Free At Last!!

Hello all!

The day finally came! I took out my Senegalese Twist after having them installed for 14 weeks! That is a huge stretch for me considering I usually leave my braids in for 6-8 weeks at a time.

I have TONS of growth from leaving my hair braided up. I am going to finish cutting off the texlaxed/relaxed ends of my hair to get the full effect of my curls. That is the most exciting part for me.

I have not dedicated a day to pamper my hair yet considering I am working multiple jobs and currently house shopping.

Looking at my schedule I will probably prep my hair for washing on Sunday evening. This will be a 2 day pre-poo with an EVOO and coconut oil mix. I will leave this on my hair under  a saran wrap until Tuesday.

Tuesday I will apply a cheapie conditioner to my hair and let is sit for 30 minutes and follow with a cleansing shampoo. After the cleansing shampoo I will deep condition with a very thick and rich moisturizing conditioner mix (haven't decided on what it will be). I'll do an oil rinse using EVOO and then detangle and trim my ends.

I'll definitely have to keep my spray bottle handy so that I can spritz my hair prior to twisting it up.

I haven't decided if I want to get braids right off or if I want to wait until next month to get it rebraided.

I'm just winging it for right now. What I do know is I will be getting Kinky Twist this time around!

Stay tuned for pictures!

AR

2015 is here!

YES!

2015 has been off to a great start in so many aspects of my life including my hair!

I have been spending the past few weeks really catering to my hair in preparation for this big chop. I love seeing the waves of my new growth pop out when I wash and condition my hair.

As I am sitting here typing this my hair is getting the ultimate TLC: deep conditioning masque and a steam treatment. I am sure if my hair could talk she'd say "Mom, I love you!"

Winter 2014/2015:

As many of you know it is "winter" in many parts of the world and the wonderful state of Indiana made no exceptions to the definition. We have had below freezing temperatures, snow, and harsh winds. All the ingredients for a disaster in terms of hair care. These elements seek to take out every bit of moisture my hair can muster up and it can be discouraging at times but I am not giving up.

I have taken on more responsibility for my hair and made a conscious effort to deep condition and moisturize my hair. With that I have moisturized my hair with a whipped shea butter mixture because shea butter is an extremely rich, thick, and moisturizing ingredient in my closet. I refrain from using my lighter conditioners and limit my wash/cowash days to once a week to roughly two weeks to avoid my hair from being wet all the time. I must say its working.

Whenever I finish washing my hair I plat it up in 4-8 granny plats and rock a beanie.

With this plan I am retaining length and even seeing more growth.


Current dilemma:

I have a birthday coming in February that I am planning to take a cruise for. I want my hair to look nice of course but then I am unsure of what protective styles I can get with a TWA if I decide to stick with my original big chop date. I don't want to limit myself to just braids. I think if I do another mini chop and get a sew-in I will be able to extend my big chop date a little bit longer after the cruise. I also feel that if I do braids I will be looking at almost April to do the chop and that was not my plan.

So there's a great deal to consider.

Texture Shots From Wash Day:

Thank you for letting me ramble and for following my journey!

Happy Hair Growing

ASR

My Hair Post-Braids

Hey All!
I finally took my box braids out after having them in for what felt like the longest 5 weeks ever!

I removed the braids and began to detangle my hair in 4 sections.

I was able to do this successfully with no problems because during the entire five weeks I made sure to keep my new growth and braids properly moisturized. This made my hair very soft and I had about 2-quarter sized amounts of shedding altogether.

I did a cleansing wash twice using the Shea Moisture Deep Cleansing African Black Soap. I had no tangling at all!

I followed with a moisturizing deep conditioner which was the Aussie Moist Conditioner mixed with the Shea Moisture Moisture Retention Conditioner.

I let it sit on my hair for 30 minutes and rinsed with cool water.

I air dried by hair for 30 minutes and then applied an EVOO mixture directly to my scalp. I then applied the Elasta QP Olive Oil & Mango Butter Moisturizer to the length of my hair and did a crown braid style.

It has been braided for going on 3 days so I will take it down and moisturize and seal my hair again tomorrow.

I am coming up on 19 weeks on Friday so I am doing ok.

I think I am going to do my Caramel Treatment this weekend as well to help with manageability.

Read my old posts for recipe and tutorial:

Caramel Treatment Recipe

Caramel Treatment Tutorial 

Thanks for reading!

Caramel Treatment: Tutorial

Click below for the video of how I mixed my caramel treatment.

I still had great results and will continue to incorporate this in my hair journey!

Hope you enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azCNhkuY7D4&feature=youtu.be

Subscribe!

Caramel Treatment Recipe and Review

As many of you know I have been having the time of my life dealing with my new growth.

Knots...tangles...dryness...the list could go on.

No matter how much I deep conditioned and moisturized and sealed my hair it didn't seem to help.

