Garnier Ultimate Blends Hair Food

Hiya!!

Since I have been loving the Ultimate Blends 3in1 Hair Food by Garnier, I thought I'd film a comparison of the Coconut, Banana, and Papaya varieties.

I cannot express enough how much I love these things. My fave way to use them is as a leave in but they do work well as there other uses of conditioner and mask.


Enjoy xxx

Nicky Clarke Hot Air Styler Review

Hiya!!

I tried out the Nicky Clarke Hot Air Styler and let's just say the results were.... interesting lol

Enjoy my struggle 😅

Rice Water Rinse for hair Growth - video

Hiya!!

I have seen so many videos, posts and recommendations for using rice water for hair growth. I have wanted to try it but couldn't face the smell of the fermented rice water.
I decided to do a modified version where I let the rice ferment for a short while and then longer in the fridge.

I recorded a wash day using the rice water rinse and also a hair update.

enjoy xxx

Personalised Hair Growth routine/regime{n} - short, dry, fine hair.

Hi Everyone, I hope you are all well and enjoying the hot weather and the World Cup matches.

I was asked to come up with a Hair Growth Routine/Regime{n} for short, dry, fine Afro-Caribbean hair. The lovely lady doesn't like heavy or greasy products and her hair can get weighed down easily so I kept all this in mind when choosing the products, health issues also determined the easy routine.
I thought it would be nice to add it here as it may be helpful for others and also so for a record.



Wash Day - Every 2 weeks. 

Wash - Sulphate free shampoo - Shea Moisture Manuka Honey -  Wet hair and apply shampoo to scalp, massage with pads of fingers (not nails). Smooth through to ends and rinse. Add shampoo to hair, massage and smooth through and rinse.

Deep Condition - In a bowl, Mix Aunt Jackie Deep conditioner and teaspoon of Kokolicious Kays Oil blend (add Ogx Coconut Water conditioner if you want a thicker consistency or for extraness 😝)
Section hair into 4 and clip out the way, working one section at a time. 
Apply condish mix, smoothing through hair. Cover with shower cap/bag or cling film. ( a scarf can be tied on top as it keeps in heat and also as protection - or if you need to leave the house lol) Leave on hair for at least 30mins (the longer the better) 
Remove cover and detangle hair using fingers or wide tooth comb. 
Rinse hair well.

**If you are short of time (or patience) you can just use the Aunt Jackie as is.

Last cool rinse Add some Apple Cider Vinegar or Lime Juice to cool water or just rinse with cool water.

Wrap hair with t-shirt.




Wash Day- Every 6 Weeks.
 
Pre-poo overnight - Or at least 30mins before washing. Section hair into 4 sections using clips. working on a section at a time, massage Kokolicious Hairlicious Growth oil into scalp, Smooth generous amount of Kays Oil Blend through hair. (if hair is dry use Ogx condish, seal with oil blend if extremely dry or if hair feels like it needs an extra boost) Cover hair overnight.

nb,
You may like to warm the oil up before applying for a hot oil treatment.

Clarifying Wash - ORS Creamy Aloe Shampoo - follow shampoo routine as above
Tea/coffee Rinse - Stew tea and pour into spray bottle or cup. Spritz tea onto hair or pour over with cup. Leave for 5-10 mins.
Deep Condition - Mix Shea Moisture Superfruit Masque and teaspoon of Hairlicious or Kay's Oil Blend in a bowl (add some Aunt Jackie deep condish if too thick or for a nice mix) - follow deep condish routine as above.

**If you are short of time (or patience) you can just use the Aunt Jackie as is.

Last cool rinse - as above
Wrap hair with t-shirt
Do Nightly Routine.



NB, If you feel like your hair needs added moisture between washdays or needs freshening up, use the OGX conditioner to co wash.



Nightly.

