Length Check

So I was part of the Weave it up challenge on the LHCF for a year and I've had lots of growth although my edges have suffered a bit. So here it is...


Before...(dec.2009)

Dec. 2010

I think I am just above my shoulder blades, where last year I was just touching the top of my shoulders

progress is ♡!

7 Weeks Post Pictures

Here are some shots of my progress on wet hair! Excuse the yellowness, It's the Lighting...

HairPorn♡

I ♥ Her Hair!

BlackTea Rinses!

So I have been doing Black tea rinses weekly for the last 3 months, and I can truly say the rinse has decreased my shedding and breakage considerably!!! 
I brew about 2-3 bags in a pot on the stove and let the tea boil for about 10 - 20 minutes before removing it from the stove. If I am pressed for time I wait until it is shower water warm or I let it sit for hours. I use the tea in between my shampoo/co-wash and my DC. The Tea Rinse will be a regular in my regimen, I always had a ton of breakage but no any more!!! I may try using Green Tea as it is said to have more caffeine...
<3

First FlexiRod set!

Today I did my first flexi-rod set & I am very happy with the outcome <3. 

I did the usual, co-washed with HE LTR conditioner. Did a black tea rinse, and lathered on ORS replenishing conditioner and DC'd for 2 hours. Rinsed, and put in my leave-in along with chi silk infusion and ramoni silk. Let my hair dry about 70% of the way before putting in the flexi-rods. Now I got these rods from the dollar store, 1$ for 5 rods...score! they look to be about 1 cm in diameter. I <3 my curly look, I wish my hair was thicker so the look was more fuller but I <3 it none the less!

 <3

Shea Butter For Hair

As winter draws near, I think I may need to start using a heavier oil to seal with, my choices are Avocado Oil & Shea Butter, here some things that I found regarding this Liquid Gold & Hair care...

Benefits of Shea Butter for Hair

Shea butter has many benefits for hair care. The butter is an effective emollient that moisturizes hair and helps improve hair elasticity. Shea butter also contains natural sunscreen properties to protect hair from sun damage. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory that can soothe and treat scalp conditions such as psoriasis or eczema.

Due to these conditioning properties, shea butter is an ideal hair conditioner to be used alone or as a hair product ingredient to keep normal hair healthy and improve dry or damaged hair.

Ways to Use Shea Butter for Hair

Here are some recommendations on how to use shea butter for hair:

• Pre-shampoo Deep Conditioning Treatment - Divide damp hair into four sections. Apply a small amount of shea butter to each section. Pin hair up and sit under a hood dryer for 10 minutes for a deep conditioning treatment.
• Leave-in conditioner - Spread a small amount of shea butter into freshly washed and conditioned hair. Comb the butter through the hair with a wide-tooth comb to distribute it thoroughly.
• Ends moisturizer - Add a pea size amount of shea butter and emulsify it between palms. Spread the butter onto dry ends.
• Hair sunscreen - Apply shea butter lightly to hair before swimming or spending a lot of time outdoors in the sun.

I may very well start using this as a pre-poo treament & for my ends. If my skin loves this stuff I know my hair will too <3!

LeKair Cholesterol Plus

So on thursday I did a co-wash with HE LTR conditioner which smells like HEAVEN! and I finally bought a new cholesterol treatment, LeKair Cholesterol Plus, you know the one they rave about on all the hair forums...

Its says:

• Great for chemically treated hair
• Leaves hair soft and restored to a natural state
• Non-flaking
• No petroleum
• Easy to apply

Le Kair Cholesterol Plus Strengthening and Conditioning Cream strengthens, deep conditions and rejuvenates your hair and is enriched with cholesterol, Jojoba Oil, Aloe Vera and collagen. Treats split ends, dry brittle hair and chemically processed hair. Ideal for chemically treated hair

Directions: First shampoo thoroghly. Rinse thoroughly and apply a generous amount of Cholesterol Plus Strengthening & Conditioning Cream to palm of hands. Massage thoroughly into hair and leave on hair for two minutes and rinse thoroughly. Repeat this conditioning process a second time, rinse hair thoroughly and towel dry.

Anyway i applied sparingly paying close attention to my ends put on a showher cap and under my hooded-dryer I went for 20-25 minutes. LET ME TELL YOU! I'M IN <3! my hair had slip i could run my shower comb through without it getting caught, my hair felt moisterized...DAMN! I plan to continue using this as my main DCer I remember my mom using this in my hair when I was younger and my hair a lot longer mixed with castor oil. Another product my hair absolutely loves!

be-Beautiful! New Vitamins!

So I went to GNC in hopes to find a capsule form of B-complex Vitamins & instead I found these be-Beautiful vitamins for healthy hair, skin, & Nails.

Description:

• Supports healthy hair*
• Promotes skin hydration*
• Provides amino acids for strong nails*

Need beauty support beyond the salon? Go for the full treatment...

Can't make it to the salon every day? To look healthy and beautiful on the outside, you've got to keep yourself healthy on the inside. Start with be-BEAUTIFUL, it delivers ingredients to nourish healthy hair, skin and nails.*Biotin: is an essential B-vitamin important for the growth of healthy cells.* Just one daily dose of be-BEAUTIFUL will provide a whopping 3000 mcg of biotin to nourish healthy and strong hair, skin and nails.*Amino Acids: be-BEAUTIFUL features premium amino acids naturally present in healthy hair, skin and nails.* With 100 mg of gelatin plus L-Cysteine and L-methionine, your hair will be lustrous, your skin will be vibrant and you'll have strong, healthy nails.*Antioxidants: lutein is an antioxidant known for supporting skin hydration.* Coupled with alpha-Lipoic acid and green tea, these antioxidants protect against damaging free radicals that can promote the cell-aging process.*

Now with the help of be-BEAUTIFUL, you can look and feel beautiful from the - inside out! 

So I have only started taking these last week regularly, I can see some improvement to my nails but my hair needs more time...I will keep you updated! =)

Rhelaxer Update

I self-relaxed using Mizani Butter blends in Medium strength, as the mild left me under-processed all over...and this is how it went....


First off I sectioned off my hair into four sections. Based my scalp using the butter base and then used castor oil to protect my previously relaxed length and ends. Then, I started applying the rhelaxer to my crown areas ensuring to coat edges and nape last, this took about 8- 10 minutes. After all the NG was covered in the creamy crack, I started the smoothing process with a fine tooth comb about 5-8 minutes until I felt the burning sensation. I rinsed until the water stopped foaming, and applied a small amount of the balancing hairbath to remove any trace of relaxer.

I then applied a protein treatmeant, I use Ramoni rescue me and left this on for 15 minutes covered with a shower cap. I rinsed, then reapply the balancing hairbath to my scalp only massaged for about 2 mins and rinsed clean. I then applied the perpHecting creme to the entire head I let that sit for about 10 minutes as directed then hopped in the shower to rinse. I applied Motions moisture plus silk protein for 2 mins and detangled, no tangles and a lot of slip, followed quickly with my cheapie suave strawberry conditioner.


I let the hair air dry and then roller set using water and a bit of leave-in conditioner which I let air dry overnight. The next day I flat-ironed my roots only and wrapped my hair up until I was ready for my outing.


The Result: My hair was smoother than the last touch-up I did, however even though the relaxer was applied to my crown first, that area is more texlaxed than relaxed but it is soft none the less. I am very happy with the results. Unfortunately I did not take pics of the process or the final look after I combed out the wrap but...here are some pictures of post-relaxer day # 3 hair hope you enjoy

Review: Burt's Bees Avocado Pre-Poo Treatment & Yes To Carrots Conditioner & Nexxus Humectress Deep Conditioner

Avocado Butter Pre-Shampoo Hair Treatment

I've read great things about this product so I went on a search, the product junkie in me want to try it. After Searching the city of Toronto for this treatment I finally got my hands on this product through an online source, www.well.ca. I made use of it after I took out my install on Monday.


This what the site says:
How it Works

Perming, coloring and styling can leave your hair looking dry and damaged. So give your hair a buttery boost. This treatment is a perfect once a week indulgence or daily ritual for hair that needs moisture infusion. Avocado, olive, almond and oat oils condition, nourish and hydrate from roots to ends. Nettle and rosemary extracts combine to leave your hair with a glossy shine, naturally.


How to Use It
Massage a generous amount (amount will depend on the length of your hair) of the treatment into wet hair and scalp, and comb through from your scalp to your hair's ends. Leave the treatment on your hair for at least 5 minutes and up to 20 minutes for maximum conditioning. Shampoo and rinse well. Use weekly.


Ingredients: glycerin, olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, avena sativa (oat) kernel flour, persea gratissima (avocado) oil, limonene, prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil, lanolin, urtica dioica (nettle) leaf powder, quillaja saponaria (quillaja) bark extract, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract, avena sativa (oat) kernel oil, chlorophyll, tocopherol, glycine soja (soybean) oil, parfum (fragrance), canola oil (huile de colza), linalool


Pros: this product smells and tastes yummy. that is all!


Cons: I had to use the entire tube to get my entire head of hair covered, and this product is very sticky. I don't think I would use this again after all the trouble it took to get the product in the first place the cost for what was in the tube somehow isn't worth it. I didn't notice a high gloss shine at the end as the product states.


FINAL VIEW: FAIL!


Yes To Carrots Conditioner


How to Use:

After shampooing, gently apply conditioner to your hair & scalp. Soothingly massage with your fingertips and leave in for 2-3 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and comb through your tantalizing tresses.


So I have used this one three times and I must say I am not a big fan, actually my hair is not a big fan, after leaving in and massaging for 3-5 minutes, even using this after a DC there was some slip but nothing to be excited about I had to follow up with my CON nourishing Traitment to get the slip through my length that makes me happy. I shouldn't have to use another conditioner to get some slip.


FINAL VIEW: FAIL




Nexxus Humectress Deep Conditioner

How to Use:
Apply to damp hair.  Comb through to distribute evenly from root to tip.  For deep conditioning, leave in for 3 to 5 minutes and rinse.  Use instead of regular conditioner once a week or more often if needed.


I have also used this product 3 times, the first 2 times just as is the last time (monday) mixed with olive, avocado, & EO. all three times I have used this product after my Black Tea rinse, and under the hooded dryer for 20-30mins. unfortunately it seems my hair does not like this product as it does the cholesterol treatments even with added oils I had to follow up with a regular conditioner, this time with the yes to carrots which didn't make it any better...hmmm


FINAL VIEW: FAIL!


Its safe to say I will not be buying these products again!

Changes to My Reggie!

So...I've reviewed what I do to my hair on a daily to monthly basis.
These are the changes I will be making:
1. shampoo monthly with CON
2. co-wash weekly with Conditioner
3. black tea rinse
4. Deep Condition with heat for 30 minutes or more
5. air dry or roller-set
6. moisturize and seal nightly


I'm taking my MSM powder, mutli-vit and biotin daily!!!


Hope the slight change makes a difference!

Up coming Rhelaxer Date

So this weave is not going to last another week, the way my scalp is itching man..
Anyways I went out and purchased some steps to the butter blends system, the base, the honey shield, and neutralizing shampoo...I plan to relax on friday october 8, see you then with the results!

Install...

So I did a self install last week tuesday (sorry I didn't post I was being lazy) and it turned out well, I used the Deep Spiral curl and I <3 it. I plan to keep this install in until the first week of october, because I really need a touch up, I doubt I can stretch past 14 weeks...anywho here are the pics, Enjoy!

Hair Issues... Vol. One

Thinning Edges
So obviously I want longer hair but I also have issues with my temples, so growing and maintaing them will be a priority as well. Anyway I have the Rosemary Essential Oil that is supposedly good at promoting new follicles and promoting growth, so I will mix some with castor oil and apply it twice a day to the affected areas. These are the starting pics...the first is the left-side which isn't so bad, the second picture is of the right-side, which is my problem side, So I will be keeping track of the progress.

Growth:

I am pushing 9 weeks post relaxer and it looks like I have about 3/4" of new growth, I just recently started up my supplements again, MSM 3500mg, Biotin 5mg, B-Complex, and a Multi-Vitamin. I am getting really bored with my hair to be honest and will probably weave it up for the next 4-6 weeks, I plan to do a full weave (no hair left out) with a sew-in invisible part with synthetic curly hair. these are the two curls I plan to chose from...

I plan to do my sew in on tuesday, so I will post how I do my base and such when I get a chance.

Products Being used within My Regimen

So I've decided to list a few of the products that I have been using an will use during my hair journey to healthy locks...just a few, I am a product junkie and have added a few more products to my list...i will do reviews when I have tried the new ones, I will definitely keep everyone following posted...here goes!
*From Left to Right // Mizani Butter Blends Rhelaxer for fine & Colour Treated Hair //Conditioners: CON Nourishing Treatment (NEW), Nexxus Humectress DC (NEW), Motions deep penetrating Silk Protein Treatment, Yes to Carrots Conditioner (NEW), Suave Strawberry Conditioner (Cheapie), ORS Replenishing Conditioner, Ramoni Rescue Me Protein Conditioner // EO: Tea Tree Oil, Rosemary Oil // Hollywood Beauty Olive Cholesterol Treatment // CON Detangling Shampoo, K-Pak Shampoo (discontinued) // CHI Silk Infusion, Elsta QP Silk, Nexxus Botanical Leave-in, Herbal Essence Long Term Therapy Leave-in, Morrocan Oil, Elasta QP Mango Butter, ORS Carrot Oil, Hawaian Silky 14 in 1 Moisturizer // Oils: Olive Oil, Avocado Oil, Coconut Oil, Castor Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Almond oil

The Start...

As of the beginning of this month I have really started to take care and be interested in the overall health and care of my hair. currently my hair is relaxed type 4 something (LOL) and at shoulder length. My last relaxer was July 2nd which I do myself, so that makes me about 8 weeks and 2 days post relaxer.

My ultimate goal in this journey is to have Healthy Hair. 

short term goals include, reaching APL at the end of 2012.

*disclaimer* if I grow past that length I will not complain*

Weekly Hair Reggie includes...

1. pre-conditioning with an oil or conditioner
2. shampoo
3. deep condition
4. leave-in's
5. roller-set
nightly moisturize and seal with an oil & wrap hair or pin curl under a satin scarf




WashDay!
I had a concoction of yes to carrots conditioner, avocado and olive oil + MSM and shower capped for 15 minutes, then I washed today using my CON (blue bottle), then I put in CON Nourishing treatment for about 10 minutes capped, then rinsed and used ORS replenishing pack for 20 minutes with heat then rinsed. I must say I <3'd the slip I got from this combo. Any way I did my roller-set (I'm getting better with this) went under the dryer for about 45 minutes and bounce galore...I'm going to moisturize with my carrot oil and seal with coconut oil, then wrap and get some beauty rest, 2 12 hour shifts await me...toodles <3