So I went online and researched different tips, recipes, or ideas to soften my hair.

I came across a recipe called the Caramel Treatment that helps to soften and stretch "kinky" hair. My assumption is that is a treatment that is famous amongst women with African American hair textures.

The ingredients are fairly inexpensive and was easy to prep.

The directions can be found at this link.

I followed the recipe and directions from start to finish.

I let it sit on my hair for  1 hour and 20 minutes exactly without added heat. The only thing I hated was the smell. It was not a pleasant smell but something that I could get over.

I washed my hair using the Organix Moroccan Argan Creme Shampoo and followed with their conditioner. I let that sit on my hair for 10 minutes and rinsed with cool water.

I applied my leave-in and grapeseed oil.

To my surprise I had great slip and my hair was actually manageable to the point that I could put it in a bun!!! I seriously have not been able to bun my hair since the beginning of my stretch because I hate fighting with my hair trying to fully detangle it. I found that though my hair is still very thick it is much softer and the curl pattern is slightly looser but the texture is very noticeable.

The website says that this treatment should only be done once a month and from these results it will be in my regimen for good!

If anyone has issues with the manageability of their hair or new growth this is definite must! You have nothing to lose and they don't call it a hair "journey" for no reason :)

Pro-150 Hair Steamer: Initial Review

HEY GUYS!!

I am SO very excited about my most recent purchase.

I ordered a hair steamer from eBay and am very pleased thus far with what I have received.

I ordered the steamer on March 31st and I received it April 5th. (Roughly a week to arrive to my location.)

I ordered from divinepro who is a seller with a 99.8% customer satisfaction review.

When I purchased the steamer it was $84.99 with free shipping. Now the price has increased to $94.99 with free shipping. I'm guessing that the popularity has caused a rise in the price. However, in my opinion the price is still good compared to other hair steamers.

The assembly was very easy. You will need a pliers but other that it is basic snap-snap assembly. It took about 5 minutes to warm up and start producing steam. Another plus is that I can use tap water so I don't have to find distilled water for it.

Overall I am very happy and will do a more detailed review once I actually use it.

The link is above if you want to check out the steamer and other products this seller sells.

I will also being doing a video for the steamer on my YouTube channel. If you haven't already taken a peak over there this is the link. SUBSCRIBE!!  My YouTube Channel

Wash Day 2/6/13 + Week 6 of 26 Stretch

Hello All!

Today I did my wash.

I washed with my ORS Creamy Aloe Shampoo and did a light protein treatment using the ORS Replenishing Conditioner. I deep conditioned for 1 hour without heat.

I rinsed and detangled.

I applied a new Extra Virgin Olive Oil mix that I just came up with out of no where. I have found that EVOO is really moisturizing for my new growth so I wanted to try an oil mix with EVOO as my base.

EVOO MIX:

4oz EVOO

25 drops of Lavender Oil

25 drops of Eucalyptus Oil

I mixed it together and applied it my scalp and massaged it in. 

I sprayed my hair with my oh so lovely Silk Elements Silken Child Leave-In Conditioner and put my hair in 6 french braids to prep for a braidout this Saturday for my birthday.

Of course my hair feels really soft and I can't wait to see the results of the braidout.

In other news, I am a little over 6 weeks into my stretch! My regimen has not changed. I only wash on Saturday and moisturize and seal on Sunday and Wednesday.

I realized my hair is APL without heat so I can only imagine what my length will be in June :)

I am really focusing on my ends and making sure they are properly tucked away so I am considering box braids again now that I am able to keep up with maintenance.

I am still going strong on my NO-Heat and Water challenges! I feel a difference in my hair and my overall energy.

More updates to come!

6 weeks down...20 more to go!

Week 4 of 26 Week Stretch

Hello All!

I am officially 1 month into my 6-Month Stretch!

I'm seeing some growth so far and I've been doing great.

I have been following a low manipulation routine to help keep my hands out of my hair. Washing once a week and moisturizing and sealing twice a week has been doing great things.

I have been wearing protective styles 99.9% of the time (braidouts as a bun, bun, granny plats, french braids)

I only comb my hair once a week on wash days and I'm deep conditioning with every wash.

I noticed less breakage and shedding with this regimen and I'm sure as the months go on I will change it to fit what my hair needs.

I am considering a long term protective style but that won't happen until I am 3 or 4 months post.

Basically I am keeping it simple for this stretch but I am keeping track of changes along the way.

4 weeks down...22 more to go!

Week 2 of 26 Week Stretch

Today was such a great wash day!

Detangled on damp hair using my spritz that I mixed up. 

Placed my hair in 4 sections for easier detangling later during the process.

Washed using my Roux Porosity Control Shampoo.

