Hair Update

Since I have not been here in a while I just wanted to let you know what is going on with my hair.

For the last few months my hair has been doing quite well. I have not had any major set backs and I have just been allowing it to do its thing. Right now my hair is just about grazing shoulder length and I'm quite happy with that.

Peep my nail polish its Chelly Nail Colour in shade #14

As you can see I'm still dyeing my hair black. I just cant help myself!!

One thing that I have added to my regimen that I believe has greatly helped my to achieve some length is my scalp oil mixture. this mixture consists of JBCO, regular castor oil, coconut oil, pepper mint oil and rosemary oil.

I add this mixture to my hair about twice per week. but mainly on Friday nights as part of my prepoo in preparation for my Saturday morning hair washing session.

So thats it folks!! My hair progress in a nutshell.

Do you Pre-Poo
with Barlean's Organic Oils, Tropic Isle Living, v05

Thickening Those Edges and Other Stuff

As part of my renewed hair care and growth journey I have been taking better care of my edges; especially those on the left side of my head. This side of my head just looks a little thinner than the right and I want full, thick edges.

During one of my many visits to the beauty supply store I came across this product.

After reading the label and remembering some of the good things that I read about Profectiv products, I decided to give it a try. I know that is not a huge surprise to you. PJism in full effect.

I also bought some other goodies for my hair; Kemi Oyl and flexi rods.

I bought the flexi rods to do a rod set on this weave that I am wearing. I will take pics of the results in the morning. Hopefully it comes out the way that I want it to. I have also decided to reincorporate Kemi Oyl into  my regimen. I have decided to go back to the products that I used when my hair was at its healthiest.

Hair Progress and Product Review

Hi guys I just wanted to check in to let you know how the hair regrowth process is going.

Although I have not been following my regimen as I should lately I still see some good progress.

My hair has been doing well but I do need a trim. I will do that sometime this weekend. Overall I am happy with my progress even though I have slacked off a bit.

This weekend I introduced a new product to my regimen out of force not choice. My local BSS was out of my Creme of Nature Moisture Rich Conditioner as well as my Pantene Restorative Conditioner so I was forced to purchase another brand. 

The first thing that caught my eye was Elasta QP Soy Oyl Ultrahydration Conditioner.

This product promises to restore strength, manageability and strength and contains Soyabean Oil which is rich in fatty acids.

First Impressions. I like the smell. It has a sweet, flowery smell that lingers but it is not overpowering. The texture and colour reminds me of the DPR 11 deep conditioner however it has more slip than that product. Overall i like this product. I am not blown away by it but I like it. After I use this conditioner for a few more weeks I will be in a better position to tell you more.

Bye for now.

Hair Progress

Hi guys I just want to show your how far my hair has gotten so far. It has been eight weeks since I decided to regrow my hair and I have not been doing too badly. However I must admit that I hate the current length of my hair because its not long or short. Its just there. To aid with my hair growth quest I purchased a bottle of Jamaican Black Castor Oil. Although I use castor oil regularly I have never used the JBCO only the regular castor oil that can be purchased from the pharmacy. Other than that I have not changed anything n my regimen I just have been doing what I know works for me.

After removing my last sew in I noticed some breakage at my left temple so I have been concentrating on bringing that side of my head back to life. Every morning and night I rub a little JBCO and peppermint oil on the spot where I am having the breakage.

Anyway here are the pics. My hair is about 4 weeks post relaxer in these pics.

Since I am not liking my hair right now I will be making a U part wig to see me through the coming weeks. This will be my first attempt so wish me luck.

Bye for now.

Caring for Your Sew In Weave Part 2- Wash Day

To some, the thought of washing your hair while you have a sew in installed is a daunting one but it is absolutely necessary especially if you want to keep your natural hair and scalp healthy. To accomplish this task I once again enlist the help of my spray bottle. Even when I am wearing a sew in I use my hair products in the same order as when I am wearing my natural hair but the application method varies.

Shampoo- Conditioner-Light Protein- Moisturising Deep Conditioner

I use the following steps to wash my hair when wearing a sew  in.

1. Detangle your weave, starting at the ends, using a wide tooth comb or your fingers.

2. Dilute your favourite shampoo with water in a spray bottle and shake well to mix.

3.Separate the tracks and spray the shampoo mixture at your roots. Spray enough of this mixture on your hair to saturate your roots.

4.Rub your scalp between your tracks with the pads of your fingers to loosen any build up that may be present on your scalp.

