My Nexxus Hair Care Experience

So I love the Nexxus Line of shampoos and conditioners.  I had been tweeting about this brand the other day and realized I never blogged about so here it goes.

 

Background

Now before I began transitioning I was a use whatever type of girl.  Well that's not entirely true I try products and if I absolutely fall in love with them, they become my staple until I either can't afford it or run out and didn't replace them or I find something new.  At the point of discovering Nexxus I had decided I was going to transition and had been doing so for about 6 months.  At six months into my transition I was still getting used to this new process.  My hair was extremely dry.  All I knew was to do protective styles, protective styles, protective styles, if I wanted to keep my length.  The only protective style I was good at was mini twist so that is what I did.  I kept my hair in these twist because they prevented me from combing it and it resembled a wrapped style so I was used to that.  The product I used on my hair before this was basically the Suave brand.  I only used the Suave brand because it was Christmas time and I was cutting cost to be able to give the kids a nice holiday.  But before then I was using the Pantene relaxed to natural line. 

Typically I begin with a Shampoo.  That is if I had been faithful to my routine and didn't need to give my hair any extra TLC.  The Shampoo smells really good.  Its thick and has great lather.  The slip is nice and it's ultra moisturizing.  At first I pump 2 to 3 pumps on my hands and rub into my hair.  Because of the product build up and dirt on the hair the lathering will be tough.  Once that is massaged through I rinse and repeat.  The second Wash I will only need 1 pump sometimes 2 but I rarely need to use two.  The lathering is great at this point.  If you use too much it will be hard to rinse out.

Next I condition. And the Humectress Ultimate Moisture Conditioner is whats happening. I mean it has a medium consistency. Softens the hair beyond belief. Detangles like a champ, is true to its word in moisturizing and smells wonderful--almost tropical. Your hair is definitely more manageable, hydrated, and has a silky sheen to it. I love love love this product. Its definitely my favorite out of all the products.  

When I need a protein treatment I go for Keraphix conditioner. It smells really good. and stops my breakage. The only thing is this product dries my hair out tremendously so I have to replenish my hair with a hot oil and an extensive conditioning treatment.

To combat frizz I use the Silken smoothing conditioner. Its an added step that is purely based off my preference. But its also moisture rich and softens the hair. Lots of people says it combat the frizzness and I suspect that it does but I don't mind frizz!

So that's my review of the Nexxus line.  no matter what I have been trying lately I have come back to these products to rescue my hair.  When I am experiencing breakage.  I come back to this.  When I experience dryness I come back to this.  When my hair is just not acting right I come back to this.

If you are having difficulty with your transitioning hair, I strongly encourage you to try this product line out.  It not only restores your damaged, dry, brittle, lifeless hair.  But it brings a manageability to it that is unheard of if you have two totally opposite textures of hair.  The Nexxus line has help me to presevere through this transition.  I honestly believe  if it was not for this product line I would not have been able to transition as long as I have been!!

Check out the video:

Tips for the perfect twist out on Transitioning Hair

So I'm sitting here trying out a new technique for a twist-out on my hair and thought I should write a post about doing a twist out so here goes! You know since its my favorite Transitioning style!

The Basics:

First, I start off on clean just washed hair, whether its shampooed washed or co-washed doesn't really make a difference!

Then detangle, beginning at the tips combing up towards the roots. 

Next, I apply my styler/leave in.  I am using Suave tropical coconut conditioner currently. Rake through strands.

Then, I apply a holding agent. I switch between eco-styler gel olive oil or olive oil by ampro.

Next, I seal it all with an oil blend. Whatever works well with your texture will suffice.

The Style:

So, I begin by first planning how I want my hair to fall.  I decide if I want my waves going off to the side, or if I want a part in the middle or if I want all my hair to fall towards the back.

After that, I began sectioning and parting.

Once that is all done I style my hair in flat twist.

Note: Flat twist are the two strand version of cornrolls. 

I like flat twist because:

A) They allow me to grab my roots (which are much more flufflier than my relaxed hair)

B) Gives a more defined wave pattern

C) Fits nicely under a cap or bonnett if I have to make a run while they are still in the drying process

D) Are comfortable to sleep in

Lastly, I allow them to COMPLETELY dry. (sometimes this process can take a day or longer). 

Note: the longer you keep your hair in the twist the more defined the wave pattern will be.

The Takedown:

Now to take down the twist. I oil my hands and run them across my twists. Also oil helps to cut down on the stress your fingers can put on your hair.

Then I unravel them carefully and leave them in the sections/chunks until they are all taken down.

Once they are all down, I seperate each section until I get the fullness I want.

After that, I pick them out at the roots for height/volume.

Then, I position my strands in the desired look I was going for (or sometimes the direction my hair choose to fall in)

And lastly (comepletely optional) I adorn with accessories. 

If this new technique turns out good.  I will definitely do a vlog/blog about it.  Until then I really appreciate you taking the time to read this.  If you find it helpful share!

Catch me at  www.twitter.com/ExquisiteTresse on twitter,  www.youtube.com/ExquisiteEsteem on yoututbe and www.facebook.com/NaturalExquisiteTresses on Facebook.

  

Carol's Daughter 1-2-3 transitioning kit review

So, I was so kindly given this Carol's Daughter transitioning 1-2-3 kit at a focus group a few weeks back (see Rachel O's blog for more info http://www.makeupbyrachelo.com/2012/05/31/transition-with-carols-daughter/#more-2044) to try out and give my opinion on so here goes on 12 month transitioning tresses.

According to the website:

http://www.carolsdaughter.com/Portal.aspx?CN=C0B4D6EFEFD1

The First & Only Relaxed-To-Natural Hair Solution Specifically Made For Transitioners!
93% Less Shedding, Healthier Scalp & Softer Strands*
This easy 3-step kit offers a solution to the 3 problems transitioners face: product build-up, scarred scalp & breakage at the points of demarcation. Now big choppers, long grow-outs and protective stylers can transition from relaxed to natural hair with less shedding, a healthier scalp and softer hair.

The Good!!

1. I love that this product is specifically for transitioners. 
2. Natural hair stayed soft. 
3. Hair felt hydrated.  
4. It gives you a step by step guide as how to cleanse and treat your hair. 
5. The smell is wonderful. 
6. The tingling is great. 
7. It has biotin in it to promote hair growth which is always good.  Us transitioners want our curls now!!!! 

The Bad :(

1. The detangling process is the same to worse. 
2. The point of demarcation is very evident my relaxed hair matted up but my natural hair remained softened. 
3. Its time consuming.  

In summary, the product is ok.  I think its a great product for someone that has no clue as to what you are to do to manage transitioning hair. It gives you a guide to how to cleanse, massage and condition your hair.  Sometimes we leave out the massage part of our regime this product forces you to incorporate that into your routine.  Also this product adds biotin, a known hair growth vitamin, to your list of products used on your hair in a convenient way.  

 But if you already have a routine then this kit may slow you down a bit.  Someone that already knows how to wash, detangle, condition, and massage/exfoliate their hair will not necessarily see an added benefit from this product.

I did notice that I had no product build-up after I washed and conditioned.  As far as breakage I wasn't impressed by that claim.  I've used the product a few times and my breakage has not decreased as of yet.  When I was using my old shampoo my breakage was very minimum. 

IMPORTANT!!!!! Comment Below!!!!!

What do you think?  Have you tried the transitioning kit?  What have been your results?  Let's share so we can help others that is transitioning as well. Everyone will have different results so its good to share and hear other opinions!!!!

Moisture is Magic for your transitioning hair!!!!!!

Moisture Moisture Moisture.  Yea us transitioners really need moisture.  Moisture helps prevent breakage, moisture allows manageability, moisture promotes growth, moisture aids in elasticity, moisture helps with shine/sheen, and moisture feeds your curls.





Moisture is vital for your overall hair health.  So lets talk about what moisture is and what it is not.


Moisture is:

1. Water
2. The base of all styling
3. Conditioning
4. humectants such as: glycerin, honey, aloe vera, vitamin E, sorbitol, CoQ 10
5. most water based products

Moisture is not:

1. Oils
2. creams
3. heavy
4. waxes
5. alcohols     

Some of us confuse the needs of our hair.  We tend to cake our hair down with oils when it feels dry and brittle.  When in fact all we need to do is add water.  Now I know it may confusing, you may ask well "how do I add water onto my hair when I need to style it and have it not look "afro-y" or puffy?"  well the thing is you may need to increase your washes.  I know in the African American hair community we are used to washing any where from once a week to once a month because we've had to maintain that hairstyle, not wash that relaxer out so fast, or to prevent us from hours of styling to maintain controlling our tresses.  But now that we are tranistioning, part of this journey is to promote hair health so we have to change our way of dealing with our hair.  Increasing your wash days will definitely make a difference for your hair.  It is recommended that you wash your tresses anywhere from everyday to every 4-5 days if you are experiencing extreme dryness,  I am sure if you are a dry haired sufferer and you take heed and wash more often, you will notice your moisture retention increase. In fact I'm willing to bet the farm on it- if I had a farm!

