Things I USED to Do

.... during my journey that I don't do anymore. 

Co-Wash (washing hair with conditioner only)- I would co-wash up to 4 times a week. One main reason was that I constantly worked-out  (which I am slowly getting back to). At that time, my hair was shoulder length(or a little longer) and relaxed bone-straight, so detangling was a BREEZE! Now that my hair is longer and I'm dealing with multiple textures, co-washing is a thing of the past! I have no time to sit there and work with all those tangles!

Rotate between Moisturizing and Protein  Deep Conditioners- I would use a strictly protein conditioner one wash (where I would have to follow up with a moisturizing conditioner)  OR use a moisturizing conditioner the next wash and so forth. That's just too much! I now use a Moisturizing Deep Conditioner that contains a good amount of protein(ORS Replenishing Pack)! That simplifies my wash day process and helps save me some $$$.

Apple Cider Vinegar Rinses-  This would help close the cuticle, cleanse my scalp and keep my porosity in check. I have found that using Aloe Vera Juice as a leave-in has the same effect, so to eliminate the amount of products and steps I take, I stick to AVJ.

Buying and trying SOOO many products- I think experimenting with products is great for those starting off with their journey! But sometimes it can be excessive and cause more harm than good.  I have finally found my staple products that I will stick to!
Example:
I was at Walgreens to buy some non-hair related items. As always, I ended up in the hair aisle and saw so many orange clearance stickered items. S-Curl for $2.00, ORS hair pudding for $1.50 and many more products I never tried for dirt cheap. I stood in that aisle, contemplating for a long time if I should buy them or not. I even considered purchasing them for a give-away(but because I never tried them, I was unsure). After 15 minutes..yes 15 minutes..I walked away empty handed. #Win!! I am no longer addicted to purchasing hair products!


Obsess over length- I used to look at the back of my hair after every wash to see how long it was...not anymore. I'm over it. My main goal is to keep my  hair healthy as possible, especially now that I am transitioning. I know I don't want it any shorter than this, but if it get's longer that's a plus.  I  know I have some length because I can do things that I couldn't do before and I am perfectly content with that.

Is there anything you used to do during your hair journey that you nixed? 




P.S- I apologize for not posting as regularly as I should, that's another thing I used to do :(. I will def get back to it! I owe it to all  my LOVELY readers!!

Spice It Up With a Braid or Two

Are you having difficulties spicing up your buns or ponytails? One or two simple braids can do the trick. If you can't braid, I have seen a lot of realistic, cute braided-headbands that could be used! 

This was the "trend" in 2010 & 2011, but for most of us Black Women braids were never and will never be a trend.

Here are a few styles I came across.

Jada Pinkett Smith

Tika Sumpter

Tika Sumpter

Sharon Leal

Bad Hair Day

I did a roller-set today, but didn't like the outcome and I had to run a few errands(AKA go shopping).  So I just put my hair in a bun, put on a satin scarf, threw on a beanie and left.

Recently, beanies have been my go-to "hair accessory" when I'm having a bad hair day.

I'm going out tonight and will have to fix my hair up, but this will do for now.

Do you have a go-to style for bad hair days?

Essence Women in Hollywood Favs

Can I just say that I love how Nicole Ari Parkers cornrows look in this photo?!?!

It's simple, yet so cute! Next time I do some cornrows, I'll be sure to add extra hair or rows so I can make full buns like this!

Viola Davis looks stunning!!! I think she looks 1,000 times better wearing her natural hair opposed to the wigs and weaves we always see her in!
Love it!!!

When I first saw some photos of Traci Ellis Ross' new hair color, I wasn't really feeling it because I was so used to her hair being black. But after seeing these photos...I am loving this color on her.

Which one is your fav?

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Henna & Natural Ayurvedic Hair Care for Beginners

I found the below link helpful in terms of learning about Henna and Ayurvedic hair care. It is targeted to Salon owners, but it's useful for anyone.

So far, I have used Henna, Amla and Brahmi Powder. I have also used a few different oils such as Vatika, Shikakai and Parachute Coconut Oil.

As of now, the only product that had negative effects on my hair was the Vatika Oil. Let me just say I was shedding like a dog!

I have found that the powders made my hair stronger and they remain a staple(Henna and Amla Powder) in my regimen although I don't use them as often as I used to.

http://hennablogspot.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Henna-and-Ayurvedic-Hair-Care-at-Your-Salon.pdf

Twists on Relaxed Hair - Week 2

I'm treating these twists like my hair is loose in terms of styling...so this week I will do a mix of high buns, braid-outs, low-buns and up-do's.

This way, I won't get bored and want to take em' out.

Transitioning Regimen

The reason why I am doing a long-term transition opposed to a big-chop is because I want to maintain longer hair for a while. Hey..I worked hard to grow this, so it's not going away anytime soon!

Now in order to have a successful transition, I must keep my hair healthy and avoid major breakage at ALL costs! There is NO point of hanging on to damaged relaxed ends, right?!!!
I think this new regimen I have devised will assist on keeping my relaxed & natural hair happy as well as the infamous line of demarcation!

