Category: Hair

Tried & Tested – The New TRESemme Botanic Cleansing Conditioner

I was one of the few lucky people that got to test and review the Botanic Cleansing Conditioner (Moisture & Replenish) by Tresemme. The co-washing cleansing conditioner is a new product on the South African market.

Sure, I’ve heard of co-washing – a method of washing your hair where you replace shampoo with conditioner – but  I’d never really thought  I’d be testing it on my hair!

  1. Will my hair be clean using conditioner alone?
  2. Will my hair fall out?

These were some of the questions that plagued me.

I did a bit of research online and based on my findings I discovered that co-washing is not just for curly-haired sisters as I initially thought.  Turns out any hair type can use the co-washing method too especially if:

i)  You want  clean hair but don’t want  it stripped of its natural oils.

ii) You are averse to harsh chemicals and ingredients in your shampoo like parabens, dyes and sulphates.

iii) You want soft, easy to manage hair.

About  Tresemme Botanic Cleansing Conditioner (Moisture & Replenish)

This product retails for R79.99 at Clicks, Dis-Chem and Pick N Pay. The new range of cleansing conditioners from Tresemme are shampoo-free formulas that cleanse, balance and refresh your hair without stripping or depleting its natural oils and nutrients. Can I get an Amen!

As much as I had my reservations, I always do when trying new products, I sort of felt like I was in good company because of the brand. I use Tresemme shampoo and conditioner to wash and condition all my wigs and weaves. I used to use Tresemme on my hair before I went natural so there was a level of comfort knowing I wasn’t stepping into unfamiliar territory.

Review of Tresemme Botanic Moisture & Replenish Cleansing Conditioner with Coconut and Aloe Vera

Video Clip

I typically only wash my hair once every month. I probably should wash it more frequently because I have dry scalp but I wear wigs most of the time and I have this old-school belief that us curly haired girls are not supposed to wash our hair too often.

I had just loosened my plaits  after a month of wearing my hair in plaits so I had  dry scalp. I proceeded to use the Tresseme Cleansing Conditioner as I would a  regular shampoo.

I noticed that
  1. My hair did not lather as it does when I use a shampoo
  2. My hair felt really soft, it was just as soft as if I used a conditioner which I guess is what I did
  3. My hair smelt delicious

I used this product on my hair twice and even my hair stylist was impressed by the softness and manageability of my kinky curls which had become easier to manipulate than usual.

Conclusion

I don’t think I will substitute a cleansing conditioner for a shampoo but I will definitely reach for the Tresemme Botanic Moisture & Replenish Cleansing Conditioner more regularly. I would probably also use it in conjunction with a clarifying shampoo. Because I did notice that even though it was gentle on my hair, and it softened it, it didn’t get rid of the dry, flaky skin I tend to get on my scalp.

As a matter of fact, I saw some dry, flaky patches on my scalp immediately after my hairstylist had applied hair food and plaited my hair into cornrows.

But…

  1. Will I use this product again?  Yes.
  2. Will I recommend it? Also yes.

Tresemme Botanic Moisture & Replenish cleansing conditioner  is available at Clicks, Dischem, Pick n Pay and Rubybox.

 

Giphs – Sourced

First Impressions – Mizani Hair Products

Did you know that Softsheen and Redken developed the original Mizani brand? And in 2001, after existing as part of the Soft-Sheen Carson group in Chicago for over a decade, Mizani evolved into the L’Óreal Professional Products Division.

I’ve known about Mizani for years but up until recently, I didn’t know it was made specifically for textured hair or that it is under the L’Óreal brand.

My first time using Mizani was the middle of last year while I was in Nigeria. The stylist at the salon I frequented recommended the product to help soften my hair.

My hair which is currently a year and four months natural had just reached its full natural state from transitioning. My challenge at the time was the coarse texture which was difficult to manage. I would always yell expletives and leave the salon with a headache after the stylist manipulated my hair into cornrows.

