Wash Day - 12/20/2012

So I just recently had a wash day and am posting late. I kind of like to do my wash day on Thursday so my hair is fresh for the weekend or if something is going on Friday night. ha ha! 

All my goodies came in earlier this week so I started out prepooing for about 30 minutes with grapeseed oil and my new conditiong cap! yay! So excited about this, i hate sitting under my hair dryer.

After prepooing I shampooed with Brocato Splassh sulfate free shampoo.  I put in Roux Porosith control for 30 seconds then rinsed and then did my black tea rinse.  This time I only used one tea bag and try to cool the temp before pooring onto my hair.  My hair did not feel "as" hard, not sure if it was the temp or amount of tea.  Most likely the temp is my opinion.

After rinsing I used my Ion Solutions Smoothing Conditioner with Keratin to soften my hair.  I left it on for about a minute and then rinsed.

Next I deep conditioned with my Kera Pro Restorative Treatment also under my heating cap for about 45 minutes.  Did feel like getting out my steamer.  Will use it my next wash.

Finally I rinsed my DC, applied Darcy's Leave In Conditioner and Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum and wrapped my hair.  I sat under the hair dryer for maybe 45 minutes to get smooth results. I mainly wanted to get about 80% dry and let the rest air dry overnight. It was a long Thursday night! LOL!  My hair was very soft and smooth the next morning. 

People always ask me if I flat iron after I've wrapped my hair, but I don't.  My hair usually gets pretty smooth from just the wrap.  I am worried that since I'm using a mild relaxer now, and my hair is not so bone straight, that I won't be able to get these kind of results anymore.  My hair is feeling pretty wavy where I have most recently begun self relaxing....not kinky, but pretty wavy.  It feels soft and thick.  I'll have to take a pic.

Here are some next day pics. You can see how thin my hair is in the second pic. Not sure if I should just go ahead and get a trim CUT....  :o(

Is anyone else out there having thin hair woes???



P.S. I've also made another new purchases.  Looked at this a few weeks ago and couldnt help myself. I purchased Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Split End Sealer.  The carob seed oil in this product is supposed to bind split ends, reducing split ends by 93.3%.  The reviews looked good so I gave in....true product junky huh?



Has anywone else tried this? How did you like it?

Thanks for reading,

Andrea

FYI - HotCombs Sale

HotCombs is having a sale. Coupon code: lastminute to save 20% on your order. Finally got my HS1975 styling comb. They were out of stock last time I checked. Just wanted to share. Love my seamless combs.

~Andrea

Wash Day

1.  I prepooed last night with my ORS Hair Mayonaise uner my hair dryer for a little over 30 minutes to give my hair a medium protein treatment.  I've been having a bit of breakage here and there so I thought it was needed. 

2.  After rinsinng I shampooed with Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Shampoo. 

3.  Next I deep conditioned with Kera Pro Restorative Treatment under my hair steamer for about 30 minutes.

4.  After rinsing the conditioner I sqeezed my hair dry with a tshirt and applied a clear rinse to my hair.  I left it in probably about 15 minutes and then rinsed.

5.  Finally I applied Darcy's Botanicals Coconut Lemongrass Transition Creme and Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum for my leave-ins and wrapped my hair. It was so easy to wrap, possibly because of the slip provided from the clear rinse and the serum. 

6.  I sat under my hair dryer for 45 minutes to get smooth results.  When I air dry my wrap my hair is not as smooth.  I secured with two mesh wraps and then tied my satin scarf before sitting under the dryer. 

Snapped a pic of my wrapped hair.  You can really see the shine from the clear rinse.  I undid my wrap and there was minimal shedding, but it wasnt as light and bouncy as I had hoped.  Maybe because I used too much Darcy's CLTC instead of the Daily Leave In Conditioner.  I really loved the results from my last wash.   Oh well, ya win some ya lose some. As long as my hair is healthy.

