Monday 30 April 2012

New Site!!! | LoveYourTresses Moxie Style - The UK Original Moxie Challenge


The time has finally come for LYT to embark on the UK Original Moxie Challenge! The products are here and my hair is craving for new transitioning hairstyles and new potential staples!

As stated on the new site itself,  LYT is not affiliated with Original Moxie by law and therefore will profile all things Moxie separate from all things LoveYourTresses, which means folks and folkettes you get a double dose; LYT posts and Original Moxie review posts!!! 

Without further a do, I present...



Avec amour...
Fiona ❥

Saturday 28 April 2012

Weave 101 | Wearing a Weave? The Guide To Successful Weave Wearing!

So you've taken the plunge or are thinking about sporting a glamorous weave, now all that's left for you to do is take matters into your own hands and ensure that this weave makes you and definitely doesn't break you or your edges!

In the world of weave wearing there is often the misconception that weaves are damaging, cause breakage, thinning, and in extreme cases alopecia e.g. the curious of Naomi Campbells much discussed hairline. Well truth is a bad weave experience boils down to a few simple factors:

'weak hair pre installation  bad installation 
 poor maintenance during install bad removal experience'

Once you tackle all of the above you can earn yourself a length retaining, hair thickening, manipulation reducing hair experience! 

Here is an ultimate breakdown of how to care for your hair before, during and after a weave! 


PRE INSTALLATION
Your Hair | As mentioned in my Part 1 Pre Installation Video, the condition of your hair pre installation is key to the success of your weave experience. It is absolutely essential that you indulge in a protein treatment or two prior to having your install put in. Weaved hair usually gets put away for 6-8 weeks therefore it needs to be strong enough to endure the process. Additionally do NOT set a date in your diary for a weave install if you are suffering from a weak/damaged hairline. Weave wearing is not for the light headed and should only be installed when hair is in good health. Hiding behind a weave may further damage your hair and even cause alopecia, which can take months or even years to correct.

The Hair | The battle between synthetic and human hair really boils down to preference. In terms of maintenance human hair keeps much longer without a shadow of a doubt, however it's rare you'll find super kinky curly textures in human hair hence where synthetic hair comes in and saves the day. Either way human hair tends to be more versatile and allows for straightening and curling with heated appliances, whereas most synthetic hair types do not accommodate the use of heat. The type of weave you opt for boils down to the reason for installation. If you want long lasting hair that can be re-used you are most likely to opt for a more superior class of hair such as virgin hair or remy hair, otherwise if you want a short term fix standard human hair should suffice.

The Weaveologist | Finding a weaveologist that can fix a 'worth flaunting around' weave can be very tricky, especially one who handles your hair delicately and with care. Recommendations from friends and family have been the reason for my thus far weave success, so spotting a great weave and asking about it will probably save you more strands than a lucky find in Yellow Pages or a local newspaper! Whatever the case, be sure to speak up when getting your hair done. If there's something you are unsure of or do not like, be sure to let your weaveologist know- a great weaveologist will always be happy to cater to your needs.

Application | Whether or not you choose to opt for a sewn-in weave, weave bonded with glue or micro bonded weave, having your weave installed carefully and not too tightly will not only save you some strands but also a possible headache. Be sure to see how your head feels after a few cornrows have been done, your weaveologist can always lighten up on the forthcoming cornrows. Side note: If opting for weave bonded with an adhesive, please be sure to conduct a skin patch test beforehand as allergic reactions can result in extreme hair loss and damage [I personally would not recommend this method].

WEAVE INSTALLED... TIME TO MAINTAIN
Washing| So life before weave usually includes a weekly/fortnightly or shoot even a monthly wash, but now your hair hides beneath your silky flowing weave you've put washing on hold!!! Most weave wearers find the idea of washing a weave very daunting. However I can testify that the perfect cure for scalp dryness and flakes is exactly that; washing. It rids the scalp of product build up and quenches its thirst for moisture. Do not be scared to wash your hair whilst in a weave [human hair only], invest in an applicator bottle and line your scalp with a diluted mix of water shampoo and conditioner, lightly rub your scalp with your fingers to rid it of product buildup, this way you can also easily rinse out the wash without leaving product behind. You should treat your weave just like your own hair and wash it and condition it, for what its worth it is human and needs some TLC too!

