Double-Bun

I decided to try Reecie @ LHCF's signature double-bun. At first I wasn't sure I liked how I looked with that style, but as I was getting ready for work, I kept looking in the mirror to get used to myself. I got a few compliments on it at work even.

December 11 - Wash Day

I washed my hair on Friday.

1) Prepooed with EVOO; I definitely need to increase my prepooing time. I've only been leaving it on for a few minutes, but I need to increase that to at least half an hour. I'm not even sure it's beneficial right now.

2) First wash was with Head & Shoulders Refresh. I'm really loving this shampoo. It has naturally-sourced mint in it. It leaves my scalp with a really nice tingling feeling.

3) Second wash was with Organix Coconut Milk Shampoo. I'm not feeling particularly attached to this shampoo yet. I'm also not a big fan of the price.

4) Deep conditioned with ORS Replenishing Deep Conditioner. This is the first deep conditioner I've ever used, so when the bottle is done, I intend on trying something different. I'm sure there's something better out there for me.

5) Conditioned with Aussie Moist. Detangled as I was rinsing out the conditioner.

6) Applied Herbal Essences LTR Leave-in, followed by coconut oil.

7) Rollerset withburgundy-purple magnetic rollers, and some orange ones towards the front.

Fresh Rollerset

I slept with a satin bonnet. I didn't really do anything to try to maintain the style for the next day. I had been unsuccessful with pincurling in the past, so I didn't bother trying again. Big mistake - My style really was not maintained for the next day. The following night, I decided to give it a second whirl. I was pretty happy with the results.

Result of Pincurling

Update

I used my Tresemme Deep Cleansing (clarifying) Shampoo on the 2nd of December. I could definitely feel a difference in my hair and scalp just as I was rinsing out the shampoo. I know a lot of people talk about a "stripped" feeling in a negative way, but for me, it felt like a release. I definitely had a lot of buildup because I had never clarified before, and had been using products with "cones" consistently for the past year.

I'm not sure how often I'll be using it. From what I've read on LHCF, it seems that most women who clarify do so on a monthly basis. I'm thinking maybe I'll do it monthly or semi-monthly. This product is definitely one of my staples.

Another development since the last time I blogged is that I bought a Caruso Steam Roller Set on eBay. I've heard so many positive things about it, and have seen so many beautiful results (ie. Bronzeg on YouTube) that I was convinced my hair would benefit from steam sets. Rollersetting under the hooded dryer are so time consuming. I would love to just airdry and follow up with a Caruso set as an alternative. It's being sent out tomorrow.

Healthy Scalp for 2010

2009 was a pretty bad year for my scalp. It was very flaky and itchy. I started my healthy hair journey this year, and testing so many products has wrecked havoc on my scalp. I stopped using sulfur grease and Head & Shoulders, and I've definitely seen a change. I got swept up in some of the LHCF hypes, but I have to go back to employing whatever works for me.

I don't want to go back to using Head & Shoulders because I am afraid my hair will feel dried out, but I will definitely implement sulfur grease back into my regimen.

One change I want to make which I hope will make a difference is clarifying my hair and scalp once a month. Yesterday, I bought some Tresemme Deep Cleasing Shampoo from Zellers for $5.49. I can't wait to try it (Sunday!).

3-Month Comparison

Here is the first comparison shot I've done since starting my HHJ. For three months of progress, I must say I am pretty satisfied with it. I really believe stretching my relaxer for 20 weeks made a huge difference. It seems to be 1.5-2" of growth, and considering i trimmed about half an inch off, I'd say it's pretty good. I wish I could start protective styling. I'm sure that would make a difference as well. But I am enjoying wearing my hair out, and for now, that's more important to me. Perhaps I should at least put in the effort to hide my hair during the winter. Maybe I'll start my own personal challenge.

Self-Trim

Yesterday, I did a flexi rod set. I was rushed to leave the house, and my hair was not fully dry. By the end of the day, it looked like a complete disaster. All that work down the drain. I guess it was my fault for attempting it with such time constraints.

Today I co-washed the curls away, and air dried with some Aphogee ProVitamin Leave-In and a touch of coconut oil.

One dry, I applied some Dove heat protectant and CHI Silk Infusion and flat ironed. This wasn't originally part of the plan, but I decided I would trim my ends for the first time myself.

