Big Chop #2

So this happened back in February. I was getting so lazy with my hair I needed a break from it. I am going to try to get back into the swing of blogging regularly.  I turned 29 last week and I want to spend my 29th year on the planet doing the things I love. I love writing and blogging and even if no one reads it, it makes me happy. It will also hold me accountable for my grow out process, and I'm hoping it helps me find my voice. If I'm lucky it will help me find my purpose.

So, now that that's out of the way, lets talk hair. My new Short 'do, summer time regimen is pretty simple.

1. Wash and Deep Condition  ACV rinse Once weekly
2. Co-Wash, restyle every 2-3 days in between
3. Moisturize and seal daily
4. Satin Bonnet every night NO EXCEPTIONS
5. Drink more water (I downloaded a water reminder app)

DAS' IT!

These are the products in my current rotation. I must warn you that it changes frequently, so don't get too caught up in what I use in my hair because at the end of the day, products don't matter nearly as much as how you treat your hair.

*Spray Bottle contains water and the YT Conditioner. 

**Not Picture Coconut Oil

Yes To Carrots Conditioner

Shea Moisture Shampoo

Shea Moisture Deep Conditioner

Shea Moisture Moisturizer (I don't like this for daily use, It makes my hair hard)

Shea Moisture Edge Control

Eden BodyWorks Curl Defining Cream

Coconut Oil

Peace
Erika

Winter Hair Regimen

This is long overdue But this is what I will be doing this winter to my hair! I will probably update this post once I get my Terresentials Mud Wash in but until then here you go!!1

This winter I plan to keep my hair in protective stlyes 90% of the time.

Here’s a quick rundown
1. Kinky Twists for 4-6 weeks
2. Let my hair rest for 1-2 weeks in between installations
a. Wash/co wash once a week
b. Wear hair in twists to for stretching 5 days
c. Enjoy hair in a low manipulation style for 2 days a week

Let me break it down!!

Here’s a video on my Kinky twist regimen:


While my hair is out in between installs :
WashDay Week 1:
DC on dry hair adding and egg to my condtioner for protein
Rinse
Clarify my scalp to remove any excess bulild up
Oil rinse
Apply a rinse out condtioner to remove any excess oils.
Apply leave-ins/ moisturizers and seal
Let hair air dry in medium size twists to prevent SSKS and to stretch hair slightly
Keep hair in twists 5 days were hair out 2 days(twist out, braid outs, puffs, bantu knot outs)
Spritz hair every few days to keep it moisturized

WashDay Week 2
Dc on dry hair
Rinse
Oil rinse
Co wash
Apply a rinse out condtioner to remove any excess oils.
Apply leave-ins/ moisturizers and seal
Let hair air dry in medium size twists to prevent SSKS and to stretch hair slightly
Keep hair in twists 5 days were hair out 2 days(twist out, braid outs, puffs, bantu knot outs)
Spritz hair every few days to keep it moisturized

WashDay Week 3
Video for kinky twist pre-install prep


Product Rundown*I’ll add links to product reviews as I write them*
= holy grails

Leave-ins
Kinky Curly Knot Today
Giovonni Direct Leave-in 
Oyin Handmade Hair Dew
Oyin Handmade Honey Hemp

Moisturizers
Oyin Handmade Whipped Pudding
Bee Mine Luscious

Spritz
Oyin Handmade Jucies and Berries
Bee Mine Juicy
Spray Bottle(Leave-in, H2O ,Oil)

Stylers
Eco Gel Argan Oil
Bee Mine Bee Hold Curly Butter
Oyin Handmade Shine and Define


Sealants/Oils
Oyin Handmade Burnt Sugar Pomade
Coconut Oil 
Conditioners(dc= deep condtion, ro= rinse out)
Bee Mine bee-u-ti-fu (dc)
Oyin Handmade Honey Hemp(dc, ro)
Yes to Carrots Daily Pampering  (dc,ro)


These are all products in my current stash, but most are just sample sizes! After using them up I will decide what I want to purchase full size bottle of and what I can live without.

Product Update.

I know I was supposed to come back with an updated hair regimen, but I am still in the process of re working my regimen for the winter months. So instead I decided to share with you what is currently in my stash. I say currently because I just made a itty bitty(Literally. I ordered a bunch of sample sizes) product haul from Oyin and Bee Mine.

