UPDATE

Since getting my relaxer, my scalp itches. I think it is from all that heat, coupled with the cold, dry weather.

I washed my hair on Monday, just over a week after my relaxer. I shampooed with TE's moisturizing shampoo. Followed with her protein con and then with Silk Elements CON.

My hair came out nice but there was build up on my scalp. I then followed up with KODL, Mango Butter and some Vatika. I re-moisturized a few days later by moisturizing my scalp with castor oil pomade, applying mangi butter and vatika to my strands.

Its been 5 days and my scalp is itching again. I also have noticed much less shedding/breakage.

Thus, I am going to make my own anti0shedding potion with the following:

1. 5 tbs castor oil
2. 3 tbs garlic/ginger
3. 3 tbs mahabhingraj oil
   

I will heat the mixture in the microwave for 5 minutes and then apply to my hair, wear a shower cap and sleep on it. I will then wash with the shampoo, apply some VO5 clarifying con, and then Silk Elements mixed with mahabhingraj oil. I will leave that on for 30 minutes and wash.

I hope my hair comes out moisturized, with no shedding or breakage. If that works, then I will repeat a few days later.

CREAMY CRACK DAY!!!!

I went looking for Sintia's Dominican Salon today and upon arrival, I was told that i could get my hair done while the kids hung out with me.

So, I got a relaxer which burned!!!!! But, overall, the process was nice. I was in and out in less than 3 hours with super straight, swangin' hair!

My hair was relaxed by Raquelle (sp?).

The relaxer, plus conditioning treatment, cost $65.

Will update with pics as soon as I can.

NOT TOO HAPPY

Last Friday, I was depressed. I opened up the drain in the shower and it was filled with my hair.

It was so saddening and I was going to relax my hair first thing in the morning.

On Saturday, I decided to nurse my hair back to relative health before getting the relaxer. So, on Saturday, I used TE's protein conditioner and followed it up with Silk Elements. My shedding stopped and the hair felt better.

Yesterday evening, I shampood with TE's moisture shampoo, then conditioned with her protein conditioner and then slept overnight with Silk Elements (SE).

After rinsing this morning, I applied KODL, Vatika (which I have been using for a week to close cuticles), then I sprayed some moisture mix, added some Castor oil pomade and some mango butter.

My hair looked much better. Less shedding as well.

I will try to relax on Thursday or friday.

SINTIA DOMINICAN HAIR SALON

Website is here.

AAAAAHHHHH

Today, I did an ayurvedic rinse. I followed it with a Dove Advanced Color Care Reviving Mask for Lightened or Highlighted Hair.

I have had it for a while and now, remember why I ever used it again. My hair felt funny afterwards. (I will never use this product again. It goes straight to the bin.) I followed it up with the Silk Elements conditioner and my hair felt much better. But when I combed my hair in the shower, I lost so much hair, it was nerve racking!

I used KODL, then Mango Butter, then Castor Oil pomade and vatika. I then did some bantu knots and when I checked much later, my locks felt incredible. however, my hair is still falling out, so I will be making a protein conditioner for my hair rtomorrow. It shall contain

1. Coconut oil
2. 2 eggs
3. Castor Oil
4. Coconut milk (maybe)

I hope that it helps to give my hair the strength it needs. I will follow up with TE's moisturizing shampoo and then use the Silk Elements again. Hope it works.

OOH! GREAT HAIR!

After three weeks of applying direct heat to my hair, it was time to get back to my air drying routine. And yesterday, I applied Mahabhingraj oil, Amla oil as an overnight prepoo.

So, today, I did a shikamlarithaneem rinse then cowashed with VO5. I applied some MT to my hair, left it in for a few minutes and washed it out. I conncluded by applying NTM Mask and leaving it in for about 5 minutes. The result, after n ACV rine, was clean, soft, yet strong hair. I combed in the shower and did not experience much shedding and no breakage.

Once out of the shower, I let my hair dryfor about 30 minutes and then sprayed my moisture mix. After about 15 minutes, I applied KODL and left that in for another 15 minutes. Then I applied some Mango Butter and ran around for about 10 minutes. I finished up with abour 3 quarter size amounts of my oil mix and ran it through as many sections of my hair as possible. About 30 minutes later, I threw in a little more Mango Butter, focusing on my roots and was good to go.

My hair dried while we were at the book reading and by the time I got home, my hair was super soft and not mushy. My roots were mostly detangled and the curl had loosened tremendously. I originally thought the loose curl was the result of heat but now I know it is because of the NTM Mask.

All this raises the question of how much longer I can continue to strerch. As of today, I have hit the 21 week mark and frankly, my hair is great. I could stick to NTM Mask, and use Silicon Mix/ TE's KO Protein Con for my protein once a week and just continue to watch my hair and baby my ends.

God give me strength!

SILK ELEMENTS MEGASILK MOISTURIZING TREATMENT

i AM ABOUT TO BUY THIS PRODUCT AS A replacement for DPR-11 and NTM Mask.

The only reason for this is that DPR-11 does not give me slip, NTM Mask gives great slip and softness but is too expensive for a 6oz container. I also like the fact that this contains silk amino acids. That is a product I have not really tested on my hair and at this point, I need to rty anything that will keep my roots soft.

Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask

I purchased the Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask2 weeks ago and have use dit twice. I needed a quick replacement for my DPR-11 which I ran out of and was not ready to go to the BSS to a new one.

Anyway, this product has given loads of sliip and is great to use when I am applying heat to my hair. It leaves my hair soft and manageable and I only need to leave it onf or 5 minutes to get those results.

This is definitely a keeper!

HAIR PROGRESS PICS

Here is a comparison hot of wet hair in August and October.

Here is a shot of stretched hair in August and October.

HAIR PROGRESS

hAIR STRETCHED IN aUGUST




hAIR Unstretched in Octoberlooks like I am almost APL

HAIR FOR PARTY

I have decided that i will do a shikamla rinse on Saturday morning. Then, I will leave DPR-11 on for 30 minutes.

Once rinsed, I will let my hair airdry and go purchase the alcohol for the party. When i get home, I will put my damp hair in rollers and leave it to dry. Before roller setting, I will only apply my moisture spray, some KODL and mango butter on my ends.

Once the hair dries, I will seal and put my hair in pin curls and then wrap in saran wrap.

After that, I will remove it after an hour, comb out my hair, straighten my roots (apply CHI spray) and keep it moving.

Hope it works.

It "s all about me...

SOLOMONSYDELLE

An inquisitive mind hoping to absorb as much knowledge and information as possible about everything and nothing at all.

View my complete profile

ELIMINATE STRETCH MARKS

Mix one tablespoon of Turmeric seasoning into some yogurt. Apply to trouble spots and leave for 10-15 minutes. Wipe off with a warm wash cloth. (indian remedy)

WANT BRIGHTER, SOFTER SKIN?

Mix some sugar, lemon juice and glycerine into a paste. Apply to skin and leave for 15 minutes. Wash or rub off for skin you'll love!

SKIN TIP!

Got acne? Mix Neem powder with rose water into a paste. Apply to acne and watch it clear.

VISIT BLOG TYRANT

MY HAIR IS DRY

I think the weather change is messing with my hair. It is very dry all of a sudden. In fact, after my ayurvedic rinses last week, my hair ended up very dry.

On Sunday, I did a henna treatment and left it in for approximately 3/4 hours, then I slept with my DPR-11. When i rinsed in the morning, my hair felt very mushy, so I used VO5 champagne kisses and then applied a little of TE's protein conditioner. My hair felt better but once it dried, it felt very hard and there was quite a bit of shedding.

So, last night, I prepood with coconut oil. Then, this morning I shampood with Suave Tropical conditioner, then used my VO5 conditioner. My hair felt better and once dried, I combed out my knots, applied my potions and then wrapped my hair. It definitely feels softer, but I am not back to the softness level I prefer.

I would like to get a relaxer but right now, money is tight. So, my goal is to continue to keep my hair and NG moisturized.

JAMAICA HAIR!

I am back from Jamaica and the first thing I did after a good night's sleep was wash my hair!!! Since i didn't get a relaxer, and I didn't have time to wash my hair before leaving, so by the time I got back, my hair was an ugly mess!

Anyway, after washing it out today, it looks and feels much better. But I am now 18 weeks post and truly considering getting a relaxer. If I get a relaxer at the end of October, by the time we return from Costa Rica, I would be about 8 weeks post with 1" of NG, hopefully.

I will see how my hair behaves over the course of the next 2 weeks and will only then determine whether a relaxer is necessary.

NO RELAXER FOR ME

After talking t o my girl, Mariama, I realize that the solution to my dilemma is simple. I will straighten my hair myself!

It saves money, provides the styling I want and won't force me to cut my stretching period.

Ah, thank God for good friends.

Thus, today, I will do an ayurvedic rinse, apply some MT, and the leave on some DPR-11 for about 30 minutes and leave my hair to airdry.

Afterward, i will go to the fym and upon my return, I will blowdry and flat iron.

Woo hoo!!!

But I must get a thermal protecting spray first!

RELAX OR BLOW OUT?

That is the question.

I could get a blow out. That way, I don't relax, continue growing and don't spend $80.

I could get a relaxer. Then I wouldn't have to get my hair done again for PG's engagement party and that would save me about $55 - $60.

My reason for not getting a blow out is that I fear the weather in Jamaica will cause my hair to frizz and my roots to get gangsta. That would not be cute at all.

My reason for not getting a relaxer is that I wanted to wait until December, by which time I would be 26 or 27 weeks post with at least 3 inches of NG.

However, i could get a relaxer and simply continue doing what I am doing and just enjoy less shedding and breakage from the demarcation line and keep it moving.I think my hair will continue growing and the fresh perm will be nice for a change.

AHHHHHH!!!!

DENMAN BRUSH UPDATE

Incredible!!!!!

I am detangling to prep for creamy crack day and I cannot believe how much easier my NG is to comb!

I started by oiling my scalp with the Castor Oil pomade and then I sprayed my NG in sections then combed with the Jilbere comb. I then ran the brush through. Thee was a lot of shed and broken hair, though. However, if that will limit the breakage I experience at the salon, I 'll be very happy.

Hence, the Denman brush is a keeper. This I Swear!

JAMAICA!!!! HERE I COME!!!

Well, I am going to Jamaica for Columbus Day weekend and so, I have to get a relaxer in order to look right!!!

My girls are going to celebrate PG's 30th bday and I am very excited to join them. However, in addition to the cost of traveling and expenses, I have to do the following,

1. waxing
2. relaxer
3. swimsuit shopping

But, my hair is goinbg to be swanging!!!! I am going to BNatural and hope that the experience will be a good one. Lord, have mercy. Take me and return me safely.

DENMAN D3 BRUSH

I bought a Denman D3 brush at Sally's Beauty Supply store on Tuesday for $6.99.

I have heard ladies rave about this brush and how good it is for detangling 4b type hair. I tried it and it works okay but, I do not spend a lot of time detangling my NG and I already have a boar tooth brush that I do not use.

The Denman Brush dould prove useful for those times when I choose to straighten my hair. When my hair is past 16 weeks post, my NG becomes difficult and when it is time to straighten, it takes forever to comb through the tangles and then apply heat.

Anyway, as I never use a brush, and as I hardly ever use heat (only twice since my June relaxer, so far), I do not think that the Denman brush is worth the money. I will use it tomorrow after I wash my hari and see if it is any good while my hair is wet and semi-dry. If it doesn't impress me, it will simply go back to Sally's this weekend.

USING GARLIC TO STOP SHEDDING

I made a garlic prepoo with the following products,

1. 3 spoons Garlic/Ginger paste
2. Amla oil
3. Mahabhingraj oil

I applied it to my hair after letting it sit for some hours. I wore a shower cap cause the paste kept dripping. I then rinsed with my shikamlaritha mix. I cowashed with NTG con and then left spiked DPR-11 in my hair for 10 hours over night.

My spiked DPR-11 contained,

1. DPR-11
2. mahabhingraj
3. olive oil
   

This morning, I washed out the conditioner and my hair felt mushy. So, I applied some MT which solved the problem. I then applied some more nTM con, rinsed and then did an ACV rinse.
I allowed my hair to airdry for about 45 minutes then applied my usual cocktail of products,

1. My moisture mix
   
2. A nickel size worth of KODL
3. A nickel size worth of Mango Butter
4. 1/5 inch of Castor oil pomade
5. A quarter size of my oil mix
   

My hair came out soft and shiny as usual. Unfortunately, the ginger powder I added to my DPR-11 didn't fully wash out, so I have some hidden in my hair. But most of it is out. However, my scalp is itching, so I am going to wash my hair as soon as possible to clean my scalp.

Nevertheless, this routine seems to be the trick for my hair. I just want to see if my shedding will get better this week due to the garlic.

HOW TO MAKE A SHIKAKAI COWASH

Information on how to create a Shikakai cowash.

You can make it a shikamla co wash by emptying equal parts of the powder she says.

SOFT, LOVELY LOCKS @ 15 WKS POST!!!!

WOO HOO!!!!!

So, I just finished airdrying my hair and thank you Lord, God! My hair is lovely!!! My NG is soft!!! No split ends in sight And, my hair smells great!!!

I followed the normal routine - prepoo with Mahabhingraj, rinse with shikamlaritha, cowash with NTM, 2-5 minute DC with MT and overnight DC with DPR-11/mahabhingraj/coconut/castor/olive oils.

The next day, I rinsed and then clarified with ACV rinse. My hair felt soft, yet strong.

After washing, I experienced some shedding however. I think I have to start using my garlic powder and adding it to the DPR-11 mix to prevent shedding.

Anyway, my hair feels nice and that new oil mix leaves my hair silky straight, shiny but not greasy or weighed down, thankfully. I will add some lavender to it.

NEW MOISTURE MIX & OIL MIX

These are a few new products I would like to make this week. Using MT on my scalp (and roots) requires that i step up my moisture game.

MOISTURE MIX:

1. Rosewater
2. Castor Oil
3. Coconut Oil
4. Olive Oil
5. Glycerin
6. Aloe Vera Juice
   
7. Water

OIL MIX: will be mixed into a spray bottle and used to seal.

1. Coconut oil
2. Castor oil
3. Mahabhingraj oil
   
4. Olive Oil
   

POST AYURVEDIC RINSE

since the wash on Wednesday/Thursday, my hair has been absolutely fab! It's soft and thick and practically APL!!!!! And, mind you, it is yet to be stretched!!! Also, there has been little to no shedding.

So, from now on, I will simply do my ayurvedic rinse followed by an MT deep con and a serious DPR-11 super dc overnight.

On Friday night, I applied MT to my scalp and will moisturize my hair in the morning. On Sunday, I will prepare another ayurvedic rinse and use it that day with a super dc overnight.

WHAT HAVE I LEARNED?
cowashing is not going to cut it on this journey with MT. My hair needs to be clarified, which is what I get from the ayurvedic rinse. That is why my hair feels so much better afterward. I haven't needed to moisturize in over 24hours and my hair just is moist and shiny and soft.

next time I wash, i will do an ACV rinse as well. I think i will only do those about once a week or when I need them.

ANOTHER AYURVEDIC RINSE & DC

lAST NIGHT, i DID A SHIKAMLARITHA RINSE, THEN Conditioned with NTM and then I put MT in my hair, a shower cap and shaved.

I rinsed and then mixed some DPR-11 with coconut and mahabhingraj oil and applied it to my roots with a relaxer comb. I then put it throughout my hair and put on a shower cap. I left it on overnight and rinsed this morning. My hair feels very soft and there's slip to it. Unfortunately, I notice for the second time that I have buildup on my scalp. I noticed that the last time I did this regimen.

I have sprayed some moisture mix and am letting my hair dry a little, then I will add KODL, Mango Butter and coconut oil.

MAJOR SHEDDING

I cowashed on Friday evening by washing with NTM Con, applying some MT and leaving in while I washed. I then added some DPR-11 and left that in for a little bit and rinsed.

Since Friday, my shedding has been crazy scary!!!! I had prepood with Mahabhingraj oil but that made little to no difference and it is mind boggling.

Anyway, I am continuing to meggasage and have prepped a new shikamlaritha mix that I will use tomorrow. I hope all will work out fine and that this will stem the shedding. One thing I notice is that when my hair was straightened, I experienced little to no shedding or breakage. Unfortunately, I have lots of broken hairs that happened while my stylist flat ironed my hair, so I am hesistant to go get any more heat.

I might add some heat myself in October.

MORE FABULOUS HAIR! AGAIN

On Sunday I did a shikamlaritha rinse. My recipe was

1. 3 spoons of amla powder
2. 1 spoon of shikakai powder
3. .5 spoon of aritha powder

I mixed the rinse on Saturday and left it overnight. I also put Mahabhingraj oil in my hair on Saturday night and reapplied on Sunday morning. Sunday evening (around 6pm), I applied the rinse, washed it out and then cowashed with NTM.

Once I rinsed out the con, my hair felt squeaky clean. I then applied MT and rubbed it in, also focusing on my ends. After rinsing that out, I applied DPR-11 by separating my hair into sections. I left that on for 3 hours and when I washed my hair later, it felt nice.

I applied a little KODL, some moisture mix and let it dry a little. Then i applied Mango Butter from root to tip and then ran some Castor oil pomade throughout my hair and sealed with a little bit of coconut oil.

The next morning, my hair was wickedly soft. And, I couldn't keep my hands out of it. My hair didn't get it's MT boost on Monday but it did on Tuesday. I think that this might be the approach I use twice a week for my hair. The ayurvedic rinse clearly clarified my hair and that's good to prevent buildup without stripping with shampoo.

Here are some progress pics taken on September 7th-

It looks i will hit APL once I grow an inch or two.

HAIR UPDATE

I washed my hair on Thursday and used NTM Con to co wash and left DPR-11 on for a while. My hair came out all right and was okay. Unfortunately, I did not apply MY faithfully while my hair was straight and over the weekend. However, at 12 weeks post, I only had an average of 1.5" NG.

COLE STEVENS DAY SPA

So I went and got my hair done on Thursday evening at Cole Stevesn Salon & Day Spa. My appointment was at 7pm and I was out by 8:18. My hair was straight and looked okay. The stylist used a Chi ceramic hair dryer and iron to straighten my hair. But, it didn't feel as soft as I wanted it to. I also realized that I need to grow it out and get a cut that will have my hair looking a little sexier. Hopefully by next summer i will be at bra strap length and can achieve a sexy cut. I might even start using an Indigo rinse to darken my hair.

I was very happy to see that when I stretched my hair in the front, it touched my armpit on both sides. Very exciting!!!! I will upload pics. My hair in the back didn't look that much longer but it is nice to know that I am still on my way to APL. I only hope that I do not have a set back,e specially with the amount of heat I received.

The good thing about the salon is that apparently they specialize in texturizing natural hair and taking care of it so it grows and thrives. They have some procedure/treatment called 'hydration' which apparently texturizes/softens natural hair and enables a longer stretch. Truth be told, if I ever have extra money, I would go and try it. The stylist I had was named Sylvia.

HAIR PLANS

Today, I am going to get my hair done at a salon Minia recommended. My appointment is at 7pm but now, hubby informs me that he might not get home until 6:45pm which will make it near impossible to get there at or by 7pm.

My goal is simply to get my hair straightened so I can have a good idea of my length. Since my touch up in June, I have not added any heat to my hair and I am quite happy about that. Whenever I have had to go anywhere I have simply wrapped my hair or pulled it back into a bun and accessorized.

Additionally, I would like to talk to a stylist about the basic state and condition of my hair. I think my hair is healthy but obviously, I know that my ends have to go. Should be interesting.

11 WEEKS POST

I am now 11 weeks post and so I took a look at my blog entries over the last month of my previous stretch. Based on what I wrote, I stretched from December 25th, 2007 to June 11th, 2008. That was approximately a 6 month stretch and it resulted in 3" in the back and 2" everywhere else.

Currently, I have 1.25" in the back and 1" everywhere else. I actually have 1.5" in a few parts. However, I do not feel that my hair has grown much since the first 2 weeks of MT usage and it is making me nervous. I have been relatively regular in application, missing no more than 2 days a week at any time and I have stepped up application over the last 12 hours because I should be getting a wash and set tonight and will not apply MT for at least 48 hours to limit reversion.

At this rate, my hair is not growing fast enough to warrant a repurchase of MT. I am also concerned about the fact that at 11 weeks, I still only have an inch of NG in the front and middle. By now I should have at least over an inch based on normal hair growth patterns. Well, my hair was just under an inch at 7 weeks, about 3/4", in fact. It has been an inch for over 2 weeks. I am eating much better, and though I have slacked on my workout routine because of an unexpected visitor but I wonder what exactly is going on with my hair?

MT WEEK 4

So its a new week, technically. I just washed my hair with Suave Tropical Coconut shampoo, then massaged MT into my hair and scalp. I then also applied it to my ends, combed and rinsed. My hair felt nice and soft. I then applied DPR-11 to the entire length of my hair and left it on while I showered. When I rinsed, my hair was incredibly soft and there seemed no breakage. I decided to put some more DPR-11 and left it on for 20 minutes with a warm towel around my hair.

My hair felt soft again. So, I applied my Moisture Mix, KODL, Mango Butter and coconut oil. I will see how my hair feels in the morning once it dries fully. I have to say that I would do this again, but next time, I would simply co-wash with NTM and follow with MT and DPR-11.

HOW'S MY HAIR?

My hair feels great!!!! I simply use my moisture mix/agent, add mango butter, some castor oil pomade and seal with coconut oil.

The result is soft, shiny hair that smells excellent!

By the way, I have an average of 1.25" in NG on my head, especially in the back, which if I am correct, suggests that MT has provided a quarter (1/4") inch of growth. I refuse to get excited, because I want to wait and see what my hair growth is like at the end of 4 weeks. My NG feels fine and is manageable because each time I apply MT, I spray the moisture mix as close to my roots as possible. Additionally, since i washed my hair, I have only combed my hair once and my breakage/shedding is absolutely manageable.

For my next wash, on Monday, i will do an ayurvedic rinse and then follow up with NTM. I will leave the NTM in while I wash myself and then I will do an ACV rinse if my hair seems to need it.

MT, WEEK 2

I have not used VO5 conditioners in my hair since Saturday because they contain Biotin and I think that will unnecessarily dry out my hair while using MT. On Monday, I left my spiked ORS Con in my hair over night and then shampood with Suave Tropical Coconut. I then applied ORS Con and my hair felt horrible. I gave up and went on to style my hair as normal. My hair just did not feel right

On Wednesday, I shampood again. I then conditioned with ORS Con (which I spiked with some Coconut oil). My hair remained as before, it just lacked the moisture I am used to having. I then threw some Motions Moisture conditioner in my hair and it felt slightly better. However, all the cones in the Motions made my hair feel crappy and I just couldn't deal with it.

On Wednesday night, I baggied with a moisture mix of glycerin/water/castor oil/coconut oil, and applied a whole bunch of oils and creams with the hope of getting some more moisture in there, but the result washair that had too much product in it the next morning. At least, it air dried with some curls and looked alright on Thursday.

After failing to find DE Stimulations conditioner at 2 local salons, I got Neutrogena Triple Moisture (NTM) conditioner and put it in my hair on Thursday night as an overnight DC. I put some coconut oil over my locks and went to bed. This morning (Friday), I washed out the NTM, then applied some ORS Con and then applied some more NTM. My hair felt a lot softer and better.

I followed up with my moisture mix, applied some KODL, then some Mango Butter and Castor Oil pomade and then finished off with Coconut oil. Now, the NTM is nothing like the Stimulations conditioner, but I have to say that as i sit here typing, my hair is drying the way I like it. It feels moist and it is very soft. It is drying straight and I have to say I am very pleased.

I will apply MT much later in the day and then moisturize again just to ensure that I don't have hard hair again.

NEW MOISTURE MIX

I needed a new moisture mix/agent to replace the one that degraded due to the Aloe Vera Juice last time.

This new mix has the following ingredients:

1. glycerin
2. castor oil
3. coconut oil
4. water
   

MT UPDATE

I washed my hair on Thursday. I used a VO5 clarifying conditioner (kiwi lime), then applied ORS CON and then applied MT and rubbed it into my hair and on my scalp. Once done, I rinsed and reapplied ORS Con because my hair felt a little dry.

Today, my hair continues to feel a little dry, definitely not as moist/soft and glossy as it did at the beginning of the week. Now this could be because I did not clarify with a shampoo, or because I should not have done an MT rinse on Thursday night. Nevertheless, I didn't megassage last night but after my gym trip, I will megassage and remoisturize.

ANOTHER DAY OF FAB HAIR!!!

Yes, I should stop raving but as I have found something that works, I must give props and thank God! Thank you Lord!

Last night, I applied MT to my scalp and then rubbed my locks with coconut oil. This morning, my hair looked lovely, as usual. I combed it through, attacking my roots which in many spots felt softer. And, only one strand (long) came out, but a couple little hairs that looked like baby hairs (about 5) came out as well.

What can i say? I will hold off cowashing until tomorrow and will simply do what I have been doing so far in terms of products. It is interesting to watch my hair and see no shedding, no breakage, just soft, healthy hair. My ends however are looking a little thin. I think I have been leaving my hair out a tad bit too much. I will get back to faithfully keeping my hair up and off my clothes and in September (in preparation for reunion event) I will go to the hairdresser for a blowout and will even dust my ends.

I wonder if I should get some baking soda and use that to clarify my hair this week? The baking soda recipe would be 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 cup of water, some conditioner. Anyway, I don't think I should do anything new unless my hair needs help. So, i'm just going to do what I have done since saturday and watch my hair faithfully. Thank you Lord, God!

MORE FABULOUS HAIR!

Yes, a day or two after my first encounter with MT, my hair is soft, full of sheen and lovely!!!!!

I think I have found a product that my hair absolutely loves. Last night, applied MT to my scalp and then put KODL, Mango Butter (to my ends), Castor Oil pomade and Coconut oil to my locks. My hair felt super moisturized and I went to bed.

This morning, my hair felt great but looked just a little greasy, so I know that i will not moisturize tonight and might not moisturize tomorrow either. But, nevertheless, it looked and felt incredible and when I ran my fingers through it (I can't keep my hands out of my hair, I must confess), it smelt like MT which reminds me of coconuts.

I combed my hair out and there were less than 10 strands in the comb - YIPEE!!!!! I pulled my hair into a ponytail and kept it up while the kids and I were at the pool.

Tonight, I am off to celebrate Peta Gay's engagement, so I have put my hair into 5 bantu knots to give my hair a little loose structure and I hope I look good tonight.

MT is a keeper -this I swear!

FIRST DAY OF MEGA-TEK

Yay!!!! Well, technically, thsi is my second day because I applied it to the length of my hair yesterday. But, today, I rubbed it into my scalp and I just felt the itchies!!!!!!! loL!

Well, I will take some pics to have a starting length shot of my hair and try to document growth with pics every 7 days for 1 months (4 weeks).

Lord, I do hereby pray for some length and no shedding. Amen.

FAB HAIR!

I shampood with DE Anti Itch shampoo then applied ORS CON and left it on while I showered. After rinsing it out, I applied Mega Tek (MT) to my hair, rubbed it in and rinsed. It was probably in my hair for about 2 minutes. Once I rinsed, my hair felt great. It already felt soft from the ORS but the MT somehow made my hair feel even better and it smelled great!

After rinsing it out, I applied some MT to my ends as well and rinsed. Then I added KODL and coconut oil. I left it to dry a little and when my ends where dry, I applied Mango Butter to my ends and then Castor Oil pomade to my entire head of hair and then coconut oil.

When my hair dried, good Lord!!! It looked as if I had added heat but was not limp. It looked healthy and had so much sheen! I love it!!!!!

UPDATE: My hair felt great the following day too!!!!

MY MOISTURE SPRAY...

Is no more!!!

The spray has been making my hair stringy and nasty> Also, my hair was stinky after applying it. I finally figured out why. The Aloe Vera juice I added toit degraded. It needs to be stored in a fridge after opening and of course, I do not put my spray in the fridge so....

I am throwing it out and will make a new spray with Aloe Vera gel instead.

HAIR GROWTH WITH BT

Well, I am 7 weeks post from my last relaxer and I have an average of 1" of NG on my head. The only growth aid I have used is Boundless Tresses and so far it seems to be delivering because it generally takes 8 weeks to get 1" of NG.

Nevertheless, I begin my Mega Tek journey on Sunday the 3rd of August. In fact, because my hair feels like crap, I might wash it today and then clarify on Saturday so that my hair can be nice for Saturday night. I will megassage on Saturday night or maybe sometime on Sunday and apply MT everyday to dry hair/scalp.

Depending on whether I experience buildup, I will prebase my scalp with coconut oil and then apply the MT or mix it up with Castor oil and coconut oil. I will apply once a day and track my length while wet once a week.

I HENNA'ED

I applied henna to my hair. It was the usual mix. Henna + 4 tbs of lemon juice + water. Then I added VO5 + cinnamon + Amla oil.

Anyway, I left the henna in for 2 hours, washed with Suave tropical Coconut shampoo, applied VO5 then ORS Con and left it in for an hour.

My hair felt just fine, but I still had a bit of breakage. Anyway, my hair looks like a nice shade of brown (not too much) and my NG is about a half inch all over my head.





I really like the shade of brownish red that deposited. Wish I had even better pics.

I GOT MY MEGA-TEK!!!!!

Woohoo!!! I got me some Mega-Tek!!!

I got it at Dove Saddlery, 1041 Route 3, Suite #11, Gambrills, MD.



Now that that is out of the way...I spent $31.64, a little more expensive than what I expected, but at least it included tax and I did not hae to wait for delivery.



I don't think I will use it just yet. I want to wait until August 1st to begin usage. Until then, I will continue using BT. So, 8 more days until my Mega-Tek journey begins. I pray to God that it will give me 1 inch/month but at the least, I would like stronger, healthier hair, by His grace.

NEW MOISTURIZING AGENT

I made a new liquid mix to apply to my hair immediately after a wash. It includes -

1. rosewater
2. glycerin
3. aloe vera juice (berry flavor)
   
4. coconut oil

I hope it keeps my hair soft and yummy! Especially as Husband likes the smell and feel of my lovely locks!

SUNDAY HAIR

I did a garlic treatment (see last post for details) but left it in for over an hour. I then washed with Suave Tropical Coconut shampoo and applied Silicon Mix for 5 minutes and wow, my hair felt incredible! It felt soft and strong. I think it is a protein conditioner with some moisturizers. I then washed with some VO5 strawberry champagne and that added a tad bit more moisture.

Then I added my new rosewater mix and KODL. I then sealed with coconut and applied BT. I made some bantu knots.

This morning, my hair felt incredibly soft. I loved it! It was still damp so I decided to moisturize again. I applied some Mango Butter and KeraCare. I then sealed with Castor Oil pomade. Now it seems that i should have done a lot less because my hair feels a little sticky. Anyway, I will hold off on doing a henna treatment until Wednesday. I will apply it in the afternoon and leave it on until the evening. At that point, I will wash it out and apply some conditioner over night.

MY NEXT HENNA TREATMENT

I plan on doing a henna treatment on Sunday. I will do a garlic treatment for my scalp and then apply henna to my hair.

GARLIC TREATMENT - Take some garlic powder, mix 2 teaspoons with 1 teaspoon of ghee, mahabhingraj oil and coconut oil. Warm in the microwave for 30 seconds and apply to scalp. Leave it on for 30 minutes, and wash.

HENNA TREATMENT - Follow the same mix you have use din the past. Instead of putting coconut oil, use amla oil in it. The amla should help me get a brown color instead of red. Anyway, once the henna is applied over night and washed out, i will deep condition with ORS Con.

AGGIE'S MEGA TEK CELL REBUILDER RECIPE

HERE'S MY MEGA TEK CELL REBUILDER RECIPE:
can also be found in her Fotki and on pg 126 of the new MT/OCT challenge thread in the LHCF

6 oz MT cell rebuilder
1 oz grapeseed oil
1oz Jamaican Black Castor Oil
1 oz aloe vera oil (aloe vera gel can also be used)
15 -18 drops of rosemary or peppermint or lavender essential oil (or 5-6 drops of each)
2 oz BB Oil Moisturizer hair lotion with castor oil and aloe
1 Tablespoon of flowers of sulfur powder (yellow) - NO LONGER USING THIS-TOO LUMPY
3 tubes of MN (Fougera brand miconazole Nitrate) bought from www.amazon.com.

-Mix the MN with the BB moisturizer in a bowl first so it can soften a little and blend easier.


MY MEGA TEK REGIMENT:-

-Mix all ingredients together in a color applicator bottle, shake and squeeze on scalp only daily and when I'm lazy I'll put it on my scalp every other day.

-Once a week I will put the MT cell rebuilder on both my scalp and the length of my hair for 5 minutes only.

-Then I wash it out with the Mega Tek Premier Natural Botanical Equine Shampoo and put the Mega Tek Creme Rinse conditioner right in with the shampoo and leave the two on my hair for 5 minutes then wash out in the shower.

-Once a week I follow the MT poo & con with some diluted Nutrine garlic poo and con, and deep condition/treat with Alter Ego garlic treatment for 30 - 45 minutes.

PLEASE NOTE: Other oils can also be used, such as almond oil, extra virgin olive oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, carrot oil, wheat germ oil, jojoba oil, ayurveda oils and any other oils you choose. I like this recipe because it smells delish!! Also the oil will separate by the next day, simply shake again and apply to your scalp.

Another very helpful hint is to take odorless kyolic garlic supplements to combat shedding from the inside out.

LENGTH CHECK - JULY '08

MY HAIR PICS IN jUNE 2008




old pics

May 2008:
fURTHER rEADING:
- lENGTH cHECK - aPRIL O8

HOW'S MY HAIR DOING?

On Friday, I cowashed with VO5 Freesia and then applied ORS Con while I shaved and showered. The end result was super soft hair that felt strong. I applied my rosewater/glycerin mix and then put KODL in my hair. I then applied my Keracare wrapping mousse and then applied Keracare hair creme, mango butter (to my ends) and then applied Vatika.

I twisted my hair into Bantu knots but after over 4 hours, but it failed to dry. So, I loosened out the curls, applied some more KC hair creme and my Castor Oil pomade. I then combed my hair and wrapped it to straighten out my locks. By the end of the night, I just let my hair be because it just refused to dry. Probably too much product.

Anyway, my hair retained a lot of moisture all night (I went out to Minia's bday party) and when I got home, I simply put my scarf on. This morning, my hair felt perfect! The excess moisture was gone and the locks were soft and luxurious. I'm off to apply my BT.

Oh, BTW, I think I have just about a half inch of new growth (stretched) around my head. Yippee!

MY HAIR OILS LIST

Just want to keep track of what hair oils I own and/or use.

1. Camellia Oil
2. Coconut Oil
3. Amla Oil
4. Mahabhingaraj Oil
5. Vatika Oil
6. Castor Oil
   

The following are oils I plan to purchase and/or add to my regimen

1. Jojoba Oil
2. Grapeseed Oil
3. EVOO
4. Almond oil
   

PRODUCTS TO BUY

1. Amla powder
2. MegaTek (Pet) or (Equine): buy whichever you find
3. DPR-11: buy to replace ORS Con
4. Mango Butter: buy at the first opportunity
   
5. Aloe Vera Juice: to add to my rosewater/glycerin mix
   
6. Castor Oil: wait until August
   
7. Coconut Oil: Buy at least 2 bottles for hair and skin
   
8. Jojoba oil
9. Stimulations conditioner: only buy this if DPR-11 doesn't quite work
   

SUCCESFUL BANTU KNOTS!

Yippee!!!!

I washed my hair yesterday with DE anti-itch shampoo and then I applied a little VO5 Freesia and DE Stimulations (which I need more of) and rinsed. I then applied ORS Con and my ORS COn/cinnamon mix. I think I must add some more oRS con to he mix because it is thick and tends to build up on my scalp which is not good.

Anyway, I left the conditioner on overnight an washed it out today. After washing it out, I applied my rosewater mix spray, then applied KODL, then applied coconut oil and finished up with castor oil. I tied my hair into 4 bantu knots, making sure that I tristed the length first and then twisted the length around itself.

An hour later my hair was beginning to dry and then I loosened the knots and applied DE hair cream and mango butter on my ends. I then sealed with my castor oil/mink oil hair oil and tied my hair into 5 bantu knots. I left it on for over an hour and was anxious to see my hair so I let it down and my hair looks incredible!!!! I cant believe it. The hair is soft and shiny. It looks so healthy and I know that with practice, I can get the technique perfect. I think i will do this to my hair for Minia's party. I will simply add some wrap lotion to give the curls more definition and structure.

Yippee!! This is definitely a keeper!

POST AYURVEDIC RINSE

I returned to using my shikamlaritha rinse. After leaving coconut and mahab in my hair I rinsed with the mix. I then, put my cinnamon/ORS Con mix in my hair and left it on for about an hour. After rinsing out, I applied VO5.

My hair felt good, much harder than before. I applied my rosewater/glycerin, KODL, Castor and Mahab oils. I then allowed it to airdry and once it was practically dry, I applied mango butter and coconut oil.

Today, I applied my BT, rosewater/glycerin mix, mango butter and coconut oil. My hair felt much better and had more slip to it. I think I will hold off till Thursday to add a bit more coconut oil which helps with slip. My hair looks full, and dark and healthy. However, my next wash will feature a shampoo (to cleanse my scalp), Stimulations (DE Con) and ORS Con which will sit for a few hours or even overnight. I think this will happen on Sunday.

AYURVEDIC PURCHASES

I just got home from 2Indian stores in Takoma Park. I got some overpriced Amla powder, some mahabhringraj oil and garlic powder.

I will mix my Amla, Shikakai and Aritha tonight and will baggy overnight with a mixture of garlic/mahabhringraj on my scalp and my hair spritz on my length. I think I will actually do this tomorrow.

The garlic/mahabhringraj is to help with the breakage. In fact, I will seal with mahab after my wash.

Hope it all works.

HOW MY HAIR'S DOING....

I washed my hair on Wednesday afternoon and as of today, my hair feels great. On Friday, I moisturized with rosewater/glycerine mix and then added mango butter and castor oil.

I have been using BT as well. I am impressed by the way my hair looks and feels. It looks straight and feels strong. But, there is still some breakage and that is not nice.

Thank God, nevertheless!

I WASHED MY HAIR!

So, my scalp was itching and hair was falling out. I decided to wash my hair today. I co-washed with VO5 freesia, then I applied TE's KO Protein conditioner and then my DE Stimulations for moisture. I scritched often and noticed some breakage. I applied KODL, then mango butter with emphasis on my ends and then coconut oil. I also took off a teeny bit of my ends.

I went for a run and the hair at the back was drenched so I sprayed rosewater and reapplied mango butter and coconut oil. I then wrapped it and my hair looked healthy and fuller in the morning.

AYURVEDIC SKIN MIX

I made a mix some time ago for my face that seemed to work pretty well at clearing pimples and dark spots. For some reason, I cannot find the recipe but I think I can replicate.

So, today, I mixed some neem powder, some cinnamon powder, some rosewater glycerin (very little) some more glycerine, and a couple drops of honey.

I hope this works because I need to calm my skin down.

MEGA TEK & OVATION CELL THERAPY

I was just reading through threads on BHM and LHC forums There is a new fad - Mega Tek and OCT are being used to create serious growth.

Now, OCT is approximately $60.
While Mega Tek Rebuilder (16oz) is $24

So, I think I might actually use it but not now. I am trying to enjoy my fresh relaxer and once I am 1 month post (4 wks), I will start using BT for a month. That coupled with a month of ayurvedic rinses should produce some growth. If at the end of July, I do not have .5" to 1" of new growth then I will purchase Mega Tek and use it in September.

The threads for info on these products are -

1. BHM - Mega Tek challenge
2. BHM - OCT thread
3. BHM - OCT/Mega Tek
4. LHCF - OCT/Mega Tek challenge

Procedure: It is advised to apply the product daily to the scalp when hair is wet/damp and leave on for as long as possible. Some people wash once a week with the product.

UPDATE: Since I live in horse country, I think I will call around and see if they carry Mega tek in stores/pet stores around here.
UPDATE 2: In solidarity with the LHCF ladies, I will not order from stagecoach.com, but will instead use this $5 coupon at easypetstore.com. The coupon info is as follows - Code: ezpet2008A
Expires: 9/30/08
UPDATE 3: it appears that there is a difference between Mega Tel Cell Rebuilder (equine) and Mega Tek Coat Rebuilder (pets). The former has more protein and the latter is just like OCT save for a minor difference in ingredient order. That is the one you should get so as not to experience protein overload. Page 170 on the thread has various places to buy the 2oz coat rebuilder.
UPDATE 4: How are you using yourOCT/MT? Thread on LCHF
UPDATE 5: Another site to buy Mega Tek.
UPDATE 6: tHE 2OZ Version for $9.99

A WEEK & A HALF LATER

And my hair is fine. My scalp is beginning to itch a little but its fine. I am thinking that I will go until next weekend and go back to B Natural. I will have a wash and deep condition so that my hair can get some nourishment. I will use that for 2 weeks and then I will start my home treatments with a shikamlaritha rinse and a deep condition with ORS Mayo. I will follow that treatment up with a cowash and my ORS Con/Cinnamon conditioner and leave that on over night. I will wash it out and scrub my scalp. That will then be followed with another ayurvedic rinse.

I hope I can get my Amla, it is a necessary part of my hair routine and it is affecting my hair.

Next: I want to learn more about Elasta QP's DPR 11. I found it for cheap in Landover and am considering getting it. Off to do some research...

UPDATE: After a little research, it seems that DPR-11 is simply a "remoisturizer". It doesn't give much slip, so people add coconut oil to it for slippage. Well, I really like how the Stimulation conditioner from Design Essentials works but it is too expensive. Additionally, I already use ORS Con. So, the only way I would buy DPR-11 is if I run out of ORS Con which costs approximately $16-19 versus DPR-11 which costs approximately $6. I now need to find a more affordable replacement for ORS Mayo. That runs approximately $9-11.

I GOT A RELAXER

After over 22 weeks, I finally got a relaxer. I went to B Natural at Bowie Town Center. I wrote about my experience at the Round Brush hair site and will leave it at that.

I really loved the way my hair looked, but the length I achieved was unsatisfactory. My hair is basically at my collar bone. Thus, I need approximately 2 more inches to reach APL. Oh well.

My pre-relaxer process was a good one as I had absolutely no burning even though the night before, I combed my hair from the roots and put coconut oil on my scalp. I thank God. Next time, i will indeed apply some conditioner to my hair (sans NG) to protect it from over processing.

So, in general, I love my hair, just came back from a run and am happy. I am going to apply some mango butter to my hair and coconut oil, but very little because my hair feels a tad bit dry. All that time under the relaxer has my scalp feeling a little dry as well, so tonight, I will apply the castor oil pomade to my scalp but just a tiny amount.

CREAMY CRACK DAY!

In less than 24 hours, I will get a relaxer. I currently have approximately 3 inches in the back and 2 inches everywhere else.

God help me!

PRE-RELAXER PROCESS

I am preparing my hair for a relaxer and I know that my hair needs a serious deep treatment of some sort. So, here is what I am going to do.

I am going to wash my hair with my DE shampoo. I will then apply a protein mix of coconut milk, molasses, 2 eggs, coconut, glycerine and castor oil. I will leave the conditioner on overnight and will then rinse and apply ORS con and leave for a few hours as well.

After the deep conditioning, I will apply KODL, coconut/castor oil mix only to my NG. Then I will either roller set my hair or wrap it up. Once it is dried, I will add some Mango Butter to the strands.

The key is to ensure that my hair is moisturized AND strong. I also do not want to over manipulate my hair. I will try Marcherie's (Healthy Textures) suggestion of applying Castor oil to my scalp every 48 hours.

REVISION (06/07): i WASHED WITH de ANTI ITCH SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONED WITH de sTIMULATIONS. Stimulations is a super moisturizing conditioner and they weren't lying! I then applied my 'protein mix' which included coconut milk (1 can), 2 eggs, some glycerine, castor oil and coconut oil and left it on for 20 minutes which resulted in stronger hair. I then applied TE's KOProtein Conditioner for a few minutes and that gave me a little more slip. I then added Stimulations, again. Some more slip. I then applied ORS Con and left it on for 1 hour and washed. My hair felt strong and soft but not as silky as I would have wanted.

I applied rosewater, KODL, coconut oil and allowed my hair to air dry for an hour. Then I went to bed. Today, i am about to apply Mango Butter and then some castor oil, and apply castor oil w/mink oil to my scalp.

I MIGHT SUCCUMB...

To the creamy crack. lol!

My hair is not thriving as it once was. Thus, i will spend the next week, pampering my hair and preparing for a perm in mid June. I wonder if this has anything to do with the fact that I have done an ayurvedic rinse in over 2 weeks?

3RD CARMEL TREATMENT

I applied carmel mix for the third time today. I mixed the following ingredients,

1. 4 tbs grapeseed oil
2. 4 tbs coconut oil
3. 4 tbs molasses
4. 4 tbs castor oil
5. 4 tbs glycerin
6. 4 oz. banana puree
7. 1 oz. water

After leaving the mixture overnight, I washed and the applied ORS Con for over an hour. My hair felt alright but not incredibly soft as i remembered. I continue to notice that when in the shower, the water makes my NG straight and it seems like I am very close to APL. I hope God will let it be. I continue to use BT and will resume MSM 3 times/day on Monday.

NO HEAT

I figured out how to make my hair look relatively nice with little to no heat. I simply sprayed my Design Essentials leave in/blow dry protector, added some Mango Butter, coconut oil and wrapped my hair. After a while, I combed it out and applied Castor oil to my edges which made them lay flat and smooth. Because I was going out for lunch, I applied a little bit of heat to smooth the top of my head and that was it. My hair looked fine.

NEW HAIR REGIMEN

So, in the last 3 weeks my hair care process has changed a little bit. I seem to only wash my hair twice/ thrice a week and I use my ayurvedics once a week followed by a protein deep condition. The idea was to use a carmel conditioner once a month but haven't done one this month yet but definitely plan to.


MONDAY - Full head baggy + BT
TUESDAY - prepoo (amla oil) + cowash and moisture conditioner (optional) + BT
WEDNESDAY - moisturize with mango butter and seal with coconut oil + BT
THURSDAY - moisturize with mango butter and seal with coconut oil + BT
FRIDAY - ayurvedic rinse (shikamlaritha/shikarithaneem) + ORS MAYO/camelia oil/cinnamon/Castor oil/glycerin/coconut oil; prepoo with amla oil/Vatika
SATURDAY - moisturize with mango butter and seal with coconut oil + BT
SUNDAY - moisturize with mango butter and seal with coconut oil + BT (optional wash day)

Every post wash, I add KODL, rosawater glycerine/SCurl, oil (coconut/castor/camelia). Once my hair is dry, I then add mango butter, it makes my hair incredibly soft. I use my shower comb in the shower while I have conditioner in my hair to limit breakage and to use the water as a detangling aid. Here are some hair rules:

1. BT everyday
2. Mix coconut oil, castor oil, glycerin, cinnamon into every deep conditioner
3. No heat, except once a month
4. Limit combing and use mainly finger combing
5. Work out
6. Drink water
7. Limit cones and sulphates
8. Carmel treatment once a month
9. clarify once a month
   

FULL HEAD BAGGY

I did a full head baggy by applying some rosewater/glycerin to my roots and some mango butter to my length. I then threw on a shower cap and left it on from 3pm on Monday to 8am Tuesday. My hair feels strong, but I will cowash tonight so I hope that my hair has benefited already from the baggying.

2ND HENNA

I mixed up some henna and put it on my hair on Saturday morning. I mixed my henna with 3 tbs of lemon juice, some water and after it released over night I added VO5 conditioner, camelia oil, coconut oil and cinnamon.


After rinsing and using conditioner to clean my hair, i combed while in the showwer and noticed much less hair breakage than the last henna application. I then mixed some ORS Con with coconut oil, glycerin and applied to my hair. I then applied some cinnamon to certain parts of my hair in the hopes of creating streaks.

After washing it out, I applied KODL, SCurl, castor oil and coconut oi. I applied my wrapping/setting lotion and roller set my hair. Once dry, I applied mango butter and went out.

One important thing I noticed is that when I washed out my hair after henna, my roots were incredibly soft. I couldn't tell where my NG began or ended. For this reason, I was able to do alength check and I realized that my hair is approximately an inch from APL!!! I took a picture but my NG had started to curl by then...


Anyway, it was quite encouraging. I will continue to use BT and will hold off from a relaxer until July.

SHOWER COMB AT WORK

It was worth every penny! I combed with conditioner in my hair and it detangled with little to no breakage. This is a keeper and I will use it in the shower mostly. The seamless teeth are excellent and allow me to comb my roots.

I used the Champagne Kiss Con 3 times. When done, I put Mango Butter, SCurl (which needs to be repurchased) and coconut oil with Castor oil at my edges. Once it dried, I added some more Mango Butter and my hair felt incredibly soft. I later massaged BT onto my scalp and I think I need to use a lot less.

Anyway, my hair seems soft and moisturized. But, my NG is rough and seems dry. I think I need to find a way to focus more on my roots, because they obviously need more moisture and attention, but I am just so worried about creating tangles and breakage via over manipulation.

The shower comb is officially on the This I Swear list!

SHOWER COMB

I picked up the Conair Shower comb that so many bloggers have been raving about. It came with a free sponge and I got it for $1.99 at Bed, Bath & Beyond.

I will try it in the shower tonight to get at my roots especially in the middle of my nappy head. lol!

* Perfect for Detangling and Evenly Distributing Conditioner Through Wet Hair * In 4 Pastel Colors: Green, Purple, Pink and White * Comb in Conditioner - Comb Out Tangles

DEEP CONDITIONING SATURDAY!

It actually stared on Friday night. I did a shikamlaritha rinse and then deep conditioned with ORS Mayo/glycerin/camellia/coconut oil.

I rinsed it off on Saturday morning and then applied ORS Con/Coconut oil/Camelia/Glycerin and left it in my hair for approximately 3 hours. After washing, I pulled my hair back and clipped it, but put on a hat because I had to got to lunch with the fam. My hair dried at the restaurant and as we drove home I let the breeze dry it some more.

I had put KODL, SCurl and Coconut oil in my hair and when I got home, I added some Mango Butter. My hair felt good, but a little greasy, especially when I later added the BT to my scalp.

Nevertheless, by Sunday, my hair looked good, smelt good and was manageable. Except for my roots which look a hot mess. lol! But, it's nice to see my hair look relatively straight aven though I put no heat in it!

BOUNDLESS TRESSES - DAY 1

I received my BT bottle today and it smells great! I applied a little too much to my scalp today around 4pm and am resolved to applying it everyday for the months of May and June. I will stop applying on the 30th of June and get a relaxer either on the 16th or 17th.

Here are a few shot showing my NG (mid April) so far -
And a picture of my hair wet (mid April)

LENGTH CHECK - APRIL '08

Comparison shots to February and March

February 29, 2008

March 30, 2008

April 28th, 2008
April 28th, 2008

I see a difference when I style my hair but looking at these pics, it seems that there has been no change. Quite disappointing.

MY WEEKEND HAIR

My hair was feeling dry and I needed to straighten it for an outing to DC. It was painful combing my NG but once I got through straightening with my FHI iron, my hair looked longer and healthier.

I won't lie, all the time it took to comb my NG and then flat iron my hair was discouraging. It took forever! Nevertheless my hair looked good. The rain in DC caused some reversion but that was okay.

I decided to not wash my hair for as long as I can hold out for. I have moisturized with coconut oil, castor oil (especially on my temples) and Amla oil for my roots. My roots look good. Pics to come.

UPDATE: I think the castor oil at my temples caused a breakout on my face. =(

BOUNDLESS TRESSES & A HOMEMADE REPLICA

I just ordered Boundless Tresses - $25

Here is a recipe for a homemade version

If you want to make your own. Here's a recipe I got from another forum.

Ingredients:

Extra Virgin Olive oil

Coconut oil

Jojoba oil

Pure sulphur (yellow colour)

Empty MTG 32OZ bottle for good measure....i fill the bottom about a full inch of sulfur powder and fill the remainder with the natural oils. leave the mixture for a day or two so that the sulphur can dissolve a bit into the oil mix. give it a good shake before applying the sulphur to scalp/hair area. if you find the mix clumps together run it through the blender.

I purchased the sulfur on ebay--

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5606650949

eta: I make my own version using a 12 oz bottle.

2 teaspoons of sulfur

4 oz. jojoba oil

3 oz. olive oil

4 oz coconut oil

10 drops essential oil (you pick scent, however, I've used lavender , lemon, or rosemary)

Shake well before apply.

Here is a helpful link to LHC forum


Also check out Claudie's Elixir info

ANOTHER ATTEMPT AT ROLLERS

But not the results I was looking for. After a morning run, I mixed ORS Con with Camellia oil, Glycerin, Coconut oil and put it in my hair for about 15 minutes while I vacuumed the play room.

Once washed, my hair had a lot of slip and I was able to detangle like a breeze. I then decided to put some Champagne Kiss in it but that made my hair stiff, so I put some more ORS Con back in there and got the softness I wanted.

I rolled my hair, which took forever due t numerous interruptions. Anyway, once I took the rollers out, the hair needed to dry some more, so I put the blow dryer on cool/low to help. What I noticed is that wherever I didn't put my wrapping lotion on, my hair looked frizzy. I even put coconut oil in it which helped to tame it a little, but once I wrapped my hair with a scarf for a while, my hair looked incredibly better.

Anyway, I just couldn't help but notice was that my hair is much coarser and maybe even thicker. I just hope I can continue to stretch because I am feeling the itch for the creamy crack.

SHIKAMLARITHANEEM + PROTEIN DAY

My ayurvedic mix today consisted of

1. 2 tbs of shikakai
2. 1 tbs of amla
3. 1 tbs of aritha
4. 1 tbs of neem
   

I rinsed it out and then cowashed with VO5 Freesia. Then I created a DC which included

1. ORS Mayo
2. Castor oil
3. Coconut oil
4. Cinnamon

I applied and left for 1 hour. The cinnamon is being used to lighten my hair. The castor oil is intended to thicken my locks and the coconut oil is intended to simply moisturize while the ORS strengthens.

RESULTS:
My hair feels alright, not fabulous, not bad. Basically nothing to write home about. I moisturized the next day with Vatika. It looked better but nothing extraordinary.

NEEM POWDER

I got some Neem Powder today. Finally! The store didn't have any Amla powder unfortunately.
I added 1 spoon of Neem powder to my Shikamlaritha mix and will see how it goes.

MOISTURIZED HAIR

My hair was damp when I woke this morning but I allowed it to airdry over the course of the day. After a 2 hour trip to the gym, I added castor oil and coconut oil to my strands. The result was incredibly soft and luxurious hair. I then had a hot shower and hoped that the steam would help my hair as well. I think it did.

My scalp is not itching the way it did. I think the tea tree oil helped. I plan on making a mix for my scalp that will include -

1. Tea tree oil
2. Neem oil
3. Amla oil
4. Coconut oil

I ope that this mix will keep my scalp comfortable. I will put it on my scalp on wash days which is every other day. So I think I will mix up the oils and put it on my scalp on Monday.

COWASHING DRY HAIR

My hair continues to be dry. eARLIER IN THE DAY, i PUT TEAT TREE OIL ON MY SCALP AND RUBBED SOME aMLA OIL ON MY LOCKS. iT FELT HORRIBLY DRY AND SO I PUT SOME mANGO BUTTER ON IT WHEN i WENT OUT FFRO DINNER AND WORE A HAT. tODAY HAS BEEN A HORRIBLE HAIR DAY. In fact, the week (after my 2nd roller set) has been horrible!

I picked up some coconut oil this evening. I put some in my hair and as a prepoo for an hour then I cowashed with my VO5 Freesia. After putting that in twice, my hair felt horrible so I added some VO5 Champagne Kiss which left my hair feeling a little better.

After washing that out, I made a conditioner with ORS Con/Coconut Oil/Glycerine/Castor oil and put it in my hair for about an hour. I should have added some cinnamon but forgot, just too focused on adding moisture to my hair. Lightening my hair will have to wait until the balance is right. Once I wash out this conditioner, I will use an ACV rinse to restore a healthy pH balance.

I have observed more breakage and shedding than usual and need it to stop. I think it might be the henna I used. The next time I use it, I will mix in some conditioner and a little more Amla powder.

I hope that my hair will feel better. If it does, i will skip a cowash today (sunday) and simply do a shikamlaritha rinse on Monday.

MY SCALP IS KILLING ME!

I have endured an itchy scalp for a long time, but this week, it's been a hot mess! I am gouing nuts - I have scritched and scratched and used shampoo twice this week! That is more than I have used in the last 2.5 months! What is going on!

I used Suave Tropical Coconut shampoo and followed up withVO5 Champagne kiss moisturizing conditioner. I scritched like a mad woman. The conditioner smelt heavenly and felt just as good or even better than the Freesia one. I am sticking to these conditioners, they are cheap, make my hair feel soft, give slip and help detangle.
But I need to figure out why my scalp is perpetually itching. I will add some Tea Tree oil to my scalp today and will do some research.

USED SILICON MIX

And I don't think I will use it again! I noticed some unusual breakage when I had it on and afterwards. I had no slip and my hair smelt like it, felt heavy and nasty. I don't remember being too impressed the last time i used it but it wasn't so bad. I think that is because I DCd with it first.

Anyway, I wil not use it again. I will instead give it to Nogo. I will give her the treseme conditioner and the Dove Advanced color Con or and the Pantene detangler. Assuming my mom doesn't like those prods.

So, basically, Silicon Mix joins the pile of NEVER AGAIN products.

MY HAIR FEELS DRY

So, after having my hair down, but pinned up and off my clothes all day, my tresses felt dry. That was a far cry from the moist locks I had on Tuesday and it made me sad.

Thus, on Wednesday evening, I added some yummy Mango Butter, Spiked Scurl, Castor Oil and Amla oil to my hair and am hoping for the best. Hopefully it will feel good on Thursday.

I will wash with VO5 and Silicon Mix tonight (Thursday). Then i will finish up using the MB/SC/CO/Vatika and hope for the best.

HAIR REGIMEN

Cowash - 5-7 days
Baggy ends once a week & entire head once a week
Deep Condition once a week
Carmel every six weeks
clarify once a month with baking soda and warm water
shampoo once every 2 weeks with DE
Shikakai/Amla/Egg combo once a week
Prepoo with 2 eggs/evoo/vatika/oil mix once a week before shampoo
massage scalp with oil mix 3-5 days a week
moisturize with Keracare creme after DE shampoo
Use leave in conditioner (DE), SCurl, Vatika, oil mix every wash
MN & Sulfur 8 oil spray challenge begins March 1st and goes for 2 weeks.

PRODUCTS FOR CARMEL MIXTURE