Guess who's back?! *crickets*

Hello! 

Is anyone here?

I'm back...

For the past few months, I've regretted  relaxing my hair. Especially after investing 8 years of  my life to being natural. 

I've always admired hairstyles with clean, freshly twisted, beautiful locs, but that terrifyingly loud voice has been adamant about my hair being too thin to even venture down that road. 

After visiting a nearby Dominican beauty salon and watching them rip out my hair, I'd decided that enough was enough! After 6 long, albeit lovely, stress-free years of straight hair, yesterday I completed my 2nd (or 3rd) big chop. I am overly excited to restart my journey.

However, this time I'm going to do things my way! *Cue Sinatra*

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Oh Snap!

Yes, "Oh snap" is correct! 

One of my Curlkit posts was mentioned on 4C Hair Chick. Yay me! Click on the link to read their article. I'm the link for July 2012. I didn't even realize it until today. The article was written on December 13, 2012. That's 3 years ago! Jeez Louise!

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It's My Birthday!

Last Big Chop: 5/31/2009
Last Relaxer: Nov. 2008

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

So um... uh... I kinda had to walk away from my Natural Journey this year. February 4th to be precise. I could get into why but I don't have the time since

It's my birthday!

The big 3-2! That's officially 8 years until 40! Oh boy...

But let's stay in the moment: Time to celebrate!

My Facebook Caption:  

Sorry #TeamNatural ... I'm back to the creamy crack! Happy birthday to me! #BirthdayDinner #32

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Super Soft Hair?!?!?

Did I do it? 

Did I finally discover a routine to get my diva-ish, 5-day twist outs super soft? 

I'm amazed. And shocked. But mostly amazed.

I definitely have to try this routine again to see if I can achieve the same results, but for now, I'm happy. And amazed. And shocked! LOL

Products used:

• Aubrey Organics GPB Glycogen Protein Balancing Conditioner (Leave in)

• Jane Carter Solution Nourish & Shine (Sealer)

• As I Am Smoothing Gel

• Shea Moisture Organic Curl Enhancing Smoothie

Without wetting my hair, I applied the GPB. Then I sealed the leave-in with Nourish & Shine. Afterward, in the palm of my hand, I mixed the Smoothing Gel and Curl Smoothie, then applied it to my hair before twisting. 

Bantu Knot Twist Out

Now I just need to battle the frizz!

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Twist & Curl

This is my second time attempting a Twist & Curl on my natural hair.

This time, it was a success! 

Yay!!!!!

My method: detangled, washed, then twisted my hair and put in rollers.

 



Shampoo: Pantene

Leave In: Aubrey GPB Conditioner

Butter/Sealer/Oil: Oyin Burnt Sugar and Jane Carter Nourish and Shine (mixed together)

 

Twisted with: Cantu Shea Butter Strengthening Treatment

Was running super late 

so I didn't get a chance to untwist my hair.

Left Side

Right Side

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My First Ponytail

I've been natural for almost 4 years now but because of my ongoing battle with shrinkage, I've never been able to achieve a decent ponytail. There's always been something wrong: not enough hair to grab, not enough hair hanging from the ponytail, etc, etc.

For the past 2 weeks, I've been sporting a protective style. I was suppose to wash my hair on Saturday but instead I procrastinated for the whole day. Finally got myself motivated but instead of washing my hair, I decided to cook dinner (click here for post).

Anywho, I woke up an hour late this morning, because of my dreaded on again-off again relationship with insomnia, and needed a style for church.  Didn't want to wear a hat or throw on a wig, so I had no choice but to finally do a ponytail. To add a little pizzazz, made 2 twists on each side of my head so I wouldn't need a headband or any other accessory.  Pictures posted below.

P.s.: I've tried a bunch of products but the hairline on the left side of my head refuses to grow back. Stupid relaxers! Stupid Traction Alopecia! Stupid, stupid, stupid!!!!

 

Doesn't my ponytail look sad??? :0(

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Curlkit: Month #4 - September

Whoop whoop! My Curlkit is here!!!

Last month, I made a remark that Curlkit was now playing in the big leagues and boy was I right! Definitely stepping their game up: they're shipping outside of the US and their leaflet, which turned into a pamphlet, has now turned into an 8-paged booklet called Curl Life! This booklet includes hair tips, product information, product reviews, and much more!

Let's get this show on the road!!!!