Seperate hair with fingers into four sections. Using clips to hold hair in place.
working with a section at a time.
Oil scalp Hairlicious growth oil and massage (not needed nightly if you feel your hair doesn't need oiling nightly but at least 2/3 times a week for hair growth boost)
Leave In - spritz Kokolicious and Refresh Hydrate spray onto hair, smooth gently through hair.
Moisturise - put a small amount of Giovanni Direct Leave In into the palm of your hand, rub gently to lightly warm, apply to hair and smooth through. 
Seal - Put a small amount of Kay's Oil Blend into palm, rub hands together gently, rub through hair concentrating on ends. 
Use fingers or tangle teaser to detangle and smooth hair.
 
Band, Thread, plait or twist each section. 

Edges and Nape - Massage Hairlicious into edges and nape. Use pad of fingers and massage upwards.

Cover with satin/silk scarf and satin bonnet if sleek edges are needed or just a satin bonnet otherwise.

Nb,
After a couple weeks your hair will start to retain moisture and you may notice you don't need to moisturise every night. Follow your hair's lead and do so every other night or even every couple of nights. You may find that you just need to use hydrating spray and a little oil.
Try to massage your edges and nape nightly at least for now to get them strong, thick and growing.

Dayly

Style hair as desired. Be careful not to over manipulate your hair. Moisturise if needed.

If your hair feels dry during the day, use the refreshing spray.

Tips!!

*Using T-shirts after washing instead of Towels can help combat frizz, snagging and also maintain moisture.

*Never use nails when washing or massaging the scalp.

*Use a satin or silk bonnet or scarf to keep your hair in place and a satin pillowcase. Cotton can dry your hair out and cause snagging.

*Use wide tooth combs only. No small tooth combs (unless for parting) as they pull hair out.

*Use hair bands and ponytail holders that don't have metal parts as hair can get caught and pulled out.

*Ensure your hair is always moisturised, dry things break or die.

*Drink your water! Hydration is key.

*Get nutrients through diet and supplement if needed.

*Do what works for you.

*Be gentle!!

*Be patient!!

*Have fun.

First Impressions and Demo - Shea Moisture Manuka Honey and Mafura Oil

Hiya!! Just running in with another video post.


I have been wanting to try these for ages and when I found these goodies inTk Maxx at bargain prices I nabbed them lol.
I'm not sure why the packaging is different though.

Enjoy xxx

Eco Style Coconut v Black Castor and Flaxseed.

Hiya!!
I finally managed to get this video up!!

It's been such a nightmare as I'm still having problems with storage and lap top issues. I tried uploading to YouTube in parts with the idea of using the video editor.... they only went and removed the video editor didn't they! Gahhhh so I had to download my videos and put them together with movie maker which took 4 hours to open them in the first place!! Gahhhhhh I kid you not, I actually recorded the video in May or June!!

Rant aside I was so excited when I saw the two gels as I had seen them around online on Blogs and Videos from people in the US and thought it would be ages until we got it here.

I also talked about my updated Wash n Go technique.

I chatted on so much I had to split the video into two parts:

Part One - First Impressions and Demo:



Part Two - Results and Thoughts:



Thanks for watching xxx

Wash Day after Protective Styling.

Hiya!! as usual, I forgot to post that I added a video up.

This is (another) wash day video. I thought it would be fun to record one after a semi longterm protective style.
I was sent some activated charcoal shampoo and conditioner and it came at the right time as I wanted to get my hair and scalp squeaky clean after my ps.









I'd love to hear what you do to treat your hair after a protectve style.

Thanks for watching xxx

Using My Stash: Curly Kids Curly Creme Conditioner.

A couple years ago I started a little challenge to use up my Hair Stash products.
I called it Product Junkie Rehab you can find the first post HERE and the used items HERE and HERE .... yes I blogged only two items.... I did use up items (obviously) from then to now but I also bought lots of stuff too.

This time around I am using my stash without buying anything else (on the whole I have been great but I must confess to buying three items since I started around March this year - quite good considering my past pj tendencies).
This is part of my general house declutter and also I plan on using all the products I have and then using more natural products especially my Kokolicious goodies.

