Wordless Wednesday: "Little Miss Sunshine"

BG "M" Box Braids with a Curl

Today was picture day at BG "M"s school today...good old Cap & Gown pictures!  Well, after a fun-filled weekend of water play for her 6th Birthday at Great Wolf Lodge, we successfully managed to keep her hair dry with a Speedo Critter Creeps Swim Cap (Combo Pack)...that is of course until we got home and my husband decided to let them play with the water hose! So the first thing that pops in my head is, what am I going to do with her hair?!  Taking the box braids out was not an option as I was completely exhausted from the weekend!  So I thought why not curl them...which is what I did.  I used my perm rods that I use to get my locs curled.  I first sprayed her hair with Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner (w/ added Sweet Almond Oil) and then began to roll each braid.  I kept them in overnight, took them out this morning, applied Carol's Daughter Hair Balm and pinned some braids to the side and this is what I got! :-D

Picture Ready!

Box Braids before Curling

This kept her hair completely dry at the Water Park!  Awesome swim-cap! (Target)

Oils and their Benefits

1. Jojoba (Great for Moisture)

Jojoba is  a great choice as a  healing hair conditioner in that the molecular structure of  this oil is very similar to the natural oil or sebum that is produced by the sebaceous glands of the scalp. Hair that has been extremely damaged or that breaks, splits or tangles easily usually  responds well to this moisturizer. The beauty of this oil is that you can use it  straight or in a mix and it will work for just about all types of hair. Jojoba is  also very stable and can be stored for years without going rancid.

2. Extra-Virgin Olive (Great for Moisture and Thick Hair)

Extra virgin olive oil has been used by people for centuries as both a cooking oil and a cosmetic aide. This natural oil is great for hair that is dry or damage, and also  works extremely well on  thick, coarse hair.  Olive oil is also suitable for use in the treatment of scalp conditions and dry skin. It does have quite a distinctive color and odor of its own, which not everyone  will appreciate, and it is rather heavy. Some naturals also prefer to use olive oil in combination with another, lighter carrier oil, like coconut or grape seed.

3. Castor Oil (Great for Moisture/Hair Loss)

Castor oil is often used as beauty aid, to soften and treat rough, dry skin. A naturally-produced vegetable oil makes it ideal for use on the skin both as an emollient, and as a hot oil treatment for dry damaged hair.  When used on the hair, castor oil coats the hair shaft and smoothes the cuticle layer, sealing in moisture and leaving the hair feeling soft and silky. It is also a humectant which draws in moisture and is great when used in a daily moisturizer. If you’re looking to give your hair a little pick me up, try combining castor oil, coconut oil, grape seed oil and water into a spray body and using as a revitalizing spritz (3 part water: 1 part oil).

4. Coconut (Great for Shine) 
The most commonly available coconut oil is refined, bleached & deodorized oil. This oil is produced from copra which is dried coconut meat. At room  temperature coconut oil is a solid, white substance with only a faint scent. The oil liquefies when it is placed in warm water.    This elegant moisturizer and superfatting agent is great for nourishing the hair to give it a healthy shine and helps to also minimize tangles.  Coconut oil is also recommended for the control of dry scalp and dandruff.  Coconut oil can be used alone as a hair and scalp oil or added to shampoo to add special nourishing and softening benefits.

5. Sweet Almond Oil (Great for Moisture)

Popular with the ancient Romans, this very pale yellow and odorless oil nourishes dry, flaky, itchy, sensitive scalps. Although lighter than  olive, this cold burnt oil made from almond kernels provides excellent  lubricating and penetrating properties and it is a favorite carrier oil for hair and skin treatments. Sweet almond oil has also been used throughout history during pregnancy and labor to prevent rips and tears.  While relatively inexpensive, this normally safe  oil should not be used by people who have known almond or nut allegories in  order to avoid an unpleasant reaction.

6. Grapeseed Oil (Great for Shine)

Grapeseed oil is one of the lightest oils and is easily absorbed by the hair and skin. It also can act as a preservative in hair care preparations.      Note, this oil has a slight flavor and a noticeable odor

7. Aloe Vera Oil & Gel (Stimulates Hair Growth)

The oil produced by the aloe vera desert plant is one of the most precious substances for human scalps, hair and skin. This odorless oil, which is different from aloe vera gel, is rich in enzymes, vitamins, proteins and minerals that support health. Not only does aloe vera oil help maintain proper moisture balances, it stimulates circulation which is helpful for hair growth. Excellent for  dandruff, this oil will also soothe psoriasis and eczema of the scalp.

