Just wanted to apologize for being MIA for the last couple of weeks. Been very busy – getting back in the swing of things at my TV job, studying for a Commerical Real Estate exam and selling houses. But I did want to say, I’m still doing tons of stuff with my hair and am axious to share my thoughts and results on the various products and techniques I’ve tried. Please keep posted. As always, please check out my video blogs on YouTube – remember to subscribe and rate
Yup, I’ve decided to take the plunge and add another component to my blog by vloggling o n my YouTube channel. Its been an interesting experience talking in front of the camera, etc. None the less its fun. Please click on the subscribe link to subb to my channel and you find out what I’m up too. And if you have any request, etc please do not hesitate to drop me a line and hopefully I can accomodate your request. I also want to take this opportunity to thank all my readers -- I’ve receieved a lot of positive feedback about this blog and I hope that continues to inspire your own hair journeys. Thank you!!!
Hey, I just wanted to drop a quick line to check out my interiew on Natasha Rao’s blog Fashionalities where I dished on all things curly. And if you are looking for your daily dose of fashion, make sure to check out her blog on a daily – really cute features and stuff. Hope to have Natasha featured on Curlisa soon – as a curl advisor. Her curls are popping!!!
Ok, so in addition to doing a grow out challenge – I plan on going on a no buy challenge too. While I was writing this first line I was thinking of saying I’m going to start it instantly – but then I remembered that I wanted to try Henna or Cassia and maybe this product line called Nu Grow (I’m still researching it)- oh yeah and Cantu Shea Butter, Shea Moisture and Argon Oil. Plus I really want to have the DevaFuser kit. But I’ve decided to hold off for this month and hopefully next and the next and the next – unless a really good deal passes my way. Did I mention I have my eye on Sabino Moisture Lock. Thank goodness most of this stuff isn’t readily available here in Toronto – if not – I don’t even want to think about it.
In the last two months I’ve either bought or acquired a number of prods that I plan on using and will do reviews on – here’s my list of my latest buys:
Kerastase products (4 different kinds)
Ojon
Curls Curly Q Custard
Jessicurl WDT
Jamaican Castor Oil
Shea Butter
Suave Strawberry and Cream condish
Elasta QP Mango Butter
Qhemet Biologics Olive and Amla Heavy Cream
Miss Jessie’s Silkening Stretch Cream
ORS Moisturizing Hair Lotion
Blended Beauty Reconstructor
Blended Beauty Volcanic Clean Mask
Oyin Honey Hemp Conditioner
Goody Jojoba Infused Brush
Goody Ouchless Comb
2 Packs of small butterfuly clips
Pack of Headbands
Tresemme Anti Breakage Conditioner
Aussie Moist Conditioner
HE’s Hello Hydration
Chi Keratin Mist, Infra Treatment and Silk Infusion
I’m sure my list doesn’t rivel some other PJs out there – but for me – this is a little bit too much – so I’m committed to buying no new products (unless I’m desperate) until October 1st. During that time I plan on addressing my PJism and figuring out why I’m always so hungry for getting my hands on new products. If you are a recovering PJ – please share your story.
Hello! My name is Curlista and I’m a product junkie. I know that I’ve been saying this for a while – but after going to HoneyFig again – its getting out of control. I thought after going on a spree at HoneyFig a few weeks ago that the hunger for trying new products had been curbed – but it wasn’t. I decided to go the other day to pick up Jessicurl WDT – since they didn’t have it last time. While I was driving down there in my mind I was prepping myself saying, please ‘don’t look at any other products and be strong – all you’re getting is JC WDT’. Ya right! I head into the store and head for the JC shelf to grab my stuff and head to the check out – however another customer stops me to talk about my hair and explains that she’s transitioning and is just looking for some advice. Well once I started talking to her and recommending products that got me looking…here’s what I ended up leaving with:
Okay, so I’m off to Peru this week and I’m excited for a little time away with the BF. This is my second trip – I went last year in October and had a bad experience with my hair. Back then, I was natural but I was wearing it straight all the time. Prior to leaving for Peru, I had gone to the Dominican Hair Salon for a wash and set – and had nice sleak do’. However, by the time I arrived in Peru – my hair turned into a giant fuzz ball. It was spring there and was damp. My flat iron was no good because I didnt have the proper converter, so I ended up buying a new one. I ended up returning it because it didn’t get hot enough. Unfortunately, for most of the trip I wore a hoodie. Yeah, my hair looked that bad!
