Thursday 27 May 2010

Yo side of the bed video!

I have been waiting for this video for oooh so long...I love the concept... nice seeing Mr Songz do something different!

source: bossip.com
(no copyright intended. just for enjoyment) 

x edF x

(P.s- it takes like 20 seconds to load once you've clicked the play button)


Saturday 22 May 2010

Superwoman Chronicles

Let your mind wander but not too far, let your eyes read...let your heart be feed.

The talent of a beautiful young woman...please read and be captivated...

Strong

May 22, 2010

I am strong.
As he sits across the table from me
He marvels at my strength, my inner being
“How can she sit and listen
And not be broken
And not be in pieces
As he expands on all his dreams
And his needs, for which all her payments
Are in arrears?”
It’s true, Sir, how can I not let them fall, my tears
How can I not reveal my heart that has ruptured?

Well, Sir, if you looked, you would see its sutures:
From the childish cross-stitching
To the near-adult weaving;
From the hurt, from the pain,
From the insult, from the stains.
They’re all covered up but, no, you didn’t look!
You just called me strong.
Ma mère, I sat and I watched
As you commended her beauty
As you boasted of her intelligence
And embellished my accomplishments.
And your silence towards me, I heard verbatim
So I grew and I no longer needed these things from you
And I hated my light skin
And I hated the shape of my hips and the width of my waist
But I enjoyed my yellowness
And my figure eight
Because they loved it even if you didn’t.
And as you began to clean the mirror
You began to see your reflection in me, clearer
And you were proud.
And you marvelled at my beauty
And you exclaimed at my excellence
But it is too late because I am already strong!
So when my choices are unfathomable
And you think I lack care or respect
It’s not that at all
It’s just because I love you
And I realise that I am no more you
Than you are I.
I am not an extension of you
Though, you bore I.

I am human
My flesh bleeds blood like yours
My eyes cry tears like yours, salty
Everything is salty and it preserves my human-ness
From my nose, my eyes, my veins, salty.
I cry.

My world is that of Superwoman
But my desire is to be like that of Lois.
I want to be carried!
But my shoulders are broad
So you lay it on me
And I won’t complain
I will camel it
Until I cannot go further
Then I will die.
And you will not understand
You will just ask, Why?

My world is like that of Oprah.
But sometimes I desire it to be like that of Ricki
And I want to tell you how much you kill me
And how much I love you though you murder me
And how much I bleed though you hug me
But I am strong!
So I speak only of saving the world
And serving you only.

I write when I am emotional.
I sing when I am emotional.
I dance when I am emotional.
I draw when I am emotional.
I create when I am emotional.
But, I only speak when you ask of me.
But by the time you ask, I am already rational.
I am strong, but weak is my core being.
He, the LORD, He strengthens me
But my pride!
It makes me impenetrable
And you, you sit and you admire me
And you, you desire me
And you, you desire that she were more like me
And you, you desire that you were more like me
But you don’t want to have to go through
The opening up of your soul like me
The denigrating of your pride like me
The suffering of yourself like me!
So you will watch.
And you will remark at my strength
And my beauty
And my excellence
My maturity
My intelligence
But, not my wretchedness
Because to you, I am strong.

Love Samantha, 18/10/09, 5am.
…An explanation of ‘Strong’ will follow shortly!…
Je t’embrasse, x

CARMEN SOLOMONS

Just a random post...thought I'd share...

My first question was black?...white?...mixed?....but now there's no more questions- all I see is beauty.

South African model Carmen Solomons







Is it just me..or is she not stunning? 

x edF x

source: google images

Friday 21 May 2010

Oils..can they penetrate?


An on going debate in a lot of the forums I've joined is 'can oils penetrate your hair shaft?'

I think it'll have to be a 'YES'


It has been scientifically proven that some oils can penetrate for example:

*Coconut oil, being a triglyceride of lauric acid (principal fatty acid), has a high affinity for hair proteins and, because of its low molecular weight and straight linear chain, is able to penetrate inside the hair shaft.
*Mineral oil, being a hydrocarbon, has no affinity for proteins and therefore is not able to penetrate and yield better results. In the case of sunflower oil, although it is a triglyceride of linoleic acid, because of its bulky structure due to the presence of double bonds, it does not penetrate the fiber, consequently resulting in no favorable impact on protein loss.

Studies have proven that ...
Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil, Olive oil penetrate the hair shaft to make it stronger (J. Cosmet.Sci 52, 169-184, 2001)The study showed straight chain glyceride's like coconut oil , avocado oil, olive oil easily penetrate into the hair.

Polyunsaturated oils , like Jojoba oil, are more open in their structure so they don’t pass through the layers of cuticles very well.

