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Rihanna Style Bun

So last night little miss Sassy took a shower. When she got out we decided to put curlformers in her hair. The next day when she woke up, I saw a hairstyle that Rihanna was wearing so I tried it since it was involving curls.









1. This is what she looked like with the curlformers in her hair when she woke up.
        











2. Then we took out the curlformers and these were the curls. Gorgeous aren't they! ( I f you do not have curlformers, you can do this hairstyle by simply curling your hair with any kind of curling iron.)
 











3. Then I VERY LOOSELY took her hair and tied it up into a ponytail with a rubberband.












4. Take random chunks of hair and just pin it up any way you want and bobby pin it in place. (I don't know if you can see it because of the flash, but what I'm holding is hair and there is a bobby pin securing it.)
  




 






5. It should now look something like this.
  











6. Finish it off by putting a big headband. This was our finished look.

This is what it looks like! Do you like it? My hair model absolutely loved it. But you do have to keep in mind that because it is just secured with bobby pins it might not be a perfect hairstyle for a day where she will be running around a lot.

Enjoy!


Sick of Protective Styling

So I am 5 weeks post relaxer and I'm at the point where I am sick of braids, twists, buns and so-forth. BUT I know for maximum retention, I need to keep my ends protected and I really only need to do this for another 3 months.
I was thinking about getting some half wigs..but to be honest with you, wigs and weaves just aren't my thing. I must admit I wore weaves in the past..usually curly in the back and cornrowed in the front..But I just don't like them on ME anymore.
I took out my twists last night and was going to just wear a bun today...but my hair felt so greasy that I had to co-wash then do an Apple Cidar Vinegar Rinse.
I ended up air-drying in 6 braids..so I wore the braid-out for today and it feels good having my hair down!



 
 I was going to do another set of Cornrows, but I think my edges need a break so I may just wait another week to do that. But then again...I may just change my mind! I'm sure I will get out of this rut soon.

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Video Tutorial: Detangling Dry Hair and Sealing in Moisture

Hello there! I recorded a video showing you how I detangle my hair when it is dry. I love to wear my hair stretched, as it is less hassle to style and I avoid single strand knots and excess tangles. However, when you are wearing your hair stretched you must be sure to keep it moisturized- lest your hair become a wild fire hazard!!

What products do you need?
  • Spray bottle with water- I put 3-5 drops of jojoba oil in mine
  • Leave in conditioner- I used Shea Moisture Curl and Styling Milk
  • Essential oil- I used a mixture of jojoba and safflower oil
OR
  • Butter - I used raw shea butter

What else do you need?
  • Wide toothed comb
  • Denman or tangle teaser - optional but highly recommended to remove shedded hairs
What do you do?..



Results ?

SOFT! I ended up doing a twist out that turned out so fabulous! But my camera died so I couldn't take good pictures of it. Anyhow, this method will definitely help you to keep your hair moisturized while it is stretched!

Style Points: Beehive

This was a super simple and quick style I did with a day two twist out!

What do you need?
All you need is about 10 bobby pins and an elastic headband - the headband is optional!














How do you do it?

Here's a quick video of me explaining what I did

 (I recorded this while on my lunch break at school in my car)... That's dedication lol :)



Hope you try this style!!


<3 Kendra

"Fully natural. Fully apostolic"

Corrective Relaxer When You Have the -----ZZZZZ------

In my last post I stated that upper portion of my hair is straight, middle is underprocessed and the ends are straight.
Now this issue sometimes happens to those who stretch their relaxer for long periods of time because the relaxer is not brought down far enough to cover all of the new-growth.

I had this happen to me before and when I got a "corrective", my hair was fine. Now, just because I was fine before doesn't mean I'm not afraid of breakage. But in the mean time, I am getting my hair as strong as possible, meaning light protein treatments and henna..just in case.

If this happened to you...read on for some tips(this is for you Ra-an ;-).

First you need to take a look at your hair

How bad is the underprocessed area of your hair(the middle portion)? Are you able to comb through with out any issues or breakage? Are you experiencing any breakage? If not, I would proceed as normal and get a touch-up when you normally do. To be safe, I would try not to manipulate that area too much. Maybe try protective styling for a bit.

Words of Advice:
If the middle portion is not severely underprocessed, when you relax as normal..make sure you do NOT put any oil or vaseline on that area when you protect your ends. I'm sure the relaxer run-off will help straighten that area..if not the first time you relax, the next time.

