If you follow me on social media then you probably know I will be moving my blogging to a fresh new platform, my new website!!!!
I hope you will continue to rock with me as I continue to share my journey and appreciate the journey of others! While you wait for the launch of the website please follow @xo_fabfro on Instagram and look out for the FB page!!
Thanks for your support now and in the future as I expand!!
Sincerely Yours,
Samantha Michelle
It's 2015 & if you don't know by now, I decided that in this new year I would "go vegan". Although it may seem simple to the average person, if you have not done your research you will find yourself lost in a meatless, animal-free sea! So how did I survive?
Mentality. I trained my self to mentally embrace a meatless lifestyle for months before the new year started. If you focus on missing meat, you WILL miss meat. Focus on inventing new creations & meal planning.
Meal Planning. Meal Planning was big for me and it started at the grocery store! I made sure I bought ingredients for the meals, snacks, & smoothies I was going to have.
Protein. In a meat-based diet most of not all of your protein intake comes from meat (and eggs). In a plant-based diet you must get your protein from plant-based sources such as tofu, some meatless protein products, and vegan protein powder.
As I move forward on my vegan journey I can't wait to get creative with meals & flavors! There's so many possibilities. It's not about what you "can't" eat but what you can create with what you can eat!
Hey Naturals!!
Recently Cantu Shea Butter has been getting my business so I had to start reviewing the products I've tried! This product is a moisturizer. The packaging states that it can be used on curly, kinky and wavy hair to moisturize, detangle, soften and provide shine. So let's see if the claims are true. Each category will get a score of 1-5 KoilyKinks!
Softness - 5 KKs
Yes yes yes!! My hair was like a soft pillow after using this product. I've don't both braidouts and twistouts with it and no complaints! My 4C hair is usually dry and crunchy/crispy, NOT a good look. This is why I started doing the LOC and LCO methods but curlfriend I had no need for layering with this bad boy!!
Moisture - 4 KKs
Moisture galore, do you hear me?? The only reason I don't give this product a 5 is for the heaviness. If you use too much of this product or have thinner strands, your hair will be weighed down. But do not confuse my message, this stuff is packed with moisture and will have your hair feeling right for days! I apply this on wash day to style and don't have to remoisturize!!! (However, you should know your porosity)
Consistency- 5 or 3.5 KKs (Seasonal)
I love a thick and creamy hair lotion/moisturizer and that's what you will get from this product. My only thought is that this lotion is best for the winter months. I can't see myself using this in the warmer season as I prefer lighter moisturizers in summer months. So this is strictly based on preference.
Shine - 5 KKs
Yes GAWD!!!! If you have dry, dull 4C hair like myself go get a bottle!!! My hair not only felt great it looked great, especially close up! No complaints here! I'm lovin it!!!
The Wrap Up
I can't say this hair lotion is a new staple of mine but it's definitely getting me through this winter season. Great moisturizer! Period. Cantu never disappoints me. Love it!!!!!
Hey CURLfriends!
This has been a great year!! I became a mommy for the second time, I big chopped for the second time and there was you, my audience who really showed interest in my words, thanks! I can't begin to express how great God is in spite of so many things. But this isn't testimony hour..Lol. Let's talk Favorite NATURAL HAIR Things of 2014!!
As I Am Twist Defining Cream!!!
I love this stuff for my Twist Outs, Braid Outs etc. Yes HAIR!!!! This baby was a game changer this year for me. Its a new staple of mine! Check out my full review for why I love this stuff so much.
Flat Twists
This year I officially perfected my flat twists and my flat twisted FROhawk was born!!! Yes flat twists made this year a sweet one!! Love them!!!
Avocado Oil
Can we talk about moisture retention & hydration?? I love avocado oil! No it's not a moisturizer, no oil is but this baby comes close. It penetrates my hair what do well and helps smooth, soften, add shine, yes ma'am it does!! This baby is a new staple of mine. Thanks 2014!!
Hey Beauties!
So I recently subscribed to the ipsy glam bag. It's a $10 monthly subscription similar to curlbox or curlkit that is sll about beauty! I'm talking from makeup, to skincare, haircare and nail care! This month I received my first glam bag. Super hype!!!!! I recieved 5 products in total. A mix of samples and full size.
J. Cat Wonder Lip Paint
Be a Bombshell Eye Base
beDelectable hand cream
Starlooks gem pencil
Glam Glow Powermud Dualcleanse Treatment
Here's the best thing about this subscription though, these items were picked for me based on a quiz I took when I started the subscription. Each person's bag is different!!! Love it, Love it, Love it!! Reviews on the individual products to come!!!!!
Thanks for Reading!
When choosing a co wash product you must take into consideration one very crucial detail..your regimen! What kind of cowasher are you? When do you shampoo, if ever? These questions are important.
