The hair life of...

So let us know who are you? 

My name is Porsche and I am 19 years old. I have one semester left in college. My major is law. Im always taking one day at a time, seeing the good in everything. I like to try new things and I love doing everything. Literally. I started a blog because I wanted to basically. Something different and to keep me occupied. my blog is "Oh Gee" (mzporsche-ohgee.blogspot.com). I love food and I love to eat food. Very active, love sports, meeting new people.

How long have you been natural and did you BC (big chop) or transition?
Well, after I wore kinky twists for almost a year, I went natural for about four months. It was a small natural because my hair was short. Afterwards, I went back to the kinkys and wore those for about two months, which made my hair grow really fast. I switched back to my most recent natural and wore it for another four or five months. It was really nice and big, which I loved. It was the perfect size.

 

Why did you decide to go natural or stay natural?I decided to go natural because I was tired of the same kinky twists and I wanted my hair to "breathe" basically. I wanted a new look and a natural was the quick and easy way to go.

 

What are your staple products and hairstyles? Ok. staple products and hairstyles. I didn't really use any products on my natural except a grease made by Blue Magic to keep my scalp moist and a shampoo made by Avon.

What is your regimen?

I had a simple and short regimen. I washed my hair, greased it a little, braided it to the scalp, and wrapped it up.

What are your natural hair goals?

I really want to get my natural as big as possible. My hair grows really fast and it has came a long way. I can't wait to see my hair reach its potential.

How do you keep your hair intact overnight?

I braid it to the scalp and wrap it up. When I pick it out in the morning, it makes it easy to comb and blows it out pretty good.


How do you maintain length?I guess the braiding keeps my length up.

Have you received any negative comments about your hair?
I haven't received any negative comments. Everyone thinks i should wear my natural and keep it forever. My family and friends says it suits my face and style.

 

Name 1 reason you went natural and why you love being natural.

I went natural because it was easy, quick, and convenient. I don't think you can get any better than that.

 

How and where can we find you online?

Since I no longer have a facebook, you can find me and my life online at mzporsche-ohgee.blogspot.com, or you can email from porsche_2010@yahoo.com. I am always connected anywhere I go.

[If you’re interested in being apart just leave a comment with your email (or best way to get in contact with you) and I'll make sure to send you everything you need, so you can be featured on the blog!]

This weeks LUUUUST!!!

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The Ayurvedic way

Over the past year I've been impressed with the growth of my hair. But honestly I think there is still a lot I can do to take my overall hair health to the next level. Now that I've done a lot of experimenting with products, trying to discover what works well with my hair and what doesn't, I realize that my hair tends to thrive when I incorporate natural ingredients.

With that said starting at the beginning of January I plan on doing a strict 6 month challenge of using just (mostly) natural ingredients to care for my hair. One of the easiest (yet most complex) ways of doing this is by adopting an Ayurvedic Hair Care Regimen.

Ayurvedic practices are a system unique to India where natural ingredients found in that region are used as an alternative means for medicine, treatments and hygiene. Many of the ingredients that are used in ayurvedic regimens can be found at most Indian markets and stores in the states. Also some ingredients used commonly in western culture (many you find in teas and herbal infusions)  can be found at your local health food store or Co-op.

Using ayurveda methods is beneficial not only because it's easy to mix ingredients specific to your hair needs but also the ingredients are NOT expensive. (They are considerably cheaper than the "all natural" products that you find in drug/beauty supply stores and online.)

Here are a list of ingredients that are commonly used in ayurvedic regimens. I'll definitely be seeing if I can get my hands on a good variety of the following:

Amla Powder | Stimulates hair growth, has wonderful conditioning properties, strengthens hair at the roots


Hibiscus Petal Powder| Conditions hair, Rejuvenates hair making it shiny


Mehndi Powder (Henna)| Mixture of multiple ingredients,   Not only used for hair coloring, works  as an excellent hair conditioner, imparts silkiness and shine


Kalpi Tone | Promotes hair growth, prevents pre mature balding, light conditioning properties, imparts shine 

Brahmi Powder | Strengthens hair at the roots, helps relieve dandruff, also purported to thicken hair  


Aloe Vera Juice | Balance PH level, heal scalp, imparts sheen, light conditioning properties, nourishes and moisturizes hair 


Neem | Helps fight scalp infections, works against dry and flaky scalp which causes dandruff

Shikakai | Acts as a natural cleanser, and mild conditioner, whilst promoting hair growth

Marshmallow Root Powder | Nourishes hair follicles and scalp, conditioning properties, imparts shine 


Vatika Oil | Mixture of Ayuerveda herbs into a coconut oil base, seals moisture, conditioning properties, imparts shine

As we get closer to the new year I'll share more ingredients,  recipes and techniques I'll be incorporating in my new hair challenge.

