Archive for July, 2011
Mixing Products
Since I am in the land of dry air I’ve been trying different products to make my hair more manageable and soft. One day I decided to mix two brands to find out if the combination will be helpful? Chek out the outcome of my experiment below.
Enso Naturals sent me a few samples to use and review months ago, however after relocating, I recently had the opportunity to try them.
I received 2 oz size jars of their Olive & Honey Hydrating Hair Butter, Marshmallow Root Twisting Pudding and the Caca Curl Recovery Deep Conditioning Treatment. Combined with Beautiful Curls this is what I did…
- I washed my hair with Beautiful Curls’ Shea Butter Curl Activating Shampoo
- Conditioned with Enso Naturals’ Caca Curl Recovery Deep Conditioning Treatment for 30 minutes
- Before implementing the two-strand twist, I sectioned my hair in several parts and applied to each piece:
- Beautiful Curls’ Shea Butter Sculpting Wax
- Enso Naturals’ Olive & Honey Hydrating Hair Butter
- Beautiful Curls’ Shea Butter Curl Activating Leave-In Conditioner
- Enso Naturals’ Marshmallow Root Twisting Pudding
- Beautiful Curls’ Shea Butter Curl Acvtivating Cream
- Then I sealed everything in with 100% pure Argan Oil
In the morning my hair was amazingly soft. That evening, before re-twisting, I applied Beautiful Curls’ Leave-In Conditioner, Curl Activating Cream and 100% pure Argan oil. The next three nights I did not apply any more products. My hair got wet naturally in the shower. Then I grabbed clumps of hair and made two-strand twists. I didn’t even seal in the moisture and my mane remained soft, curly and manageable. I couldn’t believe it.
This happened when I was at PSO for AmeriCorps. I reposted a photo hoping to show a bit of my hair without administering products for three days.
I already told you all about my love for Beautiful Curls. However, even though I liked the results from the combination, I am not going to use Enso Naturals anymore. Enso Naturals advertise that their line contains all natural ingredients but I discovered (by reading the website) that some of the products possess a lot of alcohol and propylene glycol. Unfortunately I found this out after I used them. I trusted their word to me that their items were all natural so when I got them I did not bother to do additional research until later. Silly me. I guess I had too much going on.
My hair without appling any products for 3 days. Can you see the curls?
I Am Official!
I am officially a member of AmeriCorps VISTA!
I spent last Tuesday through Friday attending my Pre Service Orientation (PSO) designed to prepare me for my service in Albuquerque.
At PSO, aside from the workshops, what made my experience amazing were the people I met from almost everyplace in the United States.
I met a man who is a retired brick-layer. I thought he was a retired college professor. He decided to get his Bachelor degree at age 62. It took him 2 1/2 years to finish. He also has a Master’s and is now working on his Ph.D. Another gentleman has an Associate degree, spent six years in the Armed Forces, married, had a child, then somehow became homeless. He got himself out of that and is now doing more than great. There was a woman who decided to get her Bachelor degree at 60. She now has a Master’s. I hung out with a former model and retired successful business men. My roommate recently graduated from college.
For various reasons all of these people decided to be apart of AmeriCorps VISTA! I was in good company. Just amazing I tell you.
Below are a few pictures from our Swearing-In Ceremony. Check them out!
They called me HM, short for “High Maintenance.”
My roommate
Santa Fe International Folk Art Market
I had a blast at The Santa Fe International Folk Art Market. Various countries from everywhere represented their culture and art. This is the largest Folk Art Market in the world and I am so happy I was able to attend.
In the photos below I don’t remember the name of every country, I was just taking pictures, but will do my best to describe each shot.
Pottery from Africa
Peru
She’s from South Africa
She’s from Kenya
I purchased this piece from Haiti – Can’t wait to hang it in my new place. I think it is called “Pineapple” because of the hair that looks like dreads. The hair and unique face is what attracted me to it.
Mom holding a pair of booties from Peru or China
A crown from China
Henna Tattoos
South Africa
I forgot where he is from
Thanks to Argan oil and Beautiful Curls my hair stayed moist all day in the desert sun.
Americans doing African dance.
