Hairfinity Update: 30 day review

Hello loves!

So I wanted to come back and give you an update on my Hairfinity vitamins. If you read my post early last month, I bought 1 bottle of the Hairfinity vitamin and decided to try it out since there is so much hype about it. As you all know, I am on a journey to find a cheap, simple, product regimen, but I also want my hair to be healthy and thriving. I went online and ordered these to see if I could see some change in my hair. However, soon after I bought the vitamin, I felt duped, bamboozled, swindled, and any other word you can think of for being tricked!!!!

This vitamin is nothing more than a super multi-vitamin. After doing more research I found this statement to be very accurate. Hairfinity is charging an arm and a leg for a multi-vitamin. I later went on Vitamin Shoppe's website and looked at their Hair Skin and Nails vitamin. This vitamin contains the same ingredients, in higher doses, plus some added vitamins, similar to your average pre-natal vitamin. AND.....Vitamin Shoppe's vitamin is about half the price.

My conclusion on this: If your thinking of Hairfinity, look at alternatives! There are some of the same products out that have been around for a long time, and they give you the same results!

Anywhoo, I guess you wanna know if I noticed a difference, well, IDK! It's only been one month, so it's hard to tell. What I do know is that the short pieces in my crown area (I have a small case of trichotilomania)  and in the front area around my forhead have grown considerably. I have also noticed less shedding (I still don't know if it's from the vitamin, or the grease). I know I didn't give it a long enough try, but the good thing is that I just substituted one vitamin for another, so technically, I am still on the regimen. I will check in again in 30 days. By then, I should have more concrete evidence of what taking a hair supplement can do for your mane!

Peace

Beauty on a Budget: GREASE! Back to basics!

Hello everyone! I am back with another edition of Beauty on a Budget!  So as you can see from the title...I'm talkin about grease! If your a curly girl or an ingredient nazi, then you can stop reading right here, this post is not for you.

However, if you are a chick on a budget like me and looking for products that work and won't break the bank, this post is for you!

So I have been doing some research and watching some reviews on YouTube about using hair grease on natural hair and the theme is the same: grease is a great sealant, gives crazy definition and shine, provide a light hold, and combats humidity.

Of course, it has its cons too. The biggest one, if you use too much, your hair will be greasy and sticky, which is no beuno! It may also actually cause dryness if used alone as it is not really a moisturizer. Another con is that this probably shouldn't be applied to your scap for fear of clogging pores, stick to your oils or natural pomades for that.

How I Use Grease
In my opinion, this works best on really wet, freshly washed hair. I have only done twist outs so far with this and let me tell you, they have been bomb! So after washing and conditioning, I prep my hair for styling. I work some leave in through each section of my hair, then I add the moisturizer of my choice, preferably something light. Then I add a small amount of grease to each individual twist before twisting. I allow to dry overnight, separate, and fluff!

My hair has been soft,  moisturized, defined, and not as frizzy. It has also been holding up in this Georgia humidity!

Bottom Line
Grease is definitely worth a shot! If you have thick, coarse, or hard to define hair, then this may be for you. I firmly believe that grease is still around because it still works! Our parents may have been on to something so we shouldn't discount what they were doing!

Where to Find it and How Much
The grease I have been using you can get just about anywhere! I have been experimenting with Softee Coconut Oil hair & scalp conditioner, Softee Indian Hemp, and Dax. These can be found at your local Family Dollar,  Dollar Tree, Walmart, drug store, or beauty supply store. These jars can range anywhere from $1-$3, depending on what size you buy!

Stay tuned, I have more items coming your way so that you can stay beautiful on a budget!

Peace

Beauty on a Budget: Ecostyler gel

Sorry I haven't checked in for a while, but I have been super busy! I graduate next month and life ha been super hectic. I thought i would drop in and talk briefly about another product you can pick up foe less than $5: Ecostyler Gel

This gel is all the rave in the natural hair community and there are many reviews, tutorials, and the like on it already, so I will not go into much detail.

The Quick and Dirty Review
This stuff works great. I have tried the clear, olive oil, and the argan oil versions. Clear and olive oil are my faves! I use this gel when doing puffs, twist outs (when I'm fighting this GA humidity), and for laying my edges. I do find that this gel works best on dry hair when trying to lay down a ponytail, puff, or any hair style that you prefer layed edges with. I never get build up with this product and the only product it hasn't played nice with so far is Cantu Leave-in repair cream. Other than that, this stuff rocks!

Where Can I Find This
I have been able to find this product in many stores: local beauty supply's, Salley's, Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid.

Alright folks, that's all I got for now! In about 2 weeks I will have way more free time and can update on the products and my regimen in more detail!

