I LOVE SheaMoisture Hair Products

I recently found out about SheaMoisture products during their sale at Target. I've been on a 15 year search for GOOD hair products for my type 4, dry hair. I've thoroughly educated myself about my hair type and sampled around with HUNDREDS of hair products never feeling completely satisfied with what they did for my hair! Now I would like to sum up how I feel about this line...

THANK-YOU SHEA MOISTURE!!!!!!!

Over the last 3 months, I've made 16 SheaMoisture hair product purchases to use for myself, my Daughter, and my Husband and I simply love them. Our hair is healthier and stronger.

I also look forward to trying their skincare products in the future. 

Check them out if you've been under a rock like me : SheaMoisture.com

Reviews coming soon! 

-Love Nikki :)

My Last Hair Journey

This time I vow to do it right! I am currently 11 weeks post relaxer (texlaxed), and I don't plan on ever going back to relaxing. I guess you can say "I'm going Natural". Yes that is a very common statement nowadays, so Thank-you to the Naturals that paved the way and inspired us all. 
Now here I am.... with my Frizzy, easily Tangled, Dry, Porous Hair, ready to Beautify it to the best of my ability.
This is more than a Journey to me now, this will be my lifestyle. I want long, Healthy Hair, once and for all.



Favorite Products So Far:

• SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Hold & Shine Moisture Mist
• SheaMoisture's Raw Shea Butter Extra-Moisture Transitioning Milk 

I'll add more to the list and review each product as I continue to fall in love. 

The pic above is me July 2014, 1 week post relaxer with air dried hair. 

~Nikki :)

Growing My African American Hair....AGAIN!

A little over a year ago I reached my goal of thick, mid-back relaxed hair. I was sooooooo HAPPY and after receiving numerous compliments from family and strangers I was even more convinced that I had done something Great! Growing relaxed African American Hair is a challenge. My hair type of fine 4a hair tends to be dry and breaks easily. Moisturizing weekly, trimming away split ends, avoiding all heat, and wearing protective styles got me to my goal but it was not without a few set-backs and even tears! I remember a time where I over-did-it with some protein products and BAM, it was breakage city. It took over a year for me to get to my goal but it was well worth the wait.
Fast forward to today, after moving into my first home, getting married, going on a honeymoon, working hard for a promotion at work, and flat out being LAZY, I noticed that I am far from where I started 4 years ago. I blame myself for getting "too comfortable" with having long hair. Forgetting to wrap it when I laid down, not deep conditioning for weeks, throwing it in a messy bun for days without moisturizing... and on top of all that, I had the nerve to flat iron my hair 3 weekends in a row! Today I thoroughly examined my hair and noticed split ends everywhere. My once thick, mid-back hair is now a thinner, uneven bra-strap length. I haven't gotten a relaxer in 8 months so my hair is very fragile and breaks easily due to the two different textures which adds fuel to the fire.
Well, I say all this to further "reality check" myself and to get back on the right track once and for all. I want my long, healthy, beautiful, black hair back! I know its going to take time, but I am fully prepared and I plan to blog along the way.... Below is my goal pic, which a pic of my hair a couple years ago.

SO HERE'S TO HAPPY HAIR GROWING!!! Feel free to follow my journey :)

HAIR UPDATE ♥ MBL Goal Achieved ♥

I reached my goal of Mid Back Length Hair on

♥October 3 2010♥

I'm super happy about this! As my hair grows longer it will be icing on the cake!

I contribute my Hair Journey Success to the following: Deep conditioning weekly with ORS replenishing deep conditioner, Getting a good healthy trim when needed & trimming off split ends whenever I see them , Washing hair with Hair One cleansing conditioner, Airdrying, Avoiding heat, Mane n Tail detangler, My satin scarves & pillow cases.

Happy Hair Growing Everyone!

Luv Nikki ♥

My HAIR IMPROVMENT Pics♥

BEFORE-September 2009

After- July 2010

♥

READ POST BELOW FOR HAIR JOURNEY UPDATE ;)

PEACE♥

♥HAIR UPDATES♥

HAIR PICS IN POST ABOVR .
FINALLY I REACHED MY FIRST GOAL!!!