Now if the underprocessed area is causing breakage...then it may be pretty bad and a corrective is needed.
As said above, keep up with your protein treatments to strengthen your hair before doing any type of relaxer/chemical treatment.


Corrective Relaxer

* Wait at least 6 weeks after the intial relaxer

1.) Protect your straight areas of your hair. Meaning, put vaseline, oil, conditioner or whatever on your relaxed ends and on the straighter portion towards your roots. BUT try your best not to get any on your roots or the underprocessed areas.

2.) When you or your stylists relaxes your hair,  relax the roots as normal.  During the last 5-6 minutes of the relaxer process smooth down the relaxer on the underprocessed areas
****Proceed as normal(meaning neutralizing..and all of that good stuff) ****

OR YOU CAN DO THE BELOW (this will better work for those who have smaller portions of hair underprocessed and for those who can stretch up to 13 weeks)

*Wait at least 4-5 weeks*

*Put your hair in medium to large size braids/twists and STOP right above the underprocessed areas

*Now the braid/twists will be your new-growth and the previously relaxed hair (basically the straight area)

*Protect your relaxed ends or place a plastic duck billed clip on the demarcation line(where the underprocessed hair and relaxed ends meet)

* Apply the relaxer to the underprocessed areas ONLY, smooth and keep on for about 7 minutes max. This all depends on how bad it's underprocessed. If it's only texlaxed, keep on for 5 minutes.

****Proceed as normal(meaning neutralizing..and all of that good stuff) ****

Relax as normal 8 weeks later and make sure to protect everything but your new-growth this time.



Hope this helps!!! If anyone else experienced this before..please leave some suggestions/tips or words of wisdom in the comment section!

How to Pick the Right Stylist/Salon- RE-POST

So, I decided for my next touch-up, I am getting it done at a salon. Why you ask? Well for the last year, my hair has been under-processed each time I relaxed. Once by a stylist and the other 2 times, by me. My last touch-up, I severely under processed the back area of my hair... To the point where it looks like this -----ZZZZ-----. Straight at the roots, under processed in the middle and straight ends. This calls for a corrective....by a stylist. I already received some good recommendations on LHCF...which I will check out. But I really need to follow my own advice. I still have 3 months until my next touch-up..so I have some time.

See below for some tips I offered last year.

 For those out there looking for a Salon or Stylist...here are a few tips that will help you in your search.



1.) Research, research, research- Create a list of salons in your area (you can do so by googling or just driving around) and try to find reviews online..or on some forums.

2.) Ask around- If you see someone in your area with nice hair..don't be shy..ask her where she gets it done and ask some questions about the salon.

3.) Salon Visit- When you narrowed down your search, visit the hair salon for a consultation. Talk about your hair needs, prices and listen to their recommendations. If the prices don't fit your budget, then keep looking. Also, when you get home, research those recommendations like crazy..haha..to make sure it isn't a load of crap. Also, when your there, look around..see how they're doing others hair, the products they use(look around for good products such as Paul Mitchell, Redkin, Mizani, Alter Ego, Nexxus..you know)

4.) Try them Out- Go in for a wash and set.If you are not satisfied with a simple wash and set, then you should never visit that salon again. I'm sorry..I don't give second chances when it comes to my hair.
When your there, you may even see someone getting a touch-up or trim..watch those processes like a hawk!


A few more tips about Salon Visits
*No time or money for a deep conditioner treatment? Slather your hair in oil or a deep conditioner you have at home the night before going to the salon.

*When going for a relaxer, make sure you coat your previously relaxed ends- Especially if they DON'T

*SPEAK UP! If something is not right or you do not like what they're doing...then say it. You are the one who has to walk around with your hair, not them!

*If you only like the products you use...then bring them!

How To Keep Your Hair Moisturized During The Colder Months - Part 1

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With the arrival of the Fall comes new precautions regarding our hair care. With the harsh cold, the dry winds and little humidity, our biggest task is keeping our hair moisturized. With the cold, the hair dries out faster and dry hair only means one thing : breakage. To avoid this, constant care is needed when manipulating the hair as well as when maintaining it. 
Fall and winter can be a breeze and a pleasant experience if we take care of our hair properly.