Peace

Protective Style Update and.....HAIRFINITY!!

Hey yall! So yeah, I know no one reads this because A) I have no subscribers, and B) No one comments. But that's okay, I don't blog for recognition, I do it because I love it and because someone may find information they are looking for concerning their hair, skin, or makeup. No lets get back to the topic at hand.....MY BRAIDS!

I am currently 4 weeks in with my box braids and let me say that they are the BEST thing in my life right now! With me being at the end of graduate program and getting ready for graduation, I just don't have time for my hair! The fact that I am usually running late because I'm so tired and can run out the door without touching my hair is great! All I have been doing to my hair is oiling my scalp with my oil blend (coconut, castor, grapeseed, flax, olive, and vitamin E oils) several times a week, and occasionally styling them.  This weekend, i am going to shampoo my scalp, do an acv rinse, and oil my scalp.

I cant tell you how i am sooooo looking forward to washing my hair and not having to detangle and style! The most product I will use is either some gel or setting foam in an effort to refresh my braids, I'll let you know how that goes.

Now that I have discussed all the positives,  I must tell you what I NOT feeling about these braids.....the pulling on my edges from my temples down to my ears. Its only maybe 2 braids on this 1 side that is bothering me! It is sore...even 4 weeks in. I haven't figured out yet why this one particular spot is irritated, but when I figure it out I will be sure to let you know!

In other news......I have ordered and received a 30 day supply of the HAIRFINITY vitamins. I have been hearing all the hype and women raving about this product, so I figured I would give it a try. I want to see if its worth all the hype that I have been seeing in the media, on the blogs, and in the natural hair communities. Plus, I feel as though my hair has been at a standstill and I want to see if the vitamin will improve the health of my hair.

I experienced some post partum shedding that caused my edges to thin, as well as some spots in the crown of my head to thin as well. I will be looking to see if this vitamin will help fill in the thinner parts of my hair, improve the strength of it, as see significant growth. Right now, I feel like it is just an amped up multivitamin. I have reason to believe i can get the same results from a regular old, $12, 90 day supply, multivitamin like Centrum, One a Day, or GNC.

I took the first dose of the HAIRFINITY vitamin today. I will check back in, in 30 days to update you the effects this vitamin has had on my hair. Until then...,.

Peace

Beauty on a Budget: Hollywood Beauty Olive Cholesterol Review

This post marks the beginning of my series: Beauty on a Budget! With the evolution of the natural hair movement and the product lines springing up like a May garden, caring for your natural hair can get quite expensive. My goal is to find some basic products that will maintain the health of your hair without breaking your wallet! Products used and reviewed will cost no more than $10, and will be easily found at local stores and beauty supplies! I will be label reading and looking for the best ingredient lists, however, I will not shy from petrolatum and mineral oil, although they will be avoided if possible. I hope this series is useful and helpful to my people keeping it frugal but beautiful!

So as you know, I have been on the hunt for a staple deep conditioner. I don't know if I found it, but I do know that what I have been using lately has been working great!

A few posts back, I introduced you to Hollywood Beauty Olive Cholesterol deep conditioner! Well, I have been using this product since around January of this year and I have no complaints! This conditioner is thick, creamy, smells like cherry-almond, and has good slip for detangling! My hair has been enjoying this product, so I wanted to share with you how I use it, and the results my hair has shown.

How I Use it!
1. I apply this product to my hair BEFORE I shampoo. I first mix the conditioner (gage it by how much your hair needs) with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of honey. I microwave for about 12 seconds. WARNING: If product becomes to warm, it will turn into a milky liquid, then you have to wait for this to cool.
2. Next, I divide my hair into 4 sections, dampen each section with water, then apply it generously to each section. As I am applying the product to each section, I am also beginning the process of finger detangling and removing shed hair. This products works very well for this.
3. Once product is applied to each section, I clip each section out of the way. I then cover with a plastic cap and let the product sit in my hair for about 30-45 min.

The Rinse Out
I rinse my hair section by section before shampooing. When this product is rinsing out of my hair, I almost have a hairgasm every time! The product rinses clean and I can immediately feel how soft my hair is and see the shine. The curls are completely defined and it makes the rest of my wash routine a breeze!

The Verdict
I love this product and will continue to use it for several reasons: 1. The health and look of my hair has improved. 2. Moisture is no longer an issue. 3. This product costs about $3.25 for 20 oz. It doesn't get much better than that! I have found this product at my local family dollar and at CVS. I am willing to bet it can also be found at your local beauty supply. The price is phenomenal and it works well. For all you curly girls, tjos product does not make the list! However, my beauty bargain queens who love a good product, this is for you!

