DIY: IVY Flip Over Method Virgin Brazilian Full Wig FAIL!

I made my first flip-over wig using IVY's Flip Over Method. I used 3 bundles of Virgin Brazilian Loose Wave Hair (14,16 and 18 inches). 

First Look 

 I braided my hair and sewed the wig down to a perimeter braid.

You can see my leave out is way coarser than the weave (i am transitioning).

I tried to blend using a flat iron but I was scared to apply the amount of heat needed to blend my hair with the weave. It was very silky and i wasn't willing to damage my hair for the sake of blending.

First wash

First time i washed my hair i used the Alumine Soy & Baobab Oil conditioner alone to cowash and I let it air dry. Still struggling with blending.

2nd Wash using full range of Alumine products 

Before I wash my hair, I  comb with a wide tooth comb starting from the tips and working my way up towards the roots. This gets rid of any snags or tangles.

I used the products in this order (from left to right)

I used a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment to dry the hair to about 50%.
I was left with soft, defined, moisturized curls. 

This is my hair fully dried. You can see that the entire line of products defined my waves/curls even more than when I use the conditioner on its own.

My final review on the alumine products I used is that they are really good. I give them two thumbs up! My reasons are that my hair was soft and tangle free throughout the week. I did not have to apply argan oil to moisturize my hair at all. My morning routine is simple, i wet my hair run it through my hair and scrunch and I am done. At night i simply sleep with my hair in a pineapple. I wash my hair every Sunday.

The flip over method only works if you can blend your hair or are willing to use a lot of heat to blend your hair with the extensions seamlessly. As for the extensions itself, I absolutely love it, it is low maintenance but next time I will install with a lace closure. Since I am going natural (I am currently almost 1 year post relaxer) I have decided I will only wear silky textured extensions with a closure or I may stop wearing silky textured extensions all together.. we'll have to wait and see.

Stay blessed dolls xx

Make a Lace Frontal Look Natural with No Glue

Lace front wigs never look right on me. I had to turn the lace front wigs I have purchased in the past, into u-part wigs and wear my own leave out to make them look believable. But my opinion on lace front wigs may soon change...I was on YouTube a few weeks ago and I saw a video that caught my interest, see for yourself:
           

            
I have worn lace closures in the past and I love them. The difference between a lace frontal and a lace closure is that a lace frontal covers the entire front of your head from ear to ear. It is supposed to offer more versatile styling options, so you will be able to wear your hair in a ponytail with no hair left out. I have never considered one until now because most people apply it with glue and once I see or hear the word glue , i am OUT!! It is good to know that it can look somewhat realistic without glue. This is also a great protective styling option.

My thought is that if I make the wig myself with my own frontal I will like it better than the lace front wigs I have purchased in the past. I am seriously considering purchasing a lace frontal once I am done wearing protective styles. If or when I do I will do a detailed review on my purchase to let you know if the lace frontal lives up to the hype.
Lace front wigs were replaced by the popularity of U-Part wigs, Lace closure full wigs and Flip over wigs but I lace frontals may become a trend, we'll have to wait and see...

What is your opinion on lace frontals?

DIY Protective Styles : Marley Hair vs. Yarn Twists vs. Box Braids

I've been wearing protective styles since August 2014. I've worn crochet braids with Marley hair, yarn twists and box braids; I did all these styles on myself for the first time. I normally pay to get them done but I'm enjoying the process of doing my own hair.

Crochet Braids with Marley Hair

I used 2 packs in a color 1B. I cut the hair in half. Kept this style for a month and a half. 

Pros: Versatile styling, no hair left out.
Cons: Hair is very dry (I used a cream moisturizer to soften it). It's a hassle curling it while it's on your head because you have to dip it in hot water (I burnt my fingers a few times). If you want this style it's better to make a crochet wig.

                              
Yarn Twists (My favorite protective style, so far)
I used 100% acrylic yarn (7-9 strands per twist). Kept this style in for a month.
Pros: Cheaper than braiding hair, easy to put in, take out. I experienced less breakage than box braids.
Cons: Burning the tips & heavier than box braids (especially when wet).

Box Braids

I used 2 packs of Xpression braiding hair in a Color 2. I am currently wearing this style, I plan to wear it for 2 months. 

Pros: Lasts for a long time, low maintenance & versatile styling

Cons: Takes a long time to put them in and take them out. More breakage than yarn twists.

My favorite protective style is Yarn Twists because they are easy to install, and take down is easy & super fast. 

What's your favorite protective style?