Top 5 Reasons I love Vinegar

I  LOVE using vinegar, very much! It has become a staple in my home. I recently went to COSTCO so that I could by a 5L bottle of white vinegar for less then $4.00. I felt such a rush scoring that deal that I literally giggled as I hauled it into my cart. That is how much I love vinegar.

I typically use White Vinegar for the home and Apple Cider for my hair and skin however, I will replace ACV with WV when I run out.

Vinegar is awesome because it cleanses hair and is often used to treat dandruff. It’s anti-fungal, disinfecting, and Ph balancing properties are also useful when cleansing/healing your body and cleaning your home.

Here are the Top 5 Reasons I love Vinegar

1. I have reduced the use of commercial cold and sinus medications that are full of so much junk with using this homemade cold and flu formula recipe instead

http://nancyvienneau.com/blog/articles/home-remedy/

2. Being pregnant with my daughters made me want to stop using cleaners with heavy fumes so now I make several mild homemade cleaners.

All purpose cleaner- http://wonkywonderful.com/1/post/2012/06/natural-lemon-vinegar-cleaner.html

Tub cleaner- Use 1 part Dawn, and 1 part warm White Vinegar, spray the tub and leave the mixture on there for several hours. Next, rinse your tub with hot to warm water and see the sparkling results!

3. Natural Feminine Wash. Sometimes a lady needs a little extra sumthin, sumthin when washing her feminine parts (esp. after pregnancy or her menstrual cycle) and I find this method very helpful. http://www.ehow.com/how_5680738_use-vinegar-feminine-wash.html

4. I have used ACV rinses for a long time but now I have added a vinegar/baking soda wash during my shampoo process. My scalp is left clean and my hair is fresh and shiny. When my consultant washes my hair, in a similar fashion as this, it looks as though I have used a shine serum because it is super shiny!!

Step 1- Rinse locs very well

Step 2- Take a 1-2 tbsp of baking soda and water to make a paste and then massage my scalp with it. I also smooth the mixture down the length of my locs

Step 3- I use a spray bottle full of vinegar and spray my hair with it till I hear bubbling

Step 4- After I have massaged my locs I rinse the vinegar and baking soda up

Step 5- I wash my hair another 2 times using a clarifying shampoo

Here is the link where I discovered this method. I use Recipe B and I considering using Recipe C, very soon.  http://dirtyprettythangs.com/2010/07/06/kitchen-kures-natural-clarifiers-for-my-locs/

5. Every so often I add 1 cup of white vinegar to my washing machine to get cleaner and fluffier towels. The vinegar will get rid of detergent build up and any musky smells that you get from forgetting your load of towels in the washer…ooops.

If you have a case of stinky mildew towels use this 3 step process.

Step 1- Wash your towels in only hot water with 1 cup of vinegar,

Step 2- Run the towels again in hot water with a ½ cup of baking soda. This will strip your towels of that residue and mildew smell and will actually leave them feeling fluffy and smelling fresh.

Step 3- Dry as usual

I hope that you find a way to add more vinegar to your life, you will not regret it!

Stay Blessed,

TWI (The Woman Inside)

It has been way too long

My apologies, I have been gone for a long time but I have been keeping in touch with some of you, via various SL Facebook groups. But here, on this blog, I will be sharing anything new that I have learned, and updates on hair and natural products.

My life: Currently, I am a Domestic Goddess and I am enjoying being a full time Mom, more then I ever expected. I am also taking this time to determine my next career move. Sisterlock consultant training is up for consideration but the fact that I have yet to master a basic cornrow if giving me hesitation. lol

Hair: I have been all about free-styling, partly because of time and also to strengthen my edges. During the fall of 2012, I went through a very dark period with my hair. I was so unhappy with it, I was considering combining or removing them. I even went 10 weeks without a retight.....never again. But I am back in love with my hair so much that I can't help swinging it around like I am a rock star. I also happily suffer from hand in hair syndrome. But the thing I love the most is that a major hair goal has been accomplished, I rock my own hair in a true ponytail...yeah!!!!

Unfortunately, I do not have a good camera so I do not have a ton of photos but here are a few!

