tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22656356481862047602024-03-18T20:14:26.722-07:00SwtndSpcy's Adventures in Wavy-hoodThis is just me sharing my obsession: HAIR! I had straight hair all my life, until my late 20's when it started turning wavy. I hated it, until I learned how to take care of it and style it. It's been a journey, but now I love my waves, and even though I may get frustrated with them, I wouldn't trade them for straight hair for anything.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06108972362477855336noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2265635648186204760.post-79813163214167365582015-09-14T13:30:00.002-07:002015-09-14T17:31:14.330-07:00Sweet Curls Elixirs New Product in development The first product is a request for a dupe of Curl Enhancing Jelly, which is no longer available since the shop's closing. I am very close to having enough to purchase those ingredients.<br />
The second is a line of leave in hair rinses that would address a variety of concerns, such as moisture, detangling, volume, itchy scalps, and oily scalps.<br />
I have always relied on shop revenue to expand the Sweet Curls line, but due to my medical concerns, this hasn't been possible of late (co-pays and such for a number of ER visits and medications). So I have set up a gofundme campaign to help pay for ingredients that I need.<br />
I am of course offering rewards to those who choose to donate, which is explained on the campaign page.<br />
Please Visit<br />
<a href="http://www.gofundme.com/mex86qwc">http://www.gofundme.com/mex86qwc</a><br />
<br />
Liking and sharing to your facebook page also helps spread the word!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06108972362477855336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2265635648186204760.post-2290918687021847792015-03-23T15:01:00.000-07:002015-03-23T15:01:11.265-07:00The nature of an invisible and chronic illness...I make no secrets that I have chronic illnesses. I think it's important for me to be up front with all of you about that.<br />
I have lived with Crohn's disease for 16 years. More recently I was also diagnosed with Lupus and Fibromyalgia. Most of the time I manage. I never feel "well". But I'm sort of used to that.<br />
And that's kind of the problem. I'm used to it. How do you when you are developing potentially life threatening complications when you always feel like crap? In my case, because I have had SO many complications, it gets harder to tell. My body is wired for pain all wrong. Pain I should feel for serious issues... well, my body is used to that pain, and it never feels as bad as it did the time before. The first couple of times I had an obstruction (with the first time not even being a fully closed off obstruction, it was partial) I felt like I was dying. I KNEW. The 3rd time... I was sicker than normal, in more pain than normal. But it wasn't the white hot agonizing pain of a thousand white hot hands griping my intestines like the previous times. So I knew something was wrong, but I wasn't sure what. The fourth time, still less pain. Again, sicker than usual, more pain than usual, but I thought it might just be a flare. Flares are nothing. Flares I can deal with. But it wasn't a flare. More complications.<br />
And this brings me to the reason I am writing this post. Recently, as some of you know, I was very, very sick. In and out of the hospital. Still sick. I was very sick for almost a month and half. I thought for the first couple of weeks, it was a flare. I can deal with those. Just give me a crap load of prednisone! But it wasn't. My bowel had perforated. I am sure most of you can guess this is dangerous and life threatening. In normal circumstances, emergency surgery is usually performed to lessen the risks of peritonitis and sepsis. But I'm not normal. I have already had quite a bit of my intestines removed. The human body, even in an over developed immune state such as mine is, is still quite a marvel. In order to protect itself, it had formed a wall of sorts around the perforation. This was a huge blessing in most respects. It allowed time for "medicate and wait". Which is pretty awesome when the last thing you or your doctors want is to cut into you to remove more of an organ that is starting to dwindle (and definitely showing signs of Malabsorbation and Short Bowel Syndrome). So the approach worked.. kind of. The hole closed up. Which is great. BUT.... I still had lots of inflammation and damage from the perforation that wasn't healing.<br />
The last thing I wanted to do was to go back to the ER. I tried, guys. I really did. I would be so very sick and still trying to get orders done, or at least oversee my helpers so things could be sent out. I ignored the fact I still couldn't eat (it had been a month at that point, only eating some soup or a few bites of something here and there). I ignored the fact I was getting weaker. I ignored the pain. I tried to go to the grocery with my mother, and almost didn't make it out of there. After three more days of me being that sick, my mom insisted. I was resistant. I didn't want to. I had things to do. I had customers that already had orders that were getting ridiculously late. So I did the only thing I could think of to do... I made a gallon of Flax Gel and gave instructions to my son on how to finish it. I had to trust he could do it, because I couldn't.<br />
Then things got scary. I arrived at the ER, barely able to even walk in the door and stand at the reception desk. They got me a wheelchair, and started the intake. But... then... they took me right back. No waiting. No hesitation. Right back into a room where I was immediately put on a heart monitor and oxygen. In no time at all, I had seen a Dr., was given fluids, had a C/T, more tests. Another Dr. Then another. I was freaking out. THREE Dr's. In all my time as a Crohn's patient... I've never had three Dr's consult on my case before I even left the ER. I knew I wasn't going home anytime too soon then. Things unfolded in bits and pieces, really. My potassium was critically low. Ok. I deal with that literally all the time. So I wasn't too worried about that. But, oh yeah, we've been pumping you full of it, and you're not showing much improvement. So we discovered your magnesium is low, too. Then, my first night there... my muscles locked up. My entire body felt on pins-and-needles asleep and I couldn't move most of me. The parts I could move were with great effort. Another blood test revealed my calcium was also critically low. Oh, yeah, and my protein and iron. Was there more? I can't even remember at this point.<br />
So another week in the hospital went by. When I was released this last time, I did feel better than I had in a while. But I was very weak. And my house was a mess. We were out of almost every product. And I was too weak to even be sure I could get upstairs and get a shower by myself when all I really wanted was a long hot shower.<br />
But enough about all that. I'm not telling you this for any other reason than to let you know this next part.<br />
I cried a lot. Not about me. About my customers. I would lie awake worrying about all those orders that were so very late. They insisted on day 5 that I take a sleeping pill because I hadn't slept at all in those 5 days. I wanted so badly to get home and make things right. I was mad at myself for not being able to do more when I did get home. I would overdo it then spike a fever, then cry.<br />
I seriously considered refunding everyone and shutting down. I was a failure.<br />
But my niece, the wonderfully hard worker that she is, worked and worked to get me as caught up as she could. My kids helped out quite a bit, too. But she went above and beyond. And I love her. For so many reasons I love her, but her help with the shop will always be one of the most heart touching things she could have ever done for me.<br />
<br />She got me through until I was at a place where I felt like I could handle things again. Today is the first day in the week since I was released this last time that I woke up and felt.... good. (Well, ok, I didn't actually wake up feeling good, it took about 3 hours. But I'm not being nit picky). <br />
Things are ALMOST all caught up. Just a few more that are pretty late to go before I get into the ones that are a few days over, and those are mostly the sample sets because they are so time consuming (my son cusses me every time he picks up an invoice for a sample order. LOL). I hope to get those last few out tomorrow (I was aiming for today, but the mail came before I could get them all done). <br />
I want thank each and every one of you who have been so patient and understanding during this crazy unexpected mess. I strive for a day when things might stay under some kind of control for more than a year (it hasn't happened in the last 5 years... but I don't give up hope. My Crohn's HAS been under control before. I am determined it will be again.)<br />
To any customers of Sweet Curls Elixir's to whom this information is new, I just ask that you keep in mind, that while I may have set backs, getting orders out is always in the front of my mind. I truly do love my customers. I love making products that you don't have to spend hours reading the labels on 20 different things just to choose one that has most of you want, and doesn't have most of what you don't want. <br />
Ah, anyway, so that is the nature of my invisible illnesses. They do what they want, when they want, with or without warning. They beat me down for a while. They think they won. But then I remember I am more than my disease. <br /><br />So let me leave you with memes.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06108972362477855336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2265635648186204760.post-66524200883334105332015-01-16T20:51:00.000-08:002015-01-16T20:51:05.969-08:00Now that it's been nearly 4 years....I have been meaning to write this post for a long time, but just haven't found the time. Very soon, in May I believe, will mark my 4 year Curly Girl anniversary! Has it really been that long? Wow...<br />
The reason I bring up my CG anniversary is because for this last year or so, my hair has been drastically different. It all started when I hacked off almost 4 inches of hair, which I truly think must have been the very last of my pre-CG hair. (It was really long....)<br />
The number one difference I have noticed is that, it seems less porous. It is staying well hydrated as opposed to drying out over time as it had in the past. This is truly strange for me. I have been so used to working hard to keep my hair moisturized that now that it doesn't need so much moisture, I find myself a little lost. Co-washing is now too much for my hair. I now wash with a gentle low-poo instead of co-washing. I don't need to do oil pre-washes anymore. I use 1/4 of the amount of conditioner I used to. Even with all these changes, my hair still seems overly soft a lot. I am just not used to this.<br />
Another major change is that the hair at the nape of my neck is healthier, smoother, and no longer gets tangled if I move my head wrong. That area also used to be plagued with splits. I would have to do a search and destroy every week just to keep the splits in check. Speaking of splits, they are almost non-existent in the rest of my hair, too. My canopy, especially in the front, used to split quite often. I just noticed a few splits the other day after not touching my hair with scissors for months.<br />
I knew CG was working for me all along, but I had assumed the way my hair was prior to those last 4 inches being cut off was just the way it WAS. I now find myself starting the journey to learn my hair all over again. I don't know how often to do a protein treatment, deep condition, clarify etc. It's pretty exciting, really.<br />
The point of this post, however, is to impress upon you to keep at it! Just when you think your hair may be the best it's going to get, it may surprise you and get even better! It really is just a matter of time. So keep up with your pre-wash treatments, your protein treatments (for those who are not protein sensitive), and your deep treatments. Try stretching out the time between washes, too. If you usually wash every other day, go for every 3. Keep getting regular trims, and if you can stand it, cutting off a few more inches of the old pre-CG hair. It is important to keep trimming/cutting off the older more damaged parts because damage has a tendency to spread. Splits get bigger, more frayed, and catch on other hairs creating friction which can damage hair even more, not to mention creating more frizz because the damaged hair can't "lay" properly. <br />
