Natural Hair: Oiling Hair - Oil Mister

As a Natural we are consistently looking for not only Oils, Butters and Products to put on our hair but also if there are any ways to ease putting it on our hair we are down for that too.

I'm sure you as the reader, just as myself, have regular spray bottles, Applicator Bottles and Squeeze Bottles with oils and Product you've mixed together for more than one time use.

For someone as myself who has Seborrehic Dermatitis (which I'm considering on working on a Blog more so dedicated around that) I am constantly oiling my scalp. More so to keep the scale and irritation recurrence down than for a Dry scalp in general.
I mix my Oils together and I apply with an Applicator bottle with a Nozzle.

It makes for ease when I have my hair cornrowed for a style or to just oil my scalp in general.

When I'm not using that, I use this one here:

I had seen it at Sally's Beauty Supply. It is for Hair dye application but it is built and functions great for Oiling Hair. I use this tip more when I have my hair free - in an Afro style and am Massaging the oil in.

Both of those work great for the scalp with no problem but if I want Oil on my strands - lets say a Refresher, then it's back to my Applicator bottle mixture and now this is where I get annoyed because there are times I am in a hurry. I do not want to fool around with Oil in my hand to rub on both to this pat around and rub through my hair. Now I have oil on my hands and the things I grab do as well. I had been looking for some type of Oil Aerosol bottle that could be used for such.

Here comes in the Oil Mister.

I came across this when I was Googling Oil Sprayers. Mind you I had seen these before but thought nothing of it.
Then it hit me "Hello. You use Olive Oil and stuff on your hair and THIS is what these things are FOR!" Had a serious Facepalm moment.

I have one that is like the one at the bottom.

I filled it with Equal parts of EVOO - CO - AO and put a little bit of Burdock & Neem Oil for my scalp.

You only fill it Halfway. There is a Fill line on it. You pump it and pump until it starts to feel resistant and it's good for about 10 seconds of Spraying which is good if you are Spraying your head for a light covering. If you need more then just pump again and spray.

I have tried Spray Bottles and they get clogged /don't work with it being pure oil - for my case.

This particular one was Mastrad brand. 

So far with my new use of it I am loving it. I wasn't sure with the mixing of the oils but they are all Light oils so I figured it wouldn't be much of a problem and so far it's not. The only issue I do have is the end of the pump, it touches against the wall of the glass inside so that can affect the pumping/spraying. Something I'm sure I can fix. Otherwise, I love it. I really do.

I can spray my head, I don't have to worry about oil all over my hands and everywhere else. It's nice. I love it.

Natural Hair: Henna on 4B/4C Hair - Low Porosity/High Resistant! (Pic Heavy)

Hello peeps. Work has been endless. I was working every weekend since January and finally near end of April the mandatory weekends slowed down and in May I went to Istanbul. Beautiful city, but that's a story for another time.

Once I get bored with my hair, I get bored. I wanted color again. I hadn't colored my hair since my last post involving the Manic Panic and that Semi-Perm Dye had washed out.

You see my ends are pretty much blonde again, no mistaking that. This is from an old Finger Coil.

I wanted a Burgundy hair color. This time a Permanent Solution. Though, I did not want to damage my hair more than I already have in the past with Bleaching, high developers.

Even though I had bought Ion Brilliance Burgundy from a previous purchase at Sally's, I decided to search the web and do my own Henna research on color options, as well as Pros and Cons.

I learned quite a bit, the main things that stuck out were:

• There are different types of Henna, based on where they are Farmed and the color they are known to stain more of.
• Always use a Plastic/Non-Metal Container and Utensils when involving Henna.
• Henna can strengthen and soften the hair. 
• The natural chemical Lawsome in it that also gives it the Orange-Red color fills in the damage of the hair cuticle.
• Body Art Quality (BAQ) Henna is the kind you want to purchase and use for your hair.
• Henna stains a Red-Orange color, regardless of kind. Some stain more intense than others. You can change the stain color by what you add to it (Coffee, Tea, Powders, Honey).
• Henna cannot lighten your hair. It can add color to Dark hair but if your hair is Black, do not expect Deep Red Hair. On Very Dark Brown/Black hair you might see highlights more in the sunlight than actual indoor/low lighting.
• Henna is a great moisture restorer - make sure to add something to it so it isn't hard to wash out.
• Henna does not Lift Color.
• If you are Hennaing for color, it takes HOURS to be left on your head. If you are just conditioning then 30mins - 2 hours is fine.
• Henna can define your curls but it can also loosen the curl - Some people only notice a slight curl difference, and for others it's drastic. Loosened curls is not common though.