The Strictly Co wash Natural
The Strictly co wash Natural DOES NOT shampoo or doesn't shampoo for long periods of time. She believes the shampoo only strips her hair and makes it dry. If this is you, you want to clarify at some point to break down buildup. The co wash for you is a cleansing conditioner or regular conditioner that does not contain non-soluble silicones.
The Mid-Week/Between Shampoos Co wash Natural
If you're a mid-Week or between shampoos cowasher your use co washing to prolong the moisture and cleanliness of your hair til your next wash. You co wash to refresh and remoisturize your hair and the conditioner you use to co wash doesn't really matter because you shampoo often.
Trying Out Co washing?
If you're just trying out co washing in your routine you have plenty of choices. My suggestion is that you try co washing wit a cheapy conditioner like VO5 to see if you like co washing, this way you don't break the bank on a method that doesn't suit you. If you fall in love with co washing and add it to your regimen I suggest you try a cleansing conditioner. Based on how often you shampoo you'll be able to decide the kind of cowasher you are and what co wash to use.
Stay Tuned for the next post! I'll explore why I suggest certain co wash products based on the cowasher you are!
As Always Thanks for Reading!
-Samantha Michelle
Hey Naturalistas, I'm back!!!
This November is No Poo November for Koily Kinks And Things! It's all about Co washing and I'm going to give you tips, tricks and products to make your co wash days a natural success! Stay Tuned.
I'm too excited about my first flat twisted updo! If you've been following the blog for some time now you know I LOVE LOVE LOVE flat twists and I love flat twisted updos! Well this Fall/Winter season I plan to explore the many possibilities of flat twists. My first protective style was a hit and I loved it, honey! It was a flat twisted hawkpomp situation with added kanekalon hair in the top. Nothing to say but POW! I kept the style in for 2 weeks and it held up! If only I could stop having hands in hair syndrome, I would have left it in longer! LOL. The next time I do a style like this I'll do a tutorial so stay tuned!
Hey Naturalistas!
So it's been about 4 weeks since I started using JBCO on my edges to help regrow them after post partum hair loss. I also started taking Nature's Bounty Hair Skin & Nails Gummy Vitamins. They taste great and I feel great. But this post is not about..Lol. THIS post is about how pleased I am with my hair growth (edges). Below are before and after pictures from both sides of my head. Here is the routine that I've been doing:
Daily: Vitamin gummies (4) double dose
Nightly: JBCO on edgeline (covered completely), Bonnet (satin trimmed edge) or scarf
Styling: Low maintenance w.out pulling on edges. Ex. Mini twists
I'm too too excited about my results so far. I still have more work to do but the shedding has decreased significantly so only time will tell what happens next!
Thanks For Reading!
So we are now into the Fall season so of course it's time to switch things up when it comes to your natural. You may be putting some products to the side and changing up methods. Remember to keep it simple, moisturized, and protected. Here is my modified regimen methods:
Protective Style - every 4 to 6 weeks
One wash day per month:
Hot Oil Treatment - 1x monthly using Avacado oil, EVOO & EVCO or JBCO
Deep Condition - 1x monthly
Sulfate Free Shampoo - 1x monthly
Cowash - with loose braid or twists styles (as needed)
Aloe Vera Juice or ACV rinse - BiMonthly
Oil Rinses - BiMonthly
Protein Treatment - BiMonthly
Scalp Massages - As needed
Trim - As/If needed
Products:
Shampoos: Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo & Beautiful Curls Curly to Kinky Curl Activating Shampoo with Fair Trade Shea Butter
Cowashes: As I Am Cowash, Eden Cowash or Tresemee Naturals & VO5
Deep Conditioner: Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque & Extra Moisture Masque
Leave in: LOC in a spray bottle, Cantu Shea Butter Leave in (colder months)
Butters: Shea Butter Mix, Jane Carter Nourish & Shine
What products will you be using this Fall/Winter season? How are you changing up your regimen? What products do you find to be great during colder months?
Comment Below or email me @ koilyandkute@gmail.com with fall/winter suggestions!
Before I say ANYTHING in this post. I have to give my disclaimer..Lol
1. I am not a licensed cosmetologist or beautician. I went to YouTube Institute of Trial & Error (Hahaa)
2. I am not recommending anyone try this method. I am simply sharing my experience with trying this out.
3. There are many factors that contributed to my results.
Okay...
With that said, here we GO!
Lightening Your NATURAL with Baking Soda & Peroxide!
My mixture was completely eyeballed! (Hey this was an impulsive experiment)
Here is was I mixed together though.
-Baking Soda
-Drug store Hydrogen Peroxide
-Jamaican Black Castor Oil
-Conditioner
Baking Soda as we know, helps to lift the cuticles. The peroxide lifts the color and the JBCO and conditioner was for moisture purposes.
