How to Clip in Your Hair Extensions | Five Minute Tutorial!

When I first got my hair extensions, I had a 10 piece set and no idea what order to put each clip in. Where do I begin? There's all these different clips and sizes of wefts and I had no idea where to put each of them. 

I created this tutorial (and video below) to help those who need help where to place each hair extension weft. 

Let's start out by combing and in this case flat ironing our hair (if you're interested in a hair extension curling video, let me know. I got chuuu). The flat iron I use is by Herstyler found here.

Now it's time to part our hair. If you want to be precise with this step you can use a comb to get an even straight line. I just use my finger and a hair clip (way easier and faster than using a hair tie).

 The first part I do along the base of my neck and use a 3 clip weft. I leave enough hair for the hair extensions to clip to. The clips on hair extensions are pretty easy to use. To open the hair extension clip you want to bend the clip and it should open right away. To close the clip you bend the clip the opposite way. 

Tip: To get the extensions to hold better, I move each clip in small circular motions to tease the hair a little bit. Another option would be to back comb your hair or tease with a comb.  Back combing does cause a little bit of damage to your hair so this part is up to you.

Next section: 

Part hair at ears length and repeat above steps. 

At this point my head is wider, so I used a 4 clip weft.

Next section:

Part hair again around the area eyebrows.

This is still the widest point of my head so I used a 4 clip weft. 

Also I added 2 clip weft on each side of my head at this part.

Next Section: Crown of Head.

You don't want to go too high with hair extensions because you still want a layer of hair to hide the clips. If you feel as though this doesn't work for you, feel free to skip or make your lower parts closer together. 

Lastly:

1 clip wefts - Think of these like fillers. I like to use them around my face since that's where my hair is the thinnest. Add all 4 or 1-2 depending on how much volume you want to add. 

Here's an overall look on the placements of each weft: 

The hair extensions used here are by Yelloow. Their 10 piece clip in set retail for $97.
My color is ebony and these extensions are 22' long. You can find them here.

Here is a quick 5 minute tutorial:

HOW TO GET LOOSE CURLS WITH A CURLING WAND - EASY AND QUICK HAIRSTYLE FOR MEDIUM - LONG HAIR!

Watch how I curl my hair in 10 minutes everyday! Easy, quick tutorial on how to achieve loose voluminous curls. For more videos CLICK HERE and subscribe so you never miss a video!

STEPS FOR HOW TO ACHIEVE LOOSE CURLS:
- HEAT CURLING IRON TO PREFERRED TEMP (I PREFER 390 DEGREES)
- PART HAIR WITH HAIR CLIPS
- APPLY HEAT PROTECTANT
- START WITH BOTTOM SECTION AND CURL EACH PIECE AWAY FROM FACE
- FOR EXTRA HOLD, SPRAY SECTION WITH HAIR SPRAY

❥ PRODUCTS USED:
NUME 25 mm Curling Wand: http://bit.ly/28SFpc2
Hair Clips: http://amzn.to/28UkfKO
TRESEMME Heat Protectant: http://amzn.to/28Oqyk2
BIG SEXY HAIR Spray and Play: http://amzn.to/28UkwgP
BIG SEXY HAIR Powder Play: http://amzn.to/28Lk1ou

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❥ Related Videos:
⇢How to Highlight and Contour (Round Face)
https://youtu.be/tLEdjV4U_3o
⇢ How to Apply Eyeshadow For Beginners - Makeup 101
https://youtu.be/L_WqF5EC2Bw
⇢ MAKEUP HACK: SPOON CUT CREASE HACK
https://youtu.be/3MFrsRt4Xk4

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❥ What I'm Wearing:
Milani 2-in-1 Foundation Creamy Vanilla - http://amzn.to/1Z1AIOu
Urban Decay Naked Concealer http://bit.ly/1VHuPbj
MAC Refined Golden Bronzer: http://bit.ly/28M9NDd
ABH Modern Renaissance Palette: http://bit.ly/1Uk0PAE
ABH Glow Kit: http://bit.ly/23HAldv
Colour Pop Beeper Liquid Lipstick: http://bit.ly/28O2GPn

Tools - Bdellium Tools Brushes: http://bit.ly/1NQqdNn

❥ MUSIC/CAMERA/EDITING:
Camera: Canon T6i http://amzn.to/1W37GjD
Edit: FCP
Special Effects: Gabrielle Marie
Music by: NCS on YouTube

OLAPLEX TREATMENT REVIEW

Scroll down for review on YouTube.

