Friday 21 October 2016

The Afro: Combing Afro Hair With Comfort



If I was given a coin for each time I’ve been asked this question, well I may class myself a coin collector. Understandably the thicker your Afro (mine is regarded as 4C), the more care you put into keeping it neat, and combing it properly becomes somewhat of a ritual.

Well, you asked how I comb my thick Afro hair, and I am here to share it all.



1. WET or DAMP
I only comb my hair when it is wet or at least damp. I have never attempted to comb my hair when it is dry. Combing dry hair will in no doubt be painful, and may cause breakage. So when you are preparing to comb your hair, be sure to have your spray bottle (water) in hand.

2. SECTION HAIR
Separate your damp hair into small sections. The thicker/longer your hair is; the smaller the sections. Sectioning your hair makes it easy to comb.

3. PRODUCTS
Apply a generous amount of your chosen product to your sectioned hair (one small section). Some people will prefer leave-in-conditioner or moisturiser, but I use coconut oil, which I have been told does not work for everyone (magically it softens my hair!).

4. DETANGLE
While massaging the product into your hair from the roots to the ends, use your fingers to detangle your hair. This step requires time and patience and should not be rushed. If you come across a knot, take your time and finger-detangle it all.

5. COMB
Once your hair is finger-detangled, you will need a wide-tooth comb to gently comb through your hair. If you realise your hair is still tangled, please re-visit step 4. When combing your hair, start from the ends and slowly work your way up, each time going closer to your roots.



6. BRAID OR TWIST
Once a section of your hair is moisturised, finger-detangled and combed, you will either have to braid or twist that section before you proceed to the next sectioned hair. I always twist mine, as I find it easier.

7. REPEAT
Now it is time to repeat Step 1-6 on all sections until all head has been completed. If you are working on wet hair, leave to air-dry. Now your hair is combed, you can style as desired. I often unravel the twists and using my fingers, pick my Afro to a desired shape.



Thank you for reading and leave your comments/questions below.
By Comfort
Website: simplycomfort.net
Instagram: @simply.comfort and @simplycomfort.hair

from Natural Belle http://hairspiration.blogspot.com/2016/10/the-afro-combing-afro-hair-with-comfort.html
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Monday 19 September 2016

The Seed Oil: Blackcurrant Seed Oil



You know how much I love natural oils for my hair and skin care, i'm currently obsessed with oils from the UK that can be commonly found yet are not widely used. I love Afro Hair and skin Co they use ingredients sourced from the British Isles. I love their Flow oil which contains Blackcurrant oil. Blackcurrant seed oil is a bit of a hidden treasure it helps to heal and regenerate the skin protecting the skin from free radicals [highly reactive eletrons ...yeah i still don't really get it but lets pretend....]
here are a few interesting benefits of Blackcurrant seed oil for the skin




  • Anti-inflammatory: GLA [Gamma-Linolenic Acid] contained in black currant seed oil has anti-inflammatory properties. That means, it can treat arthritis pain and swelling. Also, it can treat gastritis, which can be regarded as nothing but inflammation that occurs in the stomach region. The secret behind GLA’s power to treat gastritis, according to the American Association of Anti-Aging Medicine, lies in its ability to stimulate the anti-inflammatory hormone prostaglandin-1’s production.
  • Anti-aging: Black currant seed oil can provide anti-aging benefits, too, by suppressing the production of the compound prostaglandin E2. The mentioned compound is quite necessary for our body, as it helps in muscle contraction and various other activities. However, when its amount increases, the immune system suffers negatively. That can increase the chance of getting diseases that are age-related. According to the National Institute of Health, intake of black currant seed oil can significantly suppress the compound’s production, and boost immune system function as a result. Taking just 4.5gm of BCSO per day is sufficient to avail its anti-aging benefits. Many people call black currant seed oil ‘anti-aging superstar’. The reason is that the oil possesses the ability to repair, as well as protect, skin. It contains many antioxidants which ensure anti-aging effect. Other than that, it can act as a good detoxifying purifier, too.
  • Moisterising: Black currant seed oil can prove to be an excellent moisturizing agent, especially, when it comes to restoring skin dryness and flakiness. Its moisturizing properties can soothe conditions such as eczema, itchy skin, and sensitive skin.
  • Toning: Containing essential fatty acids, the oil can help your skin glow, become plump and firm. [source]
Stay tuned for more on Afro Hair & Skin Co ingredients sourced from the UK this week

from Natural Belle http://hairspiration.blogspot.com/2016/09/the-seed-oil-blackcurrant-seed-oil.html
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Sunday 18 September 2016

The Interview: Ibi Founder of The Afro Hair & Skin Co



Tell us a little about yourself? 

