What It’s Like Being Texturized: an Update

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Three months ago, after almost six years of being natural, I decided to texturize my hair! I purchased the Silk Elements Texturizer for Sensitive Scalps. This is a no-lye, no-mix, texturizing system for people with sensitive scalps. I purchased the version for coarse hair, but it also comes in regular as well. You can see my initial application and results HERE.  I just applied my second texturizer to my hair two days ago (at the 3-month marker). Moving forward, I plan to texturize my hair every 4 months.

PROS

♥ I can achieve customized results because texturizers process less quickly  than relaxers.

♥ My hair accepts product much more easily.

♥ My strands are smoother.

♥ My hair is softer.

♥ My styling time has decreased.

♥ The manageability of my hair has improved.

♥ My hair requires less product.

♥ My hair tangles less/is easier to detangle.

♥ I don’t have to DIY all of my hair products.

CONS

– Is a chemical/mild relaxer.

– Has to be applied carefully (and properly) to avoid hair damage.

– There is a learning curve to achieve consistent/desired results, depending on the texture, density, and thickness of one’s hair (as well as one’s personal preferences toward the final look).

 

Watch the video below to get an update on what it’s been like for me being texturized, and find out whether I regret my decision.

 

Want to see how I initially applied my texturizer? Curious about my initial results? Watch the video below for the full deets!

Got a Texturizer! My Application + Results

This blog post contains affiliate links (e.g., to Amazon, eBay, etc.),  which means that if you click on one of the product links and place an order, I’ll receive a small commission. This helps support my blog and allows me to continue to create content like this.

Thank you for your support!

After almost 6 years of being natural, I decided to texturize my hair! I purchased the Silk Elements Texturizer for Sensitive Scalps. This is a no-lye, no-mix, texturizing system for people with sensitive scalps. I love that the formula contains a combination of silk protein, aloe vera, panthenol, and pro-vitamin B-5.  I purchased the version for coarse hair, but it also comes in regular as well.

THE INGREDIENTS

SHAMPOO: Water (Aqua, Eau), Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Disodium Cocoamphodipropionate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Citric Acid, Polyquaternium-7, PEG-150 Distearate, Fragrance (Parfum),Sodium Chloride, DMDM Hydantoin, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Benzyl Salicylate, Panthenol, Phenolsulfonphthalein, Vitis ViniferaSeed Oil, Silk Amino Acids, Hydrolyzed Silk

CONDITIONER: Water (Aqua, Eau), Polyquaternium-32, Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum, Huile minérale), Glycerin, Propylene Glycol,Dimethicone PEG-7 Isostearate, Quaternium-80, PPG-1 Trideceth-6, Dimethicone, DMDM Hydantoin, Fragrance (Parfum), Panthenol, Linalool, Hydrolyzed Silk, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice

PROTECTIVE GEL: Petrolatum

TEXTURIZER: Water (Aqua, Eau), Petrolatum, Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum, Huile minérale), Cetearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60, Cetyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Fragrance (Parfum), PEG-75 Lanolin, Hydroxycitronellal, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Hydrolyzed Silk, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil

 

WHAT’S IN THE BOX

1. protective gel
2. two mini jars of texturizer crème
3. two packets of neutralizing shampoo
4. one packet of luxury moisturizing conditioner 
5. instruction sheet
6. gloves

HAIR PREP

To best prep my hair for the texturizer, I applied the protective gel around my hairline, ear, and nape. Because I have an extremely sensitive scalp, I also took the extra step to base my entire scalp by dividing my hair in quadrants and applying the protective gel to each part within each section. If you don’t have skin as sensitive as mine, you can skip this step. However, if there is even a chance that you do, I highly recommend that you base your scalp to prevent any chance of a chemical burn. Also, I recommend buying better quality gloves. The ones that come in the box are okay but are quite thin.

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

I applied the texturizer, first to  the back of my hair, around my hairline and then to the front of my hair. Then, because my whole head had virgin hair, I applied the texturizer to the length of my hair.

 

RESULTS

Unfortunately, I got scared and rinsed the texturizer out too soon, so my results are pretty subtle. However, after less than one day, I noticed a change in the texture and condition of my hair. My hair accepts product much more easily now, and is significantly softer and smoother. So, next time, I will leave the texturizer in for the full length of time (maybe longer).