So excited to talk about the Olaplex treatment I received, courtesy of Red Door Spa Atlantic City. I didn't know anything about Olaplex until I received the treatment. What I found out about it is that it's actually like insurance for your hair. It makes your hair smooth and shinny. In fact, it reconnects the broken disulfide sulfur bonds in your hair, which are typically broken during thermal and chemical services (coloring and hot irons).

The Process:

The process itself is simple and only two parts. The first treatment is applied to your hair and left in for ten minutes and then rinsed out. Next, the second treatment applied, left in for ten minutes, rinsed, then it's time to shampoo and condition. It's really that simple ;)

 

The Results:

I would say my hair is a little more on the dry side because of all the heat I apply to it, but after this treatment.. I couldn't believe how smooth and silky my hair was. The best part is how healthy it actually looks. I don't think there's ever been a time my hair has looked THIS healthy. I'm very pleased with my hair and very excited to have been able to try this treatment. I recommend Olaplex to anyone that wants to add life back to their hair, you'll be just as pleased as I was with the results.  

Until next time..

Love,

Christina 

Pssst! Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel. CLICK HERE

Anaconda - Artist Palette Makeup Tutorial - Anastasia Beverly Hills - Hellocrisst

Deep Green Smokey Eye featuring "Anaconda" a deep green shade from the new Artist Palette by Anastasia Beverly Hills.  Products used below. Don't forget to subscribe for more videos!

Products Mentioned:

Mitchel and Peach Face Radiance Oil

Cetaphil Facial Moisturizer

Maybelline Baby Skin Primer

L'oreal True Match W3

Smash Box Photo Finish Primer

Buttery - Artist Palette

Dusty - Artist Palette

Baby I'm a Star - Artist Palette

Coal - Artist Palette

Anaconda - Artist Palette

Moss - Lavish Palette

Legend - Amrezy Palette

Victoria Secret Face Powder

L'Oreal Smoldering Black Eye Pencil

L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara

House of Lashes Lash Glue

Anastasia Contour Kit

MAC Refined Gold Bronzer

MAC Warm Soul Blush

Becca Opal Highlighter

Anastasia - Pure Hollywood

MAC - Soar Lip Liner

Earrings - Piercing Pagoda

BRUSHES

BH COSMETICS (AFFORADABLE): http://bit.ly/1H92XW5

ZOEVA BRUSHES: http://zoeva.com

REAL TECHNIQUES: http://amzn.to/1GDffFP

MORPHE: https://www.morphebrushes.com

Watch other videos:

Pop of Color - Mermaid Inspired Tutorial: http://bit.ly/1DOrYiG

VERY FIRST VLOG - 25TH BDAY IN PHILLY: http://bit.ly/1C3oMnh

WHISPER CHALLENGE WITH BOYFRIEND: http://bit.ly/1BaugvZ

Camera Used:

SONY 5100 CAMERA: http://amzn.to/1Es1hER

Music:NCS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dhc_n...

SAY HI TO ME!

INSTAGRAM: @hellocrisst

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EMAIL: HELLOCRISST@gmail.com

FAVORITE HAIR CARE PRODUCTS - 2014

NIOXIN HAIR CLEANSER (click here)
Nioxin focuses on the scalp and hair growth. I love how clean my hair feels after using this shampoo!

WELLA SHAMPOO (click here)
Great for color treated hair. I like to switch between shampoos because my hair tends to get used to shampoos and doesn't seem to work as they did in the beginning. Another product that smells so good! This was a sample product, but I'm glad I tried it because I can definitely see myself buying this in the future.

