Read my feature about eco-living on this blog: http://cluelesscurl.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/green-light-rosemary.html

Just because it is natural...

Doesn't mean that it is effective or will work well on your hair. You can save yourself money on the expensive natural items (as there are still some cheap natural products out there).

My best leave-in that conditions my hair so well, is Cantu Shea Butter's Leave-in. This stuff is gold, and it isn't a natural product. Like I said in the It's My Hair Video, if something works, it works. I look at Indian women's hair and I wonder, apart from the cherished coconut oil, if they place any importance on whether a shampoo has any silicone or not.

I know, I know. There is no harm in having a few products that are 'non-natural' (my moisturiser is natural) but there are many long haired naturalistas who are not on a natural regimen.

Sensitive Scalp

I have had to make a few changes to my product stash (as if it's a lot) because of my sensitive scalp - a video is coming soon where I will discuss this! My edges are particularly sensitive. 

• Last week I did a apple cider vinegar rinse and my edges started hurting. I feel like the acid in this rinse has made my scalp more sensitive over the years. So I have bought the shampoo that I used to use during my healthy relaxed hair journey: Schwarzkopf Gliss Liquid Silk which has keratin in it for my thin, fine hair.
• I tried to use a cold Aloe Vera juice rinse as a final rinse on wash days but everytime I use it, my scalp tenderises. I don't know what it is, I just know that the properties in the liquid are sensitising my scalp. I might use it as a daily moisturiser or just use water instead.

There isn't much information out there about sensitive scalp, but I have had to take notes from my hair and take precautions. I can't just put any treatment on my hair. I won't be experimenting with anything anymore. I tried the black tea rinse last week and now my hair feels so limp. One time I tried the onion, garlic and ginger rinse and my scalp turned red and started burning. It tells me something. Not everything will work on your hair. Your hair won't die because you are using a few silicones or hard water. 

I'm going to stop trying out these things, maybe unsubscribe from some natural hair blogs and websites that always post articles about new things to try or possible things you are doing wrong. Every hair is different! Don't risk it. Your hair will grow, if you leave it be. Just like your nails grow. The natural hair movement has come a long way, but there is that extra set of information out there to keep you reading their blogs and websites. All of these new solutions, and new treatments to interrupt the natural growing process of your hair. Many men have long hair and they don't read these things. Let's not feed the anxiety of hair growth and lets be confident that the knowledge that we have about OUR OWN hair is enough for it to grow.

My hair profile: You will never stop learning..

I'm almost approaching my 2 years of growth stage and I still feel like I have a lot to learn about my hair. No matter how much knowledge and information you have acquired and how much you know about other people's hair regimen, you need to definitely learn about your own hair. And this learning, is continuous. I thought that I would stop when my hair reached a years of growth but no, there are many changes that I have had to make and habbits that I had to stop throughout this year.

I guess it is up to me to embrace it, and thank God that I have not hit a set back like many women have in this hair journey.

Most of all, I've stuck to my minimalist regimen, and I've realised that it is just hair. It's just hair. Learn about it, don't argue with it, and let it grow.  If it doesn't like something, stop. If it does, you know what to do. I will talk more about this in the following post.

All I know about my hair is that it is: tightly coiled (looser in some parts), and has thin/fine strands. In terms of density and thickness, I think it will come with time but I don't mind.

I can't use hair pins for too long otherwise the section that holds it starts to loosen up and eventually break. I knowwww, this hair. Ugh. What can I do.

I can't wrap a satin scarf tight around my edges otherwise they break off to.

I can't touch my hair at all. Even the tiniest bit of manipulation through the hands-in-hair-syndrome (that I WILL break free from soon) breaks it off.

This is my hair profile. I have to accept it, that way, it won't be as stressful and I won't want to scream.

DIY FLAXSEED GEL & Benefits of Flaxseed Gel

I have been eyeing this recipe for a while now so I decided to head to Holland and Barret and was lucky to find this crazy deal (two packs for £2.75). In addition, I am not so keen on the ingredients in the very popular eco-styler gel.

