New in: Summer Highstreet Hair Care Haul and other bits

Hi lovelies, I hope you all are well. I am back with a tiny haul. 

In February/ toward the end of March I made 3 changes to my hair care routine. Before I would shampoo and deep condition my hair twice a month (usually on a Saturday morning. I have always done that, ever since I have taken care of my own hair. "To have a change, you need to make a change." With that in mind I decided to shampoo and deep condition my hair 3 times a month (instead of only twice) and  I have added a pre -poo step to my hair care routine. 

Pre-poo-ing  (pre-conditioning before shampooing your hair) is not a new concept all the naturals I know pre- poo and a fair amount of the relaxed/ texlaxed girls. It is just something I haven't made a part of my hair care routine until now. For the last month or so I have been using the L'oreal Extraordinary Oils shampoo and hair mask. the shampoo has been lovely on my hair, not stripping at all and the hair mask has been great on its own as well as mixed with oils as a moisturizing hair mask. 

If you know me you know I like a good bargain, I saw that Boots and Superdrug were having 50%  off sale on L'Oreal hair products. I thought let me try a few of the other products, since I have been having a good experience with the Extraordinary oils range. 

I picked up a few other hair care products as well. plus some bits and bobs. 

1st Row

Tresemme Breakage Defense Restructuring Treatment Masque - this replaced the Herbal Essence Bee Strong Intensive hair mask as my pre-poo.

Vatika Virgin Oilive Deep Conditioning Hair mask - moisturising deep conditioner. This was 50p in Superdrug, total impulse purchase. 

2nd row

L'Oreal Elvive colour Protect Masque - moisturising deep conditioner 

L'Oreal Elvive Full Restore 5 Repairing masque - Protein/ strengthening deep conditioner. 

3rd Row

Trevor Sorbie Colour Enhance Mask - moisturising deep conditioner. 

5 conditioning masks might seem like a lot but, deep conditioning is the foundation of any good hair care routine. Plus I am conditioning my hair more often now. 

Gold packaging - L'Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil in cream leave in - all hair types. 

Brown packaging - L'Oreal Elvive  Extraordinary Oil in cream leave leave in - dry, rough, hair

Holland & Barrett

Avocado Oil

Peppermint Oil

Lavender and Coconut Hydrating Mist (don't do it)

Superdrug

Astral soft Face and Body Moisturiser - this is super light, absorbs quickly, perfect moisturiser for summer holidays. 

Marks & Spencers

Lemon Verbena Room Spray 

Well there you are my lovelies. 

My tiny haul of hair care and other things. 

If you have bought anything new hair things for the summer,

comment below and let me know. 

xx

Superdug Online

Lovelies, I found myself in a quandary the other day. I had no body moisturiser. I had 3 bottles of shower gel, 2 tins/cans of deodorant and no body lotions or creams, not even a spare body butter left over from winter.  

To make up this shortfall I ordered some of the Garnier Beauty oil moisturiser  along with 2 Pantene Pro-V Hair serums from the Superdug  via the website. I must commend the service. the ordering process is very simple and easy and the goods are delivered promptly. All in all it has been one of the better online shopping experiences I have had, and I hate online shopping. Also superdrug offers free delivery to store and you can choose which store you would like your items delivered. 

Superdrug online is a winner.

xx

Love Your Hair Challenge Phase 2

Hey guys I know I know I have not written a hair post for w a while. I am still interested in growing my hair healthier and retaining more length. I have joined the Kibibi Love Your Hair Challenge which is now in its second phase. This phase will last for three months (finishes June 30th). The aim of this phase is to retain 1 inch of hair. 

The Rules during this stage of the hair challenge are as follows:

- Moisturise - I will continue to moisturize and seal my hair twice weekly, on Thursday and Sunday evenings. 

- Protect - My forms of protective styling will be buns and pin up styles for the firs two months of the challenge.  Then I will wear my hair in braids as a protective style during the last month/4 weeks of phase 2.

- Growth Aids - if you follow my blog you will already know that I am committed to two things, Cod Liver Oil/ Flaxseed oil  and water. I have a bottle of Flaxseed oil capsules at the moment (enough for three months) I will continue taking 2 of these capsules daily, these will serve as my hair growth aid.

- Before and After pictures 

Before 

- Exercise - I walk to and from work every day and i am fairly active. However I am prepared  to amp up my exercise regimen preparing the summer body and all of that, lol.

