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?

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.

My Balding Edges are Making a Come Back!

The reason why I decided to hold off on the creamy crack was because my edges were balding-rapidly! It was starting to look shiny too. My only thought to fix it was to give up that creamy crack. Plus, giving it up would be beneficial to my hair overall anyway.

So four months into my journey, my edges are making a comeback. I think it's great progress, a slow one, but still great. I've been babying my edges since the start of my hair journey (HJ) and that loving is paying off. I'm excited :-).

Let's get down to the real deal. What is making my edges grow back you ask? Drum roll please.......Neutrogena Triple Moisture Leave-in Creme and Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO). Yup them two bad boys together are a powerful duo on these edges. I apply the Triple Moisture first, give it a good massage then apply the JBCO right on top and give it another good massage. I do that in the morning and at night. Peep the progress!

Top Left corner the beginning; Right bottom corner the progress

;

Looks like its getting thick too. I know, I know I'm uber excited but when you see some progress in your hair journey its the little things.

What was your weak spot that has taken strides in your HJ? Please share. I love hairspirations!

To Co-Wash or Not to Co-Wash?

What is co-washing? You Ask.. Co-washing is when you wash your hair with a moisturizing conditioner instead of shampoo. It's a technique to restore the moisture in your hair. I know it sounds crazy right? When I started my hair journey I was like "straight up conditioner'"? but the more I researched the more I started to understand the benefits of it. Of course, this technique may not work for everyone, so if you try and your hair feels coated, itchy scalp increases or your hair doesn't feel manageable then this technique is not for you.

The benefits of co-washing:

•  Co-Washing helps to reduces knots and tangles

•  Co-washing will help to keep your hair soft and moisturized, which is especially important if  you’re transitioning

•  Co-washing is great for hydrating the scalp

When I saw all the benefits of co-washing I went for it. I tried it with VO5 moisturizing conditioners, my hair said "NO BUENO" it was dry and stiff.  I've tried it with Herbal Essence Hello Hydration my hair did say "HELLO." My hair was so moisturized that I didn't have to add any moisturizing products in my hair like I usually do, so I was good until my wash day without adding any products. I've also tried Cream of Nature Nourishing Conditioner and my hair said "Keep Nourishing Me Baby." My new growth was crazy manageable with this one, almost like my hair was a completely different texture.

I will admit that since I'm giving up the creamy crack my hair seems drier than ever, so co-washing does give my hair that restored moisture it needs and my new growth is way more softer and manageable.

A cheapie conditioner is what you use to co-wash. You can usually find these type of conditioners on sale at drugstores like Rite Aid, CVS, Walgreens or Target for less than $5.

Hair Lover Ravs & Favs Co-Wash Conditioners
VO5 moisture milks conditioners
Suave Almond & Shea Butter
Herbal Essence Hello Hydration
Suave Tropical Coconut Conditioner
Dove Damage Intensive Repair Conditioner
Tresemme Moisture
Aussie Moist
Pantene Relaxed & Natural Conditioner

How often to co-wash? That's all up to you. I try to do it once a week in between my wash days, but I've read some hair regimens and some girls do it more than that. I think my hair is just fine with just once a week or as needed basis. If you try it and see great improvements and results  from co-washing then add to your regimen. But if you see no difference, your hair doesn't quite respond right then give it the boot. Not every technique will work for everyone. Finding the right moisturizing conditioner, is part of a successful co-wash.

Have you tried co-washing? Love it or Hate It?

Tracking My Tresses -- Growth Check

I've only started my hair journey in December and since then I've stuck to my regimen like glue and my hair has been thriving and thriving baby. I've never seen it this healthy--never, ever. I'm a proud hairlista right now. (if you're on hairlista profile is Mrs. B). I just hope I can remain consistent with my tresses so they can continue to flourish.

What I've learned so far through my journey, is that at this point, I know my hair. It took a lot of researching, patience and being super involved, trial and error but I've gained the patience and confidence to continue on. I will admit I did have a set back early on and because I researched I knew exactly how to repair the problem asap. I know exactly what my hair loves and hates. I understand how it reacts to certain products and can determine if should continue with the use.

Top Box: August 2011

Bottom left Box: Jan 12

Bottom Middle Box: Feb 12

Bottom Right Box: Mar 12

To recap, my hair goal is to gain knowledge about my hair and nurture it back to health without relaxing for one year.  You can review regimen in my hair regimen tabs. It's a very simple regimen, but I believe the products I am using is key to this thriving stage.