Journey officially started on the 11th of April! So far so good...

Hey... man ain't been on for a week and a half now, blogging ain't easy y'all! So my bad on the lateness.

So my HJ started last Thursday - started with relaxing and ended with straightening. Here's what I did:

Step 1: base scalp with Vaseline and applied it to protect relaxed ends.

Step 2: Got my wonderful flatmate to relax hair (cannot remember the name of relaxer) and this time you guys, I followed the instructions in terms of how long you should leave it on for. So I left it for 25 mins. It's bad habit to go over prescribed time (i'm especially speaking to you Africans out there, y'all know yourselves lol...)

Step 3: Washed it all out with warm water. Then applied the ApHogee-keratin 2-min re-constructor made to "restore strength and softness".... left it on for 2 minutes and washed, and verdict? Hair felt kinda hard... dunno why. But it got better when I did step 4 and 5...

Step 4: Neutralized the crack outta my hair till it turned absolutely white! Ain't nobody gat time for burns...

Step 5: Deep conditioned with the Creme of Nature Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment which is a moisturizing DC. Used plastic cap and my new Leila Ali bonnet dryer (this dryer is good yo!) Washed out after 25 mins. Hair felt normal again.

Step 6: Applied leave-in, blow dried, and straightened at low-medium heat using Tresemme thermal heat protectant spray. Then applied argan oil for shine. See pictures below.

p.s: Hair grew a couple of inches but we'll really see the difference in 3 months time (next relaxer).

Wet hair before blow drying                                                                

Hair after blow-drying

Hair after flat ironing and Argan oil

I've been moisturizing and sealing every 2 days since, now it's once a day because it's getting into the colder months in this side of the world. After that, I put my hair donut on to protect the ends, spray sheen if needed, and I'm good to go! I've had minimal shedding so far (maybe 20-30 strands per day which is normal). But my hair needs elasticity after all that chemical so I cannot wait to proteinize tomorrow (washday).


Next washday: 20th April, 2013. Till next time.

Peace n Love. x

Wash Day! 3 days late but better late than never...

So my wash day is usually Saturdays but I was too busy attending functions this weekend (my poor hair). I'm also terribly busy with studies. I eventually diverted from my busy schedule today and gave my hair some attention finally. So my next relaxer is this Thursday, so my regimen a week before relaxers is to apply a medium protein treatment after shampoo and before deep conditioning. This time, I left the products on my hair for about 15-30 mins as I really needed to squeeze a lotta things into my day (How time flies!). Here was my process and mini review of products:

Step 1: Section hair into four parts. Pre-poo'd with oils for 30 mins (applied towel heat but I don't think it made a difference).

Step 2: Washed oils in shower. Shampoo'd each parted section ONCE with a moisturizing shampoo Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo. I shampoo'd once because I don't want my scalp totally clean as I will be applying relaxer in 2 days and it will burn if it's too clean. This is what I get for washing late... *smack*.

Result of shampoo: soft hair, most especially soft new growth, not over-drying, lathers extremely well, smells great.

Step 3: Towel-dried, then detangled by combing each section with the tail bit of a tail comb. It's much better because wet hair is too fragile to comb.

Step 4: Applied ORS Hair Mayonnaise to protein-treat to each 4 sections. Applied towel-heat. Left on for 20 mins.

Step 5: Washed off and towel-dried. Result: the ORS Hair Mayo is the bizness! This will be my 2nd time using it, it just makes your hair feel really good to finger comb through.

Step 6: Deep conditioned the same parted style with Keracare Humecto Creme Conditioner - a moisturizing conditioner. Towel-heated and left on for 20 mins. Result: Nothing special, it stinks like a gutter too. Poof! The smell just masked any other benefits it may have had on my hair.

Step 7: Washed off with cold water to close the cuticles. Towel-dried. Applied my leave-in (Dermorganics).

Step 8: Used tail comb to part sub-sections within each hair sections to comb with a wide-tooth comb (comment if this isn't clear), applied S-Curl moisturizer and sealed with almond oil.

Step 9: Air-dried by tying the hair into a ponytail. I didn't have time to put in rollers so left the hair to dry itself. I'll be relaxing it soon anyway so no qualms!