Meadow foam seed oil partially penetrates, and jojoba and sunflower oils don’t penetrate at all.Most other oils, including safflower oil and sunflower oil, do not penetrate hair very well.

source:keepitsimplesistah


A little bit of education goes a lonnnnngggg way :)
x edF x



Honey I'm Home

Review Round
                                                                                
So as promised here is my review for my special honey inspired honey treatment.

Err why did i not do this earlier? I had heard that honey makes your hair softer and helps your hair retain more moisture but it was a seeing is believing affair!

Yes...honey did all that science said it would do. Like I said in a previous blog my last relaxer didn't process all the way so I have more regrowth than usual...which is where the honey came in... it really did soften my hair, plus considering I haven't used my straighteners in yonks - my hair stills has an odd shine to it... not like the fake straightener shine, but good enough :)

If you want to try it out..here's a reminder of the wonderful concoction!!!

http://love-your-tresses.blogspot.com/2010/05/humectants-r-us.html

P.s Next time I will use more honey, I was a little scared to use a lot b4, but next time bring on the honey baby! 

Wednesday 19 May 2010

Humectants 'R' us

Humectant - a non-oily ingredient that attracts moisture from the atmosphere, retards evaporation, and helps hold water.

Humectants are used in skin and hair-care products to promote moisture retention. These hygroscopic compounds posses a chemical structure that attracts water from the atmosphere and binds it to various sites along the molecule. Hair exposed to very dry air without protection can lose its moisture, develop an unpleasant texture and can become unruly, flyaway, and frizzy. It also can become more prone to breakage and split ends. Conversely, unprotected exposure to excessive moisture and humidity can swell the hair cortex, causing the cuticle scales on the exterior of the hair shaft to become ruffled and giving hair a coarse, unpleasant texture. Clearly, neither scenario is desirable. source: naturallycurly.com 

Examples of Humectants: Glycerine, Honey, Sorbitol etc

So bearing the above in mind and the fact that I want to also strengthen and repair my hair aswell as keep it moisturized. I made my own special Humectant concoction using a small container and the end of a pen as my stick!


Here are the ingredients:

 4 tsp of 100% Virgin Coconut Oil (lubricant)
4 tsp of 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil (lubricant)
4 tsp of Castor Oil  (lubricant and renown for thickness)
4tsp of Almond Oil  (lubricant)
4 tsp of Grapeseed Oil (lubricant)
5 tsp of 100% Pure Honey (draws in natural moisture)
3 tsp of Dark and lovely hair cholesterol (provides hair with strength & repair damage)
1/2 tsp of Menthol (Robb!- stimulant..will explain later)
1 squirt of Tres Semme salon silk conditioner
1 squirt of Herbal essences - Hello hydration

Mix  until you get a thick yellow product. I made quite a bit so will save the left over product for another dry hair day!


***




Wondering why I use so many oils and the benefits of this ? 
Stay blog happy for 'Oils,oils,oils'...
and look out for the results of ~~edF Humectant~~!

x edF x

DRYYYY like bread!

I'm actually laughing at the title of this post... very random moment. Flashback to the first time I went to a hair shop in Leeds and I asked for a conditioner that would combat hair dryness and one of the guys working there said give her the new brand 'Dry like bread'...1) I almost choked on my Frappuccino (mint choc chip - you have to try it!) 2) I couldnt help but think... u num nut!

He was joking anyway but the other guy knew exactly which isle to take me to which I still don't understand!

Anyway back to la point... I decided to do a Braidout(*) on Saturday (only have a pic of the plaits not the result sorry..next time I'll do both) ... and the front turned out nice but the back oh boy!

Yes I know that braidouts are perhaps not the best time to analyse the overall condition of your ends but I believe I have a good eye for dryness so I made my very own concotion today literally a few mins ago.

Check out my next post for more- 'Humectants R us'

x edF x

Ooo plus a random hair 'kinda' protecting style pic I took a few weeks back! (darn my sis will find out I took her top now! #ForgiveAndForget (wink wink to all tweeters!)


* Braidout-  hair protection process that helps you avoid use of heat after washing.
Can be done with wet or dry hair.  If wet, apply leave in's and a bit of oil then braid your hair in sections as desired. Hours later...Viola curly hair!!!

Just a Prayer


Yes I'm back... had my first exam and figured I'm officially allowed to treat my self :)

Browsing on the net as i do I came across the really sad news that a young 7 year old girl by the name of Aiyana Jones was killed in Detroit on Sunday 16th May by a police officer when simply sleeping underneath her blanket on a sofa.

