Hair Update: Wigging all December

It's been a minute and I know y'all wondering if I went into hairding (hiding) again...

It's so tough at work at the end of the year I hardly have time for my hair. So I've chosen to keep my hair in wigs till we break for Christmas. And I'm totally loving the easy care routine. No worry over styling. This is getting nicer each time I try it and I'm looking at wigging more next year...#new year  hair resolutions being made already.

And, I'm no fan of human hair as I feel it is expensive but bought for the first time and we'll see how it goes. Video update on my wig , hair extensions purchased and how I keep my hair underneath here: 

 I just need a mannequin head to start wig making! Don't forget to like and leave comments below. 

Cheers,

Star.

3 Year Hairniversary!!

Yaaaaay.....and I'm glad I started! After 3 years, I'm all smiley cos the whole journey has been worth it. I've not only grown longer and thicker hair, but I've made some awesome friends and started a business alongside. I dream of bigger and better things, all because of my hair journey. 

I texlaxed a few days ago and as usual had a lot of texture left in ...a little more than I wanted but there will be another relaxer day in the future and hopefully, I can stretch it out more. My focus has changed and I am more keen on thickness than growth; though having both will be awesome. Hheheehehhehe....makes me smile too wide each time I dream of thick, long, fabulous texlaxed tresses. 

It has been such an awesome hair journey. I've had my share of setbacks and challenges...I still have a lot of relaxed hair to get rid of as I began texlaxing last year and absolutely intend to be fully texlaxed by the end of my 4th year on my HHJ. 

I've learnt more each day as my hair gets longer to keep it in low to no manipulation styles to reduce breakage. I've discovered amazing products such as T444Z Hair Food, Manetabolism Vitamins, Groganics range of products and Vitamins, Afroriri range of products, Vitale and ORS range of products that I love and still use whenever I have the opportunity, just to mention a few; that grow, strengthen and maintain my strands and keep them healthy looking. 

To all ladies growing their hair along with me, Never Give Up!! And to you my awesome readers, each time I look at my pages views, I am so encouraged to keep going despite the frustrations because I have your support. Thanks you so much for your support and prayers, and well wishes......and let's keep growing together. Everything I do, I do for you!! 

THANK YOU!

MERCI BEAUCOUP!!

GRACIAS!!!

When did you start your hair journey? 

Cheers,

Star. 

Hair Update: Almost 6 weeks post

It's been a real struggle for me lately with so much texture in my hair to the point where I just feel it is best to leave my hair alone. 

Unfortunately, there is only one hairdresser I can trust to braid my hair without half falling off my head due to pulling and tugging; and she's on maternity leave. Looks like I have to wait a few more weeks before I can get a long term protective style.

In the meantime, I've adopted a no-comb lifestyle. I just moisturise and seal, and put my hair right back into a style without combing. I finger detangle to remove as much tangles as I can, but I am so used to my hair no being so smooth and sleek anymore.

If I don't get it done this weekend, will probably grab one of my old wigs and try wigging till I make it at least past 8 weeks before I relax. I'm loving all the stuff I'm using in my hair at the moment...groganics products, afroriri products, hawaiian silky 14 in 1 and a couple of others....and biotin. For now, I see no real need to change products. 

Check out my review of NOW Biotin 5000mcg....

I want to retouch my new growth honestly..it's enough to do so but I just want to go past the general rule of 8 weeks . 

Cheers,

Star. 

Details of Last Relaxer Day!

Hi lovelies,

Just as promised, here goes my relaxer day in as much detail as I can give. Having to deal with 3 textures at 18 weeks post was not feeling funny anymore. Wash days began to feel like horror days and I just didn't look forward to it. Not, not, not that kind of feeling I want to have as far as my hair is concerned. So as much as I really wanted to get to 20 weeks, I just woke up that night and at 10 pm , I had absolutely no desire to wake up with hair not retouched. It was late, I was tired but Lord knows where I found my way to my relaxer. 

Threading for wash days were not working anymore and I had to try braids. It was far better than threading and it definitely is the way to go for my texture and length of hair now. I had been keeping my own hair in these large braids under my wig after I took my braid extensions out. 

I parted my hair into 4 large sections, detangled and coated the already processed parts with castor and coconut oil mix. I used a lot of oil as I bought the Motions Relaxer in super strength and didn't want to risk processing the already texlaxed parts.

