4 Months TODAY!!!!

I'm 4 months NATURAL!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am learning so much about my hair. I have started a regiment which I am very excited about and I have notice hair growth!

Every Sunday I deep condition with a homemade avocado mix.
1 avocado
1/2 can coconut milk
2 tablespoons of pure honey
2 table spoons of coconut oil
a few squirts of Suave Rosemary and Mint Conditioner.

I use my emergent blender to mix everything up. After I shampoo and condition my hair, I put the mix all over and then use a plastic cap for the mixture to sit on my hair for about 1 hour. After the hour, I rinse out with cold water, apply a leave conditioner and then style.

Since it has been cool in the mornings, I haven't done many wash and goes. So for my protective style in November, I rocked braids using the Kinky Twist hair for three weeks (hence my absence of posting :).

I am still experimenting with different products, but still keeping in mind, not to turn in to the ultimate product junky. I have read so much about Yest to Carrots and Giovanni. While at my local Target, I found mini samples of each that was in my budget and of course I had to buy and then if I didn't like it, I didn't spend a whole lot of money nor do I have gigantic bottles of product just sitting around.

I have also been visiting my local health food store, the Vitamin Shoppe. I was able to find the J/A/S/O/N products half off!!!!! So yes, I did buy it, although it was in its original bottle, I didn't feel bad if I didn't like it since I only paid a few dollars.

I am still continuing to research to find out different product's that may work for my hair. I am still madly in love with Shea Moisture products. I have purchased Tressemme - only used once. Yes to Carrots - love the conditioner. J/A/S/O/N - only used once. I am currently using ECO Olive Oil Gel which I love, but I have come across a homemade recipe for gel using FLAX SEEDs...this is a must try.

I have been thinking about straightening my hair during the Christmas Holiday's to get my ends clipped. I am a little nervous about it because I have been reading about heat damage. So I must continue my research to find the right product to protect my hair while straight.

NEXT THOUGHT - Protecting hair from heat damage.

Here are a few styles that I have been wearing during my 4 months.

Experimenting

I am still continuing to research this life of Natural Hair. I have found lots of interesting facts and recipes. One of my favorite blogs to visit is MopTop Maven. She has a conditioner recipe that I tried last night which is suppose to help with dry hair. 1 avocado, 1 can of coconut milk, 2 tablespoons of raw honey, 2 tablespoons of favorite oil (I used cocunut oil) and I added about 2 tablespoons of Suave Rosemary and Mint conditioner. I let it set on my hair for about 1 hour. I had lots left over, which I stored in the refrigerator. My results....my hair was soft and had lots of mositure. For sleep, I added my leave in conditioner ( Ganier Leave-In) and put my hair in 2 strand twist bantu knots. This morning my hair was soft and still full of moisture.

I am proud to say I can do a puff now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So cute :0)

Next thought...protective styles for the winter.

Still Researching

I am still trying to find a fix to my sometime dry, fizzy hair. I am still not wanting to become a product junkie, so I am retrying the products that I currently own until there are used up. I have been using the Shea Moisture products; Curl Enhancer and Deep Conditioning. I think I have found out that the Curl Enhancer doesn't mix well with the Coconut Oil I have been using to lock in moisture. Right now I use Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Shampoo and Conditioner, Garnier Leave In Conditioner and Curls curl enhancer products. I haven't use the Coconut Oil with curls, but my hair seems not to be frizzy.

I have also tried a couple of different styles which I will post pics later.

Next thought: Next product to try...I'm almost done with what I have...heee,heee,heee!

Creative Me

I am so loving my hair!





I am continuing my research on conditioning, moisturizing, product and styling. As I mentioned previous post, I don't want to become a "product junkie". So I have been using Herbal Essence Hello Hydration and Shea Moisture Deep Conditioning and Curl Enhancer. I have also started to like ECO styler gel.





One thing I have learned is the difference between conditioning and deep conditioning. Conditioning is just a regular shampoo/condition that we would normally do when using a relaxer, but a deep condition is needed to make the hair stronger especially after using so many products and it has to sit on the hear a length of time while using heat, be it a hair dryer or a hot towel. I have been using my deep conditioner, but not applying the heat. This will be my next experiment to see it I notice a change in my hair.





So...back to not being a "product junkie" or "accessory junkie" which I am. I decided to make my own accessories. I have save a couple of dollars which I can use towards my product fund to try new products. I purchased flat jewels from JoAnns Fabric, hair clips from the dollar store and Walmart and hot glue guns I already had stashed in my "creative me" box, which my husband has been trying to get rid of for years. I did purchase a few cheap head bands, but I wanted to focus on some "bling" accessories.

