Ho ho ho...

Hey y'all.

What can i say i havent blogged in yonks...I feel useless! However Nigeria has me in love... i only got access to the net today...I've barely been indoors so please forgive moi! Not sure when I'll get this opp again so i'm wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year....and I cant wait to get back to blogging in 2011

x naija kisses

Christmas Wishlist

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

more neck accessories

Prints...i've been told i don't have enough! 

some hot leopard heels

more african prints...nigeria here i come!!!

to wear a few more braid/twist outs in the new year!

sources {a,b,c,d,e}

Hot comb vs Straighteners

Which do you prefer???

sources

I've been reading quite a few debates on a few hair forums, and lets just say some women get quite mean and argumentative when the hot comb vs straighteners topic comes to light!

Like it or not... there simply is no right answer as to which is better. Each hot comb and pair of straighteners are different and most importantly so is our hair.

I only ever recall using a hot comb in my hair at the hairdressers and i've always been quite scared of them. I definitely wouldn't use them for myself at home because of fear of burning my hair and self! But this doesn't necessarily mean they are bad... in fact those who prefer them would argue that they are better than straighteners because you can control their temperature. I definitely agree, but then this only holds true in a case where one has non adjustable heat settings on their straighteners e.g previous me and my GHDS! Hence the reason why i've purchased my 2nd pair with a low, medium and high heat setting option.

Now these new straighteners...hot dang i think i've found my Clyde. Tested out on a strand and me likey!

When i do use them properly (end of this week!) I intend on using the low setting. A friend thinks this may be too low, but my days of thin hair are over so if they don't straighten as much i'm not so worried as long as my hair is straight enough! I guess those who like über straight/ no volume hair would just use the high temp setting.

Conclusion: I've not had much experience with hot combs but i do prefer straighteners, i've used them for years and my hair has survived and should ideally do even better now with selective heat temps. All in all less heat is happier hair so keep it on the DL.

Choice is yours...

x edF x

Scalp Massages

fusion models

Another post on massages! What is the addicition you ask?! I'm a feind for them honestly. Got a new thai massage place 'Bua Siam' for anyone living in Munich (i wish!) It's my new fortnightly hot spot. In fact no lie i've been spending too many dollar dollar bills there, perhaps i should consider shares... 

But yes if you've been for a good old massage you'll know how amazing they can be at easing and relaxing your muscles plus unblocking those stress nerves. I took a friend when she visited and she feel asleep during the massage! For those who don't know... thai massages aren't easing going...how do you sleep when someone stands on your back!!! Anyway point is massages are great and work just aswell for your scalp. I know i go on and on about it, but they really are fab!

Research has it that those who have more massages/visits etc are less prone to stress related health issues/ illnesses. 

So once a week/ whenever you oil your scalp/ before studying and even just to give yourself a quick treat ...massage your head with a fair amount of pressure in a circular motion. This increases blood circulation to your scalp and works a treat at night before bed. If your lucky..a.k.a you got it like that, get gsomeone to do it for you- its sooooo much better.

Here's some info I found on scalp massage benefits

• It provides deep relaxation to the head and scalp which allows blood circulation to flow more easily to the hair roots.

• Improved circulation, which results from scalp massage, provides hair roots with nourishment to help trigger hair growth.  Why? When the scalp or head it constricted or tight due to stress and tension, it blocks adequate blood flow to the hair roots.

• When scalp massage is repeated on a regular basis, it will help to actually strengthen the roots of the hair which will help hair growth.

• When a good moisturizing oil like jojoba is used as the base, it can help add moisture and conditioning to the scalp and the hair enhancing natural textures and making it move vibrant.

• Moisturized hair is less likely to split and break, which is a wonderful benefit of the oils used for scalp massage. 
• Scalp massage adds natural luster and shine to the hair.

• In some cases, scalp massage can relieve itchy scalps, prevent flaking and help with chronic dandruff.  Of course this is dependent on other factors but is a possible benefit.
• Regular scalp massage can help protect hair from environmental toxins and other weather conditions by helping to strengthen the follicles.

• It can help eliminate depression or other stressful or negative emotions.