Giveaway Winner!!!

I'm happy to announce the winner of the second Miss Jessie's Products giveaway. The winner is...

Fatema!!!

Congratulations on winning your two items of choice. Miss Jessie's Curly Buttercreme and the Curly Pudding. I'll be emailing you today so I can get your prizes to you!

I want to take this time to thank everyone who entered! There's most definitely going to be much more giveaways/contests in the future, so make sure you stay tuned in. I also want to thank and say hello to my new followers. Thank you so much for the support and I hope you can find some inspiration for your own journey!

*Happy Hair Days*

Yo Boyfriend Don't Like It?!?

I had to share this with you guys. I died from laughter. Mostly because I was so astonished at how much info he actually knows. I think you'll find this interesting as well.

So ladies, who's all for giving your unsupportive boyfriend the "2nd big chop"?

Stylin': Kinky Twist

You already know I LOVE Protective styling. Low Maintenance hair styles just seem like the best option for me. For people who are always on the move yet want to keep their hair as protected from the elements and the hustle and bustle of life, protective styles is an excellent option. 

Last year around this time my friend did some FANTASTIC kinky twist for me. I kept them in for over 2 months. I could have went a lot longer, because they still looked great, but of course I wanted to see the growth that my hair retained. This time around I did them my self and trust me. I'm wearing these until someone tells me it's probably a good idea to take them out. Honestly I just don't feel like doing my hair right now. It's a phase I sometimes go through. It usually starts with me finding an incredible amount of variations on the classic puff, and then my hiding my hair either under or within weave.

So here's the final look. It took me 2 days to do it. I could have probably done it in one but I was doing EVERY and ANY thing else while I was twisting my hair. I used about  3 and a half packs of Marley braiding hair, color 2/33. My hair is about 50 different colors right now...AND THAT'S FINE! I define it as "dimension". And because of the why I used the hair, the twist have a very trippy ombre coloring effect, which I do love.

 (P.S Don't mind my Myspace-esque photos in the mirror pics. I lost my camera charger so the cell phone pics are currently all I have to give =D)

*Happy Hair Days*

This Week's LUUUUST!

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Giveaway Winner and Another Giveaway??? (closed)

I'm happy to announce the winner of the Miss Jessie's Products giveaway. The winner is...

girlcurly96

Congratulations on winning your two items of choice. Miss Jessie's Quick Curls and the infamous Curly Pudding. I'll be emailing you tomorrow morning so I can get your prizes to you. 


Now I'm in a really giving mood and since the BOGO sale doesn't end until the 17th of December I decided to have a second giveaway with the same chances of winning 2 products of your choice for another lucky subscriber. The rules are the same as last time. The only difference is the giveaway will begin November 29th until December 12th. That's exactly 2 weeks! Plenty of time to scope out which products you would like to try.

Here are the rules in case you missed them before...

1.There will be one (1) winner

2. Visit www.missjessies.com/shop. And pick two products that you would like to try. (not including shirts, gift certificates or gift packs) The winner will receive two (2) products of their choice from the Miss Jessie's line.

3. This giveaway is for my followers, So make sure that you follow this blog (over on the right hand sidebar.)

4. In the comment section for this post ,comment letting me know which two products you would like to try or that you already love.

5. Make sure to include your e-mail address so I can contact the winner.

6. Only one entry per person.

7. The winner will be randomly selected using Random.org

8. You must be 18 years of age or have your parent's permission

9. This is open to followers Internationally

Good Luck to All Who Enter!

*Giveaway* (closed)

It's really hard for me to admit this...but I too am exploring the "Miss Jessie's bandwagon". You guys are all probably familiar with the company that promises "The Best Darn Curl Cremes. Period." I told myself that I would not get caught up in any more bandwagons. Especially ones which leaves my pockets looking slightly non-existent. Although I'm starting to really like some of their products, it is definitely safe to say that there are some very less expensive and probably better alternatives/dupes for some of their staples. But curiosity got the best of me and while I was in Target I decided to pick up two products from the line.