Next thought: Protective styling.

Bad Hair Day

Well, it's been a few days but I have so much to share.

Last week was actually a bad hair week to start and to end on Friday, it was a really bad day. I didn't take as much care to my transitioning hair as I usually doing. Following my routine, of wash, condition, water soak and then gel. All I could think was, "next week will be my big chop, just wait a little while. Then Friday came...I called my best girl to get her natural stylist name and number. I called to make my appointment for my BC that afternoon.

Salon of choice...Running Water Natural Hair Salon. While I waited for the stylist, she informed me that the owner will cut my hair. Now I'm thinking, hmmm, that's nice, the owner is actually considerate and wants to make sure I have "quality service" :). To the shampoo bowl I went. The stylist shampooed, conditioned and conditioned and I sat for a while with the conditioner. My thought's....wow, my hair really feels clean, squicky clean and she released the water from my hair. Then I waited for the owner to finish twisting a new transitioning client's hair. While sitting, I wasn't chicking out, I was actually really excited that I was getting ready to have my big chop.

When the owner was finished, I showed him a style that I liked, he said ok. Then...CHOP!!! Suprising I was calm, but I would have never thought I would hear a pair of scissors cut the way his scissors. Then my chest started to hurt, lol. But I made my self calm down and then it was over. My permed ends were no more, I am now a Hair Naturalist!

Next thought...more research on what to do...keeping my natural hair moisturized!

New Product

During my research on natural hair, I found out there are lots of products out there that gravitate to going natural. I said I didn't want to be "a product junkie", but in order to know what works for your hair and what doesn't, being "a product junkie" really isn't that bad, expensive, but not bad.

My first products to use was the Deep Conditioner by Shea Moisture. This past weekend I went to one of my favorite stores "Target" to find a new product. Keeping with the same line, I decided to try the Curl Enhancing Smoothie by Shea Moisture. I shampooed and conditioned with Herbal Essence Hello Hydration (my new love) and then used the Curl Smoothie. My hair felt greasy after applying, but as it dried, by natrual hair curled to nice soft curls, while my permed ends where straight. Through out the day, I was very pleased with the results. The next morning, I used a spray bottle with water to bring it back to life, and the results were still pleasing.

I will keep the Shea Moisture products in mind.

Next thought....BC day is getting closer, I think I may do it this time.

Oh yeah! I think the hubs is enjoying going through this transition with me! No complaints yet.

Discussion

A lot has happend since my last post.

To review, I set the date for my Big Chop and I was thinking about what my deployed husband would think of coming home to a wife with short hair.

I did go to the salon, but I didn't get the Big Chop. After the stylist ask what was I going to do with it once I get it cut, my reply was "I don't know". So after conversation, she thought it would be best if I would wait to make sure it was exactly what I wanted. I agreed. So after shampoo and condition, she roller set my hair using very small rollers because I am still dedicated to working out. I didn't want to get something so fresh, that the next day it would be flat. I was pleased with the roller set and added a few flat twist to the front and the back so it would have some type of style. Before leaving I did set my next appointment for Aug 21 (my mom's birthday), which I am planning to have my big chop then.

After my appointment, I found out that my husband would possibly be returning home early. So with that in mind, I really wanted my hair to be nice for the first reveal of me, losing 20 pounds since he left and me with shorter hair.

Unfortunaltly he didn't come home to the following week, but I was able to style my hair back in my second "transition" style (the last pictures I posted). Although pleased with my weight, he was actully pleased with my new hair.

After having the conversation about why I decided to go natural and showing him how my hair actually looks while not styled, his response was "I don't care, if that's what you want to do". YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! I know I shouldn't let his response determine what I want to do with my own hair, but it is nice, to have the support, esepcially from a spouse.

I did find another hair style (post pics later). It more like an afro. I shampoo and condition my hair, apply Curlz Products purchased from Target (will add actul name in next post) section hair in parts, two strand twist and then banto twist. The next morning, I combed all the twist out, jelled hair up like putting in a poiny tail, then used a shoe string to tie the pony tail.

Next thought: BIG CHOP - Saturday, August 21 and daily moisturizing.

