oh my what could it be? A free sample from the new line of Carols Daughter products, the MONOI Repairing hair mask!!! Can you say super excited??? Lol. I would suggest that many of you should search sites for free product samples and I guarantee it would be worth your time browsing the web for them. I feel that if you can try a sample first before committing to the full size it will always be a great help in making the decision about the product and if it's right for your hair. I know many of us naturals had to learn the hard way (well at least I did lol). As soon as I try this product I will be sure to give you my review and results especially since it claims to reduce breakage by 96% just after one use...yea we will see about that!!!

If any one has tried this or other products in this line please feel free to comment and let me know how your experience was.

Natural Hair Tales.....In-Between Stage!!

A few years ago when I first tried to go natural I ended up going back to relaxed hair because of the extra, extra dryness and lack of styles I was capable of doing to my hair. Now for the second time around I am finally starting to see the light at the end of that tunnel. I have no idea what is but,  during those stages when your hair is a little beyond twa stage but no where long enough to even start to hang or fall has to be the most challenging part to get through during your natural hair journey (well at least it was for me). Since I've just learned to let my hair do what it does best which by the way is growing up and out and finally finding  great conditioner , it definitely has been able to flourish. Words of encouragement to my self  and to others "Leave it alone and try not to think about if its growing." LOL

Please let me know what has been the most difficult part of your journey!!!