♥Hair Update♥

I have seemed to become busier and busier as the time passes. I wanted to update you guys with my hair growth progress. I have been wearing protective styles, moisturizing and low manipulation.  My goal is to continue growing my hair until I achieve waist-length hair. I know it's possible, contrary to all the myths that "kinky" hair doesn't grow.

Well guess what it does: it's all about patience and dedication.

Happy Journeys
>Side note: I know I look tired and stressed in the pictures. It was an early day LOL

Wash Day ∴ Natural hair Routine

My hair has been in a protective style for the past 3 weeks. Here in NY the weather has still been cold and dry. My scalp was starting to itch and I wanted to give my hair some TLC. I know my hair loves moisture, but in these winter months my hair needs protein. I usually make my  own  concoction and avoid over the counter products. Since I’ve had such a busy weekend, I still needed to make a hair mask that will be fortifying and moisturizing.

First I washed my Hair with Carol's Daughter Tui Shampoo. I like this shampoo because it leaves my hair feeling soft and not stripped of it's natural oils and sebum.

I used an entire packet of Palmer’s Coconut oil protein pack and about ¼ cup of Beautiful textures Rapid repair moisture mask.  I also added some coconut and avocado oil along with some wild honey. I popped it in the microwave for 30 seconds and mixed all together.

This actually gave my mixture gave my hair incredible slip. I was very impressed. I sectioned my freshly washed hair in 6 sections and  worked the mask in with my hands as I finger detangled.

I twisted each section and placed under a plastic cap when I was done. I ran around and did some errands, and squeezed in a work-out with this mixture in my hair. I rinsed and stretched my hair with a cool blow drier.

My hair felt strong and had a great shine. I will defiantly be trying a similar combo again.  Here are some Length Checks for you, it has almost been 3 years. I am so excited . I've reached APL!!!

March 2013, post trim of ends

Be happy and be patient, then the growth will come.

Good-bye Split Ends DIY Treatment

The ends of our hair are the oldest and most fragile parts of our strands. They need love and moisture. When styling, avoid too much heat on your ends, tuck your ends away as often as possible, and remember to give them extra conditioner during your treatment process.

  

I have a homemade treatment that will help nourish those old ends and give them an extra pep.

1 cup Shea butter

5 tbsp EVOO
½ tsp Vitamin E oil

4 Drops of Rosemary Essential Oil

Shea Butter is a think emollient and when used over time it will prevent from your ends splitting. It almost acts like a glue for your ends.

Directions:

Slowly warm up the Shea butter in your microwave until it becomes almost liquid. Stir in the olive oil and essential oil and set aside and let it cool for 15-30 minutes. Don’t let the mixture harden again. Once it it as it’s almost solid state vigorously whisk in the vitamin E oil. 

Apply to ends and rest of hair strands and let it sit in hair for 15 minutes, under Heated cap. If you don’t have a heated cap, cover your hair in plastic and then wrap your head in a towel. You can also use this mixture on dry hair as a moisturizer

DIY C∅C∅ Honey Deep Conditioner

I am a curly girl and moisture is always a issue for us curly girls. Here is a homemade Deep conditioner that will combat frizz, fortify, moisturize and add shine to your hair.

Coco-Honey Deep Conditioner: 

I ripe avocado

1/2 cup of Coconut Milk

2 tbsp coconut oil

1 tbsp Honey

2 tbsp of Mayonnaise

Cut the avocado (remove the Pit) and just use the green flesh. Mash it all in a bowl then add the Mayo Honey and coconut oil. Slowly add the milk while stirring. Be careful not to over still and make the mixture too runny. Add to you hair and leave on, while wearing a plastic cap for 15-30 minutes. This will get runny, so if you decide to do errands while this is in your hair, wrap some paper towel around the perimeter of your hair line to avoid leakage.

Rise hair until water runs clear. After apply a leave in conditioner of you choice and style as usual.  You hair will feel soft and fortified. this conditioner can be applied weekly or bi-weekly, depending on your Hair needs. 

Happy Conditioning

Natural Hair Journey

Relaxed Hair 2009

June 2010, I big chopped and started my journey of growing out my natural (chemical free) hair. I wanted to share some progress photo's with you. This journey has been trial and error for me. I started reading magazines and watching YouTube for ideas. Research is vital when taking on a new path or project.

Big Chop 2010

But in the beginning I took other peoples advice as my own. As I started to learn what my hair liked and needed, this journey has been fun and exciting. I won't tell you want to use and what not to use, because at the end of the day it's YOUR journey. But I will say this patience and moisture is key. Without these two things curly hair won't grow. 

Oct 2012

Some of my staples have been olive oil and Honey. Olive oil, like coconut oils is able to penetrate the hair shaft for moisture and shine. Honey is a natural humectant, which draws moisture to the hair strands.  I like to add 1/2 cup of olive oil with 2 tbsp of Honey in the microwave for 35 seconds and then apply it to my hair.  Another savior of mine has been to avoid sulfates. Sulfates are very drying to my hair, because my strands are fine. Even though I have a lot of Kinky hair, my strands are fine and fragile. I tend to just wash with a conditioner throughout the week and once a month I will deep cleanse my scalp with a mild shampoo and a little tea tree oil.

December 2012

I am still learning new things, but my goal is to get all the way to waist length hair. I am not the hair police, but I know that natural based products work best for me. Mineral oils, petroleums, and silicones may work for you and that's ok. Just know Black hair can grow with the proper care. Don't let anyone tell you differently. Currently my hair is in a protective style, but I will bring ideas that will help protect your ends and retain length.

Stay tuned.

Kinky and Loving it.