Up top is a pic of my hair 10months ago on 9/2009. After being on my hair journey for a yr, I was still fed up with my thin see through ends and extreme uneven hair, so I trim/cut it back up to armpit length and decided to really take my hair journey seriously.

That was the best decision I've ever made for my hair.

Now I've reached my first goal of healthy BSL (Bra-strap length) Hair. As you can see, I've gone a little passed that which is great! . I was 4wkS post relaxer. My hair is a little uneven, so I'll even it up soon. :) My next goal is Mid-Back Length!!! yaay.

What Helped Me Reach My Goal:
Deep conditioning once a week with ORS replenishing conditioner
Washing with HairOne
Using a clarifying poo 1x per month
Detangling with Jilbere Shower comb
Using Mane and Tail Detangler and moisturizing & sealing nightly
Wearing Half Wigs as a protective style
Airdrying and staying away from heat
Black Tea/Coffee Rinses (love♥)
Wearing satin scarves and sleeping on satin pillow case
Stretching relaxers 14+ weeks apart and texlaxing
TRIMMING Split Ends-mandatory for length

Great things I occasionally do:
Use Jamaican Black Castor Oil
Take GNC Ultra Nourish Hair Vitamins
Co-wash

Things I stopped:
Roller setting at home- i got breakage no matter what, so I only let my stylist do it after she relaxes my hair.
Hard Protein treatments- I just use protein conditioners every now and then
Braiding Hair- My fine hair breaks when Its braided for extended periods
Stressing- It will grow, so don't obsess over your hair. Be patient and remember less is more.

GOD Bless and I wish you and your Hair the Best!

Luv Nikki♥

My Hair Inspirations!

I'm slowly but surely approaching my goal of Mid-back length hair and I couldn't of done it without the info, guidance, and tutorials from some of the best ladies in the relaxed-hair journey game. These ladies rock. Check them out and I hope they inspire you as well!

Bronzeg- She's My Personal Fav because she keeps it REAL when it comes to her hair. There is no pretending like she doesn't have breakage, or that she loves all products, and that she's never made hair mistakes. She's just a down to earth Fab Chic that had a goal and achieved it! Luvs her!
Check Her Out
Her Youtube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/chinablk
Her Recent Interview: http://www.longhairdontcare.net/long_hair_dont_care-deleted-20090628-muftz/2010/03/inspirational-thursday-bronzeg.html

Sylver2- Oh How I LUV her hair!!!!!!! She's not big on making youtube videos but her Fotki was one of my biggest inspirations!
Her Youtube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/sylver2
Her Fotki: http://members.fotki.com/sylver2/about/

Ms.Kibibi- I just discovered her a couple weeks ago but I'm hooked on her hair already! She's full of helpful info.
Her Youtube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/mskibibi
Her Blog: http://www.kibibihair.com/

Luv Nikki :) I will reveal my hair later this year! Yaay.

I ♥ Mane 'n Tail Detangler!

I've been moisturizing nightly with this and my hair has been super soft and tamed. I had to write about how great this product is so that I could possibly help someone with hair like me :). My hair is relaxed and fine. I'm about a 4a in texture and my hair tends to be dry and fragile when I neglect it. I simply spritz this throughout my hair, lightly comb it through with my Jilbere shower comb, seal in the moisture with natural Jojoba oil, then I put on my satin scarf. Its only 3.99 and last me for 2 months. I only air-dry my hair, so the moisture is no biggie to me, but my hair dries pretty smooth with this anyway.

Details from website below:
Our exclusive pH balanced formula is easy to use and immediately eliminates tangles and dry, split ends while adding additional conditioning benefits.
• The solution for hard to comb hair
• Exclusive pH balanced formula
• Eliminates tangles & dry, split ends
• Provides a rich luxurious shine
Ingredients: Water, Dimethicone, PEG 7 Amodimethicone, Horsetail Leaf Extract, Chaparral Extract, Colts Foot Flower Extract, Horse Chestnut Seed Extract, Meadowsweet Flower Extract, Clover Flower Extract, Fragrance, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Trideceth-6

Enjoy & Healthy Kisses

Reclaim Your Real Hair

HOW TO BEGIN A HEALTHY HAIR JOURNEY WITH RELAXED HAIR

Hey Cuties! I write articles for EHOW now so every now and then I will post them on my blog for you all to view. This one is all about starting your healthy hair journey! There is a serious movement going on ladies and a couple of years from now there will be ALOT of African American women rocking their LONG, HEALTHY, and REAL hair. So if your looking to reclaim your hair once and for all, check it out.

