Christmas 2012 Hairstyle

I am really torn on what hairstyle I want for Christmas. I know I have said I am not a big fan of straight hair numerous times but my Virgin Filipino Hair changed my opinion of straight hair. The main reasons why I now love straight hair is that it is versatile and low maintenance.
The process of straightening wavy hair is tedious and I simply do not have the patience for it so I always wear my wavy hair in its natural state or I add more curls with a curling wand. I would prefer hair that is straight that I can curl when I want.
For Christmas. I either want a full bang hairstyle or a sleek straight style with my own leave out.

Full Bang Hairstyle
I am not 100% sold on this style is because I know I will not last up to a week with bangs in my face like 24/7. Also since it is Christmas and there are a lot of events to attend while visiting family and friends, I am not sure this hairstyle will work for me for every single event. On the other hand, I am open to trying a new look.

Sleek Straight Style
This hairstyle is chic and always in style. I have a round face so it will make my face look a little slimmer.. I hope!!! I am leaning more towards this style, I haven't decided if I will leave some of my hair out or use a lace closure.  But I will probably leave my own hair out because I want to be able to put my hair up in really high buns.

If you had to pick one, which would you choose and why?

DIY : Red Hair using Brazilian Lace Closure + Virgin Filipino Hair

I'm obsessed with burgundy right now.. so I thought to myself, why not try Burgundy Hair?! Ever since I saw Beautybyjj's red hair, I wanted red hair. 

My absolute favorite Youtube guru Peakmill recently dyed her hair red/burgundy and I found myself running to the store to get red hair dye. I am not a fan of colored hair at least not during the colder months but I think this burgundy red color is just right.

I used my Virgin Filipino Hair and Virgin Brazilian Lace Closure.  I always try to get the most out of my hair extensions. It's been almost a year since I bought my Virgin Filipino Hair and Brazilian Lace Closure. After wearing it in its natural color I usually opt for color for a new look.

I followed Peakmill's video and I love that she always makes things seem so easy. I searched in every store and couldn't find the exact hair dye she used where I live and that is why I ended up using:

• L'oreal Excellence Hicolor Highlights Red Hot 
• Clairol BW2 Bleach
• 30 Developer

I was hoping I wouldn't have to use bleach so I was excited to use the L'oreal Excellence Hi Color Highlights thinking it was going turn my hair from black to red in one step. I was really disappointed with the results. It did not work at all, it tinted the hair a tiny bit but the color was not noticeable at all. So what I did was use the BW2 Bleach and a 30 developer. I left it on and kept watching until I got the color I want.

Here are my results.... I LOOOVE IT!! The quality of this hair is awesome. As you can see from the picture it looks as good as new.

The hair looks much lighter when I am outside. 

Have a wonderful week :)

DIY : How to Fix Overbleached Knots on a Lace Closure

This is thesame closure I've had since March 2012. See my initial post HERE. The closure is still in great condition, the lace is still intact. I've worn it with straight & wavy hair. It's very versatile, straightens/curls easily and it barely sheds even 7 months later.

 I finally decided to bleach the knots. Yes I decided to bleach the knots of my closure 7 months after I got it and have been wearing it. I've seen many videos on YouTube on how to bleach knots but I was still hesitant about trying it out myself. I bleached the knots and guess what... the knots were overbleached and it came out brassy. See for yourself :(

So I went back to Youtube to search for ways to fix overbleached knots on a closure. It worked!!!

My Closure after I fixed the overbleached knots:

Before                                         After 

A much easier and super quick solution is to use Colorful Red Out Shampoo Treatment. I would have tried this method but I couldn't find the product anywhere in my area. If you can find it where you live then this is a faster method. It's also available online HERE

Angela Simmons Inspired Hairstyle Using Indian Remy Deep Wave Hair

I installed my new bundles a week ago. I normally use 3 bundles (300g) of hair with or without a closure and my signature lengths are usually 16,18 and 20.For this hairstyle, I used 4 bundles (400g) of hair & a lace closure. I was trying to achieve a similar look to Angela Simmons in her "Bikini" hair for Indique. This hair is everything, look at it!! To achieve her exact look, you'll definitely need more than 400g of hair.

