I think I did good, if I must say so myself

I love my camera

Coils n Tangles- Hairveda Whipped Gelly

I am determined to keep my word of doing 7 product reviews before this year is up. With work and life in general I have falling behind. I am still working on the perfect mixture that will allow me to publish more on this blog. The perfect mixture is also what we as naturals search for to create our hair regimen.
Ever since I can remember my hair has never been a fan of gel of any sort and a holding agent is needed when you want to achieve that perfect definition from a twist or braid out. My search has lead me to my staple product that I will be sharing with you today, Hairveda Whipped Gelly.

Price: $ 6.50
Purchase at: www.hairveda.com

Misconceptions of the newly natural and those considering

 If it works for her it must work for me*


I cannot do this*


I wish my hair looked like that *


My hair is unmanageable*

You thought I was BS'ing.....

I feel a blog sale coming on

Coils and Tangles- Shea Moisture Organic Yucca & Aloe Vera Thickening Growth Milk

The first product that I will be reviewing is one that I have not seen much hype about amongst the blogsphere but I absolutely love. The first product is Shea Moisture Organic Yucca & Aloe Vera Thickening Growth Milk

Inspiration comes in so many forms....

I did a video on my new cases but the quality was not up to par so, here are some quick details on the products below. Hopefully I will get to upload a better video soon.

Purchased @ www.Redbubble.com
Uzuri-red $ 47.86 (Capsule Case)
Lola- The Beauty Collection- $45.38 (Capsule Case)
Check out more of Philece R. work @ www.thatartista.com

My new iPhone cases (Artist: Philece R.)

Update

This week I was suppose to do my first review as promised. Unfortunately, I have been so busy packing and moving I just haven't gotten the time to sit down and write it. However, I do have the picture I was going to post of my results so far since starting the challenge.

The proof is in the pudding

Excuse my face, I am exhausted and operating on 4 hours of sleep

Quick Challenge Update

I took down the two cornrows in the front perimeter of my hair tonight after oiling my scalp to moisturize my hair. While I am in cornrows I do not take them down to perform the L.O.C method, I just spritz my hair with water. Since I use a pretty heavy oil, I find that when I am in cornrows that water will suffice until I do a complete take it down. I am wigging it while in cornrows, so the front tends to get a little bit drier than the rest.   I was very surprised to see that I had growth. I did not expect to see any growth because I dusted my ends two weeks into this challenge but I got GROWTH!!!! I can't wait to share pictures. I didn't take any tonight because I need to wash my hair and I didn't want it resting against my face for too long. I can be paranoid like that when it comes to break outs. Hopefully pics will be up this weekend.

Time to get back to hair

Products...how I love thee. I am a recovering product junkie. I was just like every other woman who decided to make a life change when I cut my hair. Going natural after years better yet decades of relaxing your hair, I think we tend jump into the mind frame of "I have to find what works for my hair" but at any cost. I think it's natural after every 6 to 8 weeks of slathering a relaxer on your hair, you found what worked or somewhat worked for your chemically treated hair, so you want to find your new staples...but in a month or two. Then you start stressing and getting fed up with your hair and thoughts of the creamy crack start dancing like sugar plums in your head. When it took probably years to find out what worked for you while you were relaxed. See, where I am going...I know it's getting a bit redundant but I want it to stick in your mind. This way you won't turn in to like a product junkie like me. You haven't seen this "new" texture in years be patient and listen, your hair will tell you what it needs.

Jumps off soap box...

I plan on doing one product review each week for 7 weeks.  It will feature the good, the bad and the ugly for me; meaning what worked for me or did not. I will try my best to only feature products that you can obtain in sample sizes, if you are interested. I am not being paid by any of the companies featured and all products were purchased by lil ol" me.  Also, I will share a tip that I believe will help you quiet your inner junkie or ease the frustration that you might be going through after each review. Until then here is one for free:



Tip #:1 You hair is as unique and beautiful as you are. The same way there is only one you; each one of your coils, kinks and curls are its own individual. Keep your head up, God makes no mistakes and he definitely didn't do it with your hair.

What do you type...