*Side bar* I am in love with the idea of sample sizes esp. when I am ordering products online. It's the best way to find out what you like without spending a fortune on a product PLUS SHIPPING. Whats even better is I don't like it, i'm only out a few bucks and I don't mind so much letting it collect dust or even tossing it. I think more companies should offer samples. PLUS if I do end up liking the product I just get samples to travel with instead of buying those plastic travel size containers that I can never fill without wasting a TON of product! *steps off soapbox*

Anyway, I only have a few products in rotation because this summer I spent most of my extra money on building my make-up collection.(SMDH the budget is so tight I was forced to choose!) So what end up happening is I only replaced HG products and used up my stash from my PJ days.

I actually got some great results and my hair has been growing rather nicely. I guess thats why they are my Holy Grails tho right?



*products left to right* (** denotes HG)
**water&EVOO|**Coconut Oil|Eco Styler|**Direct Leave In|Soft sheen Carson Mango oil& Cupuacu Butter|
Not Pictured|ORS Creamy Aloe Shampoo|Deva Curl Heaven in Hair


I have basically only been co washing unless I have a lot of build up from the ECO gel, which is where the ORS comes in. I use the Direct leave-in on my wet hair before styling and seal with coconut oil. When i am wearing twists or I have my hair slicked back for a bun I will spritz with water and run coconut oil thru gently. I don't to much use the Mango Oil unless I'm doing my twists on dry hair/ or re-twisting for a twist out. I haven't decided if I am going to do a full on review. It's an ok product but it's really nothing special. And that is really all I've been doing. Now that my hair is starting to grow out I need to come up with some new styles!
Peace
So Much Love
E

My Regimen and Personal Challenge

Hey Dolls,



i wanted to do an updated regimen since I've been natural. I am still stumbling my way around my natural hair, but I think I have a pretty solid regimen down so here it goes..

Oh yea this regimen is base on a personal challenge of achieving the healthiest hair and scalp possible so until my birthday I will be deep conditioning and scalp scrubbing 2 times a week. Click Here for updated products and recipes

THURSDAYS and SUNDAYS(wash days)

1. Pre-Poo(either DC, Molasses, Oil Treatment or Protein Treatment)

2. Scalp Scrub(usually while pre-poo is marinating)

3. Wash or co-wash

4. Saturate hair with a conditioner and detangle( this is when I dc if I haven't already if so then I usually just use a cheapie with lots of slip)

5. Cool water rinse

6. apply leave-ins

7. Two Strand Twist or Shingle.

DAILY For Twists

1. Spritz hair in the morning and at night

2. apply more leave-in and re-twist some sections if needed)

3. satin scarf, then a wig for protective styling or my bonnet for bed :)

DAILY for Shingles

1. Chose my accessory

2. coat hand with oil and run throughout hair to fluff until it looks the way I want it to.

2b. if my hair is not coming back to life with just the oil and fluffing then I will spritz my hair and add a bit more gel and re style.

3. oil scalp if needed

4. at night just add a bit more oil and on my bonnet

5 things I always do


1. drink lots of water
2. sleep with a bonnet or scarf
3. take my vitamins
4. listen to what my hair is telling me
5. detangle with lots of conditioner for slip

Molasses Treatmeant

Blackstrap Molasses is a great natural product with many uses outside of the kitchen, It is made of the left over goo that remains after raw sugar is turned into the granulated stuff that you find in the grocery store.

Molasses is chalk full of iron, calcium, magnesium, copper and potassium. With so many nutrients it is easy to see why molasses helps stop breakage/shedding, darkens hair and adds softness and shine. Molasses also has been know to help with acne, heart palpitations, arthritis and anemia just to name a few.

I started doing molasses treatments to combat shedding and breakage due to my transition and I loved it so much I added it to my weekly regimen. I use it as a pre poo before I wash and deep condition.

Here’s how :
(note Molasses is a protein so make sure to always follow up with a moisturizing conditioner]*

I normally just eye ball it, but if you want to measure it out here’s how

1 tablespoon of blackstrap molasses
2 tablespoons of EVOO
½ a cup of Conditioner
5 drops of tea tree oil



I put all the ingredients in an applicator bottle and shake shake shake.




Then I section my hair off into 4 sections and apply the mix throughout.

I cover it with a plastic cap and leave it on about 20 minutes and rinse it out.

Then I wash and deep condition like normal..

This leaves my hair soft and strong, and I have minimal shedding and breakage.

Hope this helps.

Updated Regimen: August 2010

Hey Dolls,
I know I have been MIA for a while, and I have even slightly fallen off my heathy hair journey, but I am trying to get back into the swig of things, and I have decided to update my regimen. I am currently 16 weeks post relaxer and I am trying to go for 24 weeks. Here's what I've been doing.

