The Mane Objective

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How to Slay Your Silk Press on Natural Hair Without Heat Damage Using the Design Essentials Agave + Lavender Collection

I feel like I channeled my inner ATL Silk Press Master for this one, lol.

I've been mentally preparing for this for at least a month.

The last time I did a blowout on my hair was over 6 months ago, in early December. And my hair ain't seen a flat iron since October of 2015. Back in my transitioning days, I used to flat iron my hair every 3-6 months for a length check and trim. But after I discovered the glory of the wash & go, those straightening sessions became a lot less frequent.

Occasionally, I still want to switch it up. I knew it was time to go straight when I found myself obsessed with silk pressing videos and blog posts. I was pretty much convinced that I'd be able to do a professional straightening job at home - I just needed a system to make it happen. Preferably, one for natural hair that would focus on keeping my hair healthy and free of heat damage. Once I learned about the new Design Essentials Natural Agave & Lavender Blow-Dry & Silk Press Collection, I knew it was meant to be.

Available EXCLUSIVELY at Sally's. If you see it somewhere else, issa bootleg.

The collection is brand new and available only at Sally's (aka my 2nd home). It features 4 products that are perfect for the naturalista who'd rather DIY than visit a salon. The collection includes 4 steps designed to provide moisture, strength and protection from heat damage:

I was so excited to use not only a cohesive collection for my hair, but by a Black-owned company, no less! Did you know that Design Essentials was a BOB? Yasssss! #support

Come along with me as I break down the 411 on each product in the collection, and share how I used each product to create this bangin' blowout and silk press on my natural hair. If you're just here for the silk press steps + demo video, scroll ahead toward the bottom of this post :)

Moisturizing Hair Bath

Cost

$11.99

Where to Buy

Exclusively in Sally Beauty stores and online.

Active Ingredients

Water
Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate: Water soluble, coconut derived surfactant. Is known to be incredibly mild, and one of the safest on the market.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine: Coconut oil-derived detergent, anti-static, and hair conditioning agent.
Sodium Methyl Oleyol Taurate: Mild surfactant and foaming agent derived of the sodium salt of coconut fatty acid.
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate: Salt surfactant derived from the fatty acid of coconut oil.
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate: Gentle cleanser used to increase the viscosity (thickness) in a surfactant mix, and provide lather.

What it is

The Agave & Lavender Moisturizing Hair Bath is a sulfate-free shampoo designed to hydrate the hair and scalp while gently cleansing and improving the overall look and feel. It conditions and softens by smoothing the cuticle and removes dirt, oil, product buildup, and other debris from the hair and scalp while replenishing moisture.

How I used it
Following my pre-shampoo detangling session, I shampooed twice with the Agave & Lavender Moisturizing Hair Bath. When using direct heat on my hair, I always shampoo a minimum of two times. Hair with any old dirt or product buildup can actually singe, burn, and cause heat damage. I was also able to keep my hair from tangling back up, thanks to the slip in the Moisturizing Hair Bath.

My thoughts
The shampoo has a very delicate, high-end salon fragrance that's lightly floral with a hint of sweetness. I can't quite put my finger on it, but it's addicting and I love it. To be honest, the Moisturizing Hair Bath is easily my favorite product in the Agave & Lavender collection. It's super moisturizing, yet cleans the hair and scalp thoroughly. You guys know I have scalp psoriasis, and I found that after 2 thorough shampoos with the Moisturizing Hair Bath, my scalp was flake-free - even in the days after straightening (which is no easy feat for those of us with scalp issues). The slip was off the charts for a shampoo - another winner in my book. I definitely plan on using the Moisturizing Hair Bath on GP, as a regular shampoo.

Did you know the first 2 steps in preventing heat damage involve shampoo and conditioner? #issafact

Moisturizing & Detangling Conditioner

Cost

$11.99

Where to Buy

Exclusively in Sally Beauty stores and online.

