#Random Hair Update & More

Happy Friday!!!

I just want to thank each and every one of you for reading my blog and sticking with me through-out my dry spells! 

This post is going to be full of randomness. So because I  haven't been posting as often as I would like..I'm going to fill you in on what I can remember! 

• My hair is in twists and will remain in them for the next 5 weeks(will re-do every 2 weeks).  I assume you all have seen enough pics of those..so let me not bore you with more
• I tried to do a puff last week when my twist-n-curl was on it's last leg and it resulted in this:

#Fail..lol

• I got a new job!!! I have accepted a position with a different company a few weeks ago, so I am extremely busy training and transferring my current duties. This new position is exactly what I wanted and prayed for. It feels great to advance in my career despite the current state of our economy. So for everyone out there...if you want something: pray on it, work smart/hard and you will get it. 
• I have lost 5 pounds since I started working out more aggressively. So now it's all about maintaining my weight and toning up EVERYWHERE. Below is my starting size and I will update you all in December with my final weigh in for the year. Sorry I'm not showing the legs..they are not a concern of mine, but I will show them in another pic. I need my waist to be smaller though!! 

Taken on August 18 and 19th 2012 

Mustard Oil for Hair Growth

Whenever I go back home to visit my Parents/family,  I always stop by some near-by Moroccan and Indian stores to purchase my hair oils, ayurvedic powders or shea-butter. I didn't really need to re-stock on anything this time around, but felt like trying something new.

The first thing that stood out to me was Mustard Oil. I vaguely recalled reading about how it can stimulate hair growth, so I checked out a few articles online while at the store then decided to give it a try.

Before I get into the benefits of Mustard Oil..let me tell y'all something. This oil STINKS to high heavens! As soon as I opened the bottle, I almost gagged. I had my Mother smell it and she told me to only use it before I wash my hair so I don't walk around smelling all funky, yet she asked for some to add to her oil mix..lol. But when she added it to her oil mix, the essential oils in it cancelled out the Mustard Oil smell, so I knew I would be okay.

Anyway..here are the benefits of Mustard Oil

46 Weeks Post Relaxer: Twist Out

I have done exactly ONE twist-out since the start of my HHJ. I always liked braid-outs better, but I decided to try a twist out last night. Well..it's more of a twist-n-curl. This was one of the styles on my list :-)

So..last night I:

• washed the twists I installed 2 weeks ago with WEN
• Airdried the twists for about 30 minutes so my hair was still very damp
• Took the twists out in sections
• Once each section was taken out, I finger combed it
• Then applied a mix of Aloe Vera Gel and EVOO/Coconut Oil
• Twisted the section
• Bobby Pinned the roots down 
• Then curled with small flexi-rods
• Let the set sit overnight and removed in the morning

****I did a total of 11 twists. Now, if I planned on keeping my hair out longer, I may have done more..but my hair is going back in twists on Monday.

I ran out of small flexi-rods, so I used a larger one to secure two twists. 

Because of that larger flexi-rod..that side came out JANKY!

5 Things I MUST Do While Transitioning

I sometimes wonder if I am qualified to give transitioning tips since I haven't completed my transition yet. So, I will list things that I (emphasis on I) MUST do while transitioning in hopes to help at least one person reading my blog!


1.) Wash My Hair in Sections- I have learned the hard way, that washing my hair loose causes massive tangles. I also need my hair firmly sectioned. So washing my hair in multiple ponytails, helps my wash day go much smoother. 

42 weeks post relaxer

2.) Deep Condition Before Shampooing- I'll be honest with y'all. I can't take those extra long wash day sessions anymore. I have been able to eliminate many steps and prefer not to go in and out of the shower. So, I deep condition before shampooing and my hair feels great! I am also cutting down on the water bill! 

3.) Detangle on Damp Hair- I am one of those people that can't comb soaking wet hair without getting breakage. Because I mainly detangle before washing, it makes sense to do so on dry hair. I just lightly mist it with my AVJ mix (add glycerin for slip), finger detangle first, then comb with my wide tooth comb. 

I believe this is one of the main reasons why I have retained ALL of my relaxed ends. 

4.) Keep My Hair Stretched- You all know that I live in twists. Twists are the only way I can keep my hair stretched without using heat and not manipulating my hair during the week. 

I must keep my hair stretched to avoid matting, tangling and knots. If I don't plan on wearing twists during the week, then I MUST braid, twist or bantu-knot my hair at night in order to keep it stretched. 

5.) I MUST practice Patience-  Transitioning can be difficult at times for various reasons. My main reason is the anticipation to have natural hair. But I know I want LONG natural hair. Sorry, I guess I am "long hair obsessed". But I know if I were to BC now, I would be obsessing about length. So why not wait until I am completely comfortable with the length of my natural hair? 

I also have to be very patient when detangling and styling my hair so I don't experience any breakage.