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PRODUCT REVIEW: APHOGEE CURLIFIC CURL DEFINER

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Hi people, what's been on?!

Today I'll be sharing the reviews of the first #ReviewwithHadassah Giveaway!

 It's one thing for a blogger to say how fabulous she found a product on her hair but it's also great to share the reviews with another natural with a different hair type to kind of get the idea of how well it works. With the giveaway, one random reader and I will get to try out a new product together!
I'm also doing this to reduce any bias that comes with reviewing a sponsored product.

 Product reviews are important when it comes to trying out a new product.  Before buying any,  it's useful to check out reviews. I'm not saying that it'll 100% work for you if it work for a lot of people, but it will increase the probability of getting something that'll work for you.
You can't really depend on the literature on the packaging because companies themselves will never tell you their products won't work.
However, someone who bought it and tried it out can say honestly if it worked or it didn't.

That's why I always find it hilarious when we ask a seller in Nigeria,
"Will it work?"
"Is it original?"
Do you really expect the marketer to say no???

So back to the review!

@oluwabusolaa and I did this one together.


PRODUCT NAME
Aphogee Curlific Curl Definer

PRODUCT SIZE
8oz /237ml

PRICE
N1950 - N2500 depending on location. Get it here

PRODUCT PROMISE
Curls confused? Curlific Curl Definer separates and defines your mane adding bounce, definition and control. ...that lasts!


INGREDIENTS



DIRECTIONS:
Use on damp hair. Dispense a small amount. between palms and disperse, scrunch through hair and either air dry or use a diffuser dryer.  Use after Curlific Moisture Rich Leave in if using a leave in conditioner.

SCENT/TEXTURE
Perfumy scent that sticks. Not so bad though.
Slippery and sticky on application but non sticky when it dries. Haven't noticed any flaking with this product unlike the Cantu Define and Custard.




OLUWABUSOLA'S REVIEW


I just took out a protective style I had for a month, I shampooed and deep conditioned for about 4 hours and rinsed my hair.
I followed the directions on the post on wash and go... Applied the curl definer, squeezed it in as described, finger combed and put my hair in 10 loose twists.


I waited till it was almost dry and took out the twists and used my fingers to fluff it a little.

Result


Pros
1. I had a lot of curl definition. The best I've had so far. (The pictures aren't doing a lot of justice)
2. I didn't have flaking of any sort and my hair didn't feel weird like my previous trials with some other products.
3. My hair was moisturised for the most part of the day (I'm not sure if it was the curl definer that did this or the deep conditioning)
4. It had a nice mild scent that I liked. Nothing too strong.

Cons
1. My hair was shrunken! Like I didn't air dry it at all. I was worried about my hair knotting up (I had to do a big chop because of knots recently).
Next time I'll let it dry more before I take the twists out.

2. After my long day, I tried to preserve the curls for the next day but I couldn't. The next morning I basically had twist outs. I'm guessing it's because I have short hair (about 5 and a half inches)

Verdict
Overall, I think this is a really good product. Will i keep using it? yes. I still need to find a way to keep my definition for longer though.


MY REVIEW






I quite like the Aphogee curl definer!
It's a bit sticky on application but isn't once my hair dries.

I have fine 4b/c hair and it works consistently for twistouts, braidouts, holding twists together, permrod sets, bantu knot outs even on my sister who's natural hair doesn't hold sets well! At last, a curl definer that works for four heads of natural hair with different textures!

Finally, a curly set that lasted all week!!!!

Unlike mousse or setting lotion, it has less of the dripping factor so it's less mess if you're in a hurry.

It also helps tame flyaways and frizzes and doesn't flake. My little cousins (3yrs and 5yrs) have fine frizzy natural hair. Braid or weave their hair and it gets fuzzy immediately. This product helped not only to tame frizzes, it also gave the twists a nice sheen.

As for wash and gos, it doesn't give me consistent results like I get with other stylers such as Miss Jessies Jelly Soft Curls or Cantu Define and Shine Custard ( minus the flakes) or Ecostyler gel (minus the stickiness and crunch).
When I use it for wash and gos on freshly washed and conditioned curls, it really defines the curls in the 4b part of my hair but for the 4c parts, sometimes it does (awesome, shiny defined curls), sometimes it doesn't (it just stays in my hair and I have to work it in real good for visible clumping).

Best practice is to use it on damp hair over a leave in. (I use Shea Moisture Restorative). This gives it more slip so it glides over the hair while it does what it does.



VERDICT
Will definitely repurchase....in fact we are on our third tube with the fourth in storage.



Have you tried Aphogee Curlific Curl Definer? Did you like it, dislike it or was it 'meh'?

PROTECTIVE STYLING: TEN WAYS TO STYLE YOUR FINE TYPE 4 NATURAL HAIR

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Hi people, what's been on?

Having fine stranded, medium density, porous 4b/4c natural hair presents a lot of styling challenges for me.

- My hair is prone to breakage so I need to manipulate my hair carefully. For this reason, I rarely braid my hair. Braiding my hair involves a lot of combing, brushing, parting, picking and smoothing which my hair can't withstand on a regular basis.

- With high porosity, my hair is prone to dryness and then breakage so I need a style that not only protects my hair but also help it retain moisture.

- My hair is fine with medium density so I need to beware of styles that make it look 'scalpy'. I need to provide the illusion of volume.

- My hair is prone to tangles so whatever style I do should be put in and taken down with minimum tangles.

So you see, I don't style my hair blindly. I need to carefully evaluate the pros and cons of a hairstyle before attempting it.

If you have natural hair like mine, here is a gallery of hairstyles I've tried.

The Top knot. I usually do this by separating my bun into three or four. Then loosely twist and pin around. This not only gives the illusion of a bigger, fuller bun, it also keeps my ends protected.

Chunky faux locs....by making larger parts instead of smaller ones, I reduce tangles. By making bigger locs and wrapping it in a bun, I hide most of my scalp. Making random and square parts reduce scalpiness when styling.

Kinky Twists....when styling kinky twists, I make random square parts and put extensions not more than twice the thickness of my own hair. This helps reduce the weight on my fine strands. By using kinky hair extensions instead of straight kanekalon, I don't have the problem of blending.

Contrary to popular belief, the free afro look causes more harm than good especially if your strands are fine. On the other hand, it also provides the illusion of volume for said fine hair...so how can you make it work? Curly Girl Method using conditioners not only protect your strands from dryness and damage but is also light enough not to weigh down your hair.

Loose roll and tuck on blown out hair is another cool way of creating volume in fine, low-medium density hair. The lighter your hold, the fuller it looks. You can use heatless method of stretching hair to give the blow out look.


A trick I use to make finger coils look fuller is to leave my roots undefined and concentrate definition towards the bottom half of my hair. This way, the puffy roots not only bulk up my hair, it also hides my scalp.

My favorite go to style! To create, make several buns in a vertical line then tuck the ends in similar to a cinnabun. The looser you tuck, the bigger it looks.

Another way I create voulme is to take advantage of textured hair. I fingercomb an old twist out to make it look bigger while retaining the curly look.

Trying to twist your own hair without extensions while preventing scalpy twists, opt for loose twists instead of tighter twists and make random parts. Also to minimise tangles, don't borrow hair from any strand while twisting.

Ah...the twistout! Having fine natural hair, chunky twist outs give more volume but less definition while tighter twistouts give more definition but less volume. To get the best of both, try tighter twistouts which give more definition then separate more twists at the nape and crown. I also spray water on my roots to give more volume.

For more styling ideas for your fine natural hair, you can find recent updates on Instagram @nappilynigeriangirl


MAY: NATURAL HAIR EVENTS NIGERIA

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Hi people, what's been on?
Just in case you somehow somehow missed this on social media, there'll be two natural hair events holding this May!!!
My network has been so poor *taking deep calming breaths* so I couldn't update y'all on the blog!

This Saturday, on the 9th of May, 2015 in the Social Place- Lagos, there'll be a healthy hair workshop organised by NaturalNigerian, DeepBrownKinks and PureJoie Consulting to give you one on one information on how to really care for your hair and select products for your hairtype. It's one thing to read information on healthy hair resource sites, it's another thing to see it being put to practice and not in a general environment like meetups but one on one...."fuska da fuska". Get your tickets!
See poster for deets!