Soul Stars Earned: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Let me know if you use this product, have used it, or will use it! How did your hair like it, will you purchase again? Hot me in the comments and let me know!

Peace

REVIEW: Qhemet Biologics

Okay. This is a brand of hair care products that I have been using for YEARS!!! Literally, since I went natural almost 6 years ago. Qhemet Biologics is a natural hair care product line that  promotes ayurvedic  herbs and healing for your hair! I LOVE this stuff. It has made the difference in my hair so I swear by this stuff.

There are many reviews on this line of products and bloggers use different combinations of products. However, for this blogger, the Amla and Olive Heavy Cream and the Aethiopika Hydrate and Twist butter have been Holy Grails for me for quite some time!

When I did the big chop and couldn't get the dryness under control, I tried many products....from curl activator to shea butter. The activator worked but made my hair too mushy and soft. Shea butter alone dries my hair and does not do all the wonderful things it does for others. I am a member of Nappturality.com and through this site, I discovered Qhemet Biologics. Not only was this product line raved about on this line, but QHem was actually a member of the site and would post, comment, and answer questions. I was hooked. So I ordered the Amla and Olive Heavy Cream and I have not looked back.

This stuff right here is what nappy dreams are made of! This is the BEST moisturizer I have ever come across...hands down! I compare EVERYTHING to this! It is a very creamy, thick, emollient, moisturizer and a little goes a long way. It runs for about $16.50, but it is so worth the price. A little goes a long way and this jar lasts me about a year. I can use it as a leave in when my hair is really parched or I just moisturize before I use my styler and the moisture lasts for weeks! My hair is always soft, shiny, defined, and healthy when I use this product. It will be my HG until Qhem decides she will no longer make this.

 

Ingredients: Castor Oil, Olive oil, distilled water, Botanical infusion of Amla extract Brahmi extract, organic Aloe fero extract egetable glycerin, MSM Sorbitan & Cetereayl Monoesters (vegetable emulsifier) Citrus Limon & Citrus Aurantium (essential oil scent) Phenoyethanol & Ethylhexylglycerin (Food grade paraben free and formaldeyde free preservative).

 

Okay, this twist butter is the bomb.com! This butter gives your hair the softest, most defined twist out you will ever have. If you are looking for a twist out with a lot of definition and no crunchy hold...this is for you! It does just what the product title says. It hydrates your hair..period. The definition is insane. If you are consistent with twist outs and braid outs..this is the product for you. This product is great in the winter when the air is cool and dry. It provides the moisture your hair craves in the winter while providing a soft, defined, style without the worry of the harsh elements ruining your moisture routine! I have used this product since it's introduction and it will continue to be a staple of mine!

 

Ingredients: Olive Oil, Mango Butter and Rice Oil Blend Behenyl Esters Cetyl Alcohol, Soy Oil Blend, Plant Wax, Phthalate Free Fragrance.

 

 

My next product to try from this line is the Cocoa Tree Detangling Ghee. I hear it melts tangling away and doubles as a great leave-in. Right now, her main sight is closed, but you can still buy at Sage Naturalceuticals ....at least that's where I get mine in Atlanta. I hear she will be re-opening soon! I hope this review was helpful and I will see you soon!



Peace

Review: Covergirl Lip Perfection Lipstick

Okay, so you all know I'm obsessed with hair. Well, my other two obsessions are make up and nail polish! With that said, I have been working on building my lipstick collection. I'm not interested in having a bunch of lipsticks that I can't wear just for the sake of owning them, I want them to be good colors for me and colors I will wear...often! So far, I have only obtained one lipstick that I won't be caught dead in and I'm willing to swap!


So let's get started! First on my list of lipsticks that I am loving is Covergirl Lip Perfection Lipstick in colors Spellbound and Embrace. These lipsticks are very opaque, and last ALL DAY! I mean, the quality is very comparable to MAC, I may like them a little better, actually! Why you ask, well these colors are pretty matte, but they are not nearly as drying as the MAC. The Covergirl Lip Perfection lipsticks are an excellent formula as they glide on smoothly, a little goes a long way, they are opaque, vibrant, and long lasting. I mean, it doesn't get much better than that!

Above is Embrace. This color is absolutely GORGEOUS! My fave lipstick, hands down! This stuff is a blue/purple/pinkinsh color! It cam come off magenta or fuschia, depending on how deep of a color you apply or blot it. It's a bold color without being too daring. Wears very well and is SUPER pretty! I get compliments EVERY time I wear it.

Spellbound, pictured above, is a nice, bright blueish pink. This has a nice matter finish and is very opaque. I don't wear it as often, but when I want a nice bold, pink, lip, I reach for this. This goes on nice and smooth and again, lasts ALL DAY!

