Saturday 27 August 2016

My weight loss inspired me...

Hello again curlies!
 My inspiration for embracing my natural hair was my weight loss.
My weight loss journey started in 2014. I weighed 105kg. I was depressed most of the time, I never left the house, the  thought of not fitting in a chair is what I really feared the most. I was constantly tired. My health was on a down low. I started getting frequent chest pains, so I ended up at the doctor's office.
I found out my thyroid was out of whack and the reason it was difficult to loose weight was because I had PCOS. That explained why after all, I couldn't conceive. Oh and the chest pains was because I was MORBIDLY obese!
So I was told because of all this and my age, it will be difficult to loose weight. I didn't really hear the rest because I was numb. The words MORBIDLY obese kept ringing in my ears.
Coming from a generation of family members plagued with high blood pressure, sugar diabetes, etc I wanted something different for me. I didn't want to live a life dependant on medication because of unhealthy choices.
Fast forward, I eventually lost the weight and  I learnt that what we eat plays a major role in our overall health. I began to understand that healthy meant a number of things, such as drinking enough water, minimal stress and a healthy lifestyle.
I became mindful of what I put in my body and so I wanted the same for my hair as well. Good habits and positive living becomes easier the more we practice it. Remember the only person who can slow or hinder your progress is You. Check out my Page for some more inspiration.
What inspired you to embrace your natural hair?

Until next time,

Stay natural - Stay Magical
XoXo - Marlene Louw


Sunday 14 August 2016

What do you love about your natural hair?

Hello there curlies!

In my teens I struggled with self esteem. All through adulthood I felt like a project that needed to be fixed, my face, my body, my hair etc.
So when I decided to return to natural, many aspects of my life changed too.

I no longer compared myself to others. I no longer felt shy to stand out from the crowd. I finally accepted that I will never fit into their standards of normal. My hair journey is a lesson of self worth and identity. I grew to love my hair even though I didn't understand it at times. I became an afro sassy, confident women who wears her crown with pride.
I no longer forced my hair into submission. I let my curls decide what kind of hair day we gonna have, and that in itself is natural as can be!
I appreciate every stranger that stares at me, who come up to me and ask if it is my real hair, and if they can touch it.  I have learnt that I can't control everything and it's okay.
Wearing my hair natural is simply being me. I feel liberated and unapologetic.  The more messy and misbehaved my fro became, the more I grew to love it. I love that it grows out and up, it's magical because it certainly defies gravity...
I love my hair when it's wild, I love my hair when it's tamed, I love my hair in whatever state it's in, and this is what should be celebrated.


I love the different types of styles I can create, sometimes the curls get really tight and this is when I get asked if I cut my hair.
Being natural broadend my understanding that my worth is not conforming to specific beauty standards. 
I love my curly, coily, kinky and "kroes' hair because it has multiple personalities and more importantly it's MINE!

So, curlies what do you love about your natural hair? 

Until next time
Stay natural Be Magical
XoXo  Marlene Louw 

Thursday 11 August 2016

My take on the Garnier hair balm

Hey curlies!

Today's update is on the Garnier Ultimate Blends, the sleek restorer balm, blended with coconut oil and cocoa butter. Balms and masks are intense conditioners, that can return moisture to the hair and protect it.

My hair is thick, kinky and super dry, that's why I settled for this one. 
The texture of this balm is thick and light brown in colour. The fragrance is kind of yummy like with a sweet cocoa smell. It does seem to have made my hair less brittle. After using this product my hair feels alot softer and manageable. I love that it doesn't require any heat to do the job. It does leave my hair smoother with a noticeable healthy look.


What I appreciate about this product is that it can be used as a everyday conditioner.
Overall I'm satisfied with the results. I wish it came in a tube instead of a tub, it's just more convenient to use. So, will I continue to use this product? No- it gives a temporary effect and the results are not miraculous for me. Being natural with thick hair I need a more potent treatment. I won't be purchasing it again because I already get the same effect from my Dove intense treatment. I do recommend it to healthy hair newbies with dry or damaged hair. Remember that results may vary according to your type.
Try it out and let me know your results.
 Thanks for dropping by, until next time,

Stay natural - Stay Magical
Xo Xo - Marlene Louw

Tuesday 9 August 2016

Garnier Ultimate Blends Conditioner

Hello again!
 It's now almost a month that I have been using Garnier Ultimate Blends. I purchased it at Clicks when looking for a new conditioner to try. What I like about this conditioner is that it is mild and gentle on the hair. I'm currently using the conditioner and the mask.
My hair is dry and very thirsty so I chose the nourishing repairer with avocado oil and shea butter. There's a blend for every hair type that targets different hair issues.

Firstly, I want to point out that this conditioner smells amazing and the fragrance lingers on for longer. Secondly, it is paraben free, these types of products are usually more expensive and sometimes harder to find. The texture is thick and creamy. The key ingredients are avocado oil and shea butter. This conditioner is great for hair like mine which is dry and thick. It detangles my hair nicely. The slip of the conditioner is not everything though,
I was hoping for more slip being natural, but it does leave my hair more moisturised. I have noticed that since using this conditioner I have experienced less breakage. It leaves my hair softer and my tips are well conditioned.
  
Overall this is a pretty good conditioner. It's easily available and very affordable too. I would like to try another range from this Garnier Ultimate Blends collection. It's paraben free so it's a big thumbs up. 
Let me know your views if you try this line. Take note that results may vary due to different hair types.

My next review will be on the delicious hair balm, so stay tuned...

Here's to healthy hair, 
Be natural Be Magical

XoXo  - Marlene Louw

Friday 5 August 2016

Some hair tips

Hey curlies-

My hair is naturally dry and during the colder season it gets even more dryer. I did a Henna gloss today just to add a bit of thickness and shine. It got me thinking about my hair. If your  hair is like mine, super thick and thirsty then you know that it can get even more dry during the colder months.

Here's what I do to keep my hair manageable and healthy:

First off I hardly use shampoo. I co- wash often this helps especially if your hair is super dry. 
I sometimes add a few drops of oil to shampoo, (not in the whole bottle) Essential oils like ylang ylang and bergamot(my favorite) helps to open the hair cuticle so moisture can be easily absorbed. Im currently using argon oil. It instantly moisturises the hair.
Always use conditioner. I always stock up on conditioner, I use it to detangle and I also use it  in my spray bottle. Use a moisture rich conditioner.
Use a leave in conditioner and water should be the first ingredient in any leave in.
Deep condition after every wash. I never leave out this step. The health of my hair is because of this.
Check out your styling products to make sure that it doesn't have a high content of alcohol.
Make sure you seal in all that goodness with an oil. Remember- oil doesn't moisturise. Using a moisturiser without oil will allow the moisture to escape in no time. So far I have used avocado oil, olive oil, amla and my favourite coconut oil. I just started using argon oil and its been good to me so far.
Try not to use the blowdryer as it can dry your scalp.
Protect your hair when you go out in the cold.
Don't forget to wrap your hair at night, but of course you already know this.
If your hair is really dry and brittle I suggest you do some weekly oil massages.  Warm some oil, I use coconut oil and apply to scalp then massage.
Remember that over styling can damage your strands. I use to have the "hands in hair syndrome" at the beginning stages of my hair journey. I know it can be difficult at times. Braids and twists are great because there's no need to style your hair all the time.

With these tips your curls should carry you through the colder days. Hope you enjoyed reading like I enjoyed writing this post.

Here's to natural healthy and magical hair.

Xo Xo- Marlene Louw

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