Hiii ladies!
Long time, no post. Well, as of April 21, I'm officially natural! I have about 1/4 inch of natural hair right now and it's SUPER thick and coily (4c) but I love it! I left out an inch or so of my relaxed hair in the front so that I could still rock my half wigs while I figure out how to style my natural hair.
Doing the big chop myself was extremely liberating! Watching my damaged, dyed, split end relaxed hair fall the floor felt good. After I cut everything off though, I was wondering what I was going to do with it. lol Natural hair care journey is so different from the relaxed journey. There are SO many different regimens that people suggest and so many different products. It's a bit overwhelming.
Right now, I've been cowashing daily with Suave Almond and Shea Butter. Then I play with products to try to keep my hair moisturized and/or to define my coils. I have a few small "bald spots", two on my front hairline, which is why I've been keeping my hair hid under my half wig. I'm probably going to rock half wigs for the next 1-2 months. Hopefully, my hair will be a little fuller and longer and I will have a good regimen in mind to keep it moisturized.
A few things I've learned already:
1) Water is my hair's best friend!
2) Put the scissors down! I find reasons to clip my hair everyday.
3) Eco Styler Gel is good for natural hair. I hated it for my relaxed hair but it's good stuff for naturals.
Well, I guess that's all for now. I'll try to post some pics when I can. No more creamy crack! Yay me!
Texlax and Growth Aide Mix
Hi lovely ladies. How's the growing?
Well, I have to admit. I've become so tired of bone straight relaxed hair. Today would have made me 8 weeks post relaxer and I was really dreading calling my beautician and scheduling an appointment. Seeing her with that rat-tooth comb in her hand, plunging through my hair made me cringe. I also hate how lifeless my hair seems to be after relaxing.
I had always heard about texlaxing but wasn't too sure what it was. So I looked on the hair boards and google and decided texlaxing was what I wanted to do. I've honestly probably been texlaxing my entire hair journey because my hair rarely got bone straight after self-relaxing. Texlaxing is basically leaving the relaxer on for less time than usual or diluting it with oils/conditioners. I diluted my Silk Elements relaxer with A LOT of castor oil (I was scared of overprocessing). I used at least 3 tablespoons and added as I went along.
I got the results I was looking for. My new growth is not bone straight, but kind of wavy, soft and smooth. I LOVE natural hair but when my new growth comes in it is course as I don't know what and I could never see myself transitioning to natural. Texlax is like the middle option between relaxed and natural. Your hair isn't bone straight but it isn't tight like natural hair. You still have some texture to your hair, so braidouts and twist outs are good choices.
Texlaxing is a good option for me because a lot of my ends are underprocessed anyway, even though my beautician supposedly did a corrective relaxer 8 weeks ago. A lot of girls transition from relaxed to texlax and have issues because their ends are straight and their new growth is texlax. I don't have that issue thanks to 2 years of accidentally underprocessing my hair.
I've decided to adopt the same regimen I had a year ago, using my Sulfur-MN growth aide, baggying and 1x a week protein. My hair is really soft and manageable and I'm loving my twist out results. I'm going to try to stretch to 10 weeks (the next texlax application).
Well, I have to admit. I've become so tired of bone straight relaxed hair. Today would have made me 8 weeks post relaxer and I was really dreading calling my beautician and scheduling an appointment. Seeing her with that rat-tooth comb in her hand, plunging through my hair made me cringe. I also hate how lifeless my hair seems to be after relaxing.
I had always heard about texlaxing but wasn't too sure what it was. So I looked on the hair boards and google and decided texlaxing was what I wanted to do. I've honestly probably been texlaxing my entire hair journey because my hair rarely got bone straight after self-relaxing. Texlaxing is basically leaving the relaxer on for less time than usual or diluting it with oils/conditioners. I diluted my Silk Elements relaxer with A LOT of castor oil (I was scared of overprocessing). I used at least 3 tablespoons and added as I went along.
I got the results I was looking for. My new growth is not bone straight, but kind of wavy, soft and smooth. I LOVE natural hair but when my new growth comes in it is course as I don't know what and I could never see myself transitioning to natural. Texlax is like the middle option between relaxed and natural. Your hair isn't bone straight but it isn't tight like natural hair. You still have some texture to your hair, so braidouts and twist outs are good choices.
Texlaxing is a good option for me because a lot of my ends are underprocessed anyway, even though my beautician supposedly did a corrective relaxer 8 weeks ago. A lot of girls transition from relaxed to texlax and have issues because their ends are straight and their new growth is texlax. I don't have that issue thanks to 2 years of accidentally underprocessing my hair.
I've decided to adopt the same regimen I had a year ago, using my Sulfur-MN growth aide, baggying and 1x a week protein. My hair is really soft and manageable and I'm loving my twist out results. I'm going to try to stretch to 10 weeks (the next texlax application).
July Update
Haven't really updated in a minute. Cause I'm UPSET... and bitter. lol The hairdresser I've been going to for a few months in town gave me a "corrective relaxer" to help relax my frizzy ends. It's something I've been wanting for a while and I was too scared to do it myself... so that's not what I'm mad about. Call it sexist but it still weirds me out to see men styling women's hair. It's just... unnatural. lol My hairdresser (female) got kind of busy and wanted to know if it was okay for Mr. Man to trim my ends. I decided to put my views aside so I get the heck up outta the shop (had been there for so long). So I agreed. Two inches later... and he sent me under the dryer, telling me he would have to cut more after my hair dried. That didn't even sound right. I was unaware that he had already chopped and screwed my ends!
Luckily, after my hair dried, my hairdresser rushed me out, and Mr. Man couldn't snip anymore off. I barely looked in the mirror before I paid her and was off. Once I got home, my roomie quickly noticed my new haircut. Mr. Man and Sistah Girl set me back a little bit... but still I rise. And, a few weeks later my ends are STILL unrelaxed which doesn't make me too much happier!
Anywho, I've been using Indian oils in my deep-conditioner mix and I love it. I use what's labeled as Baby Oil. It's a mix of extra virgin olive oil, neem and some other Indian herbs. I mainly picked it because I know my hair loves Olive Oil.
I'm still rockin' half wigs. I got so many compliments on the Outre Supernatural first lady half wig that I made. My newest one was made using Outre Duby (see pics). I LOVE IT! It's a little shorter than the first lady, but the same great quality and layered-wrap look. It was just past my shoulder but I just cut it yesterday and styled it into a short bob which I love. I'll post pics of the bob look in a few days.
ONE IMPORTANT TIP FOR HALF-WIGS: Before you put the wig on, moisturize and seal your hair, tie tight with a silk scarf, put on a stocking cap and then the half wig. This helps seal in the moisture all day while the wig is on (so your hair isn't dry and crispy at the end of the day) and helps give some security to the half-wig. I forgot how much hair loved having the silk scarf on under half wigs last year.
Added my MN Growth mix back to my regimen. I'm applying it once a day right now and I may jump to 2x a day next week. We'll see.