Active Ingredients

Water
Cetyl Alcohol: Considered "fatty alcohol" -- NOT to be confused with drying alcohols such as ethyl. Acts as a lubricant, thickener, and emollient. Also gives conditioner its velvety feel without making hair greasy. Is additionally used to keep product ingredients from separating.
Behentrimonium Chloride: Quaternary ammonium compound and close cousin of cetrimonium chloride. Also penetrates the hair, conditions, and acts as an anti-static and anti-microbial agent.
Amodimethicone: Silicone-based hair conditioning polymer that becomes water soluble (yes, a water soluble cone!) when accompanied by cetrimonium chloride and trideceth-12. In this case, amodimethicone is water soluble.
Glycol Stearate: A compound of ethylene glycol and stearic acid, which is a naturally occuring fatty acid with opacifying, emollient, and conditioning properties.
Glycol Distearate: Fatty acid compound that acts as an emollient and controls viscosity (thickener).

What it is
The Moisturizing & Detangling Conditioner is the 2nd prep step in the collection for blow drying and styling. It's a rinse-out conditioner that's designed to hydrate, strengthen, improve elasticity, and stave off heat damage by boosting internal hydration within the hair. The instructions advise leaving it on for 1-3 minutes following the Moisturizing Hair Bath, but it can also be used as a deep treatment with heat or steam for enhanced benefits.

How I used it
3 minutes of conditioning before heat styling didn't sit well with me, so I applied a generous amount of the Moisturizing & Detangling Conditioner and combed it through my hair to evenly distribute. After my hair was thoroughly coated from root to ends, I put on a plastic cap and sat under my hooded dryer for 30 minutes.

My thoughts
The Moisturizing & Detangling Conditioner carries the same bomb fragrance as the shampoo, and is definitely thicker than the average rinse-out conditioner. It doesn't have a super creamy consistency, but it definitely feels moisturizing. I would have liked a little more slip, but it wasn't difficult to work with by any means. When it comes to applying direct heat to my hair, I'm super picky about which products I use. I always look for conditioners and heat protectants that contain ingredients like cetrimonium chloride (improves tensile strength of hair when it comes into contact with heat), silicones (to protect and delay transfer of heat to the hair), and humectants (to draw moisture to the hair and prevent drying out). The Moisturizing & Detangling Conditioner hits all the marks with cetrimonium chloride, amodimethicone, and agave, respectively.

This duo added so much shine, softness, and moisture to my hair.

Blow-Dry & Styling Primer

Cost

$10.99

Where to Buy

Exclusively in Sally Beauty stores and online.

Active Ingredients

Water
Isopropyl Myristate: Emollient and conditioning agent composed of isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid, a common, naturally occurring fatty acid.
Polysorbate 20: Emulsifier that enables oil and water to mix. It helps product disperse, is a thickener, and stabilizer of essential oils.
Glycerin: Vegetable-based humectant that draws in moisture to the hair.
Cetrimonium Chloride: Compound close in composition to Behentrimonium Chloride. In addition to having the same penetrating, conditioning, and anti-static properties, centrimonium chloride has been scientifically proven to strengthen the hair when activated by heat.
Propylene Glycol: Humectant and conditioning agent.

What it is
The Blow-Dry & Styling Primer is a lightweight blowout spray that primes the hair for blow drying and flat ironing. It provides moisture, softness, and strength while protecting from heat damage. To use, simply shake to activate the product, and spray throughout the hair and comb through for complete coverage. Then, blow dry. The combination of lightweight moisturizers and conditioners make the blow-drying process easier and up to 50% faster.

How I used it
As directed, after rinsing out the Moisturizing & Detangling Conditioner, I parted my hair into sections to work the Blow Dry & Styling Primer through. I combed each section to make sure I had covered my hair evenly.

The results speak for themselves, yo!

My thoughts
It looks pretty, smells pretty, and works pretty well. When first spraying and combing though my hair, the primer almost seemed too lightweight. But as I applied blow-dry heat section by section, I realized that my hair felt soft, and I couldn't find any breakage on my shoulders or shirt. The no-breakage is a total win in my book and a top concern when blow-drying natural hair. It didn't particularly make my blow-drying time shrink by 50% - but that's because thanks to YouTube, I was convinced that I was a round brush pro (I'm not). I definitely need to go back to the attachment, because ya girl does not know what she's doing there. I'm sure had I used the blow dryer attachment, the experience would have been a breeze.

