Our 1st Challenge of the Year: KLK 2013 Protective Style Challenge

For those of you who don't know we have been participating in a protective style challenge hosted by KandyLand Kurls since January.  The challenge started January 7 and runs thru March 4th...we are still in full effect, with a couple weeks to go!  We have really enjoyed the challenge as there are many benefits to wearing your hair in protective styles! Here are our weekly submission photos to date:

WEEK 1  - Two-Strand Twists w/ Flat Twists on the side

 WEEK 2- Chunky Two-Strand Twists

 WEEK 3- Mini Two-Strand Twists (I did a little dusting of the ends)

 WEEK 4- Mini Two-Strand Twists (from Week 3 after washing)

 WEEK 5- African Threading

WEEK 6- Chunky Twists

WEEK 7- Mini Two-Strand Twists

WEEK 8- Mini-Two Strand Twists (From Week 7)

Product Review: Qhemet Biologics Aethiopika Hydrate & Twist Butter

Qhemet Biologics Aethiopika Hydrate & Twist Butter

Cost: $14.00 (www.qhemetbiologics.com)

Size: 5 oz.

Scent: Light Mango Scent
Consistency: Rich & Thick

What They Say:
Use this thick, rich butter to soften and maintain twists, braids and loose hair! Ideal for dry, highly porous hair! Use as a body butter too!

Softens thick, extra dry hair with an ultra rich blend of Pure Olive Oil, Mango Butter and Rice Bran Oil! A touch of plant wax helps reduce frizz and smooths edges and soy extract adds humectancy. Use sparingly. A little goes a long way.

What I Say:
This butter is amazing and smells really good.  I've used this product on and off since last July.  Its no surprise that I really enjoy QB products and this is NO exception!  This butter is very soft despite the initial appearance and it spreads very well in the hair.  It adds shine and moisture.  I get great results using this butter on damp and  dry hair (The Beginning of BG "S" Loc Journey).  This product is great for twists and gives excellent definition for twist outs.  It leaves the hair super soft and bouncy.  Although its only 5 oz., a little really does go along way, I still have my container from last year.  *Bonus: It doubles as a body butter!

Ingredients:
Olive (Olea europa) Oil, Mango (Mangifera indica) Butter and Rice (Oryza sativa) Oil Blend, Behenyl Esters, Cetyl Alcohol, Soy (Glycine soja) Extract, Plant (Euphorbia cerifera) Wax, Phthlate Free Fragrance

**** I give this product a 5 out of 5 Baby Curls****

...And then there were NONE!

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)

1st Giveaway ("100" Likes on our FB Fanpage)

**Our 1st Giveaway**

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! =)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**Product Review: Qhemet Biologics Olive & Honey Hydrating Balm**

Yes, another Qhemet Biologics Review ;o)  LOVE IT!

Qhemet Biologics Olive & Honey Hydrating Balm

Cost: $16.00 (www.qhemetbiologics.com)

Size:  8.0 oz

Scent: Light Citrus
Consistency: The texture of honey

What They Say:Our pure and natural hydrating balm leaves dense, coarse and dry hair touchably soft, moist and supple. 

What I Say:This stuff is awesome!  If your hair desires moisture, this is another QB product for you.  This product gives extra hydration.  It makes the hair very soft and leaves the hair feeling super moisturized.  Due to reviews, I first tried this product by mixing it with the QB Amla & Olive Heavy Cream and fell in LOVE!  I have officially found my styling aid for twists, twist-outs, etc. The texture is very much like honey but is very easy to apply the hair.  It leaves the hair feeling a little sticky if used on dry hair so I prefer it on damp hair.  This product is good on its own but GREAT when mixed with the AOHC.  It is a little costly as well but worth every penny! I will use this product as a styler and to keep the ends of the hair moisturized.  Update: I will use this product as is to moisturize BG "S" locs after washing.  Here is the post where I styled BG "S" hair with the combo. Another staple from QB!

Ingredients:Pure Olive Oil, expressed from the fruit seeds of the noble and majestic Olive tree, delivers softness and emollience. Pure Grapeseed Oil delivers shine, softness and lubricity. MSM nourishes scalp and encourages healthy growth while pure wildflower honey and vegetable glycerin contribute lasting moisture and softness.  Does not contain mineral oil, lanolin, proteins, silicones, artificial fragrances, dyes or parabens.

*Color may vary from batch to batch from yellow to green due to the natural color variance in Olive and Grapeseed Oils.

**** I give this product a 5 out of 5 Baby Curls**** 

Back to Protective Style Mode (Two Strand Twists and Bantu Knots)

After enjoying a few days of big hair during BBH's Frotective Challenge, we are back to our protective styles.  But before twisting it up, I decided to do a little trimming of BG "S" ends.  I did things a little different this time.  In this post (BG "S" First Trim-Healthier Hair, Here We Come...) I discussed trimming the hair while in mini twists but I decided to trim her hair the way Precious Curls discussed in this post.  I was much more comfortable this go' round! 