When you are hiding your hair under a protective style? Hmmm, well I am in cornrows at the moment, sitting here contemplating about getting highlights. I know coloring natural hair has been a thing of controversy. Are you still natural if you have a chemical service done on your hair? Many are quick to say you are no longer natural, to those people who feel that way...feel free to view another blog. No offense but when did becoming natural mean you had to follow a set of rules to keep your "natural card?"
 I am a firm believer that this journey should be fun, not full of judgment. Color does not make you less natural than the other person. Being natural is about embracing the hair you were born with. If you want to change the color go ahead, your texture will remain the same. Those people carrying pitch forks denouncing your natural crown are not completely au naturel themselves. If they ever wore braces, got their ears or nose pierced, painted their nail/toe nails...you see where I am going. Almost everyone has done something to enhance their appearance. They weren't born with diamonds affixed to their ears. We as women need to stop being so quick to judge and instead embrace each other. So, if you want to adorn your crowning glory with highlights or change it in its entirety, go ahead. We have been held back for too long because of the perception and judgement of others. Be free to be YOU!

Small Challenge Update

I have been doing really good with keeping up with the challenge thus far. I am oiling my scalp 3 times per week with the sulfur mix and I am performing the L.O.C. method 1-2 times per week depending on my how my hair feels. I think I am close to finding the perfect products to do my L.O.C method with, so I am really excited about that. This past  Saturday I did a light dusting of my ends and removed some fairy knots. I do a quick co-wash on the days I work out  and everything seems to still be intact balance wise. I plan on doing a mild protein treatment this weekend, I will be back this to share the product I used and the results. Until then...keep striving to meet your goals.

What's a challenge without...

Pictures!!!!!!

The pink line seen in the photos is a reference line, which is my collar bone. The reference line for the two sections in front of my face is the top of my lip. Let the challenge begin and feel free to join in.


L.O.C verdict- It is a keeper. I took down the twists from last night to take these photos and my hair is super moisturized. This method is suppose to keep your hair moisturized for 4-5 days. If you decide to give it a try let me know your outcome.

Go hard or Go home!

I have decided to begin a 4 month challenge. My goal is to get my ends in better shape and  hopefully achieve my goal of armpit length hair by my two year mark.  To achieve my goals I have decided to do the L.O.C. method to retain moisture and to use NJoy's Sulfur mixture for achieving length. 

L-Liquid: You first use a liquid on your hair, I will be spraying my hair with distilled water.  

O-Oil: You seal the liquid with an oil or butter,  such as grape seed oil.

C-Cream: You then put a cream over the oil and liquid, I will be using up the remaining portion of the ENSO Naturals leave-in.

Each of these are suppose to seal the latter. Oil seals liquid and so forth, I plan on using this as my moisture method every other day just to maintain a balance.


NJoy's Sulfur Mixture (check out www.mydivaspot.com)
1 heaping tsp Sublimed Sulfur Powder 
4 oz Organic Jojoba Oil -carrier that mimics scalps natural sebum
2 oz Jamaican Black Castor Oil-stimulates growth and thicken growth
2 oz Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil(EVOO)- nourishes hair and scalp
4 -5 drops of Rosemary Oil- stimulates growth
4-5 drops of Peppermint Oil - stimulates growth

* Feel free to substitute/add any of the oils you already have on hand, just maintain the 8 oz mixture*

Mix all of the above ingredients in an 8 oz applicator bottle. Allow the mixture to sit overnight and perform a patch est prior to use. A great place to do a patch test would be behind the ear or the nape of your neck, in an inconspicuous place. The sulfur will not dissolve, so don't be alarmed. Just shake up the mixture prior to each use. 

 
Caution: Sulfur will cause a reaction in most people if used at a 10% or higher concentration in the mixture. This recipe is at approximately 7-8%. Please be safe and patch test the mixture.

Sulfur can be drying so it is very important to maintain the moisture balance within your hair. That is also why I have chose to do the L.O.C method.

I hope to document my journey over the next 4 months to show my progress.

What are you doing to attain your hair goals?

Painted Tips

I'm back at it again with Sinful Colors.....I love the way it turned out! I wanted a gradient effect so applied more of the Essie nail polish at the tip.

