Makeda Moment

I was browsing the internet and came across these beautiful custom made shoes.  The shoes are the creations of a very talented French graphic designer, Mathieu Missiaen.  His brand "Ndeur" puts out not only shoes, but also t-shirts, and other accessories like bracelets.  Ndeur has enjoyed international success in a short amount of time.  Check out some pics below

Where can you find Ndeur designs?
Not here.  If you're in Toronto you're in luck.  Ndeur can be found at "The Rage" and Omy Gallery."
It is also supposedly available on etsy.  However, I don't think the page is up at the moment.   :-(


*"Ndeur-pronounced "under"

Makeda Moment

Take a second to read this story.  Allowed to wear dreadlocks in school?  click
Feel free to post your thoughts

My Do

With the warm weather I have seen an influx of fros!  I missed my hair and wore it out last week.  Same style as the last time....Flat twist in the front...fro in the back.  I am working to improve my flat twisting.  Practice makes perfect right...

Garlic Revisited

Heya Bellas,


This is an older post that didn't transfer over from my old layout.  Just wanted to make sure that everyone got a chance to read it.


Using Garlic for shedding.


Odorless Garlic Pills

• 1-3 Tablets/day
• Pick these up at your local drugstore.  I got mine from CVS for a few bucks.  This is a great option because of the other advantages you get from garlic.  As a natural antibiotic, garlic is effective in fighting toxic bacteria, fungus, and viruses.  Garlic is also great for heart health, blood pressure, the immune system.....uhhh you get the point.

Shampoo/Conditioners

• Alter Ego Hot Oil Treatment with Garlic
• Alter Ego Creme Conditioner
• Queen Helene Garlic Shampoo

*Queen Helene Garlic Shampoo is about $4.  The other two are a bit too much for me to spend when I can create my own alternative treatment.  I am a firm believer of DIY recipes.  A lot of things I put in my hair come straight from my kitchen.  Not only is it much cheaper, but I love knowing exactly what is in my hair.  I hate putting products in my hair with ingredients that I can't even pronounce.

Here are some other alternatives that you can easily do with the garlic in your kitchen

Garlic Powder-via longhaircareforum.com

1. 1 tbsp of Garlic Powder

2. Mix or blend with EVOO, Castor Oil, or Jojoba--should create a thin paste

3. Apply to scalp and hair

4. Cover with shower cap-do not add heat, your body heat is sufficient

    --leave on for 30 minutes-1hr

5. Wash hair with a gentle shampoo and condition

Garlic & Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)

1.  Soak cloves garlic in EVOO (peeled cloves of course)

2.  Apply oil to scalp as a pre-poo.

3.  Leave on for 30 minutes-1 hour with plastic cap on

4.  Shampoo & Condition

**When using cloves of garlic, you can really substitute other ingredients in.  I have heard of people using garlic cloves with honey, coconut oil, etc.  Try some things out and see what you like best.  

**If you are really worried about the smell, try mixing in some of your favorite essential oil.  

**Some women even use minced garlic with their favorite oil.  They warm the two together to infuse.

DIY: Protein Treatment

Hey Bellas,


So I know that Megatek may be a tad extreme for some you...so here are some DIY protein treatments that you can do at home.


Simple Protein Treatment
1-2 Eggs (Depending on the length of your hair)
Olive Oil or Coconut oil


Thoroughly beat your egg(s).  Then add the oil of your choice.  The mixture will be a bit runny.  You can add conditioner to make your treatment more creamy.  After mixing, apply generously to your hair.  Make sure that all of your hair is coated from root to end.  Allow to sit for 30 -45 minutes.  DO NOT place a shower cap on your head or add heat.  You want the mixture to sort of harden on your head.  Rinse out after 30 minutes-45 minutes. with lukewarm water (NOT hot).  After rinsing out the protein treatment, deep conditioning is essential.  Protein without moisture will cause your hair to break.

