Hair Color Decisions!

Hey everyone! :)

So as previously stated I am in the process of deciding whether or not to color my hair. Word on the street is  that it's a terrible idea to color your hair especially when your hair is relaxed but umm...I'm a rebel :-/
For some strange reason I have this desire to prove that statement wrong!?!? Maybe I'll succeed, maybe I'd fail, all I know is: "You'd never know until you try." After all it's hair right! It'll grow right back, and if anything, I will definitely learn from my experiences. Call me insane but for the past couple months I've been web-searching hair dye products and methods to keep hair moisturized after the  process as well as steps to prepare my hair before the process. I have "virgin" very dark, close-to-black hair...yep that's right...my first time dying my hair EVER! And although this is sort of nerve wrecking, I'm also super stoked about it (^_^).
I absolutely adore the Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color Medium Intense Auburn:

But I've been reading reviews from "experienced" bloggers who are use to coloring their hair saying that because it's virgin hair I should instead try a lighter color? Which I believe in this case would be this:
Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color Light Intense Auburn:

But to me, personally, this color is too LIGHT and I love the burgundy, purple-ish color the Medium Intense Auburn has to it.

What do you all think? Please leave your comments and views on these products as well as suggestion of other products you think I should look at. It will be greatly appreciated. The color I'm going for is an approachable red, not too bold.

TaTa for now, XOXO

Today's Hair Inspiration:" Health before Length"

Though many will be wondering if I have abandoned this blog, NO, school has simply been determined to destroy my live. But exams are almost over and I'm graduating soon!! and my vacation is about to begin!! and well in extension MORE UPDATES!

Firstly....I HAD A SET BACK. Well...I should not call it a "set back" exactly...to be completely honest, it was a CONSCIOUS set back. I mentioned here that I'd reached APL (arm pit length) a couple months ago but since then gradually I have been cutting my ends off. Why, you may ask? My first relaxer did not go so well (and I mean my verrryyy first) so I made the decision to cut off my thin, over processed hair gradually and I have been doing so effectively. At the moment my hair is extremely thick! Sometimes I forget that I even have a relaxer! And although I have returned to SL (shoulder length) I have achieved exactly what I wanted,  thick, healthy relaxed  hair.I am currently 10 weeks post relaxer (my last relaxer was in March) and my new growth is not troublesome just yet, surprisingly.

I'm also trying some new products, finally adding moisture to my hair regimen. My staple products: Mega Growth Break Free Leave in Strengthener, Mega Growth Deep Conditioner (Protein), ORS Moisturizing Lotion and Coconut Oil have  remained but I have since changed my Shampoos (including a Sulfate Free to my regimen), Conditioner, Moisturizing Deep Conditioner, added a new styling products and "hot oil" treatment. Products in italic have been mentioned and reviewed here previously, those in bold will be reviewed soon as they are currently still in trial mode and I am making my decisions about them along the way.

As a go-to protective style I have resorted to the infamous Senegalese twists, finally learning how to do them myself, but I will not be doing this style on my hair regularly as it can repossess length as quickly as it helps to achieve it and I am determined not to get unnecessary breakage. Also, the decision to color my hair has been replaying in my mind for past couple months. Although it is have stated that coloring relaxed hair can be  dangerous I have been convinced that it may be a risk I am willing to take - in a matter of time. As for now, I am cautiously listening to my hair and observing it's likes and dislikes, and depending on it's condition I will then schedule a day to change my color.



TaTa for now XOXO

Coming Soon

Wow! I've been away for so long! School's been keeping me busy as well as extra-curricular activities but mayne do I have updates! I definitely need better time management skills (lol) and will be updating my blog very very soon. My life's taken such a turn recently and although I stick strictly to my hair regimen, putting fingers to keyboard just seemed to be difficult.
I am continuously learning more tips and tricks for hair growth  which have included minor set backs, hoping to inspire you whilst on your journey also. If you have any questions please ask away!

Updates Coming Soon....with PRODUCT REVIEWS!!! =)

TaTa for now XOXO

Hair Update: The products I've been abusing! =)

Hey everyone! So this is an update on my hair and the products I've been using. Although this is not a basic review I have seen some positive and negative results from these products. Some of these products have helped my hair, while others have not. However, I am definitely not discouraging any of you from trying these products, for what have not worked for me may very well work for you, these are my personal experiences and views on the products. 

Until a month ago I have been using the Maxi Professional Carrot Oil. Why? Because it costed TT$12.00, I ran out of a moisturizer and the expert over the counter told me it was a good product. I enrolled this product into my nightly routine sealing it with my ever so faithful Coconut Oil but  my hair felt heavy, dry and not even close to the promise of moisturized. I continued this experiment for two month with no change until I was finally convinced that THIS WAS NOT THE PRODUCT FOR ME.

Eventually, after accepting defeat, I returned to my beauty supply store and purchased the popular Organics Root Stimulator Moisturizing Lotion. For the past month I have been moisturizing with this product and have seen some amazing results. I still can't put my finger on it, but although both these products have a thick consistency the ORS Lotion have done wonders. My new growth feels soft and moiturized and my hair remains light after the application. 

Usually, though, I use this product in coordination with the Mega Growth Break Free Daily Leave In Strengthener. This has also been a  great product that I have invested in and continue to repurchase. This however is a MAJOR protein product and I use it with great caution. I have also seen major new growth with the use of this product and credit this product for assisting with my current achievement of armpit  length hair.

