THE TIME HAS COME!

I'M BLOGGING AGAIN, JUST NOT HERE. PLEASE JOIN ME IN CELEBRATING THE "GROWN UP" VERSION OF THIS BLOG AT APHROKIKI.COM.

My Hair Lately: Photo Blitz

Long story short, I got a new job, moved to a different state, and started graduate school. That's why I haven't been posting here :( Fortunately, my hair is still growing. Below is a photo blitz that shows the current length of hair. As fair as health...I'm working on that (installing protective twists tonight). My goal is low heat low manipulation for the rest of winter!

If you have any questions about how I created these styles, drop me a line!

PEACE and LOVE,

APHROKiKi

Deep Conditioning Treatment of the Week: Honey-Mayo Miracle Masque

     As a 4c kinky haired girl, I try to deep condition my hair at least once a week so that my hair gets the nourishment it needs to keep growing. For the past few weeks, I've had my hair in Senegalese twists, which I uninstalled about a week ago. After many days in the sun and at the pool, my tresses were in dire need of moisture and repair. This week I returned to my tried and true, semi-homemade hair masque to restore my fro to its full glory. I started using the DR. MIRACLES FOLLICLE HEALER  deep conditioner treatment last winter, and to my surprise, I really really like this product! I originally started using this product because I detested the smell of the mayonnaise mask I was using at home. I liked the benefits of using mayo, but I just couldn't stomach the smell or the texture. Luckily, I came across this Dr. Miracles product in the isle of my local dollar store, and on a whim I added it to my Mayo masque. I named this deep conditioning treatment the Honey-Mayo Miracle Masque. Check the ingredients below:

the follicle healer treatment cost about $1.25

2-3 Tblsp of MAYO

2-3 Tblsp of HONEY

1 packet of DR. MIRACLES FOLLICLE HEALER

 1-2 drops of  OIL (I used olive and vitamin E oils)

* make sure you have equal parts mayo and honey for a consistent texture.

     I mix these ingredients in a small mixing bowl and the mayo was transformed into a caramel colored- silky textured hair masque. What's more, I didn't smell mayo at all! I prepped my hair for deep conditioning by spritzing apple cider vinegar on my scalp and strands. I then applied the mixture to my hair and waited about 45 minutes, then I co-washed and styled my hair as usual. I give this treatment 4 out of 5 ankhs because my hair just loves it. My curls are SOFT and SPRINGY the next day too. Just look at this super defined twist out! Let me remind you, I have 4c hair and achieving definition is veeerry rare!

defined strands after untwisting.

this is what my hair looked like after fluffing and separating.

smiling because my hair is crazy defined, frizz free!

 PEACE and LOVE,

aphroKiKi

P.S. Let me know if you use this recipe and if it works for you too!

Senegalese Twists: My Summer Protective Style

     Summertime is here and so is the unbearable heat and humidity. Instead of fighting with my hair to keep it moisturized and stretched this summer, I've decided to wear SENEGALESE TWISTS for the next few weeks. In the past, I went to a braiding salon to get my twists installed, but I figure I've seen enough Youtube videos to install my own. I used about 5 packs of KANEKALON braiding hair, a leave in conditioner by Beautiful Textures and COCONUT OIL to moisturize my own hair. I used the basic method of braiding at the root and two-strand twisting the remaining length. To finish and seal the ends, I bonded the hair with a lighter and dipped the ends in boiling water. I wanted them to be long and full which is why it took more than the standard three packs of hair. The total cost of this style was about $15, and the twisting took about 10 hours total, spread out over two days. Here are the results!

I'm ready for the beach!

What protective styles are you rocking this summer?

PEACE,

AphroKiKi

Aphro Aspirations Celebrity Spotlight Edition: Solange

     Anybody who knows anything about me, knows just how much I am obsessed, perhaps too obsessed with Solange Knowles. I however, like to think that it is a healthy obsession, because let's face the facts here, Solange is way inspirational. My fascination with all things Solange doesn't just stem from the fact that she wears natural hair, but the fact that she's an amazing vocal artist who isn't afraid to express herself creatively and say exactly what is on her mind at any given time. Those of you who follow her on twitter know exactly what I'm talking about. Her "take no prisoners" attitude is the essence of what it means to be an individual and to honor your most authentic self. Oh! Not to mention, she just started her own record label --Saint Records with Sony. This woman defines badassery. If you don't know what I'm taking about, just take a look at the pictures below.

Bantu Knot Out on Pressed Hair

Just a few pictures of my hair today. I typically do not do BANTU KNOT OUTS because I don't think my hair is long enough. However, I pressed and trimmed my hair for the first time in about five months (view this post for more details!) and I thought Bantu knots would preserve the stretch from the flat iron AND create really pretty waves the next day. Turns out, I was right! I put my hair in about 10 bantu knots last night, and here are my results! What do you think?

PEACE and LOVE,

AphroKiKi

AphroKiKi Vlogs: 3 Year Anniversary Edition!

I flat ironed my hair on a whim and these are the results! Also May marks my third year anniversary without creamy crack! YAY!