• Henna is Permanent - Though I do believe this is based on how many applications and if it took to the hair. There are cases were people were able to remove the Henna. It's just a tedious process.

How Do You Know When Your Hair Rejects A Product?

(Trying out new Tablet, hope you can see :-))

I know especially for my fellow 4C Hair peeps out there, when you find a product that you absolutely love you want to stick with it.
But when it comes to trying out others how do you know if how your hair is responding is because of the product itself or your hair?

If you're a new Natural you might of figured "I guess my hair is suppose to look and feel this way." Your hair should not feel nor look like Straw and flaky hun!

I believe this is how bad reviews come into play.

Are you having Flaking/Product Build Up On the Hair?

For example I have a Review of As I Am Twist Define Cream and it caused flaking/dandruff. I was not happy and that was a bad review.
Mind you my hair did not absorb the product so the product just sat on top of my hair. Which explains why my hair also felt dry even though it was suppose to be moisturizing as well.

And it might not be a Product but an overall Ingredient.

Do you know what your hair reacts to Ingredient wise?

I cannot do Organic/Natural Coconut all over my head if I want curls as well as part of the hairstyles.
And anything using a Coconut Oil can leave my hair Curlless.

My hair right after a Bantu Knot. I took it down and I didn't have any curls, just poofy mess. I used a Coconut CoWash(sadly another As I Am product. I'm staying away from the product line, even though I want to love it) and I last any curl I would of had beforehand.
Same goes for using Extra Virgin Coconut Oil all over my head. Sadly my hair rejects it. It looks and feels like oily straw if I use it as a main oil for my hair strands. Therefore I use it for my scalp and ends only. I figure it would be good for straightening my hair in a Blow Out and even that did not go well...

Does your hair feel dry when you know it shouldn't be?

Can also be another indicator that the product is not staying in your hair, too water base, your hair does not like it.

As a 4C and I'm sure even 4Bs have this issue when it comes to finding products more than other hair types I feel. Because our hair is more coarse, fragile, can be Porous.

I still like to go out and try new Products, but knowing what my hair tolerance is helps with spending as well and better chances of me liking a product.

- Now I can do Organix and Shea Moistures Coconut Lines, not as potent.

[Circle Lens Review] Gothic Eye Hazel

(Phone Picture)

Hello Readers! Happy New Year
This is going to be a Quick Review of the Gothic Eye Hazel that I purchased from Apple Of Your Eyes.

I received these in the Package I got back in September last year. I did not open and wear these until Christmas Weekend.

First I would like to say that I was surprised at how these looked!

I was hoping they wouldn't look like Freshlook Hazel lenses. If you've seen pictures (Google is your friend) or in person of how they look, FL's have more of a Orange/Light Brown color that can come off as off putting depending on Make-Up, Skin tone and Eye color.

These I felt were more Subtle, natural.

Appearance 10/10. 

Honestly I didn't think I would care for these much and I Do. I Love them!

(Camera Photo)

Further away shot with Flash.

Camera Close up with Flash.

Camera Close up Without Flash.

I didn't take a lot of pictures since this is a more Natural Lens. You mainly just want to see what it looks like up close, far away and in dark verse light.

I don't have any Outside pictures because at the time the pictures were taken it was Cold and then it became FREEZING days later (I'm sure you heard about that Chicago weather a week ago!).

Feel?

I was also surprised at how these felt. They weren't a pain to get in, or take out. They also didn't try to fall out of my eye when my eyes were dried out and need drops.

For Comfort: 9.5/10

Enlargement: 10/10

I did not buy these for Enlargement. These give off a 14.5mm Diameter. If you want a Dolly Eye/Anime Look then these are not for you.

Overall: 10/10.

I will definitely be Replacing these once I need to. Love them. Received nice compliments.

Natural Hair Care: Organizing/Cleaning Out That Cabinet!!!