Deep conditioned with a plastic cap and sat under the dryer for 45 minutes
          --I don't know why I stopped deep conditioning with heat but my hair LOVES it!

Rinsed with cool/cold water (SO HARD TO DO IN THE SHOWER! FREEZING! lol)

Kept my hair in 4 sections and detangled again.

Applied my Beautiful Textures Tangle Taming Leave-In Conditioner and Coconut Oil.

Now my hair is braid in 10 plats to air dry and probably leave in for my protective style for the week (with a beanie)

My hair feels really good and my scalp feels clean.

2 weeks down...24 more to go!

Product Review: Lustrasilk Placenta & Jojoba OIl Cholesterol Cream

Rating: 5 Stars!

Pros: Great moisturizing deep conditioner

Cons: A little thin for my liking. I usually prefer my deep conditioners to be thicker.

Will I repurchase: DEFINITELY! :)

If you all read my previous post about my wash day issues I did mention that tonight I deep conditioned and this is the product I used. In order to give an accurate review I did not add any oils to the deep conditioner like I usually do. I wanted to see how the product worked by itself and to my surprise it was spectacular! I was able to completely detangle my hair in the shower and afterwards. My hair feels really soft and moisturized.

It is not expensive online ($2.99/jar) but I will see if my BSS sells it in stores so I can avoid the shipping and handling costs.

Overall this is a great product and I will buy it again for future use.

New Deep Conditioners

Hey hey hey!!

I recently stumbled upon what I consider to be the best hair site ever in terms of fairly cheap hair products.

beautyofnewyork.com

I recently ordered 3 deep conditioners. One of which is a staple for me and the other 2 I wanted to try out.

Queen Helene's Cholesterol Hair Conditioning Cream 5lb (80oz) -- $8.99
Hollywood Beauty Tea Tree Cholesterol with Shea Butter & Aloe 20oz -- $2.99
Lustrasilk Placenta & Jojoba Oil Cholesterol Cream 20oz -- $2.99

I have already used the Queen Helene's Deep Conditioner so I went ahead and ordered the 5lb jar which is a huge steal for me and the other two are moisturizing deep conditioners that I want to compare to the Queen Helene's. I have a staple protein treatment but my moisturizing deep conditioners seem to fluctuate so I'd like to find another staple outside of the Queen Helene's so I can alternate. I use some of the ingredients in my mixes (tea tree, shea butter, jojoba) so I think they will be great on my hair. I can't wait to receive them and do a review!

Current Regimen

I am following a rather flexible regimen but I am making sure to incorporate all the things my hair needs

I've dumbed it down to the point that I am only messing with my hair when I absolutely have to.

Sunday: Wash Day
Tuesday: Co-wash Day

Deep condition on wash way
Light or Heavy Protein treatment on Co-wash day

Always air dry.

Apply my Liquid Gold Sulfur Based Growth Oil every other day and do a scalp massage.

Moisturize with my whipped shea butter and seal with coconut oil.

Only finger comb until wash days.

Co-wash Day

Did an unexpected co-wash today.


This summer heat has my hair feeling dry and my scalp was itchy so a quick relief was a co-wash.


I deep conditioned on dry hair and then rinsed and applied my Eden's Body Works Jojoba Monoi Conditioner.


I have my hair in 6 bantu knots that I plan to just wear in a bun tomorrow and Tuesday.


I plan to do a heavy protein treatment on Tuesday evening with a moisturizing wash to prep my hair for box braids that I plan to get installed on Thursday.


I also have been exercising and drinking tons of water! :)


There is a challenge on Hairlista that begins June 1st so that's perfect timing for everything.


The only change I will be making is my growth aide. I will use Gro Aut Oil and Hair Trigger Growth Elixir. (HTGE)


The only vitamins I'm taking now are Biotin, MSM, GNS Hair Skin and Nails, and Garlic Supplements.


I am still using the summer heat to my advantage and praying for some great results over the next few months!!


UPDATES coming soon!

Random

Yesterday was my last wash day before I get my sew-in installed tomorrow. I deep conditioned and did a protein treatment.

Today I used the Split-Ender for the first time and LOVED the results! (posting a video later)

Moisturized with my Tresemme Split Remedy Leave-In Treatment and sealed with coconut oil!

More updates to come!

Breakage?

After applying my MN mix to my scalp I noticed my ends were fairly dry and a little brittle. I knew immediately this would lead to breakage so I grabbed a bottle of water and my moisturizer and I dampened the ends of my hair and put on my moisturizer and then put saran wrap over the ends of my hair and did the baggy method.

Baggying is a quick-fix to get rid of dry ends. Considering the ends of our hair are the oldest parts of our hair we have to be sure not to neglect them. It does us no good getting all this new growth if the the ends of our hair are breaking off.

Since I did a co-wash Tuesday, I feel that my hair may need another wash and protein treatment tomorrow to get strength back to my hair and then a good moisturizing deep conditioner to bring the balance back.