Hair Stats
Currently: 1 week post relaxer
Current length: Line #2 on my length check t shirt** 
Last Relaxer:  March 28th 2014
Next Relaxer: June 30th 2014
Short Term Goal: line #3 on my Length check T-shirt by June 30th 2014
Long Term Goal: Line 6 on Length check T- shirt  OR  Strap Length by December 2014 
Wish List: None 
Recent buys: Almond Oil, Argan oil, Pantene Pro - v vitamin oil, Pantene Pro - V dry oil.  (I love oils. I put a tiny amount of oil on my ends every night) 

My supply of  hair oils.

See you on June 30th my lovelies...xx

Braid Maintenance: Products I Have been using to maintain my braids

For the last three months, I have had my hair in braids. Originally I braided my hair as a protective style against the snow. The snow which has yet to arrive. Though I have had my hair "protected" I have still been carrying on with my healthy hair regimen. 

Below are the three main products I have been using:

ORS Creamy Aloe Shampoo

ORS Oil Moisturising Hair Lotion

Infusium 23 Pro-Vitamin Leave In Hair Treatment (the same bottle from way back when, lol) 

I decant my Infusium 23 into a spray bottle for easier application. 

Have a great hair day my lovelies.

xx

BlogMas Day 3 - "7 (surprising) Beauty Dos" for you this Christmas

Mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into shampoo to help remove build up from hair. - Ted Gibons, Hairstylist

Use a paint roller to apply tan in tricky areas like your back. - James Read, Tan Expert

Use half an eyelash curler to shape unruly brows. - Cher Webb MAC Cosmetics, Senior Makeup Artist

No nail polish remover? Apply a top coat and quickly swipe off. - Benjamin Puckey, Makeup Artist

Mix a pea sized amount of a darker foundation with your usual shade for a sunkissed glow. - Sarah Jossel, Glamour Junior Beauty Editor

To slim your nose sweep non shimmer highlighter down the middle. - Wendy Rowe Make-up Artist

Dab Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream on the top of cheekbones to look super glowy in photos. Phillipa Pearne, glamour Deputy Beauty Editor.  

Glamour Magazine October 2013 

Relaxer Update

To relax my hair my stylist used the ORS Range of products, the ORS lye relaxer in Regular/normal strength, ORS Neutralizing shampoo and the ORS replenishing conditioner. 

                    

                      

My hair was relaxed using the 4 section method,  I detailed in my previous relaxer post. My relaxer is usually is relaxed  this way when I have my hair done by this stylist. I tend to get some lightening around the front of my hair, during the summer months. This time I opted to have the front of my hair coloured with a dark chocolate brown, semi permanent water based colour. After the colour was applied I sat under the dryer for 15 minutes and then my stylist rinsed the colour out of my hair, then shampooed using the Motions Lavish Conditioning Shampoo. Next I was back under the dryer for 20 minutes with the ORS Replenishing conditioner. After the dryer went off, My stylist rinsed out the conditioner, patted my hair dry, then applied some ORS hair lotion and Motions Wrap/Set lotion. I had a trim and then a roller set. My hair had a bit of texture to it, but my hair has never come out bone straight from a relaxer process, so that did not phase me. I did not burn, which is great. 

Hair Stats
Currently 2.5 weeks post relaxer
Current length: Line #2 on my length check t shirt**
Last Relaxer:  September 6th 2013
Next Relaxer: October 26th 2013
Short Term Goal: line #3 on my Length check T-shirt by June 2013
Long Term Goal: Bra Strap Length by December 2013
Wish List: Phillip Kingsley Elasticizer, Grapseed Oil
Recent buys: None 

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Wash day - July 13th 2013

This wash day was very very simple. the method as well as product usage. First I finger combed my hair to remove any loose hairs, next I detangled using my wide toothed comb. I applied some of my Ojon Damage Reverse Restorative Conditioner to the length and ends of my hair for about 10 minutes. 

                                                                        

                                                          

I shampooed my hair using a a 50/50 mixture of the Ojon Damage Reverse Restorative Shampoo and water. (the water & shampoo was mixed prior) I needed to shampoo my hair 3 times this wash day, to get it as clean as I liked. After rinsing out the shampoo after the third wash, I blotted my hair a bit to remove some of the excess water. 