Dec 2012

 May 2013

Creation Integration Locs (TM) Part Deux

I do not have to look far for Loc inspiration. I get to see my inspiration every 6 weeks.

Meet my SL consultant, Precious Stallworth.

 Take a look at the masterpieces that she, and her sister Lady Gray, can create.

If you are suffering from thinning locs here is a solution.

Naptapestry Hair Studio is located at 4321 Leimert Blvd., Suite C, Los Angeles, CA 90008. Naptapestry specializes in Sisterlocks, Brotherlocks, Traditional locs, loc maintenance, loc styling, hair care, and Loc repair.

Stay Blessed!

Time Flies

Next month, I am 3 years into my lock journey. To all the newbies, the journey has its ups and downs but time flies!!!

In the Beginning 

 (look at those tiny babies in the front)

Now

(few days before a fresh retight)

Stay Blessed!

Braid out + Pipe cleaner =

Curls galore that last for days!!!

The baby locs along my hairline need to be braided and banded; and to further protect my baby locs, from slippage, I leave them to dry in the braid. So, after I wash I end up braiding the rest of my hair to sport a braid out.  In a SL Facebook group, I learned to curl the ends of the hair to keep the braid sealed but I decided to roll the whole braid in pipe cleaner. The result... Super curls!!! 

  It is great to have my hair off my neck during the summer heat but it doesn't allow me to see my growth. Oh well, when I wash every 2 weeks, or get a fresh retightening, I am able to do length checks.

Here is my hair straight after a fresh retight

Hope you all are enjoying your summer and your locs!

Stay Blessed!

Lock 911 *Creation Integration Locs (TM)*

I have bragged, over and over, about my Consultant, Precious Stallworth. I found her after desperately searching for a new consultant, to help continue my journey, when my Sisterlocks were in their infancy. She installed my kitchen, and has maintained, and repaired my hair with great care. I am *very* thankful for her. So, now I am PROUD to show you all how she is going above, and beyond to help people cover small and large areas of hair loss. 

Creation Integration Locs (TM)

Before

After

Naptapestry is pleased to introduce Creation Integration Locs (TM), a prosthetic loc integration unit designed to create maximum coverage for those with density challenges.  The Creation Integration (TM) unit is custom designed to meet the individual's need (specific hair loss/ thinning pattern, head size and shape, hair color, and length).  We offer a consultation to discuss the individual's need and create a plan to maximize the overall look and growth potential.

For more information, or to book an appointment, please call Naptapestry Hair Salon*,  310 735 5965.

*Naptapestry  specializes in Sisterlocks, Brotherlocks, Traditional locs, loc maintenance, loc styling, hair care, and Loc repair.  


Location: 4321 Leimert Blvd., Suite C, Los Angeles, CA 90008

Stay Blessed!

K.I.S.S. and Hot Oil Treatments

K.I.S.S. = Keeping It Simple Sexy

That is what I am doing folks, I am keeping my routine, regimen, and product use simple. It is so easy to get caught up in wanting to try this or that on my locs but I have Sisterlocks and the beauty of Sisterlocks is that they really don't need much. Actually, using too much on these locs can be detremental ie build up, unraveling and slippage. My locs are maturing and I really thought that by now I would start to use a phlethra of conditioners, moisture sprays, and oils. But oil is the only thing that I have added to my simple regimen. (However, I will use a leave in conditioning spray once I color) I had a hot oil treatment last weekend and it was great. My hair feels conditioned, looks shiny, and is stronger.

Hot Oil Treatments are highly recommended for people with dry and/or damaged hair. They are beneficial because the oils can infuse your hair with keratin leaving it strong, and moisturized. It is so easy to create your own treatment. I plan on using the following oils  for future treatments

Coconut Oil - Even though this oil may not be good for everyday use in Sisterlocks (it can build up and be harder to wash out) it is awesome for a Hot Oil Treatments. It penetrates the hair shaft so it is ultra moisturizing. Also, because of it's anti fungal/antibacterial properties, it is great for people having dandruff and other scalp issues.

