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

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

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

Relaxer Update - February 2013

   

     Prior to Relaxer: On Monday 28th January I oiled scalp with Hairveda Almond Glaze, and moisturised edges and nape with Elasta Qp Mango Butter. Some hairs around the front looked a bit straggly, but that could have been due the fact that the relaxer was due. Overall hair did not feel bad, length of hair looked pretty healthy and shiny. The back felt a bit gummy in texture  when I applied the Mango Butter so I opted out of a full moisturise and seal. My next deep condition after my relaxer was will include a protein treatment. On the Friday I oiled the ends and length of the hair using the Proclere Argan oil serum  and finger combed there was no manipulation of the hair between Monday and Friday.  

     I relaxed my hair at 10 weeks post on February 2nd 2013. My hairdresser relaxed my hair using the Organic Root Stimulator lye relaxer - normal. She applied the relaxer in 4 sections, starting with the back right section. Application of the relaxer took about 10 minutes overall. The smoothing process took another 10 minutes. My hair was neutralized using the Motion Neutralizing Shampoo, then deep conditioned using the Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing conditioner. I had a small trim, (no scalping) my leave -ins were applied ( Doo grow leave- in growth treatment, ORS rich moisturising lotion and ORS wrap foam lotion) and then roller-set. After my hair was dried it was very shiny, moisturised and full of body. 

My Doo Gro leave in growth treatment DECANTED into the Aphogee Keratin and Green tea bottle.  

xx

Hair Goals for 2013

My hair goals for 2013 are fairly simple.

- Retain length pre September 2012 trim (line #3 on Length Check T shirt)

- Wash and Deep condition hair every 2 weeks

- Try Co-washing for retaining moisture.

- Minimal/No heat 

- Bra Strap length for December 31st 2013

Hair Stats
Current length: Just past should length 
Last Relaxer: 24th November 2012
Next Relaxer: February 2nd 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

xx

Hair Update - January 2013

  
     Currently 8 weeks post relaxer, relaxer day undecided either January 25th or January 31st. Current moisturiser Afroveda Unscented hair butter, Sealant  Olive oil. 

Scalp - Sophia's old fashioned hair grease.  

     My new growth is bountiful but was very manageable during my last wash day. I am currently in my sleeping phase, so no new length is evident. For 2013 I will continue relaxing my hair every 3 months, using minimal/no heat practices. I saw the most length retention using these methods in 2013 so I will continue. I had a major trim in September (1.5 inches), and then a follow up trim in November when I relaxed my hair for my graduation. My ends are in good shape, and the overall look of my hair is better, with no scraggly ends, plus my hair is very even now. 

To supplement my hair maintenance practices on the outside I have taken a new approach to maintaining my body from the inside. I have a Brita personal water filter that I take everywhere with me, making it easier to sip water throughout the day. Plus I save loads by not purchasing bottled water. I take Cod Liver oil tablets daily and lately I have started carrying a small container of dried cranberries+ sunflower seeds in my handbag. This little snack is packed full of silica which is good for my hair as well as being a quick and easy much. 


My hair goals for 2013 are fairly simple.

- Retain length pre September 2012 trim (line #3 on Length Check T shirt)

- Wash and Deep condition hair every 2 weeks

- Try Co-washing for retaining moisture.

- Minimal/No heat 

- Bra Strap length for December 31st 2013


Hair Stats
Current length: Just past should length 
Last Relaxer: 24th November 2012
Next relaxer: January 25th or January 31st (undecided)
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

Happy Hair Day

xx

BlogMas Day 1 - Hair

"Use a hair mask about twice a week. Also apply a drop of coconut oil to the ends of your hair every few days to help cover split ends." 

 Nicole Scherzinger as told to Boots health and beauty magazine 

Hair Update: Length Check

A little update in regards to my hair length and how my hair has been progressing. This post is pic heavy so be warned, thanks to everyone who has been with me so far on my hair journey. The pictures are not the best because I took them myself, but here goes. enjoy!!