Anywhooo..... I thought it would be great to document my stash use up for interest and added motivation but also to review the items I use. If I need to purchase an item in the future I'll be able to choose an item I know is good and works for my hair.
Hopefully the reviews will be helpful for you too :) .

Okaaaayyyyy......

The first item I'm talking about is Curly Kids Curly Creme Conditioner - (Leave in Conditioner)

I have purchased this many times in the past, in fact I had one in my "to use" pile in the posts.

 Definition from official site:

Excellent leave-in conditioner that adds vital moisture and shine. Hair will become noticeably healthier and easier to manage. Minimizes breakage and damage due to dryness.
This product does not contain petrolatum, mineral oil, sulfates or paraben!

 Ingredients (from my tub):
Water, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetereath-20, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Olea Europea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Cetrimonium Chloride, Panthenol, BIS (C13-15 Alkoxy) PG Amodimethicone, Fragrance, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Citric Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Phenoxyethanol.


My Experience/Review:
As mentioned before, I have repurchased this item many times. I love the way it makes my hair feel. I use and recommend this as a cheaper (money wise) alternative to Shea Moisture's Cocout and Hibiscus curl enhancing smoothie.
The branding reminds me of Mixed Chicks.
I love that it's parben free and also no mineral oil/ petroleum


Texture:
This has a rich, creamy consistency that I love. It is thick but not too heavy and has a whipped like feel rather than a dense one.

Fragrance:
A sweet, tropical smell, Coconuts and pineapples. I really like the fragrance it doesn't smell like a fully natural smell but neither is it highly synthetic. The smell isn't sickly and it lingers on the hair long after application.


Value for Money:
Approx £3.99 for 170ml/ 6fl oz -The price is really good. It is very affordable especially for the quality




Pros:
No parabens.
No Mineral Oil.
Great Price.
Lovely fragrence.
Hair feels moisturised when using.
Has a thick and creamy consistency which really works for my hair.
Can be found in local Hair Shops I have looked in. (its in all of the ones I've looked in)



Cons:
Can cause build up if used for many days or too much.
Jar is smaller than I would prefer (although the price is so good, repurchase isn;t an issue just a little inconvenient.



Would I repurchase?
I would and have repurchased again. I would and have recommended this product to others.
My only issue would be that I looked online for ingredients (I was too lazy to get the tub and type out the ingredients) and many stores had Dimethocone and Paraffinum Liquidum (paraffin oil) listed, I knew for sure my one didn't have that so double checked my tub and they definitely are not listed on there.
The manufacturer website claims - This product does not contain petrolatum, mineral oil, sulfates or paraben!
I'm not sure why there is discreprencies there.... makes me wonder. Maybe the ingredients have changed?
I will have to check the tub if I go to purchase in the (very distant lol) future.

Curly Kids Curly Creme Conditioner -  can be found in local Hair Shops (beauty supply store)

Straight Hair - Using Beautiful Textures TMS

Hiya!! I know I promised to come back and do a follow up post to my Straight Hair Temptation post but time ran off as usual and I didn't get a chance.

I did however upload the video with a more in depth - read CHATTY - look at the TMS

You can see the Unboxing and Application here:






Here's the Blowdry, Straighten and the finished results:







I will be uploading a maintenance video soon. Bye for now xxx

90 Day Hair Growth Challenge round 2 - Starting Date

Hi Everyone, I hope you are all well.

Round 2 of our 90 Day Hair Growth Challenge is starting on Monday 29th August.

Here's the video with information about what I plan to be doing during the challenge and my starting length check.









Video's from the first challenge that you may be interested in:

First challenge video information:
https://youtu.be/JzPTh4lS6mo

First challenge final length check and why I stopped taking MSM:
https://youtu.be/CM1k9mU6pUU

First Challenge Playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiYfa_ngzAYtp9NdgVth7y_PerVZflXEx

New 90 Day Hair Growth Challenge!!