Moisture and Softness Has Found its Way Home
As some of you know since I moved to New Mexico from New York I have been experiencing extremely dry and hard hair. My hair was so dry I often told people to “touch it” because I just couldn’t believe how crunchy it had gotten.
The air in New Mexico quickly took advantage of my stresses without any type of warning. It was unbelievable. I felt totally violated. According to TotalBeauty.com Albuquerque is on a list that reveals the top 13 Worst Hair Cities in America. The city made number twelve.
In an attempt to cure my dry spell I used various products but nothing helped. I already knew about Argan oil but had not used it. However, when small clumps of hair fell out when I ran my fingers through it, I figured this was a good time to invest in the oil to find out if it was suitable for me.
I went to a local health food store and purchased a bottle of 100% pure Argan oil. A 4 fl oz bottle cost $22!! I was desperate but next time I am going to shop around for abetter price. A sales person noticed my desperation and started telling me about a product called Beautiful Curls. I heard of the founding company, Alaffia and have used their other hair care line of the same name, so I felt comfortable trying Beautiful Curls made for curly to kinky hair.
I purchased the:
- Shea Butter Curl Activating Shampoo
- Shea Butter Sculpting Wax
- Curl Activating Shea Butter Leave-in Conditioner
- Shea Butter Curl Activating Cream
I gave myself a hot oil treatment using Argan oil for 45 minutes. Afterwards I noticed some softness. Using Beautiful Curls I proceeded with my normal ritual making two strand twists and sealing everything in with Argan oil. Once my hair dried and I took out the twists I was amazed at the difference. I was shocked. My hair was softer, smoother, and the curl definition improved a great deal.
In order for my hair to maintain its softness and moisture, I use the products everyday, and I apply more than I ever did before.
I was really attracted to Beautiful Curls because it is vegan. Beautiful Curls eliminates animal testing, harsh sulfates, mineral oil, synthetic fragrances and parabens. In addition, it is Fair Trade which means a group of great individuals and organizations worked to ensure that producers in poor countries receive a greater percentage of the price paid by consumers. How cool is that?!
I give 100% pure Argan oil and Beautiful Curls 5 solid curls.
I am very happy with the results. They are my new staple products!
Meet Angela
What inspired you to go natural?
I was inspired to go natural after I saw Chris Rock’s GOOD HAIR documentary. It sadden me to hear his own daughter say that her natural hair was ugly! My daughter who was in college and didn’t have time to get her hair permed went natural. She transitioned for a year and when she blew her hair out it was so beautiful and full! We both have very fine hair and her natural hair is amazing!
Sporting permed hair
Did you transition, are you currently transitioning or did you do the Big Chop? Why did you choose to do your selected method?
I transitioned for about two months then the two textures drove me crazy so I BIG CHOPPED on June 17, 2011.
After the BIG CHOP!
This was my second attempt. The first time I didn’t have enough information about natural hair so I permed it again.
During your transition (no matter how long), which hairstyles worked for you?
I just did rod sets for my transition but my hair really grew without me messing in it. However the rod set didn’t work as well when the new growth came in!
The rod set
What is your favorite hairstyle(s)?
I just did the Big Chop but I so love the freedom of “wash and gos” And my twa is awesome. My curl pattern is unbelievable!
Which products do you like to use?
I use all Synergi products mousse, glaze, shampoo, conditioner and leave-in!
What is your hair care ritual? Do you do it yourself or do you go to a salon?
I wash my hair myself, add products, and go! I did my own BC. I love not having to sit in a beauty shop for hours!
Why do you think natural hair is popular right now? Do you think it is a fad?
People are finally realizing that we are beautiful and so is our hair!
What do you want Permed to Natural readers to take with them after reading your story?
That you are beautiful…your hair is beautiful! And it’s so amazing to be naturally free from the bondage of PERMS!
Fruits and Vegetables that Promote Healthy Hair Growth
I love to eat organic food but do not love paying the pricy prices that comes with maintaining a chemical-free diet. To help keep my food bill low, and to support local farmers, I like to join Food Coops.
I am on my way to visit, and possibly join, a Food Coop in Albuquerque. Since I am thinking about fruits and vegetables I decided to blog about a list of fruits and vegetables that are great for promoting healthy hair growth.
Check them out.
