Crochet Braid Install

Hello All,

I got crochet braids installed yesterday and I am SO excited about having this style done on my hair because I have seen others do it and it comes out beautiful.

In addition I was a little burned out on taking care of my TWA. Due to the fact that it is at a really awkward length I haven't worn my two-strand twists out by themselves. So I have run out of beanie options because I don't like wearing beanies often in the office because it's not as professional as I would like it to be.

In preparation for this installation I did a deep conditioning treatment using the Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque w/ Sea Kelp & Argan Oil and Olive Oil. I let it sit on my hair for 30 minutes and did a cowash with Giovanni's Tea Tree Conditioner. The tea tree is cleansing and soothing but the conditioner leaves moisture in my hair.

I did a few granny plats to allow my hair to dry before braiding. This will let my hair stretch some more.

I decided to use the the Freetress GoGo Curl hair as my hair for this install.  I chose to do black and brown mix on my hair to add a little flair. The stylist did a GREAT job taking care of my hair and the results were amazing.

She added braiding hair into my hair which will allow for this install to last a little longer than I anticipated. With proper care I imagine I can keep this in for 6-8 weeks depending on frizz and tangling.

Here are the results:

 I am getting used to the look because it is a very bold look for me. Otherwise I am happy with the outcome and can't wait for more crochet braid installs.

Thanks for reading!
AR

1-Month Natural Update

Hey all!

Yesterday marked my 1-month BC-versary. :)

The month flew by and because my hair is in a protective style I cannot see what growth I have gained in the month.

I'm honestly not one of those people who check week-to-week or month-to-month for growth because I don't think you can see much change in such a short time unless you are tracking the use of a growth aide.

I don't plan to take my hair down until August so by then I will have a great update!

Just keep watch for random info to be posted through this phase of my protective style challenge!

Happy Hair Growing!

Protective Style: Phase 2

Hello All!

I am now in Phase 2 of this Totally Tucked Challenge!

I'm back to the braids....or Kinky Twist. :)

I had my hair out for about 2 weeks which gave me time to wash and condition my hair and prep for it to be re-braided.

This issue that most people run into when doing braids as a protective style is that they don't give their hair time to breathe in-between their installs. Which ultimately leads to hair loss along your edges and nape. I have an example that literally made my stomach drop:

     I walked into the African braiding shop and was asked to sit until someone could start my hair. I surveyed the other chairs just to see about how long my wait would be.
     There was a lady that was getting micro braids removed from her head. The stylist AND the client were both using a rat-tail comb snatching the braids out in what seemed to be the most unpleasant experience. Once the hair was undone they took her in the back to "wash" her hair. (No detangling, deep conditioning, no TLC.) They brought her back to the chair in less than 5 minutes and began to blow dry her hair...again no detangling, no heat protector, no TLC.
     After they blow dried it they immediately put cornrows in her hair to prep for a crochet braid style. I couldn't watch anymore because I was sure at that point my mouth was wide open.

Long story short....your hair needs time! No one knows your hair like you do. I took the last two weeks to give my hair a break before being handled again. My hair is very strong so a little TLC goes a long way.

I got kinky twist this time around. Something different that I haven't had in a while. They are shorter in length which I like a lot because the long hair was annoying especially after having it in for 3 months.

If all goes as planned I won't being seeing my hair until August! I won't be doing many updates being that my hair will be braided up but I will definitely keep you guys informed of anything interesting.

Thanks for reading!

AR

Updates!

Hey All!

Sorry for the delay in posts! I just got back from my cruise so before that time was very limited.

Updates on my hair:

I did my final mini chop on January 26th. I only did a mini chop because I knew I wanted to have senegalese twists installed and didn't want to risk my braids falling out from being too short as mentioned in previous posts. So I don't have very much relaxed hair remaining at all.

After I remove these braids I am going to a natural hair stylist to completely chop my hair off and then have another set of braids installed for another 3 months.

My focus for this year is to simply grow my hair back out. And in order for me to do that in a way that is healthy I am planning to leave my hair in braids for the entire 2015 year. That's right! The "Totally Tucked Challenge" is under way. I am going to experiment with crochet braids, nubian twists, kinky twists, box braids, and twists in order to have my hair protected. I am seeing growth already in the 3 weeks that I have had these twists installed so I am looking forward to seeing the growth in May when I take them down.

