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[theyogeeexperience]

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[d1s1ntegrated]

Shigaraki is so pathetic he’s able to cum untouched just from kiss

shared seat (nsfw)

fem!reader x loser!shigaraki

cw: dacryphilia, premature ejaculation, mutual pining, desperation, cowgirl, multiple orgasms, no use of y/n (blank name space instead!!), tomura is a mega computer nerd, reader plays dumb kinda, some light hurt/comfort i guess?? making out, afab/fem reader, implied virgin shiggy :)

ʕ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•

naturally.

you have tomura in the palm of your hand. every time you walk by him, brush against him awkwardly, tap his shoulder to get his attention, it sends sparks through his touch-starved limbs and makes him dizzy. every night, he begs and pleads for you to come into his room, even just to sit in there. he wants you in whatever way he can, to see you, smell you, touch you, hear you. gods, of course he wants to taste you, but he's learned the hard way to take whatever he can get.

so when you knock on his door and ask him to teach you how to sort out your PC and mod a few games, his heart lurches in his chest. of course, of course he will. he trudges behind you to your bedroom, watching your ass jiggle lightly in the dingy sweatpants you stole from him a few months back. he takes a deep breath before sitting in your desk chair, immediately clicking through PILES of random trash files and download files.

"_______" he starts sternly, brow already furrowed at the sight. "have you not been deleting the download files after you download a mod?"

you shake your head. "won't that delete the mod?" you lean on your desk next to him, uncomfortably close to him. he smells the conditioner in your hair, your sweet perfume. he tightens his gloved grip on your mouse as he shakes his head and tidies your desktop up.

"fucking idiot" he mumbles as he clears a few gigabytes from the system, "this is why it's so slow, stupid". you giggle and mumble, "ohhhhhh" under your breath.

who's to say you didn't know that. who's to say you just wanted an excuse to have him in your room, huffing at your desk, having his scent fill the room and his frustrations cloud your thoughts. but he didn't have to know that.

he keeps clicking through folders, and you nudge the chair. he turns to face you and you mindlessly sit in his lap, telling him "let me in", spinning the chair back to face the desk.

his breath hitches as your plush ass presses against his dirty pajama pants and half-hardened cock. you watch the pointer on the screen as he sorts through different game files, his breathing unsteady in your ear. you giggle as he groans at the unnecessary folders and shortcuts.

"why...dude, what's with all the sims mods?" he asks, voice filled with genuine concern as he clicks into the mods folder. you panic and spring up, sending the chair back a bit with him still in it. your ass is directly in his face as you scramble, closing the folder.

tomura's eyes widen and he forgets the folder entirely for a moment as your shirt rides up, the small of your back exposed, the waistband of your underwear pulled slightly above the baggy sweats. he starts again and rolls his eyes.

"dipshit, just let me make sure there aren't duplicates, okay?" he pulls you by the waist into him again, your ass falling back onto him. he closes his eyes for a moment to regulate his thoughts.

the mods folder flashes back open. he scrolls through hundreds of mods, your body tensing as he pauses and reads through them all.

"what the hell are you doing to those poor sims" he laughs nervously as his cock grows tighter against you. you grimace as he closes out of it and goes into the save files folder.

he stops when he notices his name front and center, paired with yours.

he nods and stays silent, and you readjust in his lap. your eyes gloss over, unable to confront the clear tension between you two as you shift, his free arm lacing around your waist slowly, holding you tightly as he tries his best to hold back.

he closes out of the tabs and sits on the blank screen for a moment, clearing his throat.

"did...you need me to do anything else here?" he leans forward with you a bit, greedily inhaling your scent again as he awaits a response.

"hm...yeah, can you help me set my new speakers up? they won't connect for some reason." any excuse to keep him here.

"hmph. yeah, sure" he bites his lip and scoots the chair in, opening the program.

"they're plugged in, right?" he asks, and you nod.

"mhm, i'm not that dumb" you playfully lean back, your face all-too-close to his. he rolls his eyes and hums to himself as your weight presses more against him, and he's painfully trying to conceal how hard he is. if you don't stand, maybe you won't notice. he's so fucking close already, he's afraid any small movement will ruin it all.

you lean forward to turn the dial on the speaker and his breath hitches. he twitches in his pants and feels the moisture beading from his tip, hissing lowly to himself as you readjust again.

"jesus, _________. can you figure your shit out" he snips, and you laugh. he groans as he twitches again, dangerously close to finishing right here.

"sorry" your words come out as a whisper as he grips you closer now, his fingers tracing the exposed skin under your shirt as he fiddles around with the settings. you smile as he touches you.

you take it one step too far when you scoot back into him, using his thigh to steady yourself. as you grind into him, he loses control and feels himself cumming sporadically in his fleecy pants. he shakes against you, his head falling into your shoulder as he crumbles underneath you. he nearly crushes your brand new mouse as his hands clench, his uncovered fingers digging into your midriff. he shakes as you feel the moisture seeping from the material, leaking onto the back of your own pants. you don't dare to speak a word, you refuse to ruin it for him.

you go to look at him, but his head is still pressed against your shoulder, his baby blue hair draped over you. his breathing is slowing now, but he's still shaking.

"i'm sorry" he shudders before you can say anything. you grab his hand, still slung across your legs, and squeeze it.

"tomu, it's okay" you comfort him quietly as he continues to shake. you stand and he plants his face into his hands, soft tremors coming from the pale man.

you flip the armrests of the chair up and wrap your legs around him, facing him now. you stroke his hair gently and coax him to look up, his cherry eyes teary and glossed.

you kiss him gently, feeling the tears still running down his cheek. his lips are rough, but they taste like candied apples, and you hold his face in your hands as he falls into the kiss shakily.

as you pull away, he sniffles.

"i'm sorry" he repeats, and looks back down.

you kiss his head, his soft hair tickling your face. he wraps his arms around you and presses his face into you, his tears soaking the front of your shirt. you shush him and brush his hair back. you comfort him best as possible, but feel him hardening underneath you again.

"c'mon" you stand from the seat again, and take his hand. you bring him to the bed, and he sits slowly. you wipe the tears from his cheeks, and he shakes his head.

"why?" he asks quietly, and you kiss his nose, "why aren't you mad at me?".

you tug him into you, kissing him. he moans into the kiss this time, his cock tenting again. your mind swirls with thoughts of him inside of you, making him shiver and cum and whine. why would you be mad at him, your sweet pathetic leader?

no one else would ever see him like this. maybe it played a part in your arousal, knowing that this display was solely for you. that his orgasm was because of you. that he was crying because he was afraid he upset you. your scary, villainous, domineering leader was crying in your room, cock twitching desperately against his minecraft pj pants, because he just came from you sitting in his lap.

the heat between your legs swells as your tongue presses into his mouth, tasting the same sugary sourness from before. his tongue slides forcefully into your mouth, his saliva mixing with yours. he palms aggressively at his erection, trying to push it down nervously before you tug him by his sweater, pulling him on top of you. he instinctively grinds down into you, and as you feel him press against your clothed sex, you moan.

the heavy petting stresses you out. you can't keep kissing him and touching him without feeling him inside of you. tomura's eyes are half-lidded and hungry as you shove him back, and he looks at you nervously for a moment before you pull your pants off, urging him to do the same. he throws the pants off the bed, his cock springing free and tapping against his stomach. the knot in your stomach pulls deeper as you gaze upon the soft sky-blue tuft of hair leading down to his dick, his breathing ragged as you pull yourself on top of him again. you grind down, and he moans as the wetness soaking through your underwear squishes on his admirable length.

he's ready to cum again already, and you can tell from the way he grinds into you from below. you shift your underwear off, awkwardly shimmying as he helps you. he doesn't seem to care as he tugs at the garment, his hands exploring your curves with a greedy grip. as his cock rubs against you, you kiss him, coating him with the slick heat. you help position him against your tight hole, and he thrusts it in, stretching you with a snap. you throw your head back from the sensation and steady yourself for a moment before rocking back and forth, his moans and huffs growing louder. you ride him slowly at first, helping you adjust to his size, and he watches you bounce on him with a feverish daze. he grabs at your shirt and you allow him to bring it up over you, throwing it mindlessly. his hoodie comes off next, yanking haphazardly as you continue to grind and bounce on him. he bites his lip as he cums again, not holding anything back as the sticky seed coats your insides. you don't stop, feeling yourself growing closer. his orgasm brings you even further, and you gyrate your hips against him, his soft hair creating a friction against your clit that is fucking unimaginable. you moan and cry out, chasing the orgasm. you squeeze against him, the searing pain from being stretched before now replaced by a deep craving from the pit of your sex, needing more and more of him to fill you up. his pitiful whining grows in volume as his cock re-hardens inside of you quickly, and his hands grip against your hips and he thrusts from below as you slam down into him, furthering the sensation as his tip nudges your cervix. as you both rock into each other, your climax rushes over you, flooding his cock with a deep heat that sends him over the edge for the third time. tears brim his eyes again as he sprays your cunt with more pearly fluid, and your body shakes as you clench and rub the end of your orgasm out on him. your chest heaves as you both finish, and you fall on top of him with his dick still throbbing inside of you. he whines out and kisses you, tangling his fingers in your hair. the aftershock of your orgasm sends shivers through your body, and you pull yourself off of him. you already miss the feeling of him stuffing you with his cock, but he's spent. he shakes and squeezes his eyes shut, his legs and arms splayed out, vibrating.

you kiss his cheek and reach for something to help him clean up. you grab your shirt and wipe him off, and he frowns.

"didn't have to do that" he chokes out, and you shrug.

"i could never be mad at you, tomura" you say to him as you find clean clothes. as you dress, he drags a blanket over himself.

he nods and doesn't speak again for a moment. you climb in next to him, and he smiles weakly.

"promise?"

you nod. "pinky promise" you lace your fingers with his, the gloves brushing against your soft skin.

the two of you lay together in silence, growing more and more tired with each passing minute. you won't send him back to his room, you'd rather keep him here as long as possible. even if it was left unsaid, you loved him, and you spent every day worrying which day might just be the last. especially with the league growing in infamy, the unknown became scarier every day. but for right now, it felt more than okay. and for right now, you'd rather spend the time with him like this than having to worry about your futures.

"so what's up with that save file on the sims?" his voice snaps you out of your thoughts, and you groan.

"i think the next thing im gonna ask you how to teach me is hiding folders".

╰(*´︶`*)╯♡

thank you for the ask <3 yummy yummy suggestion!!!!!! 🩷🩷🩷

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

You smell really good, sensei... Is that cologne or just your natural scent?

The smell I describe here is Crewel’s fragrance from the 2024 TWST Valentine Gifts (which are character-inspired room sprays)!

If he doesn’t scare you, no evil thing will.

“So you’ve noticed. You have a keen nose on you, pup—and excellent taste, if I do say so myself.”

Crewel proudly adjusted the lapels of his fur coat. A faint wave of fragrances wafted toward you. It was deep and warm, with chords of golden amber weaving through woods and oak moss.

If you closed your eyes, you could imagine yourself hunkering down inside his massive fur coat. How nice it would be, enveloped by the intoxicating essence of him. It beat the chilly drafts that blew through Ramshackle’s musty, mildew-encrusted floorboards.

“You’re absolutely correct, this is cologne. It’s my unique signature fragrance, concocted by yours truly.

“Strong odors, of course, may evoke averse reactions in animals, familiars, and beastmen. That is why I made certain to keep the smell pleasant and light when formulating. A little dab on the pulse points is enough.

“I do forgo fragrance some days for the comfort of our most sensitive noses. What you may be smelling then would be my soap, shampoo, and conditioner. Simple, clean.”

“Wow, Crewel-sensei! You put so much thought into your personal grooming.”

That earned a laugh from him. More a bark than a laugh, sharp and terse.

“Ask yourself this: if an owner cannot take care of himself, how exactly can he be expected to take care of a litter of pups?” He rapped his pointer against an open palm. “The manner in which one presents themselves is crucial for setting the mood. An unkempt coat and a foul odor do not command authority, nor respect.

“Discipline starts with the individual. This is what I wish to instill in you all. With that in mind…”

Crewel looked you over, muttering to himself “Shirt ironed, tie neat, vest free of lint and stray hairs… Hmm, yes. Everything seems to be in order.”

He grinned suddenly, showing off his prominent canines.

“Good boy!! You’re well on your way to being best in show.”

[prettieinpink]

TAKING CARE OF BLACK HAIR

This post is dedicated to all of my black beauties, who may be struggling in haircare. No way am I an expert, but these are tips that worked for me.

DAILY

Spray water on your hair + drink a lot of water to keep it hydrated. It helps with detangling and promotes softer hair.

Use a daily hair moisturizer. This can be hair food, oil, or a leave-in conditioner, but something that can moisturise your hair every day.

Sleep on a silk bonnet or a silk pillow to prevent tangles and knots in your hair.

Apply styling products in layers. Too many products can cause grease or ‘crunchy’ hair.

WASH DAY

Wash your hair once a week. You want to avoid product buildup, as that is drying your hair. If possible, apply thick oils or gels every other day instead of every day (most spray or thinner oils/gels are fine for daily use).

Detangle before you wash your hair. I like to completely wet my hair before detangling, so it’s much easier and avoids breakage. Or, you can buy a detangling spray that aids you. Try to use your fingers instead of a comb, as it is much gentler.

When shampooing, avoid foaming shampoos as they can dry out your hair. Look for shampoos that don’t have any harsh chemicals as well.

Deep condition your hair instead of just rinsing it. You can buy one or you can make your own. What I do is, I separate my hair into sections and then put conditioner onto each one. Then I put on a shower cap and let it stay for 15-30 minutes. Extensive deep conditioning can weaken your hair.

Use an old shirt or a microfiber towel to squeeze excess moisture and water from your hair. Using a towel can cause frizziness and breakage + avoid drying your hair using a blow dryer.

PROTECTIVE HAIRSTYLES

Try not to leave in protective hairstyles for too long. A month is the best time frame, but 3 months is the absolute maximum!

When taking out protective hairstyles, let your hair breathe. A minimum of two weeks of natural hair is ideal. This allows you to take care of your strands as well.

During protective hairstyles, remember to shampoo weekly to avoid dandruff buildup + use moistures!