I sectioned my hair how I always do when I Deep condition or do A protein treatment (6 sections). I had just taken my hair out from my mini twists. There are two things I did that allowed for the color to not lift as much. 1. I did this on dirty hair and 2. The conditioner and JBCO acted as a shield or inhibitor. I applied the mix section my section and worked it in as you would your deep conditioner, covered with a plastic cap, put my heat therapy wrap on the wrapped that in a towel and sat for 40 minutes. I was anxious, nervous and excited..Lol I'm a geek!
I then rinsed the mix out thoroughly with warm water and shampooed with Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Sulfate Free Cream Cleansing Shampoo. Here is the best part for me. I have Low Po (porosity) hair for the most part and the baking soda made my cuticles lift allowing my hair to absorb more moisture! My hair was so soft y'all!!!!! Anyway..Lol I shampooed, sectioned again and applied my Deep Conditoner (Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque). I sat with the Masque on for 20 minutes then did a ACV rinse with the deep conditioner still on my hair. Lastly I rinsed with cold water.
My Results
I still want to go into the sun to see how light it really is BUT I now have highlights. It's a light brown, mostly on the tips which I don't mind. Overall the baking soda was the best part. being a low po girl ain't easy! To style I spray my leave-in (LOC in a bottle), sealed with my Shea Butter Mix and braided for a braid out!
Very important!!! As you would with any color process use Vaseline to base your edges and ears. This mix irritates the skin!! I forgot to do so and had to put some JBCO on my skin to stop the itching and clear up the irritation.
Let me know what you think! Or if you've tried this share your experience either in the comments or email: koilyandkute@gmail.com!
Thanks for Reading!
The information I'm going to share will be based on porosity. Feel free to scroll to the part that pertains to you but the information is good to know either way. If you are unsure what your porosity is here is a quick how to on testing for porosity:
STEP 1: Get a bowl. Fill with room temp water.
STEP 2: Place clean, dry shed hair into bowl. (I suggest hair from the shower or sink that has shed during your wash routine NOT pull hairs from you head)
STEP 3: Watch how hair reacts to the water. (Watching over time will increase accuracy) Does it float? Low porosity! Does it sink? High porosity! Hang out in the middle? Normal porosity!
Moisturizing Your Low Porosity Hair
If your hair floated welcome to the low po team! Your hair absorb little to no moisture, yay! (Sarcasm) The key to moisturizing low po hair is opening those cuticles for moisture to absorb better. How do you do this? Use substances with a higher pH or that are known to lift those cuticle layers. So what can you use?
*Warm water
*Baking Soda
*Vegetable Glycerin
*Black Coffee (Yes I said Coffee)
How can they be used?
Wash your in warm water or put warm water in your spray bottle.
You can add baking soda to you deep conditioner.
Vegetable glycerin (a humectant that attracts moisture form the atmosphere) can be put in your spray bottle, added to Deep Conditioner and other mixes.
Black Coffee can be used as a final rinse or rinsed through the hair prior to Deep conditioning.
Now that you've opened the cuticle moisturize with a water based product. This can include leave in sprays, leave in creams, spray moisturizers/creams and those lovely home made concoctions! I believe the LCO method works the best for low porosity hair. I have used water as my L(iquid) in this example. Leave in as the C(ream) which I suggest be creamy with slip, and now O(il)! The Oil you use will be based on the thickness or thinness of your strands. Thin strands will be weighed down by oils like castor oil and possibly EVOO so you might prefer grapseed, coconut, or jojoba oils. Thicker strands will be able to withstand EVOO or castor oil however castor oil is SUPER thick. In winter months I suggest sealing with a butter. I do LOCB or LCOB. Either one work well.
Be generous when moisturizing! Its better to have excess than to starve your hair!
Moisturizing Your High Porosity Hair
So your hair is highly porous! Not a problem. Time to go to work! You have the hardest time retaining moisture. Your hair cuticles aren't closing well enough to lock in moisture and that stuff is just evaporating right out! So what will help close those cuticles? Substances with a lower pH than your hair! Like:
*Lemon Juice
*Aloe Vera juice/gel
*ACV
All of these can be added to your spray bottle, rinsed through your hair as a final rinse, and added to Deep conditioners and other homemade recipes.
Both Porosity Types can...
Moisturize using the LOC or LCO methods! We can all also use the substances that aid in closing the cuticle. I know many say closing the cuticle won't help low po hair BUT if you're opening your cuticle well enough you'll need to close that sucker back up..LOL. You're cuticle will not lock down like the Pentagon under attack and stop moisture from coming in after using a substance with lower pH. They aid in eliminating tangles because the cuticles aren't getting caught up on each other as they are now laying flatter. They also assist in achieveing shinier and healthier lookin hair. Say goodbye to that dry, dull look and feel.
Final Words...
Deep Condition weekly.
