November 2014 Update

I know I've been super MIA well there's a reason and the reason is Im expecting!!! I've just been spending a lot of time enjoying my pregnancy experience. But, I'm stopping by with a hair update for you all! xo

As you all know I straightened my hair in May when the hubs and I got back from Kuwait. & up until now I haven't straightened it sense then. My major style in the in between time was Senegalese twist ( I still followed my normal regimen otherwise) I wanted to keep them in for longer than a month but my hair kept frizzing up and I was afraid my hair was underneath drying out even with moisturizing it through the twists. So I removed them sooner than I'd like I was nervous with what my hair would feel like and if any had broken off. To my surprise although it was dry it was nothing a hot oil treatment along with a deep conditioner couldn't fix. I ended up straightening my hair and I noticed immediately it was fuller. I wasn't sure if I had retained any length until I reviewed my images from may. This is why I suggest taking images for yourself as references!!

May  |   Oct 

(Im not wearing the same top left side is sports bra and right side is pink tank top)

xoxo

September 2014 update

I've been gone for a while but I wanted to come back with a hair update!

I've been continuing my normal regimen and my hair seems to be growing I'll post images of growth comparisons soon


Right now my hair is currently:

These twist are the best they are Senegalese twists. I didn't realize there would be so many on my head when I was finished lol. But I do love them nonetheless. Im unsure how long they will last but I'm hoping I can keep them in for quite sometime (judge me not lol)

Results - Wet Hair Twist Out

Hey Y'all IM BACK!!! :) It's been a minute since I've had a post xo Enjoy!

Well, the story is pretty simple. I haven't worn a twist out from wet hair out and down EVER. I would aways pull it back into a pony tail because I didn't like how it looked on me with the shrinkage etc & my hair was thinner towards the ends and not as healthy as it is today. But Im happy to say I FINALLY like how it looks!!! 

So here's a little Explanation This wasn't a twist out (Next two images below) it was a wash and go (but I pretty much would wear them both the same) I would pull my hair back.

You can see how thin my hair was towards the ends here

But, now with my growth and the health of my hair improving. I'm super happy I finally like the way it looks just out. I took a major chance rocking this style as I was helping a friend with her photography and honestly I didn't even realize the big chance I was taking because prior to the shoot I hadn't realized until after like wait I've never worn my hair like this before lol.

• Products used Leave In Conditioner Mix

& no the hair isn't wet when I take the twists out. I only call it that because the hair was wet when I twisted it and I normally do Dry Hair Twist Outs...When the hair is already dry when I decide to twist it up!!! xo

The look lasted for a few days

xo JBeauty 

Natural Eyebrow Look Tutorial

How To Create a Natural Looking Eyebrow

I've decided to do a natural eyebrow tutorial video it's pretty simple and self explanatory if you watch it so I don't have to write much but I'll explain a few things.

• Go light on the concealer if you do not plan on using foundation as well. Use a color closer to your skin color. 
• I only did one of my eyebrows lol
• My Eyebrows were not done (meaning there were extra hairs lol)

Products Used

• Eyebrow Cake Powder
• I used Mac Concealer & L' Oreal 
• Brown Brow Pencil 
• Angle Tip brush to apply Eyebrow Cake Powder
• Angle Tip Brush to apply 1st coat of concealer second coat I used a L'Oreal stick concealer
• Angled Sponge to blend
• Eyebrow Brush 

I can't think of anything else you all might ask but if you have anymore questions just leave a comment or email me JbeautyHealthyLife@gmail.com. I did this tutorial spur of the moment so I hope it's pieced together well.  Im thinking about also doing  a more dramatic eyebrow tutorial look so keep a look out for that.

Song By: @RacquelleDolore

www.soundcloud.com/RacquelleDolore

How To - Straighten Your Natural Hair Properly

Wash + Flat Ironing 

Hair Pre -Wash (Heatless Look)

When I'm going to straighten my hair I prefer to use a clarifying shampoo & then wash with a sulfate free shampoo to re add some moisture. I don't frequently use a Sulfate Shampoo It strips your hair of everything including the good moisture & natural oils. So I wouldn't suggest making a habit of using it. But when you are straightening your hair you want to assure all the heavy oils are removed so that you aren't burning your hair by straightening on "dirty hair".  I use vo5 or Suave Clarifying Shampoo and do a double wash on my hair. Both products are affordable. I then apply my normal Cream of Nature Intensive Conditioning Treatment mixed with a little bit of sun flower oil or olive oil to seal some moisture back into my hair. Twist my hair up into four sections .