• Scalp massage can also help alleviate chronic insomnia and provide restful sleep.

• In some cases, scalp massage can slow hair loss conditions. 

• The benefits of scalp massage also help provide a glow to the complexion of the face.

• Regular scalp massage has proven to help in some cases of chronic headaches or migraines.

source: http://www.hairboutique.com/tips/tip000425.htm

Ralph Waldo Emmerson: To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else, is the Greatest accomplishment

A brief thought...

'Looking back over the past year I have to say its been one of the best growth wise. I'm no longer so phased by things these days and that's because I've dropped a lot of baggage getting here. I've never been miss friends galore but i've also never been the person with 2 friends and everyone else is an acquaintance type of person. 

But honestly I made the decision to only have a few nearest and dearest who I knew I could really give myself to as a friend, i decided if i didn't want people to talk negatively about me i had to makesure i didnt do the same, and almost like magic alakazam...life became better. I can't remeber the last time i've heard that someone has had something awful to say about me, and if they have...psssh i ain't heard so hey!!!

The point is, I know where I want to be in the next 5 years, I really do..and there are somethings in life we have to drop in order to establish the 'me' that we dream of for the future. Everyone around me is great, and thats not because social situations permit me to meet them, its because i allow myself to be in the midst of great people. It's just automatic now! Thank God.

A very wise man at church spoke about decluttering your home. A clutter free home is essential for a happy family. De-clutter your life and see how happy it makes you.

2011 is a few doors away. Open it knowing that greatness is yours if you have the right key ! Leave old baggage/fears behind and be ready for your 2011 story, cos I know I am'

Peace 'n' Love

x edF x

p.s i love this artists work..what dyou think...fab right?!

sources

x edF

Baggying

Moisture is no.1 when it comes to healthy hair. Afro carribean hair lacks this especially due to its coarseness. However as with most things in life there is a way around dry and brittle hair...and baggying most definitely is a G when it comes to giving moisture highs! I also briefly mentioned it in a previous 'Length Retention' post.

What is bun baggy-ing/ baggying?

Baggying is when you moisturize your whole head of hair and then wear a shower cap and allow your hair to generate heat via your body heat. Bun baggy-ing is exactly the same except you only baggy your ponytail and then bun it and then use your shower cap etc.

I lurrrrveee baggying and did it at least once fortnightly when i started my hair journey. Since the start of my 2nd year hair journey I've started doing this once every week , especially because we all know mr weather man isn't very happy this time of the year.

Some people moisturize, seal and then baggy, but I moisturize, baggy and then seal so that my hair gets all the moisture it needs. I can always seal afterwards!

I prefer to use a Leave-in to baggy so it'll either be:

*Herbal Essences beautiful ends (LTR in the U.S)

*AtOne Botanical Hair and scalp leave in

or

*S Curl no drip 

Quick tips:
*Baggying does not mean you should over moisturize e.g use the whole bottle of S-curl! Too much moisture can also lead to breakage so please just moisturize as usual. Think dime size amounts per 1/4 section (4 partings).

*Do not baggy everyday. Once a week or once fortnightly should be okay. Your scalp and hair needs to breathe...stretch...shake...

Your hair should feel softer and look more moisturized after...let me know how it goes :)


Added Q i totally forgot to add (thanks anonymous!)

How long should u baggy?

Personally i baggy for around about an hour/2 hours. I don't baggy overnight because a lot of heat is produced when we sleep, and i wouldn't want to over heat my hair. Imagine what having a nightmare would do to you!!! I can't overheating/ warming would definitely occur so i guess its really a matter of trial and error!

x edF x

Hairstyling: Gel

I've never used hair gel...tell a lie I used to when i was 14 and thought i was a gangster supermodel...then knowledge came and taught me a few things! But really, ever since then i've been very much so against using hair gel. It usually makes your hair quite hard, leaves residue behind and can clog your pores. However earlier this year a friend introduced me to the Eco styler hair gel, which to my knowledge is widely used in America.

It's alcohol free and comes in various types including an olive oil based gel. I used some and it was as promised non flaking and didn't leave the sides of my hair hard.