But once she started using Mizani products on my hair, particularly the deep conditioning treatment, my hair felt much softer, looked healthy and grew quite rapidly.

Fast forward to present day, I’ve gone months without using Mizani products and my hair does not look as good as it used to. I’m not sure if my hair is going through something, if it is because I am no longer using the same stylist or if the Mizani products are what’s needed to restore my hair back to health.

So, I  decided to purchase two Mizani products, use them and see how my hair would fare. Of course, it is too early to give a verdict as I’ve only used the products once since I bought them but I do want to share my first impressions so here we go…

Mizani True Textures Moisture Replenish Shampoo 250ml, R284 at Haircity

I have  4c hair and suffer from dry scalp so I need all the moisture I can get. This shampoo is infused with coconut, olive and marula oils. It is also paraben, silicone and sulfate free. It’s got a lightweight consistency and doesn’t feel too thick when massaged into the scalp.

It lathers perfectly – not too much and not too little. It smells DIVINE and feels cleansing on the scalp without that squeaky clean and drying feeling you get from some shampoos.

My hair felt soft, clean and moisturised afterwards but is it a miracle shampoo? Still too early to tell but I  do still have dry scalp so maybe not.

Mizani Supreme Oil Mask 250ml, R275 at Haircity

This oil mask has a souffle-like consistency. It too smells divine. It is silicone free, formulated with argan oil, avocado oil and shea butter. These oils are known to weigh your hair down if used in its natural form but in the Mizani Supreme Oil Mask, it’s so light, you can use the whole jar without knowing. I applied this mask after using the True Textures shampoo. I sectioned my hair into four parts and used it like I would a relaxer – from roots to the ends.

I didn’t even need to use a comb, I just used my fingers to comb through and my hair felt soft, moist and replenished. I wore a shower cap, tied a scarf and let it work for an hour before rinsing.

My hair did feel soft and moisturised without being oily or greasy but as it air dried, it naturally wasn’t as soft as it was damp.

First impressions

I’ll give the Mizani True Textures Moisture Replenish Shampoo and Mizani Supreme Oil Mask 7.5/10.  It impressed me and I can’t say anything bad about it but I’ll need to use it a few more times and compare it with something else to score it any higher.

Recommendations

Based on my past experience using Mizani products and my first impressions of these products, I would definitely recommend them to anyone with textured hair looking to retain some moisture. These two products alone aren’t enough to help those with brittle, dry hair or scalp. Hair moisturiser and or oils goes a long way in helping to combat dry, brittle hair.

I’m of course not a hair expert. Just a newbie natural on a journey towards uncovering the best products and methods to take care of my 4c hair. If you learn from me along the way and vice-versa then I’m happy. xo

 

 

Wig life is the best life; Why you should wig it

Hair has always been a ‘thing’ for me. Just like a great outfit, a good hairdo can help to bolster your confidence. When your hair looks good, you feel good and when it doesn’t, you don’t.

Sometime last year, I decided to start wearing wigs instead of weaves. I noticed that relaxing my hair and the strain on my hair from weaves was damaging. Uneven hair, receding hairline and weak ends were just some of my struggles. But since I started wearing wigs, my life has changed for the better. The only thing I have to worry about is the rough Cape Town wind which I often worry will blow my wig right off my head.

