The braids have finally come off!

Hey queenies, it's been a while.

Yesterday, I took my braids off (after 6 weeks). I experienced a lot of shedding (as I always do after removing braids). However, I managed to reduce the amount of shedding by spraying each braid with conditioner (Murray's Spray Unlock) for sleek removal, and detangling and combing sections with a wide tooth comb. Requires a lot of time and patience!! I cried a little inside as I pulled out shed hair. But it was worth it. Anyway, my hair was dry, but it had grown a couple of inches since I put the braids in.

After taking the braids out, I went on to pre-poo using a mix of EVOO, coconut oil and a tsp of castor oil. Wrapped it in shower cap and hot towel for 2 hours. It would've been faster and better with a steamer but I'm still waiting for my voltage converter to arrive... bummer. So, after pre-poo, I went on to clarify my hair with VO5 Kiwi Lime Squeeze to remove all the buildup. This product smelled good, only requires two washes, my hair felt squeaky clean. However, my hair tangled and I lost a couple more strands detangling. Not sure of the cause yet... but I'll find out later.

After clarifying, I went on to deep condition with GPB Balancing Conditioner (mix of protein and moisture) which my hair desperately needed. Wrapped it in shower cap and hot towel (microwaved every hour) for 6 hours. Washed it out and my new growth felt soft and hair smelled real yummy. After this, I applied my Dermorganics leave-in (argan oil), then the ORS wrap/mousse, then put it in rollers for straightening. Wore my silk bonnet and went to bed. Woke up, removed rollers, applied coconut oil to entire hair for shine, moisturized the ends and sealed with almond oil. My hair felt more manageable/calm. Then I pony-tailed it into a bun! LOVE the hair donut! See end result.

I'll be relaxing either next week or the week after (depending on my patience with combing and maintaining my thick as a mutha...new growth). See the new growth....




Stay tuned!