Scalp care| Midweek you can also keep your scalp moisturised and nourished by misting it lightly with a refreshing homemade spritz* and following up with a scalp oil to seal in the moisture. Your hair will love you afterwards! *E.g. water and leave-in conditioner mix

For more scalp tips, words on heat usage and products to use on your weave check out this post and this video.

WEAVE- THE TAKE DOWN
I've literally copied and pasted this segment from my recent Weave 101 Post Installation post, so if you like you can check it out there too!


Tools| The type of removal tool you use for each weft of weave can determine the size of your shedded/broken hair ball upon complete removal. Depending on what you choose be it a seam ripper, pair of scissors or a blade [my personal preference], it is always important to invest in a tool that does the job effectively. Your chosen tool does not by any means have to be horror movie #kinda sharp, but sharp enough to do the job properly. You don't want a blunt blade which requires you to stress the weave thread and cause further issues e.g knots and tangles. Finally ladies please for the sake of your hair and my sanity...be careful- you're scalp is way too precious for any scalp boo boo's! Now onto clips! Hair clips are especially useful during the take out process for the chicks who have leave out hair. It's a good practice to separate your leave out hair from the hair you plan on removing so that it will not be a victim of accidental cutting, which let's face it can happen even with the most careful of hands. Simply twist your leave out hair and use a clip to hold it aside whilst you get to work on weave removal.

Detangling |I most definitely won't copyright this because I know there's no way I'm the only one who does it, but detangling with oil has been a major aid in reducing breakage during my weave take out process. Once all weave wefts have been removed I caress my cornrows with a light carrier oil of choice before taking them out, this lubricates my hair and makes it less susceptible to snapping or breaking. I remove each cornrow and lightly detangle using a wide tooth comb before moving onto the next cornrow. 

Final tip| Go the full mile and wash and deep condition your hair. Your hair has most likely been hidden under your weave for more than 6 weeks which means it is in much need of serious lovin'!!!


So that's it folks, a lengthy post on weave wearing! You can also check out the following videos and posts for some more info on the wonderful world of weave! In fact all of this weave talk has me craving for one!

Happy Saturday lovelies!!!

Avec amour...
Fiona ❥



Hair Tool Review | Blowout smoothness with a Tangle Teezer

You may often wonder why it is that the products/tools I review, frequently end up being relatively positive. As much as I love receiving/trying new products, I only ever agree to them if I'm confident in the brand/ product itself, and believe wholeheartedly that it will set out to do what it says it will. 

Well, despite being very chuffed with my wide tooth comb and additional detangling tool; the BaByliss Everyday Paddle Brush, I decided to go out on a whim and treat myself to the infamous Tangle Teezer. On this occasion I didn't buy the TT to satisfy any product junkie cravings, I bought it because currently at 5 months post and co-washing+air drying 2-3 times a week, styling my hair has turned into a completely new ball game, and I have come to realise the following:

1| As well as detangling in the shower I now have to engage in post wash detangling. I've been experiencing single strand knots and this is the best way I find prevents them!

2| My wide tooth comb doesn't quite detangle to my satisfaction out of the shower as well as when in the shower. 

3| Though it works the trick in the shower I find the BaByliss Paddle Brush way to bulky and inconvenient when using it to smooth/detangle my hair for styling. I can barely see my hair with this thing in the way!

So... I opted for the Tangle Teezer which profiles as gliding through wet, vulnerable and colour treated hair with no pulling, tugging or yanking. I used the Tangle Teezer on wet hair in the shower and on moisturised damp hair afterwards. 

The Review
Effectiveness | I definitely feel the Tangle Teezer lived up to its claims especially when used in the shower. It detangled just about every strand of hair which I often find a wider toothed comb cannot do as well. The gentle bristles were also fairly easy on my hair and great for smoothing both in and out of the shower.

Size | As mentioned previously I love my paddle brush but find it a tad bit inconvenient for detangling or smoothing outside of the shower. The TT is compact, and minus a handle still allows for a firm grip.

