Flex Spending On Flex Rods or Nah?

If you follow me on IG: NaturalBajanFemale or FB: Check out Natural Bajan Female on FB!

then you probably remember this very budgeted purchase made right before Thanksgiving of last year.

Allegedly just browsing in one of my budgeted gems aka Five Below when I came across these flex rods and immediately snatched the entire stash. At $3 a pack for 6 rods, there was no way that I was passing them up when I just so happened to be eyeing a few at the beauty supply store a few days prior. Something told me to hold out at the beauty store and at that very moment I was happy that I did. At $3 a pack vs $5 a pack, I was willing to take a risk on Luxor Pro: Style Stix 5/8” diameter rods.

**Right eye brow raised** Did one of those Are these supposed to be marked at $3 looks. Then looked to the left, then the right and was home free for the register with the only 6 packs known to the store that day.

I also posted a pic of the first time that I used the rods with a hashtag something along the lines of  “#Keep you posted”. Truth is, I rolled my hair not even thinking that I had to be to church in less than 2 hours. This hair? Dry in 2 hours? No Ma’am.

Products Used:

          

Cantu Shea Butter Leave In Conditioner

CHI Silk Infusion

           Elasta QP: Feels Like Silk Design Silk

Fortunately enough, I was able to get a preview of what my curls would have looked like had I kept up with my schedule better. As voluptuous and shiny as the curls were, they weren’t completely to my liking. Although, I would have worked with it, a lesson was gained out of it. Noted for the next time to not wrap the hair so tightly next time.

Soooo… As for this last time I made a few changes.

And "slept" like this. It wasn't the greatest experience, nor was it the worst.

Products Used:

Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioner

Elasta QP: Feels Like Silk Design Silk

I typically don’t like my hair when it firsts gets done, the longer it’s left in, the bigger it gets and in my eyes the better.

This was 4 Days Post using the flex rods and I only used 30 rods meaning that I still have an unopened package. (Not my greatest close up lol)

I preserved the style by occasionally applying grapeseed oil to my scalp and a combination of Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie mixed with the oil of choice to my hair beginning from the ends and working my way up to the roots in sections. The night time routine was simple: sleeping on a satin pillowcase. You can also use the pineapple method if you choose to or reflex some of the curls if they began to lose it’s state.

Final thoughts: I honestly think that these work just as good as any other flex rods. I love the size of the curls and the length that it retained with my hair. You of course can determine the thickness of your curls depending on how often you decide to finger coil each curl.

Would I recommend Luxor Pro: Style Stix? Yes

Not only did it hold my hair but the rods themselves are still in great form and do not have the flex rod crows feet that some of the more expensive ones get after the first use.

Thank you for reading & God bless you!

What are your fav flex rods? Which products do you use when done, what method and products do you use to help upkeep your curls?

Danita aka Natural Bajan Female

The Royal Truth Behind the Purple Streak

A few weeks back (more like months), I took a shortcut to a dream of mine, which was to have purple hair. Of course my idea of a dream was all purple in the back of my hair & I am still **considering** doing so but decided to do a test run. Hence..

The Purple Streak.

Once upon a time ago, when I relaxed, occasionally I would dye my hair and figured that it was already chemically processed. How much damage can a little color be more?

(Back in College like 5 years prior to transitioning. Why didn't I do it sooner?)

(A few weeks prior to my BC. Peep the 2 different textures. I was darn near fed up the 50/50 mark. Miss Daisying it with Selfies on our ladies road trip to ATL. Back in my previous life lol Good times!)

Now, I’m quite reluctant.

I do research with other reviews and testimonies on certain products. A few have caught my eye including Manic Panic, which I was first introduced to by one of my fav YouTube vloggers ColouredBeautiful. I’ve read reviews and seen some from many with natural hair. So far, all seems jiggy. However, I still have yet to do it! I’m just worried about my hair lacking even more moisture than usual but eventually I may get there. Work with me!

