Category: Hair

Glossybox – The Style Edition Review

After having received my first ever Glossybox last month, I was eagerly awaiting this month’s arrival, in hope that this time the contents would be slightly more appealing.

I opened this month’s box with optimism but I have to say, I wasn’t overcome with excitement over the products that I saw at first glance…

The Nails Inc polish may have stirred a more positive emotion, if it didn’t look like the drabbest shade of khaki I’d ever seen. It only added to my disappointment when I checked the information card and saw that the other shade that some people received, was a pretty blush pink, a shade I would have actually worn – *sighs*.

Okay, so aside for the nail polish, what else was in the box… Unfortunately the next product I spotted wasn’t much better. It was a Maria Nila Luminous Colour Hair Masque and seeing as it was the biggest item in the box, it was a bit disappointing considering I don’t have dyed hair. A colour hair masque is a bit wasted on me.

Next was a Bellapierre shimmer pot in shade Whesek. I recently discovered Bellapierre cosmetics in last month’s Lookfantastic Beauty Box. Luckily enough, this shimmer pot came in a different shade to my last one and although not a colour I would have chosen myself, I’m sure I’ll find use for it at some point.

As someone with big curly afro hair, these Invisibobbles really did not excite me. Bobbles routinely get lost in my hair anyway and when your hair is as curly as mine, there’s not much point in a bobble that isn’t suppose to leave kinks.

Finally the last item in the box was this Marsk eyeshadow brush. This for me was the one item I was happy with, as I often want more makeup brushes and I see myself actually using this eventually.

Needless to say I wasn’t overly thrilled with September’s Glossybox. I feel that a couple of the products certainly weren’t tailored to me at all, which is a shame considering I filled out a online profile so that the products in my subscription could be geared towards me somewhat. I’m sure that for many other people, this box may have been great but for me I just didn’t feel like the majority of the products were ones that I would like to try or buy in the future.

I still don’t want to completely write off Glossybox just yet though. I still have one box left out of my three month subscription and I’m hoping that the next one can end my experience with Glossybox on a high… We shall see.

Samio x

Check out my September LookFantastic Beauty Box review here.

You can also read my first Glossybox review here.

September 28, 2015
The Curly Girl Tag

I have to say, I’m rather getting into this whole ‘video thing’. I’ve currently been trying to keep up with uploading one video per week to my YouTube channel, which is so far, so good (for the past 3 weeks at least) and hopefully this is set to continue.

I love blogging but I feel YouTube is a good extension to the content I post here and I like how with videos, a little more of your personality is able to be shown.

Anyway for this recent video I decided to do something a little different on my channel and do my first ever ‘tag’ video. It felt only right to start with the ‘Curly Girl Tag’ (for obvious reasons). As I often get asked questions about my hair, I thought it would be fun to answer these 10 questions in this tag…

1. What inspired you to go natural or wear your hair curly?
2. Who are your favourite curly hair idols?
3. Which YouTube curly girl would you trade curls with for a day?
4. If you could have only one product for a year, which product would you chose?
5. If you could change one thing about your curls what would it be?
6. What’s the craziest thing you’ve tried on your “natural hair journey”?
7. What’s your secret ingredient that your curls LOVE the most?
8. If you could merge two brands of products to make your perfect product, which two would it be?
9. What is your go-to hair style when you’re in a rush?
10. If your curly hair had a name, what would it be and why?

Watch my Curly Girl Tag video here:

Samio x

September 25, 2015
Geenie Pro Products For All Hair Types – Review

I don’t know how I haven’t blogged these hair products sooner. I think sometimes when I find new products that I really love, I often get carried away with using them and forget to actually share my discovery here on my blog. I’d had these product for a couple of months before really starting to use them regularly. I can often be quite reluctant to try new products on my hair and I find it hard to sway from the products I’m used to. With these products however, I’m happy to find that I have a real liking for them and my curls seem to really like them too!