Just like my moisturizing lotions I coordinate my deep conditioners. I continue to use the Mega Growth Deep Conditioner once a month and use the Dr. Miracles Damaged Hair Medicated Treatment which tingles with awesomness (lol). The use of these two deep conditioners have allowed me to see a major difference with my hair. The only difference however is the discontinued use of my Motions Conditioner and the introduction of the Motions CPR Treatment Shampoo. It smells amazing and leave my hair squeaky clean :) which is great because I deep condition immediately after.

Deep Conditioners:

Shampoo:

As usual I am new to this hair topic and I am thinking about changing my relaxer. I believe that my hair dresser has been using Optimum No Lye relaxer, but I have been doing research via YouTube and Google and have heard great reviews on the Organics Roots Stimulator Lye Relaxer . I am not afraid to use the ORS brand but I am a little hessitant on using Lye relaxer. Whats the difference between Lye and No Lye though? I still have to consult my hair stylist but your views on the topic means alot to me! So please....Whats your view on Lye Relaxer. Let me know. Leave your comments. :)

TaTa for now XOXO

Disclaimer: 

I am not paid to review any product mentioned on this blog neither are the products sent to me for trials. I have personally purchased all products reviewed and these are my honest opinions on the products.

Hair Update: Your Help is Needed and would be greatly Appreciated :)

Hello my beauties!!! :) It is time for an update. So exams is over and the vacation has officially begun (can you scream YAYY!!!!) My hair and I have bonded even more and I have some really great reviews for you all so stay tuned! That was actually why I haven't been posting regularly, I finally got the time to put away the text books and pull out the hair supplies :) As most of you who've read my previous post know that I upgraded from shoulder length (SL) to arm-pit length (APL) and I was so very excited and proud of myself. I am presently 10 weeks and 1 day post relaxer and my goal is to reach 20 weeks, this would be my longest stretch yet and my aim is to reach bra-strap length (BSL) by that time. Today I trimmed my ends to prevent split ends, the second time since my April's trim and I have approximately 1 inch of hair growth, so much that my new growth is coiling beautifully. I am embracing my new growth and treating them tenderly (lol) conditioning and moisturizing my scalp as I try to avoid disturbing the line of demarcation (if many of you do not know of this term, I am more than willing to dedicate a post based on the term an ways to avoid breakage along this line).

I however am very keen for your assistance and knowledge PLEASE. See I am in the process of deciding whether I should highlight my hair or not. Problem....my hair is naturally dark brown to black and many people have informed me that I would have to strip my hair with bleach aka weakening my hair resulting in major breakage in the long run. However I'm Google's BIGGEST FAN an so your girl decided to search dyes that contain no bleach, ammonia or hydrogen peroxide and I came across Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color and Clairol Professional Textures and Tones. I am contemplating on highlighting my hair because this could either make or break (literally) my hair. So I ask for your assistance. Am I insane for even thinking about such a transition? Do YOU know or have tried any reliable brand of hair color/dye? I've wanted a change for a long time and I'm still deciding on whether or not this would be the right one.

These are the dyes and colors I'm interested in for highlights.

         







Your assistance and advice would be greatly appreciated :) and NEW product updates are currently in progress.

P.S. Follow me on Tumblr @ http://vintagefashionamour.tumblr.com/ =)

TaTa for now XOXO

Hair Update: The Stretch Is Over!

Ok...ok you all....I'm extremely excited right now!!!!!!!! SOOOOO I've finally done my relaxer!!!!! (professionally of course) I decided to do it on Tuesday 17th April and I am extremely proud of myself for sticking with my 4 month plan (YIPEEE!!!!). As you all may have known, I was shoulder length and due to my 4 month wait I have reach Arm Pit length now!!!!!!!!! *happy dancee* I am continuing with my usual hair regimen and I will be doing another 4 month stretch since I've seen some good results. Tell me about your experiences. Teach me as I teach you.



TaTa for now XOXO

Blame school for keeping me away from you =( : My Recent Update

Wow....checking my blog today and I just realised that it's been ONE MONTH since I last posted *gasp* lolzz. On a serious note however...I am extremely sorry I have been M.I.A for so long. Exams is nearing, project deadlines are nearing and I am trying to stay on top of everything. I've also joined my school's dance group and drama club so I'm getting my little extra curricular thang goin' one =). Hmm...another thing that I'm sortta proud of is that I'm the newly appointed Secretary for my school's Student Council. You might be like..."Ok....Secretary... that's exciting?" but for me it is!!! =D See, I'm an extremely shy person, so even running for the position and knowing a colleague (who I must say is very popular) is campaigning for the same position, it was very challenging. However, I made a secret resolution with myself for this year (2012) which was to come out of my comfort zone and try new things and stop limiting myself. I was ecstatic when I heard the news that I'd won my position gaining the most votes against all the other people that campaigned for positions (including the President) lol!! And from that day it taught me a valuable lesson, "You're only as good as you allow yourself to be." 

On the "hairy-er" side (lmao) I am currently 14 weeks post-relaxer and I HATE IT!!!! I want to relax soooo bad!!!! but I am determined to reach my goal of 16 weeks so I mean, two more weeks won't hurt....Right? I will definitely give an update on my hair after I have my relaxer but how I'm doing it is a mystery. I am trying to determine whether I should do my relaxer personally or if I should get it professionally done. My mom keeps saying that "You can't see the back of your head that's why you should go to a professional" (because she's afraid to relax it at home...lol) but my fear is that my stylist would attempt to be "more professional" than she already is. Am I paranoid? Don't be afraid to let me know your opinion on the topic.

Anyways, that's my update on my life so far since I've been gone for so long and now it's back to studying :( I hope that I can be back soon learning form you and your blogs as you do from mines. 

TaTa for now XOXO