Tag Archives: Hair

Revlon Realistic Wash-n-Go (Black Seed Oil Product Line)

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Hey Maicurlies,

Today I am sharing my Wash-n-Go results, using the Revlon Realistic Black Seed Oil Product line.

If you haven’t read my “First Impression” on the Revlon Realistic Product box I was sent through Brown Girl Bloggers, please take a look at it as I delve into each product from the line in details (providing information on scent, texture/consistency and ingredients).

 

Wash-N-Go Process

My Wash-n-Go started with my wash day process where I first used the Strengthen Shampoo:

Photo Credit Revlon Realistic USA

Photo credit Revlon Realistic USA

1. Cleansing Using about 4-5 pumps of the shampoo after damping my hair with water (I wash my hair in sections) I focused on my roots and scalp first in order to remove product buildup, sweat, dirt etc. Using my finger tips I gently massaged my scalp and worked the shampoo. I also used my scalp massage brush to help lift product buildup and sweat from my scalp. I added another 3 pumps of shampoo onto my roots and scalp before working the shampoo on the length of my hair. It smells divine and had a little bit of slip to help detangle (however, I did not necessarily focus on detangling while using the shampoo that came later). I have always had a hate hate relationship with shampoo because from past experience they have ALWAYS left my hair feeling dry and stripped. However, this shampoo did neither! It lathered up a little bit and left my hair feel clean without stripped of natural oils produced by the scalp. It basically left my scalp and hair feeling clean without that typical “squeaky clean” feeling I have experienced in the past. In terms of shampoos, this definitely has been one of the best I have personally used.

Photo Credit Revlon Realistic USA

Photo credit Revlon Realistic USA

2. Conditioning: After shampoo-ing I moved onto their Strengthening Conditioner (Intense Moisture). I struggled getting the conditioner out of the pump because it is really really thick which, is something I had anticipated when I did my initial review of the box (check my previous post).  I ended up removing the pump and just squeezed the conditioner out of the container. I worked the conditioner from ends to roots since the ends of our hair is the oldest and driest parts so I focus on that first. I am very heavy handed with conditioner because this is when I really finger detangle and remove shed hair (using my fingers as a comb – I no longer use a comb while washing my hair). This conditioner melted into my hair, despite being really really thick. I had anticipated that it would sit on my hair but I was proven wrong! It basically dissolved. My curls were left detangled, soft, moisturized and clumped together.  I absolutely loved how hydrated my hair felt after using the conditioner. I was left with a normal amount of shed hair (for me) as I would on any other wash day. I left the conditioner on with a shower cap for 10 minutes (as per their instructions) and then rinsed it out.

Photo Credit Revlon Realistic USA

Photo credit Revlon Realistic USA

3. Moisturizing For the Wash-n-Go process I first moisturized my hair with their Strengthening Butter Creme Leave-in Conditioner. This is the thickest Leave-in Conditioner I have ever applied on my hair! I was actually a little worried that it might just coat my strands because of the thick consistency of the product, especially since I have fine strands. I also wasn’t sure if my curls would be weighed down due to the product just sitting on top of the strands instead of being absorbed but I yet again was proven wrong! My hair literally drank up the Leave-in! It did’t sit on top of my hair, it practically melted into int nor did it leave it feeling greasy in any way. I really put it to the test by applying A LOT of Leave-In. It smells amazing and left my curls moisturized, soft, shiny, hydrated and clumped together. After applying the leave-in is when I go for my wide tooth comb to make sure I have gotten rid of all tangles and shed hair (my comb was free of shed hair at this point).

Photo Credit Revlon Realistic USA

Photo credit Revlon Realistic USA

4. Defining: To define my Wash-n-Go I used the Strengthening Curling Custard. This is another product that is thick in consistency however, it has more of a cream texture compared to the Leave-In. This product helped to enhance my curls, clumped each strand and also left my hair smelling amazing and looking shiny. It didn’t leave it feeling coated nor did I have a “crunchy” after effect on my curls. I was left with fluffy, frizz free, bouncy hair that had body, movement and definition. 

