Thursday, 27 January 2011

Greenhouse effect Regime-Real Queens

Word on the street is the new way forward is via the Real Queens regime a.k.a Greenhouse effect.

Before you watch the video, I think this is a fantastic method to try and include in your regime. I've just started to incorporate it and can happily say my hair is super soft...like for real for real!



Here's a breakdown of the 'Greenhouse effect' as stated on the 'Real Queens Regime' site


'GREEN HOUSE EFFECT
  • On damp or dry hair apply a generous amount of JBCO or EVOO throughout your hair (or how ever much you can tolerate) making sure to coat the ends in the oil to create a protective barrier against pollution, fabrics, dryness ect.
  • This regimen works well with various protective hairstyles such as bantu knot outs and braid outs, so once you’ve oiled your hair you can prep it accordingly depending on how you plan to style it the next day.
  • Place shower cap or plastic bag over your hair to lock in the moisture from your scalps natural oils and heat from your head. This creates a green house, steam effect during your sleep which is the best time for your hair growth in this case.
  • Place a head tie/scarf over your head & shower cap making sure that it’s nice and snug; for best results also wear a winter hat over your scarf to help produce more heat.
    In the morning you may find that your hair is a bit damp from the moisture the steam effect created.
  • You can either blow dry it on cool setting, let it air dry a bit (about 15 mins) before styling, or go ahead and style it while it’s still damp and let it dry as the day progresses.
* if you don't really care for the JBCO smell, you should definitely try the Shea Oil with Mango & Papaya it will make your hair smell amazing or you can simply use EVOO from your local grocery store, it's much cheaper!'


WHAT'S THE POINT, WHAT DOES IT DO?
The whole point of the entire Real Queens Regimen is to eliminate the process of using hair products that contain chemicals and start using the natural things that God created to help grow your hair…as you can see from my progress pictures, the green house effect helps to promote hair growth by creating a natural warm steamy environment that enables the natural oils from your scalp to come out and help your hair grow...it's also great for dryness because of all the moisture produced
 
ISN'T THE GREEN HOUSE EFFECT JUST BAGGYING?
Baggying involves using a moisturizer (which contains chemicals) and a plastic cap to help retain moisture and hydrate your hair. The green house effect is mainly to help promote hair growth in a natural way as well as restore moisture.

CAN I USE A BONNET INSTEAD OF A HEAD WRAP/SCARF?
The whole point of tying your head after putting on the plastic cap is to trap the heat that your head produces to create that "green house effect". I don't sweat very easily so I find that for me I get the best results when I tie my head with my scarf then I put on my warm hat, but you can do whatever works for you. someone mentioned that they use their satin bonnet then they put their beanie (hat) over it, and that worked for them. The main goal is to get your head to sweat a little, and you'll know if you did it right if you wake up in the morning and take the plastic cap off and see little drops of water in it and your hair is a little damp
 
DO YOU HAVE TO WASH THE OIL OUT?
no, you don't...the point is to not wash out the oil. It's not like a hot oil treatment where it needs to be rinsed out. simply style your hair as usual and repeat the green house effect as often as possible.
 
DO YOU HAVE TO REAPLY THE OIL EVERY TIME?
It depends, some peoples hair absorbs oil more then others. I find that sometimes (when i do the regimen every night) my hair still has a good amount of oil in it from the previous night so i don't need to reaply and i just skip the oil and put the shower cap on and tie my head.
 
DO YOU PUT ANYTHING ON YOUR SCALP?
No. The green house effect causes your scalps natural oils to come out so you want these natural oils that God created to do the job. There's no need to oil your scalp directly just put the evoo on your hair
 
DO YOU STILL MOISTURIZE AND SEAL?
because i only use natural products in my hair I moisturize with water and seal with evoo
 
CONCERNED WITH MY HAIR BEING DAMP IN THE MORNING...
your hair won't be WET just a little damp because of the moisture...when you apply a moisturizer in your hair the key ingredient is water so your hair feels a little moist...same concept...your hair will feel moist. I use water when doing the green house effect because i prefer it that way so my hair usually air dries in 15 minutes. you don't have to use water though that way your hair won't be as damp when you take the cap off.



let me know what you think...will you be trying this?