ESTHETICA SALON AND SPA PEPPERMINT SHAMPOO
Did you know peppermint is great for the scalp? This product was formulated by the owner's of Esthetica and has the quality of high end products! I'm quite impressed how good their in house products are. They even use all of their products in the salon on a daily basis. 

NIOXIN HAIR CONDITIONER (click here)
I say this all the time but a little bit of this product goes a long way. I leave it in for three minutes and instant smoothness.

ESTHETICA SALON AND SPA VANILLA BEAN DEEP CONDITIONER
mmm, vanilla bean! Smells so good and leaves my hair smooth! TIP: Apply conditioner mostly to the ends of your hair and not your scalp. Conditioner is too heavy for the scalp and can cause buildup. 

DERMORGANIC MASQUE (click here)
Love, love, love this right now! Makes my hair feel so soft and smells soooooo good! TIP: apply this product and let it sit in your hair for the allowed time while wearing a showering cap. The humidity from the shower will make the product work to it's full potential. Rinse with COLD water!

NIOXIN SCALP TREATMENT (click here)
I spray this on my scalp as soon as I get out the shower. It soothes my scalp and makes it less itchy. Makes a big difference if you have a dry scalp. You can feel the product working as soon as you apply it to your scalp!

TRESemme HEAT PROTECTANT
I believe TRESemme used to (might still carry it) have a heat protectant with Kertatin in it. I like that one over just the regular ole heat protectant. It makes my hair less frizzy.

MACADAMIA HEALING OIL TREATMENT (click here)
The best oil to apply when you flat iron your hair. I apply it when my hair is wet and then blow dry my hair and then I add more as needed after I go over my hair with a flat iron.

BIG SEXY HAIR POWDER PLAY (click here)
Want volume at your roots? Apply this product and you'll notice a difference right away. It's amazing how this product works! When I first tried it, I had low expectations but was definitely wowed after words.

BIG SEXY HAIR SPRAY AND PLAY (click here)
If you want a hair spray that holds but doesn't make your hair feel crunchy and can still run your fingers through, try this. It's a little pricey but you can usually get it on Amazon cheaper (click the link above) or even Ulta has a good sale on it from time to time. 

NUME CURLING WAND

GET ANY NUME CURLING WAND FOR $69 UNTIL 8/31

USE CODE: WANDRUSH

CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/1yLUa3J

COMING TO THE ATLANTIC CITY/SOUTH JERSEY AREA?

VISIT ESTHETICA SALON AND SPA

CALL 609.646.1816 TO BOOK AN APT

FOLLOW ESTHETICA ON FACEBOOK TO GET 15% RETAIL PRODUCTS!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Esthetica-Salon-Spa/356886165138

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TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM: @hellocrisst

OTHER HAIR POSTS:
MANAGING MIXED/CURLY HAIR PART 1 - WASHING
MANAGING MIXED/CURLY HAIR PART 2 - STYLING

KHLOE KARDASHIAN OMBRE INSPIRED HAIR

It's time for a change! While I love my dark brown hair, sometimes I get bored of the same old color. I really love Khloe Kardashian's ombre hair so I got inspired to do the same to my hair. While Khloe more recently has gone for a much blonder look, I decided to go with something not as drastic. 

With my hair being so dark, it doesn't take the blonde so easily. Esthetica Salon and Spa was up for the challenge! Khloe's end's are very bright. It took two different sessions and lots of time spent under the red lights for this to happen but the end result was so worth it!

Thank you Shannon and Courtney at Esthetica for making this happen!