Hello! My name is Ibi and I’m a former Londoner turned seaside dwelling mum of one, trying to live a more stripped back and rooted lifestyle. Beauty rituals are one indulgence that I wont be giving up anytime soon though. I’ve been obsessed with skincare since I was a child. For me these have always been my moments of escapism and meditation that I find are necessary to my wellbeing,  it helps me to connect to my inner creativity, find my balance and leave me feeling good. Life can be unnecessarily grinding so I really believe in the importance of treating yourself and others with kindness and love as a route to finding some bliss. You might call me a hippy haha.

What is the Afro Hair & Skin Company all about? 

In its essence, The Afro Hair & Skin Co. is green beauty for health-conscious brown beauties. Our vibe is natural, eco-friendly and holistic, as we don't believe that beauty should come at the expense of our health or the planet.
So, we make potent beautiful hair and skincare that is not only effective at taking care of our physical needs but also helps to support our emotional wellbeing. We create products that leave your hair and skin beautiful and healthy. But that also help on a sensory level to elevate our mood and either prepare us mentally for the day ahead or ground, centre and relax us after a long day.

I love The Afro Hair & Skin Co. tell us what prompted you to start the company? 

Thanks for the love! The idea for The Afro Hair & Skin Co. came to me back in 2011. I'd recently returned to the UK after 4 years working in Sweden. During that time I experienced a lifestyle shift and I was becoming more conscious of my health and overall state of wellbeing, and actively making choices to improve on it. I had little to no access to good quality beauty products, that where not packed with chemicals and met the specific needs of my hair texture and melanin rich skin. I faced the same issues on moving back to the UK. This led me to start looking into alternative ingredients that would be beneficial to my needs. Over time I really simplified everything and focused on high quality natural ingredients. I felt that it was crazy that there was so little access to high quality black products that were effective, eco-friendly and healthy to use, so I decided to create them.
I love that you are dedicated to black beauty, how has AH&SC been received by the community?
So far the response has been awesome! I'm so grateful and excited for all the support we've recieved since the launch. You really don’t know how people will take to your ideas until you start. So far I've had nothing but encouragement and positivity, I've also connected with many inspiring women within the community who have been reaching out to share words of encouragement, which is awesome.
As for my comittment to Black Beauty, I feel that its important for black women to have a space that encourages better health and wellbeing as we are often excluded from much of that narrative. One of my biggest motivations for The Afro Hair & Skin Co. is creating the space that supports black women in their healing,  a space where we can feel beautiful and free to express our multi-faceted identities, where we can exist without being made to feel that our beauty is not significant or welcome.


What's the importance of natural ingredients in your products?

Nature heals, and when you know this, it's then very difficult to include anything that might be counter-productive. When creating my products health comes first, both emotional and physical. People often assume that synthetic ingredients are mainly harmless, but actually many synthetic ingredients are biologically disruptive, take Phthalates for instance, this can be anything from components in artificial fragrance, perfumes and plastic based ingredients in cosmetics. These have been linked to fertility, early puberty, depression, obesity and cancers. Is it worth it?
When it comes to effectiveness natural ingredients are far superior to their synthetic counterparts, plus they go beyond the merely function to give lasting health benefits. How could I choose anything else?

You source a lot of products from the uk why is that?

It wasn't actually until I moved from London to the coast in 2014 that I realized there was so much agriculture in the UK. There are so many amazing things being grown here on British soil, but these are often overlooked for more exotic ingredients. As I began to explore them and look into the benefits it made absolute sense to me that these should form the main part of my product. Most importantly I found the most unexpected ingredients that work wonderfully for our hair and skin, ingredients like Poppy Flower Seed Oil, Camelina Seed and Crambe seed among others, all had really positive results when I trialed them. I also wanted my products to be as sustainable  as possible, because its important to me to minimize the impact on the environment, and not to drive up demand for ingredients that are contributing to harming the planet.

