October 29, 2012

Check Out Dem Curls: Kim!



Live each day to the fullest. Live each day like it’s your last.

What’s your name? Kimberly Ramos
How old are you? 23
What do you do? Student. Work. Dance. Party. Live
Where are you? At home lounging around in my PJs.
How did we met? Social dancing at formally known Acrobats. Then became friends dancing for LGP!! Ye ye!!
Describe your style.
Oh man, my style is a bit of a mix. I am a little girly, a little grungy and edgy, kind of a play on 80s and 90s styles. I’m also pretty open to playing around with different things when it comes to my style and choice of outfits. I mix with colours, prints, textures. I simply love experimenting.
Now Playing: Keith Sweat- Make you Sweatàmy itunes was on shuffle, don’t judge me lol
Quote you live by: Live each day to the fullest. Live each day like it’s your last.
Describe your hair type? Curly and super thick.
Tell us a little about your hair history and what made you decide to go natural?
When I was younger I was not a fan of my curls.  Since my mom doesn’t have curly hair, or my type of hair, it was always hard to understand why I had to deal with soooo much hair, and such tough textured hair.  Since I was unable to understand how to manage my hair, relaxers were my best friends.  And my hair stylist would always relax my hair, and straighten it. 
For as long as I could remember, I only ever wore my hair down when it was straight, and even then when it was relaxed, I was never happy with the way my hair would cascade down.  The biggest problem I had was the A line, and I hated that, so instead I resorted to always putting it up, and put a crazy amount of gel and hairspray.
Because I used to tie it so tight, I got to a point where I was starting to create a receding hairline, since I would constantly brush and slick back my hair and tie it really tight.  It wasn’t until about 6 years ago that I decided to start working with my hair, and a couple years prior to that that I stopped relaxing my hair.  Nonetheless, I started colouring my hair around 6 years ago, and that is one thing I can say I have not stopped doing. I have done every possible shade, from reds, to browns, to blonds, to crazy highlights etc. 
Even though, I was starting to understand more how to manage my hair, I was still not happy with the texture, and how even if I did treatments, like olive oil, mayo, or honey based, the frizz just never stopped plaguing me.  I started reading up on different treatments, and about a year or so back, made the move to a salon called Curl Ambassadors.
Moving to this salon was the best decision I could have ever made, because it was then that I became familiar with the things I had been doing wrong.  I started to cut out all the products that were doing nothing more for my hair other then drying it out.  I switched to natural and organic products one step at a time. Through trial and error, I started understanding what products I liked, and which ones gave me the best results.
I can say now, that in the past year, I have come to love and appreciate my curls, and the changes I have seen in the moisture of my hair, the texture, and the over all look of it.  Before, I used to hate when my hair used to get like a “house” or “lion’s mane”, and I would do everything to avoid it, now I can say with a smile that there is no other way for my hair, its go big or go home!

Describe your hair regime.
Products I use in rotation:
Pure Moroccan Argan Oil
Pure shea butter, or macadamia nut leave-conditioners.
Kinky curly products specificall: Kinky Curly Knot Today and Kinky Curly Curling Custard
When I shampoo I clean only the scalp and allow for the rest of the hair to be cleaned by the residue that falls from washing my scalp.  When I condition, I put conditioner all over my hair, wait a couple of minutes and then wash out.  With my leave in, I apply it in the shower with my hair soaking wet, and in sections, while curling the sections with my finger.
To style, I apply the product I am using at the time, just a little bit, since the leave in is in most cases enough, and then I apply the product with the hair still wet, and I try to make sure I don’t disturb the natural curl pattern by following the curls.

How do you normally style your hair?
My hair is pretty much always down, and free. Parted to the right side and that is all.  I also love the classic top bun for the days before I wash my hair, and want to change it up.
On special occasions, I like to put my hair half up, or do a nice up-do.
I loveeee my hair long, I have been wearing it long for many years now, and it is how I prefer it to be. It hits around my mid to lower back, and I couldn’t be happier with the length.
Who is your hair icon? Haven’t though about it. I don’t think I have an icon.

What was your Momma’s best kept hair secret?
My mom doesn’t really have any, as I have taught her over the years what I have learned about hair care.
The one hair product you couldn’t live without.  Pure Moroccan Argan Oil

What’s the best thing about being curly?

What I love most about being curly is the freedom it allows.  Your hair is so much more expressive when it is curly, and even when you feel its at its worst, it has more personality then straight hair. 
Social Media:
Twitter: kimstaaa
FB: Kimberly R
Instagram: Kimstaaa
 
[J: AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!]

 

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October 26, 2012

Omega 3-6-9...damnnn your hair fine!





