Friday, March 29, 2013

Bad Hair (My Story)

My story goes way back...so far I can't quite recall where the damage began. As long as I can remember Ive always had issues with my hair. It was extremely rough, corse (almost brillo padish) lol, very brittle, extremely dry and very hard to manage without the aid of relaxers. As a young girl I didnt know any better. I honestly thought relaxers were good for me and that they were the only answer to my problem (my hair). I believed that having long bone straight hair was "beautiful". I wasn't aware of the damage I was doing to my hair. Over several years Ive exprienced some bad breakage. And when I say bad I mean my hair was comming out in clumps! There were even times I broke down and cried because my hair was falling out so bad. I just didn't know what to do. With all of this I still managed to go back to the "creamy crack" (relaxer). I was causing even more damage on my existing damaged hair and damaging my new growth as well. Then I would use flat irons on high heat in an attempt to blend my relaxed hair "better" with my weaves. Years of chemical damage, over-processing and heat damaged left me with more hair in my comb, and floor than on my head. I was so embarrassed. Ive always stuggled not just growing my hair but trying to keep it from breaking off. I was one of those girls who, without weaves or extentions, would get made fun of because my hair wasn't long and wavy. For nearly 20 years or so (mind you Im 26) Ive worn weaves (pony tails, glue ins, sew ins) to cover up my "problem". I even went to several hair stylist who all told me the same thing. "If you want your hair to grow healthy, chop it off and start over!" Hearing that was a nightmare. 1/5/13 I got my last perm (stupid I know). And just like before, my hair broke off real bad. But instead of freaking out I decided to do something about it. I knew I couldnt keep hiding from my problem. I was tired of hiding it. weaves had become more of a security blanket than anything and Ive finally had enough. So this past Feb. I gave up the "perm", let go of the hair glue and weave tracks and let my real hair grow. The only problem was I didnt know where to start. Just like many others I googled "how to make my hair grow" and I did my reasearch. I found many helpful sites. I also read lots of blogs about other women transitioning from relaxed to natural and was inspired to write my own. I made up my mind healthy hair is more important to me than long damaged hair. I understand this will be a long and at times difficult process but its what I need to do to ensure that my hair is healthy strong and growing. Dont get me wrong Im terrified (mainly at what others will think or say) but Im excited at the same time. Im too chicken to do the "big chop" as of yet so Im giving myself a few more months to let my hair get to a length that Im comfortable with. Im in whats known as the "Transitional stage". Im giving myself 12 -18mos. before I do my "BC" (big chop). So for now Its braids other protective styles and lots and lots of TLC. wish me luck. Feel free to comment, give some advise or ask any questions. I hope to connect with people who have been, will be, or are interested in going natural. Every once in a while I'll show and write about my progress, my regimens and favorite products to use.


Products I use: .Dr. Miracle's Gro Oil .Dr. Miracle's Temple and Mape Gro Balm .Renewing Moroccan Argan oil .Profectiv Root health, Temple recovery, Mega grow products. .Wild Growth .Aphogee vitamins, protein treatment, 2-step keratin treatmet, Pro-vitamin leave in conditioner .Mane n Tale shampoo and conditioner

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

KA'OIR COSMETICS review

My name is Veronica and this is my review on KA'OIR COSMETICS.

First and foremost I want to give Keyshia KA'oir (CEO and Founder of KA'OIR Cosmetics) props and much respect for turning a dream into a multi million dollar business. She truly is an inspiration.

I stumbled across KA'OIR on facebook first. Snooki (Jersey shore reality star) had advertised it on her facebook page. At first I actually thought it was Snooki's own brand before I found out about Keyshia Ka'oir (Dior). The moment I saw her Glitz stick collection on facebook I was in love. I am crazy for all things glitter so I was immediately interested in buying a Glitz stick package. I found the website on Instagram. I went to her website kaior.com, looked through all the colors, watched her tutorials and ordered. I ordered the "Gorgeous Glitz stick package on Feb. 24. The package included 1 lipstick, 1 Glitz stick and 1 applicator. With shipping and handling it came up to around $35. I chose regular shipping, so it was suppose to be shipped in 5-7 business days.  On Feb. 28th I received an email stating that my package was shipped. I was excited and couldn't wait to get my Glitz stick. Weeks went by but no package. My excitement soon turned into disappointment.

Long story short, I ended up having to wait a month for my package to come. With several emails to the company and to USPS about the whereabouts of my package the only thing I recieved was a generic email (probably sent to everyone having the same problem) stating that my package should be there that week. That was now March 17. The week came and went, still nothing. 10 days later my package arrived. I was so disappointed because I stood by the brand and thought that with the business booming that customer service would have been better. I felt the least they should have done was give me a coupon or ANYTHING just for waiting a month for my package. Also once I got the package, lets just say it wasn't handled with care. Beat up box, crinkled flyer, and no coupon or letter acknowledging or ever apologizing for the delay. Most companies I've ordered from would have given me at least that much. I just didn't feel appreciated or much like a "valued customer".

When my package finally did arrive I was as happy as a kid in a candy store. But more relieved than anything.  While I was waiting for my package I went online and had seen that tons of other women had complained about the same thing. Women were complaining about how long delivery took, other women complained about receiving the wrong products and customer service not fixing the problems. Seeing all of those complaints made me a little weary about ordering from KA'OIR. I was also nervous about recieving the wrong order too. I think once they fix the delivery issues and provide a customer service number KA'OIR will be an even bigger success.

The product itself is good. Great? No but its pretty. Definitely not worth the wait. It goes on smooth and its creamy. The Glitz is very pretty and gives the lipstick a totally diffrent look. The glitter is very shinny/shimmery and makes your lips pop. When you put it on youll definitely turn heads. Ive gotten complements and stares from people looking like "wtf?" "what are you wearin?" . I do like it and think its pretty. So if you want to stand out this product is for you. Just hope you're experience with the delivery isn't as bad as mine.

Whould I order again? No and yes. No I'll never order online again. And Yes, I'll buy Kaior cosmetics if they were sold in stores. That way I can get what I want without the long wait.  

PROS:
.Lots of variety
.Pretty/unique colors
.Smooth and creamy
.You'll get alot of attention

CONS:
.Poor customer service
.Took way too long for product delivery
. Many items are on back order but isn't stated on website
.A little on the pricier side $$$ (lipsticks cost more than MAC)

I hoped this article helped anyone looking to order from KA'OIR Cosmetics. This isn't written to turn anyone away from buying this product. Its just me expressing my personal views and experiences.