If you're not someone who's rocking a short style (and sticking with it) then I'm sure, not only have you bought your share of products that you love and enjoy but also experimenting with products you have seen just browsing. Whether it be online, in a store or word of mouth.

After awhile you start to run out of places where to PUT these products that you keep purchasing. You tell yourself "Hey I really need to slow down." But then again, never fails, something catches your eye that says: 'Can help pop your curls, increase moisture', and you're like "OMG I Need This In My Life!"

Been there, done that. And I am still guilty of it when it comes to Youtube videos and I see things that make me go "Why haven't I seen this yet!"

Well two weeks ago I started the dreaded task. The task of Cleaning out my Cabinet.

The first thing you should do when Organizing is Making sure you Separate all your Staple hair products before going through your "Eh, I barely used this after trying it" products.
Then ask yourself:
Am I going to use this product again in the very near future?
Did I enjoy this Product?
Is this something I could give to a friend to use?

A Good portion of this stuff I was not able to even get in this Cabinet before hand. It was all over my counter in my bathroom. Off my sink.

I tossed out items that I don't care to use and cleaned out jars that just had a Dab of product in it. I have Yellow and Ivory Shea Butter that I plan on making into some Butter Creams once I use up the Shea Butter products I have. I have Coconut Oil that I LOVE to mix with my other oils. Figured can wash and reuse the containers with my own product.

I bought a Vinyl Shoe Organizer that hangs off your Door.

You can get these practically anywhere. Walmart, Target, JCPenney's. I bought mine from Bed Bath & Beyond. It was about $13-15 dollars. Not very expensive. Probably can find cheaper online perhaps.

This Dramatically help freed up the space on my Counter, as well as some space in my Cabinet. I had Spray Bottles that had my Pre-Poo sprays or Moisture Sprays that I couldn't fit in there before.
Not done filling that up :-). Also if a reminder for me to try the products I bought that I NEVER tried.

One-N-Only Argan Hair Mask and never used it, ever. I bought V05 Conditioner for Co-Washing and NEVER USED IT! So Now that they are IN SIGHT they are no longer Out of Mind!

I also bought some Trays:

Came with 3 trays. Was $20.00 at Bed Bath & Beyond. 

I put all my clips in this tray. Let me tell you before I had Wicker Baskets and I just put all my stuff in them and the organization was horrendous. I now use one of those Baskets for my Flexi-Rods :-).

Now for my Blow Dryer, Flat Iron - I bought this Rod Hook for $6.00:

To hang them out of the way, as well with my Rod Iron.

Going through my other Organizing bins I cleaned out things I don't need and also found things I didn't know I had - I bought a Straightening Comb (not a Hot Comb but a Comb with straightening handle on it for when you Flat Iron your hair) and didn't remember doing so. I ordered one online and while in the mist of waiting for it to arrive, I found the one I originally purchased - OOPS! Lol.

Just some Ideas on how to un-clutter your Cabinets and Counters. Hope this was helpful :-).

Personal Hair Challenge/Starting Week 5

Haven't really had much to update on as far as length because I'm still rocking my Crochet Braids.

Fun webcam picture for you all with my Harry Potter shirt (Absolutely LOVE me some Potter, Books and all).
It's been 3 weeks or so since I've put these in, and let me say that I am STILL enjoying them. I love them, I do. I feel a certain type of way, confidence wise. I'm not even going to lie, haha.

Meanwhile since last update I've Crochet my moms hair, and I'm trying my best to take my Supplements on the daily. I haven't been as strict my eating because well dammit it is the holiday season, come on now! lol

I was concerned that once my hair starts growing if it would ruin the style. I was also worried about how much build up would I get on my Scalp. How much DANDRUFF I would get since I am not actually washing my scalp, but doing the Witch Hazel Method of wiping the scalp with a cotton swap.
How dry would my hair be?

Well I've been Oiling my scalp with my JBCO Extra Dark, Avocado Oil, EVOO, Jojoba Oil, Sweet Almond Oil w/Essential Oils mixture in a bottle and spraying my hair the best I can with Shea Moistures Moisture Mist spray they have.
I try to do this every other day.
My hair doesn't smell. I was putting Beautiful Textures Mousse on it every other day to help with the frizzing and to calm this Diana Ross/Chaka Khan hair DOWN, lol.
I haven't had any Flaking. My New growth actually lays down some of the hair since it's not sticking out at the braid from my scalp.

