Twists Regimen and How I Style Them

I received a few emails regarding my twists regimen, more specifically asking how I keep them neat. 

I'm going to tell y'all one thing...my twists DO NOT stay neat throughout the two weeks I keep them in, but I am able to fake the funk. 

Anyway..if you are interested in learning more about my regimen and how I style the twists...keep on reading. 

4 Dry Hair Remedies

Fall is here and Winter will be here before you know it(well in my part of the Country). This is the time of year when my hair starts to get a little drier than I would like and I was thinking others may have the same issue.
I decided to share a throw-back post(well I posted this back in May) that I believe may be helpful to some.
I'm sure a lot of you are familiar with these tips, but it doesn't hurt to repeat!

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1.) Clarifying

One cause of dry hair is product build-up. When hair has product build-up, it is impossible for it to retain or receive any moisture. The only way to remove product build-up is by clarifying your hair.Clarifying basically strips the hair of all products, minerals, sebum and so forth. After clarifying, your hair has a fresh start to replenish any moisture lost.You must follow-up with some sort of conditioner or deep conditioner to avoid brittle hair. 

If I find a need to clarify, I may use a shampoo containing sulfates. But many store bought shampoos stating "Clarifying" on the label suffice as a clarifying shampoo. There are natural ways to clarify as well such as using baking soda and vinegar. 

Would I Ever Get Locs?

I have been questioned by a few people(in real life) if my twists were Locs or if I would get them. Now, I don't think my twists look anything like Locs, but when they ask if I would get them... I never really know how to quickly answer that question. 

I think Locs are beautiful! I love them!!! I love the various types of Locs and the versatility of them, but this isn't something I have considered doing..as of now.  My main reason is because they are permanent. Once I cut off this relaxer, I don't want anything else permanent in my hair.  I know you can comb Locs out and still retain a reasonable amount of length, but for me, that's another process I would not want to endure. Plus, once I make the decision to get them, I would hope to have them for the rest of my life.  

I also like the feeling of my loose hair. 

My mind may change in the future when I have to go through long detangling and styling sessions, but in the mean time I will twist my hair or put in some yarn braids to supplement real live Locs(even though it won't be the same!) 

Do any of my readers have Locs or are considering getting them? If so, share your thoughts! 

When Will I Big Chop?

Image Source 

When I first decided to go back natural, my goal was to transition for 2 years and 3 months then big chop on my birthday in February 2014. 

That is still my main goal, but if a few things happen before that date, I will go ahead and cut off the relaxed ends. 

So..what are those "things"?

1. My Natural Hair Reaches 10 inches
2. My relaxed ends start looking ridiculously thin compared to my new-growth due to breakage
3. My hair starts breaking excessively at the demarcation point
4. I can fit my natural hair into a ponytail
5. I complete the list of 15+ styles I want to do with my hair during this transition (if the above happens before then I will chop) 

So, there you go. That's when I will B.C and as you can see..it's not happening anytime soon! 

For all of my fellow transitioners..do you have a BC date or know when you will BC?

My Henna and Indigo Experience in Pictures

Hey Hey Hey. Happy Sunday!!!!

If you're interested in my Henna and Indigo experience

Keep Reading 

Recent Purchase: Bentonite Clay

So, my beloved facial cleanser/mask seems to have been discontinued.  :-(

The only facial cleansers that work well for me are those that contain Benzoyl Peroxide and Neutrogena's Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask contained that along with Bentonite. 

I now switched to PanOxyl 8 which is a Benzoyl Peroxide face wash, but it doesn't work as well as the Neutrogena did.  

I noticed that one of the main ingredients PanOxyl was missing, that the Neutrogena contained, was Bentonite.  So, I went out and purchased some Bentonite Clay from Whole Foods for about $8.00 I believe. 

To use it, you just mix equal parts of  Raw ACV with the powder, apply to skin, leave on for 20 minutes then rinse with warm water.  I read some very positive reviews on this product and tried it out on Saturday. My skin felt great afterwards and so far I have not experienced any negative side effects. 

I plan on using it weekly. 

The great part about this purchase is that I can use the Bentonite Clay for my hair to clarify  and the ACV to do my rinses after work-outs. 

Some tidbits about Aztec Secret Bentonite Clay: 

When a facial or clay poultice is applied to the skin it forms a negative charge. Poisons and toxins stored in the epidermis have a positive charge - Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay lifts the pimple and blackheads into the clay bed to cause accelerated healing and nourishment to the skin with over 50 minerals.100% NATURAL.
Read more here 

Does anyone else use Bentonite Clay for their skin?

Exercise and Hair Growth

I found this great article about exercising and hair growth on: http://www.howtomakeyourhairgrowfast.net/how-does-exercise-help-hair-growth.html

Here are a FEW excerpts that may encourage you to get out there and work out! 

