What Does Being Natural Really Mean?

Hey Curlies! ❤

So, this post is all for those that like to read LOL. I say that because I notice many people really just skim through and don’t read the information.

But since you’re here!

I want to chat about what it means to be natural! The natural hair movement is HUGE. So with that, there is a TON of information out there, some being truth and others opinion. From observing and chatting with several women, I’ve learned that MANY are confused on what being natural is. I hear the phrase…”when I go natural..” a whole lot. So I thought I’d break it down!

What does being natural really mean?

– Being natural means you do not have any chemical on or in your hair to alter its natural curl pattern.

For example: Relaxers, perms and texturizers are chemicals applied to the hair to change a person’s natural hair pattern.

A relaxer is a chemical that straightens the hair and alters the natural hair texture. A perm is a chemical that curls straightened hair to make it curly. And a texturizer is a chemical that loosens tight curls.

YES!

you are still natural if you straighten your hair. Just because you wear your hair straightened does not mean you are not natural. You don’t have to rock a fro in order to be natural. AS long as the only thing that is straightening your texture is heat and not a chemical, honey you’re natural!

YES!

you are still natural if you wear a weave. If your NATURAL hair is braided underneath, why in the world wouldn’t you be natural? All a weave is a protective style. Honey you’re natural!

YES!

you are still natural if you dye your hair. It IS a chemical….and this is where it gets tricky. Dye for many naturals does not affect their curl pattern unless it is bleach and done unprofessionally. Dye CAN alter your curl pattern, but that does NOT mean that it is the same as a relaxer and a texturizer. You are not INTENTIONALLY trying to change your curl pattern to be something that it is not. You are simply enhancing your hair. And you can do that with dye or with henna.

Let’s consider a transitioner…

When a woman has a chemical on their hair such as the ones listed above, and chooses to go natural she either BIG chops where she will cut all of the chemical areas of her hair off or she will transition. Transitioning is simply growing your chemical and processed hair out by wearing styles like twists and bantu knots, braids outs and protective styles until the hair is all ONE texture..natural 🙂 This is a journey to being completely natural and an example of what “going natural” means…

Now, many have opinions about this.

Some think applying heat all the time doesn’t make you natural. Some think dyeing your hair doesn’t make you natural. Some think only wearing your hair in natural hairstyles makes you natural. It’s all on what you’ve researched and concluded…really. We talk about transitioning to being natural. One transitions from a relaxer to natural. From chemical to natural. It’s a process. Being natural takes a lot of work and commitment no matter the texture. Being natural, means incorporating a regimen. We have regimens because our hair needs attention to be able to thrive. Without a regimen our hair would be HORRENDOUS! LOL! Being natural means being YOU, embracing and wearing your kinks, coils and curls. Loving and caring for your hair the way God intended for it to be. There is NOTHING wrong with changing up a style by wearing a wig, a weave, some color…that’s fine! But, being natural is wearing your hair in it’s natural state, chemical HAIR ALTERING free. SO! If you believe coloring your hair falls into what I just said, then that is your opinion. I’ve colored my hair MANY times and my curls have NEVER been affected, and I believe I am a NATURALISTA! LOL!

Overall, being natural is being you….naturally 🙂

Do you agree or disagree?? What are your thoughts?

Until next time! XO!

Love,

Rayna

I’m In Love With The Eco…Or Am I?

Hey Curlies! ❤

As promised, here is my HONEST review…

Ok. I hate to have to do this BECAUSE I am SUCH A HUGE FAN of Eco Styler Gel. Buuuuut baby! Eco Styler Natural Cocktail is NOTTTT for me 😦

Let me explain…

Ingredient Attributes: moisture, no silicones

• Strengthens hair and roots for all hair types
• Nourishing oils for softer, shinier, bouncier hair
• No Alcohol, Parabens or Sulfates
• Flexible hold

Eco Natural Curling Cocktail is a light weight curling cocktail that combines multi-fruit complexes, collagen amino acids, and light weight oils to nourish and protect your curls while providing a soft hold. A perfect styling cocktail for achieving soft, bouncy, shiny curls without leaving heavy build or flakiness. Contains Super fruit complexes (anti-oxidants, anti-aging complex for hair).