If you find yourself getting discouraged, overwhelmed, or just need a little encouragement, I encourage you to join The Wavy Hair Community on Facebook (please read the rules and the "how to join" posts!). The ladies there are always great, and welcome all textures of hair from beachy waves to tight coils.. we love it all and don't discriminate (but be prepared for major curl envy if you have coils...) That group has helped me through so much with my hair, I can honestly say that this approaching anniversary would not be possible with out them. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06108972362477855336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2265635648186204760.post-21382329569507470422015-01-16T14:00:00.001-08:002015-01-16T14:00:43.545-08:00I haven't posted in a long time.. but...I don't know how many of you know about <a href="https://www.influenster.com/" target="_blank">Influenster</a>, but it's pretty great, Basically, you connect all of your social media accounts to it. You do some activities on the website, and every once in a while, they will send you a pre-qualifying survey for a VoxBox. What's a VoxBox? It's FREE STUFF. The catch? You have to review the products, and help promote them among your social media accounts. And that's why I am posting about Influenster now.. because I received the Influenster #TryDry VoxBox, and now it's time for a review.<br />
In my #TryDry VoxBox, I received Dove Nourished Beauty 48 hour Dry Spray.<br />
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Now, I have been using Secret Invisible Solid for YEARS. It has been my HG deo. I never liked sprays. I felt like I had to walk around with my arms out forever waiting for it to dry. Isn't the point of an anti-persperant to AVOID wet pits? Yeah... gross feeling. I had my doubts this spray was actually "dry spray" I figured it might dry faster than I was used to but I was sure I would get icky wet pit feeling at least at first. I was wrong. It totally lived up to it's name. It never, ever felt wet to me.<br />
Another feature of antiperspirant/deodorant that I am pretty picky is scent. I checked out the Dry Spray on the <a href="http://www.dove.us/Products/Deodorant/Dry-Spray/dryspray.aspx" target="_blank">Dove Website</a> and yes, it does come in other scents. However, this one is surprisingly nice. Fresh and nuetral, not the baby powder scent I love, but still pretty nice. This one is sort of a light powdery floral. I don't usually like floral, but it reminds me a bit of Awapuhi, which is such a fresh clean floral that it almost not floral. Another win for Dove Dry Spray.<br />
As for how proformance... it's pretty outstanding. It does live up to it's 48 hours claim (providing you aren't getting too sweaty during that time). It also left my pits feeling soft and mosturized, and did not sting freshly shaved skin. What?! Yep, you heard me (or read me... whatever)! It really did not sting.<br />
The last thing that has sold me on this is that with my previous deo, sometimes (especially in summer) it could sometimes feel a little heavy or gunky. You definitely knew it was there. It really was invisible, but you could still FEEL it. Not so with the spray. It really feels like nothing at all. <br />
The only con, but kind of a big one... is the aerosol can. Yeah, I know, it wouldn't be dry spray any other way. But I feel guilty every time I spray it.<br />
So the big question for me I guess is, are all the pros enough to outweigh the con? I am undecided on that at the moment, honestly!<br />
I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06108972362477855336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2265635648186204760.post-60011213811229609312014-04-29T09:14:00.001-07:002014-04-29T09:14:44.887-07:00A "what's in the works" postI have a ton of ideas rattling around my brain, as well as many requests from customers about what they'd like to see at Sweet Curls Elixirs.<br />
So I thought I would compile a list of things that are "in the works". Some further along than others!<br />
<br />
Currently in development - protein treatments, low-sulfate shampoo, healthy scalp oil scrub, super light detangling leave in moisture spray or gel, A Flax/Okra gel and a Flax/Okra Serum<br />
<br />
Next up: dry shampoo and no-rinse foam shampoo, oil blends for hair types/function (fine hair, damaged hair, etc.)<br />
<br />
Others: a molding wax or pomade of some sort, a CJ curl Queen dupe w/o wheat<br />
<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06108972362477855336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2265635648186204760.post-52874730509786857872014-04-25T19:10:00.001-07:002014-04-25T21:11:06.770-07:00Battling post cut curl shock and update on where the sam hill my instruction vids are!First, let me address the promised how to vids I have promised so many times. I tried and tried to start, but I always come to some sort of impasse in the middle. My problem is, while curl pattern; hair length and other cosmetic variations of curls mean next to nothing when formulating a product, they DO have a lot to do with product application and technique. So I was always forced to stop and wonder if I was presenting the product with enough information for everyone. How could I, a wavy who sometimes needs a lot of help to get my wave to do the right thing (as if I could ever make them do anything, but I still try) give hair product application advice to the 4's in a video when I clearly do not have type 4 curls. I can spit back information I have been told, of course. Which is what will most likely happen, as I do not know any 4's who would come be my hair model for that type. And if I did have a video for each type.. well, that's just a lot of videos.<br />
I have been trying to come up with a good series that has as much info as possible without requiring me to film 30 (probably long) videos. Besides, would you really want to watch that? <br />
So I think I will make an introduction video explaining the role that curl type has in application and technique. Then I will make a video for each product as I use them, trying to note as I go where a different type may want to try something else. Now that I think I have the logistics figured out, I will begin trying again. But I will note one more time, I really hate myself on video. UGH!<br />
<br />
Now, back to our regularly scheduled post.<br />
<h3>
Battling post cut curl shock.</h3>
We all know how it goes, right? You go in to get a hair cut, excited because you expect your hair to look fabulous afterwards, only to be faced with limp lackluster waves and curls for a few days (or more, at times). <br />
How can you quickly put a spring back into the step of your curls?<br />
You need one day where you do not care how wild your hair is going to turn out. Because it will. You have been warned. Next, follow a wash and style routine focused on lightweight products. Sulfate wash if that's what your hair wants. (Waves and curls who have gone limp, often respond to a sulfate wash.). If your hair likes protein, give it all it wants. Do as heavy duty protein treatment as you dare. Protein will help reform and support those curves (if you are intolerant to protein, please skip!). Give it lightweight moisture. It doesn't matter if it's a light rinse out revved up with lots of honey, or a completely DIY avocado/oil/honey mask. Just get that moisture in there, but with as light a combo as you can manage.<br />
Next comes the fun! Use the hardest hold lightest stylers you have. Mousse is often good for this. It is lighter than gel while a lot of them still give a pretty crunchy finish. Do not fear the crunch. Your hair needs it right now. Now, scrunch. Scrunch. Scrunch some more. Do NOT worry about frizz right now. Do NOT worry about spaghetti clumps. Do NOT become alarmed if you start to look like a lion in a wind tunnel. Seriously. I'm not joking. Now, use the clipping style that gives you the most curl and volume at the root. For me it is medium sized jaw or octopus clips. Lean over, scrunch again. If things have started to fall, wet your hands and scrunch in some more mega hold whatever in there. Ready? Ladies, start your diffusers! (NASCAR reference, shush, I live in Indiana... you can't get away from it here). Diffuse for volume and curl. Not clumps and frizz control. This means you will be less careful, you will move it around more to catch each section before it starts to fall. Diffuse upside as much as possible, but move upright often too so the underside doesn't start to fall. Are you seeing the goal here? You are scrunching in the wave and curls at their curliest, then you are locking them in by quickly drying them and holding them there with some mega hold crunch. <br />
I personally prefer to leave the crunch and let dissolve naturally during this process, so the waves stay as wavy as possible. I don't normally mind because like I said, I did not just style my hair to be actually presentable at this point. I just need to remind my hair of who it is. This usually only to me when I take off quite a bit of hair. It's like the waves get scared if they show up they'll be chopped off, too. (LOL, no, in all honesty it's because my ends are always curlier, and it seems the "new" ends need to be told they are the curliest part now. That's my theory on mine, anyway)<br />
I can now re-style the next day and my hair will remember what it's supposed to do. <br />
*UPDATE*<br />
I forgot a couple of other things that often help perk up waves and curls. One is an acid type rinse. Apple Cider Vinegar or Citric Acid are used for this. These are usually more helpful if the limp locks are due to build up, but I think some hair just responds to having the acidity "reset". Use distilled water, and add a small amount of ACV or Citric Acid. Use this rinse as your final step in the shower, leave for a few minutes then rinse. Some prefer to leave the rinse in and let it dry. I suppose that's fine if that's your thing. The vinegar smell will dissipate as hair dries.<br />
The other is magnesium sulfate. I know one wavy who uses tons of it and swears by it. If you are new to it, however, go easy at first as it can be drying!<br />
You could add a small amount to your shampoo or conditioner. You could make a rinse like the acid rinses above, only you will leave this one in. You can add anywhere from 1/4 teaspoon to a whopping tablespoon to 8 ounces of distilled water. Apply stylers after the rinse.<br />
You can make a spray (there are many many sprays out there from commercially available actual bottled sea water in which the curl activation is sodium sulfate, or sea salt. To thousands of DIY magnesium sulfate sprays.)<br />
I like to make my own, because I just like to my own hair stuff! I have used many recipes, but I think the main go to for me is:<br />
8 ounces distilled water, infused with horsetail and a bit of marshmallow root<br />
1-2 tsp. magnesium sulfate aka Epsom Salts<br />
1 ounce aloe juice or a few drops aloe extract<br />
a few drops of oil of choice (I prefer something lighter like sweet almond)<br />
fragrance of choice * optional<br />
<br />
Bring the water to a boil with a tea ball filled with 1 tsp or more horsetail, and 1/2 tsp or more of marshmallow root. Add the magnesium sulfate while the water is still very hot so that it dissolves more completely. Let the herb sit in the water until the water cools. After the water cools, add the rest of the ingredients. You can whisk them in, use a stick blender, or just pour into your spray bottle and shake. I prefer to use the whisk attachment on my stick blender. It just incorporates things better, and since there are no emulsifiers in it, the oil will separate more if not well blended (will still separate on standing).<br />
Spray into wet or damp hair before applying mousse or gel.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06108972362477855336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2265635648186204760.post-28155083797125388772013-10-23T10:30:00.002-07:002013-10-25T20:07:57.036-07:00Why your hair's properties are important.First of all, let me say I am sorry for negelcting my blog. I, for some reason, seem to forget I even have one sometimes. LOL!<br />
<br />
Today, I'd like to explore hair properties. What they are, how you can find them out, and why you should care.<br />