8. Avocado Oil

This clear oil is made from the fleshy  fruit of the avocado. Touted as a hair growth  stimulant, this oil nourishes and restores softness to dry, dehydrated and mature hair  and skin. Problems, especially  psoriasis of the scalp, respond to its high content of vitamins A, B and E  along with lecithin, proteins and fatty acids. Avocado oil has its own distinct aroma and goes rancid quickly. Buy in small amounts and refrigerate.

9. Sesame Oil
This clear light oil is made from uncooked seeds and is used in many sun care preparations for the hair and body to protect the hair from harsh temperatures.   It can be added to other oils to enrich them. Note, sesame becomes rancid quickly and must be stored in a cool dry place.

10. Safflower Oil
This light oil is made from the seeds and penetrates the hair well. It is cheap and readily available in an unrefined state, making it a  useful oil base for a blend.

CREDIT: Thank God I'm Natural Website

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

**pH Balance and Hair**

When I first began educating myself on natural hair, I ran across YouTuber KimmayTube and became an instance fan!  I learned so much from her as it pertained to understanding the science of natural hair.  The thing that stuck out the most for me was her video on "pH Balance".  I was so anxious and excited, I watched all her videos that spoke on the topic and ordered pH Balance Test Strips (the exact strips she used) from Amazon to start testing all the hair products I owned and products I made (please don't judge me, smile)!  They are very easy to use.  Learning about pH Balance has become an important part of understanding why hair responds the way it does to products.  This is how the infamous "kimmaytube leave-in" came about.

What is pH?
pH is a scale measuring the acidity and alkalinity of a product. It is calculated by determining the number of hyrogen ions. The scale goes from zero (strongly acidic) to 14 (strongly alkaline), 7 being neutral.

Helpful pH Balance Charts

How To Control Your Hair with pH Balance (KimmayTube)

pH Balance TEST Results (KimmayTube)

Here are some products I tested along with the results of the pH Balance Test Strips:

Shampoos Bert's Bees Baby Bee - 5.0 Shea Moisture Organic Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention - 6.5 Cara B Naturally - 5.0

Conditioners Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition (Old Formula)- 4.5 KimmayTube Leave In w/ Shea Moisture Restorative Conditioner - 4.5 Suave Naturals Tropical Coconut - 5.0 Shea Moisture Black Soap Masque - 5.0 Curls Coconut Sublime - 6.0

Homemade Products Detangle Mix (Conditioner and Distilled Water) w/o Apple Cider Vinegar - 6.0 Detangle Mix (Conditioner and Distilled Water) w/ Apple Cider Vinegar - 5.0 Homemade Shea w/o AVG - 7.0 Homemade Shea w/ Aloe Vera Gel - 4.5 Homemade Moisturizer Spritzer - 4.5

Stylers Shea Moisture Curling Souffle - 4.5 Barry Fletcher Twist Putty - 5.0 Carol’s Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey - 7.0 Curls Passion Fruit Curl Control Paste - 6.5 Shea Moisture Organic Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque - 6.5 Carol’s Daughter Healthy Hair Butter - 8.0 Dr. Miracles Soft Hold Creme - 6.0

Moisturizer Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Milk- 6.5 Shea Moisture Yucca & Baobab Volumizing Hair Milk - 5.5 Cara B Naturally Leave-In/Daily Moisturizer - 5.0 Cara B Naturally Hair Mist - 5.0 Qhemet Biologics Amla & Olive Heavy Cream - 5.0

Other Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)- 2.0 Qhemet Biologics Cocoa Tree Detangling Ghee - 6.0 Aloe Vera Gel - 4.5 Oils Most oils tested - 7.0 (Neutral)

I have not discontinued using products because the pH Balance fell in a certain range. (SN: Most products used are not over the 7.0 range-neutral). I simply use the information collected to educate myself by understanding why hair responds different ways and how to adjust the pH Balance of products for desired results. An example of "desired results"would be if you want the ends of the hair to curl up or remain bushy. It really depends on you!

