Apple Cider Vinegar Soak to Remove Chemicals from Synthetic Hair

Have you ever installed a new weave, some braids..or even wore a wig and your scalp began to itch immediately??

No matter how many times you scratched, applied braid spray, oiled your scalp, etc.. it just kept itching???

Then keep on reading.

Synthetic hair manufacturers use alkaline and other chemicals on their hair to produce a heat resistant/wear resistant product. Read more about that here.

Although the chemicals are used to "protect" the hair, many people(including myself) have allergic reactions to them.

To prevent any allergic reactions or the "itchies", it is highly recommended that you remove the chemical base.

The best known way to do so is soaking the hair in Apple Cider Vinegar because of the high acidity and powerful enzymes contained in it.

This is how I soak my hair in water mixed with Apple Cider Vinegar:

I fill up the below container(it's just a plastic cover to keep food warm) with some hot water straight from the sink.

After Putting water in the container, I place 1 TABLESPOON of ACV in the water and mix

 (Braggs is the best because it contains "the mother", but any ACV will do)

I then place the synthetic hair(in it's original state, elastics and all)  in the ACV and Water Mix. I let it soak for 20 minutes. You will start to see a white film lift from the hair. Do not remove the hair until you see that film

Dramatization (No water and ACV because I'm not braiding my hair until July)

I then take the container to the sink, and dump all the water/acv out. Rinse the hair one more time with plain water under the sink then squeeze excess water and let air dry.

(I let it hang off my chair and put some plastic on the floor to catch any dripping)

That's it folks!

PS- If you forgot to remove the chemical base on your hair, installed it  and your itching like crazy...spray your scalp with a ACV and water. 16 oz of water mixed with 1 tspn of ACV.

Hope this helps!!

Reader Question: Cornrows

I had a question in regards to a moisturizer for cornrows and regimen suggestions while wearing them.
So, I decided to do a post on this.


Moisturizer for hair/cornrows : The only commercial product I use to moisturize my cornrows/braids is  African Pride (Olive Miracle) Braid Spray. I love it and highly recommend. I have heard/read great things about African Royale BRX Braid spray as well.
You can also spray braids with water and seal with an oil.
I moisturize my braids daily.

Regimen Suggestions: I keep my cornrows in for only 2 weeks. So I would wash/deep condition before applying and after removing. If you plan on keeping them in longer, you can wash and dc your hair by using a stocking cap to hold the braids in place and diluted products in an applicator bottle to easily apply. Be aware that they will not look as fresh afterwards.
I suggest spraying braid spray daily. I do not suggest oiling scalp often because it will cause product build-up.
Wrap hair nightly with a satin or silk scarf.

Check out my braids label. I go into MUCH detail about caring for braids.

If you have any other questions, you know how to reach me!

One Lovely Blog Award

I have been awarded, by Guyanesesista and FEG, the One Lovely Blog Award.  Thank you very much ladies and I appreciate your continued support!!!

If you haven't already, please check out their blogs!

In accepting, I must share 7 things about myself and pass this on to 15 fellow bloggers!

1.) I wear glasses! Had to since I was in about the 6th grade, but I primarily wear my contacts

2.) I am a middle child. I have an older sister and a younger brother.

3.) When I was younger, I was part of a chess club. (sounds kind of geeky doesn't it?) I also played the clarinet, was on a swim-team, played basketball & soccer and took Taekwondo.

4.) I burn incense almost every day.

5.) I do my hair standing up, even when I spend up to 3 hours twisting my hair. The only time I sit is when installing single braids(takes about 8 hours)

6.) I'm extremely goofy and constantly crack jokes. I love to laugh!

7.) I love to dance and do so almost every single day!

The other Lovely Bloggers who I choose to award:

1.) http://fromalxwithlove.blogspot.com/

2.) http://www.fromshorttolong.com/

3.) http://mylittleobsessions246.blogspot.com/

4.) http://www.mylonghairjourney.co.uk/

5.) http://www.hairiamworld.com/

6.) http://www.justgrowalready.com/

7.) http://longing4length.blogspot.com/

8.) http://kara-zeytin.blogspot.com/

9.) http://simplyintomyhair.blogspot.com/ (I knew I was forgetting someone!)

and last, but certainly not least

10.)  http://www.relaxedlongway2grow.com/

Sorry, couldn't list 15!