I have struggled this past week with oiling my scalp due to a severe sinus infection but I am back up and running and will be dedicating these next few months to Operation TLC!

I have joined challenges on Hairlista to keep me encouraged as well as to get insight from other ladies dealing with similar issues. If you haven't visited the website head over now and create a free profile and dive into the wonderful world of hair care!

www.hairlista.com

Thanks for reading!
AR

Product Review & Prepping for Protective Style

Hello All!

Just checking in about the changes going on with my hair.

I am experiencing rapid growth from drinking more water and taking my Biotin and MSM! The new growth is manageable but I am going through a very tough time dealing with breakage on the left side of my hair. I am starting to think that my line of demarcation is extremely fragile and the amount of TLC I am providing is simply not enough but I fear that too much manipulation will cause breakage too.

So of course I have been digging really deep to recover my hair from this drought so to speak. I have been diligent in moisturizing and sealing my hair, incorporating the greenhouse effect in my daily routine, and sealing my ends with a heavier oil.

I have started feeling my hair get back to normal but in my opinion this has been what feels like the worst bout with my hair since I started my journey. I am listening to my hair and what I feel it needs is to be left alone to grow but also to be moisturized.

With that being said I decided to do a "short" long-term protective style. I am getting the style from my previous post put in my hair on Friday and in preparation for that install I am taking a night to pamper my hair.

I washed my hair with a clarifying Mint Conditioner from my local whole foods store. This conditioner soothes my itchy scalp and also cleans my hair to welcome the treatments I set up for my hair. I followed up with Tea Tree Conditioner to again soothe my scalp but also condition my hair. Once that was rinsed I applied my new moisturizing conditioner as a deep treatment mixed with a little coconut oil and JBCO:

As soon as this conditioner hit my hair I immediately felt a difference! When I say smooth as silk....SMOOTH!! It has definitely transformed my hair drastically. It has some pros and cons but overall it is a great product

Pros

• Great size bottle with dispensing nozzle (32 oz)
• Great scent
• Easy to distribute throughout hair

Cons

• It is a thin conditioner which can't really be used again as a "deep conditioner" but more like a cowashing conditioner

So after I rinsed my hair I applied Vitamin E oil to my hair and put my hair in a bun and baggied my ends for additional moisture.

I am looking forward to giving my hair a much needed break and seeing the growth I will gain over the next month or so.

*Additional details about the Argan Magic Moisturizing Conditioner*

This conditioner came in a set with the matching shampoo. My friend recommended this product to me and I went to get it from Marshalls. The set was $19.99 plus tax.

I think for the size of the bottles are great and for the price you really can't beat it!

Back to Reality!

Hey All!

I have removed the sew-in from my hair and started getting back into the groove of my hair care regimen. I am planning to stick with low-manipulation styles that allow for ease of day-to-day care. I want to keep it simple and oil my scalp every other day or every few  days to keep my scalp moisturized and also my ends.

I am looking at having another sew-in installed in February for my birthday and until then I will be keeping my look very simple.

I have looked into different braid ideas that are not individual braids and will be considering my options.

Right now this is the style I would like to get. It is a combination between cornrows and Senegalese twist that are braided largely so as to not create tension on the braids and allows for some flexibility with styling.

So I will keep you all updated on when these get done.

Otherwise I will be just bunning and doing granny plats with a beanie.

HAPPY HAIR GROWING!

Results of the Sew-In!

I got my sew-in installed!

It was a really great process and I would DEFINITELY get another sew-in after this. However, I do not like the hair that I have installed and that would be the only change I would make. This hair was ordered from Aliexpress and from my understanding beauty supply hair would have been the better choice because it is thick from the top of the weft to the ends of the hair.

The overall experience was a great one!

The night before I prepped my hair for the sew-in because I like my products and knew what my hair needed to sustain the installation.

When I arrived at the salon the stylist examined my hair to see if it needed to be washed again and it didn't! (FOR THE WIN!)

She started to braid my hair in a pattern that allowed my hair to remain flat without an unattractive bulge.

She then sewed a net along the braided hair. This is the first time I have ever incorporated a net during a sew-in and I have such a great appreciation for having the stylist use it. The net allows for security without putting excess tension from the threading on my own hair.

I love the look and ease of care. I will miss my hair of course but for the next two months this will be my protective style. :)

Here are a couple of pictures...

 

Happy Hair Growing!

Hair Prep For Sew-In!