The shampoo is great at making my hair feel squeaky clean without leaving it feeling dry afterwards and the menthol scent makes my hair smell super fresh after washing it. It really helps to leave my scalp and hair feel fully product free after any build up that may have occurred from using leave in products and I love that it’s also sulphate free (read the full ingredients here).

The hair masque is something that I’ve been loving recently too. When my hair is feeling dry or in need of some extra nourishment, this stuff works great at bringing my curls back to their former glory. The two products combined make the perfect combo and work well to keep my curls feeling and looking healthy.

Both of these products are for use on all types of hair (even hair extensions), which I think is great, as I love products that can treat and work on different hair types. Obviously I haven’t seen it tried out on different hair than my own but I’d love to see how other people find it on their hair type. – so if you have or do try it, let me know how it works for you.

Have you tried any different hair products recently that you love?

Samio x

You can shop the Geenie Pro hair products here.

July 10, 2015
My Braid Out Tutorial Video – Getting To Grips With YouTube

This week I uploaded my fifth video onto YouTube. A few people had been requesting I do a braid out video, so I finally got round to doing that and for those of you who have watched it already, thanks for taking the time to do so and I hope you found it useful.

I’m slowly getting to grips with the whole YouTube thing and I’ve really appreciated all the lovely comments and suggestions so far (which have of course prompted me to make this current video).

I’d originally only planned on doing a one off video, after having requests for a video on my Wash and Go routine. But I guess there is no such thing as ‘just one video’ when it comes to YouTube, as I am now learning. I like to go with the flow with these things, so we’ll see if it becomes a regular occurrence or not and although I’ve not quite got the bug for it yet (like I do with blogging), I must say I have found it surprisingly enjoyable (aside from a few minor filming/editing frustrations).

So anyway, here is my most recent video. It is aimed at people with curly to Afro hair but I actually have a friend with European/straight hair who uses the same technique (with no product, on damp hair). So some of you non Afro haired ladies out there could find it useful for creating waves or lose curls in your hair, heat free. My advise is, the less coarse your hair texture, the less product you’ll probably need to use… Anyway, check out the video and you’ll see. Plus if you’d like to see my step by step written braid out tutorial, you can check out this older post here.

http://youtu.be/wOM78iwC4gM

Samio x

April 10, 2015
OGX Hydrating Macadamia Oil – Penetrating Oil Review

Previously I’ve used the Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Serum and the Organix hydrating Macadamia dry styling oil and really liked both, so this time I thought I’d give this OGX Hydrating Macadamia Penetrating Oil a go. –(The link is to an American site, however for those of you from the UK, you can actually buy this in Boots, they just didn’t have it online.)

First of all this oil smells really nice (as do all the OGX oils I’ve previously used). The consistency of the oil is quite thick but easy pours out onto your hand. You can apply this oil to damp or dry hair and it works great to help control frizz and define curls whilst adding a nice shine.

Usually I would use an oil along with another leave in products but on this occasion I used just the oil to see its effects in my hair.

I applied the oil to my hair whilst it was damp and then let it air dry. You can see below my curls after air drying with the penetrating oil left in. My curls were left looking glossy and defined. The product isn’t too heavy on the hair and so my hair was left feeling light weight and soft too. Because this product isn’t too greasy it would be good for use on straight and wavy hair too, as it is meant for all hair types.

After air drying my hair, I then used a hair dryer to blow parts of my hair out slightly and add volume. You can see on the image below that my hair had gone a lot bigger but my curls were still defined. I was left with a little more frizz (which is fine by me) and my hair still felt light and soft with a nice shine through it.

like I said, I’ve used the OGX oils before and for me they are ideal for when I’m off to a shoot or to pop in my gym bag if I’m washing my hair. For my particular hair type I feel it’s best for me to use this product along with another product, like say a leave in conditioner first. Otherwise if I regularly use this product alone, I end up using it up too fast as my hair soaks it up so easily. I like using this penetrating oil just before drying my hair, to help add shine. It is also a good product for me to use on the ends of my hair and I like to keep it in my bag for on the go.

