Changes

One of the most difficult parts of creating a blog and a space for yourself is definitely finding a name. I look at so many blogs and they have awesome names (at least to me) and I honestly have not been able to name mine successfully. I think I have pretty much resorted to using my name. Which I did do, but then it still did not feel right. But then, Love Steph did not feel right either. So I went back to using my names. 

This blog is primarily about me, my life and experiences. I write so that I can help whoever wants to read. Hence using my name is easier to identify and refer to me, and then you know what this blog is about. Me, helping you however I can.

Wash Day Routine (6 STEPS)

In case you ever wondered about my wash day routine, it goes like this. 

SIDE NOTE:

I wash my hair close to every 2 weeks and cowash in between. I use the ORS Creamy Aloe Shampoo and then I always follow up with a deep conditioner, mainly my ORS Replenishing Conditioner with some coconut oil.  

SIDE NOTE x2

I only use shampoo when I use too much shea butter. 

1. I prepoo with coconut oil. I lightly detangle my hair with my fingers with the coconut oil in removing major knots and tangles.

2. Using warm water, I soak my hair and then using a quarter sized amount of shampoo, I massage this on my scalp only, focusing first on the dirtiest parts of my hair. I apply more shampoo as needed around the rest of my head. I try to make this process last for less then 5 minutes.

3. I wash this out slowly, ensuring that the shampoo runs along the length of my hair to cleanse it as well. I continue washing this out until all the suds are out. I then blot out the excess water with a t-shirt.

4. I mix my deep conditioner with coconut oil in a bowl, section off my hair into 4, and separate these 4 sections into 2 or 3 smaller sections, applying the concoction generously, especially on the ends and finger detangling. (Depends on the way my hair is or the style I'm going for later, I will use a comb). When each section is completely detangled and saturated with product, I twist it up and move on. I usually start from the back and work my way up.

5. I collect all my twists and I put on my shower cap, and let it sit for whatever amount of time I desire. But after 30-45 mins it should be fine.

6.When I'm ready, I rinse this out using cold water, while keeping the twists in. I then wrap my hair in t-shirt and allow it to soak up the excess water before I go on with my leave in conditioner and styling.

That's it guys. Six steps to clean and springy hair! Hope it helps.

Finished Results! 

JULY TRANSFORMATION

This is sorta a challenge to myself. Recently I've seen some interesting challenges where you adopt a certain thing or lifestyle, just for the experience. I believe these sort of challenges really do give you an idea and somewhat of a different perspective on the matter or lifestyle. It may be difficult too do a challenge that forces you completely out of your comfort zone, but, if you slowly ease into it, it may be easier.

I have been doing something of the sort. Preparing myself mentally for what I endeavour to do. So, I want July and August to be the months were I become totally glamorous. Glam everythangg!! My intention is to ensure my hair, make up, nails and outfits are very well put together and I look like a freshly printed $100 bill. Can I say I'm gonna Kim K myself out? Not so much. LOL

Anyways.

I believe one of the pros I can outright see is that I'd need to be better organized and procrastinate less. 

One of the cons would definitely be getting lost in the entire thing and losing my identity. 

But, I'm just doing it for fun. It's really not in me to be that way all the time and it would be nice to see what it is like. Who knows what the outcome will be. Right now I'm like a caterpillar in a cocoon. By the end of this I should be a butterfly, right?

So, let's start this transformation!

Natural Hair | Fav Products

I get this question a lot. What do you use on your hair? Well, let me answer you boo!

Water

Sounds cliche but our hair thrives on water and moisture. Be sure to give your hair plenty of water, washing it at least weekly. To re moisturize during the week I use a spray bottle filled with water focusing on my ends. I don't add anything to the water. It's simple plain ole water.

Coconut Oil
BEST THING EVER. Coconut oil is so good guys. Great for sealing in moisture, moisturizing, adding to deep conditioners, pre-pooing, heat protectant... It's a holy grail product. I may add olive oil to it, but it's definitely my go to oil. I use locally made coconut oil, since it's accessible for me and they work like a charm.

