January Comparison

I hate to speak too soon, but I saw a ton of growth in January. Below are wet hair pictures from the beginning of the month and the end of the month.

Whooooooooo!

I think the restoration of balance to my hair allowed it to thrive.  It's not dry and shriveled like it used to be.  It's back to being in a healthy state.  

Lesson Learned: Fix the root cause of your hair problems and you'll go far!

Hair 101: Protective Styles

My Braid Out Twin [source]

I was asked why I only wear ponytails and buns as my protective styles... Is there really anything else left to say?

If you're unfamiliar, protective styling is wearing your hair up in a style that doesn't put strain on your edges/nape and keeps your ends off of your back & protected from outside elements - i.e Buns, Clips, Pony Tails etc.

I've never been a weave person.  I absolutely love wearing my hair and I prefer to be the ONLY person to do my hair.  I've had plenty of great experiences, but I never forget the bad ones.  I've been self sufficient for several years now and I don't plan on changing. 

While I do wear my hair up 95% of the time, there are those special "Show Up and Show Out" scenarios where I'll throw protection out the window.  What's the fun in having healthy, beautiful hair if you can't wear it out?

I'd also like to add that the changing from regular styles to protective style has cut my morning prep time in half!  I'd usually spend 20-30 mins each morning doing my hair, styling it to my liking.  However, you can't really go wrong with a bun or ponytail.  You pull it back, maybe do a part, secure it and you're ready to go.  I'm all for simplicity.

Real Life Scenarios: Personal Beauty

[source]

I've been meaning to write this for a while, however, this past weekend I received a comment that prompted me to action.  A person commented that they almost didn't recognize me because I typically look like a super model, however, that day I looked "normal".  Not to say it was meant in a negative way, but it made me pause to think. 

Stylistically, I've always been one to do my own thing.  From rockin Tims with mini skirts in college, to the Tims and little boy shirt (it was cuter than what was available in the women's section) I had on that day.  I've always been comfortable with my look, my style, and my choices.  I've gone through many phases and trends though out the years and I'm happy with the decisions I've made.  I don't try to fit anyone's image of who they think I should be.  I'm not afraid to get glamorous and I enjoy dressing up, however, I don't feel the need to make an "appearance" each time I step out.  I give myself approval and that's all the affirmation I need - ask my husband. : )

In recent years, many women near and dear to me have made the decision to go natural.  I've always been open to the idea and still am, however, if and when I make that decision it will be because I want to and because I'm ready.  I believe I can have healthy happy hair, no matter what process I choose and right now I am more than happy with my relaxer.  I absolutely love natural hair, however, it isn't the decision I want to make at this moment. 

I am not addicted to the "creamy crack" and I am not afraid of my new growth.  I love when I can feel my curls and I'm happy when they're there (it means my hair has grown a lot).  I say all this to say, make the decision that's best for you.  Looks change all the time.  Some times I have acne, some times I don't.  Some days are great hair days, some days not so much.  On occasion I'm bloated, others my belly is super flat.  The one thing that remains constant is who I am on the inside and the person I share with world.  As long as that stays beautiful, I'll always remain beautiful.

Regimen and the Road

 After being at home the past two weeks (one due to the snow storm and one due to training), my motivation and hair plans were put to the test last week.  I began with a workout Sunday night.  I worked out at home (aka played with my Wii), so it wasn't too intense and I didn't feel the need to co-wash.  Being 9 weeks post relaxer, my hair was super thick, but I was able to manage with a bun on Monday.  The Roux products have left my hair very soft and shiny, I am a happy customer. 

After work on Monday I began my search for a adequate leave-in liquid moisturizer.  I use the Shea Moisture cream at home, but I prefer a liquid moisturizer so I wanted to have one for my road regimen.  I went to Sally's and I couldn't find anything worth purchasing.  This one has significantly less products than my local store, however I did buy ORS Olive Oil Replenishing Conditioner.  It was the ONLY "deep" conditioner in the store, so I didn't have much of a choice.  One positive outcome of that scenario is that the lack of products have inspired me to create my own leave-in moisturizer.  The actual execution date is TBD, but TRUST, it's going to happen. 

