Reveal: My Real Hair

I like wearing hair extensions but I am also passionate about taking good care of my Natural Hair. I have always had "good hair" or that is what people always tell me. What I know for sure is that growing long black hair takes a lot of time and commitment. I am originally Nigerian and I have been relaxed since I was 14.
I relax my hair every 4 months (3 times a year). I use Soft & Beautiful Just For Me Kids Relaxer. This is the same relaxer I have used since I was 14 and I continue to use till date.

For the past year, I have been too busy to dedicate a lot of time to my natural hair and it shows because I am experiencing a lot of shedding, breakage and I have split ends. I also think wearing weave extensions led to a lot of breakage because the extensions were directly sewn onto my hair.

So I am making a brand new commitment and starting my Hair Growth Journey over and I pledge to take care of my hair and get back to my hair care routine. This routine includes deep conditioning once a week ad moisturizing and sealing every night before I go to sleep.

My hair at its best was Bra Strap Length (When Flat ironed straight),with healthy tips and edges.

My hair is freshly shampooed, conditioned and air dried in this picture (April 2010)

Right now my hair is quite a few inches above my bra straps, my ends are thin and I am experiencing a lot of shedding to the extent that I am afraid to comb my hair :(

My Hair Now: October 2011

To kick of my new Hair Growth Journey, I have decided that I will only wear 3/4 wigs from now on. It is fall season now and the weather is colder so I will use 3/4 wigs as a protective style. They are much more versatile than sew-in extensions because you can take them off as often as you wish to tend to your natural hair.

UPDATE: I tried a Egg Treatment on my hair on October 10th, 2011 and my shedding has reduced. So if you are experiencing excessive shedding you should try the egg treatment. All I did was whisk one egg and apply it to my scalp and hair. Then I covered my hair with a disposable shower cap and left it in for 1 hour. After that, i rinsed it out with lukewarm water and applied Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Moisturizing Conditioner to my hair. I left that in for about 10 minutes then rinsed out with cool water.


My next step is to cut off about two inches . The split ends have to go!!!!
Update coming soon a month from now in November 2011!!

DIY: First Time 3/4 Wig (U-Part) using Virgin Brazilian Hair Extensions

There is a first time for everything :)

I watch Youtube videos daily and after seeing a number of videos on 3/4 wigs, i decided to make a 3one for myself. I was looking for an alternative to regular sew-in weaves since sew-in weaves are too damn itchy. After a week I already want to take my weave out.

Making a 3/4 wig is time consuming and I have to give myself kudos for my 1st attempt. It did not turn out perfect but i was satisfied with the results. I messed up a little in the front but I found a way to patch it up and it still turned out pretty. My friends raved when they saw my hair, they thought I got the extensions sewn in and were surprised when i told them it was a 3/4 wig. I actually think I'll stick to 3/4 wigs from now on.

I installed the Virgin Brazilian Hair from my previous post on a spandex cap.This hair is the bomb!! This is my 3rd install and I have never had better hair. Everyone thought I installed brand new extensions. It has minimal shedding and does not tangle at all. This is the best hair I have tried hands down!!!! If you want to try Virgin Brazilian Hair i would recommend you try this hair. I usually hate re-using extensions but i just realized it was  because I'd never purchased extensions that were good enough to be used over and over until now.

Drumroll please .... Here are pictures of my 1st ever 3/4 wig P.S: I love it!!!!

Front View
I installed my Virgin Brazilian Wavy Hair Extensions on a spandex cap using a foam head. To summarize what i did, instead of sewing the hair extensions onto my hair directly, I sew them onto a black spandex cap.

Back View

Top View
You can see where I made a  mistake but I managed to patch it up and make it work :)  

Top View
The 3/4 wig on my head before I cut out the U-Part 

Top View
After I cut out the U-part, I installed the 3/4 wig by sewing it onto my hair braided underneath . Then I covered the tracks with my leave out. You can control the amount of hair you leave out by making the U-Part bigger or smaller.