Check out these tips to know how to keep your hair as moisturized as possible :

Deep conditioner often : To brace  our hair for the cold weather, many natural divas refrain from washing their hair, that is deep conditioning and the rest, often. But deep conditioning regularly during the winter months is one of the easiest way with which to keep our hair moisturized. It also nurtures the strands and keeps them strong enough to withstand the harsh conditions. It is true that washing the hair often can dry the hair out but this is only true if you are not treating your hair with the necessary treatments 

Pre-poo every time you wash your hair : It is essential to pre-poo each time you wash your hair, especially if you are going to shampoo your hair. A good pree-poo treatment adds a plus when it comes to moisture retention. [Check out this post for more on pre-pooing]

Protein treatments : Try including protein treatments in your routine to keep your hair strong and thus able to retain moisture. You do not have to do hard core protein treatments but little ones like a simple coconut milk and honey kind of treatment. Be sure to check your protein level before doing protein treatments especially if you are protein sensitive to avoid breakage. [Check out this post to know how to check your protein level]

Use a leave - in conditioner : Use a good leave in conditioner you have already tried before and have approved. This adds an extra coat of moisture and helps retain the one already gained.

Moisturize with a spray : Many call this their "daily spritz". Whatever you call yours, or whatever it it's base is, whether aloe vera juice, water or rose water, you need it more than ever during the winter months. Moisturize as needed but try to use a light spray, not something that will ruin your hair style or make your hair sticky or dirty quickly.

Moisturize with a water - based cream : This comes after the spray moisturizer and not only does this reinforce the results you get from just using the spritz it also helps moisturize, strengthen and protect from moisture - loss

Seal with butters and oils : Seal your hair before styling and when you moisturize with a butter (preferably a mix that contains oils too). This also helps keep the moisture in and avoid any damage from the external conditions. The thicker your hair is, the thicker your butter should be. Avoid putting in too much but rather, seal according to the amount of moisture you put in your hair to avoid dry, oily hair.

Avoid excess manipulation : during the cold months, excess manipulation can lead to moisture loss and thus breakage. Try wearing styles that keep your hands away from your hair or styles that need little manipulation.

Use beneficial products : there are a number of essential oils, carrier oils, herbs, actives, hydrosols, powders and clays that, when included in your hair regimen, promote [Watch out for the list]


How do you keep your hair moisturized during the Fall and Winter months?

♥♥

D-Style Infected!!



[ ME ]

Hair : Dura

Outfit : Delirium Style New


[ Princesita ]

Hair : Dura

Skin: Al vulo new!  Jenny  Fairy

Outfit : Delirium Style New

"Cones" and Our Hair

Many of you have probably seen/heard the word "Cones" (short for Silicones) thrown out there while reading hair boards, watching you-Tube videos...or even when reading the ingredients list on products. Many are afraid or don't use products containing cones....I for one don't have a problem with them.
Read on for more info about "cones"

I tried to break this down as much as possible!

What are Silicones? (in reference to hair care) -Silicones are a group of chemicals(which have a silky/waxy feel to them) which are widely used in hair care products such as shampoos, conditioners or serums. They are commonly used in hair products to provide "slip"(which helps the comb glide gently through your hair) and to help bind moisture. 

Pros of  Cones
- provides slip
- Helps smooth down the surface of your hair (prevents frizz)
- Some say they help temporarily glue split ends together
- prevents tangles and breakage as a result
- Makes hair soft
- makes the hair shiny
- locks moisture into the hair- a great sealant
- Great for Heat Protection

Cons
- is likely to build up on the hair (because some types of cones are not water soluble)
- cannot be removed without detergents (clarifying shampoo, sulfate shampoo..etc????)
- can lock moisture out of the hair
- Some say it can hide the extent of the damage your hair has
Read more »

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Questions We Ask : Where Is The Line Between Protective and Non-Protective Styles?

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I've been thinking about this question for weeks now. When I first started my natural hair journey, everything that was not twists, braids, flat twists, weaves and wigs was not a protective style now two years down the lane, I disagree. 
One thing a newly natural always has to fight with are misconceptions. There are always misconceptions but it's up to you to verify whatever is being said according to the knowledge you have gained then you can check what is being said yourself. 
I believe one misconception a newly natural or even any natural can have is this : only twists, braids, flat twists, weaves and wigs are protective styles, the others will definitely break my hair and I will not gain any length.