The first day with the Outre Duby half wig in #2 and #1 (used all of #2 and 1/4 of the #1 for highlight)
Luckily, after my hair dried, my hairdresser rushed me out, and Mr. Man couldn't snip anymore off. I barely looked in the mirror before I paid her and was off. Once I got home, my roomie quickly noticed my new haircut. Mr. Man and Sistah Girl set me back a little bit... but still I rise. And, a few weeks later my ends are STILL unrelaxed which doesn't make me too much happier!
Anywho, I've been using Indian oils in my deep-conditioner mix and I love it. I use what's labeled as Baby Oil. It's a mix of extra virgin olive oil, neem and some other Indian herbs. I mainly picked it because I know my hair loves Olive Oil.
I'm still rockin' half wigs. I got so many compliments on the Outre Supernatural first lady half wig that I made. My newest one was made using Outre Duby (see pics). I LOVE IT! It's a little shorter than the first lady, but the same great quality and layered-wrap look. It was just past my shoulder but I just cut it yesterday and styled it into a short bob which I love. I'll post pics of the bob look in a few days.
ONE IMPORTANT TIP FOR HALF-WIGS: Before you put the wig on, moisturize and seal your hair, tie tight with a silk scarf, put on a stocking cap and then the half wig. This helps seal in the moisture all day while the wig is on (so your hair isn't dry and crispy at the end of the day) and helps give some security to the half-wig. I forgot how much hair loved having the silk scarf on under half wigs last year.
Added my MN Growth mix back to my regimen. I'm applying it once a day right now and I may jump to 2x a day next week. We'll see.
My friend N. and me with my new "hair cut". It looked nice but dang...
Me with the Outre Super Natural First lady.... loved it!!
See the layers?! The Outre Supernatural First Lady halfwig
L-l-l-lovin that duby!
Half Wigs and an update!
Hey ya'll! Just a quick update. I know I've been MIA.
Currently, I'm really just trying to keep it simple. Moisturize daily. Prepoo and co-wash 2x a week. I deep-condition and shampoo on one of those days. Protein as needed. And I've started doing black tea rinses 1x week but that's for a different post.
I'm finding that it's really hard to break past my current length. I'm not sure why. I find that at this length my hair needs more moisture. And I guess with this summer heat, even more moisture. If you're still reaching for or already at APL let me know what you're doing!!
The summer is made for half-wigs!! Half-wigs are versatile, cute and a great protective style. I braid my hair underneath and make sure to moisturize daily. I bought Outre Ashley and also Outre Supernatural First Lady from Clairhair.com If you are not a member of this site, join! Ladies post reviews of most pieces so you know what you're getting. And of course you can always youtube it. Also, I got both orders in 3 business days - FAST! Most importantly, they send out specials when you sign up to your email! I got both of these hair weaves for 30% off!! I love a good deal.
The Outre Ashley is a synthetic half wig. It's a little longer than I'm used to (about APL). But it's good quality hair. It's not overly shiny and I haven't had any problems with shedding so far (about a week).
I've wanted Outre Supernatural first lady for a few months now and I'm so glad I bought it! It's actually a pack of weaving hair but I made a half-wig from it myself. What I used: Weave, scissors, bonding glue, blow dryer, black wig cap, plastic shower cap. I braided my hair in 6 corn rows. Then, I put on the plastic shower cap. The shower cap is to protect your real hair from the glue. Next, I put on the black wig cap (what you want the hair to bond to). And then I went to work! This weave is great because it comes with a starter piece that you can use in the back... you know, to get you started. It's 3-4 rows of track in one so you don't have to spend time making those itty bitty tracks yourself to cover the back. The hair is very natural looking, like a fresh perm. I didn't have to cut the hair or flat iron - it's already pre-styled and gives a really nice layered look once finished! You get a LOT OF hair! I only used about 70% of the pack and my the half-wig is THICK! Thanks to the starter piece, I finished comfortably in one hour (usually takes me longer, with the cutting, flat ironing and styling). I love this hair and can't wait to buy more.
So here's some pics:
Close up in April to show you texture.
My current length - APL I'm coming for you!
Another length shot!
This is the Outre Ashley! No close ups but you can see how cute I am lol
This is a side view of the Supernatural first lady half wig... isn't she lovely?
Front view
Another side-view... see the layers!
MORE TO COME!!
-Pics of me wearing Supernatural First lady!
-Video of me doing a corrective relaxer!!
Currently, I'm really just trying to keep it simple. Moisturize daily. Prepoo and co-wash 2x a week. I deep-condition and shampoo on one of those days. Protein as needed. And I've started doing black tea rinses 1x week but that's for a different post.
I'm finding that it's really hard to break past my current length. I'm not sure why. I find that at this length my hair needs more moisture. And I guess with this summer heat, even more moisture. If you're still reaching for or already at APL let me know what you're doing!!
The summer is made for half-wigs!! Half-wigs are versatile, cute and a great protective style. I braid my hair underneath and make sure to moisturize daily. I bought Outre Ashley and also Outre Supernatural First Lady from Clairhair.com If you are not a member of this site, join! Ladies post reviews of most pieces so you know what you're getting. And of course you can always youtube it. Also, I got both orders in 3 business days - FAST! Most importantly, they send out specials when you sign up to your email! I got both of these hair weaves for 30% off!! I love a good deal.
The Outre Ashley is a synthetic half wig. It's a little longer than I'm used to (about APL). But it's good quality hair. It's not overly shiny and I haven't had any problems with shedding so far (about a week).
I've wanted Outre Supernatural first lady for a few months now and I'm so glad I bought it! It's actually a pack of weaving hair but I made a half-wig from it myself. What I used: Weave, scissors, bonding glue, blow dryer, black wig cap, plastic shower cap. I braided my hair in 6 corn rows. Then, I put on the plastic shower cap. The shower cap is to protect your real hair from the glue. Next, I put on the black wig cap (what you want the hair to bond to). And then I went to work! This weave is great because it comes with a starter piece that you can use in the back... you know, to get you started. It's 3-4 rows of track in one so you don't have to spend time making those itty bitty tracks yourself to cover the back. The hair is very natural looking, like a fresh perm. I didn't have to cut the hair or flat iron - it's already pre-styled and gives a really nice layered look once finished! You get a LOT OF hair! I only used about 70% of the pack and my the half-wig is THICK! Thanks to the starter piece, I finished comfortably in one hour (usually takes me longer, with the cutting, flat ironing and styling). I love this hair and can't wait to buy more.
So here's some pics:
MORE TO COME!!
-Pics of me wearing Supernatural First lady!
-Video of me doing a corrective relaxer!!
Update 4/5/10
Today I'm 3 weeks post. My hairdresser and I noticed the length of my hair was underelaxed and we decided that I would get a corrective relaxer the next time I came in. Well, I've decided to save my money and do it myself. And I can't wait another 5 weeks - the length of my hair is a mess! The underprocessed areas get so dry and they started breaking off last week so I'm losing a lot of my length.