 

Watch the video below to see how I applied the texturizer and to check out my results.

Fact or Fiction … Can a hair serum grow your hair 2″ in ONE week?

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Thank you for your support!

 

Have problem hair that just won’t grow? Well, I may have stumbled across a solution. While browsing YouTube a while back, I meandered upon a video from one of my favorite YouTubers, Melissa Erial. She makes absolutely stunning hair tutorials. If you’ve never watched any of her flawless hairstyle creations, you’re missing out! One video in particular intrigued me. It was entitled, “GROW your hair 2 inches in just 1 week – Hair growth serum!” Needless to say I was instantly fascinated. Here’s the original vid that caught my eye …

 

The Recipe

1. Extract 7 oz. of aloe vera gel from an aloe vera plant and place it into a blender (or bowl).
   • I opted to use store-bought aloe vera gel by Fruit of the Earth instead of fresh aloe vera gel so that I wouldn’t have to store this hair serum in the fridge.
   • Otherwise, the serum will have to be refrigerated in between uses.
2. Add 3 TBSP of Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO).
   • I used “extra strength” organic JBCO from Simply Organic.
3. Add 1 tsp of vitamin e oil.
   • I used Sundown Naturals vitamin e oil.
4. Combine ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth.
   • Or, you can just add the ingredients to a small or medium bowl, like a did, and use a hand mixer.
5. Transfer contents to an 8 oz. applicator bottle.
6. Enjoy!

The Method

DAY #1: Start out on freshly washed (e.g., shampooed, conditioned, deep conditioned, etc.), detangled, damp hair. Shake mixture prior to use (if necessary). I didn’t have to do this because my hand mixer did such a good job of combining all of the ingredients. Next, part hair and apply mixture directly to your scalp.Or, you can just randomly apply the concoction all over your mane. When done, massage your scalp for 5 minutes. Comb mixture through hair. (I finger combed!) Then, style your hair as desired.

DAY #2 – #7: Co-wash mixture from prior day out of your hair. Once hair is clean, apply serum all over scalp and hair, repeating the process for each subsequent day as before (on day #1).

The Process

I decided to run a little 7-day experiment to see if I could obtain similar results as Melissa Erial. Here’s what happened …

 

 

The Conclusion

I think this strategy might work better for someone with relaxed or type 1 or 2 hair. Although my hair felt soft, stayed well-moisturized, and had phenomenal curl definition, it didn’t do much in the way of hair growth. (Sigh.) On to the next experiment …

 

Quick Tip #25: Find Products that Can Do Double (or even Quadruple) Duty!

This blog post contains affiliate links (e.g., to Amazon or eBay), which means that if you click on one of the product links and place an order, I’ll receive a small commission. This helps support my blog and allows me to continue to create content like this. Thank you for your support!

 

 

Are you a budget-conscious naturalista? A college student? Or, just want to live a more sustainable, less-wasteful life? Then, you need to make sure your products can do double, triple, (or even) quadruple duty. This is not only cost effective, but it is also a way to minimize waste. And, startup is probably much easier than you think …

 

1. Make Two Styling Products from One

Instead of buying a foaming hair styler or mousse and a separate setting lotion. Find a moisturizing setting lotion that you can pour into (1) a spray bottle and (2) container with a foam dispenser top. When you need a setting lotion, use the spray bottle to spritz your hair before roller setting, etc. When you need a lighter product, reach for the foam dispenser to add light hold to a wash ‘n go or twist-out or to foam wrap your hair.

2. Use a Multipurpose Cleanser

Sick of all the bottles of shampoo, hand soap, and body wash piling up in your beauty cabinet? Then, use one product that can be them all! Because I have a sensitive scalp and temperamental hair, I’m not much of a fan of all-in-one hair cleansers, but this is a great option for people who don’t have any scalp conditions or sensitivities that are looking to pare down their collection of beauty cleansers!

