Before, during, and after the holidays, life around here has been a bit hectic. I found that low manipulation styles have been a lifesaver! The quickest and easiest style for us has been twists. Big & chunky, or mini twists, we love them them all.

Twists

I recently brought a hooded dryer to help deep condition Lady N’s hair. I have been focusing more on deep conditioning since the weather is colder. After shampooing, I used Blended Beauty Curl Quenching Conditioner. I applied it throughout her hair in sections, from root to tip. I covered her hair with a cap and let it sit for 20 mins.

Next, I re-wet her hair a bit, and began detangling. Once I finished detangling, I rinsed it out. Then, I applied Blended Beauty Happy Nappy Styles, on a small section. I began creating two strand twists. I created roughly 25-30 medium-sized twists.

Twists

 Once her twists were fully dry, I sprayed Blended Beauty Natural Hair Oil all over her twists. It helped to give her twists such a gorgeous shine.

Twists with Natural Hair Oil

To maintain this style, I sprayed the oil daily, which is so quick. Each day I added a cute accessory to match her clothing, and we were out the door. Twist usually last us 2-3 weeks, and with very little maintanance. We will definitely keep creating twists this winter.

Twists with accessory

One year after the Big Chop

It’s HERE!!! It has been one year since I big chopped my natural hair. My hair has been such a joy to have this year with the ease of manipulation and styling options. I have enjoyed being able to versatile with my hair at each stage. I was also so pleased at my hair’s luster and shine by using the Blended Beauty line. The products allowed for my hair to stay soft and pliable (and smell sweet)!! My hair grew an overall six inches. This is impressive because it means I was able to retain most of my length. It feels so good to be able to walk proudly with my afro and know that I love the hair that God gave me and to be able to make a statement. My hair is a huge part of who I am because it exemplifies my beauty, confidence and style. I am so excited to see my progress in the years to come. Thank you Stacey , for allowing me the opportunity to use products that were complimentary to make hair and added to having a successful year with my hair ) Michelle

We at Blended Beauty have very much enjoyed sharing Michelle’s journey with you and look forward to hearing any updates from Michelle in the future!

11 Months After The Big Chop

During the month of November, I have seen an increase in growth with my hair. This month, I focused on moisture. Because of the weather change in these winter months, I paid special attention to deep conditioning and moisturizing mid-week. I also did an apple cider vinegar rinse this month when I felt my curls were dull and it helped restore bounce and elasticity to my hair. My regimen is the same and I am consistent with my hair products. This month I also did many different styles, some using hair extensions to experience the versatility of my natural hair. I am shocked that I am only one month from my one year anniversary. I have had so much fun this year that I have not noticed the time fly by. I may choose to wear a protective style for the month of December, but I love playing in my hair so much that I don’t think I can!!

Michelle

Michelle, 10 Months after the Big Chop

During the month of October I truly learned how to manage my hair. In doing this simple regimen it has along my hair to be tangle free the entire week until the next wash day.

Part hair in 8 sections with clips

Detangle each section (by finger or comb) with Blended Beauty Silkshake and Conditioner, then rinse with clips still in hair

Massage Scalp with the Soy Cream Shampoo, then rinse (the clips are still in the hair)

Take out clips one by one and coat with Blended Beauty Conditioner mixed with Olive Oil, Honey and Castor Oil and sit under a steamer to deep condition

After doing this routine, my hair is soft, detangled and manageable for any style. I wish I would have learned this months ago!! My hair has also grown at a steady pace during the last few months. My hair is close to collar bone length and I anticipate it will reach collar bone length by my one year mark. Although length is very important to me, being able to look at the sheen of my hair and it’s manageability, makes me smile!!!

Michelle

Before straightening my daughter N’s hair, I couldn’t help but notice that many naturals have a fear of using heat on their hair. It is obvious that heat can bring severe damage to hair, and cutting the damaged hair is the only cure. So why did I even dare to use heat on N’s hair? …Well, I wanted to explain the right way of using heat, with these few tips.

Prepping

The 1st step before using heat, is to prepare the hair. Start with freshly washed hair, followed by a moisturizing deep conditioning treatment. I deep conditioned N’s hair using Blended Beauty Herbal Reconditioner. Deep conditioning helps to adsorb and dissipate heat. Hair not properly moisturized heats rapidly, and is damaged more easily.

Temperature

When searching for a flat iron, use a flat iron with an adjustable temperature settings. You want to be sure that you can view the actual

temperature. This is so important. Some flat irons do not show the actual temperature that the flat iron is set to. Some flat irons only have settings such as “low-medium-high.” Avoid using these flat irons. Even the “low” setting can be too high for certain curl types, and can cause unwanted damage. A setting above 450 can reek havoc on your hair. Use the lowest setting, preferably high 200′s to low 300′s.

Blowdryer

When using a blowdryer, make sure it has temperature settings. But most importantly the “cool/cold” option. Yes, it may take a little longer to dry, vs using the hottest option. But keeping all of the heat on low, is the safest way to go. I rotate between the warm and cool option for N. Also the attachable pick on a blowdryer, helps to straighten the hair a bit. Therefore, you may actually end up using less heat.

