Confessions of an Ex-Product Junkie

My name is Jhanelle and I am...err...was... a product junkie :)

This weekend I decided to take out all of my products...the ones in my room, in the shower, under the bathroom sink, on my coffee stand, in my dresser...all of them. The above picture is based on products I have accumulated in the last year alone....

So are you a product junkie? Don't worry, I'm here to help. I have a 6 step program :)

Step 1: Admission

Naturally Curly did an article... "You Know You're a Product Junkie If.." ...and I answered yes to almost every single question. No lie. That's when I knew I had a problem.

The first step in recovery, is admitting you have a problem. If your collection looks like this, or you spend more on hair products than you do groceries, you have a problem. So say it..."My name is [insert name here] and I am a product junkie."

Step 2: Stay away from sales and hair aisles

This may be the hardest step, trust me, I know.

I use to go into Walmart for groceries...and walk out with at least one new hair product. My favourite part of my shopping trip was strolling down the hair aisle - whether it was a new conditioner or hair accessory, I always bought something!  And don't get me started on sales...I became good at justification.... "I'm investing in my hair"....."It's only 6.99"..."It's 30% off!"...well let me tell you, it adds up!
So Step #2, stay away from sales and hair aisles! You went into the grocery store for a reason, so stick to that mission. Yes the item is on sale, but it doesn't mean you need to buy it. You may save 30% by purchasing it today, but you save 100% of your money and additional closet space by not buying it.

Step 3: Research

Stop shopping on a whim or solely on reccomendation. I use to buy things because friends swore by them or I'd see people using them on youtube. Well, what works for someone might not work for you.

Now, you will need to try products to learn what works with your hair but it's important to research products before you purchase them. Learn about your hair texture, porosity abd research ingredients that will work well with your hair. Sometimes it may not be the product...but the method you're using (i.e., product application).

Many companies also promise the world in order to get you to purchase their product, but when you read the ingredient list, there are next to no natural ingredients listed. The words are there to grab your attention...it's called Marketing. Often times the products don't work as promised, so do your research and be a smart shopper.

Step 4: Go in with a mission

It's important to define a need vs. a want.

If you do decide to purchase a product (that you need, after you've done the research) make sure you go into the store with a mission. Enter store. Ask for product. Don't look around, you'll get distracted.
Back in the day, I could easily spend 1 hour in Beauty Supply Warehouse. Now I give myself 10 minutes to get in and get out. I'll march in, purchase it and march right back out. And I stay proud of myself for not deviating from said mission :)

Step 5: Samples, samples, samples!

Instead of buying full size products that you'll just chuck under the sink after one use, try samples instead.

If your friend has a product you want to try, ask her for a sample of it.

Or do a product swap with a friend. Trade a product  that didn't necessarily work on your hair for a product that your friend may have that you want to try.

Step 6: If it works, stop looking!

Finally my last rule, if you found something that works on your hair: stop looking.

From that massive collection, these are the products
I currently use in my product rotation.

Are you a product junkie? How big is your collection? Do you need help?! Don't worry - we'll work through it together :)

xx.

J
Keep Calm Wear an Afro

Check Out The Other Side: Dhanielle

"My hair doesn't define who I am. All that matters is that you feel amazing and confident with how you look."

What’s your name? Dhanielle

How old are you? 18

What do you do? I am a first year student attending the University of Toronto studying Criminology and Employment Relations.

Where are you? Canada

How did we met? We’re sisters :)

Describe your style. Whatever is clean, that can fit me.

Now Playing: Music for Love - Mario

Quote you live by: “Out of many, one people” – Jamaican Motto

Describe your hair?

Shoulder length, dark brown, straight.

Tell us a little about your hair history. How long have you had a relaxer? Why did you originally decide to relax your hair?

I’ve had a relaxer now for seven years, since I was eleven. Originally my mom decided to relax my hair to make it easier to manage.  And to be quite honest, I was tired of the traditional pigtails, with coloured "bubbles” and matching clips.

Where the reasons for relaxing your hair then, the same as the reasons for relaxing your hair now?

Now, the choice to relax my hair is entirely my own and not my mom’s. However, I still relax it because I find it much easier to manage and easier to style.

Describe your hair regime.

I usually wash my hair every two weeks. I recently discovered the brand Crème of Nature, and have fell in love! I use the Crème of Nature products that specifically contain argan oil. Both the shampoo and condition are about $6 each! (the shampoo is sulphate free!) Using the Argan Oil Moisture & Shine Shampoo, I wash my hair 2-3 times and then follow up with their Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment. With the conditioner in, I deep treat my hair under the dryer for 15 minutes. My hair not only smells amazing but feels hydrated and smooth. I also use the Moroccanoil Treatment from the Moroccanoil products. The bottle is small and a little expensive but it is totally worth it, to keep moisture in. Plus, you don’t really need that much oil per usage, so the product will last for a long time. Then I air dry/ or blow dry my hair and straighten.