So, here's the plan. I'm going to condition/moisturize the life out of my hair, using my updated regimen (scroll below) and baggying overnight as needed. I bought a 4 lb tub of Silk Elements relaxer today at Sally's for $10.99! That's a great deal (enough for at least 4 relaxers). From what I got from the woman at Sally's and online, I can store the tub for months at a time in a cool, dark place or the refrigerator. This should definitely last through the summer.
In a week, after my hair, is moisturized and pretty stable, I'll do the corrective relaxer. I plan to apply the relaxer as normal on my new growth. And then run extra relaxer through the length of underrelaxed hair and let it sit for at least 5 minutes. I've tried corrective relaxers at home but I always get scared and only the extra relaxer sit for a minute or so lol I am prepared for some breakage - it will be so worth it to have ends that are smooth and relaxed instead of frizzy and hard to manage.
I ordered Outre Super Natural First Lady human hair weaving. I've been reading the reviews for this hair for a few days now and finally got it. Total price was $23. According to the reviewers, you only need one pack of hair and it is great quality. I'm going to either sew it in or make a wig like I normally do. I would really like to sew it in so that it's low maintenance but I don't think I could go weeks without washing my hair!! We'll see.
REGIMEN:
Shampoo/Protein Treatment 1x week
Cowash 2x week
Moisturizing Pre-Poo/DC 2x week
+Moisturize and seal daily.
+Leave-in after every wash.
+Baggy with NTM and SulfurMN mix daily for 2 hours.
PRODUCTS:
Shampoo - Paul Mitchell Shampoo
Cowash -Silken Child Conditioner or V05 Moisture Milks
DC - Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Replenishing Conditioner
Moisture - Wave Nouveau Finishing Lotion
Leave-In -Motion's Leave-In or Aphogee's
Detangler - Mane and Tail
Seal - Castor Oil, Olive Oil or Coconut Oil
Roux Porosity - Once a week after a DC
So, here's the plan. I'm going to condition/moisturize the life out of my hair, using my updated regimen (scroll below) and baggying overnight as needed. I bought a 4 lb tub of Silk Elements relaxer today at Sally's for $10.99! That's a great deal (enough for at least 4 relaxers). From what I got from the woman at Sally's and online, I can store the tub for months at a time in a cool, dark place or the refrigerator. This should definitely last through the summer.
In a week, after my hair, is moisturized and pretty stable, I'll do the corrective relaxer. I plan to apply the relaxer as normal on my new growth. And then run extra relaxer through the length of underrelaxed hair and let it sit for at least 5 minutes. I've tried corrective relaxers at home but I always get scared and only the extra relaxer sit for a minute or so lol I am prepared for some breakage - it will be so worth it to have ends that are smooth and relaxed instead of frizzy and hard to manage.
I ordered Outre Super Natural First Lady human hair weaving. I've been reading the reviews for this hair for a few days now and finally got it. Total price was $23. According to the reviewers, you only need one pack of hair and it is great quality. I'm going to either sew it in or make a wig like I normally do. I would really like to sew it in so that it's low maintenance but I don't think I could go weeks without washing my hair!! We'll see.
REGIMEN:
Shampoo/Protein Treatment 1x week
Cowash 2x week
Moisturizing Pre-Poo/DC 2x week
+Moisturize and seal daily.
+Leave-in after every wash.
+Baggy with NTM and SulfurMN mix daily for 2 hours.
PRODUCTS:
Shampoo - Paul Mitchell Shampoo
Cowash -Silken Child Conditioner or V05 Moisture Milks
DC - Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Replenishing Conditioner
Moisture - Wave Nouveau Finishing Lotion
Leave-In -Motion's Leave-In or Aphogee's
Detangler - Mane and Tail
Seal - Castor Oil, Olive Oil or Coconut Oil
Roux Porosity - Once a week after a DC
Clairfy your hair!!
I've been in a funk as far as my hair goes lately. I got a relaxer 4 weeks ago. The beautician realized afterwards that my ends were underprocessed. I should have told her before but my old beautician always picks up on things like that. (One of the pains of moving to a new city - you have to find a new hairdresser!)
Well, the relaxer came out good. But my ends are severely underprocessed and they get dry really easily. They've been breaking off a little. :( Then my processed hair just wasn't responding well to anything I did. I questioned my products first. I know VO5 Moisture Milks conditioner usually turns my hair into silk but it wasn't doing that lately so I was considering throwing it out.
Then I had the grand idea to clarify my hair. I used to do it monthly until I started to have this deep hate for shampoo's last summer. LOL I just hated stripped hair. Anyway, I left my clarifying shampoo by the wayside but still loaded my hairs with oils and products - see the problem?
Well, last night during my weekly shampoo and DC, I shampooed with Suave Clarifying Shampoo, co-washed with VO5, DC'ed with Organics conditioner, and followed with Roux porosity control.
Detangled, applied my leave-ins, sealed with coconut oil, wrapped and went to bed. This morning my hair was COMPLETELY DRY (thanks to the Roux), and soft. I didn't even feel I needed to moisturize. But I still did moisturize with Wave Nouveau and sealed with castor oil.
Results: My hair has lots of swing, is shiny and looks clean!!
Don't forget to clarify regularly!
Well, the relaxer came out good. But my ends are severely underprocessed and they get dry really easily. They've been breaking off a little. :( Then my processed hair just wasn't responding well to anything I did. I questioned my products first. I know VO5 Moisture Milks conditioner usually turns my hair into silk but it wasn't doing that lately so I was considering throwing it out.
Then I had the grand idea to clarify my hair. I used to do it monthly until I started to have this deep hate for shampoo's last summer. LOL I just hated stripped hair. Anyway, I left my clarifying shampoo by the wayside but still loaded my hairs with oils and products - see the problem?
Well, last night during my weekly shampoo and DC, I shampooed with Suave Clarifying Shampoo, co-washed with VO5, DC'ed with Organics conditioner, and followed with Roux porosity control.
Detangled, applied my leave-ins, sealed with coconut oil, wrapped and went to bed. This morning my hair was COMPLETELY DRY (thanks to the Roux), and soft. I didn't even feel I needed to moisturize. But I still did moisturize with Wave Nouveau and sealed with castor oil.
Results: My hair has lots of swing, is shiny and looks clean!!
Don't forget to clarify regularly!
Summer!!
I live in Florida and it feels like summer!
The summer gets me really excited about hair care. It's something about the warmer weather that makes my hair respond so much better to moisture and humectants (could be that 90 degree heat... lol) and I see the majority of my growth in the summer.
Braidouts are also super cute during summer picnics, beach trips, etc.
Happy Spring/Summer to ya!
The summer gets me really excited about hair care. It's something about the warmer weather that makes my hair respond so much better to moisture and humectants (could be that 90 degree heat... lol) and I see the majority of my growth in the summer.