I deep conditioned, co-washed and banded on Saturday night.  On Sunday morning, I trimmed the hair as I removed the banded sections. However, before trimming I applied Qhemet Biologics Cocoa Tree Detangling Ghee, detangled, then trimmed and re-banded.

This is after the trim...not too much right?!

On to the Protective Style...

I went to my favorite style of course...two-strand twists.  Although the hair was stretched from banding, I lightly spritz the hair with my aloe vera mix, applied a mixture a QB Amla & Olive Heavy Cream and QB Olive & Honey Hydrating Balm (review to come) and the twisted.  OMG...her hair has never felt so soft and moisturized,  I couldn't keep my hands out of her hair!  She wore her two-strand twists out today but then I decided to do something different and try bantu knots on her tonight.  I simply gathered a section of her twists, twisted to the left and began to roll and tuck.  I think I did pretty good for my first time, I didn't use anything to secure the bantu knots, so I have no idea how long  the hair will stay put, lol...

BBH's Frotective Style Challenge (Day 1 & Day 2)

The BBH Frotective Challenge is to have you child to wear his/her BIG HAIR for (4) days...defined fros, curly fros, “puff” styles, frohawks, wash’n go’s, twist outs, braid outs, out-outs, now that's a challenge!!  I was both excited and nervous when I decided to participate in this challenge because I never let BG "S" wear her hair out for more than a day...she is 2 and we all know what 2 year olds do (roll around on the floor, put food in their hair, pull their hair, etc.) Well I went for it and she rocked her very first fro-hawk on yesterday!

**BBH Frotective Challenge Day 1- July 4, 2012 **

This is the braid-out instead of leaving it "out-out",  I decided to do the Fro-Hawk.

Rocking her 1st ever Fro-Hawk.  I styled by gathering (3) puffs going down the middle of her head

I used SM Organic Yucca & Aloe Hair Thickening Growth Milk

**BBH Frotective Challenge Day 2- July 5, 2012** 

I detangled her hair the previous night with Qhemet Biologics Cocoa Detangling Ghee (it was a breeze) and applied Darcy's Botanicals Madagascar Vanilla Styling Creme mixed with a few things to twist.  Applied Qhemet Biologics Oil and removed twists, I then gently separated the hair and placed in puffs. Voila!

Afro Twin Puffs with a Bang

**Product Reviews: Qhemet Biologics**

Qhemet Biologics Cocoa Tree Detangling Ghee

Cost: $15.00 (www.qhemetbiologics.com)
This is the old packaging and size

Size: 5 oz

Scent: Light Cocoa Scent
Consistency: Thick, Rich Creamy

What They Say: Restores manageability, softness and elasticity to normal to very dry hair. Smooths cuticles, improves combing ability and reduces breakage.

What I Say:  It does EXACTLY what it claims! It makes the hair extremely soft and manageable, it melts away tangles like you wouldn't imagine.  I tried this on damp and dry hair and it made it very easy to comb through the hair (I prefer using it on dry hair).  The comb literally glides thru your hair after applying this product, it is moisturizing and absorbs nicely.  This stuff is definitely amazing and worth every penny.  Great product.  Check out Vlogger CharJay's review here.

Ingredients: Contains pure, prime pressed Cocoa Butter to smooth, soften and seal in moisture, Horsetail, Nettle and Barley to strengthen and condition and sulfur rich MSM to nourish follicles and support growth. Enhanced with carefully selected mild and eco-friendly detangling actives, it instantly restores manageability, pliability and elasticity to matted and tangled hair.  Does not contain mineral oil, lanolin, silicones, parabens or artificial fragrances.

**** I give this product a 5 out of 5 Baby Curls****

Qhemet Biologics Castor & Moringa Softening Serum

Cost: $10.00 (www.qhemetbiologics.com)
This is the old packaging

Size: 2.5 oz

Scent: Citrus/ Orange
Consistency: Thick Oil

What They Say: Contains 100% pure Castor and Moringa Oils. Moringa Oil is a highly valued emollient used in African and Indian hair and skin care traditions for over 2000 years. Moringa seed oil is rich in fatty acids, vitamins A and C and copper and calcium, important nutrients for the skin and scalp. It is also an excellent pre-wash hair conditioner as it naturally possesses cleansing and nourishing proprieties. African Castor Oil has been found in ancient Egyptian tombs dating back to 4000 B.C. The castor bean plant is native to the Ethiopian region of tropical East Africa. This thick, shiny oil acts as a barrier agent and protective medium against harsh conditions and extremes. It is a natural humectant and possesses hair conditioning, thickening and softening properties. Protects ends and moisturizes dry, brittle and coarse hair.

