Fantasia IC Heat Protectant Review

Hey there guys! I have a quick post for you all. This will be the last of 2011! I am sooo excited for this new year, I graduate in May!

Back to the matter at hand, I wanted to share with you all the heat protectant I use when I appply direct heat to my naturally curly tresses. I use Fantasia IC on clean hair, NO leave in whatsoever, and blowdry my hair using a comb attachment.

Detangled hair of course, applying to my ends first. After my hair is dry, I apply more before using my flat iron. Ceramic tourmaline. I apply more, making sure I coat my ends generously. I go over once to straighten, and again to add curl to the ends and then I pin curl. I usually leave them in until the next day and have bouncy curly hair! If I do any touchups, I use this first. And the best part of it all; I have NO heat damage.

I have done this twice to all of my hair. I first purchased this from a Kroger supermarket for about $7 or so in October of this year. I used this on my exposed hair from a sew-in I had during homecoming. No heat damage then either!

I hope you all have found this helpful! Have a safe and Happy New Year's Eve!

Xoxo, Dejah

So today is a FROHAWK kind of day!

Heading out for pedi's with my mom and sister. Gotta take care of those lower digits regardless of the season! Rough feet are for men and even then, blegh lol

Shampoo'd and Conditioned earlier with Pantene for Curly Hair. Gotta get some of my own cuz mommy isn't having that kidnap business with this stuff. I do NOT blame her either. I LOVE it! Both even comes with a pump. About $5 each and she got them from Wally World! Gotta love that place huh?

After rinsing I applied KCKT, loooove that stuff btw -best investment in a hair product hands down, and rubbed coconut oil on my scalp and in my hair after pinappling for a few hours to stretch my hair some as the perimeter dried.

Going to hit some after Christmas sales too. Hope Old Navy has beaucoup designs of jeans available cuz I'm about to go HAM! $15 ea for adult sizes and ten for kids. Hope you aren't seeing this post too late. Also wanna rack up on leggings at F21.

Later LoveBugs!

Xoxo, Dej

POTD

End of summer. Old pics show you how surprisingly far you've come on your hair journey in such a short amount of time.

Around the world

My first attempt at a halo twist. #Success

Another Random Pic

11 Months of Growth

Just got done cowashing (Tresemme anti breakage) and protein treating (aPHogee 2 minute keratin re-constructor).In a ponytail---can yall see I'm getting hangtime now? owww lol
Also, getting a sew-in as a protective style next week. My 1yr post BC mark isn't until the end of October. Although I'm not a fan of length checking, I'll be doing one to show you guys my progress before I "track it up" as I say.
Xoxo,
Dej

The Wonderful World of Castor Oil

Castor Oil. Many naturals rave about its benefits. But exactly how can I find the best use of it for my hair? I've purchased Castor Oil in the beginning of August (The same pictured to the left; 16oz from VitaminShoppe for $7.99 ---see this post). I've used it a few times, but wanting this blog to be interactive, I'd like to know how YOU all use it! =} I've been using it to seal my ends lately a la tips from BGLH and CurlyNikki, and I put some on my fingers when doing a takedown and it helps keep frizz to a minimun. I would like to learn different ways to use Castor Oil on my Natural Hair. Please leave your ways of using Castor Oil, the type you use, and opinions of .uses I can try. Xoxo, Dej

Hair of the Day 9/15/11

This is the updo I attempted to recreate this morning after checking BGLH for updos. At my University Chapel Service this morning I read the Chapel Invocation. The Royal Court of Virginia Union University hosted chapel this morning and I serve as Miss Senior 2011-2012. S/o to everyone that served/is serving on Royal Court at their HBCU =] I couldn't quite get it to stay and on a time crunch, I simply added an elastic hair band and pulled it into a low puff.

Xoxo, Dejah

Product Haul & Update.