Anyway, here is the result:I'll try to maintain it for a few days. As I previously mentioned, I have some mesh rollers on the way, so once those arrive, I know I'll be really excited to test them out, so will perhaps co-wash again this week. I guess it all depends on how the current style holds up. I really don't believe I have the correct moisturizers needed to maintain flat ironed hair. I also feel like my hair ends up being neglected because I don't use any coconut oil on my hair when I'm wearing it straight.

Memories: 20 weeks of new growth

My longest stretch ever. Couldn't have done it without religiously deep conditioning, moisturizing, protein treatments, coconut oil and styles such as flexi rod sets, braid outs and bantu knot outs.

On the way.. Goody Brush Rollers

I've used my FHI Platform to straighten my whole head of hair twice since I got it. I've been using it daily to straighten my bangs, that's it. In order to resist the temptation to use it, I've been roller setting, using magnetic rollers. I have a Gold N Hot hood dryer, and I can only bear to sit under it for an hour. At that point, most of my hair is dry, but the nape is always fairly damp. I end up having to airdry the rest of the day, which is annoying because I can't lay down with the rollers on my head.

I got the idea of using mesh rollers from the lovely ladies at LHCF. Since the rollers are way more vented than magnetic ones, drying time should be drastically reduced. The brushes inside the roller supposedly cause too much manipulation, so I made sure to ask the vendor if they are removable (which they are).

$17.99 for 36 rollers. It was the best deal I could find :(

Review: Organix Coconut Milk Shampoo

Maker's Description: Coconut Milk Shampoo and Conditioner is an exclusive blend of organic coconut milk to nourish your hair, while ultra whipped egg white proteins add strength and elasticity, along with weightless coconut oils to add hydration and balance. The luxuriously creamy, foaming, hydrating formula leaves your hair feeling clean, glowing, softly scented and super soft.

Since the beginning of my HHJ, I've wanted to try this shampoo. There's a lot of talk about sulfates, and the drying effect they can have on your hair. I am not one to believe all the hype, but I admit that I have always been curious what difference cutting them out from my shampoo would have. I bought this at Walmart for $6.99. It's somewhat pricey, but I decided to fork out the cash, since I would end up wasting it away on fast food here and there anyway.

I relaxed my hair last Friday after a 20-week stretch. I personally hate how I look with freshly relaxed hair (flat), so I was excited to wash it. I washed on Sunday using this shampoo. It lathered nicely and smelled heavenly. My hair has felt really shiny and healthy this week. After the wash, I did a light protein DC with Motions CPR and roller set using Aphogee ProVitamin Leave-in, coconut oil and CHI Silk Infusion. I cross-wrapped my hair every night.

Usually by now my scalp would feet itchy, but so far I'm good. The only thing that was different this week was the shampoo that I used. Ironically, I usually use Head and Shoulders. Perhaps that shampoo was too drying, making my scalp more flaky and itchy?

All that being said, I will be using Organix consistently until the bottle is done, to see if these results will be consistent.

First Flexi Rod Set

Last weekend, I finally got to try out my first flexi rod set. I've never stretched a relaxer this long, and I was really getting tired of wearing braidouts every day. It was time for something new. I used about 20 rods to achieve this look. Here are some pics of the results.





Maintaining it during the week was extremely simple. Before bed, I would toss my hair upside down, and put on my satin bonnet. In the morning, I would apply some NTM Silk Touch Leave-in and a tiny bit of coconut oil. Towards the end of the week, I was applying a bit more oil than I did towards the beginning of the week since I knew it would soon be time to wash it anyway.

Close to 16 weeks...

I'm currently 15 weeks and 4 days post-relaxer, and it has been going really well! I had a gala to go to for work on Friday, for which I flat ironed my hair. I was disappointed in myself because I was extremely pressed for time, and had to wash, dry, flat iron my hair AND get dressed within about 2.5 hours. I was basically forced to blowdry it. I have a really old blowdryer that is NOT ionic, so it really pained me to use it. I used some CHI Silk Infusion and Dove Heat Protectant to minimize the damage. In the days after the gala, I "searched and destroyed" my split ends.