I will be ordering more pH Balance Test Strips soon because I used every single one and I still have more products to test. :)

~Happy Curls~

Wordless Wednesday: Sisterly Love

BG "M" Box Braids

BG "M" turns the big S-I-X on Friday and we're going to an indoor water-themed park!  So, I decided to do her hair in a quick style that would last for the week and be able to survive the element of all the water activities we have to look forward to this weekend (yay)!

Her hair was previously washed and dried, it was actually in a puff ball (should have snapped a pic). I started by spraying the hair with a mixture of distilled water and KCKT (Kinky Curly Knot Today) to detangle, I then applied the KCCC (Kinky Curly Curling Custard) and began braiding, this was the first time I used the KCCC on BG "M" hair.  The ends curled up on their own, needless to say she LOVED her hair and I liked the way it turned out!

I will be keeping her hair moisturized with Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Moisturizing Leave-In Conditioner (w/ added Sweet Almond Oil) and CD's Hair Balm.

Protective Style Challenge: Flat Twists in front w/ Two Strand Twists

Beads, Braids & Beyond Protective Style Challenge

Week 3: Flat Twists in Front w/ Two-Strand Twists

I washed, conditioned, moisturized and banded BGS hair in the morning and styled it in the afternoon. I decided to try a "new" product (Kinky Curly Curling Custard-KCCC) to do both the flat twists and the two strand twists.  The hair was already nicely moisturized, so I began by spritzing the hair with a mixture of KCKT and distilled water, applied the KCCC and began twisting (the picture in the top left-hand corner is the hair with the product).  The hair was nice and shiny after twisting on wet hair.  The next morning after the hair had dried, BGS hair looked nice but it wasn't really moisturized which is a big "no-no" for BGS's hair.  I didn't experience any crunchiness like others have complained about.  The KCCC review will be coming soon, it did okay but I can't say that I was completely blown away, I get better moisture from SM Curling Souffle.

Other Products Used: Pre-Poo (Coconut Oil) | Washed (SM Moisture Retention Shampoo) | Conditioned (Curls Coconut Sublime Conditioner) | Leave-In (Kimmaytube w/ Giovanni Direct) | Moisturize (Cara B Moisturizing Mist-Daily) | Seal (Carol's Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey) 

"No-Buy" Plan and Getting Rid of Products

So, in an effort to cut back on PJ'ism, I am putting myself on a "no-buy" plan!  Yes, that's right, there will be no purchasing of any "new" hair products.  I just purchased my last "new" ($20-it better be golden) product for now and pray I love it.  I need to use all hair products (old & new) I currently have or get rid of them somehow.  I will be trying out Lola's Green Hair, a free source for buying and selling gently used hair products!  If you haven't heard about the website, go check it out!

**I will only be re-purchasing products that are currently used in my daughters' hair regimen.** 

What have you ladies done with products you didn't like?

Moisturizing Dry Hair with the L.O.C Method (Sealing)

Is your hair or child's hair dry and you feel like you have tried everything or every product (lawd knows I have!).  Well, we all know that dry hair is one issue that is experienced by many naturals.  My youngest daughter BGS have extremely dry hair and it soaks up everything, literally (like a sponge)!  I came across the L.O.C Method last year on YouTube via BlackOnyx77 (Sealing the Moisture in Natural Hair-How To) but never tried it since BGS was younger and I had a very short window to get her hair done (if you know what I mean?!).  Now that she is a little older, I have successfully done the (L) and the (O) but I am vigorously searching for a cream moisturizer without protein that I love for her hair to complete the (L) (O) and (C).  I have been eyeing a cream moisturizer and hoping to do the complete method very soon. I will keep you guys posted! :)  Update: I have noticed that I've been using the L.C.O Method this entire time and have been successful with it.  I guess in the end you have to use what works.  The regimens can be found HERE and it goes (L)-Water (C)-Leave-In/Moisturizer (O) Grapeseed Oil and then a styling butter or creme if needed.

The L.O.C Method is applying: Liquid | Oil | Cream

The liquid should be something water based like a spray leave-in conditioner or just plain water, followed by a light oil such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, evoo, etc. proceeded by applying a moisturizing cream like Shea Moisture's Curl Enhancing Smoothie.