Shea Butter
Thank you to the Ghanian people for producing this wonderful butter. I usually use this for moisturizing and twist outs. I use it with the coconut oil, but try to focus the oil on my ends and the butter on my shaft. This gives incredible shine, keeps the hair soft and manageable. It's just awesome.

ORS Replenshing Conditioner
This right hereeeeeee...sent from heaven. If you're looking for an affordable deep conditioner which gives great moisture, shine and adds all the glamour and sparkle back to your hair, this is it. It is also really good as a base conditioner because you can easily add products to it to give it a boost. I usually add coconut oil to give it that extra pizaz.

Tresemme Conditioner
Famously known as 'the white conditioner'. I absolutely love this because of the size and affordability. The bottle is huge, it smells great and is awesome for cowashing. I absolutely love using this. I sometimes use it as a leave-in conditioner.

Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie
Mine is all out, but! When I want an extra BOMB twist out or bantu knot out, this right here gives GREAT definition and shine. Guys, this is so good, but definitely on the pricey side. But it works like a dream.

Eco-styler Gel
Probably the best styling gel that ever existed in stores. This stuff is amazeballs. I've tried a whole bunch of them, but I gravitate towards the argan oil one because I love the smell. The hold is like...no other and the shine....ON FLEEK. I use this for wash n go's and stretched styles. It does have a slight crunchy feel, but it's easy to remove that feeling with a bit of oil.

Hope this was helpful!

Natural Hair Chit Chat #3

Today's topic is....dum dum dummmmmmm.... TEXTURE ENVY!

Before I begin, let me define what texture envy is. My definition is,

texture envy phrase: a term used in the afro-textured hair community to denote someone who is envious/jealous of the natural texture of someone else. I totally wish my hair looked like hers! The texture envy is real!

Now that the air is clear, let us just look at the issues that revolve around this. Since the natural hair movement swept the world, women all over are embracing their true 'natural' texture. Most people had no idea what their natural hair looked like due to years of chemicals and extensions. Of course they were excited to see the beautiful mass of curls underneath all those straggly relaxed ends. Everyone was accepting their various curl pattern, but early on in the game, there were people who had a preference for a specific type of curl pattern. That is the looser curl patten, where definite curls are visible. Most comments are usually, what do you do to make your hair look like that? OMG! I wish my hair was like that? Now, it is completely fine to admire the curl pattern of another natural. But, the problem therein lies when you aspire to change your natural curl pattern into the one you admire. Some people go as far as altering their natural hair and claiming it is of a different pattern. Another issue is that of acceptance. Naturally tight kinky hair is less accepted and apparently less beautiful than the looser curl. I do not have to tell you that is a lie.

The truth is, the natural hair movement is focused on the acceptance and appreciation of your natural hair texture. All hair is beautiful. It may be difficult to accept and appreciate. But you need not lie or have an overwhelming desire to have another person's texture to the extent where you hate yours. That's where the problem lies. We need to work harder on accepting and loving ourselves and then moving from there.

All hair is beautiful, so love yours.

Natural Hair Update

Natural for...
3 1/2 years

Current Length...
Brastrap/nipple length  inching unto midback length

Regimen...
Kinda sorta non-existent. I just do what I have to. No structure to it.

Who would have thought I would make it through the fire! It's been a long stuggle. One of the main struggles for me is dealing with the constantly changing lengths. I would perfect a style, be it a wash n go or a twist out and 6 months later, my hair is suddenly too long and it looks like a hot mess.  Can you believe this? That's one struggle I definitely did not expect. I had been stuck in the short hair phase for a bit that I did not realize that my hair was getting longer and I could do different things with it. 

Nowadays I mostly wear my hair in chunky twist out styles, buns and mini-twists. It has really been working for me and contributing to growth and health. I do forget to mositurize and deep condition regularly, which is bad, but I do try yo keep on top of it. Honestly this much hair requires crazy maintenence and sometimes my schedule does not allow me. BUT! I'm on a path of taking better care and achieving my hair goals!

Follow Me!

If you're a blog-a-holic like moi, you definitely wanna use Bloglovin' to help organize your favourite blogs and find other amazing blogs. The site is pretty damn awesome!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin