Event Alert!

Hey there curlies!

One more day, yay! The excitement, the anticipation... The Durban Naturals Social Day. I must say that I always wanted to attend one of these events. I'm so honored to be part of this awesome get together. The event is hosted by the awesome two, natural enthusiasts - Maxine Arnold and her very supportive brother, Bryce Arnold. 
The theme is a touch of Africa.
There will loads of entertainment, live performances and spot prizes just to name a few. T- shirts, stunning African accessories and natural hair products will be on sale as well.
I know you curlies cannot wait to mix and mingle with other natural gals, professional hair stylists and other event sponsors and guests!
See you all on Saturday!
Xo Xo Marlene Louw

Unleash your curls... ORS Curl boosting jelly review

Hi curlies!

Three months ago I purchased the ORS Curl boosting jelly. I was kinda sceptical at first, because I don't use gels at all. For my hair, I find gels very drying and that they flake alot.

Description:
Perfect for curly & kinky textures, Crunch-less curl definition, Lightweight. Curls Unleashed Set It Off Curl Boosting Jelly provides great curl definition without the crunch. It works great for twistouts, coiling, shingling, freestyles and updo’s. It is lightweight and easy to apply for delightful curl definition. It is made with soothing aloe vera, wheat protein and vitamin B.

This giggly, jelly product actually did a pretty good job in my hair. . The best part is it didn’t dry my hair. It wasn’t sticky and it dried amazingly fast.

From this

To this

 The very first time I used it, was on wet hair. It was a complete fail. My hair felt stiff and hard. The second time, I applied the jelly on my twist out. The results were  light, fluffy, soft, semi-defined curls. I also love how this gel is  light and provides soft hold. This product definitely delivered, even though I cannot use it on wet hair. I'm not a wash and go fan so it's not a biggie.

I use very little for a tapered afro look.

Check out the tub in the background... I'm in a relationship with my Set it Off Curl Boosting Jelly!

 Almost done I have to get another tub like yesterday...So all-in-all I do really like this product.
Have you unleashed your curls?

Until next time,
Stay Natural -  Stay Magical
Xo Xo Marlene Louw

Snip and Slay...the Big Chop

Hello again curlies!

Short hair can free you. Cutting my hair was honestly such a brave move. The big chop is one of the two ways to go natural. The big chop is cutting all of your relaxed hair off and only working with your natural hair

I'll admit that the big chop may cause you to feel vulnerable but sometimes it's the best way to go natural. After the haircut you need to figure out how to maintain your short hair (TWA – Teeny Weenie Afro). Firstly, build an easy regimen, one that is simple and that works for you.
Don’t use too many products at once because you won’t know what’s working and what’s not.
Main Products You Need: a sulfate-free shampoo, rinse out conditioner, deep conditioner (used weekly), daily moisturizer,used as often as needed. Make sure your moisturizers have water listed as the first or second ingredient. My biggest mistake was using oil to soften my hair, it just sat on top of my hair. Remember this, oil is not a moisturizer. It's a sealant.  So add oils AFTER your water-based moisturizer to seal it in.

Create a daily moisturizing spritz with water, a few teaspoons of a leave-in conditioner and a few drops of your favorite natural oil.  Spray/mist your hair when it feels dry. I suffered from dry hair and after doing some research I started to do the baggying method – basically sleeping with a plastic cap or bag on your head to trap heat and moisture overnight. It takes time to get adjusted and learn your hair. You’re not gonna cut your hair and say, “This is exactly what I wanted.”
 You Tube is your best friend! There are hundreds, of tutorials showing how to style your baby fro.

Most of 2015 I rocked protective styles and it really helped retain the length of my hair. 

Lastly, remember you are gorgeous. Don’t let negative comments get you down! Enjoy every stage of your natural hair journey and have fun. 

Until next time

Stay Natural -  Stay Magical

Xo Xo -   Marlene Louw

Ayurveda part two

Hello again curlies!
 In an  Ayurvedic hair care regimen
you must have discipline and do treatments consistently for best results. If you are able to incorporate the practices faithfully then you are on your way to having healthy hair. I plan to try and do a treatment at least once a week.

 Ayurvedic products include natural herbs and oils that help to thicken and strengthen the hair.
Here’s a few of the most commonly used Ayurvedic items for hair and a few of their benefits:

    Henna
        Natural way to color hair with red tones
        Conditions, thickens and strengthens hair
        Increases shine
        Loosens curl pattern
        Reduces split ends
        Alleviates dandruff and kills lice.
Amla
    Strengthens roots
    Defines curl pattern
    Promotes hair growth
    Strengthens hair
    Tones down the red in henna treatments and darkens hair
    Is a natural astringent

Neem
    Promotes smooth, shiny hair
    Anti-fungal, anti-bacterial
    Alleviates scalp ailments like psoriasis, eczema
    Astringent
    Kills lice