But now that I’ve embraced my natural hair and know how to manage and style my curls I’m fearless when it comes to travel and my hair. I know as long as I travel with a couple of key products and tools then it won’t be a problem to style my mane. In my arsenal – condish for co-washes, DT just in case we go surfing, clips to sectioning, a satin cap for night protection, a wide tooth comb for detangling, and a couple of styling and moisturizing products. Its nice to have this new found confidence when it comes to doing my hair myself. Hopefully, I will remember to take some pics and post when I get back.
Ok, so I tried Curl Junkie Curl Assurance Smoothing Gellie to define my curls and to my shock and surprise it worked. Like seriously – I’m really surprised. I’ve tried some other lines (KCCC and Miss Jessie Pudding and Meringue) and so far this one is the best! Very easy to apply – I cowashed my hair, applied a leave conditioner and then sectioned my hair. It says its best applied to wet hair so I made sure that have a spray bottle on hand. I started from the right hand side – squeezed out a nickel size amount and then smoothed and then raked the product into my hair. Instantly my curls were defined and stretched and looking lucsious. I followed the same method for my entire head.
WHAT I LIKED:
I like that it was easy to apply and manipulate the product on my locks. I also liked that I didn’t need a lot of product and that by spraying some water I was able to distribute it even more. I also like that my hair didn’t shrink up as much as with other products. Mind you, my hair did shrink but not as much. Best of all, it didnt take forever and half to dry – honestly with some other curl defining products I find that it can take forever for my hair to dry. With CJ – I applied, diffused for like 5-10 minutes and then let air dry. Within like 4 hours I was almost completely dry.
WHAT I DIDNT LIKE:
Next time I will make sure to layer in a moisturizing product when using the Smoothing Gellie. I felt my curls were a little parched once they were dry.
MY RESULTS:
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
Crunch no more! This creamy and moisturizing styling gel is formulated to help get rid of frizzies and smooth your fabulous curls. Rich in shine enhancing Broccoli seed oil and herbal extracts, this “Gellie” gives your hair definition and bounce without the hard hold/crunch. Honey and Aloe Vera are added for their moisturizing and shine enhancing properties. Adding water after application, “activates” the gellie even further and helps smooth and seal the hair shaft for added shine and swing. This moisturizing, glycerin free gel has a light to medium hold and is best for fine to normal hair types. It is not a traditional clear gel, it’s creamy texture is due to the Broccoli seed oil content. Lightly scented with a delicious tropical Mango-Coconut-Papaya scent. Give everyone curl envy!
DIRECTIONS:
Best applied to wet hair. Apply generously to hair, section by section, smoothing through curls with your fingers. Use more water to help distribute and activate product (don’t skip this step!), then scrunch/blot with a towel and allow to air-dry or use a diffuser. I have found that this gel works best with a small amount of Curl Assurance leave-in or styling water beneath it or on top (depending on your preference). You can also apply this gel to dry hair to define curls and smooth frizzies.
Alright as you all know I’m on the quest for the perfect curl and will try just about anything to get it. A twist out is a very popular way that a lot of curlies employ to get a consistent curl pattern, etc. Anyhow, here is my first attempt at doing a twist out.
WHAT I DID
I cowashed with Treseme Curl condish, used Knot Today to detangle and Kinky Curly Custard as the styling agent. I took sections of hair, made sure they were detangled and began twisting. Now the important thing about this style, is making sure that you seal your ends and that they curl up at the ends. Mine curled up a bit, but I plan on trying CurlyNikki’s technique of using rollers and HoneyBrownSugar’s technique where she uses McDonalds’ straws and wraps her ends around to create a drop curl effect. The two strand twists are super easy and relaxed, naturals and the kiddies can recreate a variety of different looks with them. I also love that you can wash your hair at night, sleep on them and take them out in the morn.
I’m ready to add to my must try list - Root Control is my latest want. I had totally forgotten about this product but just recently rediscovered it. I’m pretty sure I first saw it on the Tyra Banks show (fast forward to 04;30). Even though I haven’t tried it, this seems like the perfect tool for anyone who has kinky hair and likes smooth roots when rocking certain styles. Plus you won’t get burned! If you have time, check out the video and find out exactly how root control works – the results are pretty impressive.
