As I am fairly new at this natural thing, I think I have a routine regimen going-at least for the winter...I straightened my hair last Friday and missed my curls like crazy...Plus, I really didn't straighten it that well considering I was going to do an updo. Before I straightened my hair, I did a deep conditioning treatment with Organic Root Stimulator Mayonnaise. I sat under the dryer for 15 minutes, washed it out with warm water and continued on to styling. I used Ion's Heat Protectant on my hair. I like it, it provides shine. All that jazz...
So on to this regimen. I washed my hair with a clarifying shampoo. It was Organic Root Stimulator Uplifting Shampoo. A lot of cleansing went on. It is very invigorating too. I love that shampoo but I don't use it too often because it does have a lot of mint in it which means that it will dry my hair out if I use it too often. So I washed it with that. Got it all squeaky clean, then put the ORS Mayonnaise on my hair and continued my shower ritual. I rinsed that out. Let my hair hang without putting a towel on it. Then I put my Herbal Essence Hello Hydration on and massaged it in. I used caster oil to seal my hair. It was my first time using castor oil. Can I just say that my hair has stayed moisturized the entire week? I mean, I haven't had to re-rinse it like I usually do. I just do a light spritz of water and Profectiv Mega Growth Oil and put a little conditioner in. I put the Caster oil around my edges in the front and I keep it moving. I've never maintained a wash-n-go this long. I got it now...
So like I said, this is now my regimen. It sucks because I am pretty sure that my hair is going to change with the season so I am going to have to try this all over again in about 2 months. I am super excited though to finally not have to re-wet my hair every other day! I think it now has a good balance of moisture and protein and it is cooperating with me!!!! #Win!
Do you have a solid regimen going for your hair? If so, what are your staple products?
Showing posts with label Natural Hair. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Natural Hair. Show all posts
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Hair Update: 16 Months Post Relaxer
So I am slightly obsessed with my hair. I am also a little length conscious because this is the longest I have ever been able to retain length and I am excited to say the least. So I am going to do a quick length check. Let me just say my hair is extremely curly. Kinky and curly but more curly than kinky. So here goes. I measured a piece of hair and it was 7 inches long!!! That is great because my hair just might be doing some serious growing! WHoooooooHooooo!
Sidenote-sorry for the poor quality. I took them on my webcam which is built in on my laptop. My camera is out of commission and my S.O won't let me get a new one just yet!
Sidenote-sorry for the poor quality. I took them on my webcam which is built in on my laptop. My camera is out of commission and my S.O won't let me get a new one just yet!
Monday, February 13, 2012
Split Ends vs. Frizz
My lovely natural hair friend had a major hair issue this weekend. She had split ends from hell. I mean, they were horrible. Luckily for me, it was a learning moment. She has been natural for three years and she has the most gorgeous head of hair. (Hair envy is in works!) She fluctuates between straightening and twists every two weeks. Well, this weekend, she had her hair straight. She had just had a major trim session throughout the week and did a good job but something crazy happened. We were in Walgreen's and all of a sudden her hair ends felt all sticky and broken. Come to find out, her split in the front of her hair. Horrible split ends. She freaked out, and I freaked out with her!
This was an extreme teaching lesson for me. I had never paid attention to split ends because I can barely stand to examine it long enough to do it. As I looked at her search and destroy her split ends, I got a chance to look closely at what split ends look like. And how to recognize split ends as split ends and not frizz as split ends. Split ends are distinct. The ends are split and they are really split. Frizz on the other hand is just just untamed hair. Split ends can cause frizz but I can't say the frizz can cause split ends. Now this is what I saw with her hair.
1. The ends were actually split. Like, where the hair ends, it is split in two pieces instead of sealed into a strand.
2. If you have split ends, your hair can feel sticky, it will feel rough and not smooth if you run your hand across it.
3. If you have split ends, you need to trim them immediately. They can cause tangles which can result in more split ends.
Here is a picture of what split ends look like. There are several kinds of split ends that can occur.
It is so important to trim split ends as soon as you find them. There is no other way to get rid of them. However, there are ways to prevent or prolong the damage from occurring.
1. Low manipulation-it is important to keep your hands out of your hair as long as possible. Your ends are the most fragile part of your hair so the longer you keep them, the harder it is to take care of them. Low manipulation will keep your hair from constantly rubbing up against itself. It helps prolong the cuticle which protects the strand.
2. Keep your hair moisturized as well as balanced in protein. A protein treatment once a month will go a long way.
3. Keep your ends protected as often as possible-your ends are the most fragile part of your hair. As long as you keep them protected, you will retain length.
Frizz is a simple fix. Just some moisture and you are fixed. Split ends are just that, they are not going to fix themselves.
Have you had problems with split ends? What do you do to prevent them?
This was an extreme teaching lesson for me. I had never paid attention to split ends because I can barely stand to examine it long enough to do it. As I looked at her search and destroy her split ends, I got a chance to look closely at what split ends look like. And how to recognize split ends as split ends and not frizz as split ends. Split ends are distinct. The ends are split and they are really split. Frizz on the other hand is just just untamed hair. Split ends can cause frizz but I can't say the frizz can cause split ends. Now this is what I saw with her hair.
