Fact or Fiction: Magical Pills for Hair, Skin, & Nails

You can walk into any drugstore these days and find several bottles of pills- even gummies, that claim they will help your hair and nails grow and give you a beautiful complexion. It sounds too good to be true, and yet we know a good diet can aid in all of these areas- so why not give it a shot?

I looked at several brands. The most appealing one contained coconut oil and various other "buzz word" ingredients that did appeal to me. A girl working at Rexall told me she uses something called Biotin. She swore that she has seen an obvious improvement in the growth of her hair.

I located a bottle of Jamieson brand Biotin. The bottle states that it "converts cards, proteins, fats to energy." Nothing about the growth of hair or nails. Perhaps that's just a pleasant side effect... and if it really converts these things to energy, all the better! Had I located a miracle pill?

For around $8.00 CAD I could have a bottle with 100 tablets of Biotin, each 250 mcg. I looked at some other brands that boast that they contain biotin and many other appealing ingredients, but the amount of biotin in those tablets was significantly less than the bottle of just-plain-biotin.

The reason biotin works to help hair grow stronger and longer, is because it helps the body produce keratin, which is what hair and nails are made of. It's water soluble and pretty easy to swallow, even for me. The bottle says to take two tablets daily with a meal. I rarely eat meals so I take them on an empty stomach mostly. I started to take three pills a day after I realized they were working, and I thought there were no nasty side effects.

As I researched biotin, I realized some other people had reported acne along their jaw line and cheeks. I had an "aha-moment" because I'd been breaking out regularly along my cheeks and jaw for months... always one or two  blemishes at any given time- and that wasn't really like my skin. So I do believe the biotin is breaking me out. However, in my mind- It's totally worth it!

You have to understand how slowly my hair grows... It's thick, coarse, and curly. I had a black woman tell me she doesn't understand how my hair is so nappy or how I manage to make it look so good, given the texture of it. I colour my hair a lot, so I see exactly the rate at which it grows. I'm lucky to have a cm of regrowth after about  6 months.

Hairvolution 2014 left me with a very similar, copper coloured version of Yolandi's trademark microbanged' 'do.

I started taking biotin around the time I modeled in the Goldwell/KMS Hairvolution 2014 Toronto show, which happened to be in August, I think.  A month after my July abdominal surgery. My hair was already shaved on one side, and I was feeling equal parts scared and liberated when my stylist decided to shave a small section out of the front of the other side as well. The front of my hair was cut into Yolandi Vi$$er style micro bangs, which I have since grown out but did trim into Bettie bangs, twice,Once off of the runway, I decided to rocked the look for a while. I didn't have much choice, really, and no surprise- I received tons of compliments. I did decide to grow out one newly shaved side immediately, though. Unfortunately I don't have a picture of what was done to my hair for the show accessible at this point.

So my hair was shaved in August, and four months later it had grown to this length:

It's not the most glam picture, but it demonstrates my point.

I know to the rest of the world this doesn't seem like much growth, but to me it is significant! I will continue to take biotin and deal with the acne I assume it has caused. It is mildly unpleasant, but I have found nothing else that helps my hair to grow so quickly. My nails have always growth beautifully, and continue to do so, so unfortunately I can't tell you of any difference there.

Like anything else, even vitamins can cause adverse effects in people with certain health conditions or on specific medications, so if you decide to take biotin based on my recommendation, it may be wise to check with your doctor or pharmacist.

I am back to stay, so look forward to regular updates! I would love to provide you with more information on biotin or alternatives, but unfortunately I have a nasty headache at the moment. Perhaps I will edit and update later!

xoxo,
-h. Cat

Bow Hair Tutorial, Sort Of.

I have a minor obsession with bows and most things cute and feminine. If you can twist it into something darker, even better. So of course I liked Lady Gaga's bow hair and all the variations circulating the internet after.

This works best with at least shoulder length hair, I'd assume. If your hair is super long you may have more work to do in hiding/tucking your ends in. I used unwashed hair, because believe it or not- that nappy brillo-esque hair I have is too silky to style after washing and ironing.

Of the 3 times I have attempted this, the 2nd time was my favorite. This is a picture of that attempt. 

I don't have a webcam and it's kind of dodgy trying to take pictures while styling your hair. I also wrote this with the assumption that everyone knows how to properly use bobbypins and backcomb, so if you don't- I'm sorry!

The first thing I did is not mandatory, but if you want to pop up the front of your hair like I did, it may make it easier.

My bangs had a weird kink in them because I had a stiff hairband in to keep my hair out of the way while I showered, etc. I sectioned off the front of my hair and put it into a ponytail, but farther down the hair. Basically you'll hold the hair tight and try to pop up the front to suit your taste and figure out how far down to place the elastic. 

Grab all of your hair and gather it into a ponytail. It should be placed really high at the top of your head... You could attempt a bow at the back of your head but you'd need some awesome mirror to mirror navigation skills. I'm too impatient for perfection, as you'll see. 

So this is the ponytail I ended up with. It also doubles as my imitation of a shrunken head. 

Next you'll need to pull a section from the very front of the ponytail. Nothing too small or too big. This will be the "knot" of your bow. Don't worry. You don't really have to tie your hair. 

Clip that section from the front of the ponytail aside. 

Divide the remaining ponytail into two sections. You'll only be working with one at a time, so pin the other aside for now. 

Using a brush for teasing or a comb, take the unpinned section and tease it from the base down. You want a lot of volume. 

It'll look all messy and crazy like this. But then you'll brush over it very lightly, smoothing it out, but not overworking it, as to ruin the volume. After, it should resemble the picture below. 