So I've picked up some things I've been wanting for a while now. I've picked up some Shea Butter (from a local African Shop), KinkyCurly Knot Today, Jojoba Oil, Aloe Vera Juice, and two small containers to put my GrapeSeed oil in (Clear) and Castor Oil (Green). I also got a mini pill container so I can remember to take my vitamins when on the go! I have a very busy schedule this semester, so I will blog as often as possible to keep you guys up with me and my hair =] . I just got my laptop back from being repaired as well, so I will be updating soon. If you can't tell from some of my new products, I will be attempting to make KimmayTube's Leave-in Conditioner. Expect a review. I will also be trying a Clay Treatment on my hair. I will do a full product review for that product. I've used it as a facial and LOVE IT! Later everyone. Gotta finish this assignment for class! Be blessed. Xoxo, Dej

Flat twists

Every thursday at 11 my university hosts a chapel service. I'm going to be styling a flat twist out.

Vitamin Shoppe Haul

Hello everyone! Yesterday before I made my journey back down 95-S to come back to school, I stopped at Vitamin Shoppe and picked up a couple things! As you can see, I purchased Castor Oil (16 oz for $7.99) and Indian Healing Clay (1lb for $7.49). With the Bentonite Clay, I plan to use this for both hair treatments and a mud mask facial. Expect reviews soon! =}
Xoxo Dej

POTD 7/28/11

Remove the kinks from your mind, not your hair. -Marcus Garvey

Home Mixtures: The art of being a "Mixtress"

So I was over at theBlack Hair Care Blog and found an article on an interesting mix I'd like to try.
DO you prefer to mix your own products?
Xoxo, Dej

Naturals and Sew In Weaves: Protective Style Series

Hello all! Everything I have updated has posted as the day I have attempted to post so you may have to go back to older posts to view some of the new additions.

As you can see from the title of this post, I am going to use a full sew in weave as a protective style before I return to school early August.

Doing so, I have found some useful informations that can help us all out in our sewn in endeavors.

Here are some links from Thank God I'm Natural and a website named Live Strong.

Highlights from the articles:

Use silk thread as opposed to cotton to maintain moisture in your natural hair

Use a cap or net to protect your hair from direct friction of the weft from the track on your hair

Oil your scalp when it feels itchy and uncomfortable

Opt for a full sew in weave if you are going for a straighter style or one that doesn't match your natural texture (whether curled, waved, or straightened)

Happy tracking ladies!
Xoxo, Dej

Update 7-17-11

Hey there! I haven't left you guys hanging I PROMISE! There must be a glitch with blogger because I cannot update from my laptop, very zany. But anyways, here is a twist set I JUST finished using the method MissAriella89 used to stretch her curls for a W&G to elongate my twists. They were done with Taliah Waajid "Kinky Wavy Natural Herbal Formula" products. Review soon. I am going to attempt and post the drafts of posts from the past couple of weeks including the dates in the title.
Xoxo, Dej

Coconut Oil!

I need to reup on coconut oil! I may hit VitaminShoppe up to get some all natural unrefined for my hair. I'm interested in the scent. Maybe I'll buy extra to cook with: YUM!
What brand(s) of coconut oil do/have you used? Do you use refined or unrefined? Do you order online or make a store run? Have you ever cooked with coconut oil? If so, what were your experience(s)?
Xoxo, Dej

I wanna go Ayurvedic!

Okay, the title sounds like I'm a three year old throwing a tantrum, but I it is something I've been wanting to try.
Granted henna treatments are seemingly messy and take time, I want to try. I am going to go looking in my local stores for henna powders. I may make some to design my hands with henna. I've always wanted to do that too =}
Moptop Maven has a lot of info and even a post with a video tutorial and application.
Xoxo, Dej

My most random post EVER

Hey there! Just wanted to share something I've done. Only had a little coconut oil left so I took a rubber baking spatula and scooped it into an old gum case my mom recycles for storage purposes. So that's it! ☺
Xoxo, Dej

HOTD 6/29/11

Looky HERE

This is what my braidout from yesterday's POTD looked like at the end of the day. Humidity may be a friend of mine afterall. I LOVED this look! I didn't touch it or ANYTHING, it just SWELLED up like this. Pretty frickin cool, I must say. Think Dry Braidouts will be a summer staple.