Carrots
Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which may keep your scalp healthy leading to well-conditioned shiny hair, according to Good Housekeeping. Try snacking on carrots and hummus for a healthy dose of protein, monounsaturated fat and complex carbohydrates.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits contain inositol, a type of sugar related to glucose, also known as vitamin Bh. Not only does inositol lower cholesterol and help your body break down fats, it also stops hair thinning and may protect against hair loss.
Dark Leafy Green Vegetables
Spinach, Swiss chard, collards and bok choy all contain vitamins A and C, which help your body produce sebum. Sebum, an oily substance produced by hair follicles, acts as a natural conditioner for your hair. These vegetables also have calcium and iron, two minerals needed for hair growth.
Red Bell Peppers
One red bell pepper contains more vitamin C than a cup of orange juice. Eat the pepper raw, as cooking destroys some of the nutrient content, states the University of Maine. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which increases circulation to the scalp and promotes hair growth.
Avocados
Avocados are a good source of vitamin E, which is important for healthy hair growth, according to Holistic Online. Other sources of vitamin E include olive oil, vegetable oils, nuts and seeds.
Cherry Juice
Cherry juice is a rich source of iron. Anemia is a frequent cause of hair loss, so ensuring your diet contains adequate amounts of iron may prevent anemia. Dark leafy green vegetables, dates, raisins and dried fruits are also high in iron.
Berries
Blueberries, raspberries and cranberries contain powerful antioxidants which promote hair growth by increasing circulation to the scalp. The dark pigmentation in these berries comes from healthy bioflavonoids, rich in vitamin C.
Flaxseeds
Although not technically a fruit or vegetable, flaxseeds and walnuts are excellent plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids. An omega-3 deficiency may result in a dry scalp and dull, lifeless hair, according to a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association.
Budget Van Lines and 5 Star Relocation – The Worst Moving Companies EVER!
I moved a couple of weeks ago but I have to blog about the worst moving company on earth to inform the world about how wack they are in hopes to encourage folks not to use them.
BUDGET VAN LINES along with 5 STAR RELOCATION are unprofessional and horrible to work with. DO NOT EVER USE THEM!!!
I found BUDGET VAN LINES online as a company that specialized in East coast West coast relocation. I spoke to sales representative, Alan Katz. His telephone number is 800-611-6001 ext. 7753. His email address is alan.k@budgetvanlines.com.
In the beginning Alan was very professional. He answered the telephone every time I called and when needed, followed up with an email. So with that, I felt comfortable and confident that I had selected the right moving company. I checked out BUDGET VAN LINES on BBB and found a few complaints but thought a few complaints was normal due to working with so many personalities. Later when everything blew up I found on Google a looong list of people who complained about the company. Many had experienced the same thing I am going to tell you about.
A few days before my move Alan called to let me know that 5 STAR RELOCATION, an affiliate BUDGET VAN LINES works with, was going to call to confirm my job. That was Thursday. My move was scheduled for Monday. Friday came and went. No call. On Saturday I called Alan and told him I had not heard from anyone. Alan said he would follow up. Sunday came and went. No call. Monday morning I left a voicemail for Alan because he didn’t answer his telephone. That was the first time that had happened. I started to worry. I called around pressing various extensions, leaving messages everywhere, trying to get someone on the telephone to find out if the movers were on their way. Three hours later a sales rep answered the telephone and it wasn’t Alan. I told him everything in a panic He confirmed my move and gave me the telephone number to 5 STAR RELOCATION. I called right away but could not get anyone on the telephone until 30 minutes later. David finally picked up the line and confirmed my move for that day and said the movers were still coming. He took my information to give to the dispatcher, Alex. Two hours later I called back (no one called me) and Alex answered and told me that he had the move scheduled for Tuesday instead of Monday. LIAR! I told Alex, David already confirmed my move for that day. He responded, in a blasé blasé tone, “I have it scheduled for tomorrow.” Before I knew it – I cursed him out. Then called my bank and disputed the deposits I paid to BUDGET VAN LINES.
Completely stressed out, I spent several hours calling around trying to find a new moving company that could move my stuff that evening because I had a flight booked to leave New York for New Mexico the next morning at 6:00am! With a recommendation from U-Haul I found a company that agreed to move me the next morning. I accepted it. I had no choice. Then I had to change my flight schedule. I managed to get something that left the same day in the afternoon. More stress and money!