Monday night I worked out for about an hour.  If you know me, you know I sweat (a lot) and therefore feel the need to co-wash after every workout (hence the reason for Mon and Wed co-washes).  The workout was great and I felt amazing.  After, I co-washed with the ORS Conditioner and sat under my hood dryer attachment for about 15 mins.  I can't say that I noticed a significant difference using the heat - maybe it gets better over time?  I then used the scarf method to air dry, as I chatted on skype with my sister.  The next step, I did a little different.  Instead of pulling my hair into a ponytail to sleep, I used 2 big rollers and rolled my hair at the top.  I figured I'd keep my ends protected some more and get a nice curl.  It turned out to be a success!  In the morning my hair was super soft and shiny, plus my ends didn't frizz up as usual. 

Tuesday morning I tried something else new - head bands.  I've never been a head person.  My head is large enough on it's own.  I feel like extra items enhance the size... However, I decided to give it a try.  I used a black and brown band and pulled my hair back in a ponytail.  I was concerned about looking "professional" and not like a teenager, however, with my suit on I didn't look child-like at all. 

Tuesday night I hung out with family after work which lead to me being exhausted Wednesday night.  Therefore, no workout or co-wash.  On Friday night I did my relaxer.  My product of choice - Motions.  They claimed 85% less breakage and I've tried it before and liked it.  It turned out very well and I'm more than happy that I did it.  I had experienced more shedding than I cared to during the past week and this remedied the problem. 

After relaxing and neutralizing, I used 3 conditioners:  ApHogee 2 Min Reconsructor, what came in the box, and Roux Moisturizing Conditioner.  I had fantastic results.  

The success of the regimen on the road will be dependent on my energy levels.  It takes a considerable amount of time and dedication each day to have healthy hair.  I'll can only do my best each day.

My First Hairacle of the Year

Hairacle:  A term used to describe when you have a miracle breakthrough with your hair (Hair + Miracle = Hairacle).

Yes, I'm claiming it!  I had a hairacle Saturday morning.  In my last update, I was under the blow dryer and letting the conditioner marinate into my hair.  After another 30 minute heat session, I followed with a through rinse.  My hair didn't feel spectacular under the water, but it didn't feel the same as when I started. Next, I added a bit of leave-in conditioner and proceeded to roller set my hair.  I figured since air drying straight leave my ends dry and my hair frizzy, attempting a roller set would provide better results.  As I've only done it once, roller setting my hair was a bit of a challenge.  My hair was super easy to comb and detangle, but getting it to stay on the roller without wrap lotion was a new factor for me.  In order to supplement, I used Shea Moisture to moisturize while wrapping and to seal afterward.

When I finished it was about 2 AM and I was beyond tired, therefore I attempted to sleep in the super hard, huge rollers...  Aside from waking up with a head ache in the morning, the roller set proved to be a success!  I had relatively smooth hair that felt silky to the touch and believe it or not, my hair was HYDRATED!  It didn't have a hint of dryness and that's from root to tip.  I then wrapped my hair and proceeded to get ready for the day.  Since I was going to my sister's b-day party (shot out to Jo Jo, happy 15th!), I wanted to wear my hair down.  I flat ironed, only to realize that down did not look at all like I thought it would.  My hair was super fluffy and stiff.  So I went with option 2 and attempted a bun.  I think it turned out cute : ) but then again, my opinion is biased, LOL. 

Side Note:  I didn't apply any oil to my scalp because I plan on relaxing my hair at the end of this week.  Since this is my first week back on the road after 2 weeks at home, I wasn't sure how much I'd stick to the regimen. 