Heat Protector

Would you sunbathe without using sunscreen? ..No. So why would you use direct heat on your hair without using some sort of protection from the heat. This is the one crucial step that many skip. You have to protect your curls. The Blended Beauty Straightening Glaze is designed to help with setting your hair for the use of heat. Also the Blended Beauty Straight Pearl is good for everyday use to moisturize your curls.

Straightening Glaze

Straight Pearl

Use a setting lotion or protectant spray, throughout your hair before using heat.

Straightening with Blended Beauty

Straightening with Blended Beauty

Too Much, Too Soon

Moderation is the key to using heat. I have only blowdried N’s hair twice, and flat ironed three times in her (soon to be) 8 years of life. Even if you use all of the tips above. You hair can still suffer when using heat excessively. Every day, every 3 days, or even every week, can be too much and you risking the health of your hair. Another example of too much heat, is when you go over the section of hair to be flat ironed, a bunch of times. It is recommended to smooth the flat iron over the hair, no more than twice (3 times max for courser hair.) Do not leave the flat iron on a certain spot (I did this all the time as a preteen.. -sad face-). But glide the flat iron down the hair shaft, at a medium pace. Also the Chase-Comb Method (which is simply running the comb down your hair as you flat iron) is great for getting the hair straighter with one pass of the flat iron.

-If you prep & protect your curls, there is no reason to be scared of heat damage. With just one wash, N’s curls came right back.

Guest Blogger:

Kandy

http://kandylandkurls.blogspot.com

Michelle 9 months after the big chop

During the month of October I focused on learning to master flat twisting my hair. I feel that as my hair has grown, two strand twisting has become time consuming and unnecessary for protective styling. Flat twisting also allows most of my ends to be protected during the week. As the weather here in California has become extremely hot, I add an extra layer of the Blended Beauty Natural Hair Oil to my head as a form of protectant from the sun’s heat. During this month I have also started finger detangling. This is not something I typically did due to time. However, if find that by detangling my hair with my fingers before washing it allows me to feel for the many knots that my hair is prone to getting. I feel more intimate with my hair by doing it this way however, due to the amount of time it requires, it won’t be a weekly habit. I typically detangle either with the Silk Shake or with the conditioner in my hair before washing. I am excited to see my hair at it’s one year mark and I cannot believe how quickly the time has gone by this time around on my hair journey.

Michelle

Wheat falls in to the category of protein, which most of our products now contain. After hearing out many a customer about their protein issue or allergen issue, we have decided to go protein free! This won’t happen over night. We have a great deal of label stock to get through. But one product at a time we will be switching to protein-free. Each newly formulated product will be announced in the newsletter when it arrives. This will take the better part of 2013.

A second upgrade we would like you to look out for in the new year concerns the pump products. At the moment we have several pump products that don’t always pump very well due to temperature or viscosity, and sometimes a faulty pump. These products will be moving away from a pump and bottle, and into an upside down squeeze tube with a flip cap!  This will make the product very easy to dispense.

We like keeping out customers informed! We hope you look forward to the new changes coming, and that you spread the word.

Stay Curly!

Blended Beauty

Michelle 8 Months after the Big Chop

During the month of August I spent most of my time away from home. It was essential for me to make travel sizes of my products in order to travel. I washed my hair only twice this month but it still maintained its luster. When I returned home from my trip I deep conditioned it with the Blended Beauty Conditioner mixed with olive and castor oil. This brought the elasticity and shine back to my hair. I also trimmed my hair this month taking off a half of an inch all around. Now that the summer is winding down, I will wear wigs as a protective style and will not manipulate my hair as often. I am very happy with my hair’s consistent and stead growth and health and will continue to manage it under the wigs.

Michelle

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8HV6T9iwus

Twisted Bun Updo

I started by dividing her hair in half (ear to ear.)

I began creating freestyle cornrows, on the back of the hair. I made some swirly kind of parts, and straight. With freestyle parting anything goes, be creative with your parting and just let it flow.

Once, I reached the hair off of the scalp. I began to form a two strand twist. Twirl your finger to prevent the twists from unraveling.

Once the back was complete, it was time to work on the front. Again, I did not create a clear design. I created random braids, and two strand twist the ends. Remember, the key is focus on your parting. The neater the part, the more nicer the style will become.

 Finally, I placed all of the twists in a ponytail holder. I wrapped the twists to form a bun, and tucked the ends so that it won’t show.

Tip: You can also use a sock bun or filler to help the bun to look more fuller/thicker.

 Simple & Stylish!

  I added the tiara, to show that this style is perfect not only for bigger girls/adults, but even the little ones.

Guest Blogger:

Kandy

http://kandylandkurls.blogspot.com/

Michele 7 months after the big chop

During the month of July I focused on ways to style my hair. I am enjoying my hair at each and every stage and embracing my length by finding styles to suit it. This month I have tried finger coils, chunky twist outs and flat twists. It makes me feel proud to be able to not only take good care of my hair but to be able to style it. I am still using the Blended Beauty products. My hair is very healthy and upon doing my first blow-out I noticed the natural sheen and the lack of single strand knots and split ends. I am very happy with my progress and what I have achieved this month.

 Michelle

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnshtqh7N6U