Which Method Works Better During the Winter? LCO vs. LOC Method

Hey!

I hope that you guys are having a great week! I am doing well! The holidays are here! It is freezing in Chicago, and I have a bit of a busy weekend ahead of me, but it will be okay. :)


Have you guys ever heard of the LOC method? NO? Okay.

The LOC method (leave-in conditioner, oil, and cream respectively) is used to retain moisture in hair. It has been very successful with a lot of natural-haired women. The LOC method works year round, especially during the winter months. In the book, The Science of Black Hair: A Comprehensive Guide to Textured Hair Care, the author, Audrey Davis-Sivasothy, mentions this method as well. Ideally, this method is used after washing ones hair. After washing the hair, the individual applies a leave in conditioner, an oil, and a cream based product of their choice. They finally style their hair as normal.

Although the LOC method has been significantly successful, I prefer to do things a different way. During the winter, I will wash my hair as normal. Afterwards, I will apply a leave-in conditioner, hair cream, and an oil-based product of my choice. This is known as the LCO method (can you believe that there are terms in reference to natural hair? lol).
I prefer the LCO method. It seems to penetrate my thick hair more when done this way. I have also noticed that it feels less greasy.

You can choose any one of these methods WITHOUT breaking the bank. Choose an oil that you like. Choose a leave in conditioner. Choose a hair cream. Wash, rinse, and repeat (pun, intended!). For example, I am currently using Aphogee Leave-In Spray, my homemade hair cream (which I am STILL perfecting!), and Oyin Handmade Burnt Sugar Pomade.

Frankly, whatever method that you decide to choose, do your research beforehand. Whatever route you choose to take, I just want you to have healthy, moisturized hair. <3



Talk to you soon.
Brie.

Humectants!

Hello!!

I hope that everything is going well for you. Me? Oh ya know...work, striving to be better on my health journey...all of that fun stuff lol 

This blog will be about....HUMECTANTS!!! Humectants are an ingredient found in hair products that attract moisture from the environment. This ultimately moisturizes your hair. When I first became natural, humectants were my saving grace during the winter time. I would experiment with different styling products and applications, realizing how buttery soft my hair became (no lie, ask my momma). I did not understand what the heck a humectant was until after researching the ingredients of my hair products. 

Natural hair is already fragile. However, during the winter months, natural hair can be as fragile as Derrick Rose's joints (yes, I am from Chicago. I still said what I said). Winter is when one really has to be extremely vigilant with hair care. This is where humectants come in: they provide some assistance in circumventing hair breakage with their moisture-attracting qualities. There are two categories of humectants: synthetic and natural humectants. 

Synthetic:

• Butylene glycol
• Glycerin
• Urea
• Tremella extract
• Sorbitol
• Dicyanamide
• Sodium PCA
• Sodium lactate

Natural:

• Hyaluronic acid
• Aloe
• Alpha hydroxy acid
• Honey
• Seaweed, algae, and other marine extracts 

  

Ideally, natural humectants are recommended. However, synthetics work just as well (please keep in mind that synthetic humectants have the potential to dry your hair out over a period of time).

Be sure to check your products and see if some of the ingredients are a humectant. You will definitely be one step closer to moisturized hair in the winter time :). 

I hope that this helps! 

Talk to you soon. 

Brie. 

Winter Protective Hair Styles!

**DISCLAMER: Bear with me, I am currently in the process of deciding which weekday to publish my blog posts. I recently did a bit of research, and discovered that my posts can garner more engagement instead of Wednesday.

This article may just be the start of another series of blog posts(?) I realized that some people may not know what to do with their natural hair during the winter. I LOVED styling my hair during the winter months. LOVED. IT.  If it sounds like something you guys would be interested in, let me know in the comments below! Also let me know via Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram <3**

 
Hey! I hope that your Thanksgiving was lovely <3. My Thanksgiving was nice: low key, and relaxing. I did not cook this year, but I will more than likely cook for Christmas. Needless to say, I am EXCITED. I will be the black INA GARTEN and you all will deal!!!! 

This blog post will be about protective hair styles during the winter.

