BIG CHOP!!!

You read that correctly! I did the big chop! May 3rd, 2015 at 10:15pm EST.

After taking my hair down last week I hadn't really decided on a day of when I would actually do my hair. My plans for wash day went left when I decided to have a random wash day on Friday night.

I did prepoo my hair and washed with shampoo and conditioner.

I hadn't cut my hair immediately. Instead I did some twist all over to help with detangling and to allow for a protective style until I decided on my next move.

I fell in LOVE with this picture! My curls are so defined and seeing how thin the ends were let me know that whenever I decided to cut my hair it would so much fun.

Well that decision came much sooner than I anticipated. Rule #1: Never leave Aneesah alone in the bathroom with a mirror, great lighting, and a pair of scissors...unexplainable things are bound to happen. :)

Here is my big chop story:

Sunday evening after church and visiting with family I was sitting on my couch going through online coupon blogs and watching TV with my boyfriend. Once again I was playing with different sections of my hair and it felt so weird because the ends were straight and dull while my roots were really thick.

I got up and went to the bathroom and started to soak each section with warm water and started cutting...and cutting...and cutting some more.

My boyfriend finally screamed from the living room "What's my baby doing!?"
I said "Oh nothing just cutting my hair off."
He said "Oh gosh babe."
While my boyfriend isn't into short hair he is 1000% supportive of letting me take on this adventure.

So supportive that he cut 75% of my hair for me!  I couldn't ask for better results.

While I haven't seen my hair all the way out in an afro, I am instantly hooked by the twists that are now able to stay intact without unraveling.

I AM OFFICIALLY NATURAL!!!

7 months post relaxer... 1 day NATURAL!

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

Dry Scalp...WHAT!?

Hey all,

Talk about issues! So for the first time in 20 years I am having a strange case of dry scalp. It is the weirdest thing because I have not had this issue since I last saw a dermatologist for it.

I removed some braids that were installed for approximately 2 weeks and did my normal routine (wash and deep condition)

What I noticed the day after my wash was crazy. FLAKES! I almost freaked out because I'm like no way. So I cowashed my hair and made sure to apply a light oil to my scalp to prevent any dryness. Epic fail.

Today when I was at work I looked at my hair and low and behold MORE flakes! It was as if I never washed or oiled my scalp. At this point I'm thinking back on changes in my regimen, diet, water intake, products, etc. I couldn't point anything out so I went online and did a mass search on dry scalp and dandruff. I found some things that could be applicable

• Changes in weather
• Severe dehydration
• Hard water
• Shampooing/Washing too frequently

The list could go on but I knew I needed to fix this sooner than later especially with my plans to big chop next month.

I remembered what my dermatologist recommended from when I was a child that worked for me. So I decided to pick up a bottle of Selsun Blue and Sulfur 8 from WalMart. Both products combat dandruff and dry scalp. As an added bonus sulfur has been used in growth aides so I may see some increased growth from applying the Sulfur 8 to my scalp. I only plan to apply it every other day.

Tonight's wash was simple and to the point. I washed with the Selsun Blue and applied the Sulfur 8 to my scalp. I applied raw shea butter to the length of my for moisture and put my hair in bantu knots to dry.

My new growth feels amazing! I enjoy seeing the little curls coming through.

Today started my week for the inversion method as well so I have to keep a good plan from week to week until this big chop so I can reap all of the benefits!

#60days #BigChop #Countdown 

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!

Week 17 of 26 Week Stretch...

I just finished week 17 of my 6-month stretch!


Lots of new growth! I took a few snapshots to show the growth…

About 1" of new growth in a month!

17 weeks post relaxer!

The regimen that I have been using with these braids has been very minimal. 

I cowash the braids every 7-10 days. I use a spray bottle to moisturize my new growth. It contains an oil, water, and conditioner. I still use castor oil along my edges.

I typically wear the braids in ponytail but the style offers little to no manipulation within itself.

The only con that I have run into with these braids is the nape of hair has grown so much that I have had to take down an entire row so the fake hair doesn't cause damage to my real hair.

Overall I am pleased with the growth and the upkeep.

Inversion Method

I started doing the Inversion Method this week.

The dates that I plan to do this method will fall from 6/17/2014 through 6/23/2014. 

It is easy to do the Inversion Method with my box braids because it helps to moisturize my new growth as well as increase growth without worrying about tangles.

