Deep Cleansing

For the past few weeks, well maybe it's just been two, my scalp has not been happy.  It's been flaking up and quite unpleasant.  Last week, I did an ACV rinse, without much relief.  This week I decided to add a baking soda cleanse to the ACV rinse.

I made an ACV and water mixture (50/50) poured over my scalp.  Then I saw with a shower cap on for about two  hours. Next, I filled kitchen sink with warm water.  Poured baking soda in my hands and rubbed it into my scalp like shampoo.  I then used the water in the sink to rinse out my hair:

First baking soda rinse

Then I let that water out and rinsed it out some more:

Second post baking soda rinse

Third post baking soda rinse

Next using my homemade shampoo base I did two lathers.  Or maybe it was three.  Here's what came out:

First rinse - you can really see the dirt when I take the flash off.

Second rinse

Third rinse

Then I retwisted with coconut oil.  Yay for clean hair.

Bondi Band Review

So it took less than a few days for my Bondi Bands to arrive.  They looked good and the quality is great.  I got a compliment on the one I wore to my BellySculpt class so I told a classmate I would bring one in for her to try.  She was please that didn't look tight.  Also, since it's so wide, there are no lines left on my forehead.

Blue for the gym.

Black for dancing.

I also got a red/maroon, grey, and purple.

So far, I'm quite pleased with my purchase.  I need to try them out at hot yoga because that will be the real test.  Unfortunately I didn't want to get out of bed this morning.

Salon Review: Natural Vybz

Website: http://www.naturalvybzhairstudio.com/ You can also find them on Facebook

About: A group of friends who got together to do hair.  You can get the official information on their website.

Why I went: There was a LivingSocial deal I couldn't pass up - $37 for loc maintenance and light style.

Making the Appointment: I did it over the phone, but you can also book online.

My Experience With the Venue: The studio is a house that was converted.   No big surprises.  Adequate street parking.  I'm not a big fan of B'more, but my car and I both survived the neighborhood. They keep to door locked so they need to let you in and out.

My Experience With the Stylist: Jennie, the owner, greeted me and had me fill out what was essentially an intake form.  It asked how often wash my hair, how much water I drink, what products I use and various other items.  Then she sat with me and asked a few more questions. Like most other people, she said that washing my hair weekly was too much and probably the cause of my dry scalp - but it itches!!  She told me they used - I can't remember the name, but I know it when I see it.  The initials are T.W.  She also told me to be mindful of getting information from YouTube since it's not always accurate.  I don't think she believed me when I said I don't look at YouTube that often.  Who has the time for a 12 minute video?

The Process: After the intake process, Jennie shampooed my hair - she usually does three rounds, but only did two since I washed my hair less than a week prior.  She styled it asking if it was too tight at various intervals, and letting it out when I said yes.  The final product:

Time to Pay: All I had to do was tip.  She was able to look up my voucher since my phone was taking its time.

Overall Take: The other stylist were friendly and funny.   It was like hanging out with new found friends.  The service was professional.

Would I go back? Yes

Would I request the same stylist? No, not because I didn't like Jennie, but I felt that I would be comfortable with whoever I ended up with.

Would I recommend them to others? Yep.  P.S. Jennie said another deal would be coming out in October, so be on the lookout.

Bondi Band Purchase

Preliminary Reasons why Bondi Bands are awesome:

1. Economical - $8.00 per headband until you're customizing.

2. Shipping is the same regardless of how many purchased: $3.95 first class or $8.95 priority.

3. They have discount codes that are 3 years old and still work.  Checkout Retail Me Not.  I got 5 for $25.  I was originally only going to buy 2 (so I could stay under $20 in total), but I have trouble passing up a sale.  And yes I know that if I'm spending money I'm not actually saving money...Leave me alone.

I'll post pictures of the ones I got when they arrive.

I Workout

I never really thought about how my hair smells after my workouts until watching this video about keeping locs fresh by Chescalocs. 

If you don't follow her yet, you should.  I'm going to try out her tips and let you know what happens.  With 2-8 workouts a week I hope to have a response soon.  Step one - buy this headband.