Kisses Nikki ♥

HAIR WE GO AGAIN ♥ :)

Well November 1st will mark One official year of my Healthy Hair Journey! I had many lessons to learn and many setbacks to recover from...But I'm happy to say that things are on the Up&Up now. My hair is fuller than it's been in years and definitely healthier. My Only gripe is that I had to make a sacrifice recently regarding my hair.....THE DREADED TRIM.

Everyone serious about Achieving Healthy Hair must come to grips with the fact that we have to trim off raggedy, split ends. As you can see in this pic, I had a an inch and a half of them! I closed my eyes and told my hairdresser of 4yrs to go for it!

I was actually HAPPY with the finished product :) I felt great about leaving what represented MY BAD HAIR CARE HABITS behind me. I'm now back at APL (armpit length) But not for long :)

I won't post an updated pic of my hair until I relax in December which will end a 16week stretch. That way I can really show you all the difference that EXCELLENT haircare makes!

Here's My Current Regimen

Wash Weekly w/ Hairone Cleansing Conditioner

Clarify with Nexxus Aloe Rid every 3 weeks

Deep Condition Weekly alternating between: ORS olive oil replenishing conditioner for Protein & GVP conditioning balm for Moisture

Moisturize nightly to keep hair from drying out

I usually wear my hair out and wavy from a braidout or from simply airdrying with my satin scarf, I do a messy pin up in a clip sometime, or I wear a Freetress half wig (Milano girl) which is VERY natural looking and I take it off nightly to moisturize my real hair.

My Fav Hair Moisturizers are:

~Alaffia Virgin Coconut & Shea enriching hair lotion

~VO5 Strawberries&Cream- co wash/leave-in

~Giovanni Direct leave-in- but will not repurchase since Allaffia is Better.

Oils/Sealants

~Jamaican Black Castor oil

~ Jojoba Oil

~Garnier Fructis Anti-frizz serum

♥Well that's the HAIR Update for Now Guys!♥

Peace & HEALTHY KISSES!! Nikki

QUEENS AND OUR CROWNS

EVERY QUEEN SHOULD OWN A BEAUTIFUL CROWN

-NIKKI ♥

I love hair! All colors and textures. Relaxed and Natural, Straight and Curly.

So that's why I started my Healthy Hair Care Journey last October!

Things are going great thus far. I've managed to grow and retain almost 3 additional inches of length so far and my hair is much thicker!

I just want to encourage everyone to embrace their hair. It's important to maintain it's health. Yes weaves and wigs can look Great....but

The Health of your Real Hair is Priceless!

Here are some quick tips Cutees:

Minimize flat ironing to once a week (if at all)

Trim Split ends to retain length

Air dry sometimes

Deep condition every 1-2 weeks

Take a hair vitamin daily

Keep scalp clean

Stretch relaxers longer than 8 weeks

Wrap hair every night

Sleep on a satin pillow case

Don't Braid or Pull hair too tight

and last but not least.....

LOVE, EMBRACE, NURTURE, AND ROCK YOUR REAL HAIR....AFTER ALL IT IS YOUR CROWN

Peace, GOD Bless & HEALTHY KISSES SWEETIES :)

Nikki~

Last Pic: Joanna Petit-Frere of Boston, MA.