Olive Oil - This oil is very nourishing, a great moisturizer for dry hair and scalp but is also very heavy. It strengthens and increases elasticity of the hair shaft.

Jojoba Oil - Is a lighter oil but still gives your hair a nice shine. It mimics the natural oils that we produce (sebum), and helps to distribute that oil so it can help some balance their oil production. This oil is good for people with oily hair.



How to do a homemade treatment: You can do your treatment before or after you wash.

1. Decide which oil/oils you would like to use.
2. Measure out 1/4 to 1/2 cup oil (depending on length of hair) and, if you desire, add a few drops of your favorite essential oils
3. Heat your oil in microwave or pan till warm, you do not want it to be hot BE CAREFUL
4. Add your warm oil to you locs by massaging your scalp and rubbing the oil from root to tip
5. Cover your locs with a plastic cap and either wrap it in a warm towel 30 min, or sit under the dryer for 15min
6. Rinse well with warm water and do a final few minutes with cool water for even more shine


Regimen and products:

Even though I like having a simple routine my only problem is the best shampoo for my locks, so far, has sulfates.  I have tried several natural organic shampoos and either they leave a residue or my ends loosen up. I also noticed that my locs were not as condensed and tight as I like them to be. Now, maybe it's just a coincidence and my hair was just going through a phase but as soon as I stopped using my natural shampoos, and went back to Suave and Dawn, my hair tightened right up. When I am fully locked I may revisit my natural shampoos or look or an even better one.



Shampoo every 2 weeks: At home Suave Daily Clarifying  :  At the salon Gabrel's Lemon Fluff

Hot Oil Treatment: will be every 6 weeks using coconut oil

Spritz- Just water or Seabreeze mix

NOW

Hair is tight and mostly sealed

31 Months

BEFORE
Example of  my ends looking loose and puffy

Side note : Recovering from Post partum Shedding YEAH!!!

Stay Blessed!

Clarifying poo Review # 3 Aubrey Organics (pics)

Clarifying Shampoo Review for Aubrey Organics Green Tea Clarifying Shampoo.

Ingredients: Aqua, coco glucoside (coconut oil/corn), sodium cocoyl hydrolyzed soy† protein, Oryza sativa (rice) starch*, glycerin, xanthan gum, hydrolyzed sweet almond protein, Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) oil*, Panax ginseng (ginseng) extract, Equisetum arvense (horsetail) extract, Urtica dioica (nettle) extract, Tussilago farfara (coltsfoot) extract, panthenol, inositol, Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) oil*, Mentha piperita (peppermint) oil*, Citrus grandis (grapefruit) seed extract, alcohol denat., tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), Hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel) extract, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), Glycine soja (soybean) oil, Daucus carota sativa (carrot) root Extract, beta-carotene, biotin, Polygonum multiflorum (he shou wu) extract.

* Organic

† From organic sources

After hearing about this shampoo in the Facebook group Sisterlocked and Loving it, naturally, I decided to Google it and I found that some of my favorite bloggers anthia-ofo, and Gigglz have used it with success. I found positive results in this product as well and it past my main test, my consultant liked it. 

It claims to quickly and deeply clarify with just one application and rinses clean to leave hair shiny, bouncy and full. Also that herbal extracts deliver beneficial nutrients quickly and reduce drying time for fast and easy styling.

What I found is that even though I still need at least 2 washes (no surprise I have locs) I do get a deep clean and my hair is left shiny. I have not noticed a shorter drying time but that would be hard to gauge because my hair is forever changing . And I love it!

Dec. 2009

. Aug. 2011

Jan. 2012

Pros: It's sulfate/paraben/petroleum free, vegan, and it lathers! I love the smell, and it leaves my hair and scalp feeling super clean. I love to feel me scalp tingle and this definitely stimulates my scalp.

Cons: It is not cheap! Especially when you compare it to buying  a Suave clarifying shampoo  that work pretty well for $1. I bought my bottle from Sprouts Marketplace, similar to Wholefoods, when they had their 25% off sale but regualr price was approx $11 for an 11 fl oz bottle.