Simple Protein Treatment
1 Egg White
5 tbs Plain Natural Yogurt


Beat egg white until frothy.  Add Yogurt to the mix.  Apply to hair from root to end. Leave it in hair for 15-20 minutes.  Once again, don't use heat on your hair.  Your body heat will suffice.  Rinse out with lukewarm water.  Do a deep conditioner after the protein treatment  


Protein Note
Eggs are a great way to get protein into your hair.  Just note that you many want to start with the first recipe.  The entire egg is a less intense protein treatment because the yolk contains fat.  This fat is more moisturizing than the egg white, which is pure protein.


Look out for upcoming posts on protein & your hair.

New Mizani Line

So I'm sure that we have all used Mizani products before.  I know that I was a fiend for that Mizani perm back in the day day.  Those days are long gone for me...so you can only imagine how pumped I was to hear about the launch of the Mizani True Textures!

If you haven't heard about the line yet, here's the lowdown
Mizani True Textures is "designed specifically to care for naturally curl hair, True Textures addresses the unique characteristics of each curl type with specific products to meet individual needs, such as moisture, frizz control, and curl definition."
aka they finally have a line for those of us with kinks :-D

The line includes

• Moisturizing Sulfate-Free Shampoo
• Curl Replenish Intense Moisturizing Mask
• Perfect Curl Defining Cream Gel
• Moisture Stretch Curl Extending Cream
• Cleansing Cream Conditioning Curl Wash

I haven't spotted the products in Beauty Supply stores YET, but once I do...bet that I will be trying them out! 

Makeda Moment: Hair Accessories

I love these bowbands by Es N Yaa.  They are a bit pricey for me but they are uber cute.  It makes me wonder why I don't make my own headbands.  Maybe that will be my next venture...

Check it out!

My Do

Happy Thursday :-D

I just wanted to show you all what my hair looks like.  I realized that I've been wearing it for about 2 months now.  Why?  I wanted a protective style which would allow me some time to just leave my hair alone!  The less manipulation, the better.  My hair grows faster when I am not touching it.

I cornrowed my hair a few nights ago and left those in.  Cornrows stretch out my hair the best as compared to twists or loose braids.  I took out the cornrows, combed my hair, and did a flat twist across the front.  I used a headband to pull back the twist and the rest of my hair.  This was my first time wearing the flat twist out but I THINK it looked cute :-D

I am going to wear my hair out for few more days however I am getting another wig.  I am trying to do protective styling until the the end of May.  I will take breaks like these to wear my hair out for a few days.

New Half Wig

Heylo Bellas!

So I purchased a new half wig that I thought I'd show you.  I bought it for Spring Break as my "beach hair" haha.  The beach was so windy that I looked absolutely crazy..BUT I've been wearing it since I came back.

I purchased it from the same store for the same price, $19.99.  This brand is "Vanessa" which is supposed to be decent quality.  I couldn't really tell because my wig was exposed to extreme weather conditions (sand & salt water)...but I can say that it is still is good condition surprisingly.

I know some of you have purchased half wigs! Let me know how it's going and show me some pictures :-)

Makeda Moment: Afro Decal & Fly

LOVE THIS.
Check out this afro decal as seen on flygirls.typepad.com (also love this blog).  Check out both :-)

DIY Leave-In Conditioner

Here's a simple DIY recipe for Leave-In Conditioner

What will you need?
Spray Bottle (Purchase one at the dollar store)
3 ounces of distilled water (Purchase at local supermarket, drugstore)
1/2 ounce of your favorite oil (I prefer EVOO for this recipe)
1 ounce of a cheap conditioner like Suave
*Optional-I like to squeeze a tad of aloe vera gel into my mix

FYI:  1 ounce=2 tablespoons

Add the ingredients above to your spray bottle.  Shake until mixed and spray away!  This recipe is wonderful as a braid/twist spray.  I personally don't trust that the pre-made braid sprays will moisturize my hair.  Try it out.

Let me know if you like!

Product Review: Oyin Handmade's Grand Poo Bar

Grand Poo Bar by Oyin Handmade
Dislike It     Like It     Love It     Gotta Have It
Buy it here
$7.00

Ingredients: purified water, glycerin, sodium stearate and sodium oleate, sorbitol, stearic acid, lauric acid, African black soap, cocoa butter, cetyl alcohol, coconut oil, lavender, tea tree and citrus essential oils




Alright...so at this point, I'm sure I just seem like an Oyin Handmade groupie...but I have really been loving most of their products.  And I really LOVE the Grand Poo Bar!!