What is Omega 3?

- Omega 3 (and 6 and 9) are the good types of fat!
- The 3 essential fatty acids in Omega 3 are: alpha linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)


A Life WITHOUT Omega 3 fatty acids can...

- in extreme cases cause hair loss and less growth
- promote dry scalp
- result in dull hair (lacking shine and luster)
- promote dry brittle hair


A life WITH Omega 3 fatty acids can...

- help relieve scalp issues (i.e., eczema, dry/flaky scalp and dandruff)
- aid in stronger healthier hair
- promote hair growth 
- help hair loss
- result in shinier hair


It's not just about the hair....

- can help relieve dry skin symptoms
- helps reduce the risk of heart disease
- helps lower cholesterol levels
- can help inflammatory conditions (i.e., arthritis)
- helps with skin care (i.e., acne)
- good for the brain, eyes, and joints


Sources of Omega 3 fatty acids...

- Fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel
- Flax seed
- Cod Liver Oil
- Hazelnut, walnuts, avocado,
- Omega 3-6-9 supplement
- Soy beans
- Eggs


My mom use to spoon feed me cod liver oil growing up and I hated it! From the taste to the after breath. So I prefer to take the supplements! 2 tablets, quick and easy with my meal. I have been taking supplements for a year now and I have definitely noticed a difference in my hair and skin. I also incorporate foods into my diet such as fish and and I always add flax seeds to my oatmeal in the morning. It's not hard and it's worth it!

So go on and start taking your Omegas!
Btw, YES,  the title of this post was inspired by that Lil Jon song :P


xx

J
Peace. Love. More Love. & Healthy Hair.



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Check Out Dem Curls: Sandra!



"This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed." - Habakkuk 2:3

 
What’s your name? Sandra... (@nakawunde on Instagram)
How old are you? 26 but I'll keep saying I'm 21 for as long as I can get away with it so shhh!
What do you do? Sports therapist
Where are you? In my living-room, London
How did we met? Instagram whoop whoop
Describe your style.... Hmmm casual chic, comfy and cute? lol
Now Playing : Music is on shuffle and currently on Katy B "Let's get away"
Quote you live by:
"This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed." - Habakkuk 2:3
Describe your hair type?  Curly, thick but not tough, afro. Type 4b I think.
Tell us a little about your hair history and what made you decide to go natural?
I've always been natural. I just had to get used to sitting between mum's knees and let her comb out my 'fro without tears, or she'd "give me something to cry about" (high-five if your parents have ever said that to you). Hairstyles at primary school were typical schoolgirl looks- bunches, braids and cornrows with beads (oh yes, that was me)... I learnt how to style my own hair quite young, but mum did most of the maintaining in terms of washing and products. In secondary school I was pretty much the only girl with natural hair and baby hair that wasn't gelled to my forehead. My mum went through her own relaxer drama and forbid me from adding any chemicals to my curls. Suggesting dying it or cutting it into crazy styles got me that African mother's side-eye. She said I could experiment when I turned 18, but when I got there I was too used to my jetblack afro, so didn't even bother and here I am today. I should probably thank her.
Describe your hair regime.
Don't shoot me, I don't really have a set regime. I wash with whatever is in my bathroom when I gather enough energy to wash it. Haha. Usually it's Dark and Lovely Moisture Plus Conditioning Shampoo.  I'll wash my hair about once every 2-4weeks depending on what I've been doing. I always wash in four sections - saves pain and unnecessary tangling. (Rarely do I condition, but if i do it's only for like 20mins about 3 times a year when I remember with Dark and Lovely Ultra Cholesterol Conditioning Mask)... After washing I put in some Dax on my scalp and hair then style. Dax is quite thick so my hair loves it doesn't really get dry but if it does between washes then I just add some more, simples... Before bed i put my hair in whatever headscarf/bandana is near me. Haven't got a special silk scarf or bonnet. Oh if my hair is out (as in just blowdried or straightened) then I'll wrap it or do a few big doodoo plaits then tie it up... Wow writing out my regime sounds like i don't like my hair. In fact I love it, but I just let my hair do what it wants to do, and don't stress over routines and products.
How do you normally style your hair?
It depends on where I'm going and how much time I have. If I blow dry after washing i'll wear it out/clipped for a few days, then just daily make up a style in the morning depending... Or i might flat-twist wet after washing and leave to dry over night and rock that for a few days then it's twist-out time :-) ... I live in London so don't straighten my hair too often coz of the rain, but I'll hotcomb if I do need it straight (Yes, I'm old-school like that)... If I have lots of time on my hands I'll do two-strand twists either with just my hair or add some extensions... Or when I have extra cash on my account or for holiday hair I'll get a full head weave... I'm currently in love with updos so I rock them on every possible occasion.