This shampoo, Aubreys Organic Green Tea Clarifying Shampoo, is a keeper!!!! It is the shampoo that I use to wash my hair at home. However, I still use Dawn for my final wash, every other wash, just to make sure that my locs remain nice and tight. 

UPDATE: I have gone back to Sauve for now because I felt like my hair was getting too 'loose'. When I am fully matured I will revisit this shampoo.

Stay Blessed!

Lemon and Olive Oil Treatment

Both my youngest daughter, and I have been having scalp issues, and it is so frustrating. I really wanted to find her some relief  because she is so little, and I do not want her to have discomfort. So, when a fellow blogger/Facebooker mentioned using lemon juice to to solve her dandruff issues and scalp build up, I looked it up.

Lemons are a great cleanser, it has antibacterial properties, and is a very good astringent. Extra Virgin Olive oil can help reduce the production of dandruff, and works as a great moisturizer for dry scalp. So when you use both of these natural elements for scalp build up you can see results.

Mature locs/loose hair:
1. Warm 2 to 3 tablespoons of Olive oil and massage it in your scalp
2. Wrap your hair in a lint free towel (or use a plastic cap underneath) for 30 min
3. Wash your hair with a Clarifying Shampoo
4. Rinse your scalp with Lemon juice, from a fresh lemon, and a cup of warm distilled water
5. Do a final rinse to get the lemon out, using cool water that helps your hair look shiny

Baby locs: use steps 3 to 5 because Olive oil relaxes your curl and really softens your hair. I still only do steps 3-5 but used the full treatment on my daughter and saw the  benefits after one treatment!! It took 2-3 treatments of the lemon rinse to see the improvement on my scalp.

Good luck!

Stay Blessed

2 year Anniversary!!

2yrs locked, sporting a braid out, with my 10 month old baby girl

I have had my 2 year anniversary and I still can't believe it. I am receiving several compliments, and I even had some women follow me through a couple isles in Costco, admiring about my locks. But the thing that made my heart sing was hearing my mother say she really liked my hair!! Finally!! 

First day being Sisterlocked

First  appointment/retighting by my beloved, Certified consultant, Precious!

First time I really noticed some length.

Now here is my hair at the 2 year mark

My Ponytail (including my kitchen)

Concerns- Build up at the base  of my neck, you can see it in the pick above.

Hair maintenance- *Retights are every 6 weeks  *Wash every 2 weeks.  Currently, when I wash my hair,  I use Suave daily clarifying shampoo for 2 washes, and then for my final wash I use Dawn Pure. Before my retight, Precious uses Lemon Fluff shampoo and it feels so awesome  *I use a Seabreeze spritz every 3 days  *I still use a shower cap and night bonnet.

Goals- 1) an even longer ponytail 2) find my hair color for my first dye EVER 3) take the SL retightening class (will continue to use my consultant but I think it is important to know how to DIY)
 

So Happy to be Sisterlocked!!

Stay Blessed!!

Easy Breezy

Easy Breezing Styling! I took this picture, a month ago, at my friends graduation (yeah Julie!). The night before, after putting the munch-kins to bed, I realized I had nothing to wear and I had no clue what to do with my hair. I finally decided that I was way to tired to curl it so, I dampened my ends and I put several plaits in my hair. I took the plaits out the next day and voila!!! This reminded me why I love Sisterlocks.

Stay Blessed!

Bad Hair Day! 2

I was about to feel bad about my hair but the logical side of me knows that the locking process has its ups and downs, its good, bad and ugly. 'LIFE HAPPENS' and my re tightening has been delayed for 3 weeks.   So...when I washed my hair, and it felt like my little fro growing would not release some dry scalp build up, I felt a little defeated. Add to that the fact that my back row of locks has build up (will discuss further next time), I felt defeated and frustrated.

Then I saw this, and I laughed so hard my husband thought that I slipped something in my grape juice. Check out this YouTube entry by http://www.youtube.com/user/Thinknappythoughts .

Stay Blessed!

Loving my hair! 21 months

Wow, time flies! I can't believe I am at 21 months already. I have wanted to post so many times but technology has not been my friend, this is the busy season at work and my little ones are so much fun!