FIRST SESSION

SECOND SESSION

via Instagram @hellocrisst

Get these curls using a NuMe Curling wand! Get NuMe's Titan 3 curling iron set for only $99 AND get free shipping AND a free thermal pouch using code: TITANRUSH  

CLICK HERE

NIOXIN HAIR SYSTEM KIT - 30 DAY REVIEW

I've always wondered if there's anyone had the same problems as I do with my hair and scalp. I have a dry scalp that drives my insane. After two days of not washing it, my scalp starts to burn and feels irritated. Also, if I wear black, my whole shirt will have flakes all over it. Then there's the shedding.. Not sure if it's the lack of a thyroid (I was born without one) or the medication I take for it but I shed excessive amounts of hair.. to the point I need drain-o for my bath tub every month and my rugs look like I own a dog. No joke, it's that bad. 

No shampoo I've ever used seemed to help, not even dandruff shampoos. In fact, some actually made my scalp feel worse. I absolutely had to find something to help with the irratation. I explained my problems to Esthetica Salon and Spa and they recommended trying the Nioxin Hair System Kit. It includes a Shampoo, Condtioner, and Scalp Therapy Treatment. 

PRODUCT CLAIMS:

Nioxin complete hair system provides 5 effects for thicker looking hair:
1.  Reduces hair loss due to breakage
2. Delivers denser-looking hair
3. Amplifies hair texture
4. Strengthens hair against cuticle damage
5. Cleanses excessive sebum from scalp.

Guarantees thicker, denser looking hair in 30 days.

REVIEW:

I started using the Nioxin Hair System kit May 1 and it's been over a month since I've started using it and I must say that seen results immeditately or should I say felt results?

NIOXIN Cleanser System - lather in hair for 1 - 2 minutes. Helps to remove follicle-clogging sebum, fatty acids and environmental residues from the scalp skin an hair. Cleanses to provide thicker looking hair.

The shampoo makes my hair feel so clean! It does give the hair a very matte, thick feeler after washing but the next step handles that.

NIOXIN Scalp Therapy - work in scalp for 1-3 minutes from root to ends. A lightweight conditioner that conditioner that helps to provide hair resilience and control moisture balance for normal to thin looking hair.

Wow! I love this conditioner. A little bit goes a long way! The shampoo gives the hair a knotty feeling but the conditioner smoothes it all out right away. I love it. You can feel it working while it's sitting in your hair.

NIOXIN Scalp Treatment - spray to roots evenly. Contains antioxidants, botanicals, and peppermint oil that helps to provide a refreshed scalp environment for normal to thin looking hair.

This makes all the difference! As soon as I spray it to my roots, it relieves any burning sensation from my scalp. It's very soothing for me and a life saver.

OVERALL:

I love this kit! This has been the only brand to relieve the symptoms as far as my scalp. You guys don't understand how much of a problem my scalp really is for me, but I'm so happy and relieved that I've found something that has worked for me! 

As far as the excessive shedding, I haven't noticed much of a difference. Because the fact that I have medical problems, I'm not quite sure if this will ever go away but I must say my hair does APPEAR to be fuller! In a lot of the Nioxin claims, I noticed that the word "appear" comes up a few times.. but yes, my hair does appear to be thicker! Not quite sure what it is in this product that does the trick but it's amazing! 

Totally worth the money! I would recommend this kit to anyone else who has the same issues as me. I will continue to use this product for as long as it continues to work. I used kit number 1. To find out what kit is best for you, visit the Nioxin website or any local salon that carries Nioxin, can help you find the perfect kit for you. 

Amazon has a great deal this week on Nioxin for 50% off!!! You can't beat that! CLICK HERE to get it!

Kit 1 -> Click Here
Kit 2 -> Click Here
Kit 3 -> Click Here
Kit 4 -> Click Here
Kit 5 -> Click Here
Kit 6 -> Click Here

Shea Moisture VS Mixed Chicks

Two well known brands in the world of curly hair. Which products are worth the hype and which are not?

Products Mentioned:

SHEA MOISTURE - SHAMPOO - CLICK HERE

SHEA MOISTURE - CONDITIONER - CLICK HERE 

SHEA MOISTURE - STYLE MILK- CLICK HERE

SHEA MOISTURE - CURL SMOOTHIE - CLICK HERE

MIXED CHICKS - SHAMPOO - CLICK HERE

MIXED CHICKS - LEAVE IN - CLICK HERE

How hot is too hot?