Samio x

January 31, 2015
2 Easy Methods for Creating a Quick and Easy Frohawk

It’s always good to experiment with different styles with your afro or curly hair, especially if you’re transitioning or are in a process of trying to grow your hair and fancy something different. Some days the regular puff just doesn’t cut it, so why not try out a frohawk if you haven’t done before. It’s actually a rather simple style to achieve and here a my two easiest methods for doing so…

Method 1 – The Kirby Grip/Bobby Pin Method

Whatever you like to call them, kirby grips or bobby pins, using them to pin your hair in place is a super easy way to create a frohawk hair style.

First of all I added volume and fizz to my hair by combing it out slightly with an afro comb. You can do this look with any type of curly hair of course, I just decided to go for a more wild, frizzy look so that I could create a bigger frohawk.

First of all get a bunch of kirby grips. I used around 8 or 10 kirby grips (between 4 and 5 on each side). For a tighter more slick style or if your adding product to neaten up the sides you may want to use more kirby grips.

Make sure all of your kirby grips have their nibs on the end, like the one on the right here. Often I find some of my older kirby grips lose their nib, like this one on the left, which can be slightly painful as well as damaging on your hair when trying to pin it in place. So be sure to throw any kirby grips without a nib in the bin before you get started.

(btw, kirby grips/bobby pins go curvy side down when sliding them into your hair, in case you weren’t sure)

Start by grabbing the lower section of your hair on one side of your head and pull it back before sliding in your first kirby grip to hold the section of hair in place.

Work forward, grabbing the next section of hair and pinning the hair back in place until you have lifted and pinned all of your hair on one side.

Work from the front to the back of your hair if you find it easier and repeat the technique on the other side of your head so that both sides are pinned up.

There you have it, your kirby grip frohawk. Like I said, if you want a slicker, more neater looking frohawk then you can add products to the sides and comb the hair as you pin it to make it look super neat. I however rather like the rough and ready look.

Method 2 – The Bobble/Hair Tie Method

Again, whatever you call these, bobbles (my personal favourite) or hair ties, you will need three of them.

Section the middle front part of hair on your head. This doesn’t have to be neat but try and make it central, then bobble it.

Repeat this with the middle section of hair (behind the first puff), this time also bringing in the hair from the sides, up to round about your ears. Again don’t worry about the sections being super neat.

The first two sections tied up should look like this – a semi frohawk.

Finally grab the remaining lower section of hair and tie in a bobble.

This will create three puffs on your head, which you can tweak around slightly with your fingers to make sure all the hair blends together (if it doesn’t initially).

And voilà, the quick and easy three bobble frohawk.

So if you’re having a bad hair day, or maybe just fancy doing something different, why not try out a quick and easy frohawk using one of these simple methods.

I would love to know some of your thoughts. Have you ever tried a frohawk or do you think you’d like to try out this style in the future?

Samio x

January 13, 2015
Naturally Curly Hair – Wash and Go Routine

I get asked quite a lot about my hair routine and more recently quite a few people have been asking me to do a video on how I style my hair. I previously posted a mini video of my wash and go on Instagram a while back but since some of you were asking, I though it was about time that I made a full length version for those of you with similar hair or others who may just be curious.

I’ve done a previous post detailing my wash and go here. Since then some of the products I use have changed, plus I have a different hair cut. In this video I use Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment and Macadamia Leave In Cream . Prior to drying I washed my hair with The Body Shop’s Rainforest Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the video. If you do, please like it. 🙂

Samio x

January 11, 2015
How to Add Volume To Your Hair Whilst Keeping Curl Definition

Since having my hair cut shorter I’ve been trying my best not to over style my hair and blow it out from the root to combat shrinkage. Instead I’ve been reverting back to my old ways and have been trying to do braids outs as often as I can, only using heat styling when it’s for work. For me, I find doing a braid out really helps to lengthen the hair and also keep my curls looking fresh, heat free. I have a previous post on how I do my braid out, which you can view here.