POTD 6/27/11

Braid out on dry hair

POTD 6/23/11

Top view of my protective style for the week. Once I get home I'm going to make a pictorial to upload to my YT and blog post! Be on the lookout =}
Xoxo, D

POTD

Puff. I like it. But about to cowash & style hair for baby bros graduation!

Bonnets & Breakage

So I have made an observation while looking at my new bonnet. Bonnets usually
have an elastic band (as shown) or a stretchy fabric, that is not satin by
the way. Therefore posing a question in my mind; do bonnets equal breakage?
If you look closely, you can spot a stray hair on the elastic part of the
bonnet.
After thinking this, I felt it only right to wear my bonnet inside out from
now on; placing the elastic band on the outside so it does not rub against
my hair. I will be sure to update you guys on the results that come from this
observation.
Protective styling has been leaving me with less tangles, knots, and
breakage. I am hoping this behavior when wearing a bonnet will produce the
same results, along with low manipulation around my edges (i.e. tight
pulling, headbands/brastraps, puffs, tying satin scarves, etc.)

Pic of the Day 6/19/11

Hey there! I'm starting something new called "Pic of the Day" as you see from the title. This POTD is from my relaxed days clearly, and it comes with a bit of a story. It was taken back in August of 2008 when I was on my way to freshman orientation week at my University. My hair was freshly dyed jet black, only my second time EVER dying my hair. The first was blonde a month prior to that but my hair grows TOO fast and my roots were showing, so I chose color over a perm since I would be so far away from home and color touchups with my trusted hair stylist (my aunt) would be slim to none. When my hair grew back out, it was barely noticeable. Both times I dyed my hair, I used Clairol Texture Tones (The Honey Blonde, then Jet Black). Great choice of dye, the blonde doesn't contain ammonia nor bleach, and the line doesn't have a sickly smell like other dyes may.
Hope you've gained some sort of insight from this! =}

Pic of the Day 6/19/11

Hey there! I'm starting something new called "Pic of the Day" as you see from the title. This POTD is from my relaxed days clearly, and it comes with a bit of a story. It was taken back in August of 2008 when I was on my way to freshman orientation week at my University. My hair was freshly dyed jet black, only my second time EVER dying my hair. The first was blonde a month prior to that but my hair grows TOO fast and my roots were showing, so I chose color over a perm since I would be so far away from home and color touchups with my trusted hair stylist (my aunt) would be slim to none. When my hair grew back out, it was barely noticeable. Both times I dyed my hair, I used Clairol Texture Tones (The Honey Blonde, then Jet Black). Great choice of dye, the blonde doesn't contain ammonia nor bleach, and the line doesn't have a sickly smell like other dyes may.
Hope you've gained some sort of insight from this! =}
XoXo, D

Today's Hair

Took the mini twists out, added a bra strap. Voila!

My protective style before the mini-twists

Mini Twists...AGAIN

Hair Discoveries (Pt. 2)

Month 7 Post BC (Will be 8 on 6/25)
 I’m actually discovering that lukewarm-warm water rinses work better for my strands. They leave me with less frizz as well as save me the shock of ice cold water hitting my body lol
 Paying closer attention to my hair and taking better care of it is NOT so hard after all :-}
 I can keep the scissors out of my hands and away from my hair through the aforementioned: causes LESS breakage/knots
 Finger detangling works better for me; less hair lost as opposed o usage of combs of any sort
 Parting my hair (especially a straight part down the middle) is becoming easier: YAY!
 Starting to discover my staples: could I be on the road to an HG product? (Hallelujah chorus)
 JohnsonJohsnon baby shampoo is about to be the ONLY shampoo I use! Really, its GREAT for me! Plus, low cost ;-}
 Stretched hair/length/length checks are NOT that important. Patience my child. Length is inevitable, behavior determines retention!
 I still want to try Taliah Waajid's Curly Curl Crème (as referred to me by a fellow natural that is just graduated from my University: her referral lead me to my GREAT DETAGLER cuz that product was out; BLESS her!)
 I'm still trying to think of ways I want to style my hair for my 21st on July 25th!

Braids

One thing I have noticed since going natural is that my hair and I have TOTALLY different plans for it! So, my hair was tired of being in those twists. I braided my hair and washed the product out with JohnsonJohnson baby shampoo, put a bit of conditioner on the braids before rinsing, rinsed my hair, applied more conditioner, and rinsed with warm water after my shower was done. I took out the braids one by one and applied my Taliah Waajid leave in and sealed with my shea mix.
Took out the braids this morning. Didn't seperate a lot. I want a defined look for my friend's 21st birthday celebration at Mirage Nightclub in Richmond, VA!
XOXO, D

OOTD

Decided to post my outfit. Full post here.
Hair in the twists pinned up again. My protective style of the week. Easy and keeps my ahnds out of my hair! =}

Puff

My puffs are getting bigger :-)

Happy Hair

I enjoy learning new things about my hair; its texture, ways to achieve best hair days possible, etc.
So, I just so happened to stumble across this article on curlynikki penned by Karen MacIntosh. It really gave me insight into what methods work for my unique combination of hair.
Today, I cowashed with my v05, and used my "great detangler" leave in, and curling custard. Method is described in the article, it's a great read.

Update! (Long Post)

Greetings all!
I know I haven't been updating much as of late and that's because my laptop has broken yet AGAIN! *grrr* I am also taking summer classes at my University, and the schedule is pretty hectic being in class for as long as FOUR and a HALF hours! I get breaks, but boy is it draining. It also had me too busy to notice I just passed my 7month mark on May 25th! (How rude?)
I've also found myself in a rut as of late with the styling attempts. However, I have found a way to do a single twist on both sides of my hair this morning! I had used Naptural85's Twist Out Method after washing my hair with JohnsonJohnson's Baby Shampoo (the orange color one), DT with Shea Moisture Raw Shea Masque, CoWash w/ HEHH, and used Taliah Waajid's The Great Detangler as a leavein and twisted, sealing with my new oil =}
The result is above, and it is really defined. I followed her method exactly w/the exception of products used and actually washing my hair (it was MUCH needed). Oh yeah, I prepooed for at least an hour with my Coconut/Rosemary EO mix as well.
I also recently bought some grapeseed oil (which I sealed with), and am currently testing to see how my hair likes it. Personally, I'm loving it so far, but we'll see what Fro-meo thinks!
That's all for now guys, gotta get back to this paper about the history of the Euro in France, oh what fun. Later!
XOXO, D

Twist Set

I used my shea mix and curling custard. I cowashed this morning and wore a faux hawk for the day using Taliah Waajid The Great Detangler that I purchased the other day. Wet my hair in the shower tonight and started twisting.
XOXO, D

So clearly, I like change...

I did another protective style :-/
I started with intentiond of revamping the preceeding one, but decided to do a different one altogether. Flat twisted the front, chunky twists in the back. Depending on how I feel tomorrow I MAY take them out. I am definitely twisting the ends of the flat twists into a crown. I'll update with what I decided! Smooches *in my Ragine voice from Living Single*
-D

Self Inspiration

I *LIVE* for this twist! This is the exact reason why I chopped back in October. I am in LOVE with my hair. The transition wasn't for me for long. I may get frustrated with my hair, and as OFTEN as that may be; I have NO regrets. "I love my haaaaaaaair!" =}
-D

Style

Decided to give my fro a break and do a style. Flat twists going around the back with a poofy at the top. Might two strand/rope twist it.
Mommy says I look like Janelle Monae haha =}
-D

Multiple Pinapple Method

A few months back I spotted this on CurlyNikki. A reader submitted her multiple pineappling method for those of us with shorter locks. I instantly fell in love with the idea, but wasn't able to do it.
Now that I am 6 months in, I am able to gather enough hair to make this work for me. I have one at the crown, two in the back, and two in the front for a total of 5 mini pineapples. Don't forget to be gentle with your edges ladies/gents! =}
-D