You'll fluff that part up and tuck the end under and hide it with a bobby pin. 

That's what it'll look like pinned in place. I didn't get a really clear shot, but here's another, this one from the back:

In this picture I've already repeated the steps with the second section. You have probably figured out that it's exactly the same for both sides. 

Now take the smaller section that you would have separated and clipped aside first

Wrap it around each end of the bow and across the middle if you can. You can experiment a bit with how you wrap it to make it look better. This is my 3rd attempt, and I much prefer the way I wrapped the center in my second attempt, which was the very first picture 

When you've got it all wrapped it, hide the ends and pin it securely. 

All done! 

Just a wee bit messy!

Whatevs!
-H.Cat<3>

Review: Argan Oil; 2 Brands Compared. +Moving!!

For those of you interested in trying Argan Oil, which is all the rave in hair right now (google it,) Moroccan Oil is not your only option- though it probably is the best. It's quite expensive so I haven't had a chance to try it yet. What I have tried are two knock off brands.

Live Clean's Exotic Nectar Argan Oil Treatment (Walmart) ~vs~ One N' Only's Argan Oil (Sally Beauty Supply)

There's a clean winner here, folks. Live Clean's product is by far the worst crap I've ever put in my hair. I am seriously considering contacting them to complain. Don't get me wrong, the Exotic Nectar Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner are ffffabulous. So why is this oil so awful? Ughhh. Why *isn't* it? It feels like glue. It will seriously stick your fingers together and when you separate them there will be adhesive, gooey strings connecting them. It's clumpy and doesn't spread evenly throughout the hair, and of course very sticky! In addition to that it seems to cloud over any shine the hair may have, making it incredibly dull. It reminded me of how I imagine a dead person's hair to be. The only leg this crap has to stand on is the smell. It has a pleasant smell, kind of like My Little Pony's used to smell... and even so there is a familiar and strange undertone to the smell that isn't offensive but unsettling. I can't put my finger on what it reminds me of.

Oddly enough, the thing that I wish I could change about One N' Only's product is the smell. It's not bad- don't get me wrong. It's just very earthy, and I'm not into those scents. It does die down a lot after application, and Chad does like the smell of it. I just think Live Clean's oil has the better scent. However, this product actually works! It makes my hair nice and shiny, soft. My hair looks healthier and is stronger. Every so often when brushing my hair I'll pull a couple strands from the brush and see how easy they are to break. There is a profound difference in just two months. Actually, I've got really bad, coarse, frizzy hair that I usually insist on blow drying to keep it smooth. To avoid heat styling (also a reason my hair is becoming stronger, no doubt) I apply this to my damp hair and let it air dry. It is of course curly once dried, but not the crazy curly ball of frizz it is without this oil. This was actually recommended to be by an acquaintance on facebook and I gotta say, I love it!!

And An Update... 

After months of searching for the perfect apartment, I did find one that sparked my interest. Unfortunately it became unavailable about a day or two later. But! There was another available in the same building. Very similar except the living room and bedrooms were a little tiny bit smaller, and the linen closest was outside of the bathroom rather than in. And you know what? The bathroom is bigger!! It almost has a "his and hers" setup. Toilet, bath/shower, two sinks, a vanity type area with lots of drawers and a counter with a sink and a mirror on each end. "Extended bathroom" is what they called it. It has a view of the pool and playground from the large balcony, and the building also has basketball and tennis courts. All of which looked spotless! Lots of trees just outside our window, which is high up. Awesome! Building has been and continues to be completely renovated. Our apartment has brand new paint, carpet, and plumbing. It also has a great location with lots of food, shopping, banks, etc.

So what does all of this mean? I will tell you! My own computer is quite dead, and I've been using my mom's. Following the move I will have no computer access until I get around to buying another one. Looking for a laptop with wifi, FYI! The blog will slow down for a while, but it will not stop. In fact, after moving I will have access to a lot more products to review and possible networking to pick up more tips and tricks. Hopefully not more to rant about!

-H. Cat

PS: Forgot to mention that the price point on both products is somewhere between $11 and 14 CAD. I believe the LC was $11.00 and the ONO was $14.

Review: got2b Smooth Operator: Smoothing Satin Drops

What is not to like about this product? Just don't use too much, and use it for what it is. This will not work a miracle on your hair and repair your dry, damaged ends. It will, however, disguise that damage while you work hard to nourish your hair and grow out stronger, healthier hair. It's mostly silicones, which explains why too much will make your hair greasy, but just the right amount will make it look great.

 Make note that this does contain a 'UV protectant," which is always good, but I would like to know exactly how much protection is given here.

I love this product. The smell is okay. It's kind of a childish candy smell. Not mouth wateringly yummy, but certainly not offensive. I apply this after blowdrying or straightening. I work a few pumps into the hair, concentrating on damaged areas. I'd start with one pump for fine hair... but my hair could be described as anything but fine. It's coarse, thick, frizzy, and there is LOTS. It smooths frizz, softens the feel of hair, and adds a great natural looking shine. Sleek and shiny!

The formula is light weight and once you find the right amount for your hair you virtually cannot tell you've got product in, which is really important to me. I hate the look of product, and I hate feeling it in my hair. A little goes a long way and yet you don't get a large amount per pump, so little product should be wasted. Or if you're cheap like me, you won't find yourself struggling with gooey hands to get the lid off the bottle to scrape the excess back in.

The price tag is highly agreeable. I think I picked up mine on sale for $4.00 or so, from No Frills. The packaging is both practical and fun.

Go check it out!

-H. Cat