My sweet girls! 

My 3 year old, mimics me by shaking her hair as she says, "l am loving my hair!". YES!!!!

I am loving my Sisterlocks!  I adore its versatility, and its growth. My locks are much thicker and the length is starting to be more apparent. When I feel my hair tickle beyond the base of my neck I jump in fear because I am nervous that I have a spider crawling on me LOL. Even though there are days I examine my locks, and find it's faults, (thin spots, bunching etc) most of the time I am in awe of it. I just can't take my hands out of my hair. It feels so good, I just love the feel of my maturing locks.

.

Now

 9 months

Creation

Clarifying Shampoo Review # 2

Clarifying Shampoos are great for removing product build up, and in my case dry scalp build up. They leave your hair feeling lighter, and looking shinier. It's a good idea to clarify your hair at least once a month to get rid of product and mineral deposits. So I have been looking for a good clarifying shampoo that doesn't dry my scalp too much. My last post I reviewed a V05 clarifying shampoo and now I am reviewing:

 Carol's Daughter Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo

It is Paraben-free, no petroleum, mineral oil or artificial color and it is SLS/SLES/Sulfate Free. Yeah!!

I loved using this shampoo it stimulated my scalp (great tingle), my hair was super clean when done, and it smells soo good. My scalp issues, mainly dry scalp, was manageable and it I will definitely be using this often. I bought my shampoo at the JC Penny's Sephora so with that I saved on shipping. But it can be purchased online on QVC and the Carol's Daughter website.

Cons: Pricey $12.50 for 8oz. seems steep esp compared to paying $1.25 but you get what you pay for. Really needs to be followed by a conditioner or ACV rinse. I tried to go without my rinse and my hair felt a little to dry. However, I think that might be the case with any clarifying shampoo you use.

Clarifying Shampoo Review

Previously, I was using Dawn in my hair, it is great for keeping your cuticles closed and removing build up. But the product junkie in my was getting bored and I found it didn't help my scalp issues. So after my hair settled, I was given the OK to use clarifying shampoos. Yippee!

My first to try was V05 Kiwi Lime Squeeze Clarifying Shampoo.

The reason I chose this one first was because I have heard other SL sisters talk about it, and the price I paid was $1.50!! I have used this product for 3 washes, 1 without an ACV rinse and the others with. Without the ACV rinse I found my scalp was OK for 5 days, then winter (very dry scalp) arrived. With the ACV rinse my scalp held up for a few more days. My actual hair shaft, with and without the ACV rinse, was very dry, and I do not use conditioner, so I was not impressed with that.

Pros- 1. Very affordable (cheap) 2. Cleanses hair and scalp effectively 3. Smells like heaven 4. Lathers very well

Cons- 1. Has the 'nasty stuff' in it i.e sulfates 2. Hair felt really dry and stiff  3. Did not help fight dry scalp

My next review will be on Carol's Daughter Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo.

1 Year Anniversary!

Well last month, Aug.9th, I made it to my 1 year mark. I could not color my hair, like I planned, and that is disappointing but the reason I do not want to color my hair is because;

I am Pregnant!!!!! I am due Nov. 11th and we are having another girl!

                                                                             25 Weeks

I know there are dyes that might be OK to use but I just don't want to take any chances. I am moving my hair dye date to my birthday in January. I am also still trying to figure out what color I want to use. If you have any suggestions for color(s), that would suit my skin tone, please leave them in comments, I would really appreciate it.

My hair is settling but it is not locked yet. My hair is growing like a weed, I can see it in my new growth but I don't always see the length because my hair is so coily and my locs are so small. But once I start pulling/stretching my locs and compare old photos I see the difference.

The little stumps in the front (approx 2months in)

have grown into bangs!!!!














Concerns- I actually noticed a bald spot (outta nowhere) when I was around 3- 4 months pregnant. I did not want to talk about it because it stressed me out so much and I knew that my stress would make it worse. I think my pregnancy hormones and the financial stress I was under caused the patch.( I got a lot of encouragement and info from  Bajan Lily who blogged about her experience with hair loss.) But in no time it grew back and at my last appointment Precious, my consultant, put a little lock there. I am nervous about my post partum hair issues but Precious and I will be keeping a close eye on my hair.