The hair shaft is made of layers. The outermost layer is the cuticle. The cuticle looks a bit like a shingled roof. These "shingles" are, when laying flat, water repellant. Shampoos, hot water, alkaline hair products can raise these "shingles" which can let moisture/protein treatments in, but also if left open, can let them OUT. The cuticle protects the inner layer, the cortex, which is made up of keratin protein bundles and this is where water (moisture) is stored. The cortex also contain the melanin which determines hair color, and the shape of the follicle determines the shape of the cortex. A round follicle will result in a round hair fiber that is pretty straight. Oval or irregular shaped follicles result in irregular shaped fibers which waves and curls. The cortex is what makes up the bulk of the hair fiber. There is also the innermost layer, which in finer textures may be missing, the medulla. <br />
Hair properties are measurements of the characteristics of your hair. I don't mean how much your hair curls (or doesn't). Sure, it's fun to know that your a 2b, or a 3C or whatever, but when it comes to caring for your hair and choosing products it means nothing. Honestly, one of the things that bugs me most is when people lump a certain curl type together and say "This is how you should care for your wavy/curly/kinky hair." Because it's impossible to say that all 2C waves behave alike. They don't. Let's say Lady A has 2C waves. So does Lady B. Lady A has fine hair with low porosity and normal elasticity. Lady B has medium textured hair, porous, very elastic. You give them both a light non oily condish (often recommended for wavies, because it's believed wavy hair gets weighed down too easily). You will get two different results. While Lady A may like that it did not leave oil on top of her non porous hair, she may not get enough moisture using this condish alone. Lady B however, may feel like her hair feels good, moisturized and light and bouncy, at first. But because there are no oils to help seal in the moisture, she may start to feel like she has straw on top her head by day's end.<br />
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<u><b>Texture </b></u></h3>
Let's first take a look at texture. By this I mean the general average circumference of each individual hair strand. I say the average circumference because many of us can have more than one texture on our heads. Hair can be fine, medium (or normal), or course. <br />
Fine hair is most often likened to silk. If you hold a strand up to the light, it may be hard to see. You might not even feel it between your fingers. It can be flyaway, delicate, and/or limp. It's easy to curl or style, but the curl or style falls out quickly.<br />
Medium (normal) hair can be easily seen when held up to the light, but isn't <i>very</i> thick. It usually curls or styles easily and can usually keep that style. It feels smooth (when undamaged and properly moisturized) but not like the silk of fine hair. I guess a good comparison would be silk vs. satin. They both feel smooth but the silk has a delicate quality while the satin feels smooth but is more sturdy. Medium texture is called normal because it is the most common texture.<br />
Coarse hair will easily be seen when held up to the light. It will appear very thick. It seems resistant to bending, therefor resistant to styling, and can be easily felt between your fingers. Some have described it as "wirey" feeling/acting. <br />
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<u>Why texture matters</u></h4>
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Texture plays a very important role in determining what ingredients most likely will or won't work for you. Those blessed with normal texture can use a wide variety of products with decent results. Chemical processes (color, highlights, perms) are usually pretty straight forward with this hair type.</div>
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Fine haired gals usually need lighter products, and less slip in their products. We tend to refer to them as "grabby" products because they have little slip (the smoothing quality that aids in detangling) and will make silky strands seem to have more substance. Fine haired ladies can use oils, but they need lighter oil, like Grapeseed, and go light on them. Fine hair is more prone to damage, so care should be taken when using a chemical process on this type of hair. You should (with any type of hair) perform a test application on shed hairs to determine the time you need to get your desired result without frying your hair. This is very important for fine hair because it will most likely process faster than other hair types.</div>
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Coarse hair is probably the trickiest texture. It's strong, which is good. But can be very hard to moisturize, and it's usually chronically dry due to an excess of protein in the hair's cortex. Coarse hair also tends to be low-porous because it <i>is </i>very strong, it isn't as prone to the damage of other hair textures. This means that the cuticle is "packed" tightly together, making it difficult for moisture to get in. Coarse hair is quite water resistant, so it seems to take forever to get the hair wet. Coarse hair will usually take longer to process when doing color or other chemical processes. Coarse hair also has a problem with using oils and build-up from products in general (even CG products may build up on the hair, because unlike fine or normal hair, it absorbs very little of the product).<br />
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<u><b>Porosity</b></u></h3>
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Porosity can involve the cuticle simply not laying flat against the cortex naturally (hair that is kinky, and I don't mean "afro textured", I mean hair that has sharp bends along the hair shaft and these can occur in any hair texture, will naturally have some porosity) or hair that has damage for a number of reasons, from brushing or combing too aggressively, to chemical services, being prone to damage because of you hair texture, even the act of wetting your hair can damage it over time. Some products may damage hair, and heat styling is a major culprit. <br />
Hair that is non-porous may not like oils in their products. They tend to sit on the outside of the hair shaft. For normal textured hair, they leave an oily look/feel for awhile and slowly absorb over time. For course haired individuals, they most often do not absorb at all (or very little). Non-porous hair may experience build up (and yes, even CG products can build up! Cationic ingredients bond to the negatively charged hair. And because the hair shaft is already smooth, without any damaged spots for the positively charged Cationic ingredients to bond to, they will just coat the hair strand, and unless they are removed regularly they will continue to build up) more often than porous hair, because again, products do not absorb as easily. Often non-porous (and particularly coarse, non-porous hair) will have trouble with getting hair to a moisturized state. It is naturally quite water repellent. Using heat will help open up the cuticle layer to allow water and conditioner in. Frequent deep treatments with heat will go a long way in helping get moisture into the cortex. The combination of heat and allowing the water and conditioner time to penetrate allows the cortex to absorb as much moisture as possible.<br />
Non-porous hair will not like (usually) protein in every day products. The exception is fine to very fine hair. This hair type may need more protein because they just do not have as much protein in the cortex to help waves and curls support themselves, and to protect against damage. </div>
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Porous hair, on the other hand, will readily absorb product. Oils are usually very beneficial for this hair type, because they help coat and seal the hair shaft to prevent the loss of moisture and protein through the "holes" in the cortex. Porous hair doesn't seem as prone to build up as non-porous hair (when using CG products, non-CG products that contain non-water soluble silicones will almost always build up). Porous hair absorbs product VERY well (sometimes TOO well). This can be a problem with gels. Yes, it absorbs the heck out of those, too. Often, when a non-porous individual and a porous individual use the exact same gel, the non-porous individual will report that gel has a very hard hold, while the porous individual reports that is was merely a medium to medium hard hold. This is because the gel will sit on the outside on the hair shaft in non-porous hair and create a harder gel cast, while it absorbs then evaporates on the porous hair. I personally deal with this by using my Sweet Curls Flax Seed Defining Gel on very wet hair (this helps seal in moisture, set the clumps that disappear in my hair if it starts to dry, and encourage curl). Then I scrunch out excess water and gel with a microfiber towel, wait 10-20 minutes for my hair to start to dry and the gel to start to set up, and apply either more Flax Seed Gel, Flax Seed Gel mixed with a hard gel, or just hard hold gel. This allows the hair to absorb product (and at this point, my leave-in, and the Defining Gel both had oils to help seal the hair) and some of it to evaporate as the hair dries, but still gives me good definition and clumps (which I do not get if I just wait put product on drier hair) and the second application will sit on the outside of the hair shaft providing more crunch like it is supposed to. </div>
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Porous hair also tends to need a lot of protein. Protein in the cortex is lost when washing (or swimming) through the "holes". Moisture is also lost through these holes over time. Porous hair will often notice that right after washing their hair feels great. But by the end of the day, or the next morning, their hair feels dry again. By using regular protein treatments, these holes get temporarily "patched" reducing porosity for a time. I myself like to use a combination of smaller more conditioning proteins (amino acids) and the larger proteins (hydrolyzed proteins) to replace protein in the cortex AND to patch the holes in the cuticle. </div>
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<u>Elasticity</u></h3>
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Elasticity is usually indicative of the protein/moisture balance in the hair. Hair that is not elastic is often prone to breakage resulting that "halo" of short (often frizzy looking) hairs that tend to stick out/up around the crown. Non elastic hair needs more moisture.</div>
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Hair that is too elastic will stretch out of shape, waves and curls may appear limp, not as curly/wavy as usual, and with less volume. Hair that is too elastic needs more protein.</div>
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Hair that stretches, then returns to it's natural shape, is hair that has a good protein/moisture balance. The aim here is to keep that balance!</div>
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I highly recommend getting a hair analysis done. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/GoosefootPrints" target="_blank">https://www.etsy.com/shop/GoosefootPrints</a> is a great place to get this done. There are others that do them, Live Free Live Curly has one, but I think that they just do the same as GoosefootPrints mini physical analysis. (I can't be sure on this. But I believe they just do the self-tests that have listed on the website to determine properties). Komaza Care has an in depth analysis. I hear it's great, but the wait is long and it's pretty expensive. GoosfootPrints does an in depth scientific analysis (not the mini analysis) and it's quite affordable. I know this is a side job for her, so she may get backed up at times, but I DO know she knows hair, very well. </div>
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Now, here are some at home self test. These can give a general idea of your hair's properties, but they are far from an in depth analysis. </div>
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Texture: this one is fairly easy, it will give you a pretty good idea of your hairs' texture. However, sometimes it can be hard to determine, as your hair may fall into an in - between texture, such as medium fine, medium course, etc. You may also have more then one texture. You may have textures ranging from very fine, to some course hairs. </div>