Benefits
via LiveStrong.com

Flaxseed oil, derived from the seeds of the flax plant, is rich in essential fatty acids, which can be beneficial to your health in a number of ways. In addition to helping with skin disease, cholesterol and digestive problems, flaxseed oil may also assist with hair growth and the replenishment of brittle hair or dry scalp. While evidence supports the use of flaxseed oil to promote healthy hair, there is no solid proof of its effectiveness.
Why Flaxseed Oil Helps Hair
One of the reasons flaxseed oil can promote hair health is because it is rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids. Omega-3 essential fatty acids are known to support scalp health, while a deficiency can result in dry scalp and dull hair, says Jim White, R.D., a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, according to “Men’s Health.”
Flax seeds also contain lignans, disease-fighting compounds that may help fight hair loss. But because lignans are found in the shell, whole seeds are a better source than oil

via Urbanbushbabes 

• Leaves hair soft, shiny, and moisturized
• Promotes hair growth
• You can reuse the flax seeds
• Cost effective (more for your money)
• Nourishing for the hair rich in omega 3
• Gives great curl definition
• Gives hold with no crunch/non flaking/not drying to the hair/doesn’t cause breakage/or shedding
• Fast drying
• Mixes well with oils/conditioners/ many products
• All natural

My experience

Simply put: I have never had curl definition like I have had with flaxseed gel. Added to my staple? Yes, why not. It gives my tresses that extra moisture boost as I twist up my hair and makes detangling much easier.

What you'll need
- Strainer or stocking sock

- Wood spoon
- Air tight container ( you can use an old product container and place stocking sock over the top part to strain it)
- 3 cups of water
- 1/4 of flax seed (linseed) depending on how thick you want it
- 3 drops of lavender oil (preservative and scent)

My Video for more tips

My Heat Cap: Aphrodite Hair Conditioning Cap

Price £32.99

I often use a heat cap to condition my hair and the benefits are great. It is insulated and gives more heat to allow all of that good moisture to penetrate into your hair strands. Amazing.

My mum bought it for herself but I decided to try it on and I love it. My staple product. I've used it in my Conditioning video:

Life in the living.

Aloe Vera Juice Benefits

My Experience

So I have changed from water to aloe vera juice because it just changed how my hair feels. My hair feels soft, conditioned and super healthy when I moisturise it. I also feel like with aloe vera juice, you don't have to deal with the hard water vs soft water issue that you do with tap water (unless ofcourse on wash day). It's a great natural alternative to water with all of these loaded benefits:

Benefits

via Aloevera.com

Aloe Vera is a plant that originated in North Africa and has been used historically as far back as 6000 years ago in Egypt where the plant was depicted in stone carvings. It is a legendary healing plant used historically by the North Africans, Greeks and Native Americans. The aloe leaves contain a clear gel that is often used topically (externally on the skin, scalp and hair). The green part that surrounds the gel can be used to produce a juice or a dried substance (called a latex) that is taken orally (by mouth).

The Chinese call it ‘the harmonious remedy’, the Egyptians ‘the herb of immortality’ and the Russians ‘the elixir of youth’. It’s also mentioned in the Bible in John 19:39 -40: He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. 40 Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.

Promotes hair growth

Aloe vera can be used as a safe and natural treatment to prevent hair loss. It is great for both men and women to promote new hair growth in places that have experienced hair loss or significant thinning. Aloe vera stimulates the production of new hair and may even lessen the effects of Alopecia.

According to University of Hawaii researchers, using aloe vera for hair growth can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians, who caught on to the miraculous healing and balancing properties of the spiky green plant.

Packed with replenishing enzymes and proteins, aloe vera provides all the necessary nutrients for strengthening lackluster strands. The enzymes help to remove dead skin cells on the surface of the scalp hindering hair growth, as well as deliver a proper pH level to the roots – a necessary component to growing hair.