Personally the reason why the police where conducting a search warranty in her house is of no essence to me, all I know is an innocent life was taken and it saddens me. I really do pray that God consoles her parents and family.

x edF x

Saturday 15 May 2010

BE BACK SOON!

I haven't run away! Just doing exams at the moment...but looking forward to a million more blogs as soon as I am done in 2 weeks time!

x edF x

stay blessed y'all

Friday 7 May 2010

LAYORI #kinda music



I'm really into Layori right now...she's so talented. Her yoruba songs make my heart melt...check her songs out on youtube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hh5vLgoU4w&NR=1)

x edF x
The song IFE: has already been chosen for a wedding song so don't try and steal it ;)

Check out my faves below :D









Thursday 6 May 2010

Porosity Comparison Pics

Final blog for today....just wanted to share a pic I found of my hair last year in November just when I had started my hair journey.

My hair was never always this bad..but this is how it looked when I did not straighten it and took it out of an attempted messy bun.


HERE IT GOES!!!


NOV 2009

AND NOW...


APRIL 2010 
(hair was not straightened)

Monsieur Porosity Control

REVIEW ROUND
(Reporting live from my room in Uni!)

After relaxing my hair following my 12 week stretch I could still see that the ends of my hair were still mega dry...in fact one of my housemates advised me to get a trim! 
2 weeks later a.k.a today! My hair looks so much better...especially the ends and I really do have to thank Porosity control and a rollerset for that.

So... the second wash after my relaxer I used porosity control and lathered it all over my hair after my deep conditioner had been in for an hour. This means I had mega moisture from the DC plus a serious blast of moisture from the Porosity control itself.

Immediate finds: My hair was seriously soft...and I know this was largely down to the PC because I rinsed out the DC and detangled my hair with a wide tooth comb and THEN used PC and detangled once more...which was so unneccesary..my hair was silky soft and soooo easy to comb!!!

***PLUS overall I noticed that my hair stayed shiny and moisturized for longer than usual.***
x edF x


HAIR POROSITY


Does your hair constantly feel dry after moisturizing ???
Does your hair feel dry and brittle despite the amount of times you deep condition?
Is your hair dry and frizzy throughout the day?
 
If you answered "yes" to all, you may be suffering from hair porosity issues. READ MORE!!!


Porosity is the hair's ability to absorb moisture. This is determined by the condition of the hair's cuticle layer (the overlapping scales of the hair shaft), and is rated as low, normal, and high. With normal healthy hair, the cuticle is compact and prevents the penetration of the hair shaft by moisture (both moisture going in & moisture coming out). 
 
 
Low Porosity

Low porosity is when the cuticle of the hair shaft is compact and does not allow moisture to enter or leave the hair shaft..

Its very hard to process and extremely resistant to chemical services...

In this case I would suggest using a porosity conditioner a few days before relaxer/color so that your relaxer or color takes better


Overly Porous

Overly Porous hair is the result of damage...Either, chemical, heat damage, chlorine, and sun damage.
Overly porous hair is usually dry ,brittle and breaks easily...Feels moisturized or soft when wet but when your hair dries it loses its moisture. It has an open cuticle that both absorbs and releases moisture easily..It processes too quickly and caution must be taken taken when a chemical service is performed.
 

Solutions:
 
1.Get an Acid Shampoo & Conditioner:
Roux Porosity Shampoo & Conditioner, Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo
2.Do an Acidic Rinse:
Apple Cider Vinegar (Mix 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar with 2 cups of cool water. Poor this mixture over the hair as a final rinse after shampooing & conditioning. Rinse in cool water.)
3.Do a light Protein Treatment (Products with wheat protein like Mizani Moisturefuse mends individual exterior scales along the cuticle)
 
 

Wednesday 5 May 2010

HAIR REVIEWSSS!

So what better idea than to share my pos + and neg- experiences of hair products with you. The first review is of my experience with the one and only Porosity Control...plus there will be much more coming soon... so feel free to stay blog friendly:)

Before I give the review have a read of my next blog...it links with the hair review

x edF x

*WEDDING BLISS*

Yo peeps!
Hope you've had a glam day...I've spent most of mine in bed!!! Hehe..not out of laziness though I promise.

I know I know I know this is a hair blog but I really couldn't resist sharing this with you. The colours the venue the set up..I'm so inspired!

I present LOVE @ its best...

"On the night that Abi Ishola met Kunle Ayodeji, she told herself, "I'm going to meet my husband at this party." How right she was. The two Nigerian-Americans got to talking, realized they were neighbors in Bed Stuy, Brooklyn, and became an item. The couple tied the knot in a gorgeous affair at a marina in Florida that blended their vibrant Nigerian culture with a traditional western wedding.."