I used 16,18,20 and 22 inches of Indian deep wave hair and a 12 inch Brazilian deep wave closure. This is my fullest install yet. The closure and hair extensions match perfectly.

First look: no products at all, no styling.

I made this wig using the new U-part lace wig cap I talked about in my Previous Post. I absolutely love it because my scalp doesn't itch at all. I had to sew the tracks very close together to fit all 4 bundles and closure onto the cap. I have to give it to those who wear 600g and more, I have no idea how they do it?! The only thing I would change is that I would have gotten a longer closure.

Update:
I wore this hair for 3 months. I've never had the patience to straighten my wavy/curly hair but with this hair I was determined to try it at least once. It was time consuming but I did it. I wore this hair in so many styles; natural state, curled with a Remington curling wand, straightened, and curled with bendy rollers/.

The hair in a tamer state when sprayed with water + conditioner.

I curl wanded my hair lightly at the top for a different look. 

Hair straightened with a flat iron.

Week old brushed out wand curls

I enjoyed wearing this hair for the most part. My only issue was that the closure would get so poofy and frizzy sometimes, no matter how many times I deep conditioned it, it just wouldn't co-operate. 

Another thing I learnt after wearing this hair was that I prefer freestyle lace closures to closures that come with a ready made part. The closure I used for this hairstyle was a middle part closure. I feel closures that come with a part can look unrealistic because the part is too perfect. I also felt the part on this closure was a teeny bit too wide which made it look like an invisible part. So from now on, I'll only purchase freestyle closures so I can pluck the part myself to make sure it looks more realistic.

That's all folks :) 

Best Cap for making U-Part Wigs & Full Wigs

I have always used black spandex swim caps to make my U-part wigs/full wigs but I've have been dissatisfied with the cap in recent months because my hair underneath gets very itchy. I know many others swear by this cap but it has has no ventilation so my hair cannot breathe. I looked for an alternative and I found a mesh lace wig making cap. The cap is great for those who are beginners because the U-part is already built in, you can choose a cap with a middle part or side part or you can choose a cap to make a Full Wig (with a lace closure in front). The caps also come with adjustable straps at the back.

Since I started using this cap, I've experienced NO itching at all... none!!  I'm amazed at what a difference it makes. I get them from eBay, search "mesh lace wig cap". Definitely a must have.

My next post will be a show and tell of my new hair. I'm very excited to show you because I'll be using 4 bundles for the first time ever with a closure. 

Fall/Winter Trend : Turban Headbands

One thing I am obsessed with right now is Turban Headbands aka Turbands. I am currently building my collection and I think they are a fun way to add pizzaz to your casual everyday looks and keep warm at thesame time. They are also versatile; you can wear them with your hair up or down etc. Any item that provides Style+Comfort is a winner in my book :)

They are available in a wide variety of colors, materials (including knits for the colder months). The turbans that cover your entire head are too daring for me but I like them on others. I will stick to trying out turbands (a mesh between a turban and a headband.)
I especially like the studded one Kourtney Kardashian was spotted wearing last year.

Kourtney Kardashian in a studded black Gold Saturn Turban

If you want to get a turban. I recommend getting colors that contrast your hair or those that have studs so that it pops against your hair color. What is your opinion on turbans? Hot or Not?

My Fave Fall Hairstyle + Ponytail Lust

                                                 

My everyday hairstyle since Fall started is the braided hairstyle above. I like this hairstyle because it is easy to do and it keeps my hair out of my face.

If you want to know how to do this hairstyle, check out the video below:

I am a huge fan of ponytails because they always give you a effortless chic look. One person that wears ponytail hairstyles frequently and wears them well is Kim Kardashian.

 

I have worn synthetic ponytail extensions in the past and the one thing I did not like about them is that they are shiny, tangled after 1-2 wears and do not look very natural.

Recently I saw a picture of Angela Simmons at fashion week and she had on a ponytail hairstyle. Her look was flawless and of course I decided that I have to get one for myself.

 I would like to find a human hair ponytail with yaki texture so it matches with the texture of my hair. Yaki simply means that the hair mimics relaxed African (American) hair. 

I will keep you updated if I find a ponytail and do a detailed post on it.

