Outre Peaches Lace Front Wig

I purchased this wig from Mimi Beauty Supply Plus (An Ebay Store)
I received this wig in the color #2. This unit is about 20-22" long, loose body curls (Kim Kardashian like) style around 1/2"-1" of parting space.
I began wearing this wig early January 2011. With non continuous wear and great wig care, this wig may last you around 1 month. If you are someone who wears your wig continuously, this wig may last you about 2-3 weeks with great wig care.

PROS: Very soft, nice style, decent length, true to color, minimal amount of shedding, very full, great value.

CONS: Gets frizzy, tangles, cap size a bit loose, mattes at nape area, not a lot of lace or parting space, lace itchy, curls will drop.

Rating: 8.5

My Prior Preparation For Hair Relaxer Day

Now normally I stretch my relaxer for up to 17 weeks, or until I cannot stretch any more. But because my birthday and new years day are just around the corner, and I do not plan on wearing a full protective style, I will be relaxing my new growth. My last relaxer was in late September. So as of today (12/22) I am 13 weeks post, which is still pretty good in my opinion! In this post, I will be listing what I do to prepare my hair for a relaxer. Please note, the products specified are what works for me from experience!

First before any treatment services are applied to my hair, I shampoo my hair either using the ApHogee Shampoo for Damaged hair or a clarifying shampoo. This particular time I used a clarifying shampoo because I was out of the shampoo for damaged hair. I do 2 washes to assure myself that my hair is completely clean and free of any product buildup.



Then I do a protein treatment on my hair ONCE 7 days before relaxing. I use a mixture of ApHogee's 2 Step Protein Treatment and ApHogee's Treatment for Damaged Hair. Reading the instruction and ingredient content, I believe that these two products are very close in similarities. Both products are magnesium and modified protein infused which activates with heat into the hair follicles, making your hair extremely hard and reduces the possibility for breakage when combed or brushed for up to 6 weeks, even between washes and everyday manipulation. "I" mix the two products together because "I" noticed that I gotten better results other then using 1 or the other alone.


I apply the ApHogee 2 step protein treatment/ApHogee treatment for damaged hair generously to my hair, lightly comb it through for even distribution, then sit under a dryer until my hair is extremely hard. I then let it sit for 30 additional minuets to an hour before I rinse the product out. (NOTE: These products STINK!!)

Once all of the protein treatments are removed from my hair, I then use the ApHogee's Balancing Moisturizer. This product is crucial if you are doing treatment services. It helps correct and restore your hairs pH and moisture balance. High protein treatments can strip your hair of its moisture causing it to become hard and fragile to breakage. Using the balancing moisturizer helps seal in moisture which is essential for the strength and elasticity of healthy hair.



I apply the moisturizer to my hair, put on a plastic shower cap and allow it to penetrate my hair for an hour then thoroughly rinse out.

After that I then apply the Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Deep Conditioning Replenishing Pak to my hair, re apply my plastic shower cap/scarf, and allow that to sit in my hair over night. This process reassures me that I am getting the proper moisture nourishment I need to be confident that I wont be dry or endure any breakage.



Now finally, I rinse the conditioner out, allow my hair to air dry (I usually do this on my off days from work/school) then braid my hair into two sections. My hair will remain in the 2 braids with little to no manipulation, until relaxer day just to avoid any burning to my scalp. In the meanwhile, I wear my hair in protected style (wigs...) until then.

Products I use and will recommend...

Keratin green tea restructionizer
Keratin 2 minuet reconstruction
Shampoo for damaged hair
Moisturizing oil sheen
Pro-Vitamin Leave in conditioner (in spray bottle)
Smooth-n-Shine Silk-n-Sleek strengthener hair polish

**Products listed are what generally works for me from experience.**

It's A Wig Lace Front Bright

I purchased this wig from SamsBeauty.com. I have this wig in the color #2. It is about 16" long, loose curl.
I started wearing this wig in early January. Without continuous wear, this wig lasted about 2-3 weeks with great wig care. If you are someone who wear the same wig continuously, this wig may last about a 1-2 weeks with great wig care.