Themal Protectant Creme

Cost

$9.99

Where to Buy

Exclusively in Sally Beauty stores and online.

Active Ingredients

Water
Mineral Oil: Cosmetic-grade petroleum byproduct with excellent moisturizing and thermal protection properties. When applied properly, it is a better moisturizer than silicones and can be washed out of hair easily. When applied to damp hair prior to thermal styling, it helps to protect hair from heat damage.
Vegetable Oil: Vegetable-based carrier oil blend used to moisturize the hair.
Oleth-10: Compound used to help reduce surface tension of formulas and get ingredients to dissolve in liquids that normally would not. Oleth-10 helps ingredients better penetrate the hair as well.
Isopropyl Myristate: Emollient and conditioning agent composed of isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid, a common, naturally occurring fatty acid.
Cetearyl Alcohol: Considered "fatty alcohol" -- NOT to be confused with drying alcohols such as ethyl. Acts as a lubricant, thickener, and emollient. Also gives conditioner its velvety feel without making hair greasy. Is additionally used to keep product ingredients from separating.

What it is

The Agave & Lavender Thermal Protectant Creme is exactly that, and step 4 in the collection of products. It's a lightweight creme designed to seal in moisture and provide heat protection and shine. It's formulated for silk pressing medium to coarse textured hair, and provides heat protection up to 420 degrees Fahrenheit.

How I used it
I pumped a bit more than a dime-sized amount of the Thermal Protectant Creme into my hands, and rubbed them together. I distributed the creme throughout my hair, and brushed it through for even coverage. I then separated my hair into sections to prepare for flat ironing.

I'm now a beliver in the Thermal Protectant Creme.

My thoughts
At first, I was super confused by the creme. I swore up and down that I needed to use it before blow-drying and not after, because of the water content. But everything I read said to use it after. So I did - and I was pretty impressed by the results. After applying the creme, I flat ironed my hair in small sections on 410 degrees Fahrenheit. Based on past experiences with my natural hair, I know that 410 is a safe temperature for me to make with two passes to straighten. My first pass was with the flat iron only, and I used the chase method with a fine-tooth comb on the second pass. I noticed instantly that my hair glided through the iron with ease, and zero snagging. No funny snap, crackle & pop sounds, either. Oh, and it smells amazing - just like all the other products.

For the final step in my style, I applied a tiny bit (like, less than pea-sized) of Thermal Protectant Creme to my hair before using my flat iron to add curls. I'm 100% confident that my curls will revert, because I tested all four steps of the collection on a small section of my hair, a few days prior to styling:

Left: Agave & Lavender 4-Step Collection test. Right: Post-wash and heat damage free!

To see all of my steps and the Agave & Lavender Collection in action, watch my video below:

If you'd rather read along with the video, I've got you covered. Here are the 10 steps I took to silk press and curl my natural hair:

My 10 Steps to Silk Press & Curl Natural Hair

1. Pre-shampoo treatment and detangling with Design Essentials Natural Almond & Avocado Conditioner. This was an important step for me to remove tangles and begin the process of hydrating my hair. Hair that is properly hydrated internally is less susceptible to heat damage.

2. Shampoo twice with the Design Essentials Agave & Lavender Moisturizing Hair Bath. I always shampoo at least twice prior to straightening, to remove buildup that can cause heat damage while keeping my hair moisturized. It seems counter intuitive, but shampoo can moisturize and hydrate the hair!

Talk about a transformation! After shampooing, and before conditioning. Shrinkage is a beast!

3. Deep condition with heat for 30 minutes using the Design Essentials Agave & Lavender Moisturizing & Detangling Conditioner for deeper moisture, better penetration of ingredients, and strengthening of hair to prevent heat damage and improve elasticity.

4. Rinse and towel dry to remove excess water, and then apply Agave & Lavender Blow-Dry & Styling Primer in sections. After spraying each section, I went through with a wide-tooth comb to remove any tangles and distribute product from roots to ends.

5. Blow dry in sections, thoroughly. If you know your way around a round brush, definitely use it to achieve straighter blowout results. But if you can't hang, don't be like me. Just use the attachment and be humble, lol.

