How to Create a Sexy High Bun

Zendaya

Zendaya was recently spotted leaving a New York city studio wearing plaid and rocking a  chic looking high bun, which got us thinking of  all the other stars who've been spotted wearing the style, and just how quick and easy this look is to re-create.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Steps to create a sexy high bun:

• Start off by combing out your hair, adding hair product (e.g. hair oil, hair moisturizer) for smooth and moisturized tresses;
• Carefully smooth your hair with a brush, add smoothing serum or hair gel to your hair and pull your hair into a high ponytail, securing it between the hairline and crown;
• After you have secured the hair into a ponytail, twist and wrap the hair/ponytail upward and around the elastic band for a fuller looking bun;
• Tip: If you're hair isn't very thick, and you want a thicker bun, you can either clip in a hair weft (i.e. an extension) under a layer of your hair before securing the ponytail, or if you do not want to use an extension then, after you have secured your own natural hair in a ponytail, you can  wrap a clean sock around the elastic band (as you wrap the sock around the elastic band, have the sock mimic a donut, as the shape of the sock will determine the shape of your bun since your hair will be covering the sock, additionally, you can use one sock or two according to how big/full you want your bun), then wrap and coil your hair (the ponytail) around the sock, covering the sock completely with your own hair;
• Once you have wrapped your bun, secure it with hairpins;
• To smooth flyaways and add shine, apply some hair serum to your  hair brush or  your hands, and pass it over your top knot and hair. If your hair is curly, you may want to consider applying some alcohol-free hair gel first to smooth it, before applying the hair serum for shine.

La La Anthony

Reese Witherspoon

XO
Malika

What I'm Currently Using: Hair products April 7 2015

For those who know me-they know that I give my hair a lot of tlc: tender loving care, and whilst in truth and in fact I have been the person with the absolute worst hair care regimen in years gone by (I have the pictures of unhealthy hair to prove this), these days I am focused on taking better care of my hair with a special view to regaining definition in my curls. Today, I'm sharing with you what I am currently using, key word being "currently" since I am always changing my products.

1. Dr. Miracles Deep Conditioning Treatment: I recently purchased this inexpensive hair treatment  at the RJ Clarke pharmacy a few weeks ago to treat my hair. It's not my first choice since it contains mineral oil which I am trying to avoid,  but I've tried it before and was pleased with the results, so I'm prepared to use it once again until I find a hair treatment that doesn't contain mineral oil.

2. Elasta QP Olive Oil Mango Butter Growth Oil:I absolutely love this product. I first purchased this in 2013 and have been hooked ever since. It is great for adding moisture to one's hair- and getting dry hair to the point where it holds moisture, when I used other products, my hair would be moist for the first hour or so, but by the time midday came around, my hair would become dry again- as if I hadn't used anything. With this product (in combination with pure coconut oil and the other things I use) my hair retains moisture much better. It has also helped contribute to hair growth in the most beautiful way and it's given life to my curls.

3. Elasta QP Olive Oil Mango Butter Growth Moisturizer: I purchased this moisturizer in January this year at Wings of Love here in Saint Lucia because I loved using Elasta Qp's Mango Butter Oil, and because it doesn't contain alcohol which dries one's hair, or mineral oil, which is not good for you. I use a lot of oil in my hair (mango butter oil, coconut oil etc) and when I am finished applying oil, I like to use a creamy moisturizer to "lock in" moisture- no idea if that's an actual thing, but its what I do- and it's been working for me thus far, as my hair has become softer, shinier, and more manageable. Still room for improvement in my hair- I can't stress that enough- but I am happy with the improvement made thus far.

 4. Coconut Oil: From the looks of how little coconut oil I have left I guess you can say "the struggle is real" hahaha, I plan on going to the farmer's market  at the Rodney Bay Marina on Saturday to buy another bottle- there's a lady there who sells the above pictured bottle of pure coconut oil for $10 XCD (or approx $4 USD). I'm a huge fan of coconut oil, for more on the benefits of coconut oil, read my post here suffice to say, I use coconut oil almost everyday on my hair, especially at the roots and ends, and it's helped to hydrate my hair, and boosted hair growth. As an added benefit its 100% natural- no chemicals whatsoever, and at $10XCD for a bottle that lasts me about two months it's a total steal for me.

5. Pure Shea Butter: I recently received this block of pure Shea Butter from my sister-in-law who is a real sweetheart, I hope to whip it this week- perhaps adding some olive oil etc- to it, making my own whipped shea butter moisturizer for my hair.

Thanks for stopping by loveys, wishing you a fantastic week. 
XO,
Malika

Haircare 101: Using Hair Oils

Hi Loveys,

Since moving to St. Lucia I have been searching for a hairdresser who takes haircare as seriously as my hairdresser Victoria in Trinidad does (Victoria, if you are reading this, I miss you desperately). I found a great hairdresser  who is excellent at styling and flat ironing my hair ( I will keep going to her for that), but sadly, when I asked for a protein treatment, I was told I could either get "a steam, or a keratin treatment". Presented with  only two options (and being advised by Victoria that my hair needs protein, as well as hair repairing masks etc), I realized that I will have to go it alone, until I can find someone here in St. Lucia who specializes in hair care.

And so, with haircare firmly on my mind, today I decided to share with you the importance of using oil on your hair.

Why Should You Use Oil on Your Hair

People have been using hair oils for centuries as oil has an innate ability to soften and condition, and provides a hydrating effect when used on one's hair. Takeaway: if you suffer from dry hair, introduce oil. 

According to Jacqueline Flam Stokes, vice president of retail marketing and sales for Klorane, “Oils mimic the natural action of sebum production by protecting and also maintaining hydration to avoid water loss....when choosing an oil, look for something that’s very concentrated with triglycerides (present in vegetable and fruit oils and have a similar action to the sebum in the hair) and use it sparingly. Stay away from mineral and paraffin oils which can make the hair greasy,”

So Loveys, whether your hair craves an oil daily (if it’s dehydrated) or you just like to use one as needed (for shine and moisture), hair products with oil can make a world of difference. Just be sure to find one that doesn’t leave your hair looking greasy. You can either use this oils in their pure form, or you can use hair products containing these oils, depending on the needs of your hair:

Argan Oil: For smooth and shiny hair. Argan oil protects the hair and makes it smoother, softer and less frizzy.

Olive Oil: To revive dry hair. Olive Oil is good for dry hair, olive oil helps restore elasticity and shine but may be too heavy for those with thin or fine hair.

Sweet Almond Oil: To improve hair health.The blend of vitamins A, B and E in this type of oil helps add shine and body to thicker hair types.

Coconut Oil: To reinforce hair. A long-standing oil that’s been used to improve hair, coconut oil penetrates deep into the hair shaft to strengthen weak spots.

Avocado Oil: To fight breakage. Rich in amino acids, vitamins and fatty acids, this vegetable-derived oil improves strength and makes hair shiny and more resistant to breakage.

Thanks for stopping by Loveys, if you've a know a great hairdresser please feel free to make a recommendation.  Be sure to add me to you Google+ circle if you're on Google, and please follow me on instagram @fromstluciawithlove so we can keep in touch via that platform.

Have a fantastic week.

XX

Malika