PROS: Good value, true to color, decent length, snug fit, very soft.

CONS: Very thin, curls very loose, some pieces of the hair didn't have a curl and was straight, 1/2" of parting space, lace was shiny, tracks were detectable, adjustable strap broke, lace very hard, frizzed up within one day of wear, no volume or body, tangled very much at the nape, hair shed.

Rating: 5

Sensationnel HZ-T007 Lace Top Wig

I purchased this wig from samsbeauty.com. I received this wig in a color #2. This wig is about 14-16" of medium sized curls. I began wearing this wig mid December 2010. Since I have only wore this wig twice, it is still in "like new" condition. If you are someone who wears the same wig occasionally, this wig should last you about a month with great wig care.

PROS: Hair is very soft, lace top lays flat for a natural hairline appearance, great wig for the value, very minimal shedding.

CONS: Color runs darker (#2 looked more like a #1b), wig cap is very tight, front comb is too long, you must pull some of your own hair out for a natural appearance, curls easily tangle in back combs, curls are flat toward the top of the wig giving a "helmet" looking affect.

 Rating: 4



Me wearing the wig as a total half wig (more of my hair pulled out.) (Note: It was a bit difficult blending my hair in as I have a lot of new growth.)

Louisiana Crunch Cake With Vanilla Almond Glaze

Cake:
3 c. cake flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 c. granulated sugar
1 c. (2 sticks) butter...softened
1/4 c. sour cream
4 large eggs...room temp.
1 c. buttermilk
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 c. white granulated sugar
1/4 c. sweetened coconut flakes

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees...Have a non stick tube cake pan ready.
In a medium bowl sift together cake flour, salt, baking powder and soda...Set aside.
Beat softened butter and sugar together until very fluffy (about 5 minuets). Mix in sour cream. Add eggs one at a time and beat until mixture becomes light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract.
Add in buttermilk and the cake flour mixture in alternates and beat until fully combined (see video for example)
PLEASE DO NOT OVER BEAT OTHERWISE CAKE IS GOING TO BECOME ROCK HARD!!!
Thoroughly grease a non stick tube pan! If your pan in not a non stick pan, you will need to grease and flour it.
Add approx 1/4 cup of granulated sugar to the pan, and tap around the sides and bottom until evenly coated. Sprinkle coconut flakes to the bottom of pan...You may add more or less coconut, its totally up to you. Pour in batter. Bake for 50 minuets to an hour, or until a wooden skewer inserted into cake comes out clean. DO NOT OVER BAKE!!!!! Otherwise cake will become dry. Once cake is finished baking, remove from pan and let cool.

Vanilla Almond Glaze:
2 c. powdered sugar
4 tbs. butter...melted
4 tbs. canned evaporated milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. almond extract

Directions:
Whisk together powdered sugar butter and milk. Add vanilla extract and almond extract and mix. Add more milk for a thinner consistency.
Drizzle glaze over cake and let set for 10 minuets.
Serves about 8-10.

Sensationnel Empress Jane Natural Lace Front Wig Futura

I purchased this wig from SamsBeauty.com. I received this wig in color #1b. This wig is about 16" long, straight with layers and bangs. About 1" of parting space. I began wearing this wig early November 2010. With continuous wear and great wig care, this wig is still in ok condition. If you are someone who doesn't wear the same wig often, this wig may last about 1 1/2 months with great wig care. If you are someone who wears the same wig often, this may last you 3-4 weeks with great wig care.

PROS: Futura Fibers, Can be flat ironed up to 400 degrees F, very soft, has nice layers, snug fit, comfortable combs, very versatile, nice length great value.