February- June

Once Every 3 weeks- See wash day post here.

• Thoroughly Detangle- Aloe Vera Mix (including Glycerin and Safflower Oil)
• Deep Condition on DRY hair with a Protein and Moisturizing Conditioner- ORS Replenishing Conditioner
• Shampoo- Shea Moisture- Moisture Retention Shampoo or WEN
• Roller- Set
   

Week 1- Wash Week- Wear my hair down, bunned or clipped up- May do braid out's, bantu-knot outs. so forth
Week 2- Put hair in a Protective and LOWW Manipulation Style-  twists, cornrows or a mix of the 2. Just experiment with styles that can last up to 2 weeks.
Week 3- See above, but co-wash or wash with diluted Shampoo if necessary
Week 4- Wash Week- Same as week 1

Daily or when needed

• Moisturize and seal hair
• Oil Scalp with Sulfur Mix
• Spritz New-Growth with Aloe-Vera Mix
• Cowash- If working out extensively- I need to get back into this!!!!

Sometime in March or April- Do a Henna Treatment to keep hair strong!

July-September



Braids!!! With added hair
Braids In- 6 weeks
Hair Out- 2 Weeks
Braids or maybe Senegalese Twists In- 6 Weeks

*Regimen to be posted at a later time

Every 4 Months

Trim 1-2 inches of hair

I'm not sure what I will do for the remainder of the year yet, but I thought far enough in advance for now!
So far, I have had no desire to straighten my hair. If I choose to do so, it will probably be twice a year.
One thing I do want, is to wear my OWN hair at least 75% of the time through this transition...and I think I can do that!




If you have any questions on my regimen, let me know!!

Half Wigs?

Two things  I have NOT done since the start of this hair journey are wigs and weaves.

I have self-installed sew-in weaves(ALL THE TIME)  in the past, similar to the below pic...but I haven't done those since 2005.

Me back in 2004- Look at how thin my eyebrows were..LOL
I would keep these in for 2-3 weeks at a time. But I think when I was in College I would stretch it for a month and re-do the front every 2 weeks.


I'm thinking of investing in a few half wigs as a protective because I think they can look similar to a weave and takes less time to install.

So...for those who wear half wigs, do you have any suggestions?

I saw this one that I liked (may need to shave it down a bit), but I may need to visit a wig shop to try them on before I start ordering online.

     Outre Synthetic Half Wig Quick Weave Tisha

Twists on Relaxed Hair- Real Hair

I have been wearing my hair in a braid n' curl for the past 2 weeks..with some bunning in-between, but I wanted a little break.

So, I decided to do some twists again. This time, it only took me about 1.5 hours. It was completely spur of the moment, but I think I will keep them in for about 2 weeks.

It makes getting ready in the morning sooo much easier!

Regimen:

Oil Scalp twice a week

Spritz hair daily with Aloe Vera Mix (Aloe Vera, Glycerin, Oils)

Wrap nightly

That's about it!

7 Ways to Use Up Your Oils

Do you have way too many "hair" oils and need to use some up? Here are a few ways you can do so:


1.) Hot Oil Treatment- Warm up the oil on the stove or in microwave, make sure it's not burning hot, then saturate your hair with the Oil. Keep it in for as long as you would like, rinse off and shampoo

2.) Mixed in your Conditioner- Ran out of a "Deep Conditioner" and have no time to go to the store? Pump up your regular conditioner with a table spoon or so of some oil, apply to hair and you now have a great Deep Conditioner

3.) Oil Rinse- Shampoo or Co-wash
Apply Oil of your choice (can be warmed up) all throughout your hair- Leave in for like 3-5 minutes
Rinse with WARM water
Condition Hair
(if needed.. de-tangle, watch how the comb just glides through your hair)
Rinse Conditioner with COOL water
Proceed as normal(towel dry, apply leave-ins, so forth)

4.) Sealing in Moisture- After moisturizing hair, you can use an oil of your choice to seal in the moisture

5.) Scalp Massages- Oil your scalp and get to massaging for at least 5 minutes

6.) Skin Moisturizers- When getting out of the shower, while your body is still damp, apply some oil to your skin

7.) Make Up Remover- If you have super dry skin, oil is a good option to remove your make-up. Dab a little oil on a cotton ball and gently wipe off make up on lids, face, brows and lips. Massage the oil in to loosen dirt and make-up.  Follow-up by washing your face with your normal cleanser.

Venus Williams- Au Naturel

It's great to see Venus Williams back to playing Tennis!! She served in her first match in 5 months despite having Sjogren's Syndrome and is on her way to being the fantastic Tennis play she has always been.

It's also great to see Venus rocking her hair in it's natural state (I believe she was natural when she had those braids and beads..ya'll remember that??)!

Now, keep in mind that these photos were taken AFTER her Tennis match! Show me someone with gorgeous hair after an intense work-out, game, match..etc, and I'll give you $5.00.

I wish Venus much success and I'm also looking forward to see what kind of natural hair-styles she comes up with.



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WEN!