As some know, the day after Halloween is quite the Trick-or-Treat session for me. I go on a drug store frenzy in search of Halloween make-up, rare candy such as vanilla Tootsie Rolls & my fav false eyelashes! This past Halloween was quite the disappointment in the lash department. To find that many drugstores were either out of lashes, the lashes were repeats from last year’s selection or they were sent back!

Why? So I can anticipate rummaging through the same sorry stash yet again! What kind of mess is that?!

Anywho, in the stash landed a new joy for my stash also known as Friday Night Colored Hair Gel in Gory Grape. I just knew that it would do nothing for my hair but for just under $2, I figured it was worth a try.

Ummm…More like jackpot!

Experimenting with one very noticeable streak in the front, this one application lasted me for roughly 5 days before it became really faded and we went back to the regular scheduled program. All of that to say, I don’t want to sound cliché and say “Expect the unexpected” BUUUUT… this was bomb worthy on my tresses. No lightener or anything of additional required. Looking forward to next year and experimenting with other colors, possibly brands.

Thanks for reading My Loves & God Bless! Have a safe & blessed Merry Christmas if I don't get to you before then!

(Yeah, she's something nothing like a thug lol dig the purple though!)

XoXo –Danita aka Natural Bajan Female

NBF Product Throwdown: CSHCCC –vs- SMC&HCES

Cantu Shea Butter Coconut Curling Cream –vs- 

Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie

Scenario: You’re in the drugstore, Aisle 2, which happens to be the hair aisle in need of some serious moisturizer for your hair as you are down to the last few finger scoops. In front of you sits, your regular moisturizer, which you go to reach for until that bright yellow tag catches your attention. Yup, there is a sale on the new cream which you have been hearing great rants and reviews on & just so happen to have been meaning to try. What’s a Fab Naturalista like yourself to do?

I mean Addicted 2 Retail on a Budget doesn’t exist for nothing here Folks. Yes, I went for the bargain, which just so happens to be CSHCCC. I heard great things about it & I love Cantu’s Leave In conditioner so let’s test the hype! (No worries Shea Moisture, this doesn’t mean farewell forever).

Know that this is a review and if there is one thing that you can expect from me, it’s based off of my honest opinion. I was not paid or compensated for this in any way and did purchase the products with my own earned money.

Based off of the description, the CSBCCC is expected to “help heal dry, damaged hair and provide intense moisture and strength. It will define, condition and add manageability to your curls, leaving them soft, shiny and deeply moisturized”.

Initial thoughts on CSHCCC prior to using:

It smells all kinds of delicious like Blue Magic hair grease tells Stella to move over as it gets it’s groove back!

And yes, the cream is as soft & light as it looks.

On wet hair: I pre-poo’d, shampooed, and conditioned my hair as I intended on doing put in my Cantu Leave In, Grape seed Oil, CSBCCC & proceeded with my usual signature twist out.

Once my hair was dry, I took the twists out, this was the next morning & I was impressed! My hair felt soft. Not quite as soft as it usually does when I use SMCES however it was manageable. It was still shiny and moisturized. Once the night approached, I noticed that the hair was not as soft as it previously was, which may be expected, a little dry and noticed white flaking in certain areas. I did not give up there though, maybe it would have a different take on my hair when dried.

The Next Day in the Evening

On dry hair: Honestly, I experienced the same, only with the dry experience, I noticed that my hair was much more dry than I wanted it to be. There was still a little bit of the white residue possibly due to the cetearyl alcohol also the 4^th ingredient in the product.

Dry Hair at the End of the Day

Needless to say. I purchased this product about 3 months ago and it’s still practically full as you can see from the pic. Maybe I’ll do a product swap or just give it away. Am I down playing Cantu? (No shade) Not at all, I still stand heavily behind their Leave In Conditioner. Certain products just do not work as well on some as they do others.

As for these tresses and it’s drug store moisturizer of choice? SMC&HCEH still reigns! My hair is very thick and needs that extra hold in moisture which Shea Moisture happens to execute very well without my hair feel greasy or weighed down.

