All Things in Season - Loss

Hello my Doves..

The blog has been inactive for the past month or so because I lost my mother on 6th November 2015. It has been a hard and painful time for the whole family. I really wish it were different, but i'm glad for the time we had together. Adjusting to this new reality will take some time.

Product review: Texture My Way Easy Comb Shea Buttter and Olive Oil Leave-In Detangling & Softening Crème Therapy

Hi Doves!

Whew that’s a mouthful of a name. I'm reviewing this leave-in and detangler. Remember I mentioned getting it in this post. I must say I loved it from the first day I used it and juuuust could not believe how softening, detangling, amazeballs everything it is! I only skimped out on telling you guys about  it cause I wanted to make sure my hair wasn’t lying to me.

GlamLush Hair - Zamiwe

Hey Doves!

I'm back with another feature for you. This GlamLush mane was spotted at my friend's graduation. I stopped her to talk about her fro and catch an interview. Let's hear from Zamiwe!

Why I Think Wigging Helps with Length Retention and Growth

Hey Doves!

This is just a short post that I came up with after wigging full time for the past three weeks and a lot of keen observation.

I would notice that after moisturising and sealing, then putting on my wig cap and wig, the blood would go straight to my scalp. And this would happen even on days when I did not massage my scalp. So it had me thinking and thinking. Could it be that the warmth generated from the wig cap, wig and my scalp was what is stimulating the blood flow? And if the blood is flowing to my scalp, it definitely means that it is delivering oxygen and nutrients to the follicles which makes for increased growth. That's the same effect that essential oils and scalp massages have - drawing blood to the scalp to deliver nutrients, and oxygen thus enhancing growth.

I started getting excited..now we all know that wigging is one of the best protective styles out there because not only are your ends hidden and saved a world of manipulation, you are able to monitor how dry or moisturised your hair is and give it real tlc. You are in charge of your hair and even the process of plaiting it and washing is in your hands, therefore you can be as gentle as possible with your hair.

So with as little manipulation as possible, followed by increased growth well isn't that a formula for maximised length retention?! In this post I shared how all the times i've been wigging i've noticed a lot more length retention. I think this could be why.  

P.S pics of the new wigs will be up shortly. I'm experiencing some problems with uploading right now.

What are your thoughts on wigging, length retention and growth?

TUTORIAL: How to Make Your own Mannequin Head!

Hey Doves!

Mannequin heads are hard to come by in certain places. My personal struggle was so real that I decided to go ahead and make my own.
Here is my how-to tutorial on making your own customised mannequin head  to make your wigs or stand them on.

The GlamLush Fro of Late + New Regimen

Hi Doves!

This is just an update on my hair and the new regimen im implementing.

Over the past almost two and a half months I have had my hair out for about three weeks.... You may have seen these styles already on my facebook page

Cheat's Updo

3 Years In...Things My Healthy Hair Journey Has Taught Me

Hey Doves!

I clocked about three years of healthy hair journeying in around June this year. I can't remember the exact date. Here are some things i've learned along the way.

1. It's NOT a competition

At the beginning of your journey, you really get that "if i'm not at armpit length by december because me and Carrie started at the same time... and she's just passed shoulder length, i'll die" feeling. However we often forget  a few things; you and another lady on a hhj have different hair types, with different likes and dislikes. As always mentioned, no two heads of hair are the same. I've learned to focus on my individual journey, even if it means I will reach waist length in 2019 after how many setbacks and trials. What matters is getting back on the wagon and aiming for healthy hair and the length goal I have in mind. And celebrate other women's hair who are at a later stage of the journey. They give you extra motivation to continue.

TUTORIAL: Cheat's Flexi Rod Set!

Hey Doves!

PSA GLALUSHHAIR IS NOW ON *FACEBOOK* CLICK THE *LINK* TO LIKE, LIKE, LIKE ,AND SUPA LIKE. I now post my wash day sessions there since it's way easier.

Im coming to you with a quick tutorial on how to cheat your way to a flexi rod set without the hassle of an agonising night with rollers in your hair, or having to use the flexis on the whole head. Who doesn't love quick and easy?

On with the show!

End result

Dealing with High Shrinkage Hair

Hi Doves!


PSA ANNOUNCEMENT GLAMLUSH HAIR IS NOW ON *FACEBOOK* click the link to access the page. Like rate subscribe :-D

I'm back with another educational post. Shrinkage is a very good sign that your shaft is healthy and undamaged. But as much as we love seeing our curls pop and squiggle, shrinkage  and particularly high shrinkage poses a hidden danger: breakage.