Ingredients:

Water (Aqua), Emulsifying Wax, PVP, Glycerin, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Fruit Oil, Collagen Amino Acids, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Ricinodendron Rautanenii (Mongongo) Oil, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Oil, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Carbomer, Fragrance (Parfum), Aminomethyl Propanol, Tetrasodium EDTA

---

Ok. Well, I found this at Sally’s Beauty Supply and it was $8.99…after I opening I knew it WASN’T going to work, BUT because it is Eco Styler I just had faith, lol. I knew off the bat that for a wash and go it wouldn’t work (for my hair at least), but I tried anyway. I tried on my 6 year old daughter first, who has 3c but mainly 4a hair. I did finger coils on her pigtails.

Now. It “worked” on her hair. It worked pretty well I might add. When I say worked, I mean it moisturized and gave her shine and slight hold. I did a wash and go after this as well as used it to slick her edges. It was a tad sticky but overall I’d grade it around a B for her hair. I feel better with the ingredients being on a more “natural level” when dealing with her hair. Now, the 1st ingredients had me worried but they (Emulsifying Wax, PVP) are binders needed for oils and waters to mix. Supposed to be safe ingredients.

---

Now on to me…

I tried for a wash n’ go.

This photo my hair is wet. As I applied the product, I felt like I needed a LOT! Mind you, it’s only 8 oz for 9 bucks. But, it FELT like I needed to coat my hair so I was very liberal. It’s so watery (The first ingredient is WATER, so I expected that)but it just wasn’t doing anything for my hair giving me absolutely NO definition. It felt like putting on a conditioner or lotion on my hair. WOMP. I need a product that’s going to weigh my hair down, similar to Eco Styler Gel…I applied it in the same way I would for my regular wash and go. I applied a generous amount in sections. I diffused, and it came out very frizzy. I should’ve known! Glycerin is also in this product, and I noticed using glycerin is a hit or miss for me.

I have yet to try this product for a braid out or a twist out, I’m hopeful that it would work for those styles. We shall see!

 The smell:

– HEAVENLY, lol. It smells so good!

The consistency:

Runny and creamy.

Where to find:

Sally’s, Online and Select beauty supplies.

For a wash and go?

NEVER AGAIN. I will stick to Eco Styler Gel.

Basically…

I hated this product for a wash and go. I cannot however say that it wouldn’t work well with setting a twist out or braid out. I more than likely will continue to use this product on my daughter because it does work well with her hair. I read that this product caters to 3c hair, but I don’t know how much truth that holds. As far as wash n’ go’s, this is VERY light weight, so if you need a product like myself to weigh your hair down and more definition, I’d pass on this product and stick with the OG of Eco Styler. I’m looking forward to trying this out on a braid out and will update with ya for those interested! 🙂

Will I purchase again?

More than likely, no. Even if it worked well for a braid out.

I still LOVE my Eco Styler Gel tho! 🙂 Just not the cocktail.

Have you tried Eco Styler Cocktail? Did you like it?

Until next time! XO!

Love,

Rayna

Product Review: Shea Moisture Superfruit Complex 10-in-1 Renewal System Hair Masque!

Hey Curlies! ❤

Y’all know I had to come and make a blog post reviewing Shea Moisture’s Superfruit Complex 10-in-1 Renewal System. Now, I’m all about a good masque. It’s vital to incorporate masques and deep treatments and so forth into our natural hair regimen simply because natural hair requires SO much moisture.

So with that being said, lets get to it!

From the website:

This intensive antioxidant-rich treatment helps to perfect and renew vibrancy to brittle, lackluster hair. When used weekly in our 10-IN-1 RENEWAL SYSTEM, it treats damaged hair while providing anti-aging benefits, color protection, hydration, nourishment, rejuvenation, strength, anti-stress, deep conditioning, softness and shine. Counteract signs of aging by nourishing the scalp with our SuperFruit Complex and infusing hair with ultra-moisturizing Marula Oil and Biotin. Ten Benefits Specific to our HAIR MASQUE : Age-Defy Nourish Anti-Stress Revive Body Color Protect Shine Deep Condition Strengthen Hydrate Soften

12 oz : $12.99 Target, Walgreens, Sally’s, Local Beauty Supply

Featured Ingredients

Superfruit – A blend of Red Raspberry, Ketones, Goji, Acai and Guava Extracts rich in anti-aging antioxidants. Marula Oil – Contains natural plant peptides that help support hair’s elasticity. Biotin – Nourishes individual strands for thicker, stronger hair. Shea Butter – Deeply moisturizes while conditioning hair and scalp.

Usage

Section clean, wet hair. Apply generously. Use a wide tooth comb to distribute evenly from root to ends. Leave in for 5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. For deep penetrating treatment, cover hair with plastic cap and apply moderate heat for 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. When using hair steamer do not cover, moist heat will add to masque’s hydration.

Ingredients

Water, Cetyl Alcohol, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*,  Behentrimonium Methosulfate,  Glycerin (Vegetable),  Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*,  Stearyl Alcohol,  Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil,  Behentrimonium Chloride, Panthenol,  Biotin,  Cetrimonium Chloride,  Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil,  Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter*, Fragrance (Essential Oil Blend), Tocopherol,  Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract,  Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract,  Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract,  Psidium Guajava Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Caprylhydroxamic Acid,  Caprylyl Glycol,  Citric Acid,  Sodium Citrate,  Ipomoea Batatas Extract,  Cinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride *Certified Organic Ingredient – Shea Moisture

My opinion:

Now, I try to keep it REAL because I can’t stand a review that just wants to please the company. I don’t want to steer anyone wrong because that’s money and time wasted. But, for those that know me, know that I love Shea Moisture. I love their line and their products for the most part. I love the quality and the ingredients. They’re child friendly, so I’m able to use them on my child as well which I LOVE. I was looking for a deep conditioner and stumbled across this during the BOGO deal at Walgreens. I saw the pink and was immediately happy that there was a new line out! I grabbed that sucker, paid and was out the doe.

If you haven’t seen this on IG then you won’t get the joke. Lol. Nevermind…carrying on…

The smell:

OOOO EMMM GEEEE! One word. YAAAAS! Lol

– It smells like perfume! The smell is SOOO amazing. If you don’t like strong scents, then you might not like this, however the smell dissipates.

The consistency:

– It’s creamy and somewhat thick. I’ve used thicker consistencies, but it’s the perfect consistency.

Does it live up to it’s promises?

– Again it says…

“This intensive antioxidant-rich treatment helps to perfect and renew vibrancy to brittle, lackluster hair. When used weekly in our 10-IN-1 RENEWAL SYSTEM, it treats damaged hair while providing anti-aging benefits, color protection, hydration, nourishment, rejuvenation, strength, anti-stress, deep conditioning, softness and shine. Counteract signs of aging by nourishing the scalp with our SuperFruit Complex and infusing hair with ultra-moisturizing Marula Oil and Biotin. Ten Benefits Specific to our HAIR MASQUE : Age-Defy Nourish Anti-Stress Revive Body Color Protect Shine Deep Condition Strengthen Hydrate Soften.”

Basically…

– My hair shows signs of nourishment, rejuvenation, softness and shine! I am not sure about color protection, but if it’s giving me color protection that’s even better because I do have colored treated hair. You only need to keep it on for 5 minutes so it’s perfect for those quick shower days when you need to shave and do all your business, you can pop this sucker on with a shower cap before hand, handle your business, sing like I do lol and you’re done! However, I ALWAYS keep it on for at least 30 minutes.

Would I purchase again?

– ABSOLUTELY!

Have you tried Superfruit 10-n-1? What were your thoughts? Let me know!

Until next time curlies! XO!

Love,

Rayna

 

Spotlight Feature: Zeze!

Hey Curlies! ❤

Sooo happy to interview and feature one of my favorite naturals!

Say hello to Zeze!!!

1. Tell us your name, where you’re from, how long you’ve been natural, WHY you went natural and a little bit about yourself! 

 – Hi, my names Zeinab but every calls me Zeze. In the natural hair blogging community I’m more known as Naturally Zeze. It’s rather cool having more than one name haha!  I am from London, UK and will have been natural 3yrs in May 2015 (yay!).

Prior to going natural I dyed and straightened my hair which left it dry and brittle. I decided to do something about it, which led me to come across a YouTube video talking about natural hair. After doing more and more research I finally made the decision to go natural.

I love travelling, snooping around historic buildings and trying new cuisines.

 2.    What is your go-to natural hair style?

My go to style at the moment is a Wash & go, which I prepare the night before.

 

3.    List 3 to 5 of your go-to or staple products for your natural hair and what you use them for? (Twists, braid outs, wash n’go’s etc.,)

 – Texture My Way, Keep it Curly (STYLE) Stretch & Set Styling Foam: I use this product for my wash-&-go’s and perm rod sets.