If needed after a hairstyle, trim your hair. Some ends cannot be saved.

[velvetcloxds]

come over- more twd request for you, daryl and sunshine!reader braiding his hair and him forgetting to take it out before getting to work in the morning

OH, SUNSHINE | D.D.

word count: 1k

warnings: soft daryl my beloved, age gap, alexandria era, little suggestive at the end- not exactly as requested, also added some dbf!daryl, quickly proofread

You giggled as Daryl grunted for at least the hundredth time since he was very cruelly persuaded to take a shower with you, you being there the only thing that was convincing enough to let you wash his hair for him, a deep conditioning only allowed after the promise of letting him kiss you all over while you worked. His hair was longer than it was in the prison, very much so, and with the aid of the hair dryer his hair looked prepped for some fancy advertisement you’d have seen posted on a wall somewhere before.

“Stop that,” you cooed, the cigarette he flicked out the window long forgotten as soon as his eyes landed on you, you were sprawled out on the bed they’d assigned him, all clean and perfect in a shirt that should’ve been his, but he didn’t mind seeing it on you instead. He had half the mind to check if the door was locked again, knowing you shouldn’t be in here, shouldn’t have been in there with him either, but hell what a sight, he’d face whatever reprimand his selfish feelings would earn him for savoring the delicacy that you were. He fiddled again, trying to tuck his hair behind his ear but the softness was unfamiliar, slipping right back and earning another little huff and puff from him. “Come here,” you beckoned, sitting back against the wall, unfolding your legs so he could settle between them.

He was slow in his descent, hesitant, careful as always knowing who you were, who you belonged to, his best friend, your father, fast asleep in the room next door. But he moved still, on his knees in front of you, raking his eyes over your features as the most delicately hopeful smile rested on your lips. You were much less hesitant, gentle hands reaching out to smooth out his hair, the fuzziness from the conditioner making his grunting more understandable.

“Can I braid it for you,” you breathed though you knew he wouldn’t mind, ever the stubborn man that he is, he could never say no to you, never fuss as much as he is used to doing, not with you, it felt wrong to be anything but perfectly agreeable to your every wish and desire. “It’ll be less frizzy,” you had one of those smiles on your face again, like the one that coerced him into the shower, into his room, into his heart.

Now he wasn’t all that excited for the concept of it all, he’d briefly considered an issue coming up in the middle of the night and he’d have to face the dead or the enemy while sporting a braid but selfishly it would mean he’d get to feel your fingers digging through his hair, scraping at his scalp, cooing him in a way he’d only allow from you.

“Alright,” he gave in and he was putty in your hands in an instant, melting down onto his elbows to let you work, eyes full of disbelieved wonder as he watched you and he couldn’t fight himself placing a kiss onto your bare thigh, humming as he stole a few more, looking up at you through his lashes.

“Is this better, baby?” you sighed, performing some sort of magic with the end of his braid to tie it off and make it stay in place, fingers gripping his shoulder to guide him up, bring him closer, humming just the same as he gripped onto your waist. He kissed at your neck, trailed his lips up your jaw, your cheek, pausing as he hovered by your ear as he whispered inaudible praises- you fought a giggle at the softness of him, so unfamiliar yet so natural. “Dar,” you wanted to see him, unhappy with him hiding even as he was so close to you. He kissed the hair above your ear, grunting differently this time, a smug little sound as his hands drifted up your shirt, rough flesh scraping against your silky skin.  

“Yes, sunshine?” he shifted to look at you, not surprised when you cupped his cheeks, brushed your nose against his, and scrunched said nose when he pinched at your sides.

“I love you,” you knew you weren’t allowed to say that out loud, whisper it maybe, draw it in small hearts on his hand when he reached for you in secret, write it on notes to sneak into the pocket of his leather vest but never out loud- it was a dangerous thing to say, to admit, loving him shouldn’t be something you were bold about. “You love me too,” you added, and his brows dipped, he wanted to disagree, remind you that this wasn’t the plan, wasn’t what either of you signed up for but he couldn’t find the words to lie to you. So, he kissed you again, harder, forceful with the softest, gentlest reminder of love. You held onto him tightly, scared he’d leave if you didn’t, brave as you felt him guide you down into the pillows pulling lightly at the material of your shirt.

“Say it again,” he whispered into your mouth and you smiled when he pulled away, looked you over, the heat creeping over your skin, burning against his own and you knew it was crazy to be so caught up in him in the midst of it all. “Again, say it again.”

“You love me,” you dared him he had that smug smile again, tilting his head to demand more. “And I love you,” he hummed, pleased with himself, with you obliging him. “You going to show me how much?” how you managed to say that with such an innocent little expression was beyond him, but he wouldn’t stop giving you what you want now, and never would.

“Let’s hope this braid of yours holds.”

And it did hold, right up to the morning when he'd forgotten he had it in the first place, the night before having much more memorable moments that took root in his head. You were the last one up, making sure to sneak into your room to get some real clothes before going downstairs where you found a blushing Daryl eating a piece of toast. He was the center of attention, jokes coming from all around even from your dad, and your little hairstyle was to blame. His frustration eased ever so slightly when you ever nonchalantly stilled next to them.

"I'm sorry," you whispered and he knew you were, knew you felt extremely silly for making people laugh at him over what was supposed to be an act of love. He handed you the plate with his other piece of toast, shrugging as he licked his fingers clean.

"Don't be," he whispered right back just in time for Rick to come through with another joke that had you biting back a smile of your own as the kitchen filled with laughter. "Something funny, sunshine?" he dared loud enough for the room to hear and you were the one to shrug, hiding the fondness in your eyes by taking a bite of the toast, humming at the taste, content as he accidentally rested his shoulder against yours.

[dreamgrlarchive]

What would you say is the best way to take care of your hair?

My Hair Care Routine 🎀

go to styles:

wash and go

silk press

flexi rod set on silk press

velcro roller set on silk press

half up half down pony

wash routine:

thoroughly brush and detangle damp hair

saturate in warm water

scrub scalp with shampoo 1-2x

rinse and wash entire head with warm water

rinse till water runs clear

apply conditioner and tie away

activate with heat and/or plastic bag

rinse conditioner once fully absorbed in cool water

seal ends with lightweight oil

deep conditioning routine:

stand under shower head running warm water to open up my cuticles

gently detangle using knot today detangle and a wide tooth comb and tangle teezer

apply conditioner once detangled and brush through with a denman brush

rinse and get outta the shower

squeeze hair damp dry and apply stimulating oil to my scalp and a nourishing oil on my strands

if i’m staying in/about to style my hair: saturate my hair in a deep conditioner and wait for my hair to fully absorb it and dry, then follow with my wash routine

if i’m on the go that day: apply both leave in and deep conditioner, then tie into a bun, braid into dutch braids, or any other cute low manipulation style

silk press routine:

spray hair evenly with heat protectant

section thinly and blow dry with a round brush/revlon round brush dryer

press edges and roots with pressing comb

apply a drop of chi silk infusion to my entire head

pin up hair in 4-6 sections in the back, and 2 sections in front

take slices of hair and flat iron using the chase method

trim my edges and ends

curl and/or style if i’m not wearing my hair bone straight

wrap in a clockwise direction using a clean paddle brush and tie up with a silk scarf

tipz:

never sleep on cotton

keep your hands out of your hair

dust your ends every 3-4 wash routines to give your curls more life

you know your conditioner has done it’s job when you can’t see it anymore. only rinse your hair when it’s visibly absorbed

you don’t need that much product, use a light hand

use clarifying shampoo when trying to get a voluminous movable silk press

use moisturizing shampoo when wearing your natural hair out

[yandere-fics]

♡ Sawyer's NSFW Alphabet ♡

♡ A = Aftercare (what they’re like after sex) ♡

The aftercare is amazing, anything you could want or need afterwards will be yours plus her natural instincts are to care for her mate which means she instinctively knows what she needs to do in order to help you recover from the knot. As soon as she's able to wiggle herself free she'll be up and doting all over you. She has to let you know how much she appreciates you being a good little mate for her, if you want anything it will be yours no matter the cost dearest. The only times she's really affectionate physically is in heat and during or after sex so enjoy this while it lasts.

♡ B = Body part (their favorite body part of theirs and also their partner’s) ♡

It's your hair, it doesn't matter how much or how little of it you have, your hair is a sign of how well she's taking care of you since she has the best conditioners and hair oils to take care of yours the best she can. She would never yank on it even if that does sound hot to her, she prefers to stare deep into your eyes and softly stroke your hair as she shoves her knot it.

Her favorite part of her own body is not really a part specifically, it's mostly her height. There are a lot of things and positions she is capable of doing with you due to her height and even if she wasn't strong or didn't have her powers, her height would still be a huge advantage over everyone and everything around her so she quite appreciates it.

♡ C = Cum (anything to do with cum, basically) ♡

She prefers to cum inside, it has nothing to do with getting the ccum into you, she doesn't really care about that part cause cumming on your back or stomach would have the same scent marking effect, she really only cares about getting the knot in. If you're sucking her dick she prefers you not swallow it because she's just a little bit afraid such a large amount is not good for your stomach.

♡ D = Dirty secret (pretty self explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs) ♡

Gross cum eater. I already said this on the gross headcanons but I will elaborate, she will clean you up after the two of you have sex almost every time unless you stop her. She's not really trying to make you cum again since you're probably already overstimulated, though she will again if she feels like you can handle another one. If you don't let her do that then she will sadly have to settle for a wet wipe or a bath if you're feeling up for it.

♡ E = Experience (how experienced are they? do they know what they’re doing?) ♡

There's no experience here, sure she may have had companions over the years who she kissed but she never really felt the urge to go further with them, the most experience she has is making out occasionally and using a fleshlight which was also frustrating to her because you can not knot a fleshlight. She's working off of what her instincts tell her to do.

♡ F = Favorite position (this goes without saying) ♡

Whichever is easiest to knot with. She's a big fan of riding since he knot goes in deeper and you have no choice but to sit there, panting and sweaty against her chest as she coos into your ear about how good you looked like that. She would do mating press but that is a bit uncomfortable when it's done, sure it's hot as hell and she absolutely loves it but once she knots it, you're probably going to be a bit uncomfortable and it's hard to reposition the both of you. The Nelson is good but a bit hard for her to knot so she only does it if she knows you won't let her knot you.

♡ G = Goofy (are they more serious in the moment? are they humorous? etc.) ♡

She's very serious even under the most normal circumstances, you you hear her make a joke you'll think the world is ending and her jokes are particularly bad so it's a very good thing she is not at all goofy in the moment. Though it does feel goofy to have the normally uptight boss whining on top of you because you said you would let her knot you.

♡ H = Hair (how well groomed are they? does the carpet match the drapes? etc.) ♡

God she is so hairy, she's even got chest hair, she has stomach hair, leg hair, the only place lacking hair is her upper arms but even her forearms have little light hair wisps. Her hair is very well groomed and neatly trimmed though, the stomach hair gets thicker the more you go down. She would absolutely shave if you asked because she doesn't really care and you are the one who has to fuck her so she doesn't want you to get bothered by her hairy balls.

♡ I = Intimacy (how are they during the moment? the romantic aspect) ♡

She's very romantic during it. She's the most talkative and open with her feelings when you are sleeping together and even when she's doing completely depraved things with you and completely wrecking you, she's still singing your praises and stroking your hair for allowing her to destroy you like this. She could be spanking you and calling you her whore but you're still her pretty perfect little whore.

♡ J = Jack off (masturbation headcanon) ♡

She doesn't do it super often, maybe once a day if she's had a very frustrating week but her average is like once at the end of the week. She takes a lot of cold showers to get rid of any morning wood too because it's just a lot of effort to have sex with her darling or to even jack off and she just doesn't want to have to commit that much time to it. She will jack off in her office if she thinks about her darling a bit too much and they are not there. She doesn't want to have to burden them with hours of sex when she gets home so she'll deal with it before she can disturb her darlings sleep schedule.

♡ K = Kink (one or more of their kinks) ♡

Shibari but that takes a lot of time that she does not have very often and on heat she lacks the patience for it, if you even hint at wanting to try it or being curious about it though then she's going to rush through her work and delegating tasks so that way she can have a day off to focus solely on that. She will also mention it a few times offhandedly hoping you will pick up the hint about her badly wanting to try it.

♡ L = Location (favorite places to do the do) ♡

Her office is preferable mainly because if the two of you are in her office doing it, it means you have come to work with her so she gets to enjoy your company all day as she works. Beyond that it means she can knot you as she works which really does increase her productivity, sure she's a babbling mess as she's doing it but once you're stuck on her knot, she's incredibly focused on work. Plus if you ride her while she works then you're able to get what you want and she's able to get work done before it eventually becomes too much and she has to start pounding again.

♡ M = Motivation (what turns them on, gets them going) ♡

Really anything but if she had to pick a specific thing, seeing you in jewelry or designer clothing that she bought for you. She would buy you one of those diamond cat necklaces and you'd be like "uhm babe, don't mean to judge but this is literally a cat necklace." and she simply hums in response as she files some paperwork. If you wear it while you ride her she might be tempted to stick her fingers in your mouth and tug on your tongue a little bit.

♡ N = No (something they wouldn’t do, turn offs) ♡

She will not share and she will not allow people to view you in the act, while she does not care if everyone hears how good she's making you feel, she will insta kill anyone who walks into the office and catch a glimpse. She's fine if you wear revealing clothing regularly, she won't stop you but she will not let anyone look at you if you are even remotely sweaty because it just looks too good to her so clearly others must also feel the same way.

♡ O = Oral (preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc.) ♡

She prefers to give but she also does enjoy receiving very much. She's very good at giving and does it very regularly before and after sex and would likely love to wake you up that way too as a treat to herself before she has to go to work. When she receives she does not last long, it's way too much for her too look at plus she's not trying to prolong it, she wants it to go quicker because even though she enjoys it, she doesn't want you to make your jaw sore.

♡ P = Pace (are they fast and rough? slow and sensual? etc.) ♡

She's slow at first because if she's not it will hurt you. The more rounds you have though, especially when she's in heat, the quicker her pace will become. By the end of it she's collapsed on you and is barely bothering to pull out even slightly, very short quick thrusts because she doesn't want to leave you for even a second. When you're riding her she lets you go at your own pace at first until she's close, when she's close she starts bucking her hips frantically.