I can see some noticeable growth in my hair since my last post. It seems that I've officially reached BSL. My goal was MBL, but I think I might increase that to waist length. I am not a huge fan of WL for myself while STRAIGHT, but I'd like to have a curly-ish roller set that will be about MBL.

I've been mostly wearing my hair in braidouts to help me through this stretch. I follow my usual wash day routine, perhaps with a few more protein treatments than when I have less new growth. I've become lazy and just do them in the shower. I've also been somewhat lazy with my moisturizing deep conditioning, but have been co-washing more than usual. I'm finishing up some Hello Hydration I've had lingering around, and I bought some Aussie Moist yesterday from Walmart. Tonight I used some Aphogee ProVitamin Leave-In after my wash and moisturizing deep conditioning session. My hair is currently airdrying with some coconut oil. I'll wait until bedtime to braid it in 4 plaits.

Flexirods on the way...

My mom shaved her Jheri Curl off about 10 years ago (or more). Since then, she's been wearing her hair in twists. Needless to say, she is finally bored wearing that style constantly.

We have been checking out flexirods for a while now, but they seem expensive/overpriced. I decided to take to eBay, and I ordered a pack of 30 for $10 USD, including shipping! They're on their way from Hong Kong.

Though I ordered them to try them on my mom, I'll definitely try them on myself.

14 weeks and counting

I had my last relaxer June 12th, so today I've reached the 14 week mark. Last time I stretched 16. It's true that this stretching thing gets easier and easier with experience. I was never one to relax at less than 10 weeks though, and I thank my hairdresser for that. Not only because she recommends coming every 8-10 weeks, but because I dread going there, so I always try to stretch as long as I can (To make a long story short, I never leave there before at least 3.5 hours have passed..).

I haven't been doing anything special with my hair. I've been pretty lazy actually. I haven't deep conditioned in about 2 weeks, and haven't done any protein treatments in a while either. I've been prepooing with coconut oil, washing with Head and Shoulders, then conditioning with Aussie Moist. Once out of the shower, I spray on some Aphogee ProVitamin Leave-In to make up for skipping the CPR, apply some NTM Leave-In Cream, and seal with coconut oil. Then I put my hair into 3-4 plaits and sit under the dryer for about half an hour. I do this before bed, then let my hair airdry overnight. In the morning, it's still a little bit damp, but that's fine.

I don't have any particular goal when it comes to stretching, in terms of weeks. I will set my relaxer appointment if I start to have breakage or if any other issues arise.

9.5 weeks post and testing my FHI Platform

I'm back much sooner than expected with the results of my first flat iron job using my new FHI Platform.

I airdried from about 11am until 8pm, with NTM Leave-in and a bit of coconut oil in my hair. I combed it once or twice while it was drying. Once dry, I applied some Hollywood Beauty Sulfur to my scalp, to prevent any itchiness, because I may not be cowashing soon since I'll want to preserve the straight hair as long as possible.



I divided my hair into four sections, and applied a bit of NTM and Chi Silk Infusion to each. I used a rat-tail comb to take out each small piece I was going to flat iron. I only passed over each piece once with the flat iron, to minimize any damage done during the process.



Trimmed by bangs.

I won't be flat ironing at this far post-relaxer again. Having to comb each section through causes too much breakage. Except for when I flat iron, I do not comb my hair while it's dry. I don't even run my fingers through my hair when dry.

And here's the finished product.

I received my FHI platform late last week. So far I've only used it on my bangs, since I was wearing braidouts last week (it's extremely humid, and also, I am 9.5 weeks post-relaxed). Tonight I'll finally be testing it out on my whole head of hair, despite the humidity.

First thing this morning, I applied some coconut oil to my hair and scalp. Then I washed with Head & Shoulders. I did a quick protein treatment using Motions CPR (left on for about 3 mins while in the shower), then deep conditioned with ORS Replenishing conditioner for 20 minutes under the dryer.

I'm out of Herbal Essences LTR leave-in, so for the first time, I applied Neutrogena Triple Moisture leave-in to my wet hair and proceeded to air dry. At about 80% dry, I put in a bit of coconut oil. My hair is about 90-95% dry now, but I'll only be flat ironing much later in the evening. Since it's so humid, I'll probably do a light mist of Keracare Oil Sheen with Humidity Block over my head so that I don't poof up too much on my way to and from work. I'll definitely post pictures of my results tomorrow evening.