If not for your health..do it for your hair! I'm so j.k

Exercise Reduces Stress:

One common reason behind hair loss is too much stress in life. When you are in stress the blood vessels, which supply blood to the scalp, does not function properly. When blood flow in the scalp area is less than the normal, it will not receive the essential nutrients required for healthy hair growth. This will ultimately result in various hair related problems. But when you exercise your stress level decreases, which stimulates hair growth. Additionally, exercise helps in having control over your body and life.

Exercise Reduces Cortisone and Increases Serotonin:

When your body produces more cortisone it causes hair fall. Cortisone, a kind of stress hormone is secreted by the adrenal gland. This hormone stops hair follicles from growing leading to thinning of the hair. Regular cardiovascular and aerobic exercises can help in controlling the cortisone level present in the body. Also exercises help in producing serotonin and endorphins hormones that help the body in dealing with stress.  

Exercise Reduces DHT:

DHT which means dihydrotestosterone is passed down genetically in body. When the DHT level is on rise it can cause hair fall. DHT stops the growth of new hair cells, causing less hair growth.  Slow steady exercises like jogging or yoga can help in reducing the formation of DHT. Even recreational sports like soccer, football or baseball can help a lot in this regard. Here it is essential to note that over exercising once in a while can produce more DHT. So, always opt for moderate and regular exercises.

Exercise Improves Blood Circulation:

Regular exercise improves blood circulation which means better nourishment of the hair follicles. With improved blood circulation to the scalp hair follicles will get a good supply of oxygen and nutrients from our diet.  Good blood circulation also helps in distributing natural sebum evenly across the scalp, leading to good hair growth. This will result in healthier hair with more volume.

Exercise Releases Toxins:

While doing exercise, body releases sweat through which toxins are released from the body. Thus, exercise works as a cleansing regimen for the skin and scalp, which in turn creates a healthy environment for hair to grow.

Hairstyle Fails - Transition from Relaxed to Natural

I talk about the good and bad in my transition, but rarely do I show the ugly. What I'm talking about are my failed hairstyles. I have tried many styles while transitioning, but I typically post the ones that actually come out nice and not the ones that are busts. 

I decided to share a few of my #fails! 

Some of these actually made it out the house and to work(oh the horror!)..I'm sure you will be able to tell which ones by the background. 

I was trying to do a high puff, but it turned  into a ponytail and  because my new-growth shrinks up so much..it turned into a teeny-weeny ponytail. I was 41 weeks post relaxer hair 

So You Want to Color Your Hair?

Color treated hair, whether you are natural or relaxed, requires extra care.

I always suggest to use semi-permanent hair dye/rinses, henna, indigo, honey, coffee...you see where I am going...Go the Natural route!

BUT some can't find one that works for them and would like a more specific or dramatic color so they opt for Commercial/Chemical Hair Dyes.

IF you dye or would like to dye your hair, keep reading for some tips

• If you are Relaxed, NEVER Color and Relax the same day!!

• Always Relax Before Coloring- You should wait at least 3 weeks after Relaxing your hair to apply color. I suggest waiting 4 weeks

• Start Stretching Your Relaxers- Now that you have TWO chemicals in your hair, it is important to reduce the amount of 1 chemical treatment. You have to pick between the color or the relaxer and I vote for the relaxer
• If you want the color to last, do a Clear RINSE (Semi-permanent Hair Color which has NO peroxide) to seal in the color- This will help reduce the amount of touch-ups you will have to do. 
• If you have no experience coloring hair, please go to a trusted Professional-  A lot of women use the box dyes at home, but some aren't that successful. I suggest professional dyes because they tend to have a more vibrant color when applied correctly. I've heard great things about Aveda. 
• MOISTURE, MOISTURE, MOISTURE and PROTEIN!- You need to keep your hair moisturized at all times. This means more Deep Conditioning Treatments, maybe incorporate Co-Washing and Moisturizing hair day and night. Also, don't forget about Protein treatments. A Hard Core Protein Treatment, such as Aphogee may be needed every 6 weeks if you start to notice damage. If not, a Mild Protein DC should be used at least bi-weekly. ALWAYS follow up a Protein treatment with a Moisturizing DC!

• Use Sulfate Free Shampoos- Shampoos with Sulfate will strip the hair color and may potentially dry out your hair. Opt for Sulfate free Shampoos

• LAY OFF THE DIRECT HEAT!!!!-  Blow-drying and Flat-Ironing your hair should be done at the absolute Minimum.
  
  *My bonus tip is to stay away from bleach-  I just think this is way too damaging!
  
  

Too Scared to Dye?

If you are too scared to dye your hair, like myself, but would like to experiment with colors...try out a different color wigs, half wigs, sew-ins, clip in extensions or some braids.
There is also an option to use colored  "spray paint". It washes out and is not damaging like regular dyes.  

