Thursday 16 January 2014

Product Review: Eco Styler Moroccan Argan Oil Gel

Promise: Ecostyler Moroccan Argan Oil Styling Gel is formulated with rare oils from the Argan tree in Morocco. Our formula conditions and revitalises the hair while adding a brilliant shine. Like all of our styling gels, Ecostyler Moroccan Argan Oil is Weightless and provides a superior hold.
       100% Argan Oil
       No Flakes. No Tack. Anti-itch. Contains UV Protection

Directions: Apply to dry or wet hair. Work desired amount through hair and style.

Ingredients: Water, Carbomer, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, PVP, Glycerin, Trithanolamine, Sodium Hydrxymethylglycinate, Plysorbate 20, Tetrasodium EDTA, Argan oil, Fragrance, Yellow #11, LOVE AND PRIDE.
(lets all have a little giggle at the last ingredient)

Verdict
Since the start of my healthy hair journey I have heard people rant and rave about Ecostyler Gel. Not being fond of gel in general I never payed much attention. It wasn't until my 21st birthday last year that I wanted to avoid straightening my hair and opted for using gel to slick my hair back into a donut bun. It did the job but it made my hair hard so I never picked it up again. Recently I decided to give it another chance and all I can say is maybe the first time was a fluke. I love this stuff. It does everything it promises, no flakes, no tack, anti-itch and adds Shine. I'm not entirely sure that the hold is superior although that may be because I don't overdo it... nevertheless it is sufficient. I love that it holds my hair without giving me the 'I've just glued my hair to my head' look. The directions say you can use the gel on wet or dry hair, I normally use on dry moisturised hair. I tend to use this closer to wash day to avoid product buildup because I wash fortnightly. I paid £1.29 for 335ml/12FLoz which is beyond cheap. Ecostyler can be found at most beauty supply shops in London. Will I be buying this again, definitely. 4/5 stars.

What are your thoughts on Ecostyler?

Wednesday 8 January 2014

21 months post relaxer

The 7th Jan marked 21 months since my last relaxer. Wow, I can't really believe it myself. I'm only 3 months short of 2 years. Before I know it I'll be 100 % natural. A part of me can't wait til my transition is over whilst another part of me is pining for this stage to last forever. I'm trying to make the final chop as easy as possible by trimming every 8 weeks. I trimmed 1/2- 1 inch off my ends yesterday. I officially have two more trims before I do my transition chop. My main goal for the rest of my transition is to keep my hair healthy and with that growth shall follow. I can't wait to set length goals once I cut my ends off and see what length my natural hair is.

My transition is becoming more enjoyable as the days go by mainly because I can see how far I've come. I'm gaining more confidence with my hair. Not too long ago I used to have issues styling my hair and through lack of patience and lack of imagination I sported hairstyles on a few days that were below my standards. No longer will I be doing this. I am now more aware that my transitioning hair can do more styles than I had given it credit for... shame on me! In my relaxed days I used to love donut buns, it has taken me to be 21 months post relaxer to attempt to try them again. I think I was being over cautious.

Yesterday, I tried something different, Instead of subjecting myself to the cold rinse at the end of the wash, I used the blowdryer on cool to close my cuticles and partially dry my hair before air-drying. I can honestly say as a result my hair was softer. I guess you have to live a little. This year I refuse to allow my healthy hair journey to make me over cautious. Yesterday, I wore my wool bowler hat without a satin scarf underneath... Someone say rebel... did I notice a difference with my hair, nope! Don't get me wrong, if I get around to it i'll line it but I no longer want to feel limited by my hair. Can you relate to this?

Here are pictures of my hair that I took yesterday before my trim.

Quick Length Check 
Left back, Right front, Right back. 
Hair after applying a little gel
Multiple Textures. From Top: Left
Right Back, Middle, Middle and Right Front Corner
.
Are you transitioning to natural? How many months post relaxer are you?







Friday 3 January 2014

Happy New Year


Let me first start by saying Happy New Year and thanks for supporting my blog. Last year I set goals for my hair and to a greater extent I have achieved them. This year my focus will solely be hair health  and length retention. 2014 will be the year that I hope to will finish my transition to natural. I'm a few days away from being 21 months post relaxer, I'll be posting an update shortly. The next 6/7 months or so will be spent protective styling, mainly because I'm approaching the end of my degree and need to manage my time accordingly. I have decided that once my degree is over I will part with my remaining relaxed ends. Over the past year I have discovered a few tricks and tips that might help you as well.

1) Shea Butter is a blessing. I stopped sealing with oils and started sealing with 100% Shea Butter or Shea Moisture Transitioning Milk and my hair has been holding moisture better ever since.

2) Frequent shampooing is drying, no matter how gentle the shampoo claims to be. I only shampoo once every 1-2 months, co-washing in-between. To avoid buildup I cut down on products with silicones especially those that are not water soluble.

3) Deep Conditioning does not need to take the whole day. I cut my deep conditioning time down to a couple hours and did not notice a difference.

4) Apple Cider Vinegar rinses are the best. I do an ACV rinse every washday after rinsing my deep conditioner out. It is supposed to help close the cuticles which is great for those of us who air dry.

5) Preparing your hair for bed is a must. Not doing so is a recipe for disaster, knots, tangles, you name it. Even if I just put my hair in two big plaits it's better than nothing.

I hope these help you!

This year I hope to combine the curls, chords and clothes section of the blog, stay tuned. I hope that 2014 brings you all peace, happiness, prosperity and good health.







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