In between washes a spray bottle filled with just water will do just fine or you can add one of the other moisture aids listed in (Moisture is).  All you have to do is allow the water to mist onto your hair if you are afraid that the direct spray will ruin your style (Spray the water into the air above your hair and allow the droplets to fall ever so lightly onto your hair). Do this when you feel your  is drying out too much.

Oil is a great sealant but it cannot and must not be substituted for a moisturizer.  This is because oil repeals water (remember that from chemistry class).  So any kind of moisture that your hair wants to contract, the oil will "push" it away.  So when the moisture that is beneath the oil is all absorbed into your scalp or hair fibers new moisture has no way of entering or penetrating them.  Which is why you may be oiling your hair over and over and the texture is not changing. Again use oil as a protectant.  As if its protecting the water from leaving your hair never use it as a replacement for water.

One last point, and I know we say it over and over and over and over again.  But you have to hydrate from within in order to aid all that you are doing to you hair on the outside. You want to maintain overall good hair health.  Yea moisturizing on the outside will definitely provide a great improvement for your hair but on those days when you forget to moisturize or are just too lazy to do so hydrating from the inside is your back up.  Drinking plenty of water is great for your physical health now you know its also great for your vanity!   

So you wanna Transition to Natural hair........?

Since I have been in transition for approximately 12 months, I feel like I have learned a thing or two about transitioning hair.  My goal is to help out my fellow ladies and gentlemen that wishes to transition as well.  To make the transition easier being prepared will make the difference. 

First off, I hope you have a clear reason as to why you are transitioning.  Whether the reason is because you have been curious about your natural tresses, you have damaged your tresses, maybe you have relaxer horror stories, or you want a more healthier overall lifestyle.  I would just encourage that you seek your soul and identify YOUR reasoning for wanting to grow out your natural hair.  I think this will help you stay on track with this journey because, yes, this will be a journey and as with any journey only the most determined will survive. 

Transitioning is not any easy task.  It takes times, dedication, stamina, patience, lots and lots of patience, willingness to learn and adaption. 

You will have to adapt to a new way of thinking, a new way of styling your hair, and a new way as to how other people will relate to you with transitioning hair.  Styling is a new challenge in and of its self.  When you were relaxed....well I know for me, I never really thought about how to comb my hair.  I just put the comb to the root and raked it through.  During your transition that is a big no! no! You can risk breaking your fragile tresses and the reason we have decided to transition is to keep as much of our hair as possible, right?!  So, readjusting the way you approach your hair  care is going to be necessary.  Now, I will say it is going to take some time to get used too.  Of course, we know we are not perfect, and we will make mistakes, but the key is to learn from them.  I would encourage you to learn as much as you can about transitioning and natural hair during this time.  As with any thing practice makes perfect. 

Also, remember that the best way to transition is with what is called protective styling.  That can be anything from weaves to braids, from mini twist to corn rolls.  However you choose to transition is up to you. But you need to be fully aware of your lifestyle and the needs of your hair. Let me encourage you to be patient!  Be patient with hair and be patient with yourself.

Patience is one thing that I know is very hard to master.  We want those natural curls and we want them NOW!!! But unless we decide to big chop (BC) we have to exercise patience. It will take time for your hair to grow, its gonna take time to find what products work for your transitioning hair, it's gonna take time to determine the correct styling technique that will make your hair look its best.  Yes, seriously patience is a well deserved virtue.  So if there was ever a time to call upon it, it is definitely now.  

With that said, let me explain why stamina is important.  I am on my second attempt at transitioning.  The first time I felt like "I need a relaxer I cannot comb this nappy stuff!"  I have a thick head of hair.  It tangles very easily and I have never dealt with it in any other manner but relaxed or curly permed aka jerhi curl.  So if the comb did not go through my hair easily from root to tip then I knew it was time for some kind of chemical to be laid on my hair to make it silky manageable again.  Well, being the second time around, I am determined to see this through! Stamina is oh so important. You have to see this journey through to the end.  You have to keep pushing on even on those days that you can't figure out how to make your hair "acceptable" to leave the house.  Only a dedicated transitioner will get creative and keep on keeping on!

So stay dedicated and I know by the end of the journey you will be so so happy with your tresses.  We truly have an exquisite head of hair.  Our hair can be kinky, wavy, curly, afro-y, straight, or coiled and still be beautiful, fashionable, individualized, and trend setting.  Our tresses our our own as we are learning no two heads of hair are alike.  Continue to pull through show off your EXQUISITE TRESSES!!!!!!!!