Wash Day in Review

The last time I actually shampooed my hair was on or around April 4th.At that time, I thoroughly detangled, deep conditioned, shampooed then did a ponytail roller-set.

I twisted my hair a week after and rocked them for 2 weeks.While in twists, I would moisturize with my Aloe-Vera Mix (which is PACKED with anti-fungal/cleansing ingredients) and seal my ends with Shea-Butter. I would also rinse my hair/scalp after work-outs.

Last night, it was about that time to take the twists out. Before taking them out, I would spray the length of my hair with the aloe vera mix. I would then finger detangle my hair after removing each twist. Once a large section was removed I:

* sprayed the Aloe-Mix on it again

* detangle with my seamless comb

* apply ORS Replenishing Conditioner,

*then place in ponytails and  twists

*When complete I placed a plastic cap over my hair, then my scarf and DC'd overnight

When I woke up, I shampooed my hair with Shea Moisture-Moisture Retention Shampoo. (I placed about 1 oz of shampoo and water in an applicator bottle and used that to apply to my hair.

I then towel dried with my turbo-twist for about 5-10 minutes

Right out the shower- drying my hair

How my hair looks after shampooing

I then took out each ponytail holder, applied some more Aloe Vera Mix as a leave-in, then sealed with Pure Moroccan/Argan Oil, detangle one more time, then I put the sections in twists to air-dry.

When my hair was about 80% dry, I proceeded to twist using Raw Shea Butter which took me 2.5 hours.

My wash day is finally complete!!

Aloe Vera Plant!

Y'all know how much I love Aloe Vera, right?

I use it for so many things. Such as:

• My new-growth and scalp spray
• My home-made braid spray
• I previously used Aloe Vera Gel on my scalp right after I neutralized my hair(when I relaxed)  to decrease/stop shedding 
• Aloe vera gel in my shea-butter mix
• Aloe Vera Gel for slicking down my edge when  in braids or twists 
• Aloe Vera Gel for any skin irritation I had
• Aloe Vera Juice to help with detangling 

....and the list goes on. 

Well, my boss knows how much I love Aloe Vera too and gave me an Aloe Vera plant! I have the best Management!!!

I am so excited to have the real thing and use it! These plants last forever(as long as I take care of it properly)!

She said it had a little accident during the commute to work. But new buds are already sprouting , it's all good!

Just as a reminder, here are the benefits* of Aloe Vera:

• The Aloe Vera plant is packed with some of same the vitamins and minerals which make up our own bodies. So much so that perhaps no other plant more closely matches the human body's biochemistry.
• Aloe Vera products have many benefits to the overall health of the hair. It helps heal any damage on the scalp, balance the pH level, cleans the pores, prevents excessive hair loss, relieves scaly or itchy scalp, oily hair, dandruff, renew cycle within the follicles. regulate sebaceous function, and maintain proper physiological balance in the scalp. And one of the biggest benefit of Aloe Vera is it helps reduce seborrhoea.
• Aloe Vera activate fresh growth and stimulate the growth of existing hair.
• Clinical studies show that Aloe Vera enhances cellular rejuvenation and provides the building blocks for hair proteins. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties protect against damage to the scalp and hair.
• Actually, Aloe Vera includes the enzyme which is beneficial in stimulating the new hair production.
• Therefore, Aloe Vera is beneficial for the production of hairs and provides softness and shine to the hair and prevents hair loss and other hair related conditions.
• Aloe's can help the scalp by healing it and balancing the pH level of the scalp while cleansing the pores.
• Some Indian tribes of Mexico attribute their thick, healthy hair to regular use of aloe vera gel which they rub into the scalp and hair each night.
• Aloe Vera gel is used on hair and entire portion of scalp to treat hair loss.
• Nourishes and moisturizes the hair and scalp.
• Increases blood circulation to the hair follicles.
• Aloe Vera products have many benefits to the overall health of the hair.  

*Taken from various sources, but you can read more..here, here and here. 

