PROTEIN IS MY FRIEND!

Ever since my relaxer, each wash has shown that I was losing far more hair than I was comfortable with. Each time I combed, I'd have so much shedding, it was ridiculous. Luckily, I used aphogee after my last wash and since then, I hardly lose any hair when I comb. It's great.

The lesson learned is that if I don't like how much hair comes out after a wash, do an aphogee 20min reconstructor treatment next wash.

As of today, I am 6 weeks post with approximately half an inch at the most in some places.

TOUCH UP REVIEW

I got a touch up on my bday, taking advantage of the $15 off Tuesdays special.

The salon was crowded but I am happy I took advantage of the special. As usual, Gloria was glorious! The touch up ended up great, no burns and much of my hair was relaxed, save for about a tenth of an inch, very miniscule and hard to notice.

Once out of the dryer, I had CHI Silk Infusion applied and had it wrapped. I later combed it out and applied my moisture mix. Then I dusted. My hair looked INCREDIBLE!!!! The density was miraculous and everything just worked!

It has been two weeks since I got my relaxer and my hair still feels great. I washed it on Wednesday and left SEO Con in for about an hour. Unfortunately, that was too long. My hair lost some of the strength it had. As such, after applying moisture mix, I eventually sprayed a very miniscule amount of Keratin Mist. Sadly, I am experiencing some shedding. But, I plan on going to the salon in 2 weeks. Until then, I will use the 2-Min Keratin Reconstructor and follow up with 15 minutes of SEO Con. Hope it works!

I LOVE MY HAIR!

I thought I would get a touch up by now but was sick last week. Instead I struggled with dryish hair and combed through from root to tip once.

On Friday night, I shampoos and conditioned with SE olive oil con. I left that in for about 40 minutes and of course my hair felt like butter. I let my hair airdry and then sprayed moisture mix (which has plenty if black castor oil) and applied some of my oil mix sparingly. In the morning, I combed through and blow-dries. I also applied some silk infusion. My hair was huge and puffy.

Then I flat ironed Very small sections, applied a bit more silk infusion, sprayed more moisture mix sparingly and then sealed with castor oil pomade.

That day my hair was glorious and even though I was rained on and snowed on, it looked great. My hair was wrapped up all day on Sunday and when I combed it out today it was wonderful. I applied some moisture mix and used a little oil in it. I focused moisture on my ends, nape and temples. I wish my hair felt like this all the time. It has density, shine and movement. 

I will get a touh up tomorrow to take advantage of the $15 off on Tuesday promotion. Hope my hair will look and feel as good as it does now, but I doubt it. I will immediately moisturiZe and seal after a touch up and will dust my ends to ensure maximum health. 

ARRRRGHHHH!!!!

I fucked up!!!!!

Yes, I had my first set back in many months and I want to scream!

I shampood as usual and then followed up with a Suave moisturizing conditioner. After rinsing (immediately), I applied Silicon Mix bambu. I immediately started to regret not springing the money to buy a new Silk elements olive oil con.

My hair was full of KNOTS!!!! I can't remember the last time that happened. It was horrible.
I immediately shampooed and then put KO protein conditioner in my hair. I wanted to run to Sally's but chose instead to manage my hair as it was. I applied my moisture mix, and sealed with a little oil.

However, when combing out the knots, I ended up with a HUMONGOUS hair ball. Very next day, I ran to Sally's purchased my conditioner and even paid to join their members club so I can get some savings when I stock up on conditioner later in the year.

Later that evening, I applied con like relaxer, massaging it into my NG and left it on for about 1.5 hours.

My hair felt like BUTTER once I washed out the con. No knots at all. There were a few tangles that easily gave way to my fingers.

That was last night and today, I applied silk infusion (CHI) and blow dried. I then sealed by dividing my hair into several sections. It felt even better afterwards.

I am never buying that suave conditioner again. I should have known better, do not mix silicon products!!!! Also, stick to what works! NEVER ALLOW YOURSELF TO RUN OUT OF SILK ELEMENTS CONDITIONER!!!!!

As for my touch up: I think it should happen after my bday. As such, I will likely go get a deep con sometime next week.

Arrrrgggghhh!!!!

NEW PRODUCTS ON MY LUST LIST

I think its time I become a lot more conscious about not using products that contain parabens, sulphates and other problematic chemicals. It it especially important for my daughter's hair as I need to ensure that I limit her exposure to dangerous chemicals wherever possible.

At Marshalls yesterday, I saw a deep moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Both are 33.8 ounces and cost $12.99. I didn't purchase because I am broke and there was a silly line. I think I might head over there tomorrow so I can get it though. That combined with my Silk Elements con and Silicon Mix bambu should be alright. I only use silicon mix once in two to three months, and I hardly use it on my daughter's hair, thankfully. Can't wait to add these products to my regimen.

I must mention that it has been hard to get Silk Elements Olive Oil Megasilk con at the price I like. They want me to join their membership program which requires payment. Anyway, will keep my eye open as I know it will go on sale again. When it does, I will purchase at least 4 containers.

I'M LOVING IT!

So, about a month ago, I used my Aphogee 2-min keratin reconstructor and since then, I have loved my hair.

I have also learned a very good lesson. When you use a reconstructor, do not use a protein product for at least a month or until your hair lets you know that it needs strength.

Now I understand why I experienced so much breakage, it was because I would use the reconstructor and then use the KO protein conditioner as well. It makes no sense now that I think about it.

My hair has been perfect and today it is excellent. I washed yesterday with moisturizing shampoo and then followed up with Silicon mix Bambu conditioner, which I left in my hair for about 40 minutes.

I let my hair airdry and then sprayed my moisture mix into it. After about 30-40 minutes, I followed up with too much Chi Silk Infusion and allowed it to dry. By morning, my hair felt soft. I also noticed that I had less shedding than I have had in the past.

I hope I can go to the hair salon this weekend in preparation for my upcoming touch up. I hope to get one once mommy arrives, so I can leave Folabi with her and relax at the salon.

I DID IT!!!

I gave myself a mini-haircut!!!

I was working on an article about hair health and realized the time had come. I promptly walked upstairs to my bathroom, brought out my shears, clips and a fine tooth comb and got to work.

My last hair wash was on Saturday and I let it airdry, using only my moisture mix and CHI silk infusion. My hair felt great on Sunday after I sealed with castor oil pomade. But by the evening, it was dry and my NG felt crunchy.

As such, I added my moisture mix to my roots and worked through my scalp and NG. I then wrapped it up for the night.

Today, I combed out my hair and it looked as if it received some heat.

When cutting, I took off between 1/3 of an inch and 2 inches in certain places. I then went through the entire head and took off about 1/3 inch of ends. I cut to ensure that my hair fell at my collar bone in front.

Once satisfied, I flat ironed my hair and it looked FANTASTIC! It looks thick and healthy.

Even more impressive is that FINALLY since Caprice chopped off my hair last winter, I like my hair length and am confident that I can actually just go out with my hair and not a wig or have it in a bun at all times. =)

I know I was supposed to wait until after my January relaxer to cut my hair but honestly, this was the best thing I could do for myself. I feel a lot more confident. I still have a gentle V shape in the back.

When I get my next touchup, I will again go through and remove approximately 1/3 inch of hair and make sure that this 'clavicle' look remains intact.

I am approximately 8 weeks post and have anywhere from 3/4 of an inch to an inch and a half in certain spots. I will stretch for 5 more weeks and use my growth aid for about 3 more weeks at 2-3 times a week. I applied it today already.

I'M GONNA CUT MY HAIR MYSELF!!!!

Yes, indeedy, I will!

After watching a few Youtube videos, I realize that I can literally give myself some layers in the front and make my hair look the way I need it to look.

I will hold off on cutting my hair until January. In fact, I will take my shears and other hair tools to DA with me God-willing in January and do it there.

Until then, I will continue to visit the hair salon every 2 weeks and get a cellophane rinse with each relaxer. I continue to use my BT mix and will do a seek and destroy after my next salon visit.

RELAXER REVIEW

Got a relaxer!!!! I was about 9 weeks late and my NG was WOAH!!!!

Gloria at Reflexions II HOOKED ME UP as usual. God bless that woman.

Pre-relaxer prep:
The day of my relaxer, I combed out my NG, aggressively and moisturized my straight hair. I also used my blow dryer to soften my NG. Then I divided my hair into 4 sections and went to the salon.

At the salon:
Gloria based my hair and didn't need to comb it. She applied the 'Hawaii' relaxer (I really think it is Hawaiian silky) and it NEVER burned. I can't believe it, considering the fact that I combed my hair like crazy.

She carefully worked the product into my hair and then washed it out. We followed it with KO Protein con and then put Silk Elements con. I was asking about how much a cellophane rinse would cost and Gloria, kindly, put a clear rinse in my hair. I sat under the steamer for about 30 or 40 minutes and then it was rinsed out. BTW, the rinse was added on top of my SE con.

I left the store with my hair in a wrap and must say that when I combed it out, I realized that my hair felt very healthy. It could be the rinse, but I honestly think it has more to do with the DC combo and my BT-mix. My hair has more life to it and I am happy.

I am still tempted to cut it, but after talking with Mariama, I realize I should be patient and stick to my original plan. Here's why: My hair is growing. I would have to cut at least 2 inches of my longer lengths to make my hair a wee bit more uniform. That would leave me at about collar bone length again. But, if I just leave it alone for another 6 months, I may be able to cut it about an inch or less from APL in January.

DREAMING OF A HAIR CUT...

I am leaning towards cutting my hair so I no longer have to have my hair bunned up or wear a wig on special occasions.

So, my hair inspiration right now is

ZOE SALDANA!!!!!

I have downloaded tons of pictures so, here we go...

Pictures 3 and 4 make me want to go to a salon right now. Anyway, I will get a relaxer, analyze my hair over a week, check with Cole Stevens salon for someone to cut my hair, and decide whether or not to take the plunge.


*sigh*

I',m tired of setbacks and hair disappointments. I just want to get to BSL already!

HAIR UPDATES july

So, I've been getting my hair dCd at Reflexions and i take my protein with me. So far so good.

My ends are thin, which is technically normal when stretching. I have at least an inch and more than that in some spots. I have to say that my BT alternative worked wonders because by 7 weeks I was an inch.

Okay, I plan to relax this week and will evaluate my hair. I am hoping to see some length so I can get a hair cut. More to come....

TRIMMED & DUSTED

I trimmed and dusted my hair this morning. While doing seek and destroys, I found only a few split ends, which was reassuring.

Since visiting Reflexion 2 on Monday (June 6th), my hair has looked surprisingly good. It didn't look as shitty as it usually does when I go there. I believe it is because I took a protein conditioner (Kid's Organic) with me. From now on, I will always take both my protein and silicon mix bambu cons with me.

I continue to use my self-made BT mix about twice a week and my NG is kicking in. The goal remains to get to full APL by xmas/December and be full BSL by June 2012. I will not allow anyone to trim my hair until January or February 2012 and will go to Minia's Greenbelt salon for a trim and long layers in the back once I reach APL.

HAIR UPDATE: JUNE 2011

It's been almost 3 weeks since my last relaxer and I have only washed my hair twice. Naughty, I know. However, my hair is looking healthier after my last wash and condition. I washed with Castille soap, followed up with Aphogee 2-min reconstructor con and then left my moisturizing con in my hair for about 2 hours. After washing it out, my hair felt a little mushy so I ran Aphogee through my hair and immediately rinsed it out.

It has been a week and two days and my hair is STRONG. Any shedding has been reasonable and i have been using my growth aid. I have NG, but nothing spectacular. I am still worried about my see-through ends, though and the left side of my hair seems to have broken some more. (I was lying on Hubby without a scarf, I might have broken my hair then).

I still believe that my hair looks good. I keep it in a tucked-in ponytail or under a wig when need be. I also make sure to moisturize every other day or every day if necessary and use my growth aid frequently.

I will go to the salon on Sunday for a wash and DC. I will take my KO protein con and ask that they put it in and then use my newly purchased silicon bambu. I will have to buy another Aphogee bottle, but probably not until after my next relaxer which should take place at the end of July.

So far, so good, thanks be to God.

RELAXER REVIEW

After approximately 7 weeks, I got a touch up on Friday evening. It was a tad dramatic because when I asked for Affirm, I was told they didn't have it but some "Hawaii" relaxer would be fine for my hair.

Anyway, I was relaxed by Gloria who has done my hair before and is rather good. She took tremendous care to work the relaxer through the NG and oddly enough, I had absolutely NO BURNS. =)

Sadly, there was no deep conditioning as she was in a rush, the shop was closing. However, she put some hair drops conditioner in my hair instead. My hair didn't come out bone straight, but it was the best relaxer I have gotten at that place.

That being said, I have been suffering from thin hair and see through ends. I plan to step up my sulfur mix usage, and try to pre-poo with black castor oil (BCO) each night before a wash. I also will go to the salon EVERY 2 weeks for a deep condition and will dust once a month.

I KNOW I CAN DO IT.

BSL by summer 2012, here I come!!!!!

MY SUBLIMED SULFUR ARRIVED

I got my purchase of sublimed sulfur, yesterday, which I purchased from HBA Zone on Amazon.

 

I got the 4oz size for $1.29 and paid $2.99 on shipping for a total of $4.23. 

I plan on making my sulfur-based growing aid tonight so I can start using it immediately.

BACK TO A STAPLE &...

LOVING IT!!!!

After three weeks of dirty hair, I finally washed my hair.

I shampooed with suave tropical coconut. Then, I used KO Protein con for about 30 minutes and followed by Silk Elements olive oil con for about 30 minutes. I let my hair airdry for about an hour and a half and then applied moisture mix, chi silk infusion and sealed with castor oil pomade.

When sealing, I was very careful to separate my hair into sections and seal properly. I then wrapped my hair and by the next day, it was straight and healthy looking.

I will definitely have to keep up this regimen and only use the keratin reconstructor before and after relaxers. I'm thinking that I can do a mid week co-wash because of running and exercise. I am going to give my hair a break and just leave it in a bun/pulled back for the next few weeks or until my new wig arrives and is ready to be worn.

Yay!

RELAXER UPDATE

I got a relaxer on Sunday the 11th. I was relaxed by 'Darika' ( I just don't know what her name was). Thankfully, my hair did not appear too lifeless afterward. I also made sure to add Chi Silk Infusion and seal the next day.

Unfortunately, I once again was underprocessed. The relaxer used was a shea relaxer which I think I used in the past to the same result. The hair has held up to quite a few running escapades. I want to do a henna rinse, but I'm not sure. Instead, I will go back to a tried and true regimen - KO Protein con for 15 minutes followed by Silk Elements con for 20 minutes. I think that should work. I'll do it on Friday after my run, probably.

I also have significant breakage in the back on the left. It's quite a shame really given that I haven't had a set back like this in over a year. *sigh*

NEW PRODUCT WISH LIST

1. Kids Organic detangling lotion
2. Kids Organic Protein conditioner
3. Silk Elements Olive Oil Megasilk conditioner
4. Silicon Mix bambu

ANOTHER WASH & RELAXER PREP

I shampood, and put SE Mayoniase which I rinsed immediately. Then I put SECon in for about an hour and a half. I applied it like relaxer. After washing my hair had slip and my NG was super soft. I then threw some Silicon mix bambu in there just to help some more but ended up with some knots. I think I should have stopped at the SECon.

My hair is shedding and I think I have some breakage this week, sadly. I am limiting manipulation by keeping it tied up.

I will wash again on Wednesday night but will go back to an old formula that has worked in the past. I will shampoo, use KO Protein, SE Con, then put moisture mix, silk infusion and seal. I will also apply my oil mix to my scalp and tackle my NG. That will be my relaxer prep.

HAIR WASH UPDATE

I washed my hair the other day.

I prepood with conditioner (silk elements olive oil) and left that on for about 2 and a half hours. Then I rinsed out and put Aphogee reconstructor in my hair for anywhere between 7 and 10 minutes (probably closer to 5 - 7).

After rinsing, I didn't like the way my hair felt because it didn't feel very moist. But I let it airdry a bit and then sprayed moisture mix, applied a lot of chi silk infusion and sealed. Then I wrapped it and left it alone for over 24 hours. When i finally combed it out, it felt very soft and nice. My hair didn't feel thin, unlike whenever I go to the hair salon.

I will try this again.

POSSIBLE RECIPE FOR CASTOR OIL MIX

I'm up in the wee hours of the morning trying to figure out how to mix up my black castor oil so i can create a hair growth aid that works.

I can purchase sublimed sulfur/flowers of sulfur powder and mix with BCO and some other oils and then use on my scalp.

Truth is, however, that I know that BT works. Maybe I could purchase some more and add BCO to it? That can be purchased for $18 at growtthspecifics.com

Decisions, decisions....

Here are some recipes:

1. Sulfur - 2 teaspoons
2. Jojoba - 4 oz
3. Olive oil - 3 oz
4. Coconut oil - 4 oz
5. essential oil - 10 drops

I would definitely not use coconut oil because it solidifies. Instead, I would replace it with black castor oil (BCO). I would also add a few drops of tea tree oil which has antibacterial properties and would thus keep my scalp healthy. Then it should be left to sit for over 24 hours to mix properly. The essential oil for me would likely be lavender.

See here for crucial safety info because sulfur powder is DANGEROUS - http://forum.blackhairmedia.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=120790&PN=3&title=sulfur-for-faster-hair-growth

IMPORTANT: You do not need more than 5% sulfur and that is about one teaspoon. The oils must amount to 8oz so keep that in mind.

Here is Njoy's progress over a year. She is definitely my inspiration!

WIG UPDATE

I have been using a Freetress Equal Lace front Perry wig. I bought it at myprettywig.com and in my opinion, it took too long to arrive.

That being said, I really like the wig. It is easy to throw on and allows me to leave my hair unmanipulated. However, I have not been moisturizing my own hair which has been problematic. Given the dry, cold weather, my hair has been prone to breaking and shedding. As such, I am committed to keeping my hair moisturized and getting heated DCs every 2 weeks. I visited Reflexions 2 on Thursday, February 10th. I spent $35, gave a $5 tip to josephina who washed and set my hair. I also gave $2 to the lady who combed out my hair. I took my own DC - silicon mix bambu, my paddle brush and wide tooth comb for use after the rollers were removed.

I will add pics of my short hair, plus pics with wig on.

I plan to purchase another Perry wig. I must note, however, that the wig is wayyyy too small for my head and the lace is hard! My next wig will be a back up. The wig is fine for about a month or so and I will learn how to extend and preserve them. I do not add any product and there is some frizz on the sides. I will purchase from mimibeautysupplyplus on ebay. I am also considering purchasing another straight wig from donnaluxury on ebay because I prefer the swiss lace.

A NEW YEAR, NEW SADNESS & NEW OBJECTIVES

Sadly, my hair is now at shoulder length =(((((


While in Dominica, my hair was cut after a touch up. Not trimmed, but CUT. Of course, I was pissed off, but I was really more upset at myself for once again allowing someone to cut my hair. Caprice did it and I don't think I will ever forgive him. Really. Especially since the 'trim' left me with uneven, lopsided fucking hair! Still, his is the only salon I like in DA and well, I returned after the horrible experience.


HOW MANY TIMES HAVE I TOLD MYSELF NOT TO LET ANYBODY CUR MY HAIR?????

It does not matter who it is or how well they have treated my hair. I should be the one trimming/dusting my hair. No other human being is allowed to bring a pair of scissors around my hair!!!!

That being said, I am confronting the tragedy that is my hair and I am committed to re-achieving my length and in fact, surpassing it.

So,

1. my objective for 2011 is 6 inches of NG thus, I will be APL by December 2011.
2. I will go to the salon for a heated DC every 2 weeks.
3. I will not get a blow out.
4. I will hide my hair under a wig during winter.
5. I will use hair growth aids: BT, black castor oil, megatek (?).
6. I will keep my hair moisturized and maintain my moisture/protein balance
7. I will stretch for 10 weeks and no more than 12 if necessary.
8. I will take my multivatimins and calcium chews daily
9. I will drink even more water and less alcohol (twice a week)
10. I will eat more salads (3-4 times a week)
11. I will get my ass to the gym 4-6 times a week & run 3-4 times per week
12. I will remember that my hair grows and I can reach BSL by June 2012!

As of today, I have approximately half an inch to 3/4 inches of NG and I am about 8 weeks post. I used BT about once a week but honestly, did not keep it in good condition because I mainly hid it under a wig the entire time. I have to do much better when it comes to maintenance. Luckily, I have managed to get on track with regards to my money, exercise, writing, skin and dental care. The only other thing that requires my discipline is my hair and I am committed to getting that in order.

I am going to mix my black castor oil with olive, grapeseed, lavender and jojoba oil. I think I will mix it into my BT bottle which has very little left in it. Honestly, if I ever buy it again, it will be scent-free. I want to use the castor oil mix at least twice a week. That will require me to wash my hair twice a week.  So, I might wash my hair on Sundays and Wednesdays/ Thursday afternoons. Meaning, I would put the growth aid on Mondays and Thursdays.