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:

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

Last week Friday, I had the pleasure of going to the Gro Fro event hosted by HoneyFig and TorontoStyle.com.  Sherika – big thanks for extending the invite!  Now, for any hair obsessed individual like myself – the night was very informative – where the presenters covered everything from hair history, hair myths and some much need style advice. The event was very well attended – and I think everybody really enjoyed themselves.  Its nice to see that Toronto’s Natural Community continues to grow.  Shout out to the Toronto Bellas – Faith and Mona who I chilled with on Friday night and Sabrina – a local member I met from the Naturally Curly Hair Forum.  Sorry I never took pics – but you can check some out here.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Allison Rose – presented the History of Hair

• the anatomy of hair
• what shampoo, conditioners and styling products do
• the importance of reading product labels – understanding what ingredients do what and making notes on what ingredients benefit your hair and which ones do not
• gave an excellent answer on why natural hair is not so taboo in the workplace – its just in our heads

Patience of Chiggy’s Touch – presented on styling

• natural hair should be cleansed once per week, co-washed 2-3x week
• to promote growth – keep your scalp clean
• tired of shrinkage, consider the Keratin treatment – research and then think about it for 3 months before committing
• apply product to soaking wet hair, then blot with micro fibre towel
• DO NOT use a regular towel – it can break your hair
• a twist out is an excellent way for transitioners to style their hair
• Moroccan Oil is great treatment for growing strong, long hair
• Grow your hair to your desired length – then get the cut your hair into a style

Want to be styled by a celebrity hair stylist?  Well here’s your chance to get booked by Dickey and his Hair Rules team.  Dickey has recently opened up his first multi-textural hair salon i nNYC and he’s accepting clients.  While I’ve never had my hair done by Dickey or tried his Hair Rules product – a lot of people rave about his work – so if you are in NYC and are looking for a curly hair cut, his new salon might be worth a try. 

Exciting news ladies – Pantene is casting for their next advertising campaign.  Read below for details.  Sorry ladies from abroad – its restricted to ladies in the United States.  Hey P&G – what about us ladies in Canada or Europe.  Anyhow, good luck to all who apply – can’t wait to see Pantene’s next Black and Beautiful ad campaign.

Pantene^® Pro-V^® Seeks African-American Women

with Healthy, Beautiful Hair

Hair Care Brand Conducts National Online Casting Call

in Search of Stars for Upcoming Advertising

Pantene, known for providing women with healthy hair, wants to hear from African-American women about why they love Pantene, as part of the “I Love Pantene!” online casting call. Pantene will select four women with beautiful hair to appear in national advertising in 2010.

“Last year we cast in three US cities, but the online casting call gives us the opportunity to see beautiful women with gorgeous hair from all over the country,” said Tippi Shorter, a celebrity hairstylist and judge of the casting call.  “We’re looking for a unique balance of women with healthy, beautiful hair and amazing personalities who truly love Pantene and want to share their hair transformation stories with other women.”

Women will have the opportunity to upload videos July 1 through July 31, 2009 by visiting www.relaxedandnatural.com.  All submissions will be evaluated and finalists will be flown for in-person casting in August.  Final decisions will be made by September 15, 2009.

To be eligible, the following criteria must be met:

• Applicants can have hair that is relaxed or natural, but it must be healthy and beautiful
• Applicants must LOVE Pantene and be able to tell other women why
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old and live within the United States

The women who were chosen from last year’s casting call were given an all-expense paid trip to New York City to shoot the advertising campaign that appeared in national magazines in 2009.

“I’ve used Pantene Relaxed & Natural since 2003, and it truly transformed my hair without breaking my bank account,” said Maria Diaz of Lafayette, LA, one of four 2008 Pantene models.  “It made my hair healthy and manageable, which ultimately gave me more confidence. I was so excited to be chosen to appear in Pantene advertising and share my story.”

“Pantene understands African-American women’s unique hair care needs and wants to help transform the health of their hair,” said Freddy Bharucha, Pantene Marketing Director.  “We are excited to give women an opportunity to appear in advertising and shine on the inside and out.”

Pantene aims to provide every woman with healthy, beautiful hair, at a fraction of the cost of salon brands. The brand offers a variety of products for every hair type, including the Pantene Pro-V Relaxed and Natural collection, designed to help keep African-American hair strong against damage, shiny and moisturized.  To find out more about Pantene’s search for its next advertising stars, visit www.relaxedandnatural.com.

Well, we haven’t heard a lot from Kelis this year – well that is until she announced she was divorcing Naz!  Yup, and its pure drama!   Well, we won’t be gabbing about the gossip, just reflecting on her enviable style.

Talk about a women who takes risk with her hair – whether its her colour, legnth or style – Kelis is the epitomy of a black women who knows how to change it up.  Fearless in her ability to pull of nearly any look – her hair has been admired by many in the natural community – big, bushy and just plain out there.  And even though we no longer have the pleasure of crushing on her luscious curly locks – thank goodness for pictures.  Enjoy the hair evolution of Kelis…

I’m happy to feature Curlista’s first transitioner – Houda.  I’ve known Houda for a couple of years and ever since starting this blog she has shown a lot of interest in giving up relaxer and embracing her natural texture.  Well, after a couple of months of encouragement – Houda took the plunge and chopped it off.  Isn’t she such a knockout?  Hopefully, Curlista’s readers who are contemplating doing the BC will be inspired by her story…yay Houda!

WHAT’S YOUR HAIR STORY?

I was blessed with curly hair.  Growing up my mother always took very good care of my hair.  She would wash it, treat it and twist it.  I remember having a head full of curls until I started using chemicals that damaged my hair.  I’ve always wanted to perm my hair and my mother was very strict about that.  When I turned sixteen I started using perm.  Then that’s when I got addicted to perm.  From the ages of 16-23 I would constantly perm my hair every six weeks.  Finally the perm damaged my hair completely and my hair broke off.  You know what they say “always listen to your mother”.  After my hair broke off I became depended on weave.  I loved the long luscious hair.  I wanted to be like everyone else.  Eventually I was sick and tired of spending money on weave.  I decided to research and find out ways to get my natural hair back.  I found an amazing website www.curlista.com.  I had a talk with Lori and told her that I want to cut my hair off.  Ladies you know how it is to cut all your hair off.  There are so many questions that run through a women’s mind when she’s about to do the big chop.  Will I look like a boy?  Do I have a great face for it?  She told me that it would be a great thing for me to do and once again reminded me that hair always grows back.  So that’s what I did.  On June 8^th 2009 I chopped my hair off.  I am determined to get my natural curls back!

WHY HAVE YOU DECIDED TO TRANSITION?

Transitioning is not an easy decision.  I have thought about it for months.  There’s a couple of reason why I’ve decided to transition.

1. became to depended on weave and its quite pricey
2. want to be able to get out of the shower and have luscious locks again
3. it’s easier to maintain
4. want natural hair

DESCRIBE YOUR “BIG CHOP” EXPERIENCE?

The “Big Chop” was a day to remember.  When I woke up that morning I looked in the mirror and said to myself let’s do this.  I’ve had enough of the long dead hair on my head.  I mean ladies let’s face it.  What’s the point of having long hair when it’s fried and or dead?  Just to say you have long hair?  I was tired of that.  I was standing outside the salon for about twenty minutes talking to my friend Chantea and telling her that I was scared.  She told me something that will stick with me forever.  Hair doesn’t make you, you make your hair.  I went into the salon and told the hair dresser to cut it off.  I brought a Keri Hilson photo to show Jen (the hair dresser) the look I was going for.  She asked me once more was I sure?  I gave her the look and she started cutting it off.  I didn’t cry at all I was more in shock.  I couldn’t believe I was really doing it.  When it was all finished I looked in the mirror and absolutely loved my short hair.  I couldn’t get my fingers out of it.

WHAT’S THE RESPONSE BEEN TO YOU NEW LOOK?

First off I sent a picture to my boyfriend he absolutely loved it.  My family also loved it.  People are more in shock that I actually cut it off.  Men are actually taking a double look at me even though my hair is the same length is their hair.  I’m just overwhelmed because I’ve been receiving great response.

WHAT STYLE DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO ROCKING THIS SUMMER?

I’m going crazy this summer.  I’m putting down the curling iron and heating appliances and going back to the good old chiney bumps.  I’ve been following this blog and I must say I’m in love with Lori’s hair.  Imagine the look I’ll get when I take the chiney bumps out?  I can just see it now.

WHAT KIND OF HAIR DO YOU ASPIRE TO HAVE?

Honestly I just want to get the curls back that I once had.  I adore Teyanna Taylor’s hair.  I would love to have hair like hers.  Now I’m just playing the waiting game.

WHAT QUESTIONS DO YOU HAVE ABOUT GOING NATURAL?

• What products should I use for my hair?
• How can I style short hair without using heat?
• Is it costly?

As some of you might already know, I’m a straight up PJ – honestly, I really love trying out new stuff.  Well some Toronto Bellas have been raving about Herbal Essences’ Hello Hydration condish – so you know I just had to give it a try. 

PRO

Hello Hydration = Hello Curls!  I’m loving this stuff.  As soon as I squirted this blue condish into my palms I instantly noticed how thick and creamy it was – which is a major plus in my book.  The thicker the better!  I think the combination of ingredients really attributed to my curls popping and feeling moisturized. 

CON

Wished I had tried this before buying two big bottles of Aussie and Tresemme because even though I’m a PJ – I’m committed to finding some way to use up all my prods – I can’t just let money go to waste.  The other con -  I wish HH came in a pump bottle – I’m not digging the upside down squeeze bottle.

DESCRIPTION

INGREDIENTS

Water , Stearyl Alcohol , Cyclopentasiloxane , Cetyl Alcohol , Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine , Dimethicone , Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract , Cocoa Nucifera Milk Fragrance Coconut , Glutamic Acid , Benzyl Alcohol , EDTA , Methylchloroisothiazolinone , Methylisothiazolinone , Citric Acid , Blue 1

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.