If you haven't tried these lipsticks, I highly recommend you check them out. High end quality wear with a drug store price tag. It don't get much better than that! All my lippie lovers, this is one for the books!

Peace

**HAUL** Results of my beauty haul over the past several weeks!

Yeah, it's been a while since I have been able to dabble in my other obsession.....BEAUTY PRODUCTS!!!


I know, the junky in me rears it's head sometimes and when it does, I have to indulge! Only because I don't do it often, but when I do, I go H.A.M.!!!!!!!! I have hair product haul coming on, but that will take a few months since I'm braided up right now!


Anywhoo! So what have I been buying lately....well let's see:

LIPSTICK
-MAC Ruby Woo
-MAC Heroin
-MAC Viva Glam Riri Red
-Rimmel Heather Shimmer


LIP LINER
-Rimmel Red Diva
-Rimmel Mauve Shimmer


Face
-Neutrogena Deep Cleanser
-Maybelline Baby Skin instant pore eraser
-L'Oreal Voluminous Power Volume 24H Mascara




What prompted this haul you say, well several things: 1. I was out of face soap, 2. I am OBSESSED with lipstick and am building my collection, 3. My pores are out of control and I am tired of looking at them so I am looking for ways to cover them up with out wreaking havoc on my face, and lastly 4. I've been on the hunt for a good mascara for a while!


So yeah, I have hauled a way and think I am done for a couple of months. When the sun starts shining more, I will be on the look out for a good bronzer and some blushes! Stay tuned, it's that time of year and my hauling is going to get out of control!!!!! But I do it for you....not just because I'm a terrible product junky who needs rehab but chooses not to engage!!!!!!






Peace

Protective Styling (Box Braids!)

This winter, I have been attempting to take better care of my hair. I noticed that my hair was kinda dry and breaking in the middle (or maybe I was pulling it out) and that it just wasn't in good shape. So I decided to make some changes.

Some key changes that i made was switching to the L.O.C. method as well as eliminating tools from my detangling process. I now finger detangle and then use my Denman brush for a last work through. I also have begun adding protein treatments to my regimen which has only added to the health of my hair.

In my previous blogs I talked about protective styling also as a way to maintain hair growth. I have stuck to that regimen and have been wearing my hair in twists and flat twists for a few months now. This has allowed my hair to rest from being manipulated so much and aids in keeping my ends protected. Well, i decided to take my protective styling one step further!

BRAIDS! Yass! I have decided to keep my hair in braid extensions for the next 4 months. On Saturday, March 1st, i had box braids installed in my hair. I plan to keep them on for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks I will take down and nourish my hair for about 2 weeks and then have some other braid style installed. I will keep that braid style in for another 8 weeks.

Can I say, I am in LOVE with these braids! They are still pretty tight, but I can't wait for them to loosen up so that I can play in them! I think this will be a verybwelcomed break from styling my own hair!

Peace

Hair Resolutions!: Better Hair in 2014

Hey lovelies! So today marks January 1, 2014. The new year is your chance to get a do-over, so make it count! This year, I am setting some resolutions for my hair. Time to pay more attention to the health of my hair since I am challenging myself to grow it out for a few more years.

I've noticed that since I have been natural, I never took certain natural products seriously that can have a great impact on the health of my hair. Maybe not so much natural products, but just doing things for my hair that will benefit it's health and allow it to strive! This year, it is my goal to add 3 things specifically to my regimen to help increase the health of my hair.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar/AV Rinsing
2. Protein Treatments
3. Trimming Ends every 3-4 months

I know, I know! You guys are probably thinking: Where has this chic been? Under a rock? The answer is NO! I have read and researched these three things for years, but never thought they were overly important. I was only trimming my hair 1x per year, but as my hair has grown, I see that it will be necessary to trim it more often. This will help reduce split ends and allow me to retain length instead of suffering from breakage.

The protein treatments I always ruled out because I never thought they applied to me. Well.....they do! My hair suffers from not having the right balance of strength and moisture and I want to fix this! My hair is over moisturized right now and is in need of a treatment. When I snap a piece of my hair in two, it does not snap back after being stretched. It stays stretched out. This means that my hair is over moisturized and needs some protein. I need to pay more attention to this as ideally, your hair strands should snap and shrink back when broken into two.

Apple Cider Vinegar rinses will also be incorporated into my regimen to take the place of clarifying with shampoo. I find clarifying to  drying on my hair at this length. I will use the ACV in place of clarifying to remove product buildup and to add shine to my hair.

I am going to do these three things for the next year to see how my hair improves. What are you New Years Hair Resolutions? Comment and subscribe and let me know! I'm always  looking for new ideas!!!

Peace