CONS: Sheds a lot, matting at the nape, tangles at the ends, synthetic shine, hair runs darker, texture very silky, not very much parting space, extremely thin, doesn't curl very well, hairline not very natural.

Rating: 7

Ranch Fried Chicken Wings, Honey Brownsuga BBQ Chicken Wings & Cheesy Bread

Cheesy Bread-
Dough:
2 1/2 c. all purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. sugar
1 tbsp. active dry yeast
1 c. warm water
1 tbsp. olive oil

Topping:
3 spoonfuls Parmesan cheese
salt to taste
garlic powder to taste
Italian seasonings to taste
dash of black pepper
1/3 c. Italian salad dressing or to taste
Cheese to taste or pile it on
**Serve with tomato sauce**

See vid for instructions...

Ranch Fried Chicken Wings-
Enough chicken to feed
1 packet of ranch dry dressing
salt and pepper to taste
1 large egg
approx 1-2 tbsp. buttermilk ranch dressing
seasoning salt
1 c. all purpose flour
oil for frying
**Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing**

see vid for instructions...

Honey Brownsuga BBQ fried Chicken Wings-
Enough chicken to feed
BBQ seasonings
seasoning salt/slap ya mama cajun seasoning
1 large egg
1 c. all purpose flour
1 18oz. bottle honey BBQ sauce
2-3 tbsp. honey
1-2 tbsp. brown sugar
2 tbsp. crushed pineapple (optional) I used it, but didn't document it
Oil for frying
**Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing**

See vid for instructions...

Outre Batik Jerry Curl Weaving Hair

I purchased this hair from samsbeauty.com I received this hair in colors 1b/30 and 2. The hair is 16" of tight jerry curls in which I made a wig with.

**Review Not Yet Available**

Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil

I was given the opportunity to try out this very popular 100% natural Virgin Coconut Oil Gold Label Tropical Traditions! Firstly, I was very impressed by the nature of this product!
Coconut oil has been used for hair treatment in coconut producing countries such as India and the Philippines for thousands of years. Studies in India have been done on how effective various oils are on treating damaged hair. The study compared mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil because these were the three most commonly used oils in hair treatment products used in India. The aim of this study was to cover different treatments, and the effect of these treatments on various hair types using these three oils.

The effects with use of Mineral Oils: Mineral oil is a byproduct of the distillation of crude oil to produce gasoline and other products made from petroleum. Also known as white petroleum, mineral oil has been widely used in skin-care products and in heavy machinery applications. Scented, mineral oil is popularly known as baby oil. It's also used to swab and clean ears safely and is recommended to trap insects that might enter the ear canal. Mineral oil is available in three grades and is refined according to its use. It is even used in heavy equipment to prevent parts from sticking together. With that being said Mineral oil is also not as safe as we think for our hair and scalp. Mineral oil should not be used as much on the hair and skin. Mineral oil clogs the pores and suffocates the skin, which is a breathing organ. Adding mineral oils on the follicles make it difficult for the hair to breath and obtain moisture's which is needed for the hair to create healthy strong growing hair. Your hair and skin are alive and you must treat them as such. (Information gathered by www.gethealthyhairnow.com for research purposes)

The effects with use of Coconut Oils: Coconut oil is used as a natural conditioner for hair. The molecular structure of coconut oil makes it easier to penetrate through the hair shaft and works with the natural hair proteins. Coconut oil is also used to treat conditions like dry scalp or fungal conditions like seborrhea dermatitis that cause itchy flakes.

Ordinary shampoo formulation results in protein loss during washing. Coconut oil can minimize protein loss, as it contains the medium-chain triglycerides that can pass through the cell membrane and waterproof the scalp and hair. (Information gathered by ww. ehow.com for research purposes)

My review and 2 month results from the use of Tropical Tradition Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil: Before using The Tropical Tradition Virgin Coconut Oil, I was on a religious regimen with Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Using the Olive oil, I was seeing great results! My hair was shinier than normal, my scalp wasn't getting dry and itchy like normally, the olive oil was a great sealer for my hair excellent for addition with any type of conditioner, great as a hot oil treatment. I was very happy with my EVOO!

