A couple of weeks ago, my SIL (sister-in law) wanted to have pictures taken of our kids (a cousin photo). Well, for me that meant (3) heads to do in one day (my daughters and my niece). I decided to do a twist style for my niece and twist-out styles for my daughters'. Oh and the color scheme was purple instead of going with the typical holiday colors (no offense to anyone). Unfortunately, I could not find any individual shots of my youngest BG "S" twist-out :( (The busy life of a 2 year old!)
So, its been about 4 weeks since taking down BG "S" locs. Since then, we have been getting back into the swing of things. Some products don't work like they use to prior to loc'ing so we've been in a trail period (trying some old products and some new products).
One thing I have been consistent with is Deep Conditioning weekly to get the hair back to a healthier and stronger state. I have currently been using the Nothing But Intense Healing Masque (review to come), which I like a lot. This time I decided to try an all natural homemade deep conditioner by way of beauty blogger Coilybella. You can find the recipe HERE along with the benefits.
3. After adding the melted Shea Butter to the mix, it solidified (duh) due to the cold temperature of the yogurt and AVJ, so I warmed the bowl up in a pot of hot water
4. The deep treatment after blending and warming
*APPLICATION*
1. BG "S" hair after applying Deep Conditioning Treatment 2. BG "S" hair after being left on for an hour with a bag and spandex cap 3. BG "S" hair after rinsing (yes, it feels exactly how it looks! Like butta...)
FINAL VERDICT
Love, love, love it! The slip was amazing and it allowed me to detangle with ease. After rinsing her hair, it was amazingly soft ( I couldn't believe it ). And the hair was so shiny! On the flip side, it stinks (which is what the ACV and EO is for) and its messy but I can deal with the smell since I always deep condition before washing. And the mess is certainly worth the outcome of how the hair looks and feels along with the benefits of a natural recipe!
Are you willing to try this recipe? If so, let us know what you think.
Looking for the perfect gift for your naturalista gal pal? Look no further! We've enlisted the help of some of our favorite natural hair bloggers to select their top picks for holiday gifts that are just right for curly queens -- and your budget.
So, I made the tough decision to comb-out BG "S" locs <tear>. What?! Why?! It was an easy but tough decision to make, if that makes sense. I loved, loved BG "S" locs and the were growing so beautifully but I had some concerns which at the end of the day led to my decision.
For those who know or don't know, over-twisting, product build-up and lint can lead to the detriment of a persons locs. Locs can literally collect everything from lint to food and the list goes on. Lint embedding into the locs and build-up can lead to your locs looking messy. Over-twisting can cause thinning which later leads to breakage. So I'm sure you can imagine how difficult it is to keep lint out of a 2 year old's head (and she happens to be a very active 2 year old). I was constantly picking at her hair like Mother Hen and re-twisting because she would mess here hair up by rubbing her hands in it (something she's been doing since infancy). I would get frustrated when she would roll on the floor because I "just" did her hair (she only keeps her scarf on at bedtime). But I had to remember, she is just being a kid and I don't want to restrict her from doing just that. I want her to still have fun without me constantly picking at her hair just for the sake of keeping her locs in tip-top shape.
I am happy to have gone through this experience with my daughter and can't wait until she gets older (5 or 6) to try again! By that time she will be old enough to decide as well. I LOVE locs and I still think locs are great for kids but recommend waiting until about age 5 or 6. It was certainly an accomplishment to put them in and remove them. In the meantime, we are going to enjoy her loose natural tresses!
The Process of Removing
I did a clarifying wash and conditioning before beginning. I placed the hair in sections to make it easier to work with . I started in the back and coated each loc with Qhemet Biologics Cocoa Tree Detangling Ghee , I then took an individual loc and soaked it with conditioner and water and began combing it out. It took 10-20 minutes to comb down one. I was very gentle and did not pull roughly at the hair. So after 19 hours beginning on on Saturday, I SUCCESSFULLY removed BG "S" locs!!!!! I had no idea what I was up against, her hair had already completely loc'd. Her hair currently has a weird feeling and is really dry but I'm sure after a few deep conditions we'll be back in business. So project "Healthy Hair Back", here we come...
Here are some pics of the process...
