[Haircare] Calling All Scalp Oil Users: Oil Is Not A Dry Scalp Solution!

On my last two trips to the hair salon and after a recent encounter with a Philip Kingsley spokesperson, it's become apparent that oiling the scalp seems to be more popular in the hairsphere than professional hair stylists think it should be.

Besides the childhood Blue Magic & Dax days #IKnowYouHadThemToo, I have never used anything but oils on my scalp. It's just standard practice... dry scalp, freshly washed scalp, want hair growth - throw on some scalp oil et voila! But the face analogy to follow had me question the scalp oiling phenomenon...
Most people use oil on their scalp for two reasons, to combat dryness and also for growth. On the dryness front, whilst oils can help soothe itching and flaking they most certainly should not be used solely as a dry scalp solution.

F A C E   A N A L O G Y Let's imagine you smother your freshly washed face with oil and re-apply the oil to your face every other day for a week without washing it. Yes the dryness may have disappeared and you have that #NiaLongGlow, but essentially all you've done is mask the dryness, clog your pores, encourage spots and the root cause of dryness remains unknown! #NoMoreNia
There are many pros of using scalp oils in your regimen no doubt about it! However using oils on your scalp when experiencing dryness can also have its downsides:
-  It can worsen scalp conditions such as dandruff -

- It may mask more serious scalp conditions -

- Can increase itching due to build up & thus cause hair loss -

D R Y   S C A L P   S O L U T I O N - Increasing your H2O intake -  - Check your diet, are you missing any vital nutrients/vitamins - - Consider visiting your GP/ A Trichologist - - Avoid Dandruff Shampoos -  - Consider more frequent hair washing - 
So in closing, I'm still a super frequent scalp oil user, however oiling the scalp should work hand in hand with washing the scalp/hair. If you are a frequent oiler then you should also be a more frequent washer! My biggest find after many years of suffering from a dry and flaky scalp, was that my hair craved to be washed more frequently and couldn't hack my days or even weeks of daily oil on scalp slobbering without a touch of water to quench its thirst!
Some over the counter Scalp Care treatments

- Philip Kingsley Scalp Tonic -
- Teresa Angelina Peppermint Conditioning Mask -
- Jane Carter Scalp Renew -

Avec amour...

Fiona Facebook ❥ Youtube ❥ Twitter ❥ Tumblr ❥ Pinterest

Kitchen Chronicles: Ultimate Haute Chocolate

I don't know about you but I am a huge fan of comfort foods and indulgence during these cold winter months. I'm huge on indoor snuggling, movies under my sheets and hot cups of something pretty, which is where this sexy cup of chocolateness comes into play!

I decided to bail on the traditional powdered sachet of hot chocolate and went for something homemade and authentic, also known as a bar of Swiss milk chocolate, cinnamon bark steeped in milk, a touch of vanilla essence with cream on top, sprinkled with cinnamon dust!

Looks like you know the ingredients already! Honestly you have to try this, especially if you're a chocolate lover - the deliciousness is dangerous...

Enjoy!!!

INGREDIENTS

6 milk chocolate bar pieces [any type of milk chocolate is fine!]
Glass of Milk
1 Cinnamon bark stick
Cinnamon spice
1/2 capful of Vanilla Extract
Whipped Cream

Method: Heat milk in saucepan until hot, then remove from stove and add cinnamon bark and let steep in milk for 10-15 minutes. [The longer the more potent the cinnamon taste]

After 10-15 minutes remove cinnamon using small sieve. Then place milk back on stove and add chocolate cubes stirring the milk slowly until chocolatey. Then add 1/2 capful of Vanilla Extract.

Pour your saucepan of yumminess into a latte glass or mug and top with whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon spice... et voila! Heaven in a cup!!!

For my mint chocolate lovers, O yes I went there and yes it was delicious! All you need is to replace the cinnamon with mint leaves!!
Avec amour… Fiona

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Newly Natural | A Curly Fro with Twist 'n' Curl Perm Rod Set [Video Tutorial]

Happy Monday Loves!
Just returned from a trip to Portugal to see some family and as soon as I got off the plane I was itching to get home and post this!
No joke folks this is my go to hair style, I'm definitely looking for another style because sleeping in perm rods really isn't cute or most importantly comfortable!!! But hey I love it and when a girl loves something there's no turning back!
Hope you enjoy! [P.s don't forget to watch in HD!]

Avec amour…   Fiona
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THE SUPER SCALP TONIC

Following on from my 'New Year, New Hair & Time For Success' post you'll know it's going to be a serious year in hair on the blog, and my soft spot for hair care mixes and D.I.Y has taken a step up the ladder!
 I'm all steam ahead on the scalp care front this year as I believe this is where the real magic happens. I had been researching top oils since last year December in order to throw together a super oil that would stimulate, condition, nourish, fortify, and all in all enhance the health of my hair, as well as its quality and appearance.
Here are the ingredients as well as benefits of my new fave wonder oil, I'm honestly sold on this - check it out for yourself!