Coily Puff

My first attempt at a puff in public =)

Painted Tips

I am a nail polish addict. I love the idea of being able to add pops of color with just a swipe of the brush and not having to commit. Sinful Colors has been my go to company for almost two years. They are super cheap at only $1.99 each at Walgreens with great color pay off. The shade pictured above is a delicate coral with gold shimmer. One coat was all I needed, this is the perfect color for summer!

Hair Dairy

A great way to keep track of what products you have used and the results is to keep a hair journal or dairy.  When you first decide to go natural, if your like me you immediately want to jump in and try all the hair products that are out there for us. Which can lead you down the path of becoming a product junkie. With all those hair products under the sink it can be really hard keeping track of what works for you and what you really didn't like. Hair dairy's not only work for products but are a great way to start a customized regimen. It can be very detailed or short and to the point. I usually keep my dairy in my phone, so I know what works for me on the go. I have decided to include excerpt from my dairy to document my journey on CCT. My entries are brief, you can choose what works for you. Feel free to share your own excerpts.

13 Aug 2012

 Co-washed hair with Tresemme  Naturals, moisturized with Silk Hair Dreams Mocha Hair Milk and sealed with Henna Sooq Cocoveda Hair Oil. Back in cornrows for about a week or two. Parted down the middle 6 cornrows on each side. Spritzed hair with water, glycerin and Aussie moist mixture. Left side- Curl Max Moisturizer Activator (received from Natural Hair Meet Up) and right side- Eco Styler gel (didn't have great results previously with this gel). Did not like the way the Curl Max felt on my hair initially, check for results after take down. Eco Styler went on smooth with no issues.

Spiritual Tea for the Soul

Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. ~Psalm 55:22

Wash n Go

I attempted my first wash and go and was successful... go me, go me!!! I used Let's Jam Custard and I must say I was very pleased with the results. It gave me shine, a soft hold and minimized frizz. It was super easy to refresh the style in the morning just with spritzing my hair with water and glycerin. I picked it up at Walgreen's while they were having a BOGO sale. If you are interested in a review, YouTube has tons of videos on this product.  I tried taking pictures of my wash n go results with my phone and just could not get a good photo for the life of me. I plan on doing another wash n go this weekend for a natural hair meetup, so I will try to get better photos this time around, until then....

I do not like this picture but hey it's the best out the bunch

                                             

Wash Day Play by Play

1st Quarter

I took down my cornrows Friday evening and pre-pooed with Hairveda's Vatika Frosting for 2 hours. Followed it up with Acai Berry Phyto protein conditoner as a "rinse", I left it in for approximately 7 minutes while in the shower (got some steam action =)) and rinsed it out. I'm not really a big fan of this conditioner because if I leave it in for the recommended time my hair feels like straw. So, I am still working on finding a way to incorporate it. It might end up in a blog sale...who knows.

2nd Quarter

Grabbed my trusty Mocha Silk Infusion, applied it in sections, threw a plastic cap on and heading to bed.

3rd Quarter

 I woke up this morning (Saturday) rinsed my hair out and applied Shea Moisture Organic Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner and a concoction that I made up of various products (curling enhancing smoothie, aloe vera gel, and avocado oil). I used this as my "setting" cream for my first attempt of a coil out. I was feeling super lazy and did not feel like rolling out the Pibbs, so I am letting it air dry.

4th Quarter.... The take down

My coil out was nothing to write home about. It was an epic failure, back to the drawing board =(


Note: I finger detangled prior to rinsing my hair to get rid of as much shed hair as possibly and fully detangled my hair while in the shower with conditioner.

Protective Styles--Chinese Bob

I woke up this morning and decided to experiment with a new protective style...a quick weave or better yet a quick wig. I had some extra hair laying around that I had bought a few months ago after seeing it on the display mannequin. I purchased the Janet Collect Dolche Duby Hair Weave 4" 6" 8" for $16.99. This was my first time using this hair and I must say, I hate it. It was stiff, had very little movement and absolutely no body to it. I don't know if it's because I am natural now but flat hair does nothing for me.