Have a wonderful week :)

Crochet : Make Your Full Head Weave Look Natural

I'm always looking for new ways to make my weaves look natural. During winter I would like a full head weave (with little to no hair left out) that I can put in high ponytails. A closure is a good alternative for a full head weave but it is not possible to put your hair in a high bun/ponytail with a closure that is not glued down without leaving any of your hair out.

I  found a good alternative: Crochet Weave/braids. I think it is a great way to make a full head weave look natural. It is a great protective style and also offers versatile styling options.
If I decide to try this method, I will do this around my parting and the perimeter of my head not throughout my entire head. I only found videos of people doing this style with synthetic hair.

What do you think of this method?

Fall/Winter 2012 Hair Wishlist

I like to plan my hair purchases in advance.For the colder months, I like hair that is very low maintenance. I usually wear wavy hair so I do not have to curl my hair several times a week.I want naturally wavy hair that I can wear in its natural state and still love. All I want to do in the morning is wet my hair a little, apply hair serum and go.

I am still deciding between Peruvian Wavy hair since I have never tried Peruvian Hair or Mongolian Wavy Hair. I really like the quality of my Mongolian Kinky Curly and the color matched my own hair spot on so that is a huge plus for me.

There is a Youtube guru I subscribe to known as Fabulasityisme. I'm sure most of you know who she is. All her hair videos are amazing. Her tutorials are always very detailed and helpful. I love all her hair videos but there are two textures she recently wore that made my Fall/Winter wishlist. Both are wavy textures but one is Mongolian Hair and the other is Peruvian Hair.



 What hair is on your Fall/Winter wishlist?

DIY : Sew-in Invisible part wig & 3/4 Wig using Virgin Mongolian Kinky Curly Hair

I was torn between making an invisible part wig or a 3/4 wig with my Virgin Mongolian Kinky Curly Hair.  So I decided to make an invisible part U-part wig first, since I've never made one. I did not use any glue to make my wig, not even around the invisible part.

First try on. I'm relaxed and my hair is not blended.

I used combs on the inside of my wig to keep it secure.

After about 2 weeks of wearing the invisible part wig I got tired of the blending process, so I decided to make my wig into a full wig. I actually loosened the entire wig to make my full wig from scratch.

 

Full Wig: Front View

Full Wig: Back View

If I had to choose one, I would pick the full wig because it's lower maintenance. But of course the 3/4 wig looked more natural since I had a leave out. This hair is really soft and I love the color, it was a good match with my own hair. Kinky Curly hair is a must have, especially good quality kinky curly hair. Love it ! Love it ! Love it!

See my 1 year update on this hair HERE

Final Update : 100% Virgin Filipino Hair Extensions

This is my final update on my 100% Virgin Filipino Hair Extensions. See my initial review HERE
This hair gets an A++++++ for versatility. I have worn this hair in so many different ways; with my own hair left out, with my Brazilian lace closure, straight, curled, wet (because it waves up slightly when wet). The best thing about Filipino Hair is that it's low maintenance, versatile and durable.

For everyday, I wear this hair in its natural straight state or wet it .. because it waves up slightly when wet.

Virgin Filipino Hair in its natural Straight State

Virgin Filipino Hair Slightly Wavy (after I wet it)

My absolute favorite way to wear this hair is curled with a curling iron & bendy rollers. I was skeptical it wouldn't hold curls well because it comes naturally straight but it does.When it's curled it looks very lush and glamorous. This is my go to hair for special occasions because it gives you that va-va voom look.This is the hair I get the most compliments on and I have to say out of all the "Virgin" hair I have worn till date this is hands down the best hair quality wise.

Virgin Filipino Hair Curled
Lengths used: 12, 14 and 18 inches
I do not have a closure on, my hair is left out on top.

I know this is true Virgin Hair without any processing at all because of the way the hair behaves. If I could find this hair in a wavier natural state, I would say this hair comes close to perfect hair but like you all know there is no such thing as "perfect hair extensions". My only con is that when it is in its straight state, I have to straighten my hair to blend. I am not a fan of hair straighteners or applying  heat to my hair so that is a con for me.

