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!!!

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.

• JessiCurl Weekly Deep Treatment
• Jamaican Castor Oil
• Blended Beauty Volcanic Clean Mask
• Curls Curly Q Custard

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.

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.

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.

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.

CURL FORMER DIRECTIONS:

Squeeze the edges of one end of the Curlformer to open the ring, and push the hook gently through it.

Starting from the nape of the neck upwards, take a section of hair about 2.5cm wide, about 10cm from the scalp and give it a twist. The wider the section of hair the wider the curl. Then lay the section into the hook, bringing the hook up from underneath. Raise the back end of the hook handle to stop the hair section falling out. Let go of the section of hair.

Squeeze the end of the Curlformer nearest the scalp to open the ring. Then, pointing the hook towards the scalp, push the end of the Curlformer nearest the scalp, towards the scalp. Simultaneously draw the hook back and out of the Curlformer. The more you push, the closer to the scalp the Curlformer will end up. The Curlformer will automatically resume its spiral shape.

Dry the hair thoroughly.

To remove a Curlformer, hold it at the end nearest the scalp with both hands.  Straighten it out – holding the Curlfomer at both ends, squeeze the edges slightly and slide the Curlfomer away from the head in one smooth motion.