Next up is the Natural Hair and Beauty Show organized by KinkyApothecary! It comes up on the 16th of May 2015 in Federal Palace Hotel Lagos!!!
 Get to meet celebrity stylist Felicia Leatherwood and a host of awesome natural hair bloggers live!!!! And the best part......products and giveaways!!! Grab your tickets!!!!
More deets in poster....please click to enlarge!





Naturalistas and Beauty Fans in Eastern Nigeria are definitely not left out!!! The action takes place in June!!!!

Anambra State MakeUp and Beauty Fair holds at The Western Meloch Hotel, Awka on the 6th of June 2015. Admission is free! There'll be lots of hair and beauty products, free makeovers and loads more!!! Don't miss it!!!






....and over in Enugu, the First Natural Hair Meetup which was supposed to take place in May has been postponed to June so stay tuned!!!

For up to date info, follow NappilyNigerianGirl on
Twitter: @nappilynigerian
Instagram : @nappilynigeriangirl
Facebook: NappilyNigerianGirl

Till I spill again,
Live Beautifully.Naturally.
Hadassah A.

CROCHET BRAIDS UPDATE USING AFRO TWIST BRAIDS

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Hi people, what's been on?

So here's to sharing my updated look on my crochet braids.




 I'd gotten a bit bored with my curls and wanted a change. I challenged myself to go a month with this protective style so taking it down was not an option. I really wished I could just get in the shower and drench myself from head to toe without worrying about my hair. I missed my hair.
The crochet braids was making me uncomfortable. It was light and soft, didn't itch once in the two weeks I had it on, I could still feel the breeze on my scalp but still.....your hair is your hair.
Maybe I should do it more often so I can get used to using extensions again.

To distract me, I tried different updos to keep the hair away from my face and ears. Those tiny wisps of hair that tickle my ears are really irritating.






By the end of the second week, one lazy Saturday, I couldn't stand it anymore....I reached out for my scissors and lopped it all off! Oh...the relief!!!


While thinking of what to do next, I spied a pack of First Lady Afro Twist Braid I bought just in case I felt the need to put some kinky twists. The perks of doing my hair myself is that I can be completely random. No need to book appointments, no need to waste time in the salon. No need to leave my house.

I wasn't in the mood to take down my braids and put in fresh ones so I used the old braid pattern in all it's fuzzy, frizzy glory. My parts had completely dissappeared which was a good thing because my new installation looked more natural.

I ran out of the pack after working on the perimeter and had to rush out to get another one.
P.S. It's a good idea to start installing around the perimeter of your head especially when working with kinky or marley hair so it doesn't get too full. It also helps make sure you get a smoother look around the edges.  You can then fill in the center with as much or as little hair as you want.

I could have left the middle part of my hair empty since putting the braids up in a bun covered the cornrows beneath but I needed flexibility.  What if I wanted to do something elaborate? My godson's baptism was coming up and I needed to make him proud of having a naturalista mama!


Another 3hrs later, I was done.

Here's my final look!






Update:
Oh...the tangling!!!
Unfortunately it wasn't real hair so a yummy detangler wouldn't help. I ended up leaving the hair in a permanent bun!
If you really don't have the patience for fingerdetangling (combs just make things worse), I'll advice you not to try it....at least not with the afro kinky hair we have in the market...you will weep!!!

For those wishing for waist length natural hair, please try this hairstyle out and see if you still want waist length natural hair!!!

I loved it though because the bun was huge!!!!
 People especially those used to my natural hair couldn't believe it wasn't mine and I really enjoyed the whispers of "Is it her hair? It can't be weavon...can't you see how she packed it.....maybe she has dreads.....".
Sometimes I forgot it wasn't mine too.
I'm so used to kinky coily coarse tangle prone hair that I much prefer using the kinky tangle prone extensions to the smoother,  softer Expression Kanekalon hair I started out with.


I don't think I miss my hair as much as I did with the Expression braid hair.

There's something comforting about kinks!










PROTECTIVE STYLING BY NAPPILY NIGERIAN GIRLS ON INSTAGRAM

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Hi people, what's been on?


Can I say I absolutely love it when I'm tagged on Instagram by Nigerian naturalistas with fabulous natural hair styles?! And can I add that it warms me up inside when they say a tutorial on the blog inspired their protective styles? Thank you for following, liking, tagging and sharing!!!
It goes to show that no matter your length and texture,  your natural hair can be absolutely beautiful and there's a style just for you!!!



Wondering what your next style will be?

Check these out!!!!

If they can do it, you can do it too!

Cinnabun updo

Twistout and cornrows

Crochetbraids bun with Kinky braid extensions

Crochetbraids with braiding hair
Twistout






If you'd like your hairstyle to be featured, tag me on Instagram or send your pic to nappilynigeriangirl@gmail.com

NATURAL HAIR EVENTS: ENUGU NATURALISTAS MEETUP

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Hi people, what's been on?

The long awaited meetup for naturalistas in Eastern Nigeria is finally here!!!





NaturalNigerian and I invite you all to the First Natural Hair MeetUp in Enugu tagged "Enugu Naturalistas"

If you have natural hair, relaxed hair, transitioning and are interested in learning how to properly take care of it, then don't miss this great event as we are taking everything from the very top and keeping it simple!

Here's the lineup:

Get access to healthy hair growing tips from renowned professionals and natural hair experts and bloggers!
There will be a presentation specially for mothers with natural hair kids in line with our theme "Mother and Child".

Get access to your favorite brands of hair and skincare products from SheaMoisture, Aphogee, Beautiful Textures, Oyin, Kinky Curly and lots more at affordable prices from your favorite vendors!

Your tickets qualifies you for giveaways of hair, skincare products + accessories! Kids come in FREE!

There will also be hair styling and makeup demos to get your glam on point plus loads more!!!


For more information or if you'd like to be a vendor at the event, please get in touch with us on or before the 6th of June via

 *E-mail : nn@naturalnigerian.com
              nappilynigeriangirl@gmail.com
*Phone: +234 (0)9092132141.
* BBM: 7FE45B90


Tell a friend or thirty!!!!

Looking forward to real girly girl girl time....lol!!

Live Beautifully.Naturally.
Hadassah.




AFRICAN DAY NATURALS: A CELEBRATION OF NATURAL HAIR IN AFRICA

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Hi people, what's been on?

In celebration of African Freedom Day, ZedHair.com collaborated with African natural bloggers across the continent and in the diaspora to speak positively about Africa at once. Through this effort, I got to know about other bloggers in Zimbabwe, Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, Namibia, South Africa and my home country Nigeria!

So here they are!

Akos (Afrokanomics, Ghana, Zambia, Botswana)

"I love being African because - too many reasons to note. I'm just so happy and honoured to get to call this continent home."

Nangasmo (FroChic, South Africa)

"I love being African because we have such rich and vibrant cultures; from our traditional attires to our yummy food; there is so much variety! I also love being African because of our spirit of Ubuntu: "I am because we are"."


Onyinye (AfricanNaturals, Nigeria)
I like being from Africa because despite having so many diverse cultures and different hardworking people, we still consciously identify as Africans....as one.


BlackBeautyKween, South Africa. 

"I like being African because I'm black and beautiful."


Kasuba (Rockin Naturals, South Africa/Zambia)

"I love being African because it's the only place where I can visit someone at lunch and not be chased away; giving directions means saying 'at the hump' or 'at the big tree'; street vendors/call boys are everybody's knight in shining armour (you will never be stranded here!)"

Naomi  (KinksnTwists/Zambia)
"I love being african because: My black is flawless. It sings with a rhythmic melody of beauty.
My black is loud. My Black is gold. My kinky hair roars with elegance, it defines my beauty."

Carice (DestinyConnect, South Africa)
"I like being African because of the richness of our stories.I like being African because we are survivors and thrivers across the world.  I like being African because of the diversity of us from our skin colour to our hair texture to our languages and cultures."

Tabitha (CravingYellow/Kenya)
I love being African because we are a continent full of laughter and sunshine and hope!