The Grand Poo Bar is a shampoo bar that is sulfate free!  It doesn't strip your hair with harsh detergents but still cleanses as a shampoo.

My experience with the product
The Grand Poo Bar is a small bar as pictured above.  Before using it, I cut off a small piece of the bar so that the entire bar would not get wet.  I was pleasantly surprised to see that the small piece of the bar went a very long way.  I wet my hair and then rubbed the Poo bar around my hair and scalp.  Almost immediately I got a nice lather from the bar.  I began to shampoo as usual, making sure that I had enough product in my hair.  I washed out and was surprised to feel the moisture in my hair.  It actually felt like I had just used conditioner in my hair instead of shampoo.  I didn't even condition after using the Grand Poo Bar because I didn't think it was necessary.  

The bar, although not huge, will last for a long time.  This is true especially if you are doing mostly co-washing.  I think that this is a great investment if you're looking for a moisturizing shampoo.

Post your experiences with the product please :-)

Back to Your Regularly Scheduled Programming

Okay so I lied :-D

It took MUCH longer than expected but I have done my best to tweak this layout..I really hope you guys like it.  Feedback is greatly appreciated.  What do you like?  What could be added?  Let me know bellas.

Half Wig Yeah!

That's right ladies...it's half-wig time!


Alright so about two weeks ago I finally purchased my first half-wig!!!!!! (yeah I was EXTRA excited)  I debated buying one for a while and finally decided to just do it.  I went looking for the perfect short curly half-wig.  I found it for only $19.99....yeah I know...WONDERFUL right?! 


Why did I want a half-wig?
I was looking for a protective style but I didn't want to sit in a chair for hours or spend a lot of money. 


Where did I purchase my half-wig?
At a beauty supply store on 60th near Market St. (Philly) 

How do I maintain my wig?

I never sleep with it to preserve the curl and shape.  My wig sleeps on a bottle, desk lamp, etc.  I usually just do a finger comb and/or shake it.  There are methods to wash your wig but I haven't invested in wig shampoo yet...

Wearing half-wig...

My half-wig is a 2 in 1.  You can also wear it as a ponytail.  I usually have my hair twisted or braided with a stocking cap on.  I use Cantu Leave-In to slick back the front of my hair.  It's as simple as that.  

Advantages of half-wig?

• I can wear a wig without it looking too "wiggy."  
• I can grow my eyebrows out a bit...they're beastly right now.
• Low manipulation of my hair
• Maintaining hair regimen

Disadvantages of half-wig?

• Wind + Wig = No bueno.  This is partly because of how far up I wear my half-wig.  Because it is so far up, when the wind blows my edges look crazy.  I am going to try incorporating some bobby pins...
• I take of the wig to work out.  This requires me to do my hair at least twice a week.  I know that some people work out with their wigs but I'm not a big fan.  All the hair just makes me sweat even more.

I love love love my half-wig.  I plan to purchase many more.  One thing that I love is that it looks like a weave but I can take it off at night.  I can still keep up with my hair regimen and have these fab curls during the day.  I really think that everyone should buy at least one. :-D

#Shoutout to Wendy.  I kinda understand the wig thing now..#howyoudoin

Shedding-Garlic Treatments

As promised in my previous post, here are some garlic treatments to remedy shedding.


Odorless Garlic Pills

• 1-3 Tablets/day
• Pick these up at your local drugstore.  I got mine from CVS for a few bucks.  This is a great option because of the other advantages you get from garlic.  As a natural antibiotic, garlic is effective in fighting toxic bacteria, fungus, and viruses.  Garlic is also great for heart health, blood pressure, the immune system.....uhhh you get the point.