At nights, I usually wrap my hair (brushing my hair around my head and securing with bobby pins) and then cover it with a silk scarf.  

How do you normally style your hair?

In terms of styling, I’m very boring. I just wear my hair down straight most days. On days when my hair doesn’t really co-operate (we all have those days), I usually just brush it into a neat bun/ponytail to avoid using the straightener.

What do you think of the natural hair movement?

To be honest, the natural hair movement did not really catch my interest as much until after Jhanelle made the decision to go au naturale. I love the natural look :)

Would you ever consider going natural? Why or Why not?

I definitely would consider going natural! Although, I have to admit that I’d be worried as to how to manage my hair, how to style it, and what I would look like. Straight hair is all that I know, since I started taking care of my own hair. But I’m sure Jhanelle would bombard me with help and support :P

Do you think that by relaxing your hair you're promoting the idealism that kinky hair is “bad” or “unmanageable” and that we need to “fix” it?

Overall, my hair doesn’t define who I am. I don’t believe that by relaxing my hair, I’m not being myself, nor does it mean that kinky hair is a bad thing. Kinky hair is a beautiful thing and so is straight hair. All that matters is that you feel amazing, and confident with how you look and whatever style of hair you choose to wear! :)

Apart from the obvious, what’s the best thing about being my sister? :D

No comment.

Social Media:

Twitter: _DSIMPSONN
Instagram: deeeesimps



 

[J: I wanted to do a post showcasing "The Other Side", aka our relaxed straight hair counterparts. I wanted to show that not everyone that relaxes their hair has self esteem issues or is unhappy with their hair situation. At the end of the day, it's all about healthy hair and my sister said it best: All that matters is that you feel amazing and confident with how you look. Whether it's curly or straight, and that is a choice every individual will make. But if my sister does decide to rock her natural hair, I'm hurrr! :) ]

[J: Dhanielle and I! <3 m'sister!]

Healthy Hair Smoothie: Green Monster

Hello lovelies!

You might remember an old post wrote entitled --> "Why Big Mac's Don't Grow Hair"

 It's important to remember physical hair care maintenance (i.e., your regime) is only a part of what promotes healthy hair. Healthy hair starts from the inside out. So, yes, it is true. Big Mac's don't grow hair...but Green Monsters do!!


WHAT YOU NEED

1 handful of Spinach

Why it's Awesome: Dark green veggies are good sources of iron and calcium, which help in the production of sebum (natural oil produced by the scalp).

 

1 cup of Almond Milk

Why it's Awesome: How is it NOT awesome?! Almond milk is the ish :D But for real, it's a great source of protein (and hair needs protein), fatty acids, zinc, potassium and the list goes on...

1 Banana

Why it's Awesome: It contains a whole host of vitamins, including Vitamin B and iron which are good for the hair.

Tip: Instead of using ice cubes, I'll freeze my banana's and use them in my smoothies. It also saves me from throwing out bananas as they turn brown, I just peel them and pop them in the freezer until I am ready to use them.

1 Apple

Why it's Awesome: It has vitamin A (that also helps in the production of sebum), vitamin E and B.

A dash of Flax Seeds

Why it's Awesome: Fatty acids in the flax seeds help to promote a healthy scalp and hydrate hair follicles.

Throw everything in a blender and voila: GREEN MONSTER!  It's good for your hair, taste good, and it doesn't scare kids.

Until next time, drink up!

:)

xx

J

Natural Hair Icon: Laura Izibor

"Curly hair is beautiful and I wouldn't trade it for anything."

Moisturizing Tips 101

A family member recently asked me about tips for combating dry hair. So that meant: blog post! :)

Curly hair is drier that our straight-haired counterparts because the natural oils produced by our scalp don't travel as easily down the curly hair shaft as it does the straight one. Think of it as it's easier to drive down a straight road than a winding one. Makes sense?

So how do I kick dry hair to the curb?

1. Moisturize and Seal

Coconut Oil is a great sealant!

I can't preach this enough. We do not have to be scared of WATER. Our hair loves it and it is the best moisturizer (it's also free!) 

Mist your hair with water (to moisturize) and use an oil to lock that moisture in (sealing). Oil alone does not moisturize, so DO NOT apply oil to dry hair. Moisturize as often as your hair needs it ... I moisturize daily because my kinky hair gets super dry.

Helpful Posts:

Moisturizing vs Sealing (The Difference)

Are you LOCing it?!? (Liquid, Oil, Cream)

2. Leave-in!


My favourite leave-in is Kinky Curly Knot Today



For added moisturize add a leave-in conditioner after you mist your hair. Water should be the first ingredient. A little goes a long way, so often times a dollar size amount will do. Too much can make the hair greasy. Avoid products that contain petroleum or mineral oil as they do not moisturize.