Here are 5 reasons why you should wig it:
  1. The most exciting thing about a wig is the FLEXIBILITY. You can take the wig off at night and let your scalp breathe. And, you can be short today, long tomorrow. Straight today, curly tomorrow. The possibilities are endless!
  2. Wigs don’t make your scalp ITCH. Those of you who wear weaves know the itch, it is not pleasant! It doesn’t matter if you wash frequently or oil your scalp, the itch is real. There is no itch when you wear a wig.
  3.  Your EDGES GROW. Show me one black woman who doesn’t care about her edges and I’ll call her a liar. No one, male or female wants a receding hairline. The tension from weaves can be damaging to the hairline. With wigs, you can conceal your receding hairline and grow your edges in the process. It’s a win-win situation.
  4. They are CONVENIENT and perfect for the woman on the go. I have said this many times, I am hair-lazy. I don’t like to put too much effort into styling my hair but I still want it to look good. Wigs are perfect for those hair-lazy moments. First of all, it’s easier to style when it’s not on your head, easier to straighten too. You can also just throw it on your head when you are in a hurry and need to dash.
  5. Best PROTECTIVE STYLE. Those with 4C hair know a thing or two about protective styles. It is necessary if you want your hair to grow. Wigs are my favourite form of protective style. Those with 4C hair can’t afford to wear their hair in its natural state, all day every day, otherwise it breaks so protective styles are a must. The less you manipulate your hair, the more likely it’ll grow and be healthy.

The best thing about the wig is the fact that you don’t have to worry about leaving your hair out or ‘blending’. I am all about the wig life, it suits my life and my needs.

If you prefer weaves to wigs, leave me a comment and tell me why. 😉

Short bob wig by @Flawlessbeautybar_lekki

Top: Cotton On

Pencil Skirt: Karen Ubani Apparel

Heels: Nine West

Best friends turn a hobby into a multi-million Naira business

Founders of Flawless Xtensions, a beauty bar in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, Nigeria are best friends and have known each other for more than 19 years. At the time the brand was established in 2009, it was just two friends importing and selling great quality hair to colleagues and friends. Seven years later, Flawless Xtensions has grown to become a trusted brand for excellent quality hair, a brand that is now worth millions.

Kanyinsola Latinwo (on the left),  a lawyer by profession and co-founder of Flawless Xtensions has always had a keen interest in hair. “My love, or should I call it ‘obsession’ with hair started right from when I was a child. I had several dolls growing up, and would spend countless hours combing and shaping each one’s hair into different styles, taking into cognizance the shape of their faces, hair texture, and the event they are to attend with their girlfriends or Ken doll”, she says, laughing.

“Fast forward to my adult years, I became obsessed with styling my own hair till it looked perfect. I guess other people noticed because, I began to get calls from girlfriends and aunties soliciting my advice on what hairstyle to do next that would suit their facial structure, or what colour of highlights would make their skin pop or to even recommend a salon that could provide them with the desired look,” she continues.

Kanyinsola’s bestfriend, Tosin Kalegha  (on the right) who co-owns Flawless Xtensions is no novice to hair either. Tosin studied Economics and Law in Canada but it was when she was in high school that hair suddenly became a means to an end.

“My love for hair began when I was in high school in Canada. It was difficult finding a reasonably priced hair stylist within close proximity of where I lived, which was a suburban white/Asian neighbourhood. As such, I was forced to teach myself how to do my own hair, which included anything from cornrows to relaxing my hair, and then, of course, fixing my weaves. Then I started doing my friends’ hair as well. So, I really wouldn’t call it love in the first instance, more like a necessity, which eventually developed into a flare for hairstyling and love for anything hair-related, ” Tosin says.

While Kanyin describes her interest in hair as an ‘obsession’, Tosin explains that hers was initially born of necessity. However, both women agree that hair is a woman’s crowning glory and it is this mutual belief that makes their partnership the success that it is.

Over the years, the love and support received from their clients gave these two business-savvy friends the confidence to expand their business from just selling hair extensions into opening a beauty bar. Flawless Beauty Bar opened in October 2016. The salon, located on Tunde Fisayo Street offers a range of beauty services including:

  1.  Natural hair styling
  2.  Buying and selling of hair
  3. Weaves, hair extensions and wigs
  4. Highlighting and colouring
  5.  Hair perms
  6.  Braiding
  7. Nail extensions, manicure and pedicure
  8. Professional Makeup
  9. Barbing for males and females

Both women are equally talented and work full-time jobs. They also both share equal responsibility when it comes to the management of the business.

