Detangling: What Works For Us!

Detangling is the process in which you use a particular product or oil to soften and smooth the hair for manageability.  It can be simple or complicated.  It is one of the most important aspects of a healthy hair journey.

Detangling can be done at various points during your wash regimen.  Some prefer to detangle before shampooing while others detangle after shampooing during conditioning or there are those who detangle after shampooing and conditioning.

There are two methods that can be used to detangle: Wet-Detangling or Dry-Detangling.  Here is a great source for more valuable information on detangling.

How We Detangle

BG "S" (Type 4 Coarse)-  I detangle prior to washing using our detangling cocktail or during deep conditioning if done prior to washing.  I detangle in sections.  I start by misting the hair with my cocktail mix and begin by finger detangling first.  I then proceed to detangle the ends of the hair first with my seamless comb. Next, I gently slide the comb in and out of the hair while sliding down any remaining knots/tangles from the top to the bottom until detangled to my liking, I also complete that section with the Denman 31 to ensure all tangles have been removed. I then twist that section.  I do this throughout the entire head and then proceed with her hair regimen.

BG "M" (Type 4 Fine) - I detangle during the conditioning phase after washing using a wide tooth seamless comb.  After detangling in sections with the conditioner still in her hair, I twist that section to prepare for rinsing and proceed with her hair regimen.

A great visual of how I detangle my girls hair by one of my faves...

Another one of my favorite YT'ers... (How to Detangle Children's Hair)

How do you detangle?

Quick Tip #1

Quick Tip #1

Happy New Year!!!  I want to start off the new year with a series titled "Quick Tip".  These will hopefully be helpful tips that I have found very useful throughout my daughters' hair journey. ;-)

Do you have a sulfate-free shampoo that you love but it makes your hair feel a little too clean?  Well, try adding a top full of Jojoba Oil to the shampoo, it adds a punch a moisture. This works great for us when using Kinky Curly Come Clean (KCCC) to clarify the hair.

It works for us, give it a try it may work for you too! ^_^

The Struggle Part II: Trail & Error

This year has been full of trail & errors while trying different techniques/methods as well as products. My goal has always been healthy hair because I believe with health comes length thus length retention. 

Here are some things I've tried in 2013:

LCO Method vs. LOC Method - I have always used the LCO Method but decided to try the LOC Method for a couple of months.  The LOC Method is okay but LCO works best for us and quite frankly makes more sense to me. Her hair definitely stays more moisturized using this method.

Exclusively Finger Detangling - I know finger detangling is a healthy practice but this method ALONE is just not enough for my daughters' Type 4 hair.  I found that I actually had more knots and tangles b/c her hair wasn't being thoroughly detangled.  Finger detangling is incorporated into her regimen just not exclusively.

Hair Tools - Simply Put.  Away with seamed combs, I am loving the seamless combs by Hercules Sagemann (using since April 2013) which prove to be way more beneficial to the hair in preventing breakage and snagging.  (More to come on a later post)

Re-Visiting Sulfates - Bad Idea!!  Was the hair clean? Absolutely, but after consistent use, her hair became even more tangled and drier!!!  Not good for Type 4 hair...so I'm ditching the sulfates FOREVER!

Products/Ingredients - It is really important to find which ingredients your hair likes and dislikes.  While trying the many many products I mentioned HERE, I've learned what BG "S" hair dislikes which helps when making new purchases.  Being aware of allergens your child have is also important.  Still narrowing down my HG's but we're getting there and I'm in a good place...

Staying Away From Protein Completely - Since learning my daughter's hair is sensitive to certain proteins I made the mistake of eliminating it completely from her regimen with the exception of the natural light protein like the Greek Yogurt DC (which I LOVE BTW).  But I learned I just had to find the RIGHT Protein.  I gave her a protein treatment using the Curl Junkie Repair Me! and OMG, although it made her hair feel stronger it also brought her hair back to life and it was soft!  So I had to remind myself that our hair is made of protein, so I will be more consistent with monthly protein treatments to keep that necessary moisture/protein balance.