Protective hair styles are amazing. It is defined as a style that conceals the ends of the hair protecting them from damage due to overexposure to the elements, friction, etc. They assist in hair retention, moisture (if properly moisturized), and different desired aesthetics. Fun fact: a lot of the hair styles that were mentioned in my previous blog post are considered to be protective hair styles! They are great for people who are striving to grow their hair, yet love a great haircut (ahem, me). They can be worn at any time of the year. A lot of naturalistas, however, wear them during the colder months, where natural hair is more prone to breakage.

Protective Hair Styles 

• Buns

I love this look! <3 :)



• Twists

I WILL be attempting this soon! So cute :)

• Braids

Gorgeous right?! This picture is perfect. <3

• Crochet

Faux Locs, Straight, Kinky, Wavy, Twists, etc. I LOVE crochet!!!

• Weaves

Baby, this is LAIIIDDDDDD

• Wigs



Chile y'all are doing witchcraft with these wigs; I didn't know that this was a wig! :0







The great thing about protective styles is that they can be worn for a period of time. This also helps if you are busy and do not have time to style your hair. It is STRONGLY recommended that you fully moisturize (treatments, deep conditioning, etc.) your hair (ESPECIALLY your ends!) prior to styling.  The key to protective styling is keeping your hair ends moisturized. I hope that this helps. <3<3<3

Talk to you soon.
Brie. 

K.I.S.S. Naturals: Hairstyles!

Hey! I hope that you are doing well. Excuse the late post, I had some technical difficulties yesterday. But I am back! :) This blog post is going to touch on the different hairstyles of natural hair. One of my pet peeves is hearing about how black hair is not versatile when it comes to hairstyles.  I also hear a lot of people mention how they are hesitant to become natural because they don't know where to start when it comes to hairstyles. Contrary to popular belief, natural hair, specifically black hair, can be very versatile. Creativity is a MAJOR KEY for hairstyles!


HEADS UP: This is going to be a picture heavy post. And quite frankly, full of hair porn. LOL. Please use this blog post as inspiration for your hair whether you are a newly or seasoned naturalista. You can incorporate one technique or multiple! And I BETTER not hear any more whining about not knowing what to do with natural hair (slightly joking)!!!!!! LOL

 

 

Popular Hair Styles

• Bantu (think of Jada Pinkett Smith in the Matrix)/bantu knot outs(unraveled bantu knots)
• Braids/ braid-outs (unraveled braids)
• Twists/ twist-outs (unraveled twists)
• Updos
• Afros
• Puffs
• Buns
• Wigs*
• Locs
• Weaves*
• Straightened Hair*

*Try to wear sparingly, if you can; if you opt for these styles for an extended amount of time, please tend to your hair! Neglect can cause dry, brittle hair ultimately causing stunted hair growth.

Bantu knot out. Current fave. Throwback pic from two years ago :)

OMG I love BLACK HAIR. Our hair is so amazing like... I can't even! lol Natural hair is FUN! Experiment! Don't be scared or intimidated! Try new hairstyles!

And if it doesn't work out, throw it in a puff and start again at a different time. NO WORRIES! <3
What are some of your favorite hair styles? And it doesn't have to be natural. Let me know in the comments below. :)


Talk to you soon.
Brie.

K.I.S.S. Naturals: Determining a Hair Care Regimen!

Good Morning!

Two things: I hope that you guys are having a nice week so far. It is Wednesday, and you're also closer to the weekend! AYEEE! On a serious note, I am sending my thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families in Las Vegas. <3

This blog post is dedicated to hair care regimens! Hair care regimens tend to be very essential if one is trying to achieve hair growth. Hair care regimens also help newly naturals (even more seasoned naturals) practice discipline. It also challenges one to practice consistency as well. On the opposite end of the spectrum, there are some who are against hair care regimens, preferring a more carefree approach to their hair.

I've tested out the regimented and carefree hair care routines. As for me? I am fully aware that I am a lazy naturalista who prefers regimens lol. Natural hair care can take a lot of time and work. However, many of us have jobs, children, school, and everything in between. Many of us do not have enough time and or patience for styling/taking care of natural hair. Honestly, truly. Maybe it's just me, but I want to be efficient and effective with my small amount of time. Also, there are SOOOOOOOOO many regimens out there, it is overwhelming. I narrowed down my current regimen like this:

When you are figuring out your hair care regimen, 
FIRST

• Ascertain (Based on YOUR lifestyle!)
• Time/Availability 
• Frequency of styling (number of times per day(s)/Week(s))

SECOND

• Determine (How do you EXACTLY style your hair? Do you need all of the following below? Yes? No? How often?)
• Wash/Condition 
• Co-Washing
• Treatments
• Styling**
• This is going to be trial and error. The best way to figure out your regimen is to take note of your GOOD HAIR DAYS. What did you do? Do you notice a pattern when styling your hair? If so repeat, and adjust as needed! 