1. All Loc'd Up @ 2.5 months
2. In the works, the tedious process!
3. A completely formed loc saturated with conditioner
4. Loc combed out and hair full length
5. Shrinkage
6. Curls are still there and poppin :)
7. An overworked spray bottled filled with conditioner & water, lol
8. All the hair lost in the removal process, not too bad for 2.5 months of no shedding or combing (all the white is dried up conditioner)
**Thanks to Blended Beauty for allowing us to review your products**
Blended Beauty SilkShake
Cost: $19.00 (www.blendedbeauty.com/)
Size: 8 oz
Scent: Sweet & Pleasant (Cake)
Consistency: Lotion
What They Say:
Treat your curls and give them a shake! SilkShake will revive dry and lifeless curls and hydrate while boosting shine, with Rice Bran oil. Perfect for detangling damp curls or for a boost in the morning or anytime of the day, on dry or damp hair. You can never spoil your curls too much!
What I Say:
I used this product on (3) unique hair textures and I can honestly say it is great! It does an excellent job at detangling and moisturizing (detangling was actually a breeze with this lotion). It provides great slip, adds an amazing shine to the hair and makes the hair so manageable and soft. This product is also a winner because it can be used as your leave-in. It also plays well with other products, who doesn't want that?! Check out results HERE and HERE.
**** I give this product a 5 out of 5 Baby Curls****
Blended Beauty Happy Nappy Styles
Cost: $21.00 (www.blendedbeauty.com/)
Size: 8 oz
Scent: Sweet & Pleasant (Cake)
Consistency: Rich Creamy & Thick
What They Say:
A rich and moisturizing styling cream for kinky curls and dreads, or highly textured hair. Style and define your curls or twist locs, while naturally hydrating. Perfect for finger twisting curls! Create defined curls, with maximum moisture and softness. Dries touchably soft and satiny, not sticky or greasy.
What I Say:
This styling cream is the bomb.com! It is very moisturizing which is a big deal for us, it also keeps the frizzies at bay like no ones business, lol. It also provides a nice hold. I have used this product to twists, cornrow and maintain locs. The definition after taking down twists is unbelievable and I had the best set of cornrows ever! I was surprised at the outcome after using it to maintain locs, BG "S" locs turned out very neat and soft. You can go days without re-moisturizing with this product.
**** I give this product a 5 out of 5 Baby Curls****
Blended Beauty Down & Out Styles
Cost: $21.00 (www.blendedbeauty.com/)
Size: 8 oz
Scent: Sweet & Pleasant (Cake)
Consistency: Rich Creamy & Thick
What They Say:
A gentle, moisturizing, conditioning and curl defining butter cream. Enriched with shea butter, chamomile and aloe, for smoothing, defrizzing and defining curls. Silk and Beantree create body and shine even on defiant frizzies. Wearing your hair down and out has never been easier!
What I Say:
This product appears to be a lighter version of Happy Nappy Styles. Although it doesn't provide the hold that HNS provide, it did an excellent job at moisturizing and providing shine to the hair. The hair was also full of bounce and body....oh and frizz free! Pictures HERE.
**** I give this product a 4 out of 5 Baby Curls****
Blended Beauty Jelly Cream
Cost: $19.00 (www.blendedbeauty.com/)
Size: 8 oz
Scent: Sweet & Pleasant (Cake)
Consistency: Thick Lotion
What They Say:
A soft hold moisturizing gel lotion that defines and conditions curls, while nourishing the scalp and hair. Smooth and define each curl with natural conditioners. Absolutely no plastics! Only silky and bouncy curls...naturally! Jelly Cream has twice as much hold as the Down & Out creams.
What I Say:
This product certainly defined and conditioned the hair. It laid down and smooth the hair but didn't provide much hold. The hair also felt very smooth like "silk" and left the hair frizz free. I can still feel the product on the hair after re-spritzing with water (I'm not sure how much I like that...). Although it worked well on my niece's hair type, I don't have much use for this product on my daughters' hair type.
Two weekends ago, I washed and styled my 2 year old God-Daughter's hair. I didn't have much time plus I had my 2 year old and my other God-Daughter who is 1. Her mom wanted something that would last for the week, so I thought cornrows would probably be the best option. I am not much of a "corn-rower" at all and usually avoid doing it at all cost but I think I did a pretty good job, probably the BEST so far! I had another opportunity to use Blended Beauty Products and must say I was even more amazed this go' round.
I am so loving her locs and she loves shaking em', lol!
Her locs officially turned 1 month on September 27, 2012. This update is super late but here it is...
This is a quick hair style I did on my niece this past weekend. Let me start by saying, her hair is very different from my daughters' hair, it is long and fine with very loose curls (tangles very easily). I don't consider myself to be equipped with the "necessary"products for her hair type but when I typically do her hair, I do what I can with what I have. So this time, I had the pleasure of trying some new products from Blended Beauty children's line called Blended Cutie (Thanks KandyLand Kurls & Stacey). You can find these products at www.blendedbeauty.com. I really enjoyed using these products! Stay tuned for a detailed product review of each product.