C©NDITIONER WASH

WHAT, WHY 'n' HOW???


WHAT-Conditioner washing a.k.a Co-wash, is a method which cleans your hair without shampoos.

WHY-Washing your hair every day especially for Black Women is a major NO NO! It is very damaging for us, because constant e.g everyday shampooing strips our hair of needed moisture...something especially black women lack in their hair.
VIA conditioner washing, you cleanse your hair without drying it out.




HOW to Co-Wash

  • Rinse hair thoroughly ..... warm water never too hot
  •  Take a generous amount of conditioner and add to scalp first
  • Using the conditioner and your fingers, remove dirt & buildup from the scalp
  • Then add conditioner through to ends and massage into hair and scalp
  • Rinse thoroughly until hair is clean
You can use just about any conditioner...but moisturizing conditioners for dry/ damaged hair are best e.g
Tres Semme Salon silk...Herbal essences 'Hello Hydration and some more products on my previous post...

HEAD WRAP OF A FASHIONISTA

Bonjour or should we make it HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

I have missed this sooo much...blogging that is!!!! In an attempt to change the blog to a .com everything went awfully wrong :( BUT HEY I'M BACKKK!
Got quite a few new posts that were pre prepared but inaccessible due to the tech difficulties!!! So vroom vroom lets get going!!!

******* 

A very special young lady who I have to big up (do i ever really use that term??!! hmm) ...has allowed me to blog about her today!

Miss Stace Rose a.k.a fashionista nerd introduced me to one of the latest phenomena especially among black women in America. I do believe its is inspired by Ms E. Badu.

The hair nerd that I am..I do love the concept...I see it as a 24/7 head scarf. Basically the head wrap acts as a constant hair cover...therefore
1) No hair exposure
2) No hair manipulation
3) No heat damage

Your hair simply sleeps under a head wrap and only comes out to be washed and treated etc

Stacy decided not to keep at the head wrap but it has worked for many women...are you one of
them???

 


OOOoo for all u fashion lovers... do check her blog- its AMAZING.



so glad 2 be back :D

x edF x

Saturday 1 May 2010

CLOVERLEAF CHRISTIAN CENTRE


Sorry to seclude..but today I'd like to cordially invite anyone in Leeds who wants to meet new people and be blessed on a Sunday to my very special place!

CLOVERLEAF CHRISTIAN CENTRE

♥ Sunday Service♥
11:00am-1:00pm


'The Blue Room'

42, The Calls,

Leeds, LS2 7EW


If ur not feeling coming to church straight away...come to Wednesday house fellowship for some
God, Pasta and Wii!

7:00pm-9:00pm
101 echo central 1 apartment
Cross Green lane

Feel free to contact me or Leeds ACS on facebook if u need anymore info or want to travel there with a
friendly face e.g ME :)


Like Bunmi said in her post (click the link below), this is our second home. Church has actually NEVER been so much fun.

I feel like every service is a new chapter in a bestselling book.
Its really where you can be yourself, not feel forced into anything and find yourself growing before your own eyes.

PRODUCT JUNKIEEE

I had a debate today with a guy!! About hair...why was he so confused as to why women spend money on hair products...errr we are WOMEN!!!

Anyway a very lovely friend asked me to say which products I use, so this is just a refresher of my hair prods. I've done it in a top 10 products format...Product number one is the product I'm using @ the moment.

There is no specific order of best product...the list is just of products I find especially good and/or that I have heard are very good:)

If anyone has any random Q's...just add them to the comments and I'll try and help :)

The blank numbers mean I'm yet to try other products and will fit them in and copy and paste this list once I do!

x edF x
 
 

SHAMPOO

1. Creme of Nature Detangling and Conditioning Shampoo (orange bottle) ♥♥
2. KeraCare Hydrating Shampoo
3. Aphogee Shampoo for Damaged Hair ( Not to be used unless there is damage) ♥
4. Creme of Nature Ultra Moisturizing Detangling shampoo (Green Label)
5. ORS Creamy Aloe Shampoo ♥
6. Hello Hydration herbal essences ♥
7. Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo
8.
9.
10.

CONDITIONER

1. Salon silk- Tres Semme ♥♥
2. ORS Hair Mayonnaise ♥
3. Africa's Best Organics Olive Oil Deep Conditioner ♥
4. Inecto Pure Coconut oil moisture infusing conditioner (Superdrug) ♥
5. L'oreal Elvive Smooth silk intense anti-frizz conditioner ♥
6. Motions Moisture Plus Conditioner
7. Hello Hydration-Herbal essences ♥
8.
9.
10.