SMC&HCES holds a special place in my scalp.. and heart.

Which Drug store moisturizer is a must with you? Am I missing out on something else?

-Danita AKA Natural Bajan Female XoXo

Throwback: One of my Fav pics captured by Ajani, Hey Sir!

Leopard~N~Stilettos Shop Your Heart Out

Leopard~N~Stilettos: Shop Your Heart Out

Now let me first say, that I was anticipating this event for many of weeks. Due to the in climate weather, post pones galore happened (#NewEngland Woes) but all for the right reasons as it couldn’t have been any more successful!

Miss L~N~S Herself & I (And a special appearance from her father in the cut lol): That Dress... Love!

Pretty Manis

Connecticut Curlies Founders: The Fab Wendy & Nicole

https://www.facebook.com/ConnecticutCurlies?fref=ts
Check them out: CT Naturalistas!

Sunday March 24, 2013, We stepped into Amici Miei Café 957 Main St. Bridgeport. CT , a great sight & live. The hostesses were bright with smiles & fashionable but we would expect nothing less from L~N~S right? There were great finger foods pasta dishes, shrimp cocktail, and beverages for every liking for those who planned on sipping while shopping.

You had a galore of GREAT vendors selling anything from jewelry & accessories, delicious cupcakes, make up demos & sessions, facials, natural hair products, tee shirts, paintings. GREAT Giveaways & raffles including products from vendors.

Some vendors included:

• ·       Urban Roots of Life: They had some FIRE tee shirts, their official launch is in May & they have some stuff for my natural ladies for sure. www.Facebook.com/urrootsoflife & www.urbanrootsoflife.com

• ·         Shop Indulgence: Some very trendy reasonably priced jewelry & they are available for jewelry parties so get to booking. www.shopindulgence.com FB:Indulgeinyourself Twitter & Instagram: Shopindulgence

• Hardnocks Entertainment LLC Recording Studio: Shout out to Ray of Hardnocks, he showed so much love & was a smooth promoter of his brother’s great artwork. Ray is searching for some real singers as he put it so if you’re interested, hit him up. www.hardnocksentertainment.com 203-987-0480

• Rosa Garcia MUA: She did a few demos & is available for lessons, editorials, bridal, prom, fashion, weddings, the list goes on all around the Tri-State Area. Very lovely young lady. FB: RosaGMakeup 203-309-7850 

• Diamond Girl Boutique: Fashion jewelry & accessories. When I tell you ladies, I circled this table about 3 times but couldn’t fight the urge. I walked away with these lion earrings (LEO.. Hear me roar!) that spoke to the anatomy of my ear lobes!! But not only that, they go perfectly with my new belt that I thrifted this week (Hint: Mini Haul In the works) IG & FB: Diamondgirlboutique or email at diamondgirlboutique1@gmail.com

• Head Quarters: So in the building! Def doing big things. I heard of them with their many projects going on and I am honored to be able to have been introduced to the products. HQ specializes in great hair & a healthy scalp with their HQ Original Line as well as Elemints which is available for those with problems of the hair & scalp. Big shout out to Deon Cohen as well as his sister who has me ready to be put on lol. We got into a great conversation in regards to what they have to offer. HQElemints.com 3619 Main St. Bridgeport, CT 06606 203-373-1150. Tell Deon that I sent you!

Know that a review  is in the works of their Headquarters Original Shampoo & Conditioner! 

• T. Barnes: A beautiful Licensed Esthetician this woman knows her stuff with excellent products, team & I see her going places! I’ve seen T. Barnes around at a few functions & my eyes are definitely open, great skin care line, beauty line (LOVE the cosmetics just as much as the names! Ie: Racy, Politics… Honey… Nothing left to say). Miss T. Barnes herself did my makeup & she beat my face (Not literally) but she did a beautiful job! The foundation was light (As much as I love makeup, I dislike foundation, but this was a keeper!!) & great pay off with the products!  I received many of compliments & I look forward to working with her in the future as well as attending some of their great events!