Now, looking back to my experiences, I stand to differ.I have worn these traditional  "protective styles" and also worn the non traditional ones and I have had protective effects and destructive effects with both categories. Generally, a protective style is supposed to minimize damage to near zero, help retain moisture to the maximum and thus help retain the most length as possible. 

But let me say that you do not need to wear twists 100% of the time to have any one of this. You can wear updos, pin ups and buns and get the same effects with traditional protective styles and on the other hand, you can also damage your hair while wearing these protective styles. I've lived through both experience : I got dry hair and knots from wearing updos and also got knots from wearing small twists on the other hand, I have also been able to keep my hair healthy with both types of protective styles.
At the end of the day, all I can say is that, it's not really the style alone that is protective, but also how you manipulate your hair and maintain it. It's also true that the traditional protective styles are easier to manage and it's easier to avoid damage with them. 

Quite frankly, I think the line between protective and non-protective styles is not definite or the law. It is up to you to try each style and see how protective they are on your hair and practice how to take care of your hair as much as possible while wearing which ever style you choose.

What are your staple protective styles?

♥♥

Challenge of the Month October 2011: Develop a Hair Care Regimen

My challenge to you is to develop a hair care regimen that works for you! There are several components that are necessary to obtaining a good and effective hair care regimen.

1. Shampoo

You need to find a good shampoo for your hair. Sometimes you might find more than one that you like which is fine. You want to look for something with natural -preferably organic ingredients. Avoid sulfates and harmful chemicals.

Keep in mind that shampoo is made to CLEANSE your hair. While you don't want something that makes your hair feel like straw, know that it will make your hair feel slightly stripped.

Here are some options:

-Nourish spa
-Tea tree tingle
-Shea moisture

2. Conditioner

This is essential! You have to put moisture back into your hair to balance out the shampooing process. The same rules apply for your conditioner, opt for natural ingredients! In the long run you will have the best results!



Keep in mind that conditioners are NOT meant to be left in your hair. This can lead to breakage and crunchy hair! This is the job of a leave in conditioner! Also, conditioners are NOT meant to be deep conditioners!

Here are some options:
-nourish spa
-giovannis (there are many types of conditioners offered within this line)

3. Deep Conditioner

A deep conditioning treatment is so important when it comes to the overall health of your hair! So finding one that works for you is vital to your hair. Deep conditioners do heavy repair. They fight against damage and keep your hair moisturized and healthy.




You should deep condition once a week or twice a month!

Here are some options:
-burts bees
-bioinfusion olive oil
-Shea moisture masque

4. Leave in Conditioner

Leave in conditioners are the basis of keeping moisture in our hair. Opt for a cream based leave in conditioner! And as always you want something with natural ingredients. They will vary in thickness so you have to decide if you like a thicker or lighter leave in.




Here are some options:
-Shea moisture
-Giovannis
-Organix ( they have a wide variety)

5. Essential Oils or Butters

This is of the utmost important when it comes to sealing in moisture!

Leave in conditioner is the peanut butter and oils/butters are the jelly- you can't have one without the other!




You want to choose essential oils and/or butters for your hair to seal in moisture. The possibilities are endless :)

Here are options for oils:
-jojoba oil
-castor oil
-safflower oil
-grape-seed oil

Here is an amazing option for a butter: SHEA BUTTER! (unrefined or raw)

Comment below and let me know what you plan to use for your hair care regimen!!

Poll Results: Do you think you spend too much time on your hair?

Thank you to all of the 36 participants in this poll,

Do you think you spend too much time on your hair? Here are the results:

  • I spend way too much time on my hair- 2 women (5%)
  • It depends on what I am doing- 17 women (47%)
  • I spend a lot of time on my hair- 6 women (16%)
  • I don't spend enough time on my hair- 8 women (22%)
  • Is there such thing as spending too much time on your hair? 3 women (8%)

What was my vote?

"It depends on what I am doing". After washing my hair, it could take a good amount of time to detangle and style my hair into a protective style. But I try not to spend too much time on my hair!

What is spending "too much time" on your hair mean?

I believe that you hair can become an idol. Hair care can be a consuming thing that takes up a lot of your time. We could easily get too fixated on hair forums, websites, blogs, etc, to where it becomes a major priority. In all things we have to have balance. From a spiritual aspect, the bible tells us to let our moderation be known unto all men. Moderation is the key!

