Mixology 101: Honey

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Now that summer is officially over and the cold breeze of the autumn is here its important now more than ever to make sure your hair is moisturized, to keep from being dry. Things like deep conditioners, moisturizing spritz and leave-ins are all ways of keeping your strands moist.

One agent that can be used to help with added moisture is something that you can find in your own pantry. Honey is considered one of nature’s well kept secrets. Honey serves as a natural humectant. In other words, when honey is exposed to air it naturally absorbs water molecules from the air. This makes it an ideal ingredient in your hair care regimen. It traps and seals in the moisture leaving your hair shiny, moisturized and healthy.

Like oils, the brands of honey that you will find the most beneficial are the brands that have not altered the honey's properties. So like Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Cold Pressedcastor oil, try to find Raw honey so you will get all the nutrients and properties that could be lost from over processing and heating.

Of course adding honey directly to your hair can be an extremely sticky situation but it isn’t as hard to deal with as you may think. Here are some ideas that can help you incorporate honey into your routine.

Hot Oil/Honey Treatment: (video)

Honey Infused Deep Conditioner: (recipe)

What you will need:

• Conditioner of choice (I used Aussie Moist)
• 2 Tbp Favorite oil (consider using olive, coconut, castor, jojoba, or sweet almond)
• 2 Tbps Raw honey
• Bowl and spoon for mixing

Mix all the ingredients into the bowl with your spoon. Apply mixture to wet hair. Cover your hair with a plastic cap. Leave hair covered for at least an hour (sometimes I do it over night and my hair feels FANTASTIC the next day). Feel free to sit under a hooded dryer or a steamer. Rinse the mixture out of your hair and continue with your usual styling.

*Happy Hair Days*

Stylin': The Crown

Just stopping by to show you guys how I wore my hair yesterday. I am still working with the braid-out I posted. Since I didn't have time to wash my hair and I wanted to salvage the style until today. I did a quick pin-up style that I saw on Ms. DuchessWright's Youtube Channel. She calls it "The Crown" and it's one of the simplest styles ever. Here's some pics of the style and you can check her video out below.

Stylin': The braid out

One of my favorite go to styles after wash day is the simple braid out. This time around I used Miss Jessie's Curly Meringue to braid up the mane. I started with freshly washed/deep conditioned hair, then used Sofn' free's Gro Healthy Milk Protein & Olive Oil Strengthening Creme as a leave in and sealed my ends with Castor oil. I used a small amount of the MJCM and did between 20 and 25 braids. I kept the braids in the entire next day and when I finally took them down the texture was poppin!

Because I used so many braids and I didn't want to disturb the curl pattern I did little to no fluffing this first day.

I can't seem to avoid shrinkage. But I'm cool with it. I will say that the braids did help stretch my hair a good bit. Much more than if I were to do a wash & go.

That night I braided my hair in 9 large braids by reusing the Milk and Olive strengthing Creme, castor oil and MJCM. Tied my silk scarf on and the next day I was ready to take down the chunk braids.

I like BIG, full hair and curls. So after fluffing out the hair a little the 2nd day hair looked even better than the first day!

This Week's LUUUUST!

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This Can't Be Real!

Me and this here blog....a fight is looming on the horizon. But I guess I can only blame my non-technological self. I'm over here typing ALL the post on my new Samsung Galaxy and then yesterday I check the blog on my computer for the first time in ages and I realize that NONE of the post were actually published since mid August! Clearly I won't be using the Blogger app on my phone anymore. So now I'm backed up on post and it seems like I took a hiatus once again, when really I've been soooo on point. Well call it a lesson learned...

And because of the publishing issues the winner of the Shea Moisture Giveaway was never publicly announced. Although it was not done purposely I do consider it bad ethics on my part, and for that I apologize. The winner was

Shades.of.Amber!

She has already received her products and I hope she'll let us know how she enjoys them!

Because of my unfortunate mix-up I will be hosting another giveaway in the very near future. I want whatever products/goodies I giveaway to be really useful to you all. Which means I need to do a little research. So stay on the look out for that.

So now that all of my post for the last month have been saved to drafts I think I'll just slowly publish them on here over the next few days. I know when bloggers post too frequently it can be overwhelming and I don't want that to be the case. Thanks for bearing with me through all of my ridiculousness! I really do appreciate it. You guys are amazing!