General thoughts | I will be using the Tangle Teezer as a staple detangling tool during washes but not as frequently when styling post washing. Although it gives fantastic smoothing and detangling results, I don't plan on using it 3 times a week because that's way too much manipulation for me, especially considering its narrowly spaced bristles. If anything I'll use the TT just on my ends to specifically avoid single strand knots, otherwise I like my strands in their frizzed/waved state. As long as the surface appeals, who needs to see what lies beneath!  

 R.R.P £9.98 at Black & Brown

Is it me or does my hair not look blowdried here? Another tool makes the cut!!!

Avec amour...
Fiona ❥

Wednesday 25 April 2012

Product Review | Kérastase Nutri-Thermique Masque

I mentioned being sent some products to review a while back and the Kérastase Nutri-Thermique Masque was one of them. I have been in close communication with the Social Media rep from PR London, and it is great to know that more and more companies initially perceived as catering only to Caucasian hair, are branching out and realising that many advanced formulated treatments such as the Nutri-Thermique Masque, can also cater to kinky/curly/relaxed hair needs.

I still have the Goldwell Kerasilk Ultra Rich Care Treatment to review but simply haven't had enough time considering my blogging break and a demanding study timetable. Mind you I prefer to observe one product at a time in order to get consistent results, so chose to stick with Kérastase. Here is how I found it....



Price | RRP £22.30


IngredientsAqua, Cetearyl Alcohol, Amodimethicone, Behentrimonium Chloride, Cetyl Esters, Trideceth-5, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Caprylyl Glycol, Trideceth-10, Trideceth-6, Benzoic Acid, Glyceryl Linoleate, Boron Nitride, Cetrimonium Chloride, Linalool, Glyceryl Oleate, Hydroxycitronellal, Hexyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Alcohol, Citronellol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Geraniol, Coumarin, Xylose, Safflower Glucoside, Glyceryl Linelenate, Parfum, C39415/1.

Claims

I figured it would be best to assess the product in terms of how it suited up to it's claims so...


Softness| I've used this product at 3, 4 & 5 months post relaxer as a moisturising DC, and I can say now more than ever that it gives remarkable results, such that contend with my beloved ORS Replenishing Pak & Porosity Control combo. The most profound result I get with this product is softness, but more so softness that lasts. I feel fully committed to blowing this products trumpet good and loud and say that it makes my hair butter soft and a breeze to detangle.


Nutrition| Perhaps I've already given it away in my softness glorification, but I cannot let this product find its way anywhere else but in my product staples list. As stated on its packaging this treatment needs a dose of heat to amp its effects and I most certainly noticed the difference when used with and without a heat cap. My hair with this product feels like it has the perfect balance of proteins and moisture even though it is profoundly a moisturising treatment! The best way I can explain it is it feels like my hair has had a good detox after I've used the mask.


Styling| I experience NO tangles whatsoever after rinsing and detangling- it's RIDONKULOUS! Even parting my thick head of transitioning and relaxed strands is a breeze when styling.


General| The product was easy to apply and lasts long which was a must for me considering I'm going to have to fork out on it myself next time! It gives reasonable slip and despite the cost, I'd be a fool not to buy again! 


To the Product Staples list you go Kérastase!



Avec amour...
Fiona ❥

Wednesday's words... Mineral Oils | Are they really that bad?


Generally just about every healthy hair lover does the 'Get thee behind me satan' eye roll when it comes to Mineral oils. The so called "pore clogging nasty" is usually frowned upon the more FOR healthy hair care we are, but what happens when one of your staples so happens to endorse Mineral oils as the 4th main ingredient AND to top things off no other staple/product has yet to work wonders on your hair like it does? Do you bail and avoid the dredded 'Oh no she didn't' glares, or do you stand your ground and buy a ride or die t-shirt?

I began re-using my AtOne with nature Leave-In Conditioner this year when I needed something with super slip to caress my confused transitioning tresses with, and since then as you know and I keep on saying; wash days have been blissful. It was only when after looking at the Paul Mitchell Foaming Pommade ingredient list [received in my Amitee PS Beauty Box], that I decided to also look at the AtOne ingredient list because it was on my desk staring straight at me!