Reduces dandruff

The natural enzymes found in aloe vera can soothe and moisturize the scalp, helping to eliminate the scaly dryness that causes dandruff. It also helps to increase blood circulation in the scalp, which works to stimulate the production of moisturizing oils. Aloe vera reduces the dry, itchy feeling that accompanies dryness or oiliness. It keeps the hair’s natural oils in balance to prevent excessively oily or dry scalp. Aloe vera also brings a refreshing and cooling sensation to the scalp.

Natural Conditioner

Aloe vera acts as a natural conditioning agent that restores the hair’s sheen, luster, and shine. It not only makes the hair soft, but it also enhances strength and suppleness. It naturally combats frizz but does not have the greasy buildup that many hair care products leave behind.

Regardless of the scalp or hair’s condition, whether too oily or too dry, aloe vera can restore the proper balance.

• Improved detangling

• Moisturisation

• Scalp healing

• Restoration of pH levels

• Decreased frizz

• Anti-inflammation on the scalp

• Hair growth stimulation

I love this stuff!

Fun video!

STYLE: BANTU KNOT ON A TWIST OUT

Here's how I achieve my best stretch and curl:

BIG HAIR.. DON'T CARE... RIGHT?

I have been thinking lately, although I am over it now, I felt it was important to still write about it:

My hair isn't that big (yet) but sometimes I feel self-concious about leaving the house with my hair styled out - in a bantu knot out or a twist out.
The following thoughts go through my head:

''I hope this hair isn't too big''
''I hope it won't intimidate anyone''
''I hope it isn't too curly''

It's interesting to the point that it doesn't sadden me. I am happy because these thoughts are merely evidence of how beautiful, great and wonderful my hair is. My hair that defies gravity, my hair that society tried to say wasn't beautiful - this same hair is on my head. I get lots of compliments about my hair, but these sneaky thoughts try to creep in before I leave the house and make me question my style of choice.

I refuse.
I refuse to bow down to this society that says there is only one type of beautiful hair.
I refuse to succumb to anyone that says straight hair is the only appropriate hair.
I refuse to think that my hair is ''too big'' or ''too curly'' or ''too messy''.
I refuse to feel self-concious.

Typing these positive convictions up empowers me at this moment. I believe it. My hair is beautiful, it is growing and I am simply adjusting to it. I promise to wear my hair however I like and be overly content with it. As I empower myself to rock my hair, I am in turn empowering other women to do the same. This isn't just for or about me.

YES!

Posting my regimen benefits..

I've decided to become more active on my hair blog. I've been experimenting and finalising my staple products. I am almost done. I recorded my Bentonite Clay experience which I loved! Definitely added to my staple.

I will be posting the benefits of:
- Bentonite Clay Detox
- Aloe Vera Juice
- Jojoba Oil and Argan Oil
- Flaxseed Gel

And my experience with them, including why I've made them my staple.
As you know, I ENJOY D.I.Y, homemade stuff. I am a natural enthusiast, and I love a simple cook-up. As much as I love a quick and simple regimen, I also love making time to create new things.

I will be later posting my review of:
- Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle conditioner
- Kinky Curly Knot Today? - actually not. If you've been watching my videos, you know how much I love this stuff. I can't live without it. I just can't. It's the best detangler.

The final thing I need to whip up is an alternative to KKKT, using marshmallow root and slippery elm powder. Yes! All coming soon!

NEW VIDEO: It's my hair tag!

How To Avoid Becoming A Product Junkie

http://blackhairmedia.com/natural-hair/how-to-avoid-becoming-a-product-junkie/

Shea Moisture Anti-Breakage Mask Review - Staple

I've used this product only twice but today was wash day and my hair was feeling really brittle and thin. I decided to use this product to deep condition (along side my usual olive and avocado oil). 

