If nothing else, I know who Imma be for Halloween! Greece. Day 7.
A note about my ‘travel hair’.
I was going away for a month. Two weeks in St. Louis for Jesus’ birthday and a much needed two week work-cation in Greece. It is during these times that packing becomes quite the art form.
I did my hair before my flight to St. Louis and planned to re-do the night before Christmas, prior to my flight to Greece.
For St. Louis, I packed-
Lacio Lacio
Blow Dryer
Dax
Flexi rods
Bobby Pins
Goody Ouchless Bands and Headbands
Hair Scarves
On wash day, just before Christmas, I gently finger detangled my dry hair, deep conditioned with Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner (all I had on hand ’cause my dad uses it… I forgot how much I loved that conditioner… very slippery) and cleansed thoroughly with some cheap, sulfate laden shampoo from my dad’s bathroom closet. I instant conditioned with Elucence, rinsed and followed up with a healthy dose of Lacio Lacio and created 8 large twists. After thirty minutes or so, once my hair was no longer sopping wet, I applied a little Dax and stretched each section on medium heat with a blow dryer, using the tension method. I re-created the 8 twists, flexi-rodded the ends and went to sleep. I chose to tension dry my hair because, (1) I didn’t have time to roller set, (2) my stretched hair is easily styled without re-wetting, and (3) it’d last me for a good two weeks and stay moisturized, especially if I deep treated prior. I had no intentions of re-styling in Greece.
For Greece, I packed-
Bobby Pins
Goody Ouchless Bands and Headbands
Hair Scarves
Jane Carter Nourish and Shine
Dax Greece (haha)
On the 13 hour flight and the following day or two, I rocked a retro french twist.
Every pic you’ve seen since, including the one at the top, in which I’m channeling Carmen Sandiego, has been the result of 4-8 two strand twists created with Jane Carter Nourish and Shine. That’s a throwback, right?! I had given my mother a jar a while ago and she never used it, so I brought it along ’cause I knew it’d work double duty as a fragrant and effective body oil. I can’t vouch for it on wet hair, but it makes my dry hair shine, defined and keeps it nourished and pliable. It’s thick, similar to the texture of Shea Butter but goes on very smooth. I’ve used it solely with a little Dax on the ends and may re-introduce it into my rotation.
So there you have it. My quick and dirty, no muss, no fuss hair routine… it’s perfect because my curly qs have been the least of my worries!
Case in point-
I rocked a Twist-Out on New Years Eve, partied my face off, slept much of yesterday with my hair shoved into a stain bonnet, found my face, and rocked a bun today. Can I just say, they shut ish down here on the 1st. The stores were closed for 2 damn days! We had to resort to a meal of stale bread, sausage, eggs with no butter, salt or pepper, champagne and water. But hubby hooked it up!
bunnin’… that’s The Acropolis in the top right corner!
In other news, I’ve Skyped with Boogie every night since we’ve been in Greece. And each time, as soon as we disconnect, I cry like Drake listening to a Babyface album… alone… on Valentines day. But I digress.
When did Boogie become a KID?!
What happened to my baby?
I am so glad that you posted this bc I will be in Greece in May… Well I'll be in Rome mostly, but the cruise ship will take us to Greece… so excited
Great post! I have a traveling blog and struggle with different hairstyles to wear abroad. Below are my top fav's without having to bring rods, rollers, or dryer!
Take a look : )
http://beantravel.blogspot.com/2012/03/top-5-travel-hair-styles.html
Girl, please ya'll enjoy yourselves…and after you get back, you'll be wishing for another vacation besides the grandparents will be getting older and won't be able to be babysitters so enjoy! Miss Boogie will be just fine. And she's getting her revenge by becoming a KID while ya'll gone–hahahahahahhaha
Yes i love it makes my hair so soft use it for moisture & shine on my twist outs
I use jc nourish and shine on dry hair because I dont get much shine from it on damp hair. I really just love the smell so it is used more as a body oil.
Which DAX product did you use?