Closeup on finished protective style

Tuesday night I washed my hair with the flat twists in and braided the rest of the hair. I used Organix Coconut Milk Shampoo & TRESemmé Anti-Breakage Conditioner. I partly dried with a cotton tee and then slept with a showercap under my bonnet. The next day I sported a braidout and left the side twists in after redoing them.
Fast forward to thursday afternoon, I decided to start mini twists. I had a meeting for royal court (I won Miss Senior for my University!) Then grabbed dinner and headed to work study. I finished the front half, and sported a mini puff in the back. I didn't get a chance to finish until a few minutes ago. The flat twists were a little rough looking since tuesday's wash, and I redid those as well.
Here are my results! After the tedious work I have done, I WILL be sporting this look for about 2-3weeks (or at least until finals are over). I plan to style the mini twists several ways, so be on the lookout for updates! =}
-D

Flat twists/mini twists

Protective styling. I need to take care of my beloved curls by ceasing my HIH obsession! Its getting better now I'm 6months in but I still can't help myself sometimes! Hopefully this will help =}
I used the rope twist method for the twists by twirling them before twisting. I learned from this YT vid.
-D

A Protective Style of Sorts...

My hair is the same from yesterday. I just pinned the back up and the other side and threw on this scarf!
-D

6 Months Post Chop

Today makes 6 months since I did my BC. (It is also 3 months until my 21st Birthday!)
Last night I decided to flat twist a section of my hair because I liked the idea from this video. I did a braidout on the rest of the hair and slept with a satin scarf on my satin pillowcase.
-D

Braid Out

Did another braid out. This time I did somewhat of a french braid/cornrow for more volume & definition. Didn't do many braids, no more than 15. Took me about 20 mins before bed, but only because I was put-puting around doing other things, hehe. I sprayed with some regular ol' H2O and added my shea mix to my hair then proceeded to braid. Gotta start back protective styling at night to cut back on these SSK's. They are sooo not the business!
-D

WashNGo Hair (Almost 6mo post BC)

-D

More views of my style of the week

This is another picture of the style I'm wearing. I re-twisted all of the back twists and made three out of one that had TOO much hair in it! This was the best pic I could get on my phone through the mirror to show you guys.
-D

Another Protective Style

At my University, I am running for the title of Miss. Senior. Last night, we had a ceremony called VUU (Virginia Union University) Honors which was to honor students, student organizational groups, and faculty members that students voted for, as well as special votes like student organization with the highest cumulative GPA.
Anyways, the Royal Court hopefuls were the opening act. We did a dance number, as well as introductions. We all did incredibly well! Voting is tomorrow and I am SUPER excited! The winners will be announced at the Maroon & Steele Ball on Saturady evening. I will be sure to let you guys know the results!
This is the style I had done. I will be keeping it in for about a week, definitely until saturday. Last night I slept with a satin scarf under my satin bonnet and on top of my satin pillowcase! I am a wild sleeper and wanted to be secure.
This is the video that inspired this style. I will redo the back to make smaller twists. I parted the front differently because I don't fancy straight backs on myself, its a bit too plain for my personality and liking. I also flat twisted because I cannot do cornrows on myself.

Hair Discoveries (Pt. 1)

Just a few ramblings about what I've discovered about my hair since going natural.
Month 5 Post BC

• My hair has looser curls in the back and sides, and is really thick at the crown
• There’s this one section in the front left of my head that I have to give special attention too, because it WILL get dry
• Keeping my hands OUT of my hair will definitely keep my hair ON my head!
• Protective styling=LESS SHEDDING!
That's just to name a few. I will be doing more posts updating my hair discoveries as I continue my adventures with my hair!