Sibongile (Zedian Chic, Zambia)
"I love being African because I am so proud of my roots, the rich culture and the uniqueness that I was born into."



Kelechi (YellowSisi, Nigeria)

"I like being African because of our uniqueness and the excellence that ever brews within us, the innocence of our creative abilities, untainted by the measures imposed by the others. In spite of our difficulties, we are a joyful and content continent. I love my Africa!"

Hadassah (Nappily Nigerian Girl, Nigeria)

"I love being African because I get to have gravity defying kinky coily hair, smooth shiny chocolate skin and a unique colourful culture."


So guys. tell me one reason you love being African........

MY EXPERIENCE USING SILICONE AS A SEALANT ON MY NATURAL HAIR

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Hi people,  what's been on?

I'm very comfortable with my routine and rotation of products. My regimen is sulfate free and almost silicone free. Almost because I straighten my hair and silicones help protect my hair from heat and humidity.

My current heat styling serum is Vitale Olive Oil Hair Polisher. It claims to be
- Anti frizz
- Anti breakage
- Heat protectant
- Smooth and give shine to the hair.





It smells nice and in addition to the silicones Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone and Phenyl trimethicone it also contains Vitamin A, Vitamin E and Olive oil. It's also paraben and mineral oil free.

Since I blow out my hair once in a while, I always keep a heat protectant on stand by. My favorite serum used to be Biosilk Silk Therapy serum by Farouk Systems which was introduced to me by my cousin. It lasted a long time and I even used it on my natural hair for quick shine. It didn't build up in my hair and I never had much trouble getting it out but of course, then I was using Aussie Moist Shampoo which contained Ammonium Laureth Sulfate. My hair still stayed moisturised.

I've used other serums like Alterna Bamboo Silk Sleek Brilliance Cream and Beautiful Textures Curly to Straight Flat Iron Silkener, Organics Olive Oil Heat Protection serum. None had satisfied me as well as the Biosilk Silk Therapy Serum but this Vitale Olive Oil hair polisher came close.

A little went a long way, it protected my hair, was lightweight, had amazing slip, helped me maintain my straight style for up to two weeks and my hair felt supple and soft. I also didn't have much trouble washing it out when it was time to go curly again.

P.S. Is it just me but do you notice the floor gets slippery after blow drying your hair with silicones in it? The first time I almost slipped on what I thought was water but I didn't see any water marks until I noticed that the tiles were slippery around the area I stretched my hair in.


SILICONE AS SEALANT
 Some naturals say they greased their hair (used Petroleum jelly) and liked it. My hair doesn't like petroleum jelly neither does my face. It's too heavy and attracts dirt like no man's business. I knew it wasn't the best for my hair but I noticed that the needs of my hair changes once in a while and what if silicones work in extending moisture time?

So I used the serum.
My hair didn't tangle as much, had a lovely shine, felt hydrated and supple. I would spray clean water on it daily and scrunch in. I kept this up for two weeks. First week with wash and gos, second week with twist out. I noticed I didn't have so much knotting on my ends and my twistout was shiny. After a while, my hair started looking dull and I resisted the temptation to reapply.

WASH DAY
To totally remove silicones, it is advisable to use a clarifying shampoo usually containing sulfates. I didn't have any sulfate based shampoo lying around but I did have some poos that claimed to be clarifying.

I decided this would be a good time as any to test those claims out. I had three shampoos available and I divided my hair into four equal parts. The fourth part as control. I won't shampoo this part so I can tell how well the shampoos worked.


Enter

1. Kinky Curly Come Clean Shampoo.



When I used it on my silicone free hair, it had a squeaky clean effect on my hair which I took to be the clarifying aspect of it. I used it on the section of hair as I usually do...dilute a capful in a small amount of water, apply first to scalp and smooth gently down to the ends of my hair. First rinse, my hair felt weird...like a plastic plate that hasn't been washed properly. I repeated the steps again and my hair felt very dry almost straw like. My hair has never felt this way in a long time even when I used the shampoo before. I just wrapped that section in a bantu knot and proceeded with the next experiment.

2. Elucence Volume Clarifying Shampoo

Since I had really good results with the Moisture Benefits Shampoo,  I thought I'd try this one out since it claimed to be acidic, clean hair well and improve volume which I felt could finally help my afro stand up instead of flop. With my usual products, I find this shampoo cleans well and I notice my hair clumps beautifully after washing and feels light and airy. It also foams a lot. I constantly have to check the ingredients to be sure it's sulfate free! I use it for monthly cleansing. It's our go to (four naturalistas) as you can see from the empty bottle!
So for this reason, I felt it should get rid of the silicone way better than the Kinky Curly Come Clean. It did the job perfectly but I noticed unlike the usual detangled but happy clumps I had, my hair this time was a mass of tangles. ....at this point, fear began to creep in. I bantu knotted that section (while my mind frantically went through my usual damage control Plan B options).

3. African Black Soap
African Black Soap is usually a good clarifying, gentle and cheaper alternative to regular shampoo.  It gives me clean results most times and the foaming action is sometimes welcome after a long stint of foamless cleansing. It's also very convenient as I can clean up from head to toe. However,  it was not strong enough to get rid of the silicone and left my hair feeling sticky and dull looking....like there was a cast on it.
Gosh, this experiment was turning out to be a nightmare. Unlike the rest of the shampoos, my hair didn't feel strawlike but between strawlike and yucky....I don't think I had much of a choice. ...

4. Bath and Body Works Warm Vanilla Bubble Bath


At the point I was, I needed sulfates badly. So I went through my closet for any product that contained the words "sodium lauryl sulfates" and my discarded bubble bath came to the rescue! I diluted it with water and proceeded to wash the fourth section I had left as control.Thankfully it got my hair squeaky clean and it didn't leave my hair feeling dry....not supple and moisturised but at least no strawlike feeling!


Gosh, what if it failed??????


I proceeded to shampoo the rest of my hair with my bubble bath poo and by the time I was through, my hair felt totally stripped but light and clean and no waxlike, strawlike feeling. I promptly nursed my hair back to its happy springiness with my ever trusty manshanu under a steaming cap for 1 hr at the highest setting!!!


LESSONS???

- I used more serum on my kinky curly hair than I used on my straightened hair because I felt I needed more to get it evenly distributed throughout my kinky hair. I use smaller amounts when straightening because I apply it to pre stretched hair (from twistouts) which makes it easier to distribute.
It is normal to be heavy handed when applying products to natural hair to get the job done   which is why it is recommended to use silicone free hair products. They are easier to wash out.

-To clarify, I had to use a harsher detergent (sodium lauryl sulphate) than was good for my hair. The other clarifying cleansers didn't have cleansing agents strong enough to dissolve the thick layer of silicone which was probably the reason for the waxy, strawlike film that still coated my hair. So if your product rotation contains products with silicones,  just get a regular shampoo for cleansing. Sulfate free la di da is not for you.


- Having silicones in your regimen leads to a vicious cycle of dryness and brittleness. Yes your hair "feels" great when it's there. It is only a feeling not the real deal.
Come washday, you'll have to use a harsh shampoo to get it off revealing the parched hair underneath and like me will have to waste more time trying to get the moisture in. If I kept this up as a regimen, with my fine, prone to dry hair...I can assure you I'd be stuck with earlength brillo pad afro.


VERDICT.....
I should stick to what has worked for me and leave the silicones for heat protectant in my once in a while straightening instead of as a daily sealant.

Tip: If you want your virgin hair extensions to last longer, don't apply silicone based serums on it often. I personally don't use serums on my weaves.  A light coating of olive or coconut oil gives it the shine it needs.



Do you have a silicone based regimen? Does it work for you?





ENUGU NATURALISTAS HAIR MEETUP LOADING

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Hi people, what's been on?

It's just four more days to the meetup in Enugu! Is anyone as excited as I am?!


Come and join us as we talk about caring and growing healthy happy hair....and show you how to create fabulous hairstyle and makeup looks in minutes n to bring out your inner vavavoom!!!

We understand the importance of mothers in initiating and maintaining healthy hair practices (hey...I'm a product) and we will be giving a special presentation to empower mothers and mothers to be with information to care for and grow healthy long hair.