3/4 wig fully installed
(I did not curl my hair to blend it with the wig yet, just wanted to show the finished look)
Pls excuse the bags under my eyes, I do not get enough sleep :(

Side View

Back View

I may dye my 3/4 wig to a jet black color. The Virgin Brazilian extensions came in a natural brown color and I like the virgin color of the extensions but my hair blends ok but not perfectly, since my hair is somewhere between a color 1B.  I have no experience dying hair but I have been watching videos on Youtube (as usual..... lol) so I feel confident enough to try it out myself.
If I end up dying the hair, I will put up pictures so you can see my results.

I have been going back and forth on whether or not I should try the "Ombre Look". This is what Ombre Hair looks like:

I prefer dark hair for the cold months so the ombre look will have to wait until the weather gets warmer.

My first install of this hair was a sew in with an invisible part (none of my hair was left out), second install was a regular sew in weave and third install is this 3/4 wig. The 3/4 wig is my favorite. It is versatile and I can take it off as often as I want to take care of my real hair.

If you have any questions or comments,  leave them below :)

Best Affordable Products for Virgin Brazilian Hair Extensions

We all know that virgin hair extensions are an investment. So if you invest in virgin hair extensions, you have to use  the right products to maintain them, in order to get the most out of your investment. I'm narrowing it down to the products that have  worked best for me. 

At first I assumed pricier products would be better but the higher end products I use on my relaxed hair made my hair frizzy and harder to manage, so I decided to try more economical brands.

1) Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner
This is essential, avoid using just any shampoo or conditioner. It has to be a MOISTURIZING shampoo and conditioner.

Herbal Essences Hello Hydration 2 in 1 Shampoo + conditioner & Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Moisturizing Conditioner. 

OR

 Dove Damage Therapy Intensive Repair Conditioner

 ** Tip: I co-wash my virgin hair extensions at least 2x per week. I shampoo once a month or less to clean my hair. When I shampoo, I use the 2 in 1 shampoo+ conditioner followed by the moisturizing conditioner and it leaves my hair buttery soft. Do not use the 2 in 1 Shampoo + conditioner on its own.**

2) Leave-in-conditioner
A leave-in-conditioner is not needed if you have straight or body wave hair but if your extensions are a deep curl, deep wave, kinky curl, tight curl texture it's a must. Basically the wavier or curlier your extensions the more necessary it is.

Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Split end Leave- in protector for long hair. 

OR

Motions CPR Triple Action Leave in Conditioner

3) Serum
A serum is a must for all Virgin hair extensions. I use it after I apply my leave in conditioner or as a leave-in by itself. It is not greasy at all and a little goes a long way. I apply a dime size and work it into my hair. Serums help control frizz and it doesn't weigh your hair down.

One 'n Only Argan Oil

 

OR

Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Moroccan Sleek Oil Treatment

4) Heat Protectant
Always apply a heat protectant before you apply any heat to your hair.To get your hair bone straight when you flat iron, I recommend:

Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Flat Iron Perfector Straightening Mist

For blow drying, curling with wands, curling irons, flat irons etc. I recommend:
Tresemme Heat Tamer Spray

What are some of your favorite products to use on your Virgin hair extensions?

My Fall/Winter/Autumn Wishlist

Summer is officially over : (
I made a wishlist of things I want for the colder seasons. My fall/autumn/winter wardrobe is usually made up of sweater dresses, turtlenecks, jeans and boots. This year I intend to incorporate more skirts, dresses etc. and take a few more risks.

All my shopping will be done online and as I cross an item off my list, I will provide the links so you can purchase them if you want to.

I am also considering opening my own webshop where all the items can be purchased from directly! Will keep you updated on that thought :)

1) Faux Fur Vests
I intend to buy at least two faux fur vests. I wanted them last winter but did not find any that were within my budget in stores last winter. They are versatile and can be worn with pants, dresses skirts etc. I want vests that preferably come with a belt so i can wear it with or without the belt. I want the celeb look but for much le$$. So stay tuned for my finds in the coming weeks!!