I didn't quite know the difference between the benefits of EVOO and Virgin Coconut Oil until I was able to try it out and learn for myself. I started using my VCO about 2 months ago. Adding the oil to my scalp with stimulating massages, to my hair as a hot oil treatment, to my hair as a pre-poo and to my hair as a sealer, I then noticed a slight difference. The dandruff that I would always come into contact with was eliminated, my hair was growing more than Ive noticed before hand, the growth that was being promoted was thicker and shiner, it help somewhat repair my damaged hair (however, damaged hair is damaged hair. I believe in getting rid of it completely rather than salvaging it), it worked very well as a pre-poo, great as a addition to conditioners as a DC or co-wash, I loved how it sealed in my moisturizer and held it there very well! I am a new fan of this Virgin Coconut Oil!

PROS: Excellent addition to conditioners and co-washes, smells very good, able to use as a liquid or solidified, promotes growth, leaves hair very shiny, eliminates dry flaky scalps, does well on skin, penetrates into the scalp with stimulation, seals in moisture adding shine.

CONS: Bottle doesn't close tight enough, wish product was in a easier to handle bottle, wish mouth of the bottle wasn't so wide (difficult to pour into a different application bottle)

Rating: 9.5

Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free
sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if
I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return
for the free product.

Outre Evony Half Wig

I purchased this wig from Samsbeauty.com. I received in colors 1b/30. This wig is about 16" long (which noticeably, I did cut) of afro type curls. I began wearing this wig in early September 2010. With continuous wear, this wig lasted about a month. If you are someone who does not wear this same wig daily, this wig should last you about 2 months with great wig care.

PROS: Has nice color deposit, runs true to color, soft, has decent sized combs and drawstring to achieve a ponytail, can achieve a bang, very minimal shedding.

CONS: Unusually long, gets bigger once finger combed, frizzes very easily, tangles at the nape.

Rating: 7

Isis Collection Red Carpet TP-18

I purchased this wig from Ebay seller Red Cherry beauty supply. I received this wig in colors 1b/33. This half wig is about 14-16" of loose spiral waves. I began wearing this wig early September. With non continuous wear, this wig should last about a month with great wig care. If you are someone who wears the same wig more frequently, this wig should hold up for about 2 weeks with great wig care.

PROS: Very inexpensive, beautiful wig, runs true to color, soft, has decent sized combs and drawstring to wear as a ponytail, very little synthetic shine.

CONS: Curls dropped once finger combed, frizzes very easily, sheds, tangles at nape.

Rating: 6

SimiWeave Dee Left Part Human Hair

I purchased this wig from Especiallyyours.com in the color #4 however, I did dye the color. This wig is 100% human hair, Yaki texture, 12" long, straight with no layers. This hairstyle mimics a bob however, doesn't completely look like it. I started wearing this wig in Mid September 2010 and with a few moments of wear I couldn't deal with it. If you are someone who enjoys this type of texture, it may last you 2-3 weeks with non continuous wear. If you are someone who wear the same wig often, this may not be for you.

PROS: Good concept, great for those who are natural.

CONS: Weft clips pull at edges, painful taking the wig off, cap extremely over sized and bulky, poor construction, hair texture is very hard, color is off, cut is horrible, over priced.

Rating: 2

New Born Free Kelly Half Wig

I purchased this wig from Apexhairs.com. I got this wig in the color #1b-30. This wig is about 16-18" long, natural wavy texture. I started wearing this wig last year mid November 2009. With non continuous wear and great wig care, this wig lasted me about 2 1/2 months. If you are someone who wears the same wigs often, this wig may last you 3-4 weeks with great wig care.