A New Toy On The Way

My beloved Rusk flat iron broke a few weeks ago. I'm not even sure what happened. It seems like a piece is missing from the hinge, and it only closes if I press extremely hard. Inevitably, I ended up burning myself. I've been wearing braidouts lately, so I've only really needed it for my bangs, but even at that, it's still frustrating.

After doing some [light] research, I decided to order a FHI Platform from eBay. I bought it on August 2nd, and I finally got the notification that it was ready for pickup at the local post office :D I wanted to go pick it up today, but apparently it will only be ready tomorrow for pickup. Going there straight after work!

I have promised myself to only let flat ironing be a special treat (for me, not my hair). I'm really hooked on the voluminous look of a rollerset, so that will definitely make it easier to resist the urge to flat iron my hair.

One thing I'll want to try is curling my hair with this flat iron. I've seen so many demonstration videos on YouTube, but my Rusk flat iron wasn't conducive to that. Surely the FHI will though, and I'm really curious to see if I'll be able to finally do it.

Here's an example:

It's SO humid...

It has been extremely humid the past couple of weeks. I had no other choice but to take a break from rollersetting and begin wearing braidouts again. I've been braiding my hair into 3 or 4 plaits, then sitting under the dryer for about half an hour. My hair is still damp after 30 minutes, but I allow the rest to airdry overnight, and in the morning, my hair is 90-95% dry. In the morning, I spray on some Dove Moisturizing Mist and seal with some coconut oil, which leaves my hair shiny. I rebraid either every night or every other night.

Here's a picture of the results. I need to up my picture game (sh*tty camera), but it's better than nothing!

Awakened

I was just here thinking about all the changes I've made since starting to take better care of my hair since my 2009 resolution began. I used to wash, blowdry, straighten and moisturize with a Motions lotion. That's it, that's all. It worked for me, until I purchased my flat iron. That's when I started to see the most damage. I felt like I couldn't turn back though, since before that, all I did was wear my hair in a messy bun (and that was not by choice).

Anyway, here are a few practices I use since having started taking better care for my hair.

Deep Conditioning
I deep conditioned my hair for the first time in June. I use Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing Conditioner and sit under the dryer for about 20 minutes. I definitely see a difference in my hair. It's softer as well as shinier. Closely related are protein treatments that I've started doing with Motions CPR. Definitely helps combat breakage.

Rollersetting
The only times I used to rollerset my hair was when I would go to the salon for my relaxer. The thought of rollersetting my hair never even crossed my mind until I started frequenting hair boards. I always assumed those were "talents" best left for a stylist. I bought myself a dryer, rollers and some duckbill clips at the end of May and have been hooked since. My hair comes out very smooth, shiny and bouncy.

Self-trimming
I am determined not to let my hairdresser trim my hair every other relaxer, as she has been doing for the past 10 years. It breaks my heart to think of all the hair I lost because of this over the years. I've been employing the "search and destroy" method of trimming; I filter through my ends, looking for split ends up cut off. I'm not sure if it's making enough of an impact that it would cause my hair length to be uneven. Honestly, it doesn't bother me because my hair is usually curly/wavy from rollersets, or braided-out, therefore unevenness is unnoticeable. If ever I do decide that I want to wear it bone straight again, I may ask her to even it out, but only once I have gained many more inches of length.

Oils
I now prepoo with coconut oil. I also use it to keep braid-outs shiny.

When my hair is rollerset, I don't use any coconut oil, but I do apply Castor Oil to my ends. I've heard that it helps thicken the hair. I cannot attest to this yet, but it's worth a shot until proven otherwise.

Sleeping with a silk bonnet
I cannot fall asleep now without my silk bonnet carefully secured over my hair. The mere thought of my hair rubbing against my cotton pillowcase all night makes me cringe.

Cross-wrapping straight hair
Before I started educating myself about hair care, never use to wrap my hair. I'd wake up in the morning and quickly flat iron it almost every morning to get the smoothness and neatness back into it. Thank God those days are over. Now I loosely (so as not to cause any breakage along my hairline) cross-wrap my hair at night and simply let it loose in the morning, and it's as straight as the previous day.