How do I know if I have high shrinkage hair? Well basically if your hair reduces to 40% of your stretched length or less you fall into the high shrinkage category..like me.

shrinkage on a "good" day

                      And my hair shrinks to even less than that..it was just getting started, lol.

The problem with high shrinkage is that the strands curl around each other, so much so that they  tangle and knot.  and breakage is high. Early in my journey, I often found myself detangling a section, moving on to another and then only to come back and re-detangle because the strands had curled up on each other again. Here are a few things i've learned that have helped me to handle my shrinkage in such a way that i minimise breakage and tangling.

GlamLush Hair- Maame

Hello Doves!


PSA GLAMLUSH HAIR IS NOW ON * FACEBOOK* click the *link* to like, rate, subscribe (hehehe)

 

I'm coming to you with another feature..been a century since our last GlamLush beauty shared her tresses with us. I "met" Maame online on a whatsapp hair chat group and just love the fun she has with her hair! She hails all the way from Ghana! Enjoy!

 1. Tell us a little about yourself and your hair.
Maame Akosua Kusi Appiah. 24 years and still counting. A loud Ghanaian and live in Accra. Im proudly and happily natural.

What's in My Bag Tag

Hello Darlins..

The lovely Sandra of Naija Girl Next Door tagged me in this What's in My Bag Tag. Very sweet of her. My bag is a world of it's own, here's a peek:

Length Check

Hi Doves!

The much anticipated length check is here!


I took these *impromptu* pictures right before I had my weave done. So this is my length as at 20th April 2015. (forgive the picture quality since they were impromptu)

Front - 20 April 2015

GLAMLUSH HAIR IS ONE YEAR OLD!

DOVES!!!

I cannot believe we have clocked one year on this blog.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my readers who continually come to the blog for some info, or just to see what I and my hair are up to. To my fellow bloggers who pop in for a look-see and drop a comment. Not forgetting my friends and family who supported me in starting the blog, bear with my hair talks and my nagging them to take photographs of me and my hair.  I can never say thank you enough.

                                                              

Let's take a trip down Memory Lane with  your favourite posts and few of my own.

Heat straightening is always an event in the hair world. Most popular post with you guys when I straightened my hair and reviewed the ORS Straightening and Strengthening Kit.

First Look - Caivil Fusion Oil

Hi me lovely doveys

Seeing as I have been rocking a weave for the past few weeks, I decided to look out for an applicator bottle that would help me access my scalp without the oil getting to the weave and weighing it down.

Source : beautysouthafrica.com. Im still having issues uploading my pic so I had to source a picture of the oil.

Enter Caivil Fusion Oil

I spotted this at Clicks Grove Mall (Windhoek) and it retails for N$38.99 (approx 4 USD)

What drew me to the oil was the applicator tip for ease of access to my scalp. However upon closer inspection of the ingredients,  I was blown away. So much so that I'm writing about it before I've even reached halfway through the bottle. Im that pleased y'all.

I don't usually get wowed by products made by caivil as the ingredients tend to leave much to be desired, and Sunday was my lucky day cause I got it for free.99 with my Clicks Card Bonus Points.

Hairsolutions 2015 in Review

Hey Doves!

We are 5 months into 2015 and I recall making some hairsolutions to keep my hair on point in the new year, as well as to avoid another super trim.

Source: Google images

1. Get back to armpit length

Did I attain this goal 5 months in? Stay tuned for a length check pic in the next few posts. 

2. Use an essential oil every week

Partial compliance. Thanks to my ORS Invigorating Shampoo, almost every wash had a lovely tingle from the rosemary and peppermint oils. During the weeks of February and  March I oiled my scalp at least once a week with a mix of castor oil, peppermint oil, T444Z and grapeseed oil. However as we progressed into April and May, I got less consistent with this and would oil with anything I could get my hands on.

3. Master the braid out

Total fail! Between work and life I did not even have the energy to experiment with a braid out. There are still 7 months left, the braid out must be conquered!

4. Stay on top of my ends

Honestly I haven't had a good look at them of late. But i have stayed away from heat as much as possible. Iv'e used it only 3 times the whole of this year and that was to get my weave and braids done. (Someone clap for me). But I haven't trimmed since my super cut in December. So im overdue for a trim just to ensure everything is ok.

5. Experiment less

Total success. I have stayed true to my ORS Replenishing conditioner, Dark n Lovely Ultra Cholesterol and Aquamarine green apple conditioners. Woot woot!! No funny concoctions and only ONE new oil mix that I purchased which I was just dying to try out. So I  guess there is hope for my product junkism after all.

2 and a half out of 5...hmmm thank goodness for the remaining 7 months of the year. 

Have you reviewed your hair goals lately?