Regimen Building

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It's still the start of the year and i know many of you want to create really good hair regimens that you can stick to. I have a previous post on regimes for newbies but its a bit premature so here's the new one :)

First things first i present my idea of a basic regimen...

1. Pre poo (a.k.a treatment pre shampooing)
2. Shampoo or co/wash (alternate...try to shampoo when hair has build up, otherwise co wash)
3. Deep condition (always)

Dry hair with cloth

4. Leave-in conditioner
5. Heat protectant ( if about to blowdry or rollerset) then finally...
5. Scalp nourishment (e.g Castor oil)
6. M n S (moisturize and seal)

However... in the i want thick or long hair quick world...much more commitment is required. So in addition to your basic hair regime here are a few things that i believe enhance your hair journey if done properly and consistently. I present the 'promoters'!

*Green House effect method- NEW!-next blog post

I'm sure your wondering how in the world it's really realistic to apply all of these to your regime... hair care shouldn't be strenuous right.?!..

Personally it depends on commitment. Looking after my hair makes me happy therefore i see it more as a step rather than hindrance. I never beat myself up or forcefully apply each of the so called 'promoters'. The easiest way to approach a basic regime as well as add the 'promoters' is to create a fixed plan...lol regime i guess!

Here's some insight into how your girl does it...

(i've broken it down into 4 weeks because my 2011 hair regime as you know, is broken down into 4 weeks)...but as i was saying...

Week 1
* During week 1 of my hair regime i make sure i baggy my hair at least twice in that week. 
* 2/3 times in the week i apply the 'Castor oil challenge mix' and massage it into my scalp. 
- Therefore i have already done 3 things on the 'promoter' list in that week, as well as following my basic regime!

Week 2
* 2/3 times in the week i apply the 'Castor oil challenge mix' and massage it into my scalp. 
* On my wash day I do an 'Ayurvedic deep condition' which i would say is also a hot oil treatment (due to the mix i create!) 
* Use Greenhouse effect method every other day, otherwise M 'n' S.
- Therefore again i have already done 3 things on the 'promoter' list as well as my basic regime!

Week 3 is the same as week 1 and week 4 the same as week 2

x edF

Ayurvedic Hair Treat


source
Ayurvedic hair regimes have been around for many many years. Native to India, Ayurvedic products are used religiously and renown for the evident role they play in boosting long, thick and voluptuous hair. Ayurveda consists of the use of herbs and products which are silicone/preservative/synthetic ingredient and sulphate free! Can you say "Hair friendly...any LOUDER!"


Ayurveda has been known to prevent and/or cure hair conditions such as Alopecia 

So... how to include Ayurveda into your regime?

Well... for one Ayurvedic treatments can be approached from two different angles. They can be very simple or as complex as you can imagine. There are many ingredients that fall under the Ayurveda category so picking what to use is usually a challenge.

Here is a list of a few Ayurvedic products (many of which can be found in a local indian supermarket or grocery store):


Amla:- Stimulates hair growth, has wonderful conditioning properties, strengthens hair at the roots. One of its main ingredients are squeezed gooseberries.


Vatika Oil:- Vatika Oil contains Coconut Oil and an infusion of Ayurvedic Herbs, namely: Neem, Brahmi, Amla, Lemon. I purchased this oil 6 months ago and it is a keeper. It makes my hair very soft.

Henna:- this is a very famous Ayurvedic product and is great if used as a protein treatment.

Neem:- is known to to be a key ingredient in treating hair problems. Its  antibacterial properties help to sooth the scalp and encourage sebum production.

Brahmi:- helps relieve dandruff and strengthens hair at the roots


Bhringraj:- treats hair loss, early graying and can also be used as a conditioner


Methi (Fenugreek):- prevents hair loss, promotes hair growth, helps strengthen hair shaft, light protein


Hibiscus:- conditions hair, promotes healthy hair growth, prevents hair loss, thickens hair


Here is how I incorporate Ayurveda into my hair regime.


x edF

Ayurvedic Deep Condition

source
In my previous post i mentioned Ayurvedic hair treatment benefits, and the fact that I incorporate Ayurveda into my regime every 2nd week of the month a.k.a week 2 of my regime (as seen in my 2011 Hair Regime).