Limiting Heat Use
Since starting to rollerset, I haven't been flat ironing my hair and I don't miss it a bit. I love the body that my hair maintains from rollersets. I still do use my flat iron to do my bangs, but that's it. I used my curling iron one day when I was going to a reception, but for the most part, that has been nixed from my regimen as well. I've seen such a change in my hair since cutting heat appliances out.

Wash Day Pics

1. Prepoo-ed with coconut oil




2. First lather with Aussie Moist Shampoo. Second lather with Head & Shoulders. Applied Motions CPR Protein Reconstructor. Let sit for about 7 minutes. Rinsed. Then deep conditioned with ORS Replenishing Conditioner under hooded dryer for about 25 mins.



3. After rinsing out conditioner, applied Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Leave-In throughout my hair. Then evenly distributed Chi Silk Infusion throughout the hair. 4. Set in rollers for about an hour and 15 minutes under hooded dryer.




5. Removed rollers. The bottom of my hair wasn't fully dry, so I pin-curled the sections that weren't yet dry enough to hold the curl. Went to bed wearing a satin bonnet.




6. In the morning, I applied some NTM leave-in, and a little bit of Chi Silk Infusion for some shine and to seal.




Tonight I'll very loosely cross-wrap my hair. In the morning, I'll apply some more NTM Leave-In and just a touch of Chi Silk Infusion. Thursday, I'll try to deep condition again.

Hope it was a lemon...

I called the BSS regarding my hooded dryer that suddenly stopped working about a month after I purchased it. I could tell that the girl who served me that day (who wasn't very helpful) was the one who answered the phone, but I asked for the manager/owner. He wasn't there. I called again the next day, and he still wasn't in, so she asked me if she could be of assistance. I explained the situation to her and she said she would have to have the manager call me back with a resolution.

He returned my call the following day. He said I could come and exchange it. I asked him to make sure whichever employee would be there the following evening would already be advised of the situation so that there wouldn't be any confusion.

I went there the next evening with my mom, and lo and behold, the two girls who were there (including the one I had spoken to over the phone) were not aware that I'd be coming in for an exchange. They had to call the manager to find out what to do. Since I no longer had the box, I could only exchange it (for the same dryer) and not get a store credit.

Anyway, hopefully it was just a lemon. I still can't shake the idea and expectation that this new one won't last very long...

10 minutes into my deep conditioning tonight, my hooded dryer stopped working. I just got it a MONTH ago. I'm so upset. I have a very strong feeling the BSS won't give me a refund, and it will be SUCH a drag to have to send it back to the manufacturer. Argh! *(&^(^&%%^$()_P)(*&& / Anyway, now I'm airdrying, and I guess I'll flat iron for the first time in about a month tomorrow morning. What a drag.

Jilbere de Paris Shower Comb

I must admit, when I heard people raving about the Jilbere de Paris shower comb, I didn't understand what the fuss was about. I had never used or even see one before, but I figured it would be just as good as any other wide-toothed comb. As I mentioned in my previous post, I came across one, and for the sake of being out of town and finding products I may not find at home, I decided to buy one.

I didn't get to use it much though; since the day trip, I've only wet my hair once, and forgot to bring the comb in the shower with me LOL! I used it to detangle once I got out though. My hair glided through the hair pretty smoothly actually. Tomorrow will be the real test though, when I wash and deep condition. I'll follow up ;)

My First Trip to Sally's

I went to Plattsburgh, NY last week for the first time in a few years, simply to get out of Montreal for the day. Browsed through the mall, went to Price Chopper's. We were going to end off the day with TJ Maxx, and on the way there, I noticed the infamous Sally's that Americans are always talking about, so I decided to stop in.

I didn't buy much though. For the most part I've found my "staples" already. I did treat myself to a pair of hair trimming scissors and a Jilbere shower comb. Had I known I'd come across one of these stores, I would have done some research on their Generic products. I know that I've seen people raving about their knockoffs being just as good, if not better, than their brand name counterparts.

Anyway, I'll be going to Burlington sometime this summer, so I'll make sure to be prepared for then.