PROTEIN TREATEMENT

1. Aphogee 2 min Reconstructor ♥♥
2. Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing Conditioner/Pak ♥
3. Aphogee Two-step Treatment
4. Motions CPR Conditioner
5. Organic Root Stimulator Hair Mayonnaise ♥
6. Eggs, Conditioner, and Oil mixed together ♥ (kinda smelly tho!)
7. Mane N Tail Original Conditioner ( Yet to try)
8.
9.
10.


LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER
( so many people forget to use this...its so important)
1. At one Hair & Scalp Leave in Conditioner ♥♥
2. Aussie Miracle Hair Insurance ♥♥
3. Chi Keratin Mist- from America ♥♥
4. Aphogee Keratin & Green Tea Re-constructor
5. Elasta QP H-TWO Leave-in Moisture Sealing Conditioner
6. Cantu Shea Butter Leave-in Conditioning Repair Cream
7. Infusium 23 Leave-In Treatment
8. Motions Nourish Leave-In Conditioner
9.
10.

MOISTURIZER
1. SCurl No Drip Activator ♥♥
2. Elasta QP Mango Butter ♥♥
3. Wave Nouveau
4. Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Cream
5. Organic Root Stimulator Carrot Oil (don't love the smell)
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

HAIR OILS (Sealants)
1. Pure Coconut oil ♥♥
2. EVOO-Extra Virgin Olive oil ♥♥
3. Almond oil ♥♥
4. Castor oil ♥♥

HEAT PROTECTOR

Elasta QP Silk Thermal Designing Liquid
Fantasia IC heat Protector

4 MONTH HAIR LENGTH UPDATE!

Yo yo yo people :)

I'm actually really excited about today's blog ...Like I said I did my longest stretch ever...12 weeks..and trust me it was a serious one!

I incorporated a weave into my stretch which is probably why I got through it...but i know for sure that my hair doesn't like being stretched for so long, so next time wont be for as long.

OH AND...new discovery! Well maybe just for me but I don't think hair perms well when it has been washed a few days before...I still have quite some regrowth :( I was bothered before but my main concern is that my regrowth is soft...anyway this time I'll stretch for 8 weeks only...

Below are the comparison pics I have from early January up until a few days ago...I'm happy with my hair thickness too...I thank castor oil and barely using straighteners oh and co-washes!

x edF x
















1) Re-growth b4 relaxer















2) Re-growthified!!!






AND FINALLY!!!....



The first picture  date is wrong. It should be Nov 2009 ( forgive the laziness to change it!)



...and just in case your wondering...in the first pic i took quite a bit of hair but it was still thin. Pic two is the same amount of hair 
x edF x

*BET BEAUTY LOUNGE*

Am I late or did everyone else know that BET had a 'Beauty Lounge'??? 


I'm not much of a makeup wearer..my staples are gloss (especially 'Sappalicious' by MAC) and eyeshadow ( still don't wear it that much) and of recent Mascara!

One of my very closies is hooked on mascara...(Miss D)..I'm starting to see why..that stuff is HOT!!!

But anyway I always appreciate when beautiful women share their beauty tips so check out the link and enjoy :)

(Nia Long is one of my faves..very natural and elegant isn't she..wink wink)

Enjoy x edF x

IMAN'S BEAUTY SECRETS

53!!!!!!!!! Whoever hasn't seen Iman lately..needs to get looking and note taking. What a stunner! @ 53 I must say Iman is looking sooo young and radiant. I figured I should devote this post to her especially after she tempted me to buy a magazine just because she was in it!

Just a few tips for miss flawless herself!


SPF 50 sunscreen.
"Patricia Wexler is my dermatologist, and 10 years ago, she told me to start wearing SPF 50 sunscreen on my face every day. At first I balked—I said, 'I have dark skin—I don't need that high of an SPF every day!' But I took her advice, and I'm convinced that's why my skin has stayed in such good condition. Women with dark skin often think they don't need to wear sunscreen, but everyone needs it—it has literally saved my skin."

Iman Sheer Finish Bronzing Powder in Afterglow.
"It works on all skin tones. It's a trio of rose and terracotta shades, so you can blend them to make the bronze color somewhat light or deep. I also use the terracotta powder as an eye shadow, and the rosy shade as blush. The compact makes doing your makeup so easy and effortless."

SK-II Facial Treatment Mask.
"These cloth facial masks are the bomb. I can't live without them! They're so hydrating and they make my skin look instantly radiant. I use one as often as I can."

Iman Second To None Cover Cream. "If you apply this concealer on dark circles and spots, you don't need to wear foundation—that's how good the coverage is. And it's creamy, so it doesn't cake or settle into lines."