Mrs Milli’s Sweet Leave-in Conditioner (Mango & Lime): I use this product to style my hair in a twist-out.

Coconut oil: My favourite oil which I use for everything (hot oil treatments, add to deep conditioning mix, detangling, sealing moisture in hair, use on my skin even consume haha!).

Tresemme Naturals, Moisturising Conditioner: I use it for co-washing and as a leave-in.

 4.    What do you like/love most about being natural?

I love how versatile natural hair is! I can change the curl pattern, length and how big I want my hair it to be so easily. All it depends on is how I style it.

5.    How do you maintain your curls at night

– At night I sleep with my hair up in a ‘pineapple’ (high ponytail) and sleeping with a satin/silk scarf.

 6.    Have you ever big chopped or transitioned? If so, briefly tell us your experience! 

 – I transitioned for 1yr from May 2012. During this time I would cut 2-3 inches each month to help me reduce the amount of heat damaged hair I had. On May 15^th 2013, after transitioning for a year, I became fed up with my heat damaged ends and decided to cut it all off. I remember feeling really proud as I now was completely natural.

 7.    Do your family/friends support your natural hair journey? How about your place of work? 

 – My family and friends both really support me going natural. At first they were a little surprised as I would never be seen without straight hair however after they realised why I was going natural they became really supportive. Some have even decided to go natural or have started to make better healthy hair choices themselves. Being able to give them advice is great!

8.    Do you know your hair type? If so what is it? Has knowing your hair type helped your hair journey? 

– I would say my hair type is in the type ‘3’ category, with some ‘4’ category mixed in there somewhere. I think the hair typing chart can help if you are at the beginning of your journey and need some guidance into what will work for your hair as in products, detangling methods etc… However it shouldn’t be obsessed over!

9.    The blog is entitled happycurlhappygirl, so what makes your curls happy? (Deep conditioning, protective styling, hot oil treatments etc.)

– Deep Conditioning! There’s nothing better than having your hair moisture and protein level replenished, your scalp massaged and soothed and your curls bouncy and happy again. Like your blog title, when my hair is happy after a good deep condition, I too am very happy!

10. What is one thing you have learned since being natural? What advice would you give a new natural?

– Do your research about natural hair. Try to get the basics prepared before you take the plunge (wide tooth comb, satin scarf/pillowcase, spray bottle, conditioner, styler etc…) and create a regimen to follow and just go for it. Nothing can prepare you 100%, it’s a lifestyle change.

But most of all don’t expect your hair to come out looking like anybody else’s hair. Going natural is to find out about YOUR hair and embracing YOUR natural beauty.

---

Thanks Zeze for sharing your story with us and showcasing your beautiful face and curls!! I wish you the best on your hair journey! ❤

Instagram: @naturally_zeze

YouTube: Naturally Zeze

Facebook: www.facebook.com/naturallyzeze

Blog: www.naturallyzeze.weebly.com

If you would like a feature showcasing your natural hair story, please email me at happycurlhappygirl@yahoo.com. I would love to have your story and beautiful photos of you and your natural hair on Spotlight Fridays! XO! 🙂

Until next time Curlies! XO!

Love,

Rayna

FOUR Steps I Did That Helped Repair My Damaged Hair!

Hey Curlies! ❤

There are four things I did during the time when my hair was at its worst, that helped it get to its best! I had damaged hair from dying and heat damage, mainly heat damage. My bra strap length hair was thinning and my curls were lifeless. I researched and learned about these steps to incorporate into my regimen to help repair the damage. However, not ALL damage can be repaired. The only way to get rid of severely damaged hair is to cut it off. Sucks, I know. I chose to do a semi big chop for my damage hair cutting my hair to my jaw and then did a year of no heat. BUT! Unless your hair is TERRIBLY damaged, you DO NOT HAVE TO DO A BIG CHOP. If your hair is slightly damaged it can be repaired by showing your hair MAJOR TLC such as these steps below. Here are the 3 things I did that got me to where I am now!

1. STOP ALL HEAT. Point, blank and the period.

I’m forreal.

2. Use A Reconstructor!

A reconstructor is a product that helps repair damage that’s been done from heat styling, relaxers, and chemicals. I had a ton of heat damage. I used these reconstructors to help with repairing my damage.

– Aphogee 2 Minute Reconstructor

– Dudley’s Hair Rebuilder

– Macadamia Deep Repair Masque

2. Protein Treatments!

Protein treatments are great for filling in gaps in the cuticle which helps to strengthen and repair hair. Protein treatments really helped my hair!