There are many products used for finishing and styling which work in the same way as gel but aren't gel, however I still prefer to use something very close to home which is my leave in conditioner!

AtOne Hair and Scalp Treatment Leave-In Conditioner

So lets just say this is kind of a review!

I took these pics today to show you how good my leave-in conditioner is at taming all of those fly aways and giving a clean and slick finish. Unlike many leave-in conditioners, it is not a spray leave-in, in fact it has a lotion type consistency which I love, almost like the S curl no drip but a little thicker.

How i use it?
I squeeze a dime size amount into my hand and then apply the leave-in to the needed areas. I then use a soft bristle brush to style as wanted.
Then to finish i apply coconut oil on top of the leave-in and then wear a headscarf to enhance the finish.

Results:
Slick soft hair!

P.s it also contains Aloe vera :)

x edF x

100 Blog posts later

I've reached my 100th blog (this is 101!!!) It feels so good, especially knowing that I've not grown bored of it and that i still love to blog as much as I did when I started if not even more . Unlike other bloggers my goal wasn't to reach 100 and then do something fun e.g a giveaway! Instead I've got another goal and when i reach it...which is likely to be very soon! You will definitely know about it!

But on that note I just want to say thank you to everyone that reads the blog and those that comment and facebook me. Its nice to know the hair-love connection is mutual and it makes me very happy!

my love always x

Fi

p.s did u know if u celebrate a 100th year anniversary its called a centennial anniversary? I guess its my centennialth blog anniversary (so not a word!)

Diary of a mixtress: Castor oil challenge mix

Finally finished brewing the 'fingers crossed' mega successful castor oil et al hair challenge mix.

Ingredients: per 100 ml bottle
75ml 100% castor oil
10 ml 100% coconut oil
10ml 100% grapeseed oil
5ml (approx) essential oils

Essential oils: (with stimulating and anti inflammatory properties)
5 drops tea tree oil
5 drops lavendar oil
5 drops clary sage oil

So...let the journey begin

x edF x

My Kitchen: Mackerel Al Dente

I love fish...not the smell or cleaning it, but the taste. Before moving to Munich I could have sworn i hated mackerel...but now i somehow love it!!! Before you read on...let me just say do not be fooled by simplicity. 

'Sometimes the simple things in life are the most fruitful '

This meal tasted soooo good it even inspired me to have a mini dessert afterwards! Very few ingredients are needed, and just a note for those 'cough'.... including myself who use maggi in everything! ---> Sometimes salt does the job all by itself. E.g leave maggi out of it!

Cooking time: 25 mins including preparation


Ingredients:
2 medium sized tomatoes
1 large onion
1 tsp tomato puree
1 garlic glove
1 packet of boneless mackerel
Spaghetti
50% Rapeseed oil 50% Sunflower oil mix
Seasoning: salt, oregano, pepper, thyme, fish seasoning


Method:
1. Bring pot of  water to the boil
2. Dice/Slice onions, garlic and tomatoes
3. Drizzle cooking oil in a deep pan. Once heated add onions and allow to sauté (light brown) before adding garlic.
3. Add spaghetti to boiling water with sprinkle of salt and drop of oil to prevent spagheti sticking (medium heat)
4. Add 1tsp of puree to onion and garlic mix and stir with wooden spoon.
5. Use rubbing motion with fingers to crumble mackerel into pan. Then stir.
6. Season to taste! 
7. After 5 minutes add sliced/diced tomatoes to mackerel mix. Leave to simmer for 10 minutes.
8. Add cooked spaghetti to the mackerel sauce and leave on very low heat for 2 minutes to allow flavours to infuse!!!
9. Dinner is served!

And then there was dessert...

x edF x

New Goals: Castor Oil Challenge

source

I contemplated setting new hair goals in the new year, but i figured a date shouldn't determine or should i say defer progress from starting now right?

I went home for my 21st birthday earlier this month, and my big sis commented on the health of my hair and how it looked thicker...yadi da di da...BUT she did say it still looked thin... I was thinking... err mate are you wearing your contact lenses? But... i knew she was right...and as much as I hated to admit it I knew i still had major errands to run on getting thicker hair.