I do not use a comb on relaxer days as I find that it delays the process for me. I make the parts with my hands and apply the relaxer with my hands. I always wear gloves. 

I scooped out enough relaxer and stirred it to get it into a smooth paste. This relaxer was so soft already that was a step I could have skipped . 

I made parts quickly and applied the relaxer starting in the back as always; cos my hair grows thicker in there. It was my first time of using this relaxer and so I worked very fast as I wasn't sure how it would process. This relaxer surprised me honestly. It was so gentle and smooth to apply, didn't have that huge awful relaxer scent. I actually had to put my nose close to it to smell it to be sure it was a relaxer. I was amazed at how it felt on my hair...like a deep conditioner. Hair felt soft within minutes of application.  I had no sensation at all after 15 minutes....that was a nice surprise considering it was super strength and I thought I won't make it through 10 minutes. Boy, I was so wrong!

I worked the relaxer with my fingers, stretching the new growth for the last 5 minutes of the time and then I rinsed it out. It rinsed out so easily. Meeeeehn, I had such an awe with this relaxer. How do I describe the feeling.....

I applied ES Keratin Hair Treatment right after and then followed with ORS aloe shampoo twice after rinsing out. I then apllied ORS replenishing conditioner and waited for 15 minutes before I rinsed out. 

I then used my fan to airdry, applied Hawaiian Silky 14-in-1 as a leave in, Afroriri butter to moisturise and Afroriri Hair and scalp conditioner to seal. I used a little pure castor oil for a final step.

My hair felt .....hairmazing!! I was in real love! Need I say more?! 

I was so confident I would have no issues for a long while and I put on my satin cap and went right to bed. I have been enjoying my hair for the past week. No issues with reversion. My texture is just the way I love it and my hair is in it's glory days once again. 

Styling has been easy and believe me, I still comb my hair no more than twice a week. Most of the braids and updo styles do no need to be very sleek so I just style and use a comb to smooth it afterwards. 

I'm considering a long term protective style soon but I'm mighty bored with braids or twists now...been my go-to option for the past months.... and would love to try a weave this time.

What product surprised you pleasantly recently? 

Cheers,

Star.  

What's In My Stash (Part 1)

Hey everyone,

So over the past months I have tried to keep my hands away from more products. I was successful to some extent but couldn't help buying these products I'm yet to use. I was particularly excited about getting  free T444Z Hair Products Shampoo and conditioner and can't wait to try it out. 

Check them out in my new video. 

Thanks for watching and don't forget to subscribe.

Cheers,

Star. 

Relaxer Update: Motions Relaxer At It's Best!

Hey everyone,

I've been so busy lately I have not updated y'all on my hair and what's going on with it. I relaxed my hair almost 2 weeks ago at home. I loved how the Motions relaxer I used felt on my hair and how the results I got were.

               

After : August 2015 

Before: October 2014 

My ends are much, much thicker and better now. And having trimmed twice between these 10 past months, I am mighty happy with my hair. All the vitamins and the growth products I'm using have definitely been worth it. 

I will do a post later on the relaxer day and the process. 

Cheers,

Star.

Tutorial: 10 Cute Hairstyles for Box Braids/Twists! (Video)

Hey hairdies,

So this was a highly requested tutorial of how I styled my twists while wearing them and I thought it best to do a video. 

Don't forget to subscribe and leave your favourite styles in the comments section!!


Thanks for stopping by and hair update coming up soon!!


Cheers,
Star.

Pamper Your Hair Challenge : Edition 2 Begins!!

It's amazing how many ladies in Ghana and Nigeria, and everywhere else are catching the "Pamper Your Hair" fever!! We really want thick, long and healthy hair by the end of December......who doesn't want that?

Thank all the ladies who joined in Edition 1 and I'm so happy many of them are joining in Edition 2 again, as well as a couple of new ladies. Who wins the prize in Edition 2? 

Let's meet our wonderful ladies who have decided to care for their hair consistently for the next 6 months! 