Date Set

I set the date for the BIG CHOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I took some time out today to make my appointment. After thinking for a couple of days, I decided to go with Bamboo Salon. Not sure why put I knew I had to just make the decision. It took me about 30 minutes just to find the salon, that was tucked back in a lil whole of an apartment building off Main Street. After having a co-worker they to google map me, I decided to call the salon for the directions. Talking to the person that answer, giving me what I know now as good directions, I still couldn't find it. I know I can follow directions, but for some reason it was not becoming clear. So I called again. I was told to pull in the drive way that workers were cutting trees. Now earlier I saw this parking lot, but like I said it was tucked away in a lil whole of an apartment building. As I drove closer, two ladies where standing outside, waving me down :-). I parked and was greeted by to ladies that showed me the way. At this moment, I am so giggly (is that really a word...giggly) with excitment, I started to get nervous. This is an apartment building, what could be waiting for me on the other side of this door?

As I walked in the salon, it was very inviting, each stylist had their own room, african art on the walls, calming music playing and of course a suttle scent. I told the lady I was interested in cutting my hair. She asked was I going natural, with a big smile, I said YES!

Now, a few post ago I mentioned I was following the almanac to cut my hair. I have been using two websites for dates. Farmers Almanac and the Old Farmers Almanac. Not sure which is right, but one of them listed this Saturday for the day to cut hair.

THE BIG CHOP...Saturday, July 17.


Next thought....still wondering how the husband will react.

Big Chop...not today

Today was the day I was going to have do the big chop. I decided not to do it. Only because I thought if I was going to do this "going natural" thing, I want to do it right. So I have decided to make an appointment with a natural stylist. I have come down to two choices, Bamboo Salon and Running Water. I guess in the next couple of days I will decide which one. My new date for the "big chop" is July 21.

A fellow naturalist told me about how the Farmers Almanac gives dates when to cut hair to promote growth. So this is my "new thing"...following the Almanac. Thanks Mia!

Next thought...what will my husband think?

Inspriation

I have been inspired with the help of prettydimples.

During my research, I came across a hair naturalist, prettydimples. She has many videos on youtube on ways that she styles her hair. While watching yesterday, I decided to give myself a new style. I believe I am one step closer to the "big chop".

Projected date for BC...Sunday, July 11, 2010.

New style:

Research

I did a little research, well, maybe alot. Learning how to take care of natural hair isn't much different than taking care of relaxed hair...shampoo, condition, moisturize. I think I can keep up.

A lot of my findings mention the difference from natural products and products with chemicals. I guess just like reading labels on food goes the same way as reading labels for hair products. Now, I have never been a "product junkie" and I hope I don't become one. With my relaxed hair, I really didn't care what type of shampoo/conditioner I used, just as long as my hair was clean. When I had my last perm in December, I purchased Design hair products which I am currently using, but I used all of the conditioner. I like the Design products, but I think I will try something else towards the more natural products. I was introduced to Miss Jessie products and now that Miss Jessie is available in Target, I thought I would give it a try, but the cost was a bit more than what I wanted to spend. While looking at all of the other "natural products" that were available, I decided to purchase Shea Moisture conditioner. I love it! It's a cream conditioner that can be left on from 5 to 30 minutes. Depending on my time, I try to leave it on at least 20 minutes. When I wash it out, my hair is not tangled and combs out easy.

So here is what I do:

Wash hair every 2-3 days depending on my workout schedule.
Use Design shampoo products
Use Shea Moisture conditioner.
Wet hair, gel back.

Next step: my search for a leave in conditioner. Still thinking about the "big chop".

Today is the Day

Today I have made the final decision to go natural! My last perm was December of 2009. During this time, I went to the gym three days a week, taking two classes per day. Not only was it breaking because I was to tired to keep it washed, I was trying to keep my life together with a 1 and a 2 year all while my husband was deployed to Iraq for the second time. While not following a healthy regiment of taking care of my hair, so I decided to get micro braids (bad decision). While I loved the get up and go, I didn't have to do anything, but keep my scalp cleaned. After 3 months of micros, it was time to take them out. Once again, not following the rules, I had 3 huge matted sections of hair. At this time, I just wanted to cut it out and start all over again, but with the encouragement of my aunt and baby oil, 2 of the 3 sections where saved. My master plan began to take effect.

After loosing 25 pounds, I felt better about myself and started thinking what would be a good way to continue my healthy lifestyle...GO NATURAL! My 2 hairstyles of choice with out a perm where wash and go gel back with a synthetic bun or a track pony tail.

Now my choice of hairstyle is still a wash and go gel back, but since I have about 3 and 1/2 inches of new growth, my synthetic bun doesn't look right, so I use a kinky twist braid section to wrap around my little ball of hair along with a cute hair accessory piece. I still where a track pony tail, but with so much new growth, it doesn't look right.

My next thought...the big chop.

Me on the left with my last perm, Dec 09