Andrea

New Purchases

So I've made some more purchases to incorporate into my HHJ.  I am so excited, I cannot wait until everything arrives! Super Cheesin!!! First off, I purchased 3 Jars of Kera Pro Restorative Treatment at Sally's last weekend (regularly $10.99, on sale for $5.00 each).  I am so glad I checked with the sales associate because there was no sale sign up and she said it wasn't in their sale paper, but sure enough she did a price check and there it was. Yay!  I had also ordered some more Darcy's Botanicals Coconut Lemongrass Transition Creme, but it hasnt arrived yet.  This was a Black Friday purchase.

Today I purchased a few items on Amazon as well. I am going to go broke fooling with my hair, but I am healthy hair obssessed!  I finally ordered a heating cap to do my prepoos and deep conditioning.  Currently I use a hooded hair dryer sitting on my ironing board so I can adjust the height.  I feel like I can't do anything sitting in this chair oddly placed in my room.  Now I can prepoo laying down, I can watch TV without the noisy dryer.  So glad to make this purchase.  I got the Mastex heat cap.  It had really good reviews and the price was reasonable. I'll probably look ridiculous in it, but hey as long as my hair is happy I am fine!

I also purchased grape seed oil and hemp seed oil to try on my hair.  I really like coconut oil, but it does seem to weigh my hair down.  I've read that grapeseed oil is fairly light it sinks into the hair.  And I've started to look into the ceremide benefits and these oils are packed with those so I'm giving it a try.

Finally I decided to purchase a humidifier to use during the winter.  I saw Jeni's post on JGA on Winterizing your hair regimen and having a humidifier is beneficial because it keeps moisture in the air preventing your hair from drying out from the cold dry air during the winter.

I can't wait until my orders come in.  I think my humidifier is estimated to get here Monday. I am so excited about this journey.  I feel like I'm moving in a positive direction.  The only thing I'm mainly concerned about is determining how much shedding/breakage is too much.  I am very paranoid and always have been about that.  I'll figure it out. 

Right now I'm in the middle of my wash day, so I am planning to post everything by tomorrow.  Off to rinse my prepoo.

Thanks for reading!

Andrea





So I Have Noticed

1.  That coconut oil has been making my hair feel so soft and smooth (but my hair does look thinner when it is oily as you can see from some of my picks; the strands stick together); remembering that it's good for me

2.  My most recently relaxed hair is straighter but does appear to have some texture.  Texlaxed maybe...I think so. Which means stronger thicker hair for me.  I cant wait for it to grow out.  I think this is the perfect amount of texture for my hair.

3.  My wrap comes out a LOT smoother when I sit under the hair dryer.  If I let it air dry, it is not as smooth (even though it's been tied down).

4.  I think my nape and front edges are getting longer.  I want to give it some time before I take anymore picks.  I try to keep moisurizing and sealing every night especially my nape and front edges of my hair.  Sometimes I'll just find myself grabbing my Darcy's Transition Creme and rubbing it in whenever throughout the day.  This is a REALLY BIG goal of mine.  To get my nape in tip top shape.  I was told it would not grow and aim to prove this wrong.


Just a few tidbits of info that I thought I'd jot down.  Still learning my hair and its wants and needs.  I feel like there's more to add, but can't think at the moment.


On a side note....I did a cowash last night.  I guess it's a cowash since I used the Wen cleansing conditioner.  Purchased it for my mom to try out, but she didnt like it too much.  I guess its okay.  I followed the directions and then applied my leave-ins, wrapped and air-dried overnight.  My hair was full but not as smooth as if I'd sat under the dryer.  It wasn't bad but it wasn't great.  I'll have to try it another time.   Alrighty I think I'll hit the pillow.

Thanks for reading,

Andrea

21 Hair Questions Tag

Came across this Hair Tag on Pound Cake by way of JGA and thought it would be fun to do.  I don't have anyone to tag though since I'm new to blogging and have no followers yet. LOL! But hey why not? Maybe one day. If anyone comes across this on my page, please feel free to participate.  Tag you're it! :)

1. Why did you start taking better care of your hair?

I've always wanted long hair and had it for a while, but then started having to trim it because of constant damage.  One day I just started googling about hair steamers and I came across several blogs of ladies who had the same desire as me. Long healthy relaxed hair.  It started with Nadege at Relaxed Hair Health and then Jeni at Just Grow Already, and many others.  All of these women have been an inspiration to me.  They proved that it can be done no matter how many people(or professional stylists rather) tell you that you can't.

