CREAMY CRACK WARS! RELAXER REVIEW

So my last relaxer was a nightmare. It was in the first week of February and I used vitale which burnt the crap out if my scalp. It itched fiercely for weeks.

It was very depressing. 

So for the next relaxer, I waited for the 2nd week of April (Thursday 11th) and used Optimum Care Salon Collection in super.

 

 The results were phenomenal. I combed out my new growth, based the area around my head and applied the pre treatment lotion. I then worked the relaxer onto my hair, taking the time to correct problem spots. 

I took longer than suggested on the instructions but the results were great. My hair relaxed 95% of the way! The only problem spots I have are at my right temple and a little section where old texlaxed hair needs to be straightened.

For the entire week, my hair was straight but had thickness and body. I added oil once a day and occassionally applied moisture mix as well, wrapping it every night.

Today I put the rest of the relaxer pretreatment in my hair then washed. i also used the relaxer shampoo just as a way to ensure all relaxer was Out. Them I put keratin in my hair and left it for a while. The I followed up with se con. My hair was silky. It air dried over the next few hours. I then applied moisture mix and oil to seal, wrapped it up.

We'll see how it looks tomorrow.

SELF-RELAXER REVIEW

So, I finally relaxed my hair myself after years and I am semi-pleased with the results.

The Good:
Cheap - $7.50 for relaxer (Vitale Super strength)
Most of my hair is bone straight and feels great because the relaxer came with a chelating shampoo that truly clarified and removed relaxer from my hair. The parts that relaxed are healthy.

The Bad:
I used the shower cap method and thus didn't adequately relax certain parts of my hair that were obstructed by the shower cap. And I missed a couple other places which only texlaxed. Also, it too 5 hours to comb through my new growth!!!! (Of course, I was doing other things at the same time like watching movies, lol!).

Nevertheless, I have concluded that I will self-relax again, but not when I am more than 10 weeks post. Being only 10 weeks post will allow me to get through the hair quicker and easier.

After rinsing out, I used the neutralizing shampoo, then Silk elements con in the bottle. I then used the hairbrew I created with oregano, rosemary, thyme, mint, lavender, basil, sorrel. It immediately made my hair strong - clearly a protein brew. I then followed with 35 minutes of SE olive oil con and then rinsed. My hair felt alright but I applied Aphogee 2 min keratin con for less than 2 minutes and rinsed.

My hair felt perfect.

I felt like crying for all the breakage in the back that I have because my longest bits are APL!!! Anyway, I applied silk serum, moisture mix, pulled my hair into a small bun and passed out.

In the morning I let it out to lovely curls! I applied my oil mix to seal and then bunned again.

I'm going to apply my sulphur mix and pay speciall attention to the parts of my hair that texlaxed. Especially the right lower quadrant where I added more relaxer while damp (I know, I know) in an effort to straighten it out.

My next relaxer will be on or around my bday - 10 weeks!

SELF-RELAXER STRATEGY

I am trying to come up with a self-relaxer strategy that will make sense for me and my hair.
Here it is (I think)

1. Hair prep: put oil on my strands, avoiding the new growth and then apply conditioner as well.
2. Scalp prep: apply oil to my scalp and around the perimeter.
3. Relaxer prep: mix it up!
4. Shield: Pin a shower cap over whatever half I am not relaxing so that I can take my time and deal with one half section at a time. Will take longer but I believe the end result will be better.
5. Rinse: Rinse with water, neutralizing shampoo, add conditioner, neutralize again.
6. Wash: Use aloe vera shampoo once all the relaxer is out.
7. Tea Rinse: Make a tea from rosemary, thyme, oregano, mint, lavender, basil and sorrel. Use it to rinse. Drink whatever's left (add aloe vera to it) hehe
8. Protein conditioner: Apply Aphogee 2-minute keratin conditioner for about 3 minutes and rinse.
9. Moisturizing conditioner: leave in for 15-20 minutes.
10. ACV rinse: 'nuff said.
11. Air dry.
12. Silk Serum.
13. Air dry.
14. Moisture mix.
15. Seal.
16. Wrap.
17. DONE.

This is clearly going to take FOREVER. I think I'll do this on Monday and just rock a wig till then. Will actually wash my hair today...um, nope. Just gotta wait it out, I guess.

HERBAL TEA RINSES

So, I was at Nadege's site and saw a post about tea rinses for the hair and realized that given the abundance of herbs I have in my back yard (Thank you God!) I should take advantage of them.

As such, with my relaxer I will boil a pot of rosemary, basil, thyme, oregano, lavender and mint. Once i have rinsed out the relaxer and such, I will follow up with a tea rinse and then with an ACV rinse.

The post even mentioned - MORINGA!!! I called Minia immediately and again made my request for the stuff!

I can't wait to self relax!!!!

Yay!

Another post I read - http://www.organicitsworthit.org/make/herbal-hair-rinses

MORE SELF-RELAXER VIDEOS

Here's a video I am watching to research how I'm going to relax my hair =)

http://youtu.be/rTiTPNEsTQs

WHAT I"M WATCHING ON YOUTUBE...

Ulovemegz channel....

I love her teeny, tiny voice. It is so cute! I also am impressed by her progress. It does however, make me feel sad to see soooo many people who started their hair journeys after me have such long beautiful hair!

Anyway, here is her tutorial for the self-relaxing. I am considering doing this as I do not really see the need to pay these stylists for anything especially when I come home upset about my hair. If I touch up myself, I also save $$$$! Hmm... Part 1 Part 2

Touch Up Review

So another touch up at Reflexion II but this time, Gloria did not do my hair *sob*

Instead, I had Antonia, who sighed and made what I assume to be a few comments in Spanish about the state of my 16-weeks post-relaxer hair. I must have worn her down with politeness and kindness, however, because by the time she was almost done, she was, well, on the verge of chummy. (Its amazing what being a black woman that does not present an attitude can do for you, especially when you see another black woman blow up at the salon, hehehe).

My hair did not relax as well as it does when Gloria does her thing, unfortunately. I was rather pissed that she didn't understand when I was instructing her to put protein conditioner in my hair. She simply asked me to hold on to my products because the deep conditioning they would give me "is free". I didn't feel the need to argue, especially as my youngest was there, comfortably watching cartoons and running around the salon.

Anyway, I will confirm whether Gloria has left the establishment and in the meantime, I will try a different salon. That sucks because Reflexion II has been my main place for over 2 years now and I do love me $15 off Tuesdays. But, I need a stylist/salon that will allow me to use my products. I don't care if their stuff is free. Blah!

My hair, as can be expected, looked like crap. It dried in approximately 25 minutes! Unbelievable! They got me in and out in just under 2 hours and I paid $50 for a touch up *yipee* Although they tried to screw me over, thinking they could charge me $20 for "estyling", when all the chick did was wrap that shit! The total was to be $60. I calmly asked for an explanation of my bill and in no time, it became $50. All sorts of shadiness.

Once I got home, I sprayed a little moisture mix, keratin spray and then sealed with oil. I also applied my sulfur mix to my scalp. My hair IMMEDIATELY looked and felt better, acquiring some weight, density and texture! I know people like their hair thin and lifeless, but I do not. And, I do not mind my kink, as long as I can comb through it, so that bone straight hair thing is not for me! I have continued to moisturize with a little oil because on Wednesday, I went for a 6 mile run and also walked 1.32 miles. It was a good work out, but I sweated out my hair. Thank God, I am not into bone straight hair, or that would be torture. I simply applied moisture mix to the wet parts ran my fingers through my hair. Let it airdry and then applied silk serum and brushed. A little hair oil, and it was just fine.

I just put a little keratin and oil on the hair at the back as it is a little dry. I will apply moisture mix and seal with castor oil pomade tomorrow, to ensure that breakage does not occur. I spent 40 minutes dusting my ends today and will repeat after I wash my hair next week. My next trip to the hair salon should be in about 3-4 weeks, so I get a DC. They must apply keratin CON and SEO CON or else, I won't be having it! And there will be problems!

My new relaxer schedule is as follows:
August 21
December 4

Picture of (non) progress to follow soon. *sigh*

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!!!!!

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*

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.

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.

THIN HAIR =(

My hair is thin and breaking.

I am not happy at all!!!

That being said, I got my hair washed and DCd at Reflexions exactly one week ago. The last 2 days, my hair has been wrapped up and hidden. Thank God.

Here's the plan:

I'm going to continue to condition and baby my hair as best I can. I have anywhere between 3/4 to an inch of NG and I will use BT until the last week of November. I will get a relaxer in Dominica on either the first or second week there.

Till then, I will try to keep my hair hidden, use the olive oil silk elements conditioners I got, combined with protein and get my hair DCd with heat at the hair salon during Thanksgiving weekend or earlier if the opportunity presents itself.

So help me God.

RELAXER PREP

So, there's another You + 1 event this Friday and I'm going to have to put my best face and hair forward. =0

In order to get my hair in order, I have to get a relaxer. Thus, I will wash my hair today and take care of my NG in order to get it ready for Friday. I just called Reflexion II and Evelyn said I can bring my kids with me. Since the salon opens at 9:30 am, I will aim to be there by 10am or 10:30 am with the boys strapped into their stroller. I will take crackers, bags of chips and juice boxes for them. The entire relaxer will likely take 2-3 hours. As long as I give them a snack every 30-5 minutes they will be fine. I will also take strawberries in their spiderman containers.

As for prep work - I will shampoo then apply Aphogee 2 min Keratin con for about 5 minutes. Then I will apply Silicon mix for about 30 minutes and rinse. Once the hair airdries, I will apply some KODL, CHI silk infusion and blow dry. I will blow dry in sections and will comb and brush out the NG. I will also put castor oil pomade on my scalp. Once completed, I will seal with castor oil.

RELAXER UPDATE & NEW SALON

So, after 9 weeks, it was time to get a relaxer and on June 5th, i got one. Being that my last relaxer at Sintia's was whack and that their management insinuated that I was lying about the underprocessing, I opted to go somewhere new. I went to Reflexion instead, located on MLK Blvd.

Nice spot, clean, friendly staff. Lila (sp?) gave me a touch up and could not believe I was barely 2 months post. I used Alter Ego and experienced some burning, but the Lila was very careful and worked hard to not only keep me comfortable, but get my hair straight. The burning was obviously a result of the major scratching I engaged in just the days before.

I got blown out by Rosie/Rosa and she was very careful to not burn my scalp which is a skill no Dominican has exhibited before while doing my hair. Still, my scalp has been itching and I wonder if it is the relaxer or something else. I got a trim and spent a total of $60 because there was a $15 off sale on all procedures. It took the same amount of time as it would have at Sintia's and quite frankly, I don't think I will go back to Sintia's anytime soon, especially since it wasn't like a hair factory at Reflexion.

Currently, I need approximately 1-2 inches to get to APL (AGAIN!) Frustrating as it is, I just have to stay focused. I plan on stretching for 13 weeks until September 4th. I will then try to stretch another 13 weeks with a relaxer on the 4th of December.

RELAXER DAY IN DOMINICA

Once again, I got a relaxer in DA and I am super pleased. I went to Caprice's and spent $103 (less than $50 US). Optimum relaxer was used. My hair is super straight and I am very pleased with the results. After the relaxer, I deep conditioned and then my hair was wrapped and I was placed under the dryer. My hair unfortunately did not dry properly so it was blowdryed. I opted for cocoa butter in my hair and no curling irons. Even Inez the stylist was pleasantly surprised and sked me more about cocoa butter. My hair felt soft and light and as it was blow dried with a round brush, like the Dominincans, it was bouncy and nice.

Unfortunately, as usual, I did not like how thin my hair feels after a relaxer but, I can't wait to take a picture to keep track of any length I might have gained. Will definitely come back to this hair salon.

BOUNDLESS TRESSES PROGRESS

I have used BT for at least 7 weeks, but this last week, I didn't use it once. I had to take a break from the super sweet smell. In retrospect, I would not have bought the scented variety. It was fine the first time, but nowadays, the smell reminds me that I need to keep my skin away from my pillowcases and wherever my hair has been as I am paranoid that the product will exacerbate my acne.

That being said, I will start using it again on Monday and will likely continue using it until my trip to Dominica in about 2 weeks. I will also wait at least 3 weeks to get a relaxer after that point. I hope that i can get my NG to an inch and a half before my relaxer date.

OPERATION CREAMY CRACK WAS SUCCESSFUL

Not only did I get a touchup, but I also got my ends cut. In some places I lost an inch and in others I lost 3 inches. Sad, yes, but my ends look great. I am still generally around collar bone or shoulder length and can't wait for some more growth.

Once I got home, I applied COpomade to my scalp and applied Castor oil to my ends. It made my hair feel heavy and healthy.

Unfortunately, my roots at the back on the left did not relax but texlaxed and my scalp started burning almost immediately. I once again used Mizani Butter Blends which did wonders on my hair.

Glennis styled my hair but it seems that a stylist called Emily (with a piercing in her cheek) is super popular and I might try her next time.

I hope to go to Sintia's once every 2-3 weeks until about 8 weeks. at which points I will probably hide my hair under a wig.

I will relax my hair in Dominica.

I will also apply castor oil at least 3 times a night and Boundless Tresses at least 1-2 times a week. God help me!

CREAMY CRACK DAY IS UPON US...

Let the church say..."Amen"

lol

Okay, so on Friday, I shampood with Suave, then applied Keratin 2-min reconstructor for just about/over 5 minutes. Rinsed and was left with incredible hair. But, I opted to apply SEcon to my roots , massage it in, then rinse and do an ACV rinse as well.

My hair ended up okay but because I had to run out of the house I was unable to do a thorough post wash process. Nevertheless, the next day, I applied moisture mix, COpomade. Later on at night, I moisturized my scalp with castor oil and then combed my roots and applied castor oil all over my hair. It will be a prepoo and I hope that it will not impede the relaxing process.

Leaving the house in about 15 minutes... will update once I return.

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.