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/

Curls Unleashed

At Fro Fashion Week, I was given a few products from the new Organic Root Stimulator line called Curls Unleashed. I must say I do enjoy these products. These products can be found at Sally Beauty Supply store and the price ranges from roughly $10 to $14. What do I love the most? Well, these products do not contain sulfates, mineral oils or SD alcohol AND the packaging is BPA free and recyclable. This line won't suffocate or strip my hair and the packaging is environmentally friendly. Everybody wins!

Curls Unleashed - Sulfate-Free Shampoo ($10.99)

This shampoo has a thick consistency but, surprisingly, it rinses really well. A little definitely goes a long way. A little going a long way simply means I won't use a lot of product washing my hair and more money in my pocket.

Oh and since I haven't mentioned it yet, yes, it smells great. This entire line smells fresh, clean and does not have that chemically enhanced sweet smell. You know, what I mean. It's that fruity smell you can't quite put your finger on, but deep down you know it's a fruit that can't be found in nature.

 Curls Unleashed - No Restrictions Moisturizing Conditioner ($13.49)

This conditioner is labeled no restrictions for a reason. It can be used for detangling, co-washing, and as a regular conditioner.  It has a thick consistency, but like the shampoo, it rinses well. After using this, my hair felt hydrated and very soft.

Curls Unleashed - Curl Defining Crème ($14.99)

Let me start by saying the Curl Defining Crème does not contain petrolatum, mineral oil, SD alcohol, or parabens. Again, no choking of the hair or stripping of moisture. In fact, in addition to defining your curls, it gives added moisture and doesn't flake. Another thing is it stretches your curls.

 I have to be honest, I like my shrinkage so I'm not a fan of products that stretch curls. On the same note, while this product does provide curl stretching, it really depends on how much is added to your hair. I don't add a generous amount; just enough to moisturize my hair. I still loved the results.

Curls Unleashed Set It Off Curl Boosting Jelly - ($13.49)

If you want a soft and flexible hold for your curls, look no further. This purple gel, in combination with the Curl Defining Creme, gives your hair definition and hold without flaking and without giving you crunchy hair. It looks like it has a thick consistency but it doesn't. It's actually pretty light. Seriously, what more do you need?

These products do not complete the line. There is also the following:

• Second Chance Curl Refresher
• No Boundaries Leave in Conditioner
• Let if Flow Shine and Define Mousse

Overall, I am satisfied with the products I've tried and I look forward to trying the others. If you decide to try them, let me know what you think.

Fro Fashion Week

Fro Fashion Week is a gathering all natural women dream of. Ok, maybe not dream, but it is an event that anyone who is interested in trying new products and learning more about maintaining healthy hair and skin shouldn't miss.

If you've never been (and you should go at least once), Fro Fashion Week is an event that takes place twice a year in Atlanta and showcases the hottest trends in hair and fashion. Not only that, but it's a great place for vendors to showcase their products.

Who was there? Why let me show you. The official Fro Fashion Week video is brought to you by Thirstyroots.com.

Hopefully I'll see you next time!