My Fotki

I am working on my Fotki, I swear! It seems like I need an assistant for my hair & fashion activities! *SMILE*

Do I have a regimen?

I guess I am still diddling with/deciding what my regimen is. Right now I am doing the following:

1. Co-washing primarily 2-3 times a week except when I have buildup then I use Aveda to clarify.
2. I deep condition at least once a week. I am now using the Organix Coconut Conditioner. I love it!
3. I am applying the Curlaway every morning as a leave in to my new growth and it seems to be working. My hair is very soft, no shedding.
4. I only use protein treatments 2-3 times a month mostly using Aphogee or a week of Surge Plus 14.
5. I have been wearing my protective styles alternating between ponytails, buns & half-wigs.
Of course, any of this is subject to change in the next five minutes except the protective styles.

Ta!

Miss Bessie Update

This post is not meant to offend, insult, or upset anyone. I used the entire bowl of the “Miss Bessie” concoction (see earlier post) and I did not experience ANYTHING. No growth but no negative experiences either. It ended up being very greasy & oily. It seemed to be a couple of essential oils mixed with petroleum but I could be wrong.

Verdict: Pass, absolutely.

Protective Styles!

So while I am on my healthy hair journey, I am stuck with what to do with my hair that is
1. Safe for my hair
2. Easy to accomplish at home
3. Chic yet professional (work) or Chic & Hot (going out)
Of course I did the requisite internet search for protective styles and didn’t really find much. I ran across a couple of the BHM & LHCF member’s fotkis to check what everyone else was doing and got some great ideas. I am recreating some of these styles and will be adding to my very own Fotki, NicNacBeauty, of course. In the meanwhile below are some pictures of my favorite buns.

Ta!

My Mistress…Ssh! The Mane Clip

Okay on the exact same day I ordered my beloved UPA clip (see earlier post); I also order another clip I ran across. My search led me to a video on YouTube of a black woman with average length hair whipping on a ponytail. I watched the video thinking “it looks so easy”. The “Mane Clip”, sold on www.themaneclip.com and the starting price is a mere $9.99 (this is clip only, no hair attached).

Concept: It’s very similar to the UPA clip except there isn’t any hair sewn to the clip. The clip has these prongs that you attach a pack (or half, if you don’t like thick hair) of hair. You can buy the hair from the website but I didn’t. I just used a cheap pack from the local BSS, since it’s just a ponytail and it’s a test run.

Pros:
• Much cheaper than the UPA especially since you can use whatever pack of hair you want.
• The UPA clip limits the style of the ponytail to the type of hair you purchase but with the mane clip you can change the hair from straight to curly to wavy. Whatever you like.
• The creator of the mane clip has an instructional video on her website for those of you that are visual learners.
• Since the price is cheaper you can buy more than one color/style of the clip to match your outfit.

Cons:
• It really is such a shame there is a market for this and that I am so excited about it.
• The UPA clip comes ready made to snap on in a second and it feels more secure to me.
• The concept of both clips are so simple I want to kick myself for of thinking of it myself.

Both clips are great, especially if you hate the cheap, phony looking drawstrings like me. I always, always get a headache when I try to wear a drawstring ponytail. Since no one I personally know is even aware of the existence of either invention, I seem always at the forefront of hair fashion and now you can too.

Check my Fotki, http://public.fotki.com/NicNacBeauty/, for pics of my trying out my new clip.

Ta!

Star Style Spotlight!

I love this look on Paula Patton, fresh & stylish with trying. Take note ladies at the minimal skinage & ladylike steez!

Elemis Products!

I purchased 3 sample tubes of each of these Elemis products from Ebay (247beautyshop, 13.94 total for all, great seller by the way!)

Elemis Papaya Peel: The truth! It does not make your skin peel, it’s more of an exfoliator but I loved it. My face was clear, smooth & soft. I truly believe it may have contributed to making my dark marks lighter (in conjuction with the Bio-Oil)

Verdict: A definite keeper

Elemis Herbal Lavender Repair Mask: Ehh! It was okay! Nothing to write home about. I gave it to my mom who has sun damage.

Verdict: Pending

Elemis Skin Buff: Very weak exfoliator with a weird smell. I didn’t get past tube number two.

Verdict: Pass

Tracee Ellis Ross-Style Crush!

Designline Olive Oil Leave-In Conditioner (Regis, $9.99 sale price)

Short story: Out of town, in Orangeburg, South Carolina. One mall, small salon. I left my ORS leave-in at home by mistake and the mall was walking distance. I was wearing a self-made half wig (body wave hair) and the conditioner made my curls pop, Christina Milian style. I thought I was in love again! But alas, I got home and used it as a leave-n on my natural hair and it sucked. Once it dried, it took my poor hair with it. I tried it twice and had to deep condition twice to reverse the effects. I will keep it to use on my wavy half wigs.

Verdict: Pass