♡ Q = Quickie (their opinions on quickies, how often, etc.) ♡

She can't do quickies, it just isn't possible with her size, though she might set you on her desk and quickly eat you out but an actual quickie is not a possibility. She might do a quickie before she has to work where she wakes you up with her tongue but that's about it and even then she has to pry herself away to resist doing more.

♡ R = Risk (are they game to experiment? do they take risks? etc.) ♡

She's very experimental. She has the money required to be able to experiment with you and the knowledge to do it safely and if she isn't sure how to do this thing she would like to try she can pay a specialist to explain it to both of you. She would take you on a special date night to a bdsm instructor so you both can go home and try the thing the instructor told both of you.

♡ S = Stamina (how many rounds can they go for? how long do they last?) ♡

For an average round once you two actually get started, it can take up to an hour when she's out of heat because she's holding back a bit in order to make sure you're completely fucked out when it's done, if she's feeling nice and not wanting to completely wear you out then she will allow herself to cum a bit sooner but even then you're so worn out. In heat it's usually around fifteen minutes. Out of heat you'll have one or three rounds, in heat it's around four rounds until she's satisfied and then four hours later she needs it again.

♡ T = Toys (do they own toys? do they use them? on a partner or themselves?) ♡

She has a fleshlight for when she cannot be with you and used it before she found you somewhat often. She buys plenty of toys for you so you don't get pent up with her not being able to do it often. She really enjoys looking on the penthouse cameras and seeing you use them and she pays special attention to which ones are your favorites so that way she can buy more. It doesn't make her jealous because at the end of the day you're using her money to get off.

♡ U = Unfair (how much they like to tease) ♡

She's not much of a teaser unless you've been fighting her or trying to leave her, then she'll tease you but it's mostly because she's hoping it will get rid of all the fight in you, she just wants to show you all this resistance is pointless because look, your bodies fit together perfectly, you are made for eachother. She's not an edger though in the slightest.

♡ V = Volume (how loud they are, what sounds they make, etc.) ♡

She's quiet until she gets close, once she's close she's whining and gasping and it sounds a whole lot like she's on the verge of crying. She also starts talking very quickly, her voice cracking as she start to beg to be able to knot you, she's not religious but she will literally pray to the gods to be able to knot you which is funny because she is the closest thing to a god that the city has so she's pretty much praying to herself and you as the mate of what is equivalent to a god.

♡ W = Wild card (a random headcanon for the character) ♡

Her voice is pretty gravelly and it cracks a whole lot during the act. She's actually a pretty quiet talker and when she yells at you or scolds you for resisting the matebond, it's terrifyingly quiet. She can try to speak up if you ask but still it's really just best to stay close to her in order to hear what she has to say.

♡ X = X-ray (let’s see what’s going on under those clothes) ♡

She has about a B cup and her underwear is very plain and simple. Sort of granny bras but they are still very expensive and very high quality even if they don't look that way. She has very thick muscular thighs and her shoulders are decently broad. She has a single scar from what looks like a spear stabbing straight through her though she says she doesn't remember when that occurred, it likely happened during the great war.

♡ Y = Yearning (how high is their sex drive?) ♡

Like I said before she gets horny pretty often though her actual drive to have sex is a bit low since she can be satisfied just knowing her darling is satisfied. She does have to take cold showers in the mornings to hold herself at bay but beyond that she's pretty content even if she hasn't had full fledged sex with her darling she'll be happy as long she knows her darling is happy.

♡ Z = Zzz (how quickly they fall asleep afterwards) ♡

She'll lay down with you but she's not really going to sleep and if she does sleep it will only be for like three hours. She has a very strict sleep schedule of falling asleep around midnight though she will stay up longer than that sometimes and she always wakes up at 4 AM, she doesn't need much sleep but she does enjoy laying down with you and feeling you fall asleep in her arms or against her. I think she'd be very pleased with a sleepy darling.

[16woodsequ]

Sunday Steve - Day Eight

Things that would be new or unfamiliar to Steve in the 21st century, either due to the time period he grew up in, or his social-economic status and other such factors.

Day Eight: Shampoo and Conditioner

Shampoo: The origins of the word shampoo comes from an Indian hair and body massage called champooi/champo.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s shampoo was a water soluble, dry shampoo powder that would be dissolved by the teaspoon in a cup of hot water (Link). Shampoo could also come as bars of soap, which could lather or be grated and dissolved into boiling water and left to cool and solidify.

A 1908 New York Times shampoo guide claims "hair is best shampooed at night, following thorough combing and brushing, and singeing split ends. Castile soap is applied with a stiff brush and rinsed four times every month to six weeks." (Link)

Bathing had become more and more common as part of the hygiene routine in the early 1900s, but shampooing was generally recommended every two weeks—or every four to six weeks (preferably using castile soap or tar soap) because shampoo was known for drying out and damaging hair. (Link)

While at-home shampooing was slowly becoming more common, it was more common—for those who could afford it—to get it commercially done. Most shampoo ads were targeted towards women, but men in barbershops "transitioned from using hair tonics to using shampoos to remove the build-up of heavy styling products" (Link).

The liquid shampoo first really started hitting the market in 1927. So by the 30s at-home shampooing became even more common. This is due to a combination of most Americans have in-house plumbing, their own bathrooms, and the shampoo formulas becoming less harsh and drying. The combination of all this meant one could wash their hair every week. (Link) (Every day shampooing began to be marketed in the 70s since oily hairstyles were out of fashion.)

Liquid shampoos were sold in glass bottles, while powdered shampoos came in tins.

Bottles of shampoo and lotions manufactured in the early 20th century by the C.L. Hamilton Co. of Washington, D.C., United States

It wasn't until 1934 that detergent-based (no-soap, modern) shampoos came onto the market (Link).

Sarah Rogers likely wouldn't have been able to afford to get her hair shampooed, but she could have made her own shampoo from castile soap bars (example youtube video) or bought shampoo powders which were then dissolved in water.

She would only wash her hair every few weeks, most likely brushing her hair and keeping it up in styles in-between washes. (Link) Using a clean brush to brush ones hair helped remove and evenly distribute oils.

In 1933 shampoo cost about 25-50 cents. (Link) (Link) I haven't dug deep to know exactly what kind of things Steve and Sarah would be able to afford. But it wouldn't surprise me if there were times they could and couldn't afford hair care products.

As for if Steve would shampoo his hair, he probably just used soap. Shampoo had soap in it until 1933 (which was why it was so drying) (Link). But men could afford to use soap on their hair since they usually had shorter hair and their natural head oils could help mitigate the damage.

I can find less information about men's hair routines if they couldn't afford to go to barbershops, so I'm less certain of what Steve would do. But 20s, 30s, and 40s men's hair styles had a lot of oil or greasy styling products. While these would need to be washed out for re-styling (probably weekly like women) the oil products would help against drying out the hair.

Men also always wore hats. Having stiff or slick-down hair was important so that hair styles wouldn't be ruined by putting on and removing hats. Hair oils would stain hats, chairs and other things heads came in contact with.

Circa 1920 Glostora hair oil and brush ad and Hair Slik ad

Don't be fooled by the ad. This vintage bottle of Glostora is 5 inches or 12.5 cm tall. It would be put on after shampooing, like conditioner.

In the Captain America: The First Avenger movie we can see that Steve's hair isn't slicked back. This could just be a modern day styling choice, but it could also show that Steve did not care about styling his hair.

Cleanliness was was important so he probably washed his hair every few weeks with soap and bathed regularly. But it doesn't look like he put heavy product in his hair. (Unlike Bucky, who probably had more reason to shampoo his hair. It wouldn't surprise me if Bucky went to the barbershop when he could afford it.)

Steve probably couldn't afford to do more to his hair than wash it with soap every few weeks. He likely made his own shampoo with castile or tar soap. This method makes more shampoo than the bottles of liquid shampoo being sold.

Conditioner: Conditioners originated from a product called brilliantine (developed in 1900) which was used to soften beards and moustaches. This product would be put on after styling in barbershops to make the hair shine and soften it. (Glostora and Hair Slik are similar products.) (Link)

"It was oil based, giving off a slimy residue to anything it touched. Homemakers knit lace doilies to cover the backs of high back chairs and couches to protect the furniture from men’s greasy heads" (Link)

Other items used similar to conditioners were hair tonics, or Wildwood Cream.

Conditioner became a necessity because of shampoo, as it is drying to the hair. So it wasn't used much until shampooing became more common (oil has a long history of being used to tame hair, but commercial conditioner products became more common along with shampoo use.) (Link)

Women caught on to these types of commercial products. I've had a hard time finding specific conditioner products from the 30s. Here is a hair care routine for women circa 1930 that mentions brillientine, so it looks like women began using brillientine as well before more specific conditioning products were developed.

There seemed to be more conditioner products developed by the 40s. Here's a conditioning cream from around the 40s, and a different one with a price (about 39¢).

1942 Drene Shampoo Hair Conditioner Vintage Print Ad

(Drene was the first modern synthetic (no soap) shampoo and you can see in the side panel of this ad they say "Don't rob your hair of its glamour by using soap or liquid soap shampoo—which always leave behind a dulling film that dims the natural lustre and color brilliance!")

Wrap up

Modern day hair routines would be recognisable but still somewhat unfamiliar to Steve. This is partially because men's hairstyles have changed drastically from the slick-back styles he is used to. Hats have also gone out of style.

Also, it is common now in America to wash one's hair around three times a week. This shift came about with the change in hair styles. Woman leaving hair down and covering it less necessitates the need to shampoo and condition it more. (Women shampooed their hair once a week in salons up to the 60s).

The products are also slightly different. Liquid shampoo is the dominate form now (I doubt Steve ever bought liquid shampoo) and they come in plastic bottles. The liquid shampoo is likely a much different formula than he's used to. Additionally, conditioning is a very specific step in the process and hair product ingredients have evolved.

There are also combination products like 2-1 shampoo and conditioner which came about in the late 1980s.

Along with the cultural changes, Steve's socioeconomic status would effect his perception of hair-care routines and buying hair products.

With modern (no soap) products, Steve's hair is probably softer and shinier. Steve would have been aware of no soap products, but I don't think he would have bought them. However, he could have had these products used on him during his USO tour. Interacting with the women there probably introduced him to many products he was less familiar with.

Men's hairstyling in the 1920s.

This post kind of got away from me! But I hope you enjoyed my deep dive into 20th century hair care.

[wellstraightprofessional]

The Ultimate Guide to Conditioner for Curly Hair: Nourish, Define, and Revive Your Curls

Curly hair is a crown that needs tender love and care, and the secret to maintaining beautiful, bouncy curls lies in the right conditioner. Curly hair is often more prone to dryness, frizz, and tangles due to its unique structure, so the right conditioner can be transformative, helping to nourish, define, and revive your curls. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about conditioner for curly hair, from understanding its benefits to selecting the best ingredients and crafting the perfect conditioning routine.

Why Conditioner is Essential for Curly Hair

Unlike straight hair, curly hair has a spiral structure that makes it more prone to moisture loss. Each twist and turn creates potential points of weakness in the hair shaft, making it difficult for natural oils from the scalp to travel down the hair strands. As a result, curly hair often feels dry, frizzy, and unruly.

This is where conditioner becomes your best friend. A well-formulated best products for curly frizzy hair hydrates, smoothens, and detangles curls, while also restoring moisture balance and protecting against environmental damage. Let’s dive into the key reasons why conditioner is so essential for curly hair:

Hydration Boost: Curls thrive on moisture. The humectants and emollients in conditioners penetrate deep into the hair cuticle, delivering much-needed hydration to keep curls soft and shiny.

Frizz Control: Frizz is the arch-nemesis of curly hair, often caused by lack of moisture. Conditioners help seal the hair cuticle, locking in moisture and reducing frizz.

Detangling: Curly hair is more prone to knots and tangles. A rich conditioner lubricates the hair strands, making detangling easier and less damaging.

Curl Definition: Conditioners formulated for curly hair can enhance curl definition by providing weight and structure, making each curl stand out.

Damage Protection: Heat styling, environmental stress, and chemical treatments can weaken curly hair. Conditioners create a protective barrier around the hair shaft, safeguarding against further damage.

Key Ingredients to Look for in a Curly Hair Conditioner

Not all conditioners are created equal, and when it comes to curly hair, certain ingredients are a must-have to ensure maximum benefits. Here’s a breakdown of the best ingredients to look for:

1. Shea Butter

Shea butter is a rich emollient packed with fatty acids and vitamins that nourish and moisturize the hair. It adds weight and definition to curls, making it ideal for combating frizz and dryness.

2. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a favorite in the curly hair community for its ability to penetrate the hair shaft and reduce protein loss. It helps retain moisture, reduce breakage, and enhance the overall health of curly hair.

3. Aloe Vera

Known for its soothing and hydrating properties, aloe vera provides moisture and promotes shine without weighing down curls. It also has a natural pH-balancing effect, which is crucial for curly hair health.

4. Argan Oil

Argan oil is full of important fats, antioxidants, and vitamin E. It locks in moisture, smoothens hair, and protects against environmental damage. It’s a lightweight oil, making it perfect for defining curls without the greasy feel.

5. Jojoba Oil

Mimicking the scalp’s natural oils, jojoba oil is an excellent conditioner for curly hair. It’s light, non-greasy, and deeply hydrating, ensuring smooth, frizz-free curls.

6. Silk Protein

Silk protein helps rebuild damaged hair, giving curls more elasticity and strength. It’s particularly beneficial for chemically treated or heat-styled curly hair, as it restores protein balance.

Avoid These Ingredients in Your Conditioner

While certain ingredients can work wonders for curly hair, there are others that should be avoided, as they can lead to dryness, frizz, and buildup. When choosing a conditioner, steer clear of:

Sulfates: Harsh cleansing agents that strip away natural oils, leaving curls dry and vulnerable.

Silicones: While they create a smooth surface, silicones can cause product buildup over time, leading to dull and lifeless curls.

Alcohols: Some alcohols, like ethanol, can dry out curly hair, so opt for conditioners that avoid them or use fatty alcohols like cetyl or stearyl alcohol, which are safe and moisturizing.

