Am I the only one who loves to dig up old hair photos to compare the past to the present? :)

Honestly, there's nothing like an old photo to show you how much your hair has transformed over the years! I was digging through my archive of photos and I came across this old photo of my bun back when I started my hair journey (on the left). This photo was taken approximately 1 year into my hair journey - so my hair was becoming healthier.

Seeing this photo, years later, brought back so many memories/thoughts/feelings I was experiencing with my hair, at the time. On many occasions "giving up" ran through my mind, but I'm glad I didn't. These "blast from the past" photos remind me that, I know it sounds cliche but, patience and consistency is everything!!

Never give up!

Here is a NEW video on how I moisturize and seal my 4B relaxed hair. I'm 12 weeks post relaxer in this video. I've been moisturizing and sealing my hair in sections for years. Since I started moisturizing in sections, my hair has become healthier and I retain length easier. Moisturizing in sections ensures no hairs are missed and my strands are hydrated thoroughly.
A few Hairlistas have asked me if my hair get's "wet" after using Scurl No Drip to moisturize my hair; however, my hair remains moist without the "wet" feeling. My hair type seems to respond well to glycerin based products.

Thanks for watching!!

• Apply Castor Oil to the scalp every other day followed by a scalp massage (2-5mins focusing on damaged areas)
• Adding 1-2 tsps to a weekly deep conditioner

Protect your hair this Winter with a few of my favourite tips from my "Winterized" hair regimen!



1) Increase & intensify your deep conditioning sessions
Amp up your conditioning sessions this season by deep conditioning for 30-45 mins long using a heat source i.e. steamer, heat cap or hooded dryer. As an extra treat for your tresses, add some penetrating oils (olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil) to nourish and strengthen your hair and scalp.

2) Use Heavier Sealants
Provide your hair with an extra layer of protection by sealing with a thicker oil. Sealing with a thicker oil after moisturizing will lock in moisture for longer periods of time helping to maintain the integrity and health of your ends.

3) Hide Your Hair
Shield your hair from the harsh winter weather and tuck it away! Frequent exposure to winter weather may create dryness and split ends which will lead to breakage. Opt for styles where your ends aren't exposed to the elements i.e. Buns, updo's, weave, wigs, braids etc.

4) Wear Satin Lined Hats
Brisk weather can dry out your hair quickly! Invest in a satin lined winter hat to protect your hair and combat dryness.

5) LOC/LCO method
Preventing moisture loss is essential when combatting dryness. Using liquid, oil, cream or liquid, cream, oil layering method, for locking in moisture, will ensure your hair remains hydrated for longer periods of time during this dry winter season.


What are you doing to protect your tresses this winter season?

Not to mention, the clip ins were tangle free and light weight - my hair didn't feel weighed down; however, it added extra body/fullness to my relaxed hair!

• 100 % Royal Remy Human Hair
• 1B Natural Black
• 18" inches in length
• 200g of Thickness

As a treat, use the discount code below and you'll get 10% off your purchase of the Irresistible Me 100% Royal Remy Human Hair Clip In Hair Extensions :) Enjoy!

Discount Code: IrresistibleHairlicious

Visit: http://bit.ly/IM_Hair1505

Have you tried clip-ins before? Do you like them? Let me know your thoughts :)

Happy December Hairlistas!! So the countdown to Christmas has officially begun and I'm excited :) Not only do I have my wishlist ready with a few goodies I cannot wait to try, they are also all under $30.00. These items are affordable and will pamper any Hairlista with fab Holiday hair. Check'em out!

1. Tress Guard

Are you a healthy hair fanatic? You love bone straight hair but not interested in the possible damage direct heat can cause on your hair? Same here!! Well Tress Guard has developed a silk barrier between your hair and flat iron that will protect your hair from the heat. Clever huh? Now I can enjoy guilt free heat-styled hair over the holidays!

tressguard.com - $19.99

2. Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow & Restore Treatment Masque

Not only has this masque accumulated rave reviews but it contains JBCO and I’m a huge fan - as you should know! This masque is designed for chemically processed hair as it restores strength, moisture and, as a bonus, the peppermint oil will tingle your follicles helping to promote growth! I’m sold!

sheamoisture.com - $12.99



3. Hercules Magic Star Jumbo Rake Seamless Comb



If you haven’t heard by now, seamless combs are the way to go! Because of the way Seamless combs are designed, they help to reduce shed hairs, split ends and breakage when combing – leaving more hair on your head! It’s perfect for detangling long or short hair - safely. It’s definitely a “must-have” item for me.

hotcombs.net - $19.50

4. Hicks Total Transformations Hicks Edges Gel
Everyone wants edge perfection when styling they’re hair for a sleek smooth look. No need to look further! I’ve been “eyeing” this edge tamer for a while and from all the reviews I've heard, it seems to live up to its promises providing a firm hold and super shine without flakiness or residue. Count me in! I'm all about flawless edges for the holidays!

amazon.com - $12.99

5. Hot Head Deep Conditioning Microwaveable Heat Cap


I’m a champion for regular deep conditioning sessions but if you’re always on the go like me i.e. doing house chores, cooking, cleaning etc. then this heat cap needs be an item on your Christmas hair wish list, too.