2. What are your 2 favorite hair products?

I am loving me some Kera Pro Restorative Treatment and Organix Coconut Milk Anti-breakage serum for sealing. 

3. Who's hair did you admire as a child?

My aunt Stephanie.  When me hair was longer (during high school) she and I used to compete on who had the longest hair.  Of course she won! It's still long and healthy to this day.

4. What is your ultimate goal length?

I think I would be happy at BSL

5. How are you going to celebrate when you reach your ultimate goal length?

Maybe I'll do a "hair" photo shoot! Ha! I know I want to go show it off to those who said it wasn't possible! ;)

6. Two styles you want to try at your goal length?

Roller set and probably and long french braid.  I saw Jeni's on JGA and was SOOOO envious! 

7. Which do you prefer: Health or Length?

Health of course. Who wants to have ugly long hair?  I've seen some people try to rock that. It doesn't work. Ijs...

8. Which do you prefer: hair ties with no metal parts or butterfly clips?

I guess I'll say hair ties...haven't found my fave hair accessory yet. Butterfly clips are sometimes uncomfortable.

9. What products do you prefer: salon brands, organic brands, BSS brands, Drugstore brands, or other?

I don't yet have a preference.  Anything that helps with my hair health is fine by me.

10. Which product/technique do you think is over-rated?

Can't think of anything here...

11. Which product/technique do you think is under-rated?
Moisturizing and sealing.  Many don't realize the importance of it and what it does for the health of your hair.  I had no idea until I started my journey.

12. What is your favorite part of your hair regimen?
My wash days.  I love when my hair is freshly washed and not too oily.  It's all soft and bouncy. :)

13. What is the most annoying part of your hair regimen?
Also my wash day...jumping in and out of the shower multiple times to do this that and the other. Apply rinse, apply rinse, apply sit under the dryer.  Lol!  Still tweaking my regimen though.

14. Oils or Butters?
Oils...haven't tried butters but sounds thicker than I'd like.  I have thin hair so thick things will weight it down and make it look thinner.

15. Buns or Ponytails?
Not quite long enough for a bun yet, but when I am this will be my go to protective style.

16. Wigs or Weaves?

Neither for me.  I think I'd look funny in a wig and I'm not a fan of these or weaves personally

17. What is your opinion of growth aids?
If it works go for it

18. At what length do you consider hair long?

BSL....even APL is pretty long to me

19. When is the last time you visited a salon?

In September 2012 I believe and I was very disappointed; No offense but the stylist did not want to listen to what I wanted but argued with me about doing a regular wrap because I didn't want a flat iron used on my hair.

20. What do you like to surf most often: YouTube channels, personal blogs, or hair forums?
Personal blogs and I do occassionally what how to videos on YouTube

21. And finally, what piece of advice would you give to someone just starting out on their hair journey?
Learning to be patient and always put hair health before length.  It'll all come in due time. That's what I'm telling myself anyway. :)


Tag! You're it...

Wash Day

So trying to keep up with the wash day posts.  Still in the middle of it, sitting under the hair dryer as we speak. Two posts in one day! Crazy! lol

Alright so I started off by prepooing with Jojoba and Coconut Oil for maybe an hour or so.  I tried to use the hot "towel" my (t-shirt) method to get some steam action going, but it got cool pretty fast so I just had a wet shirt on my head on top of the fact that I looked really silly.  I took a pic, but don't think I'll be posting it.   I finally just usd my conditioning cap I purchased and wore it for a while.

