Red Hair

OMG, I dyed my hair. I've always wanted to color my hair but I was worried about drying out my hair and breakage. I also worried about ruining my curl pattern.  But, I've always wanted red hair. Always. I didn't want just any red, I wanted what I like to call PHOENIX RED. I hope you can hear the drama and echo in my voice as you read 'phoenix red'. The last year has been the most challenging and painful; so, by the time I was ready add color to my hair, I felt like a phoenix who had risen from the ashes of turmoil and despair!!! (cue more drama and a slight echo)

I am happy to say that I am 100% obsessed with my hair. New hair means I would have to make a few changes to my routine. I started using Healing + Vitamin E Shampoo and Conditioner, by OGX. (CVS $7.99 ea) and the Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco Intense Moisturizing Treatment, by OGX. (CVS $8.29)

I have to say that I am really impressed with these products. The shampoo cleanses my hair without stripping it and the conditioner leaves my hair incredibly soft. In addition to leaving my hair really soft, the conditioner has excellent slip for detangling. The Argan oil intense moisturizing treatment is a wonderful bonus to the shampoo and conditioner. It promises to restore shine and softness while strengthening your hair. I feel like it's delivering on that promise so far. I love how my hair feels when I'm done washing it and the shine really is incredible.

For styling purposes, I am still in love with Shea Moisture products.

 I apply the Jamaican Black Castor Oil Reparative Leave in Conditioner (Target $10.99) followed by Coconut Hibiscus Curl Style Milk (Target $9.99) and I seal it with coconut oil. Of course, if you don't like coconut oil, feel free to use any oil of your choice. I then let my hair air dry and little manipulation and let the magic happen.

So far, I'm happy with my routine and I am loving my hair.

Random photo, just 'cause I'm feeling myself in this one. lol

                             

My Hair Routine

Some of you have been asking me about my hair routine and so I've decided to post about it. It's pretty simple and I don't see it changing anytime soon. Mainly because I am in love with the products I use.

First note, before I wash my hair, I rub my mix of olive oil and rosemary oil (pictured in the water bottle) on my scalp and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Sometimes more, sometimes less.

Now, I'm going to describe what I do to my hair after I've washed and conditioned it because, well there's nothing special about washing and conditioning my hair. It is what it is. BUT, I will tell you, I do not co-wash ever. I know, shocking. I believe the purpose of shampoo is to clean the scalp and conditioner is for conditioning the hair. I will save the debate about shampooing versus co-washing for another post that will never happen.

 The Ingredients

First, I divide my hair down the middle and keep one section to the side in a loose ponytail. I only wrap a rubber band around my hair once. That usually keeps it out of the way. Then I divide my hair into 3 or 4 sections, depending on the volume I want for the next day. In the case of this post, I divided my hair into 4 sections.

Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie and Coco Curls

I then mix equal parts of Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie and Coco Curls together, rub it between my palms and coat my hair. After my little mix has blended into my hair, I add some flax seed gel. I continue this process until I have 4 braids. I then move on to the other side of my head.

(Note: my hair dries rather quickly, so I re-wet my hair with a spray bottle of water.)
  
The Braids

I never braid my hair tightly, only loose braids will do. You can see the unbraided curls match the curl pattern in my final look. I only braid my hair enough to maintain and protect my curls while I sleep. I do not want to stretch my curls.

The Turbie Twist

Finally, if I have to go to sleep, I cover my head with my Turbie Twist. This is only if I wait too late to wash my hair. I prefer to air-dry my hair for at least 4 to 5 hours before going to sleep.

When I wake up, I gently take out my braids, give my head a few shakes (maybe a part on the side) and go.

The Finale

That is all. No seriously.
 

Coco Curls  

It's been a long time. I shouldn't have left you. No, let me stop.

I bought Coco Curls when I was at Fro Fashion Week way back in February. Since Fro Fashion Week, I have tried other products that have left me a bit underwhelmed but CoCo Curls is not one of those products. I love this stuff.

Coco Curls ($25 for 16 oz. and $15 for 8 oz.)

I bought the largest size because my hair eats everything and I thought I would blow through this like everything else. I was wrong. A little goes a long way and I can't see running out of it anytime soon. The photos are from the only container I've purchased since February. This is not to say someone else will not use more, this is just how it works for me.

Before I get into the texture and consistency, I have to tell you it's 100% natural. The ingredients include Shea butter, Aloe Vera and a host of pure essential oils. For me, this means my hair won't have a weird filmy feeling after my hair dries.

The texture is smooth and it has a thick consistency. I like to mix it with my Shea Moisture Curling Smoothie. Actually, mixing the two has been part of my new routine for the last few months. Ever since I've added this product to my routine, I've noticed my hair is softer and hydrated.  It's great to use alone to add some moisture to your hair, seal your ends, ect. I definitely recommend this product and it is something I plan on purchasing again. As soon as I run out. Whenever that will be. LOL.

http://www.cococurls.com/

Nars, Curls, Shea Moisture and L'Oreal

It's December and I am a little late on telling you what I've enjoyed in November. Eh, better late than never. Please forgive me.

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation

So, right now I am LOVING Nars Sheer Glow Foundation (http://www.narscosmetics.com, Sephora $42). Why do I love it so? I love it because my complexion can be difficult to match and this foundation is a perfect match. Also,it doesn't feel like I'm wearing foundation and it doesn't look like I'm wearing foundation. This foundation is lightweight with a medium and buildable coverage. It also claims to improve your skin with regular use. I can't say one way or another if this is true because there are too many factors that lead to skin issues and their resolution. The Sheer Glow Foundation is recommended for people with normal to dry skin. This foundation also comes in Sheer Matte. The Sheer Matte is recommended for people with oily skin. Now I have combination skin, but I bought the Sheer Glow anyway.

Look at Keven. Now look at me. Look at Keven again, and then me. What do you notice? If you guessed that it looks like I'm not wearing a ton of foundation, you are correct! I will admit the foundation is a little pricey compared to others, but the two things I will spend money on are foundation and eyeshadow. I'll run to the drugstore for everything else.

Here's one more pic.

L'Oreal Infallible Lip Color

So, I'm really loving this L'Oreal Infallible lipstick/gloss/color(CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart $11.99). It promises to stay put and it does just that. What I like most is, it does not dry out my lips. Not all long lasting lip colors can boast this feature. They may advertise it, but that definitely is not the case in real life not so much.

Shea Moisture Curling Souffle

As you may already know, am a fan of all things Shea Moisture. The Curling Souffle (Target and Walgreens $9.99) is no exception. Lately, I have been using this instead of my flaxseed gel and I love it just as much. Instead of mixing it with the Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie (Target and Walgreens $9.99), I mix it with Curls Curl Creme Brule (Target $9.99).

The Curling Souffle contains flax seed oil, coconut oil, agave nectar and other ingredients that are pleasing to my hair. I like it for the same reasons I like using flax seed gel. It's lightweight, doesn't leave my hair crunchy and it's overall natural goodness.

Please note: It can leave your hair crunchy if you use too much. Should you find yourself in a situation where you have Ramen Noodle hair, rub a little of your favorite oil or shea butter in your palms and scrunch your hair. This should soften the curls and relieve you of your noodles. Unless you like that. Hey, some people do.

If you try any of these products, let me know what you think.