That's right Ladies!

I am getting a sew-in installed for my sister's wedding. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my own hair so I opted to have a sew-in installed.

I started the process of caring for my hair last night.

These are the steps and products I used.

1. Prepoo with extra virgin coconut oil for 30 minutes.
2. Clarifying wash with ORS Creamy Aloe Shampoo.
3. Heavy protein treatment with Africa's Best Hair Mayonnaise.
1. Let it sit for 30 minutes
4. Moisturizing deep conditioning treatment with Shea Moisture Anti-Breakage Masque. This product was my "base". I added Organix Luxurious Moroccan Argan Creme Conditioner, EVOO, and ORS Replenishing Conditioner. 
1. This mix has my hair feeling AMAZING!

Currently I am experiencing a patch of broken ends on the nape of my hair and plan to have her cut my hair prior to the installation.

While I am uncertain of why this area is breaking, I have confidence that it will grow back as with the rest of my hair. :)

I want to leave out the entire perimeter of my hair so that I have the ability to wear my hair in a ponytail. I will not being using a lot of heat on my hair during this installation because I don't want heat damage or breakage along those parts from constant heat being on it.

I am 4-weeks post today will leave the hair installed until October 8th.  By that time I will be 12-weeks post. After I take my hair down I will treat my hair with a protein treatment, moisturizing deep conditioning treatment and prep my hair for my next texlax.

I have a great plan mapped out and can't wait to receive growth from leaving my hair alone for two months.

Happy Hair Growing!

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.

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!

 

6-month Stretch is a GO!!

That's right!

I am going on my second 6-month stretch of my hair journey. With me already being 13 weeks post I am at the halfway mark and I have the experience to successfully stretch for another 13 weeks.

My current protective style is box braids! Love, love, LOVE them! They are medium in size which will allow for easy take down with little to no damage and I will be able to oil my scalp and hair generously.

I started the JBCO method on my edges which I found to be great during my last braid installation. It's just a personal idea that I came up with which I'm sure other women have done as well. I simply applied JBCO from day one of the install as a preventative measure to reduce any hair loss that may come with the braids along my edges and it worked great. When I took my last install down my hair was moisturized and my edges were still there.


I love the idea of a long-term protective style at this point of my stretch and I can't wait to see my growth at the end of the 26 weeks!

13 weeks down…13 weeks to go!

13 weeks post...

Hello All!


I am coming up on the 13th week of this stretch. I still have no certain plan of doing another 6-month stretch but for now I am at the halfway point and I am doing pretty good.

I have experienced a little more tangles so far during my wash days but nothing I can't handle. Patience and moisturizing conditioners are saving me right now.

I prepped my hair tonight for a box braid install tomorrow. It consisted of doing a cleansing wash using Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Shampoo and Curl Care Nourishing Conditioner.

I deep conditioned a couple of days ago using Shea Moisture's products but my hair still felt like it needed more umph to it.

I let my hair towel dry for about 15 minutes then parted my hair in four sections. I lightly applied jojoba oil to my roots and ends as my heat protectant and proceeded to blow out the roots of my hair. This allows for the braiders to manage my hair better and hopefully reduce damage.

My hair feels soft and moisturized so these braids should be a great install. Leaving them in for 6-8 weeks should be a breeze. By then I will be 16-18 weeks post relaxer!

I keep learning new techniques but overall protecting my hair is what is important.

Update: 8-31-13

Hey Guys!

I am officially back and I am able to write again!

Over the past month I have been in the processing of moving and starting a new job so making the transition took up a lot of my time.

Now to the goodies...MY HAIR!

I have noticed two major changes with my hair since my move.

1. Rapid build up on my scalp

I understand that naturally our hair and scalps will get dirty. However, I was noticing a seemingly rapid increase in the amount of buildup I was recieving. I would wash/cowash my hair and within 48 hours it would appear that my hair was never even washed! I wasn't applying anything directly to my scalp so there no extra oils being added.

I have been monitoring the buildup and find that doing a cleansing wash weekly has helped decrease the amount of buildup. Cowashing twice weekly also helps me keep my scalp clean as well. I have also started using a tea tree oil, lavender oil, and Vitamin E oil mixture to help keep my scalp clean and ease with any itchiness that I may experience.