Mamie McDonald, facialist at Mamie's Day Spa in New York City. "Sophie Dahl told me about her—she's amazing and the only facialist I trust my skin to. Her facials are never harsh, just hydrating and soothing."

PLUSSS

Lots of water and enough sleep!

HAIR LOSS ???


So I guess I'm no longer too worried about losing a tad bit of hair when I took my weave out because really its nothing new to me or anyone else who takes braids or weave out. Fortunately I stumbled across this article...thought I'd share

x edF x

Source: carefair.com

"You are putting your brush away and you notice some strands of hair. You have on your favorite black sweater and someone pulls a strand of hair off your shoulder. When you shampoo, you notice hair in the drain. Before you hit the panic button and think that you are going bald, relax and check out the facts. Hair loss is normal. It’s part of the natural cycle of your hair. Depending on how much hair you have the average amount of hair loss is approximately 40 to 125 strands a day.
 

If that sounds like a lot of hair, don’t worry. By some estimates there are up to 300,000 strands of hair on the average scalp. Also keep in mind that you are growing new hair in the process. The root of each hair is embedded in your scalp in a hair follicle. The hair goes through a growing phase of approximately three years. This is followed by a resting phase of several months. Then the resting hair falls out and new hair begins to grow in its place.


If you notice that you are losing more hair than usual, don’t worry. For a woman there are different periods in her life when hair loss is more pronounced. Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause can cause more hair loss than normal. Some women have reported that they experiences hair loss after discontinuing birth control pills. But this is temporary hair loss as the body adjusts.


There are other occasions which can trigger more than normal loss. Some people report more than normal hair loss after surgery. And, of course, if someone is experiencing a prolonged period of stress, some hair loss is not unusual.


If you are experiencing unusual amounts of hair loss, this could be a signal of health problems. It could mean vitamin or mineral deficiencies or it could mean a thyroid problem. It’s best to discuss this with your physician. In these cases hair loss can reversed.


Now when you are removing that hair from your brush, find hair in the drain, or are brushing those strands off that black sweater, you can relax knowing that you have several hundred thousands strands of hair on your scalp. And even more assuring, there are more strands growing all the time."

Oh P.S packing your hair so tight that your eye shape changes is of course another attribute! xxx

The Storm is over now!

This has been a seriously hectic week...firstly going back to uni after a very study free Easter break...assignments screaming out of my ears and now I am one step closer to the end of my 12 week stretch ( for those unfamiliar with the term...check out hair lingo :)


So step one was achieved like 10 minutes ago when I took out my one month weave. It would have been in for longer but because it was not a full head weave, too much of my own hair was getting caught up in the weave jungle on my head!

Step 2 will be achieved in a weeks time when I finally relax my tresses :D (Update coming soon!!!)

Now that  miss weavette has gone...my head feels so light! But the negative is I feel like I have no hair! OK so it's not as bad as the cartoon, but after taking a weave out there will undoubtedly be more hair loss than the norm, which takes me to my next point.
HOW MUCH HAIR LOSS IS NORMAL???

x edF x
 



http://love-your-tresses.blogspot.com/p/hhhh.html

*MYTHS BE GONE*

I really do hope everyone is experiencing the burrriful weather that I am! Even though I am indoors..lying here on my bed I'm in a spa of my own :)
But yes back to the point... I promised to share some hair myths I've come across and to make sure that u aren't brainwashed like I used to be! Especially with myth number 4!!!
 

*Happy reading*

x edF x



 1) Black Women can't grow long hair.....
(Our hair grows just like any other race... but we are more prone to breakage so we do not get to always see to the growth ...Key is learning how to retain length.....straight hair, natural oils produced by scalp slides easily down the shaft, but on curly or kinky hair, it must work its way down and around each bend and corner. This explains why typically, black women have such dry hair. Also, at every bend in the hair there is a stress point, a potential for breakage )
2) You have to be natural not relaxed to grow hair....
( Not true...I'm relaxed and there are women with hair that is way longer than mine and they are relaxed as well..The key is proper care...)


3) Greasing scalp helps hair growth and stops dandruff....
(grease and heavy oils on scalp clog pores and stunts hair growth....We need Natural oils..Coconut is my favorite...very light and moisturizing)


4) Dirty Hair = Growth.......
(Yep it sure does....Fungus and bacteria....lol)


5) Dry hair is damaged by too-frequent washing....
(Hair is more likely to be damaged if it's left too long between washes. Not washing can cause the scalp's natural oil to be blocked, and unable to lubricate the hair shaft. As a result, hair can become dry and brittle. Things that damage hair include bleaching, coloring, styling and brushing when wet.)


6) Sleeping with wet hair causes scalp fungus...
(Scalp or fungal diseases can’t be caught from sleeping with wet scalps. Scalp infections require prior involvement with infected sources such as humans, tainted hair care tools or animals)
7) You can repair split ends...
( Hate to tell you this but you can only temporally mend them, Only way to get rid of split ends is by trimming them)
8) Cutting your hair makes your hair grow......( False........growth comes from the scalp not the ends of your hair. Cutting your hair does not affect its normal biologically determined growth rate or overall texture...Please get rid of your scissor happy beauticians...every black women worst enemy)

thanks to: traycee keep it simple

FOOD HAIR? HAIR FOOD?

HEALTHY TRESSES: IT’S ALL IN WHAT YOU EAT

Growing long, healthy locks is not child’s play. It’s a serious matter. If you take your health seriously you should have no problem growing strong, healthy, shiny hair.

You can attain hair like your favorite celebrity - without having to take out your check book or pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to a top of the line stylist to weave someone else’s hair into yours (someone who’s taken the time to grow the hair that your paying for, I might add). Why not grow the hair yourself so that it’s truly "yours" for as long as you want it to be! You won't have to worry about taking it out in a few weeks or months, that hair can be yours! And when someone says to you, "I love your hair", you won’t have to feel guilty. You’ll know that the pride, patience and care it took you to grow your luscious locks was well worth it. Here are the secrets to having beautiful hair that’s the envy of all others.

Your hair is a true confession of what you eat. If your diet mainly consists of fast-food, processed food or little or no water or vitamins, your hair will show your diet history. Your hair tells a lot about your eating habits. It’s like the DNA of your diet. Not only will your hair be dry, limp and dull, but you will also feel dull and lifeless too.

The key to amazing hair is a healthy diet. I know it may sound cliché but it’s true. Try to focus on the two most important factors which are high quality proteins like tofu, fish and legumes. Also, make sure you have enough calories daily to maintain good health.


Healthy hair also depends upon micro nutrients like vitamins A, C, zinc and B complex. Make sure that you eat a well balanced diet. Add a variety of fruits and vegetables which are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants, whole grains for minerals, soy products for plant-based estrogens, nuts and seeds for minerals and vitamins, and lean protein for iron. You should also consider taking a multivitamin for assurance.

A total breakfast cereal high in fiber and nutrients will also help you get all of the other nutrients your body needs. You should also try to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water a day as this adds moisture to your skin and hair to give you an overall healthy glow.

http://www.curlyhairsalon.com/

x edF x

G♥RGEOUS CURLS



Wow it's been a few days and I feel like I've been away from blogging for years! Anyway beautiful people before I throw out my main blog I just wanted you to admire Miss Hilson's beautiful curls with me.

Altogether now say mmm!

x edF x



P.S check out the advice Motions have given on how to achieve this gorgeous look.

SAFARI #kindalove!


A few days late but I'm finally posting a few pics from my trip with one of my girls to a road and foot safari..closer to home than you think...MILTON KEYNES.

It was actually better than I expected...a monkey breaking someones windscreen wiper and running away with it has to have been the funniest thing! Thank God it didn't happen to us!!!
I figured it would be nice to share my weird and wonderful adventures with you too :)

Its definitely a nice date spot as well as family spot ;)...a different vibe that would be greatttt on a warm summers day!

x edF x


                                          


HERE ARE SOME OF THE PICZ WE TOOK!

http://www.woburn.co.uk/safari/

(over 800 animals to see!!!)





*HAIR UPDATE* !!!




Most of us know how to wash our hair...splash of shampoo...scrub a dub dub...followed by conditioner- rinse and then dry and style like crazy a.k.a HEAT HEAT HEAT. But there's soooo much more to looking after our hair especially once we've grown up and reached the stage where our hair seems to want to stay at one length. Once crazy myth that needs to be rid of, is that hair grows best when its dirty...ewee no way!!!



Black hair, blonde hair, brown hair any hair ....L♥VES H20... A dirty scalp ladies is a clogged scalp which means a slow growing hair follicle. I started my hair journey in November and although my hair had length it was weak and damaged..split ends everywhere!! But once I took it upon myself to reduce heat and pay more attention to my tresses...I SAW GROWTH. The pic above is a pic of 3 months into my journey and the growth I had. I have yet to update from January onwards because I'm stretching my relaxer to over 12 weeks! So pics soon to come!