Result: AMAZING. My hair feels super strong again and it gave it volume! My hair feels thicker. It's definitely my staple to use whenever my hair feels limp.

Ingredients

Baobab Oil - Contains Vitamins A, C, D, E and F to fortify and strengthen hair. Yucca - Thickens hair while adding volume. Biotin - A powerful B vitamin that strengthens the hair follicle.

Deionized Water, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter*, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil*, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Ammonium Salt (Conditioner), Yucca Filamentosa Extract, Vegetable Protein, Adansonia digitata (Baobab) Extract, Biotin, Panthenol (Vitamin B-5), Rosemary Extract, Bamboo Extract, Sorbitol Esters, Caprylyl glycol, Essential Oil Blend, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower (and) Lonicera Japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Tocopherol (Vitamin E) *Certified Organic Ingredient

I'm going to look into the Yucca & Baobab line because it might just be what my hair needs - since I have fine hair and this line specifically helps to promote thick hair (it has biotin). Shea Moisture impressed me. I guess you'll have to see which of their range works for you!

Nothing but.... other stuff I don't understand.

So I bought this to try it out because of the positive claims. Nothing But Curl Sealer - This says it has no sulphates, parabens, mineral oil or colorants. But see ingredient list? Yeah... bye. We need to be careful about these claims especially when other unknown stuff stays in the mix. I'd rather not. Also, water isn't the first ingredient and there is not one ingredient (apart from soy bean oil which is all the way in the middle) that I understand.

Bye bye LOL

Changes.... Experiment season.

You know its coming up, but quickly...

- Finger detangling has been going well. I'm sticking to it. I need me some thickness!

- My Youtube name is NaturalRose so I need to be looking for bomb natural remedies.

- Lots and lots of videos coming up.

- I've been researching bentonite clay and DIY detanglers similar to KKKT.

Please bear with me while I come up with these ideas.

New Video: My Washday Routine Part 1/3: DETANGLING KINKY HAIR

New Conditioner

My hair is thin and so I need a conditioner that is more on the protein side of things.

Vitale Olive Oil Hair Mayonnaise - 30oz jar

• With Oat Protein, Cholesterol & Botanicals
• Repairs Damaged 
• Rejuvenates Fragile Hair 
• Moisturizes & Conditions 

Enriched with Natural Botanical extract, Oat Protein, Vitamins, Egg Proteins and Olive Oil to intensively conditions , moisturizes and strengthens damaged and over processed hair. It renews weak fragile hair, leaving it healthy looking with shine, elasticity and moisture.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Olive Oil (Olea Europaea), Hydrolyzed Oat Protein (Avena Sativa), Hydrolyzed Soy Proteinn *Glycine Soja), Glycerin, Dimethicone, Polyquarternium-32, Dicetyldimonium Chloride, Cetyl Alchol, Lanolin, DL Panthenol, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Menthol, Camphor, Cholesterol, Benzophenone-4,Tocophherol Acetate, (Vitamin E ), Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), Egg Protein, Carrot Oil *Daucus Carota), Tea Tree Oil ( Melaleuca Alternifola), Kuki Nut Oil (Aleurites Moluccana), Parsley Flakes *Carum Petroselinum), Extract of Arnica Montana Flower, Centella Asiatica, Uritca Dioica (Nettle), Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf, Capisum Annumm and Cochlearia, Aromoracia (Horseradish) Root, Propylene Gylcol, Methylparaben, Propylparben, DMDM Hydantoin, FD & C Yellow No. 5 (CI 19140), FD & C Yellow No. 6 (CI 61565), FD & C Blue No. 1 (CI 42090), Fragrance (Parfum)

Hydrolyzed soy protein: Enhances hair manageability, contains cysteine for hair strengthening and nourishment.

Hydrolyzed oat protein: us used as a conditioning and moisturising agent.

