Life Is Not My Hair

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We are on the cusp of another season of Spring.  What a relief for these natural 3c/4 tresses of mine.  Even though I've been natural since March of 2010, I still don't feel as though I got this thing/routine down pack!  LOL!



Grey Crystal Glass Headband

https://www.etsy.com/listing/185127846/dark-grey-crystal-headband?ref=shop_home_feat_1

I realized that some products work at certain hair lengths for me and some simply don't work in certain whether conditions.  This makes having great hair days a manipulation act.  One that no matter how often practice can slip into a hot mess if the wrong combination of products are used.  It's like perfecting one's steps to a favorite song.

Running several on-line stores, writing two blogs, working a full-time job, meal preparations, and rearing an 11-year old guarantees a full plate.  So, I don't have a whole lot of time to dedicate to taking care of my hair.  However, to be natural does not mean my hair is unkept! (smile!)  Taking care of my hair requires diligent commitment to be maintained well and healthy.

 Life is not my hair means that it is necessary to adapt to the changes or needs of my tresses as the weather, seasons, and elements change.  Develop a routine that is simple and effective for everyday life.  This includes trying new hairstyles, adornments, and, of course, hair products.
 
A woman's glory is her hair and if her hair is on point, she abounds in confidence and meets the world challenges head on.
 
Whether we are wearing our hair natural or relaxed, there will always be a need to keep routines flexible, simple, and viable to our full everyday lives.

For most of us we've now are learning how to take care of our God-given hair in our 30s, 40s, and 50s. Our natural choices are turning the production of relaxers upside down.  What power lies in our pockets and how we  proudly wear our tresses.  Using our purchasing power to empower ourselves can be the beginning to build our communities and relationships amongst our families and friends and creating a more united network of businesses and employment opportunities.  Our hair is not our life but it is a starting point that will allow us to make better choices for our health, lifestyles, and fashion statement.  Realizing that my life is not my hair.  I will not make excuses for the coils and kinks that some days choose to defiantly "frizz," shrink, and coil up at will! The expression of who I am is experienced in every bend, wave, and spring-like curl and I love it!

 

Life is Not My Hair but it's a great starting point for a powerful journey....

 



©Copyright 2015-27-3 Crowning Glory Coils and Kinks - All Rights Reserved

 









Good News for Natural Hair Products!

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While shopping in Target in my area, I was drawn to the ethnic hair care aisle!  I was there looking for the Camille Rose hair gel but only saw two designated rows for her product.  This time they didn't even have Camille Roses' Moisture Milk -- my new hair product for the month!

I noticed that there was a lot an awful lot of commotion between the aisle that I was in and the next aisle that housed the hair coloring products.

I then heard one of the workers saying to the other that they were moving the natural hair/ethnic aisle where the hair coloring items were.  The manager stated that they needed to make room for the natural hair products because that was what "people" were coming to Target to purchase!

Hhhmmm!  I said to myself!  We, naturals, are making a profound impact in the hair product industry!  At Target's you can find, Miss Jessie, Oyin, Alikay, Shea Moisture, Pantene's Natural hair line, Cantu and the list is growing!

It is truly giving Walmart a run for its money in this venue! 

So, next time your in the market for new hair products, give Target a whirl!

The Challenge of Developing a Hair Routine!

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The establishment of an effective hair routine is the basis for healthy, strong, and tresses that are full of body.  Therefore, your routine can change with every season! 

Those who use glycerin will do so in the Spring and Summer and will forego it in the Fall and Winter seasons.

Products that worked "well" on your TWA (Tweeny, Weeny, Afro) will not work as effectively on your longer tresses!  We will often find ourselves "revisiting" products that worked in the beginning of our natural hair journey and didn't work in the middle of the journey, now seems to bring life to your shoulder length hair.

A basic routine that I'm finding to work for me is the Liquid, Oil, and Cream (LOC) system.  First applying your liquid, which can be as simple -- for most of us -- as water!  Choose your favorite oil (jojoba, coconut, olive or castor oil).  Your cream can be in the form of a "whipped" butter -- choose one that doesn't weigh your hair down to keep the body and bounce in your tresses.  You will often be able to find a product that will combine O and C!  Most creams (C) will include or be infused with not only one oil (O) but several oils.  You can also find a liquid (L) that will include your oil (O).

A successful routine must be able to "fully" hydrate your tresses!  It will keep your hair flexible and healthy.

Finding a successful hair routine can be frustrating and a cause to feed your product junkie-ism!  This is important to know even if your using the LOC system.  Some products play well together with your styler (gel or cream) that you may have incorporated in use for the LOC system and some will not!  This will be accomplished by trial and error.

