Saturday, August 28, 2010

That's the plan.....*wink*


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Pretty self-explanatory. :)

Tee can be purchased here


Natural Urbanista


Thursday, August 26, 2010

The what challenge/routine? Huh?

I'm sure you've seen them. The routines and challenges aimed at naturals using or participating in a routine consistently for X amount of days/months. Even those that had you literally scratching your head like, "What the hell is that?"

I've even participated in one. A growth challenge, to be specific. For one year, I utilized minimal manipulation hair styles and maintenance. No trims or haircuts. I went from armpit-length [stretched] to waist-length [stretched] in that time. What did I learn? That less stress equals more retained growth.

But then I look at all of these new challenges and routines and what I see are routines that will end up costing folks more money than they probably realize and maybe creating product junkies....and for the sake of what? What exactly are you seeking? What are your desired results? Most who participate are still learning their hair. Hell, I'm STILL learning even 7 years in. But what I hope many ladies realize is that most of that money will end up under your sink or in your closet and you may find yourself frustrated if the routine ends up being a waste of time AND money.

If you're going to start participating in a routine or whatever, you need to ask yourself some questions:

  • What are the purported benefits of participating(i.e. how will it benefit me)?
  • What are my goals?
  • Are the goals realistic?
  • Will participating cost me more or less?
  • Do I have the funds TO participate?
  • Can I be consistent so that I CAN experience the potential benefits of participation?
  • WHY am I participating?
If you can answer these questions and feel confident in the hows and whys, GO FOR IT! And make sure to document your results. It can help you learn more about what can, will and WON'T work for your hair and your experiences could possibly help another natural along in their journey! :)

Natural Urbanista




Monday, August 23, 2010

So I splurged a little on some Ori Organics

Like I REALLY needed to, but I ran out of one of my creams and was getting paid that Friday. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. :P

Anyway, I've only used two products to moisturize right now and I have to say, I'm impressed. I won't give a more thorough review until I have an opportunity to use these products on freshly cleaned hair.

Here's what I purchased:



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Curl Styling Butter Cream- Disappointed that it was only filled 3/4's of the way(only weighed in at 207 ml, when it's supposed to be 236ml). I had to contact customer service about this, and they're sending a sample to make up for the lost value. That's what I call good customer service! :) Anyway, it's a very rich product. It doesn't look AS creamy as it feels but I just know it'll be great on twists. There's a thick-slickness about it. I look forward to trying this out on my next set of twists.

Creamy Mango Curler- It's a rather liquidy cream, if that makes any sense. Not thick but not not thin or runny. A guess it's right in between. Not sure if the consistency I received is how it's supposed to be, but it doesn't seem like it's mixed well. Meaning, there are teeny clumps in the product that require you to emulsify just a bit more to make sure you're not left with residue from not emulsifying and applying it properly. I'll reserve my final judgment for after I've had a chance to use it.

Moisture Balancing Buttercream- When they say it penetrates without weighing down...believe it! I used it today JUST to moisturize my ends and my hair felt plump with moisture. Almost wet, without being wet. And VERY little was needed. It's to be used as a leave in/moisturizer and I definitely see this being a repurchase once used up. This will be a great cream for the colder months.

Leave in Milk- The smell reminds me of maple syrup or a mix of that and freshly baked oatmeal cookies. Yummmm..... It's a light leave in that will work good for giving hair that extra bit of moisture without being heavy. I'll likely use it as a twist refresher.

Natural Urbanista