Photo Source


*This was posted before, but I added a few more tips that I found helpful. 

Versatile Blogger Award

I was nominated for The Versatile Blogger award by Discovering Natural  and Beautinwisdom. 

Thank you ladies! I really appreciate it. For those who haven't checked out their blog, please feel free to do so! :-D

So, the rules of the of this award nomination are: 

In a post on your blog, nominate 15 fellow bloggers for the Versatile Blogger Award.

In the same post, add the Versatile Blogger Award.

In the same post, thank the blogger who nominated you in a post with a link back to their blog.

In the same post, share 7 completely random pieces of information about yourself.

In the same post, include this set of rules.

Inform each nominated blogger of their nomination by posting a comment on each of their blogs.

It's always so hard for me to nominate fellow bloggers/blogs because I don't want to leave anyone out. 

But..here I go. This list does not consist of only hair or beauty blogs, just those I enjoy reading on my blogger feed.  

1. Hair I am World
2. My Long Hair Journey
3. Geraldine the Great
4. Just Another Hair Blog
5. My Little Obsessions 246
6. The Jen Chronicles
7. The Musings of a Design Student
8. Gabe Flowers
9. What's Up With My Hair
10. Dat Funky Fro
11. Khadarlis for Sierra Leone
12. Nica Oasis
13. Relaxed Long Way to Grow
14. Guyanese Sista
15. For the Fabulous and Frugal

Now it's time for the fun part..not that listing my fav blogs wasn't fun..hehe. 

7 Random Facts about Me

1. I'm addicted to jewelry, especially earrings. 
2. I have a friend that I have known since I was born. My father is really good friends with her parents so we've been friends since day 1. 
3. I started doing hair when I was 12 and made quite a good living off it. 
4. I'm really shy and it's hard for me to welcome new people into my life.
5. I like to cook and try out new recipes 
6. I do not plan on working in Corporate America forever.
7. I grew up in the Suburbs and went to primarily Christian or Private schools. 

10 Months Post Relaxer and Counting

Hey Everyone! Hope you all are having a great week!!

I know I haven't been doing many "educational" or tips and tricks posts, but I have posted just about everything and anything about hair health, etc. So, please feel free to browse the blog and look through the labels. I'm sure whatever you are looking for is here and if it isn't, let me know and I will do a post. 

I welcome ALL suggestions! 

Tomorrow makes 10 months since I got my last relaxer!! I am excited to have made it this far and can't wait to see how my hair transforms in the next year or so. 

I still have no thoughts of BCing or relaxing and I would consider this an easy transition..so far. I really haven't dealt with any tangling ,extreme breakage or shedding and matting which I attribute to keeping my hair stretched at all times.

For the last two weeks, I gave twists a break and have been wearing my hair in buns with different hair scarves/headbands.

During the weekend I wear my hair out

It felt good, but the amount of time I spend setting my hair at night and doing it in the morning is exhausting. So, I can't wait to go back in twists this weekend. 

I also dusted my ends on September 1st. 

I plan to do a Henna and Indigo treatment in 2 weeks, then wear my hair in twists for 2 weeks at a time until I am 1 year post relaxer. 

That's it for now. This will be my last transition update until I am 1 year post. 

My Shea-Butter Mix

Hey hey hey!! Happy Sunday! :-)

I had a few questions about my Shea-butter mix, so I decided to do a quick post.

 I use this shea-butter mix for my hair and skin. This is a staple in my regimen.  One batch usually lasts up to 3 weeks. 

Ingredients: 

100% Raw Shea Butter - approx. 1.5 Cups

Coconut Oil - approx. 1 tbsp.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil- approx 1 tbsp.

Vitamin E Oil- 1/2 tsp.

Eucalyptus Oil- 3 drops

Rosemary Oil- 3 drops 

I place all of the ingredients in an empty(clean) shea-butter container then mix. I used to mix just with a spoon, but recently purchased a hand blender that works MUCH better and gives it more of a creamy consistency.

100% Raw Shea Butter  

Shea-Butter Mix 

I think this pic looks kind of nasty, but trust me it looks better in person and it makes my hair and skin feel AMAZING!

Review: Silk Elements MegaSilk Intense Conditioning Mayonnaise

I received this product for free from Sally Beauty Supply when I renewed my Sally's card for $5.00 back in March. My staple moisturizing/mild protein deep conditioner is ORS Replenishing Conditioner, but I ran out of it and decided to try something new. 
I was very hesitant to try something new because I have a strict motto for my hair..."if it's not broke, don't fix it". Plus, I really don't want to suffer from any setbacks. 
So, before using this, I read many reviews and I also did a patch test to assure I wasn't allergic to this product. 

On to the review.