Products Used (Blended Beauty) BC SilkShake (A natural detangling lotion spray) BC Jelly Cream (A soft hold moisturizing gel lotion)
BC Down & Out Styles (A styling cream and moisturizer)
Before and After Washing
All detangled. It was a breeze after using the SilkShake (Look at that sheen, my daughter even said , "its so shiny")
I love, love, love this deep conditioner. It leaves the hair so soft and super moisturized. Not to mention it has to be one of the easiest recipes I've ever done! Deep Conditioning has always been apart of BG "S" hair regimen but not since loc'ing. As many of you know or don't know, one of my favorite store bought deep conditioners is the Shea Moisture Organic Yucca & Baobab Anti-Breakage Masque. I am a little nervous to use this product due to the possibility of buildup in the locs since its so thick and creamy. So for now this homemade deep conditioner will be our new deep conditioner. After all her locs is still HAIR and her hair LOVES some coconut oil :)
Deep conditioning the hair have MANY benefits. Check out the benefits of deep conditioning your hair HERE.
This style was done on BG "M" about a month ago (I know, I know...don't judge me). The summer break was coming to an end and her hair was doing some serious shedding (this could have been from all the swimming). So I wanted to give her a quick and simple style along with a good protein deep conditioning treatment. I used the Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Replenishing Pak (Deep Penetrating Conditioner) and must say I was definitely pleased. I left this deep conditioner in her hair about 45 minutes and it took very well to her hair. The hair was soft, moisturized, manageable and in better condition overall. The shedding was also reduced drastically.
Wow, is the first word that came to mind. I am so honored to be nominated for The Versatile Blogger Award. I want to thank Sdestra and Discovering Natural for nominating me for this award! Thank you so much for following my blog!
Here are the rules for nomination, in a post you must:
Thank the Blogger who nominated you
Share (7) random facts about yourself Nominate (15) fellow bloggers that you recently discovered or follow regularly
Inform each nominated blogger of their nomination by posting a comment on each of their blogs
Add the Versatile Blogger Award to your post
Seven random facts about me: I love the Lord I'm a Sorority Girl My family keeps me on my toes I would like to adopt My husband received his Masters Degree from Harvard University I am very competitive I am super silly and always laughing
(Gosh only (15) with so many to choose from, that is tough) And the Nominees are...
I am so happy to say we have reached "100" Likes on our FB FanPage. In honor of our fans and to simple say Thank You, we are sponsoring our very 1st Giveaway. There will be (3) winners. We will be giving away a few favorites from BG "S" Hair Regimen before her loc'ing journey:
1. Qhemet Biologics Amla & Olive Heavy Cream (Click HERE for product review)
2. Shea Moisture Organic Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner (Click HERE for product review)
3.Shea Moisture Yucca & Baobab Anti-Breakage Masque (Click HERE for product review)
To enter this giveaway you must complete all the steps in the Rafflecopter Box. This Giveaway is open to US Residents. Please be kind and share this Giveaway with others. Thanks and Good Luck! =)
After doing additional research I decided to "do-away" with the first set of starter locs (two-strand twists) and decided to start over with comb coils. Why? Well, since I will be maintaining BG "S" locs, I thought this would be the best method. Comb Coils usually turn out with uniform width and length, two-strand twists on the other hand may form to be different sizes and it takes a little longer for the two-strand twists pattern to go away, in some cases you have to cut the pattern off from the ends once the hair grows out.
After only 2.5 weeks her two-strand twist were already beginning to "loc" together. Before I decided to take this new loc journey, I made the mistake of applying a spray leave-in conditioner after washing the hair --a big NO NO for the beginning stages of loc'ing. Needless to say it worked in my favor because the take down process was a breeze since the leave-in aided in detangling the hair.
As I removed a twist, I simply replaced it with a comb coil after detangling that section, some sections were broken down into smaller sections. This was my very first attempt at comb coils and I am very pleased with the outcome.
I learned how to do Comb Coils by watching a video by CHVC
This is a pic of the process...
Products Used:
Rat-tail comb and Angle comb
Spray Bottle (Distilled Water & Rosemary EO)
Single Prong Clips
Taliah Waajid Lock It Up-Tight Hold (Review to Come)
BG "S" new Loc Journey officially began on 8/27/12...
Shea Moisture Organic Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner
Cost: $9.99 (Target/Walgreens)
Size: 12 oz
Scent: Pleasant
Consistency: Rich Creamy & Thick
What They Say:
Our leave-in or rinse out conditioner detangles, moisturizes, repairs and restores lifeless damaged hair.