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Hold hair up to a light. If it hard to see, wispy, maybe even a bit translucent, it's probably in the fine range of texture. </div>
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If it easily seen, seems very thick and study, maybe even wiry, it's most likely in the coarse range.</div>
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If it's easily seen, but does not seem wiry or very very thick, it's most likely normal. </div>
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You may also want to check out <a href="http://science-yhairblog.blogspot.com/2012/06/is-your-hair-fine-medium-or-coarse-how.html" target="_blank">http://science-yhairblog.blogspot.com/2012/06/is-your-hair-fine-medium-or-coarse-how.html</a>. This is the same lady who provides the hair analysis through GoosefootPrints. </div>
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Porosity: check out <a href="http://science-yhairblog.blogspot.com/2012/06/hair-porosity-how-to-measure-sort-of.html" target="_blank">this </a>link. I really have nothing to add to her great post on porosity tests!</div>
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Elasticity: again, Sceince-y Hairblog has already covered this, and I have nothing to add to her great post! <a href="http://science-yhairblog.blogspot.com/2013/07/diy-hair-analysis.html" target="_blank">http://science-yhairblog.blogspot.com/2013/07/diy-hair-analysis.html</a></div>
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I think you can see why if you are in the market for a scientific hair analysis, this lady is the one you should go to! (and no, she isn't paying me to say that!) </div>
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<u>Conclusion</u></h3>
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This is why I say "we don't have one size fits all hair". Because we really don't! It's unfair and confusing to lump curl types into a hair care routine with products that may or may not work for them. Just because your hair curls or waves a certain amount, has nothing at all to do with your hair properties and how your products will work for you. Even just guesstimating your properties will go a long way in helping you decide how to care for your hair, and what products (and products ingredients) will most likely work best for you. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06108972362477855336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2265635648186204760.post-14875152790356330792013-10-22T08:53:00.002-07:002013-10-22T08:53:25.479-07:00Sweet Curls Elixirs Elixirs Giveaway Contest!In celebration of the Sweet Curls Elixirs Facebook page hitting 100 likes, I am running a contest on Facebook!<br />
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The prize will be the entire Sweet Curls line, FREE! (In the US, international fans may enter, but shipping charges may apply).<br />
And yes, the products will be fully customized as per the winner's requests!<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/sweetcurlselixirs/posts/694798520550894" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/sweetcurlselixirs/posts/694798520550894</a><br />
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Note: if you do not use Facebook, you can email me at <a href="mailto:sweetcurlselixirs@comcast.net" target="_blank">sweetcurlselixirs@comcast.net</a> to enter.<br />
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Good Luck everyone!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06108972362477855336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2265635648186204760.post-47827791474669934692013-09-03T16:50:00.003-07:002013-09-03T16:50:48.663-07:00And we're off!I'm sorry it took me awhile to get back here and announce the grand opening, but Sweet Curls Elixirs is now open!<br />
I am a bit overwhelmed at the moment at the number of orders I have received already, and all the organization and managing that needs done.<br />
Once that is all up to date, I will get back here and create a new page with How-to's and ideas to use my products.<br />
I'm very excited about this!<br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetCurlsElixirs" target="_blank">SweetCurlsElixirs</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06108972362477855336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2265635648186204760.post-40054681439534320512013-08-30T21:47:00.003-07:002013-08-30T21:47:50.774-07:00Introducing Sweet Curls Elixirs!!!First off, I am sorry for the hiatus! I tried to post from mobile, but it just wasn't cutting it.<br />
And now, I want to announce the opening (soon, like this weekend) of my online hair product store! This has been an idea rattling around in my head for a while. I started out just selling Flax Seed Gel to a few ladies who had expressed an interest in buying while I got other things worked out. Then I set up a Facebook page to make ordering for non-Facebook friends easier (you know, because of the stupid other inbox, where messages go unnoticed for weeks, months at a time...). Now I am in the process of setting up a store on Etsy!<br />
I wanted to offer products with choices. I see often ladies who would like to try a product, but can't because of ingredients their hair doesn't like; or allergies; or the fragrance is too strong, or they just didn't like it, or any fragrance.<br />
I promise to listen to you, my customers. If there is an ingredient or fragrance I do not have, I will do my best to get it for you. If there is a product I don't offer that you want, I will do my best to create it. If you need help deciding what might be good for your hair, I will do my best to help you figure it out.<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/sweetcurlselixirs" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/sweetcurlselixirs</a><br />
Or you may contact me via email at <a href="mailto:sweetcurlelixirs@comcast.net" target="_blank">sweetcurlelixirs@comcast.net</a><br />
I will post again when the Etsy is up!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06108972362477855336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2265635648186204760.post-48033794876561271592013-05-02T20:46:00.000-07:002013-05-02T20:46:58.641-07:00Hair growth vitamins, products that repair damage, and other hair myths<div dir="ltr">
We've all heard the marketing hype. For thicker, fuller hair.... Repair months of damage.. stops hair fall... grow hair longer and stronger; but how much of this is true? Can this shampoo really make my hair thicker? Can this vitamin really make my hair grow? Let's explore the truth behind these claims!<br />
Claim number 1: Hair formula vitamins. These claim a variety of benefits. Grow hair longer, stronger, thicker, etc.<br />
The truth is, the body can only use so much, and extra vitamins and minerals are either excreted in urine, or extras stored in fat. For a normal, healthy person, eating a balanced diet will provide enough nutrition and excess vitamins are unnecessary, and too much of some can actually be dangerous. My hero Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory put it best when he observed Penny shopping for vitamins, "While there is some benefit to taking a multi-vitamin, the body can only absorb so much. What you are buying there are the ingredients for very expensive urine."<br />
The exception to this is if you are not healthy and/or do not eat a balanced diet. Some conditions do benefit from vitamins. I myself have Crohn's Disease and Lupus. A few years ago, my hair started falling out at an alarming rate. While it's normal to lose around 100 strands a day, I was losing so much that it would clog drains, have clumps all over the floors and furniture, gobs of it in my combs! After 3 bowel resections, I no longer absorbed B-12. And I was put on a folate blocking drug. Along with being iron anemic, and put on a restrictive diet. So I was put on B-12 shots, potassium (I forgot to mention I also had trouble keeping my potassium up), iron, a multi-vitamin, and finally folate. After being put on the folate, I started noticing quite a bit of regrowth in my crown area. After a few months, those bitty hairs were turning into short little clumps. Now my hair is almost back to it's normal thickness. So I am proof that health problems or poor diet (in my case, both, as the diets I am forced to eat to control Crohn's symptoms are very limiting) can benefit from added supplements. </div>
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Claim number 2: Repair damage. This one, while technically true in a sense, is very misleading. Let's get one thing straight, hair is dead from the moment it grows out of the follicle. It can be damaged, from a number of things from just washing it to chemical damage, to blow drying/curling irons/flat irons. Because it is dead, it can not repair itself like our living bodies can. It can however, be temporarily patched. Proteins are the best way to patch damage. Your hair is made up of keratin, which is a protein. The size of the protein does matter! Food proteins (egg, yogurt) are generally too large to penetrate the hair shaft, (however, food products containing hydrolyzed proteins are a different story) so they lie on the outside of hair and are easily washed away. Amino acids are smallest, they can penetrate the hair shaft, and can provide conditioning properties, but are usually too small to patch damage. Hydrolyzed proteins however, are the perfect size to patch up damaged hair. <br />
Most often, though, hair product companies rely on silicones to temporarily "glue" splits and damaged cuticles down. The problem with this is that the glue is removed each time you sulfate wash your hair. And to remove most silicones, you do need a sulfate shampoo. There are exceptions, PEG and PPG modified silicones are water soluble, and there are a list of others that may be water soluble, or removed with a low sulfate shampoo. At any rate, each time you need to remove the silicones you are damaging it even more with sulfates. These silicones coat the hair, so they must be removed regularly. They can build up and suffocate hair. Not allowing moisture in, and ultimately causing more problems. </div>
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Claim number 3: for thicker fuller hair. Again, this is semantics. These products may make your hair appear and/or feel thicker and fuller, but your hair isn't actually thicker or fuller. Again, hair is dead. It is what it is. You can only improve the health of the hair that is growing in the follicle by eating right (or taking vitamins if you need to), drinking enough water, and caring for the health of your scalp. Anything you do to (dead) hair (with the exception of damage, which is permanent) will be temporary. This is not to say that these products are without worth. If you have fine, thin, or limp hair, extra body can be very welcome, even if it is just the appearance of fullness. </div>
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Claim number 4: stop hair fall. As far as I can tell, it's just regular shampoo and conditioner with caffeine and protein. They recommend scalp massage with use. I have no idea if applying caffeine externally would actually increase blood flow to the scalp. The massage definitely will, however. Increasing blood flow by massage will help clear off dead skin and excess oil. It stimulates the follicles and the oil glands which does help the health of the scalp. And the protein would help patch damage on hair stands to resist breakage. So in reality, if you already cleanse your scalp properly, and give yourself protein treatments, your already doing everything this line would do for you. <br />
Keep in mind that it is normal to lose around 100 strands a day. In straight hair, these stands slip out throughout the day and aren't as noticeable. With wavy or curly hair, the texture does not allow for these hairs to slip out unnoticed. They stay stuck in their clumps, nestled up with their curly buddies, until we wash and detangle and physically pull them out with our fingers or wide tooth combs. So a clump of 100 hairs seems like a lot, all at once, but it is perfectly normal. Broken hairs are usually pretty obvious, since they are shorter. In conclusion of this claim, cleansing your scalp properly with a good massage, keeping up with your protein/moisture balance, and for very damaged hair, a hair cut, trim, or "search and destroy" for damage will go a long way for the health of your hair and scalp and reduce breakage. </div>