Types of Conditioners for Curly Hair

Curly hair benefits from different types of conditioners depending on the specific needs of your curls. Here’s a breakdown of the main types of conditioners to include in your routine:

1. Daily Rinse-Out Conditioners

These are lightweight conditioners meant for daily use, providing moisture and detangling benefits without weighing down the hair. They are typically used after shampooing and rinsed out within a few minutes.

2. Deep Conditioners

Deep conditioners are richer and more intense than regular conditioners, providing deep hydration and repair. These are usually left on for 10-30 minutes to allow the nourishing ingredients to penetrate the hair shaft, making them ideal for weekly treatments.

3. Leave-In Conditioners

Leave-in conditioners are lightweight, non-rinse formulas that are applied to damp hair after washing. They provide long-lasting moisture and help with detangling, curl definition, and frizz control.

4. Co-Wash Conditioners

Co-washing, or conditioner-only washing, is a popular method among curly-haired individuals. Co-wash conditioners gently cleanse the scalp and hair while providing moisture. They don’t contain harsh detergents, making them ideal for frequent washes without stripping the hair of natural oils.

How to Condition Curly Hair the Right Way

To make the most out of your curly hair conditioner, follow these steps for an optimal conditioning routine:

Step 1: Cleanse First

While some people prefer co-washing, it’s important to cleanse your hair regularly with a sulfate-free shampoo to remove dirt and buildup. This ensures that your conditioner can penetrate the hair shaft effectively.

Step 2: Apply Conditioner on Damp Hair

After cleansing, gently squeeze excess water from your hair, but keep it damp. Apply a generous amount of conditioner, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, where it tends to be the driest.

Step 3: Detangle

Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently detangle your curls while the conditioner is still in your hair. This minimizes breakage and helps distribute the product evenly.

Step 4: Let It Sit

For daily conditioners, leave the product on for a few minutes before rinsing. For deep conditioning treatments, let the product sit for at least 10 minutes (or longer if recommended) to allow the nutrients to penetrate the hair shaft.

Step 5: Rinse with Cool Water

Cool water helps to seal the hair cuticle, locking in moisture and reducing frizz. Always rinse your conditioner with cool water to enhance shine and definition.

Step 6: Follow Up with a Leave-In

After rinsing, apply a leave-in conditioner or styling cream to damp hair for added moisture and protection throughout the day.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Power of Conditioning

Curls are beautiful, but they require special care to look their best. Conditioning is the key to maintaining healthy, hydrated, and defined curls. By choosing the best hair mask for dry damaged hair and developing a consistent conditioning routine, you can transform your curls into soft, bouncy, and frizz-free locks. Remember, the best conditioner for curly hair is one that nourishes, protects, and enhances the unique beauty of your curls.

[dammoreinspirations]

🩵My Ultimate Hair Care Routine: Embracing Rosemary Water for Lush, Healthy Hair🩵

As someone who’s always on the quest for the best hair care practices, I’ve recently integrated rosemary water into my daily routine, and the results have been remarkable. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to my new hair care regimen:

1. **Rosemary Water Application**: I start my routine by applying rosemary water to my scalp. After making a fresh batch or using a store-bought version, I gently massage the rosemary water into my scalp. This natural remedy not only stimulates hair follicles but also promotes healthy circulation, encouraging growth and reducing hair thinning.

2. **Pre-Wash Treatment**: Before washing my hair, I apply a nourishing hair oil or conditioner to the ends. I let it sit for 15-30 minutes, allowing my hair to absorb the moisture and prepare for the wash.

3. **Shampoo**: I then wet my hair thoroughly and apply a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo. I massage it into my scalp, ensuring it’s clean without stripping away essential oils. After a thorough rinse, I repeat if necessary to get a deep cleanse.

4. **Conditioner**: Next, I apply conditioner from mid-lengths to the ends. I leave it on for a few minutes to deeply moisturize and detangle my hair before rinsing with cool water to help seal the cuticle.

5. **Deep Conditioning (Weekly)**: Once a week, I indulge in a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask. This extra step provides intense hydration and repairs any damage from styling or environmental factors.

6. **Rinse and Detangle**: After rinsing out the conditioner, I gently detangle my hair with a wide-tooth comb, starting from the ends and working my way up to avoid breakage.

7. **Towel Dry**: I pat my hair dry with a soft towel, avoiding any vigorous rubbing that could cause damage. I leave my hair to air-dry a bit before moving on to the next step.

8. **Leave-In Conditioner**: I apply a leave-in conditioner or detangler to damp hair, which helps with moisture and makes styling easier.

9. **Heat Protection**: If I’m using heat styling tools, I always apply a heat protectant spray to shield my hair from potential damage.

10. **Style and Finish**: I style my hair as desired, whether that’s blow-drying, straightening, or curling. To finish, I apply a small amount of hair serum or oil to add shine and tame any frizz.

11. **Night Care**: To protect my hair overnight, I sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase or tie my hair loosely with a silk scarf to minimize friction and prevent breakage.

By incorporating rosemary water into my routine, following these steps and washing my hair 3x a week, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in the health and appearance of my hair. It’s a holistic approach that balances natural remedies with essential care practices for truly vibrant and resilient hair.

[blackmalehairproducts]

The Essential Guide to Black Hair Care Products: Nourish, Protect, and Style

When it comes to hair care, black hair is a world of its own, rich in texture and versatility. Whether you're rocking luscious curls, intricate braids, or a classic fade, the right products can make all the difference in maintaining healthy, vibrant hair. In this guide, we'll explore the best Black hair care products to help you achieve your hair goals while keeping it healthy and stylish.

Understanding Black Hair

Before diving into the products, let’s get a clearer picture of what makes black hair unique.

1. Texture Matters

Black hair can vary greatly in texture—from tightly coiled kinks to loose waves. This diversity affects how your hair behaves, how it responds to products, and how you should care for it.

2. Moisture is Key

One of the most significant challenges with black hair is dryness. The natural oils produced by your scalp have a harder time traveling down the twists and turns of each strand. This is why keeping your hair moisturized is crucial for its health.

3. Vulnerability to Damage

Due to its unique structure, black hair is often more susceptible to breakage and damage. That’s why using the right products and maintaining a proper hair care routine is essential for promoting growth and maintaining overall hair health.

The Must-Have Black Hair Care Products

1. Moisturizing Shampoo

A good shampoo sets the stage for healthy hair. Look for a moisturizing shampoo that's sulfate-free. Sulfates can strip natural oils from your hair, leaving it dry and brittle.

Key Ingredients: Opt for products containing shea butter, coconut oil, or aloe vera, as these ingredients provide hydration and nourishment.

2. Conditioner

After shampooing, a rich conditioner is a non-negotiable step. It helps detangle hair, add moisture, and reduce frizz.

Deep Conditioners: Incorporate a deep conditioner into your routine at least once a week. These products penetrate deeper into the hair shaft for more intensive moisture.

3. Leave-In Conditioner

A leave-in conditioner is like a shield for your hair. It provides extra moisture throughout the day and helps with styling.

How to Use: Apply it to damp hair after washing. It’s perfect for locking in hydration and making detangling a breeze.

4. Hair Oils

Hair oils are game-changers for maintaining shine and softness. They can also help seal in moisture, which is especially crucial for black hair.

Popular Oils: Consider using jojoba oil, argan oil, or castor oil. Each has unique properties that benefit your hair in different ways.

5. Styling Creams and Gels

When it comes to styling, the right cream or gel can help you achieve your desired look without the crunchiness that some products leave behind.

Curl Creams: Ideal for those with natural curls, curl creams define and enhance your curls while keeping them soft and manageable.

Styling Gels: For more hold, consider a gel that doesn’t flake. Look for alcohol-free options to prevent dryness.

6. Hair Masks

Hair masks are your secret weapon for intense hydration. They are typically used once a week or bi-weekly and provide a concentrated dose of nutrients.

DIY Options: You can create your own masks using natural ingredients like avocado, honey, or yogurt, which nourish and moisturize your hair.

7. Heat Protectants

If you use heat styling tools, a heat protectant is essential. This product creates a barrier between your hair and the heat, preventing damage.

Tip: Always apply a heat protectant before using blow dryers, curling irons, or flat irons to keep your hair safe.

8. Scalp Treatments

A healthy scalp is crucial for healthy hair growth. Consider using a scalp treatment or exfoliator to remove buildup and nourish the scalp.

Key Ingredients: Look for products containing tea tree oil or peppermint, which can soothe irritation and promote circulation.

Creating Your Hair Care Routine

Now that you know the must-have products, how do you incorporate them into a routine that works for you?

Step 1: Cleansing

Start with a moisturizing shampoo, followed by a rich conditioner. Remember to rinse thoroughly to avoid product buildup.

Step 2: Deep Conditioning

Once a week, treat your hair to a deep conditioning treatment. This is your chance to give your hair the extra love it deserves.

Step 3: Moisturizing and Styling

After washing, apply a leave-in conditioner followed by a styling product that suits your hair type. This will help define your look while keeping your hair nourished.

Step 4: Weekly Mask and Scalp Treatment

Incorporate a hair mask into your routine weekly. Additionally, consider a scalp treatment every couple of weeks to keep your scalp healthy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the right products, you can still fall into some traps. Here are a few common mistakes to steer clear of:

Over-Washing: Washing your hair too frequently can strip away natural oils. Aim to wash your hair 1-2 times a week.

Neglecting Your Scalp: A healthy scalp equals healthy hair. Don’t forget to care for your scalp as part of your routine.

Ignoring Product Ingredients: Not all products are created equal. Always read labels and avoid harsh chemicals that can damage your hair.

Final Thoughts: Embrace Your Crown

Black hair is not just a style; it's a statement, a culture, and a part of who you are. By using the right products and maintaining a proper care routine, you can embrace the beauty of your natural hair. It’s about more than just looking good; it’s about feeling confident and empowered in your own skin.

[rafesproactiveprettygirl]

Chapter 2: Pretty little liar || “The Pogue Princes and Kook Princess || Series

Warnings: Cussing, mentions of drugs, flirty jokes, bitchy main character, arguments, allusions of sex, sexual jokes + themes, hung over reader, JJ is kind of a dick for the first few chapters

Summary: Y/N is having the worst hang over and you can only imagine it gets worse when she gets invited to a pogue bonfire.

A/N: probably not proof read lmao, let me know if i need to fix any of the warnings! also the characters “julia” and “claris” are two character i made up! julia is your typical bitchy blond mean girl (not saying blond girls are mean, but she has the vibe of regina george basically) and claris has brown hair, their looks aren’t really specified other than that so picture them however!

You felt the warm sunlight bathing your skin from the window. Your body felt sore and your head buzzed. You felt warmth next to you and you turn to see Rafe shirtless, sleeping on his stomach, arms under his pillow, head facing away from yours. You turned to get out of bed and noticed you didn’t have any clothes on. You groaned remembering everything of what happened last night, you and Rafe definitely went at it and your legs were definitely sore.

You legs trembled beneath you as you got up to go shower. You flipped the water onto a warm setting and picked out your clothes for today. You chose a pink crop top with a little bow on the v-line, you also chose some beige shorts and a white cardigan. You stepped into the shower and sighed at the feeling of the warm water sliding down your body with ease.

You washed your hair with your favorite scented shampoo and conditioner, and doused yourself with strawberry body wash. It smelt so good, you were so hungry. But at the same time you felt like you were going to hurl. Once you finished in the shower you stepped out and did your skincare routine, moisturized, dried off and slipped your clothes on. The cardigan did well to keep your body warm.

You pulled it over your shoulders as you stepped outside for your room, slipping on some flip flops. You figured you could go on a walk and stop somewhere to get food, so you grabbed your wallet and keys just in case. You let the door slowly shut behind you, nothing wanting to wake your friend.

You walked along the sidewalk and admired how good it felt to have the sun hit your cold body. You waved to the gardener as you listened to the peaceful sound of birds chirping. You continued walking against the pavement, taking deep breaths of the fresh air. You kicked a rock and watched as it skipped down the road.

You hurried to the nearest coffee shop, buying yourself a croissant and small hot chocolate. You stepped outside and sat on the curb as you ate. You watched as some of the people driving waved at you, but you simply smiled in return, having no energy to wave back.

Once you finished your food you tossed your trash and receipt in the nearest garbage bin and grabbed your hot chocolate, taking slow sips as you continued on your little nature walk. You admired the way the ocean caused a soft breeze to your face, evening out the heat from the sun.

You continued to walk until a familiar face caught your eye. You felt your somatic twist seeing the two girls walking near your direction. You turn around trying to dodge the girls but they saw you before you had the chance to run.

“Y/N!” Julia called out. You stopped in your tracks, putting on the best smile you could manage and turned out. “Hey,” you said quietly. They both jogged up to you and gave you a hug. “Hey girl you haven’t called in a while, how’s everything been?” Claris asked. You took another sip of your drinks and shrugged. “Busy.” You replied nonchalantly.

“Yeah no kidding, I see you and Rafe everywhere. He must be keeping you busy in someway.” Julia said and both the girls laughed. You nodded. “Yup, he keeps me on my toes.”

“More like he curls your toes.”

Again, another laugh. You began to feel self conscious, not really liking the two girls sharing laughs over your relationship. You knew Julia always had the biggest crush on Rafe.

“Yeah well, it was good seeing you girls. But i’ve got to get back home.”

They nodded. “Hey wait,” Julia started. “The Pogues are having a bonfire tonight. But that’s never stopped the Kooks from going.” She grinned to her brown haired friend. “So are you down to come with us?”

“Yeah, you can even bring Rafe if you want.” Julia added.

You know they would hold it over your head for the rest of your life if you said no, so you nodded instead. “This will be your first time right?” Claris added. You nodded again. “Great!” Julia said. “We’ll pick you up around five, and we’ll make this the best night of your life! Just try not to have Rafes tongue down your throat the whole time, kay?”

“No promises.”

————————————————————

When you came back home Rafe was sitting on the couch doing lines of coke on your coffee table, you frowned at the sight. You absolutely hated when Rafe did coke. It wasn’t anything like when he smoked weed and got high. When he did coke he became aggressive and irritable, and most the time he would get addicted to it again even after a long time of going without it.