Miss Jessie's Curly Meringue and Miss Jessie's Baby Butter Creme.

I'll definitely be giving full reviews on each product very soon. But before then, I wanted to treat a lucky subscriber with a chance to win a choice of TWO (2) products from Miss Jessie's to try. What's better than a chance to win FREE PRODUCTS which you normally refuse to pay over $40 for?

Entering is EASY! Here's the Rules:

1.There will be one (1) winner

2. Visit www.missjessies.com/shop. And pick two products that you would like to try. (not including shirts, gift certificates or gift packs) The winner will receive two (2) products of their choice from the Miss Jessie's line.

3. This giveaway is for my followers, So make sure that you follow this blog (over on the right hand sidebar.)

4. In the comment section for this post ,comment letting me know which two products you would like to try or that you already love.

5. Make sure to include your e-mail address so I can contact the winner.

6. Only one entry per person.

7. The winner will be randomly selected using Random.org

8. You must be 18 years of age or have your parent's permission

9. This is open to followers Internationally

10. The Giveaway starts today, November 18, 2011 to November 25, 2011 (that's one week!)

11. TELL YOUR FRIENDS!

I hope you ALL decide to enter, and good luck to everyone!

Face it!!

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A great alternative to buying high end products that are showering the beauty market, is to use simple ingredients that you can find in your local grocery store and even your kitchen cabinets.

Of course this philosophy is not just restricted to your hair. Using more natural ingredients in your over all health/beauty routine will be kind to your body as well as your pockets.

Recently my face has been less than lack luster. I've had a bunch of acne flare ups, some color distortion from acne scaring and incredibly dry and flaky skin. I can blame this on two things.

1. My sampling of commercial face products for a fall/winter regimen.

2. The beating my face has taken from the recent cold weather.

I wanted to share with you some simple recipes that can replace those expensive face products and also give your face a healthier and more radiant glow.

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Cleansing:

Oil cleansing is a gentle and affordable way to remove dirt, bacteria, make-up and dead skin cells from your face daily. Because most of us already have oils in our arsenal it's much more convenient than buying a separate facial cleanser. By using oil to cleanse your face you are also eliminating the abrasive properties of sulfates and other ingredients within certain cleansers.

The great thing about oil cleansing is you can literally use which ever type of oil is more convenient to you. It's all about mixing and experimenting.

In my personal oil cleansing mix I use:

A small bottle of any type

50% Castor oil (helps draw out toxins and dead skin cells from skin)

25% Grapeseed oil (acts as a natural moisturizer and helps prevent acne)

25: Extra Virgin Olive oil ( also acts as a natural moisturizer)

6 drops of Lemon essential oil (helps with brightness in complexion)

3 drops of Tee Tree essential oil (helps combat dry skin and works as an anti-fungal ingredient)

1. Gently message a quarter size amount of the mixture all over face.

2. Place a hot, damp towel over your face until it cools. (allows the oils to penetrate your skin and steam out all toxins and dirt.)

3. remove hand towel and wipe away any excess oil off.

4. rinse your face with cold water to close the pores.

Toneing:

Toners are used to keep your skin tone even and bright. It is also used as a defense against acne and dry skin.

My Toner recipe:

A new/clean spray bottle

60% Chamomile Tea (used against flare ups, redness and therapeutic/calming properties)

20% Apple Cider Vinegar ( cleansing properties and ph balance)

20%:Aloe Vera Juice (acts as a moisturizer and ph balance)

6 drops of Lemon essential oil/ or juice (helps with consistent brightness in complexion )

1. With your spray bottle a tleast 8 inches from your face spray in a "X" and then "T" formation over your face.

2. Allow the mist to dry on your face before moving on to moisturizing.

(A lot of people also use witch hazel instead of Apple Cider Vinegar in their recipes. Feel free to use your own variation on the recipe.)

Moisturizing:

The price of moisturizers on the market these days can be out of control (especially for the amount you receive).Using a dime size amount of either hazelnut, jojoba or grapeseed oil will be more than sufficient when it comes to a daily moisturize. Even for those with oily skin the lightness of each of these oils allows for the skin to absorb it easy and fast without the oily/ greasy feeling it can leave on your face.

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Hopefully with a little tweaking to fit your personal needs, you'll be able to fit these cost-effective and healthier alternatives into your skin-care regimen.