Products that you purchased and will not work with your routine can be shared on hair board swaps.

Feel free to leave your routine below.  Share whether or not you have a "seasonal" routine or if you are able to maintain the same one!

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Happy Curls to You!

ApHogee Nutritional Supplement for Healthy Hair

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I've just completed my first 30-day ApHogee Nutritional Supplement for Healthy Hair!

My original plan was to order HairFinity which was $24.99 for a month's supply when I came across the ApHogee alternative, which can be found on Amazon.com between $7.99 to $9.99!

I had been taking Biotin capsules early on in my natural hair journey and then ran out and forgot to repurchase.  However, recently (October/November) I noticed that my hair was shedding, breaking, and there was a noticeable increase of single strand knots.  My hair became extremely tangled at the ends and dry!

I knew I needed to make a change to my regimen and decided to try the ApHogee supplement!  I am very pleased that I did!

I dusted my ends and started the 30-day regimen.  In a few days I noticed a decrease in the awful shedding that I was having.  My hair became more manageable, bouncy, and shinier!  I also noticed an increase in length retention.  The biggest surprise was that it seem that my fine hair was beginning to thicken on my sides, which seemed to be struggling.  The sides were beginning to retain more length and became more manageable.

According to ApHogee it is the vitamins & minerals in the product that are important for healthy hair.

Ingredients:

Of ApHogee Supplement for Healthy Hair are: Vitamin E, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid, Zinc, Molybdenum, DL-Methionine, Silica, Fo Ti Root Extract, Lycium Berry Extract, Dong Quai Root 5:1 Extract, Soy Lecithin, Organic Sulfur Complex, Protein Hydrolysate. Other Ingredients listed by a very small percentage: Dicalcium Phosphate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Croscarmellose Sodium, Stearic Acid, Magnesium Stearate, Calcium Silicate and Hypromellose, Hydroxypropyl Cellulose, Titanium Dioxide, and Riboflavin -

See more at: http://www.baldness-cure.org/2009/12/aphogee-nutritional-supplement-for-healthy-hair/#sthash.EBWNA37t.dpuf

There was a significant difference in the ingredient list between ApHogee and HairFinity and that was vitamin E! HairFinity does NOT have vitamin E (not listed).

The biggest draw back is that the pill tastes awful, but what vitamin doesn't?!  Whichever, hair vitamin that you choose, follow the directions given.  ApHogee recommends that you take it with food.  You should also drink plenty of water to avoid breakouts, stomach upset, and headaches with most hair vitamin supplements!

I've just started my second 30-days of ApHogee and will keep you posted!

Until next time!

Remember to leave your comment, questions, and hair journey below!

Happy 2015!

Welcome 2015!

I embrace the spirit of Expectation.

I promise to make the effort to live the best life during this year!

Forgetting those things that are behind and pressing forward to new challenges, changes, and truths about myself that caused stagnation. 

I declare that I will not lie to myself but write the truth and read it, and make a truthful effort to invoke the necessary change. Above all, I choose to love myself and love beyond what I see of others!

Eden's Body Works Coconut Shea Leave-In

 

8 fl. oz at Walmart for $8.47

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This is a brief product review on Eden's Body Works Natural Leave-In Conditioner.  I've been using this product for the last week and am pleasantly happy with it.  My hair texture is 3c/4a and my hair particular hair type.

Product Description:

Daily conditioning treatment formulated with one of nature's best moisturizers, Coconut Oil, to penetrate and revitalize tresses. Blended with Shea butter to seal in moisture. Sulfate free formula is safe for color treated, chemically treated, curly, or straight hair.

Ingredients:

 Water (Aqua), Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Polyquaternium-37, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, PEG-50 Shea Butter, Glycerin, Cetrimonium Chloride, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Panthenyl Hydroxypropyl Steardimonium Chloride, Sodium PCA, Polyquaternium-7, Fragrance (Parfum), PPG-1 Trideceth-6, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol

Product Is:

Ingredient Attribute:   Cruelty Free
Silicone Free
Paraben Free
Sulfate Free

How to Apply Product:

Apply to freshly shampooed hair for best results. Do not rinse. Use daily as needed.

My Experience:

I have applied the product to both freshly washed and second and third day hair with stunning results.  The product had great slip and easily detangled my coily, wavy tresses.  I was amazed that on, especially wet or damp hair, it took very little of the product to produce soft, vibrant, and bouncy tresses,

It has always been my custom to mist my hair at night and apply a leave-in of one brand or another.  Each night I midst hair, make eight sections, apply the leave-in and loosely twist hair to prevent tangling while sleeping, and I cover hair with a clear conditioning cap.