Final Verdict:

Overall, I loved the results of my Wash-n-Go, from cleansing right down to styling. I was impressed with how well my hair absorbed the products without feeling weighed down nor product overloaded. My hair had volume while having little to no frizz (I went to town with my Afro comb because I LOVE lifting my roots to create MORE volume). My curls were defined, soft, shiny and hydrated. 

Initially I did wish that the line included some kind of oil since I am used to applying one after moisturizing my hair however, I think that since both the leave-in and the curling custard include oils such as: sweet almond oil, black cumin seed oil, olive oil, argan oil, coconut oil and even Shea Butter & Cocoa Butter, I think for someone with fine hair such as myself the oils included in the products are sufficient. (I don’t know if those with thicker hair strands (coarser) hair would feel the same). I would have liked to see a Deep Conditioner in the product line because my wash day usually includes deep conditioning on a weekly basis. Maybe that will be added at some point.

Other than that, I enjoyed using the line & look forward to trying the other styling product I received when I do a Bantu Knot-out! 

Let me know if you have ever tried Revlon Realistic Black Seed Oil and what you thought!  

Maicurls

DIY Henna Spray For Strength

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Hello Maicurlies,

I am back with yet another DIY! Yes you read that right, a DIY Henna Spray!
This one is actually inspired by another Naturalista that has her on stash of DIY Goodies Curly Proverbz. She is GAAAWGEOUS btw! If you haven’t been following her you NEED TO!

So first off, Thank you Curly Proverbz for the inspiration!!!!

I modified her original recipe so it would fit my hair needs and I recommend you alter any ingredients you feel will not benefit your hair to fit your own needs too! (I have alternative suggestions a little lower down).

Henna Spray

Prior to you attempting to use Henna, Amla, Shikakai or any other Ayurvedic, herbs I HIGHLY SUGGEST that you do some research prior to application just so you are well informed about the ingredients & their benefits/disadvantages. I have a henna blog post where I also mention Shikakai and Amla in there since I regularly use them in my hair care.

Even if you know nothing about henna, amla, shikaikai and decide not to research (bad idea btw) PLEASE NOTE:

  • Ayurvedic, herbs can be drying on the hair therefore it is highly recommended that you thoroughly moisturize prior to/after using the spray.
  • Do not overdo the applications, it will cause your hair to feel dry and brittle due to the strength the herbs provide to the hair (lack of elasticity = breakage).
  • You might notice a colour change in your hair e.g. reddish/brown (henna & amla) therefore if you are not looking for this, DO NOT USE this recipe.
  • Use clothes & a towel you do not mind getting stained while spraying your hair!

Ingredients/Tools Use:

  • 0.1oz Amla
  • 0.1oz Shikakai
  • 0.25oz Henna
  • 4oz Water
  • 4oz Rose Water
  • 0.15oz Argan Oil
  • 2-3 drops Alcohol Free Rose Fragrance
  • Coffee Filter (or cheese cloth)
  • Cup
  • Spoon 
  • Spray Bottle
  • Gloves (optional)

Optional Ingredients/Ratios:

You can replace the Amla and Shikakai with any other Ayurvedic, herb such as Bhringaraj, Neem, Brahmi etc. In case you do not have Rose Water the amount can be replaced with more plain water. You can add some glycerin to the spray for added moisture (if necessary/desired). The fragrance oil can be replaced with Essential Oil. 

Mixing Instructions:

You want to put your herbs into a coffee filter or cheese cloth and let it soak in boiled water. I add rose water (without boiling it) and let the herbs sit overnight. The following morning I take out the herbs, add the oil and fragrance oil, pour into my spray bottle and presto! 

Application:

My two ways of application is: 1. after deep conditioning my hair (prior to moisturizing) I will spray the henna onto my hair and proceed with moisturizing and styling. 2. On occasion if I feel like I need to provide strength to my hair mid-week, I first spray a little henna onto my hair and then remoisturize. You can also do this as a rinse, without leaving the henna on your hair (which is what I do). 