For example, I wash, use a protein treatment, and finally style my hair once a week. As of late, my style lasts until my next hair wash day. If it starts to look old, I will style it. I preserve my style by using a satin bonnet cap at night. I do not co-wash often as my hair is mostly hydrated and moisturized. This works for me due to my busy schedule. 

If you are inspired by other regimens via social media, try it out! But please. PLEASE. Be realistic with yourself. You know yourself better than anyone. If you decide to stick to a regimen, make it work for you. That way, it will be easier to commit, and it will coincide with your life style. Regimens can always be adjusted as well. So, RELAX! 

Talk to you soon. 

Brie. 

K.I.S.S. Naturals: Figuring out Which Hair Product to Use with Natural Hair

Hola (Hi)! Are you having a great week? Anything new? :)

I know someone that is currently transitioning into natural hair. She asked me the other day," Brie what do you use in your hair?" I told her some of the products that I used.

However, what may work for MY natural hair, may not work for YOUR natural hair. Please refer to the previous line. Wash, rinse, and repeat (pun intended).

Trying to figure out which products work for your hair is hard, okay? IT IS HARD! If I am to be honest, I am still figuring out the best leave in conditioner (as I type this). The reason why it can be difficult is because there are a lot of hair products that aren't well formulated for black hair. There are a handful of brands, but there aren't as many. Another reason would be that there is a TON  of information and opinions on hair products from social media influencers (usually sponsored by those companies-no shade). This makes it more difficult to sift through the information given and find unbiased, honest reviews. Lastly, the most important reason, is that we all have different hair types! Our hair can be compared to snowflakes: one is not like the other.

Alright. So you FINALLY chopped off your hair! YYYYAAAASSSS!!! ABOUT TIME BELOVED!

You did your research with hair ingredients. Now, what do you do?!

First!

• Try different products!
• Sample sizes are your friend. When I went natural, samples weren't as prevalent, so I had to buy the full jars/bottles. I started off with more affordable products that I saw at my local beauty supply, paid attention to how my hair reacted to those products and expanded/condensed my products from there.                         
• Example products of a 6 MONTH naturalista (10 years ago):

                          

Second!

• Pay attention to how your hair reacts!
• Is it fabulously frizzy? Is it dry? Are your curls popping? Is your hair hydrated and moisturized? Aesthetically, are you happy with how your hair looks? These are important questions when it comes to changing, updating, keeping, or tossing hair products!
• Depending on your hair, you may have to switch products that contain different oils, or have a different ratio of water and oil. Maybe your hair likes silicones, protein, or sulfates....who knows?!

     

Third!

• Do you like the results of your hair from using the products that you've bought?
• Yes? Continue using them! If you feel like you can do better, then try a different product that has similar qualities to the one that you have.
• No? Try using the product in a different way!
• If the product was meant for twistouts, try using it as a moisturizer, or applying it after washing your hair. If it was an oil, try using it as a hot oil treatment before/after your wash day. Find a way to repurpose the product and use it in an unconventional way; you get your money's worth, and once you finish, you don't have to use it again.
• You can always give the product to a family member, use it on your child and see if it works for them.
• You can also dispose of the product if it is THAT terrible.

The message that I really want to convey is that figuring out your collection of hair care products can be a learning curve. However, it can ultimately be achieved through trial and error.

I really hope that this helps!
If you guys have any other tips regarding how to figure out your personal hair product faves, comment below!



Talk to you soon.
Brie.

My Natural Hair Product Faves!

Hola (Hello)!

I hope you guys are still doing well. Why the long break? Bear with me as I am currently juggling work among some other things (sorry for being slightly vague).


It has been quite a L O N G time however, I am coming to you all with a brand new blog post. I warn you, there will be a bit of information to absorb and process. I will try my best to condense this information for you.