Because of time I use a very simple mix which doesn't include as many ingredients as those on the list in the initial 'Ayurvedic Product list'

AYURVEDIC DEEP CONDITION

Ingredients: Pure coconut oil, vatika oil, neem powder, shea butter (not on the Ayurvedic list but good for hair softening).


Method:
1- Pre-poo overnight with 100% coconut oil under shower cap.
2- After main wash commence to Deep condition
3- Mix shea butter, vatika oil, neem powder and pure coconut oil ( warm slightly to melt if hard)
4- Apply all over hair and then cover with shower cap.
5- Just shower cap- leave for 1 or 2 hours/ under dryer- leave for 20/30 mins (low heat)


Results:
I did this just last week and it made my hair very soft and full of moisture. It's also probably the reason why my hair turned out so well for P1 of the 'Shampoo then what series'.


x edF

Monday, 24 January 2011

JBCO Purchase

Bonne soir,

I've been getting some e-mails about where to get JBCO (Jamaican Black Castor oil), which according to reviews is better than normal 'Castor oil' due to reasons regarding packaging, ingredients etc. So if u haven't started the Castor oil challenge already and would like to make a non- product junkie or product junkie investment... here's the site, especially for folk in Europe.

I've just ordered myself a bottle and will use this in my next Castor oil challenge mix.
Off to Marrakech for a week...can't wait to get back and tell you about my adventures!




x edF

Sunday, 23 January 2011

Series: Shampoo Then What? Airdry

Hey guys,

hope your day was great. There's a reason why your all alive today.... your special seriously :)

One of my biggest struggles at the beginning of my hair journey was what to do with my hair after washing. Would i Blowdry? Airdry? Rollerset? Blowdry and straighten? Airdry and straighten, do a Braidout? Twist-out? Pin-Curl? Do a Bantu-knot out? It was a headache trying to figure out which to do. 

I figured you might also find it quite frustrating, especially if your really trying a new regime...so hopefully this series will help! I'll be doing adding to the series every so often with pictures of how i do each technique.

Just fyi here's my personal manipulation list. 1 being the least manipulative after shampoo procedure and 9 being the most manipulative ( it does also depend on how u handle your hair).

1. Airdry
(2-5 are very similar and so the boundary between each is extremely thin)
2. Pin curl
3. Bantu knot out
4. Twist out
5. Braid out
6. Rollerset
7. Blowdry (on cool air or very low heat)
8. Air dry then straighten
9. Blowdry then straighten
***

Series: Shampoo Then What....AIRDRY!!!


To achieve this look...

(1)
Pics from top left to right, 2nd row also left to right.

1. Section hair and then use dime size amount of leave in conditioner
2. Apply leave in from top to bottom of sectioned hair
3. Use dime size amount of coconut oil
4. Work coconut oil through hair
5. Use soft bristle brush to smoothen out edges and top of hair
 (2)
1 and 2. Results after using soft bristle brush
3. Create parting in desired place
4. Use wide tooth comb to comb into desired style. Then secure loosely with hair band and use soft bristle brush to smoothen out hair.
5. Use head scarf to flatten hair thus reducing puffiness. Leave ponytail out for faster drying.
6. Hair results. Ponytail changed into bun.

x edF

One year length comparison pics 09/10

In the midst of setting up my hair journey video i totally forgot to also post my one year comparison pics...so for those who haven't seen the video...here they are...


Nov 09 - Nov 10
x eau de Fiona

Thursday, 20 January 2011

Review: VO5 Moisture milks

Some of you may remember me changing my conditioner in my new 2011 regime. Instead of Herbal essences 'Hello Hydration' i now use VO5 Moisture milks namely: Strawberries and Cream.

I have nothing against Hello Hydration- i still love it but i felt like a change and had heard so much about the VO5 Moisture milks range. Hence the reason why I was very excited when i found it in a local hair shop @ home.