Deep Conditioning (Before or After Shampooing) - For those who have been following for a while, you know my preference have always been to DC before shampooing which has worked fine.  But I decided to switch it up a bit and try DC after shampooing.  Well...needless to say the biggest difference for me was the extra conditioning/protection her hair got before shampooing which allowed her hair to stay more moisturized during shampooing and detangling which I like to do before washing. But I would detangle during DC'ing after shampooing which seemed more difficult (this is because I completely omitted detangling as my very first step).  So I'm still trying to determine which method is best for us after using all steps.

Trimming/Dusting - I am very comfortable with the scissors, lol.  I have trimmed and dusted BG "S" hair on several occasions with no regrets.  This really helps with the health of her hair and keeping SSK to a minimum.  I'll continue dusting/trimming when necessary as this aids in the growth retention process but I definitely want to cut back a bit.

Remember to stay positive and keep pressing forward, this journey is really all about learning what works for you and your hair...

What have you tried in 2013? And what if anything will you do differently in 2014 with your hair?

**My Natural Hair is Beautiful**

Let me first start by saying HAPPY HOLIDAYS and follow with an apology for not being as frequent with my posts (life happens ya know)...but posts are on the way! ^_^

We all know this hair thing is truly a JOURNEY!  I have gone through ups and downs with BG "S" hair but we're still pressing forward because after all I LOVE my kids' hair and I want them to do the same! So I wanted to take this opportunity to share this adorable PSA...enjoy!

My Natural Hair is Beautiful

Kids N Curls Event in Maryland

Just sharing:

For additional info, click HERE

The Struggle: Hair Products

The past couple of months have been a struggle to find the "perfect" product combo or products at all for that matter.  My youngest daughter is only three and I have been thru a ton of products.  Throughout this process I have learned what her hair likes and dislikes!!! #atruejourney

A little background:  BG "M" hair can use most if not all and any products.  BG "S" hair on the other hand is protein and panthenol sensitive and acts funny with glycerine and MOST products have these ingredients.

To get an idea, here is a list of the brands I have purchased with my own money and tried.  The number beside the product line indicates how many products I have tried from that line.

Terressentials (1), JessiCurl (1), As I Am (2), Blended Beauty (5), Shea Moisture (14), Original Moxie (2), Alikay Naturals (3), Eden BodyWorks (4), HoneyChile Hair Love (2), Qhemet Biologics (7), B.A.S.K (2), Ynobe (5), Carol's Daughter (7), Darcy's Botanicals (6), Curls (3), Oyin (4), 4Naturals (1), Luv Naturals (3), Entwine Couture (3), Obia (4), Camille Naturals (2), Noire Naturals (3), Curly Q (3), Kinky Curly (3), Trader Joes (2), All Things Natural (3), KeraCare (2), Beautiful Textures (2), Taliah Waajid (2), Karen Body Beautiful (3), Herbal Essence (2), Uncle Funky's (1), Jane Carter (3), Koils by Nature (1), Reve Essentials (1), Giovanni (3), TresSemme (1), Bee Mine (1), Aubrey Organics (2), Eco Styler (2), Cara B (3), Dr. Miracles (1), Nothing But (1), Curl Junkie (3), MyHoney Child (1), JessiCurl (1) and more...

Here are a few pictures of just some of the products I have purchased...

So as you can see, I have a lot of product reviews to do, lol. I won't be doing reviews on some products because some products just didn't work, not any fault of the product but because they contained ingredients that her hair just didn't agree with, so in all fairness I won't post on them.  However, if you have a question about a product feel free to ask ;)

And just in case you're wondering, any products we disliked or couldn't find a permanent place for in our regimen we sold!!!

Stay Tuned...Product Reviews on the way and our newest staple products!

Product Review: OBIA Natural

OBIA Natural

**I tried these products with the Trail Pack which only cost $10.00...great deal!!!  At the time they had a special which included the shampoo bar** 

This is SUPER late so, let's jump into the review...