Ama

Genie 

Emprezz Abena 

Irene 

Mimi

Naa Adjeley 

Aba 

Emefa

Ruby 

Pat 

Rosemary

Adoma

Maame Akosua 

Ayeyi 

Maamle 

Nana Yaa 

Rashida 

Maame Akua

Augustina

Adoma

JUDITH 

SOPHIA 

ANITA

24 Amaaaaaazing ladies are in the competition!! 

And by popular request, I'm updating 1 rule. All ladies who do regular check ins , at least monthly throughout the challenge stand to compete in the Final Voting Contest!! Just remember to care for your hair, and hashtag #ghpamperyourhair2015 with an update photo at least once a month on Instagrama and Facebook. Everyone else can join in the competition, however only the ladies above stand the chance to win 3 Groganics Products and a Length Check shirt at the end of the competition in December. Once again, photos with hair combed back or pulled back are preferrable and can be sent asap if you were unable to do so. It helps to easily judge your progress!! 

All the best ladies.....and on, on we journey to waist length! 

Cheers,

Star! 

Pamper Your Hair Challenge Edition 1: We Have A Winner!!

And the winner is.........

Maame Akosua!! Congratulations!! You have won a 5 product set of Afroriri Products. Kindly get in touch with me as soon as possible to collect your prize!


Thanks to all those who voted and Edition 2 contestants will be introduced soon.


Cheers,

Star!

VOTE NOW: Who Wins Pamper Your Hair Challenge Edition 1?

Finally! Finally! Finally!!

We are all so excited that the challenge has ended and now it's time for one lucky lady to win the Afroriri Starter Pack which contains 5 amazing product from Afroriri Haircare!! Whoever wins, your hair is going to be so glorious after using the Afroriri products for a few weeks!! Trust me!

All the contestants did very well. Most of those who submitted ending photos had made progress with their hair; either in length, thickness or health. The contestants who did not check in at least once a month by posting progress pictures with hashtag #ghpamperyourhair2015 were not considered in the final selection process.  

Please find below the final 3 contestants who were chosen based on their overall progress.

Whose hair has improved the most in the last 6 months?

Is it.............

MAAME AKOSUA

Is it.........

MERCY

Is it.........

MAYBEL

The TRIPLE M......their names all start with M....amazing! The time has come for us all to decide. Please look closely at each lady's before and after photo in the grids; and vote by typing out the NAME of the lady you think made the most progress in the COMMENT SECTION.

Voting ends at midnight on 20th July....means there are only 4 days of voting. Woooohooooooooo!! I can't help but feel excited for these ladies! There's no time to waste.

Every vote counts!! Let's vote wisely!


LET THE VOTING BEGIN AND MAY THE BEST HAIRSISTA WIN!! 



Cheers,
Star.

Hair Update: 13 Weeks Post Relaxer

Hello Hairdies,

Go Star!! Go Star!! Go Star!! 

Wish you could catch the excitement in my words as I type!! I am 13 weeks relaxer! Jumping up and down, doing the crazy dance......hehheehhehehhehehhehe.....like it's some mean feat but I've not stretched this long since early 2014 so it is really, really a huuuuuuuge deal for me. 

I planned to stretch 8 weeks initially but once I decided to get these twists despite my struggles with the new growth, I realised it was easy breezy caring for my hair. No hustling on wash days, no detangling wahala, no styling issues......it was just "relax and enjoy" for these past 4 weeks. 

How Did I care for my hair and scalp in the past 4 weeks? Check out my video update.

Now to my new growth!! Just look at that beauty!! Feels so so so soft !! It's been T444Z Hair Food and Groganics Liquid Scratch Scalp Tonic on my scalp and Dark, and Lovely Hair Refresher on the braids 2-3 times a week for the first 3 weeks. I confess I got lazy the 4th week and 3 days today and have not done anything to my hair. No vitamins. No inversion. No other secret hair concoctions ..hehhehehhehehhe. 

I'm just so happy I stayed consistent this time for at least 3 weeks. My growth is really a lot. It could be almost an inch. This week however, I will do the ghe every 3 days. I am wary of massaging at this time as I am not sure I would not cause breakage in the process.

So I've been going around with that "bush" underneath, laughing about funny queries about my bushy hair. Yeah, yeah..the impression here is usually that you are too broke to get a new hairdo...lol...but seriously, I'm just not in the mood to sit for 4 plus hours to undo the braids and detangle; and the past weekends have been busy attending events...and I'm attending 2 this whole weekend. Will be back to work on Monday like this again and I would just have to keep smiling and laughing at the remarks. 