Hot Head Heat Cap is a handmade terry cloth microwaveable heat cap with renewable flax seed that will generate heat when warmed. Just simply pop it into the microwave for a few seconds and put it on your hair for 30-45mins for gentle moist heat.

Gone were the days of cords, plug-ins and outlets.  Why not be set free and have fabulous healthy hair while doing it!

etsy.com - $29.95

What's on your Holiday Hair Wish List this year?

#1 ORS Monoi Oil - Anti Breakage Edge Control Hair Gel  - $5.59 USD/ $5.99 CAD
ORS Monoi Edge Control Gel features healthy omega 3 and omega 6 in addition to antioxidants that protect hair from breakage, leaving hair strong, long, and beautiful.
Pro:

• Tropical fragrance
• Thick consistency
• Slicks down edges
• Great for fine and/or flat ironed hair

Cons:

• Temporary hold for kinky/coarse hair

Coconut Shea Control Glaze Edge Gel provides a firm, manageable hold along the hairline and/or hair shaft to preserve desired styles. Lightweight formula will not create build-up.
Pros:

• Fresh Coconut scent
• Firm/tight hold that lasts for long periods
• Great for kinky natural hair and relaxed hair (type 4) styles i.e. high puffs, ponytails, buns etc.
• Adds sheen
• No build up

And the Edge Tamer Winner is......Eden Body Works Coconut Shea Control Edge Glaze! I've fallen in love with this edge tamer over the past several months. It slicks, smooths and tames my type 4 edges without build up and it lasts longer than the average edge tamer product.  The only downfall is the price ($20.00 @ HoneyFig.com) for us Canadian Hairlistas. I bought mine in the US, so it was cheaper but hopefully the price will change. Side note: I'm still a lover of my ORS Olive Oil Edge Control, but the EBW Control Edge Glaze has won my heart over.


What is your favourite edge tamer? and Why?

 On this wash day, I deep conditioned on dry hair overnight (the BEST EVER!!!) with:

• Keracare Humecto Creme Conditioner
• Aussie Moist Smooth
• 2 tsps of Tropic Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil
• 1 tsp of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 tsp of Coconut Oil

How was your wash day experience? What did you use?

If you haven't been following the #LovingMyRelaxedHair series, you need to check out this showcase featuring 12 relaxed haired beauties!!  #LovingMyRelaxedHair aims to appreciate and celebrate relaxed hair - its health and beauty. Enjoy!!

It's the end of the month!! Creme of Nature and I are hosting a 5 day giveaway (October 30th - November 3rd @ 11:59PM EST) to celebrate the #LovingMyRelaxedHair Series!

The giveaway prize will include the following: 
♡ Creme of Nature Straight From Eden Relaxer
♡ Four (4) Creme of Nature Hair Care maintenance products
♡ One (1) Creme of Nature T-shirt

 Winners must be 18 and older and in the continental US. No purchase necessary to win. 

Introduce yourself! what's your name? where are you from?
Hello My name is Antoinette. I am a wife, & mother of 2 (boy/girl). I grew up as a ‘military brat’ so I am from ‘Everywhere”(fun fact: I was born in Germany). I moved to Ohio in 2005 after I graduated from Morris College in South Carolina (I have a Bachelors in Business Administration). I currently live in Ohio – so I call this home.

How would you describe your hair? What's your hair type?
Before I started my hair journey (January 2011) my hair was thin, but over the years it has thickened up tremendously (which I love). I’ve never really been interested in hair types, so I’m not sure what my type may be.

When did you start your relaxed hair journey? What is your hair regimen? Share a few of your "go-to" hair products.
I started my Hair Journey January 2011 at neck length. My hair was not damaged when I started my hair journey but I just wanted to grow it longer. I knew that in order to achieve healthier hair, I needed to practice healthier routines (i.e. not relaxing every 4-6 weeks, wearing protective styles etc).

My Regimen 
Wash days are Sundays! I pre-poo with Jamaican black castor oil  mixed with peppermint essential oil. I add this mixture to my scalp only. I then apply a light protein conditioner to the ends of my hair and put on my heating cap for 30min. I shampoo with Keracare hydrating and detangling sulfate-free shampoo.

I then use a t-shirt to squeeze out access water and apply a moisturizing deep conditioner – Kurlee Belle Banana Nut & Avocado Deep Treatment (this helps to balance my protein/moisture) for 30 minutes under my heating cap. I always add an oil to my deep conditioner mixes i.e. EVOO, EVCO, Grapeseed oil (whatever natural oil I grab first).