I am not sure how interested you are in my opinion of hair products (This year will mark 7 years of my natural hair journey), styling tools, etc., but I will share them anyway! lol

For the newly naturals (are there anymore newly naturals??), or someone who is interested in trying new hair care lines here are some of my suggestions:

• Hair Products

• Shampoos
• *Alba: Their shampoo doesn't contain ANY sulfates. It is also an organic product. To me, it is the only shampoo that doesn't leave my hair dry. And it smells..AHHHMAZING. 
• Conditioners/Leave-In Conditioners
• Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle Conditioner (most wallet friendly!)
• *Suave Naturals Conditioner
• **Giovanni's Leave In Conditioner
• Styling Creams/Butters/ Oils
• ***My hair creme
• ***Qhemet Biologics Alma Butter/Honey Balm (GET. YOUR. BLESSING!) 
• *Oyin Handmade Whipped Pudding (for the chocolate lovers!)
• *Coconut Oil (It cures everything)
• *Olive Oil (Very moisturizing)
• Styling Gels
• **Eco Styler
• ***My home made gel
• ***Ouidad humidity gel (HOLY GUACAMOLE THIS PRODUCT IS AMAZING)
• Moisturizing Products/Sprays
• *Curls Moisturizer/2nd Day Curl Refresher
• *Jane Carter Spray leave in conditioner
• Foams/Hair Mousse
• *Jane Carter's Twist Out Foam
• Styling Tools
• **Denman 
• **MetaGrip Premium Bobby Pins
• *Ribbon hair ties
• *Headbands
• **Satin Scarves
• *Duck Bill clips (hair washing)
• Tips: 
• SAMPLES SAMPLES SAMPLES!!!!!! If you do not want to fully commit to a full sized product (self-proclaimed commitment-phobe here) start with a sample size. You don't waste money, and you can see if you like the product! 
• If you bought a product and you HATE. IT. Try using the product in different ways! I would purchase a few items, until I found a way for it to work for my hair. Money does not grow on trees, okay? 
• Search for coupons and shop around! An obivious tip, but I have saved money by shopping around for certain hair products. 
• Experiment! Look at the YouTube gurus for guidence, then adjust for your hair needs. 

Note: Any product that is italicized and in bold, means that I HIGHLY recommend this product. No I am not being sponsored by these companies (I've paid with my own money). My blog is too indie for that. lol. 

* Mostly found in Target, Walmart, and a few drugstores like Walgreens, CVS, etc. 

**Can be found in select Target, Walmart and drugstores depending on your location

***Can be difficult to access or can be found at Sephora or Ulta. Can be moderate to expensive. I would suggest purchasing either online (possible coupons), the company's website, or a store locator.

This is only to be a guide. I hope that this is a good start for you guys. :)

Talk to you soon. 

Brie. 

Natural Hair Misconceptions.

Let me set the record straight on natural hair b: 

•We all don't like [insert any neo-soul artist you can think of] only.

•We all don't lead a holistic lifestyle.

•Many aren't looking for their "Nubian kings". This is not Common's video "The Light" featuring Erykah Badu. STAHP IT! 

•We all don't burn incense in the evening.

•We all don't spend time arguing who has the most "natural" hair. We're "splitting hairs" at that point. Pun intended!

•Majority of us believe in good hygiene, including hair care. 

•Having natural hair takes effort. And time. 

•It doesn't feel like a Brillo pad. 

•Some feel strongly about shaving and not growing additional fros...Ok? 

•We're all not shoving natural hair lifestyle down other people's throats. 

•Men LOVE natural hair. LOVE.

The amazing MahoganyCurls. Check out her YouTube!

•We're not all on YouTube making hair tutorials. 

•We are not the official spokesperson for black hair.

•We don't all play an acoustic guitar.

•Some of us like wearing wigs and weaves! Why? Because it's fun! And convenient sometimes. :)

•Natural hair is VERSATILE VERSATILE VERSATILE!! OMG! From braids to twists, knots, straight, and back to curly again! Your hair COULD NEVAAAA! lol. 

I had to stan for a moment for natural hair. I'm back. 

Now simmer down with the ignorance and chill. Lol. 

Talk to you soon. 

Brie.