PROS: Nice length, very full, drawstring, nice size combs, decent texture, nice wave pattern, true to color, very pretty, great for all texture hair.

CONS: Sheds a lot, gets very ratty at the ends, tangles at nape area, tends to get bigger upon finger combing.

Rating: 7.5

Cheese Steak Quesadilla

What you will need:
2Lbs of Top Sirloin thinly sliced
Cheddar Cheese, Jack Cheese, Cotija Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese (Whatever you like)
Large Flour Tortillas
Large Green Bell Pepper
Yellow Onion
Seasonings of your choice
Oil

Slice up top sirloin meat into small cutlets. Place in hot skillet with seasonings and cook for about 5 minutes or until meat reaches your preference.
Remove meat from skillet, then thinly slice onions and bell peppers. Saute them in the same hot skillet for about 3-4 minutes or until translucent in color. Adjust heat.
Replace meat back in warm skillet with peppers adding more seasonings if needed. Stir until desired doneness.
Take large flour tortillas then start adding as much cheese as you want. Now add the meat/veggie mixture.
Place about a tbsp of oil in hot skillet, then place quesadilla also into skillet grilling it on each side for about 2 minutes or until tortilla is crispy and golden in color and cheese is melted thoroughly.
Once all of your quesadillas is made, ENJOY!!!
Serve with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, beans, rice or enjoy by itself. Let us know how it came out!!!

Freetress Equal Elise Lace Front Wig

I purchased this wig from Ebonyline.com. I received this wig in the color #1. This wig is about 6-10" silky straight bob cut.
I started wearing this wig in early July 2010. With continuous wear, this wig may last you 1 1/2 months with great wig care. If you are someone who doesn't wear the same wig often, this may last you about 2 months.

PROS: Nice length, true to color, very soft, great fit, beautifully styled, nice body, decent amount of lace, silky, minimal tangling minimal matting, adjustable straps, full.

CONS: Scratchy lace, synthetic shine, sheds like no other, a little too silky, gets in face, looks stringy/ separates on sides.

Rating: 8

Outre Jamina Wig

This wig was purchased from especiallyyours.com I received this wig in color #2. The length is about 10"-12" of tight coil curls. I began wearing this wig mid July, and with non continuous wear, this wig is still in great condition. If you are someone who wears this same wig daily, this wig should last you about a month with great wig care.

PROS: Nice volume and density, snug fitted cap, very natural looking, soft once finger comber, runs true to color, can be easily transformed, last's a good amount of time.

CONS: Does not have any combs, curls are a bit hard straight out of the pack, sheds when combed, slightly tangles, frizzes if over combed.

Rating: 9.0

Motown Tress LG-80 Half Wig

I purchased this wig from hairstopandshop.com. I received this wig in color #2. Length is about 10" of water waves. I initially bought this wig for myself, but after not being too satisfied about the length, I decided to give it to my little sister. She began wearing this wig in April. With continuous wear this wig last her 3 weeks. If you are someone who does not wear the same wigs daily, this wig may last you about 2 1/2 months with great wig care.

PROS: Very inexpensive, soft, as decent size combs and drawstring, suitable for adults and children.

CONS: Frizzes, tangles at nape, wig is a bit too short to be worn as a half wig as it does not lay down flat.

Rating: 10 (Rated by Nijah,Our sister)
Rating: 6.5 (Rated by TwinGodesses)

Motown Tress Lana Lace Front Wig

I was given this wig by thewigmart.com. I received this wig in color #1b. This is a short cut wig approx. 2" in length. I received this wig late may. With non continuous wear this wig is still in great condition. If you are some one who wears the same wig daily this wig may last you about 3-4 weeks.

PROS: Has a decent amount of parting lace, feels like african american hair, can be manipulated to create a more suitable style, wig is great for older individuals.

CONS: Looks un-natural, has a nappy worn out appearance, wig ages you, looked like a hat on my head.