As with hair products, the L.O.C Method may not work for every natural as this method may be too heavy for some.

Additional Info here:

Curly Nikki | Natural Hair Styles and Curly Hair Care: The L.O.C Method: via Hairscapades by Jackie of Engineering Natural Beauty.

Product Review: Beautiful Textures

Beautiful Textures Rapid Repair Deep Conditoner

Cost: $6.19 (Sally Beauty)

Size: 15 oz

Scent: Fruity Scent

What They Say: Get Gorgeous Tresses!  Dryness and breakage prevent healthy looking hair growth. To help ensure your hair has a fighting chance against daily styling stresses use Beautiful Textures Rapid Repair Deep Conditioner to help strengthen, rebuild, protect and hydrate.  Beautiful Textures Rapid Repair Deep Conditioner allows you to embrace more versatile styling options, while protecting your hair from the inside out. To achieve softer, more defined curls, healthier looking elongated coils and simply silky smooth hydrated hair use this feather lite deep penetrating conditioner.

What I Say:  This deep conditioner has a creamy consitency that has good slip.  I applied this to BGM's hair who has 4a hair after shampooing and placed a shower cap on it for approximately 30 mins.  I must say I was really impressed.  It left the hair super soft and moisturized.  I will continue using this as a deep conditioner for BGM's hair, at least for now.

Ingredients:  Aqua, Glycine Soja Oil/Soybean Oil, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Argania Spinosa Nut Oil/Argan Oil, Cocos Nucifera Oil/Coconut Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil/Olive Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Fruit/Shea Butter, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter/Mango Butter, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract/Rosemary Extract, Dimethicone, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract/Aloe Vera, Phenyl Trimethicone, Panax Ginseng Root Extract/Ginseng Extract, Polyquaternium 37, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/ Dicaprate, Steareth 2, Steareth 20, Lanolin, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Polysorbate 20, DMDM Hydantoin, CI 15985/Yellow 6, Parfum/Fragrance, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Coumarin, d-Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Lyral, Methyl Ionone Gamma.

Beautiful Textures Moisture Butter Whipped Curl Creme

Cost: $6.19 (Sally Beauty)

Size: 8 oz

Scent: Fruity Scent

What They Say: Get Gorgeous Tresses!   Dry, brittle, thirsty hair stunts natural growth. To help ensure locks reach their full growth potential, refresh and hydrate your mixed textured hair every day with Beautiful Textures Moisture Butter Whipped Curl Creme.   Beautiful Textures Moisture Butter Whipped Curl Creme helps maximize the styling options of mixed textured hair by helping achieve softer, more defined curls, healthier looking elongated coils, or simply silky-smooth hydrated hair.

What I Say:  This moisture butter can be used as a styling creme and moisturizer.  It has a light creamy, fluffy consistency. I applied this to BGM's two strand twist before untwisting for a twist-out style.  It added shine and moisture to BGM's 4a fine strands hair but dried out BGS's 4b coarse strands.  I probably won't repurchase this product because I don't have a need for this product for BGM'S hair regimen.  It does have a -cone in it so I will be paying close attention for possible build-up when using it.

Ingredients:  Aqua, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil/Olive Oil, Glycine Soja Oil/Soybean Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, PEG 75 Lanolin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth 20, Cetyl Alcohol, Argania Spinosa Nut Oil/Argan Oil, Cocos Nucifera Oil/Coconut Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Fruit/Shea Butter, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter/Mango Butter, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract/Rosemary Extract, Dimethicone, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract/Aloe Vera, Phenyl Trimethicone, Panax Ginseng Root Extract/Ginseng Extract, Polysorbate 20, Imidazolidinyl Urea, DMDM Hydantoin, CI 15985/Yellow 6, Parfum/ Fragrance, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Coumarin, d-Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Lyral, Methyl Ionone Gamma.

Here are some other helpful reviews by YouTubers:

BlakIzBeautyful
AfricanExport

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY! :0)

Protective Style Challenge Check In: Flat Twists

Beads, Braids & Beyond Protective Style Challenge

Week 2: Flat Twists

I took the mini-twists out from Week 1, it was time!  Didn't have a lot of time to do her hair, so I decided to do a deep condition with Elasta QP DPR (1st time using) and then proceeded with my regular routine.  I left the hair banded to dry overnight.  The next day, I did this style after a long day, so I tried to keep it quick and simple.  This is what I came up with.  I'm hoping this style will last a week but not sure it will, we'll see!