Shampoo/Conditioners

• Alter Ego Hot Oil Treatment with Garlic
• Alter Ego Creme Conditioner
• Queen Helene Garlic Shampoo

*Queen Helene Garlic Shampoo is about $4.  The other two are a bit too much for me to spend when I can create my own alternative treatment.  I am a firm believer of DIY recipes.  A lot of things I put in my hair come straight from my kitchen.  Not only is it much cheaper, but I love knowing exactly what is in my hair.  I hate putting products in my hair with ingredients that I can't even pronounce.

Here are some other alternatives that you can easily do with the garlic in your kitchen

Garlic Powder-via longhaircareforum.com

1. 1 tbsp of Garlic Powder

2. Mix or blend with EVOO, Castor Oil, or Jojoba--should create a thin paste

3. Apply to scalp and hair

4. Cover with shower cap-do not add heat, your body heat is sufficient

    --leave on for 30 minutes-1hr

5. Wash hair with a gentle shampoo and condition

Garlic & Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)

1.  Soak cloves garlic in EVOO (peeled cloves of course)

2.  Apply oil to scalp as a pre-poo.

3.  Leave on for 30 minutes-1 hour with plastic cap on

4.  Shampoo & Condition

**When using cloves of garlic, you can really substitute other ingredients in.  I have heard of people using garlic cloves with honey, coconut oil, etc.  Try some things out and see what you like best.  

**If you are really worried about the smell, try mixing in some of your favorite essential oil.  

**Some women even use minced garlic with their favorite oil.  They warm the two together to infuse.

Makeda Moment: Random Link

I really enjoy these t-shirts.  They're only $20...I'm debating ordering one.  I'll get anything with a fro on it lol...  


Check it out. click.

Mega Tek Update

Hey Bellas!


Alright so I know that you all saw one of my first posts about my Mega Tek Challenge.  I was so excited about ordering and receiving my Mega Tek, that I forgot to provide information about the product.  So here you go...better late than never ;-)

Ingredients: Deionized water, hydrolyzed keratin protein, stearalkonium chloride, glyceryl stearate,

peg100 stearate, marine protein, peg 40, panthenal, dimethicone copolyol, magnesium citrate, allantoin, amino acids, methlparaben, mucopolysaccharides, propylparaben, imidazolidinyl urea, fragrance

What is Mega Tek?
Mega Tek is a hair rebuilder developed by Eqyss and formulated for horses.  Although this growth aid is typically marketed to animals, it IS safe for human use.  Many women use it because Mega Tek stengthens hair and produces rapid hair growth.    


How do you use Mega Tek?
There a number of ways that you can apply Mega Tek

• Apply to your scalp like you would apply grease or oil.  You can apply to dry or wet hair.  Gently massage the Mega Tek into your scalp with the tips of your fingers.  You can leave the Mega Tek in your hair until your next wash day.  It is not necessary that you wash it out the next day although some people opt to do that. 
• I recommend diluting your Mega Tek with your favorite oil.  I mix my Mega Tek with Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO) about 50/50 and use when my hair is wet.  The JBCO is excellent for sealing in moisture, leaving my hair feeling soft the next day.  When I apply Mega Tek to my dry hair, I mix the Mega Tek with Carol's Daughter Tui Hair Oil about 50/50.  I apply my Mega Tek about 3 times a week and I co-wash 1-2 a week.  
• Shampoo your hair.  Apply Mega Tek to your scalp like you are greasing it.  Leave in for at least an hour.  Rinse out the Mega Tek and proceed with your favorite moisturizing conditioner.

• Once again I would recommend adding your favorite oil to your Mega Tek.  

How often should I use Mega Tek?
Most women use it at least 3 times a week.  Some use it every other day.  I would say just make sure that your co-washing once a week.  Don't want too much product build up in your hair.   


What results should I expect to see?
You should expect to see an increase in thickness and length.  Typical hair growth is about 1/2 inch per month.  Ladies using Mega Tek report 1 inch+ per month.