My picture taking skills at this awkward angle is not the best I will admit. Some things that I have been doing differently. 1. I have been using the Ojon Damage reverse hair care line.  I deep condition overnight with the Ojon Damage Reverse deep Treatment, the next morning I wash twice using the Ojon Damage Reverse shampoo, after that I condition using a mixture of the  Ojon Damage Reverse conditioner + Ojon Damage Reverse serum. 2. Another thing that I have been doing is air drying, I have been air drying my hair since January. 3. When I relax my hair I have been putting olive oil on the ends of my hair to protect them from relaxer run off. 4. I have been going totally heatless, no blow dryer or flat iron. 5. I have been using a T-shirt to dry my hair instead a towel (works wonders ladies/gents try it). 6. I have also been weakening my relaxers before applying to my hair by adding Olive oil to the mixture. Doing this makes sure  that the relaxer is not full strength on my hair, however this has led to MAJOR underprocessing, so I wont be doing that anymore. 

I have really thick hair and doing all of these things have really helped to thicken my hair even more. My hair has even more body than it did before, which I love. 

Next Relaxer date - June 30th

Hair oils and serums

On Ojon Restorative Hair serum

What they say ------> On contact this highly concentrated multi tasking serum fortified with pure Ojon oil, natures hair - repairing golden elixir, plus exotic Rouge Olefiera penetrates the hair shaft to help strengthen weak hair against breakage , fix flyaways and tame frizz. It helps restore brilliant shine and softness to dull, damaged hair. Adds suppleness and manageability. 

This hair serum, which promised such lovely things on the website, including boosting the properties if a few drops were mixed with the Ojon Damage Reverse Conditioner. As we all know Ojon products are not cheap at all, but I decided to go out and splurge on myself and in essence my hair. The products arrived and the first thing I did was Check the ingredients list. The first ingredient listed in the hair serum is Sweet Almond oil, then a few ingredients down the list I see a few silicone's, Methyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Dimethicone (Dimethicone is a silicone polymer known for creating a  glassy effect, doesn't rinse off easily if it is not in its water soluble form - Dimethiconol, and if it builds up it eventually dries out hair)  after that I see, Avocado oil, Palm kernel oil, Macadamia seed oil, Jojoba oil, Orange oil, Bergmont oil. Now this hair serum is marketed as being made with pure Ojon oil, not Almond oil and then Ojon oil is somewhere down the ingredients list at #7. The first ingredient listed in a product is in the greatest amount. So in essence this is an "Almond oil serum" with "Ojon oil", some other oils and a few silicones to "fill" the product out. This is not good enough, for £10 I could have gone to my supermarket and bought these oils and made  my own serum, enough to last for an entire year. The packaging says to use before heat styling, ok lets run with this. Avocado oil has a smoke point of over 400 degrees, if you use pure Avocado oil on your hair that right there is your heat protectant,plus Avocado oil is mega full of fatty acids which are great for adding life to your hair.  A bottle of 500ml pure cold pressed Avocado oil at my local shop ---> £5.99 

Next thing in this rant is this Argan oil business. I'v been using Argan oil since 2009, both in products and on its own.  For those of you who have been with me since the beginning of my hair journey, the Biolage Matrix Colourtherapie Products that I used previously, those were Argan oil products and they worked VERY VERY VERY well on my hair. The line consists of a Shampoo, Conditioner, Deep treatment and a hair oil, at the time when I was purchasing the oil it was made from Argan oil and Olive oil. (oils alone noooo silicone's) Fast forward and now everybody and their step cousin has an Argan oil  hair oil. It's the miracle product, that does wonders and parts the oceans. 