I gifted my thirsty hair Sis with the Roux Moisturizing Shampoo, Conditioner, and Treatment & Shine.  I also picked up a bottle of the Treatment & Shine for myself, in hopes of reaching the 103% increase in moisture retention as claimed on the bottle.  When I took my hair down on Saturday night, it still felt as hydrated and healthy as when I took out the rollers.  To sleep, I wrapped my hair - and in wrapping, I did notice a bit of dryness - and applied the Treatment & Shine as my moisturizer (which can be used on wet and dry hair, but it claims to only add shine to dry hair) and sealed with Shea Moisture Oil. 

This morning when I awoke, my hair was still very soft, healthy and hydrated.  I'm going to do a quick ends check and see if I notice any improvement.  I may way until my next relaxer before giving my ends a trim again.  I just want to get rid of the damage asap so that I can have healthy growth. 

I also have to do a quick assessment of my products and determine if I want to travel with any or buy new... If I buy new, I will most definitely hit up a Sally's and probably try the Silk Elements products that were DEEPLY discounted.  I currently only have 1 moisturizing conditioner and 1 deep conditioner, so I may leave those at home and buy new.  I just hate to check luggage! LOL, I think I just answered my question. And I've already decided that my bonnet attachment is a must have on the road.  Now if I can just find a better baggy solution... 

Ok, so I have packing to do - if you have any moisturizing product recommends for the cheap, please send me a comment!

If you Can't Stand the Heat

After my horrendous results this morning, I had to give my hair another try.  I will not accept defeat easily!  So I got online and read about Moptop Maven.com's Healthy Hair Challenge 2011.  It started Jan 1 and is supposed to last for 6 months, so I'm already late and I don't think I want to officially participate, but she did offer a lot of great tips.  One being a reinforcement that heat works wonders for deep conditioning.  With that being said, I began my search for an inexpensive fix.  What did I find?  A blow dryer soft bonnet attachment from Conair for $9.99 at Sally's Beauty Supply.  Can you say, bought it?!  I went to my local Sally's and not only found the attachment, but I also stumbled upon a S-A-L-E!  They had Roux products buy one get one free and a lot of other products deeply discounted.  I wanted to buy a TON of products, but I kept with the attachment, Roux Moisturizing Shampoo and Moisturizing Conditioner, and a box of Motions for my next relaxer. 

 

Roux Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner - hopefully magic in a bottle!

After I took down my buns, my hair was very dry, stiff, and looked horrible.  Considering the fact that I'm going to a party tomorrow, this hair style was not going to be acceptable for the weekend.  Since I feel like my hair is still in dire need of moisture, I went with the Moisturizing products and stuck with Roux: 1 - because the porosity control has worked wonders 2 - it was on sale.  When I started my wash, I wet my hair for about 1 min and was easily able to lather and shampoo with my ORS Clarifying Shampoo!  That's a major improvement.  I wanted to wash with that shampoo first because as I mentioned before, my hair felt like it had a coating on it.  The shampoo didn't really change that.  When I washed with the Moisturizing Shampoo, I can't say that it felt much different.  It lathered well, my hair felt squeaky clean, however, it still felt thick and coated.   Next I applied the Moisturizing Conditioner, generously, to my hair and let it remain 3-4 mins while I created my "Silky Smooth" DC Mix.  After I rinsed, I still didn't really feel a difference...

My Silky Smooth Deep Conditioner Mix

Next, I applied my SSDC Mix to my hair in sections and covered my hair with a baggy.  I'm now using my blow dryer and I must say, it's getting hot in here.  It was super easy to attach and it works really well.  The only gripe would be that it does blow off my head from time to time.  I either have to hold it or tie it to my head.  It does provide an even heat, it heats very well, and it's doing the trick.  I've sat under the dryer for about 30 mins and I think I'm going to do about 30 more. 

I found it easier to sit on the floor and to hold the cap.
(SN: I just realize how tired I look...)

Back to the heat!