If need be to correct dryness co wash with a co wash product or conditioner that doesn't have silicones. (Dimethicone, amodinethicone etc.) Silicones cause build up when not washed or shampooed out with a sulfate shampoo. (And we don't want those sulfates!)
Sulfate free shampoo monthly while correcting dryness is okay. Find one that your hair likes!
Pay attention to your entire hair strand. Root to ends! Many times we neglect those ends.
Clip those ends (as needed!) when they're raggedy and just won't stay moisturized to keep the rest of your hair healthy.
DRINK WATER!!! Become a fish if you have to..LOL!
That's all for now.
Thanks for Reading!
Normal Regimen Schedule:
Sunday - Wash, Deep Condition, Style for the week
*Take down - (if twist or braid out) at least 24 hrs later.
*Nightly - oil (JBCO) on edges for post partum regrowth
Retwist/ Mini pineapples at night w.scarf or bonnet.
Protective Style Regimen Schedule:
Sunday - (starting style) Wash, Deep Condition, Set protective style
*Nightly - oil (JBCO) on edges for post partum regrowth.
Bun (if done with extension hair)
Scarf on edges/ usual scarf or bonnet
Style with own hair - Co wash if/as needed the leave in/LOC in a bottle.
Style with extension hair - Co wash/shampoo if/as needed. Style in for 4 weeks tops. Scalp spray for itching if/as needed.
Treatments:
Hot oil - Monthly
Protein - Monthly
Rinses - As needed
Trim:
As needed without straightening. Hair is sectioned into 6 sections, 4 or more twists in each, dust ends with shears.
Products I currently use:
Cleansing - Cantu Shea Butter For natural Hair Sulfate Free Cream Cleasning Shampoo (Great stuff!!!!)
VO5 Tea Therapy Clarifying Conditioner (I co wash with this. It has NO silicones which makes it better for co washing! Less chance of build up issues) -OR- As I Am Cleansing Co wash
Deep Conditioner - Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque (will be trying other soon)
Leave in - My LOC in a bottle (VO5 Free Me Freesia, water & EVOO)
Protein Treatment - Elucence Extended Moisture Repair Treatment or ApHogee 2-minute Keratin Treatment
Oils - EVOO, Coconut, JBCO
Essential Oils - Peppermint, Tea Tree (trying rosemary and lavender soon)
Butter - Whipped Shea Butter Mix
Itch Spray - EVOO, lemon juice, Tea Tree oil, aloe Vera juice or water
Multi Purpose - Aloe Vera Juice, ACV
Oh dryness! This has ALWAYS been my biggest problem with my hair. Here are my top 5 Reasons why your hair might be dry!
1. You Don't Know Your Porosity.
Porosity is so very very important when it comes to battling dryness. Porosity in a nut shell is your hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture. There must be a balance between low porosity (little to no absorption) and high porosity (absorption with little to no retention). Porosity issues can be fixed once porosity is identified.
2. You Only Use Stylers/Puddings
Many people get so focused on definition, the don't realize if they moisturized properly they'd get definition without the use of gel, stylers and puddings. Moisturizing properly and controlling porosity eliminates frizz and the need to "tame". If you're not using conditioners or water based moisturizers to first moisturize THEN a styling product and only using a styling product your hair might be experiencing dryness.
3. You Wash Your Hair in Hot Water
Washing our hair in hot water can have adverse affects over time. It can open the hair cuticle making the hair more and more porous causing dry, dull, frizzy hair and more and more frustration. Warm washes and cold rinses help to first remove dirt and excess oils then seal and close the cuticles when a wash is complete.
4. You Don't Seal/Well Enough
Sealing in moisture is essential. Two of the best oils to seal with on dry hair are EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) and castor oil, especially during the winter months. If you're not sealing, the moisture is evaporating and drying right out of your hair! Now on the other hand you may be sealing but not well enough. Like running your hands through your head with a dime size of oil on your hands KNOWING you no longer have a twa! Lol. Section by section is the way to go, Sis!
5. Product Build Up
We all love cowashing but product build up is a mother! And cowashing cannot cleanse your hair of gunk!!!!! Though it is great on a weekly basis or daily depending on your needs, try to shampoo at least once a month to keep product build up to a minimum. Product build up can cause the hair to become weighed down, suffocated and dry. Not a a good look! Remember a good sulfate free gentle shampoo won't hurt!
Thanks for reading!
*Upcoming post: How To Test for Porosity*
Name: Lady (fellow blogger)
Age: 31
Location: Paterson, NJ
My Story:I big chopped one year ago
Ive had very long permed hair since I was 10.
I DID IT because...Turning 30 prompted me to make a drastic change and I love it!!
Stay Tuned for the launch of Lady's Fashion and lifestyle blog!
*Follow Lady on Twitter & IG: @innercitylady*