♥My HAIR has a new Crush♥

She's falling in Love with the Hair One Olive Oil Cleansing Conditioner! lol
This product leaves my scalp clean and my hair moisturized. I use it to cleanse my hair once a week. Since it has a "cone" in it which can eventually cause build up, I use Nexxus Aloe Rid (another FAVE of mine) Once every 3 weeks, which Clarifies and renews the hair stripping it of product buildup.
You will find mixed reviews on this product and I can honestly say that when I first used it I was like "meh"...but Now, Well now I'm in love. After that first wash my hair & scalp has greatly benefited from this product! It feels fuller, healthier, and stronger! I have Relaxed/fine 4 A/B type hair, so if you can relate...Try It♥

The Scivy on this Product from Sally's Beauty Supply :)

Ingredients ♥
water, cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, amodimethicone, glycerine, aloe leaf juice, butylene glycol and anthemis nobilis flower extract, cofea arabica extract and vaccinium myrtillus fruit extract, roas roxburghii fruit extract, propylene glycol and rosemary leaf extract, olive fruit oil, avocado oil, sweet almond oil, hydrolyzed wheat protein, menthol, panthenol, behentrimonium methosulfate, BHT, Polysorbate 60, PEG 60 almond dimethylamine, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, citric acid, disodium EDTA, 1, 2-hexanediol and caprylyl glycol, phenoxyethanol, sorbic acid, fragrance.

Finally Something I can Rave About♥

(UPDATE: THEY CHANGED THE INGREDIENTS :(. I'M NOT MUCH OF A FAN ANYMORE.)
I've found a staple LEAVE IN CONDITIONER! Yaay. I'm so happy because I've tried everything "raved" about to no avail :(. Finally I was strolling through Target and picked up a bottle of Giovanni Direct Leave-In Conditioner.

Looked Pretty interesting so I flipped it around to read what it had to offer :
Enriched with certified organic botanicals , No animal by-products, Cruelty free. Restores strength, luster and nourishment to abused hair. Moisturizes and builds body. Detangles for easy comb-out.
This leave-in treatment repairs hair as you go through the day. It also has the added benefit of plumping up each repaired hair so that it feels thicker. More bodifled. This conditioner infuses each individual hair with proteins. .
Ingredients: Aqua (purified water) with *rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) oil, *nettle (Uritica dioica) oil, *thyme (Thymus vulagris) oil, birch leaf (Butela alba) oil, *chamomile (Anthemis nobilus flower) oil, *clary (Salvia sclarea), *lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), *coltsfoot leaf (Tussilago farfara), *yarrow (Achillea millefolium) oil, *mallow (Malva sylvestris), *horsetail (Equistetum arvense) oil, *soybean protein (Glycine soja), cetyl alcohol (plant derived), tocopherol (vitamin E), trace minerals, citric acid (corn), sodium hydroxymethyglycinate, grapefruit seed (citrus derived).
So it sounded great enough to give it a go. It also was 7.99 which isn't too bad. So I go home to Lurk around the Long Hair Care Forum to see what they had to say (and WHY did I do that?) lol. Let's say that there was a long forum post with lots of claims of "hard hair". Even though the majority liked it, I seem to always fall into the minority when it comes to hair products. Still I set my doubts aside, put some throughout my hair, put my scarf on, and went to bed only to wake up to soft, moisturized, fresh, Cone free, Happy Hair :)

I Love this stuff to say the least. I went back and brought another bottle for the heck of it.

I have fine 4a hair, so anyone in that boat searching for a good cone free leave-in, you must try this :) Great Luck♥
Nikki~

Unhappy Hair :(

My Hair is not at it's best right now...Why?? Because I had the CUTEST hair weave in for a couple weeks and the braids that I had in underneath were pretty tight/dry. I now realize why alot of people that wear weaves still don't have long and or healthy hair. "Out of sight-don't see the fright" hair is not the answer! I think a cute weave every now and then is great when the hair is healthy, well-condition, and the braids are not tight...(p.s- I don't use any sort of yarn or glue. Quick weaves only!!) Yet and still my hair was in no condition to be left alone for 2 weeks.

I need Protein! I need Clarifying! I needed a great Conditioner! I need it all right now. So there is nothing to it but to do it :)

Tomorrow Nights Regimen:

Wash with HairOne- Pat dry

Apply Aphogee Protein Treatment- Allow to dry

Rinse and Apply Aphogee Balancing conditioner- 3 min

Rinse and Apply Matrix Conditioning Balm- DC for 30 min

Rinse, Detangle, Apply Leave-ins, Airdry.