Yayy!!! I've been wanting to try out Wen for the longest time ever!!!
Today is my Birthday and my Manager at work blessed me with some Wen Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioners, Re Moist Intensive Hair Treatment, Styling Creme and as a bonus there was a trial size of the Cucumber Aloe Cleansing Conditioner.

I am so excited to try these out! Reviews coming soon (well in a month or so)!

Off to Dinner :-D

Bored With My Hair

I think I need some color in my life...but I'm terrified of permanent color and I don't want to color my whole head.

I'm thinking of dyeing only the front portion of my hair a burgundy color. Red is the only color rinse that I am aware of really showing up other than black.

I want this color that Rihanna has in this pic...but I'm pretty sure it won't come out as vibrant. 

Do you have any color rinse suggestions?

source


Ya'll probably think I'm obsessed with Rihanna..LOL..but this was the only example I could find.

Last on My Wish List

When it comes to hair tools, product, accessories and appliances..I just about have all that I NEED. Although... there are a few things that I want, but am not in a hurry to purchase.

I have some strict financial goals I would like to meet before purchasing any unnecessary items...so for now, these will remain on my wish list.

1.) Hair Steamer

At this moment, my hair is behaving pretty well. It stays moisturized with little effort and I'm not experiencing much breakage...but I'm only 11 weeks post.

I believe the more new-growth I get...the more moisture I may need, so that's where a Hair Steamer comes in.

I will most likely purchase one in June as a gift for making it 6 months since I decided to stop relaxing.

http://www.lclbeauty.com/ $88.77

2.) Curlformers

I love the curls these produce and they will stretch out my new-growth very well.

They are pretty pricey though...$63.00 for the set of 40 or $13.00 for either 4, 8 or 10.

I know Ebay has some knock offs called Magic Leverage's, but I only saw the short ones and I don't plan on BC'ing in the near future.  

I will probably break down and get the set from Sally's, but not anytime soon. 

http://www.sallybeauty.com/ Curlformers Salon Kit- 40 Long Wide and 6 Short Wide $63.99 (with Sally's card)

3.) Flexi-8's

I LOVE these hair clips and have been eyeing them for a while now. I know I can do so much with them and they seem to give great hold. But to pay $16.00-$23.00 for a hair clip (not including shipping) seemed crazy to me...especially if I don't see myself wearing them often since I already have tons of hair accessories I barely wear.

http://www.flexi8.com/ Large 4 1/4" Pin- $16.00 - $23.00

Total- About $200.00
I'm hoping to have these all by the end of the year!

Day 2 Hair

Last night, before going to bed, I applied some moisturizer through-out my hair and placed it in a high ponytail with a satin scrunchie then wrapped with a silk scarf.  

When I got up, I took the ponytail out, rubbed some oil through my hair then shook it around.

The results- Dropped curls and slightly frizzy hair!

I plan on doing more curly sets, but I need to master day 2 and 3 hair!

If anyone has any tips, let me know!!

For my new readers: I live in an old church, hence the stained glass windows!

Rihanna- Rocking a Bleach Blonde Do

 Gotta love Rihanna for always trying something new!

Source

Do we like???

3 Simple Ways to Boost Your Hair Growth

I know most of you have seen these tips time and time again..... But it doesn't hurt to see them one more time! :-D

1.) Supplements- Let's face it, it's not as easy to receive all the proper vitamins and nutrients through our food as when we were children. Our parents are no longer forcing veggies and fruits down our throats (I know over exaggeration) and it's up to us to get those despite our busy schedules. 

 I know some of you have very healthy diets, but for those who don't, supplements are the next option. If you are deficient in essential vitamins/minerals/nutrients, it will not only effect your health, but also your hair. I first suggest that you go to the Dr. and get your blood checked.(to make sure you don't have an Iron, Vitamin D, etc deficiency). But there are some supplements such as Omega 3,6,9, Biotin, B Complex, MSM and so forth that could aid in hair growth. Do your thorough research before taking any of them and if you don't like to take separate vitamins, get some Hair, Skin and Nail vitamins.

2.) Increase your Water Intake- Water is VERY critical for the production of healthy cells in our bodies. Healthy cells=Healthy hair.  We should be drinking half our body weight in ounces of water per day! If you are taking supplements, more water should be consumed to help absorb them.

Our hair is made up of about 1/4th of water, drinking water will help keep our hair healthy from inside and out.

3.) Protein- Our hair is comprised of protein and a not consuming enough can decrease hair growth and possibly cause hair loss. Adults should consume AT LEAST 30 Grams of protein daily. This can be done through meats, dairy,nuts, fish, etc, or you can drink some protein shakes. If you are afraid of gaining weight...I suggest working out(which you should be doing anyway)

Topical ways to increase hair growth coming up soon.

Braid n' Curl

I haven't worn my hair out in a while, so I decided to do a braid n curl.

Last Night- I just spritzed my hair with my Aloe Vera Mix, applied a little Cantu Shea Butter leave in and did about 10 plaits. After braiding, I rolled up each braid with some satin rollers.

This Morning- I applied Safflower Oil to each braid, unbraided and lightly fluffed out. I didn't want my hair to be frizzy or mess up the curls!

My hair looks super short, but I like it.

LOOK AT THAT!!