My blowout probably would have been straighter if I just used the dang attachment, lol.

6. After hair is completely dry, apply a small (pea to pearl-sized) amount of Agave & Lavender Thermal Protectant Creme to the hair. I rubbed it in my hands first to make the small amount easier to distribute and not go on too heavy in certain sections. After thoroughly applying, I went through with a paddle brush to ensure that product was distributed from roots to ends.

7. Flat iron the hair in small sections. I used two passes on 410 degrees Fahrenheit, but use however many passes and whatever temperature works best for you.

8. Trim the ends of the hair (optional). Not mandatory, but this step is recommended. I always lightly trim my hair when it's straightened, because I can better see the damaged ends. Plus, healthier ends make for a better style.

9. Wrap and set under a hooded dryer. Another step that's not mandatory, but works - especially for more frizz-prone natural hair. I skipped the saran wrap and went straight for the satin scarf, but the result is still the same - enhanced shine, and hair that lays a little smoother.

Shine. Body. Softness. Moisture. #teamnatural #aintnovixensewin

10. Unwrap and curl with flat iron for finished look. I applied a bit more Thermal Protectant Creme, brushed it through, and curled my hair in medium-sized sections. The trick to curling with a flat iron is to start mid-shaft, turning the iron inward, rotating as you pull down to create the curl.

I can't wait to bust out this collection again in another 6 months or so!

That's it! To maintain my hair, I wrap it at night with a paddle brush and secure using a satin scarf.

Will you be giving the Agave & Lavender Blow-Dry and Silk Press Collection from Design Essentials a try? Let me know in the comments below!

Oh and by the way - The Agave & Lavender Collection is on sale at Sally's - Buy 2, Get 1 Free until 7/30/2017!

This Braid & Curl with Eden BodyWorks Citrus Fusion is All You Need for #Summer17

Issa gamechanger.

Y'all.

Y'ALL.

I don't mean to cause any alarm here, but I just want to put you guys up on notice - I found a style that I just might love more than the wash & go.

We’re talkin’ less drying time, soft, touchable hair – and gorgeous results that had me thinkin' I was one of these instafamous naturalistas or somethin'.

Yes, this style that I teased on Instagram.

And then teased some more.

Truth be told, I've been trying to show some restraint, because I've got a ridiculous number of pictures just waiting in Dropbox, and I don't wanna disrespect the honor of being on your timeline like that 😂

But in all seriousness, I couldn't wait to give you guys the goods on this style.

Issa braid & curl.

But not just any ol' braid & curl. It's the kind of braid & curl that's earth-shattering. Gravity defying. The kind of braid & curl that'll have us all waking up tomorrow with complete student loan forgiveness and Trump's America as a remnant of a terrible nightmare that never actually happened.

Perfect shine. Perfect hold. NO GEL!

Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a little bit. But this braid & curl quite literally changed my summer plans. Not only did it give me a legit alternative to the wash and go, it's also one of the most transitioning hair-friendly styles out there.

Speaking of summer plans, I plan on sipping these delightfully refreshing citrus-infused alcohol-free cocktails from April to October. They're inspired by the Eden Bodyworks Citrus Fusion collection, which also inspired me to fuse braids and perm rods into this epic style gloriousness.

I'll say this every time - these products smell just like you'd imagine my kitchen does with these fruits open.

In case you hadn't heard, Eden BodyWorks released a brand spankin' new set of products – the Citrus Fusion Collection as a part of their new Essentials line. Comprised of 2 hair, and 2 hair + body fusion products, this line contains everything you'll need to reinvigorate your hair and skin for spring and summer.

But what you really came for is the "how" - right? Well, I've got great news for you.

Click here to head on over to the Eden BodyWorks blog (yes, they have a blog!!!) and catch the step-by-step breakdown on how I achieved my new favorite style.

And yes, there's a video! It's on the Eden Blog, but you can catch it on the YouTube here, too!

Will you be giving this style a try? Let me know in the comments on the Eden Blog!