Update and Miscalculation

Ignore the tired look... That's just me : )

Recap of last night:

• Pre-poo with Coconut Oil and EVOO (2-3 hours)
• Scalp massage (30 mins)
• Roux Shampoo (2 washes)
• Roux Conditioner (2 mins)
• Special Conditioner Mix with 1 egg for protein
• Rinse and detangled in the shower
• Air dry with scarf method

When I rinsed in the shower, my hair didn't feel super soft as I anticipated.  It felt and feels thicker, like my hair is coated or protected.  I'm not sure if I really like that or not.  Maybe that's what strong hair feels like?  Or maybe I just have to clarify again... I fell asleep last night mid-air dry.   I woke up this morning to a mess on my head.  My hair was dry, tangled, and tough.  Maybe it is time that I invest in a hooded blow dryer.  I need some penetration in my hair.  And no, the heat cap thingy that I bought does NOT do the trick.  Oh, I've also been looking into steam dryers... not sure what would be the best solution yet.

I spent my morning, oiling with JBCO and then moisturizing and sealing my hair.  I now have 2 buns in my head and my hair is a LOT softer and moisturized.  I do need to provide a correction to last night's analysis.  I said that my hair hadn't grown as much as it should have these past 8 weeks - huge miscalculation.  I have some seriously defined curls near the front of my head and around the sides - totally not normal!  I was geeked to see all the growth in my hair.  And after doing a quick ruler check - yes, my hair did hit the 1 inch of new growth target.  And almost ALL over my head.  I'm still not ready to relax... I'm wondering if that has something to do with my shedding lately, but I'm not that concerned about it yet.  Depending on how my hair feels for the remainder of the day, I might do another Roux wash and just let it air dry.  We shall see...

The Road Less Traveled

Will I ever have this look?  Love you Jada! [source]

To say that I'm jealous... not quite right.  Am I envious... absolutely!  Proper hair care is a life long commitment, however, getting to your desired hair length, thickness, and style - that's a short journey that feels a lifetime away.  I spent some time on youtube today watching video after video of ladies who have changed their hair destiny for the better.  So many women saw noticeable results in 6 months, drastic results in 1 year.

I look back through my blog and I can't believe that I started Oct 2009.  It's now 2011 and I'm starting all the way over!  It's hard to believe!  But that's what life is all about.  You live and you learn.  This is take two and I'm going to get it right.  I've learned a lot and I can only keep getting better from this point.

Speaking of which, I am on deep condition number 2 for this week!  First, I started with a pre-poo treatment using Coconut Oil.  I applied it to my scalp and let it marinate for a few hours.  I later applied EVOO and began to massage my scalp for about 30 mins.  It felt awesome!  I am still using my Roux products and that is going well.  I'm not sure how much longer I need to keep going with the moisture before I start the protein balance, so I decided there's no time like the present.  After Roux, I made another deep condition recipe.  I used the same ingredients as before, however, I added an egg this time for my protein fix.  Hopefully I won't have the flaky issue that I had the last time I tried using an egg.  I'm baggied up and I tied my towel around my head.  I have yet to invest in a hooded blow dryer.  Maybe next month... I plan on staying like this for the next few hours.  Next, I will rinse, apply JBCO to my scalp and air dry.  I was thinking about doing a roller set, however, it is late and I didn't get much sleep last night.

I do plan on doing a bit more trimming. My ends could still use some help.  Plus, I just did a lot of cutting and might not have done my ends right.  I like how I did my hair, just not how I did the ends.  I didn't really have a plan for the ends.  Or maybe I shouldn't... it does need to grow.  Decisions, decisions.

Oh and on another note, I must mention that I am about 8 weeks post relaxer right now.  I'm not sure how much longer I'm going to go, but my hair is doing well.  I don't think it's grown much during these weeks though.  I'm at about 4-5 inches in the middle which is very unusual.  Maybe I should try vitamins?  I'll see how weeks of deep conditioning help my hair... My new growth is much softer and more manageable now.  My head is not sore at all.  I am losing more hair now than I did when I started using Roux.  I had declared my hair shedding days behind me, but it's just decreased.  I'm still trying to find the perfect solution.  But I am anxious to see how much thickness I have retained with my next relaxer.

I need a snack and some rest.  Good night!