So here's a thought...everyone gives castor oil the big go ahead when it comes to hair growth and thickness...so how about a CASTOR OIL CHALLENGE?!!!

I usually nourish my scalp with oils twice a week after washing but not so much with castor oil because it gave me the itches and was very thick. According to research the itches are a result of your root follicles experiencing extreme stimulation! God knows how true that is, but if so many people have seen results I think its worth me pushing it. Plus when i say itches i mean the odd scratch here and there...nothing that would make me look like i was going cold turkey.

But yeah... i've also decided to add a few drops of tea tree oil for its anti-inflammatory properties and follicle stimulation properties.

However... it's not just the castor oil that will promote thick/healthy etc hair...its how you work with it. So as extra as this may seem... I will officially up until

MARCH 31st 2011

be oiling my scalp with this mix 3 times a week, and each time i will unfailingly massage my scalp briefly after using the oils.

Scalp massaging is so vital because it stimulates blood flow to your scalp which promotes healthy follicle growth.

Feel free to join me on this journey...I'm sure we'll have days we just cant be asked but trust me with effort, results can be seen!


Here is the link for the mix :)

Goals for 2nd year hair journey:  
Reach bra strap length fully
Thicker hair
Barely use direct heat

Q. Does anyone use GHD's to straighten their hair... I'm thinking of putting mine to the side and investing in straighteners with a heat thermostat that I can adjust...my GHD's are way too hot...hmmm


...sweet dreams 


x edF x

Blog update! Redberry appeal

No i havent updated the blog! Just a post... shout out to my girl :)

http://www.loveyourtresses.com/2010/10/redberry-appeal.html

Just added her pic to the archive...don't u just love it!

xedF x

The Joys of Detangling

source

I received a message about detangling so i thought i'd give a low down on all i know about this wonderful phenomenon..


When do you detangle?
I always always and almost only detangle in the shower..and only after deep conditioning, when i'm rinsing my DC out. 


The only exception i can think of, but haven't come across in a while is perhaps after some sort of funky hairstyle- when i need to get my hair back to its initial state. In this case I very carefully detangle with a wide tooth comb and detangling spray. I guess the latter would definitely apply to weave/braid wearers. Its so important to detangle carefully after taking braids or a weave out because this is when our hair is most fragile.


What do you use to detangle?
Always always a wide tooth comb- this is for both detangling in the shower and if i ever need to detangle on dry hair.


In special cases when my hair somehow finds itself knotted, twisted etc... i use both my wide tooth comb and 'Mane n Tail' hair detangler (gotta rate the big sis for finding this!...P.S- can be bought at almost any afro Caribbean or asian hair shop).

Any techniques used when detangling?
Though its not always easy to remember, its much better to detangle bottom up. This way you end up not dragging so much hair from your roots. Instead, working your way up frees your hair strands and helps prevent excess breakage. 


For braid and weave wearers the bottom up technique may prove a bit painful, especially because your scalp feels so sensitive...so hold onto your roots whilst you do this...a lil bit of support goes a long way :)


x edF x

Fashion and Beauty: My favourite skin scrub

source: FuckYeahCurlsCurls

This is without a doubt my favourite face scrub recipe. My skin feels so soft and supple after using the mix and what's more its made of 100% natural products, and is crazy simple too!
I've never been one to have baby bum skin, BUT i've never been an acne queen either! (Brush my shoulders off!).
I know for sure that my skin looks much healthy ever since i've started to use healthier skincare products...so join me if you will!


Ingredients:
Muscovado sugar
Honey


Ingredient benefits:
Muscovado sugar- sugar is a natural humectant and is abrasive enough to remove old skin cells without being harmful. The sugar grains act as great exfoliants and thus also prepare your skin for optimum results when applying your moisturizer.


Honey- Its natural antioxidant properties help to protect the skin from harmful sun rays and other harmful environmental factors. Honey has been related with minor acne treatment.