GPOY

Things will be a little less hectic at the end of the week. See you guys then =D

Stylin': The "PS"

I think I told you guys in the post about the Curl Harmony Deep Conditioner that my hair has been feeling quite shabby as of late. A part of the reason is probably because this has been the longest time my hair had been without a long term protective style. Prior to this summer I KEPT my hair under wraps, all the time. I can definitely say that has been a major help when it comes to length retention and over-all good health of my hair. So now that it's getting cold again I needed to begin my PS once again. On Saturday night I decided to go to my go-to-easy PS. Some crochet type braids.

This is not your old school type crochet braids, where you had over 1000 micro braids on your head (yea...I rocked them hard in middle school!) Instead of using braided hair you can use a curly type bulk weave or Marley braiding hair like I did. This would be the third time I've done this style since I've been natural and I think I like this go around the best. This was the first time I've used marley hair. I was kinda nervous on how this was going to work, but I think it turned out well. I used 3 packs of 1B/30 hair. This brown/blond mix is giving me LIFE!

I actually feel like Mufasa with all of this hair but in the best way possible! The only problem I have is when I decide to wear a part it's pretty obvious that it's crocheted. Lucky for me I'm not trying to convince anyone that it's anything other than that...and you can only really tell if you're looking directly down on top of my head. I'm almost 6 foot tall so not many people will be getting that view!

All in all it's cool and I plan on keeping them in for at least 3 weeks. I'll be seeing how many styles I can pull off, and of course I'll share them with you =D

Check out MissGlamourGirl11992's video on how to actually do the style. She makes it look SO easy and trust me IT IS! She uses curly bulk hair but the application is the same if you decide to use the Marley hair.

Feeling Moody

(Source)

No it's not completely hair related but I saw these photos and had to share! Talk about FIRECE! If you're wondering where you can cop your own knitted creation check out Feeling Moody. The designer/creator, Sarita Moody, is a fellow natural and blogger as well. Check her out HERE. Me personally? I'm just trying to get my own scarf and have a fly photo shoot as well!

In not-so-perfect harmony

A year ago I won a contest where the prize was a deep conditioning treatment from the brand Curl Harmony. At the time I had just big chopped about a week before I won and I had just started my “Product Junkie” phase. Needless to say I bought so many other products to try I forgot that I even owned this deep conditioner. I tried it maybe twice around the time I received it, but not enough to determine whether it was worth it’s wild. So last night I decided to give it a try.

Curl Harmony Intensive Repair Deep Conditioner:

Curl Harmony Intense Repair is a luxurious deep treatment that strengthens and moisturizes. Essential for curls damaged by heat styling and/or relaxers. Enriched with healing Shea Butter, Coconut Butter and smoothing Jojoba oil. Perfect for reviving damaged, dull or dry hair. For all hair types

Ingredients: Aqua , Behentrimonium MethosulphateCetearyl Alcohol,ﾠCocos Nucifera (Coconut Butter), Butyrospermum parkii (Shea Butter), Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Hydrolysed Corn and Wheat protein, Cetyl Alcohol, Panthenol, Glycerine, DL-Alpha Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Parfum, Silk Amino Acid Powder, Lactic Acid

The consistency is what my hair loves. Because my hair is so thick, it needs a very thick conditioner to coat the strands. Not to mention a little goes a long way. The ingredients aren’t that bad either. A lot of good stuff like jojoba oil, shea butter and coconut butter are inside. Because it claims to help with damaged hair I thought it would be a good idea to try because my hair has been feeling very dry and almost brittle lately (signs that I need a trim and a good protein treatment in the near future).

I used it on some chunky twist and put on a plastic shower cap. The directions say to leave it on for 20 to 30 min but I chose to leave it on overnight.

In the morning I rinsed the conditioner out of my hair and my hair felt…well….real regular. I’ve made deep conditioners myself that gave my hair much more softness and moisture. When I rinsed this DC out It felt exactly like it would if I had just rinsed out a shampoo. Not like I just rinsed out a conditioner.

Maybe next time I’ll incorporate honey, aloe vera juice and some oils to enhance it, but as of right now I won’t be picking this item up, personally. Which isn’t a big deal since the company is based in England and currency conversion and shipping would bring the price of this product WAY over my budget.

What deep conditioners have you tried and loved....or not loved very much?

This Week's LUUUUST!

This week's lust was inspired by not only the beautiful head of hair these ladies rock but the super fly style they all have. Beauty and Fashion....what a beautiful duo...

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