Finger Pin curl with natural coconut oil

Time- 1hr 30min

(I'll clarify next week and will began doing so once a month :)

HAPPY HAIR = HAPPY ME

Kisses Nikki♥

Spring HAIR UPDATE!♥

Hola Sweeties! Just wanted to give a quick hair update. My hair is progressing well!! At this rate I will definitely be BSL (bra-strap length) and BEYOND by October which marks my 1 year Haircare Journey! I've changed ALOT of things that I was doing. I believe that growing relaxed African-American hair definitely takes excellent care and dedication. We MUST keep our hair moisturized, strong, and protected from the harms of excess heat, over manipulation, and split ends. I've already recruited my Mom, Sisters, and BFF! lol.

Anyways, I am just about BSL, I had made it there length wise but my ends had to go! So I allowed my stylist to trim them. I will stretch my relaxer until the end of July which will equate to about 14 weeks. This should be easy since my Boyfriend will be in basic training for the summer ( yes I am A lol :). Him being gone means I can keep the hair super protected in buns and half wigs (freetress Milano girl, just 20$ & Its super cute). Mine as well work on my masterpiece and protect it from the public eye until the big reveal in October :).My hair is also THICKER! yaay. It had thinned out from bad care, but as my stylist was screaming when she was washing my hair in her Ethiopian accent "It's Coming Back!!!)

Things I LOVE that are helping me to reach my hair goals:

Jamaican Black Castor oil- Use it on my scalp & hair

GNC Nourish Hair Vitamins- speeds up growth!

Co-Washing- keeps my hair moisturized and smelling lovely

Half Wigs- Quick, easy, and cute protective style. (youtube it :)

Braid outs- Gives me that exotic look I love, plus no heat!

Deep conditioning once a week- keeps the hair soft & strong

My Shower comb- Not a break in sight! love this comb♥

I eliminated:

roller-setting once a week- only do it for a special occasions now.

sulfate shampoos- to bad for the hair! I don't like shampoo period, I make my own.

wearing hair out ALL the time- gotta protect it.

I don't own a flat iron or curling iron....I'm so glad I never got hooked on those, I heard it's pretty hard to ween yourself off! lol

WELL THAT'S IT FOR NOW! HAPPY-HAIR-GROWING AND KEEP IT HEALTHY! KISSES♥

Break Free :) ♥

I started co-washing last week with Herbal Essence Reconditioning Conditioner/ Aussie Moist conditioner and I also purchase a Jilbere Shower comb from Sally's Beauty supply. I co-washed and used my shower comb to detangle and guess what??? NO BREAKAGE!!! All last week I felt relieved to finally "Get it".
MOISTURE/CONDITIONING + JILBERE SHOWER COMB + HE LTR LEAVE-IN + AIR DRYING UNDER SATIN SCARF WITH HANGING HAIR IN 1-2

MOISTURIZED TWIST = NO BREAKAGE FOR ME.

BYE GEORGE, I'VE GOT IT!

Breakage is a major issue when growing relaxed hair. Some of the cures are in fact Moisture and Low Manipulation. I use to be OBSESSED with only using Coconut Oil for moisturizing ( Nicoconut) Yep, that was my nickname lol. Now I realized the importance of incorporating water based moisturizers as well to keep those strands healthy & moist!

I wish everyone continued success with their Hair Care Journey's! Hair Pics Coming in May!

Some FAVS!!!

To name a few....Kisses!

Well I Co-Washed....♥

& I LOVED IT!

I thought I would never love this. But yesterday was a different story. Here is what I did:

1. Applied Aussie Moist Conditioner to Dry Hair. Focusing on roots first, then hair, and ends.

2. Showered up allowing steam to assist in the moisturizing process.

3. Massaged Scalp & Hair with finger tips.

4. Rinsed with cool water.

5. Pat dried with towel until damp

6. Applied Herbal essence LTR leave-in/split in protector & Coconut oil.

7. Put hair in 4 Twist ( Not too keen on braiding).

8. Applied Jamaican black castor oil to ends

9. Put my satin scarf on my edges to lay my hair down and VOILA!

10. This morning I took off the scarf, untwisted hair and applied coconut oil.

My hair looks NICE, feels SOFT, & smells DELICIOUS.