1. The ends were actually split. Like, where the hair ends, it is split in two pieces instead of sealed into a strand.
2. If you have split ends, your hair can feel sticky, it will feel rough and not smooth if you run your hand across it.
3. If you have split ends, you need to trim them immediately. They can cause tangles which can result in more split ends.
Here is a picture of what split ends look like. There are several kinds of split ends that can occur.
It is so important to trim split ends as soon as you find them. There is no other way to get rid of them. However, there are ways to prevent or prolong the damage from occurring.
1. Low manipulation-it is important to keep your hands out of your hair as long as possible. Your ends are the most fragile part of your hair so the longer you keep them, the harder it is to take care of them. Low manipulation will keep your hair from constantly rubbing up against itself. It helps prolong the cuticle which protects the strand.
2. Keep your hair moisturized as well as balanced in protein. A protein treatment once a month will go a long way.
3. Keep your ends protected as often as possible-your ends are the most fragile part of your hair. As long as you keep them protected, you will retain length.
Frizz is a simple fix. Just some moisture and you are fixed. Split ends are just that, they are not going to fix themselves.
Have you had problems with split ends? What do you do to prevent them?
Monday, February 06, 2012
Those Stinkin' Nightmares
So I am so adamant about not getting a relaxer ever again. In my mind, a relaxer would be the worse thing I could do to my hair at this point. I don't think about it that often but apparently, it is still apart of my psyche and it literally scares me. I have nightmares, yes nightmares, about my mother putting a relaxer in my hair. I wake up crying every time!!! Now you may think I am crazy and that may be true BUT, I had no choice in relaxers for so long that I now can't see myself going back by being forced to do it. It is not an option anyway.
This post comes about because my mother, who hates natural hair with a passion, put a relaxer in my 6 year old niece's hair, without her mother's permission, she put a relaxer in my youngest sister's hair after my sister began to get frustrated with it, and she put a relaxer in my middle sister's hair after she failed to tame it after she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. When I first started transitioning, my mom kept commenting about how my hair would break off and how we couldn't go anywhere with her with our hair looking "like that," and a whole bunch of other rude and snide comments. Lucky for me, I was in my senior year of college and well, I just didn't give a doggone about her opinion, at all. However, it was very annoying having my own mother not support me in my decision but no matter what, I knew it was right for me. I knew I couldn't trust her opinion about my hair when it had never grown past neck length because of it being over processed by 6-8 week relaxers that were not used correctly either. But that is another story. So, my sister was unnecessarily defending her decision to relaxer after over a year, I jokingly told her about my nightmares. She looked at me like I was half crazy or something.
I started thinking, maybe my attachment to my hair is very mental and emotional. VERY EMOTIONAL. I wrote about my experience attempting a new style and how it failed. It brought me to tears. However, I bounced back from it. I have nightmares about my hair being relaxed at least once a week and it just breaks my heart to go back that route. My hair is so healthy and full and it is flourishing, I never had that when I was getting relaxers. Some people go natural because it is a fad to them and you can usually tell by how easy they give up when you go through a phase where you don't know what to do! I have had moments of frustration, especially lately. But I look at the brighter side and I can be sure of two things, my hair is healthy and my hair is growing. My hair may actually be longer than it has ever been, at least since I can remember. I know for a fact my hair is the healthiest it has ever been. I take pride in knowing that I am doing right by my hair and that is why I am so emotional about it staying curly. The best thing about my journey has been the versatility. I have been natural for 6 months now and while I transitioned, I could wear it straight, curly, wavy and all of the above. I think getting relaxers really scarred me and it is really crazy but it is true. I am coming into my womanhood and learning that regardless, straight or curly, I am beautiful!
This post comes about because my mother, who hates natural hair with a passion, put a relaxer in my 6 year old niece's hair, without her mother's permission, she put a relaxer in my youngest sister's hair after my sister began to get frustrated with it, and she put a relaxer in my middle sister's hair after she failed to tame it after she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. When I first started transitioning, my mom kept commenting about how my hair would break off and how we couldn't go anywhere with her with our hair looking "like that," and a whole bunch of other rude and snide comments. Lucky for me, I was in my senior year of college and well, I just didn't give a doggone about her opinion, at all. However, it was very annoying having my own mother not support me in my decision but no matter what, I knew it was right for me. I knew I couldn't trust her opinion about my hair when it had never grown past neck length because of it being over processed by 6-8 week relaxers that were not used correctly either. But that is another story. So, my sister was unnecessarily defending her decision to relaxer after over a year, I jokingly told her about my nightmares. She looked at me like I was half crazy or something.