Hiiiiii!!! Just a quick heads up that a new 90 Day Hair Growth Challenge on the 1st August!!
Whoooppp!!
I will try to get a video out to chat a little bit about it but I wanted to remind those who wanted another one and inform anyone who would like to join this time around.

I actually cannot wait to get started, I have been protective styling since the last one finished and I'll probably be doing the same for the first week or so of this round.

Let's do this!!!

90 Day Hair Growth Challenge - Results and Experience

Hiya!! I have finally managed to upload results video!!

I had a mishap along the way (wha'ts new?) and had to record on two different days.

Thanks again for everyone who took part and for your continual support. For those who wanted to join in when we were already started, and those who asked about doing it again, we will do another challenge in August xxx

Protective Styling : Braids/Plaits

Hiya!! The sun has finally come to play here in London. It's been teasing us with guest appearences only to hide away again. On some days we've had 3 to 4 seasons worth of weather with hailstones, wind, sun and chill!
The weather has been playing games with my hair and as I may have said a few times, It was time for a protective style.
I was waiting for the 90 Day Hair Growth Challenge to end before putting my hair away and felt like some plaits or twists.

I started to notice some breakage at my crown area, where my parting is..... not just uneven hair but actual small hairs!! humph!! I do think it's because I part my hair in the same way when styling and washing. That was the final push for me to plait up my hair and I decided to crochet the plaits because that would be less time installing and removing and also the least amount of pulling on my hair while I wore them. I plaited the perimeter in single/box plaits/ braids

Plaiting/Braiding hair and Pre-Plaited/Braided packs

I have to say I love the ease of day-to-day styling that comes with plaits, no faffing about, I normally just pull the top half up into a ponytail and have half up, half down... It's soooo much quicker in the mornings for school runs.

I have had them in for around two weeks now and plan to keep them for another two at least  maybe even push to six weeks in total. I re-did the front perimeter last Saturday as they were looking quite fuzzy and yesterday I re-did the back on Thursday just gone.

It's been a while since I last had a longer term protective style, I forgot how my scalp cries for water when wash day comes and goes without me washing it.

Loving my Plaits!!

90 Day Hair Growth Challenge - Update and Length Check.

Hiya!! Here's an Update for the 90 Day Hair Growth Challenge and a Length Check.

Wash Day Recap - Part 1

I realise I haven't published a wash day post for ages!! I have obviously been washing my hair lol. I just haven't been documenting them. I have been posting on Instagram as it is somewhat easier and quicker but as it's easier to look back on what works wash day wise on the blog I thought it was a good idea to post a few "lost" wash days to keep an eye on what I have been doing/using.



Jan 18th (Two Cane/Cornrows/Cameroes):

Jan 18 wash day

I was trying to combat the scalp issues I was having (see This post for further info) and wanted to keep my regime(n)/routine as simple as possible and also use products to target the problem and/or as natural as it could be.

Cleanse -  Sheamoisture African Black Soap shampoo.
Tea Rinse - Nettle, Fennel and Peppermint tea mix.

Deep Conditioner - Coconut Milk Powder, Avocado Oil, Manuka Honey and Sheamoisture African Black Soap Purification Masque.

Leave Ins - Eden Bodyworks Peppermint Tea Tree oil and Jojoba Monoi Hair Milk, Sheamoisture African Black Soap Elixir, Avocado and Pumkinseed oil mix.

The deep conditioning mix felt great and applied to my hair like a dream. I used a shower cap, hottie and scarf to generate heat while I cooked. (I actually forgot about that!! I will deffo use the hottie next week) It was getting late so I'm went under the dryer for a little while then plait my hair in two cane/corn/cameroes.

Feb 16th (Wash and Go):

Feb 16 wash day

I was sooo excited to use the Aubrey, Anita Grant and Jane Carter products I was given.