                                                                    

For deep conditioning , I used  a mixture of the Ojon Damage Reverse Restorative Hair Serum (basically Almond oil) and the Ojon Rare Blend Deep Conditioner . Since the Ojon Rare Blend Deep Conditoner is a bi -phase product, I only used a little bit at a time, mixed in my my palms to melt it all together. First I applied  Ojon Rare Blend Deep Conditioner to my ends. Then I got a bit more product rubbed my palms, to mix it together and applied down the lengths of my hair. I also sectioned my hair into 4 parts and applied some of the Ojon Rare Blend Deep Conditioner product and applied some of the product in areas around my crown. 

                                                         

After 20 minutes I rinsed out the deep conditioner combo, my hair felt really soft and nourished. This was my first time using the Ojon Rare Blend Conditioner. I would need to use it a few more times before I recommend purchasing. I blotted my hair with a towel and let my hair air dry for an hour. After the hour had passed I applied some ORS Incredibly Rich Deep Moisturizing Hair Lotion to my ends and full length of hair and then  with the heat setting on my blow dryer turned OFF I blow dried my hair out . As a heat protectant the ORS  Hair lotion was not bad, I would not use this all the time though. The day just called for simple efforts. As we all know less is more sometimes. 

Hair Stats
Current length: Line #2 on my length check t shirt**
Last Relaxer:  June 29th 2013
Next Relaxer: September 28th 2013
Short Term Goal: line #3 on my Length check T-shirt by June 2013
Long Term Goal: Bra Strap Length by December 2013
Wish List: Phillip Kingsley Elasticizer, Grapseed Oil
Recent buys: Organic Root Stimulator Hair Mayonnaise, Organic Root Stimulator Incredibly Rich Moisturizing hair lotion, Waitrose Baby Bottom Butter

Relaxer Touch Up - June 2013

My stylist used Organic Root Stimulator lye relaxer in normal strength on my new growth. She applied the relaxer in 4 sections, starting with the back right section. For the two  sections at the  front she relaxed the left side first and then the right. Application of the relaxer took about 10 minutes overall. The smoothing process took another 10 -15 minutes. 

 After rinsing out the relaxer from my hair, she neutralised my hair using Organic Root Stimulator Neutralising Shampoo. Then she applied Sta fro hair dye in the colour dark brown. I went under the dryer for about 20 minutes to help the colour  set properly. Then my hair was rinsed, shampooed with Luster's Pink oil Moisturizing Shampoo and then the Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing Conditioner was applied. I was then back under the dryer for another 20 minutes. Organic Root Stimulator Wrap/Set Mousse along with the Organic Root Stimulator Incredibly Rich Moisturizer Lotion was applied to my hair and then some medium sized rollers. (yes I love roller sets.)

Check the pics below for results of my relaxer day.

Check out my 2 bottles of ORS Incredibly rich hair lotion,
 upside down in the corner of the photo. lol 

Curls 

Curls 

Curls 

Curls and an ear

Curls

Getting ready for bed 

The morning after. 

Products Used:
Organic Root Stimulator Incredibly Rich Hair Moisturising Lotion 
Organic Root Stimulator lye relaxer in normal strength
Organic Root Stimulator Neutralising Shampoo
Luster's Pink oil Moisturizing Shampoo
Sta fro hair dye in the colour dark brown
Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing Conditioner 
Organic Root Stimulator Wrap/Set Mousse

Hair Stats
Current length: Line #2 on my length check t shirt**
Last Relaxer:  June 29th 2013
Next Relaxer: August 31st 2013
Short Term Goal: line #3 on my Length check T-shirt by June 2013**
Long Term Goal: Bra Strap Length by December 2013
Wish List: Phillip Kingsley Elasticizer, Grapseed Oil
Recent buys: Organic Root Stimulator Hair Mayonnaise,  Organic Root Stimulator Incredibly Rich Moisturizing hair lotion, Waitrose Baby Bottom Butter


to be amended

Wash Day

I detangled my hair using my Conair shower comb, then parted it into 4 sections. 

Then I applied my Elasta QP Intensive Breakage Treatment to each of the four sections, saturating as much of the hair as possible. I applied the serum working  up the hair shaft from the ends. Covered with 2 plastic bags, a large towel waited 40 minutes (aka watched 1 episode of Rizzoli and Isles).

 Rinsed out the Elasta QP Intensive Breakage Treatment Serum, shampooed twice using the Avon 360 Nourishment Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo. 

Followed up with a deep conditioner blend ( 2 large spoonfuls of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 1 large spoonful of Sweet Almond Oil, 4 large spoonfuls of Avon 360 Nourishment Moroccan Argan Oil Conditioner (NOT the treatment masque) and 1 large spoonful of Mazuri Hair Mayonnaise Steam treatment.) 