I started thinking, maybe my attachment to my hair is very mental and emotional. VERY EMOTIONAL. I wrote about my experience attempting a new style and how it failed. It brought me to tears. However, I bounced back from it. I have nightmares about my hair being relaxed at least once a week and it just breaks my heart to go back that route. My hair is so healthy and full and it is flourishing, I never had that when I was getting relaxers. Some people go natural because it is a fad to them and you can usually tell by how easy they give up when you go through a phase where you don't know what to do! I have had moments of frustration, especially lately. But I look at the brighter side and I can be sure of two things, my hair is healthy and my hair is growing. My hair may actually be longer than it has ever been, at least since I can remember. I know for a fact my hair is the healthiest it has ever been. I take pride in knowing that I am doing right by my hair and that is why I am so emotional about it staying curly. The best thing about my journey has been the versatility. I have been natural for 6 months now and while I transitioned, I could wear it straight, curly, wavy and all of the above. I think getting relaxers really scarred me and it is really crazy but it is true. I am coming into my womanhood and learning that regardless, straight or curly, I am beautiful!
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Bad Hair Day: I'm Pissed
I have a confession. Friday night... I was tempted to rip my hair out after an hour trying to create a quick style=FAIL...I was so very upset, almost to tears because I was so frustrated. So let me explain. I am a washn go girl hands down. But last night, I found out I had two hours to get ready for a meet and greet with my sweetie's Black Law Student Association. So I thought, hmm I will try something new! That went down hill quick. I tried to go to my tried and true style that I used to do ono my relaxed hair. Didn't work on my curly hair. So I tried to do a twist up in the back and a poof at the top, again, didn't work. I tried twisting in the front and a little puff in the back, failed again.
At this point I am in tears and my sweetie is trying to console me. I had given up on the attempt and decided I didn't want to go anymore. He encouraged me to try one more time. So I gave in and pinned it up in the back and did two flat twists in the front. I hated it but my outfit was cute (after I changed it because I no longer wanted to wear a cute pencil skirt). I wear skinny jeans and a cute gold top I bought for 11 dollars from NY and Company with some printed tights and some black pumps. I don't have a picture of any of it. That is how mad I was.
When we got there, I was still feeling angry about my hair because there were other naturals there and they had cute hair styles. I soon got over that after a third year came and started smooth talking me. I commented on his cologne and he just went in. Asking me what it would take for him to out to dinner. As he went on and on, he ended up saying: So how would you feel about dating a black, educated man with a good credit score? As he slipped his hand around my waist I slowly pulled back and said, "It feels great to have one and he is right over there!" His poor heart was broken. My sweetie came over in a tizzy, dazed and confused. So after we explained what had happened, the guy who attempted to be my new suitor proceeded to tell him how lucky he was to have such an intelligent and beautiful woman by his side. After about thirty minutes of fawning over me and my boyfriend's treasure, he pleaded for us to find him Ms. Right. LOL, as hilarious as the situation was, I was really flattered. My sweetie was grinning ear to ear (he was flattered too).
But it was a good night after all. I finally came to like my hair style and yesterday I went out and bought some dag-on hair accessories. I'm slowly coming to terms that my hair will do what it wants. I just need to accept that and we will get along.
On another note, I went on my first haul ever. and it was great. I will be posting a picture and blog with all of my goodies which include 3 hair accessories under 10 dollars, 4 pairs of shoes for under 30 dollars, and 3 tops for under 15 and a Buxton Kelly Bag for 20. My good word! I'm ready to show off these goodies!!! Until then, have a great Monday!!!!
At this point I am in tears and my sweetie is trying to console me. I had given up on the attempt and decided I didn't want to go anymore. He encouraged me to try one more time. So I gave in and pinned it up in the back and did two flat twists in the front. I hated it but my outfit was cute (after I changed it because I no longer wanted to wear a cute pencil skirt). I wear skinny jeans and a cute gold top I bought for 11 dollars from NY and Company with some printed tights and some black pumps. I don't have a picture of any of it. That is how mad I was.
When we got there, I was still feeling angry about my hair because there were other naturals there and they had cute hair styles. I soon got over that after a third year came and started smooth talking me. I commented on his cologne and he just went in. Asking me what it would take for him to out to dinner. As he went on and on, he ended up saying: So how would you feel about dating a black, educated man with a good credit score? As he slipped his hand around my waist I slowly pulled back and said, "It feels great to have one and he is right over there!" His poor heart was broken. My sweetie came over in a tizzy, dazed and confused. So after we explained what had happened, the guy who attempted to be my new suitor proceeded to tell him how lucky he was to have such an intelligent and beautiful woman by his side. After about thirty minutes of fawning over me and my boyfriend's treasure, he pleaded for us to find him Ms. Right. LOL, as hilarious as the situation was, I was really flattered. My sweetie was grinning ear to ear (he was flattered too).
But it was a good night after all. I finally came to like my hair style and yesterday I went out and bought some dag-on hair accessories. I'm slowly coming to terms that my hair will do what it wants. I just need to accept that and we will get along.