Reason for sectioning hair into 4: Aside from easy application, I told y'all last week that my hair tangled when I clarified after taking my braids off (even though I combed it before shampoo). I didn't section it then, I just washed the entire head at once. So I was careful this time. Sectioning helped me comb tough new growth and delicate wet hair so I had minimal shed hair. And I had NO TANGLES.

So that is it for now! I'll be back on Relaxer Day....

Until then, keep them locks healthy !! x

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!

Where are you and where would you like to be?

Mine is currently neck length, aiming for shoulder length by the end of the year at least.

Sweat Your Way to Fabulous Skin - Tips for Flawless Skin

I do love a great steam! In addition to hair care, I'll be starting casual Hot Yoga (that's yoga in a moderate steam room...yes) this Friday. I'll also be starting at-home steam facials (steam -> mask). I have just ordered Montagne Jennesse Squeezed Lemon Green Tea Peel Off this chick recommended. I did research on it of course and found that many love their products (as in it works) and best of all - ingredients are au naturale. So thumbs up. I'll be doing reviews later on. Gotta get that skin glowing. Stay healthy!

A working regimen I've drawn up (UPDATED)

BEGINNING OF EVERY MONTH

Step 1: Pre-poo/hot oil

            : - Coconut + EVOO + Castor oil

Step 2: Clarify

            : - Alberto Vo5 Kiwi Lime Squeeze Clarifying Shampoo

            : - Lanza daily clarifying shampoo

Step 3: Protein treatment

            : - ORS Hair Mayonnaise

Step 4: Moisturizing DC

            : - Crème of Nature Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment

Step 5: Leave-in

            : - Dermorganics Argan oil leave-in treatment

Step 6: Setting lotion

            : - ORS Olive oil wrap/set mousse

            : - Nairobi wrap-it shine foaming lotion

Step 7: Rollers and dryer

Step 8: Oil Sheen

            : - Motions oil moisture extra conditioning oil sheen

EVERY SATURDAY (washday)

Step 1: Pre-poo/hot oil

            : - Coconut + EVOO + Castor oil

Step 2: Moisturizing shampoo

            : - Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo

            : - Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Moisture and Shine Shampoo

            : - V05 Deep Nourishing Elixir Shampoo

: - Crème of nature argan oil moisture shine shampoo

: - Neutrogena triple moisture shampoo

Step 3: Moisturizing OR protein DC (alternate weekly)

            : - Moisturizing DC: - Neutrogena triple moisture daily deep conditioner

                                          : - Crème of Nature Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment

            : - Protein DC: ORS replenishing conditioner

Step 4: Leave-in

            : - Dermorganics Argan oil leave-in treatment

Step 5: Setting lotion

            : - ORS Olive oil wrap/set mousse

            : - Nairobi wrap-it shine foaming lotion

Step 6: Rollers and dryer

Step 7: Oil Sheen

            : - Motions oil moisture extra conditioning oil sheen

           

EVERYDAY

Overnight

Step 1: Moisture

            : - S curl activator moisturizing spray

            : - Homemade moisture spritz: jojoba + olive + glycerin + distilled water

Step 2: Seal

            : - Almond oil (Because it’s odorless and light)

Step 3: Protect

            : - Wrap in silk/satin scarf

Daily

Step 1: Shine/moisture

            : - coconut oil

            : - Motions oil moisture extra conditioning oil sheen

            : - Nexxus Humectress Luxe Ultimate Moisture Leave-In Spray

Step 2: Short-term protective styling

            : - Hair donut

Every Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday night

Step: Massage scalp with oil (alternate mix monthly)

            : - Peppermint/Jojoba/Eucalyptus

            : - Peppermint/Jojoba/Rosemary

            : - Coconut/Jojoba/Peppermint

            : - 2/3 drops of lavender + 2/3 tsp. of castor oil (warm)

If after heavy gyming or swimming

Co-wash with:

            : - Pantene Daily Moisture Renewal Conditioner

: - V05 Moisture Milks conditioner

LONG-TERM PROTECTIVE STYLING REGIMEN

Braids/Weave Removal ON WASHDAY

Step 1: Condition

            : - Crème of Nature braid & weave ease out

: - Murray’s Spray Unlock

Step 2: Detangle with tail comb as I go; then comb with wide-tooth comb

Step 3: Pre-poo/hot oil

            : - Coconut + EVOO + castor oil

Step 4: Clarify

            :- Alberto Vo5 Kiwi Lime Squeeze Clarifying Shampoo

            :- Lanza daily clarifying shampoo

            :- Giovanni 50:50 Balanced hydrating-clarifying shampoo

Step 4: Moisturizing & protein DC

            : - Aubrey Organics GPB Balancing Conditioner

Step 5: Leave-in

            : - Dermorganics Argan oil leave-in treatment

Step 6: Setting lotion

            : - ORS Olive oil wrap/set mousse

            : - Nairobi wrap-it shine foaming lotion

Step 7: Rollers and dryer

Step 8: Oil Sheen

            : - Motions oil moisture extra conditioning oil sheen

RELAXER REGIMEN (every 3 months)

1 WEEK BEFORE RELAXER

Step 1: Pre-poo/hot oil

            : - Coconut + EVOO + castor oil

Step 2: Clarify (if I clarified the week before when I would’ve removed a long-term protective style, then I would just use a moisturizing shampoo)

            :- Alberto Vo5 Kiwi Lime Squeeze Clarifying Shampoo

            :- Lanza daily clarifying shampoo

Step 3: Protein treatment

            : - ORS Hair Mayo

Step 4: Moisturizing DC

            : - Keracare humecto crème conditioner

Step 5: Leave-in

            : - Dermorganics Argan oil leave-in treatment

Step 6: Setting lotion

            : - ORS Olive oil wrap/set mousse

            : - Nairobi wrap-it shine foaming lotion

Step 7: Rollers and dryer

Step 8: Oil Sheen

            : - Motions oil moisture extra conditioning oil sheen

RELAXER DAY

Step 1: Base scalp

: - Creme of Nature Professional Scalp Protector  

Step 2: Relax

            : - Beautiful Beginning

            : - Olive oil

Step 3: Wash relaxer with water

Step 4: Apply Aphogee 2-min reconstructor

Step 5: Neutralize

Step 6: Moisturizing DC

            : - Crème of Nature Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment

Step 7: Leave-in (kit) with my dermorganics leave-in (take pic for length check)

Step 8: Blow dry

Step 9: Protect and flat iron (trim and take pics)

            : - Tresemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray

Step 10: Shine

            : - Motions oil moisture extra conditioning oil sheen

1 WEEK AFTER RELAXER

Step 1: Pre-poo/hot oil

            : - Coconut + EVOO + castor oil

Step 2: Moisturizing shampoo

            : - Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo

Step 3: Protein treatment

            : - ORS Hair Mayonnaise

Step 4: Moisturizing DC

            : - Keracare humecto crème conditioner

Step 4: Leave-in

            : - Dermorganics Argan oil leave-in treatment

Step 5: Setting lotion

            : - ORS Olive oil wrap/set mousse

            : - Nairobi wrap-it shine foaming lotion

Step 6: Rollers and dryer

Step 7: Oil Sheen

            : - Motions oil moisture extra conditioning oil sheen

DAMAGED HAIR REGIMEN

Washday

Hot oil treatment with Keracare Essential Oils for the hair

Shampoo with Dove damage therapy daily moisture shampoo

Condition with Dove damage therapy daily moisture conditioner

OR if dry hair, with:

Herbal essences hello hydration moisture & shine shampoo

Herbal essences hello hydration moisture & shine conditioner

Deep condition with either:
            Aussie 3 minute miracle deep conditioner

Garnier fructis fortifying DC 3 min masque

Neutrogena triple moisture deep recovery hair mask

Macadamia natural oil deep repair mask

ORS HAIRepair Nourishing Conditioner

Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner

Apply leave-in and roller set

Hard Protein treatment (once every 6 weeks)

Aphogee 2-step treatment

Aphogee balancing conditioner

Detangling

Paul Mitchell The Detangler

Instruments: Wide tooth comb, satin/silk scarf and pillow case, plastic shower cap, hooded dryer, rollers, supplements

Handy reminder

Essential oils: lavender, chamomile, peppermint, rosemary, tea tree, lemon, myrrh, eucalyptus

Carrier oils: jojoba, olive, coconut, castor, vitamin E, avocado

Best way to start a relaxed hair journey by Lauren Hansle

For fellow starters out there ,this is a very informative and easy-to-understand/implement video. Enjoy.