PRE-POO

I started off shampooing with this new shampoo I got from a friend.  It's called Splassh Daily Shampoo by Brocato.  It is a sulfate free shampoo.  Sulfates, if I'm correct, usually strip the moisutre from your hair.  Some stay away from these and others use them anyway.  I dont mind mixing it up, as long as I replace the lost moisture.  After shampooing, I followed up with Roux Porosity control for about 30 secs to close the cuticles of my hair for my black tea rinse.  The rinse came next and I let it sit a couple minutes.  I'm wondering if I should have used colder tea because the  warm tea probably opened my pores back up.  I just mainly want it on my scalp to reduce shedding.  After that I used Ion Smooth Solutions Smoothing Conditioner with Keratin to smooth my hair because it felt hard after the tea rinse.  Finally I deep conditioned with Optimum Care Salon Collection Deep Conditioning Masque under my hair dryer for 20 minutes.  I didnt feel like getting out my steamer this wash.  Oh and I was so excited about finally finding a use for the small jars I purchased at Sally's.  I don't usually use all of the contents of conditioning packets so I can squeeze the rest into my cute little jar for future use. :)
I had no idea how I was going to use them, but they were on sale. Can never pass up a sale I guess! LOL

     DEEP CONDITION

After rinsing my deep conditioner I applied my leave-in's.  I used Darcy's Botanical Leave In Conditioner and this time to seal I used Paul Mithcell Supper Skinny Serum.  I wrapped my hair (to the left this time).  I alwasy do the right side so I need to switch it up so there's not more stress on one side.  Used two mesh wraps to secure my hair and my satin scarf, but this time instead of air drying I sat under the dryer for maybe an hour and a half.  I gotta start timing this stuff.  After dry I followed up with my Ionic Blow dryer on cool temp.  I here that using cool air on your hair helps close the cuticles giving a smooth look and shine.   I am SUPER DUPER happy with this wash.  Just a few short strands of hair came out into the sink when I combed out my wrap.  Some breakage is just unavoidable I guess, but still bugs me. I want ALL my hair! Check out my pics. So many good ones I couldn't make up my mind. :)

Smooth Shiny Hair = Happy Girl 

changed from my black tank so I could check for weak spots or damage in back

 

So far so good! :)

Andrea

Relaxer Touchup - 4 weeks post

Okay okay, so I know this looks bad.  I ended up doing my relaxer on Monday, Dec. 3 instead of this Friday.  I actually had an interview to be scheduled and I REALLY wanted my hair to look decent.  So four weeks seems too soon, but if anyone saw my previous posts, my last relaxer seems to be nonexistent.  It felt like I hadn't had a relaxer in a couple of months let alone 4 weeks.  About an inch or more of my roots felt like a little mini fro under my relaxed hair (that's an inch with my roots tightly drawn up) and blow drying it was a nightmare!  That being said, I am much happier with my results this time as I made a few changes.

I used Elasta QP Lye Relaxer again.  Mild of course.  I did the half and half method on my hair again (very difficult).  I hope I can get used to it at some point.  I also used my timer on my phone to make sure I left it in long enough but not too long.  It took about 10 to 15 min on each half.[set my timer for 10 but went over a little].  Did all the same things I did in my previous entry accept I did use the comb to smooth the hair this time.  I think this helped a lot.  I also got a little lazy and didn't do the twisted sections in the back half.  I just kind of parted and applied.  Was in a rush.  Final exams were this week and I had studying to do on top of interview prep.  Whew! LOL!

Another thing I did was I started on the opposite side from what I did the last time.  I started with my back section, but since last time I started on the right back section this time I started on the left.  Same switch up on the front half as well.  That way the one section isn't "more relaxed" than the other.  The side you always start on is the one that has the relaxer on it the longest so it's best to switch it up.  Relaxed the back inch or so of my nape and my front edges last.  Going easy on my weak spots.  Hopefully someday I can say the "weak spots" are nonexistent.  I noticed a slight waving on the sides that were relaxed last. But still pretty straight.  Did my protein treatment with Aphogee 2 Min after rinsing out relaxer.  Once the conditioner was rinsed out I neutralized [multiple times I may add.  I want to make sure I get it all out!]   I deep conditioned with one of my FAVE conditioners (which I hear is on sale at Sally's this week; got to stock up!!!) under my steamer for 30 minutes.  Kera PRO Restorative Treatment...love this stuff!!