 Curls Gone Wild:

• Queen Helena - Royal Curls Moisture Rich Conditioner 
• Not My Mothers: Knotty To Nice Conditioning Detangler 
• III Sisters: Natural Lengthening Creme 
• Lustrasilk - Curlmax Curl Pudding 
• Twist N Locs: Natural Oil Shampoo 
• Twist N Locs: Leave-in Conditioner

Two full-sized products and 9 sample products

I'm so excited and can't wait!!!!!! 

Stay tuned for reviews!

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Curlkit August Review

Two great months in a row! Wow! Curlkit is no longer in the minor leagues; they're playing with the big boys!!!!

Click "here" to view last month's goodies and "here" to read last month's review.

Ready? Let's go!

This month's theme gives us nine different products with scents reminiscent of a Caribbean getaway. Click "here" to view this month's Curlkit.

Caribbean Curls 

Island Splash Edition:

• Alikay Naturals/ Black Onyx Avocado Cream Moisture Repairing Hair Mask - Used 2x; Lives up to its name: moisturizes and repairs! Product leaves hair silky soft and tangle-free! After 45 minutes, the comb just slid effortlessly through my hair. Leaves a great smell and results lasted for almost a week. Con: A tad pricey but might purchase anyway #ProductJunkie
• L.A.C.E. Naturals Mas Humedad (More Moisture) Cream - Used 2x; Works well as a leave-in. Have to apply another leave-in after 3 days.
  
• Amazing Botanicals Hibiscus Gel  - Used 3x; Great twists which equaled great twist outs! Pics below.
• Jamaican Mango & Lime Coiling Creme Pudding - Did Not Receive
• Nice & Curly Same Day Repair Creme Conditioner - Did Not Receive
• Wondercurl Mango Colada Polishing Pomade - Not quite sure how to use this so Unopened & unused
• African Pride Shea Butter Miracle Silky Hair Moisturizer - Used 1x; hair felt rough and dry, even with a moisturizing leave-in underneath. After applying Amazing Botanicals Hibiscus Gel on top, hair became manageable. Did not live up to name!
  
• 4 Naturals Afro Stretch Curl Cream - Unopened & unused
• Nourishea Mango Conditioner - Unopened & unused

Update -- 9/25/2012

 Love how my hair looks shiny and wet! Completely dried

 

Twist out:
(Click for full picture! Beautiful!)

Hair Routine:

Deep Conditioner: Alikay Naturals Avocado Cream Moisture Repairing Hair Mask (potential staple)
Wash/Shampoo (Every 2 weeks) - Ur Curly Soya Shampoo (staple)
Leave in - L.A.C.E. Naturals Mas Humedad Cream
Butter - Coco Curls Coco Curl Moisturizing Cream (staple)
Sealer - Ampro Vitamin E Oil (from June's Curlkit)
Spritz while twisting hair - DPL Curl Revitalizer

Would you purchase:

• Alikay Naturals/ Black Onyx: Avocado Cream Moisture Repairing Hair Mask - Yes, Definitely!
• L.A.C.E. Naturals: Mas Humedad (More Moisture) Cream - Maybe
• Amazing Botanicals: Hibiscus Gel  - Yes, Definitely!
• Jamaican Mango & Lime: Coiling Creme Pudding - (Did Not Receive)
• Nice & Curly: Same Day Repair Creme Conditioner - (Did Not Receive)
• Wondercurl: Mango Colada Polishing Pomade - Undecided 
• African Pride: Shea Butter Miracle Silky Hair Moisturizer - No
• 4 Naturals: Afro Stretch Curl Cream - Undecided
• Nourishea: Mango Conditioner - Undecided

 Verdict:

Two great products out of four items, that were tried in this month's box. Not bad. Will have to give the other 3 a chance. This month was good; much better than the first box received (click here).

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Curlkit: Month #3 - August

It's that time of the month: Curlkit!!!!!

My Curlkit is here! My Curlkit is here! Yay!

Last month's box was was filled with so many great products so I can't wait to open this month's box!

(Sorry for the blurry images)

Caribbean Curls 

Island Splash Edition:

• Alikay Naturals/ Black Onyx: Avocado Cream Moisture Repairing Hair Mask
• Jamaican Mango & Lime: Coiling Creme Pudding (Did Not Receive)
• Nice & Curly: Same Day Repair Creme Conditioner (Did Not Receive)
• Amazing Botanicals: Hibiscus Gel
• L.A.C.E. Naturals: Mas Humedad (More Moisture) Cream
• Wondercurl: Mango Colada Polishing Pomade
• African Pride: Shea Butter Miracle Silky Hair Moisturizer
• 4 Naturals: Afro Stretch Curl Cream
• Nourishea: Mango Conditioner

* Guess my Jamaican Mango & Lime Coiling Creme Pudding and Nice & Curly Same Day Repair Creme Conditioner walked away while they were making my box *

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(Click here for my review)

Curlkit July Review

Before I even begin this review, let me just say that this Curlkit made up for the lackluster box from last month! (Click here to see last month's post.)