4C HAIR FRUSTRATIONS

My, there have been days where I have wanted to break down and cry on my wash days (forgetting that I only ever handle this hair properly every 30 days). Yesterday was one of them. I had to stop halfway, with one half of my hair twisted up and the rest to go. I couldn't do it anymore. I was just frustrated. And as usual, I call up Lisa and express how badly I want to texturise these kinks because its all too much. I had a photoshoot and during the make-over, my hair hand to be converted into a voluminous afro. Pain! So much tangles. No matter what you do with this hair, tangles and shed hair are constantly sticking their tongues out at you.

• Detangling takes so long with this super kinky hair
• It breaks easily when soaked
• My arms get tired
• My legs get tired
• I need a drink

Ugh. THE STRUGGLE.

But, looking back now, my hair grows regardless. I just need to learn how to better manage the struggles. I now detangle first with my fingers, then with the wide tooth comb and then with the small toothed comb. I know it takes longer, but its worth having less-tangled hair. I also went shopping for new products (see previous posts) to make my hair softer. Shea Moisture wasn't doing enough for me. The shampoo and conditioner are just, meh.

Although difficult, I have learned so much on my wash days over the past 1.5 years of my journey:

- To be patient

- Things are fragile

- The pain is only temporary

- The next time you face the challenge, you will be better prepared

Awesome right? How we can turn these things into positives?

Girl, when you see me with long flowing hair just know that it has been a JOURNEY. It wasn't easy. But it will all be worth it. Long, healthy hair that defies societal standards and stereotypes will all be worth it.

Dryness + New Products! Staple?

So me and Lisa went product shopping. The way we scan the ingredient list so intelligently, the shop keepers were getting a bit annoyed with us. Oh well, I managed to get the Vitale conditioner that Lisa has been recommending to me for ages! Oh, and cantu!!

Okay, okay, hold up, you are using products?? Yes I am. My hair has been feeling super dry lately, especially with its length.

Here are my new product stash:

MOISTURISER

Water/Aloe Vera Juice + Shea Butter

CONDITIONER + AVOCADO OIL

This conditioner is amazing. When I soaked my cleansed strands in this, the moisture comes back in even greater amounts. I LOVE IT. Thank you, Lisa! :D It h

SHAMPOO

THIS SHAMPOO DOES WONDERS. Also comes in Rosemary. Leaves my hair and scalp feeling super cleansed and lathers so well so you can really dig in deep. When I then read the description about the luxurious foam, I was liken yes indeed. There was a lavender version but the scent was stronger. 

Currently busy editing shea butter whip recipe...

My new shea butter whip recipe will be up soon.

This has to be my best recipe ever.

Changing Products

Old Product Regimen

ALL NATURAL REGIMEN!!
Daily moisturiser
Water in a spray bottle 
My Shea butter mix/castor oil
Hair ends oil: castor oil
Twisting cream: Shea Moisture Curling Gel Souffle
Shampoo
Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo (LOVEE! No sulphates, parabens or silicones and super-moisturising, yummy, gentle smell and a cheapie £1.80!)
Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter for Moisture Retention 
Clarify
ACV!
Protein Conditioner
ORS Mayonnaise (stopped the egg treatment because it left lumps in my hair, yuck! lol)
Shea Moisture Anti-Breakage Masque
Conditioner + honey and olive oil
Hello Hydration by Herbal Essences (loveee it!)
Leave-in conditioner: Elasta QP Olive Oil & Mango Butter Leave-in
Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative
Leave-in: Kinky Curly Knot Today

Update
Now that I have changed my regimen, Shea Moisture wasn't doing anything for my hair.

COCONUT OIL - miracle oil :D

You know how they say, ''to each their own''?

I think I might have just found the perfect oil for my hair. I usually infuse my coconut oil with my whipped shea butter but I never really thought to use it on its own. It's even more perfect because of the weather so its warm and very oily.