Greece seems awesome! You always look like a model. Your daughter is the cutiest. 🙂
Love all the pics and Boog is getting so big. Funny I just purchased a jar of Nourish and Shine today so I could retwist my blow dried hair. Normally I don't use heat on my hair but yesterday I got the urge for a quick blow out on very low heat, then I applied JC Nourish and Shine to twist. Today my hair is light and fluffy so I will be doing the same to my hair tonight. I must say that the price is a killer though—$21 for 4 oz!!! I will be using is sparingly.
After using JC Nourish n Shine to retwist many months ago, the palms of my hands itched like crazy for a day. I tried it 2 more times before I realized I must be allergic to an ingredient in it. I loved the results but couldn't stand the constant itchy palms so I gave it to a friend who loves it. By the way, I got it at Vitamin Shoppe for cheaper than anywhere else. For my vacation last week, I washed with Terressentials hair wash, DC'd with Curls Hair Ecstasy, then used Kimmaytube's leave in and Curls Whipped Cream to braid (for stretching). Wore hair pinned up first day and then twist and curl (satin rollers) each night with only Curls Whipped Cream for the next 9 days for amazing results.
Just an FYI for all of the ladies that love JC Nourish and Shine, you all can look at her website to see when she will have a table set up at a hair event/hair show in your area and the products are usually half the price of what you would normally pay in stores or online. For example, I purchased a jar of Nourish and Shine back at a hair show in Atlanta at the end of April 2011 for $10 and it was a full size jar.
Taitainia
I love that hat you're rockin! I was Carmen Sandiego for Halloween, and plan on revisiting the character. I also love that you're in Greece! I hope that you're enjoying yourself. It's such a beautiful place and I miss it.
Yup Ive been using Nourish and Shine for a while (2yrs). Like was already said, its $15 jar (2) on amazon and even cheaper if you buy 4 at a time. I do you use Green Dax for my initial twists, but then for the twist out, or maintanence use Nourish and Shine. For me, I prefer to use it on dry hair only. However, Im wondering about a cheaper alternative, i.e. Karen's Body Beautiful Butter Love??
I loved your travel regime for your hair and great photos too! Looks like you had a wonderful time in Greece.
Happy New Year!
Nikki, I'm mad at you.. you're going to make me buy a jar of nasty Dax LOL Your hair looks gorgeous!
The baby is getting so big awww she's such a cutie pie with her little pig tails, God bless her.
Hey Nikki,
I'm loving these post. I definitely plan to use some of these styling tips on my upcoming trip overseas.
That Drake line was classic lol
I've never gotten two weeks out of my hair! That's amazing!
Nik, you had me dying with the mental pic of Drake crying. Your hair looks fab. Gia is so cute. Makes me want to dust off the old uterus and have a girl!! LOL—- I have two boys.
I have never tried Jane Carter Nourish and Shine. That price put a hurtin' on me.
The twist out and bun look awesome. I'll enjoy vicariously! Unfortunately I did not have a great experience with Jane Carter's Scalp Nourishing Serum, so I am reluctant to purchase anything from that line.
Renee
Now I'm tempted to use Nourish and Shine. I could use something with a soft hold that provides shine.
I love Boogie's new hairstyle!
-foxyrou
Sounds like you're having a blast – Happy New Year!! Gia is getting so big!
I love my Nourish and Shine. I just bought it as a Naturalversary pressie to me- LOL
I usually use it to retwist on dry-lightly damp hair but I do use it to style my hair wet sometimes.
Girl, you are rocking that hat Diana Ross Mahogany style! Your hair is so shiny and the henna is glowing. Gia is following in your footsteps with her pigcurls. In NYC Jane Carter is expensive even at Tarjay. I am holding out and still using my shea butter concoction. Will watch it for sales though.
ps. had an STL flashback looking at the picture of those breakfast sausages, does anyone remember "REX" vienna-like sausages that used to come in that big-A can?
~Thetruthisoutthere
Nikki – there's something about pigtails! Just stand back now, Boogie's hair is going to start growing like WEEDS!
LOL!
~Thetruthisoutthere
Sounds like my kind of breakfast minus the bread and sausage. I don't cook with butter or salt, so I would've been fine lol
SMALLFRO is the person who suggested I check amazon and not a website. Sorry for the confusion.
Look at Boogie with ponytails! She on vacation too! Enjoy your time she is clearly just fine! Digging the bun work it!
Nikki, I swear…that "bun" picture could be in Vogue. It's so effortlessly chic.