Per the FTC, I have to let y'all know that this post and video is sponsored by Eden BodyWorks. Y'all don't mind, right? Even though this content is sponsored that doesn't mean anything - I'm still keeping it 100 and giving you guys the real.

Hairstyle Hack: The No-Fail Flexi Rod Set for Natural Hair

In the building and I'm feeling myself.

Y'all.

Y'ALL.

Have you ever felt like the heavens opened up and God himself rained down blessings on your natural crown so much so that you didn't have room enough to receive them?

That's EXACTLY how I felt when this style was complete. And I know there was some divine intervention - because I've owned sets of flexi rods for YEARS and could never quite seem to get them right. They were either too loose (hi, puffy damp roots with silky smooth ends), too tight (#teamnosleep), too wet, too product-laden, or rolled the entire wrong way and fell out as soon as I blinked.

Can anyone relate, or is it just me that's totally style inept?

Read More: The Great Roller Set Tragedy of 2015

Now that you know all about my past flexi faux pas, it's time to get excited. Because I've finally achieved bountiful curls in all their flexi rodded glory, thanks to the tips and hacks below.

Oh, and the kicker? From install to to final fluff, it only took an hour and 5 minutes. Yep, 65 minutes to donesville.

To achieve the rod set you see here, you'll need the following:

Tools

Wide tooth comb for detangling and parting
No-metal elastic scrunchies
Orange flexi rods
Satin scarf to lay 'dem edges
Hooded dryer (mine is similar to this one)

The super moisturizing styling duo.

Products

Starting Hair

The no-fail flexi rod set is best achieved on stretched, dry hair - a blowout, old wash and go, old braidout, twistout, etc.

Ready? Let's break this down step-by-step!

Step 1

Detangle your hair with the wide tooth comb and apply a nickle-sized amount of Honey Leave-In to the hair. It's important to not get too crazy with this particular leave-in - it's thick, sticky, and potent.

Step 2

Part hair in 2 sections, top and bottom. Secure each section with a no-metal elastic to create taut, but not too tight ponytails. Secured ponytails are the key to making this flexi rod set work - allowing you to achieve smoother roots and a more elongated style.

The part doesn't have to be perfect...clearly. Lol!

Step 3

In sections of hair approximately 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch wide, apply a dab of Aloe Whipped Butter Gel, and comb until smooth. Begin rolling the flexi rods from ends to the base of the ponytail. I worked on the back half ponytail first, then moved up top.

I probably roll my rods differently than other naturalistas - I tried working from the top down, and securing the ends with more product - it didn't work. So I start at the bottom of the flexi rod, secure my hair over my ends with one roll around, and then roll upward. This results in a more shirley temple style curl, as opposed to a deep wave. I don't twist and twirl the hair around the rod, because I prefer a smooth curl that dries flat.

Oh, and be sure to secure the rod by bending the top of it backwards behind the curl. Securing it forward causes it to unravel some.

Step 4

Repeat step 3 until done.

Step 5

Apply a little more Aloe Whipped Butter Gel around the edges and secure with satin scarf.

Smooth against the rod = smooth curl result

Step 6

Sit under the hooded dryer for 45 minutes or until dry. Without heavy product application, hair should be dry in under an hour's time.

Yes curls!

Step 7

Undo flexi rods one-by-one until all that remains is two curly ponytails. There's no special magic here - I just unrolled them in the opposite direction. Gently undo the scrunchies and shake the indentations loose with your fingertips.

Get the scrunchie print out!

Step 8

You can stop here and part your curls whichever way you want to wear them and be done - or you can get a lil' funky and throw a few bantu knots on the side like I did. Either way, you're now flexi rodding like a BAWSE!

Snapchat: maneobjective

To preserve the flexi rod set overnight, use a big loose scrunchie and a scarf, or just a scarf to pineapple. Shake down the curls in the morning and bam!

I Snapchat a lot. Lol!

As you can see, I'm clearly thrilled and so proud of myself for being able to conquer a style other than the wash and go! And you KNOW it's easy if I can do it.

Drop a comment below and let me know if you'll be giving this style a try anytime soon! Don't forget to check out the other holiday styles I created with Camille Rose Naturals products!

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