“The business is an equal partnership. It’s an interesting dynamic. We both have different skills and expertise. I think I am more of a people person, interacting with clients, marketing etc. She (Tosin) is more into sourcing for hair vendors, interacting with them, orders and supplies etc. I also handle all payments while she deals with the bookkeeping and accounting.” Kanyin adds.

When both women started the company, they never expected or planned to become a household name. The trade aspect started as a means to make extra money in University, in addition to their monthly allowance and now they are bonafide entrepreneurs.

Managing a full-time job while running a business has not been without its challenges, but these ladies make it work and look relaxed while doing it. Their bond is further strengthened by their partnership, and, in spite of their crazy working hours and often sleepless nights, they speak to each other an average of an hour every day.

wig

Kanyin and Tosin pride their business success on their excellent service – I would know, I have experienced it many times. They go over and beyond the usual to guarantee customer satisfaction. This, they attribute to the number of repeat customers and referrals they receive.

“We offer a wide range of virgin hair extensions of the best quality, sourced from different countries, and of different textures. Quality is one thing we do not compromise – with that we have gotten a number of referrals over the years.” Kanyin concludes.

If you’re looking for great quality human hair that you can wear for years to come, I’d definitely recommend Flawless Xtensions, just be ready to spend. Good hair does not come cheap. Their beauty bar services are equally great. I’d give them 9 out of10 (my highest rating ever).

To find out more about Flawless Xtensions, check out their Instagram page @flawlessbeautybar_lekki.

 

 

I transitioned from relaxed to natural hair, now what?

I always knew the day would come but had never thought quite so soon. I transitioned to natural hair some two months ago because I was sick of how disgustingly unhealthy my hair looked. My hair was uneven and the tips looked stringy and lacklustre and so I decided to chop off the relaxed, straighter ends and go natural.

Having debated going natural for some time but never quite having the “balls”, I knew it was now or never.  Call me hair lazy but doing my hair is not a skill I look forward to improving. Undoing my hair is something I never do, I mean that’s what salons are for. However, with being natural, there were things I’d have to do on my own or so I came to realise.

I have always maintained that most black hair stylists don’t know TF they’re doing and they do more damage than good to your hair so the natural me would have to spend time doing my own hair, to avoid incompetent hair stylists from doing irreparable damage to my hair.

This is why I kept delaying the inevitable but as some decisions in my life go, on 6 October 2016, I went to the salon to have cornrows done and impulsively chopped off my locks on the day. Chopping my locks is quite an exaggeration, though, it was really more cutting the dull, lifeless, ugly -looking ends.

Since I started the transition phase, I discovered that there was still so much I needed to learn about natural hair. You see, the reason for my chop is  to grow healthy, beautiful hair because relaxing wasn’t doing my strands any favours. I needed to know more about taking care of my natural hair and this is how I came to discover the importance of knowing my hair type. In knowing this, I would be better able to look after my natural hair.

What’s your hair type?

This is a question I never really bothered to ask myself until I transitioned. Knowing your hair type will help you understand the best products to use on your hair, best hairstyles and best care.

There are many different hair types. There’s the type 3 and type 4 but this post is for those with type 4 hair which is the kinky type of hair commonly seen on black Africans. My hair type is 4C but before I go into that, let’s first break down the different categories in type 4 hair.

4a hair

Typically has a defined curl pattern like an “s” shape. It tends to retain moisture fairly well, but is prone to dryness as most curlies are. As a result of the naturally defined curl pattern wash and go styles is a great option for people with this hair type. Using the right products on this hair like sulfate free shampoos, conditioners and rich creamy products or hair butter helps to maintain the hair’s natural texture and keep the hair soft and moisturised.

4b-hair

4b hair

This has more of a very fluffy look and the curl pattern resembles a “z” shape. People with this hair type often suffer from extreme dryness and hair breakage. The hair tends to experience 70% shrinkage and appears shorter than it actually is. Protective styles like braids, cornrows and buns to name a few is recommended to protect this type of hair to help reduce breakage. Frequent deep conditioning and moisturising is best for those with 4b hair.