Who is your hair icon?
Don't really have one, I like anyone who wears their hair naturally with confidence

What was your Momma’s best kept hair secret?
Ummm I think everything I do now I learnt from her at some point, no special secrets.

The one hair product you couldn’t live without?
Errrmmmm Dax?

Mistakes that you’ve learned from.
I'm not crazy adventurous with my hair so aside from styling issues, mistakes are minimal... I've learnt not to take a hotcomb straight off the fire and put it on my hair. Had to grow out a patch from that :-/ Oh and it's wise to watch a couple tutorials before you attempt something new. I trim my own hair now and let's just say my first attempt was bad because I had no real clue what I was doing. But my hair is thick and curly so no one noticed either of these mistakes, thank God.
What’s the best thing about being curly?
I can switch up my style whenever I want to. "Oh you changed your hair!" is something I hear regularly and i love it
Any advice for ‘dem curls out there? Love your own curls as they are and please stay away from lace-fronts on bad hair days
Social Media:
Instagram: @nakawunde
 :-)
Peace, Love and NaturalHair xx


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October 21, 2012

Weekend Style: Chic High Bun!

Hey loves!

My style this birthday weekend was a chic high bun! Achieved using a lil coconut oil, Kinky Curly Knot Today and Kinky Curly Curling Custard.



High Bun

Dress - $15 - H&M

Check out that smile! ;)




What was your weekend style?


xx
J
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October 19, 2012

24 Tidbits About Me on My 24th Birthday


  1. I am 24 year of age (today - October 19) :)
  2. I love ketchup. Put that 'ish on everything.
  3. I have 2 siblings. One brother, and my sister was featured in September --> Check Out the Other Side: Dhanielle!
  4. I love comedy and use Kevin Hart jokes in daily conversation. "Uh Uh Get Money!"
  5. I am 5"7.
  6. I am passionate about dance. I dance Salsa.
  7. I also dance Latin & Ballroom, Zouk, Kizomba, and Bachata. I also dabble in Hip Hop every once in a while. And I did ballet for 5 seconds when I was younger.
  8. I was born in Jamaica.
  9. I have a Bachelors of Commerce degree from McMaster University (specializing in Accounting).
  10. I work for a public accounting firm.
  11. I play the piano.
  12. I love the Spanish language, and I am currently learning how to speak it.
  13. I have a HUGE family that I am very close to.
  14. I lived in Manchester, England for 6 months on exchange during third year of University. Best experience of my life! I also visited Paris and Barcelona while I was there. That's where I met --> Check Out Dem Curls: Danielle!
  15. I love turkey bacon and cupcakes (but not together).
  16. Montana's "Eh Canada" Burger is the best thing since ....regular hamburgers.
  17. I use to hate wearing dresses as a child.
  18. My mom was contemplating the name "Keesha" when I was born.
  19. My first job was at a Wendy's...."would you like to biggiesize that?"
  20. I am not a morning person.
  21. I am a big foodie...you are guaranteed to always find me eating. Always. Thank God for my metabolism.
  22. I want to move to Spain for a year.
  23. Between the ages of 10-14, I had every birthday at Pizza Hut, which is funny because of #24.
  24. I'm lactose-intolerant.

Peace. Love. & More Love.
:)

xx J

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October 15, 2012

Diary of a 3B/3C Girl: "Assault"



[J: The latest in the series feature of Annalee, a 3B/3C Girl. Check out her first feature here:  Diary of a 3B/3C Girl: "WTF Am I Doing To My Hair on Vacation"]
You know the background music in all the scary movies when the psycho axe murder is approaching? Well that's what it's like when I see your hand approaching my curls. BACK UP!

For all my girls with curls out there don't you hate when people run their hands through your hair. Especially when they don't ask for your permission!? While I appreciate the intrigue and curiosity (and maybe even envy) with which you're eying my curls the worst thing you can do is touch my hair. And not even touch really. The words that come to mind are ASSAULT, BATTERY AND ABUSE.
Why? Because when your fingers (especially the people out there who like to grow out their nails) run through my curls you completely mess it up! It goes from neatly separately tamed curls to a tumble weed! You make it frizzy! I mean I'm sure it looks effortless and all like I walked out of the shower and it just did what it looks like all on its own (which is usually the case because I'm lazy with my hair) but still! You don't touch dry curls! We don't comb our hair after it dries for a reason. I don't want your make-shift comb/hands in my hair! *see caveat below

Rules On Touching Curly Girls Hair (or mine at least)*:

1) ASK before you touch

2) Retract your claws.