– Aphogee 2 Step Protein Treatment

– Nexxus Emergencee

– Mayo and Avocado

3. Deep Conditioning!

Deep conditioning is so essential to putting moisture back into our hair. Dry hair breaks, hair that is moisturized flourishes. Deep conditioning helps with repairing and strengthening damaged hair. Dry hair breaks, moisturized hair flourishes!

– Shea Moisture Superfruit 10-n-1 Renewal Mask

– Olive Oil Replenshing Pak

– Crème of Nature Deep Conditioner

– Pantene 2 Minute Moisture Masque

PLEASE make sure to follow the directions for a reconstructor, usually it’s done 2x’s a week. For protein treatments usually 1x a month or 1x every 6 weeks. And deep conditioning can be up to 2x’s a week. Incorporate these three steps and nurse your hair back to life.

It took me from 2011 until 2013/14 to get healthy hair and my curls to act right, if you will. I had trims and a shape/cut in between as well. So please, have patience…don’t give up!

Consistency & Patience!

If you’d like you can purchase ‘happycurlhappygirl’ t-shirts here! www.happycurlhappygirl.spreadshirt.com 🙂

Until next time! XO!

Love,

Rayna

Do You Really Need To Know Your Hair Type??

Hey Curlies! ❤

 

Now…

As I’ve been exploring natural hair more and more and following amazing naturalista’s, I’ve come to the conclusion that MANY natural women think hair typing is unnecessary. Some swear by it, but what I’ve noticed is that a lot of women are either unaware, don’t care or totally against it.

See…growing up, I was told that I couldn’t or shouldn’t use any type of product that wasn’t intended for “Black Hair”. I remember at the time, lines like Pantene and Garnier and so forth were frowned upon by certain women because they thought that it only catered to women with straight hair. I remember products like Blue Magic (my mother never used that, lol), Luster’s and Johnson Products, Ultra Sheen Hair Grease and so forth. Many Black mother’s purchased and used these products on their children. We had the mindset that grease was what we needed to keep our hair moisturized and help it to grow.

But, come to find out…people BARELY use grease now, due to being educated on mineral oil and petroleum and understanding that water is for thirsty hair and not grease. We also found out that, hair care lines such as the ones listed above CAN work just as well as “black hair care lines”… it’s all about preference!

 

I really believe that knowing your hair type can help with understanding your hair….

Hear me out…lol. No, I don’t believe that you should know your hair type to a T, but I do think you should know what category you fall in. Just with anything, categories CAN help with understanding and guiding us for future aid.

Let me explain why…

The higher the hair type, the more you’ll know how to care for your hair. The tighter the curl, the more likely your hair will be dry. The more likely you’ll know what will work for your hair and what won’t. You’ll understand, in my opinion what product will help your hair and what may hinder it. You’ll even understand how much heat you can put on your hair just by knowing your hair type!

Some 3(a-c) to 4(a-c) categories tend to need more moisture because the curl is tighter and makes it difficult to stay moisturized. Your regimen may change due to being aware of what category you fall in. Because my daughter is 4a, I know that her hair tends to suffer from dryness more so than mine. I use the LCO and LOC method on her hair to combat dryness and incorporate moisture. She suffers from shrinkage more than I do, which is expected of 4a hair. Curls are tighter and can require different hair care techniques and products than someone with a looser curl pattern….or a woman with 2c or 3a hair. However, for my hair I no longer use the LOC method because co washing and deep conditioning treatments are more effective for me. Because my curls are slightly looser than my daughters hair, some of the products I would use on her hair can weigh my hair down. For instance, Shea Butter is great on my kids hair, however not so much on mine.

When researching on natural hair, you will come across blogs, and videos that talk about hair types in their posts. Knowing and understanding a little something about hair typing can also help you understand what they’re referring too as well.

Just like with anything, things are categorized! Some fitness trainers will categorize you by blood type, or body type to determine what meal plan will be beneficial to you. Learning and understanding these categories MAY be very helpful in getting the results you want. Why should hair typing be any different??

 

In a nutshell:

The beauty with natural hair is that not every kink, coil and curl are alike. Either way, knowing your category of hair types may be helpful in narrowing down how to care for your hair. It’s NOT imperative to know your exact hair type. But, it is very HELPFUL to have some knowledge as to what category you fall in.  🙂

I have a post on how to find your hair type…if you choose, you can find it here!

