Requested:: Everything you want to know about Faux Locs

Hey Loves!!

Happy FierceFitFoodieFriday! **praise dance**. Do you love the look of locs but don't want the commitment? Have you wanted locs but not sure how they would look on you? You might want to give Faux Locs a try!

This topic has been highly requested since I initially wore this style late last year so here is everything there is to know about Faux Locs!


First things first, before you think about doing ANY protective style:

1. Thoroughly CLEANSE your hair and scalp
2. DEEP CONDITION

NON-NEGOTIABLE. Of course this is just my (not a professional hair stylist) opinion on the matter, but I don't care how much you "hate" shampoo, if you are putting your hair away for 3 or more weeks--you need to shampoo it (shampoo, not co-wash) and deep condition it. The preparation step before any protective style is SO IMPORTANT for preserving the health of your hair. Don't skip it.

K, so now that I've said that...on to the Faux Locs.

What you need (Based on how I achieved this style, but there are plenty of ways):

• 1 pack of braiding hair
• 7-8 packs of Marley Braiding Hair (in any assortment of colors of your liking) The number of packs you need totally depends on the size of your locs.
• A cream styler of your choice, I used Shea Moisture's Curl Enhancing Smoothie 
• A lighter
• A good movie
• A glass of wine** Optional but you'll probably need it

Because I wanted to make sure there wasn't too much stress on my hair, I braided my hair first with some kaneklon hair in box braids. These do not need to be perfect, cute, or precise. Also, no need to braid to the end, just far enough so that your hair is not out. I used the cream product while braiding to add more moisture to my hair.

When researching how to do this style I browsed through a lot of tutorials, but this one by ImShineStruck is the one I found to be the best not only because of how she explains it, but how it looked afterwards (pretty natural). She also walks though how to braid your hair (not the way I braid) should you not know how. And it's short!! Only 5 min :).

The key to doing these well in my opinion (which I learned AFTER *insert side eye here*) is while you're wrapping to OVERLAP the hair. This is because the locs will snag on each other, so if you didn't wrap your braids well, the locs will start to unravel when they snag.


Quick Facts:

• How much does it cost: About $40 depending on how many packs of hair you need vs at least $100-150 if you pay someone else to do it.
• Install: I've only done these once and it took me about 8-10 hours over two days
• Maintenance: Spritz daily or every other day with a mix of water/conditioner/oil--use your favs
• Take Down: I just take some scissors and cut each loc high enough to eliminate some work, but low enough that you know you aren't cutting your hair. How much would it suck if you cut your own hair??
• How Long Do They Last: Especially because of how long these take to install, I wouldn't wear them any less than 3 weeks. That's just me though I needs my ROI (return on investment). It is recommended not to wear protective styles more than about 2 months or 8 weeks so I would go with that,
• But What About my Edges: I would say your're fine as long as you don't wear them in updos/pontytails too often because those types of styles are going to add MORE stress to your edges.

Time for Pictures!!

Interested in trying to install faux locs for yourself? Have you already done it? Tell me about your experience. How long did it take you? How did you install them? Did you love them? Hate them? Let me know in the comments section! Like, Comment, and Share with a Friend!

Best Deep Conditioning Results Ever!

Hi Beauties!!

About a week ago (**Schmonies**), while perusing through Curly Nikki, I came across this article called "Deep Conditioning Tips for Natural Hair--Cool & Seal!." Since I had been prepping for my protective style and planning to do a good wash & deep condition prior to my install, I figured that was as good a time as any to give this method a try.

What intrigued me about this method is the author mentioned how great your hair seems to feel with conditioner in it, but sometimes once rinsed out...not so much. This definitely happens to me sometimes. Who doesn't want a better retained DC???

Here are the steps briefly summarized:

• Saturate clean, damp hair with DC product
• Cover w/processing cap, apply heat, let sit for 12 min (cool)
• Enter Twist here:: Prior to rinsing add daily conditioner to hair ("to seal in treatment"). Then rinse.

I used a slightly different version of Shelli of Hairscapades' modified method (you can see her exact method in the article linked above). See below:

• Section hair into 4.
• Apply  DC of choice  to wet, but not dripping, hair. I ensure the section is thoroughly covered with DC and detangled, then twist.
• Gather four twists together and clip near top of head and apply a processing cap.
• Apply heat for a minimum of one hour under a dryer or with a hat on top of processing cap. (I used a hat)
• Remove heat source and allow hair to cool for a minimum of 10 minutes.
• After hair has "cooled," and prior to rinsing, apply daily conditioner on top of DC. I took out my twists before applying the daily conditioner.
• Rinse conditioner with cold or cool water. Rinse well, but not “squeaky clean.”