Braidouts are also super cute during summer picnics, beach trips, etc.
Happy Spring/Summer to ya!
I'm Baaaaack!
*Whew* In the words of Usher, "it feels so good to be back" (Spotlight by Gucci feat. Usher) LOL My apologies to my subscribers (all 12 of ya'll - lol). My three month hiatus from blogging and hair care in general was due to two reasons: time and money, both of which were limited at the time. I have a little more of both at the moment which is why you're hearing from me :P
So, how's my hair doing? I'm definitely at a low right now. I ran out of my daily moisturizer back in November and until recently had been relying on 2-3 times a week co-washes and deep conditioners as moisture. Not to sound drastic, but it was either food or hair care. lol And I don't need to tell you which won.
After my relaxer, I started using heat 1x week because I wanted to show off my thick SL hair. Three months later, my hair is a little longer and A LOT thinner to show for it. Which really upsets me because I love thick hair!
Also, I stopped applying castor oil and miconazole nitrate (MN for growth) and I can definitely see the difference (worse)
What's the plan? I have some funds now (holla!) and made a mini-haul today. My mom relaxed my hair today, I made a mini-haul buy at Sally's and by the start of this week I'll be already to get on the road to Bra strap length hair! Here's the plan:
2010 PLAN:
Tuesday: 2 hour no-heat deep condition (shower cap), Co-wash
Friday: Shampoo, Deep-Condition with heat for 30 min, Light Protein
-Moisturize Daily.
-Apply castor oil to scalp on wash days when moisturizing.
-Apply MN to scalp everyday except wash days.
-Baggy for 1 hour after MN application
-Limit heat to bangs, only on wash days.
-Use half-wigs as protective styles until MAY 1 (at least).
-Braid hair under half-wigs.
-Only comb hair on wash days.
-Relax every 8 weeks.
Any suggestions, comments? How's everyone's hair journey coming along? Let's grow!
So, how's my hair doing? I'm definitely at a low right now. I ran out of my daily moisturizer back in November and until recently had been relying on 2-3 times a week co-washes and deep conditioners as moisture. Not to sound drastic, but it was either food or hair care. lol And I don't need to tell you which won.
After my relaxer, I started using heat 1x week because I wanted to show off my thick SL hair. Three months later, my hair is a little longer and A LOT thinner to show for it. Which really upsets me because I love thick hair!
Also, I stopped applying castor oil and miconazole nitrate (MN for growth) and I can definitely see the difference (worse)
What's the plan? I have some funds now (holla!) and made a mini-haul today. My mom relaxed my hair today, I made a mini-haul buy at Sally's and by the start of this week I'll be already to get on the road to Bra strap length hair! Here's the plan:
2010 PLAN:
Tuesday: 2 hour no-heat deep condition (shower cap), Co-wash
Friday: Shampoo, Deep-Condition with heat for 30 min, Light Protein
-Moisturize Daily.
-Apply castor oil to scalp on wash days when moisturizing.
-Apply MN to scalp everyday except wash days.
-Baggy for 1 hour after MN application
-Limit heat to bangs, only on wash days.
-Use half-wigs as protective styles until MAY 1 (at least).
-Braid hair under half-wigs.
-Only comb hair on wash days.
-Relax every 8 weeks.
Any suggestions, comments? How's everyone's hair journey coming along? Let's grow!
I lied...
Nursing school, nursing school, nursing school. If it ain't nursing school, it's sleep.
I'm not sure when I'll be able to post a blog with all the pictures and thoughts I want to share, but keep me in your prayers and HHG everybody :)
SA
I'm not sure when I'll be able to post a blog with all the pictures and thoughts I want to share, but keep me in your prayers and HHG everybody :)
SA
An update is coming soon...
It's been a minute since I've updated. I took a lot of pics but then I misplaced my camera which put me behind a little. Updates are coming over the weekend, nothing big, but just to show some new things I'm learning and some new products in the mix!
Be Blessed,
Sunshine.anytime
Who wants to get free hair products?!
So, thanks to a lovely young fellow hair journey-er, I was turned on to Swagbucks.com It's basically a way to earn free money for doing what you do anyways --- search the Internet. It's powered by Google and Ask.com, so you're getting paid to search just as you do anyhow.
I signed up last week and I have 14 swagbucks. Swagbucks are like "points" and once you get enough you can either 1) trade them in for gift cards to places like Amazon.com, Paypal.com (i.e. Ebay), or AmericaRx.com, all of which sell wonderful hair products. I'm saving up for Nexxus products and hair oils (avocado, etc).
I generally get about 3 swagbucks a day, one in the morning, one in the afternoon, and one at night.
If that's too slow-paced for you, you can sign up for the Swagbucks blog, newsletter, twitter or facebook. Here, they place swagcodes for instant swagbucks. Yesterday, for Halloween, they had a code for 1 swagbuck --- just to celebrate the holiday.
I was skeptical at first but signing up is free, quick and easy! It's not a scam, I promise! From another hair sister to another, try it out!
Simply click on this link to get started!
Changing the name of my blog
SAHairJourney
is the name of the new blog. I changed it merely for privacy issues, I don't want to get stalked!
"SA" stands for SunshineAnytime, which I've been using as a social media name for awhile now. I know this might cause some confusion since Hairlicious is operated by the lovely Sunshyne but I honestly don't have any other ideas for blog names!
Any other suggestions for me?
is the name of the new blog. I changed it merely for privacy issues, I don't want to get stalked!
"SA" stands for SunshineAnytime, which I've been using as a social media name for awhile now. I know this might cause some confusion since Hairlicious is operated by the lovely Sunshyne but I honestly don't have any other ideas for blog names!
Any other suggestions for me?
No more T-shirt Drying
It's funny how something that you think is going to mess you up helps you!
I deep-conditioned today with Silk Elements Mega Cholesterol, 30 minutes with heat, with oils and honey. I hopped out of the shower and towel-dried my hair and then wrapped my hair up to do the T-shirt drying method. I first heard about it on Hairlicious and I've been doing it for most of this year now.
Then, I remembered I had to go do laundry. I was obviously not going to walk around with a T-shirt on my head, lol, so on my still dampened hair, I put on my normal leave-ins: Motions Leave-In conditioner, diluted V05 conditioner and Phytoorganics Humectant conditioner and then sealed with oils. I combed to detangle, pinned my hair, and rushed out.
Three hours later my hair is still 20% wet. :( But my hair is laying down so flat and smooth, and I barely had to moisturize it. I don't know why I ever traded in this way of airdrying. I guess, it is annoying when you need to be somewhere and your hair's still wet (it only takes my hair 2 hours total to airdry with the Tshirt method).
Here's my version of the T-shirt method: Wash hair; towel dry; put T-shirt on hair; leave T-shirt on for 1 hour or until 40-50% dry; apply leave ins; pin hair up and airdry until 80% dry; moisturize and seal with daily moisturizer.
