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Deep Conditioning Tips for Long Natural Hair- Cool and Seal!

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by Shelli of Hairscapades

Several years ago, my youngest sister gave me a couple little deep conditioning tips. You see, I had been ogling the Ouidad Deep Treatment, because I had been reading so many rave reviews about it. However, the joker was $50 for 8 ounces (8.5 now)!  I just couldn’t see myself spending that much for a conditioner. $18 for 8 ounces of Carol’s Daughter Tui Hair Smoothie was already hurting my wallet!
So, my sister says to me one day, “I don’t think it’s the conditioner per se, I think it might be the technique.” She tells me to allow my DC to cool for 15 minutes after I remove the heat source and then, put my regular daily conditioner over the DC before rinsing them both. Well, I tried this shortly thereafter and it really seemed to make a difference in how my hair felt after rinsing the DC!

You know how your hair will feel great with conditioner in it? But some conditioners, once rinsed, don’t seem to leave any of the benefits you felt while they were in your hair? Well, after rinsing using this technique with the Carol’s Daughter Tui Smoothie and some Pantene (I think) my hair felt smoother, more supple and as if the moisture from the DC was better retained.
These are the actual directions for the deep treatment from Ouidad.com:

1. Completely saturate clean, damp hair with 2 oz. of treatment on shoulder length hair – a bit more on longer hair.
2. Cover with a shower cap and heat with blow dryer. Allow warm product to remain for 12 minutes.
3. Before rinsing out, add a conditioner to hair. Then rinse both products; allow a little coating to remain.

Under the Deep Treatment section of the Styling Guide, it indicates, ”Before rinsing, add a daily conditioner to seal in the treatment” (emphasis added). My guess is that allowing the DC to cool is recommended based upon the same principle as using cool water to rinse conditioner. As heat will raise the cuticle layer, allowing the hair to cool after removing the heat source facilitates the relaxing/closing of that layer. Then, applying a daily conditioner over the DC somehow helps to further seal the moisturizing agents of the DC into the hair strand like using an oil or butter to seal a water-based moisturizer! That’s just my conjecture.

Anywho, I’ve been employing a modified version of this technique for many years now with much success. Since the beginning of the year, my weekly DC regimen has been as follows:

  • Section hair into 4.
  • Apply approximately 2 ounces of DC of choice (currently, Darcy’s Botanical Pumpkin Seed Conditioner or Shea Moisture Raw Shea Moisture Retention Deep Treatment Masque) to wet, but not dripping, hair (or 0.5 ounces per section). I ensure the section is thoroughly covered with DC and then twist it until I have four DC covered twists.
  • Gather four twists together and use rounded-tooth jaw clip to secure ends near top of head and don plastic cap.
  • Apply heat for a minimum of one hour (usually a Winter hat).
  • Remove heat source and allow hair to cool for a minimum of 15 minutes.
  • While hair is cooling, dilute about a half ounce to one ounce of daily conditioner (currently, Aussie Moist) with approximately 6 ounces of filtered cool water in a dye applicator bottle (I dilute the conditioner because I thought the instructions said a “conditioning rinse.” I’ve applied the daily conditioner full strength in the past, but didn’t notice any reduced benefit when I began diluting it. So, I continue to do so, since it allows me to extend product!)
  • In shower or sink, pour entire bottle of diluted conditioner over twists, fully saturating them.
  • Rinse conditioner with cold or cool water (if in sink, I rinse from side to side, never upside down). Rinse well, but not “squeaky clean.”

I believe that one of the major reason that my hair retains length and stays well-moisturized throughout the week is due to a consistent DC regimen. Though I know there is controversy out there related to deep conditioning and deep conditioning with heat, I’ve always noticed improved hair health and length retention when I deep condition at least once a month. I have achieved the longest hair I’ve ever had in my life since I began DC’ing every time I wash, which is typically once a week.


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Do you “cool and seal?” If so, have you noticed a difference in your hair using these techniques? If you’ve never tried these tricks, would you? Are you having great results with your current DC regimen? Inquiring minds want to know!!

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Interview

The Art of the Grynd: Restless Marc’s Guide to Success in the Music Industry

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The independent music scene is awash with tales of both burgeoning success and challenging setbacks. In a candid conversation with Shah Cypha on The Grynd Live, Restless Marc offers a deep dive into the life of an independent artist who’s not only producing and performing his own music but also navigating the industry with a distinct sense of identity and purpose. Here we’ll decode the intricacies of his journey, the significance of a robust support system, and the transformative power of perseverance in the music industry.

The independent music scene is awash with tales of both burgeoning success and challenging setbacks. In a candid conversation with Shah Cypha on The Grynd Live, Restless Marc offers a deep dive into the life of an independent artist who’s not only producing and performing his own music but also navigating the industry with a distinct sense of identity and purpose. Here we’ll decode the intricacies of his journey, the significance of a robust support system, and the transformative power of perseverance in the music industry.

Building a Brand: The Origin of “Restless Mark”

Embracing Uniqueness

The conversation with Restless Marc starts by delving into **the story behind his moniker**, an essential component of his identity within the music world. Initially known as Mark Erickson, a blend of his given name and father’s name, Marc reveals how “Restless” came into play, originally as part of a collective and later, permanently influencing his personal brand.