INGREDIENTS
Infused Hemp Seed Oil* 30ml Jamaican Black Castor Oil 30ml Argan Oil 10ml Coconut Oil 10ml Meadowfoam Oil 10ml Neem Oil 10ml
Essential Oils  Lavender 10 drops Bergamot 5 drops Pimento 5 drops Bay leaf 5 drops Camphor 5 drops
*Oat Straw * Horsetail Powder * Rosemary
Method: I simply infused a tablespoon of Oat Straw, Horsetail Powder and Rosemary in Hemp Seed oil. I left the oil in a dark cupboard for 3 days and then sieved the ingredients out of the oil. I then measured the oils out into a bottle and voila!

BENEFITS

Hemp Seed Oil  Contains anti-oxidants, protein [which strengthens] as well as a number of minerals including calcium, magnesium, sulphur, potassium, iron, zinc and phosphorus. Also contains twenty known amino acids e.g A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, D and E [*]
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil Coconut oil contains large amounts of triglycerides, proteins, antioxidants and vitamin E. It is also anti-bacterial and due to its ability to penetrate the hair shaft it is also esteemed for protecting hair from hygral fatigue [*]
Argan Oil High in vitamin E and antioxidants, strengthens hair and contains high amounts of omega 3 and omega 9.
Castor Oil Used as treatment for hair thinning and hair loss, antibacterial, emollient, prevents dry scalp, used to promote new growth thickness.
Meadow Foam Oil Moisturising, extremely stable, and capable of adhering and staying on the skin. It is one of the most stable oils and will extend the shelf life of less stable ingredients. When applied to the skin it forms a moisture barrier and will assist in preventing moisture loss. 
Neem Oil Acts as an antibacterial powder which is widely used to cure or control dandruff, relieves dry skin, soothes itchiness.
Horsetail Powder  Contains silica which plays a vital role in the formation of keratin. Keratin helps form the collagen in skin and helps to strengthen hair. It also keeps hair looking smooth and shiny. The potassium, manganese and selenium may also encourage hair growth.
Oat Straw High in silica, emollient qualities that can benefit your hair health. Used to fortify hair and reduce hair loss.
Rosemary Stimulates hair growth, disinfects scalp.
 Lavender Stimulates hair growth, helps relieve itching and helps with dandruff
Pimento Stimulating, antiseptic, refreshing and cooling properties
Bergamot
Antiseptic, reduces hair loss, stimulates hair growth
Bay leaf A reputation for good hair and scalp tonic, stimulating growth and easing dandruff. Used in bruise remedies and to sooth inflammation.
Camphor
Used therapeutically to control thinning hair and also stimulate blood flow to the scalp thus encouraging hair growth
*** Just in case you're wondering, I purchased my oils from 3 suppliers: SheaButterCottage , NaturallyThinking and Baldwins ***

Avec amour… Fiona
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5 January articles… [First of 2014]

It's been a hot second since I last did one of these so I decided it was high time I brought them back! Whilst the blog is mainly hair hair hair, every girl is allowed to like shoes, clothes and other randoms right?!

Enjoy! Here are some of my faves for the month...

Zara… need I say anymore!

New products to review from Earth Science, I heard great things from Pelumi of Care For Your Hair so a review is well on its way!

My daily must have… Kiwis, berries, pears and grapes… Delicious!

A year of whites and creams! New bedding gets me so excited! Am I the only one? 

Featuring alongside my other beautiful sisters in this months Black Beauty & Hair magazine… go get yours!!!

Avec amour…  Fiona

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New Year, New Hair & Time For Success

An official Happy 2014 my loves!

I feel like this post should have gone up on the 1st of Jan but with new goals, getting back into the swing of things at work etc etc I figured I'd save it for a day when I could 100% chill out, zone in and talk to you!

My excitement for this year is beyond what words can describe, I've crowned it a year of self growth and challenging myself to make my aspirations come to life and that starts with right here on the blog. My posting days reduced by more than 50% when I stopped university and started the world of work. At first I was satisfied with the 'I've started a new job,  I have to focus on my career' excuse because well... it was valid!  HOWEVER it has now been well over a year and I no longer take that as an excuse, I've had more than enough time to get acquainted with my work-life balance so it's time to start acting like it! 

So this means many many more posts in 2014, hair care tips, tutorials, new series, hair styling, videos, lifestyle and food... the works!

It's easy to say it all so here is a more in depth list of what 2014 has to offer from LYT.

