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!

Box Braids/ Sew-In: Hair Care

These are a few tips that I found very useful for me in terms of prepping for a braid or sew-in installation as well as care for the duration of having a long term protective style.

1. Wait 2 weeks after you have received a chemical treatment before you install any braids or a sew-in. When you apply a chemical treatment you are weakening your hair strands and immediately doing an install will cause extreme breakage or hair loss.

2. Do a good protein treatment and moisturizing deep conditioning treatment 1-2 days before your install. This will put that protein and moisture balance into your hair strands prior to the installation.

3. NEVER BRAID BREAKING OR DAMAGED HAIR! Too many times people think the solution to damaged hair is hiding it under braids or a sew-in. This is a recipe for disaster when you take down your install. Correct any damage before putting braids or sew-ins into your hair by conditioning and trimming any dead ends.

4. Don't braid your hair too tightly. Braiding hair too tightly will cause hair loss along your edges and nape. Ensure that the braids are secure without excess pull.

5. Alternate between a protein and moisture spray. Again, keeping the protein and moisture balance is imperative even though your hair is hidden. Spritz your hair 4 days with a moisturizing spray and 1 day with a protein spray.

6. Lightly seal hair with an oil. This is the same as moisturizing and sealing your hair. Find an oil that will light enough not to create build up.

7. Oil scalp as needed...not daily. You don't want to create build up on your scalp because you won't be washing your hair as often since it is under braids.

8. Shampoo and condition every 7-10 days. Once a week is enough to shampoo/condition your hair. Any more than that will of course create frizz. If you choose to still deep condition it is recommended that you dilute the products with water to help with the process of rinsing all of the product out.

9. Cover hair with a satin bonnet. Treat your installs like you would treat your real hair. You wouldn't go to bed with a scarf so why would you go to bed without one since you have an install?

Hopefully these tips will help you to retain as much length as possible with your installs!

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!

Gro-Aut Oil Challenge

I stopped my JBCO challenge because I was experiencing more shedding than I could tolerate and I will just use it in my deep conditioner instead.

With that being said I am going to start a Gro-Aut Oil Challenge starting May 12th, 2012-July 12th, 2012. I will be applying it to my scalp 5 days a week. I am having a sew-in installed next week as a long-term low manipulation style and I will adjust my normal regimen accordingly to avoid any disruption with hair underneath. I will only be using GAO as my growth aid and nothing else just to determine if that is the reason for increased growth in my hair.

Saturday is my last wash day before the sew-in gets installed and I will do a protein treatment and apply my Gro-Aut Oil.

This is the site where Gro-Aut Oil can be purchased:

http://www.myfasthairgrowth.com/pages.php/page/affiliate/?ref=3