Rules Smules...

Hair Updates!  I'm going to make this post quick -- I cut the remainder of my sister's relaxer out, I relaxed my hair (my hair is super long now), I bought Aloe Vera Juice (AVJ) and Veggie Glycerin, and I made KimmayTube's Leave In Condish.  Whew!  Ok, now to the details. Up first, JoJo.

She is now natural and loving it!  I cut the remainder of her relaxer up, gave her a good shampoo and condish, and did my first twist out!  It took me at least 2.5 hours to twist up her entire head, but it was worth it to get the results.  Next up, I relaxed my hair!

Horrible pic, but it's all I took.

My hair has grown like crazy!  And it was driving me crazy, LOL.  After stretching for an AMAZING 11.5 weeks, I think I actually gained about 2 inches in some areas!  However, mid week last week my head started getting super sore and I couldn't take it anymore.  Yes, I know the rules said not to relax while being in chlorine constantly and yes, I know I should have done a protein treatment the week before, but duty called and I had to do the do!  My hair is definitely thickening up and getting longer.  And yes, I do see the totally noticeable gap in the middle, but you know what, I learned that is what the nape of my neck is shaped like.  I have a gap in my nape.  That's just my hairline (pic to come shortly).  So at this point, I am no longer going to worry about keeping it lined up or looking a certain way.  Grow baby grow!  I'll sort out the details later.

I did get in the pool the Sunday before my relaxer and the Sunday after for swim lessons.  Prior to the relax, I noticed my shedding was increasing and it did not decrease after the relaxer.  However, Saturday morning I did get up and do an Aphogee shampoo and 2 min keratin treatment and the shedding stopped.  I also blew dried (med heat) and flat ironed (at around 300 degrees) - didn't take pics and it looked fabulous, with little to no shedding or breakage.   Additionally, on Sunday night I did finally get around to the Aphogee 2 step protein treatment.  The hair is doing fantastic this week.  I'm bun-ing it and loving it!

Lastly, I went to GNC this past Saturday (yes it's that time of the month again) and I caught a buy one get one half off sale.  I purchased Jojoba Oil and Veggie Glycerin for a total of about $15. I had purchased the AVJ about a week ago for $10.  I then ran to target and purchased Kinky Curly Knot Today for around $10 and a few travel size containers to use for my mixes.  That night I made the Kim Love Leave In treatment.  The recipe is to mix well:
2 oz Knot Today
2 Tablespoons AVJ
2 Teaspoons Jojoba Oil

I can say that my hair turned out nicely after using.  I will continue this mix for a while.  In addition to this, I also just made a liquid leave in mixture of water, AVJ, Jojoba oil, and Veggie Glycerin.  I trust that this will serve my hair well based on the reviews. 

I will be on vacation (cruising through the Caribbean) all of next week, so the next update and new pictures to come in a couple weeks.  Take care and be healthy!