Product Review: Sisay Flax Aida Moisturiser



Hi All,


I have been trialling the Sisay Flax and Okra products for a while now while I have been transitioning and I have to say I love them all. I am currently using the Flax Aida moisturiser (my absolute favourite). 



Product Speil
Flax Aida is from the curl enhancing line of products from Sisay. Flax, is not only known for its nutritional properties but also for its "curl defining" properties. It is also a very great detangler.


Ingredients: Behentrimoinum Menosulphate, Cetyryl Alcohol, Lunum Usitatissimum, Butrospernum Parkii(Shea)Simmondsa Xhinesis(jojoba)oil, Prunus amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Guar Hydroxypropyl Trimonium chloride, Hydrolised silk protein, panthenol, soy lechtin, capryl glycol, phenoxyethanol, fragrance oil.

My 2pence:
It has very slight smell of cocoa powder but not quite like chocolate, more a mild sweet scent, and it has a thick creamy texture. I rubbed it between my palms before applying to my hair, as indicated by the instructions. It left my hair feeling soft and moisturised and I was particularly pleased with the way my roots felt. Here are some pictures of my hair before and after.


Before: Just after washing my hair 

After: Four Days of using the Flax Aida 

I love the curls I get from the Flax products (and the Sisay Okra products just ooze moisture). You do have to work the Flax Aida into your hair. The instructions do say to rub your hands together before applying. An AfroDeity favourite on both relaxed and natural hair





Sisay's products are all natural and are supposed to be mild enough to use on children. The back of my daughter Ruby's hair is always dry, I can never get it to look moisturised. I had been using the Mixed Chicks moisturiser for kids but found that even though on application her hair looked moisturised and her curls defined, I had to keep on reapplying every few hours or hair went back dry. I applied the Flax Aida on a whim to see the results on her hair and I havent had to moisturise her hair all day and she went to bed without the usual ordeal of me combing her hair and re-plaiting it so it didn't get tangled overnight.






Great for me! Great for my Daughter too! 

A winner in my book


Embrace Your Inner AfroDeity 

Leilu

Boots Health and Beauty

Hi All,

I had the chance to glance through this months Health and Beauty and was supper excited to see a black model on the cover. Not just that, but they also give a tutorial on how to do her makeup. Boots Health and Beauty is free with your boots card or only £1 from stores.







There was also a feature about our lovely new natural british bond girl 'Naomie Harris'


Thought you might want to pop out and get the look!

Embrace Your Inner AfroDeity 
Leilu

Today's Everyday style Transitioning

Hi All,

As you know I am currently 9+ months into transitioning and finding styles that I can wear everyday, that are quick and easy is always difficult. Today's style took me about 10 minutes and is really just 4 twists meeting at the centre of the head. Quick, simple and very easy to do.

To start I part the hair into four sections.
Then I brush the two front sections upwards. 
I then twist the hair together, I do this as if it was a two strand cornrow, grabbing more hair into the twist as I go along, this makes the twist stay together and not unravel as easily.
I twist them all towards the centre of my head and leave either curly or straight spiky ends at the back. To get curl ends I would twist the hair the night before but I didn't have the time for that so I just leave the ends out as you can see below.

Quick. Easy. Peasy.
Not great pics but you get the idea.






I suppose it might not be to everyone's but it is neat and takes few minutes to do. Just thought I'd share!

Embrace Your Inner AfroDeity
Leilu











AfroDeity Profile: Operations

AfroDeity's Operations Manger Alicia agreed to let us feature a few candid shots that we took of her this weekend.


Alicia deals with the day to day running of AfroDeity and is often the point of call for any major problems our customers may have. She also organises the warehouse to ensure that your orders leave us and get directly into your hands. Essentially when something goes wrong she is our fixer!