 

Applied to my hair paying close attention to my edges/nape/ends. Then covered with  1 plastic bag and the towel again for 40 minutes (aka another episode of Rizzoli and Isles.

Rinsed out the deep conditioner, then applied my leave ins. Infusium 23 Maximum Body Formula Leave in Conditioner, Doo Gro Leave in Growth Treatment,  Matrix  Sleek Results Iron Smoother, combed through, then applied a bit of ORS Deep Moisturizing Hair Lotion on my ends. (In that order)

 


Dried hair using T shirt method, then finished off using blow dryer with heat settings turned off. (yes your hair dries, if you do this)

Applied Hairveda Almond Glaze to my scalp, combed my hair into a pony tail and covered with my satin scarf.

Hair Stats
Current length: Line #2 on my length check t shirt
Last Relaxer: February 2nd 2013
Next Relaxer: April 27th 2013
Short Term Goal: line #3 on my Length check T-shirt by June 2013
Long Term Goal: Bra Strap Length by December 2013
Wish List: Phillip Kingsley Elasticizer, Grapseed Oil
Recent buys: None 

http://miakhymai.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/a-review-avon-advanced-techniques-360.html

http://miakhymai.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/review-hairveda-almond-glaze.html

http://miakhymai.blogspot.co.uk/2011/11/hair-fave-organic-root-stimulator-olive.html

http://miakhymai.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/wash-day-25022013.html

Love and Light

xx

Let's talk: Hair Relaxed or Natural

There are a lot of persons who begin their process to healthy hair, often thinking that there are miracle products which will help their hair to grow long and luscious. There is no miracle product or drug which will make your hair grow overnight. Consistency is King. For you me or anyone to grow long and healthy hair it takes a conscious, consistent effort.

Trim: A healthy hair journey begins with a starting point. This starting point for anyone relaxed or natural is a trim. A trim is between 1/4 -1/2 inch of  hair. Depending on overall hair damage, there might be a need to trim more hair off. Split ends cannot be saved or salvaged, they need to be cut off, in order to save the rest of the hair shaft. 

Products: There is no need to buy the entire store, STOP IT. You need a clarifying shampoo, a moisturizing shampoo, a protein treatment, a moisturizing treatment, a moisturizer and an oil/serum (to use as a sealant).

Water: water is essential to hydrate your body and helps to carry the nutrients around your body via the blood stream, since your hair feeds from your blood. Be sure to steer away from hidden sugars in drinks (sodas, soft drinks, flavored water) Plain water is best for hydration. 

Food: A good staple diet, can help aid hair growth. Be sure to steer away from hidden sugars in food such as sugary biscuits and  sugary yogurts. Plain Greek style/Natural set yogurt is the best for someone who is looking to improve their overall health ie hair and skin. 

Method: A CONSISTENT effort is needed in the process of aiding hair growth. There is no overnight remedy  Moisturizing and sealing hair must be a consistent effort. I am not saying that you should moisturize and seal every day. Everyone's hair is different, and as the old saying goes DIFFERENT strokes for different folks. I moisturize and seal my hair twice a week in the summer and 3 times a week in the winter. This works for me. 

Protective Styling: This is where you style your hair in ways which keeps your ends protected, ie buns/rolls/updos/plaits. 

Low Manipulation: Avoid excessive combing/brushing of the hair. Personally unless I am heading to work/a social event. I do not comb my hair unless it is to moisturize and seal, 90% of the time my hair is tucked away. 

Exercise: Exercise is good for overall health and can help to aid hair growth. PLEASE NOTE I am NOT saying that if you go to the gym this month, NEXT month you will be like Rapunzel, with long flowing locks. 

Nighttime: When caring for ones hair at night a Silk scarf is best, Silk Bonnet or a Silk wrap. These can be purchased at any place which sells good hair products. Covering ones hair is important to protect during the night, but if you are covering with a cotton scarf or a stocking foot, that is doing more damage than help. INVEST in a Silk wrap or a Silk pillowcase. 

Relaxer: Everyone is not an 8 week girl ie sometimes one does not need to have a relaxer every 8 week as regulation. If you have been keeping up with REGULAR and CONSISTENT hair treatments, you might be able to stretch your relaxers out til 10 or 12 weeks even longer depending on hair texture and growth pattern. **There are some people who may need a 6 week touch up, but again this depends on hair growth pattern and texture.**

A Review: Avon Advanced Techniques 360 Nourishment Moroccan Argan Oil (hair care range)

       These are the three products which I own from this range (hair mask, shampoo and conditioner  I opted not to purchase the hair oil since I had a bottle of Argan oil in my stash. After my run in with the Ojon Miracle Elixir serum (whatever they want to call it) I am just not on the oil hype. Give me some organic cold pressed Almond oil/Coconut oil/Olive oil from health food shop, my pocket and hair will both thank you.  I know that Argan oil is supposed to be one of those cure all products of the hair care community. However I find that many products sporting the Argan oil tag are full of silicones. 