Stretching= Prolonging the time between relaxers. Instead of relaxing at 6 wks, relax every 8, 10, 12 wks or more.

x edF x

WEAVEALICIOUS

For those of you who haven't already seen it..I could not and still can NOT get over this sexyyyyyy weave Miss Union had on the Jimmy Kimmel show. She makes blonde highlights look so yummy. Don't you think?!!





x edF x

HAPPY GOOD FRIDAY :)

Good Friday and dad is back!!! I have to share my excitement with u...the father is finally back in the UK...haven't seen him since July so my blog should be extra chirpy!!! I thought it would be nice to share with all the 'long hair lovers' some of the women who have totally inspired if not pushed my haircare journey...and do believe everything u see is oh so real! Don't get me wrong my journey isn't just to gain hair length (cos trust me some women with shorter hair have better hair than those with long hair!) but also too have thicker hair and fewer split ends.

Oh and hear this....My aunty was talking about sex in marriage today and said that I'm lucky I have hair so when my husband wants to get frisky and grab it I have more than enough...errrrr okay but why did she say it and my dad was sitting right next to me! Not kool!!! Anyway beautiful people enjoy but try and keep your mouths closed when looking @ the pics below!!! ;)

x edF x

Hair care regime (next blog coming soon x)


1) Sunshyne 2007













2) Sunshyne 2010












Miss Darshae Kelly




Justherz




        















Traycee








Lavendar









Miss Bronzeg

Momma Don't wash my hair no mo!


So I guess most of us are at that age where mothers wonderful hands barely if ever touch our hair let alone our scalp. The duty now officially lies on US! Observing so many beautiful American ladies I've learned to take the ghost busters approach to all these HAIR MYTHS we have followed for wayyyyyy to long!!! ( to be revealed in an upcoming post).



Before hitting up the different type of hair we have weave...fro...perm.I thought it'd be nice to share some of my No.1 hair care tips....Trust me they work.




1) LESS HEAT= FEWER SPLIT ENDS= LESS BREAKAGE= LONGER HAIR! 
(everyday straightening is not an option)



2) When using heat always use a heat protector



3) Cotton pillow cases and sheets add to breakage, use a silk or satin scarf to wrap up your hair while sleeping.



4) Do not over process or overlap your existing straighten hair (perm should ONLY be applied to re-growth)



5) Always wait at least six weeks till next relaxer



6) Wash your scalp rather than your hair unless your hair is very oily or dirty. Prevents stripping the hair of needed moisture..



7) Always use a leave-in-conditioner after you wash your hair. Leave-ins nourish the hair and help protect the hair from the sun and environment.



8) Let your hair air dry whenever possible



9) Protect your ends with a light moisturizer. Your ends are the oldest part of your hair. It needs extra moisture. This reduces breakage and split ends.



10) Use a wide tooth comb...combing with a small tooth comb will no doubt rip your hair out.



11) Natural Oils.... instead of hair grease..hair grease is more likely to clog the pores on your scalp



 x edF x

MAKE- UP LOVERS 411



Beautiful people... I'm slowly falling more and more en amour with Make-up :) (Mac is winning the contest of brands in my make-up bag @ the mo!) Who would have known...a year ago i only owned a tub of vaseline!

Anywho word has it..it's not cool to hoard onto the stuff we love the most... sorry ladies but food isn't the only thing with an expiry date!

Time to make friends with the new make-up use me by list...(recommended by ophthalmologist, dermatologists and all the other smarty pants out there)

Concealer
Up to 12 months.


Eye liner
Should be sharpened regularly. Will last up to 3 years.

Eyeshadow
Will also last up to 3 years if it is powdered form

Foundation
Check the ingredients. Water-based foundation will last up to 12 months, oil-based will last up to 18 months.

Lip liner
Up to 2/3 years.

Lipstick
Up to 4 years, but if it smells funky throw it out

Mascara
Throw out after 3 months!!!

Nail Polish
Up to 12 months, depending on the quality (fridge storing will reduce clogging)

3 Years
Face powder.



SAFETY TIPS



The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) outlines these cosmetic safety tips to reduce contamination (www.fda.gov):

1. Keep makeup containers closed tight when not in use.

2. Keep makeup out of the sunlight to avoid destroying the preservatives.



3. Don't use eye cosmetics if you have an eye infection such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), and throw away any makeup you were using when you first discovered the infection.



4. Never add any liquid to a product unless the instructions tell you to.



5. Throw away any makeup if the color changes or an odor develops. Preservatives can degrade over time and may not be able to fight bacteria.

Lots of people use the testers at makeup counters. Testers can have lots of germs. Products you keep in your home are less likely to have germs. Do you want to test a product at the counter anyway? If so, use a new sponge or cotton swab.

6. Try not to share make-up especially Eye Make-up.

x edF x