Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Hair Diary || Oh Twists, How I've Missed Thee

It has been a long time - it has been months - since I've done a set of regular twists.  (My jumbo twists on flat ironed hair do not count for me.)  I must admit that the recent "Protective Style Lookbook" post initiated the twist nostalgia.

So on Friday evening, I spent a few hours twisting my hair after washing it the prior day.  I also dusted the ends of my twists to eliminate any split ends.  My aim is to keep this set in for about four weeks, but we will see.  Now for the twist shots (as well as a shrinkage shot):

Twisting on stretched hair.
Stretching twists to show length (just for this photo).
 
Twisting on stretched hair.
Finished twisting!
Hair after washing.  Shrinkage!
(Hair actually stretches past what is seen in this pic.)

Mixology || Sugar Wax for Hair Removal

Are you interested making your own wax from scratch?  Do you want a wax with natural ingredients? Then check out the following recipe.

Ingredients:
2 tsp pure brown sugar
1 tsp water
1 tsp pure honey

Instructions:

1.) Stir all the ingredients together in a microwave-safe bowl.  Microwave the mixture for approximately 35 seconds until melted.  (Do not microwave for too long or the mixture will harden.)

2.) Allow the mixture to cool until warm.  Do not apply while it is too hot and do not let it cool too much.

3.) Once the mixture is warm, use a wooden waxing spatula to apply it the region in which you want to remove hair.  Immediately follow up with application of a muslin strip and proceed to wax as normal.


Thursday, February 28, 2013

Protective Style Lookbook || Easy Glamorous Style on Twists

By popular demand, this is a series showcasing various protective hair styles.  Protective styling does not have to be boring. :o)


Model: Ambrosia

Style description: Twists in side bun with side-swept bang.

Difficulty level: 2/5

Healthy Recipes || Two Different But Delicious Blueberry Smoothies

What is so great about blueberries? Well, they have a high content of antioxidants, which are known to stabilize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.  Free radicals have been associated with certain diseases.

BLUEBERRY SMOOTHIE #1 (Recipe Source)

This smoothie is a rich source of potassium (banana), antioxidants (blueberries, strawberries, and mango), protein (almond milk), and calcium (almond milk).

Ingredients:
1/2 medium banana, peeled and cut into chunks
1/4 cup frozen blueberries
1/4 cup frozen strawberries
1/4 cup chopped fresh mango
2 cups chilled unsweetened vanilla-flavored almond milk

Directions:
In a blender, add the banana chunks, blueberries, strawberries, and mango. Blend until combined, about 30 seconds. Serve in chilled glasses with straws.


BLUEBERRY SMOOTHIE #2 (Recipe Source

This smoothie is a rich source of antioxidants (blueberries), protein (yogurt), and calcium (yogurt).

Ingredients:
1 cup blueberries
1 cup plain yogurt or 1 cup vanilla yogurt
1 1/2 tablespoons honey (or agave nectar)
3/4 cup ice cube

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend at high speed until smooth. Serve! 

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

When The Satin Bonnet (or Scarf) Is Not Enough

You have heard it before ... "Make sure you sleep with a satin scarf or bonnet to protect your hair while you sleep."  Well, have you ever awaken in the morning with the scarf or bonnet on the other side of the bed or with the moisture sucked out of your hair in spite of wearing one?  If so, you are not alone.

So, just how can you protect your strands and retain moisture at night when the satin scarf or bonnet is not enough?  Here are a few ideas:

1. For added protection, sleep on a satin pillowcase.  If your scarf or bonnet happens to slip off at night, your satin pillowcase will become the next line of protection against dry, frizzy, snagged hair.  Even if your scarf or bonnet stays on at night, sleeping on a satin pillowcase on top of that can do wonders for retaining moisture in your hair at night.

2. Purchase a better quality satin scarf or adjustable bonnet.  Not all satin scarves and bonnets are created equal.  Some are constructed from very thin and poor quality fabrics and threads.  What is considered a good quality satin? Well, first let me explain that the word "satin" is used to describe the type of weave.  There are "satin" polyesters and "satin" silks, for example.  Among the polyesters, "charmeuse satin" (or, sometimes called "satin charmeuse") is a smoother, better quality weave for the hair.  Purchasing a "charmeuse satin" scarf or bonnet is a good investment.  Also, look for adjustable bonnets (as opposed to purely elastic ones) for better stay at night.

3. Better yet, get a silk scarf or silk adjustable bonnet.  If you can afford to do so, silk is a much better material for the hair than polyester.  When searching for silk scarves or bonnets, look for those that say "charmeuse satin" (or, sometimes called "satin charmeuse").  This type of weave is the most luxurious of all the weaves.  Again, look for adjustable bonnets (as opposed to purely elastic ones) for better stay at night.

4. If you suffer from dry hair, turn on the humidifier.  The humidifier can provide extra vapor in the air thus creating a moisturizing environment for your hair while you sleep.

Skin Care || Mederma vs. Vaseline for Scar Healing

If you have ever searched high and low for a cream that improves the appearance of scars, then you are probably familiar with Mederma, which is expensive.  Well, you will be happy (or upset after having spent that much money) to know that it is no more effective than petroleum jelly at scar healing.  More importantly, keeping the "wound moist and covered[1]" via petroleum jelly or another topical treatment will minimize scarring period.

So before you shell out that money for Mederma, turn to your good old Vaseline to minimize the appearance of scars.


SOURCE:
VASELINE VS. EXPENSIVE SCAR REMEDIES

Saturday, February 23, 2013

New Reactions List AND "Oldies, But Goodies"

Hey all!  I recently edited the reactions list below each post.  If you noticed, before I used to have a "next" box.  Now I have a "more posts like this" box.  This is so I get a better feel for what you all would like to see more of on this blog.  There will almost always be a post that one person does not like, but I am more interested in hearing about those that people do like.  Be sure to make use of the reactions list or the comments section to voice your opinions!

1. Underrated || Lanolin for Hair
2. Mixology || Slippery Elm Leave-In
3. Skin Care || Combatting Dry Skin This Winter
4. Healthy Recipes || My Very Berry Smoothie
5. Healthy Hair Feature || Shae (Natural)


Ulavu.Com

Labels