Product Review: Chi Silk Infusion

Product: Chi Silk Infusion

Maker's decription:

• Leave in, alcohol free reconstructing treatment.
• Enriched with pure natural silk, wheat and soy proteins.
• For soft manageable hair with incredible shine and no build up.
• Protects the hair against thermal styling and environment

My Review:

I had been debating trying this product out for a while. I thought I had seen it at the Walmart in my area, but when I finally decided I would buy it, I could no longer find it. I ended up getting a 6oz bottle on eBay for $12. Usually I would never spend that much on such a small quantity of a product, but I did extensive research on it first. I read tons of reviews, and most were positive, and mentioned that a little goes a long way where Chi Silk Infusion is concerned, so I knew it'd last a long time.

The first time I used it was when I was about 12 weeks post-relaxer, and wanted to flat iron my hair for an event. My hair turned out extremely soft. The product definitely was not oily and did not weigh my hair down in any way.

I've been using it for the past few weeks during my rollersets. After deep conditioning, and applying my leave-in conditioner, I section my hair into four sections and distribute the Chi Silk Infusion throughout each section, then proceed to put in the rollers. My hair comes out really shiny and bouncy once I take out the rollers.

This product is surely one of my staples. The cost and somewhat of a hassle to acquire it was definitely worth it.

First Roller Set On Freshly Relaxed Hair

1. Was too lazy to do a long pre-poo, so all I did was apply coconut oil to the ends of my hair right before washing.
2. Shampooed using Head and Shoulders Dry Scalp Shampoo
3. Applied Motions CPR Protein Reconstructor to my hair and let it sit while I washed my body.
4. Rinsed out the Motions and squeezed out the excess water.
5. Stepped out of the shower. Covered hair with ORS Olive Oil Replenishing Conditioner. Covered my head with a plastic cap and sat under the dryer for about 25 minutes.
6. Rinsed in the shower.
7. Applied Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Leave-In followed by Chi Silk Infusion.
8. Set under the dryer for about an hour and a half using twelve magnetic rollers.

I hope I'll be able to preserve it for work tomorrow. I might put in some pin curls, but I'm not sure.. Everytime I've slept on them, they were smashed in the morning and the curls obviously weren't the same. I guess it's better than nothing. I will follow up ;)

DO NOT WANT TO BECOME A "PJ"!

I hate that urge of always wanting more. I've decided that I am pretty much set when it comes to products. The only things I need to get now are more magnetic rollers (because I only have 12 of the red/burgundy ones and they aren't even enough to properly roll my whole head of hair) and the little metal clips to keep them in place. I'll probably allow myself to try out a smaller roller sometime in the near future as well, for when I want a curlier look.

I took a picture of all of the hair products that I own, as a reminder that I really don't need anything else for now. I've pretty much found my staples*.

Left to right: Africa's Best Kids' Organics Shea Butter Detangling Moisturizing Hair Lotion, Chi Silk Infusion*, Hollywood Beauty Castor Oil*, KeraCare Oil Sheen w/ Humidity Block, ORS Olive Oil Professional Replenishing Conditioner*, Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Leave-In Split End Protector*, Motions CPR Protein Reconstructor*, Neutrogena Triple Moisture Silk Touch Leave-In Cream, ApHogee ProVitamin Leave-In Conditioner*, Dove Daily Moisture Therapy Replenishing Mist*, Kissan 100% Pure Coconut Oil*, Hollywood Beauty Sulfur*, Dove Heat Defy Therapy Heat Activated Protect and Shine Mist

My shampoos and cowash conditioners are not in the photo, but they include Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp Shampoo, Aussie Moist Shampoo and Conditioner, and Holista Tea Tree Shampoo and Conditioner. I started using Head & Shoulders again within the past couple of weeks because nothing else seemed to be working to help my flaky scalp. I definitely won't be repurchasing the Holista Tea Tree shampoo and conditioner; they did nothing for my scalp, and I really didn't like the fact that the shampoo barely lathered. I will buy Aussie Moist again in the future for cowashes, but the shampoo was just average (definitely "Nothing to write home about", as my mother would say).

It took a long time for me to get around to following up on the light protein treatment I did using Motions CPR. Well, it was a success. The treatment stopped my shedding in its tracks. At the time, I didn't own a moisturizing deep conditioner to follow it up with. Well, I have two hours to kill tomorrow between work and my hairdresser's appointment, so I'll be heading to the BSS to purchase one. I still have some research to do before coming to a decision, but I'm leaning towards ORS Replenishing Packs. I've read so much about them at LHCF. There's been a lot of Packs Vs. Bottle controversy though. I think my decision will basically come down to the price in the longrun.

