Saturday, January 31, 2015

Wash Day Experience | Playing with Low Manipulation Styles

Hey loves,

Here is a recap of Wednesday's wash day:
a
[1] Exfoliated my scalp with Lisa's Hair Elixir Fortifying Spray. I massaged into my scalp and let it sit for about five minutes. 
[2] Hot Oil Treatment with Lisa's Hair Elixir Restoring Oil.  I massage the oil into my hair and scalp. After 10 minutes, I rinsed it out with warm water. 
[3] Co-washed with Shea Moisture Coconut Hibiscus Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner.
[4] Tea Rinsed with green and black tea mixture. I ran the rinse through my hair twice and put a t-shirt on my hair to soak up the excess tea rinse.
[5] T-shirt dried my hair for about 15-20 minutes 
[6] Applied Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow & Restore Leave-In Conditioner, Black Vanilla Conditioner, Marguerite's Magic Restorative Cream and JBCO to my hair.
[7]  Put on my bonnet and went to sleep.

The next day I decided to wear a fohawk, one of my go-to styles.But, for some reason I wasn't really feeling it so I decided to rock a low manipulation style on Friday. I was trying to model a style I saw on YouTube but of course Felicia (the name I have for the crown & top of my hair) wasn't having it. So, I improvised and tucked the back up with bobby pins. Since my the front of my hair wasn't cooperating, I had to leave it out. It doesn't look great in the photos but it doesn't look that bad in person.

                                                                                      






                            How was your wash day? Join the linkup and share your #washdayexperience.

The Wash Day Experience




Until next time!

~Adventures of a Nappy Chica

Monday, January 26, 2015

Natural Hair Journey: 9 Months Natural

Happy Monday everyone!

I'm officially 9 months into my natural hair journey. The beginning of the month started off great but towards the end of the month, I was yearning to try a protective style. Don't get me wrong, I love wearing my fro but I want to retain length and protect my ends. One of the downfalls of wearing a free fro is that you have more single strand knots. Those little buggers can be tough to deal with. But it has been great to see how far I've come in 9 months, even with the minor setback in September.

Current Length:
front: below my eyebrows around the top of my nose (when stretched)
 sides: past my earlobes
back: base of my neck
      



My Go-to Styles this month
I was in a bit of a hairstyle funk this month. I only tried one new hairstyle, a perm rod set and that didn't go so well. The rest of the time I either wore a twist out or my fro, which of course meant a lot of single strand knots!









Hair Regimen:  I started using Bee Sensitive Oil Free Hair Serum and purchased a few other products to try. I have a few other products on my wish list but nothing that I necessarily need.  I still wash my hair twice a week, mostly by co-washing it. But, for the most part my regimen is still the same. At some point down the road I'll try washing my hair just once a week.

Plans for next month:  I need to get a trim, actually just a dusting-no more than 1/2 inch off. I would also love to experiment with protective styles that are quick and easy to do.


                              Only 3 months until my 1 year anniversary!



Until next time!

~Adventures of a Nappy Chica



Sunday, January 25, 2015

Wash Day | Perm Rod Set: Epic Fail?

Hey everyone!

I hope you've had a great weekend. The weather here was gorgeous day, which meant a beach day with the hubby and an unexpected encounter. But more on that later. First, let's look at Friday's wash day. I recently bought perm rods from Sally's and thought it would be a great time to try it out. Here's how I prepped my hair before putting in the perm rods:

1] Exfoliated my scalp with Lisa's Hair Elixir Fortifying Spray. I left it in for 5 minutes and then rinsed it out with warm water.
[2] Hot Oil Treatment with Lisa's Hair Elixir Restoring Oil. Using the pointed tip I applied the oil to my scalp.  After massaging the oil into my hair and scalp, I let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then I rinsed it out using warm water.
[3] Shampooed with  Alikay Natural's Moisturizing Black Soap Shampoo
[4] Protein Treatment with ApHogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor. 
[5] Deep conditioned with Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque for 30 minutes.
[6] T-shirt dried my hair for about 15-20 minutes
[7] Applied Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Leave-In Conditioner. I picked this up during the BOGO Shea Moisture sale at Walgreen's. I worked the conditioner in my hair and used my fingers to detangle.
** I would just like to say that single strand knots are evil. The hubby had to help me cut a few. 