So, I ran and grabbed the leftover "First Lady Hair "I had and here are the final results:

Math- Addition

 Terressential Mud Wash+Silk Dreams Mocha Silk Hair Milk +Cocoveda Hair Oil= Soft Well Defined Twist out

One year Strong

Two weeks ago I blew out and flat ironed my hair just to see where I was at length wise. This is my second time flat ironing my hair since going natural. Here is where I am at today :

 

I'm little pass neck length, which is surprising to me because I was very scissor happy. So, I can only imagine where I could of been. But there is no sense in crying over spilled milk. I can't wait to see where I am next year (I'm going to hide the scissors this time).

Quick, Simple and All Natural

Is that pesky zit getting on your nerves...get rid of it over night. Most naturals have a stash of essential oils in their possessions. The next time you get a pimple grab your bottle of tea tree oil and add a dab of it on the zit. In the morning your pimple will be gone, you can thank me later  =)

Benefits of tea tree oil

                                                      

• Antiseptic/ Bacterial properties--a general disinfectant that fights bacteria
• Clean wounds--dissolves pus without damaging the tissue
• Heals the skin--encourages the formation of new scar tissue.

Coils and Tangles--Mocha Silk Infusions

February was the month for me to splurge a little and try some new products....hey, I'm a PJ and there were numerous sales going on. One that caught my eye was the sale over at Silk Dreams Hair Care for Valentine's Day...25% off. Plus, Jorien introduced her new line of products called Mocha. Check out the detes below:

Product: Mocha Silk Infusion

Coffee Break

Time really does fly. It's already the middle of March and I have only done one post. I have been super busy with school and work. I will be back next week with a few product reviews, tips and tidbits. Until then be blessed.

Drum roll please.....

 MsKraizy

 Congratulations hun, your poem was very inspiring to naturals, transitioners and those toying with the idea to go natural. I loved it. Thanks for taking the time submit your entry. For those of you missed it, here is the winning entry:

I speak the language of love through the coils of my hair,
I learned the virtue of patience through its tangling snares,
The love that has grown throughout my natural love affair,
Is a love slowly declared and wasn't always there

Going thru the motions of an unconscious scissor showdown,
I didn't realize the effect short hair could have on me,
A continuous hassle of a five month throw down,
Caused me to question if I was ready for this mentally,

Tossed into an evolution I never saw coming,
Fitness, to skin care, to nails and fashion,
These things was something that I always kept running,
And never thought they would end up my passions

Three years later, there's a mane in the mirror,
Evolution is as bright as the vision is clearer,
The girl I would dream about being in the past,
Is finally standing before me at last.

Coffee Coloured Tresses brought to you by the letter K

This month not only marks my anniversary of becoming natural, it has also been one year since I decided to create this blog and it is only right that I introduce myself (finally) and let you see a glimpse of the person behind the blog.

Forever Remembered

In Memory of Whitney Houston-- We will always love you

August 16, 1963- February 11, 2012

1 Year Anniversary Giveaway

This day last year I took up a pair of scissors and began snipping, it has been one of the best decisions I have made. It was not without obstacles, trials, and days of complete frustration. Am I where I expected to be length wise? No. Thickness, sort of. But I'm happy...really happy actually. I can't make my hair be what I want it to be but I love that, it's like an extension of me. Lola (yes, I named my hair) and I have our bad days and our good days but I couldn't see it any other way.

My Journey- @ my 6 month mark I had a major set back, around my 9th month or so I cut 2 inches of scab hair off

 To celebrate I am having a 1 year anniversary giveaway!!!

I'm originally from Brooklyn, NY and one of the things that I miss is the creativity of the individuals out there. Don't get me wrong there are creative people out here in Arizona I just find you have to search for it. In NY you just walk out your door and it's all around you in fashion, stop into any train station and you will find break dancer, singers, saxophone and guitar players. Undiscovered artists on the sidewalk, people beating buckets like they were drums...I can go on and on. This inspired me on what I should do for my giveaway. In your most creative way answer this following question....

Why did you become natural? 
or
Why have you decided to transition to natural hair?

Poems, rapping, singing, art, spoken word, where ever your mind takes you. Just be you, everything else will shine through.