Things We Do For Hair.....Lmao!!

What is the longest period you have ever kept braids in? 

Cheers,

Star.

Pamper Your Hair Challenge Ends!!

Hello lovely hairdies, 

It's so amazing it's half year already!! 

How is your hair journey so far? 

Remember I started a challenge to help us all keep pampering our hair? Yaaaaaas!! The 1st Edition has ended!! Finally, one lucky contestant will go home with a pack of Afroriri products. 

The contestants for the first edition should kindly send their comparison photos; before and now via message on my facebook page. You can also post your photo to instagram and use the hashtag #ghpamperyourhair2015. 

When does the next edition begin? 

Begins on the 16th of July. Anyone in Ghana or with an address in Ghana can join! 

Winner takes home:

GHlonghair Length Check Shirt

Groganics Growthick Hair Fattening Shampoo

Groganics Featherlite Voluminising Conditioner

Groganics Gro and Wild Intensive Growth Treatment 

Read more about the rules here and do join in the July to December edition and win some of my favourite products!! The rules remain the same. Use the hashtag #ghpamperyourhair2015 and indicate it is your starting photo. Send your starting photos before 16th July to be entered into the next edition. Those who contested in the first edition can contest again. 

Voting for the 3 finalists for the first edition would be on the 20th of July here on this blog. Remember, it is all about health and length........ all the best to everyone who contested!

Cheers,

Star. 

I Am Noir!!

Hello lovelies,

I'm mighty excited to be part of this community of vloggers on facebook and below is my video making this announcement on my channel. Enjoy!

With more views now, comments and more subscribers to my channel, I feel so motivated to do more video responses to questions and more videos on my haircare regimen. Hope you subscribe to my channel after watching.

Bless you!




Cheers,
Star.

New Protective Style: Twists

Howdy everyone,

Last weekend was a busy one. I had to go away from home for a couple of days and I was not too worried about what to do with my hair as I could wear a scarf for the funeral service I had to attend. On the first night, I moisturised my hair as usual and was detangling in sections when my comb broke! Like that was my favourite comb y'all. I didn't find it funny at all and realised I just couldn't deal with the thickness much more. 

My hair has gotten so thick over the past 6 months....I am just in a happy place right now..though I admit I'm still learning to embrace the challenges thicker hair comes with. 

So I just asked a friend the next day if there was a really good braider around and I was happy he did get me a good one. I got my hair braided up within 2 hours with 2 packs of extensions. It was totally painless. I asked her not to attempt to comb too much as I had done so already. She just made the parts and braided them up. Usually, I do not allow braiders to comb my hair especially when they section into the little parts to be braided up when I am more than 4 weeks post. Once they comb through initially with the big combs and tie it up, it's just sectioning and braiding time. I always insist on this when I meet new hairdressers; though some find it weird, they still comply. 

My braids are waist length.  I hadn't done twists in like forever and just wanted to see if it would "suit me". This was smaller than the last box braids I had, but I wanted it this size because I do want to keep them in for at least 6 weeks. I want to beat my itch to relax and really hope this helps. I will care for my hair though it is in braids as always. I will have a video up on my Youtube Channel on my braid care regimen soon.

And you know when you are feeling good about your braids, you just can't help taking a zillion photos! That's my favourite among the whole lot and hope I win your smile with mine!

Which do you prefer? Box braids or twists? 

Cheers,

Star. 

Secret Life of A Youtuber TAG!

Howdy!! Howdy!!

It's such a lovely sunny but cool day here in Ghana...and it just gives me that super happy feeling!!

I noticed this Secret Life of a Youtuber Tag on Youtube and I finally got tagged by EmprezzAbena and it was exciting to do this video. Hope you like it! 

Don't forget to leave your comments below and please subscribe.

Cheers,

Star. 

Product Review: Afroriri Luxe Hair Butter

Hello lovelies!!

This is one post that I have been dying to make a video of but unfortunately I have technical challenges so would just write everything......and hope you catch the excitement in my words as you read. It's going to be a long post .....brace yourself...*wide smile*

Afroriri Hair Butter is the product I would be reviewing today!! 