*”When you see me, you see dope people.”* This statement reflects Marc’s drive for originality and association with excellence, laying out a commitment to stand out in an industry replete with generic names. It’s not only a choice; it’s a statement. The significance is not lost, as Shah Cypha keenly observes, “*You got to have a name. When people google you, they’ll find you and not somebody else.*”

The Influence of Gaming on Music

An intriguing twist in Marc’s narrative is the **evolution of his stage name from a gaming tag**. The digital realm and its subcultures offer a space for reinvention and experimentation. For Marc, crossing elements from his gaming identity into his musical persona is more than a branding exercise; it’s an organic merging of passions, indicative of how modern artists are often multifaceted individuals.

From Setback to Comeback: Recovering from Loss

The Value of Resilience

In what could be regarded as a devastating blow, Marc recounts the theft of his laptop and the ramifications it had on his music creation process. Here, we witness a crucial theme: **the role of hardship in defining an artist’s path**. Despite the setback, Marc channeled this experience into a form of motivation, reinforcing Shah Cypha’s perspective on the importance of converting negative experiences into positive outcomes.

Continuation Through Creation

The interview delves into the mental and emotional processes that blend **Marc’s personas as a producer and an artist**. Whether it’s producing in the dark to cultivate a specific ambiance or finding unexpected inspiration for lyrics, we see a glimpse into the intimate journey of creation. Marc’s narrative is a testament to the ongoing drive to create, despite obstacles, and the undying belief in oneself common to successful artists.

Ambitions Beyond the Microphone: Restless Marc’s Vision

A Vision for Diversification

As the discussion shifts to future goals, Marc outlines his ambition **to impact various aspects of culture**, including fashion and potentially sports. His intentions to remain independent and to build upon his own brand mirror the forward-thinking ethos of artists like Dr. Dre and Kanye West, who have diversified their reach while simultaneously contributing to their music’s authenticity and intimacy.

Breaking the Mold of an Artist

Tackling the broader implications of a music career, Marc speaks on wanting to exist beyond the music. His blueprint for success elucidates how modern independent artists must cultivate a multi-disciplinary approach to their careers, blending creativity with **business acumen**.

In synthesizing his past experiences with his aspirations, Marc’s trajectory underscores a fundamental shift in the music industry. No longer is it enough to produce hit records—now, artists are challenging themselves to be innovators, influencers, and entrepreneurs.

Restless Marc’s story reveals a reality where victory is not just about endurance but about the expansion of one’s horizons. In sharing his journey, his resilience, and his plans for future conquests, Marc becomes both a product and a prophet of the evolving musical landscape—a restless force in an industry that never sleep

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BLKTEMBER Drops Debut Single “Keep In Touch” Bringing Atlanta’s Soul to the Airwaves

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Atlanta-based artist BLKTEMBER emerged onto the music scene with his debut single “Keep In Touch,” released on June 25, 2022. Produced by soundsbysammy and engineered by BLKTEMBER himself, the track is a seamless blend of R&B and pop, showcasing the artist’s versatility and unique sound.

For BLKTEMBER, the motivation behind “Keep In Touch” was sparked by the infectious beat. “Honestly, the beat motivated me. From the very first time I listened to it, I had my idea for the song and I knew I had to finish it,” he shares. This enthusiasm translated into a captivating track that marks his official introduction to the music world.

As BLKTEMBER’s inaugural release, “Keep In Touch” holds a special place in his heart. “This is my first released song, the very first song I invited the world to listen to,” he reflects. With lyrics like “I hate we’re in different places, never been good with patience,” the song captures the essence of longing and connection, resonating with audiences on a deeply personal level. As BLKTEMBER continues to hone his craft, fans can anticipate more soulful melodies and captivating storytelling in his upcoming projects, promising a fusion of R&B, pop, and hip-hop influences.

Stay Connected https://www.instagram.com/blktember/

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Music

ISH Money Drops Infectious Anthem “I Need A Bad Bitch”

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Emerging from Elizabeth City, NC, ISH Money electrifies the music scene with his latest track, “I Need A Bad Bitch,” released on April 6th, 2024. Produced by the dynamic Stxnk and engineered by the renowned Kelly Bangaz, this song is a testament to ISH Money’s commitment to crafting infectious beats and unforgettable hooks. With his Instagram @ishmoney252 buzzing with anticipation, the artist aims to captivate listeners with this club-ready anthem.

When asked about the motivation behind the song, ISH Money shared, “My motivation behind this song was to make people dance and have fun in the club or at a party.” Indeed, “I Need A Bad Bitch” exudes an irresistible energy that ignites any dance floor, blending catchy lyrics with pulsating rhythms. For ISH Money, this track holds special significance as it embodies good vibes and an invitation to let loose and enjoy the moment.

Among the standout lines in the song, ISH Money highlights, “R.I.P Pop smoke girl shake the room.” Paying homage to the late Pop Smoke, ISH Money adds a heartfelt touch to the track, honoring the legacy of the talented artist whose impact resonates deeply in the hip-hop community. As fans eagerly await ISH Money’s upcoming project, teased to be 65% completed for a summer release, “I Need A Bad Bitch” serves as a tantalizing preview of the artist’s evolving style and infectious energy.


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