Where has Bee Been?

Hi Doves!

Ooo la la  things have definitely gotten quiet around these ends.

I've been quite the busy bee. From lost internet connections, to hectic work schedule, no energy, graduation (YES IM NOW A GRADUATE), things came to a standstill on the blog. But im picking right up from where I left off.

My last protective style was a wig. From there I moved into braids. The braiding experience was not so nice, but I loved the convenience of being able to spray and go as I headed to the office. I was very consistent in moisturising and oiling my scalp. However on the washing end, I only washed 3 times in all 6 weeks I kept my braids (face palm of shame). But that is an average of once every 2 weeks right....riiiight? :-) Currently I am rocking a weave.

I have noticed that because of the humid climate here in Kitwe and the length of my hair, I have had to use light protein more regularly. As in almost every week. Each time I would check my hair under the wig or in the braids, my hair would feel almost too moisturised. So much so, that I would even skip a day on purpose because I was trying to avoid over-moisturised hair.

One very important lesson i've picked from this is to keep listening to our hair and its needs. Bloggers (like myself hehe) , youtubers and hair experts all recommend doing xyz every how many weeks. But the best recommendation is to go with how your hair feels. The last thing you want is broken or damaged hair only because you MUST do a moisturising DC since you did a light protein treatment the previous week. So determine what your hair needs according to how it feels and tells you.

Unfortunately, no pic yet...because i'm having trouble uploading. Pictures to follow asap!!

The GlamLush Fro of Late (In Pictures)

Hi Doves!

Time to share some pics of my hair. It's been going through some moving changes and this is what's been happening with it over the past month or two..

Enjoy

Cornrow and braids style courtesy of my sister. Had them for January.

Cinnabun life..

This next style is a new on-the-go favourite. I was pressed for time and late for church, with no idea what I would do to my hair. So I pulled it into a puff. The i twisted the hair into about 6 or 7 twists and secured them in the centre with a bobby pin. I dont have a name for the style yet though...suggestions?

DIY Protein Treatment Wash Day - Sunday 22 February

Hi Doves

It has certainly been a long while since I posted a wash day.

Im going to give you a run down of my latest cleansing session. Unfortunately no pics as I just thought of them as I was writing this post (too absorbed in chatter lol).

I decided to do a DIY protein treatment as my hair was feeling rather soft and mushy and had a bit of breakage. So off to my aunt's place I went and decided to take advantage of the avocados and eggs there to pamper myself.

1. Finger detangled and preshampoo/protein treatment with a mix of blended avocado, 1 guinea fowl egg (yes guinea fowl and it worked well I might add), castor oil, some ors replenishing conditioner and a dollop of honey. Left that on for 30 to 40 mins then rinsed.

2. Shampooed with Sunsilk Co-Creations Anti Damage Shampoo to clarify. Left my scalp squeaky clean.

Product Review: Glyco-Lemon Leave On Conditioner

Hi Doves

This was the first ever leave-in conditioner I purchased when I started my healthy hair journey. I use this and Dr Miracle's Curl Care Leave In Conditioner in alternation. Im not one to mess with leave-ins because they are the life or death of my hair. I can have a bad wash day  with products that don't agree, but my leave-in will save me. That is why in all my journey, I have only ventured into these two. DC's come and go, but these no *lols* And when I'm low on cash, the glyco-lemon is my go-to. About time I reviewed it!

Purchased at Pick n Pay for N$ 18. Also available at spar, checkers, woerman brock and most supermarkets.

Preparing Your Hair for a Move

Hi Doves

How are we?

Today I want to draw from my moving experience to help those moving to a new town, city or country prepare their hair for it. In the midst of packing, buying things, making a list of things you shouldn't forget, your hair can take a back seat an suffer as a result. So here are a few pointers to help. 

1. Sort through your product stash

Last thing you'd think of right? Well since you are relocating, it is not necessary to take your products plus the whole kitchen sink with you. As you sort through it, you'll  find products that  can be kept and those you can leave behind. It is also a good opportunity to de-clutter your stock.

2. Take your essentials 

Take all your must have/staple products. Especially those which you would not know to locate in your new are.

A few examples would be sulfate free shampoo, conditioner (A balanced or moisturising one.. You can always turn a moisturising conditioner into a protein one by adding protein ingredients. Check my post on deep conditioning for more deets) oil, a wide tooth,comb, satin scarf, a deep conditioning cap and bobby pins

Pack them wrapped in plastic in a separate travel bag that can be placed in your suitcase for ease of access and to prevent spills.

Welcome Back!

Hi Doves!

It has certainly been a while.

I have moved from Namibia back to Zambia for an internship...so life has been getting in the way of me and blogging.