BLOG TOPICS/ CATEGORIES

DIY PROJECTS
PRODUCT REVIEWS
BEST OF THE BEST SERIES
5 ARTICLES SERIES
MAKING YOUR OWN SERIES
READER QUESTIONS
KITCHEN CHRONICLES
QUICK FIX


MY PERSONAL & HAIR JOURNEY

EXPERIMENTING WITH COLOUR
NO DIRECT HEAT
EXERCISE 
NUTRITION
HAIR CARE FOR KIDS ft Younger Sister

and much more!

If there is anything you'd like to see then let me know you're just a comment away!

Till then, have a blessed Sunday

Avec amour... 
Fiona Facebook ❥ Youtube ❥ Twitter ❥ Tumblr ❥ Pinterest

[Product Rave]: Aunt Jackie's Curl La La Defining Curl Custard

Product

Aunt Jackie's Curl La La Defining Curl Custard
Price 426g  @ £3.49
Product Claims Kiss frizzy, hard-to-tame hair good-bye.  The mega-moisture humectants in Curl La La give long-lasting bounce to curls, and shine and definition to spirals and coils.  Define your signature look by adding a little or a lot. Whatever your style, rest assure that it will be well-moisturized and soft to the touch, without caking or flaking.  Use it as often as needed on wet or dry hair.

Ingredients Aqua (Water), Propylene Glycol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Fruit, PEG-150 Distearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Glycerin, Parfum (Fragrance), Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, PPG-1 Trideceth-6, Cyclopentasiloxane, Phenyl Trimethicone, Lanolin Oil, Polyquaternium-37, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Acrylamidopropyltrimonium Chloride/Acrylamide Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Stearalkonium Chloride, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, d-Limonene, Hexyl cinnamic aldehyde, Linalool, Amyl cinnamic aldehyde, Lilial,Benzyl alcohol, Citronellol, Hydroxycitronellal, Cinnamic alcohol, 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 2-Methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, CI 17200 (Red 33), CI 19140 (Yellow 5)  

My Thoughts

I'll admit I heard about this from a friend a while back and avoided it like no mans business, I tend to raise the eyebrow at coloured products, or should I say products that don't come across as naturally coloured! Whilst killing time as usual in my local Afro Caribbean hair shop I saw the product sitting in the corner on the shelf, straight away the price tag gave me the 'even if it fails it was cheap' push!  You know the one that we all need every now and again in order to take the product to the counter and buy the darn thing, and boy am I glad I did! 

I put about 10 twists in my hair with the cream and it gave me a super soft twist out result with not a drop of flaking or any unpleasant curl cream residue. It smoothed on so nicely to my hair and the smell absolutely kills me every time, it smells so good!

I would recommend this for absolutely any hair type, it quenched my hair of its post wash and airdry thirst, and I was able to rock my hair for a good couple of days.

A definite new fave!!!

Softness: 10

Definition: 10

Shine: 8

Moisture: 8

Has anyone else tried other products from the range?
Avec amour...
Fi

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Making your Own : D.I.Y Winter Supple Lip Scrub

Over the last few months of 2013 I started to take grooming a lot more seriously, I'm a huge believer in getting into a habit of all things girly before living with someone else i.e the hubby,  so that it's not a huge lifestyle change when you do tie the knot and realise you can't always live in a headscarf or stretch your chipped nails for weeks on end! Basically my new motto is waxing, nails done, hair done, everything did! 
So I decided I'd start pampering and treating myself more often, i.e manis, pedis, waxes and of course a good massage just because. But some things you simply can't really pay for and kinda shouldn't have to because your kitchen cupboard can seriously hook you up!
Have I rambled there? I think so! Point is, in celebration of my all new groomed up lifestyle I've been paying a lot more attention to my physical self and the winter dry lips thing was killing my swag! I just had to get D.I.Y on myself and put together a super simple and my goodness delicious but shouldn't be eaten lip scrub. 
It has my lips super soft and supple [baby bum supple] and I'm totally in L-O-V-E!

HOW TO 

- Literally pour an equal amount of all of your main ingredients into a jar -

- Add any extras e.g. herbs at your desired quantity -

- Use a spoon to fold ingredients into one another -

- You can then use your fingers to gently rub the scrub all over your lips - 

- Finally use a warm damp cloth to remove and follow up with a thick lip balm -

INGREDIENT BENEFITS

Vitamin E Oil - softens, heals, prevents moisture loss, reduces scarring

Honey - softens, soothes dry and chapped skin

Brown Sugar - humectant, contains glycolic acid, natural exfoliator

Rosemary - soothes dry skin

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil - strengthens underlying tissue and removes excessive dead skin cells, antibacterial, moisturising.

* If your Coconut oil is hard then you can lightly warm this by placing your required amount in a bowl in a warm water bath to slightly melt this. Be careful not to over warm as this will cause the sugar to melt.

Avec amour... Fiona ❥ Facebook ❥ Youtube ❥ Twitter ❥ Tumblr ❥ Pinterest