A lot huh?
Here's my old way of airdrying, the way I did it tonight: wash hair, towel dry; apply leave-ins; pin hair up until scalp is dry; apply moisturizer and seal as needed.
Way easier to do the second method. Only problem is, I can remember waking up with wet hair if I did the old method after washing. That would be a problem if I'm doing a braid out/twist out that requires a fully dry head. I guess I could just sit under the dryer for a few minutes in the morning like I do anyway.
Thought my laundry trip was going to be a waste of a D/C day. Turned out to be one of my smoothest hair days since I started the journey.
"Loosen up, it's just hair!" :)
P.S. Check out P4cm.com, Passion for Christ Movement. They make great shirts (see picture), videos and resources for those wanting to devote themselves to Jesus!
Paraffin Oil = Mineral Oil
The beauty companies did it again! Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.
One of my favorite products has mineral oil in it! Smh...
Hollywood Beauty Castor Oil Treatment (my eyes are tearing up as I type this LOL) has paraffin oil in it. I was looking at the reviews on Walgreens.com and the reviewers were complaining about the paraffin oil being the same as mineral oil. They said this was basically expensive hair grease.
Gross!
I googled paraffin oil and sure enough ... mineral oil! I was just gonna hit up Walgreens on my way home from clinicals tomorrow to pick some up. I love the smell and I love sealing with something creamy!
Until I find a creamy, mineral-oil free oil product, guess I'll pick up Africa's Best Herbal oil (only $2 at DG, and mineral-oil free!)
How was I blinded for so long? *Sigh*
R.I.P. HBCOT. It was good while it lasted, but I'm moving on...
NEXT!
One of my favorite products has mineral oil in it! Smh...
Hollywood Beauty Castor Oil Treatment (my eyes are tearing up as I type this LOL) has paraffin oil in it. I was looking at the reviews on Walgreens.com and the reviewers were complaining about the paraffin oil being the same as mineral oil. They said this was basically expensive hair grease.
Gross!
I googled paraffin oil and sure enough ... mineral oil! I was just gonna hit up Walgreens on my way home from clinicals tomorrow to pick some up. I love the smell and I love sealing with something creamy!
Until I find a creamy, mineral-oil free oil product, guess I'll pick up Africa's Best Herbal oil (only $2 at DG, and mineral-oil free!)
How was I blinded for so long? *Sigh*
R.I.P. HBCOT. It was good while it lasted, but I'm moving on...
NEXT!
One Year Anniversary!
Yay! October 17th was my one year hair journey anniversary.
I've learned a lot, made some mistakes but overall seen some growth and thickness! Exactly what I wanted. I actually was hoping to have longer hair, but a beautician chopped an inch off and I've had some breakage issues. Most say healthy hair growth is 0.5 inches a month. All in all, I've gained 6 inches of thick, healthy hair, so I'm technically on track.
I'm officially SL and my hair has swang (thank you Roux Porosity)!
October 2008
October 2009
NEW HAIR GOALS
APL by May 2010
Full APL by August 2010
BSL by October 2010
Eliminate "crispy" ends
Get a corrective relaxer by a professional
Use half-wigs to hide hair from January - April
Stretch relaxers to at least 10 weeks
Apply MN mixture faithfully 1x day after 3 weeks post. Follow with 2 hr baggy.
Grow "problem area" on crown to 5 inches by March.
Comb only on wash days. Fingercomb other wise.
BEST ASSETS TO MY HAIR
Thorough and daily moisturizing.
Using Roux Porosity 1x week (lots of moisture and less tangling!)
Deep conditioning once week
2x week or more co-washing
Using Motions Leave-in
THE BEST ASSET: Hiding my hair with a half-wig (wore one for 5 months straight for low manipulation!)
I've learned a lot, made some mistakes but overall seen some growth and thickness! Exactly what I wanted. I actually was hoping to have longer hair, but a beautician chopped an inch off and I've had some breakage issues. Most say healthy hair growth is 0.5 inches a month. All in all, I've gained 6 inches of thick, healthy hair, so I'm technically on track.
I'm officially SL and my hair has swang (thank you Roux Porosity)!
October 2008
October 2009
NEW HAIR GOALS
APL by May 2010
Full APL by August 2010
BSL by October 2010
Eliminate "crispy" ends
Get a corrective relaxer by a professional
Use half-wigs to hide hair from January - April
Stretch relaxers to at least 10 weeks
Apply MN mixture faithfully 1x day after 3 weeks post. Follow with 2 hr baggy.
Grow "problem area" on crown to 5 inches by March.
Comb only on wash days. Fingercomb other wise.
BEST ASSETS TO MY HAIR
Thorough and daily moisturizing.
Using Roux Porosity 1x week (lots of moisture and less tangling!)
Deep conditioning once week
2x week or more co-washing
Using Motions Leave-in
THE BEST ASSET: Hiding my hair with a half-wig (wore one for 5 months straight for low manipulation!)
September Update
CORRECTIVE RELAXER
I never came back and updated, but I did do a corrective relaxer 6 weeks ago, only after waiting 2 weeks after the unsuccessful relaxer. I used a really cheap box perm from Wal-Mart, which didn't help. My hair is still underprocessed really badly on the ends.
STRETCHING
I'm 6 weeks post right now and can hopefully wait till December before my next relaxer. That would make my stretch 16 weeks long --- the longest stretch I've ever done. Pray for me :)
PROTECTIVE STYLES
I found a really cute synthetic half wig for $15.99 right before classes started. I'm braiding my hair underneath the wig and trying to moisturize daily with Wave Nouveau and sealing with castor or coconut oil.
CASTOR OIL
I found some Indian castor oil right down the street from me for $2.99 (8 oz)! So much better than the Wal-Mart brand of castor oil. It's thicker and has this unique smell. So I'm back to the castor oil challenge: Apply castor oil to scalp after every wash.
MN
Starting this week, (September 12), I've been using my MN mix daily except for wash days. I love how curly it makes my new growth.
ROUX POROSITY CONTROL
Thank you to Traycee for posting a blog about porosity. I always heard people talking about porosity but never quite understood what they were talking about. I did a porosity test Sunday and my hair failed (it sunk). I bought a trial bottle of Roux Porosity Control Conditioner from Sally's.
Yesterday,
1. I shampooed with my diluted KeraCare dry and itchy,
2. used Apoghee 2 min reconstructor with shower cap for 2 min,
3. applied ALOT of Roux PC from root to tip,
4. Let Roux PC sit on for about a minute and rinsed,
5. Used PhytoOrganics Humectin with cap for 2 min.
6. Rinsed, t-shirt dry, leave-ins, moisturized when 80% dry.
*** LOVED ROUX PC!
My hair has never been this soft AND stayed soft. And after I moisturized and sealed, I could actually feel the oil sitting on my hair (sealing) just like it's supposed to do. I always wondered why we "seal" with oil, because it never really sealed for me, my hair just absorbed it. My hair was still crunchy in some places, but this morning, after the moisturizer had dried, it was so soft and actually felt like hair ... if that makes sense! lol
I've been reading the hair boards, and it looks like a lot of people use Roux PC as a final rinse after a shampoo and after a DC. Some used it weekly for a month before they noticed total correction.