I won't lie my heart sunk at the sight of Mineral oil in position 4 [haha overexaggeration]! I'm not one to say that Mineral oils are outright bad for you but I do believe that a more natural product with just as much slip, which mind you I plan on formulating, will be more beneficial for the overall health of my strands. 

So what's a girl to do? Right now I simply ensure that I give my hair some ultimate lovin by going the full mile when washing my hair. I co-wash 3 times a week now but always pre-poo beforehand, and follow up with a quick 10-15 minute DC after washing. All in all I won't be getting rid of my AtOne just as yet!

I have several review products that are coming my way, and are all Leave-Ins hoping to boot AtOne out of my fave Leave-In Conditioner position, so who's to say I won't find something in no time! 

Stay tuned for my official ORIGINAL MOXIE PRODUCT REVIEW SHOWDOWN which I will dish the goss on tomorrow.

What are your thought on Mineral Oils... 'Heck no!' Or 'A girls gotta do right by her [current] Leave-In?

Avec amour...
Fiona ❥

Tuesday 24 April 2012

Diary of a Tress Lover: Kimberly hits BSL

I decided to revisit the Diary of a Tress Lover series a few weeks back because I realised that there are so many heads of hair that can inspire those of us on or embarking on a Healthy 
Hair Journey, and of course because I wanted to kick the 'black hair can't grow' pessimists to the curb!

Check out Kim's story for your Tuesday dose of Hairspiration!

- Hair type and length -
I have medium/fine type 4 hair that is medium in density, I’m relaxed and my last length check in December had me at BSL. I’m hoping to be Midback length/closing in on Waist Length by the end of this year.
Before trim
After trim

- Haircare regime -

Over the 2+ years that I’ve been on this journey my hair products have changed but what has been consistent for me is I always shampoo, deep condition, add a leave-in treatment and protective style. Every couple of weeks I’ll do a protein treatment and I’ll moisturize and seal as needed.

The products that are currently in my product stash:

Shampoo
GVP Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Shampoo or Nexxus Therappe Shampoo
Deep Conditioner
GVP Biolage Conditioning Balm or Nexxus Humectress Conditioners
Protein Treatment
Aphogee 2 minute Keratin Reconstructor
Leave-in
GVP Paul Mitchell The Conditioner, GVP Sebastian Potion 9 or Aphogee Keratin & Green Tea Restructurizer
Moisturizer
Water or Hawaiian Silky 14 n 1 Miracle Worker
Sealant
Vatika Oil
Heat Protectant/Serum(when flat ironing)
Chi Silk Infusion and Proclaim Spray On Glosser.

- Top hair tips/lessons learned -
1.  Protective styling has been instrumental in retaining length. I protective style five to seven days each week. I’m almost always wearing buns.
2. Limiting/eliminating flat iron/blow dryers has helped to minimize split ends and breakage. Before I started my hair journey, I use to leave a trail of broken hairs everywhere I went. Limiting direct heat (and Deep Conditioning) has virtually eliminated breakage for me.   I’ve gone many months without using heat during this hair journey and I honestly believe that why my hair maintained/increased in thickness.

3.  Always Deep Condition: even if I’m in a rush I still apply deep conditioner for at least 5 minutes, although I prefer to keep it in for at least 30 minutes. It’s improved my hair’s flexibility, manageability and overall appeal.

- Biggest challenges faced since being on your HHJ? -
Stretching my relaxers has, by far, been the most difficult part of this hair journey. After 8 weeks post relaxer, limiting breakage at the line of demarcation, keeping my new growth moisturized and styling my hair with inches of new growth can be a struggle to put it mildly.  When I first started I just went along looking a hot furry mess, but I’ve since learned how to better handle and maintain my new growth during my stretch. I can now safely stretch my relaxers between 12 and 16 weeks and these things that have helped stretching be a benefit as opposed to a detriment to my hair journey: (1) Rollersetting - helps to keep the new growth detangled; (2) flat ironing the new growth; (3) moisturizing the new growth they way that you would apply relaxer; (4) being gentle with new growth in between wash days – I treat it like fine china (and I don’t comb through the new growth while dry); and (5) deep conditioning.