Rules

•  All contestants must be a member of Coffee Coloured Tresses
• One entry per person
•  Contest begins 5 Feb and ends 29 Feb (more than enough time to get your creative juices flowing)
• All submission must be made by 11:59 Mountain Time by February 29th, 2012
• All entries/links must be posted in the comments section of this post
• All submitted work MUST be yours
  
• Have fun with it

Prize

     16 oz of Terressentials Pure Earth Hair Wash of your choice

16 oz of Elasta QP DPR-11 Deep Penetrating Moisturizer

Detangler Brush- Watch video below (Note: The brush above was not bought from the individual mentioned in the video)

 Winners Will be announced NLT March 5th, 2012

     Good Luck 
Contest Closed

My Stash is Your Treasure Sale

I have an abundant amount of product in my cabinets that I am trying to get rid of. I was initially going to try to just use everything up but that would take forever. So, I decided to have a blog sale!!! Some of the products are from my relaxed days and the rest are just stuff my natural hair flat out DID NOT like. I'm going to break this up into two parts sale to see how this goes, since this is my first time doing this. If everything goes well there will be another sale.

These products are gently used

 Baba De Caracol Rinse $2 (Sold)

 Baba De Caracol  Hair Treatment $1 (Sold)

Vitale Corrective Conditioner $ 3 (Sold)

Cantu Shea Butter Super Shine $1 (Sold)

Silicon mix $4 (Sold)

Shea Moisture Curl and Style Milk $4 (Sold)

Shea Moisture Purification Mask $4 (Sold)

Hawaiian Silky 14 n 1 $4

Generic Brand Paul Mitchell Sculpting Foam $3

One n Only Argan Oil Curl Creme $3  (Sold)

Nexus Headress Weightless Leave-in Conditioner $3  (Sold)

Fantasia Thick n Shine Gel $2 (Sold)

UPDATE: ALL SOLD ITEMS HAVE BEEN SHIPPED AS OF 1 FEB (I cannot be held responsible for any item lost during shipment)

 * First come first serve

*Members of the blog enjoy 1/2 off any of the products listed above

* If you are interested in an item you can comment below or send me and e-mail to the address listed in the Get in Contact Section. Just place the items number in the e-mail or comment box and I will forward you the payment information

* This sale is only open to the U.S./Shipping TBD depending on location

What's on my mind?

  February 5th marks my one year anniversary and I would love to share this moment with you....so I have decided to have a giveaway. Stay tune for more information by following my blog via e-mail or becoming a member. I promise you won't want to miss this.

Coils and Tangles- Kinky-Curly Curling Custard

Coils and Tangles is the portion of this blog that deals with product reviews. My first review will be on Kinky Curly Curling Custard.

CURLING CUSTARD TM gives moisture and curl definition, hold and brilliant shiny hair all in one product! It reduces bulk, defines & elongates your curls helping them to 'hang' better. CURLING CUSTARD TM will bring out the natural curl or wave pattern you never knew you had! It is an advanced botanical formula made with ALL NATURAL ingredients that nourish and strengthen the hair. Utilizing the humectant properties of the Agave Nectar, CURLING CUSTARD TM will give weight to your hair, define your curls, remove frizz, provide long lasting hold and shine without ever being greasy, crunchy or drying to your hair. This high performance product is very concentrated so a little goes a long way.

How I clean my Huetiful Steamer

For Valentine's Day last year my boyfriend bought me a Huetiful Steamer after months of dropping hints. I am not going to do a review of the steamer because there are so many already out there. I live in Arizona and I deal with the problem of hard water.

I love my hair

Yes, I said it!!!! My hair and I have had a love hate relationship since February. More hate than love but today I can say I love my hair. It's been behaving wonderfully...less is more.

Happy New Year

If you are reading this you have been blessed to see another year. It's already 14 days into the New Year and I have so many things I want to write about. I have a couple of product reviews coming up, so please subscribe.  Here is a pic of my New Year Eve's hair style. A simple twist out with three cornrows on the side accessorized with a bow (one from my fro'ccessories post). What I would like to call my lazy fro hawk because it requires minimal manipulation. I moisturized with ENSO Naturals Sweet Honey Hibiscus Leave-in Conditioner and I twisted with KCCC (Kinky Curly Curling Custard) and I untwisted my hair with Vatika Oil to minimize frizz.

How did you wear your hair for New Years?