I will probably rock again for another week or two and then will take down my hair, Hot Oil Treatment, Shampoo, DC my hair and quite possibly Install my 2nd Crochet Braids.

I am very very pleased with myself on how my hair came out. I was so apprehensive but I am happy. I will keep it long.

Also, I organized my Cabinet, now to figure out what did I do with the Burdock Oil I bought!

Natural Hair: Productive Winter Styling - Crochet Braids.

It's getting colder. Much colder. I live in Northern Illinois. I can get quite cold here. Luckily with it just now hitting December it hasn't hit the peak of how cold it can get. I'm enjoying the High 30s for now. But regardless of the temperature, the air is dry as well. Cold + dry hair = Dry and Brittle Natural Hair, which is a No-No in anyone's book. One can easily say "just add more moisturizer/wash your hair more" Yeah, I'm sorry but you move slower in the colder weather and one just simply does not have time for that! The Less manipulation the better.

I want my hair to be Styled the Weekend before Thanksgiving. It was also my Birthday Weekend (Nov. 25th). I've done Marley Twists. Thought about doing them again but I don't like how my hair is still out in a way because it's twisted in the hair, I'm always messing with the twists and if the twists are dry, my hair is dry. Also, the Weighted of the hair, PULLING, tension, No no.
I thought about Box Braids, but it's the same concept. I thought about Cornrows but I don't look good with just hair plaited on my scalp.
I came across Crochet Braids. 
Now I NEVER had any type of loose weave, outside of a Wig. I've always had either Braids, Synthetic Dreads or Marley Twists. Never a Glue/Sew-In, No Tracks. And when I FIRST saw this style I thought it was one of those.
Also saw someone saying these are backing a Comeback. Now people should KNOW that styles never die. Just because one loses it's popularity doesn't mean no one is wearing it at all!

Luckily we live in the days of the Internet and Youtube. I came across some Tutorials and I just LOVED the fact that I could Protect my hair, NOT have to add any glue to my hair and Rock this style! I love the fact that I could easily oil and moisturize my hair and scalp underneath the hair that is just Crochet through with a Latch Hook:

All you need is Bulk Hair of your Choice, A Latch Hook and Patience. Oh and maybe some Mousse if you bought some hair with Curls and to help soften them up when splitting them.

The hair I bought, Water Wave. Can get in Freetress or Model Model. Same name under both. I noticed that people seem to CUT the hair in half, so that it's shorter, also they buy less packs. I bought 6 Packs, 5 of a #2, one of a #30 I believe. I ended up needing 7-8 Packs of #2 because I DID NOT cut the hair and I just love me some big hair. Mind you it seems most people use 2-3 backs with it cut so I used triple.

I broke each twist into 2-3 pieces, Using the Mousse to smooth it out.

I am by all means, not the best Braider in the world, I don't cornrow my hair often. Think this is the 3rd time in maybe 4 years. It's not hard, I know, lol. I tried my best with my thick hair.

You noticed I didn't get all my hair on my edges because I didn't want that stress and actually me having them out and smoothed down HELP with the Natural look at the end.

I watched AfricanExport's Crochet Braid video on how she Latch Hooked her daughters hair.

Starting at the back of my head, which was the most complicated. Not only because it's hard to see the back of your head even with mirrors but because your hair, if your cornrow it back is now kinda in a cluster back there. You are trying to crochet your hair and cover it up back there.

Was almost done with my hair, you see how full the right side is.

Finished product.

How long did it take: With JUST The Crocheting Process, 8 hours. MIND YOU - This was my very first time doing these. I had a hard time with the back because I wasn't sure HOW I would crochet it but it ended up very cute and I love it.

Also getting them out is a BREEZE. You just cut slightly above the Knot, pull the Knot and it comes out, like nothing. So much better than braiding. So much better than twisting, lol.

I clean my Scalp with WITCH HAZEL on a Cotton Ball. I only use Oils on my scalp. No Butters. I spray my Cornrows with a Mist for added moisture.

Can keep for 1-2 Months. I would do a Month, then Hot Oil treatment, wash hair, deep condition and do again.