I will do a cleansing wash and deep conditioning treatment on Monday. 

I have about 1/4 inch of new growth currently so after this week is up I will give you guys the results!

Stay tuned.

Week 15 of 26 Week Stretch

Hello All!

I am coming up on the 15th week of my 6-month stretch!

It has only been a little over a week since I had my box braids installed and the braids are doing great. I am reaching that point where my scalp is extremely itchy. During this time I get antsy and get the urge to take down my braids. However, I have been researching different home methods to ease the itching.

I tried a spritz last night on my scalp that I found to be relieving but I think I will only spritz my hair with the mixture one or two times per week.

My Scalp Relief Recipe



 2 parts water

1 part witch hazel

A few drops of peppermint oil

I sprayed this mixture directly to my scalp only and almost instantly it was soothing and the itching ceased.

So far I have no complaints just making sure my hair remains moisturized in these braids...

Here's to another great week!!

 

 

15 weeks down...11 weeks to go!

 

RELAXER DAY!!: Picture Heavy

Today I reached the 6-month mark of my stretch!

I followed the same route outlined in my previous post for relaxer preparation and my relaxer process. I ended up only needing 14 minutes instead of 16 and my results are lovely!

For a detailed update check out my latest video on my YouTube channel.

Texlax Update

I loved the experience with this stretch and really learned a lot about my hair. I was able to narrow down my staple hair products and learn to care for hair. I got length, thickness, and an added boost of confidence in knowing my regimen is working!

Will I do another 6-month stretch? Yes, but no time soon. I will relax every 3-4 months for now. My next relaxer will be September 21st, 2013.

ORS No Lye Relaxer Normal + EVOO

Africa's Best Super Gro Hair & Scalp Conditioner 

*main ingredient is petroleum so it makes for a good scalp base*

100% Natural Coconut Oil for previously relaxed ends

Relaxer Kit Contents

COUPONS! :)

Before

Total application and smoothing time

Texlaxed hair washed

After: BSL

Front view

Ponytail length

I am considering going for MBL because I had not anticipated reaching my goal length so soon. I believe it is attainable at this point. If I reach MBL I am going to maintain that length with no plans of going past that.

I am LOVING my results and am excited for what this next 3 month stretch has for my hair :)

Thanks for the support!

Week 20 of 26 Week Stretch

I reached the 20 week mark!!

I am really learning to work with my hair and wash days aren't as horrific.

I deep condition for 2-4 hours instead of 30 minutes with heat. I find my results to be much smoother and more long term moisturizing. I still use the steamer for my hot oil treatments.

I also detangle under running water and either put my hair plats while in the shower or bun.

This makes my styling process a lot easier. Once my hair is somewhat dry I apply my oils and leave ins and bun for a few days. My new growth isn't as dry this way.

I really want to trim my ends because I noticed some dry areas so I plan to take off an inch on my relaxer day.

Overall, I'm happy with my progress thus far and praying that the next 6 weeks will be a breeze!

20 weeks down...6 more to go!!!

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 :)

Week 17 of 26 Week Stretch

I hit my 17 week mark on Sunday and I must say this experience is hair changing lol.

My hair is SO thick and it has become more and more of a challenge to wash my hair. No matter how many sections I wash in I find that my new growth is extremely challenging to work with.

I know this is a trial and error situation but it is very scary at the same time because when you're on a stretch you want to reap the benefits not the setbacks.

I noticed an increased amount of shedding but that could due to the fact that I wear a braid out for 2-3 days without any manipulation aside from fluffing. So I haven't completely freaked out yet. I don't wear buns because of the thickness of my hair and they start to look crazy. So I am still playing around with other protective styles until I can find something that really works. I am considering rocking my wigs for the remainder of the stretch but that is still sketchy.

I am tempted to straighten my hair and trim my ends now but I want to do that once I have finished my stretch but I know my ends are hollering and it is imperative that I keep them protected.

Breakage hasn't been terrible but it's certainly more than I am used to and I want to fix it now rather than later.

I have updated my regimen which will be in detail in a different post. Products are pretty much the same but I have fallen in love with grapeseed oil!

Stay tuned for more updates on my blog and on my YouTube channel.

17 weeks down...9 more to go!!!

Length Check: 2-18-13

I did my last wash before my box braids on Sunday. Today I was chatting with a hair buddy and she wanted to see my growth from doing the EVOO inversion method. So I surprised myself as well when I got this...