- Three hair products you would take if stranded on a desert island -
If I could only use three products and had no heat appliances, I’d take:
GVP Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Shampoo
GVP Biolage Conditioning Balm
Aphogee Green Tea Keratin Restructurizer

- How can we keep in touch? -
My name is Kim and you can always find me:
or tweeting @fancyflairlady
Starting length 2008
2009-2010
Kim 2012


Avec amour...
Fiona & Kimberly ❥


Monday 23 April 2012

ORIGINAL MOXIE| The Goodies have arrived!


There is nothing more exciting than waking up to the postman knocking on your door with a package in hand *victory dance*! When Rachel [founder of OM] contacted me a few weeks back to ask which products I would like to try, I sent her a LONG list and warned her to ration it down according to her own judgement of my hair needs. I really was quite taken aback by the fact that she was excited about this and more so that when I opened the package this morning I saw that she sent me EVERYTHING!!! 

Now the goodies are here I'm quite nervous about where to start! As this is the biggest selection of products I have received I would like to give it its own pedestal and make the review process quite unique. That being said it all boils down to YT videos, blogging or BOTH!

Point is I'd love to hear from YOU! How exactly would you like me to review the products, any weird or wonderful ideas are more than welcome... Let me know!!! 

P.s. Of course if I use your idea you'll have to be pleasured with some OM goodies for yourself too ^_^ !!!

Avec amour...
edF ❥


Amitee Pamper Secrets - Box no.1

I received my first Pamper Secrets Beauty Box a few weeks back but didn't manage to blog about it due to being on a blogging break.

The March Pamper Secrets Beauty Box was Amitee's first beauty box and is targeted at the UK ethnic market. I paid for the box myself, £10.95 + £2.95 [p&p]. I figured the ladies behind the box are all darlings so I most definitely wanted to support their venture.

In all things I believe in being optimistic but can assure you that honesty is equally as important to me, so here are my initial thoughts. The box is the first of its kind so box no.2 will give a more valid critique of the box. 

Packaging
 As with other beauty boxes I have received, the Pamper Secrets Beauty Box came in a solid box and was filled with finely shredded paper hay used as a bedding for the product contents, as well as for some added glitz and glam!!! I must say the purple was a nice compliment to the Pamper Secrets logo! Nicely done ladies! One thing that did stand out however, was that the box was smaller than expected.

Top: Elemis Melting Cleansing Gel, Paul Mitchell Foaming Pommade 
Bottom: Bettyhula Rum & Blackcurrant Shea Butter Body Moisturiser, Elemis Relaxing Bath Elixir, KeraCare Natural Textures
Products
With regards to brands, I liked all of the companies chosen for the box. They are all very reputable in their own right and definitely a good selection for an introductory box.


Every sample minus one was of a decent size. Having received full sized products in several of the other beauty boxes I have subscribed to, the Bettyhula sample was beyond me! Nevertheless it has come in handy on a few occasions! The KeraCare samples would have also seemed small had I not put them to test previously thanks to the Gidore Event where I received a handful. Trust me they go a LONG way!

On the whole I liked the March box, especially because I fell in love with the Elemis Cleansing Gel! I'm sure Amitee have received a lot of feedback on the box and will make the next box even better. Firstly, I think it would also be great to include at least one full sized product and full/decent sized samples. Secondly it would be great to see the focus of the box kept on what I believe was the main appeal of the box; it's target towards the UK ethnic market. I say this is because otherwise it is no different from its competitors. Finally I will keep subscribed for box no.2 and look forward to the April beauty box.



Avec amour...
edF ❥

Sunday 22 April 2012

Wash Day | Heat Free Styling at 5 months post


If you're connected with LYT on Facebook you may have already come across this photo when I posted it yesterday afternoon.


I find it amusing that last year I stretched my relaxer for up to 8 months, yet I just don't remember any of it being as easy as my stretching experience now! I mentioned a few posts back that I would be trying my hand at frequent co-washing in order to boost moisture levels, and explore what I think may be one of the key factors in FGrogans lustrous hair progress! [Yes folks even I have Hairspirations I look up to!]