Product Review: Elasta QP DPR

Elasta QP DPR-11 (Deep Penetrating Remoisturizer)

Cost: $7.49 (Beauty Supply Store)

Size: 16 oz

Scent: Fruity Peach Scent

Old Ingredients (This is the one I'm reviewing! Not to be confused with the one below.)

New Formulated (Haven't tried this one yet.)

What They Say: 11 plant extracts, essential oils and vitamins penetrate hair shaft.  Moisturizing emollients renew moisture depleted hair , giving strength and elasticity, peach blossom oil and vitamin e soothe the scalp.

What I Say:  I applied this to dry hair and noticed a difference immediately!  Very moisturizing.  To my  surprise it gave a good "slip" which made it really easy to comb and detangle the hair.  It is very thick which is perfect for BGS coarse hair.  It made the hair super soft and tangle free.  I will definitely continue to use this product and hope I can find it again since there is a new formula. I decided to use this DC during the winter months since it does a really good job at moisturizing.  Since it has dimethicone & petroleum in the ingredient list, I won't make it my staple DC but I'll definitely still use it since those two ingredients are near the bottom.

Ingredients:  Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, Melissa Officinalis (Balm Mint) Leaf Oil, Tussilago Farfara (Coltsfoot) Flower Extract, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Aesculus Hippocasyanum (Horse Chestnut) Extract, Rosemarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract in Purified Water/Aqua, Petrolatum, Cetyle Alcohol, Centrimonium Chloride, Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydroxypropyl trimonium Chloride, Laurus Nobblis Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Neroli Oil, Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant)

Here are a few pics:

1st picture: After applying DPR

2nd picture: Wrapped with grocery bag and her satin cap for 15-20 mins
3rd and 4th picture: After removing bag
5th and 6th picture: Detangled and twisted for washing

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

Product Reviews: Cara B Naturally

Cara B Shampoo/Body Wash

Cost: $9.99 (Target/CVS)

Size: 8 oz

Scent: Very Light Sweet Floral 

What They Say: Gently cleanse your child’s delicate hair and skin with our all-natural, nourishing bath solution. CARA B Naturally Shampoo / Body Wash includes vitamin E and aloe to moisturize and soothe, while imparting a rich cleansing lather and calming all-natural chamomile fragrance. Hair and skin are left feeling clean and soft.

What I Say:  The ingredients are amazing!  It has a great lather and a little goes and long way.  This shampoo leaves the hair feeling really clean without feeling stripped and dry.  It is very gentle and excellent for kids plus it doubles as a body wash!

Ingredients: Deionized water; natural coconut oil, cornstarch and sugar soap blend (decyl glucoside); natural chamomile fragrance blend; vegetable glycerin; sugar (glucose); vitamin E; aloe vera barbadensis leaf juice; citric acid; guar gum (natural thickener); caramel; glucose oxidase & lactoperoxidase (natural preservative)

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

Cara B Leave-in Conditioner/ Daily Moisturizer

Cost: $9.99 (Target/CVS)

Size: 8 oz

Scent: Very Light Sweet Floral

What They Say: Gently condition and moisturize your child’s hair without any oily residue. Our all-natural Leave-In Conditioner / Daily Moisturizer is designed for use immediately after shampooing to improve manageability, and for use every day as a light, non-greasy, and gentle moisturizer. Jojoba oil and shea butter leave hair feeling noticeably soft.

What I Say:  This is a rich and creamy conditioner.  It is very moisturizing but doesn't offer much slip.   However, it does wonders if you use it with the Cara B Moisturizing Hair Mist. I prefer to use it as a moisturizer vs using it as a leave-in (doesn't do much as a leave-in for us).  It is very water based so as a moisturizer it will cause shrinkage on stretched hair.  I use this moisturizer when styling in two-strand twists.

