Tuesday, December 30, 2008

New Year's Resolutions

Seeing as New Years is right around the corner, I've thought about some resolutions I would like to try to stick with in the upcoming year.

My new years resolutions are:
*Start back getting serious about exercise
*Gain about 10-15 healthy pounds (I need it)
*Continue taking care of my hair so I can reach my goals
*Eat healthier
*Improve my GPA by the time I graduate in May
*Get a better job
*Move out of my parents house
*Read the entire Bible in a year
*Be as stress free as possible

Morrocan Method (2009 Lunar Haircutting Calendar)

I was on BHM (Black Hair Media) earlier and saw a post about using the Lunar Calendar to help benefit in the health and growth of the hair. It seems very interesting so I've decided that I'm gonna give it a try in the upcoming year. It can't hurt...if anything I'll have even healthy ends at the end of the year. Also, a member mentioned the Vermont Cocktail which is supposed to help promote growth progress. I'm also gonna try this as this is an all natural "growth aid". I will keep you all updated on my progress with this method. For more information on this method you can visit www.morroccomethod.com You'll find the calendar and the recipe plus other beneficial info.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Postponed tutorial

I had been having computer trouble and then I got lazy and didn't do my rollerset and pincurls (I just washed and bunned it).So I will post the tutorial as soon as I put it together. I now have nothing but time since the semester is over so hopefully it'll be up soon.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Rollerset and pincurls

I've received some requests on how I do my ponytail rollerset and pincurls. I plan to do another set this weekend, so I will attempt to make a tutorial and post it here and in my fotki.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

My Regimen as of 12/3/08

My regimen has gotten even simpler. I’m continuously trying to improve it (it’s getting better, though I may need to try to add in a light protein somewhere)

1. I no longer cowash (it’s much too cold). Now I shampoo with Creme of Nature Shampoo every 3-4 days. I’m still massaging my scalp (when I remember to do it)
2. I deep condition with Elasta QP-DPR with a plastic cap under the hooded dryer.
3. I use Neutragena Triple Moisture Silk Touch Leave in Crème
4. I moisturize with Wave Nouveau Moisturizing Finishing Lotion and seal with Castor oil.
5. Every 12 weeks I relax (texlax) and trim every other touch up (every 24 weeks)*I'm considering transitioning...*
6. As for protein, I use Aphogee Two Step Protein Treatment or Duo Texevery 6-7 weeks to ensure that my hair remains strong (this depends on how heavy a protein I need).
7. I’ve been drinking my water, however not enough (I’m working on it…)
***My exercising has been almost nonexistent. With school, work, and a student organization, I’ve been too busy to hit the gym or squeeze in any exercise. Finals are over next Wednesday for me, I will be hitting the gym Thursday morning (I miss my trainer and I’ll have no excuse for not going)***

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Contemplating

I was natural for 2 years and 2 months before I decided to telax in April 2008, so I've been re-relaxed for almost 8 months. Since I've texleaxed I have had 2 touchups and a corrective. My hair is feeling rather limp lately (it's already really fine) and after my corrective I have little texture left (it's basically straight).I am beginning to regret ever re-relaxing my hair and really miss my natural curls. I am really, really, really considering transitioning again. If and when I make up my mind, I know that I want to do a long term transition (about 2 years or more rather than 8 months like last time). I think this time around I'll be better able to manage my hair because I've learned so much over the years. Hmmmmm.....just some random thoughts that I needed to let out.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Friday, November 7, 2008

First attempt at ponytail rollerset and pincurls

Yesterday I washed my hair with Creme of Nature shampoo (red label); did a protein treatment with DuoTex; deep conditioned with Elasta Qp DPR-11, extra virgin olive oil, and porosity control; moisturized with Neutrogena Triple Moisture Silk Touch Leave-in cream; followed by Wave Nouveau Moisturizing Finishing lotion; and sealed with Castor oil. I made about 10-12 ponytails and set my hair on red and green magnetic rollers. I sat under the dryer for 45 minutes, let my hair cool, and proceeded to pincurl each curl as I removed the roller. This morning when I woke up and took out my pincurls, I was in LOVE. My hair was so silky soft and looked really good. This is definitely a style I will be doing again.

Pics coming soon

Photo of the Day

(photo poofed)
I am soooooooo excited that Barack Obama is our next president. I never imagined that it would be this soon in my life that I would get to vote and see a black president. This election has made me feel like I am on top of the world and I can do anything. The moment I found out was surreal. It still hasn't quite sunk in, but I'm still EXCITED!!!!! I have so much hope and confidence that Barack Obama is going to change so much. HE IS THE CHANGE I CAN BELIEVE IN!