Overnight Pre-poo - Jane Carter Restore Moisture Mist, Aubrey Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner, and Anita Grant Organic Sapote Castor Oil. (I applied them as if I was moisturising and sealing).
Tea rinse - Hibiscus Petals, Essential Oils (Lemongrass and Peppermint) infused in boiling water.
Deep Conditioner - Manuka Honey, Coconut milk powder, pumpkin seed and mustard seed oils mixed into a paste and added some Aubrey Island Natural Avocado Oil and Mango.
Leave Ins - Sheamoisture African Black Soap Dry Scalp Elixr and Coconut&Hibiscus Curl and Style Milk, Anita Grant Sapote Castor Hair Oil, Avocado oil (for scalp and mixed with the castor oil for sealing). Eco styler gel (argan) and Curls Pasion Fruit Curl Control Paste (I wanted to "weigh down" my hair).

The tea rinse smelt really nice as did the conditioning mix!! Both really agreed with my hair and it was soooo soft. The conditioning mix had great slip.


 18th March Quick Wash and Go:

March 18 wash day

The video for this wash day can be found in This post. I thought it would be beneficial to add them in "written form" for a reminder.

Cleanse - Pantene for naturals Cowash 
Deep Conditioner - Capilo La Aplanadora Treatment and Cantu Deep Treatment Masque
Leave Ins - Nexxus Encapsulate Caviar Serum, Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl and Style Milk, Eden Bodyworks Hair Milk (Jojoba Monoi) Kokolicious Hairlicious Hair Growth Oil, Aunt Jackies Don't Shrink Flaxseed Gel.

I loved the way this wash and go turned out!


March 24th Clarifying Wash:

Pre-poo - (overnight) Aunt Jackies In Control Conditioner.
Cleanse - My hair needed a good clarify so I grabbed my Ors Creamy Aloe Shampoo. I noticed my bottle is almost finished!! I have about two more washes left in this one. 
Deep Conditioner - After the shampoo, I needed a moisture boost so grabbed both my Kanechom Karite Butter Hair Mask and Capilo La Aplanadora Hair Treatment. (Trying to use up my conditioner stash.)
 
Nb, For some reason my hair was quite tangly when It was time to rinse conditioner out. So I had the detangle with my wide tooth rake comb.


Since this post is getting so long and I keep stopping and starting *blush*
I'll split it into two. I have really enjoyed looking back and having a look at the products I used, hopefully this is interesting for you too.

(catch up) Demo - Quick Wash and Go

Hiya! Still Catching up!! I forgot to post the video I uploaded showing my requested Demo of my quick Wash and Go.
I hope you enjoy. Please let me know any tips or fave products you have for Wash and Go's

Transition Over!!! Now Officially natural.

Whhhhooooopppppp!!!! As you can see from the title I am officially natural Whooop Whooopp.

Trimmed Hair {I trimmed in twists}

Oh wow!! My transition from relaxed hair is over. I started transitioning around December 2013 when I decided that I wanted to "go natural". I was trying to get my hair healthy and stretched my relaxer, thinking it was best to give my hair a break from the chemicals while it recovered and grew back. The stretch got longer and as my new-growth/regrowth grew I didn't want to relax and then I just realised I didn't want to use the chemicals on my hair at all. My scalp is so sensitive that I would get burns and I couldn't actually keep the relaxer on for processing, it was literally applying the relaxer, combing through and rinsing it off... sometimes I couldn't even get to comb it through too well as the burning was so bad.
It didn't matter if I used a 'gentle' relaxer or a 'children's' one. It was the same.

I was tired of it, the pain, the mess, the smell.... Even when relaxed, my hair would choose to do it's own thing when it wanted, how it wanted. I would style it and it would frizz or curl or wave.... I would have to straighten/flat iron it or tong it for it to act how I wanted but that wouldn't even last for more than a few hours so it really wasn't worth going through all the hastle of relaxing.