Do you know your hair type? If so, what is it??

Thanks for listening.

 

Until next time! XO!

Love,

Rayna

 

 

Dark and Lovely Au-Naturale-Anti-Breakage Super Softening Hair Butter: Product Review!

Hey Curlies! ❤

Here for another product review!

I won on a contest on Instragram from Dark and Lovely and Fro Girl Jinny, and this happened to be one out of the two that I won. Now! I’m going to be very honest…I was never a fan of Dark and Lovely’s products back in the day. Just didn’t appeal to me, so naturally…I never tried when they came out with their new Au Naturale line either. I would see the products from time to time and would talk myself out of trying because I just knew I wouldn’t be pleased. Little did I know I would fall in LOVE with this stuff!

Product Details:

Quench dry hair with a delectable, hydrating treat just for your breaking, transitioning hair. Hair feels nourished and supple without the build-up or greasy transfer. – For Dry, Damaged Hair – Moisturizes and reconstructs damaged hair for supple, shiny finish – No Drying Alcohol, No Mineral Oil, No Parabens, No Petrolatum – SoftSheen-Carson

---

First…

The consistency is THICK!

Thick like a heavy cream, and I love that!

Second…

The smell is AMAZE balls!

Third…

It blends well with my beloved Eco Styler gel! LIKE WHET? lol. It’s hard to find a product that won’t flake on you when you have other products in your hair. I decided to try on dirty hair to see if it would flake. I spritzed my hair with water and applied the Softening Butter and then Olive Oil to seal and let me tell you, it was amazing! So hydrating!

---

Pros:

If you have DRY hair, this is perfect. The reason being is that the first ingredient is water and it is VERY thick, so it softens your hair and it hydrates. I would recommend wetting your hair before applying, and on clean hair.

Cons:

a TAD greasy! Just a tad. It says “no greasy transfer” but I had a little. Not bad at all, but just a heads up for anyone who may be anti-grease.

Where to find: Rite Aid’s, CVS and online.

---

Would I purchase again?

Yes! Point, blank and the period!

Have you tried this product? Did you like it? What about Dark and Lovely’s other products?

Until next time! XO!

Love,

Rayna

I’m On Youtube!!! Ahhh!

Hello Curlies! ❤

Please excuse my lack of posting, life has happened as we’re all so familiar with! I hope you’ll forgive me. But, besides that…ya girl’s on the YT, also known as Youtube! CRAZY! Lol. I used to have videos in 2009-2010, but deleted them back then like a dummy. But, I’m so grateful for all the love and support I receive and the encouragement to do so, I finally made a video! I plan to make more and more as well as continuing to blog.

One thing I ask of you…

PLEASE watch, comment, LIKE and subscribe! I will super appreciate it!

Also…

Please let me know what you would like to see via youtube, it’s important to me to show what people want to see. I’m a wash n’ go gal, so it’ll be different venturing outside my comfort zone! Lol. I’d love any suggestions on what to do different in my next video, as this was my first time. 🙂

Without any further adieu!

My Wash n’ Go Routine!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/happycurlhappygirl

 

Thank you beauties so much for watching!!

Do you have a Youtube? I’d love to subscribe and check you out!

Until next time! XO!

Love,

Rayna

Product Review: Crème Of Nature Twirling Custard!

Hey Curlies! ❤

Crème Of Nature Argan Oil Twirling Custard Curl Styling Gel!

Soooo, I already know that custards and “styling gels” (besides Eco Styler) don’t work too well with and on my hair because it tends to leave my hair quite sticky and I don’t get the desired hold. But, I’ve been using Crème Of Nature’s line since a child it seems like and the new Argan Oil line hasn’t let me down, so I decided to give it a try!

The Description:

Rock your curls with confidence using Twirling Custard, a defining curl styling jelly that delivers long-lasting hold for crunch-less curls with Exotic Shine^™. This frizz-defying formula will leave you with healthy, beautiful curls and waves.

• Perfect for Twist Outs, Shingling, Coiling, Updos and Wash-and-Go’s
• NO Sulfates^*, NO Parabens^*, NO Mineral Oil^*, NO Petrolatum^*
• Made with Argan Oil & Argan Butter for Exotic Shine^™
• Available in 11.5 oz

– Crème of Nature

---

The Consistency:

If you’re familiar with jellies or custards, the consistency is that of a watery/creamy like gel. Lol. Kind of difficult to describe, really. BUT! If you’ve ever tried or currently use custards then you know exactly what I am referring too. Not as thick as a gel but not as thin as a leave in conditioner.