Rating: 2.0

Model Model Celesta Girl Drawstring Ponytail

I purchased this drawstring ponytail from clairhair.com. I received this wig in color #2. Length is about 14" of loose curls. I purchased this ponytail for my sisters elementary school graduation/photo shoot that took place mid June. With continuous wear this ponytail is still in good shape as of today. If you are someone who does not wear the same hairstyle everyday, this ponytail may last you about 2 months with great care.

PROS: Very inexpensive, soft, looks very natural, has combs and drawstring, suitable for adults and children.

CONS: Color runs slightly dark, sheds, slightly tangles at the back.

Rating: 9 (rated by Nijah...Our sister)
Rating: 9 (rated by TwinGodesses)

It's A Wig Angela Half Wig

I purchased this wig from clairhair.com. I received this wig in color #2. Length is about 20" of soft waves and spiral curls with light layering. I purchased this wig in mid June 2010. With non continuous wear and great wig care, this wig is still in good condition and may last about 1 month. If you are someone who wears the same wig often, this wig may last about 2-3 weeks with great wig care.

PROS: Soft texture, pretty length, snug fit, decent size combs, comfortable, beautiful loose curls, minimal tangling.

CONS: Frizzes a lot, sheds, color runs dark, matting at the nape, curls drop after finger combing, texture changes after finger combing synthetic shine.

Rating: 7.0

It's A Wig Carefree Half Wig

I purchased this wig from clairhair.com. I received this wig in color #2. Length is about 14"-16" of tight water waves with light layering. I began wearing this wig early may 2010. With continuous wear, this wig is still holding up (as of today 6/9/10) If you are someone who does not wear the same wig daily, this wig may last you about 2 months with great wig care.

PROS: Gorgeous, full, have not experienced any shedding, nor major tangling, decent sized combs, adjustable straps, very soft, very natural looking, easy to blend in with natural textured hair, nice fit.

CONS: Difficult to blend with relaxed hair, color runs dark, gets bigger when finger combed, lots of matting at the nape, a bit of synthetic shine.

Rating: 8.5

Motown Tress LG-41 Half Wig

I purchased this wig from hairstopandshop.com. I received this wig in colors #1bft30. Length is about 16" of loose spiral curls. I began wearing this wig mid may 2010. With non continuous wear this wig lasted about 2 weeks with great wig care. If you are someone who wears the same wig daily, this may not be the wig for you.

PROS: Very inexpensive, soft, has decent sized combs and drawstring.

CONS: Does not last a very long time, color deposit was horrible, looks very "syntheticy", sheds, tangles, mattes at nape, curl pattern is a bit odd looking, hair easily becomes tangled in combs.

Rating: 4.0

It's A Wig Wanda Half Wig

I purchased this wig from clairhair.com. I received this wig in color #1b/33. 100% synthetic fibers. Length is about 12" of soft water waves with natural layering. I began wearing this wig mid June. With non continuous wear this wig is still in great condition. If you are someone who wears the same wig daily, this wig might last you 2-3 weeks.

PROS: Very soft, natural looking, snug cap fit, decent sized combs, adjustable straps.

CONS: Appeared to look dry and frizzy straight out of the pack, color #1b/33 looked more like a #2, looks more like spirally curls apposed to soft waves, frizzes very badly at the nape.

Rating:7.5

Champagne Collection Alicia Lace Front Wig

This wig was given to me as a gift. I received this wig in the color #1b. The length is about 18-20" of loose curls/waves. I began wearing this wig in April 2010. With non continuous wear and great wig care, this wig is still in good condition. If you are someone who wears the same wigs everyday, this wig may last you 2-4 weeks with great wig care.

PROS: Very pretty, nice curl/wave pattern, realistic hairline, decent amount of lace, decent texture, runs true to color, decent combs in unit, very natural looking.

CONS: Tangles, sheds a bit, a bit of matting at the nape area, tends to grow, lace itchy.

Rating: 9