Alicia wearing a Warehouse grey cotton top with glitter edging. 
Not visible in the photo black leather boots by Next 
Makeup by MAC and Revlon.
Hair in Messy Curly Bun/ Updo

Favourite Protective Styles: Twists, Braid Outs
Hair type: 4b/c currently transitioning with her transition buddy Niki
Relationships: Joliette's daughter


Embrace Your Inner AfroDeity 
Leilu


Scooby Doo's Angel Dynamite Cuts her Hair


Angel Dynamite is Crystal Cove's resisdent DJ in the newest incarnation of Scooby Doo, Mystery Incorporated. Although the characters identity and history are shrouded in mystery the coolest thing about her and the her most disctinctive attribute is her large afro. I was quite surprised when the writters decided to cut all of Angel's hair off. Giving her a TWA. But I absolutely loved Angel's attitude to it and it is the kind of thing I think kids should see on TV. 

"No, I'm gorgeous. Hair is just hair."

Almost as  surprising  as Angel Dynamites decision to cut her hair was that there is Black Hair dresser in Crystal Cove. Anyway i digress. In Mystery Incorporated Season 2 Episode 3 Angel goes to her Hairdresser 'Gorgeous G' and asks her to cut it all off.


"All of it…  Cut it all off.  Don’t give me that look, Gorgeous G, I mean it.  It’s so gone…"


"No, I'm gorgeous. Hair is just hair."

"Hotness is as hotness does"
For the actual hair cut see Time 4:40 in this video


Like me I hope you not only love this character but her super cool attitude!
Enjoy!

Embrace Your Inner AfroDeity
Leilu

Coca Cola in your Hair?



I came across a post on MuslimahBeauty, (You have to check out this blog) a blog about all things fashion and beauty, about a bizarre practice of using Coca Cola on your hair to achieve bouncy curls.

Hmm... Bizarre Right. How did anyone even think of this?

From the ingredients I was able to get from the internet, I found that  Coke contains lime extract, caffeine, phosphoric acid and glycerin. It probably contains a whole lot more than this but it is a secret recipe.

The ingredients that were interesting are: 
Glycerin, a humectant draws moisture into the hair 
Caffeine, regulates and aids hair growth even when applied topically
Lime Extract has a regulatory effect on the production of sebum and can have a detangling effect.

Phosphoric Acid which is used in many baldness remedies is used to control the pH of cosmetics and personal care products. 

pH
Coke has a pH of around 2.5 - 3.4. A Ph of 7 is neutral, this is a logarithmic scale however, so a Ph of 2.5 is very acidic. This is probably mostly likely due to the phosphoric acid. Table vinegars pH ranges from 2 - 4. The ph of our hair should be around 4.5 - 5.5. Many hair products, shampoos, hair colour and relaxers are strongly alkaline. Rinsing with Coke as with Apple Cider Vinegar could help to balance the ph of the hair.


I am not sure if the combination of ingredients in coke is 'good' for hair and we can only guess as the proportations and the other ingredients.  I cant say I am advocating anyone to try this.

This is probably a safer way of curling your hair 


There is a lot of information out there about Coca Cola used for all kind of things but most of it is anecdotal and I couldn't find any scientific study proving or disproving any of these results.

Do you know of any?

I found more observational and anecdotal  information about using topically here:

http://members.tripod.com/~Barefoot_Lass/cola.html
http://www.naturallycurly.com/curltalk/recipes-%97-hair-body/37931-coke-hair.html

Not to put you off drinking Coke, but I've used it to clear my drains. 

Anyway I found it very interesting that people use this on their hair. I doubt that the acid and additives would be beneficial to long term hair care and as I said there is probably a whole host of other things in Coke than the ingredients I was able to find.

Was anyone brave enough to try this if so what were your results?