This will hold me down until relaxer day!

READ MORE ON CO-WASHING! :
♥Traycee's REASONS TO START♥

Kisses ♥

hair...HAir...HAIR♥

I have a LOVE-Like relationship with my hair right now. My Loved one's keep telling me how it's getting Longer/Healthier but my mind keeps focusing on how it could be BETTER.
I decided this weekend that I am going to give rollersetting a break until my next relaxer. I am 8 weeks post and I don't want to manipulate my hair too much.
Below are some of my goals until I relax on May 2nd..(13 week stretch!!!)
Co-washing- I did not like this in the beginning of my hair journey; However...My hair was not as healthy in the beginning as it is now...so I'm expecting great results this time around.
Protective styles- I really can't stand buns on me, so that's a no go. I Love wearing my hair out, and letting its beauty flow to the world, lol. BUT I have to do styles that will protect my ends and preserve its length. Half wigs & Messy Pin-ups are my friend :)
Dusting- Split ends your DUSTED!! (lol)
Deep Condition- Once a Week with Redkin Smooth Down Butter Treat
Airdrying- With a satin scarf to keep my hair lying peacefully. I'm so glad its Spring Time :)
New Hair Products I'm Loving: Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Herbal Essesnce Long Term Relationship Leave In, and the Jibere Shower Comb!
No more Hair Pics or Length Checks until May 2! PEACE & Kisses♥

Reason for Hair Breakage (Nikki's Version)

I've been a Hair Fanatic for about 6 months now and I've learned ALOT about not only my hair but hair in general! My heart goes out to those that do a million things to their hair a week...and just can't stop the breakage! Here is MY Personal list of reasons why hair will, could, or may break (did that sentence just hurt you brain?? lol). Okay, Here it goes!

1. Too much Protein-check ingredient list.

2. Too much moisture- mushy hair w/ no structure.

3. Too much manipulation- Stop playing in your hair

4. Fine tooth combs- there are exceptions, but be careful

5. Bristle Brushes- Not on my fine hair!

6. Cheap, Bad Products- Alcohols don't do well in my hair!

7. Too much Heat- I don't even own a flat or curling iron (use protectant)

8. Super Tight Braids/Styles-Too much Pulling

9. Weather- Cover that hair in the cold

10. Hair Type/Genetics- YES! IT'S TRUE. Not all hair is as elastic as the next. You will see people with long hair that treat it like crap, and people with shorter hair that treat it like silk! Breakage can be due to the fact that your hair naturally or chemically (relaxed) has little elasticity. For some, breakage is rarely if ever a problem. But if your like me, you see a little breakage no matter what! My hair is VERY Healthy, I have a good moisture/protein balance and I use great products. I've come to realize that Its okay, just as long as you keep taking great care of your hair the breakage will continue to be MINIMAL. My hair is still soft and growing, its just NOT that elastic. It is also fragile and fine, exactly like my Mother's. I am gentle with my hair and I see great results. So Don't let a little break here and there get you down!...Just Keep on Keeping on!

~Kisses♥ Nikki

African American Relaxed Hair Care? I'M THERE....♥

Yaaaay, It's hair night tonight! I STAY excited because I learn so many NEW things each week! This week I have added GNC Nourish-Hair supplements to my daily intake and I've also purchased and installed a filter to my shower head that REMOVES 75% of Chlorine and other impurities!

I knew I had BAD water because Im so close to the city (D.C Stand Up!) and after reading the reviews of softer healthier hair on Home Depot's website I was set on buying it! Even better it was only 19.85!

Here are the links on water and hair as well as the filter I bought:

You Hair & Water: http://stylebell.wordpress.com/2008/04/02/is-your-hair-thinning-check-your-water/

Shower Filter: http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053&productId=100210495

I've also been keeping my hair VERY moisturized with Coconut and Avocado oil. My FAVORITE deep conditioner these days is the Redken Smooth Down Butter & Coconut oil...Only down side is that the Redken comes in such a little bottle!! So who knows how long this Love will last :).

Have A Happy Hair Day Everyone!!!! ♥ KISSES♥