I think this post on LHCF will be my inspiration.
Re: Roux Porosity Control Cond. a staple???
It took me about a Month using it Faithfully Each Week after Each DC Treatment, before I felt I had sufficiently dealt with my Overly Porous Hair. I've been using it now for about 6 months weekly and it has totally transformed My Dry, Brittle, Chemically Shocked, Overly Porous Hair.
I never came back and updated, but I did do a corrective relaxer 6 weeks ago, only after waiting 2 weeks after the unsuccessful relaxer. I used a really cheap box perm from Wal-Mart, which didn't help. My hair is still underprocessed really badly on the ends.
STRETCHING
I'm 6 weeks post right now and can hopefully wait till December before my next relaxer. That would make my stretch 16 weeks long --- the longest stretch I've ever done. Pray for me :)
PROTECTIVE STYLES
I found a really cute synthetic half wig for $15.99 right before classes started. I'm braiding my hair underneath the wig and trying to moisturize daily with Wave Nouveau and sealing with castor or coconut oil.
CASTOR OIL
I found some Indian castor oil right down the street from me for $2.99 (8 oz)! So much better than the Wal-Mart brand of castor oil. It's thicker and has this unique smell. So I'm back to the castor oil challenge: Apply castor oil to scalp after every wash.
MN
Starting this week, (September 12), I've been using my MN mix daily except for wash days. I love how curly it makes my new growth.
ROUX POROSITY CONTROL
Thank you to Traycee for posting a blog about porosity. I always heard people talking about porosity but never quite understood what they were talking about. I did a porosity test Sunday and my hair failed (it sunk). I bought a trial bottle of Roux Porosity Control Conditioner from Sally's.
Yesterday,
1. I shampooed with my diluted KeraCare dry and itchy,
2. used Apoghee 2 min reconstructor with shower cap for 2 min,
3. applied ALOT of Roux PC from root to tip,
4. Let Roux PC sit on for about a minute and rinsed,
5. Used PhytoOrganics Humectin with cap for 2 min.
6. Rinsed, t-shirt dry, leave-ins, moisturized when 80% dry.
*** LOVED ROUX PC!
My hair has never been this soft AND stayed soft. And after I moisturized and sealed, I could actually feel the oil sitting on my hair (sealing) just like it's supposed to do. I always wondered why we "seal" with oil, because it never really sealed for me, my hair just absorbed it. My hair was still crunchy in some places, but this morning, after the moisturizer had dried, it was so soft and actually felt like hair ... if that makes sense! lol
I've been reading the hair boards, and it looks like a lot of people use Roux PC as a final rinse after a shampoo and after a DC. Some used it weekly for a month before they noticed total correction.
I think this post on LHCF will be my inspiration.
Re: Roux Porosity Control Cond. a staple???
It took me about a Month using it Faithfully Each Week after Each DC Treatment, before I felt I had sufficiently dealt with my Overly Porous Hair. I've been using it now for about 6 months weekly and it has totally transformed My Dry, Brittle, Chemically Shocked, Overly Porous Hair.
Cowashes = Thickness!
I started nursing school a few weeks ago! *Yay!*
My schedule has been hectic and I'm just now adjusting to it. A hectic schedule means my hair priorities were definitely put on a hold. I've lost some length in the past few weeks :( But one thing I definitely hated was how thing my ends were becoming, it was pretty bad!
So for the last three weeks, I've light-proteining, shampooing and then deep conditioning with the normal products on Sunday. I airdry and braid, and then half wig my hair for the rest of the week. I was able to moisturize maybe twice the entire week and no co-washes at all! My hair was dry tangled and brittle by the next deep condition. And it was shedding everywhere.
I started moisturizing and sealing with castor oil but my hair was still thin. So, this week, I was able to co-wash on Wednesday night. I was amazed by how much cleaner my scalp looked, and how healthier and thicker my hair was ... with just one co-wash! My hair still shedded some but now until it dried and then it wasn't as much as before.
I flat ironed my hair today (two days after my co-wash) and my hair has still retained it's thickness.
You never know what you have until you live without it! True about many things, instead of co-washing. I used to believe co-washes weren't all that necessary for good hair growth but now I see it's definitely causing more benefit than harm (no harm, just the hassle of doing it!)
I'm still using my MN mix, but only once or twice a week and then I baggy!
Happy labor day weekend
My schedule has been hectic and I'm just now adjusting to it. A hectic schedule means my hair priorities were definitely put on a hold. I've lost some length in the past few weeks :( But one thing I definitely hated was how thing my ends were becoming, it was pretty bad!
So for the last three weeks, I've light-proteining, shampooing and then deep conditioning with the normal products on Sunday. I airdry and braid, and then half wig my hair for the rest of the week. I was able to moisturize maybe twice the entire week and no co-washes at all! My hair was dry tangled and brittle by the next deep condition. And it was shedding everywhere.
I started moisturizing and sealing with castor oil but my hair was still thin. So, this week, I was able to co-wash on Wednesday night. I was amazed by how much cleaner my scalp looked, and how healthier and thicker my hair was ... with just one co-wash! My hair still shedded some but now until it dried and then it wasn't as much as before.
I flat ironed my hair today (two days after my co-wash) and my hair has still retained it's thickness.
You never know what you have until you live without it! True about many things, instead of co-washing. I used to believe co-washes weren't all that necessary for good hair growth but now I see it's definitely causing more benefit than harm (no harm, just the hassle of doing it!)
I'm still using my MN mix, but only once or twice a week and then I baggy!
Happy labor day weekend
I made it to Shoulder Length hair! and Corrective Relaxers
Yes, you read correctly! Finally, as of June 24th (12 weeks past my initial goal of May 1), I'm a SL-lady! It took 9 months to get from just below ear length to shoulder length. It actually would've taken me 6 months if my beautician wouldn't have chopped an inch off in May... but whatever LOL.
I have my Sulfur-MN mix to thank! Thank you, baby! I used it faithfully from about week 6 post-relax to right about the 11th week or so. Every other day. I ended up adding another tube of MN to my mix, (so 2 total), and it was the Family Dollar store brand, not the Wal-Mart brand. I have to say, the ladies on the hair boards were right... Family Dollar's brand is magically better. But, Wal-Mart's brand makes my new-growth coils prettier and tighter. Whatever though, lol, I got the growth I needed to push me over the edge. Wait till you see the before/after pics from the mix... (coming soon).
I also have the normal regimen to thank. The DC's, the co-washes, the NTM silk touch leave-in, rediscovering a great moisturizer (Wave Nouveau), etc. Oh, and the biggie, hiding my hair for most of the last 9 months. I relaxed last week and it feels so weird leaving my hair out but I deserve it.