Storage:

You must store the mix in your fridge (otherwise you plan on growing nasty mold!) 

Thanks! 

Maicurls

Maicurls

3 Simple DIY Moisturizing Sprays

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Hello Maicurlies,

Today I have 3 DIY’s! 

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All of the three differ in ingredients but provide the same end result: moisturized curls/kinks/coils! 

So I decided to throw together three recipes in one post/video because I frequently get questions about using different ingredients and writing a post/making a video of a mix with alternative ingredients so this way I hope there is something for everyone. 

The main focus of change in the mixes is the use of humectants since they can be a hit or miss for many of us. For those that are unfamiliar with humectants, (putting it simple) they are ingredients and or chemicals that help to attract moisture in the air (e.g. humidity) to the hair. While this sounds awesome, it is important to note that the weather can play a huge role in whether our hair likes the use of them or not. You need to find a balance of “optimal” humidity because if you live in an area with high humidity this can cause the hair strands to swell up since they become over moisturized. This can cause frizz, can make the cuticle of the hair raise which can cause friction and thus cause tangles. On the other hand if you live in an area with low humidity, this can cause the opposite effect. The use of humectants would draw moisturize in the hair outwards and can cause dryness!

If you are unsure of whether or not your hair appreciates humectant based products check the back of your staple products to see if they include any humectants towards the top of the list. Here are examples of different humectants:

Honey, Agave nectar, Aloe Vera Juice, Vegetable Glycerin, Propylene glycol, Sorbitol, Hydrolyzed silk protein, Fructose, Sodium PCA, Panthenol.

Ingredients/Tools:

  • Clean & disinfected spray bottle
  • Spoon
  • Container
  • Gloves (optional)

Recipe 1 – Humectant Free

Humectant Free

  • 2 oz Plain Water
  • 1 oz Rose Water
  • 0.5 oz Leave In Conditioner
  • 0.5 oz Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (any Oil)
  • (Optional) 2 Drops Lavender Essential Oil (any oil)
  • 3 Capsules Vitamin E Oil (roughly 0.15 oz)

Recipe 2 – 1 Humectant

1 Humectant Recipe

  • 2 oz Plain Water
  • 0.5 oz Raw/Organic Honey
  • 0.5 oz Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (any oil)
  • 3 Capsules Vitamin E Oil (roughly 0.15 oz)
  • (Optional) 2 drops Peppermint Essential Oil (any oil)

Recipe 3 – 2 Humectants

2 Humectants Recipe

  • 2 oz Plain Water
  • 1 oz Fresh Aloe Vera Juice
  • 0.7 oz Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (use any)
  • 0.5 oz Glycerin
  • 3 Capsules Vitamin E Oil (roughly 0.15 oz)
  • (Optional) 2 drops Peppermint Essential Oil (any oil)

Mixing Instructions:

You basically just have to add all the ingredient together in a bowl and stir really well (using a whisk can help) and then pour into your spray bottle.

Application/Use:

I like to use the spray to remoisturize my hair at night when I want to “reset” a style. E.g. if my hair was in a braid out for a few days and feels a little dry with the curls loosing shape and gaining frizz, I spray my hair with the spray and re-braid for the night. The next morning i take down my hair and voila, a new looking braid out! I choose not to use a styling product again because I feel like the spray helps to “reactivate” the styling/holding product (but this is a personal choice). Make sure to shake the bottle each time really well to ensure all the ingredients are stirred together. 

Storage:

You MUST store the mixes in the fridge, regardless of which recipe you choose you have to store it in the fridge (maximum 2 weeks). I suggest making small amounts and remixing since each individual recipe is easy to make, this way you are not wasting anything with the mix going off before being used up. 