I used it to retwist my hair and wow, it made it so much manageable. The shed hair and tangles were literally coming off with ease! I couldn't believe it. I got inspired to use it again after watching My Natural Sistas latest video on their whipped coconut oil ( which I am going to try) but for my next shea butter whip I will definitely increase the amount of coconut I have in it.

Pre-pooing with coconut oil the night before is the best thing ever. Standard staple.

I re-did my mini twists and trimmed this month!

It's been 6 months and I was ready for a trim.

If you've checked my latest youtube video, you would see how pleased I was with the thickness after taking down the mini twists. I was hungry for more. Tutorial coming up.

Mini twists!

 

 

Mini twists!

Camera is here!

My Canon 600D is finally here. I can advance my passion for photography and create better quality videos on youtube ^_^

Keep your hands off!

While some of you are busy worrying about other people touching and playing with your hair, I am worrying about myself. I keep touching, playing, fumbling and twisting my hair! I need to stop this because after on-going tension it just breaks off. This has happened so many times. I do it subconciously, maybe when I am bored or on my laptop. But it needs to stop before it turns into a habit and I have no edges left to play with. Yes, you read it right. my edges! my edges!

You know about my edges. Fragile? Yes. But my fingers can reach.
I need help.

Current hair goal: KEEP MY HANDS OUT OF MY HAIR.

It's good to start building healthy habits earlier on in your regimen.

Official length check: 1 year 4 months growth

 

Bear in mind #longneck

List of 4C Hair Youtubers

There is a general lack of representation of 4C hairlistas on Youtube. I think it is important to increase representation, not just because equality is good, but also because the most kinkier texture probably deserves more help and advice. This is the reason why I joined Youtube so that I could share my help. Also, it seems like we probably need more advice than style - which means lengthier videos. We should also remember that there are many women still transitioning and we hope that more women enter this journey - so many women are still trying to grasp the basics!

I compiled a list of 4C naturals:
Justmeand4c
Chizi Duru
4C Hair Chick
Jemy1415
Yunik Ritini
NaturallyNerdful
DiscoveringNatural
Sharterrkar03
IslandEssence
SecretlyLimitless
Latifatumi
NaturalMe4C

4C Bloggers 
http://winkwiththekinks.tumblr.com
http://hairandhealth.blogspot.co.uk
http://www.unrully.com/

Want more inspiration?
http://www.tumblr.com/search/4c+hair

For me personally, while transitioning I have been watching natural hair videos from various youtubers with different textures. I did not have a delusioned view of what my hair could and could not do. I just knew it. I knew that my texture was not like hers and that there was nothing wrong with that. We should embrace diversity. My hair can do certain things that other hair textures cannot do. My hair has tighter curls and therefore probably needs more help and there is nothing wrong with that. I just need to learn and accept the differences. My hair is 4C and I love it.

Trim time!

So it's been six months and I need to trim my hair. Next wash day.
I have specifically set my trimming time to every 6 months as the last time was in September. This is good because I can feel some hindrance in growth somewhere. I just know it. I can feel it. My hair speaks to me. It's time. Dusting will be fine.

Why I stopped the wig regimen

The hair journey is truly far from monotonous. I'm quite tired with how easily bored we  women can get with our hair. I think its inborn into us to be bored with a hair style after one week haha. I guess you can always have a protective hair style that can be switched up easily with accessories, whilst keeping it the same.

Why did I stop

I initially wanted to go a year with the wig regimen - in fact that's how much I loved it and was content with it. It was the most simplest regimen ever! However, I started to miss my beloved hair. I also felt like it hindered my relationships: people would compliment 'my hair' but it wasn't my hair! I know some people will say, euhh why are you worried then? I'm worried because I'm going to intern and volunteer during summer and aim to build long-term relationships. Your hair is a part of you and I feel like I want people to know the whole me. The wig is very far from how my own hair looks like in terms of size and texture. People in uni were asking me how I managed it and I had to fight myself in the dilemma between whether to lie or say the truth. Well, in front of 5 people curiously wondering about this big hair how do you say the truth? So that bugged me. Bear in mind, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the wig challenge/regimen, I only wasn't comfortable with the questions and wondering. I needed to make it easier on myself. I also did not have any problem with the size - I loved it. And who knows how big my own hair can get in the future. Honestly, I received sooooo many compliments with that hair its crazy that I would want to ditch it. However, I'll still keep it and wear it for occasions just because it looks so good on me.