Is it safe to use?
Made for horses but safe enough for humans.  (I feel crazy writing this)  The things we do for hair growth...  Anywho, there is another alternative if you are really freaked out about the horse thing.  Ovation Cell Therapy (OCT) which was formulated specifically for humans.  It is more expensive but it basically has the same ingredients.  For more information on this product click here

What should I know about this product before I use it?
Your hair needs the perfect balance of protein and moisture!  Mega Tek is like bottled protein.  It is extremely concentrated and can cause protein overload.  This means that you must STOP all other protein treatments that you are using on your hair.  Remember that your body produces protein.  When you have protein overload , you will begin shedding.  To prevent this you can do the following    

1. Dilute your Mega Tek when applying to your hair.  You can mix it 50/50 with anything...castor oil, coconut oil, or even water.  I personally use Jamaican Black Castor Oil which leaves my hair feeling moisturized the next day.
2. Use Garlic to combat shedding.  You can do this by taking garlic orally or putting doing a garlic treatment directly on your hair.  See the next post for the garlic treatment recipe...
3. Garlic Hair Cream Conditioners

Where can I get Mega Tek?  How much is Mega Tek?

Search around online.  I purchased my MT from doversaddlery.com for $24 ,but I heard they sold out of the product.  Here are two sites that carry Mega Tek.  

http://www.kvvet.com

http://www.valleyvet.com 

Just remember to search around.  

Price range should be  

16 oz Bottle - ranges from $20 - $30

2oz Jar  - ranges from $10 – $16

MY Mega Tek Challenge
Here's a picture of my progress so far. It's been one month!!!!  I apologize for the quality of the pictures (and my bummy appearance lol).  If you can tell from the pictures below, before using MR, my hair was about eyebrow level.  Now touching my nose.  YAY for progress! :-)  


**You might not see the progress in the second set of pictures but I can :-D

My Regimen

Mix Mega Tek and JBCO together in a container, 50/50.  Apply to scalp like grease after co-washing (wet hair).  I do this 1-2 times a week.  I prefer to use JBCO on my wet hair because it really gives me moisture when my hair dries the next day.  It feels soft the next day and this is why I LOVE JBCO.  I need to order more because this Mega Tek regimen uses so much of it.

• I tried using coconut oil in place of the JBCO but I really didn't like the way it made my hair feel.  The next day after using Mega Tek and Coconut Oil, my hair was dry and a bit crunchy. Maybe I needed to add more Coconut Oil or something.  To be fair, I only tried it once so I will try it again and report back.  Lately I have just been adding Coconut Oil to my conditioner.  

Mix Mega Tek and Carol's Daughter together in a container, 50/50.  apply to scalp like grease (dry hair).  I do this 1-2 times a week. 

I began applying my Mega Tek 3x a week.  However I have started to apply it every other day in the last week.  I co wash 1-2x/week, deep condition 1x/week, use clarifying shampoo 1x/month.  

Shedding: I have been taking 1-2 garlic pills daily for shedding.  Even before starting my MT challenge, I was shedding quite a bit.  However this has decreased significantly since I started using the MT and garlic.    

Your MT!
I know a number of you have ordered your Mega Tek!  PLEASE post your regimens and results in the comments section :-)

Help Haiti!

Text "HAITI" to "90999" and a donation of $10 will be given to the American Red Cross


Text "YELE" to "501501" to make a $5 donation will be given to Yele Organization.


**These donations will be charged to your cell phone bill.


If you are looking for more organizations who are accepting donations, here is a list


Action Against Hunger
American Red Cross
American Jewish World Service
Americares
Beyond Borders
CARE
CarmaFoundation
Catholic Relief Services
Childcare Worldwide
Church World Service
Direct Relief International
Doctors Without Borders
Episcopal Relief & Development Haiti Fund
Feed My Starving Children
Food for the Poor
Friends of WFP
Haiti Children
Haiti Marycare
Haitian Health Foundation
Hope for Haiti
International Medical Corps
International Relief Teams
International Rescue Committee
Medical Teams International
Meds and Food for Kids
Mennonite Central Committee
Mercy Corps
Operation Blessing
Operation USA
Oxfam International
Partners in Health
Rural Haiti Project
The Salvation Army
Samaritan's Purse
Save the Children
UNICEF
World Concern
World Relief
World Vision
Yele Haiti


If you receive an email that appears to be a scam, FBI says to forward it to www.ic3.gov