On another note, I went on my first haul ever. and it was great. I will be posting a picture and blog with all of my goodies which include 3 hair accessories under 10 dollars, 4 pairs of shoes for under 30 dollars, and 3 tops for under 15 and a Buxton Kelly Bag for 20. My good word! I'm ready to show off these goodies!!! Until then, have a great Monday!!!!
Saturday, January 07, 2012
What's My Hair Up to Now?
Silly Me...I went straight for the holidays...I don't know what possessed me to do it but I did. Before I get too down on myself, my hair came out better than I thought but with that also came the revelation that I do need to keep my ends trimmed.
I went into Sally's Beauty Supply looking for my beloved Profectiv Mega Growth Oil. It is true that my ends were jacked up and my hair had a blown out look but it looked dull. They didn't have the oil. The associate was all in my roots, literally. Took my hair out of its bun, rubbed her fingers through my hair to feel my scalp. And said the dreaded, "now you need a trim really bad." Screeeeeeeeech!
Can I just say that I was not only heartbroken, I was slightly embarrassed. I really didn't think my ends were THAT bad. So she proceeded to tell me that I needed to get my mom to trim my ends...HUH? Then she said that my mom needed to put a really good heat protectant on my hair when she straightened it...So I had to stop her. I said "Pause, how old do I look?" She told me excitedly, "15!" Mouth on the floor. So after I told her that I was 22, I got a whole new person. She started to walk me through several things regarding my hair, that is because I was asking so many questions.
"So how often would your suggest I trim my ends"
"Oh one more question, what would you suggest as a good heat protectant?"
" OH ONE MORE THING, for real this time, how do I wrap my hair when it is straight?"
"Oh a Denman brush? You have one here that's similar?"
"Ok one more question for real, how do I trim my ends?"
This associate was extremely receptive to my game of 21 questions, but I needed answers. I mean, I am very new to this natural thing, only 5 months post my BC which means I have not had the chance to learn how to take care of my hair with all these darn season changes.
So lesson learned. Take care of these ends or trim them. I did however notice I have about an inch and a half of growth since my last straightening session. That is a success!
I have A picture of my hair with the newest addition to my family, Miss Savannah, who is the most precious little diva I have seen in my life. She also has some silky smooth hair, gorgeous!
I went into Sally's Beauty Supply looking for my beloved Profectiv Mega Growth Oil. It is true that my ends were jacked up and my hair had a blown out look but it looked dull. They didn't have the oil. The associate was all in my roots, literally. Took my hair out of its bun, rubbed her fingers through my hair to feel my scalp. And said the dreaded, "now you need a trim really bad." Screeeeeeeeech!
Can I just say that I was not only heartbroken, I was slightly embarrassed. I really didn't think my ends were THAT bad. So she proceeded to tell me that I needed to get my mom to trim my ends...HUH? Then she said that my mom needed to put a really good heat protectant on my hair when she straightened it...So I had to stop her. I said "Pause, how old do I look?" She told me excitedly, "15!" Mouth on the floor. So after I told her that I was 22, I got a whole new person. She started to walk me through several things regarding my hair, that is because I was asking so many questions.
"So how often would your suggest I trim my ends"
"Oh one more question, what would you suggest as a good heat protectant?"
" OH ONE MORE THING, for real this time, how do I wrap my hair when it is straight?"
"Oh a Denman brush? You have one here that's similar?"
"Ok one more question for real, how do I trim my ends?"
This associate was extremely receptive to my game of 21 questions, but I needed answers. I mean, I am very new to this natural thing, only 5 months post my BC which means I have not had the chance to learn how to take care of my hair with all these darn season changes.
So lesson learned. Take care of these ends or trim them. I did however notice I have about an inch and a half of growth since my last straightening session. That is a success!
I have A picture of my hair with the newest addition to my family, Miss Savannah, who is the most precious little diva I have seen in my life. She also has some silky smooth hair, gorgeous!
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Product Review: Morrocan Oil Moisture Repair Shampoo
Talk about a true moisturizing shampoo... While I was in DC in hot July visiting a close friend, his girlfriend, now fiance, let me use her hair products to wash my hair after a hot day. At that point, I had not rid my hair of straight ends so it was such a bad hair time, much frizz! So on the last day I had to get some moisture in my hair. When I got ready to take a shower, I asked my new fried whether or not she had some hair products since she was not quite moved in yet. My luck, she did, my luck, I found the most amazing shampoo ever...Ridiculously out of my budget but awesome to use. When I used it, I did not have to worry about it being tangled like other shampoos. When I used it, it had more slip than some conditioners I've used. So here are some greats and not so greats about it!
Pros:
1. When I say slip, I do mean this shampoo has SLIP! When I wash shampooing, I could feel my hair being moisturized despite it having a sudzy lather. Even with the lather, it was still moisturizing and if most of you know, lathers are supposed to be the stripping agent that causing out hair to feel dry when shampooing.