5. Wash the shampoo from  your hair by tilting your head back and allowing the water to flow through your hair.

6. Condition your hair in the same manner using diluted conditioner in a spray bottle

7.At this point it is time for protein. When I am wearing weaved styles I do not like to spend too much time with my hair wet. I just don't like it. Instead of my usual protein treatment I use Fantasia's IC One Minute Reconstructor. 

Since this product is not very thick you may apply this directly to your hair between the tracks and then cover your head with a plastic cap for 1 minute.

8. Wash the reconstructor from your hair using the above mentioned method and follow this by a moisturising deep conditioner.

9. Mix your deep conditioner with water as well in your spray bottle. You may also add your favourite oils to your mixture as well. My deep conditioning mix consists of Creme of Nature Argan Oil Intensive Treatment, Peppermint Oil, Coconut Oil and Hot 6 Oil.

 

10. Spray your conditioning mixture to your hair between your tracks, ensuring to fully saturate your hair with the conditioner mixture.

11. Cover your head with a plastic cap and it under a warm drier or heat cap for 15 minutes.

12. Rinse your hair with water and then perform an ACV rinse to remove any dulling residue.

13. At this point you may style your hair as you desire. Usually I air dry but sometimes it is necessary to dry my natural hair between the tracks with my blow drier.

I hope this was helpful.

Bye 

Caring for Your Relaxed Hair While Exercising

Recently, I have decided to get my body in shape and increase my fitness. So it goes without saying that I will be increasing the amount of exercise that I do. However, even though I want to be healthy I still want to keep my hair looking good.

Many of us relaxed heads do not like to exercise for fear of ruining their hair style. Many ladies prefer to wash/ cowash their hair after a workout, sometimes our busy schedules just do not allow this so here are a few tips that will help yo to retain your style while benefiting from a great workout.

1. Prepare your hair before your workout. Either pull your hair back into a ponytail or wrap your hair and tie it down with a silk scarf.

2. During your work out. Invest in a head band to keep sweat away from your hairline (I know its a little Jane Fonda-ish but they work) or ensure to continually wipe excess sweat from your face.

3. After your workout. Remove your head band or untie the scarf and allow your hair to completely air dry before unwrapping your hair or taking down your ponytail.

4. To clean and refresh your scalp without washing you may use witch hazel as a cleansing agent. Soak a cotton ball in witch hazel and apply to your roots.  

5. Apply some lightweight serum to your hair to smooth the ends of your hair and style as usual.

Now you have no excuse not to exercise.

Moisturizing Spritz

Since I recently installed a sew in weave (pics coming soon) I have been using a moisturizing spritz to keep my natural hair moisturized. 

In a spray bottle I mixed water, Hawaiian Silky 14 in 1 moisturizer, Hot 6 Oil, castor oil, coconut oil, a few drops of tea tree oil and peppermint oil. To be honest I didn't really measure the quantities I just added the ingredients until the mixture looked right to me.

Every night I lift up the tracks and spray my hair with this mixture and it seems to be working quite well so far. I also spray this mixture on my edges that are left out around my weave.... more on that to come. 

How I Care for my Short Hair

Since I cut my hair my hair care regimen has not changed drastically but I have incorporated a few steps and new products.

Shampoo and Conditioners

I mix the Giovanni 50: 50 Balanced Hydrating- Calming Conditioner with Pantene Restoratives Conditioner because I do not like how my hair feels when I just use the Giovanni conditioner.

Protein Treatments 

I usually do a light protein treatment once a week

Deep Conditioners

These are my favs!!

Leave Ins

I mold my hair into the shape that I will be wearing for the week with Olive Oil Wrap/Set Mousse before I go under the hooded drier.I really like this brand.

Others that I have tried previously make my hair dry and crispy.

Extras

L- R: Hot Oil Treratment, Wrap Strips, Hair Paste, Straightening Creme

Hair Tools- Applicator Brush

source

Having the ability to perform hair care procedures important but of equal importance is the use of the correct tools for the job. Today we will discuss the applicator brush. The applicator brush is quite an important but often overlooked hair tool and should be part of any hair care tool kit. This tool can be used in relaxer application, colour application or bleach application.

When applying hair color and bleach to the hair they can be first applied with the applicator brush evenly and then use the comb to comb it through the hair to make sure it's evenly on the hair from root to end.

The applicator brush can be used both for relaxer application for both retouches and virgin relaxers. This will allow you to apply the relaxer to the roots evenly and keep it from being messy like when using just strictly a comb.
 You can part the hair with the applicator brush in subsections because the tail of the applicator brush is just like the end of a rat-tail comb.