What I Say:  I don't know what it is about this oil but it makes the hair super soft.  It has multiple uses which is always a plus.  I applied this serum to freshly washed hair and was amazed at the results which I didn't expect because I was thinking its just an oil...boy was I wrong!  I will continue using this oil as a sealant and leave in treatment. Another great product.

Ingredients: Pure Castor Oil, Pure Moringa Oil, Pure Essential Oil Fragrance

**** I give this product a 5 out of 5 Baby Curls****

Qhemet Biologics Amla & Olive Heavy Cream

Cost: $16.50 (www.qhemetbiologics.com)

Size:  8.5 oz

Scent: Citrus/ Orange
Consistency: Thick, Rich Creamy

What They Say: Our nourishingly rich blend of old world oils, organic herbs and natural humectants leaves coarse, dry and brittle hair extra soft, healthy and supple! A perfect all-in-one for moisturizing and softening afro's, coils, curls, pony puffs, two strand twists, braids, cornrows, fades, chemical and color processes, softening new growth and restoring softness and elasticity to dry brittle ends. Also helps weigh down kinks and coils. Use as a:

• Soothing and regenerative scalp butter
• Post-shampoo conditioner
• Overnight Deep Treatment
• Moisturizing daily leave-in
• Replenishing body butter
• Evenly distribute a small to moderate amount through dry or slightly damp hair

What I Say:  This one is my FAVORITE!  This stuff is awesome!  If your hair desires moisture, this is for you.  It makes the hair so soft and it is very moisturizing, the hair stays moisturized for a few days without reapplying.  I didn't like it on dry hair but it is A-mazing on damp/wet hair.  I have used this product as a leave-in, moisturizer and styler and it is by far one of the best products I have ever used in BG "S" dry hair!  There is also a lighter version of this cream called Burdock Root Butter Cream.  Staple product for sure!  Update: 7/12- I recently mixed this product with the QB Olive & Honey Hydrating Balm and fell in LOVE!  I have officially found my styling aid for twists, twist-outs, etc.

Ingredients: Our ultra thick cream contains Amla, Brahmi and African Aloe, premium Afro-Indian botanicals used for thousands of years to nourish the scalp and strengthen and condition hair. MSM sulfur nurtures follicles and encourages healthy hair growth, Mediterranean Olive Oil delivers emollience and lubricity while Vegetable Glycerin and pure African Castor Oil lends sheen, softness and intense moisture.  Does not contain mineral oil, lanolin, proteins, silicones, artificial fragrances, dyes or parabens.

**** I give this product a 5 out of 5 Baby Curls**** 

Quick & Simple Style for Toddler (Chunky Cornrows)

BG "S" started Summer Camp at her new school this week (Yippee...) and I wanted to do an easy style for the week.  Not to mention after taking down her mini braids I needed a quick style for my sanity, lol.  My first thought was to do flat twists but since her hair is sooo thick and I didn't feel like doing them small I opted to do chunky cornrows (I'm not a pro at doing cornrows since I don't do them often, this is literally my 4th time cornrowing her hair).  So let's get to it...

I prepoo'ed with Coconut Oil, washed with SM Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo and deep conditioned with Miss Jessie's Sweetback Treatment (review coming soon).  I then applied Qhemet Biologics Castor & Moringa Softening Serum, followed by Amla & Olive Heavy Cream (reviews coming soon) and then banded.

SN: This was the second time around doing this style since on her very first day at summer camp, she came home with a head full of sand! o_O (The joys of motherhood, our work is never done!)  The second time around I co-washed with Tresemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture Conditioner (review coming soon).

Taking a walk after banding in the warm weather to speed up the drying process

This style is holding up nicely and most of the ends are protected.  An easy style in is an easy style out!

Protective Style Challenge: Good Ole' Faithful Two Strand Twists

Beads, Braids & Beyond Protective Style Challenge

Week 4: Two-Strand Twists

I deep conditioned, co-washed, moisturized and banded BG "S" hair the previous night and styled it the next morning. I began by lightly spritzing the hair by section applied the SM Curling Souffle and began twisting.  The hair was shiny and nicely curled at the ends.  I used Qhemet Biologics products for the first time and I must say I am a "happy camper"!  Look out for the review...

Products Used: DC: Elasta QP DPR | Co-Wash: Suave Naturals Tropical Coconut Conditioner | Leave-In: Qhemet Biologics Cocoa Tree Detangling Ghee | Seal: Qhemet Biologics Castor & Moringa Softening Serum | Moisturize: Qhemet Biologics Amla & Olive Heavy Cream | Styler: SM Curling Souffle