2. It smells delicious.
3. It contains Morrocan and Argan Oils which are said to be great for hair. They were clearly great for mine!
4. I did not have to use a lot to clean my hair. Since I took possession of it, by gift not stealing, I have noticed that it has been extremely easy to find my scalp when washing. I don't know if others have the experience but I know that I can actually feel my scalp with my fingers, without having to comb a part. Mega plus!
Cons:
The only cons I found were related to price and size. I was so excited about this new find and of course went online to find out where I could purchase plenty of bottles in order to make sure I didn't run out...Silly me to find that this product was a whopping $21.00 for 8.5oz of shampoo. As much as I loved this shampoo, it will be one that I use sparingly because I just don't have the balling salary for 21 dollar shampoo!
Overall, if you can afford to love this line, I would suggest it for anyone who is freshly natural or transitioning. Considering I am only 4 months post bc, I am still finding what works for this kinky,coily hair of mine! For now,it will be used with extreme caution!
14 days til Christmas!!! This year is almost over!!!!!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Product Review: Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream
So my next product review is Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream. I just posted a blog about the day I decided I would go natural. The first thing I bought was Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In. It said it was a repair cream and I surely needed something to repair this over processed relaxed hair of mine. So I got it. Got home, washed my hair and used it as a deep conditioner. I remember liking it at first, the smell wasn't all that great but I really liked the way it made my hair feel after I got finished DC'ing it. So it is supposed to 1) provide moisture to brittle hair, 2) soften, detangle, and add shine, 3) protect against heat styling and sun damage, and 4) provide protection against split ends and breakage. That's what they ALL say isn't it?
My experience
I used it both for DC and a daily leave in. Since I was just starting my transition, I was worried about breakage and split ends because that is what people told me would happen if I went natural. After using it for about 5 months, I never noticed any breakage and my hair was looking healthy. I was heat styling pretty often however I did not experience any heat damage, breakage etc. So it did what it was supposed to do at the time. Because I was a PJ, I switched to something else and I have not turned back since. It is still in my arsenal of products but I have not used it since I chopped off my relaxed ends.
Cons
One of the things I did notice was that this product made my scalp itch terribly. That is one of the reasons why I had to put it away. The smell wasn't too pleasant. Another reason I was turned off from this product is because Cantu Shea Butter makes relaxers as well. As I started doing more research, I decided that it would probably be a good idea to use products that cater specifically to natural hair. I don't have any reservations about my decision to leave it alone. I don't think I will revisit it but I would recommend it to new transitioners especially if you have over processed hair. It really protected my hair during my first few months of transitioning.
One more thing, I did not know what to expect with this journey but I have noticed that at every few months, I have had to change products. I think at each stage my hair demands different ingredients from different products. This has been interesting but the journey has been worth it!
Have you used Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream? If so, what was your experience with the product?
My next review is going to be Herbal Essence's Hello Hydration!
Friday, November 18, 2011
Memories-The Beginning of Something Great!
On this day last year, I was talking to some of my girlfriends at work. One of them had just big chopped and I was so enamored with her hair. She had convinced another friend to go natural and she decided that she had had enough of relaxers, her last one was Sept 2010. This was right after Homecoming 2010 so I had just gotten a fresh relaxer about two weeks before, a decision I came to regret. So as we sat there and talked, CurlyNikki.com came up in the conversation. My girls were just in awe because there was so much information on the site. But the at this time last year, she had just given birth a few months earlier so the main purpose for visiting her site was to see her cute little baby girl. After we had gotten enough of seeing pictures of the baby, we got into the conversation of going natural and the whys, why nots, pros etc. As I sat there and listened to them and lusted over my friend's new hair, I was decided "hey why not try it again." I say again because earlier last year, I went for about 5 months without a relaxer but broke down and got one when school started back...Big mistake. I felt bad. I felt even worse when I broke down again in October and got a relaxer because homecoming was coming up and I didn't know what to do with my hair...Silly me.
So anyways, today is represents a special day. It is the day that I decided that I was going to go natural, one year ago...Now it also represents the day I would begin to go broke behind hair products! Ugh, I know you know the story. I know I am not the only one! I went to a beauty supply store, stocked up on Flexi Rods, pomades, conditioners, leave-ins...Basically everything that I had seen from CurlyNikki.com that day...I was pitiful. I was looking like Kim Coles in her Youtube video, no joke (Click Here for the Video). I had so much stuff and I had no where to store them. I started using the products with no goal in mind so I just kept buying and buying with the hope of having super mega growth in a few months. The more products I heard about, the more money got spent, the more nights I had to resort to warming up leftovers...Lucky for me and for them, both of my sisters decided to go natural in December of 2010 so I was able to pass on some of those products. This is not the first time you heard this story!
This is what my stash looked like, no kidding!
Ok, so I have allayed myself of product junkism. I still have my moments but I have not splurged on products in several months now! YAY ME!
I just wanted to share a special day in my journey! What makes you smile when you look back on your journey?