2) Combat Boots
I never thought i could rock combat boots but I tried a pair on at Aldo and I was in love!! I intend to buy a pair that will last. So I will splurge on this item if I have to :P

3) Coats
I like to splurge on coats because they are a good investment!! I haven't bought a new coat since Winter 2009 so a few new coats are necessary this year.

4) Quilted Bag
 I want a quilted bag in black so it goes with everything.

5) Snood Scarf
I searched high and low for snood scarfs last winter with no luck. I hope I have better luck online!

6) Statement Necklaces
I am obsessed with statement necklaces and I need as many statement pieces as I can get. They make any simple outfit look great. There are so many varieties and being that I am indecisive it is hard for me to narrow it down to a few :P
Statement necklaces can be worn with anything and everything. Just remember to keep the neckline simple and let the necklace be the focus.

What items are on your wishlist?

Ombre Hair Envy: Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato looked flawless at last night's VMA's. That hair .. I want NOW!!!

I have mentioned previously in former posts my intention to try out the Ombre look in September. Like I mentioned before, I may dye my Virgin Brazilian Hair Extensions myself (with the help of youtube DIY videos) and install them to get a look similar to this. Can't wait to show you guys how it turns out... if i go through with it!

Wish me luck :P

My Acne Cure

This post is dedicated to all those who have suffered with moderate/severe acne at some point in their life or are currently suffering from moderate-severe acne. After trying everything and anything for years I am glad to say that I finally found something that keeps me Acne Free :)


I had severe acne from about age 14-17 and after that my acne went from severe to moderate. I tried everything and anything both prescription and on the counter. This included creams, tablets,laser treatments etc. You name it , I probably tried it. 


What most people don't understand is that Acne is more than a physical ailment. It also affects you emotionally and mentally .If you haven't been through it then it might be hard for you to relate. It had a big impact on my self esteem and made me very withdrawn in high school and i struggled with low self esteem until i was in my 2nd year of University.


Everything changed when I was prescribed Retisol-A about 2 years ago. I have been acne free for two years. It is a topical cream and it stopped me from getting new breakouts, also my old acne scars have faded over time and my skin looks more even now.
I also changed some of my habits to maintain my results:

• I eliminated dairy milk from my diet and I only drink soy milk
• I drink at least 8 glasses of water everyday

Retisol- A cost me about $45 & you need a prescription to get it. One tube usually lasts me 2-2.5 months. I use 1-2 times a day. It comes in different concentrations. The one i use is pictured below.

Remember what works for me, may not work for you! But it is worth a try. If you don't try, you will never know. 

Make Virgin or Remy Hair Extensions Last Longer

Buying hair extensions is the first step, caring for the hair after purchase will determine the longevity. Just like your real hair, the hair needs moisture and tlc. And unlike synthetic hair,Virgin or Remy Hair Extensions requires more maintenance.

A few useful tips:

• Co-wash your extensions with a moisturizing conditioner prior to putting them in. You do not know where the hair has been and the hair may appear dry on arrival. Co-washing cleans and moisturizes the hair.
• Seal your wefts. Like I have stated before, ALL HAIR EXTENSIONS SHED!! It is unrealistic to expect no shedding at all.Some company's have good quality hair but the weft is weak so you experience a lot of shedding. Regardless of which company you purchase from you can further protect your investment by sealing your weft yourself. I use Dritz Fray Check (pictured below) to seal my wefts. I purchased it from Walmart.

• Apply the product to both sides of the weft as well as the top of the weft. Leave to dry.
• Video on how to seal your wefts.\

• Try not to cut the weft at all. I find that this not only reduces shedding but it also makes it easier to store the hair for future use after you remove the install.
• Do not use too many products. Find products that work and stick to them. Avoid excessive heat, excessive dying and coloring which can shorten the life span of your extensions.