Directions:
1- Apply wet warm face towel to face in order to begin opening pores and add moisture to skin
2- Apply the sugar and honey mix unto your skin and rub in circular motion slowly and softly.
3- Use warm face towel to remove the scrub from your skin
4- Moisturize accordingly and feel that smoothness! Yummy!!!


x edF x

Fashion and Beauty: This Season iLove

This season i Love...

Unique jewellery

source

 D.I.Y Projects

Rustic colours

60's Inspired Hairstyles

sources

This Video!

Length Retention

Now that I've reached my hair length goal which was APL (ArmPitLength). Phase 2 is to get my hair even healthier but also to RETAIN me some more LENGTH!


When researching one of the most common issues with hair growers, it is.... retaining length. Err...but that sounds easy right! If anything don't cut your hair! I wish! Trust me split ends n knots beg it with your life when your hair is growing, especially if your still having a major crush with your hot comb or straighteners.


Three major steps that I have taken over the past year in order to retain length are:

1) Bun Baggy-ing:- moisturize the ends of your hair, then put your hair in a bun, then wear a small freezer bag over your bun. a.k.a baggy your bun. You can also baggy your whole head with a light shower cap. Personally i baggy during the day and not overnight when i sleep because i don't want frizzy ends caused but all of the heat generated whilst sleeping.

***

2) Buns- When you leave your hair down 24/7 you expose it and therefore are likely to have drier which as a result = brittle ( muhaha i'm gonna break) ends. I constantly wear my hair in a bun, in fact in the last 6 months my colleagues at work have seen my hair down 2wice! N before u think it, buns do NOT mean boring! U can work with your fringe and partings and look hella hella fly!

***

3) Trimming- I won't lie at the beginning of my hair journey split ends looked normal to me, I couldn't dream of my hair getTing any shorter. However a few youtube videos later, which taught me the art of D.I.Y and no longer have to face to mean aunties in the hairdressers- CHOP CHOP CHOP, I decided it really wasn't all that bad. In fact i kinda got scissor happy...every split end HAD to go!

Moral of the story...split ends ride up your hair shaft which means they can potentially make your hair shorter! So... let go !

***

x edF x

Hair Growth: Essential Oils

Source

I'm sure most of you know that oils are absolute life savers when it comes to scalp nourishment and also the famous moisturise and seal phenomenon. Oils offer a range of uses: antiseptic properties, antibacterial, sealing properties and of course a favourite, they are GREAT for hair growth!

Oils are homeboys in my hair journey. I know for a fact that they played a large role in healthier hair after one year of my hair journey.

Oils, namely essential oils, have been said to lengthen our hairs anagen phase. Anagen phase being the phase in our hair growth cycle in which our hair follicles actively grow. So....without going out of your way to buy a load of expensive products containing oils, you can simply pay a trip to a local Holland and Barretts (for y'all english folk!) or a local health store, and get a few oils which you can add to your already loved hair products or carrier oils.

Ways to incorporate oils into your hair regime:

* Add a few drops (2/3) to a squirt/dollop of shampoo and conditioner

* Add 2/3 drops to your hot oil treatment (if you don't do these... you should!)

* Add 2/3 drops to your scalp oil and massage your head- I do this on a daily BA-SIS.

Quick info:

 Carrier oils and essential oils are very different.

Carrier oils are oils such as coconut oil, canola oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, olive oil etc. They usually can also be used for cooking and don't have a very strong odour. Whereas essential oils should not be used in excess, only a few drops are needed to add to carrier oils ( never use essential oils alone- they are way too strong!) Plus essential oils usually have very strong odours. E.g Pure tea tree oil, Pure peppermint oil, pure Rosemary oil etc.

Here are a few oils specifically great for hair growth:

* Rosemary oil

*Clary sage oil

*Tea tree oil

*Peppermint oil

*Lavendar oil

*Bay leaf oil

1 Year Hair Journey

Good morning!!!!

Happy birthday to me!!! Twinny, Carol and Pippa!

I really do thank God for my life and everything He has given me, though I don't deserve it. Thank you so much for all the Facebook and Twitter messages and phone calls. Its made my day :)  To celebrate I've finally got my first video blog a.k.a Vlog time!!!

Enjoy

x edF x

P.S: Finally reached ArmPitLength