So anyways, today is represents a special day. It is the day that I decided that I was going to go natural, one year ago...Now it also represents the day I would begin to go broke behind hair products! Ugh, I know you know the story. I know I am not the only one! I went to a beauty supply store, stocked up on Flexi Rods, pomades, conditioners, leave-ins...Basically everything that I had seen from CurlyNikki.com that day...I was pitiful. I was looking like Kim Coles in her Youtube video, no joke (Click Here for the Video). I had so much stuff and I had no where to store them. I started using the products with no goal in mind so I just kept buying and buying with the hope of having super mega growth in a few months. The more products I heard about, the more money got spent, the more nights I had to resort to warming up leftovers...Lucky for me and for them, both of my sisters decided to go natural in December of 2010 so I was able to pass on some of those products. This is not the first time you heard this story!
This is what my stash looked like, no kidding!
Ok, so I have allayed myself of product junkism. I still have my moments but I have not splurged on products in several months now! YAY ME!
I just wanted to share a special day in my journey! What makes you smile when you look back on your journey?
Thursday, November 17, 2011
There's Hope!!!!!!!!
Ok, so in the last three months, I have been sort of...length obsessed. In the beginning I was checking my hair every single day, taking pictures everyday. I didn't expect my hair to grow overnight but I wanted to have pictures so that I could document my progress. My first photoshoot was August 30th. So I have attempted to keep an accurate account of my growth so that I know I am doing the right things. Anyone feel me?
So anyway, I will try to get these pictures up here. No guarantee because I am not very computer savvy when it comes to getting things from point A to point B. A being my webcam, B being this blog...The point is, I see the growth. I have about an inch more than I did when I cut off the relaxed ends in August!! Needless to say, I am geek'd. I can finally see progress and that makes me excited!
September 12
October 18
November 17
The most obvious length differences can be seen in picture 1 and picture 5 & pictures 2 and picture 6! This has me pumped and excited! I now see that I am making growth and doing a good job at retaining length. Even though it is not much, it has motivated me to keep it up!
-This is just a little inspiration for those of you who are also newly natural! If you are anything like me, you need visuals so that you can make sure you are keeping up with your own progression.
Be encouraged and stay beautiful!
So anyway, I will try to get these pictures up here. No guarantee because I am not very computer savvy when it comes to getting things from point A to point B. A being my webcam, B being this blog...The point is, I see the growth. I have about an inch more than I did when I cut off the relaxed ends in August!! Needless to say, I am geek'd. I can finally see progress and that makes me excited!
The most obvious length differences can be seen in picture 1 and picture 5 & pictures 2 and picture 6! This has me pumped and excited! I now see that I am making growth and doing a good job at retaining length. Even though it is not much, it has motivated me to keep it up!
-This is just a little inspiration for those of you who are also newly natural! If you are anything like me, you need visuals so that you can make sure you are keeping up with your own progression.
Be encouraged and stay beautiful!
Monday, November 14, 2011
Celebrating a Milestone...
Natural hair milestone...I have been "natural" for 13 months after transitioning for 10 out of the 13 months. Well, my hair has been growing it up and last week I was complaining about not being able to do anything to it. Well, I tried to pull it into a puff and I was successful! However, the bands hurt my head...I have to figure out a less painful way to keep the puff going all day but I guess that comes with trial and error. I also wanted to pull my hair into a puff because the front of my hair is more wavy than coily and it was getting too long to just put a band around it...So anyway, check out my little puff! I think I was extremely successful for a first timer!
-Ignore all the books in the background. They are everywhere!!!! My boyfriend is in law school and well, I am a nerd!
I used one of those Goody's stretchy bands but I cut it, made it into a string, and tied it in the back!
Ugh, Oh no she didn't!