HOTD

Denim bow headband DIY-ed
-D

My First Braid n Curl (BNC)

I did my first ever braid out since doing the BC! I used my shea mix on my hair and sealed my ends with coconut oil. At the end of the braid, I twirled my hair around my finger to get a coil at the end. The next day I took it down, threw on a headband, and pulled some hair out in the front to create a bang effect. I loved this style!
-D

Best I Ever Had

This is the best protective style I've ever done! Result of a day old braid out. I detangled and trimmed my hair the other day that stretched my hair. I decided to style my hair since it should've been a breeze after being stretched and detangled already..and it was!
Today, I re-twisted the two large flat twists in back of my head after splitting them in half and now there is four. I braided the hair out in the middle of the front of my head and did three flat twists on either side.
I used my flaxseed gel after moisturizing with water/EVOO/RO mix and my shea mix.
My 5 month mark was March 25th! Since this was such a success, and quick to do, it will be my go to protective style. I will be experimenting with more protective styles to help protect my hair from the elements.
-D

HOTD 3-24-11

Today, I wanted something simple because I have an extremely busy day ahead of me. I simple did a part down the middle and did two flat twists to the side (gently of course to be good to my edges)I pinned the hair down in the middle with bobby pins to avoid the cowlick look, and pinned them up with my black lace hair bows with diamond accented flower in the middle. I cowashed this morning with my V05 and put my shea mix into my hair and some flax gel to hold back my edges so the style lasts all day.
Hair Bows-Forever21

College Fashion talks No Poo Method!

Hey guys. I was on one of my favorite fashion pages to check and its been a while since I have visited the site but this time I saw an interesting feature I wanted to share with you guys. It talks about no poo methods and how to maintain them. Check it out here.
-D

Mini flat twist out results from flaxseed gel & shea souffle

So here is how my hair came out. I love how it looks. Definitely my favorite flat twist out since I could flat twist again, I did them fairly small this time. My hair is not frizzy or dry and it feels great. Working on the posts of the process, but I'm mobile posting right now and I haven't mastered mass photo posts. I'm on my way to a baby shower here so I'm dressed comfy. =}
-D

I've Been Featured!

I am squealing with excitement you guys! When I woke up, I received an email of a question someone sent in to my tumblr ask box saying they saw my feature I submitted a few weeks ago to CurlyNikki. What news to wake up to! I was aware it was coming this week, I've been checking everyday like a madwoman (lol). I received a lot of positive feedback from the (currently four) comments under it. *As a tear stings the side of my eye and threatens to fall* lol!

I am nothing short of ecstatic that I was granted the chance to share a part of my life story and natural hair explorations and possibly to inspire others who are curious about going natural and finally making the decision to do the big chop. Truly a blessing from above. I believe my purpose is to inspire others and spread peace love and positivity.
If you guys haven't seen it already, here is the link.
-D

Flax Seed Gel

I purchased some flax seeds today from PathMark (my local grocery store). It cost $0.89 a packet (I have two) and the expiration date is 12/2013. Not bad, since I should put them to use by then. I used Naptural85's flaxseed gel recipe. It calls for 1/4cup flaxseeds and 2cups water. That's the consistency she prefers, but I find it a bit runny. Next time, I may use less water, but it is in the refrigerator as I type and I don't know how much it would thicken (she says it thickens as it cools).
I got quite a bit of product. I found that using a slightly thicker stocking is more effective, the thinner one I had developed a run and caused the seeds to be scattered in my gel as opposed to remaining in the sock. I recommend using a thicker sock so it wont develop a run because the seeds WILL land into your gel!
It was messier than expected, but that is why it is called "trial and error", so I know how to prepare next time I plan to go through this process.
Of course, I added my trusty rosemary essential oil to preserve my product. Since I had so much extra, I gave some for my friend to try on her hair. =}
Next time, I will use less water, and let it boil longer, both should result in a thicker gel. It's a little too watery for my taste, but be warned, I discovered through my research it will be tougher to strain. I will follow up with a pictorial of my process and results. Stay tuned!
-D
Post Updated: 3-22-11