DEEP CONDITIONER OF CHOICE

After rinsing out my conditioner I applied my leave-ins and then wrapped my hair.  I used two mesh hair raps and then covered with my satin hair wrap [which I have been doubling up as a scarf...ha ha! Its better on my hair than using a cotton scarf which could cause breakage. It still keeps me warm. :)]

LEAVE-INS USED



Please ignore the rest of the mess on my dresser. lol



Pictured above is Organix Coconut Milk anti-breakage serum and Darcy's Botanical Daily Leave In Conditioner Sweet Cream sent.  My hair smells soooooo good with this stuff.  My hair was soft, fluffy and STRAIGHT the next morning! Hallelujah! LOL!  I think the mild relaxer is very easy on my hair so I think over time I will notice more strength and possibly more thickness hopefully.  I have always hated how thin my hair is so I'm hoping this will help.  I don't know if it's still considered texlaxed, but one of the methods to get texlaxed hair is said to be using a mild perm...so maybe so.  It all just depends on how much texture you want.  I don't want completely bone straight but I don't want a lot of texture either.  I think I will keep this method consistent for my relaxers and hopefully see some amazing results.  I may be doing a wash day tomorrow just because I want to keep it up on the weekends like normal, but I don't want to wait all the way to next weekend to wash my hair. I love clean fresh hair.  This was an off week, but I'll be back to normal and try to keep up with my wash day posts so I can keep track of what's working and what's not. Anywho, here are pics of my results.  I was much happier this time.

Anyway, just saw Jeni's post on Just Grow Already about winterizing your hair.  I think I'd like to invest in a humidifier and planning on continuing to moisturize and seal as often as possible.  I am loving coconut oil right now on my hair. Oh she also had a great post where she experimented with different oils in a jar of water.  It really showed how important oils are to sealing in moisture.  I never realized this before, but it really makes since.  Trying this out on my skin as well.  Lotion followed by a light body oil to keep my skin nice and soft. I always notice in the winter even after I put on my lotion my skin will be right back feeling dry.  Now I'm just rambling.  Well I will make sure i update my washday post for tomorrow. I should probably get to bed.  Until next time....

Andrea



Shame on Me

I haven't been keeping up with my Wash Days.  My most recent wash day was this Thursday.  The weekend before I washed on Saturday but followed up on Sunday by deep conditioning.  I thought I had used too much of the Aphogee Green Tea and Keratin Reconstructurizer in my hair before I wrapped it.  When I took it down overnight it kind of stuck together and felt a bit firm/dry kind of like how setting lotion feels.  Did not like that. I like when my hair comes out soft and smooth.

My roots are driving me nuts!  My texlax attempt makes me feel like I really didnt have a relaxer at all.  Possibly because I used a mild relaxer and tried to keep the relaxer in as briefly as possible.  Instead of "underprocessing" I feel like there was no processing.  With that being said, I'm planning to do a touch up next Friday, Dec. 7.  That will be 5 weeks since my "texlaxl".  This time I will leave it in the full lenght of time(since it is mild anyway) and I also plan to use my comb to smooth the hair instead of just my fingers.  Knowing how I am, relaxer stretching is going to be the MOST difficult part of this journey.  Have been trying to straighten my roots by blow drying using the tension method that I've read about.  i try to avoid direct heat as much as possible.

Anyway, the texlaxing idea might be going out the door....or maybe I just didnt get it right this time.  My goal is mainly not to break all the protein bonds in my hair so that it retains some strength, but I still want straight hair and I still want to be able to wrap it with no problem.  I love taking down an soft, smooth, fresh air dried wrap. Sigh....I'll get it back.

Oh! I'm trying to keep my regimen more simple as well.  Trying not to do too too much.  I'm wondering if this is why I haven't been happy lately with my wash day results.  I keep having to follow up with something to correct whatever I've done.  But this is a journey, and I'm still learning and will continue to make mistakes.  Trying to learn to "listen" to my hair and it's needs.  No pics today!  Until next week! :]

Andrea :)