Embrace Your Inner AfroDeity 
Leilu




Sources
Hill, L; Woodruff, L; Foote, J; Barretoalcoba, M (2005). "Esophageal Injury by Apple Cider Vinegar Tablets and Subsequent Evaluation of Products". Journal of the American Dietetic Association 105 (7): 1141–4. 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coca_cola
http://blackgirllonghair.blogspot.co.uk/2009/01/good-natural-hair-product-apple-cider.html
http://www.afrobella.com/2011/05/27/the-beauty-benefits-of-vinegar/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vinegar

Product Review: John Freida Smooth Straight


I have never been a fan of John Freida's frizz ease. When I started my journey I naturally went for the big brands and Frizz Ease was for curly hair, I even ordered the Relaxed Hair Care Shampoo and Conditioner specifically for Afro Textured hair that has been relaxed all the way from America back in the naughties. These did nothing for my hair and this was more money wasted on products I had to at the time import from the US. I have also been slightly wary because the Frizz ease definition of curly was never synonymous with mine.

So when I was given the chance to review their new Smooth Start range, I thought well cant hurt to give it a go. The products were:
John Frieda Frizz Ease Smooth Start Hydrating Shampoo
John Frieda Frizz Ease Smooth Start Hydrating Conditioner
Frizz Ease Extra Strength Formula Hair Serum



I started with the John Frieda Frizz Ease Smooth Start Hydrating Shampoo

The Speil: Nourishes each and every strand of hair to replenish lost moisture and restore the hair's natural defence against frizz.
  • Contains Frizz-Mending complex and natural olive oil. 
  • Fights all levels of frizz with added nourishment and a moisture-boost. 
  • Leaves parched tresses silky, shiny and highly manageable. 
  • Ensures hair is given the optimal smooth start leaving parched tresses silky, shiny and highly manageable, without residue. 
  • Lightweight formulations that won't weigh the hair down but deliver exceptional results. 
Verdict: After a month trialling this I was not overly enamoured with this shampoo. Shampoos generally leave my hair feeling a little dry and this was no exception. My hair was alittle too clean for my liking and had a weird feel after washing.

I did however like the smell. If you read this blog ou know the smell of a product is very important to me. It was like a papaya scent or something of that ilk and didn't smell chemically.

Next I tried the John Frieda Frizz Ease Smooth Start Hydrating Conditioner


The Speil:Specially formulated for all hair types and hair colours.
  • Nourishes each and every strand of hair to replenish lost moisture and restore the hair's natural defence against frizz. 
  • Contains a unique Frizz-Mending Complex, together with natural olive oil Fights all levels of frizz with added nourishment and a moisture-boost. 
  • Ensures hair is given the optimal smooth start leaving parched tresses silky, shiny and highly manageable, without residue. 
  • Lightweight formulations that won't weigh the hair down but deliver exceptional results. 
Verdict: This was hands sown my absolute favourite of the three products. It really did make my hair feel soft and moisturised. Again it had that papaya like smell that I liked so I did really enjoy using this. Definitely worth trying and of the three I would purchase this again.



Lastly I tried the Frizz Ease Extra Strength Formula Hair Serum

The Speil:

  • Blocks frizz. 
  • Instantly and dramatically transforms coarse, wiry, unruly frizz for ultra-sleek, purely polished, super-shiny results. 
  • A high-potency blend of silicones infused with Algae extract and Silk protien. 
  • Leaves dry, defiant hair extremely supple, easy to manage and healthy-looking. 
  • Repels humidity to help prevent weather-related frizz. 
  • Contains a UV filter. 

Verdict: For my hair this serum just seemed incredibly greasy and I did not like the feel of it. However I have never been a fan of serums as they have a weird feel in your hand. If you like serums then perhaps this product may be for you.


All in all the conditioner was my absolute favourite, great smell and great product. Please that I had some luck with a Frizz Ease product as i have not in the past. Mixed feeling about this range.