Pros:

*It has a great smell, as i'm sure you'd expect from strawbs 'n' cream
* It claims to give smooth and soft hair and lived up to those claims
* It's not expensive at all - well at least not from where i bought it  (Thornton Heath 'Julia's' for anyone that lives in that area) when i say 99p u say wow...99p...wow!
* It serves well as both a pre poo conditioner and of course co wash conditioner.

Cons:
* It has quite a runny consistency therefore if your like me (my hair has to be the colour of the conditioner! a.k.a i'm conditioner squirt friendly!) you'll have to try not to use too much.

SO..that's that. Please remember products work differently for everyone..what i love... u may really not like :)

x edF

Dewy Glow

I've really cut down on the amount of time i spend on youtube these days but this is a video I have in my bookmarks tab for a rainy day...

I really like what she"s done and i feel like she hasn't overcaked at all...so have fun like i did experimenting!

Glow glow glow...



x edF

Diary of a Tress Lover: Tokunbo


Nov 2009 I wasn't the only one that started my hair journey... my sister and girl Toks jumped on the band wagon too and we've kept at it hard for just over a year.

Now growing up my girl Toxs already had long 'n' full hair, but here 'n' there we both grew up, mum found better things to do than our hair, and voila we begin getting friendly with heat and our hair simply needed help. Ya dig!!!

Through her journey T rocked braids quite a lot because her hair loves them... now a year later she embarked on a Jamaican Black Castor Oil challenge.

Jamaican Black Castor oil is very popular brand in the U.S that has shown results all over the gaff... i've yet to purchase a bottle but once my 250ml bottle is done (God knows when that'll be!) I'll order that sometime too!

So...back to the point. Here's a pic of her progress :)


x edF

LYT Give---away!


sorry bout the pic quality!
Today is a good day, as is just about every other in the blog hemisphere. But today i'm especially grateful. 'LYT found its way into the UK 'Black Hair' magazine Feb/March edition. the biggest thank you to Yemisi Adedipe ('Black Hair' journalist) for appreciating the blog and passing it forward. 


Guys I really do appreciate all of you that read the blog, have told friends about it, tweeted it etc etc, your support has been serious! 
Soooo... as well as the mag release and also achieving another goal with regards to page views.... i thought what better than to introduce...


***The first product giveaway***

its quite simple... up for grabs are...

1.Your own custom made100ml castor oil challenge mix
2. ORS Replenishing pak sample bottles
3. Small tub of 100% coconut oil

All you have to do is answer the question below.

'What does your hair say about who you are?

***
in order to take part you need to 
* reside in Europe/USA/Canada 
* Be subscribed (Blog bar on the right that says 'follow' )
(this is only so that the winner can be messaged directly)


***

Giveaway ends on Sunday 30th January 2011, and the winner will be announced the following day)

x edF

Wednesday, 19 January 2011

E-mail issues

Hey lovelies,


just a quickie to say sorry for late e-mail responses. I'm with google apps and notifications weren't being sent to my personal inbox, so i'm just seeing some of your e-mails now. Im getting right on it so should have all emails answered by Friday


x edF 

Monday, 17 January 2011

Where are the Hairlista Sistah's...

Months back when I first started this blog, one of my first posts was r inspirational hair carers. Basically a post showing the amazing hair journeys of a few ladies from a hair network that I am a member of...

Hairlista.com
Here's the link for anyone who hasn't already seen the pictures from the previous post. Forgive the amateur post format! I was warming up!

http://www.loveyourtresses.com/2010/05/happy-gd-friday.html

Anyway this is an update of two of my fave hair carers ... still as inspirational if not more.

Bronzeg

2007- 2008

2008- 2011


Justherz

2009

2011

and now she has decided to go natural! I'm so excited for her...check out her blog with google translate for backup.

had a big cut to prepare for her transition to natural hair.

x edF

Thicken that hair

source: blackisthecolor- tumblr
A friend sent a message addressing a very common issue... gorgeous healthy 'looking' hair but fine, thin and in need of thickness. This is very common with relaxed hair. We  relaxer results and tend to straighten our hair in order to hush down the good ol' re-growth, not really realising how much damage it does. Hmm...

There are a million and one growth aids promising to make your hair all great and thick but attached to may are big boy $$$ signs. Before even considering products you have to work first with your hair alone.