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Claim number 5: grow hair longer and stronger. This claim appears on things from shampoos, conditioners, hair treatments, oil treatments, vitamins, and more. It's the same principle as claim number 4. Some of these products will help in this goal if used regularly, as part of a good hair care routine. Massaging the scalp with an oil helps with blood flow, exfoliation, dissolving excess oil, and moisturizing dryness. Shampoo (hopefully a low sulfate shampoo!), conditioner, treatments, stylers, etc that are moisturizing and/or fortified with protein will help keep the moisture/protein balance of your hair to keep it hydrated, elastic, and strong (keeping in mind any damage is still there, it's just patched up). Hair in good condition may grow longer, and keeping it in good condition can keep it as strong as your hair can be. But it's important to have realistic expectations. A girl with hair as fine as silk won't have her hair transform into the plump strands of a girl with course hair. Your hair is your hair, and no product will change that, all you can do is aim for the healthiest version of your hair. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06108972362477855336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2265635648186204760.post-89417470585129490712013-04-19T19:55:00.000-07:002013-04-19T19:56:37.098-07:00Quick side"bun"I made this vid last year to show how I do my quick side faux bun. I can actually do this much quicker than in the video, but I am used to doing this in a mirror! Oh, and I was nervous, because I had never done a video before.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxCEu1KMCTHWqaQy9Y-ZrIq2WT8YfeBS3G5UM0sTKTp84tuqxG2GHc6MHwRQGazhhGYo_JxuzDsDgdHHOXT4A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06108972362477855336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2265635648186204760.post-50604910012712593042013-04-07T18:51:00.000-07:002013-05-02T20:45:40.487-07:00So you tried a product or technique that everyone seems to raving about, and the angels didn't sing...It seems everywhere you look, all your curly friends seem to be raving about some new product or some new technique for styling. Of course that means you must try it! You run out and buy the product, or read up on the technique, and are excited to try it. But after your hair is done and dried... you are less than pumped about the results. Rest assured, fellow wavies, it happens to all of us. Everyone has different hair properties, and those properties will mostly determine how your hair will react to products, and techniques. Sometimes, it just takes a little tweaking to hear those angels sing. Other times, it isn't going to happen. Don't write off a product or technique if it doesn't seem to work out the first time. Keep experimenting with it. Maybe try it with wetter hair, or drier hair. Try less product, try more product, etc. But, if after giving something a fair shot it still doesn't impress you, there is no shame in saying it doesn't for work for you. <br />
Part of the Curly Girl philosophy is learning to love YOUR hair. So if that means you can't use some "miracle" product or technique that seems to work for everyone else, then that's just fine. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06108972362477855336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2265635648186204760.post-62144780832105420602013-01-18T20:30:00.001-08:002013-01-18T20:31:43.254-08:00Off Topic: I LOVE my Neti Pot!Please forgive my indulging in an off topic post for a minute.<br />
I had recently subscribed to one of those daily freebie sites, and lucked into a free Neti Pot from Neilmed on Facebook.<br />
I often get sinus pressure and sinus headaches, and I had been looking into better ways to deal with it, because OTC sinus medications and Tylonal just really didn't do much to help. <br />
Using the Neti Pot for the first couple of times was awkward. Saline running into your throat while your trying to breathe is an odd, and gross, feeling. I soon got the hang of it, though, and was rinsing my sinus cavities like a pro. I had terrible pressure and a sinus headache that has lasted for 4 days when I first used the Neti Pot. It was like a miracle sent from heaven! Pressure and headache instantly gone! I was in love.<br />
I have had the flu for the last week or so, finally feeling much better today. At the first sign of respiratory symptoms, I started using the Neti pot 3 times a day. I have been on immune suppressants for years for treatment of autoimmune disorders, and usually respiratory symptoms hang around and start evolve into ear infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Not this time! I kept up rinsing my sinuses 3 times a day for 2 days, and by the 3rd day, my stuffy nose and cough were almost completely gone! I still had other flu symptoms like a fever and achyness, but they were much more tolerable with out struggling for air! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06108972362477855336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2265635648186204760.post-22642763501379038742013-01-11T22:32:00.000-08:002013-01-11T22:32:58.018-08:00Refreshing faded color between hair coloringAs a continuation of my last post, I thought I would share some tips on how to refresh hair color between hair coloring. I just recently went back to my actual natural color (but still coloring to cover grey!) after having been a number of different shades of red. As some of you may know, red is a very hard color to keep. I developed a few tricks to refresh my color so it would stick around until my next coloring. My favorite product for this is <a href="http://www.sallybeauty.com/ion-hair-color/SBS-305064,default,pd.html" target="_blank">Ion Color Brilliance Semi-Permanent Hair Color</a> found at Sally Beauty Supply stores. The semi-permanent name is a bit misleading, IMHO, however. There is no developer. It is a temporary color, that they say qualifies as semi IF you use heat. However, even then, it's still not a semi IMO! It's pretty much just straight pigment that will temporarily stain the hair. Heat opens the cuticle so it penetrates deeper into the hair shaft, causing it to take, and last, a little better. I found one bottle lasted me a while, because I didn't use it according to the instructions. Instead, I would add some to my weekly gelatin protein treatments, or if I decided to skip those, I would add it to some condish and leave it on for an hour or so. When adding it to my protein treatment, I would add enough to turn the gelatin a deep brownish red. I never really measured. It would work best if I used the blow dry version of the protein treatment, but it worked fine with out blow drying. When I added it to condish, I would do a 50-50 mix, wrap in plastic and use my dryer on low for 10 minutes or so then just leave it on for another 50 minutes. One treatment would last around a week for me. I wash my hair every 2-3 days, so if you wash more often, it will fade quicker. You can also add a little to your shampoo/co-wash and/or condish every time you wash to help prevent fading. It works pretty much like those shampoos and conditioners that have added pigment to prevent fading. <br />
I had meant to get around to trying out the Ion Color Brilliance Brights in red to see if that added more of a punch since my hair is dark and I think it would have blended nicely, but decided to go back to dark brown for winter before I had the chance. I do plan to try it out the next time I go red though.<br />
Food coloring works too, but it takes a good eye for color to get it the exact color you want, and works best for refreshing red. Beet juice and cranberry juice are also good for temporarily giving reds some extra oomph.<br />
Triple strength coffee is good for brown. As is strong black tea. And I have heard chamomile is good for blonde, though I have zero experience with being blonde.<br />
To use these types of refreshers (coffee, teas, juices) you hang your head back over a large bowl, pour the liquid through your hair, wait a minute or two, and repeat using the liquid that was collected in the bowl. It's easiest to just use two large bowls to pour the liquids over your hair, instead of pouring the liquid from a bowl back into a smaller container, than replacing the bowl to collect the liquid again. At any rate, you will repeat pouring the liquid over your hair anywhere from 5-10 times. And let it dry in your hair if you can, even using a little heat to help it penetrate the hair shaft. <br />
You can also try these refreshers on non-color treated hair to give some added dimension without using chemicals. You can even mix-and-match if you like, using cranberry or beet juice to give brown or blonde hair a reddish tint, or darkening blonde hair with coffee, or even adding a bit of light highlights to brown hair with chamomile (light brown hair, I don't think it will work very well for darker hair).<br />
These are my favorite techniques, though I have tried the refresher masks/glosses and other such products made for refreshing color. They work just fine, but I found that the Ion Semi works just the same, is cheaper, comes in a variety of colors, and you can adjust the intensity. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06108972362477855336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2265635648186204760.post-76682349219646447332013-01-08T22:08:00.000-08:002013-01-11T21:36:08.051-08:00How I prepare for hair colorI have dyed my hair at home for years. I easily get bored with my color and feel a need to change it up, but I don't have the moolah to go get it done at the salon! One thing I have learned over the years is that if you color regularly, you need to prepare your hair for even color absorption. Virgin hair can also benefit, but most likely will take more evenly than regularly colored hair.<br />
At least one day before I plan to color, and preferably longer, I do the following steps to prepare my hair for coloring. <br />
The first thing I do is clarify my hair with sulfate shampoo that contains EDTA and/or citric acid. This removes all manner of build up, including stylers, mineral deposits, and also (this important) lifts some of the left over color from your previous coloring. The reason that's important is because you need to make room for the strands to accept NEW color.<br />
After clarifying, I do a protein treatment. Protein fills in any holes (porosity) in the hair shaft. This also helps the color absorb evenly. I use <a href="http://pedaheh.blogspot.com/p/science-y-hair-blog-recipes.html" target="_blank">this</a> recipe for Science-y Hair Blog's gelatin protein treatment. I love this PT because it's cheap, easy, customizable, and it WORKS. Of course, if you aren't the mad scientist type who enjoys cooking up hair concoctions in your kitchen, there are many store bought options. Some options from Sally Beauty Supply are Ion Effective care (mild protein conditioner), Ion Re-constructor (protein treatment conditioner), aPhogee 2-step (strong protein treatment, comparable to the gelatin PT), Joico K-Pak. There are also botique type treatments available online from Spiral Solutions, Curl Junkie, and Jessie Curl (maybe more, I'm not sure..).<br />
I follow this with a moisturizing deep treatment. I prefer to play mad scientist again and mix up my own DT with Generic Value Products (Sally's knock off brand) Conditioning Balm with some honey and coconut oil. I leave that in for at least 20 minutes with 10 minutes of heat, 10 minutes of cool down time. Sometimes longer if I just don't feel like washing it out. I have left DT's in over night, but I let my hair down to DRY because leaving it wet leaves it in a stretched state and prone to breakage.<br />
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Don't color the day you wash. Your natural oils will protect your scalp from irritation, so it's best to color on day old (or longer, I have insanely dry skin, so it takes my scalp at least 2 days to build up enough oil to properly protect my scalp). <br />
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It's so much easier to spend a couple of hours preparing for your color, than it is to try and fix uneven color once you dye your hair! In some cases, you can't fix it at home and will have to shell out the dough to go to a salon so a pro can fix it.<br />