Brahmi
    Strengthens roots
    Darkens hair
    Makes the hair denser and shinier
    Delays grey hairs
    Reduces hair loss
    Controls dandruff and treats eczema and psoriasis

Bhringraj
    Encourages hair growth
    Reduces hair loss
    Reduces shed
    Delays grey hair

Shikakai
    Cleanses hair
    pH balanced
    Detangles hair
    Strengthens roots
    Prevents dandruff
    Increases bounciness and silkiness of hair

Indigo
    Mixed with henna creates brown, black and blue tones in hair

Fenugreek ( Methi) seeds
   This natural herb boasts of very potent seeds that help treat balding, hair fall and thinning of hair. Not only is methi effective in treating baldness, but it is also beneficial in preventing dandruff.

Aloe Vera Gel - Promotes hair growth, balance PH level, heals scalp, imparts sheen, light conditioning properties, nourishes hair follicles, and scalp.

Bentonite Clay:  This clay works wonders for cleansing the scalp and producing healthy shiny hair. When combined with Aloe Vera Gel and Apple Cider Vinegar, it makes a wonderful natural clarifying shampoo.

Tips:
For maximum softness, I recommend doing Pre-Shampoo treatments before applying any type cleansing mixture [because the  treatments has a tendency to be a bit drying]. Simply oil your hair thoroughly with Coconut Oil, cover with a plastic cap, and allow to sit for about an hour [or more if possible], then rinse w/lukewarm water.
There are sooooo many herbs and natural remedies to choose from for great hair so do your research and find what works for you!

What Ayurvedic practices do you incorporate in your regimen?

Please take note that information is from websites based on Ayurveda  and  product contents also, I ask about these products when I purchase them as well. This page is not advice, it's my own hair care routines and findings. Much blessings and love to you beautiful curlies!

Until next time,
Stay Natural....Stay Magical
Xo Xo - Marlene Louw

Ayurveda part one

Hello again curlies!

Ayurvedic regimens are effective, and easily customizable to suit your hair needs. Most importantly, the ingredients are inexpensive and all natural. I have decided to break this post into several parts as not to overwhelm/bore anyone out there.

  I'm keeping it simple because the subject of  Ayurveda can get deep, and I'm not a hair professional or guru. I like keeping things simple.
If you follow me on Instagram, then you may already come to know that I have incorporated some Ayurvedic hair treatments to my regimen. Ayurvedic hair treatments consists of natural herbs and powders that give stronger, thicker and healthier hair. This is great for me especially since my hair sheds every time I wash it.
Benefits - Strengthens hair
Reduces hair loss
Thickens hair
Conditions the hair
Aids and restores shine
Eliminates dandruff issues
All the ingredients are Cheap! ( bonus points)  and all natural. Most ingredients and herbs can be purchased at your local Indian stores. I purchased some Amla powder, Mendhi powder, Brahmi powder and Moringa powder. I did the tea rinse and already see a difference after doing it three times. I plan to introduce more Ayurvedic remedies to my regimen.
Do your research and find out what works best for your hair. Most of these treatments can be used as a facial mask too! You can mix and match these herbs and powders according to the needs of your hair. Experiment and have fun, this is what a hair journey is all about.

So, have you tried any Ayurvedic hair treatments?
Until next time -
Stay Natural , Stay Magical
Xo Xo  -  Marlene Louw

Natural hair lingo

Hey there curlies!

The natural hair community has a language of their own. Here's a list of terms  that are frequently used.

ACV - Apple cider vinegar
BC - Big Chop
Co- Washing - washing your hair with conditioner only
DC - Deep Conditioner
HG - Holy Grail, products that your hair absolutely loves
Dusting - a very light trim
EVOO - Extra Virgin Olive oil
Porosity - Your hairs ability to soak up moisture
Creamy crack - describes relaxers
Manipulation - the amount of time you spend styling or touching your hair
PS - Protective Styling, hairstyles that protects the ends of your hair from breakage and exposure to the elements such as the weather and clothing
Sealing - ( seal the ends)  to seal in moisture to your hair usually with an oil or butter
Slip - How well a product allows your fingers or comb to 'slip' or glide through your hair
TWA - Teeny Weeny Afro
WNG - Wash and Go
APL - Arm Pit Length
Baggy - A method to help reduce breakage and dryness, after moisturising at night, put a shower cap on overnight
EO - Essential Oils
EVCO - Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Pre - Poo -Coating the hair with a mixture of oils or conditioner before you shampoo
HHJ - Healthy Hair Journey
HIH - Hands In Hair, to play with your hair all the time
SLS - Sodium Lauryl Sulphate
Transitioning - a process in which you take steps to stop relaxing your hair
Regimen - Your day to day or weekly hair care guide.

So, I hope this list is helpful to you. Please feel free to add more if you have any more. Check out my Facebook page here for more Hairspiration...

 Stay Magical
Xo Xo -