You slammed your keys on the counter, catching his attention. He notice the disappointment on your face and quickly wiped the white dust from under his nose and shoved the bag of cocaine through some crack of the couch. “Hey sweetheart I didn’t know you were home.” He sniffed, getting up to walk over to you. You ignored him and walked straight upstairs. “Come on don’t be like that.” He groaned, his hands rubbing furiously into his hair.

He followed you upstairs as you began to complain. “Don’t be like that? Rafe you literally were just snorting fucking coke on my coffee table and shoved it down the couch! We’ve talked about this first of all, second of all my mom would absolutely kill me if she found drugs in the house!” You grumbled as you opened your bedroom door and through your purse on the couch.

You walked to your closet and started pulling out your sage green two piece bathing suit, a pair of denim shorts, a white crochet tank top and some converse. Rafe notice you were planning an outfit and asked, “Where are you going?”

“Why is your business? You’re going to be too busy doing coke.” You shot back. “You don’t have to be such a bitch.” He mumbled. You whirled around to glare at him. “I’m not being a bitch. I’m being your girlfriend and trying to care about you. This isn’t healthy Rafe. I don’t know how much longer I can deal with this.”

“What are you implying? That were going to break up?” He asked, eyes narrowing and arms crossing. You rolled your eyes. “Why is that always your first thought? Every time we argue it’s always, “Oh you want to break up” this or “So are you breaking up with me” that.” You voice cracks. “Is that what you want Rafe? Do you want to break up? What do you feel trapped or something?” You huffed out with an angry laugh.

You could see something flash across Rafes face, you couldn’t tell if it was realization that he hurt you or if it was annoyance. But either way he sighed and walked over to you. He gave you a kiss on the cheek and you allowed him to and his arms grabbed your shoulders and soothed them.

“I’m sorry Y/N, okay? I really am. But please try and understand how hard it is. I’m trying to get help, it’s just difficult. But please tell me where your going, I want to make sure your safe.”

“I’ll be fine. I’m having a girls night. Claris and Julia are taking me to a pogue party tonight.” You reply calmly, shrugging his hands of your shoulders and walking to set your stuff on the bed. You went to the bathroom to do your make up and Rafe leaned on the doorframe, his back against it and arms and legs crossed slightly.

“A pogue party? I thought you said youre going to be safe?” He questioned.

“I will be safe, because your going to meet me there.” You say as you started doing your make up. “The girls are picking me up at around five I believe, and then your going to meet us there. We’re going to get drinks, talk, hang out, absolutely no coke involved, and just have fun.” You shrugged. He walked over to give you a quick kiss on the lips. “I’ll go start getting ready then.”

“Mhm.”

He finally walked out and you heard the door click behind him, assuming it was locked. You finished up your make up and went to get ready.

————————————————————

5:37

Where are they? They would have been here by now right?

You heard a knock on your door and it opened, Sarah walked in and Topper stood behind her. “Hey, why are you still here? I thought you were leaving earlier and we’re going to meet us there.”

“I was. I am. Claris and Julia are picking me up.” At the mention of those two girls names Topper and Sarah snapped their heads at each other before looking at you. “Uh, Claris and Julia are already at the party. They got there at around five fifteen.”

What.

You heard a ding from Toppers phone and opened it to Instagram. His face dropped and he turn to eye you. “It seems like Rafe is already there as well.” He turned his phone to show you a pair on Claris’s page of him and Julia, their arms were locked together and their heads were thrown back, taking shots.

Those assholes. They purposely did that to make sure they could get alone with Rafe.

“We can take you.” Sarah said.

————————————————————

You pulled up to the party, I gripped my wallet tightly as I immediately saw Rafe and Julia laughing over some conversation. Sarah saw my anger and reminded me not to do anything stupid. I shrugged it off and hopped out of the car. They’re were many people here, obviously more Pogues than Kooks but I didn’t mind. I just wanted a drink.

I asked around and finally found where they were handing out drinks. To my luck the one serving them were the pogues, but not just any pogues. JJ, John B, and Kiara. I swallowed thickly and forced my over there. JJ was the first to recognize me and smirked wildly when he saw me coming up.

“Look who it is ladies and gentlemen.” He said to his friends. John B and Kiara looked at me and their faces dropped. Kiara was clearly angry and John B was awkward, looking between me and JJ. “What’s a pretty little kook like you doing here?” JJ asked leaning forward, resting his chest on his now crossed arms.

“Getting drunk. You have drinks or not?” You asked looking between the 3. John B nodded, opening up the cooler next to him. “What would you like?” He swallowed thickly. “The strongest thing you got.” I reply. He nodded and rummaged through the cooler and I heard a loud and familiar laugh. I turned around to see Rafe holding Julia bridal style and acting like his was going to throw her into the water. She laughed and gripped onto him tightly.

My jaw clenched as I turned back around and John B handed me the drink. I popped it opened and downed most of it before JJ’s voice caught my attention again. “Im assuming your going to be needing more than just one drink tonight, huh?” He asked nodding his head towards Rafe. I took a another sip and nodded. “See you around Maybank.” I mumbled and walked off, I knew he was looking at me, so I made extra effort into swaying my hips as I walked.

I walked around for a while, greeting some people I knew and some I didn’t. I finally spotted Rafe alone, conversing with Topper. I finished my drink and set it down in the nearest table and stormed off to Rafe. I grabbed his arm and spun him around, Topper took that as his cue to leave.

Rafe looked a but surprise to see me but I didn’t allow him a chance to speak. “Are you serious?” I hissed. “What are you doing here?” He asked looking you up and down. “What do you mean, I told you I was coming.”

“Yeah but the girls said you texted last minute saying you were sick.”

“And you thought that just because I wasn’t here it was okay to let Julia feel you up?”

“Feel me up? What-“

“Save it Rafe. I saw you two laughing when I got here and her hands were holding yours, and then I saw you carrying her about to throw her into the ocean. But it doesn’t matter cause I don’t care, do what you want. You have to have your opinions open right? For the record though, they lied to you. They never came to get me. They got you alike on purpose.” I sneered before storming off.

“Y/N wait lets just talk about this.” He said as he tried to follow me, but I got lost in the crowds. I found the nearest seat and sat down on a couch, putting my wallet on the table in front of it. Not long later I was occupied but a patch of wavy blond hair.

He sat down across from me and offered me another drink. “Boy troubles?” I grimaced at him but took the drink anyways. I opened it and took a swig. “You know it.” I responded quietly. We sat in silence for a minute before he spoke, “What’s up with you and that blond chick?” I look up into his piercing blue eyes and shrugged.

“She’s always been a bitch. She used me to get closer to Rafe, even though she knew we were together. She’s fucking obsessed with him.”

“Seems as if he doesn’t feel too different.”

It hurt, but I knew it was true. If he was loyal he would have told her to back off. The more I thought about it the angrier I got. She ruined part of my life, she wasn’t about to ruin this part either. I looked down at my beer and noticed it was pretty much empty, I finished it before I got up and walked to JJ. “Give me your beer.” He quickly caught on to what I was going to do and laughed.

“Cat fight?”

I ignored his comment and walked away, looking around for Julia. I finally spotted her, but Rafe was nowhere to be found. I frowned. Shame, I wanted him to enjoy the show. I walked towards Julia’s direction, Claris quickly noticed me, he eyes widening slightly before whispering something in Julia’s ear. Julia scowled but quickly covered it up and turned around to face me.

“Y/N, hey sorry, my car broke down and-“

“Cut the shit Julia. You purposely didn’t come get me, to get alone with Rafe. She rolled her eyes and responded with a smile, “It worked didn’t it?”

My grip on the bottle tightened. “I’m giving you once last chance Julia. Just leave me and Rafe the fuck alone.”

“And what are you going to do about it?”

“There’s nothing much I can do. But I can at least shut you the fuck up.”

Immediately after I threw my drink in her face and left her soaked. She gasped and glared at me. Her face was red with embarrassment and she went quite realizing all eyes were on her. I dropped the bottle on the ground and made my voice higher, mocking her when I say, “It worked didn’t it?”

THANK YOU FOR READING!! PLEASE REBLOG FOR ANOTHER CHAPTER!!

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@midnightrqin

[sweetestofchaos]

TOTW Chapter 4

paring: ot7 x oc!hybrid  rating/genre/au: Teen, Angst, Fluff, Parent AU, Hybrid AU, Non-Idol AU  warnings: Crying, Child Vaccine, Mention of Needles, Doctor’s Visit, Mention of Blood, Namjoon Kisses Someone’s Cheek, Alpaca!Seokjin, Pied-Bellied Shield Tail Snake!Yoongi, Human!Namjoon, Human!Hoseok, Human!Jimin, Human!Taehyung, Kangaroo!Jungkook, Quoll!OC  wc: 6.4K 

"I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father’s parent’s protection." - Sigmund Freud

a/n: @namjinsmoonchile as always, thank you for being my beta! Huge thank you to @hisunshiine​ for looking over Hobi and Imani’s scene for me!

a/n 2: Bold text is BTS speaking English

taglist: @elliedearest @quirkybtsarmy @vvh0adie

series masterlist 🌻character profiles

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Hoseok stands alone in his salon staring down at the requested items Jungkook brought home. A wide tooth comb, a detangling brush, a large pack of black rubber bands, a child sized shower cap and a single silk bonnet that Hoseok will have Taehyung resize a little later before bedtime. Pursing his lips, Hoseok scans the labels of shampoos and conditioners, thinking of which would be best to help him keep as much as Imani’s hair as possible. Sadly, Hoseok doesn’t have many clients that like to keep their natural curls. Often coming in for touches up on their straight perms, so he’s a little rusty in the curl department. However, Hoseok is positive that Imani has 3b hair which needs a lot of lightweight hydration. Going over his game plan in his mind, Hoseok grabs a sulfate-free shampoo and finds a deep conditioner that he thinks will work best for Imani.

Later, when Hoseok has some time, he will sit down and order a few products just for Imani to better take care of her hair. Hoseok glances at his supply closet and tries to recall if he still has a manikin head to practice on. He is sure that braiding is just like riding a bike, it’s something that you can’t forget once you learn…but just to be on the safe side, Hoseok would like to study and practice a few styles. Setting up his station, Hoseok grabs a booster seat for Imani to sit on and double checks everything before he shoots Seokjin a text to let him know everything is ready.

While he waits for Seokjin to bring Imani down to the shop, Hoseok scrolls through his Spotify to find the perfect playlist to help Imani relax. Jimin shared with everyone that Imani’s mother was a Broadway singer, so he thinks maybe Imani might like a Broadway playlist. Seokjin’s voice catches his attention and Hoseok sets his phone down.

 The salon is completely closed off from the upper levels, a decision that Yoongi readily agreed to for the safety of his pack. They never knew what strangers were capable of and no one wanted to give Seokjin and Hoseok’s clients access to their home. The elevator is passcode protected and is hidden away in the laundry room for an extra safety measure.

Seokjin walks out from the back of the salon with Imani in his arms, her little face tucked in the crook of his neck as she scents him lightly. Rubbing her back softly, Seokjin smiles weary at Hoseok unsure if this is going to work. Seokjin would like nothing more than to keep all of Imani’s hair, but he cannot fathom how Hoseok will manage it. Seokjin tried and he failed to find Imani’s ears in all the knots and curls. Hoseok smiles and cranes his neck trying to see Imani’s face.

“Hey, pretty girl.” Hoseok tickles Imani’s side and the little girl wiggles in Seokjin’s arms, her body twisting, as she pulls away from Seokjin’s neck with a giggle. “Are you all ready to get that hair washed?” Hoseok smooths a large hand over Imani’s bird nest and the little girl pouts. “Awe.” Hoseok mimics Imani’s pouting lips before he reaches out and carefully takes Imani from Seokjin’s arms. “What's that face for, pretty?”

Imani’s little fists ball the collar of Hoseok’s striped shirt tightly and she whines, “Gonna hurt?”

Hoseok frowns at Imani’s question. As much as he wants to tell her it won’t hurt, he cannot guarantee that, but he can promise to try his best. Hoseok bounces Imani up higher in his arms, holding her better so that they can look each other in the eyes.

“Seokie promises to try his best. Can you trust me, pretty girl?”

Seokjin watches the interaction and folds his hand together, twisting his fingers around as he chews on his bottom lip. Hoseok shoots him a comforting glance and puts his focus back on Imani.

“Jinnie is going to be here the whole time, okay? We can stop if you don’t like it.” Hoseok takes his time as he tries to soothe Imani’s fears. He may not be able to smell her but the worry melting from Seokjin’s face tells Hoseok that his words might have worked. Imani looks at the large sink behind Hoseok and she nods her head giving Hoseok permission to wash her hair.

Hoseok sets Imani down in the booster seat and grabs a tan towel before he drapes it over Imani’s shoulders and clips it together in the front. Grabbing a sage green cape, Hoseok quickly puts that over Imani’s shoulder and fastens it behind her neck to make sure her clothing stays clean and dry. He turns on the water, checking that it’s not too cold or hot before he tilts Imani back. Her head rests snugly against the neck rest and Hoseok grabs his phone, “What music do you like, Imani? Broadway?”

Imani’s eyes glitter at the mention of Broadway and Hoseok smiles, pressing play on the child-friendly playlist he chose. ‘He Lives In You (Reprise)’ from the Lion King starts to play and Imani chirps happily making Hoseok beam in delight. Hoseok quickly pulls an apron over his head and shoves two handfuls of hair clips into one of the pockets before he grabs the wide tooth comb and starts to gently search for Imani’s ears. Hoseok must be extra careful not to get water in the animal ears or hurt them with his comb. Seokjin sits beside Imani and starts to sing along to the song softly making Imani giggle.

The light pressure of the comb and Hoseok fingers makes Imani melt in her seat. She always loved when her mother did her hair. The scalp scratches and ear pats were lovely. Not to mention the scent of all the different products her mother used, they always smelled sweet. Hoseok lets out a small cry of victory as he finds one of Imani’s pitch-black ears and carefully clips the hair away before he searches for the other one. Doing the same thing to the other ear, Hoseok pulls out two small ear caps and places them over Imani’s ears. Imani’s ears twitch from the sudden feeling of plastic on her ears, the little crinkling making it hard to focus on Seokjin’s singing while Hoseok mutters to himself.