I. Am. On. Cloud. Nine!!!

This box made me proud to be a PJ. I've been natural for 3 years and I've been losing the battle against dryness for um... hmmm 3 years!!!! This week I decided to try as many items as possible so I can actually get my money's worth. Best decision ever!

Hmm.... Where should I start? (Click here to see July's goodies.)

  

Curls In The City 

Sizzle Edition:

• Ur Curly Soya Shampoo - Literally the best shampoo that I have ever used!!!!!!!!!!! I'm in love. This is my new shampoo; I can't even begin to describe its awesomeness! #Staple
• Coco Curls Coco Curl Moisturizing Cream - Love, love, LOVE!!! Leaves my hair feeling "like buttah": so soft and silky smooth! #Staple
•  DPL Curl Revitalizer - Another great product! It really does live up to its name: my curls are popping
  
• Ampro Olive Oil Gel - Unopened & unused
• November Naturals Coconut Lime Verbena Shea Whip - Unopened & unused
• Healthy Hair Journey Hydratherma Amino Plus Protein Deep Conditioning - Unopened & unused
• Feng Shui Organics Liquid Diamond Moisturizing Surface Shine - Unopened & unused
• Nice & Curly Smooth It Straight - Unopened & unused

Three out of eight isn't bad, when considering the results. My hair was feeling so moisturized and soft that I refused to jinx it by using any other items. Like they say: if it isn't broken, don't fix it!

Just to give you an idea of my new hair routine:

Wash/Shampoo (Every 2 weeks) - Ur Curly Soya Shampoo (staple)
Leave in - Oyin's Juices and Berries (staple)
Butter - Coco Curls Coco Curl Moisturizing Cream (staple)
Sealer - Ampro Vitamin E Oil (from last month's Curlkit)
Spritz while twisting hair - DPL Curl Revitalizer

Two days later, my hair was still unbelievably soft and moisturized. On the third day, just to be safe, I spritzed with DPL Curl Revitalizer and sealed with Coco Curls Moisturizing Cream, which I didn't even need. Didn't have to use anything else until 2 days later.

Would you purchase:

• Ur Curly Soya Shampoo - Yes, Definitely! #Staple 
•  Coco Curls Coco Curl Moisturizing Cream - Yes, Definitely! #Staple
•   DPL Curl Revitalizer - Yes 
•  Ampro Olive Oil Gel - Undecided 
•  November Naturals Coconut Lime Verbena Shea Whip - Undecided 
•  Healthy Hair Journey Hydratherma Amino Plus Protein DC - Undecided 
•  Feng Shui Organics Liquid Diamond Moisturizing Surface Shine - Undecided 
•  Nice & Curly Smooth It Straight - Undecided 

Verdict:

I'm sold. Who would have thought that Curlkit would introduce me to 2 of my staple products. 

I'm still in shock!

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Curlkit: Month #2 - July

My CurlKit is finally here!!!!! I don't know how they got this box to close. SMH Only problem was that it was so full that my shampoo spilled. Only a little bit so no worries. Smells very good tho :) 

July's Goodies:

Curls In The City 

Sizzle Edition:

• Ampro Olive Oil Gel (2)
• Coco Curls Moisturizing Cream
• November Naturals Coconut Lime Verbena Shea Whip
• Ur Curly Soya Shampoo
• Healthy Hair Journey Hydratherma Amino Plus Protein Deep Conditioning
• DPL Curl Revitalizer
• Feng Shui Organics Liquid Diamond Moisturizing Surface Shine
• Nice & Curly Smooth It Straight

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(Click here for my review)

Curlkit June Review

It's two weeks later and I've yet to use any of the products from my June Curlkit. (In case you missed the post, click here.)

None of those items have piqued my interest.

I've used Miss Jessie's several times before but my hair was not receptive. Once I saw that this month's box contained several of her items, I automatically rolled my eyes.

*Long, exaggerated sigh*

This is not starting off on the right foot....

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Three weeks later....