There are other reviews Youtube on Virgin Filipino Hair from different companies, here are a few:

KT Hair Imports Filipino Hair (thomasadrianna)

Diamond Dolls Virgin Filipino Hair (MsLaurensBeauty)

Ca Couture Hair Filipino Hair (TheyCallmeJazz21)

Platinum Hair Extensions Filipino Hair (bajanbeauty210)

If you are looking for versatile Virgin Hair Extensions I would recommend you try Virgin Filipino Hair.

Get the Look: Kim Kardashian's All-White Look

Kim Kardashian is wearing a BCBG draped front jacket, a white tank, white jeans and Balenciaga heels. I recreated her look with items from www.gojane.com

Get The Look 

White Blazer, $43 

White Tank, $6.00

White Jeans, $36.80

Get The Look : Angela Simmons in Virgos Lounge

Angela Simmons was spotted wearing a Virgos Lounge crop top with a matching pencil skirt. The look is completed with a Rachel Roy Clutch and Giuseppe Zanotti Wedges.
Virgos Lounge is having a mid season sale right now and the exact crop top and matching skirt are on sale  so grab it while you can.

This outfit is feminine & chic.. I love this look from hair to toe!

Original Look

My Recreation

For my recreation the only difference is that I found a cheaper style clutch and wedges.

Virgos Lounge Crop Top £25.00

Virgos Lounge Skirt £35.00

Woven Pink Clutch $29.00

Beige Wedges £19.99

Show & Tell: Virgin Mongolian Kinky Curly Hair

I got my Virgin Mongolian Kinky Hair about a month ago but I haven't had the time to do a post.
I got 2 bundles: 16 inches and 18 inches. I did not get a closure as previously planned, since I am transitioning I will attempt to blend my hair by doing braid outs/twist outs.
I split the wefts because I did it HERE and it made the wig appear fuller so I decided to do the same for my own hair. Splitting the weft is time consuming and if you do decide to split your wefts, you have to seal your wefts afterwards.

 Before I  co-washed the hair, I split my wefts.

Next thing I have to do is co-wash the hair and when the hair is fully dried, I'll seal my wefts.
This time I'm going to make my wig a little differently since I want to have very little leave out. I will be attempting to make a wig with a sew-in invisible part in front so it looks like the hair is growing out of my scalp. Then I'll sew combs onto the part area and the sides to attach the wig to my hair. Watch THIS for a better understanding of what I am talking about.

Indian Remy Kinky Curly Hair (4 month update) + My 1st Attempt at a Full Wig

If you remember from THIS post, I made a 3/4 Wig for my friend using Indian Remy Kinky Curly Hair. When I first made the wig 4 months ago, I used 3 bundles : 16 inches, 18 inches and 20 inches.

She brought the wig back to me because she wanted me to bring it back to life since she was having some problems taking care of the hair and also because she found it tiresome trying to blend her hair with the wig. So I offered to help her deep condition the wig, loosen the wig and make a brand new full wig instead of a 3/4 Wig. She wants to avoid the hassle of blending because she is relaxed.

January 19th, 2012: This was the first look at the hair before it was installed.  The hair was not washed prior to installation.

June 10th, 2012: This is what the hair looks like after it was deep conditioned and air dried. 

You can see from the pictures above that from the first look of the hair, the curls look a little stiff. Even after the first installation, the curls still look somewhat stiff. This is because the hair was not co-washed.
When the hair is co-washed, the curls look more natural.

Making My 1st Full Wig
This will be my first attempt at making a full wig. I used only the 16 inch and 18 inch bundle to make the full wig. The full wig is inspired by Teyana Taylor's hair and Peakmill, see her Youtube video HERE.

The wig has not been styled. I still have to attempt to cut bangs around her face when she tries it on. The wig is really full considering I used only 2 bundles but I split the wefts so it looks fuller.

Styling: We cut bangs into the wig and spritz the hair with a mixture of (water +conditioner)

She tried the wig on with her hair in a ponytail underneath so it is not laying as flat as it should on her head. If you're wearing a wig it's best you cornrow your hair underneath.

The hardest thing about making a full wig without a lace closure is closing it at the top. I need more practice.

Hair Crush: Solange Knowles 2012 MET Gala

My Kinky Hair obsession has hit a new high. I need this hair in my life NOW!! Solange Knowles was hair to toe perfection at the 2012 MET Gala.