I allow that to sit for at least 30 minutes. I then rinse the conditioner/oil out & towel dry.

I hadn't clarified my hair in months and once I did my curls had gotten super tight and bouncy. I was shocked lol.

I section my hair and thoroughly apply a heat protectant. Then I began my blow drying process.

I section my hair into four section sometimes only two. I apply my Biotin & Collagen light weight oil mist work it through my hair and then begin blow drying.

After I  complete the blow drying process. I set my Flat Iron to 380 degrees and section my hair again and apply my Anti Frizz Serum and. I do the comb chase method when straightening my hair as needed. Which you will see in the video. After I complete the flat ironing process I either leave my hair as is or style and WALAH luscious straight natural hair.

I haven't straightened my hair in about 7 months so I will dust my ends as necessary I will not just cut because of the time frame rather than checking and clipping/dusting what needs to be removed. I normally don't even my hair out as one side of my hair normally grows quicker (The side actually has flip flopped over the years) and I over all don't mind one side being a little longer than the other.


(I ended up trimming about an inch of hair off)

Products Used: 

-Hot Tools Flatiron set to 380 degrees

-Zoe Flatiron used on Med-High Heat

-Fruitis Heat Protectant

-Thick & Fulls Biotin & Collagen light weight oil mist

-Anti Frizz Serum

-Suave Clarifying Shampoo

-Creme Of Natural Moisturizing shampoo

-Creme of Natural Conditioning treatment

-Olive Oil

Any Questions or Requests Email JbeautyHealthyLife@Gmail.com or Comment Below

How To: Homemade Protein Treatment

Limp, Dry & Old lol..Yikes looking thirstaayyy

On my  Healthy Hair Journey I've learned so much about my natural hair that I wish I knew sooner. Protein Treatments are very important in strengthen your hair strands & keeping your hair structured properly. I would focus on making sure my hair was moisturized (in the beginning) failing to pay any attention to if my hair was getting the proper amount of protein it needed to thrive. The truth is you need a proper balance of protein and moisture you simply cannot have healthy strong hair if you are lacking either or.

Our hair is about 70% Keratin Protein by nature. Hair that breaks with very little tension or stretching is a sign of an overabundance of protein, and a deficiency of moisture. So you want to find and work with a healthy balance that works for your own hair. If your hair stretches more than normal then snaps you should add more protein in your hair routine. Or if your hair feels limp/flat you probably need to add more protein treatments into your regimen. If you hair feels dry/ brittle that is a moisture problem so add more moisture. The leave in mix I've written about previous will work great for that.

What My Protein Treatment Consists Of:

• 2 Large Eggs
• 2 Table Spoons Mayonnaise 
• 2 Table Spoon Olive Oil
• 2 Table Spoons Sunflower Oil

I call my method the QUAD-2 Method. It reminded me of how much of each product I need. Mix it up thoroughly so that the mixture has a good consistency.  Damp your hair and section it off into four sections. Apply a generous amount to each section coating the hair completely. I would start off using less so that you assure you have enough to cover your entire head and then go back through with whatever you have left. 

I cover my hair with a plastic bag/shower cap for about 20 minutes. Then I remove the cap and allow my hair to air dry. The mixture will dry on your hair leaving it stiff and hard. You do not want to comb or manipulate your hair when it is in this state.

Hair is covered with protein treatment mixture. The mixture has dried

After the mixture has completed dried on your hair you want to rinse your hair with warm/cool water. (avoid hot you don't want scrambled eggs in your hair lol) Rinse thoroughly until your hair feels like it is no longer coated. Next you will need to do a light shampoo (sulfate free shampoo) Wash you hair normally and assure their is no left over protein treatment mixture in your hair.

After Protein Treatment Mix is Rinsed Out & Hair is Shampooed

Hair is shiny and healthy.

For me my hair feel's lighter and softer after a protein treatment

I like to replenish my hair with moisture being that protein treatments can be drying to you hair (although necessary for your moisture protein balancing).. So I follow this process with my leave in conditioner process. For me after this treatment is completed my hair feel's lighter and softer. Pay attention to your hair to know exactly what it needs because our hair definitely speaks to us if we pay attention.

Any questions comment below or email JbeautyHealthyLife@Gmail.com

Chunky Twist Out - Results

 Chunky Twist Out 

On Dry Hair

This is one of my favorite styles!!! This requires no heat, no water & the curls are amazing!All you need is a comb and something to curl your ends I used bobby pins. I wasn't really combing my hair without water before. Although I still wont do it much I found out I was limiting myself on styles!!!

I did mine on dry hair following my bantu knot style. When I was over it. I Combed (bottom up) the bantu knot curls out and proceeded to section my hair in chunky sections. Be sure to section your hair in the direction you want your hair to lay. I chose a side part. It's really simple just two strand twist your hair you can do flat twists in the front for it to lay nicely. After I completed twisting I twirled the ends with my finger into a circle and held it with a bobby-pin. But I'm sure using some form of curler would be easiest.

They say second day hair is best!! lol & "They" are right!!! #FAINTS 

Here's a little shrinkage fun! <3 xo

xoxo

If you'd like a How To on this look Just email me

JBeautyHealthyLife@Gmail.com

2 Quick & Easy Hairstyles To Fix Your Bad Hair Day

2 Quick & Easy Hairstyles for Natural Hair

Bad hair days are NEVER FUN...Here are two styles I've used if my hair has gotten limp and old to carry me through before wash day to to spruce it up! You don't have to limit these easy styles to your bad hair days you can do them whenever you'd like!

They are really simple and easy. 

You can turn your day look into a nice elegant up-do for a night on the town in easy as 1-2-3. 

Watch the video below for the simple how to tutorial! xo

Day Look

Night Look

Forgiveness & It's Importance.

Day's ago I wrote this blog completed & perfected it. Today I came onto to my blog to publish the post and it was gone. I was so confused and I figured through my annoyance I'd make a lesson out of the situation for myself. Although it's not directly related to forgiveness it still is loosely related. I could choose to be upset and angry or I can make a choice here and now to let it go. Although I have no idea what has happened to the blog I choose not to beat myself up over it. All things happen for a reason and maybe God had better words for me to share instead. 

xoJ

So someone hurt you & you can't quite seem to get over it. You feel like if you let it go you let them off the hook. Well I have some great news for you today. Forgiving someone doesn't let them off the hook it lets YOU off the hook. It's a freeing action that you can take here and now! Here are a few reasons that I want you to remember and think about on why forgiving is important vital for growth.

• When you forgive other's it does not excuse their behavior nor does not mean what they did was ok. It just means you accept it for what it is and you have made a choice to not allow their actions to imprison you. You've made the choice to free yourself from the situation you were wronged in and to live happily despite the betrayal.

• People tend to mistake the cycle of forgiveness for something it is not. A lot of times people don't forgive someone because they are not ready to have things go back to the way they use to be. But, one of the most important things you should know is there is a such thing as forgiveness without reconciliation. You do not have to accept this person back in your life you don't even have to inform them directly that you've forgiven them (Forgiveness should never be the reason you allow someone to repeatedly harm or disrespect you). This bit of information is important because sometimes we never get the chance to forgive people who may have hurt us who we no longer speak to or who have moved on to heaven etc. You can forgive them today no matter where they are.

• It's good for your health. Stress, anger and bitterness can effect your physical health and cause illness. When you harbor in feelings that don't make you feel good. You are only hurting yourself and potentially making yourself sick. Release those negative vibes and feelings so you are able to live a happy life.

• Some say apologize when you are ready. I say apologize when you aren't because chances are you will never be 100% ready to forgive someone for something they've done. But we do it anyway because we know it's the right thing to do. Don't attempt to wait until you are healed from the offense to forgive. Do it while you're still broken it's the fastest way to heal and move forward. If you wait for the pain to go away on it's own you may be waiting forever.

• Sometimes we don't forgive because we want to "punish" people for whatever they have done ro us. But the truth is that is Gods job. It is not our Job to get people back or to go tit for tat with someone who has hurt us. It is our Job to be bigger than the issue and to trust God & if you trust Him he will handle it all in a way that is best for all parties involved. You are a forgiven person (Praise God) so you can most certainly be a forgiving person.

Bantu Knot Attempt - Results

Bantu Knot Attempt - Results

SOOOO I seen my little sister Melissa post her attempt at Bantu knots & it was super cute. I was compelled to try it out for myself. She has a different hair texture than me and more length so I knew my results would differ. But I was still curious how it would work out for me. I didn't watch a tutorial although I've seen some in the past. I just began twisting away. I also didn't do neat parts or anything as I figured they weren't important.

I did my Bantu Knots on dry hair. I was wearing my hair out curly and I just combed the curls out and wet my hands a little just to smooth each section out as I twisted. My hair was still basically dry it wasn't even't enough water on my hands to damp my hair just to smooth it out.

The next day I nervously & anxiously removed the bantu knots. Nervous & anxious because if they didn't turn out right I had no idea what I was going to do with my hair for the day haha...

I began to separate the bantu knots to make it fuller. I wanted it to be really big but I didn't want it to frizz up so I was careful. Also the I found I was right about the parts it not like you want them to be seen anyway

I liked it but I wished it was a little more stretched so I decided to pull it back into a ponytail and wear it out like this for the day.

I was happy with the final result in the ponytail. Later that day it was stretched out to my liking after holding it back into the pony tail. So I know for future references to pull it back for a little while and then let it fall. 

For this look I didn't have to use any product only water. If you do give it a try you can decide to use something to hold the curls.

xoJbeauty

For questions or requests email: JbeautyHealthyLife@Gmail.Com

How To - Quick & Easy Ombre Lipstick Look

How To - Quick & Easy Ombre Lipstick Look

To Complete this look you must:

1. Moisturize your lips.

2. Base your lips with a bright concealer  (This will help your color pop)

3. Line your lips with a lipliner that is a few shades darker than the lipstick you choose.

4. Fill in your lips with lipstick of your choice.

5. Take Concealer and dab a few spots into the middle of your lips. (top & bottom)

6. blot your lips and blend outward.

You can also go over with your darker lipliner again to neaten & blend everything out

-xoJbeauty

Questions or Requests Email: JbeautyHealthyLife@gmail.com

Healthy Marriage - My 1st Year Complete + Ten Tips

WOW! 1st year of marriage complete for Corye & I. It really flew by for us....they say things change and normally when you hear that it sounds like for the worse but I can confirm if you're both true to each other it's all for the better. I've had a year of spiritual growth and bonding. It's been fantastic I love this man more and more each day! SO in honor of our 1st year of marriage I decided to post 10 Helpful Relationship Tips <3

Communication

• This may sound cliche but it is very important. Most disagreements are created by misunderstandings and miscommunications. So having clear communication with two people willing and eager to find a middle ground is key to squashing small quarrels before they get blown out of proportion. 

Accountability

• When you are wrong admit it and move on. Don't try to find ways to deflect the responsibility of your actions on to your partner. Admitting your faults is much better than pointing out your spouses. The truth is no one is perfect and sometimes our actions can have a negative effect on our spouse. When you hold yourself accountable you aren't just taking the blame you are being a responsible adult. 

Quality Time

• Time passes us by and you don't want to look back and see all the time you spent apart. Life calls duty calls so time isn't always easy to be spent & sometimes by the time you get time perhaps you are just ready to go to bed. But the reality is you don't want to be passersby in a house, living two totally separate lives becoming strangers. Being friends, spending time & laughing together is vital in a long lasting relationship. MAKE the time for one another even if you have to schedule it. It's better than never hanging out.

Appreciation

• No matter how long you two have been together continue to appreciate one another. Sometimes when people have something for a long time, they get use to it it's value decreases in their mind and you don't really pay it much attention anymore. This can also happen in your relationships. People can take people for granted and not even realize it. We all have one life to live and we never know when our time is up. Appreciate the person you decided to dedicate your life to. Tell him he is amazing tell her she is beautiful. When you think something nice about one another say it. It holds no value in the mind put it out into the universe. 

Don't Only Except

• This is a rule for life but it also applies to marriage. Don't expect someone else but yourself to create your happiness allow your spouse to be an addition to your happiness but never allow anyone to be the sole reason you are happy. Love yourself [which is the only way anyone else can ever fully love you in the correct way you deserve to be loved anyway] Respect yourself, Cherish yourself. I don't say these things to tell you to be FULL of yourself but know exactly who you are and know that happiness and all things fulfilling do start within YOU.

Love Language

• There's a book called "The Five Love Languages" Written By: Gary D Chapman it's a great read. Find out your spouses love language. It'll help your understand them more. Sometimes we look at things and get confused like why do they need this or why are they reacting like this. Im treating them the way I'd want to be treated but the truth is we are all different and desire different treatments. You can't just treat your spouse the way you'd want to be treated. You have to remember to treat them the way that THEY want to be treated. 

Swap the 7 Deadly Habits

• This is something I seen a while back online The seven deadly habits consist of criticizing, blaming, complaining, nagging, threatening, punishing, and bribing. Swap those habits with the seven caring habits they are supporting, encouraging, listening, accepting, trusting, respecting, and negotiating your differences.

Support

• Support your spouse in the things they set forth to accomplish. It can be minor or major but it is important to show your support and to be there for them and encourage them. Everyone wants to feel that they are doing something positive and worth it. Just a little support will make them feel just that. 

The Little Things

• Don't for get about all the little things you did in the beginning. Sometimes it's not always the BIG productions that touch the heart of your spouse it's the little things that aren't always that important but are extremely thoughtful. 

"Don't Fall off"

• Just because you are married or together for a long time doesn't give you a free pass to fall off. Keep yourself together and healthy. Who doesn't want to be the best they can be for someone they love. Hell who doesn't want to be the best they can be for themselves. Don't get complacent in your relationship and let yourself go. Age will come and we will all lose our youth so just stay in the best shape you can for yourself and the person you love.

"If you marry or commit to someone's potential you will end up with their reality."

Don't commit to what you believe that person can become commit to exactly who they are today. Who they are today must be enough for you because the reality is not everyone reaches their full potential and the truth is someone's full potential may not be what you expected anyway. 

-xoJbeauty

How To: Perfect Bun on Natural Hair

Watch Above Video for step by step visual instructions xo

Perfect Bun on Natural Hair

You will need:

ECO Styler Gel (olive oil)

Pomade

Frizz Buster

Rolled Sock

Hair Tie

Brush
Bobby Pins

Wide Tooth Comb

Scarf


This bun will be done on dry hair

• Start off with your hair in a pony tail or pulled back tightly how ever you choose. 
• Apply the gel to the front, sides and back of your head. 
• Take your brush and smooth everything down
• Next you want to take your Pomade and apply a small amount to only the edges of your hair
• Apply this to the front, side and back edges. 

At any point during this process you can take your wide tooth comb if you have thicker hair (like me) and graze through the thickness of your hair to make sure everything is laying smoothly underneath. 

• Next you want to take your slick stick and also touch your edges around your entire head (Front, Sides & Back).
• Brush everything down smoothly. 

You can at this point wrap your scarf onto your head if you'd like so that everything remains flat as it dries.

• Now take your sock and work all your hair into the hole that is formed in the middle. The sock should be placed on your hair similar to a hair tie.
• Next find the middle point of your pony tail and start to evenly separate all your hair.
• Wrap your hair around your sock to cover it completely
• Take another hair tie and secure the hair in place.
• Tuck/Wrap the hair that may be hanging out and begin to secure all pieced with bobby pins
• Allow you hair to dry Remove your scarf and WALA!! 

THERE YOU HAVE IT!!! A BUN ON NATURAL HAIR!!!

xoxo

The Inversion Method to Grow Your Hair Explained + RESULTS

How To Do The Inversion Method

• Massage Scalp (With Oil Recommended)
• Invert head for 4 minutes
• Come up slowly
• Repeat this process for 7 days straight

It makes the most sense to do this method right before bed. Start off using a light oil to massage your scalp for a few minutes after competed sit down on couch or bed and lean forward. In theory stimulating your scalp will increase blood flow which in result with increase hair growth. The rules are you are only allowed to perform this method once a month if you do this more frequently apparently your hair will be use to the process and not achieve maximum results. 

You are said to achieve up to an inch of grow in a week.

Do not attempt this method if..

1. You are pregnant
2. Have high blood pressure
3. Heart Problems
4. Glaucoma
5. or any blood related conditions
6. Stop if you acquire a headache after 1st attempt

I only did the length check from one part of my hair. Maybe I'll start doing each angle I've seen some people gain length in some parts of their hair and not the other. I've seen some people gain length everywhere and i've seen people not gain any length at all. Here are my results at two attempts:

1st image January Pre Method Attempt, 2nd Image Results of 1st Attempt, 3rd Image Results of 2nd Attempt

Here are my results after two attempts the 1st image is pre inversion method attempt. The next two images are the two inversion method attempts I've done so far. I may consider skipping next month to see how much grow I can retain without doing the method. My hair seems to visibly be growing faster but the 2nd attempt I didn't take an image pre method so I can't say for CERTAIN the 2nd attempt worked although it seems it has but it could have also been my normal growth rate. I'll keep you all updated. 

SideBar: I don't really use an oil to massage my scalp like the rules say. Maybe on some of the days but not all and not a lot either.

Any Questions or Blog Requests Email: JbeautyHealthyLife@Gmail.Com or Comment Below

10 Hair Growth Journey Tips

Hair Growth Journey Tips

One thing I know about naturals is that we all desire HEALTHY HAIR no matter the length. But there are some of us who want healthy hair along with growth. Honestly for me growing my hair is more about dedicating myself to something and seeing results, oppose to the actually look of things. I enjoy longer hair but that doesn't mean I do not enjoy my hair as is. The first step to growing your hair is honestly accepting and loving exactly what you have today. So although I love me today it has become a game for me, something to look forward too. I continue to study my hair dedicate myself and see results and feel amazingly fulfilled when I am able to achieve what I set out to accomplish.

When you set to grow out your hair focus mainly on attaining healthy hair. If you follow your successfully proven guidelines you are sure to see some growth retained. If you aren't achieving length do not continue to do the same thing change your routine up and find out what works best for you. I've found things along the way that worked and continue to work with me on my journey here are a few.

• You can have one big goal but set smaller goals for yourself along the way.
• If you get discouraged easy refrain from doing length checks all the time and expecting to see some miraculous growth our hair grows on average a 1/2 inch per month. Your growth rate could be quicker or slower so don't sweat it if it's not instant.
• Do not overly trim your hair. Trimming your hair does not make your hair grow faster. It only assures your hair is healthy to the ends which helps retain length. If you trim your hair when it's not necessary you are only unnecessarily setting yourself back.
• If you need a trim don't hold off for straggle length get a trim but be careful and know exactly what to get trimmed away.
• Always seal your ends with an oil of some sort after moisturizing.
• Take advantage of protective styling while you are on your way to your length goal (and even once you get there). 
• Take a multivitamin- having any vitamin deficiencies can weaken your hair
• Learn product ingredient Do's/Don'ts and stay away from the Don'ts
• DRINK LOTS OF WATER
• Don't get discouraged be patient stay dedicated and don't cheat yourself it'll only be your loss.

xo JBeauty

Above image explained
August2012 Hair Length, August2012 PostTrim, Oct2013 Hair Length, January2014 length check
Total- Year & a Half of hair growth

Disclaimer: These are the tips that I've found useful for myself based upon trial and error. Everyone's hair is different. Do Research on your hair and find what works best for you.


Any Questions or Blog Requests Email: JbeautyHealthyLife@Gmail.Com