So far co-washing has been more than pleasant. On one hand it feels great knowing that I can explore some curly hair do's, on the otherhand it's great knowing that I don't have or feel the urge to reach for my blowdryer because my hair simply doesn't need it!

One thing i've noticed when deciding how to wear my hair post co-wash, is that I experience more manipulation when I wear my hair back in a high bun, this because my hair is super duper thick now and requires a firm hand and very secure headscarf to achieve a less poofy look. The middle parting low bun, however, gives a more tamed result and to top it off is a change from the top bun which I can honestly say I think I have maxed out!

To achieve this look I simply follow the same routine as mentioned in my Shampoo then what series post on Air drying. I've added some more products e.g ORS Egde Control into my current air drying routine and will try if I can to post a video showing how I do this next week or latest the week after.

Perhaps it's early days but I'm in love with my natural roots already, they are so much softer and malleable than my relaxed ends at this stage. Shame I'm not one for mega short hair! I could have been strutting with my TWA by now *sigh*



Avec amour...
edF ❥

Saturday 21 April 2012

Weave 101 Series| Part 3 | Post Installation Weave Take Down

Oh me oh my how late is this post... hopefully better late than never. My last weave take down was nothing out of the ordinary, the large ball of shedded hair and light headed feeling were nothing but normal. The take out, however, wouldn't have been such a breeze had I not spent a good hour or two handling my hair with extreme care. Call me a hair snob but I refuse to be a victim of the no hair after weave syndrome!

So how can you avoid unnessecary breakage, thinning and tangling when taking your weave out?

TOOLS
The type of removal tool you use for each weft of weave can determine the size of your shedded/broken hair ball upon complete removal. Depending on what you choose be it a seam ripper, pair of scissors or a blade [my personal preference], it is always important to invest in a tool that does the job effectively. Your chosen tool does not by any means have to be horror movie #kinda sharp, but sharp enough to do the job properly. You don't want a blunt blade which requires you to stress the weave thread and cause further issues e.g knots and tangles. Finally ladies please for the sake of your hair and my sanity...be careful- you're scalp is way too precious for any scalp boo boo's!


Now onto clips! Hair clips are especially useful during the take out process for the chicas who have leave out hair. It's a good practice to separate your leave out hair from the hair you plan on removing so that it will not be a victim of accidental cutting, which let's face it can happen even with the most careful of hands. Simply twist your leave out hair and use a clip to hold it aside whilst you get to work on weave removal. 

DETANGLING
Spot any tools I missed out in the tools explanation? Of course the trusty wide tooth comb!
I most definitely won't copyright this because I know there's no way I'm the only one who does it, but detangling with oil has been a major aid in reducing breakage during my weave take out process. Once all weave wefts have been removed I caress my cornrows with a light carrier oil of choice before taking them out, this lubricates my hair and makes it less susceptible to snapping or breaking. I remove each cornrow and lightly detangle using a wide tooth comb before moving onto the next cornrow. 

FINAL TIP
Go the full mile and wash and deep condition your hair. Your hair has most likely been hidden under your weave for more than 6 weeks which means it is in much need of serious lovin'!!!


How do you best remove your install? Has anyone tried the oil method too? Do share!!!



Avec amour...
edF ❥






Girls just wanna have fun... Made in Chelsea Remix

I've lived with my housemates for 3 and a half years now and every time we go back home (London) for the holidays we plan on meeting up, but somehow I can never make it! Well this time it was different! My girl Tayo prepped an itinerary and we were on the streets of Chelsea as early as 11am doing what the Chelsonians do best... Living it up!!! 

P.s. Did I mention we almost died riding Boris' bikes?!!! It definitely was a day worth telling the grand kiddies about!
Early morning view from my window
My sweetiepies
Breakfast with the old dutch!

Hitting the busy streets in Sloan Square... can you see the excitement!!!
The dude that managed to scare Ruby!
Mexican lunch @ Wahaca- delicious!!!
One of my fave rings <3
The 2 troublemakers... don't be fooled by the dimples !!!

Avec amour
edF ❥