Here are two pictures of my rollerset that I did the night of my protein treatment. I used dark pink rollers, so my hair is not very curly. I wore my hair in a ponytail the following day.

Hairdresser's Appointment

So my relaxer appointment is set for tomorrow. Before my last relaxer, I had decided that I'd attempt to stretch as long as possible. I lasted 14 weeks. It's now been 12 weeks and it feels like I was just at the salon yesterday! Anyway, the only reason I ended my stretch is because I have a wedding reception to go to next Saturday and I need to look fresh.

My hair is also in desperate need of a trim. I HATE getting my hair trimmed, but I have to admit that my ends are looking extremely "scraggly". I hate the feeling of cutting away the same amount of growth during this stretch, but I guess I prefer to have a fully healthy head of hair.

Shedding: What's normal and what isn't

I am 10 weeks post-relaxer, and have been experiencing a great deal of shedding. I'm still somewhat new to this hair care thing, so I was not sure what diagnosis to give myself. I've never done a deep conditioning with heat, so I decided it definitely wouldn't hurt to try that.

I applied Motions CPR to my hair in the shower, and went under the dryer with a plastic cap for 10 minutes. I hopped back into the shower, rinsed, squeezed out the excess water, then applied Aussie Moist to my hair (I want to get an actual moisturizing deep conditioner sometime in the near future). I am currently under the dryer, and will stay about 20 minutes or so. I wish I could stay longer, but I plan on rollersetting once I rinse out the Aussie, and being under the dryer is so hot, not to mentioning time and energy-consuming.

The feeling of warm hair, doused with conditioner felt amazing. I hope I see a difference in my hair after it dries from the rollerset. Fingers crossed!

Me Against my New Growth

I'm currently 10 weeks post-relaxer. My hairdresser gets so upset when I stretch my relaxers more than 10 weeks, so she's expecting me. Well, too bad for her ;) I'm still able to manage my new growth at this point, by only combing my hair on wash day and if I cowash in between. I've been doing light protein treatments using Motions CPR as well as sometimes spraying some Aphogee Leave-In during the week. They have reduced breakage tremendously!

My last touch-up was after a 14-week stretch. My hairdresser was definitely giving me some cut-eye in the mirror. She does a great job and will continue going to her, but I will not give in to her peer pressure to relax more often. I have to continue doing what's best for my hair and scalp.

Current Regimen

Sunday - Wash Day

1. Pre-poo using either a mix of coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil, or Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Conditioner mixed with coconut oil and olive oil.
2. Wash using Tea Tree Oil Shampoo [For the time being only. I'm testing it out to see if it'll help with my flaking scalp :( ]
3. Condition using Aussie Moist.
4. Gently squeeze out water from hair, but do not towel dry.
5. Apply Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Leave-In Conditioner.
6. Seal with a bit of coconut oil.
7. Airdry for the rest of the day.

If I am going to do a braid out, I will braid my hair into four plaits once my hair is about 80% dry. If I am going to flat iron, I let it dry 100%.

In attempts not to become a product junkie, I have yet to choose a permanent moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Any suggestions?

A quick history

I've been wanting to start a Hair Blog for a while now, but was admittedly too lazy and unknowledgeable. Anyway, I've finally made the decision to start documenting my hair care journey.. or shall I say struggle.

My 2009 New Year's Resolution was to take better care of my hair.

It all started in late 2007, when I was really sick of wearing my hair in a bun all the time. I have relaxed 4a [?] hair, and wanted to start enjoying it by wearing it down. I thought a flat iron would be the answer to my worries.

Looking back, I knew very little about haircare. I would wash, blowdry and flat iron my hair once a week. I would often pass the flat iron over my ends daily. I often slept without a silk/satin bonnet. I always had long hair, and never really considered that I would suffer any damage to it. Obviously, I took it for granted.

By the end of 2008, I noticed a significant change (for the worst) in my hair. Almost every time I went for a touch-up, my hairdresser wanted to give me a trim. She's somewhat scissor-happy, but she was right - my ends were damaged.

Anyway, enough blabbing about the past; it's time to focus on the future!