One last thing, at home coloring works best if you stick within 2 shades of your natural color. This is particularly true if you're going lighter. Darker is less tricky than lighter! So unless you are experienced in going lighter, please don't try to go platinum on your own. <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06108972362477855336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2265635648186204760.post-75668720945507072822012-12-16T20:42:00.000-08:002012-12-16T20:42:16.786-08:00The difference a hair cut can make!The proper hair cut can make a world of difference in your curl pattern, the tightness of your curl, and how your hair "hangs". If you have decided to join the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/wavyhaircommunity/" target="_blank">Wavy Hair Community</a> on Facebook, you will no doubt see tons of before and after hair cut pics. Deva cuts in particular seem to have the most dramatic effect! If you aren't familiar with Deva cuts, it is a method of cutting curly hair dry, so the stylist can see the factors of curly hair. Such as pattern, shrinkage, and each individual curl. If you are looking to maximize your curl and don't straighten your hair, and provided you can afford these often more expensive cuts, than this cut is definitely worth a try. However, a good wet cut can also provide good results. You have to know what to ask for, though! Usually long layers with NO razoring or thinning. Razoring and thinning can disrupt the curl pattern and lead to frizz or even loss of wave or curl. If you wear your hair straight at times, then I would opt for this cut. It is much more even then a Deva cut when straight.<br />
Wavy and curly hair already have texture. So creating texture with razoring or thinning shears isn't necessary. But you do need to remove some of the weight and bulk so that the waves and curls are allowed to curl! If I am doing a DIY wet cut, I don't hold the layer I am cutting more than approximately 90 - 110 degrees from my head. Usually I cut them holding them perpendicular to the floor. For a DIY Deva cut, I wash and style my hair, but leave it mostly naked (with just a LI conditioner) and snip where I think it needs to be snipped to remove any bulkiness. <br />
To show you the dramatic difference a cut can make, below are some pictures from most recent (DIY Deva) haircut.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPmjxVPlYKKt9biIpaSlQt9B3IEivbQChUX06PSawrG-rQ_Xa6IQs-ZSw2y9KxFhzQ3o5Zp9Lx-NDbTdQbe2d9bbXDUvzt-R0NfQ5s-jWzLfEQoUbI3nuHVbX6JMz2cDRqXOrAdFrYfcX1/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPmjxVPlYKKt9biIpaSlQt9B3IEivbQChUX06PSawrG-rQ_Xa6IQs-ZSw2y9KxFhzQ3o5Zp9Lx-NDbTdQbe2d9bbXDUvzt-R0NfQ5s-jWzLfEQoUbI3nuHVbX6JMz2cDRqXOrAdFrYfcX1/s320/016.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before my cut. 2nd day, slept on mostly naked hair.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEV6h37BKb1ScImvvvGgYV9BAljd2YyYkyjC_kWKxNP1M8e6dO67STRmU-WdXP1gi3Ryb5dkup-utgxgxiz9vHELgtAu5Bu51TowkPE8AWbYGvsK8kuRDtCVE10onzKXbJnCCOCj3acQv6/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEV6h37BKb1ScImvvvGgYV9BAljd2YyYkyjC_kWKxNP1M8e6dO67STRmU-WdXP1gi3Ryb5dkup-utgxgxiz9vHELgtAu5Bu51TowkPE8AWbYGvsK8kuRDtCVE10onzKXbJnCCOCj3acQv6/s320/005.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After my cut. Waves were springier, and much more full looking while not taking a lot of length off. This was directly after the cut. No refreshing. SO it was still 2nd day, slept on, mostly naked hair!</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06108972362477855336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2265635648186204760.post-75347557438879936422012-12-16T20:15:00.000-08:002012-12-16T20:15:07.208-08:00Second Day Hair, refreshing techniquesWhat is second day hair?<br />
Second hair is when you preserve you waves or curls so you can skip a day (and for some lucky girls, 3 or more) of washing and styling. It gives you a break from the sometimes tedious task of styling, and it gives your hair a break from the damage that can be caused from washing and styling. It also helps preserve hair color vibrancy if you color your hair.<br />
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For some, second day hair is the unattainable unicorn of wavy-ness. For others, it seems effortless. So don't be surprised if you can't achieve second day hair right off the bat. Some people just can't seem to get it no matter what. For some it takes a few tries. <br />
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Probably the most important step is try and preserve your waves the best you can. One of the most popular techniques is to do something called a pineapple. This is where you put all your hair up on top of your head in a very high ponytail (most say to use a fabric covered scrunchie, but I don't. I just use ouch-less ponytail holders). This will keep your hair contained while you sleep. Investing in silk or satin pillow cases can also help preserve your hair because they allow hair to slide and not catch on the fabric (the same principle as not using terry cloth to dry your hair). Satin sleep caps are also an option. If you can stand them. IMHO, they tend to look silly and aren't that comfortable. But I do believe they are the very best way to preserve waves and curls, because they allow the hair to be scrunched over night, and it is completely contained so clumps remain intact and frizz should be minimal. <br />
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Refreshing technique #1:<br />
Sprtizing with water, or a curl enhancing/moisturizing spray. I highly recommend using distilled water for refresher sprays if you decide to use plain water or make your own. It has been heated to kill bacteria and molds, and it isn't hard like most water from the tap. I also recommend disinfecting you spray bottle before every fill. I just use alcohol. There are many options for enhancing sprays or moisturizing sprays. For a moisturizing spray, just add some condish and dilute it with some water in your spray bottle. Of course, there are many recipes that can be found all over the 'net for homemade moisture sprays. And you can also buy them. My favorite store bought spray is Shea Moisture Hold and Shine Moisture Mist. <br />You can also add some Epsom Salts or sea salts to your water/conditioner mix to make a curl enhancing spray. Be careful with the salts, however. They can dry your hair out. And I have found that unless I dissolve them in boiling water they tend to make my hair feel product-y. There are also a ton of homemade curl enhancing spray recipes on the 'net, as well as ones that can be bought. I really liked the old formula Curl Junkie Curl Fuel. I have never tried the new formula, so I can't comment on that one.<br />
At any rate, you may choose just to spritz and go. Spritz and scrunch. Spritz and smooth, Spritz, smooth, scrunch, and diffuse. It's really up to you and what you find works best for you. <br />
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Refreshing technique #2:<br />
Some people can just scrunch in a product and be good. Some like holding products (gels, mousse) some like moisturizing products (condish, curl cream). Some like a little hold and a little moisture and use moisturizing jellies (Kinky Curly Curling Custard, As I Am curling jelly) Again, you may scrunch, smooth, smooth then scrunch, air dry or diffuse. It's what works best for you.<br />
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Refreshing technique #3:<br />
A wet washcloth/microfiber cloth/flour sack. Take a wash cloth/microfiber towel/ or flour sack towel, or even a cotton t-shirt, and get it really wet. Lean over your sink, and scrunch sections of hair with the wet fabric up to your scalp and squeeze to squeeze water into your hair. Most people notice a lot of frizz with this technique if they stop here. I have better luck using a flour sack towel (smoother texture) scrunching in some flax seed gel, aloe gel, or even a hard hold gel then spraying lightly with my spray bottle and smoothing down before I scrunch excess water out with a dry flour sack towel. I find I do have to diffuse for a couple of minutes with this technique because my hair is wetter than with just spritzing.<br />
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Refreshing technique #4:<br />
Supersoaking on DRY hair. The traditional supersoak is done on wet or damp freshly washed hair. But I find I can get just washed looking hair by supersoaking on my dry hair. I fingercomb a little to get any big tangles out. Then I supersoak by bringing my cupped hands full of (barely warm or cool) water up to my scalp. I lean over my over sink, do one side, then half the back. The I switch to the other side and the other half of the of the back. At this point, I usually scrunch in a conditioner. I like Renpure My Pretty Hair is Parched because it is light but very moisturizing. I can then finger comb a little to get the clumps the way way I like them. I might supersoak again at this point to make sure the hair is very wet, then scrunch in a medium to light hold gel (I usually use my Flax Seed Gel thickened with xanthan gum and with honey added for extra hold). Plop for 10-30 minutes, scrunch out excess water and gel with my microfiber towel, and diffuse. It takes longer than spritzing or scrunching in product, but half the time of a normal wash day. I think because even though most of it has been thoroughly wet, the roots have not, and it hasn't AS wet as a normal washing would wet it.<br />
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"Refreshing technique #5":<br />
I put this in quotation marks because to me, it's not true second day hair. But if you feel you need to style from scratch but don't really need to wash, you can wet your hair in the shower, maybe scrub your scalp some and do a quick water wash to remove excess sebum and product, then condition with your regular rinse out and style as usual with one modification. A quick water wash may not be enough to remove all your product. So you may need less product on the days you decide to rinse and condition or water wash and condition. <br />
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"Refreshing technique #6":<br />
Again, I don't consider it "true" second day hair, but it saves on a wash.<br />
You can rinse and condition in the evening, or at night. Style as usual, but put your hair in a plop. Make sure it is tight (but not so tight it is very uncomfortable). Then go to sleep. I sometimes tie my sleep scarf over the plop to add extra protection. When you wake up, your hair should be mostly dry and may air dry quickly on it's own, or you may diffuse for a few minutes to add extra oomph. You can also do this on wash days. Some people have great success with this technique, while others don't. But my theory is, if you can plop for an hour, than this technique will probably work for you!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06108972362477855336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2265635648186204760.post-74154960516715498122012-11-30T16:32:00.000-08:002012-11-30T18:53:17.131-08:00Winter hair careNow that the weather is turning colder (and dryer!) it can really mess with your hair. Cold, dry air, wind, and dry artificial heat can all contribute to dryness, static, limp curls and damage!<br />
The answer? MOISTURE! Simple enough answer, right? Right. But getting, and keeping, a proper moisture balance this time of year can be hard.<br />
First, we need to understand a few things. Each individual hair strand is covered by a cuticle. The cuticle looks like shingles on a roof. These shingles protect the inner structure of the hair. In a healthy condition, these shingles will lift under certain conditions to allow moisture in, and close to keep it in under certain conditions. Heat will raise the cuticle. So every time you take a hot shower or use a blow dryer, you are raising that cuticle. Raising the PH of hair with products also lifts the cuticle. Sulfate shampoos will lift the cuticle and the hair will absorb the shampoo!<br />
Second, we need to understand dew points. The dew point is the air temperature at which the air becomes saturated with water. The warmer it is, the more water air can hold. When the temperatures drop, even if the humidity is high, the dew point will most likely be low, so the air is still dry. What does this mean for your hair? Hair can absorb moisture from the air if there is moisture in the air to absorb. If there isn't a lot of moisture in the air, the air can actually pull moisture from your hair. <br />
Dew points above 60-65F are considered very high. You may have more curl, and more frizz. Dew points between 40-60F are considered normal dews. There is enough moisture to keep curls happy without much frizz. 30-40F are moderately dry. How your hair reacts depends on your hair! It may be enough moisture, it may be slightly dry and you may notice some curl droop. Below 30F is considered dry, Curls may droop, and start to dry out. Below 15F is very dry. Weaker curl patterns may disappear and appear straight. <br />
Third, humectants. Humectants draw water to themselves. Glycerin, honey, propylene glycol, are all humectants. When the air is too dry, these can pull water out of your hair.<br />
So what can you do to keep your hair well moisturized? One of the best things you can do is to keep the air in your home at a comfortable moisture level. I like to use crockpots filled with water set on low. Mostly because they will still work if they develop lime scale. Humidifiers can be simple and just have high, medium, or low settings, or they can be fancy and measure the amount of humidity in the air and keep it a consistent level. You may want to switch to a more moisturizing conditioner. These don't have to be heavy. I really like Generic Value Products Conditioning Balm from Sally's Beauty Supply. It's a Matrix Biolage Conditioning Balm knock-off. It is very thick and moisturizing, but rinses surprisingly clean. Renpure My Pretty Hair Is Parched is light but very moisturizing. Check the <a href="http://whcreviews.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">WHC Product Reviews blog</a> for reviews on other conditioners. Leave-ins are also a good choice for winter. I actually use one year round, because my hair drinks them up. You can use your rinse-out conditioner. Your co-wash conditioner for a lighter choice, or any other conditioner you choose.<br />
Regular deep conditioning treatments can add a nice boost of moisture. You can choose a conditioner labeled for deep treatments, or you can make your own! It can be as simple as adding some oil to your regular conditioner, or you can use one of a thousand recipes for homemade deep treatments found all over the net! You might want to add heat for extra moisture, or if your hair is low-porosity or course. This will open the cuticle to allow the deep treatment to work better. The <a href="http://www.naturallycurly.com/curltalk/general-discussion-about-curly-hair/89299-spritz-condish-washing-porous-types-thirsty-curls-everywhere.html" target="_blank">spritz and condish </a>method might work well, also. Try to avoid humectants, espeacially in products left in your hair. They may not be a big deal in your low-poo/co-wash or rinse out conditioner, provided you rinse all of your rinse out condish out. Some like to leave some in and use that as thier leave in. For some however, even humectants in thier rinse out products can have an adverse effect.<br />
Keeping the cuticle closed after cleansing and conditioning is important for many reasons. It seals in moisture and protects the hair's cortex, plus, it adds shine! Try not to take super hot showers. Warm water opens the cuticle less and helps prevent moisture loss. Rinsing in cold water closes the cuticle, but in the winter, who wants to do that? Well, one way to do this with out freezing your buns off is to rinse slightly in the warm water from the shower. Then turn the shower to the tub faucet and turn it to cool (it doesn't have to be freezing). Lean forward and cup your hands and bring this water up into your hair to your scalp. You can then scrunch lightly to rinse more conditioner out if you feel you need to. Another option is to use an apple cider vinegar rinse. This returns hair to the proper acidic PH which closes the cuticle. You add anywhere from a teaspoon to 1/4 cup ACV to a cup of water and pour this over your head after rinsing your conditioner. You may then leave this in, or leave it for a few minutes then rinse it out. Just don't do this too often! Using this rinse too much can start to damage your hair.<br />
Sealing with an oil or an oil-containing humectant free product (I like Shea Moisture Curl and Style Milk) can help hold moisture in. After cleansing and conditioning, you can use your oil-free leave in on wet (not damp) hair, then take a small amount of oil (like coconut, extra virgin olive, jojoba...) start with only a drop or 2. Smooth and scrunch or rake, whichever you prefer, through your hair. You could also add a drop or 2 of oil to your oil-free leave in. If you choose to use a humectant free oil-containing product, just apply to wet hair. I also like to scrunch out the crunch of my gel with a few drops of coconut oil in the winter. My hair drinks it up, so after half and hour to an hour, there is no oil detectable on my hair. This acts as sort of an anti-humectant or sealant on dry hair that keeps it from drying out. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06108972362477855336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2265635648186204760.post-55185140802029311182012-11-24T13:50:00.000-08:002012-11-28T10:23:01.651-08:00How to start a no-poo method of hair care<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">What you need</span></b><br />
You will need a few products to get you started. You don't need to get online and spend big bucks on boutique type CG friendly products (such as Deva, Curl Junkie, JessieCurl, and more) unless you want to. I started my journey for under $30.<br />
1. You will need a silicone free sulfate shampoo. This is to clarify any silicones or build up causing ingredients from your hair so you can start with a clean slate. I happened to have Suave Naturals Tropical Coconut Shampoo in my shower. So I didn't spend anything there. But even if I needed to go out and buy some, it's under $2. (I still have that same bottle under my sink, half full. And since I have hard water and color my hair, I clarify with it every 4-6 weeks before coloring.)<br />
2. Silicone free light conditioner for co-washing. Again, I happened to have the Suave Naturals Tropical Coconut Conditioner in my shower, so I just used that. Any of the Suave Naturals or V05 conditioners will work, and they are again under $2.<br />
3. A good silicone free rinse out conditioner. This should be more moisturizing than your co-wash conditioner. I picked up Renpure My Pretty Hair is Parched for around $6, and I still use it a year and a half later! I also picked up some GVP Conditioning Balm from Sally Beauty Supply for around $6. I use this as rinse out in winter, and I add honey and coconut oil to it for my deep conditioning treatments.<br />
4. Optional: A separate conditioner for a leave in. Some use a small amount of their co-wash conditioner or rinse out conditioner, and it works just fine. So that's up to you.<br />
5. Optional: A curl enhancing product. This could be as simple as Aloe Vera Juice (the drinkable kind found with the laxatives) or Aloe Vera Gel (alcohol free, like Fruit of the Earth or Lily of the Desert). A homemade product like Flax Seed Gel found in <a href="http://pedaheh.blogspot.com/p/science-y-hair-blog-recipes.html" target="_blank">this list of recipes</a>. Or one of <a href="http://whcreviews.blogspot.com/p/curl-enhancers-curl-creams.html" target="_blank">these choices</a> reviewed at WHC product reviews. I prefer Flax Seed Gel (FSG) in all dews. KY jelly (it works!) in normal dews, or AVG (Fruit of the Earth brand, found at Walmart) in low dews. But it's whatever you like.<br />
6. <a href="http://whcreviews.blogspot.com/p/gel.html" target="_blank">Hair Gel. </a>Most wavies need a pretty strong holding gel to keep thier waves from falling flat as they dry. Don't be scared of ending up with crunchy hair. You can scrunch the crunch out (SOTC - scrunch out the crunch) once your hair is fully dry. Leaving you with soft, defined waves and curls. Some prefer mousse.. but when I started CG, my weak wave pattern demanded the strength of gel.<br />
7. You will need something to scrunch out water, because you will no longer use a terry cloth towel. Terry cloth has a grabby texture that pulls strands free of their clumps and results in frizz. You can start with an old cotton t-shirt if you don't want to run out and buy anything. They work just fine. I prefer flour sack towels. Which can be picked up for around $5 at Walmart. Microfiber towels (yep, the ones found in the automotive section!) work well, also. Particularly if you have thick hair or a weak wave pattern and need a lot of water soaked up off your hair.<br />
8. Optional: <a href="http://whcreviews.blogspot.com/p/low-poo.html" target="_blank">A low sulfate shampoo</a> to ease your transition or in case co-washing isn't right for you.<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Shower Routine</span></b><br />
On your first day, you will use your silicone free sulfate shampoo to clarify your hair. Rinse well. Now use your moisturizing rinse out. Use enough to completely coat your hair (you may want to only coat your hair from the ears down, to prevent flat roots). Gently detangle your hair now, don't brush wavy or curly hair when dry! Only detangle your hair when it is wet and coated with conditioner. You may use your fingers or a wide tooth comb. Squish scrunch the conditioner through your hair, adding more if needed until you can hear it squelching, and it feels like wet seaweed. Now, you can either rinse all this out and add some leave in later, or you can lightly rinse and leave some of this in. I prefer to rinse it all out and add leave in later. It's easier to control the amount left in my hair that way, and I prefer using Shea Moisture Curl and Style Milk as my leave in as opposed to my Renpure.<br />
After your first day, you will begin co-washing. Co-washing involves using the conditioner to lubricate the pads of your fingers as you use friction to scrub excess oil, dirt, skin cells, etc. off of your scalp.<br />
To co-wash, pour your co-wash onto the the pads of your finger on one hand. Transfer some of that to the other hand. Slip your fingers in your hair at the scalp. I like to make sure my scalp is adequately covered with conditioner before I begin scrubbing, so I repeat this step until I feel I have enough conditioner on my scalp. You will now scrub your scalp and roots with the pads of your fingers. This takes quite a bit more scrubbing than shampoo. But it's a great arm workout! Once you have scrubbed, scrubbed, scrubbed and scrubbed some more, continue to scrub while you rinse to make sure the conditioner rinses clean. Then proceed with the conditioning step like above.<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Styling</span></b><br />
Here you will just need to experiment with what works for you to get you the hair you want. <a href="http://whcreviews.blogspot.com/p/techniques.html" target="_blank">Here</a> is the WHC reviews with links to the most popular wavy styling methods.<br />
But to give you an idea, I will share my styling routine.<br />
I turn my shower to the tub faucet, leaving the water on. I rake probably 2 dime sized dabs of my LI through wet hair, raking out away from my scalp. I then do a modified supersoaker technique (reviews and link can be found above) by bringing cupped hands full of water up to my scalp all over until I have good clump-age. I then flip my head upside down and scrunch a very generous amount of FSG into my hair while I squeeze water out. I do this before stepping out of the shower, because it can get messy! I leave my hair flipped over while I carefully step out and plop my very wet hair into my waiting flour sack towel that I set up on the closed toilet seat before my shower. (Plopping can be found in the above link). I dry off, lotion up, get dressed then take my first plop down, leaving my hair flipped over. I scrunch in a good amount of gel (3-4 palmfuls for my slightly below bra strap length hair) and I plop again in a dry flour sack towel. I leave that one for maybe 30 minutes before I start diffusing on warm heat, low speed until the gel is set (starts to feel a bit crunchy). I aim my diffuser at my roots while I am upside down to get those a little dryer. This does 2 things for me, gives me a little more lift, and helps the rest of my hair dry faster than leaving them damp. Then I air dry the rest of the way. Then scrunch out the crunch when dry.<br />
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Putting product (be it just curl enhancer or all your products) into very wet hair helps with definition, clumping, and keeping you frizz free.<br />