3) Your palm should be the only part of your hand that comes in contact with my hair

4) Use a light touch

5) You have a 1 minute time limit



*hot men excluded


- Annalee of Green Your Beauty

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5 Tips on Winterizing Your Hair Regime


  Source

Welcome to October, the month of my birthday, Halloween and the beginning of winter. Maybe I am overreacting, but it's only October and already it's frigid!!! I hate being cold. I am a summer girl all the way....I mentally clock out between Sept and April each year. 

So why is it important to winterize your hair regime? The cold air and harsh winds can dry out your hair and stress your ends, leading to damage and breakage: a big no no.

So here are 5 tips on updating your hair regime in anticipation for Mr. Winter!

1. Up Your Moisture

Make sure you replenish the moisture in your strands to prevent your hair from drying out. Spritzing a simple water & glycerin mixture onto your strands can help replenish some of the lost moisture. For added moisture, use a leave in conditioner (with water listed as the first ingredient). Co-washes are also a great way to add moisture mid week.

Make sure to show some additional love to your ends, as they are the oldest part of the hair and therefore the driest.

For additional tips check out: Moisturizing Tips 101


2. Heavy Butters/Oils

Use heavier butters and oils to help seal in the moisture from step #1 i.e., castor oil and shea butter.

It's also the perfect time to bring out those hair creams that were too heavy for the summer!


3. Deep Condition

This is very important! DC once a week as it will help to repair damaged hair and add back some of the lost moisture.

 

4. Get a hat

I hate hats, I really do...when you have a big head, nothing looks good! But...it will help to protect your hair and your ends from Mr. Winter (and it keeps your ears warm). I look horrible in them, but I'm willing to make the sacrifice. 

You can buy hats with silk liners (so that the hats don't rub against your hair and do damage), but they can be a little bit pricey. So tip: take an old silk night cap and sew it into your favourite hate. Voila!


5. Protective Styles

Protective styles (i.e., braids, buns, corn rows, up dos) help to protect your ends from the cold. They also don't require you to man handle your hair every day, so you can give your hair a break.




It's not much of a change from your regular routine and your hair will thank you come Summer!


:)


J
Peace. Love. & Afro's.
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October 12, 2012

Check Out Dem Curls: Chantel!


"...everyone’s hair is different you just need to find what works best for you!.."
What’s your name? Chantel

How old are you? I turn 23 Today J
What do you do? Oh boy.. I am a Kinesiology and Dance student, teach dance (Salsa Club @ York University), Michel Germain Perfume Demonstrator, Model ;)
Where are you? The heart of Toronto
How did we meet? Through Salsa at the Latin Energy Social, I asked you to lead me and immediately fell in love! lol
Describe your style. That changes as often as my mood!  I tend to keep it quite simple with long dresses, they are easy to throw on, don’t require much thought and you can wear it anywhere from the laundry mat to salsa and still look elegant!
Now Playing:
Cocaine by my beloved Robin Thicke, Tu Amor by Luis Fonsi, Besito a Besito de Luis Miguel
Quote you live by: Live, Laugh, Love…
Describe your hair type? Curly and short in a semi Mohawk style cut (Long throughout the front to back and short on the sides)
Tell us a little about your hair history and what made you decide to go natural?
 My hair has been through years of constant change…here's a timeline:

Age
Style
1-5
Natural- Braids, twists, cornrows, ponytails with the ends braided and them little bubble clips at the end J
5-8
Permed my hair, It was long as hell, bone straight and I loved it
8-10
Wanted to be natural again and all my hair (chemically treated hair) fell out.. sad times
10-14
Hair grew back and I permed it again lol
This was also when I went through a Tomboy phase so I kept my hair in cornrows and braids extensions almost all the time and tucked it in one of my many colourful bandannas
15-19
Hair was still permed and I wore it out most of the time.
Relaxers and deep conditioner treatments every 6-8 weeks, blow-drying, flat ironing =patience and money! Also had brown and sometimes blond highlights
20-21
Various haircuts and style changes (Rihanna bob as well as Mohawk)
22-present
Cut off all the relaxer and did a semi-bald cut after a trip to Mexico. I realised after a swim in the salt water that the front of my hair (the part that was growing out of the perm) had a little bit of a twist to it as it did when I was a kid, figured it would look cute natural.
As my hair grows longer, I go to the barber and get him to cut very little off of the sides every 2 to 3 weeks
  
Describe your hair regime.
  • I wash and style my hair every day, but it’s not your typical wash or style…
  • I wash my hair with shampoo only once every week or after I go swimming- I wash gently and in a circular motion rinse and condition (I use to be rough and massage/scratch the scalp when it was longer and permed)
  • Every morning I rinse my hair with water and add conditioner
  • Let the conditioner sit for 5 min then wash it out gently as to not disrupt the natural curls
  • While hair is still wet I put an ample amount of hair lotion in the palms of my hand and pat it over my entire head, I then gently run my fingers through my hair with the lotion using my fingertips in a downwards motion so that it can get to the scalp (don’t massage it in)
  • Once the lotion is in comes the funny part. Bend over and shake the hell out of your hair from front to back and side to side. For the style I go for, gravity doesn’t work in my favour so I bend over every once in a while and give it a shake so that the curls separate and don’t clump together during the drying process. (99% of the time I let it air dry, if not ill use a blow-dryer with a diffuser and dry it a little bit while upside down).
  • I deep condition my hair once every week by just adding condition to dry hair and sleeping with it overnight. I follow my usual regime in the morning.
How do you normally style your hair?  I have been wearing my hair the same way I described for the past few months. I didn’t leave myself many options with the haircut I have, so my look can’t change too dramatically for now. I don’t want it to.
Who is your hair icon? Amber Rose- She is brave as hell for going bald and made it cool for girls to stop hiding under their lace-front weaves. I think natural is beautiful, and you don’t always need a bag of hair to look good.
What was your Momma’s best kept hair secret? No secrets, my momma is crazier with her hair than I am! She experiments and so I guess that’s something I took from her.
The one hair product you couldn’t live without? Oh baby… That would be the Yes to Carrots Conditioner you introduced me to! That stuff works magic for my curls, never looked healthier and more defined.
Mistakes that you’ve learned from? Vaseline as a moisturizer doesn't work!!! lol
What’s the best thing about being curly? I love that it only takes ten min to style, it’s cheap to maintain and always looks cute!
Any advice for ‘dem curls out there? Experiment, everyone’s hair is different you just need to find what works best for you!

Dry upside down!
 

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October 7, 2012

Wash & Go Success + Turkey Dinner

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!


Tonight I had an AH-MAZING dinner. Complete with rice and peas, oxtail, salmon, turkey and dessert! I was in heaven and the itis set in shortly after :P



I also wanted to share with you my first Wash and Go (WnG) success!

I use to hate WnG's. My hair shrinks up terribly and tangles horribly. It never ends up shaping the way I want it to and then looks more like a blob.

I got home earlier and was getting ready to go to Thanksgiving dinner with my family. I was going to throw my hair in a poof, but after dancing/performing/taking workshops all weekend (Canada Salsa Congress!) my hair needed a good rinsing!

So I said...let me try a wash and go. I was in a rush and with the state of my hair after this weeks congress..it couldn't have got much worse. So tentatively I stepped in the shower...and the results were awesome!! I surprised myself.


How I Did It

1. I put my hair into 5 quick braids (braiding the hair in the direction I wanted it to fall).

2. I drenched my hair with water - with the braids in.

3. I undid each section and co-washed with Yes to Carrots, Pampering Conditioner.

4. After I washed out each section, I applied more of the conditioner and a dollop of Kinky-Curly Curling Custard (I had the KCCC with me in the shower). I would then twist each section and move on to the next!

5. Once out of the shower, I  blotted each braid with a t-shirt to help remove excess water and product. I then used a blow drier on medium heat to help it dry a little quicker. Because my hair has low porosity it takes FOREVER to dry. I didn't dry it fully but left it slightly damp to finish air drying on it's own.

6. I applied a little bit of coconut oil, released the braids, shook out my fro and VOILA: the final result!


Why I Think It Worked This Time

I think the creaminess of the conditioner  helped my hair to clump my curls together and bring out the definition. Applying the KCCC right after helped to lock those curls in.

Washing and partially drying my hair in braids helped to keep my hair stretched to prevent horrible tangles but without ruining my curl pattern.

The only issue is that because my hair has low porosity, it can take forever to dry, so aiding with the blow drier was necessary. The whole process took me about a half an hour, so it may not necessarily work in the morning before work. Unless I wake up even early...and given that I can work so late...that's not going to happen lol. So I had to aid with a blow drier.

Also, because of the low porosity if I use too much product, product will sit on my hair if I apply it on drenched hair and leave white ish looking residue (as it is not absorbed easily into the hair strands). That was the case this time but blotting off excess product helped and using the blow drier.


How do you find WnG's? Do you like them? Hate them? Have a method that works for you?


xx J

Peace. Love. & Small Successes.
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