New Protective style: 3 Strand Twists/twist Out

Hey Lovelies! If you are following my on twitter you probably know about my latest protective style: 3 strand twists. I first saw a tutorial a while back from a lady on youtube showing different ways to start locs. Recently her channel was deleted so I searched for another video and found one (click here for the video). Unfortunately I need to purchase a new camcorder so I won't be able to post another live tutorial until after my birthday on August 23rd (a long time, I know!). Anywho, 3 strand twists look and sound difficult to do but they are really not. I did mine fairly small (and with all the breaks I took) I'd say it took a combo of 4 hours to finish. Not that bad, micros take longer than that!

Products: I used my shea butter creme to do the twists. Click here for the recipe. And to take them out I rubbed coconut oil on them to give it a shine. I was thinking that the next time I do a protective style I will add jojoba oil to the coconut oil b/c jojoba is good at smoothing the hair cuticle and eleminating frizz.

How long did the twist last? My issue with the twists is that since I'm a wild sleeper I'd wake up and find a few sticking up but I just fixed that by pinning the front in a style. After a 4 days I took them out.

How long did the twist out last( pic in the top right corner)? The twists out surpisingly lasted for a long time. I ended up washing them out after the 3rd day because of my regimen but I know they would have lasted longer. They didn't frizz easily and the curls still had definition. I just put my hair in four loose ponytails and then put a satin bonnet on at night to preserve them.

Conclusion: I like 3 strand twists, its a better way to elongate your fro as still get that twirl that twists outs give your hair. I felt good rocking just the twists because they reminded me of locs. This is definately the method I will choose when I decide to get locs. when I took the twists out I didn't really like it at first because the curls were so defined! It felt fake. But they had a chance to frizz a little the next day and it looked better to me. Hope this helps! Peace and Blessings.

My Whipped Shea Butter Mix

**FIRST PIC IS OF THE SHEA BUTTER CREME (MIXED W/ WATER) AND THE SECOND IS JUST THE SHEA BUTTER MIXED W/ OILS.

Of course I'm not the first person to mix their shea butter with oils to create the perfect styling creme/ butter but I chose my oils according to what I like and my hair likes. First shea butter is a natural moisturizer for the hair and will do what those old school pomades and greases use to but without the damaging ingredients. The oils I chose to use are coconut for the repairing and strengthening properties, olive for the moisturizing properties, jojoba for the smoothing properties, and tea tree oil because it fights dandruff. Of course the peppermint oil is for scent and you can choose whatever scent you like.

Ingredients

at least 1lb of unrefined shea butter (it doesn't have to be exact)

1 tbsp of olive oil

2tbsp of coconut oil

1tsp of jojoba oil

10 drops of tea tree oil

15-25 drops of peppermint oil (or your choice scented essential oil)

Directions

in a mixer using a whipping blade (I used the magic bullet) whip together the shea butter and all the oils. I don't know if it will do this w/ your mixer/food processor but the butter will melt down and it will appear liquid-y...let it sit in the fridge to become a solid again!

***IF YOU WANT TO TURN YOUR BUTTER INTO A CREME, ADD WATER!! What I did was take half of my shea butter mix and put it back in the mixer and slowly added water. No I did not measure. Do it until you get a thickness to your liking. If I guess-stimated I'd say it was 1/2-1/3 cup of water. The creme is great for twists b/c you can feel the hydration coming from the added water.

Okay guys! You won't be disappointed I promise!

Peace and Blessings!

Homemade Jojoba Gel!!!!

This is what every body's been asking for since GypsyCurls took down the video...I will be doing a vid soon but until then here is the recipe. You can find all the ingredients at any local health food store. This gel will define your curls and give a soft hold. Click here for my application video. This is also great for putting hair in a puff.

**WARNING! If you make this mixture too thick you can't go back so be easy on the xanthan gum!

ingredients

1/2 cup of aloe Vera gel

1/4 cup of jojoba oil

1/4 cup of vegetable glycerin

1/2 tsp of xanthan gum

15 drops of your choice essential oil (i use grapefruit) for scent

Directions

In a blender/food processor using a whipping blade or by hand using a whisk mix aloe vera gel, jojoba oil, and veggie glycerin. Next add the Xanthan gum. **I DON'T USE THE WHOLE 1/2 TEASPOON!!! LEAVE ABOUT A PINCH LEFT!** Let the mixture sit for about 15-20 mins to thicken. It shouldn't be runny or as thick as pancake batter (see pic). If it is not thick enough add the last pinch of the Xanthan gum. Last mix in 15 drops of your choice essential oil.