After an hour of me calling my bank to dispute the fee I paid to BUDGET VAN LINES, someone from the company finally returned my calls – but it wasn’t Alan. I was so pissed I don’t remember what they said because I wasn’t trying to hear them.
The moving company I was able to get only moved people locally. So I had to have them transfer my stuff to a storage unit at U-Haul. Stress, stress and more stress.
Overall, the move went well and I was able to make my plane in a knick of time. The rest of my stuff will be here in August when I move into my new place. Fingers crossed everything goes smoothly.
However, I spent thousands of extra dollars that was not part of the plan to make everything happen. I am wondering if I have a law suit against sorry-ass BUDGET VAN LINES and 5 STAR RELOCATION.
What do you think?
Meet Debbie
Debbie, a gorgeous sista from Panama, shares her haircare secrets!
What inspired you to go natural?
I really wasn’t “inspired,” I simply had breakage from a perm and was like, “Forget about this, I’m not perming again!” lol
Did you transition, are you currently transitioning or did you do the Big Chop? Why did you choose to do your selected method?
I am currently on the last leg of my transition, I recently chopped of the majority of my permed ends. I chose to transition because I’ve never had short short hair and couldn’t bare to chop it all.
Was this your first attempt going from permed to natural hair? If not, how many times have you tried? What made you go back to permed hair and what made you decide to go natural again?
This is my second time going natural. The first time I was natural I always wore my hair blown out. I ONLY went back to permed hair because I moved back to my native country(Panama) and my hair would not do ANYTHING. After perming my hair the second time I was just done with it and transitioned again.
During your transition (no matter how long), which hairstyles worked for you?
Bantu knot-out.
What is your favorite hairstyle(s)?
Bantu knot-out
Which products do you like to use?
Kinky-Curly Knot Today and HENNA is god sent!
What is your hair care ritual? Do you do it yourself or do you go to a salon?
I do it myself, mostly I just try to keep my scalp clean and hair moisturized by co-washing three times a week.
What do you want Permed to Natural readers to take with them after reading your story?
That it’s not an easy journey but at the end it’s all so worth it!
My Hair is Dry!!
My Goodness!!!
I haven’t been in New Mexico a solid two weeks and already my hair has dried up like burnt ash. I guess traveling from New York to New Mexico and then from New Mexico to Georgia and back to New Mexico within seven days was a lot for my hair to handle.
However, while in Georgia my hair felt soft. When I arrived back to New Mexico my hair felt dry and crunchy-like.
I also have been outside (in the sun) then inside (in air conditioning) then back outside and inside again. Perhaps my hair is going through some sort of culture shock due to all of the sudden changes.
People in New Mexico said it is the dry air that is sucking all of the moisture out of my hair. I was told that I will have to double up on everything to keep a little moisture in my curls such as deep conditioning twice a week instead of once a week, doubling up on the amount of products I use for moisture, wetting my hair every day and sealing it in plus administering more co-washes.
I am already using good-goobs of products every night, more than I have ever used before, but so far nothing has helped. My hair feels dry and hard as if I didn’t use anything at all.
The products I am currently using are by Wonder Curl. I purchased them at the Natural’s Night Out event in New York City.
I saturate, I mean sat-tu-rate my hair every evening, with Wonder Curl’s Butter Than Love Hair Whipped, Get Slick Hair Smoothie and sometimes Get Set Hair Gel. I lock-in everything with coconut oil or Shea Moisture’s Reconstructive Elixir with sea kelp, argon oil and shea butter for dry, damaged hair.
I don’t know if I should review Wonder Curl’s products or the Reconstructive Elixir. If I do, based on what I am experiencing in New Mexico, on a scale of 1 to 5 curls, I will have to give all of the products 1/2 curl because they are just not working for me. After using the Elixir my hair is oily but their is no moisture. After using the coconut oil I get the same results, so…
But, while in Atlanta over the July 4th holiday, my hair felt a little softer but I was not really satisfied with its texture.
So in Georgia, I’ll give Wonder Curl and Shea Moisture’s Reconstructive Elixir – 2 curls.
Any suggestions on how I can maintain moisture in my hair??