I made the decision not to use relaxers any more and chose to transition rather than big chop. I wasn't brave enough to cut all my hair off, so transitioning was the way to go. To be honest, I didn't even know what I was doing or have any plan.... I didn't actually know what I was doing had a name lol, I just wasn't relaxing my hair any more. Looking back, things really would have gone better if I had a plan or knew where to look for information when I started out. Along the way I found the info I needed and a lot was trial and error.

During my transition, my hair went through many stages, some easy but some very frustrating and down right annoying lol.

I used protective styles and low manipulation styles to help me along the way and learned to "listen to my hair" it sounds all airy fairy but truly... I have come to realise that if I want things to go well with my hair then I have to follow my hair - if it's dry? add moisture, too soft or 'acting' up? add protein, not styling a certain way? just style it differently lol, and that's just a few examples.

I trimmed my hair when I felt ready to at each stage and only trimmed as much as I was comfortable with. Sometimes it would be a very small trim and other times I would get brave and cut longer bits. This last trim I had quite a bit of split and frizzy ends so I knew I would be trimming quite a bit off and knew it would make sense to just trim off all the relaxed ends that were left at the same time. I twisted my hair and trimmed it that way, you can see THIS post (opens in new window) to see the style and trim video.

From the above picture, you can see the trimmings that still had relaxed ends (circled in pink). The bit at the top was quite long!!

It's a great feeling to be done with the transitioning and now I have started a new chapter in my Healthy Hair Journey - Growing my Natural Hair.
I know that seems odd to say considering I've been growing my hair all along, but for every inch of growth I achieved, it had to be trimmed off to get rid of the relaxed ends. So now the growth I get is all mine *queue cartoon villain laugh*


I just want to encourage you fellow transitioners, it does get easier and you will get there xxx

Winter Survival Part 2 - 10 Tips for Combating a Dry and/or Itchy Scalp.

Picture Borrowed from Internet.

For the last few months I have suffered from a severe case of itchy and dry scalp. I tried all different things to get rid of the horrid feeling but nothing seemed to work. It wasn't until I really sat down and thought about it that I realised that I suffered from the same thing at the same time the year before. I had thought it was because I had my hair in a protective style (crochet twists) for an unexpectedly long time and didn't have a chance to wash my scalp. Although they both may have added to the itch, I have come to believe that it was the cold weather that caused it and the conditions just exacerbated it.

I had a quick research to see if cold weather had affected anyone else's scalp and found so many poor fellow sufferers that I took it for confirmation as they say.

This post I hope to offer some tips and share what I did to combat my dry and itchy scalp in case you or someone you know is also suffering.

Tip 1- Try To Identify The Cause Of The Problem

There are many reasons why our scalp becomes dry and/or itchy. Could it be an allergic reaction? perhaps to a hair product? Is there a medical condition - dandruff, dermatitis or eczema for instance? Could it be possible that there is a parasite problem (sorry!) If you think it is any of the above, the best thing to do would be to see your doctor or get medical advice first and tackle the issue. You may find that the treatment and/or advice is enough to eradicate the itchy scalp.

Tip 2 - Find Out If The Itching Is Causing The Dryness Or The Dryness Is Causing The Itching.

Lol.... sounds like the chicken or the egg question.

It may sound odd but if your hair is dry you may start to itch it. If your scalp is itchy, your scratching can cause it to become dry. If you stop one you can often stop the other.

If your scalp is dry, moisturise it. If your scalp is itchy try and alleviate the itching.

Picture Borrowed from Internet.

Tip 3 - Try Not To Itch/Scratch.

Yes I know..... Very annoying tip.... if you could stop itching you wouldn't.... But., The itching/scratching may feel good for that brief moment but it could actually be causing more problems. When you itch you risk causing damage to the scalp and follicles. You may cause abrasions on the scalp which is bad in itself but they may become inflamed and at worst infected.
The abrasions may not be able to heal properly as you will likely itch the scabs off and reopen the wounds.

