"New and Improved"?? Let's See...

Gee! It's been a while!
However, I know many of you guys prefer either Facebook or Youtube, so if you haven't already, check out those sites here and here.

Ok, onto today's cautionary tale :-).
If you're anything like me, once you find a product that actually works, you keep going back to it over and over again.

In my products video, I shared how I absolutely love Organics Leave-In Liquid Hair Mayonnaise. I use it on freshly washed, soaking wet hair to increase moisture retention and manageability. It does what I want it to do and I pair it with other products to achieve my desired goal.

I went into Caribbean Queen the other day and saw them for $9!! Being prudent, I grabbed two off the shelf :-D. I was only when I put them down at the register that I realized I had two different sizes, and the larger one was the same price. I quickly corrected that error, grabbed another big one and headed on home. Now, I still had a bit left from the one I was using so as I went to use them both...I realized they were completely different colours.

The original is a very pale ecru-like colour. The "new and improved" version is a bright yellow. Of course, there is also an ingredients difference.

Click to enlarge the photo.

The verdict is still out on how I feel about this newer formula... I'll keep you posted.

Until next time...

To The Newly Natural: Hair Necessities

Hey guys!!

Recently I did my friend Nikita's BC for her. As she was asking me questions I got to thinking that I should do a Newly Natural series. All the things you need to know right now as you start new hair journey!

First on the list: What do I need?

Products

My ABSOLUTE necessities: an afro comb
and a spray bottle of water.

Leave-in Conditioner- One liquid and/or one creamy

1 Deep Conditioner

1 Sulphate Free Shampoo

Hair Oils

Glycerin

Styling aid(I use 100% Raw African Shea Butter)

Hair Gel(optional)

Tools

1 wide tooth comb

1 Rattail comb

1 Afro comb

Butterfly clips (usually 12 in a pack)

Satin bonnets and/or scarves (I didn't put one because I always seem to misplace mine)

1 Spray bottle

1 pair of high quality Hair Shears- for those pesky single strand knots and general trimming

Optional

Hair ties/bands

Hair combs

Bobby pins

Scarves

Did I miss anything? Leave a comment with your absolute necessaries and anything you would add to the list, or take away from it.

As always,

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow!

Hey Peoples!!
This post is hair related, but not the hair your thinking about. I'm talking about my brows!

For my birthday I got my eyebrows waxed!! I let my eyebrows grow out over a few months to get back my original shape because I knew I wanted to try waxing them. I always shape them myself and I wanted to treat myself so when I saw the Contour Beauty booth in Sky Mall, I made plans to come back.

Before

Here my brows are, looking thick and lovely!

 When I went, the Managing Director Patricia was there. Although I was terrified of skin coming off with the hair and of bleeding and all that(laugh at me man, guh long), she was patient and answered all of my questions.

How was the waxing... I had a delayed pain reaction. When she pulled that strip, two second passed before my eyes flew open synchronized with my mouth. I even asked her "Am I bleeding?!" For the second one I asked her if she was sure! I gave her a few laughs that day.

However, I don't think I'll ever do it again. Along with the obvious reason, I only wanted a reset for my brows. I intended to get them professionally done and then maintain them on my own by tweezing when needed. When you've been altering them for so long you tend to forget what is natural for your face. I wanted full, thick brows that followed the natural shape.

And just in case you didn't realize, the obvious reason is the pain. You shouldn't let that stop you from trying it though as Patricia says she does hers all the time with no pain and I tweeze my brows regularly with zero pain. It's just an initial pain that passes with repetition.

I got my eyebrows both waxed and tinted and Patricia did a great job! See for yourself!

After

Note that I have not filled in my brows with my pencil. I was super happy with the result.

Wax: $25
Tint: $30
So, $55 for a great birthday gift to moi!

Check them out on Facebook at ContourBeauty1.

Remember to check out my FB page here to get regular updates on what I'm up to. Until next time...