T. Barnes doing a beautiful demo on my girl Sheena, Hey Girl!

o   IE: May 2, 2013: Organic, Juicing, Cleansing: Making Sense of Living Healthy. June 6, 2013: Skin is the Sexiest Organ: Now How Do We Take Care of It? (I need to be there). To learn how to get your hands on her products & a feel for the amazing team visit: www.tbarnesbeauty.com & for events: http://tbarnesbeauty.eventbright.com/

The music was on point spinning by none other than one of my fave DJ’s Buddha Luvjonz (https://www.facebook.com/LuvJonzEnt) & Photography by one my absolute fave photographers & Aquarius bud the great Ajani Housen! (https://www.facebook.com/AjaniHousenPhotography?fref=ts) I would recommend both if you leave it to me. Both on point & very professional ALWAYS!

Kudos to you Deidra, looking forward to the next Leopard~N~Stilettos event for sure!

The Brows? Yes HONEY!

My Silly Niece & I Much Love

https://www.facebook.com/LeopardnStilettos?fref=ts

LeopardnStilettos.blogspot.com

Be blessed Loves,

~Lovely Nita XoXo

Connecticut Curlies 1st Meet Up.. Loved.

Connecticut Curlies Natural Hair Meet Up?... Success! I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Especially for a 1st time event, it worked out really well. From the location O'Shea's Bar & Grill (2770 Fairfield Ave Bridgeport, CT. They have amazing food to help meet the needs of any and every diet, check them out) to the great Naturalista's and supporters who came out much love.

Big Shout out to Leopard~N~Stilettos (Please Check out her blog, follow her on twitter& get to liking on that FB Page & be sure to let her know that I sent you lol. (http://www.leopardnstilettos.blogspot.com/ and https://twitter.com/LnS_Blog  and https://www.facebook.com/LeopardnStilettos )Be sure to stay posted especially on Fashion Fridays) Deidra thanks for asking me to participate & you did your thing speaking, no notes necessary lol.  I respect this lady a lot! She is on it with making sure that she puts the latest & greatest with Fashion out there just for Y-O-U. Much Love to her for sure.

Miss Leopard~N~Stilettos herself, doesn't she look lovely?

Meka for putting in work on these tresses. Thank you so much! She does it all, natural or not. Hit me up if you're looking for a great stylist as she puts in work & you all KNOW that I am super funny about who I allow in my hair!

CC Lovely (My girl Carol) with her lovely home made Coconut Oil which I will hands down be purchasing more. That's an essential!

My Main Awkward Man, Ben Free for surprising the heck out of me by showing up! Also Malcom Gammah AMAZE-&-ING Artist! He is certainly going places. Much Love to you both!

Ben Free

Malcom Gammah putting in work on Melanie Fiona!! I told you he's bananas!! Great moment also captured by Ben Free himself. Pow!

CC Lovely photoed with M. Gammah's beautiful painting of MY GIRL Janelle Monae.

All of the Vendors & Sponsors: (The Swag Bag was bomb!) Design Essentials, Artistic Hair Design, Dr. Miracle, Shee Be Kurlie, Avon Rep Renee D. Dumas, Alikay Naturals, SoftN’Free Gro Healthy, Nik Scott, Beautiful Textures, Kinky Curly, A’s Sassy Shoes, Sweet Nature By Eddie, Phenomenal Hair Salon, JessiCurl, Sister Like Me, United Roots (My Fave Oil Connect), J Fearon Photography, Soul Mai, Curls, Miss Jessies, Curls Like Us, Jane Carter Solution, Curly Hair Solutions, Goody, Christo NYC, DJ Redd Blaze..

Kudos to Connecticut Curlies for taking the step to acknowledge that we Naturalistas do exist & are naturally fly at being who we are. Looking forward to much more to come.

Photo Credit: Leopard~N~Stilettos, CC Lovely, Ben Free & Natural Bajan Female. Thanks loves!

LNS's models Cassie & Myself before

After.. Owww!!

~Lovely Nita XoX