Three easy ways to maintain your braids

When it comes to protecting your curls, it can sometimes be a hassle because you’ll be running around frantically, trying to decide on a protective hairstyle to save you for the coming months. For me, I can definitely relate to this and always opt for the first style that always comes clutch -- box braids.

Box braids are so amazing! They are super low maintenance, don’t require tons of product, and keep your mane tucked away until you’re ready to release it again. Most importantly, it helps to promote growth for your hair -- something that I truly need because my hair has been struggling of late.

I’ve had my braids in for about a little over 2 months now and have been quite proud to have maintained it thus far with the help of three easy tricks! Now, let me drop the tea so that you’ll be able to continue rocking your braids, stress-free!

Hair: Cleansing Conditioners?

To shampoo or not to shampoo that is the question. 

I started my hair journey a few years ago which now entitles me to do 

my own hair 90% of the time.

One thing I can tell about my hair is that loves moisture! There are a lot of talks out there saying that shampoos actually strip your hair moisture and conditioners cannot replace the full amount of moisture that has been lost. I have switched to a cleansing conditioner. Best decision ever! Most cleansing conditioners are really good for the hair because they don't contain harsh chemicals and they really help your hair maintain moisture. I love how soft my hair is after using them.

Click the product below and check some of my favourite cleansing conditioners!

Here is a shot of my natural hair- 

I have combed out my curls after putting in the Pantene damage repair cleansing conditioner ($9.99 CAN).

Do you have a favourite cleansing conditioner?

Extensions that work with Natural Hair

It's important to try different textures when trying out extensions. Now that I have fully transitioned to natural, bone straight hair just doesn't work for me anymore. I was contacted by a Canadian on-line hair store in BC called Go Hair Shop to try out some clip-ins/bundles.

At first glance, I was going to decline because I only saw bone straight textures- which I detailed earlier- not my thing anymore. After doing some research with the owner (Jenia), she suggested I tried the Bohyme Brazilian Wave.

Let me say when buying hair online, it's important to get in contact with the seller to find out what they fully offer. The Go Hair Shop offers consultation on hair type to choose, colour or application method. They have everything from wefts to I Tip fusions to clip-ins.

Back to the Bohyme Brazilian Wave, If you're natural and looking for extra length it may be an great option because the hair has a lot of texture.

Bohyme is the name trusted by top salon professional worldwide. It is the first 100% remi human hair available in the market...each strand of hair is hand selected to ensure the cuticle layers are all aligned in the same direction so no tangle occurs.

The hair shop gives free samples with all orders. In my package, I received a small sample of Jamaican Castor Oil (my favourite).

First impressions out of the pack: 

• Looks like blown out natural hair.
• Matches my hair
• Soft & easily manageable.

It should be noted that once you wash the hair the texture COMPLETELY changes. It's turns into a tight wave. Still very pretty but getting it back to the original state was tricky. This is when products like dry oil becomes your best friend.

Cons:

• Tangling at root & ends
  This hair is high maintenance. I tried my best not to add product other than Aloe vera gel or water but it still tangled.
• Matting
  This hair can't be worn the same style for more than three days. Whether it be a twist out or curls- you need to add water product to the hair comb it out and start again.

Pros:

• Texture was really nice.
  When I did my twist outs with Bohyme- No one knew I had pieces in. My hair matched perfectly.
• Volume
  Two packs to either make clips ins or sew in is more than enough.

Overall if your natural like me and want to wear natural with a bit of help. I'd recommend the hair but remember it needs a lot of maintenance.

Why you should pay close attention to ingredients in your hair care products

I will admit never use to pay attention to the ingredients in my hair care products. After reading into what prolonged use of Sulfate products can do to your health, I have decided to pay more attention.

I recently received this email and I decided that this was perfect to share with you all. Who knows if this information is 100% but it's good to know what Sulfates can (possibly) do:

• Sulfates can worsen acne conditions as well as make your scalp to become dry. They can make the scalp to become more permeable. That makes it easier for harmful hair products to be absorbed easily
  by your scalp which may cause great harm in the end.
  
  
• If you use a shampoo that contains sulfates on colored hair, it washes away the color as the ingredient is mainly a cleanser.
  
  
• Some research findings from Germany also state that sulfates may cause hair thinning and hair loss in some cases.
  
  
•  Sodium Chloride, Paraben & Sulfate also cause damage to the hair follicles which causes you to have a weak hair structure and little hair growth.
  
  
•  If you accidentally ingest shampoo containing sulfate and or Paraben you could experience symptoms like vomiting, nausea and diarrhea. Similarly if you directly inhale a shampoo that has a high concentration of sodium chloride you can experience irritation in your respiratory tract and allergic reactions such as coughing & difficulties in breathing. 

Ladies, what do you think? 

Do you use hair products with sulfates in them?

Info supplied by The Little Luxuries