My hair has gone through a drastic change in the past month. I've noticed my A LOT of breakage in my hair. Now for me, it's quite normal for my hair to shed more than the average person. Reason being, I was was born without a thyroid. But! It's one thing for my hair to SHED and it's another for it to just break right in the middle of a strand.

I've been finding pieces of my hair in my bed and noticed that some of my actual hair is a lot shorter. Why? It's taking me a few weeks to figure out why. It wasn't until I burned the HELL out of my hand with my NUME Curling Wand the other day that it dawned on.. Maybe my curling iron is too hot? My last curling wand went up to 420 degrees and I always used it at the max temperature. Well once I got my NUME Curling and found out it went to 450, I was thrilled. I thought hotter equals longer lasting curls.. faster. Never did I think my hair would break from heat.. Nope, not myyyyy hair. 

So I did some research. How hot should your curling iron be? The standard curling iron (you know the old school ones with the clip) goes up to 300 degrees. Yes, 300. Here I am burring the hell out of my hair with 450 degrees. Why they even let it go up that high is beyond me (I still love you NUME! Check them out HERE). If you have course hair, the highest you should go is 400 degrees. 

What am I going to do from here? My hair needs some serious TLC after this. I've already started using a deep conditioner. I use my daughter's Mixed Chicks Deep Conditioner (can be used if you have straight hair too! Check out my product review here) I re-uped on a heat protectant. I had stopped using this because my son someone how got my heat protectant open and dumped it all out. I never got a new one.. because I thought my hair will "be okay." Yeah right lol. My absolute favorite heat protectant is TRESemme Thermal Creations Heat Protectant. Also, start using prenatal vitamins again! I've used Biotin vitamins before, but honestly never seen a difference. Now prenatal vitamins on the other hand, yes! I have two kids and the only time I had a thick head of hair was when I was pregnant with them, taking prenatal vitamins. You don't need a prescription for these you can buy over the counter or online (buy them in chewables on Amazon HERE). 

Lesson learned! Don't put your curling iron on the max temperature. I'll be using 300-350 degrees for now on!

If you have had a hair horror story, share below or tweet me @hellocrisst! 

Every Day Loose Curls Using NUME Curling Wand CLICK HERE

Mixed Chicks Product Review

For the month of April I've been focusing all my posts on curly hair. I personally don't have curly hair, BUT my 5 year old daughter Aaliyah does! She has a FULL head of hair.. long, thick, and curly. Did I mention knotty? She's mixed.. her dad is black and I'm Puerto Rican, Irish, and Polish. (To see Aaliyah's hair care routine, click here.) As I explained in the last hair post, her hair has been a journey and has changed over the years. (Surprisingly she was born with straight hair!) Since Aaliyah is still too young to do her own hair, I had to figure out what products will work and what techniques I should use. 

MIXED CHICKS

Mixed Chicks is a brand that is well known and it is targeted towards "mixed" girls and women so this seemed to be a perfect match for Aaliyah! If you find that products in one aisle are "too dry" on your hair, yet the others are "too oily," try Mixed Chicks! I'm open when it comes to trying new products, so this is something I had to try!

 "Finally, a curl defining formula designed for 'us.' whether you're black, white, asian, latin, mediterranean or any glorious combination of the above, you'll love the way this alcohol-free, non sticky, lightweight product leaves your hair inviting to the touch as it defines and locks moisture into every curl. be a proud part in our multi-racial movement, show your curls and radiantly roll with 'Mixed Chicks.'"