Faux Bun

Hello! I watched a youtube video of the faux bun. I tried it. I loved it. It's perfect. I've been keeping bags of textured hair with me because I planned on doing long kinky twists but now I've found something great to use them for. You can clearly see the smile on my face in the previous pictures that I posted in the previous post. This bun, has been making people ask the right questions and assume the right things. I know I shouldn't care, but seeing that in a few years time, my hair will be able to bun up in the same manner with that texture - it makes me happy. People think its mine because there is literally no difference between the textures. I am super comfortable and I feel like people can really approach me. Also, I can protect/moisturise and care for my hair in the same way.

New Protective Style

 

So many girls have come up to me to ask if this was my natural hair because they thought it was. WIN! 

 

 

 

Length check 11/03/14

My regimen is ALL NATURAL!

Check out my Hair Duties list at the top to see the amazing products.

Remember that I bought lots of Shea Moisture products from America last year December... well, they've been working so well for my hair. The shampoo cleanses my hair squeaky clean!

Moisturiser: Shea butter mix + water
Shampoo: Shea Moisture Restorative Shampoo
Protein Conditioner: Shea Moisture Restorative Conditioner or Mayonaise
Moisturising Conditioner: Shea Moisture Restorative Conditioner
Leave-in/detangler: Kinky Curly Knot Today
Clarifier: Apple Cider Vinegar
Treatments: Hot Oil (JBCO, Castor, Jojoba & Rosemary oil), Garlic and onion treatment and Avocado and greek yoghurt hair mask.

Shea Moisture products are super effective and a little goes a long way so you get your money's worth! ACV cleanses my hair so well! There is no way for any sulphates, parabens, and any other harsh chemicals to enter my regimen or hair. My hair is doing great and I'm so proud of it. I thought that it wouldn't feel as clean as it could with a sulphate regimen, but no.

My hair is super healthy (compared to my relaxer times, uuh) and I love it. :)

How To: WIG Challenge for natural hair

Click here for the Youtube video

 I decided to join the wig challenge for the year 2014 and hopefully last for a full year. I managed to find a really good natural looking synthetic wig by La Jay Vanessa ( my video review above). I have received soooo many compliments about this hair and how it suits me - from strangers and friends alike. I am in love with it. I only decided to buy it in the hair store when two women thought it was my real hair when I tried it on. I was like, really? Ching! Bought it in January.

Goals:

Simple: Achieve optimal growth by saying no to manipulation.

My Wig Regimen:

• Braid my hair in small sections (blog post) underneath wig.
• Wash day after 30 days. Undo braids, detangle, hot oil, wash and condition. Then back into braids.
• After 15 days, garlic and onion treatment and then co-wash to combat dryness!
• Green House Method I cover my hair with a plastic cap at night, satin scarf to wrap around and a beanie cap for extra warmth. I wake up in the morning with damp and moisturised hair. I try to do this everyday.
• Moisturise my hair every other day with my water and shea butter mix/castor oil. Castor oil is just the best oil for moisture for my hair! I've learned that my 4C hair just has a dry texture to it and there is nothing I can do about it. It's not a smooth surface so it won't reflect light and shine like straight hair.

& yes, I do miss my hair now and then. I have to keep myself from touching it but I'm good. Let me reach 2 years growth before I let it all out and surprise myself! I am too busy anyways.

Feel free to ask me any questions!

- Rose

Cant wait for my own bun side pic!

Hairspiration; Zoeallamby

Hairspiration: LifeisBeauty32