What beneficial beauty ingredients could we have growing in our back garden?

I'll be honest, i'm no gardener! However Mint, Sage, Rosemary and Lavender are all fairly easy herbs to grow and they can tolerate the climate quite well, you can also grow them indoors. I would start with these. Herbs are great for a natural tea rinses and for treating surface wounds, they can also be dried out and added to facemasks as a gentle exfoliants with an extra kick of goodness.

Tell us a bit about the range? 

There are 3 products that make up the range.
The first is Bloom - Omega Healthy Hair Oil. Its our signature product an extra special blend of Organic, locally sourced and natural ingredients. Bloom was created to with the perfect hair oil in mind. Its a lightweight non greasy oil that provides a comprehensive list of benefits to your hair and works to protect your hair and improve the health and quality of your hair growth.

Flourish has been the most popular product so far with some really wonderful feedback. It has all the sealing and conditioning benefits of a traditional hair butter, but is extremely light. Its creamy richness means you only need apply the smallest amount and it will seal in moisture and leave your hair feeling so soft, nourished and well conditioned. It smells divine too.



Flow- Perfectly Balanced Facial Oil  is my holy grail skincare product. Back in the days I was all about expensive serums that where  leaving me out of pocket and weren't necessarily designed to fully support for the needs of my melanin rich skin. So I started researching, testing (on willing humans) and experimenting with a recipe that would nourish and support the everyday needs of the brown skinned woman. After many incarnations, i'm really proud of Flow and have received amazing feedback. It was recently featured in Marie-Claire magazine too!



Tell us about your own natural hair journey? 

My natural hair journey is very closely tied to my health and wellness journey. I actually decided to remain natural in secondary school after one relaxer too many left my mum with no other option but to cut all my hair off. At the time I was in denial about the state my hair was in, trying to disguise the damage with headbands and hairclips. But it was in an awful state. Although I was fairly traumatized at the thought of having to go into school the next day with no hair, looking back it’s the best thing she could have done for me. From that point on I vowed never to get another relaxer as to me it just didn’t seem worth it and my hair was growing back thicker and healthier.
Although my hair was natural I wasn’t doing anything in particular to look after it. It was only after my time in Sweden, that I began to expand my beauty rituals to include taking better care of my hair as a way to make my self feel good and reconnect to my sense of self and identity. Natural ingredients where the missing link in this journey and from that point I haven’t looked back.
Please include images X



from Natural Belle http://hairspiration.blogspot.com/2016/09/the-interview-ibi-founder-of-afro-hair.html
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Tuesday 23 August 2016

Here's a new Blog Post about Lucinda Ellery reviews: Don’t Lose Any More Sleep Over Hair Loss–Literally

If you’re browsing the internet for Lucinda Ellery reviews, it’s likely you’re already considering treatment options to address hair loss. The fact that you’re dealing with the condition can be understandably stressful. But there’s a reason why you should try not to lose any more sleep over hair loss – literally.

The less sleep you get, the more likely more hair will continue to fall. Sleep deprivation hampers your body’s immune system and its ability to absorb the nutrients that strengthen hair. Roots can weaken, volume and shine lessen, and follicles become dormant. In cases, sleep deprivation may even contribute to baldness.

Aside from getting around eight hours of sleep, there are ways your nighttime habits can support your efforts to regain a healthier scalp and hair.

            ● Dry your hair before laying on your pillow. Wet hair is more likely to break.
            ● But don’t sleep in a dry room – that leads to dry and unhealthy hair!
            ● If possible, change your cotton pillowcase into a silk one. Silk won’t be as abrasive against your hair.
            ● Brush with a wide-tooth comb before sleeping, to distribute rejuvenating scalp oils from root to tip.

Follow these pointers as you assess and pick hair replacement systems, and hopefully, you’ll soon wake up to a full head of hair!

Source:

Does Lack of Sleep Result in Hair Loss? Style Craze, June 23, 2016.

11 Things You Shouldn’t Do at Night If You Want Healthier Hair. Bustle.com, May 16, 2016.

from Lucinda Ellery Solutions Reviews http://lucindaellerysolutionsreviews.blogspot.com/2016/08/dont-lose-any-more-sleep-over-hair.html
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Lucinda Ellery Reviews: Facts on Trich



Read more about Lucinda Ellery Reviews on their blog:
http://lucindaelleryhairlossreviews.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/lucinda-ellery-reviews-facts-on-trich.html

Wednesday 17 August 2016

Here's a new Blog Post about Lucinda Ellery reviews: Lucinda Ellery Reviews: Post-Pregnancy Hair Loss

One of the most common concerns of women after pregnancy is the substantial amount of hair loss that occurs in the first few months after giving birth. As most experts say, however, postpartum hair loss is normal and there’s no need to panic. Most women regain their hair’s pre-pregnancy thickness about six to 12 months after or before their baby’s first birthday.

Then again, the months when a new mum suffers hair loss is quite upsetting and as informative Lucinda Ellery reviews show, some women, particularly those who have already been through at least two or three pregnancies and have long hair, may notice significant thinning and bald spots that can negatively affect their self-esteem.

Although there’s no way for them to stop the hair from falling out, there are still solutions that can minimise and disguise hair loss. From changing their hairstyle to relying on hair replacement solutions, such as the Intralace System, women with postpartum hair loss are able to cope with their hair dilemma. Thanks to such coping methods, they can focus more on their bundle of joy and fully appreciate the beauty of motherhood.

Source:

Postpartum Hair Loss, WhatToExpect.com

from Lucinda Ellery Solutions Reviews http://lucindaellerysolutionsreviews.blogspot.com/2016/08/lucinda-ellery-reviews-post-pregnancy.html
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Lucinda Ellery Reviews—Hair Brushes Need Care, Too



Read more about Lucinda Ellery Reviews on their blog:
http://lucindaelleryhairlossreviews.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/lucinda-ellery-reviewshair-brushes-need.html

Tuesday 16 August 2016

The Cap: Bounce Essential Deep Conditioning Cap Review



As simple as I try to keep my regimen these days I'm pretty much using 2 products! I'm still a huge fan of deep conditioning, not only for the benefits but the ritual. It's definitely some of the only me time I get with the 3 year old around.



I'm a huge fan of pre pooing and deep conditioning both benefit from being heated. This opens the hair follicles in order for the conditioner or oil to penetrate the hair shaft.

I'm usually a plastic bag and microwave towel kind of girl though I have tried a few products such as the Heat Cap which  exploded  and a heat turban that gave my ears third degree burns so I was apprehensive about using Bounce Essential Hair Deep Conditioning Cap.

But praise the Lord I think I may have found the right cap for me [though not the most  sexy!] This cap is really REALLY good. The DC cap should be used for 25minutes this is a good amount of time to get the most out of your chosen products it's really easy to use which is a huge bonus for me.



 There are many pros to this cap so I'm going to list them


  • The pink cap is large so it will fit a healthy head of hair without issues
  • It has a removable inner cover that can be washed so you can use your messiest clay concoction without worry. 
  • It also has an adjustable toggle that will fit most heads snugly. 
  • My favorite function is the heat settings, it has two heat setting so no more 3rd degree burns for me! 
  • The cap has a plug the cable isn't very long, so you will need to sit with it near a power source, I'm quite happy to have an excuse to sit for 25 minutes so this is another pro




The only negatives would be that it doesn't have a uk plug, you will need to purchase an adapter however it's worth the few pounds for a universal plug. It's also not the most attractive head gear, [thought the hubby said I look like queen Nefertiti and she was a famous beauty so....]



Overall the DC cap does the job and some so far I've used it to deep condition, pre poo and to dry my wigs! Yes after co washing my wigs I spend up drying time by popping on the heat cap, it doesn't disturb the curls like a blow dryer would and the heat isn't so high that it can cause any damage. I'm really impressed with the DC cap its definitely the most fuss free cap I've tried and at £41 it's not a bad price for something that will last quite a few years find out more here

from Natural Belle http://hairspiration.blogspot.com/2016/08/the-cap-bounce-essential-deep.html
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Lucinda Ellery Reviews—Choosing a Fine Hair Brush



Read more about Lucinda Ellery Reviews on their blog:
https://lucindaellery2014.wordpress.com/2016/08/08/lucinda-ellery-reviews-choosing-a-fine-hair-brush/

Thursday 11 August 2016

Here's a new Blog Post about Lucinda Ellery reviews: Lucinda Ellery Reviews— A Haircut That’s Perfect For You!

Choosing the right brush for your hair type can make all the difference between having flat, dull, lifeless hair at the end of the day and looking good all the time. Take a look at this three ideal brushes for fine thin hair and why you should use them:

Porcupine brush

Fine thin hair doesn’t have to be the end of the world. You simply need to embrace and celebrate your natural hair type with a cut that works for you. If you like bobs, then good news, there’s one particular bob that’s guaranteed to make your hair look more voluminous and glamorous: the asymmetrical bob.

The asymmetrical bob is characterised by hair with only one side extending beyond the jawline. There are many different types—but here are two that come highly recommended for fine thin hair:

Short asymmetrical bob

This type of asymmetrical bob made popular by Rosamund Pike suits women with apple-shaped faces well.

Wavy asymmetrical

A fresh and modern take on the asymmetrical bob look, this particular style is perfect for women who want to highlight their full face features. Scarlet Johannson rocked this look best.

Other asymmetrical bob hairstyles that look good on fine thin hair include asymmetrical bob with side swept fringe, curly asymmetrical, and messy asymmetrical. To learn more tips on how to make your fine thin hair look its best, visit other Lucinda Ellery reviews.

Source:
20 Chic Bob Hairstyles for Fine Hair, notey.com 30 Best Asymmetrical Bob Hairstyle, herinterest.com


from Lucinda Ellery Solutions Reviews http://lucindaellerysolutionsreviews.blogspot.com/2016/08/lucinda-ellery-reviews-haircut-thats.html
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Lucinda Ellery Reviews—Best Brush for Fine Hair



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https://lucindaelleryconsultants.wordpress.com/2016/08/06/lucinda-ellery-reviews-best-brush-for-fine-hair/

Friday 5 August 2016

Here's a new Blog Post about Lucinda Ellery reviews: Lucinda Ellery Reviews: Thin Hair Causes

In a world that glorifies thick and luscious locks, it can be quite devastating to have thinning hair. Some of the most common causes of this frustrating condition include things that are beyond your control, such as age, genetics, medication, and existing medical condition. However, some causes can actually be due to improper personal hair care. See if you’re doing these bad styling habits that make your hair thinner, and avoid them at all costs:

Frequent hot showers

Hot water causes much of the hair’s water content to dissipate along with the steam, which leads to dry, brittle hair that’s prone to breakage.

Frequent use of hot styling tools

Too much heat damages the hair’s protective cuticle. When the cuticle is destroyed, hair health deteriorates.

Improper drying

Hair becomes more fragile when it’s wet. Brushing or combing wet hair, or aggressively towel-drying it, only serves to damage your beautiful hair.

Minimising or eliminating these bad hair care habits is the key to keep your hair from thinning. Want to learn more hair care mistakes that you should avoid? Check out other Lucinda Ellery reviews for more information.

Source:

11 Bad Habits That Make Your Hair Thinner, prevention.com

from Lucinda Ellery Solutions Reviews http://lucindaellerysolutionsreviews.blogspot.com/2016/08/lucinda-ellery-reviews-thin-hair-causes.html
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Lucinda Ellery Reviews—Fine Thin Hair Care Tips



Read more about Lucinda Ellery Reviews on their blog:
https://lucindaelleryconsultants.wordpress.com/2016/07/31/lucinda-ellery-reviews-fine-thin-hair-care-tips/

Saturday 30 July 2016

Here's a new Blog Post about Lucinda Ellery reviews: Lucinda Ellery Reviews—Fine Thin Hair Don’ts

There are plenty of generally effective quick fixes to make hair look thick and voluminous. However, any lady with fine thin hair knows that many of these tips do nothing to help the look and feel of her hair. If you are one such lady, it pays to know the things to avoid so you won’t damage your hair any further.

Don’t wear your hair in a ponytail or braid

Fine hair is very delicate, and ponytails and braids apply too much friction on thin hair strands that can lead to irreparable damage.

Don’t use chemical-based hair products

Yes, hair products can plump your hair initially, however, the chemicals in these products can change the hair’s structure and make it look dry and limp.

Don’t tease your hair

Teasing your hair will only make thinner because it damages the cuticle, which is the outermost protective layer of the hair strand.

Want to know the right way to care for your fine thin hair? Visit Lucinda Ellery reviews to find out.

Source:

Styling Tips for Fine, Thin Hair, bellatory.com

from Lucinda Ellery Solutions Reviews http://lucindaellerysolutionsreviews.blogspot.com/2016/07/lucinda-ellery-reviewsfine-thin-hair.html
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Lucinda Ellery Reviews: Hypothyroidism and Hair Loss



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https://lucindaelleryhair.wordpress.com/2016/07/23/lucinda-ellery-reviews-hypothyroidism-and-hair-loss/

Tuesday 26 July 2016

Lucinda Ellery Reviews: Braiding Fine Thin Hair



Read more about Lucinda Ellery Reviews on their blog:
https://lucindaelleryconsultants.wordpress.com/2016/07/19/lucinda-ellery-reviews-braiding-fine-thin-hair/

The Blend: Initial Review Strands Virgin Hair



Finally managed to get back on here for a hair review, it's been a hectic couple of months but I've got few reviews lined up [in no particular order!] first up is Strands Virgin Hair

Strands Virgin Hair is a US based company, that offers virgin hair in natural textures that mimic afro hair textures [ummmm ok sign me up!] They offer wefts, clips & closures.

"OUR MISSION IS TO TRANSFORM UNHEALTHY HAIR INTO HEALTHY HAIR, ONE HEAD AT A TIME, BY FINALLY OFFERING WOMEN WITH CURLY OR MULTI-TEXTURED HAIR, PRODUCTS THAT BLEND SEAMLESSLY WITH NATURAL CURL PATTERNS AND HAIR TYPES."


With a mission statement like that I had to give them a try!  I received 3 bundles of their afro kinky wefted hair to make a upart wig. I'm always a little wary when trying unknown hair for a upart, it really has to match your hair 99.9% if you don't want to have to blend the hair[some times I just don't!]. I really want this to be an everyday wig, one where no one would ask if the hair was mine or not. Did it deliver? heck yeah! this is a great match for 4C hair probably in my top 3! [yeah I said it!]

Like natural hair the hair was initially quite dry, however after co-washing and adding products [hydrating curl cream] the hair felt amazing. This a great texture for us 4C girls but you do need to remember that it is like 4C hair in every aspect so you do need to take extra care so it doesn't tangle or become dry [like you do with your own hair right?] also remember shrinkage yes hunny chile! this hair will shrink again like 4C [WHEN I SAY IT'S LIKE 4C HAIR I MEAN IT!]



The hair is easily styled with twist outs this will help define the curls and stretch them. The hair looks great in a brushed out fro but if you don't have to time to take extra care when detangling I would stick with twist and braid outs. The hair detangles fine as long as you are doing it the correct way. So use lots of conditioner [this hair really liked Herbal Essences Coconut Conditioner] and brush from ends and work your way up. Aunt Jackie's Curl Mane-tenace works great for definition and softness. This would be great if you have 4C hair and you are a fan of clip ins as it will blend really well.



I colored and cut this hair after initially wearing the hair in its natural state I decided  to give the Upart wig a revamp, I lifted the base color which was a natural black then tinted it with a burgundy/purple color, it's subtle but very cute [if I do say so myself] I also gave the hair a Frob a fro bob! I LOVE it! people at work have been commenting on how fab my natural hair is looking so to be that is definite +



I don't really have any negatives about this hair so far, it held up to color well even after two color processes, time will tell if the hair holds up my my initial thoughts are pretty good!

Because I like to hook you up receive 15% off with code THEWIGWITCH www.strandsvirginhair.com

from Natural Belle http://hairspiration.blogspot.com/2016/07/the-blend-initial-review-strands-virgin.html
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