4c-hair

4c hair

This is my hair type and a lot similar to 4b hair except that it is more tightly coiled. Freshly washed and free of products, this hair type does not have a defined curl pattern. To get curls, you would have to manipulate the hair by twisting or braiding. Bantu knots is one of the most common ways to get a curl pattern with this hair type. Another similarity with 4b hair is that many 4c naturals have shrinkage of up to 70% or more. 4c is apparently the most fragile hair type so to grow your hair long,  protective styles is the way to go. Avoid styles that require daily manipulation to give the hair a break and keep the hair from breaking off.

I hope this post has been helpful and for those of you who know what your hair type, please leave a comment on what you do to keep your hair soft and avoid breakage. xo

Images courtesy of People, thankgodimnatural.

Hair Woes: Treating Traction Alopecia

They say your hair is your crowning glory, this I know to be true. It is why issues like receding hairline and thinning hair can be distressing and even depressing for many women. Receding hairline is not as common in women as it is in men but traction alopecia is.

What is traction alopecia? It is damage to the hair caused by excessive pulling on the natural hair follicle. Ballerinas, gymnasts and weave wearers are some of the women that suffer from this condition.

In my early twenties, I used to change my weave every week to every two weeks. I got bored very quickly and always wanted a new hairstyle, little did I know that the frequent change which meant continuous pressure on my scalp was causing strain and damage to my hair and hairline.

While receding hairline is in my genetics, something I inherited from my mum who inherited it from her dad the lack of care for my hair over the past decade has resulted in traction alopecia. However, I am taking steps to restore my hairline and this article is for those like me who are suffering from traction alopecia or are on the verge due to improper hair care – there is still hope!

Since you now know what traction alopecia is, you must also know that pulling your hair in a tight bun continuously affects your hairline, same as with tight cornrows and weaves. Extensions and anything artificial in your hair attached using glue, tape, rings will also cause damage over time, just look at Naomi Campbell and Britney Spears.

If you’ve lost your hair to traction alopecia and don’t have a budget for a hair transplant, follow these six steps and you should see some improvement in three to six months:

relaxing-hair

1. Avoid using chemicals on your hair – I recently joined the natural hair gang because I felt that even though relaxing my hair made it softer and more manageable, it was doing more damage to my hair than good. Your hair also grows a lot thicker and healthier when you skip relaxing. If you are going to ignore my advice and keep relaxing then make sure you give your hair two weeks to recover from a hairdo before you relax and another two weeks after relaxing before you put any sort of pressure on it.

organic-virgin-coconut-oil2. Treatment, treatment, treatment –  Treat your hair with essential oils at least twice a month to nourish your tresses.

plait

3. Don’t plait your hair so tight that you have to take Panado – If you’re experiencing pain while doing your hair, let your hairstylist know. Don’t choose having your hairdo “last longer” over losing your hair. Whether you’re doing braids, cornrows or a weave, make sure your hair isn’t pulled too tight.

natural-hair-breathe

4. Let your hair breathe – Having your hair in different hairstyles without giving your hair follicles a break is the reason why people suffer from traction alopecia. After every braid, weave or cornrow, give your hair a treatment and wait two weeks before doing another hairdo.

palika-wig

5. Invest in a wig – Whether it’s synthetic or human hair, wigs are THE best protective styles ever. You can take it off every night with little pressure to your hair.t44z

6. T44Z – Use T44Z hair food on any bald spots once or twice a day. It really does do wonders. There are other natural remedies but T44Z has worked very well for me and I highly recommend it even though it is on the pricey side. I’m not sure what the current price is but when I purchased it two years ago, it was about R345.

These steps have helped restore some of my hair, I hope it helps you as much as it helped me. If you have a severe case of traction alopecia then I’d recommend a visit to your local dermatologist.

Leave me a comment if you have any recommendations for treating traction alopecia or would like to see more hair posts.