On Argan Oil Hair Treatment 

I purchased the Argan oil hair treatment from Proclere Professional, back in September, thinking that in January/February this would be good for moisturizing and sealing my hair. How wrong I was, this is another product which is full of silicone's and additives the packaging says that it is "formulated to rejuvenate and nourish dry damaged hair" the first three ingredient are silicone's, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethiconethe 4th ingredient in Argan oil and the rest ingredients are additives. This oil is in no way moisturizing your hair, which is what alot of persons believe that it does, all silicone's do is coat the hair shaft to give the illusion of smoothness. If you hair is damaged probably from heat styling, this product will not help you, because you should not be using heat tools on your hair anyway. 

Would I repurchase either of these products nope they will be lasting me for a long time.  I will be making my own hair serum to nourish my hair please and thanks.

** These oils are great for styling your hair and adding shine which makes you hair look healthy. I did not buy the Morrocan oil version of the Argan oil because that one too is chuck a block full of silicone's. If I am going to pay for a product full of petrochemicals, I will be purchasing the cheapest petrochemicals I can find, VO5 hair elixir here I come. 

be more product savvy

Kae-Toya's Top 10 Hair care must haves.

As a budding hair care enthusiast I have been asked a few questions by friends who have become interested since I recently posted pics on my facebook of my new healthy locs. I must admit even my aunts were surprised with my growth on a recent trip home. So I am sharing with you my fellow girls (and guys) the products which I have used and they have been tried and tested and not found wanting in any way. These are products which I have bought with my own money and used for years. I have black type 4a/b hair (yes them naps).  I relax my hair every 8 weeks and deep condition every 2 weeks.

1. Matrix Biolage colorcaretherapie Delicate care Shampoo (for sensititized/colored hair) this shampoo is sulfate/paraben free and contains organic acai+ argan antioxidant complex.................its the business.

2. Matrix Biolage colorcaretherapie Delicate care Conditioner (for sensititized/colored hair) this also sulfate and paraben free and contains organic acai+ argan antioxidant complex.

3. Matrix Biolage colorcaretherapie Delicate care Masque (for sensititized/colored hair) aka the deep treatment this also sulfate and paraben free and contains organic acai+ argan antioxidant complex. This has is a high dose of avocado oil, followed by argan oil and also acai berry and is a colour fade fighting forumula..............this is a product that you the feel the difference from the first use.

4. Matrix Biolage colorcaretherapie Delicate care Organic Certified oil............this is pure argan oil. I use this after or before my blow dry, or maybe mid week on my ends a dime sized amount I just rub it in my hands and then apply it to my ends and all over my hair.

5. Inecto Pure coconut oil deeply nourishing leave in conditioner...........I spray this in after I have blotted the excess moisture out of my hair.

6. Matrix sleek look smoothing system step 4 Iron smoother......this  is my heat protectant it protects up to 200 degrees and protects from humidity. I used the ghd heat protectant for 2 years before I started using this sleek one and in my opinion the sleek one works alot better.

7. Organic root stimulator Olive oil incredibly rich moisturising  hair lotion.............I've used this is small amounts over the last 3 years but I have finally committed and purchased a bottle to see my through the winter .......( and I got 25% free...go girl its yuh burfday). This is that I used to moisturise my hair twice a week.

8. Fantasia IC pm nightime oil treatment .............I have warrrrrrrrrrrrred with family members over bottles of this stuff. This is one thing that ever relaxed girl should have in her arsenal. It even comes in a travel size so no excuses ladies. This  have been using for about 5 years now. I love this stuff. If  I'm wearing my hair wrapped I spray this on my hair 4 sprays every other night. ( this is the first 2 weeks of my perm)  I also use this mixed with a little castor oil to seal my ends after I have moisturised my hair twice a week. SERIOUSLY ladies if you don't have this you are sleeping on your hair care.

9. Fantasia IC Hair polisher daily hair treatment .............I apply this all over my hair after I have finished blow drying and then I straighten my hair with the flat iron.  this gives my hair a lovely sheen and a sleek smooth finish.

10. Organic root stimulator coconut oil ................... this is what I use to oil my scalp twice a week the same time that I moisturise and seal.

These products have been my staples for the last year I  some longer than a year and they have worked brilliantly.