If you all read my previous posts you are aware that I am planning to big chop in January.
In the mean time I have been doing mini chops to get rid of my straggly relaxed ends. My hair was grazing shoulder length and I cut back to neck length.
I am still able to braid my hair into a french braid which makes for an easy protective style.
I have just grown really tired of the tangles that come with the different textures.
I am seeing my new growth coming in at a great rate and has been easy to manage. My plan is to increase the moisture focusing on the new growth. The back of my hair is a lot more coarse so that is my biggest issue right now.
Last night I washed my hair and blew it out so I could cut my hair evenly. I didn't flat iron my hair because I didn't want to use too much heat in one setting so the hair was not bone straight.
I cannot wait for January to come!
AR
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Monday, December 1, 2014
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
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!
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
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Going Natural...Sticking with Relaxers?
Hello All,
This post really is just an illustration of the thoughts I've had about my hair as of late. So it may seem like I am rambling but most importantly I am being completely transparent.
The past 6 months with my hair has been a "journey" in every shape of the word. I have had setbacks, comebacks, and everything in between. I have seen my hair grow but for some reason I am not having the same satisfaction with my hair that I had when I first started my relaxed hair journey. It feels like something is missing. I don't feel as enthused about my hair anymore and I find that I want to make a change.
So I have been praying about this and what I think will give me some peace of mind is to completely start my hair from scratch. I have never had my hair shorter than neck length and doing a big chop sounds so extreme but it is what I want to do.
I was natural for 18 years before I started relaxing my hair and before I knew anything about a hair journey. So with that I am fully comfortable with caring for my hair in it's natural state especially now that I am better equipped with all this hair knowledge that I have gained over the years.
I am excited to cut my hair but nervous as well because I don't know what styles to do with a TWA. I have researched TONS of blogs, YouTube videos, Pinterest posts, Google searches, and have had countless conversations with friends and family about this change so that I am able to map out a game plan for when I do decide to cut it.
As of right now I have the date set for January 31st, 2015.
From there I have dates marked that I plan to get my hair braided up to allow my hair to grow for the first six months without manipulation.
I am very excited to make this change and cannot wait to share the experience with you all!
If anyone is natural or big chopped please share any tips, tricks, or suggestions that may be helpful for me going forward
Thanks everyone for the support!
ASR
This post really is just an illustration of the thoughts I've had about my hair as of late. So it may seem like I am rambling but most importantly I am being completely transparent.
The past 6 months with my hair has been a "journey" in every shape of the word. I have had setbacks, comebacks, and everything in between. I have seen my hair grow but for some reason I am not having the same satisfaction with my hair that I had when I first started my relaxed hair journey. It feels like something is missing. I don't feel as enthused about my hair anymore and I find that I want to make a change.
So I have been praying about this and what I think will give me some peace of mind is to completely start my hair from scratch. I have never had my hair shorter than neck length and doing a big chop sounds so extreme but it is what I want to do.
I was natural for 18 years before I started relaxing my hair and before I knew anything about a hair journey. So with that I am fully comfortable with caring for my hair in it's natural state especially now that I am better equipped with all this hair knowledge that I have gained over the years.
I am excited to cut my hair but nervous as well because I don't know what styles to do with a TWA. I have researched TONS of blogs, YouTube videos, Pinterest posts, Google searches, and have had countless conversations with friends and family about this change so that I am able to map out a game plan for when I do decide to cut it.
As of right now I have the date set for January 31st, 2015.
From there I have dates marked that I plan to get my hair braided up to allow my hair to grow for the first six months without manipulation.
I am very excited to make this change and cannot wait to share the experience with you all!
If anyone is natural or big chopped please share any tips, tricks, or suggestions that may be helpful for me going forward
Thanks everyone for the support!
ASR
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
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:
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!
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
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.
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.
Otherwise I will be just bunning and doing granny plats with a beanie.
HAPPY HAIR GROWING!
Monday, August 18, 2014
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...
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!
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
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.
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.
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.
- Prepoo with extra virgin coconut oil for 30 minutes.
- Clarifying wash with ORS Creamy Aloe Shampoo.
- Heavy protein treatment with Africa's Best Hair Mayonnaise.
- Let it sit for 30 minutes
- 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.
- This mix has my hair feeling AMAZING!
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!
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