Imani mewls lowly and Seokjin grabs her hand, holding onto it gently. His thumb stokes over Imani’s little fingers and Hoseok tests the water one last time. “Okay, pretty girl. I’m going to wet your hair now…” Hoseok lifts the sprayer and eases it over Imani’s head, slowly wetting her hair in sections so that he doesn’t add extra weight to her head.

“Wouldn’t it be better for me to hold her?” Seokjin offers as he eyes Imani’s ears leaning in his direction.

“Let me wash her hair first, Hyungie.” Hoseok smiles softly at Seokjin. “I think she’ll fall asleep halfway through the wash, anyway.” Hoseok’s eyes crinkle as he smiles, watching as Imani fights to keep her eyes open.

Seokjin’s heart pinches at the sight and he can’t help but coo as Imani yawns, a small squeak slipping out towards the end. Setting the sprayer down, Hoseok pumps some detangler into his hand and rubs them together. Keeping his movements in time to the beat of whatever song is playing from the speakers, Hoseok starts to work the detangler into Imani’s hair, starting at the back of her head. Reaching over, Hoseok picks up the detangling brush and gently starts to work out the knots in Imani’s hair. Imani’s fingers flex in Seokjin’s hold and he watches as all the tension on Imani’s body seemingly dissolves with each untangled knot.

Imani blinks slowly, her vision starting to waver as the soothing tug and pull of the brush combined with Hoseok’s fingers make Imani’s skin tingle. Hoseok detangles Imani’s hair, section by section, keeping his eyes on the sleepy little girl in front of him. He steps back for a short moment to change the playlist to something less busy, opting for Disney lullabies. A familiar beat plays, soft and calming before Phil Collins’ voice starts to croon the well-known lyrics of ‘You’ll Be In My Heart’ from Tarzan. Tapping his foot, Hoseok sings along and Seokjin joins in, their voices wrapping Imani in an invisible warm, weighted blanket of overwhelming affection and serenity. Imani yawns once more and she drifts off to sleep with a quiet purr rumbling in her chest.

Seokjin shifts in his seat and pulls a leg up towards his chest while still holding onto Imani’s hand. He rests his chin on his knee and watches her sleeping figure. “How can she be so perfect?” Seokjin whispers, his eyes bright in wonder and Hoseok starts to rinse the detangling cream from Imani’s hair.

“I think you’re just smitten, hyung.”

Seokjin’s ears on top of his head swivel slightly at Hoseok words and Seokjin smiles, “Yeah...I guess I am.”

Hoseok snickers and glances at his phone to check the time, “Hyung…can we reschedule Imani’s appointment? This is going to take a while.”

Seokjin watches as Hoseok starts to shampoo Imani’s hair, taking his time to wash each of the four sections separately and Seokjin agrees, this is going to take a while. Pulling his phone from his pocket, Seokjin takes a minute long video of Hoseok washing Imani’s hair before he sends it to the group chat followed by four heart eye emojis. His, as well as Hoseok’s phone goes off with different emojis that makes Seokjin smile.

Seokjin - We’re gonna be a while

Seokjin - Hobie says to reschedule the appointment

Seokjin watches as many text bubbles pop up before Yoongi is the first to respond with a simple okay.

“What did they say?” Hoseok questions, unable to look at his phone as he washes Imani’s hair.

“Yoongi will have Namjoon reschedule it for tomorrow.”

“Great…now I can really take my time!”

Grabbing the sprayer once again, Hoseok rinses Imani’s hair and starts to brush a deep conditioning mask onto it layer by layer and section by section. Grabbing the detangling brush, Hoseok again starts to detangle Imani’s hair, starting at the ends and going closer to her scalp. Once that’s done, Hoseok does a two-strand twist on the four sections of Imani’s hair.

“How long will that take?” Seokjin watches as Hoseok easily gathers Imani’s hair in his hands and skillfully places it all inside a plastic cap made for hybrids that have ears on top of their heads.

“Give me a hand, hyung?” Hoseok motions towards Imani’s sleeping body and Seokjin is quick to lift her into his arms, making sure not to let her head loll backwards as he walks over to the hooded dryer.

“Given the amount of hair that she has, I’m thinking 45 minutes, give or take a few if Imani doesn’t sit still.”

Seokjin nods his head and sits down in the chair with Imani in his lap. He gently wakes her up and smiles at her pouty lil face. “Hi, pup.” Seokjin nuzzles his nose against Imani’s and hums in delight as wild sunflowers stretch out wide in his heart. “Seokie is going to put a hair dryer on, okay? It won’t be too loud. It’s made for our ears.”

Imani’s lower lip starts to tremble, and Seokjin shushes her while patting her lower back, “You can go back to sleep.” Bringing Imani’s nose to his scent gland, Seokjin pushes out a little more of his lavender scent and Imani’s body relaxes in his arms. “Good girl…that’s my good cria.” Seokjin nods for Hoseok to get the dryer set up and Hoseok moves quickly. Easily placing the flexible hood over Imani’s head, making sure her ears won’t be crushed as he lowers the hood. There are two holes in the hood for Imani’s ears to be comfortable and free from the heat. As Hoseok starts up the dryer, Imani whines and tries to bury her face into Seokjin’s neck, and she starts to fuss when she can’t.

Bringing his hand upward, Seokjin boops Imani on the nose and leaves his wrist by her nose. Imani’s eyes flutter open and her head falls into Seokjin’s hand before she smiles and goes back to sleep. Turning the TV on, Hoseok puts on the k-drama that he knows Seokjin is in the middle of catching up on. He makes sure that the closed captions are on, so that Seokjin can follow in case he can’t hear and starts to clean up the wash station a little bit.

Upstairs in Yoongi’s office, Namjoon sits with a phone pressed to his ear. Having to reschedule Imani’s doctor’s appointment isn’t that big of a deal. One day isn’t going to hurt, but since she is a rare hybrid that is currently in foster care, their wiggle room isn’t much. Namjoon sighs and hangs up, rubbing his temples. From the other side of his desk, Yoongi chuckles, “Welcome to parenthood.” His voice is flat as he stares at Namjoon and Namjoon rolls his eyes.

“Tomorrow at 10 sharp. Do you want me to go?” Namjoon slips his phone into his pocket and stands, looking at Yoongi.

“I’ll go. I know you have a zoom meeting at 9.” Namjoon narrows his eyes and Yoongi smirks. “Not getting out of work that easily, Joon-ah.”

Back in the salon Hoseok offers to get Seokjin something to drink and Seokjin shakes his head, lost in his own world as he pats Imani’s butt in a steady rhythm subconsciously to the beat of whatever song is playing. Hoseok grins to himself and snaps a photo of Seokjin and Imani. He keeps it for himself, choosing not to share it with the group. Imani is small, but in Seokjin’s arms she looks so, so tiny. It makes Hoseok worry about Imani’s upcoming doctor’s appointment. 

Will everything be okay? Will she need shots? Oh, God! What if Imani needs shots? Hoseok feels faint just thinking about it. He hates needles and wherever he gets stabbed always hurts so much worse the day after. Shaking the thought from his head, Hoseok goes to the first floor to grab a few snacks in case Imani or Seokjin get peckish later while they're down in the salon.

The elevator doors open, and Hoseok is greeted with the shouts of Taehyung and Jungkook as they fight over who is winning in Mario Kart. Jimin is in the kitchen making a smoothie and smiles when Hoseok enters.

“How’s it going?” Jimin takes a pause in cutting up some fruit and Hoseok makes a face.

“She has a lot of hair. Thankfully I was able to save it. Only a little came out from detangling, but nothing to worry about.”

“Are you going to trim it?”

“Yeah. I want to give her hair as much of a healthy restart as possible.”

“Smoothie?”

“Na. Do we have any coffee left?”

Jimin points to the coffee machine on the counter and Hoseok sighs in relief seeing that there are a few k cups left of espresso. He cannot wait to down a large, iced Americano. Grabbing himself a huge tumbler, Hoseok fills it halfway with ice before he places it under the nozzle of the machine. Placing a k cup inside and pressing the Americano button, Hoseok grabs some cream from the fridge and pours a small amount into the other side of the machine to make cold foam.

“Being fancy today, huh, hyung?” Jimin jokes and Hoseok rolls his eyes as he puts together his drink, quickly making one for Seokjin as well; making sure to add four tablespoons of sugar to his. “How fast did she fall asleep?”

“I don’t even know, babe.”

Jimin coos as Namjoon walks down the steps and heads right for the duo. “Having any luck?” Namjoon asks as he places a hand on both Jimin and Hoseok’s lower back, pecking their cheeks.

“Once I wash the mask out, I’ll hand dry the hair and trim it before I style it.”

“Oh!” Jimin’s eyes shine with wonder and promise. “What are you going to do?”

Hoseok frowns at Jimin’s question. He didn’t think that far ahead. Now is a good time to look for some idea as to what might work.

“Would you like to help me find a style?” Hoseok offers and Jimin’s whole face lights up, his eyes turning into tight crescent moons from how hard he’s smiling.

“Can’t wait to see what you do, Hobi.” Namjoon kisses Hoseok’s forehead and walks off to see what Taehyung and Jungkook are doing.

Standing together in the kitchen, Jimin and Hoseok scroll through their phones, showing each other different styles that might work for Imani. Jimin shouts in surprise when they show each other the same hair style and Hoseok nods his head impressed. It’s a very simple style but gives a lot of wiggle room if later Imani would like bows or barrettes in it. Hoseok gathers his drink along with Seokjin’s and Jimin loads him up with two containers filled with snacks. Back in the salon, Hoseok smiles seeing that Seokjin is still patting away at Imani’s butt with his eyes closed. His movements are slowed, so Hoseok knows that Seokjin is well on his way to falling asleep.

“Hyung,” Hoseok calls Seokjin and the older male picks his head up. Eyes squinted as he turned his head in Hoseok’s direction. “I made you an Americano.” Hoseok sets the containers down and walks over with Seokjin’s drink in hand. He gives it to him and checks how much time is left on the dryer. Ten minutes won’t hurt. Turning the dryer off, Hoseok scoops Imani into his arms and carries her over to the sink once again. He wakes her up softly and Imani yawns as she rubs at her eyes with a closed fist. “Would you like some juice, pretty girl?” Hoseok asks and Imani nods her head.

Hoseok gives Imani a juice box from the container and is ready if she needs help opening it (she does not). He allows for Imani to finish her drink while he fiddles around with the water temperature again for the sink. Helping Imani lean back, Hoseok rinses her hair and wrings out the extra water before he jumps into trimming her hair. He takes an inch off, happy that Imani’s hair seems to be in much better shape after the hair mask. Taking his time, Hoseok starts to oil her scalp and apply moisturizer to Imani’s damp hair before blow drying it by hand using warm air. While blow drying Imani’s hair, Seokjin gives her a bag of chips and Imani vibrates in her seat happily as she munches away.

“Okay, you ready?” Hoseok asks as he grabs his rat tail comb. “Tell me if I’m pulling too hard, okay?”

Hoseok sections Imani’s hair into three sections, two squares in the front and the back is one large section. Using hair cream, Hoseok slicks down the first section of hair and brushes it into a ponytail that keeps in place with a black rubber band before he quickly braids the hair. He does the same for the other square and tugs the braids to the back of Imani’s head where he brushes the ends into another ponytail that he leaves out in all its curly glory. Grabbing the gel, Hoseok tames Imani’s baby hairs just like he saw in the picture making sure he lays any flyaway hairs down with mousse before he ties three pieces of wrap paper onto Imani’s head making sure her edges are covered.

“Are you done?” Seokjin asks in between a bite of banana chips.

“Once Imani is done with her snack we’ll be done.” Hoseok helps Imani down from the chair and she runs over to Seokjin to see what he’s eating. Hoseok laughs and goes about cleaning up after himself while the other two enjoy their snacks together.

“All done!” Imani shouts as she wipes her mouth the back of her hand and Seokjin tsks his tongue with a frown on his face.

“Napkin, Imani!” Seokjin scolds and Imani hurries over to Hoseok, ignoring Seokjin as he wipes the crumbs from the table into his hand.

Finished with his cleaning, Hoseok lifts Imani into the seat and carefully pulls the wrap paper undone. He tosses them into the trash can underneath his station and smiles at Imani. “Ready to see your hair?”

“Yesh! Is it pwetty?”

A large heart-shaped smile graces Hoseok’s lips, and he turns the chair around to show Imani her new hair style. Imani stares at her reflection with her mouth wide open, her black ears on display on either side of the braids.

“Whoa!” Imani turns her head from side to side trying to see the back of her head and Hoseok holds up a smaller mirror, showing Imani the large ponytail that sits at the base of her head a few inches above the nape of her neck.

“You like it?” Hoseok can’t help but to ask and Imani nods her head excitedly.

“Pwetty!” Imani jumps from the chair into Hoseok’s arms making him laugh and hug her tightly as she wraps her little arms around his neck. “You the bestest!” Hoseok’s face heats up at Imani’s words and Seokjin is sniffling, dabbing his eyes with the sleeve of his shirt. Imani looks over at Seokjin and grins, “Look it, Jinnie! Look it!”

Sitting in the waiting room of a hospital in the pediatric ward, Yoongi keeps his sunglasses on as he watches Imani sit in Seokjin’s lap while he reads Not So Different by Cyana Riley. It’s one of the five books that Imani packed in her comfort bag that Seokjin insisted on bringing. It’s filled with a soft blanket that the pack has scented, noise canceling headphones, two change of clothes, lollipops, water, and sunglasses, along with basic medicine and band aids. Imani is wearing a cute yellow short sleeve shirt that has white daisies on it with a denim button up cami on top that is styled like overalls if someone just wanted to wear the top half. The top is paired with a simple pair of jeans and yellow rain boots that have white hearts on them. Hoseok made sure to put white ribbons in Imani’s hair too. The medium sized bows make her look so stinking cute!

It was a long night for Yoongi. He put off his workload long enough and stayed up longer to get a decent portion done before sunrise. Anyone can tell with just one look into his eyes. They are normally chestnut brown with black circular pupils but today they are darker with black slits for his pupils. Yoongi isn’t self-conscious about his eyes, but having Imani with him, Yoongi doesn’t want any unwanted attention.