Tip 4 - Natural  Products That Help With Itching.

As you may know, I love natural remedies and rustling up handmade products to use on my face, skin and hair as well as around the house so I reached for the following items to help keep the itching at bay;
Aloe Vera Gel - I put this directly on my scalp. It was cooling and also soothing.
Coconut Oil - I applied this to my scalp at night time to help stop the itchies.
Baking Soda - Used as a masque before I washed my hair.
Apple Cider Vinegar - Used as a rinse before washing, added to baking soda to form a paste and/or as a rinse after conditioning.
Rose Water - Spritzed directly on the scalp before washing or used to make a paste with other items.


Tip 5 - Natural Products That Help With Dryness.

There are many remedies and treatments out there but this is what I found helpful.
Coconut Oil - Used as a hot oil treatment
Avocado Oil - Applied to my scalp daily.
Honey and Coconut Milk - Put coconut milk (I like to use it in powder form) and made a masque with Manuka honey allow it to sit on the scalp for a while and then wash hair as usual or you can use it after washing hair as a conditioning treatment.
Amla Powder and Rose water - A lovely soothing and rich masque.

Picture Borrowed from Internet.

Tip 6 - Keep Your Scalp Clean and Avoid Product Buildup.

Another seemingly obvious one. If your scalp is dirty or you have a lot of product buildup, you will be fighting a losing battle. Your scalp needs to be clean and it also needs to breath. Your follicles will also get blocked by dirt and/or products and that will in turn give your scalp a hard time. Get a clarifying shampoo and use it once a month. You can also use natural remedies to clarify your scalp.


Tip 7- Purchase Hair Products Specifically Targeted At Dry And/or Itchy Conditions.

This one may seem obvious but it's often the obvious that goes by without a thought.
There are many products that target dry scalp conditions. Pop along to the hair/beauty shop or browse your fave online store and purchase some items that will help banish your scalp problem. If you're not sure what to get or become overwhelmed, have a look at reviews or go to the section of your favourite brand(s) and see if they have any targeted items.
I followed my gut instinct (and prayer) for most of my purchases. I wanted to use items that were as natural as possible so went for brands with more natural ingredients. I knew that African Black Soap is great for so many issues and I had seen that Shea Moisture had a ABS line so went with items from there. I picked up items from a couple other brands that I love for their natural and/or organic properties. (I will do a post/ review soon)

Tip 8 - Keep Hair Products And Regime(n) Simple.

I found that while my scalp was playing up it was best to keep things simple.
I wasn't sure if the products I was using could be causing the problem or making it worse and as I was using a number of different items for different styles, I purchased some hair products that I thought would help and streamlined my Regime(n) to use them and them alone. I cut back on the amount of manipulation and styling as that could further aggravate my scalp.
I kept wash days very basic, cleanse, deep condition and that was it. A couple times I added a soothing tea rinse.
I kept my hair in two camerow/cane/cornrows  and replaited them every night.
I treated my scalp every night and used specific products every time the itching got bad in the day.
When your scalp is back to normal you can slowly re-introduce products.

Picture Borrowed from Internet.

Tip 9 - Keep Your Relieving Product To Hand At All Times.
Yup another obvious one but also one that slips through. If you have a spray, oil, elixr or other item that you use to relieve the itching/combat the dryness or both, make sure you have it hand at all times. If you are leaving the house bring it with you. You could put it on your desk or in desk draw if at work.... or in your locker if at school/college/uni/work. Put it in your bag if you carry one or even if you don't like bags it's worth carrying one just until your scalp problems subside.
I found that when I didn't have my "reliever" with me I would itch and scratch and itch some more and I would get abrasions which would itch even more and I ended up reopening them(see tip 3 wasn't so annoying after all). By the time I got home I was in a bad way.
When I had my "reliever" at hand I could give my scalp a spritz whenever the dreaded itch striked.

