Well well well... Where have you been all my life??
People…2012 has been such an interesting and ever-changing year. It’s truly been a whirlwind! I’m so sorry that I have completely abandoned my new years resolution to blog more. I’ve pretty much done the opposite =(
And now I’m left trying to cope with the fact that it’s almost 2013!! A whirlwind I tell you!
There have been soooo many changes in my life this year and the state of my hair is no exception. Unfortunately, those changes haven’t been so positive. It started last year when all the pampering slowly began to cease. Lack of protective styling (especially overnight), reckless and impatient detangling, and improper moisture infusion led to some pretty upset follicles. It seemed my interest in my hair had peaked and slumped. No wonder I hadn’t posted in a while. =(
95 percent of the time, my hair is worn in its naturally curly state. And my curls seem to hide their pain and frustration when really, they are being abused. By the time I find out my hair is damaged by way of unreasonable tangles, hair coming out in clumps, loss of definition, dull appearance, haystack dryness even when moisturizing products are applied, and refusal to respond properly to straightening or any kind of set (roller, twist or braid out, etc.) it is already too late. I knew what had to happen...a second big chop.
Actually, there were several chops over the course of a year. A snip snip here and there. It seems that no matter how much I cut, there were still damaged ends remaining. Man had I fouled up with my hair!!
In that period of time, my hair (stretched) went from this…
To this…
Good Grief!!! And as you can see, there were still some scraggly ends left when this picture was taken… so more was cut since then!
Needless to say, I’ve learned some pretty big lessons about the importance of listening to and caring for my hair.
I’ve also come to accept some things about my hair…
Looking back on the last 4 years since my “big chop”, I have done lots of research, experiments, and purchasing of the newest products and tools hoping that they would be my “hair savior”. From this, I have learned the importance of having handy and easy tools that can turn a frustrating styling experience into a fabulous hair day on the fly. They don’t always have to be fancy gadgets like this one.
Here’s my top five tried and true hair tools!
#5 Spray Bottle
I love to mix potions in my spray bottle, lightly spraying my hair for moisture and pliability when styling. Some concoctions I’ve added to my bottle include: a base of purified water, aloe vera juice, or rose water mixed with olive, argan, or castor oil. I’ve also enjoyed mixing variations of the youtube sensation, Kimmaytube’s popular DIY leave-in conditioner.
#4 Hairpins / Bobby Pins
These are a MUST for me. With them I can create buns (one of my favorite styles for the office), pin-ups, funky fro-hawks and many more styles. You can find a pack of 100 hairpins or about 40 Bobby Pins for a measly $1 at your local beauty supply.
#3 Wide Toothed Shower Comb
I’ve tried many detangling tools (Denman brushes, Flex combs, Tangle Teezer) some of which I still love and use for certain purposes. But a wide tooth comb (like this one) is a mainstay for me. Its perfect for shower detangling or for a “primary” detangling session before styling. It’s also the easiest tool for me to use on my children’s hair.
#2 Silk or Satin scarf
I find that no matter how moisturized I keep my hair, going to bed just one time without a scarf (which I personally prefer to bonnets because they stay put a little better and pillow cases are decent but usually leave me with a messy mane) results in a dry matted disaster in the morning. Most of us know that cotton, wool (eek!), and other coarse fibers are a no-no but real silk and/or satin-finish scarves may not seem readily available. Furthermore, many of us like to look cute going to bed for our partners or ourselves. My suggestion? Visit your local fabric store and select a half yard of silk or satin that you find irresistible. Tie it in a funky fashion a la June Ambrose and wa-la!! Ferocious AND set for the morning =)
Scarves are also a best friend to pony-tails and puffs, buns, and any other style requiring the hair to lay down. After applying product and brushing into place, I apply my scarf for at least 15 to 20 minutes. This smooths the hair into place and eliminates frizz around the hair line.
And now. Drumroll please…
The gadget that's never left my hair toolkit and nevvvvvverrrrr will…
#1 Pantyhose Legs!!!
Yes… pantyhose legs! Some people use bra straps, headbands, or even regular ol’ ponytail holders. But snipping off the leg of pantyhose or stockings or tights will leave you with an awesome stretchy, flexible hair holder that can easily create pony puffs, pony tails, buns, frohawks, bouffants, and I’m sure there are tons of other styles this dynamic tool can create that I haven’t even explored yet! It’s easy to use, readily available, a breeze to make, and highly cost effective.
What I love most about the pantyhose leg is that it allows those who don’t quite fill out or reach into a ponytail, to easily pull their hair back away from the face. You can gather the hair as far back as you like creating the puff size that you desire and then tie the ends in a loose knot to secure. The stocking is barely recognizable as you can choose a pair that closely matches the color of your hair. And you can cut the hose as long or short as you please.
They are easy to hand wash and hang up to dry. And I haven’t noticed ANY hair breakage around the point where I usually place my puff in the 4 years that I have been using them.
Absolutely Essential!!!
Ladies…What are some over your tried and true hair tools?
SPC
I’m always on the hunt for a great leave-in conditioner. None are created alike and all serve a purpose. You have your creamy leave-ins which are great when you need that extra dose of moisture or for creating twists/braids etc. (ex. Bantu Shea Butter Leave-In). There are leave-ins that are primarily for smooth definition, hold, and shine (ex. Paul Mitchell The Cream). You have your leave-ins that serve mostly to detangle and tame the hair (i.e. Kinky Curly Knot Today). Then there are those thinner liquid leave-ins that usually come in spray form. Many of these claim to condition or revitalize the hair with various vitamins and minerals. Usually I end up disappointed with these variations as they seem to be too watery and lacking the moisturizing capabilities that I seek. That was until I found this...
According to the Aveeno Website: “AVEENO® NOURISH+ CONDITION Leave-In Treatment does much more than nourish and condition — it quenches the thirstiest hair with a fusion of deep conditioners and moisturizers, recharging it with healthy new life. Hair is instantly revitalized and scientific studies show that just three uses helps repair dry, damaged hair.* And, using the Leave-In Treatment as part of a complete NOURISH+ regimen will help protect your hair from damage caused by thermal styling, resulting in up to 95% less breakage.”
I absolutely love this product! The feel of the product is thin but not watery. You can feel the oil in the product but it doesn’t leave a greasiness or heaviness on the hair. My favorite way to use it is to give my hair a mist while its damp and as a base for any other product that I might use. I also use it to refresh and moisturize daily.
As you can see, I really like this product. If you are looking for a leave-in that you can use daily to refresh your hair, that is dual purpose for many hairstyles and types, moisturizing and replenishing, and plays well with other products…this one may be for you!!
Peace,
SPC
Target has some pretty great beauty items in their clearance section right now. I just couldn’t help myself! I’m a sucker for Target’s illustrious clearance section. Right now you can find products from Sonia Kashuk, Milani, Rimmel, Shea Moisture, e.l.f, Aveeno, Covergirl (including the Queen Collection), Pixi, and more for up to 50% off!
Beauty product junkies…RUN don’t walk =)
Peace,
SPC
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