NOTE: In the examples I used Virgin Coconut Oil; Coconut Oil solidifies in cold temperatures therefore if you use Coconut Oil and notice white lumpy blocks of solidified oil this is normal. My suggestion is to either take the mix out of the fridge beforehand so that the coconut oil melts (if your house is warm enough) otherwise hold the mix (while in the spray bottle) in a cup of warm water for a few minutes so the oils melts. 

I have a compilation of benefits of each of the ingredients used in the recipes here. 

Thanks!

Maicurls

Maicurls

DIY – Moisturizing Dry Brittle Ends (Humectant Free)

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Hello Maicurlies,

Today I am back with an alternative recipe version of a mix I already shared a few weeks ago! I have a post & video about moisturizing dry & brittle ends with a humectant based recipe here and was then requested to do a humectnt free version and here it is!

DIY: Moisturizing Dry Brittle End (Humectant Free)

I have mentioned this a few times in my blog, not everyone’s hair appreciates humectants, it all boils down to hair preference and weather conditions in the area where you live. This recipe works in a similar way to my humectant based mix, just without the addition of ingredients that draw moisture in the air (humidity) to the area applied (the hair).

Ingredients/tools:

Ingredients

  • 1.7oz Plain Full Fat Yogurt
  • 1oz Cocoa Butter
  • 0.5oz Rose Water
  • 0.5oz Plain Water
  • 0.5oz Virgin Coconut Oil
  • 3 capsules Vitamin E Oil (roughly 0.15oz)
  • 3-5 drops Peppermint Essential Oil (Optional) – use any*
  • Clean and disinfected heatproof container
  • Pot 
  • Clean and disinfected spoon
  • Gloves (optional to keep mix sanitized)

*If you are pregnant do not use Essential Oil and always consult your personal physician whenever using something new!

Ingredient alternatives:

You can replace the 0.5oz Rose Water with more 0.5oz Plain Water if you do not have access to Rose Water. Virgin Coconut Oil can be replaced with any other carrier oil e.g. Almond Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Jojoba Oil etc Cocoa Butter can be replaced with any other butter e.g. Shea or Mango Butter. Depending on your preference you can either use any Essential Oil of choice or opt not to use any.

Mixing:

1.Melt down the cocoa butter by double broiling for 5 – 7 minutes. 2. add the yogurt and stir really well. (If you haven’t fully melted down the butter it will become a bit lumpy with the addition of the yogurt so place the container back in the pot with hot water for a few minutes till it is fully melted. 3. add the water and rose water a little at a time while continuously stirring. 4. add the virgin coconut oil and stir well. 5 add the Vitamin E oil and finally 6. add the essential oil (if using) and stir. I like to place the mix in my fridge in a squeeze container for a few minutes as this allows it to thicken up but this is optional.

Application:

I like to apply this to slightly damp hair that has been detangled. I mainly focus the mix on my ends – at the most going to the mid-length of my hair since the ingredients are a little on the heavy side and can weigh down my curls if I apply it on my length of my hair. However, this can be used on the entire length of your hair (it depends from person to person).

Storage:

DIY: Moisturizing Dry Brittle Ends (Humectant Free)

I keep it for no longer than 10 days in the fridge, IT MUST BE STORED IN THE FRIDGE. If you know you won’t be able to use it all up then I suggest storing in the freezer if you want it to last for more than 10 days.

Ingredient Benefits:

Plain Full Fat Yogurt – helps provide strength to the hair thanks to the traces of protein. Leaves hair feeling soft and eases detangling. Provides shine while smoothing the hair stands and fighting frizz.

Cocoa Butter – reduces hair loss and breakage. Since it is a fat, it can be used to replenish lost oils. Strengthens the hair, tames frizz and flyaway hair.

Plain Water – the optional moisturizing element for the hair!

Rose Water – revitalizes the quality of the hair due to Its natural moisturizing and nourishing properties. It helps stabilize the natural p.H level of the hair which helps to heal the porosity of the cuticle providing shine and it smells divine!

