Realistic Expectations

Be careful what you wish for ladies. My sister recently decided to wear her hair without flat ironing. She anticipated a small-ish fro that would look cute with a headband.
She called to say,"my hair has no kink whatsoever" :(
LOL
She was disappointed. Be aware your hair is uniquely yours and like I tell children,
"YOU GET WHAT YOU GET AND DON'T HAVE A FIT."

Staple Products/ Regimen

In honor of my recovery from Product Junkie-ism I've decided to share my staple products and regimen.

Regimen:
Olive Oil/Coconout Oil Pre-poo weekly (new)
Wash/Co-wash
Moisturize
Seal in moisture
Style ( I prefer to style wet hair.)

Products:
Pre-poo:
Warm Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Coconut oil-apply and sit in plastic cap for 1hr (better w/ heat)
Shampoo:
Homemade Castille Soap Shampoo -or- Nexxus Clarifying Shampoo
Conditioner:
Vo5 Moisture Milk Passionfruit Smoothie
Moisturize:
Qhemet Biologics Burdock Root Butter Cream
Sealer:
Lil Better Butter/Unrefined Shea Butter
Style:
I add any products to achieve the style I want.

Blow-out blowback?

I posted a short video showing that my curls successfully returned following a blow-out. I was surprised that I had comments that condemned me for doing this. I was told that my post was irresponsible and had warnings about heat damage added in the comments.

I am aware that heat damage exists that is why I chose my stylist carefully. I thought that it went without saying that a good salon experience is attributed to a professional, knowledgeable and skilled stylist.

The video was posted for those who may not have realized they had this styling option. I believe I have warned against heat damage in the past and any Youtube or Knaps Blog followers know that I use heat in moderation.

I found characterizing me as irresponsible a little extreme.

Monica's curls bounce back

A short video about the return of my curls.

Length check and trim

I had my hair blown out and trimmed. Here is the picture if anyone was curious about the length of my hair straight.

Product Junkies time to cash in!!

We're sponsoring a NEW contest.

The prizes will be a Product Junkie T-shirt and a 4 oz. jar of Lil Better Butter.








"HELLO, My name is Product Junkie"
Colors vary see Knaps Store for choices








Rules:
1) Must be a YouTube Subscriber to monicajoi's channel.
2) Must provide mailing information to receive prize.
3) Create a video revealing/demonstrating your product junkie-ism.
4) Please include pictures of products and a count of the number of products and an estimated dollar amount spent.
5) No time limit, you can begin with your transition and go to the present, use any product you ever put on your head.
6) Be creative and fun.

Natural Hair Questions from ramonica3

Questions Number One:
How do I stretch my natural hair?

I tried to list the top three safest, tried and true methods.

1) Always start with wet, moisturized hair.
2) Use firm but not tight tension with all methods.

Banding











3)Separate hair into sections and detangle
4)Use multiple ponytail holders/rubber bands along the length of the hair at regular intervals to stretch hair, leave air banded until completely dry ( air of heat).

Braid-out/Twist-out/Bantu Knot-out
(some people prefer to twist and braid dry hair because they feel they see more length)
3)Separate hair into sections and detangle
4) make the desired size braid, knot or two or three strand twist
5) Let hair dry completely. (I usually wear the braids, knots or twists a day or two.)

Blow Drying
*gasps* (Yes, some people still use heat .)
3)Separate hair into sections and detangle
4a) use a diffuser and hold out your curls as you blow them dry.
4b) use a WIDE comb attachment and blow out each section.

Question Number Two:
How do I know my hair type?

I can't say any better than they do on Naturally Curly so:
Hair Typing
Also a specific comparison of types 3c,4a and 4b hair: here.

Comment if this was helpful.