If you apply stylers or gel, apply them AFTER you moisturize your hair.

3. Deep condition!

Once a week. Our hair can get dry easily, so it needs the help! Apply a deep conditioner to your hair, throw on a shower cap or plastic bag (my fav) and sit under a hooded drier (or use a blow drier or hot towel) to apply heat for 15 or so min. The heat opens up the hair follicles to let the magic in....and then rinse and tada!

Helpful Posts

Condition Dem

Remix your Conditioner!

4. Hot oil treatments

Simple and easy. Take a combination of all the natural oils you have (I.e, EVOO, Coconut, castor, avocado) and heat them up. After you wash your hair, apply the oil mixture to damp hair. Throw on a plastic bag and let it sit for a few hours. Rinse and voila! Moisturized softness! Apply a leave in and you're ready to roll!

5. Conditioner Wash (Co-wash)

My Co-Wash of the moment... Yes To Carrots Pampering Conditioner

If you're hair is super dry it could be do to excessive shampooing. Shampoos are designed to strip the hair of dirt and oil. And this can leave the hair very dry.

Unless you're using A LOT of products such as gel or styling aids, there's no need to shampoo your hair weekly.

I shampoo my hair once a month if that. And I co-wash instead. Rinsing your hair thoroughly with water and using conditioner like you would shampoo can remove a lot if dirt etc. I co-wash once a week.

However, if you do use a lot of product it's important to cleanse your hair and scalp to prevent product build up. Healthy hair starts with healthy scalp. And make sure you condition to prevent excessive dryness.

6. Baggy method

To help retain moisture as you sleep, throw on a plastic bag or plastic shower cap on your hair. Often times we lose a lot of natural hair oil and moisture to our pillow! After all that hard work...you don't want that.

This can also help to be achieved by wrapping hair with a silk scarf.

7. Porosity

Understanding the porosity of your hair will go a long way in using the right methods to moisturize your locks.

Helpful Posts:

"Girl, your hair is so POROUS!"



Hope this helps! Do you have any tips for keeping your locks moisturized? I'd love to hear them!


Until next time.

xx J

El amor mira no con los ojos, sino con la mente

JHANELLE. BComm, Salsera, Naturalista, & Versatile Blogger

I've been nominated for a Versatile Blogger Award by Kay (Nappy Headed Black Girl)! Thanks hun! :)

First of all, I'd like to thank my Mom, because without her I wouldn't have the kinks in my hair....

Secondly, I'd like to thank all the people who believed in me!....LOL okay, I'll stop.

So what are the award rules? 

• Nominate 15 fellow bloggers
• Inform the bloggers of their nomination
• Share 7 random things about yourself
• Thank the blogger who nominated you
• Add the Versatile Blog Award picture to your post

7 Random Things About Me

1. I walk around with a bottle of ketchup in my purse....put that ish on everythang. Seriously though, I do.

2. I love cupcakes.

3. I bring 2 lunches to work, plus snacks. I am always eating.

4. I am on a salsa team (as in dance, not food lol)

5. I was born in Jamaica.

6. I like to do the Kevin Hart "Get Money" dance in public places. 'Get Money..Uh...Uh...'

7. I can't wink. I've tried and failed.

My Nominations

In no particular order...I only have 14:

Curly Strands

Elle (Lipstix Natural Chica)

Kinky Hair Affair

Coily Bella

Afroniquely You

Natural Nigerian

Knatural

Love Your Tresses

Mahogany Knots

The Naturaliste

JoJo (CurlyNuGrowth)

Angela (1Love Blog)

Hair of Heritage

Utter Nappyness



 I'm very proud to be a part of the Natural Community! :) Happy Blogging!

xx J

Peace. Love. and Afros.

Moisturizing vs. Sealing (The Difference)

via http://www.capitalmagazine.ca



 Hola lovelies!

So today's lesson is about the difference between moisturizing and sealing.

STEP 1: MOISTURIZING

A moisturizers job is to add moisture to the hair.

For example:

Water - the best moisturizer: hands down.

Leave in Conditioners - have conditioning and moisturizing properties. Look for products with water as the first ingredient. Avoid products that contain petroleum and mineral oil (bad bad bad).

STEP 2: SEALING.

If you don't seal in the moisture mentioned above, it'll dry out of your strands and your hair will remain dry.
Likewise, if you apply oil without water it won't moisturize, your hair will stay dry because oils don't moisturize. They act as a barrier, they seal water in but they can also seal them out. So the pomade your Mom would apply on your dry hair as a child ...ya, it wasn't moisturizing.

Oils and butters help to seal in the moisture from Step 1.

For example:

Coconut oil

Olive oil

Castor oil

Shea butter
Jojoba

It's a two step process that will lead to happier hair.

Peace. Love. and More Love.

:) J