WOW! Great price! 2 for 30.50. I will check out SMALLFRO too!!
Thanks Anon 6:32.
I checked amazon per SMALLFRO and the two pack is $30.50. Debating on whether to purchase or not.
Nikki
You gotta get to Greece when the weather is warmer. Check out Mykonos!
Anon 12:59
Whole Foods Market in SoCal sells Jane Carter Nourish and Shine. Price is steep though- 23.99!
You cried like Drake, huh? You've seen or heard Drake cry? K.
I've used Jane Carter's nourish & shine once from my friend's stash. It was on misted hair & it made my hair really soft.
Ladies, I keep JC's Nourish and Shine in heavy rotation. It works best for me on dry hair. I know the base is shea but, for some reason, the JCNS works alot better than raw shea butter alone – it doesn't weigh it down. As for the price, yep, steep – right? The cheapest place I have found it is the Vitamin Shoppe ($18.99) and they have specials and sales. Tar-jay, on the other hand, has the highest shelf price that I've seen for the product.
Gia — "ain't no stoppin us now" — she has entered the toddler years. Nik, get ready!
Syl – can we just, for a moment, talk about your sister's hair? I believe we should be asking her for her routine! Her hair is so smooth and silky! Loving it!
Awww, Nikki! Glad you guys are having a blast in Greece. That's my next vacay spot. Gia looks absolutely adorable with her ponytails. Too cute!!! Leave it to Granny to sport the ponytails!!! So freakin' cute!!!!
Oh and did I tell you before that the bff's nickname is Boogie and I'm Nikki? How cool huh? She's died if she knew I told you that! lol
Nikki you are cracking me up AGAIN talking about baby girl! She's probably like…when are they coming back….. stay a little longer so I can continue to be spoiled…..get stuff……….lol the ponytails are adorable! She is growing up! I remember seeing her falling asleep when you were in Atlanta….she has grown!
I need to find me a sponsor (lol) so I can visit Greece! Amazing!
Awww look at her hair. Too cute!!!
Wow, Boogie is just growing right on up…and your hair looks phenomenal as always!
live it up nik!! beautiful pics! btw…what kind of camera do u have? Gia is adorable and missing y'all!
Adorable pictures!!! I love the holiday hairstyles and traveling product ideas.
You look like a model. I love you in the bun, you should wear it more often!
Boogie!
Where did you get that trench?!
Beautiful, shiny healthy hair CN! I'm trying that blow dry method this weekend!
I get my nourish and shine on amazon. They have a 2 pack for 29.70 and free shipping.
Thanks for sharing what you've been doing with your hair! I'm going to DR for my last college spring break this year (if we can find cheap enough plane tickets) and I def. won't be able to spend 5 hours doing my usual prepoo and detangle, wash, deep condition, braid out routine. Nor will I have room enough to pack all the required products and tools.
I love Gia's hair! I was JUST (like an hr ago) looking at a photo album of myself and my brother when I was about her age and my mom had my hair in similar styles. Probably per my grandmother's advice lol
I Lovvvves me some Jane Carter Nourish and Shine. Admittedly I don't use it for its full benefits. I use it over aloe gel to lay my edges down and eliminate the crunchiness that the gel causes.
I love all your travel hairstyles and I can see that henna shine peeking out in the pic where you have your bun up 🙂
Happy New Year,
Michelle
@ anon, that's probably the reason I stopped using it! It's a bit steep and didn't do much for me beyond what raw shea butter does. BUT, that fragrance! You could always buy some from Target or Vitamin Shoppe and return it if you don't think it's worth the price.
I was eyeing that Nourish and Shine in Target two days ago!! But, I curtailed my PJ ways and walked away!!
Nik, I can see your henna red!!!! We don't often get to see it, but it looks gorgeous in the sunlight on your bun!!
Shelli
Why does it cost $22? Did Jane Carter add some miracle elixir to the mix? Lol Where else can you buy besides Target, they are out of stock in southern Cali.
@ Dana
…Preach!
Those babies always seem to grow faster while we are away! She's such a doll!
I love Jane Carter's N & S. I place on my dry finger coils for shine!! Works great. I sometimes use it on damp hair for moisture and shine, seal over with oil mix! I also use it as a body butter..love that it smells so great! You look wonderful, and leaving the kiddos gets easier..promise!