Ingredients (Leave-In):

Water, Glycerin, Amodimethicone, Emulsifying Wax, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/Pvp Crosspolymer, Stearalkonium Chloride, Methygluceth-20, Hydroxypropyl Trimonium Choride, Octyl Methoxcinnamate, Hydroxypropyl Cellulose, Jojoba oil, Safflower oil, Primose Oil, Wheat Amino Acid, Crosilk, Methylparaben, Proplyparaben, Butylparaben, FD&C Yellow 5/CI 19620, FD&C 6/CI YELLOW 19630, Fragrance (PARFUM)

Shampoo:
Claims - rich lathers, clarifying formula, and removes build up

Does it live up to it's claims? 
Yes, Mixed Chicks Shampoo did a great job cleansing the hair but unfortunately it did leave Aaliyah's hair feeling very dry afterwards. It seems as if it strips the hairs of all its oils, leaving it dry. I wish it was a little bit more moisturizing.

If your not big on sulfate shampoo's, I don't recommend this one. Although Mixed Chicks does have another shampoo that is sulfate free!

Verdict: Thumbs down

Deep Conditioner:
Claims to be a great detangler, for course, curly, or straight hair, prevents breakage.

After I shampoo'd Aaliyah's hair, I applied the deep conditioner. I used my fingers to comb the product through her hair. I let it sit for a few minutes and then rinsed. This was my first time using a deep conditioner on Aaliyah's hair. This isn't your ordinary drug store conditioner. You can feel the difference when your combing through the hair with the conditioner. It also helps detangle the hair as well. I plan on trying this on my hair as well!

Does it live up to what it claims?
YES! Although I haven't been able to test out the breakage part, that would be something that you see over a longer period of time. I plan on trying this on my hair as well!
Verdict: Thumbs up

Leave-In Conditioner:
Claims to moisture, control frizz, and define curls

This is my favorite part of the whole line! I wanted to see the true results of this product so I used only the leave-in when styling Aaliyah's hair. I applied a generous amount product from the route to the ends, being sure to coat every strand, and let it air dry completely. I was surprised to see that her hair didn't turn out to be a huge puff ball.  I used the same finger coiling technique as seen in my YouTube video "Managing Curly Hair - Part 2 - Styling." 

Does it live up to what it claims?
100%! Love it.. it leaves her curls so soft and moisturized. I can definitely see myself buying a new bottle when this one is finished! You can say it's "repurchasable" lol :)
Verdict: Thumbs UP!

OVERALL

Pros:

- The leave-in conditioner is ALL I need to style Aaliyah's hair and get beautiful FRIZZ FREE curls
- Lightly fragrant - not too strong
- Helps detangles

Cons:

- Contains Parabens
- Shampoo is dries the hair out.

Thanks to Esthetica Salon and Spa for the opportunity to test out these products. 

Follow them!

Twitter: @estheticasalons

Instagram: @estheticasalonspa 
Website: http://www.estheticasalonspa.com

If you are from or visiting the South Jersey area, I totally recommend Esthetica. They are a high end salon with services that range from hair, to massages, facials, waxing, pedicures, manicures, and waxing. The salon is beautiful and has a very relaxing atmosphere. Located 20 minutes from Atlantic City in Northfield, NJ. Book an appointment, by calling (609)646-1816.

Managing Curly/Mixed Hair - Part 2 - Styling

After washing (see video here), it's time to start styling! I use a microfiber towel to soak up any excess water left in Aaliyah's hair. A microfiber towel helps reduce frizz, you can find these on Amazon or even at your local Dollar Tree for $1 (an old clean t-shirt will do the trick also).

Sometimes, still, with leaving conditioner in her hair, Aaliyah's hair gets ridiculously knotty. The conditioner helps some, but I add Kinky-Curly Knot Today in her hair to help with the knots. This helps tremendously and is perfect for little girls!

Next, I comb her hair with a wide tooth comb. NEVER use a regular brush on curly hair, especially dry curly hair. The Kinky-Curly Knot Today will help make this an easy process.

Products:

Then, I apply more leave in conditioner and run it through her hair with my fingers making sure I get every strand. Every product I use from this point forward I will be sure to get every strand. This is key! My favorite product to use on her hair is Shea Moisture's Curl Smoothie. It smells so good and makes such a difference.