There are several benefits to using an applicator brush during your at home services. The use of this brush:

 

Allows total control of the product being used
Reduces the application time of the product in half
Less Back and forth motion and overlapping of product on already chemically processed hair
Allows you to place the product close to the scalp with out actually touching the scalp

I hope this article has though you a little about the use of the applicator brush. Thanks for reading!

Product Review- Creme of Nature Intensive Conditioning Treatment

Hey everyone, it's product review time! Today I would like to give you my two cents on Creme of Nature's Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment.

I have to say that I really love this product. The smell reminds me of men's cologne but I quickly got over that fact once I applied this stuff to my hair. I used this product to deep condition my hair for 20 minutes with heat after doing my normal shampoo with Queen Helene Garlic Shampoo. Anyone who has ever used this shampoo will know that it can be a little drying so it is very important to put some moisture back into your hair after its use and this product did not disappoint. The Creme of Nature Argan  Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment had really great slip and made detangling a breeze. I must say that my hair never felt so soft before. My hair drying time was also significantly reduced when I used this product and afterwards my hair felt moisturised but not weighed down.

Did I mention that I love this product? lol

Protective Style

Since my hair has FINALLY reached collar bone length I realise that I have to do more protective styling in order to retain some length. Many people complain that their hair is not growing but don't be misguided, our hair is constantly growing but for many of us the problem is retaining the length. One way to do this is through the use of protective styling. These are hair styles that hide or protect the ends of your hair. 

Our ends are the most fragile parts of our hair and are therefore most susceptible to damage. Persons with hair that is collar bone length and longer must be mindful of the damaging effects of their hair rubbing against their clothing and should incorporate protective styling into their routine.

Lately, my go to protective style has been the southern tease bun. I have found that it is quick and quite easy to perform in the morning when I am rushing out of the house.

Check out this video below that shows how to achieve this style.

How to Prolong the Life of your Roller Set

As you all know I am on a quest for healthier hair and I am trying to reduce the amount of heat that I apply to my hair on a daily basis. I just want to share with you a few tips that I have found to help with keeping roller sets for a few days longer.

1. Start with hair that is soaking wet. 

 I have found that my roller sets come out best when my hair is soaking wet. To keep my hair soaking wet during the roller setting process I fill a spray bottle with water and periodically spritz my hair when I feel it getting a little dry.

2. Use setting lotion.  

I have found that roller sets always come out better when you use setting lotion or a foam wrap lotion. I usually use an old school formulation like Lotta body. Just remember to follow the dilution instructions.

3. Pin curl your hair at night. 

 Pin curls can be used to refresh your curls and to ensure that you wake up with nice bouncy curls every day. To do pin curls you should section your hair and use your fingers to roll each section like you would do with a roller.Each section should then be secured with a bobby pin or a roller clip. Remember, the larger the sections, the looser the curl you will achieve.

Set Backs

My hair has really come a long way since my days of the short crop however, I have been noticing some short pieces around my hairline. Arrrgh! I am sure this is from wrapping my hair every night. In order to halt this breakage in its tracks I am now employing a nightly routine of castor oil and peppermint oil on my edges.
I am now also on a quest to find a healthier way to prepare my hair at night.

I came across these videos by MsTrulyBlessed88 on Youtube where she showed how she prepares her hair for bed along with her technique for achieving soft, bouncy curls in the morning.

This method seems fairly easy and I really like the bouncy curls that she was able to achieve in the morning. I will test drive this method and I will let you know how it turns out.

Update
I have tried this method and I have to say that I like the results. Instead of using flexi rods I used large rollers.

   The most difficult part of the process is forming the curls after the take down with my Denman brush. I guess I need some more practice

Scalp Health

A healthy scalp is the most important part of hair care and growth. It has been found that a dirty scalp inhibits hair growth and can have a profound effect on the condition of your hair. Unfortunately, shampooing alone is not enough to effectively clean your scalp and remove the sebum, dead skin cells and cholesterol that accumulates on the scalp. The only way to removes these items is through scalp exfoliation.

Just as your face requires exfoliation your scalp requires exfoliation as well in order to remain healthy.  Try this brown sugar scalp scrub at least once monthly to ensure that your scalp is its cleanest and healthiest for maximum hair growth.


Brown Sugar Scalp Scrub

Directions: Mix equal parts brown sugar, finely ground oatmeal and a moisturising conditioner of your choice. A few drops of an essential oil may be added to this mixture. I am a huge fan of peppermint oil for its invigorating properties.

Apply the scrub to your scalp and gently massage your scalp suing circular motions. Repeat this process until you have massaged your entire head. After you are satisfied that you have exfoliated your scalp wash the mixture from your hair and cleanse your hair as per your usual routine.

Hair Idol

Have you guys ever looked at celebrity stylist June Ambrose's hair? It is absolutely gorgeous and 100% relaxer free. I am experiencing a serious bout of hair envy right about now. Since I have made the decision to grow out my hair I have been looking around for some inspiration. Although I am relaxed I am still able to appreciate the beauty of June's hair.

Enjoy the pics below of her beautiful tresses below.

Giovanni 50:50 Balanced Hydrating- Calming Conditioner

I purchased this product from the health food store two weeks ago just on a whim. On my next wash day I used this product in place of my regular conditioner. The good news is that I liked its light scent and it provided lots of slip that made it easy to detangle. However, I am not so sure abut this product's ability to adequately moisturise my hair, My hair did  not feel like straw but it was not as juicy and moisturised as it usually is. I will try this product again to see if I get the same results. Hopefully I dont because I really want to like this all natural conditioner.

Braided Updo

On those days where it is just too hot to even imagine wearing your hair down try a chic braided up do. This style is quick and relatively easy to achieve and works on naturally curly, straight or relaxed hair types. Most importantly gets your hair off your face, neck and back.

Below are a few styles that I particularly like.

Summer Hair Care

So summer is here and many of you will be spending a lot of time in the pool or at the beach. Although this is the time of year to have a little fun, hair care should not be neglected. Here are a few of my tips for ensuring that  your hair makes it through the summer in good shape.

1. Switch to sulphate free shampoo. Sulphate containing shampoos can be very drying to the hair and can strip the hair of valuable moisture.Since you will be washing your hair more than usually you would not want to use a shampoo that is too harsh for your tresses.Examples of sulphate free shampoos are L'oreal Everpure, Pureology Hydrate Shampoo.

2. Use a leave- in conditioner very time you wash your hair. A leave in conditioner will help to smooth the cuticle and reduce frizz as well as maintains the moisture levels in your hair. Examples of good leave in conditioners are: Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Leave- in, Hawaiian Silky 14 in 1 Miracle Worker, Nexxus Humectress.

3.Air dry as much as possible. Your hair will already take a beating from the incessant heat of the summer sun so there is therefore no need to dish out more punishment to your strands by constant blow drying.

4. Before going into the pool or the beach, saturate your hair from root to tip with conditioner. You may also saturate your hair with coconut oil before you go into the water. The coconut oil will penetrate the hair shaft and protect it from the chlorine and salt water.

If you follow these summer hair care tips your hair should make it through the summer in pretty good shape.

Flat Ironing 101

Someone recently asked me how I get my hair so smooth when I flat iron it; so let me give you a few of my tips for achieving smooth, shiny hair.

The first step to getting smooth, sleek hair is to start with the right flat iron. You should purchase a flat iron with ceramic plates as they are less damaging to your hair. Irons that do not have ceramic plates can have hot spots that can burn sections of your hair. You should also purchase a flat iron that has controllable heat settings so that you can set it to the correct temperature for your hair type.

I use an Allure 1 inch flat iron with ceramic plates. This iron has an adjustable temperature gauge that ranges from 300° F to 425° F. I usually set the temperature to approximately 325° F.  I purchased this iron about 2 years ago and I believe that it works quite well.

Coarse, thick hair- 380 ° F

Wavy or Curly Hair- 350° F- 370° F

Medium, Straight Hair- 330° F- 350° F

Fine, Thin Hair- 300° F- 330° F

You should start with clean, freshly washed hair before you flat iron. I also suggest that you deep condition your hair in order to give your hair some moisture. Never try to straighten wet hair because this can cause irreparable damage to your hair.

 Spray a good heat protectant on your hair in order to minimise the chances of receiving heat damage. 

You should start from the back of your hair and pin up the top half and start with the lowest layers. 

Separate your hair into one inch sections and start ironing.

Use a comb directly in front of the iron when you pull the flat iron through your hair. This allows the hair to be evenly distributed across the iron's plates.  

Remember, movement is essential. Use even, fluid strokes along each section. Not holding heat in one place will prevent damage and deliver even results. 

Follow these tips and you are well on your way to have smooth and shiny hair.

Steph