First Impressions: Aunt Jackie's Curls and Coils

Elo! Elo!

We're talking yumminess today! We really are.

I was introduced to the Aunt Jackie's Curls & Coils product line on the surface around September when my workplace started running advertisements for it. Then I got my hands on some last week when Sophia Babb, Sale Representative with Bryden Stokes Ltd. and a licensed cosmetologist for over 30 years, came by with a bag full of goodies!

The first thing that anyone that's hair conscious will notice is that beautiful disclaimer...
NO Sulfates, NO Parabens, NO Mineral Oil and NO Petrolatum?

YES please!

This isn't to say that the product is all natural, because it's not. But that has never bothered me anyway. Go here for full product descriptions and ingredient lists.

The second thing I noticed were the names, which remind me of Kinky Curly product names. They really are catchy and the packaging is well done. I found out later that the bottles are not hard to squeeze and the tubs have wide openings for easy reach.

A little goes a looooong way with Oh So Clean! You really do not want a lot of this shampoo at all. My hair did not feel stripped but it did feel clean. But please, do not get this in your eyes. The only thing that stopped me from bringing down the roof was the poor ill dear in the next room. This thing burns!! I thought at that moment that I truly understood that scripture which goes "And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee..." (Matthew 18:9)

I don't yet have a clear impression of In Control because the sample size barely had enough for a quarter of my thick head of hair.

My detangling process was a breeze with Knot On My Watch. I used a comb this time around as I was trying to follow that instructions closely and I had no problems. My hair immediately felt moisturized and ready for styling.

I'm happy already with the Curl La La defining curl custard. I twisted my hair and it stayed moisturized even after some harsh treatment...

So! The true test begins now. I have not combed my hair and it's rock hard. I intend to use these products consistently over then next couple weeks and then I'll be back for a final review.

Oh, just so you know, these things smell AH-MAY-ZING! Someone one Youtube described it as Starburst, as in the candy. She's so right. I walked around smelling like some gorgeous perfume the entire night...

Recession Rates! Aunt Jackie's Curls and Coils

Today! Today!

I went into (and endured for an extended period) the mad rush that is Bridgetown in the throes of December to bring you guys the best prices for the Aunt Jackie's Curls and Coils line of products!!

Fighting Back!

Hey hey...

I know it has been a looong minute since I last posted. That's because there has been nothing to report. Nothing great anyways. Due to some lifestyle changes my body and hair have been stressed out and I've been experiencing some breakage.

Twist Out Half Hawk Style Tutorial

Yo yo yo! Wassup my Lovlies?

Very late but here it is. The latest styling video from me.



 I'm not going to be doing anymore for a while as I've FINALLY installed the braids I had been planning to.

I am hoping to leave them in for 2 months as I work very odd hours in A/C. Whatever is best for my hair right now, I'm up for. Since YouTube wouldn't allow me to post the photo, here it is.

My superfly Grandmother and I. This lady means the world to me.

Nope, not the hubby, lol. But yes, I know he's a good looking dude. Runs in the blood ya'll, :-D.

Okay guys. I'll catch you later! Don't forget to tell me what you want to see in the future either here or on the Facebook page.

My Hair: Styling My Twisted Faux Hawk

Ello, ello my lovelies!

I hope you guys are having a great day! As promised here are three ways to style the style :-).

All you need are a few hairpins.

 Style #1- Side Swept

 Pull all of the hair over to one side! So simple :-D. You may need to pin the twists from the cornrows in place. Gravity...lol. Check out the bonus pic to see what I mean.

 


Style #2 - Bumped!

Bumped!

Create a small pomp with the twists that make up your bang. Keep in place with your hand for now.

Just ignore the background :-p

Take the twists from the cornrows on either side of your head and pin the pomp into place by pinning the twists strategically.

Fluff your bump and that's it!

Style #3 - Get loose!