As I said, I relaxed last week. I used Silk Touch, Regular, no-lye. I like the relaxer, HATE the neutralizing shampoo. It totally stripped my hair... completely. Even a 30 minute DC didn't correct my hair. I've been moisturizing my hair back to health the last few days and it's looking good, except...
I've noticed, since about February, that parts of my hair are severely underprocessed. After a perm, my roots will of course be straight, and then about a inch up, will be thick-gritty-coarse-wirelike hair, and then my ends will be straight. The reason: I think the beauticians and myself underestimated the crazy amount of new growth I have when it's time to relax. Also, some of the boards have me so scared of "overprocessing" my hair that I'd rather under-do it than over-do it.
I figured there was nothing I could do about it. I got curious and googled "Relaxing underprocessed hair" which eventually led me to the subject of "Corrective Relaxers" on the hair boards. I was going to rush out and buy a relaxer tonight and get to work until I noticed that some people didn't have good results and that most waited weeks. :(
If I've been dealing with this hair since February, I can wait 6 more weeks. :( I don't want to over process my roots, which means I'll need some new-growth action real quick like. So I guess it's back to half-wigs and the MN mix for me. :( I'm going to research the corrective relaxers more and spit you all my game plan.
Pictures coming as soon as I get my USB cord... might be a few weeks. Sorry!
I have my Sulfur-MN mix to thank! Thank you, baby! I used it faithfully from about week 6 post-relax to right about the 11th week or so. Every other day. I ended up adding another tube of MN to my mix, (so 2 total), and it was the Family Dollar store brand, not the Wal-Mart brand. I have to say, the ladies on the hair boards were right... Family Dollar's brand is magically better. But, Wal-Mart's brand makes my new-growth coils prettier and tighter. Whatever though, lol, I got the growth I needed to push me over the edge. Wait till you see the before/after pics from the mix... (coming soon).
I also have the normal regimen to thank. The DC's, the co-washes, the NTM silk touch leave-in, rediscovering a great moisturizer (Wave Nouveau), etc. Oh, and the biggie, hiding my hair for most of the last 9 months. I relaxed last week and it feels so weird leaving my hair out but I deserve it.
As I said, I relaxed last week. I used Silk Touch, Regular, no-lye. I like the relaxer, HATE the neutralizing shampoo. It totally stripped my hair... completely. Even a 30 minute DC didn't correct my hair. I've been moisturizing my hair back to health the last few days and it's looking good, except...
I've noticed, since about February, that parts of my hair are severely underprocessed. After a perm, my roots will of course be straight, and then about a inch up, will be thick-gritty-coarse-wirelike hair, and then my ends will be straight. The reason: I think the beauticians and myself underestimated the crazy amount of new growth I have when it's time to relax. Also, some of the boards have me so scared of "overprocessing" my hair that I'd rather under-do it than over-do it.
I figured there was nothing I could do about it. I got curious and googled "Relaxing underprocessed hair" which eventually led me to the subject of "Corrective Relaxers" on the hair boards. I was going to rush out and buy a relaxer tonight and get to work until I noticed that some people didn't have good results and that most waited weeks. :(
If I've been dealing with this hair since February, I can wait 6 more weeks. :( I don't want to over process my roots, which means I'll need some new-growth action real quick like. So I guess it's back to half-wigs and the MN mix for me. :( I'm going to research the corrective relaxers more and spit you all my game plan.
Pictures coming as soon as I get my USB cord... might be a few weeks. Sorry!
Wish List and Product Haul
I went shopping this past weekend. Isn't that what all girls do? :)
I went to JCPenney's to return my Keracare Dry and Itchy Poo because I'm just getting sick of sulfate shampoo's! I didn't have a receipt so they gave me a merchandise credit --- but for TWICE as much I paid for the shampoo. I tried to explain to the cashier that this was too much of a refund but she just said, "The computer does whatever it wants too."
Well, thank you "computer" for my free bottle of PhytoOrganics Humectin Extreme Moisturizing Conditioner! The ingredients look so great: honey, glycerin, vitamins and coconut milk. It does have mineral oil also. I haven't tried it yet though --- we'll update later. It smells heavenly though!
Afterward, I went to Sally's because the Silk Elements Mega Cholesterol Treatment was on sale for $3.49 and I've been wanting to try it. It smells so good. I DCed with oils and honey with it on Sunday and man-oh-man my hair was smooth like butter! I haven't found a great leave-in routine yet so my hair was still dry after I air dried but not as bad as usual.
I also bought the Olive Creme Hairdressing by Hollywood Beauty at Walgreens. It was only $3 with a trial container of their Deep Conditioner. I really wanted to buy the Castor Oil complex because I'm almost out and I love the texture and smell. It's a great sealant. But this Walgreen's didn't have it. I sealed with the rose-smelling creme on Saturday. I don't really like the smell but it retained moisture better than the Castor Oil when I unwrapped my hair the next day! I was impressed! It does leave a bit of a white film on the hands and hair.
MY WISH LIST:
- Gold N Hot Hood Dryer: My friend bought it for me; Problem is she lives 3 hrs away!
- Dr. Bronner's 2 oz Soap (Target): Will buy when I run out of poo. Only $1.69!
- Motions Leave-In conditioner: My old stand by
- Herbal Essences LTR Leave-In: All the 4a/4bs rave about it!
I went to JCPenney's to return my Keracare Dry and Itchy Poo because I'm just getting sick of sulfate shampoo's! I didn't have a receipt so they gave me a merchandise credit --- but for TWICE as much I paid for the shampoo. I tried to explain to the cashier that this was too much of a refund but she just said, "The computer does whatever it wants too."
Well, thank you "computer" for my free bottle of PhytoOrganics Humectin Extreme Moisturizing Conditioner! The ingredients look so great: honey, glycerin, vitamins and coconut milk. It does have mineral oil also. I haven't tried it yet though --- we'll update later. It smells heavenly though!
Afterward, I went to Sally's because the Silk Elements Mega Cholesterol Treatment was on sale for $3.49 and I've been wanting to try it. It smells so good. I DCed with oils and honey with it on Sunday and man-oh-man my hair was smooth like butter! I haven't found a great leave-in routine yet so my hair was still dry after I air dried but not as bad as usual.
I also bought the Olive Creme Hairdressing by Hollywood Beauty at Walgreens. It was only $3 with a trial container of their Deep Conditioner. I really wanted to buy the Castor Oil complex because I'm almost out and I love the texture and smell. It's a great sealant. But this Walgreen's didn't have it. I sealed with the rose-smelling creme on Saturday. I don't really like the smell but it retained moisture better than the Castor Oil when I unwrapped my hair the next day! I was impressed! It does leave a bit of a white film on the hands and hair.
MY WISH LIST:
- Gold N Hot Hood Dryer: My friend bought it for me; Problem is she lives 3 hrs away!