Sea kelp: Trace minerals detoxify hair follicles of impurities and residue
Argan oil: Restores shine and rebuilds hair elasticity
Shea butter: Deeply moisturizes and repairs damage to hair and scalp
What I Say: This is another oldie but goodie so I decided to finally doing a review! This is also one of the first products I used when I started BG "S" healthy hair journey. I have never tried this product as a rinse out but absolutely LOVE it as a leave-in. I first tried this product with the KimmayTube Leave-In Recipe and I liked it a lot and then I decided to try it alone and liked it as well! It does a great job at moisturizing and detangling the hair. It leaves the hair manageable and super soft. Although it is a thick conditioner, it doesn't weigh the hair down at all. I believe it works best on thick, dry hair. This product never stays in stock at my local Target, it is very popular and one of the best leave-in conditioners out there.
This post was written before the start of BG "S" Loc Journey.... Back to loose natural tresses!!!
I have been deep conditioning on dry hair since my first experience with DC'ing BG "S" back in April. I started DC this way simply for the sake of time, its not easy doing a toddler's hair! I ended up loving the outcome this way, not to mention it cuts the time in half and it works great for us! I haven't looked back, I must say I like it so much I've only DC on freshly washed hair a few times. I don't use products that contain silicones, mineral oil, petroleum, etc. that can cause build up, so the DC can still penetrate and condition the hair.
Here is how I deep condition on dry hair:
Start out with dry unwashed hair
Pre-poo with coconut oil and lightly finger detangle
Put the hair in sections to apply DC (optional: you can lightly mist the hair with water first)
After appyling the DC, I cover with a grocery bag and secure with stocking/spandex cap
Let her run and play anywhere from 45 mins to 2 hours
Remove bag, gently detangle and section hair for twisting or braiding
Rinse, wash and then condition while in braids
**I deep condition no less than twice a month (minimum)**
The Natural Haven recently posted on Deep Conditioning on Dry or Dirty Hair. After reading this post, I thought I was doing this all wrong BUT I'm not! This is what works for us and I like it. If its not broken don't fix it! Is there a right or wrong way? I say do what works for your hair. But being my curious self, I decided to do some research and found I'm not the only one doing it this way!
To get a better idea of DC on Dry Hair, here is a video by Elle of Quest for the Perfect Curl
As most of you know from the post titled, Loc'ing Your Child's Hair...Yay or Nay? ,we decided to loc BG "S" hair. Yay!! I am so excited and looking forward to this new hair journey. Before twisting her hair, I simply followed BG "S" Hair Care Regimen. BG "S" loc start date was TuesdayAugust 8th, 2012. The pictures below show the process of completing her two-strand twists along with a couple of styles her first week. I used Qhemet Biologics Aethiopika Hydrate & Twist Butter to twist the hair (love, love, love this stuff...review to come). I also did a lot of splitting, re-parting and combining the first week and a half to ensure the locs will be uniformed as much as possible...stay tuned!!!
It took a total of 7 hours over 3 days to complete, she has some really THICK hair! The botton right picture shows me splitting the bottom row into smaller twists (btw, look at that definition!)
This style was done about 2 weeks ago on BG "M". I was inspired by Une Autre Naturelle (Pinwheel Bantu Knots) yet again, lol. I still have to work on my parting skills but I think I did a pretty good job for the most part =) So I didn't quite get the pinwheel effect o_O. I did this style on damp hair and it was pretty easy and quick. I two-strand twisted the hair before putting in the bantu-knots.
Products Used
Shampoo - Kinky Curly Come Clean
Conditioner - TRESemme Naturals
Leave-In - Cara B Leave In Conditioner/ Daily Moisturizer
Styling Aid - Darcy's Botanicals Madagascar Vanilla Styling Creme
I love natural hair but I absolutely LOVE locs. I have been natural for 8 years and loc'd for 7 years. I have no regrets and have never looked back. In our home we have always discussed the idea of loc'ing our daughters' hair. My husband also have locs and have been loc'd for 13 years, so he loves the idea for many reasons.
My oldest is at a very impressionable age and has expressed interest in wanting locs and ask for them often but I am not sure if her mom will be on board. My youngest doesn't really pay much
attention to her hair but always says, "Mommy, I like you hair", while touching it, lol. Random people often ask me if I am going to loc BG "S" hair because its almost always in two-strand twists and of course because they see me loc'd and my answer have always been YES. So here goes....I began two strand twisting BG "S" hair last night and will finish tonight, so I am going to see where this takes us. I may start her locs with this set of twists or maybe another set depending on how the spacing and size looks when I am done. Why do I want to loc my daughter's hair you ask, its simple: Locs in itself are beautiful and it is a style that I like & love and I believe it is something she will love as well--just as you like cornrows, puffs, twists, twist-outs, braids, ponytails, etc. and style your child's hair as such. This is not based on convenience, as I currently take excellent care of their hair. If it turns out to be something she doesn't like, I am okay with that and we will take them out!