3. Use an All-in-one Skin & Hair Care Product

If you love to use hair penetrating oils like extra virgin olive oil or unrefined virgin coconut oil to moisturize your hair, you can also use them as a facial oil cleanser, makeup remover, skin moisturizer, and deep conditioner add-in. For instance, although my hair hates coconut oil, my skin loves it! I use it to make makeup removal easier. I’ll slather a teaspoon of coconut oil all over my face (while wearing makeup) and then take a facial cloth and gently wipe off my makeup. This method removes most of my makeup in one go. Next, I’ll cleanse my face to remove any residual makeup, and then follow up with a good toner. If you are someone who likes to wear a lot of makeup, wears waterproof makeup, or are like me and just have a hard time simply removing your makeup, you should give this technique a try.

I also like to keep unrefined coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil around as a backup skin moisturizer post-shower or bath in case I run out of lotion. It leaves my skin baby soft and super hydrated. I’ll also add unrefined coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil to boost the hair strengthening or moisturizing properties of my deep conditioner. In addition, both oils are great add-ins for DIY skin and hair care products.

 

There are many other ways you can reduce your beauty stash or make it less wasteful, but these three areas are a really good place to start.

SugarBearHair Vitamins: 2-month Results

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INGREDIENTS:

Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin B-6, Folic Acid, Vitamin B-12, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid, Iodine, Zinc, Choline, Inositol, Glucose Syrup, Sugar, Water, Pectin, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Natural Flavors, and (for Colors: Titanium Dioxide, Blue 1), Coconut Oil, and Carnauba Wax.

 

DIRECTIONS:

As a dietary supplement, adults take two (2) gummy vitamins per day. Chew thoroughly before swallowing. Do not exceed recommended dose. Keep out of sunlight. Store in a cool, dry place. Color may fade over time. Color changes do not affect the safety of the vitamins.

 

I just finished up month #2 of my 3-month trial of SugarBearHair Hair Vitamins. Go HERE to read my initial review and to watch a video of my first impressions. So far, I still love the taste and texture of these hair vitamins. The fact that they are gummies makes them super easy to take. And, they smell exactly like they taste … sweet!

The active ingredients of this hair vitamin complex claim to promote increased scalp circulation, expedited hair growth, and improved hair strength and elasticity. They also promise to help decrease hair breakage and hair loss, add shine, improve the moisture balance of the scalp and hair, and increase overall energy levels. While I haven’t noticed any increased energy, I have noticed that my tresses are much shinier and seem less fragile, especially at the root.

I’ve also observed that my hairline has pretty much completely filled in. I have so many new baby hairs. Yay! So, these hair vitamins are definitely working. However, I haven’t attained any “expedited hair growth.” For some reason, in the last year or two, I haven’t retained much length. My hair would grow 0.5″ one month and then break off 0.75″ the next! So, while, I’m not attaining an inch or more a month with these adorable bear-shaped hair vitamins, I am retaining SOME length finally. After almost two years of stagnated hair growth, I’m super excited about that!

 

PROS

♥ Vitamins are filling in my hairline.

♥ Vitamins are strengthening my hair.

♥ Vitamins are providing my hair with much-needed nutrition.

♥ Vitamins are encouraging new growth.

♥ My hair is more voluminous and thicker at the root.

 

 

CONS

– Not gaining an astronomical amount of length.

 

Want to know more of my thoughts about these hair vitamins after two months’ of use? Watch the video below to hear my full assessment of these gummies and to see my two-month length check.

Giveaway for Reaching 500 YouTube Subscribers (CLOSED)

 

I just reached 500 YouTube subscribers. Woot! Woot! Thank you everyone for your continued support. I am truly grateful for all of the encouraging words I have received over the years …

 

 

500 Subscribers YouTube Giveaway!
https://js.gleam.io/e.js

Heatless Blowdry: How to Stretch Natural Hair via Wet Wrapping

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Thank you for your support!

 

I’ve been trying to find ways to stretch my natural hair. Although I loved my blowout after using The HONEY BLOWOUT Treatment, I wanted to try to see if I could get similar results with a method that didn’t involve heat. Because I have very fine hair, I was worried about the long-term effects that the consistent use of heat might have on my strands. Watch the video below to see what I did and what my results looked like.

Spoiler Alert: I think I prefer the way my hair looked with the heatless option better! LOL. Let me know what you think!