I'm 8 months in my hair journey and although I haven't achieved astonishing growth like I've seen some length check pics on www.hairlista.com and on the web. I will say, that since being on this journey, I now understand what is most important for my hair and understands what my hair needs and wants. If I had known what I know now pre-HJ. My hair would be
hitting my ankles right about now. But hey, when you know better you do
better.
Current state of my hair: Protective style, custom wig. I wanted to give my hair a bit of a rest. My last texturizer was June 16th so that makes me about 12 weeks post. I'm going to see how long I can go with doing protective styles and see what kind of progress my hair makes. I'm also gearing up to buy Carol's Daughter Transiting Kit to keep me going during my stretch with the hopes this can be the solution to taking me all the way to being completely natural.
5 facts I've learned about my hair:
1. My hair loves protein. What I mean when I say that is, my hair just shows-off when DC with protein. It looks healthy, feels healthy and it luxuriates. I have way less shedding, it looks fuller, every single one of my tresses shines. Anytime, I shop around for conditioners, I make sure that somewhere in the ingredients there's some protein in it.
My current conditioner I DC weekly with is Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing Conditioner. I looooooove this conditioner. My hair and this conditioner are married! It's a light protein so I get the strength and rebuilding my hair loves and I get the moisture that my hair needs. Double bonus!
2. I have bratty hair. My hair wants what it wants and if it doesn't it turns into a brat and sheds/breaks. What I mean when I say this is, my hair will shed or break, almost immediately with a product that does it no justice. It's a plus for me because I get to know what my hair hates asap, but the downside of that is it can put my hair into a bit of setback from trying to recover.
3. My hair grows slowly. When I log into hairlista and see length check pics, I'm like "hol' up her hair is down her damn back in 6 months???- What am I doing wrong?" Turns out, I'm not doing anything wrong, my hair moves at its own pace and I've already came to grips with it. So, I don't have the length that I want in my 8 months HJ but I do have the health. I'll take health over length anyday. I do give my hair a bit of assistance with growing and staying on track. I take Hairfinity vitamins twice a day and a B-complex vitamin. I still don't see fast growth but I do see less breakage and shedding than ever.
4. Pre-poo's and my hair shall never part. I wrote a post awhile back about pre-pooing and how much my hair loves it. I think this has been the secret to getting my hair in a healthy state. I will never, ever-ever skip a wash day without pre-pooing. For me, the pre-pooing process is where I focus on meeting the needs of my hair. For instance, my hair can be quite drying so I include honey, which helps attract moisture to my tresses. My hair can shed more than normal for no reason, so add garlic water, this minimizes shedding. I recently started adding Jamaican Black Castor Oil to help my thin tresses to thicken up. And of course, I also add my beloved coconut oil to the mix because it helps restore the health of the hair. Some wash days, I may add a cheap conditioner to the mix like Tresemme or Herbal Essence for an extra conditioning boost.
5. Natural ingredients are wassup. I'm not fully into using all natural products for shampooing and conditioning just yet, but I have learned that the natural ingredients I have incorporated into my hair regimen gives me better and faster results on my tresses. For my protein treatments, I started using a raw egg, olive oil, honey and a cheapie conditioner. My hair stopped all shedding and breakage asap and it snaps back to a healthy start--winning! I started using Rosewater & Glycerin to moisturize my new growth my hair seems to stay moist. Aloe vera juice (AVJ) I've added as a leave-in/detangler. Oh baby! My hair butter soft and super manageable. Just what I like!
What have you learned most about your hair on your HJ?
Rehabilitating my hair from the Creamy Crack!
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Going Natural? Or Stretching Your Relaxer? Try A Transitioning Kit!
Product lines are stepping up their game by creating products geared
toward women that are transitioning from relaxed-to-natural.
Transitioning kits are giving women the tools they needed packaged all together to combat breakage, soften new
growth and maximize moisture during the grow-out phase. Most women bumped the transition phase and just go straight for the big chop (BC)
instead, to prevent the frustration and the breakage that happens while
transitioning.
Transitioning kits could be helpful to your hair journey (HJ). Now, if I would have found info on these two months ago, I would not have resorted to texlaxing to wean my hair out of my relaxer. Oh well. I'm still happy with the results of my hair, however, I will be trying these bad boys out and put them to the test.
I am so feeling the idea of transitioning kits! Now, I haven't tried any of them as of yet, but I'm definitely game to try one of them out and give yall a review. One thing, I've learned about my tresses is, it luxuriates best when I use products from the same product line. It needs that consistency in order to thrive, so a kit that provides a shampoo, conditioner and everything else it needs to be luxurious in it's own way, works for me. I really think my hair would do-the-damn thang, with one of these kits.
First up, we have Carol's Daughter 1-2-3 Transitioning Kit. Now, Carol's Daughter is claiming to the first-and-only hair solution kit for transitioners, but, I was able to find more transitioning kits out there, so I don't know about them being the only, but they could be the mastermind behind the transition kit. I'll have to do some research on that. Let's get down to business.
The Carol's Daughter Transitioning Kit includes:
Purifying Extra-Gentle Cleanser, 4 fl oz
Renewing Scalp Spray, 4 fl oz
Restoring Anti-Breakage Treatment, 5.5 fl oz
Price: $40 can found purchased at Carol Daughter's stores or www.carolsdaughter.comwww.carolsdaughter.com
The promise: This easy 3-step kit offers a solution to the 3 problems transitioners face: product build-up, scarred scalp & breakage at the points of demarcation. Now big choppers, long grow-outs and protective stylers can transition from relaxed to natural hair with less shedding, a healthier scalp and softer hair.
The facts: 93% Less Shedding, Healthier Scalp & Softer Strands* *independent study results
Shea Moisture Hair Repair & Transition Kit.
The Repair & Transition Kit includes (4 oz. each):
• Moisture Retention Shampoo – Cleanses, softens, moisturizes and helps repair damaged, over-processed hair; sulfate-free. Winner of an Allure Best of Beauty Award.
• Restorative Conditioner – Moisturizes and helps restore dry, damaged, over-processed hair. Winner of a Natural Health Beauty Award. May be used as a leave-in or rinse out conditioner.
• Reconstructive Elixir – Natural oil-based treatment intensely hydrates and repairs hair and scalp while adding sheen; acts as a sealant to lock moisture into hair.
• Deep Treatment Masque – Deeply nourishes moisturizes and rejuvenates hair and scalp. May also be used as a leave-in treatment or styling cream.
Price: $21.99. You can find this at your local Walgreen's or Target stores and online.
The promise: SheaMoisture Repair & Transition Hair Kit, which deeply moisturizes and help heals and strengthen dry, damaged hair, provides a protective barrier from environmental elements, heat and styling aids. These all-natural formulations include raw shea butter, which moisturizes and nourishes with fatty acids and vitamins, argan oil, heralded for restoring shine and rebuilding elasticity, and sea kelp to detoxify hair follicles and scalp of impurities and residue
**FYI,I have used the Deep Treatment Masque. My girlfriend tried it on her hair and she didn't like it, so she passed it on to me to try and I was pretty satisfied with the results. How I used it was, I mixed it with Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) deep conditioned on dry hair. I dampened my hair little with some Aloe Vera Juice and applied. Left it one for 1 hour with heat. My hair came out soft, moist and strong too, but I must admit, I was not absolutely in love with it.
Karen's Body Beautiful Healthy Hair Transitioning Kit
The Healthy Hair Transitioning Kit includes:
Curls Transitioning Diva Kit
The Transitioning Diva Kit includes:
No promises for this kit!
Again, I haven't tried any of these kits, but they are definitely on my wish list. If I had to pick which one I would try first, I would go with Carol's Daughter. What attracts me to Carol's Daughter's kit is that there are only 3 products to use. Since, a wash day with transitioning hair can be overwhelming 3 easy steps is wassup!
Have you tried a transitioning kit? Share your thoughts with me.
Transitioning kits could be helpful to your hair journey (HJ). Now, if I would have found info on these two months ago, I would not have resorted to texlaxing to wean my hair out of my relaxer. Oh well. I'm still happy with the results of my hair, however, I will be trying these bad boys out and put them to the test.
I am so feeling the idea of transitioning kits! Now, I haven't tried any of them as of yet, but I'm definitely game to try one of them out and give yall a review. One thing, I've learned about my tresses is, it luxuriates best when I use products from the same product line. It needs that consistency in order to thrive, so a kit that provides a shampoo, conditioner and everything else it needs to be luxurious in it's own way, works for me. I really think my hair would do-the-damn thang, with one of these kits.
First up, we have Carol's Daughter 1-2-3 Transitioning Kit. Now, Carol's Daughter is claiming to the first-and-only hair solution kit for transitioners, but, I was able to find more transitioning kits out there, so I don't know about them being the only, but they could be the mastermind behind the transition kit. I'll have to do some research on that. Let's get down to business.
The promise: This easy 3-step kit offers a solution to the 3 problems transitioners face: product build-up, scarred scalp & breakage at the points of demarcation. Now big choppers, long grow-outs and protective stylers can transition from relaxed to natural hair with less shedding, a healthier scalp and softer hair.
The facts: 93% Less Shedding, Healthier Scalp & Softer Strands* *independent study results
Shea Moisture Hair Repair & Transition Kit.
• Moisture Retention Shampoo – Cleanses, softens, moisturizes and helps repair damaged, over-processed hair; sulfate-free. Winner of an Allure Best of Beauty Award.
• Restorative Conditioner – Moisturizes and helps restore dry, damaged, over-processed hair. Winner of a Natural Health Beauty Award. May be used as a leave-in or rinse out conditioner.
• Reconstructive Elixir – Natural oil-based treatment intensely hydrates and repairs hair and scalp while adding sheen; acts as a sealant to lock moisture into hair.
• Deep Treatment Masque – Deeply nourishes moisturizes and rejuvenates hair and scalp. May also be used as a leave-in treatment or styling cream.
The promise: SheaMoisture Repair & Transition Hair Kit, which deeply moisturizes and help heals and strengthen dry, damaged hair, provides a protective barrier from environmental elements, heat and styling aids. These all-natural formulations include raw shea butter, which moisturizes and nourishes with fatty acids and vitamins, argan oil, heralded for restoring shine and rebuilding elasticity, and sea kelp to detoxify hair follicles and scalp of impurities and residue
**FYI,I have used the Deep Treatment Masque. My girlfriend tried it on her hair and she didn't like it, so she passed it on to me to try and I was pretty satisfied with the results. How I used it was, I mixed it with Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) deep conditioned on dry hair. I dampened my hair little with some Aloe Vera Juice and applied. Left it one for 1 hour with heat. My hair came out soft, moist and strong too, but I must admit, I was not absolutely in love with it.
Karen's Body Beautiful Healthy Hair Transitioning Kit
- Luscious Locks Hair Mask: Nutritious Deep Condition Treatment. Softens, Moisturizes, & Detangles
- Mane Makeover Hair & Scalp Treatment: Promotes a healthy scalp environment that supports hair growth
- Secret Weapon Restorative Hair Treatment: A balm that strengthens, repairs and restores your tresses.
Curls Transitioning Diva Kit
- Curlicious Curls Cleansing Cream without worry. This super hydrating, sulfate free cleanser with gently cleanse without stripping essential nutrients.
- Curl Ecstasy Hair Tea conditioner is the deep treatment your transitioning tresses need. Formulated with natural botanicals, exotic extracts, and nourishing emollients designed to moisturize, condition, and strengthen.
- Quenched Curls Moisturizer!Prevent breakage by restoring elasticity & keeping your tresses moisturized, daily with This super hydrating, detangling leave in conditioner/moisturizer is now formulated with sunscreen to help protect your hair from damaging UV/UB rays.
- Curl Souffle is the perfect product for transitioning. This rich curl cream hydrates, defines and locks in moisture required to prevent breakage during your transition. An ideal "new growth smoother" as it naturally softens and relaxes kinky hair and helps to "bridge the gap" between your natural and relaxed tresses.
- FINISHING - Formulated with certified organic coconut oil and pure Champagne & Caviar extract, Champagne & Caviar Curl Elixir imparts brilliant sheen, and repairs and moistures dry, damaged tresses.
No promises for this kit!
Again, I haven't tried any of these kits, but they are definitely on my wish list. If I had to pick which one I would try first, I would go with Carol's Daughter. What attracts me to Carol's Daughter's kit is that there are only 3 products to use. Since, a wash day with transitioning hair can be overwhelming 3 easy steps is wassup!
Have you tried a transitioning kit? Share your thoughts with me.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Hair Journey CONFESSION #1
The bad news is the summer is whisking away rather rapidly.
The good news is I'm alive and in good health.
The hair news is I'm in a protective style. I am wearing wig cap. It's my go-to when I don't want to be bothered with my hair. The difference with wearing them now is I take much better care of my hair, than when I wore them before my hair journey (HJ).
Confession #1 - I started this blog with the idea to grow out my short cut and my relaxer at the same damn time (shout to 2Chainz!). Well, yeah um, what had happened wuz.....I got frustrated with the two textures and did not know how to control it, so I texturized my hair. I experienced some breakage during the process and that's when I said something has got to give. My stylist suggested a texturizer. At first I was like, "wait does that mean I'm going to have a like a jheri curl type look?" Hey I'm an 80's baby so that's my definition of a texturizer, but she broke it down for me and said a relaxer straightens the curl pattern and a texturizer softens the curl pattern. She was the one to convince me to give up perming but she also convinced me that texlaxing will be helpful with transitioning out, since I was struggling with the growing out phase a lot. So, the ultimate goal of going natural is still very much there, BUT I'm going to wean my way out of the transitioning phase by texlaxing.
Although, a texturizer can make your hair bone straight like a relaxer if you let it sit long enough, however, the applying time is way shorter than a relaxer so the results will not be bone straight. In the hair world, its called texlaxing. You can achieve a texlax by using a no-lye or lye regular relaxer by cutting your applying time in half OR you can achieve a texlax by using a texturizer.
The actual definition of texlaxing is the process of purposefully under processing one’s hair in order to loosen the texture of the hair without completely straightening it. This method is less damaging and leaves the hair thicker than a relaxer.
Texturizing is still a chemical process, but I must admit I like it waaaaaay better than relaxing, for my hair at least. The texturizer my stylist used is Linange Shea Butter Texturizer. She mixed it with a little conditioner and an oil.
Here's why I love my texlaxed hair:
1. The chemical does not stay in my hair that long literally under 5 mins. How my stylist applies it is she parts in four sections BUT she is working on each section separately. For instance, you know when you are relaxing and your hair is parted in four sections and you work on section by section but you rinse out the relaxer when all four sections are completed. Well, my stylist applies to one section and then rinses out that section and on to the next one. I love how she does it. Less prone to overprocessing, it's easier on my tresses and my hair is not bone straight. Luvs it!
2. I love having a bit of a texture. My hair looks fuller because it is not bone straight the texture adds some fullness and body to my hair.
3. Healthier tresses. yes yes texlaxing is a chemical process but a less-stressing applying process. When I would get relaxers I would do this over dramatic fake my-scalp-is-burning act with fanning my hands and tapping my feet and all, in order for the stylist not to relax to bone straight. Ask me why I went through all that trouble to put that act on because it was the only way the stylist would get it out of my head. Now, I have a totally new stylist who understands my tresses and the importance of the chemical process so that act I have retired.
Are you texlaxed?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)