Text preview

1) How often do you relax your hair? Yes the relaxer box may say 6-8 weeks. o you stick to the easy 6 or wait till 8? Whats more have u stretched your relaxer a week or 2 longer? Maybe your hair doesnt need the retouch as often as you think.


2) Straightening your hair plays a major role in how thick your hair is. Heat damage makes our hair more susceptible to breakage which means if my strands break off usuakly midway, you"ll definitely have thinner hair and/or even split ends. When your ends split and work up your hair shaft, that strand of hair becomes thinner... Its like a science subject at school right!


3) Maybe you just have thin hair! If you've always had thin hair, then its best to take on board healthy hair care but not feel so down about your hair situation. Healthy hair doesnt have to be mega thick.

How to solve hair damage woes

1) Stretch no less than 8 weeks.
2) Give airdrying a try (see other posts on airdrying), that way your hair experiences no heat damage.
3) If airdrying doesn't work for you try a rollerset, indirect damage is better than direct damage.

Old pic - I rollerset with hairbands so that my hair would lay flat. Now i do it without bands because i prefer the thick look.

4) If you can work with the texture of your hair after blow drying, do that instead of straightening.
5) Deep condition whenever you wash ( if washing once or twice a week), this supports healthy and stronger strands that can deal with damage much better.
6) Detangle in the shower. This way you don't drag too much hair as compared to detangling wet hair out of the shower.
7) Finally if you must straighten your hair please use heat protectant and straighten the section of hair once or twice max.


Finally natural hair thickening products


CASTOR OIL

I only list this, because this is what i know and can definitely swear by! During my one year hair journey i used this consistently and my hair definitely became thicker. Apply this 2wice weekly and massage your scalp afterwards.

Also join the castor oil challenge... hopefully like me you'll get results.

Thursday, 13 January 2011

3 hours 14 minutes later...

I just had to post these pics...my hands hurt but i've achieved some teen weeny braids!!!! Whoop whoop! The plan was to wait till the weekend but as soon as I got in from work...my hands got twisting...oh my bad i guess that makes them teeny weeny twists...hmm same thing.


It's taken me a good 20 minutes to even try and get used to them... hopefully i start to like them! The last time i had braids/twists was 2.5 years ago! They make me feel extra young....hmm. p.s they are extra neat although the camera didn't feel like showing that!!!


Anyway i guess time will tell what happens to them! How long i keep them...how i wash with them in...


It'll be interesting!


Sweet dreams...



 just 2 show u how thin the twists are...


x edF



Wednesday, 12 January 2011

Upcoming posts!

Juicy info:

Decided to add a monthly post...'Upcoming posts'... I figure it'll be nice to let you know whats coming blog wise and at the same time it motivates me to makesure I work towards my word :p

So voila...


January 2011

Ayurvedic hair regime
Different regime types
Skincare: the desired Dew
VO5 Moisture milks review
Chi silk infusion review
Nexxus Humectress review
( awaiting these orders since Dec- can u imagine!)
etc...


My Weave/braid days

I've never been one to wear braids but I most definitely made the weave industry rich... just a few pics of moi rocking weaves/ braids!
Prom! I miss college!
Me n my Shawty a.k.a big sis x
Photoshoot with the one and only...ghanian princess!

NO i dont have kids! Not yet anyway!

love from Leeds...
BBQ Co- D...best team on the grill!


... i guess you can say i have a thing for curly/ wavy hair!


x edF


Protective styling: Teeny weeny twists

Came across a new (well new to me!) blog today, and it's actually inspired me to take a step out of my comfort zone and try something new protective style-wise!

Its a treat for both natural and relaxed/ texlaxed hair and means reduced manipulation. Especially great for braid loving fans. I guess in a way its like having extensions but with your own hair, no brushing combing, easy washing and if successful length retention.




Natural hair holds braids/twists better whereas the smoother strands on relaxed hair cause free ended twists/plaits to unravel. A good idea would be to use some bendy rollers on the end of your hair. Of course this is also great for natural hair too...


mmm...cute!

check out her blog... loads of great hair tips


x edF