My Coily Fro...Updated Regi

My hair is doing what it do! Growing nicely, getting that health up and turned up off my regimen. I have been super consistent with my regimen and my hair is saying THANK YOU (finally) and I'm basking with unlimited selfies. I never loved my tresses, even when it was relaxed. I feel like we always just put up with each other but neither one of us put our best foot forward to make each other shine. Now, we're besties, I understand my tresses and my tresses understand me and with that I found a regimen that is giving both of us LIFE. 

My regimen right now is
1. First week: deep condition with coconut oil with heat for 45 mins then co-wash
2. Second week: Shampoo, ACV, Deep condition anywhere from 30mins - 2 hours with heat.
3. Third week repeat First week
4. Fourth week repeat Second week.

So in a nut shell I alternate weeks between a co-wash and shampoo.

I'll have more deets on products that I use, but in the mean time I just wanted to breeze through and show yall what I'm working with.

Pic on the left is my hair Nov 2012 pic on the right is my current hair Sept 2013

Thought I capture a few selfies cuz I need yall to believe me when I say me and my tresses are besties. My first twist out that I actually was digging. It was juicy and coily!

Do you have a regimen? Please share.

Follow me on instagram for pics before they hit the blog @trackingmytresses

So I've been MIA with my TWA (My bad)

Ummm yeah so it's been like nine months since I've posted. I got yall all excited about my Fearless Big Chop and then I went a-wall. My bad! Well what happened wuz..(lol) my computer died and I was computer-less for a few months. Then I had some health issues and it put everything on hold. Ultimately, I ended up having major surgery this past May and recovered for two months. I am completely healed from the surgery and good as new. Prayerfully, my health remains in A+ condition. Now, its time to get back on track with posting about my tresses, yes?

Let's get you guys up to speed on what I've been doing with my tresses since my last post.

1. I've been protective styling since my chop with wigs and weaves.
2. I joined CurlBox and Curlkit to help me find my holy grail staple products (and I have!)
3. I finally got a hair regimen that my tresses loves.
4. I am in search of a stylist in Brooklyn, NY who also does natural hair care to help me maintain my natural tresses. Although I'm doing my hair at home, I would like to go to a stylist to bless it erry now and then with some professional love, ya feel me?

Let's get to the pics...shall we?

This is exactly one month after my BC. It was still very much in the dry state. No curls at all. Just a dry, cotton fro. I hated it because it didn't look good and it didn't feel good either. I was not shampooing at this stage. I was co-washing every other day with Hello Hydration Moisturizing Condition and moisturizing like a maniac with Shea Moisture Coconut Styling Milk and Jamaican Black Castor Oil.
 

From Nov until recent I've been protective styling with wigs and weaves. I am enjoying playing with different looks.

November thru December (bottom right corner) I wore a chic sloped bob I was digging real hard. Can't you tell by the pic? (lol).

In January, (bottom left corner) I wore senegalese twist. I didn't love them as much as I thought I would. I was micro managing them African braiders real hard cuz you know they love to tear up edges and I was NOT having it. I only had these in for four weeks. This was such a waste of money. I wanted to keep them for at least two months but they did not last.

February thru March (top right corner) I rocked a curly wig cap. I was loving this one too. It had definition, volume and height....perfection! This style got tons of compliments.

April thru May (top left corner) I wore a short wig cap with a rounded-shaped bang in the front. One of my favs playful styles, when I can't decide what to do next I usually go with this bang-serving style. It's classic, it fits my face and bangs are chic. I went into the hospital with this wig. When you have major surgery, you are suppose to take your wig off, but ummm NOT ME DAWLIN' this wig cap stayed on and my surgery was a success. Of course, when I woke up from all the drugs, first then I did was check to see if my wig was still in place. HA!

Under all them cute protective styles, my hair was resting and growing. Every time I took out a protective style, I would pre-poo, wash, deep condition, detangle and moisturize then braided up for the next do.

I noticed my hair was getting thicker, it was less dry and holding moisture much better and my curls were starting to pop too. My curls started to come through about four months post BC.

Here's my current hair. I deep conditioned and co-washed, moisturized with shea butter and did about six giant flat twist. Its definitely not as dry as when I first BC'd and its much more softer too. I will admit I haven't rocked it out just yet, but I will say I love the healthy state that its in. I will probably start wearing it out my 1 year anniversary. I want it to be bigger and longer.

And this is my current protective style situation. I went with a regular ole BSS wig. It's called the Mommy wig. I saw some YT videos of this darling wig and decided to give it a try. I was never a fan of BSS wigs because they looks so, well, um wig-ish. You know, like that overly-shiny, brillo pad grain type hair that you find on cheap baby dolls.

But this Mommy wig is 100 % natural, they also have a synthetic one that is a bit fuller than the human hair version. I like it because it looks more realistic than the average BSS wigs I've seen. I tapered the sides down a bit and that's it. It even fits comfortably too.

Rocking this wig is also saving me tons of money. I paid $30 for this wig at my local BSS. It starts losing life after about two months. This one in the pic is the second one I purchased so far. For weaves and custom wigs I'm usually spending anywhere between $80 - $300 depending on what style I get and includes supplies, hair, tip and service.

Well, that's my story of my MIA update. I have tons of things to post in a couple of weeks with my new hair regimen, what I've learned about my hair, my holy grail products, CurlBox vs Curlkit etc, what my husband thinks of my natural tresses and more.

Let me know if you have any questions, comments, suggestions or whatever. I look forward to hearing from you.

Have you been protective styling? What's your go-to protective style?

Eff It! Be Fearless! The Courageous Chop!

On Oct 2, 2012 around 7:30ish, I said "Eff it, It is time to be Fearless", so I let fear have a seat and let my courage take a stand and I did my very own BC right in my bathroom.

I've done a few courageous things in my life, walked across fire, jumped off a 14 foot cliff into the deep waters of Jamaica and getting married (listen, if you really know, getting married was courageous lol, FYI, I love, love, love being married) but chopping my hair was a different kind of courage. The kind that makes you feel set free, the kind that makes you feel proud, the kind that makes you understand that its all about the love of self and absolutely nothing else, the kind that makes you see that fear is really & truly our worst enemy.

What made me just go 'head and chop, you ask? Well, I was watching 'friend-in-my-head' Jenell youtube channel www.youtube.com/user/BlakIzBeautyful. She's the editor-in-chief of www.kinkycoilycurlyme.com. Everytime I see a video of this chile's hair, I drool, like mouth open, wiping the side of my mouth kinda drool. I mean her hair, is healthy, fluffy, shiny, and NATURAL!

Anyway, I clicked on her video and there I was drooling (again), but it was also a day I felt so un-inspired about my hair, I was at the brink of giving up. Earlier that day, I decided to slap a perm in my hair this upcoming weekend and be done with all this transitioning crap. So I wiped the drool, and made a comment on her video:
"Every time I feel like giving up with transitioning to natural. Your video hits my inbox, I click on it, see your hair and then I get hairspiration, so now I'm back on track. Beautiful hair. Good video"

A few hours later I got a message from Jenell:

"You can't give up. We have to dominate and we need YOU to get it together. LOL
But on the real though, its hard at times because this is so new to you, but you can do this. Its just hair, love it, care for it, and learn what it needs and you will be fine. Im not sure if you've ever visited my website the link is the the beginning of my video, the end of my vide and in the description box. My site is an educational site for natural hair."

That's all ya gurl needed was a pep talk from the natural hair guru herself cuz that fear & frustration, was so-gone! I decided, as soon as I get off work, I'm going home to chop off my tresses.

Here's the pics of my courageous chop:

The Beginning. I started off with a wash and deep conditioner using Shea Moisture products.Shout-out to Jenell, again, for raving about the Shea Moisture product line.

It looks rough right?? LOL!geez! It was SO dry & I moisturize it daily. SMH

I think I see curls!!

 The Takedown. After shampooing, I began chopping then I deep conditioned mixed with honey, coconut oil and grapeseed oil.

The moment

 Set Free. Oh, hi! True self-love kicked in.

Now the next step is, finding a natural hair stylist who can clean it up, even it out and color it for me, then I'll be ready for my big reveal. Until then, the wig is on, but can't wait to rock out and be fearless.

Shout out to the other natural youtube guru's that I subscribe to and drool over their hair.                               Charjay, this girl's hair is SO bomb! http://www.youtube.com/user/160Days2Lose2
Iknowlee, Twist-Out Queen! http://www.youtube.com/user/iknowlee?feature=watch

What I've learned from chopping off my hair, I am absolutely in control of my own destiny. I know it sounds way too deep, but if I desire to do something I just got to get myself together without having any fear in mind, because in the end, it's really never as bad, as my fear makes me believe it is -- so EFF IT. BE FEARLESS.

P.S. I was the girl that said I WILL NEVER GO NATURAL!

Did you big chop? Were you fearful or fearless? What was your moment like? Who are some of your hairspirations?

That Moment When Your Bald Sides Grow In!

Lately, I've been wanting to give up on this hair journey. Why? Because I really don't know. Yep. don't know! Right now, I'm in protective styling mode because I just don't feel like dealing with my hair. I have noticed though, my hair grows faster when its in a protective style, so I am curious about the progress aka growth it's been doing.

I'm still sort of in this limbo stage of--should I just grow it out to natural or keep it texlaxed. Mid-way through my hair journey I changed the goal of my HJ and this blog. The original purpose of the blog was to track my tresses for one year without ANY chemicals, but mid-way through dealing with those two textures on vicious war of trying to stay alive was A. MESS. so I did a texturizer, which I lovvvved the results.

But I've been on youtube rampage lately and watching these natural girls rock out those kinky textures with fierceness. My natural girl on the inside is yelling WE CAN DO THIS! My new fav natural youtubers are BlakIZbeautyful and Iknowlee. My gawd. I'm telling you I'm almost there, like right at the edge of jumping into natural hair goodness. Until then, I'm still tracking my tresses. The daunting task of deciding which way to go is the stressing killer though. Right now, I just want to chop ALL my hair off and really start from brand spanking new. Yep, I said it. A big chop (BC) is sounding about right! I'm ready to face my hair dead on!

Anyhoo, enough of my emotional hair rant and back to the purpose of this blog post, which is to do a length check on my bald sides, which was the main reason why I wanted to started a HJ and blogging about it. I mean I am quite impressed.

Top left the beginning of my HJ, Bottom left 3 months into my HJ, right my weapons of choice: Neutrogena Triple Moisture Leave-in and Jamaican Black Castor Oil.

6 months into my HJ; freshly relaxed

9 month into my HJ, 4 months post. I'm sure if I decide to relax again it will be longer.

 

 

 

 

I'm pretty darn impressed, only because I've always struggled with thin/bald sides. My entire life. I tell you, I am diligent with taking care of them with M&S and putting extra-extra conditioner on it on wash days. The hard work is really paying off, of course, I have more to go but the point is my sides were shiny bald.

Have you had any trouble areas that you have worked hard to thrive? Please share with me. I love hairspirational stories!

I've Been Nominated & I'm Hyped! I Would Like to Thank My Mama....

Shout out to Vee at Growing in Style  for nominating my blog for the Versatile Blogger Award! I feel like I hit the lotto or something and I want to give one of those "I've made it speeches" they give at the award shows. "I would like to thank God, the author & finisher of my faith, My mama for telling I always had it in me" LOL. I, know, I'm a cheesy lame, but I do feel quite honored though *tee hee*  I had a cah-razy labor day weekend with emotional highs & lows, ups & downs but this cheered me up a great deal--adding to the highs and ups of my insane weekend.

In order to accept the award, I have to follow some rules. The rules are:

1. Thank the Blogger that nominated me. 
     -- did that! Thanks again Vee for spotting me and giving me the L.O.V.E. 'preciate!
 
2. Share 7 random facts about me. 
   --I'm sort of weirdo so get ready lol 

3. Nominate 15 bloggers who are relatively new to blogging.                                                                     -- I've become a recent blog stalker so I have a few on my list...

4. Let nominated bloggers know they have been nominated. 
    -- *drum roll* please..... 

5. Add the Versatile Blogger Award to my post.         
 -- I'm so excited I feel like printing it, making a button and pinning it on my shirt. :-)

7 Random Facts about Moi!

1. I am deathly afraid of needles. My grown, rusty behind goes into a big ball of tears, just like a baby, when that itty bitty needle has to be put in my arm to draw blood. I know, I know, I'm a complete loser but I just can't deal.

2. I can veg-out watching the Food Network alllllll day. Catch me on a rainy Saturday, chile please, I will keep it locked on the Food Network and won't miss a beat. Then what happens is my Sunday dinner is Food Network inspired. lol

3. My alarm clock is set 20 minutes early than the real time and is set up across the room so I have to get out of bed to hit snooze. I thought this would benefit me somehow with getting to work on time because I have to get out of my bed to hit the alarm. However, when my alarm goes off, I know I'm 20 minutes ahead of the game and I get out of my bed to hit off to only get back in bed again the end result is I'm late for work as usual even though I have this whole preventive-routine not to be...SMH. crazyness I tell you!

4. I went to Catholic school, but I am not Catholic and NOBODY in my family is! My mother just thought I would have a better education going to catholic school than public. I went the mass services but could not receive communion.

5. I am a former thumb sucker and wore braces for three years because of it.

6. My mother put me in drama classes as a child because I was really good at imitating people. I'm still good at it until this day, but never thought of becoming an actress.

7. I have no cavities but bought multiple bags of candy as kid and ate them every single day. I still don't understand how I have all my teeth.

Ok the nominees are (in no particular order). I know this was for new bloggers but I do have a 1-2 veterans on this list only because I stalk their blogs regularly and enjoy them a lot.

1 Discovering Natural Beauty
2.  blutifulblaqhair
3. wurassecrethair
4.fancyflairlady
5. http://napturallyinspired.blogspot.com/
6. http://curlyknots.blogspot.com/
7. http://liloreochick97.blogspot.com/
8. http://beautywitchsrealm.blogspot.com/
9.http://hisocietynyc.blogspot.com/
10. http://businessaboutbeauty.blogspot.com/
11. http://jennashair.blogspot.com/
12. http://finetexturedhair.blogspot.com/
13. http://sweetcme.blogspot.com/
14. http://thehairmuse.blogspot.com/
15. http://theawkwardstage-se.blogspot.com/

5 Facts I Learned About My Hair During my 8 Month Hair Journey!

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?

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:

• 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.     

Price: $39 can be purchased at www.karensbodybeautiful.com.The Promise: This trio can minimize breakage, stimulate hair growth and promote a healthy scalp


Curls Transitioning Diva Kit

The Transitioning Diva Kit includes:

• 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. 

Price: $72 can be purchased at  http://www.curls.biz/about-curls.html

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.

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?

Organic Root Stimulator Uplifting Shampoo. A Review!

My hair was thriving, then it was like the life got sucked of it. I was hating my hair for a few weeks almost at the verge of chopping it all off (again). Straight up hair frustration because my hair would not shine at all no matter how much moisturizing & sealing or co-washing I did. My rollerset would not last long and it started to look weighed down and I was experiencing some excessive shedding. I couldn't figure out if it was the products I was using or was I doing to much or what? Then a light bulb hit. WELP, I DO NOT CLARIFY MY HAIR.

The point of clarifying  is stuff builds up on your hair, all kinds of stuff. Hairsprays, mousses, and gels; hard water and mineral deposits; chlorine and chemicals from swimming pools; even the waxes and moisturizers in some shampoos and conditioners can leave build up on your hair over time. This build up can cause hair to appear dull, heavy, greasy, and limp. A clarifying shampoo can help remove those deposits, give your hair a fresh start, and restore shine.

I pre-poo (a pre-treatment with oils/conditioner before shampooing your hair) weekly and recently started incorporating co-washing (washing hair with a moisturizing conditioner) into my regimen, although they are great techniques for the hair, you eventually have to clarify at some point due to product build-up. So, off to the beauty supply store (BSS) I went to pick up a clarifying shampoo.

Anyhoo, I wanted to make it easy for myself with the decision making so I purchased Organic Root Stimulator Uplifting Shampoo. Anytime I buy a product from this line, I am always pleased and impressed so I figured I couldn't go wrong. And I didn't.

First of all, what a big difference clarifying makes, I never knew! Honestly, this was my first time ever using a clarifying shampoo, since starting my HJ back in January, and I must say my hair does feel lighter, cleaner, silky AND no itchy scalp. I plan on adding clarifying to my regimen by the fifth wash.

The Facts: 
This shampoo exfoliates the scalp helping to relieve the itchy feeling associated with dry scalp. It's ideal for all hair textures, and adds moisture while helping to condition and detangle.

• Enriched with menthol, nettle and horsetail
• Gently lifts flakes and excess oils
• Stimulates and irrigates scalp

The Instructions:

• Conduct a patch test for allergic reaction before use. Apply as directed to the nape of the neck; wait 24 hours. If itching, bumps or redness develop, do not use
• Apply a generous amount of shampoo to damp hair and work into a lather. Rinse thoroughly
• Repeat shampoo, leaving on for 2 minutes to maximize treatment
• Rinse thoroughly with warm water and condition with Organic Root Stimulator hair mayonnaise

The Truth:

• First off, no allergy reaction for me, thank God. I'm never allergic to anything so I was pretty optimistic about not having some sort of reaction.

• Loved the tingling sensation it gave while washing, made me feel like it was really doing something

• Clarifying shampoo's are known to strip the hair to release the build up, but for this to be a clarifying shampoo my hair did not feel stripped it actually felt moisturized and stronger.

•  I will say that my hair also behaved with holding rollerset curls. By day 2 of a rollerset my curls are lifeless.

• It definitely did the trick to my tresses they were lighter and shinier and my scalper is definitely cleaner. I usually have itching scalp and I haven't scratched my scalp going on 2 days. Impressive!  

Bottom line, hands down, Organic Root Stimulator is winning as far as product lines for me. I always get great results from their products. I'm a trusted fan! The ORS Uplifting Shampoo is surely a staple for me as my clarifying shampoo. If you don't believe check out one of my fav youtubers MrGORGEOUSisMYname who also reviewed this product. He had me LOL'n!!!

What do you clarify with?

Co-Wash Day

So yesterday I co-washed, I rarely ever co-wash, but I want to get rid of my Creme of Nature Nourishing Conditioner. I'm really not feeling it as a deep conditioner (DC) so I'm trying to find ways to get rid of it, so I co-washed with it yesterday. I must say, it was not bad -- at all! I've tried co-washing before and I didn't fall in love with my hair like most of the rave reviews on these hair sites, but CON Nourishing Conditioner did a really good job. My hair feels uber soft and manageable and I like it! My hair doesn't look moisturized as I thought, but it certainly feels like it though. If that makes sense?

So I used the CON Nourishing Conditioner, my last wash I let the conditioner sit in my hair a bit while I got so fresh and so clean.  Rinsed with coolish-warm water.

Aphogee Keratin & Green Tea Leave In (my hair loves this)

Jamaican Black Castor Oil for my scalp.

My hair was amazingly soft almost like baby hair soft. I thought I was Indian for a second. lol. It was soooo manageable, and I have a lot of new growth happening. I added some aloe vera juice and my Aphogee leave -in. Detangling was a breeze.

Then I air dried. Lots of frizz going on. At this part of the air drying I added my Elasta QP Olive Oil & Mango Butter moisturizer and my Biolage Hair Milk which helps tame down the frizz.

About 80% air dry I blow dried on cool air, I applied grapeseed oil then flatironed.Grapeseed Oil is good to be used as a heat protectant. And here's the end result. Not bad right?

Edges Growth Check!

 Six months into my hair journey and I am still diligent with getting my balding edges to thrive. Patience and consistence is key to making this happen. I was once told "once your edges are gone, that's it, they'll never grow back" but I beg to differ. After sticking to my regimen married to the right products I'm making progress. Bump that! My sides are wassup! I'm a proud mama, after babying these sides.

Here is a pic from my last edges update from my April 17th post. Top left was the beginning of my journey in January.  Bottom Left was in April.

Six months into my hair journey, obvious signs of progress. don't cha think?

The only thing that has changed is I switched moisturizers. I still love Neutrogena Triple Moisture, but I wanted to try something different and I started using Elasta QP Olive Oil & Mango Butter Moisturizer. However, I still moisture & seal twice a day using Jamaican Black Castor Oil as my sealant. I will say that I don't really care for QP on my actual tresses, because it weighs down my hair, but I do love it on my edges & nape. It does a better job with keeping it nice and moisturized. So, I mainly use QP just for moisturizing my edges and nape area.

What has been your problem area? What was your technique for progress?

I Have Got to Try This!

I went to my hair salon over the weekend and came across a brand that my salon is selling called Dominican Hair Magic. My beautician suggested that the Hair Follicle Anti-Aging products would be good for my hair. The hairlista in me immediately picked up the kit and started to read the labels and ingredients. I was so impressed with the ingredients. My salon is selling the kit for a whooping $60 I tried to searching the net to see if I can beat that price, but turns out, my salon is selling it at the cheapest price. Shoot! so on to wish list this goes. I. CANNOT. WAIT. TO. TRY. &. REVIEW.  Hopefully my hair loves it.

Ingredient Description:

•  Rosemary: Stimulates hair growth by minimizing dry scalp and premature hair loss.

• Wheat: Provides the necessary nutrients and minerals to fight against dry itchy scalp in addition, naturally repairs and strengthens the hair follicle.
• Coconut: Provides moisture, while conditioning the scalp to reconstruct and stimulate hair growth. It's also a great source of vitamin E and C.
• Cinnamon: Increases blood circulation to keep the hair follicles healthy. It also softens and adds shine to keep it looking beautiful.
• Aloe Vera: Conditions the scalp which reduces oiliness and further balding. Also helps balance the pH of the scalp to stimulate hair growth.  

The kit includes a Shampoo, Conditioner, Leave-in and Scalp Treatment.

Hair Follicle Anti-Aging Shampoo
Made with botanical extracts to prevent premature hair loss and stimulate hair growth. It combines the natural protection and restoration properties of amica and Rosemary extracts which condition and strengthens the hair strands.
Made with Natural Botanical Extracts.

Hair Follicle Anti-Aging Scalp Applicator
Made with a natural botanical complex, this hair applicator is designed to increase the moisture and blood circulation of damaged or balding hair. It's natural ingredients will help to enhance the integrity of hair growth. Therefore, minimizing premature hair loss by slowing down the age process and strengthening the hair follicles.

Hair Follicle Anti-Aging Conditioner
Made with the best botanical extracts to repair, hydrate and condition dry, process and color treated hair. Extracts from coconut, rosemary, aloe vera and jojoba are effective at the hair follicle and shaft restoration and therefore prevent premature hair loss.

Hair Follicle Anti-Aging Smoothing Balm
The best in smoothing all types of hair to create smooth curly or straight looks. Dominican magic Smoothing Balm provide maximum smoothness and superior shine on straight or curly hair.

Kicking Off the Summer With a New Do & A Review!

Side ponytail, swoop bang w/glue-in tracks .

It's officially summer, well in my book at least. Once Memorial Weekend comes around that's certified summer to me--BBQ's, cute dresses, cool shades, stylish sandals and up-do hairstyles. I'm in that annoying mid-stage, with no perm so I decided to get a ponytail to stick out the awkward stage. My sis-in-law recently graduated from beauty school and she got a chair at a hair salon, I wanted to support her new journey as a hairstylist and put her newly learned skills to the test.

I never get super long hair when I had pieces, but I was feeling the extra long pony, 16 inches boo! I love it, but my husband, umm not so much. What I love about it is, it's super simple, chic and fun. You can't go wrong with a pony. I figured this will get me through the mid-stage and those scorcher summer days. I'm having fun with it too. I swing to the back or have it draped on my shoulder for a chic-er look.

To maintain it, I take 3 flex rods, section off the pony and add them in to get that sexy loose curl. I add some Organic Root Stimulator Edge Control and dap that on my sides and nape for a refresher. I also take a dap of coconut oil and glide it across the sides and nape as well. The longest, I will wear this still is for two weeks tops.

I'm loving ORS Edge Control, it's clear so no residue or flakes, super thick, gives amazing hold and control and adds some good shine too. It's very sticky almost like a super glue texture. I have a piece of hair that is a little shorter so every now and then the hair sticks out, so all I do is put some Edge Control over it and BAM that hair is back in place, I don't even need a pin either. I haven't used gel in my hair in forever, like since high school days when all I wore were ponytails, so I was quite impressed that it didn't give that flaky residue, made my hair brittle like I remember. This will def be my staple for future up-do's.

It receives 4 out of 5 stars on most reviews. My girl, Sunshyne, gave it 5 stars on her Harlicious blog.

ORS Edge Control Details:

• Holds down edges
• Adds shine and moisture
• Ideal for relaxed and natural hair

Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Edge Control™ is a unique alcohol free formula that gives the hair superior hold without flaking. It slicks and holds down the edges while adding shine and moisture.
Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Edge Control contains natural ingredients and vital nutrients that work together to keep hair looking its best. It is great for relaxed and natural hair. Key Ingredients include Olive Oil which is rich in essential fatty acids and infuses moisture directly into the cuticle. Aloe Vera that provides moisture and conditioning properties and Wheat Protein which strengthens the hair and reduces breakage.

If you live in the Brooklyn area, check out my sis-in-law Felicia. She's at Hair Palace on Utica & Church Ave. 

What's your summer do?

I'm a Member of Eta Phi Psi Hair Care Sorority

A hair sorority? you ask. I know but if you are hair obsessed like me then you will be happy for me. Haifinity, the company that provides hair supplements, tips and products has accepted me to join their hair sorority. When I was away at college sororities were never my thing. I just wasn't up for the pledging part, but I always respected the sisterhood that these sorority share with each other. Anyhoo, I'm pretty excited for the new hairships I'm about to have with some new ladies who are in love with some healthy hair.

Of course, I'll keep you guys posted on any tips, events, products and the like that I learn from my new hair sisterhood.

Product Haul & Hair Rant!

It's been forever since I wrote a lil sumin' sumin' I must admit I've been in a hair rut. I am being quite ambitious on my hair journey -- I am growing out from a short style AND leaving that creamy crack alone. Why Nobody Told Me I Was Crazy To Do This?? At this stage in the game, I'm questioning why I am doing both at the same time. oye! However, my eye is still on the hair prize in my heart of hearts, I really don't want to go back either way--going short nor that creamy crack! So I must stay focused. I was thinking to weave my hair for a couple of months to get my out of the dreadful, frustrated, ugly hair stage. Since, I've been doing this whole hair researching bit, I now know how to even treat my hair while it's in a resting-weave-wearing stage.

Anyway, this past week, I bought some hair goodies to uplift my hair rut spirits, so I went to my favorite Beauty Supply Store (BSS) and did some hauling. The product junkie in me came out and I had to get myself together and put stuff back cuz I felt myself going buck wild when I asked the guy in the store "Yall don't have carts?" And silly me, wrote a list so-- for one, I can remember what I needed and for two -- so I can be focused and not overspend, but guess what? My forgetful self forgets the daggone list! Like, who does that? Me! But I regrouped and started to put things back and really got what I needed.whew!

My fav BSS to shop

This is my favorite BSS to shop at. I live in Brooklyn, NY and work in the city and this BSS is in the city. Sometimes, on my lunch hour I take a trip to the BSS and pick up a few thangs. If you are familiar with NYC, this BSS is on 32nd and 7th. They have everything natural oils, high-end products, mid-range products, products you aint never seen. They are also fairly priced too.

ORS Conditioner, QP Moisturizer, Coconut Oil & Aloe Vera Juice

Well I needed a moisturizer, I had to re-up on my ORS conditioner & coconut oil. I must say I strayed away from the ORS to try other conditioners and hands down ORS wins. I'll do a comparison review in another blog. I'm eager to find a product that beats that one cuz I think point there is no competition.

I wanted to try Aloe Vera Juice because I've read and was told such great things about it. I bought it because I wanted to use it for my shedding but I also heard it is also a great moisturizer. And with all this new growth going on I could use this powerful aid.

My usual moisturizer that I've been using is Neutrogena Triple Moisture Leave-In Creme. My hair loves that stuff but I wanted to try something different since NTM is the ONLY moisturizer I've used since starting my hair journey (HJ). I went with Elasta QP Olive Oil & Mango Butter since it gets such rave reviews on how bomb it is.  Oh I also bought a spray bottle and an eyebrow pencil :)

Enough of my blogging blabber.

What's your hair rant?