Wash Day Update: My First Curly Cut at Be Kekoa Salon

I finally got my hair trimmed! I mean it's only been a year since the last one (hanging head in disgrace). My last trim was done on textured lightly blown dried hair. Now I know some naturalistas love using direct heat but as for me, I prefer sticking to that #noheat life. So a few months ago I started asking other naturalistas for recommendations on salons that did curly cuts. Although I received many great suggestions, I was ultimately intrigued by Christina (of Mane Objective's ) recommendation to visit Be Kekoa Salon in Temecula. At the time I was still living in Portland and wasn't sure when I could make the trek to Cali.

Fast forward about three months later when I booked my appointment with Brandie at Be Kekoa. Life happened and presented me with an opportunity to be closer to the salon sooner than I expected (more on that in another post). Anyway, I patiently waited the four weeks until my appointment keeping my hair tucked and protected. Yesterday the hubby and I drove from Sherman Oaks to Temecula. And like all of my trips to new salons, I was nervous. I swear all black women, myself included have had horrible experiences with scissor happy stylists. But, from what I saw from the Mane Objective's Instagram feed and other reviews of the salon, I was confident about my decision.

As soon as I walked into the salon, I knew I was in the right place. Brandie and her assistant Audra were so welcoming and lovely. Before the cut, I had a consultation with Brandie. She asked me about my hair care regimen and any concerns/questions I had. Unfortunately single strand knots and matting have been my worst enemy as of late but Brandie assured me that it would be okay.  In addition to a much needed trim, I also asked for a little shaping for the fro.

A peek inside Be Kekoa Salon

Brandie got to work examining my strands and began cutting curl by curl. I've seen YouTube videos of the curly cut technique but it was amazing seeing it up close. Brandie's care and expertise is absolutely amazing. As she worked I asked her questions about my current regimen and how to reduce the occurrence of pesky single strand knots.

Once she finished with the cut, Audra got to work cleansing my hair and scalp. I wish I could have Audra wash my hair all the time! She was gentle and very thorough.  And I realized that I have not been giving my scalp the attention it  needs during my cleansing session.  Going forward I will be giving my scalp more attention and incorporating scalp massages during the cleansing stage. After Audra finished cleansing my hair it was time for my steam hydration treatment. I got the Monoi Orangesicle Protein Smoothie, which was amazing. But the best part of the treatment was the steamer. This was my first experience with a steamer, I know I'm late to the game. I swear this steamer gave my hair life! My hair felt amazing after the treatment and I need to start using the Q-redew I bought on Black Friday. 

I decided to go with two strand twists for my style. So Brandie and Audra twisted my hair while chatting with me and the hubby. Once my twists were done, I sat under the dryer briefly so my hair could soak up the product. Before leaving I made sure to grab buy some Tamanu Oil. I wanted to buy some of the Be Clean Cleansing Conditioner but they were out of the 8fl oz bottle. I know I said I wasn't going to add new products but I will be trying out the Be Kekoa line soon.

I had such an awesome experience and I can't wait to go back! I'm planning on going back in about 3 months to maintain healthy ends.

My before pic

Showing off my curly cut and style

I absolutely loved my experience at Be Kekoa and I will definitely be back! 

Favorite hair products from 2015

2015 was the year of experimenting with various natural hair products to find ones that worked best for my hair. Here is a short list of my favorite hair products from this year:

1. Jia's Caribbean DreamCreme- I gave you all the details about my love for this product in my recent review , so I will spare you my review again. But, I will say this, going into 2016 this will remain one of my staple products. If you want a leave-conditioner that leaves your hair soft and manageable, look no further. Jia is soft on your tresses and is made of natural ingredients.

2. Mielle Organics Mint Almond Oil-  Ok, so by now you know that I am in love with Mielle Organics. And if you didn't know, just take a look at the rest of the products on this list. Anyway, besides being a lightweight oil perfect for the LOC method, it smells amazing! I love that this oil leaves me hair moisturized without making it feel greasy. 

                                                      

                                                 

4.    Honey Dew Berry Detangling Co-Wash by Mielle Organics- Another gentle, natural hair product from Mielle Organics. At first I was a little skeptical because it is lighter than what I have used in the past but, it more than does the job. My scalp and strands feel clean and refreshed after each use. Plus, it really brings out all of my curls and coils. 

5.  Twist & Define Cream by Kera Care - I picked this product up at the suggestion of my hair stylist here in Portland. Before this product, I often wondered why my twists out were not as defined and bouncy like some of my natural hair idols. But this cream solved that problem for me. Every single time I use it my twists are on point. And of course the smell makes it a winner in my book. This has also become one of my staple products and one I plan on using in 2016,

6.  Babassu Oil Mint Deep Conditioner by Mielle Organics - I know, I know yet another product from Mielle Organics. But what can I say? There products are amazing!! Seriously, you need to go get your life and try them out! Lol. This conditioner leaves your scalp and hair moisturized. My hair does okay with protein but if you have issues with it, you might want to consider that before including it in your regimen.

7. Essential oils + Aloe Vera Juice - After watching HealthyHairJourney72's video about her spritz spray, I decided it was time to include essential oils and aloe vera juice in my regimen. While I didn't use all of the oils featured in her spray, my hair has still reaped the benefits. Before using the oils on a daily basis my hair was dull and dry. Now that I do the LOC method consistently and I use oils on a regular basis, my hair is happier and healthier.

     

While there are so many awesome products out there, I narrowed my list down to 7 products that have become essential to my natural hair care routine.

What are you favorite hair products from 2015? Please share your favorites in the comments below!