After rinsing out my deep conditioner, I t-shirt dry for about an hour. I later apply my leave-in conditioner (MuraMura Moisture Milk by: PuraBody Naturals) and lightly detangle with a wide tooth comb.

I air dry 90% of the time. I typically flatiron and/or blow-dry once every 2 months. I wear protective styles (bun w/my own hair) 90% of the time. I relax every 4-5 months. I moisturize and seal (Grapeseed Oil & MuraMura Moisture milk) every 2 days with a bonnet covering my hair at night.

I have never been into sew-ins, wigs, braids. I have nothing against them, I actually think all the different styles are pretty; it’s just not for me. I always joke around by saying, "I stretch cold turkey". I think stretching ‘cold turkey’ helps you to understand what your hair likes/dislikes. It definitely takes extra work and patience.

What #1 hair tip you would pass on to other relaxed haired ladies who are starting their hair journey?
STRETCH your relaxers! It’s soo much healthier for your hair in the long run. I used to relax every 4-6 weeks. After all the knowledge I've learned about my hair - and having a lot of patience - I can now go 5 months in between each relaxer.


Nowadays it's becoming more uncommon to see relaxed hair or products geared towards relaxed hair. Do you feel the pressure to go natural? Why or why not? What are your thoughts on the natural hair movement?
I definitely don’t feel the pressure; as a matter of fact, the MAJORITY of the products I use are geared towards naturals OR have all natural ingredients. My relaxed hair LOVES natural products. My go-to Moisturizer/Leave-In is by PuraBody Naturals – MuraMura Moisture milk. The natural hair movement is really popular in the hair community these days. However, relaxed hair can be just as healthy & versatile. It’s just a personal preference that shouldn’t get knocked down either way ..if you choose to be natural or relaxed. Just embrace your hair & do what works best for you.

Why do you choose to remain relaxed while many are transitioning back to their natural hair?
I choose to remain relaxed because it works best for me and my lifestyle.

What do you absolutely love about your relaxed tresses? And why?
I absolutely love how HEALTHY my relaxed hair is, and the length I’ve achieved over the years. My relaxed hair is very versatile. I can wear buns, braid outs, bantu knots, straight, curly, & ponytails.


Let's Be Friends!
Hairlista Profile: Antoinette Instagram: @aricedotcom

1) Apply Castor oil to your scalp every other day followed by scalp massage (2-5mins focusing on damaged areas)

2) Add 1-2 tsps to your weekly deep conditioner.

This time around, I decided to focus more so on specific areas in my hair i.e. edges, hairline and nape. These areas are typically the weakest areas and the most vulnerable to breakage/thinning.


What I've been doing:



What I've noticed:

Introduce yourself! what's your name? where are you from?
Hello Lista's! My name is Stephanie. I'm originally from Westchester, New York, and currently reside in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

How would you describe your hair? What's your hair type?
My hair type is 3a/3b. I occasionally suffer from dry scalp and I'm protein sensitive.

When did you start your relaxed hair journey? What is your hair regimen? Share a few of your "go-to" hair products.
I started my hair relaxed hair journey March 30, 2014. My hair regimen consists of:

• Shampoo with a sulfate free shampoo and use a deep conditioner once a week with heat
• Moisture and Seal every other day with Giovanni Weightless Direct Leave In and my oil of choice
• Scalp Massages weekly
• Use Aphogee Green Tea Reconstructor Spray on wash days
• Use a silk bonnet or scarf at night
• Relaxers every 9-10 weeks
  
  
  My"Go-to" Hair Products: 
• Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo
• Giovanni Direct Leave In Weightless Conditioner
• ORS Olive Oil Replenishing Conditioner

My oils of course: EVCO, EVOO, almond oil, avocado oil, and JBCO

What #1 hair tip you would pass on to other relaxed haired ladies who are starting their hair journey?
Clip your ends on a regular basis! I think this is one of the biggest reasons why I am able to retain length without any major setbacks. I have a weak area in the back of my hair, so I make sure to pay close attention to that spot.

Nowadays it's becoming more uncommon to see relaxed hair or products geared towards relaxed hair. Do you feel the pressure to go natural? Why or why not? What are your thoughts on the natural hair movement?
I can honestly say, I don't see myself going natural anytime soon. With my busy schedule, I think going natural at this point will require too much maintenance and time that I don't have much of. I love my relaxed hair. At the end of the day, whether its relaxed or natural it doesn't matter, as long as its healthy!

Why do you choose to remain relaxed while many are transitioning back to their natural hair?
This journey for me was my own little personal challenge, something that I wanted to see if I could do. I really want to show my friends and other young girls that relaxed hair can grow with patience and the proper care.

What do you absolutely love about your relaxed tresses? And why?
I love all the different styles I can try out from curly to buns. I think its versatile.

Let's Be Friends!
Hairlista Profile: Stephanie Instagram: sweetestgirl_88