2. Increased shedding

I am sure that the increase in shedding has to do with the amount of braidouts I do. While they are a great go-to hair style having to detangle a 2 or 3 day old braidout can shows signs of increased shedding compared to when I do a bun. But I going through a stressful move and change in environment could have also been a reason why my hair started to shed more than usual.

Again this is something that I am monitoring and if things don't slow down I will do a garlic and onion rinse or a black tea rinse.




Thanks for reading!

Be on the lookout for more updates!

Two Strand Twist

I recently put my hair in two strands as a protective style. Check out my video to see how they turned out and other updates!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JsYsqE8Ljg

Protective styles are really good on a stretch and I've been trying to experiment with new ways to keep my ends protected. Two strands twists are possible on relaxed/texlaxed hair and I'm happy I took the time to do them.

It took me 3 hours to do them. I used Grapeseed oil and Olive Oil Ecostyler Gel to twist the hair. For my ends I used grey perm rods and that really helped to close the ends for a more finished look.

I am able to do multiple styles with my twists and love the versatility.

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!!!

Wash Day 3-27-13 + Castor Oil Challenge

Today I did a cowash using my ORS Replenishing Conditioner. I felt that my hair needed some protein in it and surely enough my hair feels LOVELY! I didn't follow up with a moisturizing conditioner like I usually do because I wanted my hair to take the protein in.

I detangled my hair in 4 sections and applied my castor oil mix to my scalp. Which brings me to my next personal challenge for the remaining 3 months of my stretch.

I am doing a personal Castor Oil Challenge from March 27-June 19th.

My mix is similar to my EVOO Mix

Castor Oil Mix

4oz Castor Oil

25 drops Lavender Oil (for scent)

25 drops Eucalyptus

I was unable to take starting photos but the closest length I had was from a photo I took the day before my box braids got installed and the day I last flat ironed my hair in December.

My regimen will only change slightly.

• Wash 1x/week (Deep Condition)
• Cowash 1x/week
• Air Dry
• Apply castor mix only on wash/cowash days.
• The only exception is during the week that I am doing the EVOO inversion method.

I am going to protective style 100% of the time now until my relaxer!

So excited for this challenge and if anyone wants to join me feel free to comment below so I can check in with you :)

Halfway Mark of My Stretch!

Hello All!!!

Today I am 13 weeks post! That's right I have officially made it halfway through my 6-Month stretch.

I still have not used heat on my hair and with that I can feel the thickness and fullness of my hair.

The two things that are key that I mention ALL the time is moisture and low manipulation. I really try to keep my regimen simple.

For the past 13 weeks I've followed this regimen.

• Wash 1x/week
• Cowash 1x/week
• Deep Condition after each wash
• Air dry
• Oil scalp with EVOO mix (Inversion method 1week/month)
• Protective style 90% 
• Low manipulation style 10% 
• Moisturize and seal every other day

It has been working. I plan to only change a few things. I plan to adjust the number of washes I do per week and minimize it to once a week alternating between washes and cowashes each week. I also plan to increase the days I moisturize and seal to almost daily. I plan to protective style 100% of the time to really protect my ends. These changes will ensure that my remaining 13 weeks will be the best!

Hooray!

13 weeks down...13 weeks to go!!!

           

Cheating on My Hair: Long-Term Protective Styles

So I have been in these box braids for almost 4 weeks (Tuesday).

And what I have come to learn about long-term protective styles is the fact that I miss MY hair.

I miss the washing, deep conditioning, and all around TLC that I give my hair. With that I have decided to take the braids out and get back to the basics of MY hair.

I think wigs are the all around best option for me so I will do some research and get wig closet stocked so that I can add some versatility to my hair without any full time commitment.

I feel like I'm cheating on my hair with these braids lol.

If any of you are on a healthy hair journey you can relate to this love-hate relationship with long-term protective styles! :)

And with that I am....

12 weeks down...14 weeks to go!!! 

Week 9 of 26 week Stretch

Yes! I am a third of the way into my stretch and I'm actually doing really well.

Of course last week I got my box braids installed so I am in this protective style for a few weeks.

There really isn't much of an update aside from the fact that I oiled my scalp last night with the EVOO mix and used my moisturizing spritzed. With these braids I will be able to knock out 10-14 weeks of my stretch without worrying about my hair too much.

Of course I will still be washing, conditioning, moisturizing, and sealing these braids but my ends being exposed won't be an issue.

So here's to week 9!


                                   

9 weeks down...17 weeks to go!