But for the moment I will baggy for a few hours. I don't want my ends too mushy so I will only keep this on for 2-3 hours.

*Updated Regimen*

Monday

• Apply growth aid
• Moisturize and Seal

Tuesday

• Co-wash
• Tresemme Split Remedy 
• VO5 or Eden Body Works Peppermint and Tea Tree Conditioner
• Air Dry 85-90% 
• Tresemme Split Remedy Leave-In Treatment
• Apply Coconut oil to ends and hair shaft (*castor oil may be used on ends if needed)

Wednesday

• Apply growth aid

Thursday

• Apply growth aid
• Moisturize and seal

Friday

• Prepoo overnight with EVOO, PPO, CO

Saturday

• Wash with Eden Body Works Jojoba Monoi Shampoo
• Deep Condition for 30minutes-1hour
• Air dry 85-90%
• Tresemme Split Remedy Leave-In Treatment
• Apply growth aid
• Apply coconut oil to ends  (*castor oil may be used on ends as needed)

Sunday

• Apply growth aid

Daily

• Take vitamins
• Drink 1 liter of water
• Scalp massage

 

*Saturday will also be a protein treatment day. I will use the Organic Roots Stimulator Replenishing Conditioner or Roux Porosity Control 3 weeks out of the month as a light protein treatment and use Africa's Best Hair Mayonnaise, Aphogee 2 Minute Reconstructor, or MegaTek Conditioner as a hard protein treatment. 

Protective Style Challenge

I am putting myself on a protective style challenge for the remainder of this month and see how much length I can retain. I will only be washing on Tuesdays and Saturdays from now on and applying my JBCO every other day. I will moisturize and seal as needed. There will be no manipulation during the week aside from making sure my hair looks presentable.

I will use plats, half wigs, and buns (minimal). I want to stay away from braided weaves as much as possible but a sew-in may be a possibility later in the summer.

I did a much needed cleansing wash, protein treatment, and moisturizing deep condition tonight to get my hair ready for the week. 

Below are pictures of the protective style I will be using. It has braids all over and the ends are bobby pinned. It looks crazy but with a hat its not half bad lol.

I am under a few challenges but they have actually become my normal routine so it just works!

Final Product

Product Review

This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending the Atlanta Natural Hair Show. 
I purchased the Eden Body Works Jojoba Monoi Collection for $20!!


This included:
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Deep Conditioner
- Hair Milk
- Hair Oil


Yesterday night I did my wash and deep condition using only this line and I absolutely LOVED it! My hair felt extremely soft and clean! 


My plan is to use this line until it is all gone and if I see good results I will repurchase. 


I know you guys are thinking "JEEZ you change products a lot!" The thing is I have to find what works for MY hair and the only way I will find out is through trial and error. I will use the Follicure line twice a month and the remaining wash days I will use the Eden collection. 


I will post a picture of all the products that I will actually use the next 3-6 months depending on how long I decide to stretch this time.

For those people looking for a great nourishing and moisturizing line Eden Body Works is definitely the best place to start. Unfortunately the online prices are a lot higher compared to the deal that I got from the Hair Show but it is worth it!

Also I did a protein treatment using the Olive Oil Hair Mayonnaise. This treatment left my hair feeling soft AND strong at the same time. It felt different compared to my other hair mayonnaise. This is another staple in my regimen. I will still use my Aphogee 2 Minute Reconstructor once a month but this will a bi-weekly treatment for me until further notice.

FIRST TEXLAX= SUCCESS

Today I had my first texlax and I was 9 weeks post. This is the shortest I have stretched since last year. My new growth was out of control so I needed something to tame it ASAP. I will stretch for 4 months and see if I can go two months with a sew-in and two months without. The sew-in will be my protective style because I find them to be much better on my hair.

I used Soft Sheen Carson Optimum Care Relaxer Brand in Regular strength.

The total time I had the relaxer in my hair from start to finish after application and smoothing was 12 minutes.

My mom started at the back of my hair which was the most coarse and then did the front half.

I was VERY pleased with the outcome and am excited for my transition from relaxed to texlaxed.

Pros:

• loosed curl pattern without losing texture
• quick
• relaxer wasn't left on hair long
• cheap to do at home
• got results I was looking for

Cons:

• I had to wash over sink (will use shower next time)
• hair felt dry form using products in the box (will use my own protein treatment and moisturizing conditioner, currently DC now)

8 weeks post: PICTURE HEAVY

This is my hair at 8 weeks post relaxer. I have about 1" of new growth at the front of my hair and about 11/4-1/2" in the middle and back of my hair. I'm seeing great results and the texture is very manageable since I have been consistent in my washing and deep conditioning. I also apply oils to my scalp to keep my hair soft as well.