If you notice on my braid out tutorial post (linked above) my curl pattern looks a lot different from my hair in this post. This is partly to do with the fact that my hair has been cut a lot shorter as well as having a fringe/bangs added and also I have used different products for each braid out. Also you have to take into account that with curly hair, no two hair days will be the same.

In this post the same technique has been used to do the braid out but I applied the products to dry hair (using products to add moisture and dampen the hair), also not using a brush and instead gently combing through the hair with my fingers as I did each braid. For this braid out I used the Macadamia Nourishing leave in cream and the John Frieda Frizz Ease Oil Elixir. I like to mix up which products I use from time to time and depending on what type of results I want, I tend to alternate.

So here is my hair post braid out. My curls are defined but for me I find it’s a little too neat and I also like to have a lot more volume.

The thing I find with a braid out, is that it’s very easy to disturb the newly formed curl pattern and so I don’t just dive in there with an afro comb like I usually would after a wash and go. Instead I divide the hair into rough sections and build volume carefully that way.

For me I use a clip or in this case a wash peg (my clips seem to have ran away) and clip the upper section of one side of my hair to work on adding volume on the lower section. I do this by holding my desired section a couple of inches from the end and then carefully work my afro comb from the root up to where my hand is. This way the curls are being brushed out but only to where my hand is holding. So not to ruin any of the curl definition at the ends.

Using the same technique, I then begin to work on the upper section of my hair before moving onto the other side. I make sure not to back comb my hair whilst doing this. I’m only brushing downward from the root to where my hand is and never up, so I’m careful not to cause the hair to become knotty and damaged. Also it’s a lot easier for me to work though my hair after a braid out so when I am combing out the roots I’m never forceful or breaking the hairs as I’m doing it.

Afterwards my hair is left looking volumized with my curl definition still in tact.

Samio x

More posts you might like: Macadamia Natural Oil: My Curls Before and After

Braid Out Vs Wash and Go

November 25, 2014
Curly Hair – How I Get Defined Curls

My hair type is 3c and so it naturally forms into very tight ringlets, however the way in which I comb my hair, along with what products I use, effects the definition of my curls.

For me, defining my curls starts with detangling. I comb my hair after washing it, whilst it’s still wet and usually with conditioner still in the hair. This makes it easier to comb through the hair and detangle without causing breakage. I detangle my hair by brushing the ends first, slowly making my way up through the hair until it is fully detangled and smooth enough to brush from root to tip.

I use the Macadamia No Tangle brush. I’d definitely recommend this brush (or one similar) to those with curly hair, as it really does make it much easier to comb through the hair and it prevents the breakage that a regular brush would cause. This is my main tool for creating defined curls as when I comb through the hair it glides through without separating all of the curls (like some afro combs do) and so when my curls bounce back up they form into their natural coils.

I then add my Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment and brush through my hair once more to make sure that the oil is spread throughout my curls. After combing I then add a leave in conditioner, in this instance I used Macadamia Leave in Cream. I then wrap my hair in a towel to begin to dry it.

When my hair is still damp I then take the towel off my hair, spray it with Macadamia No Tangle spray before using my hairdryer on a medium heat to dry my hair fully. I use a TREsemme hair dryer without attaching the diffuser.

If I feel any parts of my hair need it, I will rub some more of the Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment onto my hands and rub it onto my hair.

Once my hair is fully dried, I’m left with defined and glossy curls like this.

Samio x

August 30, 2014
Dream Curls – John Frieda Frizz Ease

I’ve recently been using the John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Shampoo and John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Conditioner. I really like these products. For me they work really well on my curls. I don’t like to shampoo too often but for me I need to do a full wash at least a couple of times a week to prevent product build up. Also because I go to the gym quite often it’s something I find necessary for my hair as apposed to ‘no poo‘ techniques. The Dream Curls Shampoo does well to clean the hair and scalp without leaving my hair feeling too dry afterwards and the Dream Curls Conditioner works well to detangle my curls and make my hair softer and more manageable.

(more…)

May 20, 2014