Friday, February 17, 2012

Full Lace Wig (synthetic) Echo Wig -Janet Collection

     Okay. I am not too much of a wig wearing girl. I never liked wigs, I think it was because, I knew that it was a wig and felt that other people would too. ...but, I asked myself what is the difference with me wearing one compared to having a full sew-in style? Nothing, but one is attached and the other one is not. I was in need of a style really quick and so I went wig shopping with my sister, "the Queen of Wigs." This woman is good, with helping anyone choose a style that helps fit their face. She worked a miracle on my decision. So, I found this one, and I really like it!

 


      This is a full lace synthetic wig (Full Lace Wig [synthetic] Echo Wig -Janet Collection) and it looked exactly like the picture above. I hate perfectly formed type curls. It looks to unrealistic to me. So I grabbed my comb, paddle brush and teased it to form more of a natural style and shaped it with scissors and the picture to the right was my result, it still was not teased enough though. I use the same teasing technique when I sew-in extensions connected to a weft first, then I continue sewing (one of my sew-in tips). When I buy hair rather it is a wig or on a weft, I  have the option to tease and play with it (if it has a curl or wave) to make it look more realistic. With me messy hair is like the new black in my book.

     I was pleased with this look, even though it lasted temporarily for me, about 2 weeks worth of use (not good at taking care of wigs). The synthetic is not good enough for me to keep up well. This unit only cost me about $28, I purchased it on sale so, not too bad for me. It got me through the lazy hair protective styling days. I still have this to keep for "the just in case days".  ...but, I do plan on investing more money into a human hair wig of texture to help me through the days of "the lazy fingers".

     Underneath the unit,  my hair was chunky twisted that I kept moisturized to keep my hair protected. Even though my hair was not showing, I made sure I never neglected my hair, even though that can easily happen. That is the purpose for my protective styles to PROTECT my own hair underneath, concentrating on my ends and edges to keep them from harm. I used hair milk by Shea moisture, and then I sealed in the moisture with the creamy coconut oil and shea butter mix , the recipe is on the video from my article: Staple product 1: Shea butter.


Video footage of me playing in my wig!!!




   








Tuesday, February 7, 2012

My Staple product #1: Shea Butter

RA African Shea Butter
     Honey, I love shea butter!! Been in my life since the Big Chop(BC) and there is nothing like it. I love how it seals in moisture when my hair is dry and crispy feeling. (Yes, I experience those toast feeling tresses). Sometimes if applied too much, shea butter can weigh my hair down. I can tend to be heavy handed when applying products. ...but anyway, here is a little background checking information for you on what shea butter is and suppose to do. So hope I don't snore you.

     Okay, Shea butter, pronounced like shay-butter. Not Sheya or Shy. I have heard those new names many of times. ...but, seriously there are shea trees located in Africa were the nut from the tree is separated/cracked, crushed, roasted, ground, separated again (oil formed), collected, and shaped to get the product we purchase. It really is very interesting how they create it, very good to know. For more in depth reading click the link below.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shea_butter

      It is yellow or ivory in color and thick-like in texture, it kind of reminds me of the thickness similar to bar soap, until it reaches room temperature. It will melt if too warm and solidify when cooled. Here are the many uses for this butter:
1.) Skin treatment for eczema and minor burns
2.) Pain relief from swelling and arthitits
3.) A great massaging oil when melted to help stiffness
4.) It has vitamins of E & F which is great for a sunscreen
5.) Treats skin problems such as discolorations, stretch marks, wrinkles diaper rash, and blemishes.

Lena's many uses:
  • Sunscreen for me and the kiddies. My skin is so sensitive from any product that uses SPF-anything in it. A great skin protection, before goin to the park or out and about.
  • When melted I use it for cuticle treatments for hands and feet. Great for dry skin. 
  • Moisturizer for face and skin. 
  • On Dry lips as a balm.
  • Of course I also use it in my hair. Shea butter is rich in vitamins A and E, so it repairs breakage, aids in split ends, and also soothes dryness.  I use this recipe from Naptural85's youtube video:  I have been in love with these two home-made products!!! Two words, LOVE IT!! Check it out if you want to make your own! She has other great videos as well. 
    
     I purchase my Unrefined Shea butter from my local beauty supply stores, costing me about $4.99(8 oz.) and $5.99 (10 oz.)  So when I invest money into shea butter I know that it has many uses where I am definitely getting my moneys worth. ...but, even just using it for a hair product alone it is worth spending my money on. I will always use Shea Butter!! My hair LOVES IT! I love spoiling my hair, it deserves it!


"Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Psalms 37:4

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Protective Style #1: Having a Twisted Winter

I am protective styling until the 28th of April (my birthday) so we will see what happens with my hair growth. This style has 2 uneven rows of two-strand flat twist on each side. The back has 6 rows of two-strand flat twist going up to the top of my head. From the top to the front middle I free twisted (I guess medium chunky twist) and I free-styled them by tucking and bobby pinning until I achieved what I liked. This styled can be done on natural hair, relaxed, braids, kinky twist, yarn braids, etc. So if you go for this look, just be creative and make it your own. ...and have fun with it!





"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." -Philippians 4:8 KJV