Friday, October 17, 2008


I love these clips. I use them to pin my hair up when my rollersets/wetsets get a little old. I've learned to use these to make some interesting updos. This particular clip is from Forever21 and it's only $2.80. I must make a trip to Forever21 to get this. I absolutely love the stars!!

My Personal Challenge

I've decided that I'm going to challenge myself to rollerset/wetset my hair + protective style it until May 2009 when I graduate from college (no direct heat for me), no trimming (dusting only), and change my diet. I am so set on reaching my goal so I think that with rollersetting/wetsetting my hair, protective styles, and not trimming, I will be able to retain so much more hair. This is VERY similar to my BSL challenge, the only difference is that I'm trying to completely change my diet. I've already completely cut out soda (haven't had one in about 5-6 weeks) now I just have to work on cutting out junk food and eating more veggies and fruit. I am willing to do this for my health. Hopefully a change in diet will not only help my hair but also my skin.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Touch up time!!!

So I had my touch up done yesterday with ORS Professional lye relaxer and I must say it feels pretty good. When I washed and conditioned my hair it felt sooo silky. The best part of it all....it didn't burn. The only problem I have (and that's probably my fault) is that when I ran the relaxer over my hair after touching up the roots (for a corrective) it wasn't left on long (like 1.5-2 minutes) so it didn't straighten the underprocessed areas like I wanted. But all in all it seems fine (However, the verdict is still out on this one. We'll see how I'm liking it come wash day ;))

Friday, October 3, 2008

Thank you!!!

Awwww....I feel so special. People are actually visiting my blog and commenting. I never would have imagined that anyone would be interested in it, but this just motivates me to keep writing (well typing...). Thank you to all that have visited and have shown some support!!!!

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Making the Switch

I was natural for 2 years and 10 months before I decided to relax again in April 2008. My relaxer of choice...Elasta Qp Mild lye. It underprocessed me, but for awhile it seemed to be fine and I just dealt with it. Twelve weeks later I did a retouch. It was okay for about 2.5-3 weeks and now my hair looks like it's never seen a relaxer, so.....I'm going to try ORS Olive Oil Professional Normal lye relaxer (I also will do a corrective). I've heard some pretty good things about this relaxer (plus I've been relaxing my best friend's hair with the no-lye version and it's doing really well). I'm due for a touchup this weekend (12 weeks post) and can't wait to see the results. Hopefully it will straighten rather than texlax.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Photo of the Day


Chrishell Stubbs
I stumbled across this model and was awestruck by her hair. Long, thick, and beautiful. One day........

Men with Locs


Soooooo (since I'm talking about hair, I thought I'd mention it)......I have a thing for men with locs. It's just something about them that makes a man so sexy!! For some reason, men with locs seem so strong and intelligent. Jeff Johnson for example. I had the opportunity to meet this beautiful, intelligent man last year and was intrigued not only by his intellect but also his locs. I've been seeing some pretty good looking guys with locs lately and they've all been so healthy, neat, and long, (hmm....maybe I need to approach these guys) no but seriously I really admire guys with locs. Just some random thoughts ;)

(Photo: Ryan Gentles, Jeff Johnson, Keith Hamilton Cobb, Cobi Jones)

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Berets/Beanies

I'm seeing berets and beanies all over the place. I guess this is gonna be big this year. I like them and the way I've seen them worn. I will definitely be picking up some of these. They are a great way of covering up a bad hair day! (Photo: Forever21)

Wigs! Wigs! Wigs!



I've been thinking about what I could possibly do to my hair to protect it this fall and winter. I am really seriously thinking about trying some wigs. I've NEVER worn a wig so I'm kinda nervous about that. I've seen some really cute styles on the net, now I just need to find a store that sells them so that I can go try some on to see how they look on me. I don't know....just a thought.
(Photo Left to right:Outre Quick Weave Complete Cap Ali, Freetress Band Full Cap Honolulu Girl, Freetress Band Full Cap Valencia)

Friday, September 26, 2008

Photo of the Day

{Had to take the pic down} I am loving Rihanna's short haircut (No I'm not gonna cut my hair, I'm not bold enough to ever go that short.) I want to find a wig cut similar to this though. I NEED this style in my life!!!