In the Morning:

I take off the clear conditioning cap and shake hair.  My tresses are slightly damp and is easily manipulate.  So, I'll shape into style and get ready for work.  In the winter I will slightly change the routine to prepare hair as noted above but will allow hair to "completely" dry and either wrap hair or cover hair with a scarf for the night.

Pros:

• Price Point - A little goes a long way
• Can Be Found on the Ground Easily
• Fragrance is mild and pleasant
• Coconut Oil -- Easily Absorbed in Tresses
• Great Moistuizer
• Hair Is Beautifully Soft, Shiny, and Bouncy
• Has Given Me More "Stretch" to My Strands
• Can Replace the Higher Priced "Kinky Curly Knot Today" Leave-In

Cons:

• If Too Much is Used; Product Will Cause Hair to Be Sticky

Will I Repurchase?

Yes, I'm very pleased and have already decided to swap out or give away excess products to make room in my cabinet for the complete line of Eden Body Works!  My search is over for my Holy Grail products, but that doesn't mean I won't flirt with new ones!

Until next time!  Please remember to leave a comment, note, or a description of your experience with Eden Body Works products.

Happy Curls to You!

©Copyright 2014-09 Crowning Glory Coils and Kinks - All Rights Reserved

Eden's Body Works Coconut Defining Creme

16 fl ounces, price $8.99/Walmart

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Today, I have the pleasure of reviewing Eden's Body Works, All Natural Curl Defining Crème.  It wasn't the line's initial product I tried but the third. 

I was checking out at Walmart with my husband when a natural walked up and placed three or four items from the Eden product line.  I asked her how she liked it and she gave it glowing raves.  I picked up the Eden's Peppermint Oil from Walmart and paired it with the Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner.  I had great results and then decided that on my next trip to Walmart that I would procure at least the Leave-In (moisturizer).  However, I saw the Curl Defining Crème and added that to my arsenal of products!



Ingredients:

Eden BodyWorks: Water (Aqua), Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Butryospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, PEG-50 Shea Butter

Ingredient Analysis:

• Aloe Vera Juice: Acts as a natural conditioning agent that restores the hair's sheen, luster, and shine. It not only makes the hair soft, but it also enhances strength and suppleness.
• Cetyl & Stearyl Alcohol: Fatty alcohols and emollient conditioners known for giving products a creamy, thick texture and feel.
• Shea Butter: Emollient fat from the nut of the East or West African shea nut tree, used to moisturize and soften hair.
• PEG-50 Shea Butter: Emulsifying form of shea butter that is water soluble, and commonly used in water-based products.

Pic from Curly Beauty Blogger

My Experience:

I cowashed with Tresemme Naturals and rinse and applied the Eden Leave-In (moisturizer), followed it up with the Eden Peppermint Oil, and then applied the Eden All Natural Curl Defining Crème.

When applying, I separated and sectioned my hair into four sections, and then I applied the Defining Crème using the Tightly Curly method and allowed the hair to dry.

The curl formation and definition was "off the chain!"  I was so excited and pleased with this new line of products.



After going out for the evening, I took the Leave-In and squeezed about a 50-cent size of product and  split my hair and applied the product to the sections and then pulled hair back and smooth onto the hairline in front and back.  I then pulled hair into a pineapple and covered with a clear shower cap.

Next Morning:  (Second Day Hair)

Hair was damp, so I shook out and I applied "cool" water to sections that I wanted to manipulate and allowed hair to finish drying.  "I'm in Love!" 

As The Day Wears On:

I am amazed how moisturized and soft my hair is.  It's bouncy, shiny, and soft to the touch! 

Would You Purchase Again?

Picture NaturalHairAMix



This line is definitely a keeper and I will be not only be repurchasing the Curl Defining Crème but I will also be purchasing the cowash product also.

Pros:

• On the Ground Availability (Walmart, Walgreens, and Targets)
• Pricing is Great $7.99 to $9.99
• Line Has 3 Coordinating Scents

          Jojoba Monoi (Brown Caps); Coconut Shea (Black Caps); & Peppermint Tea Tree (Green
          Caps)

Cons:

• When I initially went to pick up the Eden's Leave-In, there were only 2 bottles on the shelf.  I attempted to squeeze the bottle to see how product flowed and it was "caked" on the top and wouldn't flow.  I chose the second bottle and it "flowed" well.  I would advise you to check the bottle before leaving the store.

 

I hope you enjoyed the review.  Let me know what your experience with Eden's Natural Hair Line has been!

Until next time, as always!

Happy Curls to You!

©Copyright 2014-08-13 Crowning Glory Coils and Kinks - All Rights Reserved