That's right, Just unravel your twists for a banging twistout! I did not want my hair out of it's protective style just yet however so I just sacrificed one twist :-D

I did remember to take a few photos on wash day tho. Excuse the fuzz, I did say it was wash day :-D. And a hot day too...no, I am not naked! Just greasy, lol.

That's it ppls!. I hope you enjoyed this post. Feel free and encouraged to try this style with it's many variations! 

When you do, send your photos to msnatuallyinclined@gmail.com so I can see and if you don't mind, I'll share your fly style on the Facebook page so be sure to like the page to get all the updates.

As always,

Bonus pic
LOL, Gravity as it's finest.

My Hair: Half Hawk Tutorial

Yo yo yo! Wassup?

Lol. That's something I started a few months ago when me cousin called. It is thee funniest story but quite long so onto other more pertinent matters.

My hair! Which is why you're reading, lol. I don't have any editing software at the moment and for me to record without stopping would be such a waste of your time to watch that I decided to do a picture slideshow instead.

 I started with an old twist out. I unravelled any defined clumps prior to detangling and moisturizing.

I lightly spritzed my hair with a water and glycerin mix, moisturized my hair with Organics Olive Oil Leave-In Conditioner, detangled, then sealed with Jojoba Oil.

Step 1.
Part your hair from ear to ear, leaving the majority of hair to the back. Band the back for now as we'll be working on the front for a while. Part the front into three large sections from back to front with the middle section being the largest.

Step 2.
Plait or flat twist the side section into cornrows leading to the center. I choose to do four but you can do as many as you like. Repeat with the other side.

Step 3.
Begin twisting! I twisted the hair at the crown of my head forward towards my face for a banged look. I also twisted it smaller as this section of my head has little to no real curl definition on it's own. I have to keep it well stretched. And no, I will not go into the typing thing.

Step 4.
Twist the back portion however you would like. I choose to do medium sized twists with arced parting. You don't see any parting when the hair falls naturally with the arcs and my hair will look really full when I choose to unravel the twists for a twist out.

That's it! The only thing hard about this style is that I had difficulties plaiting up the sides. It would have been much easier to flat twist it but I wanted it to last a little longer than flat twists would allow. 

If you follow me on Facebook, you'll know that I've been having some severe migraines recently. That's why my clothes are different, because I had to wait until the next day to finish my hair. But it really doesn't take long at all.

I finished it the next morning and that evening was my Super D's Birthday Party!! Whoop Whoop! Epic balloon battles were had that night. Epic.

Have you tried this style before? Want to try it? What would you do or have you done different? 

Let me know in the comments section and you can send your photos to msnaturallyinclined@gmail.com! I'll post them here and on the Facebook page to show everyone how fly you are! Make sure to click 'Like' on the page. Thanks.

Up next: How I styled this style :-D.

Have a wonderful day my lovelies!!

Me, the Magician

"I shall make this blogger disappear in five, four ,thr...wait?! She's gone already?!"

Good intentions will get you nowhere, faster than a speeding bullet, a jet plane, superman... you get the picture...

It was my intention to blog more. It was also my intention to not cut my hair anymore...and to do a year of protective styling. Boy, did that NOT happen. Not that I didn't want it to.

I want longer hair sooo badly!! Unfortunately, my protective styling either didn't seem to be working or my finger tips are too sensitive, because at the first feel of rough ends, my hair shears magically appear in my hand. And *poof* there goes 1/2 to 1 inch.

Furthermore, my hair actually started to do massive breakage. "Why, Lee?", you may ask. Well, since you asked, because of stress, my lovelies!! Not only can stress kill you, but in the process it affects your body so negatively.

Thankfully, I'm out of the situation now and my hair is looking and feeling a lot better. I note my length by how easy it is for me to put my hair in one and I've recovered the length I had to take off in early June. I'm back on the wagon with my protective styling and I even recorded a video yesterday! *YAY  LEE*

Unfortunately, I have to wait for hubby to take it off because every time I try, the computer want to reformat the card. *STUPSE!*

If it isn't one thing, it's another...