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Recovering from what appeared to be a disaster

Ok, so a few weeks ago I was having an issue with my ends (as you can see). My ends were so dry and frizzy that I began to panic because I didn't know what to do. I decided to seek help and advice from the ladies over at BHM. I went ahead and did an Aphogee 2 Step Protein treatment and followed that up with a shot of moisture from Elasta QP DPR-11. Fast forward to the present, I've been shampooing with Queen Helene Mint Julep shampoo (as needed), deep conditioning with Elasta QP DPR-11, moisturizing with Care Free Curl Gold, sealing with African Best oil, and keeping my hair pulled up (trying to work on completely hiding my ends). Well.....I'm seeing improvement, however it's still not the way I would like, but I have HOPE once again!!! Hopefully with time, my ends will be fully recovered.

Saturday, September 6, 2008

My Regimen as of 9/04/2008

My regimen is fairly simple right now. There is still room for improvement but until I figure out what needs improving, this is what I'm doing.

1. I cowash with Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship conditioner (at least until it gets cold outside) and massage my scalp every other day. I shampoo on Saturdays with Creme of Nature Shampoo.

2. I deep condition with either ORS Replenishing or Lustrasilk Shea Butter Cholesterol.

3. I use either Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship leave-in or Profectiv Break free as my leave-in.

4. Depending on what my hair needs, I use Care Free Curl Gold (moisture) or Profectiv Mega Growth (protein) and seal with coconut oil (spring/summer) or castor oil (year round)

5. Every 12 weeks I relax (texlax) with Elasta QP Mild lye relaxer and trim every other touch up (every 24 weeks)

6. As for protein, I use Aphogee Two Step Protein Treatment every 6-7 weeks to ensure that my hair remains strong.

7. I recently began taking The Vitamin Shoppe Elements for Hair vitamins. It is too soon to tell if they are working, so I will keep you all updated on my results with these vitamins.

** I will be starting an exercise regimen within the next 2 weeks as well as continuing to massage my scalp.

I Wanna Be BSL in 2009 Challenge

I am a member over at BHM and started a challenge to help myself and others reach BSL by December 31, 2009. I have been on this hair journey since 2005 and have yet to reach BSL (It's all my fault though cause I kept cutting my hair). I now am going to make the commitment to grow my hair to BSL and beyond. I have set my first goal to be touching BSL by May 2009 (when I graduate from college, yea!!) and my second goal is to be a full, thick BSL by December 31, 2009. With some hard work and determination, I am convinced that I, as well as the ladies on the challenge with me, will reach BSL next year.

The rules for the challenge:
-Low-manipulation/protective styles (roller sets, pin curls, buns, phony ponies, braids, sew-ins, wigs, etc.)
-Deep condition at least 1x a week
-Moisturize and seal ends
-Protein treatment as needed
-Limited heat usage
-Stretch relaxers at least 10 weeks
-Trim/dust ends as needed
-Massage scalp at least 2x a week or excercise at least 3 x a week
-Drink plenty of water (you should be drinking at least half your body weight in ounces)
-Eat healthy (limit junk food)
-Get plenty of sleep (at least 6-8 hours)
-OPTIONAL: Take your vitamins (I know that not everyone can or wants to take vitamins,but make sure you are getting your nutrients from what you eat)
-Check in at least once a month

For the complete challenge, check out: http://forum.blackhairmedia.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=150547

Friday, September 5, 2008

Introduction

Hello world!!!! Wow this is my very first post. I recently just became interested in blogs after stumbling upon some very informative ones created by some wonderful ladies. After seeing theirs, it left me with some ideas, "Hmmm....I like this, I think I could do that." "I want my own blog to share with others to help inform them about hair (as well as other topics cause I have a broad range of interests, but HAIR will be one of my main focuses) and document my own hair growth journey." So here I am ready to take on a new project.

A little about me:
I am a college student who has always been interested in hair (I took cosmetology in high school and loved it.) However, it wasn't until I became a legal adult that I became interested in growing long, healthy hair (like I once had as a child back when mama was taking care of it). (I was one of those girls that would style and cut my hair often, mostly because I would get bored with my hair. Don't get me wrong, my hair wasn't severely damaged, just not as healthy as it could be.) So on my 18th birthday, I decided it was time for a change. I transitioned from relaxed to natural and BC'd in February 2006. I wore my hair natural for 26 months (2 years and 2 months) until I got bored with it (again...) and decided to texlax and cut off 3 inches in April 2008. Fast forward to the present, I am now texlaxed and APL trying to reach BSL by May 2009 (when I graduate from college :D) I know this will be a challenge for me, but I am ready to face any challenges and enjoy the journey along the way.


I welcome all guests and, as I grow and progress with my blog journey, hope you all enjoy it!!