Some of the participating brands!!!



There will be lots of prizes to be won sponsored by different hair care companies and what's more, the first 5 people to purchase their tickets go home with NappyGirl Ubermoist Growth Enhancing Oil worth N2500 for FREE!!!


And did I say shopping??? Load up on your favorite products without the long wait!!!




Looking forward to seeing you all! Share and bring a friend or 30...lol!








ENUGU NATURALISTAS NATURAL HAIR MEETUP RECAP

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Hi people, what's been on?

Saturday was full of naturalistas as we met up in Enugu State, Nigeria!



Enugu Naturalistas Meetup was organised by NaturalNigerian and myself. For the first time, naturals based in Eastern Nigeria could meet up and talk about healthy hair. The event took place at Tommylnn Hotels (Behind Robans Stores), Independence layout, Enugu, Enugu State-Nigeria on Saturday, 13th June 2015.

The theme of the meetup was "Mother and Child" to acknowledge the influence of mothers in cultivating healthy hair.
Someone asked me why "Mother and child? Isn't the event for single people too?".
My reply..."The world revolves around mothers. If you aren't a mother, you are someone's child and someday you might be a parent with your own children."

Mothers were encouraged to come with their children and it was lovely to see little children with a love for their kinks!!!!
 NaturalNigerian brought her pretty daughter too!!!

Three generations of naturalistas were present with grandmothers, mothers and their children.
Daughters came with their mothers (Shout out to Chioma who all the way from the States told her mom and brother about the event), friends came together,  husbands came with their wives and sisters came with each other. It was heartwarming.

Our appreciation goes to all the mothers that made it  with their children!  I know it wasn't easy bringing your precious ones with you and to every beautiful and handsome attendee that made the meetup worth it!! You guys are awesome!!!!

A special shout out to our vendors, our speakers, our giveaway sponsors, the hotel management and staff, friends and family and every single person that helped spread the word!!!

The meetup was scheduled to take place by 1pm and people came in quite early!!! As promised, the first five attendees to register went home with a gift of NappyGirl Growth Enhancing Oil!



Our beautiful ushers,  Doris, Uduak, Chinelo and Blessing handled registration, seating and helped make our mothers and children comfortable. They contacted me by email to help out.They were very punctual and even dressed in the same colors!!! We really appreciate them!

L-R Udy, Chinelo, moi, Blessing and Doris.

We had 4 speakers.
NaturalNigerian spoke first about "Natural Hair Care for Children" where she shared useful tips about selecting the right products for your child; washing, conditioning and styling your child's hair to encourage healthy hair growth and reduce hair loss which is a disturbing trend in today's children. Some of the styling tips she shared were
- Avoid tight hairstyles
- Avoid heavy hair decorations
- Reduce dependence on extensions for children


Nwene , CEO of NweneNaturals, a natural hair product company based in Enugu spoke about "Natural Hair in the Workplace". She talked about her experiences as a natural working in a bank. As a working mother, she understands the value of time and shared tips on how to care for your hair on a tight schedule. She also talked about natural hair styles that were appropriate in the corporate environment. Some of the tips she shared were...
- Pre pooing before shampooing helped make her hair less dry and more manageable.
- Combining conditioning and deep conditioning steps in one after shampooing.
- Styles for the workplace should be neat and not distract and never take a style to the office you haven't mastered yet.
- Work with your length and texture while styling your hair. for example, if your hair texture can't pull off a twistout without poofing up, don't take it to the office. Do styles that work with you hair and make you look neat and presentable.

Nwene of NwenexNaturals, Enugu


Fena, CEO of Sleek Beauty Shop and MakeUp Studio, Awka - a professional makeup artist talked about "MakeUp for Naturalistas". She shared her experience after her big chop. She said when she cut her hair, she felt exposed and was tempted to overcompensate with makeup and big jewelry just so she wouldn't look like a secondary school student. She shared tips for making up without going overboard.
Her tips includes..
- Less is more. That your makeup shouldn't just keep attention on your face but allow people see the whole you.
- For everyday makeup, all one needs are well drawn brows, subtle contouring with blush and a lip color in a shade or two brighter than your natural lip color.
- Mineral makeup and powders are good for the skin. For those of us that want to avoid parabens in makeup, she suggested affordable makeup brands such as Milani Minerals.

Fena of Sleek Beauty Shop and Makeup School


I was the last to speak and I talked about the "Simplifying your natural hair regimen".
I shared tips on selecting the right products for your hair, adapting your hair regimen to your schedule and simple tips to make natural hair care pleasant for children.
Some of the tips includes...
- The big five...shampoo, conditioner, leave in, styler and oil and how you can make them work to simplify your regimen.
- Deep conditioning treatments are the spa treatment for your hair and if you are a DIYer, heat your honey before use to prevent lightening of your hair.
- Body art henna which is known as Lalle in Nigeria can be used to strengthen weak, breakage prone hair.
- For affordable hair oil treatment, go for locally available oils and butters such as coconut oil, palm kernel oil, shea butter instead of foreign ones like argan oil etc...


We had a mini tea break then we went right into our giveaways!
Five Healthy Hair Kits proudly sponsored by TwentySix85.com (a natural hair products shopping site) and I were up for grabs. Also 6 Polo Shirts and Yummy hair butter were proudly sponsored by NwenexNaturals (a natural hair products company). This meant there were 11 prizes to be won....which increased the "odds in everyone's favor"!!!!!


All tickets were put into a bag, shaken thoroughly by me (until the attendees begged me to stop saying it was reducing their chances of winning) and NaturalNigerian did the honors of picking out the winners!
 It was fun!

Then my favorite part....shopping!!!! Sizzelle Stores and NaturalNigerian provided our product junkie fix! NappyGirl UberMoist Hair Treatment Kits were also available!!!


Uberfriendly staff from SizzelleStores 




So that's it in words!! Now the pictures!!!

These pictures would not have been possible without the help of my friendster (a friend who is like your sister), Kay!!! You may have seen pictures of her on my blog during her transition to natural hair.





Her question about how to make her straightened hairstyle last longer was divinely answered as she won the Beautiful Textures Texture Manageability System Reversible Straightening Kit

Our little naturalista volunteered to take pictures and man the registration desk! She also brought grandmama  




Baby naturalista came with mummy!



These sisters came with their mom. She's rocking the afro better than us abi!




Can you guess the little girl that asked us what happens if you relax your hair and don't take care of it??



The mom in pink just had a baby about three days ago and made it to the event to shop for her little girl! I was touched! Super mom!!!!  




Haul from Sizelle NaturalNigerian

Looking forward to our next event!!!!

Just in case you'd like to get in touch, here's the participants info...

Online Stores

Hair care guidance

MakeUp 
Sleek Beauty Shop and Makeup Studio BB: 7FE1E3A2

NATURAL HAIR MEETUP IN LAGOS

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Hi people what's been on?
This Saturday June 20 isNaturals in The City 11, at Social Place, 33 Sinari Daranijo Street, off Younis Bashorun, off Ajose Adeogun, Victoria Island. 1:30 – 5:30pm. It’s going to be a very fun afternoon, please come through and bring your friends too!
Help spread the word, and you can win 10,000 naira :)

How? It’s super simple. 
Post this flyer on your Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #NITC11Lagos. 
1 post = 1 entry. The more you post, the greater your chances of winning!
This giveaway will end on Saturday June 20 (the day of the meetup) at noon. If your account is private, please have it open on the 20th, for your entry or entries to be counted. 
No, you don’t have to be in Lagos to enter this giveaway. 
Have a great week!

Courtesy: www.thekinkandi.com

INSTAGRAM PRODUCT SWAP GOING ON

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Hi people, what's been on?

My product stash
So we've had a lot of meetups going on and I'm sure in the course of our natural hair journey, we've purchased products that really didn't deliver on their promises. We all know that because it didn't work for you doesn't mean it won't work for someone else. In this light,  there is an instagram swap going on and if you're interested in swapping some hair and beauty products,  why not take part?

The rules for the swap is simple.

- Put up a picture of the product you'd like to swap on Instagram.

- Your product should be in good condition and should be at least half full.