Product Description
Root Control, the other tool, is a tool designed to allow quick, safe and effective straightening and styling of all types of hair. It is great for touching up hairlines and roots in between blowdries. It can also be used to redirect cowlicks and style bangs. Its combination of ceramic barrel and double comb allow you to style the hair yet keep the heated element away from the scalp.
Product Specifications:
Dual Styling / Pressing Combs
Ceramic Heating Barrel
Hi-tech Electronic Circuitry
Instant Heat Up and Recovery
Advanced LCD Digital Programming
Up to 430 degrees Fahrenheit Pro High-Heat
High Grade Ultra Smooth Ceramic Surface Reduces Chemical Build Up
and is Easy to Clean
Rubberized Two Tone Housing
9ft. European Jacketed Line Cord
Heat Resistant Storage Pouch with Embroidered Logo
Last week I posted my Curlista Wants These List and at the top of the product pile – CURLFORMERS. They are sold at Sally Beauty Supply Stores in Toronto – so last week Friday I decided to take a trip to the one in Malvern. I was shocked at the price tag – $82.99 – WHAT!!!!! On the US site they were $59 USD and I thought that was expensive. The sales girl tried to talk me out of buying them because of the price – but I bought them anyway. Sally has a 90 day return policy – so if they didn’t work I knew that I could return them.
PRODUCTS I USED:
CoWashed with WEN, then to deep-condish I used a mixture of WEN Re-moist hydrating mask, Jessicurl WDT, and Kerastase Oleo Relax (slept with this overnight) and in the AM I rinsed my hair with cold water. I used two pumps of WEN as a leave-in, WEN Fig Oils to lock in moisture and Knot Today to prep and detangle the hair before setting with the curlformers. Once they were all in, I let my hair air dry – but I would have used a hood dryer if I was short on time.
WHY I LIKE THEM:
First of all, I have perfect ringlet curls! They are soft, shiny and did I mention they are perfect. Secondly, for any transitioning gals or fellow curlistas – Curlformers give amazing grip and tension at the root – which is great for anyone who has kinky hair. Therefore there is no need to have to flat iron or blow out your roots! Lastly, they are easy to use once you get the hang of it – it took me less than an hour to put them in and I know I will get faster the more I used them
THE CONS:
The biggest con – THEY ARE EXPENSIVE! I think the results are great and if you are looking to invest in your hair and like this sort of style then I think the pros outweigh the cons – get them. I bought the starter kit – but they do sell the needle and various sized packages of Curlformers at a lower cost. The other con – I found it was hard to tell if my hair had dried or not without pulling them out – luckily it had.
Hey, I just wanted to drop a quick line to check out my 
Ok, so in addition to doing a grow out challenge – I plan on going on a no buy challenge too. While I was writing this first line I was thinking of saying I’m going to start it instantly – but then I remembered that I wanted to try Henna or Cassia and maybe this product line called Nu Grow (I’m still researching it)- oh yeah and Cantu Shea Butter, Shea Moisture and Argon Oil. Plus I really want to have the DevaFuser kit. But I’ve decided to hold off for this month and hopefully next and the next and the next – unless a really good deal passes my way. Did I mention I have my eye on Sabino Moisture Lock. Thank goodness most of this stuff isn’t readily available here in Toronto – if not – I don’t even want to think about it.
Hello! My name is Curlista and I’m a product junkie. I know that I’ve been saying this for a while – but after going to HoneyFig again – its getting out of control. I thought after going on a spree at HoneyFig a few weeks ago that the hunger for trying new products had been curbed – but it wasn’t. I decided to go the other day to pick up Jessicurl WDT – since they didn’t have it last time. While I was driving down there in my mind I was prepping myself saying, please ‘don’t look at any other products and be strong – all you’re getting is JC WDT’. Ya right! I head into the store and head for the JC shelf to grab my stuff and head to the check out – however another customer stops me to talk about my hair and explains that she’s transitioning and is just looking for some advice. Well once I started talking to her and recommending products that got me looking…here’s what I ended up leaving with:
