Scalp Scrub

Confession: ever since John was born, for some reason, my scalp has been super and inexplicably gunky. I wash and wash, and brush and brush, and even scrape my scalp with my fingernails in the shower to try to get the gunk off, but it doesn't really help. Then, I read about a scalp treatment that worked miracles for my scalp.

Step 1: microwave 1/4 cup conditioner for 20 seconds
Step 2: mix in 1/4 cup Epsom salt and stir well
Step 3: shampoo and rinse as normal
Step 4: massage mixture into scalp and down hair shaft
Step 5: leave to soak in while you finish your shower routine
Step 6: rinse well


I was amazed to see how clean my scalp was and my hair was soft and voluminous. I wouldn't recommend doing this very often because the Epsom salt can dry out your hair, but if your scalp is feeling oily and flakey and your hair is looking limp and lifeless, I would definitely recommend this treatment.

Fancy Little Girl Hair Do

Morgan and I got bored one day so we decided to find another way to do her hair. She loved having the hair out of her eyes for a bit. She hated having us take the elastics out. In this hair I just did two rows of connected ponytails. It looked super cute with a bow by the ponytail. 

Enjoy your hair doing! 

Mal

Fancy Friday: Wavy Hair

I am both blessed and cursed with my hair. Sure, it's thick, it's long, yatta yatta yatta. I hear it often, you're so lucky, I wish I had that....but I don't think most people understand that this type of hair come with a SCROLL of issues.

With the amount of time I have invested in my hair in the last ten years, I could have written a novel to rival the Potter series, sailed around the world mayyyybe four times, and parented and raised the next President of the United States. 

Seriously.

NOTHING is more time consuming. Ask my husband.

For example: When I want to curl my hair, I need an HOUR at least. Comfortably, 90 minutes. None of this, I get up at a normal time and decide, "Oh, I think I'll look cute today." 

No no no nooo...I have to set the alarm and make an extra pot of coffee.

An hour may not seem like much, but try holding your arm at a 90 degree angle above your head for an hour.....you'll get the idea.

So, to combat the time issue (because, let's be honest, my sleep is becoming more important than a pretty do in the morning), I've looked into no heat styling. It's easy, faster (since the styling part take place whilst I'm "zzzzz"-ing), and healthier!

What could be better??

I've tried several styles and waving is definitely a fav of mine.

I used to wave my hair when I was younger. 

We're not talking the sexy beach waves found on every page of the Victoria's Secret bikini catalog....oh no....all of you know what I'm talking about. 

Envision 1999....YOU know what I'm talking about. 

It was either sectioned off pieces that were crimped (yikes), or the bigger waves that were hairsprayed within an inch of their lives. My hair could have got up and walked around by itself.

Ah, high school.

Yay.

Well, although the style may have changed, I still hold a fondness for the wavy look.

What d'ya think?

This will work with long and short, thick or thin hair....however, I will say, if you have shorter hair consider braiding the hair looser....you don't want to look like you had a war with the electrical socket and lost. 

Just sayin'.

You can also change it up with the number of braids you use. However, for my hair I find that two works best.

All you need are:

Two elastics...Woot! Simple!

K, the one skill you need is the know how with a french braid.

Wait! Wait!

For those of you who IMMEDIATELY said, "okay, well I was excited until she brought that up...guess I'll head back to pinterest..." give me a few more minutes.

I PROMISE.

French braiding is NOT. HARD.

It's very similar to curling your own hair, in that, was curling your hair a breeze the first time you attempted it? If you're like me, you ended with more burns on your fingers than curls in your hair.

Like french braiding, it just takes a few times practice. Then you get the feel of it.

AAAAaand, it DOESN'T have to look pretty. Remember? The only one who'll be mocking is your pillow.  If there are lumps, whooo caaaares?



I usually shower at night, so I let my hair air dry until it's just damp, and then french braid it...easy!

Here is a link for some step-by-step instructions on french braiding:

French Braid tutorial

*Hint: for those of you that have bangs, I find that braiding them in is better...this means you have to start the french braid pretty high on your head.*



Go to sleep, and the next morning, spritz your hair with hairspray BEFORE you take the braids out and let it sit for a few. Then, unbraid your hair:

Loosen the waves with your fingers...don't do it too much though, or you'll pull the wave out of your hair a bit.

Once you've got your hair the way you want it, spray with some hairspray, and ta daaaaa!

Fancy Friday: Straightener Do

I have ALWAYS loved to do hair. But, the older I get, the less time I have to devote to extravagant dos...

Let's be honest, the snooze button has replaced a LOT of the "do" time.

Yup, happens.


I recently discovered the "technique" of curling hair with a straightener...however...

Ummm, let's just say, my hair isn't the most consistent when it comes to that type of curling. My friends insisted, "Ohhh, it's sooo easy! Took me ten minutes!"

Bahhh.

NOT. so.

I have since dummed down the curled hairdo to a flipped ends style. I kind of stumbled upon the technique accidentally (in a curling attempt fail...ahem), aaand went with it. I was late for work.

Less formal than curls. It's more of an, "I just stepped out of the wind and yes, my hair looks like this" look. Works.

And all you need:

Boo.

Yah.

I will say, this works MUCH better with layers. The more, the better; gives it more body. It also works well with shorter hair. 

And now:

Start with clean hair, completely dry. 

Pin up the top layers. Get 'em out of the way.

Section off a 1-2" portion of hair.

Theeeen, start as you would, straightening your hair. As you near the bottom of the sectioned hair, turn the straightner up until the hair is wrapped around the straightener. Like so:

Don't stop pulling as you turn it, keep it moving so as not to burn your hair. NOT the end goal, people. 

For those of you who have tried the curling technique, yes, this is very similar. Only difference? You don't turn the straightener until you're about a few inches from the ends. 

See? Ta daaa!

Flippy hair!

Repeat this, working your way until all layers are complete. 

Sooooo many layers. Eeesh.

When you're done, spritz with some hairspray, add some body product if needed, and voila!

Until next time!

xoxo,

     Alicia