- Write the name of the product(s) you'd like to swap and your wishlist of products you'd like to swap them for.

- Add a general location so people around you can be able to swap with you. This helps reduce shipping costs.

- Don't forget to use the hashtag #InstaSwapNg. You can also use this hashtag to "shop" for products available for swapping.

- Try to send your products to your swapping partner not more than two weeks after agreed date.

- Put up the products you got with the handle of the person you swapped with. This will enable us weed out flakes who don't keep to their end of the bargain.

This swap is meant to help us share our love for products and reduce waste by giving away products we don't need.

Again, do not forget to use the hashtag #InstaSwapNG

Let's make it fun!


Up for swapping


See you on instagram!

My instagram handle is @nappilynigeriangirl

Follow for updates of products available for swapping!


Live Beautifully. Naturally.
Hadassah.

THE REAL KEY TO GROWING YOUR HAIR LONG

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Hi people, what's been on?
Boing!!!

I've been asked by a lot of people how I managed to grow my hair long with some resigning with the phrase "Oh, long hair must run in her family, can't you see her sister's hair too?"
The hair she was carrying that drew the remark.  She's natural too and working on her ends.  We straightened so she could see her progress. She's three years in.


Time is usually too short to explain but that's what this blog is here for abi?

So here's what nature and genetics gave me...
- Type 4b/c hair (believed to never grow longer than shoulders)
- Very porous hair (prone to dryness, split ends and knots)
- Fine strands (prone to breakage. The hardest type of hair to retain length with).
I read somewhere that fine haired naturals with very long hair are hard to find....true in a way because most featured naturalistas of the type 4 variety with waist length hair have dense, medium/thick stranded and low porosity hair.


Yet I managed to grow it almost down my waist stretched.

Clumping gives my hair the strength it needs


How???

Making sure my scalp was clear and healthy was one thing. Afterall the scalp is the soil from which hair grows. Most hair growing pills (Hairfinity et al) concentrate on fertilizing the soil (scalp) but that's where it ends.
P.S. if you genetically have fine, less dense hair, there's only so much those pills can do.

My major progress in length retention came from the ends of my hair not just from the roots.

The hair on the ends of your hair is older and more weathered than the roots.
There's no point your hair 3 inches a month and 4 inches breaks off at the ends. It's not that your pills weren't working, YOU weren't working...lol.

I'll convert my lemons to lemonade by saying that if genetics hadn't given me the kind of hair that takes no nonsense (it will just break, shikena), I probably wouldn't have developed and maintained a reasonable hair regimen.

I really do envy those people with genetically thick, medium/low porosity and thick stranded hair. These properties make it easier for the hair to withstand damage and break less. A feather could literally break my hair.

So knowing my ends are important in growing my hair long, here's how I baby them.

1. MOISTURIZE
 I don't play with moisturizing my ends
Infact how well a product works for my hair depends on how "boingy", moisturised and happy my ends looked. Straw like ends equals product fail in my book. I'm all about the boings.
If I fail to apply a leave in to my hair, I never fail to apply even just a dab to my ends. I start all product application (except shampoo) to my ends.

Products ready for their exam. Exam officer: My ends.
Only two out of the three products passed. The Denman brush has graduated.


2.  HIDE YOUR ENDS
The main reason I don't like people touching my hair is because of my ends (aside messing up a twistout on fleek!). That's the first part people touch and they aren't as gentle as I am with my ends.
I keep my ends protected by tucking them in when I style. Moisturize then tuck.

My favorite go to bun, the "cheat bun" has my ends comfortably hidden. So if I said no to opening up my bun, it's nothing personal. Just me jealousy guarding my ends.

3. KEEP YOUR HAIR UP AND AWAY
I love shrinkage for the fact that it manages to keep a lot of hair out of the way. God's perfect design.
No chance of my ends rubbing on my clothes and breaking off. When I straightened my hair, someone remarked once that I didn't want to flaunt my asset. It flew over my head because my ends are more important than flattery. I have other assets to flaunt like my life (being alive is an asset), my brain (the ability to think is an asset), my lips (I love how full they are), my eyes.....gosh...this will be an exercise in narcissism abeg!!!
So ends up and away.....the heat even encourages me.


4. PROTECT YOUR ENDS AT NIGHT

Satin bonnet, satin scarf, satin pillowcase, pineappling, take your pick. Point is your ends and any surface are sworn enemies especially if your ends are of the fine, feathery variety like mine.

5. GEL CAST IS A SUIT OF ARMOR
I love gel for the main reason that it protects my ends. It's like a suit of armor protecting my ends from invading forces like friction, dryness, heat, sun, dust etc. It also keeps my hair clumped. For my hair type, "united we stand, divided we fall".
I rate gels by how well they keep my ends moisturised while forming a cast which is one reason I'm willing to swap that Jessicurl Spiralicious Styling Gel. It dries out my ends!
I don't joke with stylers not just because of curl definition and clumping but also the protection they give my ends

6. STRENGTHENING TREATMENTS

I also don't joke with strengthening my ends and I'm of the opinion that there should be products for ends only!
Which is why I'm in love with my NappyGirl Haircare products (personal hyping but my ends made me do it!!!). I also love henna, coconut/palmkernel oil, manshanu, my modified Aphogee protein treatment, Aussie Moist DC etc because they reduce breakage at my ends. I don't see broken pieces of hair and the only thing that reduces my length is trimming. I like to groom my afro hedge (note: I didn't say scissors happy).

7. AVOID STYLES THAT STRESS MY ENDS.
I pet my ends a lot! I kiss them, sing them to sleep, prepare them breakfast but mehn most stylists don't care about them as much as I do!  Any stylist that can handle my ends gently is great in my book which is why I like Joy, the stylist at the salon. I don't care if you can braid for Africa, just handle my ends gently.
Ways you can protect your ends during styling are

- When doing braids, don't braid till the end, twist instead. Twists are easier to loosen.

- For children, protect their ends by using extension at the ends before putting beads (if you must put beads!)

- When flat ironing or blow drying, don't make more than two passes (one is the best sef) on your ends.

- Even if you have extensions in, don't let your hair rub on your clothes.

- Moisturise ends daily. Scrunch in gently. Don't rub.


So that's it from your ends obsessed blogger!

How do you protect your ends?

PRODUCTS

SheaMoisture Restorative Conditioner
NappyGirl UberMoist
Ciccolatina Bamboo Leave In Conditioner
Gels/stylers
Protein treatment
Henna
Coconut Oil
Palm kernel Oil
Satin bonnets



RULES OF ETIQUETTE

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Hi people, what's been on?

I saw these on Facebook and I decided to share.
Etiquette is really important. The world is harsh enough on its own without making things difficult for ourselves through lack of basic etiquette.

 I'm not perfect, neither am I saying one should be goody three shoes but etiquette simply means consideration for others and if we do it for others and they do it for us, finally everyone wins and life is rosy.

It's good etiquette to reciprocate consideration shown by others....this is for those who think they are "smart". That someone tries to make your life easier doesn't mean you're the "sharpest" kid on the block. It's the other way round really.


The person that gave you his/her car to use had a plan about how far he/she is going to go with the fuel he/she bought not to talk of the inconvenience of not being mobile while you have the car. It's the least you can do. This also goes for carpooling. Offer to pay part of the cost of fueling the car.

If you feel strongly about it, it's fair you meet the person fuska da fuska (face to face) and let the person know. And please don't start broadcasting who dumped who first. Grow up!
The only concession is in the case of abuse...then it's only fair you do it over text message. Your life is more important.

Please do, it gives your caller peace of mind at least and caller please don't give someone 10 missed calls.....seriously I take this personally and consider it the height of selfishness. Even if it's an emergency situation, the person you could be calling is busy (in a meeting, outside, in class, asleep etc) and can't pick up. Call someone else. If it's so urgent, send a message after the third call.
This reminds me of those horror movies when incessant calling of the victim leads to the location of the victim's hiding place....God forbid but you never know.

