Box Braids & Blue Lips

My current hair situation.... #BoxBraids... Here are the deets...

 I used the RastAfri hair in #1. I used seven (7) packs of hair. I had the luxury of doing this style over my 3 day weekend. I worked on it for 3 hours Friday night, 3 hours Saturday night and about an hour and a half on Sunday. They stop right at the top of my butt. I cut the first pack in half and stretched it for the back portion of my hair. I didn't cut the other 6 packs of hair because I wanted to keep the length. 

The worst part about doing this type of protective style is making sure your parts are straight. I parted all sections before I got started. Once I had the bigger sections separated I parted smaller sections, put them in twists and pinned them out of my way. I don't do my braids tight at all so I was able to put them in a ponytail the first day. If I can't get a ponytail, that means they are too tight. I would like to keep my edges so I don't mind that they aren't migraine tight.

My obsession with 3 strand twist outs...

I always wondered how some people got so much definition from twist outs. I thought it had a lot to do with product and less to do with method. To my surprise it's mostly about the method. I recently came across a YouTube video about 3 strand twist outs. I thought it would be a little difficult to learn the method, but I actually think the 3 strand twist outs are actually easier than braid outs and the definition is awesome. It's actually really easy too! I tend to do the 3 strand twist with hanging Bantu knots. I am constantly trying to convince people that it's much easier than braiding, it's even easier than doing regular two-strand twists. I don't think anyone believes me though! LOL.  I will be posting a video soon, but for now here are some result pictures... 

Day 1

Day 2

The 2nd time around...#3strand twistout #SheaMoisture

Here are the results of my three (3) strand #twistout. I started out on a two day old twist out. I spritz my hair with water, applied my oil mixture to seal in the water, applied the Curl Defining Cream, and another layer of my oil mixture. I really like the definition, and it did last for two days this time around before I needed to re-twist, but by that time it was wash day.

My FIRST time using Shea Moisture Products....

I guess I will start this post off by informing you that I FAILED to take a photo this morning when I first took my flat twist out. My hair was defined for all of 30 minutes. By the time I got 15 minutes into my morning commute, I had lost all #curl definition. By the time I walked past the mirrored windows of my building (30 minutes) later, I had these results....

With all that said.... I really like #Shea #Moisture products when it comes to keeping my hair moisturized. I will see how it holds the moisture over the next few days. I also liked the way it made my natural (#4C) curl pattern hold. The Curl Defining Cream says it's best when used on twist outs braid outs and wash n go's. I think it would work best with wash n go's only since it helps to define your natural curl pattern. I used all the products in the #Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Kit. 

ORS w/Eco Styler

I hardly ever use a product to "hold" the definition in my twist outs. I usually just use a leave in, oil and #moisturizer. This time I decided to add some Eco Styler to my regimen. I Shampooed and conditioned my hair using #Tresemme moisture riche. I also used the Split End Remedy as my leave-in. I tried the #LOC method again to seal in more #moisture. I used #EVOO and #Castor #Oil. I mixed my #ORS moisturizer with some Eco Styler gel (half & half). Here are the results. (earrings are from Ebony's Jewelry Box http://dreamjewels.kitsylane.com)

I wore this twist out for 4 days before I had to re-twist at night. My hair was still soft and wasn't dry at all. I think I will continue using this method until I stumble upon something new or just want to experiment with some other products again.

I broke a nail - Watch them grow

So, like the title of this post says. I broke a nail. When this happens I tend to cut them all off! So, this time instead of just cutting them and letting them grow back, I decided to share the growth over the next 6 to 10 weeks so people can really see how fast my nails actually grow. I don't do anything specific to make them grow. I just keep them polished all the time. Check back every week for updates.

They were a little longer than this before I cute them.
#naildesignbyebony

 

Here's a picture of them the same day I cut them.
#naildesignbyebony

Here is the progress (1) week later 2/18
#naildesignbyebony

3/1

In desperate need of a manicure

3/10/2014

3/16/2014

Yes! Finally a manicure. I was in need. Oh, and please don't mind Mr. Sprinkles the photo bombing cat... :)

 3/28/2014

You can see the new growth. This is the same manicure from 3/16

4/14/2014

No Polish!!!

4/29/2014

Design by ME!

Naturally - Red is my color

Celebrated my birthday with some friends this year. 

Dress: Fay's Hot Spot 4427 Crenshaw Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90043

Makeup/Hair: Ebony

Accessories: Ebony's Jewelry Box dreamjewels.kitsylane.com 

I did a Bantu Knot-out on a two day old blow-out.
 Products used:

• Nutiva Coconut oil to sea
• ORS Olive Oil Moisturizer