Bye bye knots!

[8] Next, I put my hair in sections and applied Shea Moisture's Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Milk-another BOGO item.


My SheaMoisture haul from Walgreen's

[9] Installed the perm rods- Now, I watched a few tutorials awhile back but I didn't this time. I figured, why not just go for it? I got the main idea and figure it wouldn't be so bad...

Everything was going well until I got to the front of my hair and ran out of perm rods! So, because it was around 11 pm, I put on my bonnet and went to bed. On Saturday, I ran to Sally's and picked up 3 more packs of perm rods (2 pink and a blue one).





 Luckily we were relaxing during the day and I was able to wear the perm rods around the house. I took them out in the evening before heading to a bonfire. So, without further ado, here is the result:


                





Well, I obviously did something wrong. Lol. It looks a little better today. I'm going to wear hairbands the next couple of days and wash day will be a pain. At least this weekend wasn't a total hair failure. At the beach today  I saw this beautiful woman rocking her fro. I decided to ask her if she lived in the area and if she knew a good stylist. Turns out she is a hair stylist. The funny thing is I saw her cutting someone's hair at a salon down the street from us last week. I'm super excited and will share the details once I schedule an appointment.

Anyone have suggestions/tips/advice on perm rods? What should I do differently next time? Please feel free to comment below.


              How was your #WashDayExperience? Did you have any epic fails?




                                 The Wash Day Experience



Until next time!

~Adventures of a Nappy Chica



Thursday, January 22, 2015

SheaMoisture BOGO Sale at Walgreen's ends Saturday!


Hey loves!





Just in case you haven't heard, Walgreen's is having a BOGO sale on SheaMoisture products. The sale ends this Saturday, January 24th. So make sure you stock up on your favorite products!

                                           
My stash from the BOGO sale :).




Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Product Review: Hair Trigger Growth Elixir

Price: $16.00 for (8oz) + $4.99 for Vanilla Pound Cake scent

Where I bought it: hairtriggergrowthelixir.com

Why I bought it: I was intrigued when I saw this in Jen's (Just Grow Already) regimen and decided to give it a try.

Directions: Daily Treatment: Apply Hair Trigger Explosive Growth Elixir to the scalp making sure to apply to no more than 1 inch of hair from the root. Massage in well with fingertips starting from nape and edges towards the crown thoroughly for 2-5 minutes. Style as usual. Apply tip to twice daily or as needed. //Overnight pre-shampoo (pre-poo) treatment: Apply a generous amount and distribute evenly to scalp and hair from roots to ends. May add another oil and/or conditioner of choice as well. Massage in thoroughly. Cover with plastic cap or saran wrap overnight for maximum absorption and intensive conditioning. After awakening, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and continue with normal shampoo routine.// Straight or curly hair hot oil deep conditioning: to revive follicles apply a generous amount to damp or dry hair and distribute evenly from scalp to ends. Massage in thoroughly. For intensive deep conditioning, cover hair with plastic cap or saran wrap and leave on for 15-30 minutes with moderate dryer  heat. Rinse thoroughly and proceed to shampoo.

Ingredients:  Avocado Oil, Castor Oil, Clary Sage Oil, Jojoba Oil, Rosemary Oil, Biotin, Silica, Black Tea, Cayenne Pepper, Garlic, Onion

How I use it: Pre-poo treatment (mixed with Jamaican Black Castor Oil)

What I love about it:  I started using Hair Trigger back in 2013. I used it as a pre-poo and as a daily treatment. I loved how soft it made my hair and I did experience some growth. It wasn't anything extraordinary but there was definitely a boost. I never took before and after pictures, so I can't show how much growth I experienced. I stopped using it as a daily treatment because it left my hair feeling oily. For me this is a great pre-poo treatment and has become one of my staples.

Oh and the smell is amazing! Vanilla Pound Cake is the only scent that I've tried and I love it. My husband even likes the smell of it. I've never tried Hair Trigger without a scent because Jen suggested the natural scent was too powerful, so I took her word for it. 

What I don't like:  I love the packaging but this bottle  creates a big mess for me. Even with the cap closed the bottle leaks and gets everywhere. I  now keep the bottle in our medicine cabinet to avoid it spilling. I also wish there was a different nozzle on the bottle. I tend to be heavy handed with my oils, which is probably why I run out of Hair Trigger so quickly. But, this problem can be fixed by putting Hair Trigger in another bottle.  I believe Hair Trigger also sells applicator bottles as well. 

Final thoughts:  All in all this is a great product! It has been in my regime for almost two years now and I will continue using it. I just ordered a new and bigger bottle of it today :).


Until next time :)!

~Adventures of a Nappy Chica

*Disclosure: I purchased the item in this review with my own funds.  I have not received any monetary compensation for writing this review.  I do not have any connections with the brand or product that I mentioned. 

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Wash Day Experience

Hey everyone!

It's that time of the week again when I recap one of my wash days from the week. This week was special because it was also my birthday week. Although I planned on doing something special with my hair, I'm on a lazy streak and stuck with a twist out. I need to get out of this rut that I'm in. Anyway, let's review yesterday's wash day:

[1] Exfoliated my scalp with Lisa's Hair Elixir Fortifying Spray. I sprayed my scalp until wet. After doing this to my whole head, I massaged it into my scalp and left it in for 5 minutes before rinsing it out. [2] Hot Oil Treatment with Lisa's Hair Elixir Restoring Oil.  I applied this oil to my scalp and placed a plastic cap on my hair for 10 minutes. Once the 10 minutes were up, I rinsed the oil out of my scalp and prepped for the next step.
[3] Co-Washed  using Shea Moisture Coconut Hibiscus Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner.
[4] Protein Treatment with ApHogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor. I might have left this on longer than two minutes. That's what happens when you try to wash your hair, eat and watch tv all at the same time. #washdaystruggles
[5] Deep conditioned with Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque
[6] ACV + Water Rinse after I washed out my conditioner. I massaged the mixture for a few minutes and left it in
[7] T-shirt dried my hair for about 30-40 minutes
[8] I applied my leave-in conditioners:  Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner, Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner and ApHogee Keratin Green Team Reconstrutor.
[9] Stretched my hair using the multi-pineapple method and put a bonnet on my head before going to bed.
.

Pineapple method on my twa




Showing off my pinned back twa today at work


I need to start researching natural hair salons near me. The plan is to get mini twists or another protective style and wear it for a week or two. If you know if you know of a place in the Monterey Bay area, please share below.

                                          How was your #washday? Join the #WashDayExperience linkup to share your experience.




The Wash Day Experience

Until next time!

~Adventures of a Nappy Chica

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

About Last Night: Birthday Celebrations

Hey loves!!

Yesterday was my birthday. I was still ecstatic about OSU's big win the night before (Yes, in case you didn't know, I am a proud Buckeye.). Anyway, I'm a firm believer that no one should work on their birthday so I took the day off.


My birthday celebrations started off with a sports massage at Monterey Day Spa (thanks to the hubby). It was my first time getting a massage and it was amazing! The hubby opted for the 60 minute Sports Therapy massage and it was just what I needed. Between pole fitness, Zumba and lifting weights my body sometimes takes a beating. If you're in Monterey and you want a great massage, you should definitely check this place out. Oh and make sure you book your massage with Elexia!


Part of the lobby      
        
The room that I was in. It was so relaxing and I loved the decor.


After my massage the hubby and I had lunch downtown. It was such a beautiful day so we decided to walk around a bit.  Short sleeves and a sunny day, I couldn't have asked for better weather. Have I mentioned how much I love living in California?


Basking in the sunshine

Austin Powers Marathon- I never saw watched the movies. Crazy, right?

Later that night we met up with some of our friends for dinner and drinks at Hula's Island Grill. The food is great and on Tuesdays they have happy hour all day.



My outfit for the evening. 



Yummy drink at Hula's 

With one of my friends

All in all, it was a great birthday. Thirty two is going to be a great year, I can feel it.


Until next time!

~Adventures of a Nappy Chica

Saturday, January 10, 2015

Wash Day Recap + Winner of the Hairfinity Giveaway!

Hey loves!

Hope you're enjoying the weekend so far. This week I was super lazy. Initially I planned on experimenting with hairstyles but I wore my hair out most of the week. I was supposed to do my second wash day on Wednesday but pushed it back to last night. After a long week, last night's wash day wasn't anything special.

Loving my fro. I snapped this during my lunch break yesterday/

 Here is a recap of my wash day:

[1] Pre-pooed with my mixture of Hair Trigger Growth Elixir and  JBCO. I massaged it into my hair and scalp for about 5 minutes. I let it set for about an hour as I did some things around the house.

* I'm all out of Hair Trigger and will have to restock asap. I need to splurge and get the bigger bottle because I run out of it so quickly.

[2] Co-Washed with SheaMoisture Cleansing Conditioner

[3] Dried my hair with a t-shirt for about 30 minutes

[4] Applied ApHogee Keratin Green Team  Restructurizer, Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner, Marguerite's Magic Restorative Cream, Shea Moisture's Curling Custard and JBCO.

[5] Did 3 strand twists on my hair. Well, I attempted to do them.

 The past week my hair has not been cooperating when I've tried to twist it. I've been thinking of getting mini twists to give myself a break from styling my hair for a week or two. There is no way that I want to do it myself so I'm looking for a good natural hair salon in northern California. Ideally it would be near Monterey but I'm willing to drive. So if you know of a place, please comment below.

                    How was your wash day? Join the #WashDayExperience linkup to share your experience.



The Wash Day Experience



Thank you to everyone that entered the Hairfinity Giveway. The winner of the giveaway is...Adella Gonzalez!!


Until next time!

~ Adventures of a Nappy Chia

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Bee Sensitive Oil Free Hair Serum + Hairfinity Giveaway!

Happy Tuesday everyone!


As I mentioned in an earlier post, my goals for focused on building a regimen for healthy natural hair. I would also love to stimulate the growth along my edges. Since my big chop I've used JBCO and I have seen growth along the edges. But, I'm still open to experimenting with other products as well.

After doing some research, I found out about Bee Mine Hair Products and their growth serums. I was a little nervous about trying the serums with sulfur so I bought the Bee Sensitive Oil Free Hair Serum. It took a month or two but I finally got my hand on a bottle!



My plan was to take a picture before using the serum but with the holiday, I forgot. I started using the serum last Monday and the pic below was taken today. So far I'm using it once a day either in the morning or at night. I spray it on my scalp and massage it in with my fingers paying more attention to my edges.  I'll keep you posted with the results.

  







Hairfinity Giveaway!

You may remember my post about my Hairfinity purchase and my struggle with whether or not to use it. At this time I've decided not to try the hair vitamins but I want to someone to use them, so I'm hosting my very first giveaway!

To enter the giveaway, use the rafflecopter box below. I would love it if you share/tweet this giveaway with your friends. Thanks so much in advance!


* This giveaway is only open to US residents



a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Giveaway ends Saturday, January 10th, 2015 at midnight!

Good Luck!

Saturday, January 3, 2015

Le Tote Updates + My new obsession = tights

Happy New Year everyone!!

I hope that the first few days of 2015 have been great so far. I decided to take a few days off from the blog to relax and recharge my battery. Now, I'm ready for my first post of the new year.


Le Tote Updates

I've had about 5 totes so far and I have to admit, I am still in love with Le Tote! If they ever decide to look for an ambassador, I'm throwing my hat into the ring. Each time I've had a question or concern, Le Tote responded quickly. And on top of that each tote has been unique and fun. I look forward to more fun totes this year.

Here are some recent looks courtesy of Le Tote:


Cylinder Studs by Adia K

Lexi Mod Dress by Collective Concepts

Polly Plains Blouse by French Connection
          

Paradox Necklace by House of Harlow 1960 (which I bought)


       
Cyrus Lace Dress by BB Dakota
I paired the dress with a Paulie Cardigan  by DEX (also from Le Tote)


Beryl Tank Top by Lost April     

      
     



My new obsession = tights


Yes, I am late to the game but tights are awesome! Tights are an excellent to jazz up my outfits and   winterize my wardrobe at the same time. Now that I know how to pair them with different outfits, I will definitely buy more.










What are some of your favorite fashion finds?


Until next time!

~Adventures of a Nappy Chica