Finger Coiling:
When it's that day to wash and clarify (or co-wash) Aaliyah's hair, I do it at night. After I clarify her hair, I do a basic curly hairstyle and for that I prepare her hair the night before. THIS MAKES LIFE SO MUCH EASIER IN THE MORNING! I do the above steps that night and then finger coil her hair.

Finger coiling, what's that? Finger coiling is simply just twisting the hair around your finger and letting the curl sit like that until it dries completely. It's that easy. Now when I finger coil her hair, I apply one more product to smooth done her hair as I twist her hair around my finger which is, Shea Moisture's Curl Milk.

Aaliyah goes to sleep and I let her hair dry over night. Using a silk or satin pillow case helps reduce frizz and breakage. I bought one for myself as well, which can be found here.

When it's time for school the next day, all I have to do is gently take the coils apart and taaa dahhh. Beautiful curls! I put a little bit of Deva Curls Gel in her hair and she's ready to go for school. The less your touch the better!

If you like to do your daughters hair in the morning, you can do all of the above steps and let the finger coils dry throughout the day OR you can skip the finger coiling and dry with a diffuser (keep the dryer low and on cool)

Next day:
To prepare for the next day, before bed you can put your daughter's hair in what is called a pineapple. A"pineapple" is just a high pony tail that protects the curls. Use an elastic band that's not too tight so it doesn't create a kink or leave an impression.

The next day, use a water bottle to spritz hair and a little bit of additional product and she's good to go the next day

Third day:
You can do this on the third day as well or you can try other little girl hair styles like a pony tail or pig tails.

It's best to use products with no alcohol! 

PART 1 - Washing (Click Here)

Managing Curly/Mixed Hair - Part 1 - Washing

My daughter, Aaliyah (a LEE yah) is mixed, her dad is African-American and I, her mother, am Puerto Rican, Irish, and Polish. She was born with straight hair but after her first birthday, Aaliyah's hair started to get curly. I didn't need much to tame her curls for the first few years of her life. All I used was a spray gel and that seemed to get the job done. When Aaliyah was about 3 1/2, her hair started to get much thicker and the spray gel just wasn't working anymore and I DREADED doing her hair.

Growing up I always wished I had curly hair but now that I had I daughter with curly hair, I was glad it was only one of us. She started to hate getting her hair done because there were so many knots and it would take forever to do. It was just something we all had to suck up because who wants their kid walking around with messy hair.

There had to be a solution..

I found out about Shea Moisture products and different techniques on styling curly hair. Yes, the products are a little bit pricey, but for what I was going through, it seemed well worth it. Each week I picked up a new bottle from the Shea Moisture line until I had everything I needed.

All I can say is what a difference. Now that I have the right tools and more knowledge about curly hair, we both no longer dread doing her hair. It's much easier and less painful for her. She no longer cries when I do her hair. I want my daughter to appreciate her curls. I don't want her to be one of those girls with beautiful curls that no one know's of because she's constantly using a flat iron to hide or control her hair.

I will be doing a series of posts/videos on how I do her hair. (Washing and Styling) So check back for more details!

LET'S GET STARTED..

I wash Aaliyah's with an actual shampoo every two weeks and co-wash every few days.. Depends on what I've done to her hair that week or how her hair looks. (Everyone is different, do what works for you. It takes time to figure this out)  She's in school and plays outside so I do wash her hair more often than the people with curly hair do. After washing, I apply a leave conditioner in her hair and do not rinse it out. It helps keep her hair moisturized and makes combing her hair easier. Immediately after showering I comb her hair. I never attempt to do her hair dry.

TIPS FOR WASHING CURLY HAIR:

• Limit the number of times you wash your hair. Once every few weeks works. Washing your hair often can be very drying.
• Use a good clarifying shampoo - sulfate free
• Condition often and be sure to coat every strand
• Leave condition in, don't rinse out.
• Cold water is better with any type of hair. Warm water creates frizz.
• Use a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt to dry hair to reduce frizz.
• Never use a regular brush for curly hair. Use a comb
• Co-wash in between shampooing. Co-washing is short for conditioning washing. You're washing your hair with only conditioner and not shampoo. This helps prevent over drying and keeping your hair moisturized.