I welcome this change, but my hair has started facing some of the challenges I see naturalistas talking of all the time. It's rainy season now and the humidity is definitely affecting my braid out bangs and once perfect hairstyles puff up in a short while.I have an internship going, so styling my naps tastefully and professionally whilst combating the weather has also had me thinking of a hundred and one ways to use my bobby pins.  

Also now that im working and staying with a relative, I really have to schedule time for my hair sessions over the weekends. Thankfully though , I had the good sense to make a wig before I left home, so I'm wigging it again now. It will tide me through this busy time and cut down on my manipulation.

In due time i'll settle into a good routine and humidity proof hair. Anyone with tips for humid weather please comment below. The moisture is not such a bad thing though, as now I don't have to re-moisturise daily. In fact I can get away with moisturising every second day. 

In other news, catch my feature over at Ms Direction. Spoiler for you: it explains how I stumbled on the wonderful world of hair care. I am now in week 3 or so of the Ms Direction Healthy Hair Challenge and all is going well so far. The closing date for entries was February 7th.

I also got this large cornrows and braids style which I kept for two weeks and then undid. I'll share in another post.

My posting may be a bit sporadic till im totally settled so please bear with me in the meantime.

That's all for now....

January Inversion Results

Hi Doves!

How are you?

Im so excited to share my results from the inversion method. Remember I said I would employ it to enhance my growth after my trim?

What is the inversion method?
Basically this is a method used to enhance growth within a week. People who have used it have gotten up to one inch ( and even more depending on their growth rate) after having done it. The key ingredients to its success I believe is the rush of the blood to the scalp, coupled with the scalp massage.

How is it done?
1. Warm up your oil of choice
2. Massage the scalp for some minutes
3. Tilt your head in a position which will allow the blood to flow to you head, for example bend to touch your toes, or hanging upside down over the edge of you bed.
4. Remain in this position for 4 minutes
5. Rise slowly when you are done
6. Do this for 7 consecutive days, once a month

I inverted from January 1 to 7. (easy dates to keep track of) and then I waited till the 13th of January  (6 days later) to check my growth, as I don't know which day exactly my growth pops in afterwards...I just know it does from previous inversions when I was in braids. I would see my growth some days after I inverted.

Hair Resolutions 2015

Hi Doves

How are you?

Setting realistic goals for your hair really helps keep one on track and serves as motivation for your journey. Im not really one for resolutions at the beginning of the year, just not really my thing. However there are a few goals I have in mind for my tresses this year.This is the list of things I plan to achieve this year. 

                                         

source

1. Get back to armpit length and go anything farther than that as is possible. That means maximising my length retention by manipulating my hair as little as I can and handling it gently.

GlamLush Hair - Hazel

Hi Doves

Been a while since we had a hair feature. My guest for the day is my younger sister Hazel. She is texlaxed and has been doing it since it was even a thang. She just didn't want super straight hair. More about her hair from her:

How to Trim on Dry Natural Hair Without Having to Blow Dry

Hello Doves,

How are you?
For my first educative post  of the year, I want to share how I managed to trim my hair without blowing it to get a good stretch.

When it comes to trimming, there is some controversy as whether to snip the ends dry or wet. I personally prefer to make the cut on dry stretched hair as I have a good idea of how much to remove. Also the shrinkage from wet hair can be deceiving and you'll end up cutting more than you may have planned for. Another thing is it's possible for me to see and feel the bad ends better when the tresses are dry.

I was not planning on using a blow dryer  as I didn't want to use any heat on my hair. So I got the bright idea to use threading as a method of getting that perfect stretch.
 I got a bundle of unused braid extensions to thread my hair.

Here are my steps :

Happy New Year & Hair Update

Hello Doves!

I pray your new year began with joy and by the side of loved ones. I spent mine with my family.

The new year always promises new beginnings, the chance to make things better and is a breath of fresh air.  I'm definitely entering 2015 with a lot on my hair agenda.

First things first. How is my hair doing?  I got a trim on 26 December 2014. My ends had loosened a bit, I noticed midshaft splits towards the last one to two inches, and I was having a horrible time retaining moisture. So during a cowash session I saw the loosened curls, I had discovered the splits earlier. I made up my mind and decided to do a one to two inch trim. I want healthy long hair and holding on to scraggly ends would simply hinder my progress.

 I was quite sad to have to trim such a large amount cause it meant I would no longer be at the coveted armpit length. That's when you really start to feel like you're getting somewhere you know? Big girl pants on and I trimmed..I'll do a post on how I trimmed without having to blow dry my hair. Keep tuned.

When I undid my braids