Hair maintenance- *Retights are every 6 weeks  *Wash every 2 weeks (I will be trying out various clarifying shampoos and I cant wait to blog about that) currently I use Dawn Pure and then I do an ACV rinse *I use a Seabreeze spritz every 3 days  *I still use a shower cap and night bonnet.

Goals- 1) still aiming for a decent ponytail 2) find my hair color for my first dye EVER 3) take the SL retightening class (will continue to use my consultant but I think it is important to know how to DIY)

I am so happy with choosing to Sisterlock my hair. It has not always been an easy journey but it has been worth it.

Stay Blessed!!

Stick with Black Soft Spikes

On the  Soft Spikes Curlers website , it mentions that if you have thicker heavier hair that the darker foams are better to use over the lighter foams. Well I missed that point and at a local store I purchased a pack of pretty pink ones, and also a purple pack. I ended up using the pink pack before I read the warning and I rushed to return the purple ones for black. The lovely lady at the store said that it makes no difference what color you use, that they all have the same wear. But now, after using my spikes religiously, I am seeing a difference. The Black ones are holding up well while the pink ones feel a little worn,

like they are thinning at the bend.

So if you are looking to purchase Soft Spikes make sure to purchase the black ones because they will stay with you a little longer then the others.

Stay Blessed!

TWI

Curls Galore!!

Who needs setting lotion, because I tell you today my curls are here to stay and all I used was water. I washed my hair last night and decided to use my soft spikes while my hair was still a little damp. The result....super tight curls and even after I tried to yank them apart they just curled right back up! My loose natural hair and not even my permed hair held curls like my Sisterlocks do.

I think it is time to graduate to the larger Soft Spikes!!

                                                      Just took the Soft Spikes out

                                                     Tried to pull the curls apart

                                             Oh well off I go!!!

Stay Blessed!!!

Finally getting some LOVE!!!

YEEEAAAHHH! I have had 3 people in the last 6 days tell me in person that they LOVE my hair!! Before,  I've gotten "oh you've changed you hair...looks nice", "you cut your hair" and "your hair is cute". But now I can add "I love your hair" to the list. I am doing the happy dance.

I guess that self- love, sending positive vibes, thing really works ;)

Of course, I have to give a shout out to Precious, my SL consultant! I would also like to give some credit to my new purchase.

(Click on image for website)

I bought 2 packs for $6.95 each at a local retailer called Shamrock Imports. I ended up exchanging a pack because later I read, on the Soft Spikes wed site, that the black curlers work better then pink and purple(the colors I bought) because it's made of a sturdier foam. Keep that in mind if you would like to purchase Soft Spikes for your locs. Even so, I kept the pink because I had already used them and they worked just fine.

I used only one pack, so 30 rollers, I didn't use any setting lotions, gels or even water but I did sleep in them over night. It wasn't too bad to sleep in but then again I am use to sleeping in perm rodes. ugh
Here's the curl:

Here's the 'style':

The curls lasted 3 days and when I'm able I want to use aloe and water as a setting gel to enhance the results.

OK, I am off to make some Whipped Shea Butter and I will post about that (if it works out) along with the adventure I had in making Coconut oil .

Stay Blessed!

I did it!! I am Sisterlocked!!

After 3 days consisting of 35 hours of hard work by my consultant..... I am Sisterlocked!!!! I am not sure how many locks I have but I have several small, med and large locks. My consultant used pattern 4 and she did a fabulous job getting the itty bitties. Unfortunately my hairline is damaged and I am so impressed that she got in there and installed those puppies, we are hoping for the best.

I feel so free, I feel blessed and I feel like I made a great decision in getting SL. I am soo happy!! I do have one concern and that is my scalp. It is krazy dry. I am so embarrassed by it. I am using a spritz with a little jojoba, rosemary and tea tree and putting just a bit directly onto my scalp. I hope it helps.

Here are some pics:

Last twist out!!

Day 2