day 36: best hair EVER!

So, I did a cherry lola for about 1.5 hours followed by an hour of KCKT and then about 2 hours of a funky clay mix. It contained European clay powder, which is montmorillonite but green, a little of my brown montmorilonite and left over bentonite I noticed that my hair liked the mix aa lot. When I finally finished all the steps I took the time to separate my hair into avout 11 sections. By the time that was done, my hair was beginning to dry so I used my flat mate's spray bottle and taking each section, I sprayed and separates into 2, applied diluted conditioner and then full strength gel.

My hair seemed to have better curl definition and hang. Also doing such small sections enabled me to thoroughly detangle. I just watched movies while doing my hair and i likely spent about 3 hours.

This morning, my hair looks phenomenal!

 

I went out and it dried about 99% by the end of the day.

At bedtime, I sectioned my hair into twists and pinned each section down with pins and clips. Then I put on my vented shower cap and a scarf and went to bed.

I awoke to find my hair very moist, and the curls still had some stretch to them.

2nd day hair in the morning.

My hair dried very quickly, just sitting in my room.

For Tuesday night, I plan on doing the danabnatural quick method and I hope I am able to get similar results with my hair.

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.

PROTEIN OVERLOAD IS NO GOOD!

 It appears I gave my hair too much protein over the weekend as I am experiencing significant shedding.

I have been managing the situation with moisturizers and just blow dried and straightened my hair so that I can determine what my hair will look like for an interview this weekend (wig or no wig).

Oh boy. I plan on going to get my hair washed and DCd at Sintia's as soon as possible so that  I can rectify the situation.

I will not get a blow out, but will simply have my hair wrapped and leave.

I am 10 weeks post today and hoping to go another 2 weeks before a relaxer.

HAIR STILL FEELS GOOD

It took me 2 weeks to finally wash my hair because i was sick. That, combined with extreme dry conditions in the house, left my hair super dry.

So, I did a quick wash with TJCS, followed with a cowash. Then, I applied th ORS RP Con and left it in my hair for over an hour. After washing it out, I again did an ACV rinse.

Post wash, I sprayed Keratin mix, moisture mix and then left it to dry. I later sealed.

My hair ended up feeling a tad dry still, so I continued to add moisture mix until it felt better. I sealed with Jojoba oil. IT seemd to take a whle, but my hair feels good. Not as great as it did the last time, but it still feels very good.

We are going to NC this weekend, so if I don't manage to wash my hair on Friday, it won't get washed ntil MOnday at the latest. I plan on going back to my old method of doing a protein DC followed by a Silicon Mix DC. I will then do an ACV rise and hope for the best.

FANTABULOUS HAIR

So I washed my hair yesterday and got some fabulous results!

My hair was a mess after lots of running during the week. I washed with my TJCS and made sure to remove any buildup on my scalp. I then put an ORS Replenishing Pak in my hair and left that on for over an hour. I rinsed out the conditioner and then did an ACV rinse.

I let my hair air dry a bit and then put some Keratin Mix in it because as usual with ORS RP my hair seemed a little too soft for my liking. After that, I sprayed a little bit of my moisture mix (which now includes grapeseed oil and almond oil). I let that airdry for about another 2-3 hours and then I sealed with my oil mix (olive oil, castor oil, grapeseed oil) and then wrapped up my hair for the night.

This morning, I combed out my hair and it was incredibly soft, luxurious and shiny. It felt the way it did in Dominica after getting it done at the salon, but of course, I added no heat. I am very pleased with the result. The last few weeks, I have wondered whether this ORS RP is a good fit, and apparently it is. I will still purchase my Silicon Mix, KOProtein and Silk Elements CONs over the next few weeks. But, this last experience with ORS RP has me convinced that for the winter time, it is a good product for deep CONs and so I will purchase it (saw small bottle for about $6 at supermarket).

MY PROTEIN BALANCE IS OFF

For the last few weeks after my henna treatment, my hair has felt a lot more soft than strong lately. Now, that in itself is not a problem, because my hair is not mushy and is not over breaking/shedding.

However, I like the way my hair felt when I used to get the protein-moisture balance right. Well, I think I am simply going to follow the same procedure of a TJCS shampoo, protein con for 15-20 mins, SMP for 10-15 mins, and then clarify with an ACV rinse.

I hope that will help to reset my hair somewhat. If that does not work, then this weekend, or if Moji comes into town, I will go to the salon and get my hair washed, DCd but not blown out.

Hope things work out for me because I currently have an inch of NG in most places and will likely wait until I return from Dominica to get a relaxer.

ITS A HENNA DAY

This morning, I prepared some henna. I used my modified henna recipe put the following (approximately)

1. Cinnamon (1 tbs)
2. Henna (5 tbs)
3. Lemon juice (2 tbs)
4. Amla oil (4 tbs)
5. water (2 tbs)
6. VO5 conditioner

I mixed everything until it had a smooth, creamy, relaxer-like texture and let it sit for 4 hours. Then I put some castor oil throughout my hair as a prepoo.

I applied it in sections to my hair and left it on for an hour, then rinsed out. I then washed my hair with TJCS to really get it out of my hair. Then I co-washed, leaving the VO5 on while I showered and rinsed. I then applied SMPCon (silicon mix perla) and left that on for about 20 minutes and rinsed.

My hair felt good. Very little breakage or shedding, as compared to last week. I let it airdry then sprayed my moisture mix. That dried and then I added KODL to my ends and then the length and finally tied my hair into bantu knots. My hair is shiny, soft yet strong. Loves it. Will try and do a henna treatment every 4 weeks if possible.

HAIR UPDATE

After the usual protein & moisture wash, my hair feels good. It looks like I am able to reproduce the results I like with my hair using the protein and then SECon methods.

However, unlike last wash, this time, I am beginning to notice breakage and some shedding. I think its because I have NG coming in already. Nonetheless, I will do a henna conditioner this weekend, just to increase the strength of my hair and follow up with my new conditioner the fancy Pearl extract Silicon mix. I hope it will prove a sufficient replacement for SECon and if not, I will head to the BSS to purchase SECon.

Hope it all works out.

SILICON MIX PROTEINA DE PERLA

SMPPCon is my new purchase. It is actually a moisturizing and strengthening conditioner with silkening proteins. I hope it will work similarly to the ordinary Silicon Mix and also hope it will be comparable to Silk Elements/Olive Oil conditioner which just finished over the weekend.

It doesn't smell anything like Silicon Mix and its blue in color. I purchased it for $11.99.

LOVIN' IT

So, about 8 days after my relaxer, I washed my hair. I used TJCS, focusing on my scalp, then applied KOProtein con and DCd for 10 minutes. After rinsing, I applied SECon for another 10 minutes.

After washing, I allowed it to air dry and then applied my Keracare creme. I left that on for approximately 10 minutes then put some COpomade in it and left that for over an hour. I later applied CO and when it dried I combed and brushed. My hair felt excellent! Strong, yet soft.

The next day, I applied Silk Infusion and brushed. My hair feels heavenly and I am soooo thrilled. I can't remember the last time I loved my hair so much and I am so pleased.

MY HAIR FEELS...

different...

The last time I washed, I only used my Silk con and well, my hair felt a little too soft for my liking. Actually, limp is a much better description for it. There was less breakage than I have seen in the past though, so that was a blessing. Anyway, I think I will definitely stick to the protein then moisturizing con procedure.

ONLY MOISTURIZING CON

I washed my hair yesterday because my scalp was on fire!!!! Now that I am close to my relaxer, I have cut down on how often I wash my hair so I don't have to detangle as often and lose hair.

Anyway, as I have runo ut of both Silicon mix and TE's protein con, I decided to only use my Silk Elements CON.

I washed with TJCS and focused on my scalp, then put SECon in my hair for about 30 minutes. Detangled (without losing a huge amount of hair), rinsed and then did an ACV rinse. Afterwards, I applied my moisture mix, Keratin mix (for protein), Silk infusion, Kera Care and then sealed with CO Pomade.

My hair  feels okay but not great as it usually does when I use silicon mix or at least protein. Since I will be relaxing this coming weekend, I will have to purchase some proteing and especially a hard protein to prep my hair for a relaxer on Wednesday or Thursday. Or maybe i can just simply make my own protein conditioner/prepoo instead. Hmm, we'll see...

13 WEEKS POST & LOVELY HAIR

Oddly enough, my hair feels great!

My hair went for over a week without a wash, because I was tired post-San Francisco and i ran out of Silicon mix.

However, I washed my hair yesterday to great results. I washed with castile soap and focused on my scalp which had build up and dandruff. Then I used TE's moisturizing shampoo, again concentrating on the scalp. I put on a protein conditioner and left it on for about 20 minutes. After rinsing, I applied my Silk Elements con and left that on for about 20 minutes as well. I made sure to rinse everything out properly, taking my time, but I also combed my roots out. (Lost some hair, though and that was traumatizing, as usual!). After a proper rinsing, I clarified with an Apple cider vinegar rinse.

I let my hair air dry a bit and put some KODL in it. Then I used my Kera Care creme and the sealed with Castor Oil pomade (COP). I brushed my hair a little and went for a walk and let my hair airdry, constantly running my hands through it to ensure that it dried straight.

The results were incredible! My hair is soft and shiny. My new growth is soft and detangled. I am definitely ready for a relaxer! My goal is to relax anywhere from Thursday to Sunday. I will moisturize my scalp nightly with COP. Every day, I will add silk infusion in the morning, and then KODL + COP at night (in tiny amounts, to avoid build up). On Tuesday night, I will use my Denman to detangle again and then hope for the best!

NOTE: Do not buy Mango Butter until Kera Care creme is finished. Also, make another moisturizing mix and get silicon mix because it is essential once you are 8 weeks post.

NOTE 2: ALWAYS DO A PROTEIN DC ONCE A WEEK!!!!! Your hair loves it!

PROTEIN & MOISTURE

My hair was looking and feeling a hot mess, so I did the following.

Protein prepoo, which included -

1. 2 eggs
2. mahabhingraj oil
   
3. amla oil
4. castor oil
5. olive oil
   

The prepoo stayed on for an hour. I rinsed out with Castille soap, and then some VO5.

I followed up with an hour and a half with Silk Elements conditioner.

My hair felt alright and airdried fine. 2 days later, I sprayed some moisture mix, put some mango butter and then sealed with castor pomade and it feels pretty good. I have decided to relax my hair in the middle of September, at which point I will be about 13 weeks post. Hope my hair doesn't act up during this time.

TRADER JOE'S CASTILLE SOAP

I have used Trader Joe's Castille soap twice to wash my hair, and love it. I use it as a shampoo and it does not dry my hair, but leaves it super soft. This last time, I washed and then cowashed with VO5. My hair came out soft and luxurious.

I followed up with my moisture mix, some Silk Infusions (CHI), Mango Butter and sealed. Feels good. This product is definitely a keeper.

MOISTURE DOES MY HAIR GOOD

Again my hair is doing good. I keep it in a bun and keep it moisturized everyday so as to keep it from getting dry and breaking uncontrollably.

The moisture-protein balance seems to be working. But, I will now simply do a cowash with VO5. After that, I will next do a shikamla rinse in a couple days. I hope my hair stays the way it is which is nice.

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.

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.

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!

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.