What are your thoughts on this subject?

Hair Update : Length Check September 2011


Blessings and love beauties!!

It's that time of the year again where it's time to discover my progress regarding length retention. 


I am presently thinking about making a length check t-shirt so that it will be much easier for me to note down my progress. Here is a very useful post on Natural Hair Community on how to make one. 

Here are the pictures taken :






Here is a comparison picture from my last length check two months ago : 



I am currently at APL (armpit length) and so far, I am retaining a good amount of length. 

Check out my goals concerning my length retention in this post.

By the grace of God, I continue to retain so much length and attain my goals!!

Do you do length checks?
How would you describe your overall length retention pattern been?


Is it Too Late?

Hey everyone!
I know this is late but I wanted to show you guys what our first of day hairstyles were. Since these two hair models are tweens, we opted for something looser. We got these amazind hairdo ideas over at Cute Girls Hairstyles. her work is just amazing and we are loving all her tween 'do's.














* You can check out these hair tutorials HERE and HERE

I have also been noticing that no one is commenting. I know that it is up to you guys to chose to comment or not but sometimes it would just warms us up. So please comment. The hair models come back from school evryday and the first thing they do is look if someone has commented. So please do it. And it is also fun to know what others think about our posts. It's just a click away!

Enjoy!

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UNISEX Hair: Dura new!

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 Jersey Shore!!



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Grenade-Free Wednesday


UNISEX Hair: Dura new!
 
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Every Wednesday Store Owners will place an item out the front of there store and mark is 100L or less for 1 day only!!!
Sales will start at 12:01am Wednesday until 12:01am Thursday.
So join the group or slap the Subscribo to keep up to date with all thats happening at Jersey Shore!!
 


Hair Update : Time Flies







Blessings and love beauties and gents!!

Since I've been on a sort of hiatus for these past few days, I thought it right to update you all concerning my hair.

Since I started my Healthy Hair Challenge 2011-2012, I've been wearing lazy styles such as buns, updos, roll & tuck styles, twists, twist outs (only far one day at a time). I have really been employing as little time as possible on my hair. I normally start my week with a twist out then wear updos and buns for the rest of the week before wash day and then the cycle repeats itself. 
Generally, I am loving what my hair is doing and I believe this is all down to my new hair regimen. I really give glory to God that, though it has taken 2 years, I now have a hair regimen that works 100% - no strings attached. Breakage has been minimum and my protein - moisture balance has been stable.

The name of this post is Time Flies because I cannot believe just how fast time has gone by. Wasn't it yesterday that we started Summer? Wasn't it yesterday that September began? Now October is just around the corner and the year is nearly over. I give all the glory to God and Him alone! Today, I thought back to how I used to be, how things used to be and I just could not believe God has been so good and has so much for me. I pray we finish this year safely and with all our expectations met. For those that might be looking up to God for one thing or the other, I truly encourage you to keep on waiting on God and wait for His time because He will surely surprise you and do the best for you at the right time!

That's what's been going on and this is how I am looking right now 




[By the way, this lovely double hair comb with stretchy beads has made it's way to my top accessories list]


If you are following my Healthy Hair Challenge 2011-2012, how has it been?

♥♥

Hair Dura Unisex!!

 







Down Prom Hairstyles

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Curly Down Prom Hairstyles
Curly Down Prom Hairstyles

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Wavy Down Prom Hairstyles

Down Prom Hairstyles With Braid
Down Prom Hairstyles With Braid

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Highlight Down Prom Hairstyles
Side Down Prom Hairstyles
Side Down Prom Hairstyles

Wavy Down Prom Hairstyles
Wavy Down Prom Hairstyles
Promenade is so important event for guys to look classy and sleek suit. Coming down to a girl's look on the prom, deciding what the hairstyles is as important as deciding the costume. Prom hairstyles should be just perfect for the occasion and will gives the finishing touch to her prom look. whether stylish and classy or flirty carefree style, plenty prom hairdos out there to suit your outfit and your features. There are so many prom hairstyles for long hair that easily to set. One of the style is to just down the hair. Straight hair, wavy or even curly can be easily set to down style that you can combine with hair accessories, braid and more even powerful is shiny long earrings. The most easy long hair prom hairdos is down prom hairstyles for do it your self.