*And for my final trick, Ladies and Gentlemen, *poof* the blogger is back!!!*

Challenge: Say No to Styrofoam!

Join the Ms.Naturally Inclined challenge to live healthier, for yourself and the planet!

PHS 2013: Style Number One - Braids

Hey lovelies!

I'm growing some hair this year!! Hey, that could be my motto! lol

Where I'm At...

Hey everyone.

I've been MIA, I know. I'm posting to let you guys know why and why I'll be missing some more. There are a few reasons actually. First of all, my classes resumed so I'm more tired in the evenings when I'm usually settled enough to put my thoughts down. However. my class is scheduled to end next week! YaY! I am going to miss the participants of my session terribly but I'll be glad when I don't have to trudge up there every week :-).

Secondly, I can't use my laptop. I was using it and it was plugged in, I left the room to make something to eat and when I returned I noticed that it wasn't charging. My charger has stopped working, inexplicably. It was still warm and everything! So, I'm trying not to use it because it has issues. It's pre-owned so it's giving me a few problems when not plugged in.

Lastly, I'm starting my own business. I'm in the final stages of development and am writing my business plan and all that lovely, stress-full stuff. This thing has my head so kerfuffle sometimes but I'm determined not to let this sit on a shelf and die.

I tried recording a video and *smh* it's not working out. I have to find a better way to do this...

I'll try to do better guys. I'm trying..

Btw, the hair at my nape is APL! :-D

Ombre Nail Polish

I am really feeling this nail polish!!

I don't get acrylic put on my nails or anything of the like, ever. So anything I do with my nails I have to do myself and finding new ways of jazzing things up at home can be difficult sometimes. However, when I do find something, it's all over! I am excited over what I haven't done yet! :-D

 Early Sunrise and Mint Stick

Prevent and Treat Dry Hair

1. Be aware of your surroundings.
If you work in A/C or spend lots of time in it or the sun, your environment will dry your hair out. Use a moisturizer or leave-in with sunscreen and moisturize at least twice a day. I tend to over-moisturize before going to work in harsh conditions and seal with oil because my hair gets thirsty really quickly.

2. Moisturize daily.
Stating that dry hair needs moisture is really overdoing it but some persons try all sorts of things and forget that anything dry needs WATER to moisturize it! I keep a spray bottle of water(and sometimes a mix with glycerin) handy for whenever I style my hair. I mist each section with water then I use my moisturizer.

3. Avoid shampoo.
Please note I didn't say never to shampoo as hair needs a clean scalp to grow. However, shampoos tend to strip the hair of the natural oils created to keep the hair...moisturized. Try cowashing during the week and a mild shampoo on your scalp to cleanse it. If you exercise daily, this can work for you too, as you'll wash away the sweat and then on weekends/wash day you get a nice clean scalp without stripping your hair.

4. Seal!

Enough said I believe. After you use your leave-in. moisturizer, water mist, anything!, seal in the moisture with an oil of choice. Read the full experiment here.

5. Deep Condition.

Try to D/C at least once every 2 weeks. An intensive D/C helps yours hair to recover from its bad state, whatever the cause.

6. Avoid heat.

Heat makes water evaporate. It really needs no further explanation. Low heat settings on your products if you have to use heat is better. Of course, no heat is best of all. :-)

*******************************

So of course I had to do further research before bringing this post to you because as the old adage goes "Cat luck ain' dog luck." I.e- what works for my hair, might not work for yours and vice versa.

These sites had the best information.
http://top7business.com/?Top-7-Tips-To-Treat-And-Prevent-Dry-Hair&id=4473 Ignore number seven on this list. Do NOT wash your hair with shampoo every other day. Avoid using shampoo and cowash when possible during the week.

http://www.myhealthguide.carlyucaangay.com/how-to-prevent-to-dry-hair.html  This list was pretty good all around.

Thanks so much for the love and support. Following the blog is quite easy to do and the FB page even easier.
God Bless!! And as always,