---

How I Used It:

I applied the Crème Of Nature Argan Oil Strength and Shine Leave in Conditioner first on wet hair after washing with Shea Moisture JBCO Shampoo and detangling with Trader Joe’s Nourish Spa Conditioner. I then sectioned my hair into 4 sections, and did subsections applying the product, liberally. I had to use a LOT of product just for one section to ensure that my hair would look the way I expected it too. I know my hair to a T, so I knew that with a custard I would need more product than using a heavier gel. That was a bummer because I paid $9 so if I were to use this product consistently I’d be out of it in 2 weeks. It’s already at the half way mark. No Bueno! I then air dried for 30 minutes and diffused my hair. To my surprise NO frizz. It promises no frizz and no shrinkage. And I did not experience ANY frizz and I am PRONE to frizz. As far as shrinkage, I noticed my hair was hanging differently DRY than using any other styling product.

WET hair about 30% dry, waiting on my wash n’ go to dry some more before I diffused…

Now…

If you tried it for a twist out or braid out, the product should last longer than for a wash n’ go…in my opinion…

---

Pros:

• Lightweight
• No frizz
• Moisturizing
• Shrinkage is limited
• Slight hold
• Great definition
• No harsh ingredients
• A lot of body

Cons:

• Only got BARELY 2 days out of my wash n’ go
• Seems like you need a lot of product
• A tad sticky
• Disliked the smell
• Every time I touched my hair, there was always a film left on my hands
• Slightly weighed my hair down because of the promises of no shrinkage, lol (I still wanted volume, I don’t care about shrinkage!)

---

 Overall…

I thoroughly enjoy Crème of Nature’s products such as their Crème Of Nature Argan Oil Strength and Shine Leave in Conditioner and their Argan Oil Perfect 7 Leave in Treatment Masque. However! I always do this to myself thinking that I can find a styler BETTER or EQUAL TO Eco Styler Gel, and I can’t. Jellie’s and custards just don’t work for my wash n go’s the way that I would want them too. I only got 2 days out of using this product 😦

If you want a light weight, crunch less, frizz free and defined wash and go, I’d definitely try it. If you’re a gel girl and not used to jelly stylers then you may want to stick to gel’s lol. BUT! If you want the look of gel but something “lighter”, this could be the product for you! EVERY ONE’S HAIR IS DIFFERENT! This may work well if you want to try it for a twist out and or braid out…because I do not wear those styles, I can only tell you my wash n’ go experience.

Would I Purchase Again?

More than likely, no. But I WILL purchase their other products. 🙂

Have you tried this product? If so, what are your thoughts? What other Crème Of Nature products would you recommend? Let me know in the comments below please!

---

Side note: If you’re interested in this tee I’m sporting and other designs, you can now purchase my shirts at www.happycurlhappygirl.spreadshirt.com ! #happycurlhappygirl 🙂

---

Until next time Curlies! XO!

Love,

Rayna

Why Is My Hair So Dry?! 10 Reasons Why Your Hair Might Be Dry & Solutions to Help Fix It!

Hey Curlies! ❤

As we know, dry hair breaks and moisturized hair flourishes. When our hair is dry, there are always reasons as to WHY. Lol, I didn’t mean to rhyme. (I’m corny, I know) So let’s look deeper into the reasons you may be suffering from dry hair…

---

 Problem no 1.

– You’re not hydrated.

Simply you’re not drinking enough water! Yes, it’s crazy how that actually affects our hair! Drinking enough water also can aid in hair growth! Water hydrates the body which nourishes your hair follicles which in turn stimulates growth! Staying hydrated is key not just for our hair but for our overall health!

Solution: Drink more water! I try to drink a gallon a day. I definitely notice shinier hair and softer hair when I stick too my gallon of water!

Problem no. 2

– Using shampoo’s with sulfates.

Yes, we already know how terrible sulfates are for our hair and skin. They are EXTREMELY drying and when considering a shampoo, we should find a shampoo that says “Sulfate Free”. I truly believe in shampooing your hair AT least twice a month.

Solution: Find lines that offer “sulfate free” shampoo! Some lines include Shea Moisture, Carol’s Daughter and Crème Of Nature. Stick with shampoo’s that say moisturizing.