Imani giggles as Seokjin kisses her cheek, tucking her head underneath his chin to hide away from more kisses. Yoongi stares, taking the two of them in before he frowns. Seokjin has fallen into this parenting role so naturally that it makes Yoongi’s heart feel as though someone has ripped it out, dunked it in lava and poured acid on it before shoving it back into his chest. As much as they have always talked about adopting, Yoongi never really thought much of it. Looking at Seokjin with Imani, Yoongi wonders if Seokjin hid his true pain from him and if so for how long? Shaking the thought from his head, Yoongi turns his head at the sound of a door opening in the distance.

“Kim Imani?” A nurse calls out Imani’s name and Yoongi stands up, offering to carry the bag for Seokjin while he follows the nurse with Imani in his arms. “Aren’t you a cutie!” The nurse smiles at Imani, wiggling her fingers in a friendly hello. The nurse leads the family to a room that has large purple and green star stickers on it. They step inside and the nurse motions for Seokjin to set Imani down. “Remove your shoes and hop on up, dear.”

Imani giggles as Seokjin removes her rain boots and sets her down on the scale. The nurse quickly takes down Imani’s weight before she pulls down a metal bar to measure Imani’s height. After the height and weight check, the nurse asks a few questions as Seokjin sets Imani on the patient's bed. He holds Imani’s hand and smiles as Imani answers the nurse’s questions about what kind of hybrid she is, along with her age and favorite color (green). Checking Imani’s blood pressure, the nurse turns her attention to Seokjin and Yoongi.

“Any concerns that you have after Imani shifted? Has she voiced any discomfort?”

“I just want to make sure that she’s okay,” Seokjin scratches lightly behind Imani’s ears as he speaks. “She didn’t shift for about a month in total and at her age…” Seokjin’s face falls at the thought of anything being wrong with Imani and the nurse nods her head understanding.

“I’ll inform Doctor Choi and she will discuss your concerns in more depth. From what I’ve seen so far, Imani is underweight for her height and weight percentage, but that’s to be expected without shifting regularly for proper meals.” The nurse smiles at Imani and grabs her clipboard. “Doctor Choi will be with you shortly to explain the next steps.”

Alone in the room, Yoongi shifts the bag in his lap and sets it onto the floor beside him while Seokjin sits on the bed with Imani.

“Lollipop?” Imani requests looking over at Yoongi and Seokjin chuckles as he shakes his head.

“Be a good girl and you can have a lollipop when we leave.���

Imani pouts at that but nods her head, nonetheless. She fiddles with the bracelet on Seokjin’s wrist and sings a made-up song, filling the room with a scent of an endless field of sunflowers. There is a knock at the door, and it opens three seconds later. A small woman standing around five foot three steps into the room and shuts the door behind her. Yoongi takes notice of the reddish orange tail and when he looks at the woman’s face, he sees two small striped triangles on top of her head. No distinguishing scent is coming from Doctor Choi thanks to the scent blockers and Yoongi is thankful. He isn’t too sure how Imani would react to another hybrid’s scent that she doesn’t know.

Imani sees the doctor and her eyes widen, “Kitty!” Imani is delighted by the sight of the doctor and Seokjin is quick to grab her around her waist before she falls off the bed.

Doctor Choi smiles and sits down on a black stool with wheels. “Hello, Imani! I am a kitty, a red tabby! Neat huh?” Doctor Choi wiggles her tail and Imani giggles as she tries to wiggle her own tail just like the doctor. “Now, I hear you haven’t shifted in a while. You must have been really scared, yeah?”

Imani nods her head slowly at the doctor’s words and scoots closer to Seokjin. “Well, we’re all very happy to see your honey. Can I give you an examination?”

“What that?”

Doctor Choi grins and grabs a few tools from the wall behind herself. She takes her time in explaining everything that she is doing to Imani, using Seokjin as the model first before doing it again on Imani. Yoongi is impressed, he has never seen a doctor with such an open and friendly personality. Doctor Choi looks over Imani’s chart and double checks the notes left behind from the nurse before she turns her attention to Seokjin and Yoongi.

“We’ll have to do a full work up with it being so long in between Imani’s last shift. Looking at the files from her pediatrician, Imani is also due for her fifth dose of DTaP and IPV as well as her second dose of Varicella.”

Yoongi presses his lips into a thin line at the news. He may not know what everything is, but he’s counting a total of three shots so far. Seokjin’s face is a little green, he knew there was a chance of Imani needing shots but not that many. Doctor Choi pats Seokjin’s knee, “Don’t worry, you can hold her while she gets them. We’ll also draw two b-l-o-o-d samples. One from her finger and the other from her forearm.”

Seokjin might just faint. Blood? They want to draw blood from his baby girl? No, no. No. Seokjin doesn’t like the sound of that at all and his scent starts to dampen, mildew starting to come to the surface.

Doctor Choi offers Seokjin a kind smile, she’s been doing this for years. She can understand how scary it all might sound to the parent. “Today there are going to be a lot of tests for Imani. Because of how rare her animal counterpart is, we need to make sure that all our bases are covered and nothing is going on internally.”

“W-what else is there?” Seokjin’s voice is strained as he glances down at Imani who is starting to fuss beside him.

“The basic procedures. A CT scan, a movement, sight, and hearing test. Depending on the results we might need to do more, but these tests are simple and will be stress free for Imani.”

Seokjin doesn’t believe Doctor Choi at all. A CT scan doesn’t sound stress free at all.

“Thank you, Doctor.” Yoongi is quick to dismiss the woman and she leaves the room, giving Imani one last smile. “Hyung.” Yoongi’s voice is firm as he warns Seokjin to rein it in. His scent is starting to make Imani finicky, and it will be harder for everyone to do their jobs.

“Jin-ie?” Imani crawls into Seokjin’s lap and Yoongi watches as Imani wraps her tail around Seokjin’s wrist. Her fresh sunflower scent slowly decaying, and Seokjin is quick to pull himself from his thoughts, his scent heavy and soothing as he forces the lavender to wrap around Imani tightly.

Yoongi watches Seokjin closely as he starts to nuzzle his nose into Imani’s hair, breathing in deeply to drown himself in her scent as he self-soothes. Imani giggles as Seokjin’s puff of air tickles her ears and she buries her face into his neck, nosing at his scent gland.

“One test at a time, Hyung.” Yoongi folds his arms across his chest and blinks slowly behind his sunglasses. “I’m sure they will let you stay by her side the whole time. No one wants to harm Imani or put her through any more stress.”

Seokjin sighs, he knows that. He understands that completely but looking down at the little girl in his arms, Seokjin’s omega is crying. What if she gets scared? What if something goes wrong and they take Imani from him forever? Seokjin tightens his arms around Imani and kisses the top of her head. No. Nothing is wrong, everything will be okay. They will do their tests, the results will come back negative for whatever and they will leave the hospital together, all three of them. There is a soft knock at the door before it opens and the same nurse from before smiles, clearly not able to scent the room since she’s human. Yoongi wonders if it was wise to have her work with them.

“We need Imani to change into a gown, please keep her underwear and socks on.” The nurse offers Seokjin a colorful gown that looks like it will swallow Imani whole. “I’ll give you a few moments before we head to the ENT department.”

The testing goes relatively fast in Yoongi’s opinion. Imani took part in an obstacle course in her human and animal form, played a few games while answering questions and she didn’t waver at having to be separated from Seokjin. Though Yoongi suspects that because Seokjin was within sight the whole time. The only issue they had was when Imani needed to get the CT scan and Seokjin wasn’t allowed to be with her. Yoongi smelt Seokjin’s anxiety as if it were a custom perfume rolling off Seokjin in waves as they waited for the CT scan to be finished. Once that was done, all that was left was for Imani to get her vaccines and blood drawn.

Back in the room, Seokjin sits with Imani in his lap whispering sweet nothing to the small child as he rocks from side to side. He knows what’s coming and he wishes that he could just run away with Imani and never have her feel the pain that is to come.

“Do you need me to hold her?” Yoongi questions and Seokjin’s heart is at war with his mind. He wants to comfort Imani, hold her through whatever pain is sure to be felt, but Seokjin knows the moment he sees those needles he will lash out at the nurse. Silently, Seokjin nods his head, and he nuzzles his nose into Imani’s hair, once again breathing in deep lung fulls of her scent to soothe himself.

“Go to Yoongi, Imani.” Imani stares at Yoongi, her large brown eyes skeptical as her tail tightens around Seokjin’s wrist. Seokjin kisses the top of Imani’s head and rubs her back. “Go on pup. Alpha won’t hurt you.”

Yoongi sighs and removes the sunglasses from his face. He looks Imani right in her eyes and she shrinks back into Seokjin’s chest.

“Imani, come here.” Yoongi’s voice is firm, and he refuses to look away as she tries to curl into Seokjin’s soul. “Now.” Yoongi’s eyes flash a fluorescent yellow and Seokjin’s body tenses as Yoongi’s scent of fresh laundry shifts, smelling like it’s been left out in a thunderstorm. Imani deflates in Seokjin’s arms and slinks down onto the floor with her head down. “Jin-ie just needs to use the bathroom,” Yoongi lies and Seokjin is quick to jump to his feet. A knock at the door catches their attention and Seokjin nibbles on the skin of his bottom lip. “Go.”

The door opens and as the nurse comes in, Seokjin hurries out with a rushed apology. The nurse looks over at Yoongi who is now holding Imani and her eyes widen with a gasp at the sight of his eyes. “Oh!” The nurse’s face warms and she quickly apologies. “I-I’m sorry I didn’t realize you were a hybrid as well.”

Yoongi blinks slowly and shifts Imani on his lap, putting her onto his right thigh. “Can you do everything from here or should I move?” Yoongi questions choosing to ignore the ignorant comment from the nurse.

“T-The bed, please. You may still hold her.”

Yoongi secures his hold on Imani and stands, walking the short distance to the bed and sitting down with her back in his lap. Imani is facing outwards with her back pressed into Yoongi’s stomach and chest, her ears twitch and smack him in the face as the nurse pulls three needles from her pocket. Seeing the needles, Imani whimpers and tries to jump from Yoongi’s lap but his hold around her waist is strong.

“Easy, pup.” Yoongi forces his scent down on Imani heavily and Imani’s tail wraps loosely around Yoongi’s slender wrist. “Alpha is here. I’m right here.” Yoongi repeats his words over and over, rubbing the side of his thumb against Imani’s knee as the nurse carefully takes hold of Imani’s left arm and starts to clean the crook of her elbow with an alcohol pad. Imani presses herself flush against Yoongi’s chest, her heart pounding so harshly in her body that Yoongi can feel it from behind. Rancid water and decaying happiness drifts to the surface of Imani’s scent slowly and Yoongi frowns. Using his free hand, Yoongi grabs one of Imani’s hands and starts to drum a beat softly into her palm.

“Imani?” Yoongi’s voice is soft as he calls to the little girl in his lap, shaking like a leaf in a harsh breeze. “Do you wanna build a snowman? Come on, let's go and play!” Yoongi keeps his focus on the sound of Imani’s heart beat but he doesn’t miss the way the nurse freezes at his words. “I never see you anymore. Come out the door. It's like you've gone away!” Yoongi continues to tap the beat into Imani’s hand as he sings the popular song ‘Let It Go’ from that Frozen movie that Jungkook and Hoseok are strangely in love with.

The nurse pricks Imani’s arm with the long needle and Imani hardly feels a thing, completely engrossed with Yoongi’s deep, timbering voice as he sings above her head. Keeping up with the distraction, the nurse easily fills two small glass beakers with Imani’s blood and removes the needle. Cleaning the spot and placing a small smiley face sticker on it. The nurse slides Imani’s gown upwards to reveal the right thigh.

“It gets a little lonely all these empty rooms. Just watching the hours tick by...” Yoongi continues to sing as the nurse cleans Imani’s thigh.

“Tick-tock tick-tock tick-tock tick-tock!” Imani joins in on the singing, giggling as Yoongi makes the clicking sound with his tongue. The nurse gives Imani her vaccination and puts matching band aids over the small wounds.

“All done!” The nurse announces with a large smile. Imani pays the woman no mind as she continues to sing the rest of the song by herself and Yoongi smiles, his eyes lighting up as Imani’s little hand wraps around his thumb tightly. Nodding her head, the nurse gathers some paper from behind her and sets them on the foot of the bed. “These have information of the shots that Imani received as well as what to expect and how to treat any symptoms that might come about. We’re waiting on the test results, so you are free to check out and head home for the day.” The nurse places her hand on the door handle and smiles at Yoongi and Imani. “You both did wonderful today. You’re a good father. Good luck with the adoption, Mister Min.” Twisting the handle, the nurse walks out the room and she isn’t surprised to see Seokjin pacing around in the hallway.

“You can head in now, sir. Imani could use a good snuggle.” 

previous || next

[themaethpost]

Now Presenting: Minerva Migloire, the healer.

Introduction.

Full name: Minerva Aelin Magloire.

Pronouns: She/Her.

Birthday: 13th February.

Sexual orientation: Heterosexual.

Pet: Tackery, the ferret.

Personality.

Birth chart (big three): Aquarius sun, Piscis moon, Capricorn rising.

MBTI: INFJ-T.

Patron Arcana: The Moon.

Upright: Intuition, illusions, crisis of faith.

Reversed: Ignored trauma, going back to one’s old ways, difficult emotions.

Minor Arcana: Eight of Cups.

Upright: Departure, change, and emotional intelligence.

Reversed: Being abandoned, errors of judgement, clinging to the past.

Likes: Art nouveau architecture, vitraux, tiny jars for herbs and spices, having a specific order and place for things, white mushrooms growing from in between cobblestones all over Maeth, the way her curls look when she just wakes up, cutting her own hair, soft breeze in the summer, crunchy autumn leaves at her door, that magical shimmer water reflects due to the sun being right above it midday, sweet treats, dim lighting, walnut oak furniture, being a big sister, when Tack rests on her shoulders like a scarf, folk music at the tavern, cherry blush all over her cheeks, when Soleil asked for bedtime stories, doing laundry and sunday deep cleaning, cooking and storing food for the rest of the week, the way Esbat Capital lights up at night, surprising chemical reactions, riding the train, reading romance books.