     I too wanted to try the Morrocan Oil products but at an average of £20 a product, with 5 products in the core range. To my and my pocket that was a bit steep for a product which could not be tried or tested. (Someone needs to tell Morrocan oil to make a sample kit including the shampoo, conditioner, and both the restorative and hydrating masks). Enter stage left while I was browsing online I went on the Avon website to peruse the offers and came across the launch of the "Avon Advanced Techniques 360 Nourishment  Moroccan Argan Oil" hair care line. Immediately I was intrigued and after a few weeks I ordered some products through my Avon lady. 

     The products themselves were not overly expensive,I bought the 250ml shampoo, 250ml  conditioner for £1.10 each and the hair mask for £2.50. Yup three full sized products for less than a fiver. Now I was not prepared to be blown away or anything, I mean it is Avon we are speaking about here. In the end I was more than impressed. The shampoo had a pearlescent colour but the formula was opaque like a good shampoo should be. It cleansed my hair, but did not strip it or leave it feeling like I had not washed it. My hair felt nourished, not hydrated but nourished. Next up the hair mask this had a nice thick formula, as one would desire in a hair mask but it spread  well, and coated my tresses. When I detangled my hair using my shower comb it gave good slip and I was pleased. I left this on for 40 minutes and then rinsed. After this I applied a blob of the conditioner and combed that through as well. The conditioner has a slightly less thick formula compared to the hair mask, but it complimented the hair mask well as a finishing product. 

I must say that even the packaging design I was very pleased with. Kudos to whomever designed the bottles they are very eye-catching and sleek. The bottles which have a slightly inverted shape fitted quite well in my hand.

The results: My hair felt great, I was pleased with the results of my wash day experience. 

The Price: On these products are amazing. Great quality for the price point. On offer you could purchase the entire line for less than £12. Full priced all four products still come up to less than £20. 

Cons: Like the Morrocan Oil range the Avon Advanced Techniques 360 Nourishment Moroccan Oil hair care line does not sell a sampler kit.

Pros: These are great products, price, product, packaging and availability these products are winners. 

Would I purchase? - yes
Would I recommend? - yes
Would I buy full priced? - yes 

Wash Day

     

     I am 4 posts away from my 300th blog post. whew Sometimes I wonder about post number 1 and now here I am post number 296.

     Wash day was fairly simple I shampooed twice using the Matrix Total Results Repair Shampoo, my hair felt soft after. Next the Matrix Total results Repair Deep Intensive Mask was applied, combed through and left to sit for 3 minutes (like the instructions said) then rinsed off. My hair felt funny like it was a bit stripped (this could be due to the fact that I did not apply the regular conditioner after Rinsing off the mask, it could have possibly injected some moisture back into my hair) so ORS Deep Moisturising lotion was applied and combed through, followed by ORS wrap/set mousse. My hair was roller set and I went under the dryer. I came from under the dryer and took out my rollers, the curls were soft and full. I oiled my scalp with Bontle Hair food, massaged my roots  and then my curls were pinned into a style. 

Now I know some people might be thinking didn't she post her hair routine the other day and these products were not listed. This is true.

 I purchased these products in June of 2012, when I had my hair done at Cococheno Hair Salon. I was instructed to use the mask only once a month since it is a protein based line, meaning that I would have to alternate it with another line of hair products. I only had this line of products at the time and I used them consistently for about 2 or 3 washes, in turn they made my hair feel very stripped. I have not thrown them away (I am not about that life) I intend to use them until they are completely finished. What I will do is use them as the stylist suggested and only use them once a month, alternating with my Avon Morrocan Oil products (don't sleep on AVON the Morrocan Oil line has been very very good to my hair)

Hair Stats
Current length: Just past should length 
Last Relaxer: February 2nd 2013
Next Relaxer: April 27th 2013
Short Term Goal: line #3 on my Length check T-shirt by June 2013
Long Term Goal: Bra Strap Length by December 2013
Wish List: Phillip Kingsley Elasticizer
Recent buys: None