Problem no. 3

– Build up.

– Clarifying is like resetting your curls. BUT YOU MUST FOLLOW UP WITH A DEEP CONDITIONER! Build up on your hair doesn’t allow for moisture to penetrate your hair shaft, in turn making your hair dry. Think of a raincoat. A raincoat is protecting you from the rain, not allowing any moisture in so that you remain dry. Build up is the same way 🙂

Solution: Clarify once a month to ensure your hair is cleansed from product build up and dirt that co washing and sulfate free shampoo’s may or can leave behind. Reset your curls!

Problem no. 4

– Not using water based moisturizers.

– Water is our friend. It is THEE most moisturizing ingredient needed before any “moisturizing product”. Your moisturizing product MUST have water as thee first ingredient to combat dryness. Products with MINERAL OIL and PETROLEUM that state moisturizing usually are not. These ingredients coat the hair shaft making it “seem” like your hair is moisturized but these products do not penetrate your hair shaft.

Solution: Every moisturizing product should ALWAYS have WATER as the first ingredient! Don’t always trust what it says on the label, the ingredients will tell you the complete truth.

Problem no. 5

– Not sealing with an oil AFTER moisturizing.

– Moisturizing is GREAT and essential for healthy hair, however…water evaporates. So, moisturizing but not sealing in the moisture is what can be causing our hair to be dry.

Solution: Make sure to implement sealing every time you moisturize! Natural oils are excellent for sealing in moisture like Sweet Almond Oil, Jamaican Black Castor Oil and Coconut Oil. I use Sweet Almond Oil for sealing in moisture, it’s light weight but effective!

Problem no. 6

– Sleeping on a Cotton pillowcase.

– Cotton soaks up moisture. Pillowcases and scarves that are cotton are drying!

Solution:  It’s smart to protect your hair while you sleep as well ensuring that no moisture is being stripped from your hair. Satin and silk pillowcases and scarves are ideal!

Problem no. 7

– Not aware of your Porosity level. Check my previous post on Porosity here!

Solution: Take a porosity level test!

Knowing your porosity level can help in how you moisturize your hair PROPERLY. “There are a couple of simple tests that you can do to find out your porosity. These tests work best on clean hair, as the results will be more accurate: Take a strand or two of your shed hair and place them in a bowl of water. If the hair stays, your hair likely has low or normal porosity. These porosities are considered to be the porosities of healthy hair. If the hair sinks immediately, or gradually sinks within a minute, the hair likely has high porosity. Again, though fast absorption might seem ideal, the hair will lose that moisture just as quickly, resulting in dry, brittle, and breaking hair..” – Curly Nikki

High porosity – Hair may be damaged. Protein treatments may be needed to strengthen the hair. Making sure you implement proper moisturizing.

Normal – Usually healthy hair, keep doing what you’re doing!

Low porosity – Hair soaks up product and does well with heat for deep conditioning.

Problem no. 8

Using too much heat!

– If you don’t know by now, HEAT IS THE DEVIL, AND THE DEVIL IS A LIE! Lol. Forreal, heat is super damaging and drying to the hair.

Solution: Try to cut out heat and see how much your hair flourishes! I did a year of no heat and I was an AVID heat user, so you can do it!

Try cutting heat for 3 months…then 6 months…then 9 months…and before you know it, it’ll be a year!

There are ENDLESS heat free styles to try and fall in love with while you detox your hair from heat! 🙂

If you MUST straighten, check out the sss plates here. These plates help to straighten your hair with NO HEAT!!

Problem no. 9

– Harsh weather.

– Harsh winds, dry air and even some humidity can affect the hair causing it to be dry.

Solution: Incorporate deep conditioning treatments, properly moisturizing your hair as well as even some protective styling to help with keeping your hair moisturized!

Problem no. 10

– ONLY using butters and oils for moisturizing.

– Don’t get me wrong butters and oils are great! But used in the wrong way can make your hair dry! Butters and oils are excellent for sealing. If your hair is dry and you slap on some thick shea butter and oil you’re sealing in the dryness.

Solution:  Always use a WATER based product THEN an oil or butter for sealing that extra moisture!

---

Thankfully there are things we can do to help with dry hair. It’s finding out WHY our hair is dry. Once we do, address the issue and work our way to healthy moisturized hair! 🙂

 

Until next time Curlies! XO!

Love,

Rayna