Natural Hair Style: Chunky Two Strand Twists Pin Up

Hey Curlies,

Soon after I proceeded to wash, condition and do a hot oil treatment on my hair, I did my usual chunky two strand twists. The products I used are below. I realized after I did them that I needed to run to the store so I proceeded to pin up my twists. I actually pin curled them using bobby pins.

Products used:

• Jane Carter's Solution SLS Free Shampoo
• Aussie Moist Conditioner
• Amika Olive Oil Mask/ Coconut oil hot oil treatment

First twists down

Twists are getting longer

Tomorrow I will do a twist out!

ClassyCurlies

Natural Hair Care: Hot Oil Treatment Take Two

Hey Curlies,

I've done hot oil treatments in the past, but its been a while since I've done one. I kept forgetting to by a bottle with a nozzle top, but I finally grabbed one from Sally's last week.

I poured about an ounce of melted coconut oil, thanks to the warm weather, into my clear bottle and warmed it very briefly in the microwave.

 I applied the warm coconut oil directly to my scalp by randomly parting my hair with my fingers. I continued until my entire scalp was covered with coconut oil. This entire process was done after my shampoo and condition.

Before applying my deep conditioning cap, also from Sally's, I applied Amika Olive Oil Mask to my actual loose hair and then added more coconut oil to my loose hair as well. (S/N: You can omit the conditioner part and just use the oils)

I know...I look silly lol

I left my cap on for about an hour and a half, I fell asleep lol. If you have really fine hair, be sure to do an extra rinse when doing your final rinse. I could still feel a little of the coconut oil in my hair after I rinsed,but its okay because my hair absorbs oils like a sponge.

ClassyCurlies

Natural Hair Style: Tuck and Roll Twists

Hey Curlies,

I've been meaning to post these pictures on here for a while. The photos are of a few hair styles that I've been wearing over the last few days.

 If you are wondering how I got my edges so smooth in the photo above, I used aloe vera gel and a head scarf.

 Second style

If you follow me via social media, I have posted these photos already. If you are wondering, I made the bun with a sock lol and the second style is done with just bobby pins. 

I will be washing my hair tonight and beginning my product count challenge. Join in with me! For more details, click here.

ClassyCurlies

Hair Care: Product Buildup Count Challenege

Hey Curlies,

So the other day I was talking to my mom and she was saying how quickly her hair absorbs moisture (like most naturals). She then proceeded to talk about all of the products that we use in our hair daily and how it begins to add up. This sparked an thought...

Really, how many products do I use in my hair per week?

We have all of these products dedicated to natural hair and curly hair that we are consumed with them and want to try everything. Honestly, think about how many products you use on your typical wash day -_- It is probably nothing but ridiculous!

The challenge that I am going to have for myself starting tomorrow, 5/19/13 when I wash my hair, and for you all is to write down every product you use during the week. For one week I will be doing this challenge. Try not to think about it too much and honestly go on with your normal routine. Record all products including:

• Shampoos
• Conditioners
• Leave-in conditioners
• Stylers
• Sealants
• Oils
• Everything else you use!

At the end of the week I will update you all and in that post I would like you all to post how many products you used and you can even elaborate to what those products actually are if you'd like. 

Right now I am going to guess that I use maybe 5-6 products on my hair per week. If you would like to tell your estimate, write it below and we will compare in one week.

ClassyCurlies

Natural Hair: Will Blow Drying Cause Heat Damage?

Hey Curlies,

A lot of people who are natural and who have naturally curly hair are nervous about heat damage. I, for a long time, wouldn't pick up a heat infused styling tool because I love my curl pattern. I began experimenting with blown out styles late last year and it is something different.

There are few different ways to blow dry your hair but the most common two are sitting under a hooded dryer and using a hand-held dryer. Here is the break down.

Hooded Dryer

-This heat isn't direct heat and is more of a heat level that is spread.

-One of the safer ways of blow drying hair

Hand-Held Blow Dryer

-This heat is direct because the heat is all going to one area of your hair

-This heat is one that can cause heat damage if done extensively on high heat.

Always remember to use a heat protectant with any of these methods. To see a list of recommendations, click here. Grapeseed oil is also a fantastic heat protectant.

Be sure to also blow dry your hair, especially if using a hand-held dryer, on the lowest setting possible. This will reduce the chance of heat damage.

Will you get heat damage from blow drying?

To be honest, I can't answer that question for you because everyone's hair is different. I will say that I have become more comfortable with heat over the last few months because I have been taking the right precautions to use heat styling tools. Don't be afraid to do something different with your hair.

ClassyCurlies

Beauty & Hair Care: 3 Small Businesses In the Spotlight

Hey Curlies,

I love to feature businesses on this site because I feel that it is important to promote one another, especially small businesses! Since I've been in the blogging world, there are a few companies that I have seen grow tremendously and I wish them nothing but the best in the future. 

Some of these companies have had their products reviewed on this site(look for them on the product reviews menu). So here are three small businesses doin' it big! (In no particular order)

• Ladies Always Create Excitement (L.A.C.E)

lacenatural.com

I first became exposed to this product line through a curl friend of mine (@YSheena So Curly, she's so cool! Follow her) when the company was having a giveaway. This brand is ran by a mother and PhD student. Her products are all natural and are handmade. The prices are very reasonable and come in different varieties. This product was just recently featured in the April/May issue of  Hype Hair Magazine.

Check out L.A.C.E at their site, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest

• OBIA Natural Hair Care

Obianaturalhair.com

I honestly can't remember how I found this company,but I think that I was contacted by one of the representatives. The products contain natural herbs and are no way, shape or form, tested on animals. All ingredients are labeled vegan and contain essential oils. This brand has over 9,000 Twitter likes and over 5,000 Facebook likes. They are definitely getting attention!

If you would like to check out OBIA Natural Hair, you can so on their site, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. 

• Hairitage Hydration

This is personally one of my favorite brands and I hope to try more products from them. The company is ran by a mother who loves whipping up delicious hair products. The products are handmade and contain fantastic ingredients. If you are really into hair type, these products are especially made for those with a 3c to a 4c hair type, but it doesn't mean that other hair types can't still use them. This brand has received 100% great feedback from customers and offers a variety of products.

Check out Hairitage Hydration at their site, Facebook and Twitter.

Do you know of a small business getting attention? Let me know! ClassyCurlies@gmail.com

*I was not paid to review any of these brands*

ClassyCurlies

Natural Hair Styles: Bigger Sock Bun

Hey Curlies,

I stretched my hair with a roller set and created a high, sleek bun using only a few of products. To see how I stretched my hair and what I washed with, click here.

 I applied Shea Moisture's Transitioning Milk along with aloe vera gel to my edges. Grapeseed oil was applied to my ends.

I love the sleek edges

At night, I applied a scarf to my edges and took down the bun. Sleeping in styles that are restricting, such as buns and ponytails, can cause breakage. I put a bonnet on over the loose hair.

ClassyCurlies