Embrace Your Inner AfroDeity
Leilu

Transitioning a week with CurlFormers

My week with Curlformers on my transitioning hair

I must say I am having a love/hate relationship with this product. I love the way my hair look as after it has been styled and as my hair is held in place at night, no tangles in my natural roots. However, I am a quick styling kind of girl so curling my whole head would be too time consuming. To get around this and after perfecting my technique of applying them, It takes me 10 minutes to do the front of my head, in the style shown in these pictures. I did have to do a lot of trial and error in perfecting my technique if you insert them incorrectly they can be a bit too tight. This is easily remedied by squeezing the end and pulling slightly off the root. So I apply them roughly 5cm from the scalp.

Anyway here are some pictures, even a few grey hairs there! About time really. I might even start to look my age. 
Transitioning since February/March so nearly 9 months in!

 

So what products am I using to ensure my hair looks good in the morning.

On the hair that was not being curled, I used the Flax Aida so that this hair did not get dry and was also taken care of. This has to be my absolute favourite moisturiser. Goes on the hair so smooth and my curls just pop!


I found that using the Joliette (Shea/Aloe) Curl Me Soft worked really well as a moisturiser and kept the curls really well. Contain shea butter, castor oil and green tea extracts.



First I sprayed a little water onto the section I wanted to curl, then applied curl me soft moisturiser. I then sealed with the Fountain Jamaican Black Castor Oil Liquid Hair Food. As this contains Jojoba Oil, my relaxed ends benefit greatly from this infusion as well.

Has anyone tried the Curlformers? What products do you use with them?
Do you only use them after washing or for styling everyday?

Embrace Your Inner AfroDeity 
Leilu





Leilu's Transitioning Journey

                                          


This is my first hair update for a while, I guess because I am transitioning, length checks don't really tell you much. Also I am trimming constantly so there isn't much in the way of length. I had written breifly about Curlformers and I think they have become, my go to hair styling tool while I am transitioning. I had previously been relying on bantu knots and twist outs, but i got a bit bored with them and at times my relaxed ends did not seem to get on well with these styles. So I have had a play with the Curlformers. Note I only have time at night to do a few on the front and this way I can  sleep on my back at least.

I have just heaped the curls on top and twisted and pinned the back. Sort of a hommage to a more Victorian style.



You can see that my relaxed ends havent been fairing well, but I am not really bothered, I am erring towards the big chop soon as it is getting more difficult to handle two textures. Anyone else doing anything similar. More styles to come as the experiment continues!
    

Embrace Your Inner AfroDeity
Leilu

Let Talk About Joliette



'Joliette' is the brain child of our own AfroDeity, Joliette and is her pet project. She felt that with so many wonderful healing oils and butters from the Caribbean, why not share them with a UK audience. 



Simple. Natural. Effective

The range currently includes:


Caribbean Berry Hair Cream Cleanser
Caribbean Vanilla Hair Mud Mask with Bentonite Clay
Curl Me Soft - Coconut Milk & Honey, Tropical Fruit & Mango, Cranberry & Raspberry, 
Rhassoul Clay - 100% natural







Join Joliette on Facebook
Exclusively at AfroDeity


Embrace Your Inner AfroDeity

Leilu



Joliette's Hair Mud Mask with Rhassoul Clay



Joliette Chocolate Truffle Hair Mud Mask is an excellent Pre Wash Treatment or replacement for Shampoo. I have often used this as a Co-Wash. It contains keratin for strengthening hair strands as well as Rhassoul Clay which is an excellent natural cleanser.

Follow up with a Deep Conditioning Treatment like Joliette DeepConditioner (Available December) for luscious soft manageable hair.

Apply to wet or dry hair!

What we love at AfroDeity!!!

  • Creamy Consistency (No more mixing clays)
  • Paraben & SLS Free
  • Chocolatey Fragrance 
  • Natural Cleanser
  • Soft Manageable Curls
  • Great for all Hair Types
  • Contain Keratin (key structural component of hair & nails)

Joliette’s Caribbean Scents for the Hair mud Mask include:
Mango & Papya
Caribbean Berry & Melon
Chocolate Truffle

Ours fans have already given us 5 star reviews!
See www.joliette.co.uk for more. Exclusively available at AfroDeity!