A Transitioner's Tale (Ode to self): I'm getting so anxious.....Big chop???????

I'm getting so anxious to cut my hair! I can already feel the texture of my unrelaxed hair.  Its beautiful :-) I love how silky my hair feels after I wash it.  I enjoy learning about what my hair likes and how it behave in its natural state.  I have been thinking of all the many, many styles I can't wait to try when I'm fully unrelaxed.  I had planned on transitioning for 12-24 months (they say don't put a number to it).  But idk I am too anxious to see my hair without straight ends. We'll see. I wanted to at least last until my vacation this summer so i can rock a new look.  But I'm thinking spring is right around the corner and what better time to refresh your look.  Plus I may need some time to "play in my hair" to get used to styling.  Pictures will be nice.  Yep, they will be! I have some time.  I can revisit the "cut or not to cut" issue in the March/April months.  Yep,  I can make my decision then. I hope I can make it thru to 24 months so I can just go straight to what I'm used to which is length. But I never have had short hair and it excites me right now. Seriously, just thinking of the feeling of having only unrelaxed hair and being able to experience it! Lol......this type of decision may be very trivial but hey if I have time to allow this type of "dilemma" to occupy my thoughts then I know Life is so good! no BIG time major decisionmaking going on right know (thank ya Jesus) :-). Plus I'm pretty sure I can rock some short hair. ;-) and make it look damn good! 

So we shall see.  Can I hold out or will I allow my anxiousness to get the best of me? Stay tuned to see.........

Flaxseed Gel, Coconut Oil, Olive Oil & Shea butter makes for one bouncy two strand twist bob

I just had to brag about the two hand twist out I did on my hair over the weekend.  I've had my oils for some time now and I've been watching YouTube, of course, trying to figure out how I am going to use them.  I know I need a regime especially when transitioning because the hair is more susceptible to breakage and excessive shedding.  I have actually been experiencing excessive shedding and breakage lately so I wanted to do a protective style to help me care for my hair.  Well I love two strand twist because it an easy style and fairly quick to do --its sort of a 2-for-1 style.  I can wear it as two strand twist for up to a week and the wear the twist out for about a week.  I can even get more creative if I want to but time does not allow that very often.  So anyway,  in addition to the oils I decided to use try out the flaxseed gel especially bc I knew I was gonna need something to hold my twists taut.  When I decided to transition I vowed to use all natural homemade products on my hair.  I really like the idea of having complete control of what I am putting into my hair.  I want not only length but also a healthy head of curls.  I know to help achieve this I need to put in nourishing products.

In trying to figure out what can I do to stop the shedding and breakage I again looked to YouTube and google searches.  In all my searches the common solution was asking the same question "How much are you oiling your hair?" Well for me it was not hardly.  I mean I religiously wash once a week Oil when I do my initial style but that's it.  See when I was relaxed my hair would hold oil so I had gotten used to holding off on the oil so much.  I mean my definition of oil was oil moistures such as PINK oil or Pantene moisturizing creme.  So oiling on a regular is somewhat forgein to me.  I really am going to have to get use to the thought of feeding my hair oil more that once a week or so.  Some ladies suggested oiling as much as twice a day (I imagine that is for extremely dry hair).   The trick for me is figuring out how much oil my unrelaxed hair need to thrive and how much my relaxed hair need to maintain. 

So what's my reaction to flaxseed gel, oils, and butter twist?  GREAT!!!!! I absolutely love it.  The gel provided enough hold to keep the braids from unraveling as well as providing the nourishment of the seeds.  The oils gave my hair the much needed conditioning as well as the antioxidants, vitamins, and protection that it needed to start the process of stopping the breakage and promote growth while maintain the length and over health of my hair.  I received numerous compliments while out and about as to how shiny my braids looked how bouncy they were (which mean no weighting down from too much oils and gels).  My hair felt good, airy and breezy!  I am definitely using this as my go to winter protective style!

Regime:
Cowashed, hot oil treatment which included jojoba, coconut, almond, castor, olive, and grapeseed oils. Covered with plastic cap for 30 mins with a towel wrapped around my head.  Shampoo washed, conditioned.  Parted in four sections detangled applied leave in conditioner and then saturated each section with olive and coconut oil, sealed with shea butter twisted with flaxseed gel that I added vitamin E to, and let dry over night. Note:  Hair did become dry during the process so I sprayed the dried areas with water as I braid. 

 If you used the gel let me know how your continued results have been.  If you can testify that oils is the answer to ending breakage please also let me know as i am really trying to remedy this issue.  Thanks for reading!!!