Virgin Coconut Oil – provides shine and strength, penetrates into the hair shaft strengthening from within. Helps seal in moisture from the other ingredients used in the mix e.g. water & rose water. Helps to fight against frizzy and brittle hair.

Vitamin E Oil – helps to extend the products shelf life (extends not preserves). Rejuvenates the hair strands, fights against frizz, provides shine and helps to slow down premature greying. 

Would love to hear what you think, especially if you use this recipe!

Thanks

Maicurls

Maicurls

DIY: (Recipe) Moisturizing Dry & Brittle Ends

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Hello Maicurlies,

I brought my DIY (you know what) back on the blog to share…drum roll please…a DIY Recipe for the hair! (And the crowd goes wild!)  

Moisturizing Dry & Brittle Ends

This particular recipe is one that I like to mainly focus on my ends since it does include a few “heavy” ingredients (heavy for my hair) that can potentially weigh my fine hair strands down. If however, you happen to have thick/coarse hair you probably can get away with applying this throughout the length of your hair without it stopping your curls/kinks/coils from being big and fierce! 

Ingredients/Tools

  • Mixing Bowl (dry, clean and disinfected)
  • 1.5 oz Plain Full Fat Yogurt
  • 0.2 oz Raw/Natural Honey or Agave Nectar
  • 0.2 oz (optional) Glycerine or Fresh Aloe Vera Juice
  • 0.5 oz Rose Water
  • 0.2 oz Virgin Olive Oil*
  • 3 capsules Vitamin E Oil (roughly 0.15 oz)
  • **3-5 drops any Essential Oil (I used Citronella) 
  • Spoon (dry, clean and disinfected)
  • Gloves (to be “extra” but not absolutely necessary)

**Note: Please do not use Essential Oils if you are pregnant of breastfeeding. Always consult with your doctor/dermatologist or a professional. Always make sure not to use too much Essential Oil since this can make the mix extremely “potent” and harsh, potentially causing you skin irritations. 

Mixing Instructions:

All you need to do is combine all the ingredients together and mix really well once the Virgin Olive Oil has been added and that is it!

Application:

I prefer applying this on lightly damp detangled hair (the ends) as it makes it easier to distribute versus working on dry hair. I usually put my hair up in a bun and cover with a shower cap for 15-30 minutes then rinse it off with conditioner and cold water. The cold water helps to close the hair’s cuticles which allows for moisture to stay in my hair and since the cuticles are laying flat (closed) it also provides extra shine! 

Ingredient Alternatives:

This is a humectant based recipe and some of you might find that humectants and your hair are not friends, it really depends on what your hair likes and the weather in your area. Humectants draws humidity in the air (moisture) to the area applied, if you have the right amount of humidity (neither too much nor too little) this creates additional moisture for dry curls/kinks/coils. If your hair does not like humectants you can limit the amount used e.g. Instead of using both Honey/Agave Nectar AND Glycerine/Aloe Vera Juice you can go for either Honey/Agave Nectar or Glycerine/Aloe Vera Juice. 

Extra Virgin Olive Oil – can be replaced with any carrier oil of choice however I would suggest using one that is known to penetrate the hair strands e.g Virgin Coconut Oil.

Essential Oil – you can use any Essential Oil of choice or skip this all together (I am not the biggest fan of the smell of yogurt so the Rose water and Essential Oil helps to mask that).

If you have coarse/thick hair and would like to use this on the entire length of your hair then simply double the amounts apart from the Rose Water and Essential Oil. Instead use 0.7 oz Rose Water (so it does not become too runny) and keep the Essential oil at no more than 5-7 drops.

Storage:

I always use what I have made and then place the remaining in my freezer. I simply let it defrost on its own (no heat) during the following application. 

P.S. in case some of you would like a humectant free recipe please do let me know I would be happy to create something along those lines. 

Thanks

Maicurls

Maicurls

Mini Buns?! I don’t think so Marc Jacobs – Global Couture

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Hey Maicurlies,

This is my latest contribution article to Global Couture. 