I  have been watching kinky hair reviews on Youtube because I want to choose the right lengths. Kinky Curly Hair tends to appear shorter since the hair is measured before the hair is processed to the Kinky Curl.

My favorite Kinky Curly Hair Youtube Reviews:

ONYC Mongolian Kinky Curly (Peakmill)

ONYC Mongolian Kinky Curly (Luvtheskinurin)

Au Naturale: My Staple Products For Transitioning from Relaxed to Natural

My Decision To Transition
I have been relaxed for 9 years. Since I started getting relaxers, I would relax my hair every 4-6 months (2-3 times a year). I thought long and hard for a year before deciding to transition because I wanted to make sure I had enough information before I took the plunge. 
My main reason for going natural is that my hair has gotten thinner over the years and I want my kinky healthy full hair back. First things first, I need a game plan so I am currently building a regimen and a list of products I will be using. 
Two websites have been especially helpful and both have Youtube Channels as well: www.naptural85.com and www.napturallycurly.com

Where I am Today 
I am almost 5 months post relaxer and I recently did a chop. I cut off about 10 inches of my hair. I am still getting used to the process of transitioning so I am no expert by any means.The products below have made the process much easier for me.

1. Distilled Water
2. Virgin Coconut Oil
3. Vegetable Glycerin
4. Raw Shea Butter
5. Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Conditioner
6. Almond Oil
7. Virgin Olive Oil
8. Biotin Supplement

My hair in October 2011

May 2012: 5 months post relaxer, My hair in a messy twistout.

Update on Summer Hair Plans

I will be purchasing my kinky curly hair extensions later this month. Instead of buying Indian Kinky Curly Hair I have decided to try Mongolian Kinky Curly Hair Extensions.I will not put them in until the weather gets warmer since it is still raining ,wet and somewhat cold where I live. I haven't decided what lengths I want yet but I think I will purchase 2 bundles: 14 and 18 inches and a 12 inch closure.

Have a wonderful week dolls x

How To Pick The Right Closure for a Natural Look

I wanted to do this post for those who do not know what a closure is, haven't worn a closure before or are considering purchasing a closure for the first time.
The most important thing is selecting the right closure density. The density refers to the thickness.Before wearing a closure, I was not aware that I could select the density. After doing some research, I found that you should select a density that is close to the density of your own hair to create a natural look.

Density Guide:

Light Density: 80-90%

Light-Medium Density: 100%

Medium Density: 110-120%

Medium-Heavy Density: 130-140%

Heavy Density: 150%

Extra Heavy Density: 180%

This picture is from glamhairsolutions.com

My current closure has a medium density of 120%. With my next closure purchase I will select a density that is close to the density of my own hair which is in the 80-100% range. I want the 80% density around the front and temples because my hair is less thick in those areas. So basically I would want the density to go from Light to Light-Medium.

If you choose a density that is too light, the closure may thin over time so think about that.Pick what is right for you depending on the density of your own hair.

This post is also for those who wear lacefront or full lace wigs.

Hope this was helpful.. if you have any questions/comments, leave them in the comment section :)

Brazilian Lace Closure + Ombre Hair Update & Transitioning

Hey dolls... so sorry I haven't posted in a while but I had to travel on very short notice. I had no time to re-install my Virgin Filipino Hair 3/4 Wig with my brazilian lace closure before my trip, so I am still wearing my brazilian lace closure with my Ombre Brazilian Hair 3/4 Wig.My closure is holding up great and I haven't had to replace the elastic bands since the bands have not loosened  at all. The closure still doesn't shed and it curls and straightens really well so I am still 100% happy with it. It is low maintenance and  has made transitioning much easier for me because I do not have to leave any of my hair out. If you are looking for how to give your hair a break or you are transitioning like me, I would highly recommend a closure.

My ombre Brazilian 3/4 Wig is still going strong. I have had this hair for 5 months and I still have very minimal shedding and no tangling except the occasional snag at the nape.

Update on My Own Hair
I am a little over 4 months post relaxer and I am transitioning. I took out my cornrows today to wash and condition my hair. Transitioning so far has been a little challenging because I have to deal with two different textures. My roots are growing out  and very coarse and my tips are relaxed so I have been trimming my tips weekly. I am not going to do a big chop.. or at least I am still undecided.

Enjoy your weekend dolls :)