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There is a transition period as your scalp adjusts to not being stripped of it's natural oils. I recommend just sticking it out for at least a month. But if it bothers you, you can alternate co-washing with low-poo. The transition may take longer, but you won't be as greasy.<br />
If, after a month or 2, co-washing just isn't for you, a gentle low-poo is just fine.<br />
Please keep in mind, however, that clean well moisturized, NOT stripped hair does feel different than the squeaky clean of a sulfate shampoo! It takes getting used to. But once you are used to it, you will start loving it and wonder how you lived all this time with the horrid squeak of a sulfate shampoo.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06108972362477855336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2265635648186204760.post-81459216066143883892012-11-24T12:16:00.000-08:002012-11-30T20:01:21.830-08:00Is a shampoo free life right for you?I have a confession. I rarely shampoo my hair! I know, I know.. you are probably thinking "Gross!" I thought that same thing when I started reading about the CG or no-poo method. I continued to think that for the first month after deciding to try it! I had been conditioned to think that suds = clean. I now know that isn't true. <br />
I do <b>cleanse</b> my hair every other day to every 3 days. But I use a sulfate and silicone free conditioner to massage my scalp. I also use water soluble products, so they just rinse right out instead of hanging around in my hair. Why, you ask? Because sulfates strip your hair and scalp of it's natural oils and moisture. It can also strip the color out of your hair if you use hair color. <br />
If your hair is dry, frizzy, or undefined, going sulfate free could definitely help! I never even realized how dry my hair was until I started co-washing. My hair is now softer, healthier, less frizzy, more defined... And my previously weak wave pattern is much stronger!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-eaYiJ4-raV-5fMSAKH8O6Q8qgl2R2N9pHz_EUyltEqjAW6_iGj4js0dK-r5x7oKuMYKYZ0nCVENaSEr21X3liXXtJPY1PzSnJ7u-douFT4M0QIxzTcMt8flm2Oa7BXg3sNyeOEYxpXa/s1600/20110514_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-eaYiJ4-raV-5fMSAKH8O6Q8qgl2R2N9pHz_EUyltEqjAW6_iGj4js0dK-r5x7oKuMYKYZ0nCVENaSEr21X3liXXtJPY1PzSnJ7u-douFT4M0QIxzTcMt8flm2Oa7BXg3sNyeOEYxpXa/s320/20110514_3.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was my naked (product free) hair in the beginning of my CG journey, it's mostly straight-ish, with a few uneven waves showing through. There is a lot of frizz, and he waves would fall out and my hair would just be poofy by the end of the day.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEnohcCj-mIHDX4BymYe7RPs-J_5PuGfibpmqKFsLw0AdpitWxtT7Ki7QIeIOPPck5jpCjpCXUfRcMU0nOp8lSU09W4pufuZcWvNvqSgPdbirI3aRRGQysN4ivD5plBUnwksnkOelI8L4/s1600/080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEnohcCj-mIHDX4BymYe7RPs-J_5PuGfibpmqKFsLw0AdpitWxtT7Ki7QIeIOPPck5jpCjpCXUfRcMU0nOp8lSU09W4pufuZcWvNvqSgPdbirI3aRRGQysN4ivD5plBUnwksnkOelI8L4/s320/080.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my naked hair now. (Forgive the uneven cut, I corrected that!) I have strong (as in, they don't fall out) even waves starting a couple of inches from my scalp. In the front where you can't see, the sides have a very strong (they will not straighten, even with a flat iron) spiral pattern. If they started higher, they would be actual curls instead of waves! There isn't much frizz, either!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XIYEK9JMxxPDAT302ri5SPGy0ANiXKCHDXQ_L9qiG6eEbi9bpWD0hAfq33wdevTAdvFZZzdmWoMtQ2gDYsNCOaNPr_GLHzmZQmnYAfi60OXC9YAAoIKQz4c4zmU5ZQw66EfWxe8wI-Uz/s1600/252635_10151789012030181_335330713_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XIYEK9JMxxPDAT302ri5SPGy0ANiXKCHDXQ_L9qiG6eEbi9bpWD0hAfq33wdevTAdvFZZzdmWoMtQ2gDYsNCOaNPr_GLHzmZQmnYAfi60OXC9YAAoIKQz4c4zmU5ZQw66EfWxe8wI-Uz/s320/252635_10151789012030181_335330713_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my styled hair about a month after starting CG. The waves are still a little uneven. No frizz, nice and defined. But they are 2 dimensional S waves, with the curl pattern somewhere around 2B.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9R8LWD2DZMqdrY0sWSKHYTeBsyMaUtWaX1y7HWaR7AC3UtrBS-rTG1Nrj6esyQ5x9IAkyDdeNsSosLuNLIPOVJP-GwNHPiluDnwzj_2wxKblFGmnwE7uukPS8z4kwDp6NnYFvhNFDoHLX/s1600/603889_10152285714320181_836210679_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9R8LWD2DZMqdrY0sWSKHYTeBsyMaUtWaX1y7HWaR7AC3UtrBS-rTG1Nrj6esyQ5x9IAkyDdeNsSosLuNLIPOVJP-GwNHPiluDnwzj_2wxKblFGmnwE7uukPS8z4kwDp6NnYFvhNFDoHLX/s320/603889_10152285714320181_836210679_n.jpg" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My styled hair from yesterday! Much more curl, a little frizz from scrunching too much, but not bad. Defined, spiral-y waves that have gone from 2B waves a year and a half ago, to a definite 2C today.</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">What is the CG (Curl Girl) or no-poo method?</span></b> <br />
Quite simply, you avoid sulfates and silicones in hair products. I have talked about how sulfates strip oils and moisture from your hair and scalp. This leads to dried out ends and an overproduction of oil from the scalp as it tries to compensate for being stripped. Or, if you are like me, who has chronically dry skin all over anyway, just dryness from root to tip! <br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Why is it important to avoid silicones?</span></b> <br />
Silicones aren't ALL bad. Some super strict CGers may want to rip up my CG card for saying that, but honestly, I believe it's true. Silicones can provide slip (detangling power) in shampoos and conditioners. They can act as an anti humectant in styling products. Which can help lock humidity out in the humid summer months, and help keep moisture from escaping in the dry winter months. The trick is, understanding which silicones are water soluble and which aren't. You have to understand that if you choose to use non-water soluble silicones that co-washing (washing with conditioner) won't be enough to remove them. And understanding what ingredients in your cleanser will remove them. <br />
Silicones form a film over the hair shaft. If this isn't cleansed away on a regular basis, it can continue to build up and start to cause problems. The build up will make it impossible to properly condition your hair, because it can't get in the hair. It may start to look frizzy, undefined, or dry. Build up can weigh hair down. It may feel dirty or waxy. <a href="http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/curl-products/whats-the-scoop-on-silicones" target="_blank">Here</a> is a link to a silicone solubility chart. I recommend bookmarking this for easy reference. In general, anything ending in -cone, -conol, or -xane is a silicone. If the silicone is preceded by the letters PEG or PPG, it has been modified to be water soluble. There are some exceptions. As cyclomethicone does not build up and evaporates as it dries. Any sulfate shampoo will get silicones off your hair. But a gentler solution is choosing a low sulfate shampoo that contains cocamidopropyl betaine or coco betaine. <br />
However, I highly recommend avoiding all silicones until you, and your hair and scalp, have adjusted to sulfate free life. It's just much simpler. There is just so much to learn at first that adding the complexity of silicones just isn't worth it. If, after you have a handle on sulfate free life, you want to experiment with silicones, I won't judge you! But, don't start adding a bunch of new products at once.This doesn't just apply to silicone containing products, it's pretty much a good rule of thumb in general. That way, if something goes right, you know what caused it. The same goes for if something goes wrong. <br />
There are of course other ingredients that may cause build up, or that you may find difficult to co-wash out. Polyquats can be a problem for some. Some oils or butters may wash out fine for some, and others may find it nearly impossible. Going to a sulfate free method is a journey! You must learn about your hair. It's properties (for instance fine hair reacts differently than course hair, as does low porosity hair vs. porous hair, etc), what ingredients your hair likes and which it doesn't. Styling techniques that work for 90% of wavies or curlies may not work for you.<br />
However, if you are tired of struggling with frizz, limp hair, hair that is too fluffy, or undefined waves or curls, then it is all definitely worth it.<br />
If you have decided to give a no or low-poo method a try, stay tuned for my next post! I will explain how to get started!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06108972362477855336noreply@blogger.com095-199 S 52nd Pl, Richmond, IN 47374, USA39.829433979406055 -84.832391738891639.823336979406058 -84.8422622388916 39.835530979406052 -84.8225212388916tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2265635648186204760.post-19331992366467069812012-11-23T08:27:00.001-08:002012-11-24T08:14:40.751-08:00Are you wavy? aka The wavy imposter and you.<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Some lucky duckies have a strong wave pattern and have always known that they posses wavy or curly hair. You may have had curly hair when you were young that relaxed into waves as you got older, or you may have had wavy hair that tightened up as you got older. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">But for many wavies, it isn't that apparent. You have always believed you had straight hair. Maybe the texture has changed as you got older, had children, taken medications, or a host of other reasons. Your hair dries frizzy, fuzzy, poofy, with odd bends here and there. You need a flat iron or curling iron to make it look it smooth. Maybe like me, even a flat iron won't tame some fuzzy bits, and no matter what you do, or products you try, you seem to end up with fried looking "finger-in-a-light-socket" hair. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The good news? You may be a wavy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">How can you tell? Next time you wash your hair, shampoo (more on this evil stuff later!) or cleanse as usual (aka low-poo, cleansing conditioner, or conditioner wash. Again, more on cleansing options later!) coat your hair with conditioner and detangle using fingers or a wide tooth comb. Rinse this out and scrunch a little leave in conditioner into your wet hair. Now take a cotton t-shirt, microfiber towel, or flour sack towel and scrunch some water out of your hair. Now look in the mirror. Is it wavy? Are the waves staying put for the most part? If yes, then congrats! You're wavy! If still no wave, or waves fall out quickly, then you probably are straight and need some hair problem diagnosis (dry? damaged? bad cut?). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Now you are probably wondering where to go from here. I swear by the CG (Curly Girl) or no-poo method of hair care. I will write more on this in a bit. But for now, I will leave you with some links. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.naturallycurly.com/" target="_blank">Naturally Curly</a> is a great place to find out more on low-poo or no-poo, styling tips, and product advice. I used to post frequently on the Curl Talk board there until posts started being ripped off and used to write new articles without the poster's knowledge.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/wavyhaircommunity/members/" target="_blank">Facebook Wavy Hair Community</a> is a private group on facebook started by a few of my fellow former Curl Talkers. If you would like to join, please read "how to join" and the group rules! We are a great, friendly, and very helpful community.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://whcreviews.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Wavy Hair Community Hair Product Reviews</a> is a blog started by the WHC admins where our community has reviewed a host of products and techniques for wavy hair. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://pedaheh.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://pedaheh.blogspot.com/</a> is another hair blog from a fellow WHC member. She has a lot of great info!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06108972362477855336noreply@blogger.com0