• Twisted Sista De Frizz Conditioner - It left my hair dry and rough. I'm already facing a dryness problem, so I had to shelf it.
• Ampro Vitamin E Oil - Spilled 90% of the bottle all over my living room floor. Don't ask...
• Miss Jessie's Baby ButterCreme - Unopened & unused
• Miss Jessie's Curly ButterCreme - Unopened & unused
• Miss Jessie's Curly Meringue - Unopened & unused
• Nice & Curly Wind Down Gel - Unopened & unused
• Jamaican Mango & Lime Locking Gel - Unopened & unused

Would you purchase:  

• Twisted Sista De Frizz Conditioner - No
• Ampro Vitamin E Oil - Maybe
• Miss Jessie's Baby ButterCreme - No
• Miss Jessie's Curly ButterCreme - No
• Miss Jessie's Curly Meringue - No
• Nice & Curly Wind Down Gel - Undecided
• Jamaican Mango & Lime Locking Gel - Undecided

Verdict:  

Waste of my gosh darn money! Why did I sign up for this monthly subscription again?!?!?

I'll give it one more month, and if it disappoints me once again, I'm done.

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Curlkit: Month #1 - June

So I allowed my PJ (product junkie) shopaholic side to get the best of me. Decided to fork over $20 a month to Curlkit to participate in their monthly subscription program.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Curlkit, here's a brief description from their website:

"CurlKit sends out a selection of 5-7 samples that their team of online experts, researches and even tries themselves. In each CurlKit you'll receive everything from pomades and conditioners to natural hair tools, from well-known brands as well as emerging gems. CurlKit’s mission is to help newly naturals and lifelong naturals sort through the clutter, to find new brands and rediscover old favorites."

Basically, I get a box of goodies mailed to my house every month. I have absolutely no idea what is inside until the box is in front of me. If my hair agrees with the samples, I can buy a bigger size. If I don't, all I have to do it cross it off of my "Must Try Products" list. Sometimes the boxes contain full sized goodies so that's a definite plus!

Many of you don't know about my PJ shopaholic side; I basically have a bookshelf filled with hair products for my natural hair. I also have 2 shelves in the bathroom with shampoos, deep conditioners, etc. I have so many products that it makes no sense to buy anything for the next year.

So why would I subscribe to this monthly, I HAVE NO IDEA! This is a perfect time for an intervention! 

Here are the contents of this month's box:

This is the box:

These are the goodies:

Full-size Products:

1. Twisted Sista De Frizz Conditioner
2. Ampro Vitamin E Oil

Sample Products:

1. Miss Jessie's Baby ButterCreme
2. Miss Jessie's Curly ButterCreme
3. Miss Jessie's Curly Meringue
4. Nice & Curly Wind Down Gel
5. Jamaican Mango & Lime Locking Gel

* Guess the Ms Jessie's Curly Pudding sample walked away while they were making my box *

I forgot to add this to the above pic. 

It's a spray bottle! I really needed one too. How awesome is that?

So all of that for $20, plus free shipping! This is a great deal.  BTW They gave me a discount so I only paid $16 for everything. Like the youngins say: WIN! 

I was hesitant at first since I already have a lot of unopened products and not enough time to try them all. I was also hesitant because several youtubers were complaining about the lack of products in last month's box. I'm fortunate that I didn't get ripped off or waste any money. I'm glad that my PJism got the best of me.  

Are any of you part of a monthly subscription? Leave a comment below.

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(Click here for my review)

My Birthday Mistake (One Month Later)

Did I happen to mention that I have bald spots all over my head?

BALD SPOTS!!!! 

As if having a big ole forehead wasn't bad enough...

MY HAIRLINE IS OFFICIALLY F**KED!!!!

That means that I have to take biotin pills
and
include scalp massages into my regiment.

I know that some people already include both things in their natural hair care regiment
but this lazy diva is livid!
I hate taking pills and I don't like doing my own scalp massages.
(This is a perfect reason to get a boyfriend. Hmmm.... LOL)

What hurts the most is that my beautiful hair is also damaged.

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Hair Update

My hair is unruly and "different". It's rough, yet delicate; frizzy and it "feels different".

Can't begin to explain it and I don't want to.

This whole situation has made me depressed.

"Twist-Out"

On the bright side, and the only thing keeping me going,
is my hair pattern: GORGEOUS!!!!





I am doing a lot of protective styles while my hair is recuperating.

Bad Twist-Out (pictured above)
+
Bun
=

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