Dislikes: Brushing her hair because it destroys her curls, rude costumers that doubt her knowledge and expertise, loud people, when the herbs she ordered are delayed so now she has to rush to make the new batches of oil and ointments, long trips on boats, losing her bookmarks, falling asleep on her couch and not her bed, when the shower water runs cold, not being able to find Tack easily.

Abilities: She’s not great at maths but she really does like the accounting aspect of the shop she runs so she’s great at it. Minerva learned how to play the guitar early on in her life so now she’s a decent player. She’s quick to remember recipes for both food and medicine. Can ride a bike without holding the handlebars and that’s her prefered way of moving around the big city, divination.

Favourite food: Cinnamon rolls.

Favourite drink: A latte, please. Or two. Or three… And it’s only 2 PM.

Favourite flower: Ghost flowers.

Magic: She wasn’t born into a family of witches, so she doesn’t have any nature’s element weilding powers but she is interested in witchcraft, so she studies in her free time about it. So far, the only thing she’s confident in is divination with tarot cards and participates in the pagan festivities but nothing else.

Appearance.

Height: 5’4 or 165 cm.

Weight: 119 lbs or 54 kg.

Hair: She’s got this chocolate brown, curly hair which ends go barely past covering her breasts and she can’t tame it most of the time, partially due to the fact that she washes it and goes to sleep without letting it dry properly first. Not that she cares, she likes the messy look her curls and frizz offer so she just lets it be. Though, you might run into her at Açu’s for some deep conditioner every month trying to force those curls to stay in place.

Eyes: Her eyes are brown, simple as that. It’s a deep, sparkly dark brown. Down turned almond shape that look so sleepy most of the time, you’d think she’s bored talking to you and she might be, but it’s not her intention to let you know that. Long lashes adoring her nostalgic stare only enhanced by a eyelash curler in the morning and not much else. Maybe some sparkly eyeshadow in the corner of her eyes if she’s feeling it.

General description: Overall, Minerva is not someone who stands out a lot. Even so, her beauty is something that might caught the eyes of one or two people while walking to work in the mornings. She’s not someone who wears a lot of jewelry but since her eyesight isn’t the best, she’s always wearing contacts or glasses and that’s something she really likes to play with, so you might see her with peculiar frames at the shop. She’s got veiny hands and most of the time you’ll see her wearing some kind of shimmery nail polish that chips way too easily. Minerva has a few beauty marks all over her body, she likes the one she’s got on her neck near her left ear a lot. Also, yes, that overwhelming scent you’re catching is her walking by. Her perfumes are very intense and sweet.

Fashion sense: She’s not the most confident person on the planet and tries to hide her figure a lot behind oversized shirts, sweaters and cardigans, though she’s trying to be more versatile. Trousers and comfortable shoes are her best friends but since she’s okay with her lower part, she’s not opposed to skirts (long or short). She likes clean lines, basic pieces that she can mix and match. Also, boots are her soft spot.

A brief look into her life.

Occupation: Minerva is an apothecary, just like her grandma used to be. When her and Soleil moved in with their father to Maeth from Embry, he decided to move in to his old home with his mother that passed away a few months before. This place is like a small building where the first floor is a shop, the apothecary shop where Minerva works and then, the second and third floor is where Soleil and their father live. Two years ago, Minerva moved just two blocks away from them to a small apartment with a gorgeous view, so she’s with her family most of the time.

Family and friends:

Federico Bianchi; step-father.

Reneé Berest; mother.

Simón Magloire; father.

Soleil Beallin Magloire; sister.

Natsu Dunaidh, best friend.

Benicio Melo Teixeira, best friend.

Amaru Ch’aska Noguera, friend and colleague.

Miscellaneous facts:

The love she has for the aphotecary profession comes from her grandma and all the books she left behind that she wrote about making remedies, herbology and holistic medicine.

She’s also incredibly interested in alchemy and psychology but had to study to be a pharmacist in university so she could continue with the aphotecary business and not have anyone doubting her medicine knowledge and recommend another options.

Even though you’ll mostly see her dressed with autumn colors, she’s also a sucker for cerulean, midnight blue, navy and cobalt. No, it’s not just blue.

Hums and talks to herself while working most of the time, since she’s the only one at the shop most of the time. Except for the times Soleil decides to keep her company for a while.

Loves conspiracy theories and is cryptic enthusiast.

Moths are fascinating to her.

Has a soft, breathy voice when she sings while playing the guitar.

[healthcarenails]

How to Maintain Healthy Hair:

Maintaining healthy hair is essential for everyone, but for busy online entrepreneurs, it can be particularly challenging. This guide will provide you with practical steps to keep your hair looking and feeling its best, even with a hectic schedule.

What is Hair Care and Why Does it Matter?

Hair care refers to the practices involved in maintaining the health and appearance of hair. This includes cleansing, conditioning, and protecting hair from damage. For online entrepreneurs, looking polished can boost confidence and make a positive impression in virtual meetings and content creation.

How to Maintain Healthy Hair Choose the Right Shampoo and Conditioner

Using the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair type is crucial. If you have oily hair, opt for a clarifying shampoo. For dry hair, choose a moisturizing formula.

Tip: Avoid products with sulfates and parabens as they can strip natural oils and cause dryness.

Wash Your Hair Properly

Over-washing can strip hair of its natural oils, while under-washing can lead to a build-up of products and oils. Aim to wash your hair 2-3 times a week, depending on your hair type and activity level.

Tip: Use lukewarm water and avoid hot water to prevent drying out your scalp and hair.

Condition Correctly

Apply conditioner mainly to the ends of your hair, where it is the driest. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

Tip: For extra hydration, use a deep conditioning treatment once a week.

Protect Your Hair from Heat

Heat styling tools like blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons can cause significant damage. Use a heat protectant spray before styling to minimize damage.

Tip: Let your hair air dry whenever possible to reduce heat exposure.

Trim Regularly

Regular trims help prevent split ends and keep your hair looking healthy. Aim for a trim every 6-8 weeks.

Tip: If you’re maintaining a specific hairstyle, frequent trims will help keep it looking sharp.

Eat a Balanced Diet

Your hair’s health is influenced by your diet. Ensure you’re getting enough vitamins and nutrients, such as Vitamin E, Omega-3 fatty acids, and protein.

Tip: Incorporate foods like nuts, seeds, fish, and leafy greens into your diet for optimal hair health.

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Drinking plenty of water keeps your hair hydrated from the inside out. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day.

Tip: Keep a water bottle at your desk to remind you to drink throughout the day.

Avoid Over-Brushing

While it’s important to detangle your hair, over-brushing can lead to breakage. Use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle wet hair and a natural bristle brush for dry hair.

Tip: Start from the ends and work your way up to avoid tugging and breaking your hair.

Manage Stress

Stress can negatively impact your hair, leading to conditions like hair loss or thinning. Incorporate stress management techniques such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies you enjoy.

Tip: Set aside time each day to relax and unwind, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

Tips and Reminders for Healthy Hair

Sleep on a Silk Pillowcase: Silk pillowcases reduce friction, which can lead to less breakage and frizz.

Use a Hair Mask: Weekly hair masks can provide deep hydration and nourishment.

Protect Your Hair from the Sun: Wear a hat or use hair products with UV protection to shield your hair from sun damage.

Avoid Tight Hairstyles: Styles that pull on your hair can cause breakage and damage to your hairline.

Closing

By following these simple tips, you can maintain healthy, beautiful hair even with a busy schedule. Remember, taking care of your hair is not just about aesthetics; it’s about feeling confident and ready to tackle your day as an online entrepreneur. For more tips on maintaining a polished appearance while running your business, check out our other resources.

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[wellstraightprofessional]

Tame Your Curls: The Best Products for Curly Frizzy Hair

Managing curly and frizzy hair can be challenging, but with the right products, you can achieve smooth, defined curls that are free from frizz. In this guide, we'll explore the best products for curly frizzy hair, including top recommendations for keratin treatments, shampoos for damaged hair, and standout products from Well Straight Professional. By using these carefully selected products, you can keep your curls looking their best while tackling common issues like frizz, dryness, and damage.

Why Curly and Frizzy Hair Needs Special Care

Curly hair is naturally drier than other hair types due to its structure, which makes it more prone to frizz and damage. The twists and turns of curly hair make it difficult for natural oils to travel down the hair shaft, leading to dryness. This dryness can result in frizz, especially in humid conditions. Additionally, curly hair is more susceptible to damage from heat styling, chemical treatments, and environmental factors, making it essential to choose products that hydrate, protect, and repair.

Best Products for Curly Frizzy Hair

To keep your curls smooth and frizz-free, consider these top products:

Moisturizing Shampoos and Conditioners

Why They’re Important: Hydration is key for curly hair. Using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner helps keep curls nourished and reduces frizz. Look for ingredients like coconut oil, argan oil, and shea butter.

Top Picks:

DevaCurl No-Poo Original Cleanser and One Condition Original: This sulfate-free duo provides deep moisture, leaving curls soft and frizz-free.

SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo and Conditioner: Enriched with natural oils and proteins, this set nourishes and defines curls while taming frizz.

Leave-In Conditioners

Why They’re Important: Leave-in conditioners provide ongoing moisture and help detangle hair, making it easier to style. They are essential for keeping curls smooth and frizz-free.

Top Picks:

Well Straight Professional Leave-In Conditioner: A lightweight, nourishing formula that hydrates and strengthens curly hair, reducing frizz and enhancing curl definition.

Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner: A detangling conditioner that smooths the hair cuticle and reduces frizz without weighing down your curls.

Curl-Defining Creams and Gels

Why They’re Important: Curl-defining products help enhance your natural curl pattern while providing hold and control. The best products for curly frizzy hair should offer definition without stiffness, allowing your curls to move naturally.

Top Picks:

Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel: This gel offers excellent frizz control in humid weather while defining curls without leaving them crunchy.

Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream: Infused with argan oil, this cream adds shine and bounce to curls while keeping frizz at bay.

Frizz-Control Serums

Why They’re Important: Serums are essential for smoothing the hair cuticle and adding shine. They create a protective barrier against humidity and environmental damage, making them perfect for taming frizz.

Top Picks:

John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum: A popular choice for smoothing stubborn frizz and leaving hair glossy and manageable.

Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil: A blend of six lightweight oils that hydrate and tame frizz without weighing down your curls.

Best Keratin Hair Products for Curly Hair

Keratin treatments and products are known for their ability to smooth and strengthen hair, making them an excellent choice for those with curly, frizzy hair. Keratin helps rebuild the hair’s natural protein structure, resulting in smoother, more manageable curls.

Keratin-Infused Shampoos and Conditioners

Why They’re Important: These products help maintain the results of a keratin treatment and can be used to repair and protect curls from damage.

Top Picks:

Well Straight Professional Keratin Shampoo and Conditioner: Specifically formulated to strengthen and smooth curly hair, these products help reduce frizz while maintaining moisture balance.

Keratin Complex Keratin Care Shampoo and Conditioner: This duo is designed to extend the life of keratin treatments, providing gentle cleansing and conditioning while reducing frizz.

Keratin Treatments

Why They’re Important: Keratin treatments can significantly smooth and soften curls, reducing frizz for weeks. While professional treatments are more intensive, there are also at-home options that provide similar benefits.

Top Picks:

Brazilian Blowout: A professional-grade treatment that smooths and softens curls while reducing frizz. It's a popular choice for those looking for long-lasting results.

Well Straight Professional At-Home Keratin Treatment: This easy-to-use treatment smooths and strengthens curly hair, providing long-lasting frizz control.

Keratin Styling Products

Why They’re Important: Keratin-infused styling products help maintain the smoothness and frizz control provided by keratin treatments. They are ideal for keeping curls defined and manageable.

Top Picks:

It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Plus Keratin: A multitasking leave-in treatment that repairs, smooths, and strengthens curls while providing heat protection.

CHI Keratin Silk Infusion: A lightweight serum that adds shine, smooths frizz, and strengthens hair with the power of keratin and silk proteins.

Best Shampoo for Damaged Hair

If your curls are not only frizzy but also damaged, it’s essential to choose a shampoo that addresses both issues. The best shampoo for damaged hair will cleanse gently while providing the nutrients needed to repair and restore hair health.

Shampoos with Reconstructive Proteins

Why They’re Important: Shampoos containing proteins like keratin, silk, or collagen help rebuild the hair’s structure, making it stronger and more resilient to breakage and frizz.

Top Picks:

Well Straight Professional Reconstructive Shampoo: Infused with keratin and silk proteins, this shampoo strengthens and repairs damaged curls, reducing frizz and enhancing smoothness.

Redken Extreme Shampoo: Formulated with a protein complex that fortifies damaged hair, leaving it healthier and more resilient.

Hydrating Shampoos

Why They’re Important: Hydration is crucial for both repairing damage and reducing frizz. A moisturizing shampoo replenishes the hair’s moisture balance, leaving curls soft and smooth.

Top Picks:

Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate + Shea Butter Shampoo: This ultra-hydrating shampoo is perfect for dry, damaged curls, providing deep moisture and nourishment.

Pureology Hydrate Shampoo: A sulfate-free formula that hydrates and protects color-treated, damaged hair, leaving it soft and frizz-free.

Sulphate-Free Shampoos

Why They’re Important: Sulphates can be harsh on curly hair, stripping it of natural oils and leading to dryness and frizz. Opting for a sulphate-free shampoo helps maintain the hair’s natural moisture balance.

Top Picks:

Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Hydrating Shampoo: This sulphate-free shampoo gently cleanses while hydrating and enhancing the curl pattern, making it ideal for frizzy, damaged hair.

Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo: A sulphate-free formula that smooths the hair cuticle and reduces frizz, perfect for those with damaged, curly hair.

Conclusion

Finding the best products for curly frizzy hair is essential for maintaining smooth, defined curls. With the right combination of moisturizing shampoos, conditioners, curl definers, and keratin treatments, you can transform your curly hair from frizzy to fabulous. Incorporate high-quality products from Well Straight Professional and other top brands into your routine to keep your curls hydrated, strong, and frizz-free. By understanding your hair's unique needs and choosing the best keratin hair products, you can achieve the smooth, defined curls you've always wanted. Say goodbye to unruly frizz and hello to beautiful, manageable hair