Product Review: Surge Plus 14

As of late I have been neglecting to do any posts focused on hair. I don't know why other than I didn't want to be redundant and write what was already on the web. I also didn't have a clever way to list any tips or recipes or even pictures for that matter. My goal has been to not make KC&S solely about my hair or show a lot of pictures of myself. I have a hair album on Fotki for that. I'm also NOT a Product Junkie. I stick to what's tried and true and only add new products to my regimen when I have researched them and then only if they make sense. So pardon me for the neglect. As I adjust my regimen for the seasons and for the increased length I'm sure I will have more to write about.

For healthy hair growth and maintenance one must know that there is no magic pill in a bottle. Healthy hair is a combination of genetics, proper diet, proper maintenance, and nurturing. No one product is going to make sure you "Don't Be Bald" or "Doo Grow" or even give you a "Mane" the length of a "Tail." Products can't do that. They only aid in growth and enhance the condition of your hair and scalp. DON'T FORGET THE SCALP! In your daily routine, your mantra should be "scalp first then hair." Why? Because proper hair growth must come from a healthy properly conditioned scalp first.

Today I present to you Surge Plus 14 Hair Revitalizer. Surge is a mixture of Biotin, Keratin Proteins, Aloe Vera and Muccopolysaccharides (Sulphur). Biotin and Keratin are proteins used to prevent split ends and breakage. Muccopolysaccharides condition and stimulate the scalp as well as strengthen the hair shaft. Aloe Vera is a healing agent that softens the hair and scalp. It comes in a 12 Fl oz bottle and can be purchased at some beauty supply stores and Walgreens. Here in So Cal I had to order mine as none of the stores I went to carried it. You can reach them at (888) 816-8144. I ordered mine from Allure Beauty for about $6.50 (I think).

I had heard a lot about Surge through Nappturality and the Long Hair Care Forum, two sights dedicated to the growth of healthy african american hair. The reviews were a mixed bag. I suspect the negatives were from those that didn't know how to use the product properly. But then again, everything isn't for everbody. Surge is NOT just for black hair!

I started using Surge because I have been suffering from Alopecia in the nape area. For a little over 3 years I have had sparse growth in that area, mainly due to improper relaxer applications and terrible maintenance. For a season I tried a mixture of Tea Tree Oil and conditioners. Tea Tree oil is a natural disinfectant and helps to heal the scalp. I saw a little growth with this but more so less itching or dryness on my scalp.

Since using Surge for a little over a month, I have seen significant growth in that area. I'm really excited that I won't have to make such drastic cuts to the back of my hair. The unaffected areas in my nape fall to below my shoulders, but because of the glaring baldness in the affected area I have had to use the longer hair to camoflauge resulting in my hair looking a lot shorter than it actually is. I recommend it if you have been having problems like I have. Surge along with a healthy diet and proper maintenance may just be the answer you were seeking.

Beg - May 25, 2007

Mid - June 23, 2007
End - July 5, 2007

My Routine:

1. Daily or every two day co-washing (conditioner only rinses)
2. Spray Surge directly to the scalp all over twice a day
3. Apply your favorite oil or moisturizer to the scalp and hair directly afterwards
4. Reduce heat and styling applications

The only caveat I found is that Surge can be drying to the hair. That is why it is so important to apply your favorite oil and/or moisturizer after use. This will prevent any drying. Be careful with oils. They are NOT a moisturizer and too much can dry your hair out and make it greasy.

Hit me at kamikak AT msn DOT com if you have any questions or check out my hair album.

Kamika

Rwanda Knits...Get Involved

Hope rises up in Rwanda! After years of devastating civil war, Rwanda is rising up with hope through it's women. How so? Through knitting with an entreprenurial spirit.

Rwanda is a small landlocked country in the middle of Africa. Bordered by Uganda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tanzania it is an agricultural land with the highest density population in Africa of 9 million people. Most recently the country has entered into the world psyche through the infamous 1994 genocide between the Hutu and Tutsi tribes that took the lives of over 800,000 people. A vivid depiction of this was portrayed in the historical drama film Hotel Rwanda. The film is a very riveting and factual account of what happened in the land. Of course there were some fictional characters added for Hollywood's sake but all-in-all very accordant with the true story. Because of this war and the countries history of colonization, Rwanda is very poor.

Recently I stumbled upon the Rwanda Knits website while searching for some new knitting inspiration. Started in July of 2003 by Cari Clement, then president of Bond America, and with the approval of the USA for UNHCR (United Nations High Commission for Refugees), Rwanda Knits is a project that, "provides hand-operated, American-made knitting machines, technical and business training to Rwandan and refugee women living in Rwanda to enable them to increase their incomes through economically sustainable knitting cooperatives, producing garments for both the domestic and export markets." Rwanda Knits.org.

Under the FA'CED (Fibre and Craft Entrepreneurial Development) Rwanda Knits provides classes and technique training in fiber crafting for over 1,500 women. Some of the refugee knitters even made $3,000 net! That's a lot of money in Rwanda. Heck, it's a lot of money here! Just think about how much farther it goes over there when the normal per annum income is less than $365 (less than $1 per day).

In May of 2005, Rwanda Knits was awarded a grant from USAID totaling $99,000 but that was two years ago and is not enough to help these women rebuild their land's economy from the ground up. Donations of time and especially money are needed. Small amounts help! If you are interested in donating please visit the website here.

NOTE: All pictures shown were taken from the Rwanda Knits webpage and are the expressed property and copyright of that site and it's owners.

Kamika

Some Days...

The problem:
Some days you just feel really under-appreciated, disrespected, worthless and almost hopeless. Today is one of those days. I'm almost completely in a mood of listlessness at the prospect of my immediate future. Not my long term future, just the here and now. When I think about my life at times I just want to cry. So much promise, so much passion, so many seemingly attainable dreams. When will my dreams come to fruition? When will my desires start to line up completely with God's so that I will be content in all things and wherever [stage of life] I may be found. NOW!

The Revelation:
*God is good and His mercy endureth forever! I Chr 16:34
*Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world. I John 4:4
*For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Phil 1:6
*You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Is 26:3
*My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. II Cor 12:9
*The LORD will perfect that which concerns me. Ps 138:8

The Plan of Action:

*The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
*He makes me lie
down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, *he restores
my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's
sake.
*Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of
death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your
staff, they comfort me.
* You prepare a table before me in
the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup
overflows.
* Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my
life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Jm 4:8

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. Jm 4:10

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time... I Pet 5:6

I hope this helps someone today. I already feel cleansed and a lot better. God Bless You all!

Kamika