Obia Coconut & Shea Shampoo Bar

Cost: $10.00 (www.obianaturalhair.com) 

Size: N/A

Scent: Very light coconut scent
Consistency: N/A

What They Say:
This rich moisturizing shampoo will leave your hair soft, conditioned, and hydrated.  Shea butter deeply moisturizes and repairs damage to hair and scalp, while coconut oil protects hair from heat and chemical damage.

What I Say:
This is my favorite item from the line!  This was my very first time using a shampoo bar and I must say, I was very impressed.  This shampoo does a very good job at cleansing the hair and leaves the hair very moisturized.  It lathers very well and it also washes away very easily.  After washing BG "S" hair with this shampoo bar, her hair was left soft and clean...oh it smells so good!

Ingredients:
Saponified Oils of Coconut, Palm, Castor bean, Safflower; Shea Butter, Vegetable Glycerin, Purified Water, Rosemary Essential Oil, Sorbitol, Soybean protein, Sorbitan Oleate, Fragrance.

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

Obia Curl Moisture Cream

Cost: $10.00 (www.obianaturalhair.com) 

Size: 4 oz.

Scent: Light Floral
Consistency: Creamy

What They Say:
Use to add moisture and hydration to your hair.  Infused with argan oil, lavender oil, grape seed oil, vitamin E, and burdock root. Promotes hair growth without leaving your hair weighed down.

H balanced Curl Moisture Cream seals in moisture and minimizes frizz by smoothing and closing the cuticle.

What I Say:
I used this product as a leave-in/moisturizer and it did a good job at moisturizing.  It left BG "S" hair soft and fluffy.  It also gave her hair a nice sheen and it smells great.  Overall, I liked the product because it is very light but moisturizing plus it doubles as a moisturizer and twisting cream if you don't require much hold and the ingredients are nice!

Ingredients:
Purified Water (Aqua), Behentrimonium Methosulfate and Cetearyl Alcohol, Vitis vinfera (Grape seed) Oil, Vegetable Glycerin, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, Argania spinosa (Argan) oil, Gluconolactone and Sodium Benzoate, Arctium lappa (Burdock Root), Lavandula officinalis (Lavender) Oil, Cocos nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Glycine soya (Soybean) Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Oil, Triethanolamine, Fragrance (Parfum).

**** I give this product a 4.5 out of 5 Baby Curls****

Obia Curl Hydration Spray

Cost: $10.00 (www.obianaturalhair.com) 

Size: 8 oz.

Scent: Light Floral
Consistency: Liquid

What They Say:
Use daily to moisturize your hair and scalp, or to refresh your style. Infused with argan oil, rose oil, and vitamin E.  Hydrates curls, adds shine, detangles, and conditions hair.

What I Say:
This product smells great and is an excellent daily moisturizer, it brings back life to the hair.  It sprays nicely and leaves the hair soft and moisturized.

Ingredients: 
Purified Water (Aqua), Vegetable Glycerin, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Oil, Rose Oil, Cocos nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Soybean Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Gluconolactone and Sodium Benzoate, Triethanolamine, Fragrance (Parfum).

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

Obia Curl Enhancing Custard

Cost: $15.00 (www.obianaturalhair.com) 

Size: 12 oz.

Scent: Light Floral

Consistency: Thick custard

What They Say:

This alcohol-free formula hydrates, elongates, and provides super shine to all types of hair.  Does not leave a waxy residue or buildup. Infused with argan oil, grape seed oil, and olive.

Use to define curls, to smooth edges, or to aid in up-do styles.  Curl Enhancing Custard defines and conditions hair leaving it soft, shiny, and deeply moisturized. 

What I Say:
This is a great styling product, it is moisturizing and provides great hold.  It also does a wonderful job at defining your curls. I tried this product on both dry and damp hair and it works best on damp/wet hair. The only problem I have with this products is that it makes the hair a little crunchy but still a great product overall.

Ingredients: 

Purified water (Aqua), Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, Vitis vinfera (Grape seed) Oil, Argania spinosa (Argan) Oil, Carbomer, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Vegetable Glycerin, Gluconolactone and Sodium Benzoate, Triethanolamine, Xantham Gum, Fragrance.

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