How I got Afroriri Butter:  I got contacted by Afroriri Haircare some months ago on my facebook page asking if I would love to try out their products and review. Oh glory day.....my answer was YES....and so because I quickly checked out their website and the products especially the ingredients were very inviting. They sent me the hair butter through a fellow blogger in Ghana. Their products are made in Nigeria but they have agents in some West African countries and Ukraine.

Later, I also got their black soap shampoo, detangling conditioner, luxe hair and scalp conditioner and satin cap in the beautiful bag when their team visited Ghana at the end of last year and I will review the other products in following posts. 

Size: 250ml 

Price: It is sold for 35ghs in Ghana. 

Packaging: It comes in white jar with a simple glued-on label. Nothing extremely fancy. 

Ingredients: It is made of sheabutter, cocoa butter, castor oil, almond oil, grapeseed oil, olive oil, coconut oil....and a host of wonderful oils as on label below. It comes in the consistency of a whipped butter. 

I simply fell in love with these ingredients!! It came as no surprise to me that Afroriri butter won an award in Nigeria. Whose hair wouldn't love these rich hair goodies? With these ingredients, though the butter came solid, after a while it melted because of the hot weather. This is not a problem if you keep the jar upright where you keep it. However, because I have kids who love to play with my products, I refrigerate it to keep it solid as the product is able to seep from the closed jar even if tightly closed. I love how it easily melts onto my fingers when I use it. Also, I realised that when exposed to too much heat, the product evaporates a bit. It is best to store in a cool place. 

Scent and colour: I loved the scent from the first day. Very pleasant and toffee-like...sweet! It doesn't have the strong sheabutter scent that comes with  some other shea products. However, when I later got some other jars for my online store, the scent wasn't exactly the same as the first and the sheabutter scent was stronger for some jars. So I guess the scent depends to a large extent on the sheabutter, kernel, castor ..etc etc oils and that is understandable as their ingredients are organic. The colour also varies from jar to jar..I noticed this as well. But I had 2 jars for myself, different colours, different scents.....but the effect on my hair was the exact same. Perfectly moisturising.

Promises and Uses: Locks in moisture in hair strands, conditions hair making it softer nad more manageable. Strengthens and thickens hair and protects from dryness, split ends and shedding. Use as a leave-in conditioner, on slightly damp hair before blowdrying, as a scalp conditioner between braids and weaves and as a steam treatment. With continuous use, you will notice softer, fuller and richer hair. 

This product is extreeeeeemely moisturising for my hair. I would say that these promises are so true for my hair...100% convinced! It is just amaaaaaaazing that when I moisturise my hair with this butter, it just comes alive. No matter how dry, dull, tired-looking it is, as soon as I apply this butter, my hair feels like I just had a hot oil or deep conditioning treatment. I have used this product for over 4 months, and I still have the same feeling of awesomeness. My hair still loves it totally!! A little goes a long way so a jar can last for many months. A great deal is also that it works for all hair types...natural, relaxed, texlaxed, loc'd hair can all enjoy this butter.

I have tried this product in all ways except as a leave in conditioner on wet hair. It worked great as a deep conditioning treatment and I leave mine in overnight or for no less than 4 hours before shampooing. I usually deep condition on dry hair. My ends "heal" instantly and I can let my hair down confidently..... and I also love the volume I've got over time. I have less breakage and my hair looks and feels better, has great shine and is more manageable. I started using it initially on my hair as a moisturiser only but for the past month, after I saw some progress photos and the mention that  it was a growth aid too I have been applying it to my scalp and I have noticed thicker new growth as well. It promises to help grow hair in 4 weeks, and I believe it really does. I would keep applying it to my scalp every 3 days as I do currently. I wish I had time to apply it to my scalp everyday. Can't imagine how much new growth I would have had to deal with. 

Would I purchase this product?

Absolutely! YES, YES and YES as long as my hair keeps loving it. It is a 5 star moisturiser for me. It is currently my most loved every day moisturiser.  It is reasonably priced and lasts very long. And from the reviews I've got from other users in Ghana, Afroriri hair butter has come to stay!! I just love it!! 

Where can you get Afroriri hair butter to buy? You can contact Afroriri Haircare on Instagram @afroririhaircare and check if they have agents in your country. 

Have you tried any hair butters?


Cheers,
Star.