OHHHHH, but she really did. My mom...put...a...I can't even say it...I think I am going to cry, for real...Because I told my nieces that if need be I would drive home every two weeks to make sure their hair was done...She...she put...she put a relaxer in HER SIX YEAR OLD HAIR!! Ugh, I am mad. I wanted my nieces, the three of them, to grow up and love their natural hair. And feel proud of their mane like we had to work EXTRA hard to learn as adults. She has beautiful hair. It has all been retained since she's had it and now, a freaking relaxer. Six years old...#ican't
Ok. This may seem a little dramatic to you. But I am serious with every bone in my body. I am saddened because we have a family full of girls. Myself and sisters are newly natural and wanted to be examples to our nieces that we were more than just our hair... Part of me feels like my mom felt the need to, I don't know, tell someone that their hair was too nappy and that a relaxer was necessary....LYES, LIES, LYES!!!! I am livid! Why is it necessary to put a relaxer in a six year old's hair? Can someone answer that question? All they had to do was keep her hair braided and it would have been fine. YES, it took me an hour and a half to detangle her and her 10 year old sister's hair, but guess what, Lord knows I would do it again to prevent her from feeling like her natural hair is not beautiful. I would do it so her older sister would not feel like she would need a relaxer too because of her sister's chemically straight hair...Six years old is just too young for a child to have those harsh chemicals in their hair, kiddy relaxers count too. I wouldn't be so upset if I myself were still getting relaxers but my natural journey has shown me that I relied to much on my chemically, burnt up, broke up, crispity-crunchity, stagnant relaxed hair as I grew up...And that's nothing I would wish on any child...As she grows into a young lady, I hope she learns that her hair is not what makes her beautiful...I hope all of my 5 nieces learn that. Because as black females, we are often told that if our hair is nappy, we are not desired. I wanted to show them differently. I was hoping to show my mom differently...But I guess I lost that battle...Mom 1...Yo-0
Signed,
A very hurt auntie
Ok. This may seem a little dramatic to you. But I am serious with every bone in my body. I am saddened because we have a family full of girls. Myself and sisters are newly natural and wanted to be examples to our nieces that we were more than just our hair... Part of me feels like my mom felt the need to, I don't know, tell someone that their hair was too nappy and that a relaxer was necessary....LYES, LIES, LYES!!!! I am livid! Why is it necessary to put a relaxer in a six year old's hair? Can someone answer that question? All they had to do was keep her hair braided and it would have been fine. YES, it took me an hour and a half to detangle her and her 10 year old sister's hair, but guess what, Lord knows I would do it again to prevent her from feeling like her natural hair is not beautiful. I would do it so her older sister would not feel like she would need a relaxer too because of her sister's chemically straight hair...Six years old is just too young for a child to have those harsh chemicals in their hair, kiddy relaxers count too. I wouldn't be so upset if I myself were still getting relaxers but my natural journey has shown me that I relied to much on my chemically, burnt up, broke up, crispity-crunchity, stagnant relaxed hair as I grew up...And that's nothing I would wish on any child...As she grows into a young lady, I hope she learns that her hair is not what makes her beautiful...I hope all of my 5 nieces learn that. Because as black females, we are often told that if our hair is nappy, we are not desired. I wanted to show them differently. I was hoping to show my mom differently...But I guess I lost that battle...Mom 1...Yo-0
Signed,
A very hurt auntie
Tuesday, November 08, 2011
Product Review: TreSemme Naturals Nourish Moisture Conditioner
This is my first product review. I am starting reviews of the products I have used over the last year in order to help someone out there who is fresh into the process or just trying to switch up their regimen. I am not a paid advertiser for any product I review. I will give my honest opinion regarding all of them!
So up first: TreSemme Naturals Nourish Moisture Conditioner
I started using this right after my big chop which was a little over two months ago! I love my cute lil fro!
10 month transition
Ok so this is a conditioner that for one has lasted 2.5 months and I still have about a quarter of the bottle left. For a $5.00 bottle of yum, this one has my
So what does it do?
So it is supposed to be light weight, it is. I love that I can put it on my hair and it doesn't send my head backward. I like that it is very slippery, I am lazy and I don't want to put too much work into detangling my hair. It really does take the
Next up: Cantu Shea Butter
Monday, November 07, 2011
Rant Rant Rant!!!!!!!!
Yea, go ahead and tag me as that angry black woman... BUT This is about my hair...Maybe I need a trim. Maybe I'm out of love...Maybe it is just at an interesting length where it is making BABY steps in growth and development...But I am ready for this hair, lovely hair of mine, to freaking grow some more so that I can style it or something...Ok, let me back that up a second. I love my hair, don't get me wrong. I'm just at a stage where well, its just wash n go's. I've tries pulling it into a puff and well, the darn bands hurt my head all day! So that doesn't quite work...So I try to just put a single band around it but it seems they are stretched out and my hair has outgrown them! I don't know where to go next! Last year this time, I had no problem because I had straighter hair, curlers and I was a curious little one month old transitioner. Now I am two months post BC and my hair is growing beautifully buuuuuuuuuut (screeching halt)...It's just there now. What do I do? As I have mentioned before, braids and extensions are out of the question...Do I just have to deal with it? I mean, I will but I am impatient.
I just had to get that off my chest. I feel better now...I am going to go be nice to my kinks and coils.
Anyone else have frustrations with their coils?
I just had to get that off my chest. I feel better now...I am going to go be nice to my kinks and coils.
Anyone else have frustrations with their coils?
Friday, November 04, 2011
10 Myths about Natural Women and their Lifestyles
I found this while browsing the web. I enjoy Madame Noire's website!!!!
Check out things people just ASSUME about us naturals!
Click Here
I would like to comment that I do LOVE neo-soul AND jazz...That's about the only thing that applies to me! As for number 2, I don't know what I would do without my meat, dairy, etc!!
Check out things people just ASSUME about us naturals!
Click Here
I would like to comment that I do LOVE neo-soul AND jazz...That's about the only thing that applies to me! As for number 2, I don't know what I would do without my meat, dairy, etc!!
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Help Needed!!!!!
