Real Setback Comparison Pic

Ok, so you may say to yourself, your setback is not that bad, but when I look at this particular picture it really hits me how much my hair has suffered. So, this is the picture that makes me want to kick myself the most.

A little over a year ago my hair looked like this.


Well, I think that I have gone on and on about my setback enough in previous posts so I will not do that again. I said all of this to say that my hair is bouncing back. The shortest hair in that broken off section (about half of my head) is now neck length and the longest hair is brushing my shoulder .

So, I am going to continue to stretch my relaxer until March because I am getting so much good growth right now. I am going to put some Senegalese twists in my hair for the next three months to get me through this stretch. I will take a day this week to install them, I think Wednesday, and I will be back with pics at some point this week, they will be my official before pics and in March I will cut all of my hair back to shoulder length (after pics) and begin the growth process again.

I will also be back with a braids regimen and pics soon!

Week 14: Chignon

(Old Picture)

In continuing the goal of 24 styles I realized that I have not visited the classic chingnon. I achieved this style without a donut, but that was when my hair was full APL. Here's a video explaining how to achieve this style:

Ayurveda Update

As we know I have tried soo many Ayurvedic techniques and they all benefit the hair. I can really see and feel the difference in my hair. After trying all of these things I have decided to only stick with tea rinses and henna treatments.

I have stopped using the shampoo bar because I just don't see the point in using a tea once a week that has the same ingredients as the shampoo bar. So, I have started using Nexxus Therappe Moisturizing Shampoo and I LOVE it. It is seriously moisturizing.

I will do some kind of slide show or video about how I make the tea's soon. I realize that there really are no good visual descriptions of the process out there, so I will provide my version of the process. Its really not complicated.

Other than the tea's I just do a heavy oil treatment right before using henna. I use about 6-8 ounces of warm oil in my hair and let that sit with a shower cap on my head for about two hours. That is a LOT of oil (Usually Vatika Oil)! I simulate the oil treatment in the picture above by tilting my head as far back as possible in the shower and then using an applicator bottle to pour a steady stream of oil over my forehead which trickles back and through the hair. After sitting around the house I then apply a henna gloss(let that sit for an hour), rinse the henna out with conditioner, shampoo, deep condition and style.

Matter of fact I am due for a treatment tomorrow!

Washing and Detangling Natural Hair

I stumbled across a great set of youtube video's the other day and so I though I would share. In these videos, the woman, takes you to her shower to show how to wash and detangle natural hair. She does exactly what I used to do when I was natural (I got the idea from the grow afro hair long website). She also has some great natural styling video's on her channel, so check her out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrsBfmxh630

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Du_5CFYkoc

Update!

Well I have been MIA from the blog lately because I have been so very busy with school and work, but things are slowing down and I am back. I have been taking care of my hair as usual per my regimen.

I dusted my hair this week and also discovered a great new video on the subject. Traycee from KISS has created a detailed video explaining how to dust your hair:



I dust my hair once a month to ensure that it continues to just look good, so I thought I would share.

Lastly, thanks for the comment while I was so very busy. I want you to know that I dead read them and appreciate knowing that someone out their agrees with me every now and then, lol.

Product Review: Sitrinillah Masque-Ulatra Moisturizing Deep Conditioner

This is IT! The holy grail conditioner. My search is over. I have been using this for a little over a month and I LOVE it!

It comes in a simple small white jar with a white and yellow label. The scent is very pleasant, light and smells of citrus. The consistency is thick, but not thick like a butter. A little goes a long long way and its priced quite well.

I first used the conditioner after shampooing with my godrej bar, I left it on my hair under a plastic cap without heat for one hour per the instructions. My hair felt so soft and after rinsing so very very very moisturized! The next week I used the conditioner on dry hair before shampooing and it worked just a well! Who new! I also tried it with heat, went under the dryer for thirty minutes and then sat around another thirty before rinsing. My hair was not as moisturized, but it still did the job.

I tried using this conditioner in three different ways and I have to say the product works best WITHOUT heat. So for you ladies that do not have a bonnet dryer, this product is perfect for your needs.

So I will continue to buy this product and use it WITHOUT heat because it works so well without it. Best part, no mineral oil and no cones. Its a keeper! I have finally replaced my beloved Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing Conditioner!

Busy..Back at it Tomorrow

I have been incredibly busy with school and work these past couples of weeks, so I have to apologize for my lack of posting. However tomorrow I will rectify that situation!

Winter Moisturizing

For me, The biggest difference between winter and non-winter moisturizing is oils vs butters. I seal everything with butter instead of oil. I still use a mix of Vatika and Olive oil for hot oil treatments before shampooing regardless of the season, but that is the only oil I use in the winter months.

There is one difference in how I use the butter that I have not seen anyone else do, so I thought I would share. Its simple really! After I finish washing my hair, I put my leave-in and a butter in my hair. Then I detangle one last time and go under the dryer (on cool) for 5-10 minutes. This gives the butter a chance at penetrating more and speeds up the drying time. Since I only use butters that the hair can absorb it also gives my hair a great shot of moisture (kind of like a hot oil treatment) that it can hold onto during the week. When I shampoo I use a heavy butter and when I co-wash I use a light butter. Doing this usually ensures that I do not have to use the butter again during the week, just my leave-in/moisturizer.

Give it a try! You may be surprised with the results!