It is interesting to me that parents always say they want it to be their kids decision about loc'ing but decide on everything else for their kids. Parents make the decision to press, flat iron, perm, curl, add "fake" hair and so much more without the kids decision but when it comes to locs its different. Why is this?
Some quick facts about locs: Contrary to what people believe, locs are very versatile. Locs are not at all painful to get done if you take care of them and keep them maintained regularly. It is not painful for a child to get locs. Although locs are low maintenance, they still need to be cared for, after all it is still hair. Locs can be taken out, it does however require time and diligence. There are tons of videos on YouTube showing how to remove locs. If that method is overwhelming, you can let the hair grow out a bit and then cut them, you can even get braids or twists with added hair until the hair grows to desired length. Proper methods and products are important for the care of locs and yes locs do need to be washed! With proper care, your child will have beautiful and healthy locs.
If you are still uncertain whether or not locs are for your child, simply do your research until you're comfortable. Locs aren't a good fit for everyone and should never be used as a way to "manage" a child's hair, that makes it no different than relaxing at that point. I believe you should have an appreciation and positive attitude towards locs so that same attitude will exude through your child. Its just hair folks! =)
Shea Moisture Organic Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque
Cost: $9.99 (Target/Walgreens)
Size: 12 oz
Scent: Strong
Consistency: Rich Creamy
What They Say:
Our all-natural intense treatment masque deeply penetrates to moisturize and repair over-processed, dry, brittle or damaged hair. Sea kelp trace minerals detoxify hair follicles of impurities and residue. Argan oil restores shine and rebuilds hair elasticity. Shea butter deeply moisturizes and repairs damage to hair and scalp.
What I Say: This is a oldie but goodie and I am finally getting around to doing a review! This was one of the first products I used when I started BG "S" healthy hair journey. When I first began using this product, I used it as a styling product to do two-strand twists on slightly damp hair. As a styling cream, this stuff is A-mazing, it absorbs nicely into the hair, it is unbelievably moisturizing and it makes the hair super soft. The scent is strong, so if you are sensitive to smells this product probably won't work for you. It wasn't until recently that I used this product as a deep conditioner. As a deep conditioner, I wasn't exactly blown away. I didn't notice much if any difference in the hair other than a nice sheen added to the hair after rinsing the product out. This product is great if used as a styling creme but not so great if used as a deep conditioning treatment. I will not be using this product as a deep conditioner but as a styler. A little goes a long way so the product last a long time!
What They Say: This all natural intense treatment masque with biotin & bamboo extract is for thin, fine hair. It penetrates to moisturize and repair over-processed, dry, brittle or damaged hair. It thickens, volumizes & softens. Baobab oil-Contains vitamins A,C,D,E and F to fortify and strengthen hair
Yucca-Thickens hair and helps to prevent hair loss
Biotin-A powerful B vitamin that strengthens the hair follicle
What I Say: I enjoy this masque as a deep conditioner. It has a nice creamy, thick texture. I have used it on dry and wet hair and liked the results of both. It leaves the hair soft, manageable and feeling healthy & strong. It does not provide much slip for detangling which I don't mind because I detangle prior to using. BG "S" does not have thin or fine hair (she has thick, coarse hair) but I like this masque for her hair especially since it has both biotin and vegetable protein in it. (I typically stay away from products with protein for BG "S" but to my surprise this product doesn't make her hair hard.) Oh and I absolutely love the smell!
We are partcicipating in our very first Hair Carnival via Untrained Hair Mom! I missed the last Hair Carnival and was so disappointed but here we are...yippee! Anywho, this month I was assigned to copy a style from blogger Precious Curlsso I decided to try the "Two-Strand Twists, Flat Twists and Rosettes". It is a very cute but yet simple style. You guys know I love some two-strand and flat twists but was super excited to try rosettes for the first time.
I grasped the concept of doing Rosettes by watching this video:
I started with BG "S" regular hair regimen, banded the hair overnight and styled the next day. I parted/sectioned the hair in preparation for the style during the detangling session to make the styling session faster. I started with the flat-twists on the side and then began twisting medium sized two-strand twists from the back of the hair on up. Lastly, I attempted the rosettes in the front. Voila! I twisted the hair using Shea Moisture Curling Souffle.
Flat Twist (Side-View: instead of doing them at an angle, I decide to do them going back)
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