Ingredients: Deionized water; vegetable glycerin; coconut oil (capric triglyceride); sweet almond oil; jojoba oil; sugar (glucose); natural chamomile fragrance blend; aloe vera barbadensis leaf juice; vitamin E; potassium sorbate; glucose oxidase & lactoperoxidase (natural preservative); citric acid

**** I give this product a 4 out of 5 Baby Curls ****

Cara B Moisturizing Hair Mist

Cost: $9.99 (Target/CVS)

Size: 8 oz

Scent: Very Light Sweet Floral

What They Say: Improve manageability and impart a light shine to your child's hair with our all-natural Moisturizing Hair Mist. Jojoba oil increases moisture, while sweet almond oil leaves behind a light, healthy shine without any greasy residue.
What I Say: This one is my absolute favorite!  It provides good slip and is an amazing moisturizer.  I use this daily sometimes twice a day.  It definitely adds definition to your curls!  Its makes it so much easier to comb and detangle if you apply to the hair before applying a leave-in.  The consistency is light so it doesn't weigh down the hair. It leaves the hair moisturized and it adds a nice shine.

Ingredients: Deionized water; vegetable glycerin; coconut oil (capric triglyceride); sweet almond oil; jojoba oil; sugar (glucose); natural chamomile fragrance blend; aloe vera barbadensis leaf juice; vitamin E; potassium sorbate; glucose oxidase & lactoperoxidase (natural preservative); citric acid

  

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

BGS First Trim-Healthier Hair, Here We Come...

Snip, Snip...

After much research and finally gaining the courage, I decided to do it!  Since her hair was already styled in mini two-strand twists I thought this was the perfect time to trim.  I first became familiar with this technique via Baby Big Hair (Trimming BBH, Well...Her Hair).  Since we are currently in a  Protective Style Challenge, I decided to go for it because after removing the mini-twists I will be giving BGS a deep condition treatment.

We used:

• Goody 'Ouchless' Ponytail Holders
• Clips
• 5 1/2 inch Cutting Shears ($2.99 from Beauty Supply Store)

What we did:

• I applied a generous amount of coconut oil throughout the hair.
• Sectioned off the hair evenly.
• I examined each twist and figured out how much to trim (starting from the back). I did this by sliding my finger down the twist to feel for rough areas.  I also looked for thinning.
• I snipped right above my thumb at an angle.
• After trimming a twist (Yes I did it one by one, it was my first time, lol!) I clipped the twist to the side until I finished all twists in that section and then secured section with ponytail holder.
• Repeated until completed.

Here are some other helpful links:
KandyLandKurls (When To Trim My Child's Hair?)
Precious Curls (How To Trim Your Own Natural Hair)

Girly and Curly (The Day Someone Attempted a "Brittney Spears" on Des... (Good Read)

For you viewing pleasure: YouTube Video Demonstrations:

ShidaNatural - Trimming Natural Kinky/Curly/Coily Hair while in Twists
AfriknaHairGod- My Trimming Method For Natural Hair

Styling: Mini Two-Strand Twists

Styling Mini-Two Strand Twists

Styled after washing and drying overnight. Top view, side views and front view.

This was a quick and simple style.  I moisturized the hair first with Cara B Moisturizing Hair Mist and then applied Carol's Daughter Hair Balm to seal.  I sectioned off the hair in 4 sections.  The front section was for the bang which has a nice wavy pattern due to the braiding of the twists the night before. The 2 sections behind the bang I begin to flat twists from the left side and continued all the way across to the right side.  Once both sections were completed I twisted together and carefully secured with a hair clip.  The back section was re-braided and pinned up. 

Washing Mini Two-Strand Twists

So I decided to wash BG'S hair on Friday.  My little one loves to roll on the floor and with such a "fun" activity her hair loves to collect all types of dirt, lint, etc.  Not to mention she loves to come home from daycare with some sort of food in her hair!  Plus the pollen is awful for her since she has allergies.  Any who, this process didn't require anything special, I washed her hair exactly the way it was...

The products I used during this process:

• Curls Curly Q Cleansing Cream (1st Time Using-review to come)
• Cara B Moisturizing Hair Mist
• Cara B Leave-In/ Daily Moisturizer
• Carol's Daughter Hair Balm

I simply washed her mini-twist with the Curly Q Cleansing Cream, gently massaging the scalp, rinsing the scalp and hair thoroughly.  The cleansing cream didn't have much of a lather or a lather at all for that matter so it was very easy to wash away the product.  After washing, I spritz the hair with Cara B Hair Mist and then applied Cara B Leave-In/ Daily Moisturizer.  I then braided the hair to stretch it and allowed it to dry overnight.  The next day I spritz with Cara B Hair Mist, unbraided, applied some hair balm and styled. Voila!