Yup, I also saw the latest “fashion trend….mini buns”…!!! Okay I don’t want to go off and start a big ‘what is wrong with people’ post simply because I tend to get a little to annoyed and can go on and on. I did address the fashion post what WAS on Mane Addicts website (but has since been removed). 

Like I said, I really don’t want to go off again so I have provided a link to my article here. I have said my piece on the matter but I am pretty sure it won’t be the last time I will address a situation like that again, as I said in my article I am not a pessimist I simply am a realist. 

Have a great weekend Maicurlies!

Thanks

Maicurls

Maicurls

Are we obsessed with hair growth pills – Global Couture

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Hey Maicurlies,

I sometimes forget to mention some of the articles I have written for the absolutely fantastic blog Global Couture. You should seriously check out the blog (not only for my articles 😉 ) they have fantastic stories, awe inspiring naturals, hair tips and much much more! 

For my last article I touched on a topic that might make you roll your eyes at me…potentially…

I wrote about the sudden emergence of hair, nails and skin pills everywhere! Now before I get the side eye, I mentioned in the article and will mention here that I have nothing against these types of pills (as long as they are healthy and if they happen to be all natural even better).

However, my “issue” with them is if they are used as a replacement for healthy hair routines. If they are being taken in place of having a good healthy routine that involves giving ones hair tender loving care in the hopes that you will wake up with “long luscious healthy hair” that is when I frown. 

I also have issues with false advertising! Seriously false ads give me allergic reactions! I believe that the vitamins, minerals etc in the pills can help our hair of course however, I have seen some before and after pictures that are just blatant lies! E.g. people tugging on randomly long pieces of hair with their neck almost bent completely back to show “how much growth they saw in 1 month”. Some fall victim to a vicious cycle of not having a healthy routine, turning to the “quick fix” tablets, a setback and then repeating it, all in the hopes that the tablets will give them the results they long for and they just end up spending tons of money and time. Again that is when I frown.

I cover all of this in the article and would love to hear what you think! 

Thanks

Maicurls

Maicurls

Slowly but surly getting there – Hair, Skin and Health Blog update

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Hi guys!

So as the title suggests I am slowly getting through the initial things I wanted to write up! The thing is, as I start writing I keep on thinking of new things to write! Anyways so yes I have written up a good part of my Hair and Skin care sections. There are still things missing though and I will star getting though them. The health section is also pretty much done but I think I will be adding in a few things like my favorite breakfast, lunch and dinner recipes. I will probably also put up my exercise plan showing the exercise videos I use from Fitness Blender and how my Elliptical Machine workout program. 

In my next post I will do quick summary of which Hair and Skin Care explanations I have written until now (04.09.2013). This will make it easier for you to know what is actually done so far. As I write more I will make new posts highlighting them. 

Hopefully the blog will start picking up and I will get to interact with a few of you! 

Thanks

Maicurls

Maicurls

My first Small Twists

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So I decided that I wanted to make my first attempt at (drum roll please) SMALL TWISTS ( I would like to call them Mini-Twists). Since my Natural Journey (mid 2009) till now I have NEVER attempted to do mini twists. I do normal sized twists (medium) and chunky twists but the thing is I never properly part my hair. I do not bother being particular about the parting so they are not aliened or neat. I normally just cover my hair with a scarf when I have them in twists (to hide the messiness) and then when I am ready to take them out I unravel the twists and rock a twist-out.

So yes I decided to do small (mini) twists and Oh My God it took forever! My little behind went numb half the time because of all of the sitting!

So I have photos of the finished look but not the process. It really was not a planned style but the basic concept of my twists are the same as everyone else’s. I will have more details into my experience etc. under the Mai Hair Styles Tab – subheading Twists. You can go directly to the page here. 

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  I am not sure if I will rock a twist-out after this but if it does not look too bad when I take them down I will leave them as twist outs before detangling. 

Thanks

Maicurls

Maicurls