I've been waiting for this! Thank you for the break down.
Your hair in that top pick is extra dope! I've been using Dax for a few weeks now and I have noticed less breakage. Thanks for the tips!
Dude, Silvia! Email me! I'm still here! I'd love to get a drink. nikki@curlynikki.com
I love Athens! I'm definitely coming back!
@ Angela, you can relate! OMG! My lil' Boogie is a kid!
Thanks ladies for the comments and sweet words. Try the Nourish and Shine and report back! The definition isn't as great as when I use grease alone, but my hair is of course, lighter and moves more easily.
OMG- The same thing happened to me! I went away for the weekend, and when I came back, my mother-in-law had my baby's hair in Big Girl braids. She (the baby) looked so much older, which was sad for a minute, but the good thing was that her hair was SO MUCH EASIER to comb out the next day.
Aw Niki!!!sorry i was so busy that i couldnt reply your comment from the previous Greek post!!! hope you enjoyed it here 🙂 glad you tasted the Greek SOUVLAKI!!!
how was the people over here ? did you meet a lot of naturals over here 0_o ?!!!
lets stay in contact!
🙂
On another note, isn't it something how you know you deserve a much needed vacation but later feel guilty about being away from your little ones? I know Gia is like "What the…..this is some bull!"
My daughter is eight and my hubby and I still take her everywhere because I refuse to leave her in anyone's care for days or weeks. After we get to our destination we're always saying, "Why didn't we leave this child with your momma?!?"
Gia looks like she's doing well and tolerating her parents' absence but misses the heck outta yall.
I miss Gia's TWA! The piggies are cute too though. She's cute no matter! But wait, are those leggings?! You betta werk Boogy!
Gurl your momma don't play that – she ole school, and those old school momma's believe in putting little girls' hair in cute pigtails. Boogie looks cute with her hair like that!!!
I love Jane Carter Nourish & Shine! It's one of my staple winter products. I use it to twist damp hair and as a body butter. You can't beat a multi-purpose product. It creates excellent sheen and locks in moisture. Love it!
Jane Carter is the sh*t and your twist-out is fierce!
Your hair is gorgeous! I tried the tension stretching and it works like a charm!
Excellent post, its useful to have ideas of what to take for your hair on holiday. Wish I had a holiday booked now, lol. Thanks for sharing. Happy New Year.
Nikki, your hair is absolutely beautiful!
GIA! I was waiting for more pictures of her. I love that cute little outfit.
Cyber Auntie Jeanette
I LOVE my Nourish and Shine! It works well with wet and dry hair, and keeps both my relaxed ends and my natural roots very nicely moisturized. Too bad I left it in my sister's room when I moved to the UK….I'm missing it!
Boogie gets more adorable by the days. Those pigtails are killing me! I would be missing her too, crying like Drake!
I use Nourish and Shine for slammin twist out. I get better definition after using my Terressentials for cleansing and my avocado banana condish for DC.
I'm DEAD at that Drake comment too! Stop it! Beautiful pics, as always!
DEAD @ "I cry like Drake listening to a Babyface album… alone… on Valentines day". I'm crying actual tears hahahaha
Love the pictures as always!
DEAD @ Gia's thoughts about your trip. Keep up the good work Nikki. Greece is treating you well and your sweet baby doll looks well cared for.
I want that hat! Thanks for the deets and keep sharing pictures!
Vacation hair is always the hardest to maintain. I never know what to bring or what I will need. Thanks for sharing your routine.
I love JC Nourish and Shine! I keep a jar in my purse and travel with it as well. Your hair looks shiny and healthy and so does Gia's!
I use Jane Carter Nourish and Shine as well. It was one of the first products I picked up when I first went natural at the recommendation of a friend. You're right…it adds nice shine and smells great! I've used it on damp hair to seal, and it worked ok. I get more definition and hold from shea butter, but it's still a great product, and I will continue to incorporate it into my routine!
Absolutely beautiful! I love your hair and I'm copping this routine!
Love it!!! 🙂
Nik, thanks for the Greece hair routine. You and your curly-q's look fantastic! Enjoy Greece, my friend! You certainly deserve it!