Seriously. Don't. You're disturbing others. Someone might be trying to sleep (I really dislike all those midnight calls), or read or watch Game of Thrones (that we were all enjoying before your boyfriend called...hint hint)...unless we have a mutual need to know what the other person is saying, we really don't care. Go somewhere private.
Also don't put someone on speaker phone without permission, it's rude!

That annoying moment when you give someone your phone to see a picture and they start scrolling through your gallery and what you thought would just be a brief sharing of a funny pic or post becomes a lesson in patience or combat as you either wait for the person or wrest the phone from the person's grip.   That's why I never release my phone when I'm showing someone a picture.

Or when you borrow someone your second phone and the person reads all the messages in the phone memory.Must you see or read everything?!

Or when you borrow someone your P.C. to type her work on or browse the internet and she starts going through your files...I really don't care if you want to see if I have the latest music because you liked the one playing in the background.....ask first.


Best friends and family members do this a lot. The day you ask, you're a nasty person.
Never forget that at the time you borrowed that "little", it was a "lot" and if it's that "little" it shouldn't be so hard to pay up should it?
If the person wants to let it go, the person will let you know. "Oh, I dash you!" isn't hard to understand is it?
Don't spoil a good relationship with money matters....it's not worth it.

Guests, please!!!! If the person was kind enough to accommodate you, try and keep your room clean. Don't give your host extra work abeg even if they have 5,000 helps running around! Make your bed, keep the toilet and bathroom clean and dry, wash your plates, wash your clothes unless your host offers to do them for you. If they have a washing machine, please ask first before dumping your clothes in. I'm not saying you should work on egg shells around your host but be considerate. Do unto others as you'll like them to do unto you and I can bet you won't hold that grumble in if you're constantly picking up after your guest.

It's fun when your friend takes you out and picks up the tab. Warm special loving feeling, abi?
Try and reciprocate. Don't try to "use someone's head" thinking that there's something special about you that pays up. Everything in life is about balance. Give and take. Even if it's your spouse, give him/her a treat too once in a while, it doesn't have to be within a week,gbam! Do it in such a way that it's not going to be an obvious "tit for tat" situation.

Speaking of food, you know that time when someone offered to sponsor suya and they bring the spicy meat and everyone digs in? Abeg, leave the last piece for the sponsor. Allow the sponsor to dig in first.
And unless you're playing a game of "fastest finger, bigger chop", don't try to gobble up more food than the rest.
Oh I also noticed something else, in my house, if you're a close friend or a close guest where we relax hosting protocols, we usually tell our guests to dish out their food from the pot. Some people who aren't so used to it keep insisting we do it for them....like leave the work and dish out food when you're no longer considered a visitor?
On enquiring, someone said "what if they take all the meat or select the biggest meat or dish up all the rice?"
Seriously???
Why would a well brought up person want to do that?


Guys, I really don't care if in your house it's girls that clean up after you. Someone put you out of hunger, put the person out of the extra stress of cleaning up....at the very least wash your own plate.
Girls, your best buddy decides to cook her local delicacy and she resist all offers to peel onions (me I won't sha, I hate chopping vegetables), try and help her wash off so by the time she's done, the only thing left to wash is the pot of cooked food.

Girls, this one is for you.....I know we can like drama sha and AfricanMagic isn't helping issues but abeg take all arguments to a private place.
Married people especially those in apartment blocks, keep it down. We really don't want to know how much you paid for brideprice or how well your husband satisfies you......actually we do...who no like small tori......but we shouldn't have to know. Find a mature way to sort out your differences.
Guys, I no say you get muscle but please don't display. I know people can be trying ehn....but abeg!

Candy Crush players....if only you knew how close I was to smashing your phones and tablets because of that annoying "ka ching" sound. I know you revel in your victories but I don't....keep it down or use headphones.
Davido lovers, I know you want everyone to know you're hip and have the latest songs, abeg be hip and channel that shrill music to headphones or better still, throw a real party! I'll come.
Natural hair lovers, I know you love Nap85 youtube videos of the perfect twistout....for all the noise your device made watching that video, your twistout had better be on the sleekest fleek or else tone it down.


 Man wey work supposed chop....that's why I don't understand the concept of rationing out food for the househelp who does most of the work saying she's getting fat.....story for another day sha.
Friend, we are happy you moved into a new house or are preparing for your traditional marriage or birthday party etc but if your friends help to make life easier for you, the least you can do is make sure they are well fed and no don't feed them last....keep a cooler aside for them if there's too much drama. I see this all the time and the friends can't complain.

Nosike till today has still not returned my book and he's no longer my friend....yes it's that serious.
My books are my treasure. I don't joke with them. It gave you joy to read them abi? It also gives me joy that's why I spent money on them instead of buying biscuit and sweet. If you want to keep them for yourself, abeg buy or be extra nice to me so I'll dash you or buy one for your birthday but please return borrowed books!!!!


See....I know you're trying to form bad boy or girl by smoking or it helps you to release stress, I know it's normal to smoke at the bar...I know it's a habit that's hard to break but I have the habit of biting my nails and the urge to spit the bits in your face (especially since you're forcing me to inhale what I didn't budget for) but I don't do that...I take it somewhere private so you won't be uncomfortable.... so please go to smokers corner so if I come there na me dey find trouble.

So yeah, Jesus really knew something about how to make heaven on earth when He said "Do unto others as you'll like them to do unto you".

What other rules of etiquette (social consideration) do you know we unconsciously break?

PROTECTIVE STYLING: QUICK FLEXIROD SETS USING FLAXSEED GEL

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Hi people, what's been on?

My hair had been in a wash and go for sometime now and I didn't even bother to do much when it got old, just spray with clean water and put it in a bun. I was itching to wash it but kept putting off washday because I wasn't ready for a wet head. For the Enugu Meetup, I just did my usual updo without even taking my hair out of the bun.
Lazy easy breezy natural hair.

At the event, Natural Nigerian gave me a pack of flaxseeds to try out and was explaining the wonderful things I could do with it. I remember "Put on oats", "no cholesterol", "good source of magnesium" but all I thought was "flaxseed gel, I hope it won't be hard to make or I'll just waste this". I might eventually sprinkle it on my oats but I know it'll be short lived and the only way it will have a useful life is if I can manage to convince my health conscious mum that without it, every thing can go downhill.....



I took it home, put it in the beverages cupboard and got down to all the work I neglected.

Insomnia struck me hard and I was looking for ways to get tired enough to sleep. This usually involves late night rustle in the kitchen for midnight snack. I spied the flaxseed gel and thought "this is a good time to try this gel".
I consulted Prof. Google, ignored designer flaxseed gel recipes and settled on this one...

1 cup flaxseed in two cups water, bring to boil then simmer until gel starts forming. Sift out the seeds using a sieve. Gel done.



After making the gel, I decided to test it out on a section of my hair, spied my bendy rollers aka flexirod sets and the rest is history.

I used just the gel only and wrapped around flexirods from tips to roots. I used 20 rods. Rolled my hair randomly without parts.

Procedure was
- Pick random section, apply flaxseed gel, detangle with finger then brush, apply more gel to ends then wrap around the flexirods.

By the time I was done, I was almost sleeping on my feet (score!). I tried to speed up drying with a new soft bonnet dryer I got but wasn't in the mood for the heat, so an uncomfortable night sleep it was. Luckily for me there was a point on my right side where the rollers lay flat and didn't poke so I was forced to sleep on my right side. No tossing and turning for me.



In the morning, I applied coconut oil to my fingers, undid the rollers, separated out and used NappyGirl Pudding to add shine and a bit of hold to frizzy bits.

Peep my final look.







Overall, I can say I like this gel and won't feel the pressure to replace my already half full without backup Cantu Shine and Define Custard.
It has wonderful slip (good detangling potential) and gave me beautiful shiny defined set that lasted. My hair didn't feel dry either.

The downer is you have to use within 2 days or it'll go funky on you. You can refridgerate it to make it last longer but still.....
It's safer to make a new batch when you want to style.

Before I conclude, here are tips that helped make curl sets a breeze for me.

- Starting with stretched dry hair helps make rolling my hair easier. I noticed that when I tried to curl wet hair, my sets were not smooth and they were poofy.

-Starting with dry hair also helps your sets to dry faster. The reason your sets have poofy roots and defined ends is usually because your roots were still damp at the time you took out the rods.