Tip 10 - Take Notes.

I found it helpful to take note of what helped my scalp (and what didn't). It was easy to miss something or take something for granted otherwise. I was able to determine when to use something or even when to stop. You can make a mental note but it will help for any future flare ups if there is a physical note or documentation to look back on.

Bonus Tip!!

You may find that you will have to stop using something that was very helpful as your scalp gets better. The products you are using may be too harsh for a "normal" scalp. I found that the oil I was using was great when the problem was dire but as it calmed down, I would notice a mini flare in itching when I used it. I stopped using it and all was well. You should notice your scalp calming down and then finally stop.


wow!! That was a LOOOOONNNGGG post lol. I hope you found a tip or 2 (or 8 lol) that helps. If you too have suffered from a dry or itchy scalp I'd love to hear what worked for you.

Product Junkie Rehab: Used Item

Whooop I have finished my first item in my current "Use Up List". You can see THIS post for more info (opens in new window).

The item is Moroccan Curling Perfection Defining Cream  by OGX(formally Organix)




Definition and ingredients from official site;
This luxurious cream helps sculpt, revive and define your curls to silky, frizz-free perfection-with an extra bounce.

Water (Aqua), Isopropyl Myristate, Cetearyl Alcohol, PVP, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Polyacrylamide, Ceteareth-20, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Fragrance (Parfum).

Information from shopping site(superdrug);


Features:
Exotic pure argan oil of Morocco tames fly-a-ways and helps protect hair from harmful styling heat and UV damage as it gives greater bounce and shine.
Benefits:
Moisturizing curling cream which instantly penetrates the hair shaft to revive and define frizzy curls.
Warnings or Restrictions:
Avoid contact with eyes.

Product Uses:
Apply cream to palm, rub hands together then apply evenly to surface damp, towel dried hair working through to the ends. Scrunch hair with hands and let air dry or use diffuser to create more volume.

My Experience/Review;
I purchased this item because I wanted to see if I could get a product that was by a well known and easily accessible brand and available from mainstream shops.

Texture:
The cream was thicker than lotion but thinner than butter and doesn't weigh my hair down. It feels silky, which may be due to the argan oil, and smooths easily into my hair. My hair has a good amount of slip with the cream in it and my curls were a little defined.

Fragrance:
Fresh, floral but not overpowering.
It has the fragrance of the other products in the line but is stronger.
The fragrance lingers on the hair but not offensive.

Value for Money:
Approx £6.99 for 177ml but often on offers - half price, 1/3 price, BOGHP, 3 for £10 etc.

Pros:
Can be found in mainstream shops (accessible and special offers)
Rich without weighing down hair.
No Coated feeling.
Pleasant fragrance
Fulfils purpose/claims - Defines curls, revives.

Cons:
Can cause build up if used too many times.
Hair didn't feel as moisturised the next day when used as a Leave-In after washing.

 
Would I repurchase?
Although It's not a staple or must have item for me, I would repurchase this item if I ran out of moisturiser or leave-in and couldn't get to a specialised hair shop.

OGX Moroccan Curling Perfection Defining Cream can be found in Superdrug, Tesco and some other shops that sell OGX products.

Product Junkie Rehab: Use Up The Stash.

In an effort to curb my product junkieism(yes that's a word...now) I am trying to use up what I have instead of buying something else. I realise that I may well slip and buy an item here or there - I already succumbed to a new organic conditioner this week (gah!!) - but I have the habit of stroking and smiling at my stuff and not wanting to use them (argghhh the struggle of a recovering hoarder).

Sooooo..... I am making a big effort to use up items I've had for a while, have very little left in the pack, bored with, have back ups for or have something of the same "type" on my wishlist.

Here's my current "Use up list":

I will post when I finish an item and maybe review it at the same time.
hmmmm I as I wirite this my bag of empties is calling to me.... I'll deffo do an empties post soon. I need to throw them out and clear space.