Here are the products that I used for this method:

**This was my first time using the products from SheaMoisture's Jamaican Black Castor Oil line, a review of these products is forthcoming.

After DC'ing, naked hair. Major poppage.

Let me tell you---this produced hands down the BEST deep conditioning results I have ever experienced. The absolute best without question. I could tell even before I rinsed just how much moisture my hair was retaining. As I was rinsing my hair remained incredibly soft. The curls were popping in a way they've never popped before. After I rinsed I applied some of the SheaMoisture JBCO Leave in and then blow dried my hair. Yes, I know some of you all are clutching your pearls but I did not use any kind of heat protectant. None. Part of the reason for that is I watched a video a few weeks ago (on Taren Guy's Salon Series) where a stylist explained that shelf bought heat protectants aren't really necessary if your hair is properly moisturized, which I must admit makes a lot of sense in theory. Breakage occurs when our hair is dry and/or damaged. With that said, blow drying my hair after this deep condition treatment was super easy. Even after blow drying my hair was full of moisture. I was so excited about my results that I shared with my stylist and she said she also noticed how moisturized my hair was.



I am sold. As a person who has battled dry hair/scalp and skin since the womb birth, I am always searching for ways to add and retain moisture. Not to mention I now have coloured hair which needs even more moisture.


How do you get your best deep conditioning results? Have you ever tried this deep conditioning method? If so, what did you think? Sound off in the comment section. Don't forget to like and share!

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SheaMoisture BOGO Walgreens Sale

 

 Hi Beauties!

I have to apologize because I know this post is late (as in the sale is probably over), but I am sharing anyway! Also, from what I have noticed these BOGO sales on SheaMoisture products happen quite frequently and alternate between Walgreens and CVS, so check back on the blog frequently for a heads up!

I know how this looks. Product Junkie like. But I swear I'm not! It should be more accurately described as I like to save money. I am really at the point where I only use what works, even though every now and again I'll try a new product. Since I've gone back to wearing my hair out SheaMoisture products have been a staple in my hair care. I regularly use products from the moisture retention line (Shampoo & Deep Conditioner) as well as Curl Enhancing Smoothie (must have). So because I use their products so regularly, I like to stock up whenever there is a sale--because I'm all about saving them COINS. Yaaasss hunny. I also get additional savings by purchasing in Delaware, tax free. It is all about strategy.

As you may or may not know, I have be hunting relentlessly for the JBCO SheaMoisture line since it came out (-_-) and most places either didn't carry it at all, or it was sold out. Well, I have finally been DELIVERT! Many of the local Walgreens in Delaware are now carrying the line (even though many of the products were missing when I went). You will notice there is no Curl Enhancing Smoothie in this picture...because neither of the TWO Walgreens stores I visited had any -_________- (but no worries I still have a raincheck for CVS BOGO *grins*). I stocked up on mostly new products (well new to me). Check out the list below with a few comments & initial impressions:

• JBCO Strengthen, Grow & Restore Shampoo (2): Was a bit shocked by the thinner consistency of this formulation. Curious to see how it will perform.
• JBCO Strengthen, Grow & Restore Leave-in Conditioner (2): Have never tried any of their leave ins, curious!
• JBCO Strengthen, Grow & Restore Treatment Masque (3)
• Moisture Retention Deep Treatment Masque (1): Definitely a staple deep conditioner for me, does an excellent job of bringing moisture to my hair.
• Travel Size Moisture Retention Shampoo (1)
• Travel Size Curl and Shine Shampoo (1)
• Superfruit Complex 10-in-1 Renewal System Shampoo (2): Smells like Rihanna's first perfume.
• Superfruit Complex 10-in-1 Renewal System Hair Masque (2): Have heard great things about this line.

I will definitely be doing product reviews on the JBCO and Superfruit Complex products as I try them so stay tuned for that. Have you tried any of these products before? What did you think of them? Sound off in the comment section!!

Shea Moisture BOGO sale at Walgreens until May 31

Ladies!! Great news. Walgreens is having a buy one get one sale on Shea Moisture products until May 31st! I just went and stocked up on my staples (curl enhancing smoothie/deep treatment masque) and grabbed a few new products. Go and take advantage!!