TGHBPSC: Twisted Out with Oyin

I love Oyin, so so much, as you all know. Since I've had this hair installed I have been trying different products to see which works best and will help preserve the hair, while keeping it manageable and soft! Well, I had a good experience with Wonder Curl, a not so good experience with Miss. Jessie's and a GREAT experience with Oyin---I'm not surprised by this at all. I love all of Oyin's products and use them religiously on my loose hair too.

 I figured this post may be helpful for those of you looking to invest in the Kurly or Kinky Collections offered by N-Zo Studios.

The above look is a chunky twist out that was achieved on damp hair.

What I did:

Spritz Hair with Jojoba/Water mix
De-tangled a wide tooth comb followed by the tangle teezer
Smoothed about a quarter size of Oyin's "Shine and Define" onto the hair
Used tangle teezer to distribute evenly
Twisted each section which left me with about 8 chunky twists

The trick to this was taking the twists out after about 20 minutes, the hair wasn't all the way dry which gave me an even chunkier/defined/expanded twist out. Another trick is to take down the twists with a light oil to smooth and reduce frizz. I also did not manipulate the hair much. I literally just unraveled the twist one by one and allowed them to air dry. My end result was big, soft, FLUFFY hair. The twist out is 3 days old now and still looks great! I protect at night by tucking the hair gently in a satin bonnet. The goal is to make the hair style last with little to no manipulation. I refresh in the morning with my water mix, a light misting always brings life back to the hair.

Random: Llulo Sweatshirt

 

My favorite crew neck by far, oh and I miss my Marley twists SO BAD!

I've been meaning to share this photo for a while now.

I figured a lot of you ladies would like the sweatshirt so if you do, you can grab you

LLULO pieces HERE.

-Alex

 

TGHBPSC: 2013 Hair Goals

I was thinking today what my hair goals for this year would be and if I'd be tweaking my regimen at all. I decided that I do have a few goals but not really any tweaks to my regimen. In March it'll make a year since my cut. I wore my hair in PS's the majority of the time last year (cornrow'd updo styles) and for the past 2.5 months my hair has been strictly in protective styles so I am very excited to see how much length I have retained. I actually plan to wear my hair is PS's for the majority of 2013 as well. Mainly because I am debating whether or not I want to loc my hair so while I ponder on that I figured it'd be best to keep my hair hidden so I don't make an impulsive decision.

After my install is taken out I am going to be installing loc extenstions which I am EXTREMELY excited about. I found an AWESOME video on YouTube that I will be using as my guide, I'll post it under the jump for you ladies who are seeking a new PS during the remainder of TGHBPSC. I have a feeling that the majority of you may like the style and the easy technique.

Ok so for the good stuff...

My hair goals for this year

-Retain the majority of my length by protective styling even after TGHBPSC

(On average my hair grows 6 inches a year)

-Continue without the use of heat

-Only using products that I KNOW work for my hair

-Continue taking vitamins that aid in hair health (Hairfinity or Vivscal)

-In between PS's I plan on doing a good DC
-Trimming (if needed) twice a year

-Reduce my splitting ends by sealing more often

-Increase my water intake to keep my scalp hydrated

-Length check every 3 months

By 2014 (if I don't loc my hair) I am hoping to be bra strap length when stretched.

What are your goals for this year? Share below in the comment section.

-Alex

Install Maintenance x Wonder Curl Products

My Fave Oils and PS update!

Natural Hair Favorites

Many folks ask me what I use on my strands in during the Winter months, well above you can find my six favorite things. Right now, since I have my protective style in, my regimen has been simple. I -co-wash the install once a week with a cheap Suave conditioner (before twisting the hair with grape seed oil and a product of my choice). Also, I two strand twist my leave out with Shea butter to aid in blending. The install is sort of high maintenance which is why I choose to keep it stretched (by twisting and wearing a twist out) versus wearing a wash and go. I recall someone on YT asking me if you can oil this hair, I do and haven't had any issue with it. I do not need use that much oil either to smooth and seal the hair.

I was also asked how I oil my scalp with the install in, it's simple and only needs to be done 1x a week (after washing). I have a oil bottle with a spout tip that can easily fit through the nooks and crannies of the cornrows. The oil bottle is filled with coconut oil, jojoba oil, Jamaican Black Castor Oil and bhringaraj oil.

Since the weave has been installed, I haven't had many complaints. The older it gets the better it looks and falls which I really like. One thing I will say is that the shedding when washing can be a bit aggravating. It's not A WHOLE lot but it's enough to get on my nerves, LOL. De-tangling is a task but I am trying to tame 22" of hair, so I guess that is to be expected! :)

Overall, my install is so far so good and oiling my scalp has helped a lot with the itchies. A video on how I was the the hair will be coming soon for those of you wondering.

Oh and Happy New Year!

xoxo,

A.

Loc'd Man: Stefan

  

Another beautiful young King with locs. Enjoy...

Tell us a little about yourself:

My name's Stefán but most people know me as STEFisDOPE. I'm 24 years old & from Montego Bay, Jamaica but grew up in South Florida. I now live in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.

How long have you been growing your locs:

I've been growing my locs for almost 4 years now. This is actually my 2nd time growing them. I started once before in 2006 & cut them in late 2007 & started over in early 2009.

What do you use in your hair, product wise, to maintain it:

I use Organic Root Stimulator Aloe Shampoo, Shea Butter, & occasionally Jamaican Mango & Lime oil.

How often do you have to wash/re-twist your locs and who styles them:

I wash my locs a couple times a week but I haven't had them retwisted or done since about late 2010 or early 2011. I chose to let my locs grow freeform & give them a chance to tell their own story.