Overall, I didn't have any problems with the twists unraveling due to the size and there was minimal frizz.  Her twists are very soft and moisturized.  I was very pleased with the outcome, considering I thought I would have a mess on my hands!  Pics to come...

Wordless Wednesday: GodSisters "Picking Flowers"!

**Analyzing Your Hair**

Hair type systems are one of the primary ways that describe how our hair looks (wave pattern).  Hair typing is something that can be very beneficial in aiding with the selection of hair products, how to manage your hair and creating a hair regimen.  Most products now are made specifically for various hair types.

Learning my daughters' hair types have helped my learn what products may work best.  I also look for tutorials with similar hair types to get a feel for desired outcomes of styles or products.  Some people choose not to use the hair typing system because they feel it makes one hair type "superior" over the other.  I don't think its that deep!  I think it is simply a guide!

My girls hair is very different in many ways and therefore require the use of different hair products.  What works on one does not work on another!  It took some research and trail and error before understanding this concept.

There are also many other factors to consider when attempting to describe our hair.  Other hair factors to be considered are hair's density, elasticity, texture, porosity.

Density
Hair density is the amount of hair strands on the head. Generally, it is measured by counting the number of hair strands found in one square inch (2.5cm) of scalp. When a stylist tells you that you have thick hair, it is high density he/she is describing.

Generally, the classifications of hair density are thin, medium, and thick, and are unrelated to the texture of the hair. The average head has approximately 2,200 strands of hair per square inch, and a total of approximately 100,000 hairs.
Elasticity
The hair's elasticity is the measure of how much the hair will stretch (and return to a normal state). Healthy hair, when wet, will stretch up to 50% of its original length and return to its normal shape without breaking, while dry hair will only stretch about 20%.

Elasticity is rated as being low, normal, or high. Hair's elasticity comes from the side bonds in the hair shaft. Hair with normal and high elasticity is easily styled with wet-roller sets, thermal styling tools, etc., while hair with low elasticity may prove hard to curl, or lose its curl quickly.  Hair with low elasticity is highly susceptible to breakage, will be hard to curl.
Texture
Hair texture is the measure of the circumference of the hair strand itself. Professionals classify the texture of hair as being "coarse", "fine", or "medium".  Coarse hair has the largest circumference, and fine hair has the smallest. Medium texture indicates a middle-range of the size of the hair shaft, it's considered normal and poses no special considerations regarding processing and chemical services

Hair texture varies from individual to individual, and can be different in separate areas of the same head. You may have coarse hair on the top of the head and fine hair at the nape of the neck. Race and ethnicity are irrelevant in determining hair texture, as coarse, medium and fine hair can be found among all racial and ethnic groups.

PorosityPorosity is the measure of the hair's ability to absorb moisture. This is determined by the condition of the hair's cuticle layer (the overlapping scales of the hair shaft), and is rated as low, normal, and high. In normal, healthy hair, the cuticle is compact and inhibits the penetration of the hair shaft by moisture - both moisture going in, and moisture coming out. When the cuticle is overly compact and prevents the penetration of the hair by moisture it has low porosity.

Credit: Hairfinder.com

You get additional information here:

NaturallyCurly.com

Hair Porosity -Yea, It's Kind of a Big Deal

Protective Style Challenge: Mini Two-Strand Twists

Today is the start of Beads, Braids & Beyond Protective Style Challenge.  I am so excited!  I am hoping to gain and retain length.  It would be great if this style lasted the entire month but we'll see, you never know what you're gonna get with a busy toddler who likes to jump and roll!

Week 1: Style Challenge (Mini-Two Strand Twists)

I am so LOVING her hair!!!

Washed with Cara B Shampoo and Conditioned with Curls Coconut Sublime

Moisturized with Cara B Leave-In Conditioner/Moisturizer and Hair Mist

Styled with Shea Moisture Curling Souffle

Oil Scalp with Homemade Oil Mix