My hair grew! Although this isn't the most accurate length check due to shrinkage I am still very proud of the length that I've retained thus far on my stretch!

It makes me even more excited to get to finish line and do my texlax and straighten it.

So this is the length before I put in the box braids and I will post another picture after I take them down in a few months.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: GROWTH!!

Hey Guys!!

So I found yet another hair growth technique that I believe really worked!

It requires very little effort and the results are apparent in 7 days!

I watched a video with a girl who used Extra Virgin Olive Oil and the inversion method to grow her hair in a week.

I did this for 5 days using my mix (EVOO, Lavender Oil, and Eucalyptus Oil). I laid upside down over the edge of my bed for 4 minutes (2 minutes on my stomach + 2 minutes on my back)

I did see growth! Of course I couldn't get an actual length check because I am on a no heat challenge for the next six months but I could feel the difference in wear my hair rested on my back!

The thing I love most is that I was basically prepooing my hair and it was really moisturized. However, I have to wash 2-3 times a week to avoid build-up and I also have to start incorporating a light protein treatment weekly to keep my hair in balance.

Overall it makes a great growth technique.

You only have to do it 1 week per month and then start again the next month. So I will start this again March 1st!

Give it a go! You have nothing to lose but LOTS of hair growth to gain :) 

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!

Green Magic vs. Liquid Gold Growth Oil

Both of these products are by the Liquid Gold product line. I have tried both equally for a consecutive month so I thought I would do a compare and contrast on the two products and share any pros and cons that I found using them.

First up: Liquid Gold Growth Oil

This oil grew my hair in about 3 1/2 weeks! I got about an inch from using it consistently every other day.

PROS: It works! You will definitely get growth. It's fairly inexpensive compared to other growth aids online. Shipping is quick. The smell is pretty good.

CONS: Since it is an oil it does run down the side of my face and get my scarves really oily and so do my pillows. The bottle is 4oz but you can order an 8oz bottle for a little more.

Second up: Green Magic Hair Growth Cream

I have been using this cream for about 3 weeks and have gained about 3/4" from consistent use of the product.

PROS: Again it works! I have gained growth from using it. Being that it is a cream it is easier to apply and does a good job of keeping my new growth moisturized as well. No funny smell (Smells limey lol)\

CONS: A little more expensive. It's $13.95 before shipping for the 4oz container. There are no larger sizes available for this product either so you have to be mindful of how much you're using.



I am really tracking my growth from November through the end of the year to see how much growth I get from the Green Magic total. Along with being consistent with the products I've been consistent with my regimen. Washing, deep conditioning, moisturizing, sealing, and protective styling. I don't think products grow your hair but they do help aid in growth along with proper hair maintenance that you set in place. This means you can't simply slap something on your scalp and not wash your hair or protect your ends and expect to have hair flowing like Rapunzel. It just doesn't work that way.

So I've set up goals for myself and plan to reach them each month along with my long-term hair goals.

I'm ready to GROW!!

Blowing Out Roots

This was a technique that I learned from a lady on YouTube and I gave it a whirl and loved the results.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faQUoEVAhJY


The way I did it was air dried until about 80-90% and then blow dried the ROOTS only! My new growth wasn't bone straight but were definitely more manageable.

I used a blow dryer that looks similar to this one below:

The teeth on the combs help "straighten" the hair. I found one at Sally's for $20 but there are some online cheaper as well.

The Silk Elements Heat Protectant is AWESOME! My hair didn't feel weighed down and was super soft.

I plan to do week I am maybe 5 or 6 weeks post and maybe 1-2 times a month depending on how unbearable my new growth gets. Since it is direct heat I don't want to use it too often. 

In January I want to go on a 6-month stretch and blowing my roots out will help me stretch longer than 3 months.

Liquid Gold Sulfur Based Growth Oil: Review

I started using this product on September 9 after I used a heat pass. I did my relaxer October 5 and to my surprise I had gained 1-1 1/2" of growth from using this product! It is nothing short of a miracle in a bottle and is most definitely a staple. I have tried just about every growth aid known to man and NONE of them gave me results like Liquid Gold. This is a staple growth aid with guaranteed results.

Here is a link to their website which has more products at a great price!

http://www.liquidgoldhairproducts.com

Rating: 5 stars

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!

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.