PRODUCTS USED:
Shea Moisture - Coconut and Hibiscus Shampoo
Shea Moisture - Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner (I wish I could find the Coconut and Hibiscus Conditioner but it seems to be hard to find in South Jersey.  I've seen it once at Target)
Kinky Curly Knot Today - Detangler
Wide Tooth Comb (beauty supply store)
Microfiber Towel

Products a little bit pricer but I have had these products in my house for over 7 months now and there's still plenty left. Limiting shampooing to prevent drying out curls also helps save product so you won't find yourself going to the store as often. . Also I buy Shea Moisture at CVS where I can use my ExtraCare Bucks (similar to coupons) or Amazon (usually cheaper than stores).

About Shea Moisture:
No Sulfates
No Parabans
No Phthalates
No Paraffin
No Gluten
No Propylene Glycol
No Mineral Oil
No Synthetic Fragrance
No PABA
No Synthetic Color
No DEA
No Animal Testing

Stores that sell Shea Moisture: Target, Ulta, CVS, and Amazon.

Remember mixed kids are all unique and different in their own way!

PART 2 - STYLING (CLICK HERE)

HAUL - GOJANE, H&M, FOREVER21, MICHAEL TODD, MILLION DOLLAR TAN AND MORE!

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Buy these items here:
NUME CURLING WAND (USE CODE NUME55 FOR 55% OFF): Click Here
FAUX LEATHER JACKET - CHARLOTTE RUSSE: Click Here
BELT - CHARLOTTE RUSSE: Click Here
WHITE BODY SUIT - CHARLOTTE RUSSE: Click Here
PINK TOP - FOREVER 21: Click Here
HIGH WAISTED JEANS - GO JANE: Click Here
CRANBERRY ANTI-OXIDANT TONER - MICHAEL TODD TRUE ORGANICS: Click Here
CHARCOAL MASK - MICHAEL TODD TRUE ORGANICS: Click Here
MILLION DOLLAR TAN: Click Here
SIDEWAYS 10K GOLD NECKLACE - PIERCING PAGODA
SIDEWAYS 10K GOLD RING-PIERCING PAGODA
STERLING SILVER INFINITY RING -PIERCING PAGODA
BRACELETS: HM
ARROW NECKLACE: HM
100% SATIN PILLOWCASE: CLICK HERE

Spiked sweater in the video: Click Here

Watch my previous video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISE_aG2hn2o&list=UUUMCAkc0Ag-APNFjI_-d28w&feature=share

F O L L O W  M E:
TWITTER AND IG: @hellocrisst

Last post:  Everyday Loose Curls Using NuMe Curling Wand

Everyday Loose Curls Using Nume Magic Wand

We meet at last! My Nume Magic Wand came in the mail today and I couldn't be more happy. My old curling wand died on me so what a relieve it was for this to finally come. My hair has been a MESS without it.  I tried to for the first time and I love it thus far. It's lighter than my old wand and it gets even hotter (goes up to 450 F). 

I got a 32 mm black. It comes in several different sizes and colors..

Sizes: 19mm, 25 mm, and 32mm

Colors: Black, Deep Fuscia, Blue, Purple, Pink, and Turquoise. 

I use my curling wand literally everyday. It makes my life so much easier as a mommy. I can do my hair in 10 minutes by using a bigger barrel, which is why I went for the 32mm. Using a bigger barrel helps achieve looser wave/curl.

 If you use different wands for different occasions or not sure what wand your looking for, I recommend the Nume LUSTRUM set. It comes with five interchangeable wands so you can achieve different looks any day of the week. 

Click here to go the website and don't forget to use code NUME55 for 55% off!!

Last post: REAL TECHNIQUES BRUSHES - WORTH THE HYPE?