Random Hair Thoughts

• These last few months have been great for my hair. I haven't experienced any (alarming) breakage, increased shedding or any hair issues in general
• My regimen is super simple and I finally understand how a lot of women's hair thrive on a simple regimen.
•  I only spray my hair with water and seal with raw Shea-Butter once a day and my hair stays super moisturized. I don't think I will be purchasing anymore commercial moisturizers.
• I gave myself a trim last week and my ends look and feel great! I wasn't even sad to have less length.
• I can't wait until I'm 1 year post to see how much length I achieved in 12 months
• I haven't had any second thoughts about transitioning
• I LOVE MY hair!! Both my natural and relaxed hair!
• I'm on Tumblr now..so if you want to see all my random posts, photos and read all my random thoughts..stop by. http://6footlonghair.tumblr.com/

Got My Braiding Hair Ready

Rambling Post

In July, I will be self-installing single braids. I typically purchase Sassy Kanekalon braiding hair from Sally's for about $2.00 a pack, but decided to switch brands after watching Laila-Jeans video about her Senegalese Twists. I really liked the texture of the hair(Xpressions) and it seemed like a better quality than Sassy.

So, when I was back at my parents, I decided to visit a local Black(not Asian) owned beauty supply store. I haven't supported a Black owned beauty supply store in so long and they are one of the few in my home-town.

Anyway..tell me why one pack of the X-Pression Kanekalon braiding hair cost $7.50. I ended up buying 2 packs because that's how many I usually use in my hair...but dang. It looked like there was much more hair in these packs compared to the Sassy, but I really hope there is a different look to my braids when I use them!

3 Ways I Plan to Use Honey

Sorry for the inconsistent posting. Getting over a stupid cold!

Someone at work gave me some raw honey. I typically drink my tea with honey opposed to sugar and they were thoughtful enough to give this to me.

It taste pretty good, but I'm already hooked on good ol' Stop & Shop honey. So..I'm sticking to that.

Anyway..because I NEVER want to waste anything, I thought of a few other ways I will use this.

1.)Deep Conditioning Treatment for added softness and shine- There are many ways to do this, but I would prefer to mix about a table spoon of  raw honey with a little HOT water(to melt it). Let cool then apply to my sectioned hair focusing on new-growth. Rinse after an hour and proceed with normal wash routine. If I need protein, I may add an egg.

2.) Lighten the front portion of my hair- Honey is a known natural way to lighten hair. I don't want all my hair to be light, but only the front middle portion to add some character(lol)!
I plan to use this recipe.
Ingredients
1/2 cup raw uncooked honey
1 1/2 cup distilled water
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon or cardamom
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - May use Safflower Oil since I am not buying any oils unless I absolutely HAVE to
Saran Wrap
Swimming Cap- Or Scarf

3.) Face Mask- I read that honey is great for the skin by helping to clear blemishes and lighten dark spots.
I will mix about 1 tspn of slightly melted honey with 1/4 tspn of vitamin e oil. Then apply to my face, keep on for 20 minutes then rinse.

Do you use honey for beauty purposes? If so, how?

Transition Update: 20.5 Weeks Post Relaxer

Hey Hey Hey...hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Just thought I would give a brief update on my transition.

So, where do I start? Well, this doesn't really feel like a transition because it's easy breezy and I'm basically doing the same thing I have been doing all along.

The only thing that really changed is the way I wash my hair.As previously said, I detangle on "dry" hair, section my hair in these ponytails and wash my hair in them.  

My hair on 4.4 before washing

Other than that, I still roller-set once a month,  wear twists about 2 weeks out of the month and bun in between. I'm really itching for some single braids, but will hold out for the summer.

I have absolutely no desire to straighten my hair and my signature "out" styles are:

The braid and curl

Taken 4.8.12

And braid-outs

Taken 3.30.2012

Soon I will be giving myself a trim and I'm contemplating remaining at Arm Pit Length for the majority of my transition. I have about 2.5-3inches of new-growth with the most being in my crown. My nape's natural texture is very loose, but the rest of my natural hair is very tightly coiled. I play in my new-growth all the time, but still have no urges to big chop. I'm in this for the long haul!

Yes, that's my chicken scratch! Typing it just seems so impersonal.

I will be in Canada for Easter to visit my family. My Uncle is a Pastor and we spend almost all of our Easters at his church. It's always like a little family reunion when we go down there since almost all of my Fathers side of the family lives in Canada(all around). I can't wait to see them, but it's bitter sweet because this is the first time we will be there since my Grandmother passed away(R.I.P Granny! 7.8.2011). 

I will be doing a roller-set tonight and I'm thinking about bringing my Caruso Rollers so I can curl my hair for church. If I don't have enough room to pack them, I will just bring my satin rollers and do a braid-and-curl. Still trying to figure that out. 

Anyway..I've been slacking on my posts, but have a few that I will be working on if I have some down time during my trip. 

Talk to you all soon!! :-D