- Applying styling products to dry hair allows as much product to be absorbed by my hair which means the stylers can be able to hold my hair better in the shape I'm trying to curl it in.

- Start with clean dry hair. Use less products if you know you'll want to set your hair to avoid flaking when your product doesn't play well with your styler.

- Try not to over separate and overfluff because you want big hair. It will only reduce the lifespan of your set. Two or three separations per set is ideal. As your hair gets older, it will get bigger.


Interested in trying it out?

You can purchase flaxseeds here.


Have you tried using flaxseed gel to set your curl?







PRODUCT REVIEW : L'OREAL EVER PURE SULFATE FREE COLOR CARE SYSTEM

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Hi people, what's been on?

I'm gradually working towards empties and today I'll be reviewing the L'Oreal Ever Pure Sulfate free color care system.

This product was gifted to me by SizzelleStores but as always, I'll give my unreserved opinions about it.



PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Color treated hair requires special care. So in this color preserving formula there are no harsh sulfates, salts or surfacants that can strip and dull your hair. The EverPure Sulfate Free Color Care System protects and conditions hair for long lasting color purity.
It claims to have natural botanicals and be 100% Vegan.

PRODUCT SIZE
8.5oz(250ml)

INGREDIENTS





MY REVIEW
It was  thoughtful of SizzelleStores to send me this sulfate free poo made specifically for color treated hair with my order. I felt like she picked it out and said "This will be great for Hadassah's fine, thirsty ,colored hair."

Personally, I'll never go out of my way to purchase L'Oreal products as I had this belief it's not a brand for Afrotextured hair or skin and also not meant for our tropical weather.
 When I received it beginning of this year, I was skeptical about it and didn't bother switching shampoos until I ran out of Elucence and was looking in my stash for a product that would clean my hair without drying out my colored ends especially as I was coming out of a long term protective style.
I was ready with my plan B in case my hair didn't like it.


I didn't go through my usual process of deep conditioning my hair before the shampoo after a long term style....so I could be really sure it's a poo I can depend on like I did with Aussie Moist and Elucence.

I wet my hair and applied a little amount in sections to my scalp then worked into a lather and spread it down my hair to the ends.
It foamed a lot for the little amount I used. I was like "I knew it! Same ole, same ole". I was getting used to companies jumping on the sulfate free gentle bandwagon just because there's a demand for it and usually stick to brands notable for making products for curly hair.

I rinsed it off and noticed that I didn't have the tangling I get with drying shampoos. My hair felt happy, clean and light but not squeaky clean somewhat like a cleansing creme.

What I liked.
- The squeezable pack designed to get the last drop of product. It's actually my first poo in a tube and I like the concept.

- The fragrance...woodsy

- It wasn't drying and it cleansed my hair well everytime even with the foamy action.

- It detangles...not much that it has slip but it's like it makes each strand repel each other....I don't know how else to describe...

- A little goes a long way.


What I didn't like
- Nothing.


VERDICT
It actually does what it says. Just because of the good results I had with this product, I went ahead to confidently pick up other products by the L'Oreal brand and I like all except for the toner, the smell was overwhelming and as an astrigent it was too harsh. The cleansing creme has a place in my shower caddy and the cleansing milk is the first in my travel pack.



Power pack....Protector, Cleanser/Toner and Moisturiser

Morale: Don't judge a product by its name.

Interested in trying these out?

Get

L'Oreal Sulfate free poo here, here
L'Oreal Cleansing Milk here
L'Oreal Cleansing Creme here
Sebamed Sensitive skin Spf 50 here
Physiogel Body lotion at MedPlus Pharmacies in Enugu, Ikeja or Lekki Malls


Have you tried this product?

HENNA TREATMENT FOR NATURAL HAIR

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Hi people, what's been on?

Henna is popularly known as "Lalle" in Northern Nigeria which is used to decorate the hands and feet of brides and their guests. Most people aren't really aware that you can also use it in your hair. I wasn't either until while searching for a solution to strengthen my fine natural hair, I stumbled on CurlyNikki's experience with it.

I remember vividly how it used to be sold in cups in Central Market, Kaduna and I only purchased it for DIY "lalle" designs and to color my nails red.
I liked the way it looked when your nails grow out, like red french tips.

My first experience using henna for hair was really messy and I had red palms and spots of red on my neck and ears. Subsequently, I can say I'm so good at hennaing my hair I can do it with a white shirt on!

I've also tinkered with different mixes, I used plain water (like a gloss), vinegar (good color but stinky), lemon juice (consistent dye release but I fear for what the constant use will do to my fragile strands) and green tea (takes so much time for dye release).

For smoother application and rinsing, I've tried using honey, conditioner and oil.

I've finally found a mix that works for me, is easier to apply, easy to rinse out and makes my fine porous hair feel good and strong and also help me maintain my copper colored tips.

My mix is this


1 cup henna (sifted to remove twigs since I use the locally sourced one)
VO5 moisture milk conditioner
1 tea bag of green tea
1/2 cup diluted lemon juice (1 part lemon juice, 3 parts water). Sometimes I used ACV (1 part in 3 parts water) if I run out of lemon juice.
1 tbs Moringa leaves ( gotten from my mum's forgotten stash of dried moringa leaves when it was in vogue to sip moringa tea....yuck...I'd rather use it for veggie sauce).

There's not much science to mixing it, just put everything together and add conditioner until it's a consistency you can comfortably work with.
Then allow to stand until the green colour changes to rusty orangish reddish color.







Apply to your hair like you would a relaxer in sections. You can clip or twist away sections as you go. For convenience, when I'm done I carefully pile my hair on top of my head like a bun and place a showercap on it.

Process for as long as 1hr. For deeper color, leave overnight.

To rinse it out, get a cheapy conditioner (Petals conditioner) and cowash it out under running water preferably under the shower.

If you don't have a shower head, fill a big bucket with water, place it on a stool so it's high enough to dunk your head in without dislocating your spine...lol. Swish your hair in the water to dislodge most of the henna, then cowash until you're hair is free from most of the henna bits.
By cowashing, you'll be conditioning your hair at the same time as washing it off....so two steps in one.

Blot dry and apply your leave in. When your hair completely dries, you can dislodge any henna bits you missed by simply ruffling your hair.
When I'm in a hurry, I speed up the drying process with a blowdryer to quickly get rid of the missed henna.

So that's my henna routine. I do it once a month....sometimes once in three months when I just can't...(I use my modified Aphogee two step protein treatment instead).

Time saving tips for henna treatments are
- Prepare in advance
- Apply to dry hair
- Add a slippery product into your mix (honey or conditioner)
- Do it overnight to get deeper color while you sleep.
- Rinse under a stream of water.
- Shake off left over henna when your hair dries.


Hennaheads, how do you keep it simple?

Interested in trying out henna?
You can buy it here,


PRODUCT REVIEW: CREME OF NATURE ARGAN OIL FROM MOROCCO

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Hi people, what's been on?

I'm back with another review and this time it's a shampoo and conditioner duo.
I'm trying to clear my backlog of products I haven't reviewed so please expect a lot of these.

 Unless indicated, all the products I review are purchased with my hard earned cash and I'll always give my personal unbiased opinions about a product because I know how important reviews are in the purchase of good products. I use them myself when I want to try out anything new.




PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Creme of Nature Argan Oil from Morocco Shampoo and Intensive Conditioning Treatment.
For radiant shine nourishment and protection! The shampoo claims to hydrate and detangle while the intensive conditioner claims to strengthen, impart moisture and prevent breakage.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE


PRODUCT SIZE
Each 12oz/354ml

INGREDIENTS
Shampoo
Conditioner







MY REVIEW
I got both of them as a duo, if not I'd probably have just gotten only a conditioner because I love conditioners. It's a good thing the shampoo was forced on me because I really like it.

It has a rich creamy lather which is comforting especially when you're just coming out of sulfate shampoos and venturing into the world of sulfate free shampoos.

I'm not so keen on the scent...it's almost medicinal but not so bad. Good thing is it doesn't linger. The conditioner smells better. There's a subtle hint of vanilla in there.