*Happy Hair Days*

The Nu Growth Challenge: Getting Started

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In the last year I've been wearing my hair in more protective styles than I can count. I can definitely vouch for protective styling because the growth I've seen in this first year of my healthy hair journey has been GREAT. And I know the reason for the length retention is because I've hardly never saw my hair without braids, twists or weaves. But as I get into this second year I want to try something new. I want to be able to wear my hair out more, while keeping the moisture and strength of my strands.

One of my favorite youtube bloggers, The Trendy Socialite, has created "The Nu Growth Challenge". It's a 4 month challenge, (whew!) August 1- November 6, that helps us establish a regular regimen and discipline when it comes to your hair, helping you get to the length and condition you want from your hair. To keep it from getting monotonous, we will change or add something to the challenge each week.

Each week I'll do an update on the challenge. I'll give you the changes and additions that will be given week by week.

August 1- 7

Water Intake- Our mositure balance in our hair comes from how we hydrate our bodies on the inside. Try drinking at least 64 oz. of water each day (8 glasses). [This will probably be the hardest part of the challenge for me. I hate the taste (or lack there of) of water. ]

Vitamin Intake- If you aren't already taking any vitamins or supplements make sure to speak with your physician first. I've been taking biotin as well as B-12 off and on but I want to take them daily during the challenge. Finding a multi-vitamin such as Women's One a Day gives you all the nutrients you need to keep not only your hair healthy but your entire body as well.

Weekly Wash Day- To start out the challenge you want to make sure that your hair is at a clean starting point . For me I'll be starting off with a henna treatment and then clarifying my hair. It's important to start with hair that has no build-up and toxins from past product usage. They can have an effect on the outcome.

Deep Condition- Deep conditioning is a MUST with this challenge. Especially this first week after you clarify your hair. The nutrients and moisture that will be removed from the washing will need to be re-distributed into your hair.

Length check- If your goal is length retention you'll probably want to see a noticeable growth within your hair these upcoming months. A good way to visually see the difference is to take photos of your starting point. Take pic of the front of your hair, sides, back and top stretched, so you can accurately see the length.

Moisture Spritz- Moisture is key in length retention as well as overall healthy hair. Come up with a concoction of your favorite moisturizing ingredients in a spray bottle, so you can refresh your hair whenever it needs a little hydration. Use water, a bit of conditioner, aloe vera juice, your favorite oils or whatever you like!

I encourage you all to try the Nu Growth Challenge. Please share your experiences here on the blog! Feel Free to tweak and modify any portion to your ability. But remember it is a challenge, which means it will be slightly difficult at first. But with a patience and discipline I'm sure it will be for the best!

(For more info on the Nu Growth Challenge be sure to watch The Trendy Socialite's video here.)

*GIVEAWAY* (closed)

I hope you're ready for this. It's the first giveaway here on Shay_Buttah. And I'm really excited because the prizes, in my opinion, are GREAT!!!

Most of you are probably familiar with the Shea Moisture Brand. The products are natural and really help with the health of your hair. The lack of chemically laden products ensure that you make your transition into healthy and strong hair easy. They have styling, maintaining, conditioning and moisturizing products for not only your hair but your body as well. There are a few Shea Moisture lines that are designed specially for certain needs.

With this giveaway the winner will be able to try all of the products from two of the lines! The Organic Raw Shea Butter & Argan Oil Repair & Transition line and The Organic Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine line.

The winner will receive two kits containing:

Organic Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Kit

• The Curl & Shine Shampoo
• The Curl & Style Milk
• The Hold & Shine Moisture Mist
• The Curl Enhancing Smoothie

Organic Raw Shea Butter & Argan Oil Repair & Transition Kit

• The Moisture Retention Shampoo
• The Restorative Conditioner
• The Straightening Elixir
• Deep Treatment Masque

Entering is EASY! Here's the Rules:

1.There will be one (1) winner

2.They will recieve two (2) kits

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 product from either of the two lines you're excited to try/use.

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, July 29, 2011 to August 19, 2011

11. TELL YOUR FRIENDS!

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