So I went through a 10 month transition. Cut my hair, fell in love with my curls...That was two months ago. I think my honey moon phase is over and I may have to start putting in some real work to figure out my hair. 2 months ago, wash n go's were perfectly fine...but uhm somehow the weather went from the 70s to the darn 50s and I don't know how I feel about that. I have really tried to keep my hair from harm but now, I am not sure what to do with this cold cold weather sneaking upon us. So, I ask all of you this, what do you do during the winter months to protect your hair? Some things I know I won't do include wigs, weaves, and braids. No offense but I'd rather work with my hair and learn my hair now so that I can continue to get to know what to do the this time next year. I have super, tightly coiled, fine hair. Suggestions on how to keep it protected during the cold cold winter months???? I'd greatly appreciate some feedback!
Lost Newly Natural
Lost Newly Natural
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
2 months post big chop
So I am about two months post my big chop and I have to say, it has not been as bad as I anticipated. I am pretty impressed with myself so far, I've been very attentive to the needs of my hair. I really love my kinky curly hair and it is just perfect. I am so in love. Ok so I will recap my last two months. I've straightened once and wash n go'd just about every other day. Thats it...
So length check: I am right on par with my length retention. I hope to continue to retain length. It is about time to get a trim!!! In the meantim, check my pic! I will post curly pics at a later date, yes I am a horrible curly but its all good! I got this!
To you other curlies, be encouraged, it is not that hard. The journey is much worth it. The journey to healthy hair is so rewarding and I wouldn't trade it for a thing...
So length check: I am right on par with my length retention. I hope to continue to retain length. It is about time to get a trim!!! In the meantim, check my pic! I will post curly pics at a later date, yes I am a horrible curly but its all good! I got this!
To you other curlies, be encouraged, it is not that hard. The journey is much worth it. The journey to healthy hair is so rewarding and I wouldn't trade it for a thing...
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Yep, Thats right, I did it!
I big chopped. After 10 long months of transitioning, I did it. And it feels great!
When I started on this journey last November, I said I would wait a year to complete my transition because I was afraid of how I would look in a fro. Ha. Try going through the journey with a head of two textures. I'll tell you what I'm not gone do, keep snatching out tangles during conditioning and detangling sessions. YES, I said snatching out. That mess was irritating! So I gradually got trims to lessen the fright. I have always had a phobia of getting scissors to my hair. Yep, hate them, never liked them. Even for trimming, couldn't stand it. Needless to say, before this journey I was hellacious to my hair (I'm sorry, I was young and dumb). This journey has taught me to look deeper inside myself and to accept myself as I am, kinky-curly hair, pretty smile, sensitive and caring person. I mean, yes I liked to look presentable but I can do that with my hair. So, I big chopped, last Saturday. I had to. I was getting to the point where I couldn't easily style my hair, I couldn't find products that wouldn't tangle my hair. It was a nightmare. So two Sundays ago, I started cutting the front of it off. The next Saturday, I let my boyfriend finish the back. It was a special moment for me because I could see what lied under all of that straight hair, my curls are gorgeous and I have been rocking this wash and go all week long! I have enjoyed getting up and going. Not having to do my hair in the morning takes out 30 minutes of my routine. 30 minutes I get to snooze with my pillows. Anyone who knows me, knows I am a sleeper. Can't help it, been like that since birth!
But anywho, I am enjoying this natural hair. I can't wait to see how it grows and I love to take care of it. Not to mention that my boo is a big supporter, most of my friends are natural, and my sisters, both of them, are natural as well! I will start blogging more as I create a regimen but I will say that it has been extremely successful thus far! I will post pics later!
When I started on this journey last November, I said I would wait a year to complete my transition because I was afraid of how I would look in a fro. Ha. Try going through the journey with a head of two textures. I'll tell you what I'm not gone do, keep snatching out tangles during conditioning and detangling sessions. YES, I said snatching out. That mess was irritating! So I gradually got trims to lessen the fright. I have always had a phobia of getting scissors to my hair. Yep, hate them, never liked them. Even for trimming, couldn't stand it. Needless to say, before this journey I was hellacious to my hair (I'm sorry, I was young and dumb). This journey has taught me to look deeper inside myself and to accept myself as I am, kinky-curly hair, pretty smile, sensitive and caring person. I mean, yes I liked to look presentable but I can do that with my hair. So, I big chopped, last Saturday. I had to. I was getting to the point where I couldn't easily style my hair, I couldn't find products that wouldn't tangle my hair. It was a nightmare. So two Sundays ago, I started cutting the front of it off. The next Saturday, I let my boyfriend finish the back. It was a special moment for me because I could see what lied under all of that straight hair, my curls are gorgeous and I have been rocking this wash and go all week long! I have enjoyed getting up and going. Not having to do my hair in the morning takes out 30 minutes of my routine. 30 minutes I get to snooze with my pillows. Anyone who knows me, knows I am a sleeper. Can't help it, been like that since birth!
But anywho, I am enjoying this natural hair. I can't wait to see how it grows and I love to take care of it. Not to mention that my boo is a big supporter, most of my friends are natural, and my sisters, both of them, are natural as well! I will start blogging more as I create a regimen but I will say that it has been extremely successful thus far! I will post pics later!
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