The shampoo does what it promises. It cleans your hair well without drying it out. It also keeps tangles at bay. It's similar to Organics Root Stimulator Creamy Aloe Shampoo. The difference is it is sulfate free and more hydrating especially since I've come to notice that sulfate free doesn't necessarily mean hydrating.
From my salon experience, it works the same way for most textures of natural hair and I recommend it for new naturals starting their journey.

The conditioner does what it says and boy that protein in it is real! I feel it in my hair. It doesn't have much slip, so I advice you fingerdetangle well before you start cleansing. The shampoo however melts the tangles but that beats me because it's supposed to be the other way round.
Everyone knows conditioners is for detangling!!!! Who detangles with a shampoo???

How does my hair feel afterwards, really good. Clean and okay. My mum who has grey natural hair is partial to it and even compared it (the shampoo) to Keracare Cleansing Creme. It's cheaper on the pocket too!

I guess it works perfectly together....it actually does but if you want to take one over the other, I'd advice you to take the shampoo.

For a mild protein treatment though, I can see how the conditioner makes sense.

I've been getting more requests for the duo so it's definitely on point.

VERDICT
Worth purchasing and repurchasing and even making a staple but use it together.....sneaky sneaky Creme of Nature....
It's Sulfate free and Mineral oil free for those who look out for it. Shampoo has parabens but the conditioner is paraben free.

Have you tried these products?

Interested in trying them out?
You can purchase them here.

LOW MANIPULATION NATURAL HAIR REGIMEN

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Hi people, what's been on?

How was the holidays?
 It was a blessing and allowed me to really reset myself to default. Life sometimes can be a hyperactive dog on a flimsy leash and you need to hold on with two hands which means your hands won't be available for the business of hair!

When I get these moments, I switch over my hair routine to a low manipulation one.

For my fine hair, I noticed low manipulation styles with extensions actually break my hair especially if I want to leave them in for longer than 2-3 weeks which is why I rarely braid or weave my hair when I'm trying to grow my hair out for a major trim. I also feel I'm wasting the whole day in the salon to put the extensions in.

This low manipulation routine usually lasts a month and I repeat the cycle every month.

WASH DAY

The day before washday (usually Friday evening), I'll henna my hair overnight and then rinse off, wash and deepcondition the next day.
The deep conditioner helps hydrate my hair to prepare it for days when I won't even be bothered about my hair. I follow up with my oil mix on scalp and strands and finally a leave in conditioner.
Then I put my hair in chunky twists to dry and wrap with a pashmina scarf so it dries faster and just in case I need to go out.

STYLING
Now here's where my sacrifice begins....the 3-4hrs long twisting sessions. I don't really mind because I compare that time to the same time I'll spend in a salon (and let's not add the waiting hours if you didn't have an appointment).
I actually spend less time doing my hair myself in the comfort of my own home with a movie too.

I put my hair in mini or medium twists. The twists are installed in such a way that they should last for two weeks plus.

To make sure they last, I
- Twist on damp to dry hair
- use a twisting butter with some level of hold (I use NappyGirl Pudding). You can also use a small amount of Ecostyler gel to twist too.
- do not wet my hair. I only scrunch in a little leave in conditioner and oil.
- cover my hair at night.
- don't manipulate it.. no pin ups....just pony tails for stretch...nothing to make my frizz prone hair do what it loves.



After two weeks, I carefully take down the twists for twistouts. I don't fluff, separate or pick out my hair. This helps maintain the definition for the next two weeks. As the days go by, it gets bigger and frizzier but not in a messy way.



Towards the end of the two week twistout period, I start stretching my hair out stylishly in preparation for washday and to make detangling sessions easier.
I do this by putting my hair in buns and updos.


I also notice that as long as the source of moisture is a water based leave in conditioner and I apply oil afterwards, my hair is generally tangle free .

The day before washday, I'll apply a slippery conditioner to dry hair, fingerdetangle, apply henna overnight and start the cycle all over again.
On my laziest days, I'll do a modified Aphogee protein treatment on washday instead of the overnight henna.


That's it for my low manipulation, time saving month long routine.

How do you care for your hair during a very busy month????

BEST HAIR FOR CROCHET BRAIDS IN NIGERIA

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Hi people, Happy New Month!!!!

You know what month it is? It's August which means my product shopping ban is over!!! It's kinda hard because I recently discovered some gems in the local market which I couldn't purchase, try out and give y'all feedback on.

 Today's post therefore will be yet another crochet braids post....well yes......because there's a problem.



........So problem....
What are the perfect extensions to use for crochet braids that's
- available in the Nigerian market (so you save money on shipping and time on waiting)
- affordable
- soft
- easy to detangle
- able to hold curls well and give smoother sets?



I love the popular brands of marley hair (JanetNoire, Equal FreeTress etc)...why?
Because unlike the regular brands of afro kinky twists in the market, it's softer, doesn't tangle easily and makes beautiful curls.

The downside is if it's out of stock in your favorite natural hair stores, what next? And shipping costs plus the waiting time.....
And remember not every state in Nigeria is blessed with a natural hair salon or store....Lagos, I'm subbing you and what if I wanted to do my hair like yesterday??!!!

So if you don't have access to any of these, what are your alternatives???

I've tried out different types of marley hair available in the Nigerian market.
Supreme Afro twist braid - hard and itchy
Noble Afro twist braid - hard and itchy
Expressions Afro twist braid - .......... and ........... (Fill in the blanks for 5 mks ;))

I wonder why these companies still think that Afro kinky hair should be hard and itchy....my real afro kinky hair isn't hard and itchy!!!
Oh and just so you know...marley hair and afro twist hair are the same thing IMO...it's just that marley hair sounds tusher...don't use it in the market tho.

Anywho, my favorite brand for kinky twists is First Lady brand.
 It's soft, curly, doesn't have that plasticy shine etc.
 Recently, they came up with their own brand of Afro Kinky Twist which is way softer than the ones available.



I've used it initially for crochet braids and while the hair was soft, it tangled up.
Previously

I revisited it again...it's the softest so far, bae!
....and discovered something......

DETANGLE BEFORE USE!

Combed it out first before installing and curling


My attempts to detangle other brands of hair (Supreme and Noble Afro Twist Braids) had always ended up in vain. (which is probably why I gave up on detangling).
 A lot of work put in and still no end to the tangling.....and that's coming from someone who takes pride in being able to literally detangle a spiderweb (after zapping the spider of course!!!).

However, in this case, my attempts met with good success.
With a paddle brush (Finally put that Miss Jessies curl brush to good use) and good method of proper detangling (starting from the bottom of the tangles...please see YouTube for details), I was able to brush through two packs of hair easily.
 (Hadassah 1- Hair - 0)
I first tried the Denman brush, then the Miss Jessies Paddle brush and the paddle brush worked better in detangling the hair. Start from the tip and brush gently.


Then I crocheted the hair in using the usual crochet braid method....again please see YouTube.....
I wrapped the ends around flexirods, dipped in hot water (use a mug, it's easier), allowed to dry and voila.....curls that could last a week or more.
(Hadassah 99- Hair -0)




P.S. Pls check YouTube for tutorials...I doubt I'll start one soon....unless y'all agree to set up everything, handle the editing and uploading and all I have to do is demonstrate and go!!!!

So solution???
If you love to try crochet braid curls but don't have access to the popular brands of Marley Hair, why not look into your shokoto and try out First Lady Afro Kinky Twist.
 It's about N800- N1000 too.

Also, for those looking for a substitute for
 FreeTress Water Wave braids.....there's Amigo's Dancing Curl Bulk (N800-N1000) and Expressions Multi (N400-N600)
Amigo Dancing Curls Bulk


P.P.S. I'm not compensated in anyway for this post. I should be..... but my compensation right now is that hopefully with more people demanding softer Afro Kinky Hair, it'll become widely available and I'll use my waiting/waka around time for something better..... like detangling spider webs!

Oh and if you found the market that stock these brands in your area, why not help a sister out and share the locations in the comments section below.
If you liked or disliked any of the above brands, do share your experiences too!

Till I spill again!
Live Beautifully.Naturally.
Hadassah A.



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