- Dr. Bronner's 2 oz Soap (Target): Will buy when I run out of poo. Only $1.69!
- Motions Leave-In conditioner: My old stand by
- Herbal Essences LTR Leave-In: All the 4a/4bs rave about it!
Sulfur MN Mix
I couldn't help myself. :) I know I said I would do no more challenges or jump on any bandwagons in an effort to keep it simple, but I'm getting greedy.
Doing a sulfur-MN mix has been on my mind for awhile after I read something about it on some of the boards. I finally researched it and went out to Wal-Mart and Sally's, here's the mix I came up with it.
SULFUR 8 & MN MIX
What you need:
1/2 can of regular Sulfur 8
1 tube of MN
2 oz of your moisturizer of choice
2 tsp of coconut oil, optional
2 tsp of castor oil, optional
1 tsp of olive oil, optional
1 empty container
1 comb/ applicator brush
Few drops of peppermint oil, optional
Few cap-fulls of vanilla flavoring, optional
Directions:
1. Take a can of Sulfur 8 and microwave it for 30 seconds or until the grease has turned into a liquid.
2. Pour half of the melted Sulfur 8 into your empty container. It will harden a bit but don't worry.
3. Cut the square end of the MN tube. Peel back the tube to expose and the MN and squeeze half of the MN into your container. DO NOT HEAT
4. Melt your choice of oils in the microwave for 30 seconds until melted.
5. Add the oils and moisturizer into your container.
6. Blend all of the above ingredients; the texture should remind you of pudding.
7. Smell the mix and determine how much flavoring/peppermint oil should be used.
(I add a half cap of vanilla flavoring, blend, and then sniff again to see if I need to add more).
8. Once you've reached a good scent, apply to scalp in 6 sections.
My mix comes out really creamy like pudding. It looks so yummy, but don't eat it! LOL
Based on my research, I can use 10% sulfur safely 1x - 3x times daily. Since Sulfur 8 has only 2% Sulfur, I'm safe. According to this website, sulfur has no side effects that would affect me personally. However, if you're using acne medication, breast feeding or curious, you should take a look.
I've used MN in the past with no bad experiences or side effects.
So, of course, I had to come up with a new regimen. A lot of girls on the hair board noticed that sulfur is a little drying on the hair. So I'm officially increasing my co-washes and I'm baggying for 2 hours after the Sulfur-MN mix is applied. For right now, I'm just applying it 1x day and we'll see how it goes from here. This regimen will also show the recent Protein Challenge I've joined.
UPDATED REGIMEN AND PRODUCTS:
REGIMEN:
Shampoo 1x Sunday
Cowash 2x Tuesday and Friday
Moisturizing Pre-Poo/DC 2x Sunday and Friday
Protein Treatment 1x Tuesday
+Moisturize and seal daily.
+Leave-in after every wash.
+Baggy with NTM and SulfurMN mix daily for 2 hours.
PRODUCTS:
Shampoo -Kera Care Dry and Itchy Shampoo *NEW*
Cowash -Silken Child Conditioner
DC -VO5 Conditioner, Aloe Vera Gel, Honey, Coconut/Castor/EVOO, Salt
-or Fantasia Protein DC
Moisture -Africa's Best Kid's Organic Conditioner Lotion with Shea Butter and EVOO
Leave-In -Motion's Leave-In
Detangler - Aussie's Leave-In
Seal -Hollywood's Castor Oil Treatment or EVOO
USEFUL LINKS REGARDING SULFUR-MN MIX:
- Salicylic Acid and Sulfur (Topical)
- 10% Sulfur soap is used 1-3 times daily
- LHCF
user's Sulfur-MN updates
- LHCF thread on suggestions for making your own Sulfur-MN mix
Doing a sulfur-MN mix has been on my mind for awhile after I read something about it on some of the boards. I finally researched it and went out to Wal-Mart and Sally's, here's the mix I came up with it.
SULFUR 8 & MN MIX
What you need:
1/2 can of regular Sulfur 8
1 tube of MN
2 oz of your moisturizer of choice
2 tsp of coconut oil, optional
2 tsp of castor oil, optional
1 tsp of olive oil, optional
1 empty container
1 comb/ applicator brush
Few drops of peppermint oil, optional
Few cap-fulls of vanilla flavoring, optional
Directions:
1. Take a can of Sulfur 8 and microwave it for 30 seconds or until the grease has turned into a liquid.
2. Pour half of the melted Sulfur 8 into your empty container. It will harden a bit but don't worry.
3. Cut the square end of the MN tube. Peel back the tube to expose and the MN and squeeze half of the MN into your container. DO NOT HEAT
4. Melt your choice of oils in the microwave for 30 seconds until melted.
5. Add the oils and moisturizer into your container.
6. Blend all of the above ingredients; the texture should remind you of pudding.
7. Smell the mix and determine how much flavoring/peppermint oil should be used.
(I add a half cap of vanilla flavoring, blend, and then sniff again to see if I need to add more).
8. Once you've reached a good scent, apply to scalp in 6 sections.
My mix comes out really creamy like pudding. It looks so yummy, but don't eat it! LOL
Based on my research, I can use 10% sulfur safely 1x - 3x times daily. Since Sulfur 8 has only 2% Sulfur, I'm safe. According to this website, sulfur has no side effects that would affect me personally. However, if you're using acne medication, breast feeding or curious, you should take a look.
I've used MN in the past with no bad experiences or side effects.
So, of course, I had to come up with a new regimen. A lot of girls on the hair board noticed that sulfur is a little drying on the hair. So I'm officially increasing my co-washes and I'm baggying for 2 hours after the Sulfur-MN mix is applied. For right now, I'm just applying it 1x day and we'll see how it goes from here. This regimen will also show the recent Protein Challenge I've joined.
UPDATED REGIMEN AND PRODUCTS:
REGIMEN:
Shampoo 1x Sunday
Cowash 2x Tuesday and Friday
Moisturizing Pre-Poo/DC 2x Sunday and Friday
Protein Treatment 1x Tuesday
+Moisturize and seal daily.
+Leave-in after every wash.
+Baggy with NTM and SulfurMN mix daily for 2 hours.
PRODUCTS:
Shampoo -Kera Care Dry and Itchy Shampoo *NEW*
Cowash -Silken Child Conditioner
DC -VO5 Conditioner, Aloe Vera Gel, Honey, Coconut/Castor/EVOO, Salt
-or Fantasia Protein DC
Moisture -Africa's Best Kid's Organic Conditioner Lotion with Shea Butter and EVOO
Leave-In -Motion's Leave-In
Detangler - Aussie's Leave-In
Seal -Hollywood's Castor Oil Treatment or EVOO
USEFUL LINKS REGARDING SULFUR-MN MIX:
- Salicylic Acid and Sulfur (Topical)
- 10% Sulfur soap is used 1-3 times daily
- LHCF
user's Sulfur-MN updates
- LHCF thread on suggestions for making your own Sulfur-MN mix