Moisturize and seal nightly.

Spritz when I need a moisture boost.

Wash and deep condition once a week.

co-wash when needed.

protein when needed.

Every night I wrap my hair.

I take my vitamins everyday.

Bun 99% of the time.

This is really about all I do right now. This is my longest stretch so far, so I am trying to really keep it simiple so I can make it thru these last two months.

Oh an I am gonna update my products sometime this weekend, but I need to re stock a few of them...

peace
so much love
Erika

Spring/ Streching Regimen: April 2010

MY REGIMEN
(click here for detailed product list)

Spritz Scalp and Moisturize and Seal
1-2x a day

Friday's Wash Day
DC on Dry Hair, Wash and Quick Condtion
Box braid, or roller sets for length check. I want to start working on learning more low manipulation styles.

Clarify
once a month or as often as needed.. I usually only a clarifing shampoo once a month, but if I need something in between clarfing washes I do an AVC Rinse.

Co-Wash and Exfoliate.(Mondays)
I really hate to call it a co wash because conditioner doesn't clean your hair or scalp at all, but Now that it's starting to warm up, I doing a mid week co wash to give my hair the extra moisture boost it need. I co wash in the box braids, in case you were wondering. I also do my scalp scrub on co wash day because it's so much easier to do in my box braids. Also it's a lot less manipulation when I am stretching.

Protein
When needed,

Growth Aid
every other night
MN. I will only use MN until I reach SL, hopefully this summer, afterwards I am taking my growth as it comes.

5 Things I always do

1.Protective Style, I love wigs
2.sleep with a satin bonnet and scarf
3.Moisturize and seal, everyday!
4.Drink Lots of Water
5.listen to what my hair is telling me

My Regimen Jan 2010

I posted the rule to the LHA , but here is a breakdown of my actual hair Regimen...


MY REGIMEN

Moisturize and Seal
1-2x a day

Tuesday or Wednesday
Pre-Poo, Wash, Deep Condition
Air Dry(scarf method)

Clarify
3rd wash of the month or as often as needed... I like cones so sometimes I have to clarify more often

Protein
When needed,

Growth Aid
every other night
I alternate between MN for length and castor oil for thickness
So one month its MN and the next its castor oil and so on.
I will probably stop using MN once the LHA is over in July but we'll see.

PRODUCTS

Moisturizer and Sealant
Aloe Vera Spritz(aloe juice, rosewater, glycerin, tea tree oil)
HE LTR leave -in
Coconut Oil

Pre-poo
4 Parts EVOO, 2 Parts Honey, a dash of Cayene Pepper OR
Conditioner, Rosemary Oil, Eucalytus Oil, Peppermint oil Tea Tree Oil

Shampoo & Contioner
Giovanni Smooth as Silk

ORS CREAMY ALOE(clariy)

Deep Condtioner
Sallys GVP conditioning blam, mixed with honey and EVOO

5 Things I always do

1.Protective Style, I love wigs
2.sleep with a satin bonnet and scarf
3.Take my vitamins
4.Drink Lots of Water
5.listen to what my hair is telling me

Joined a group on Hairlista!!!

Its called the long hair academy and if I can stick with it I should see some great results. Its not for the faint of heart, but I am doing good so far!!! Here are the rules.....


You must moisturize and seal daily, no exceptions
• No cutting, trimming, or dusting of the hair. Any scissor plans you have must be executed before the first day of Long Hair Academy or after the semester is over.
• Elastic Bands are strictly forbidden.
• You must Deep Condition once a week, including after each time you shampoo.
• You must drink at least five cups of water a day. No exceptions. This is one of the most important rules! You may get your water in the form of fresh brewed Tea. This does not include iced tea, sweet tea, lemonade, or half and half. Flavored water packets such as Crystal Light, South Beach, Benefiber, and Lipton are acceptable.
• You are allowed Two Relaxer passes. Yes, this is also a stretching challenge to achieve optimum strength. If you're already overdo for a relaxer, I'd suggest a touch up before you enroll.
• You may not shampoo more than every other week. If you use a sulfate-free shampoo or an organic shampoo [bar], this can be lowered to once every week. Pre-pooing is strongly suggested, but not required.
• You must keep your hair protected when you sleep. Wild nights of passion are not an excuse. Make use of a silk pillowcase, satin scarf or hair bonnet. Avoid any unnecessary detangling.
• For all ladies SL and longer you must wear a protective style of your choice at least 2 days a week. This includes but is not limited to buns, half wigs, full wigs, braids, sew-ins, and various up-dos.
• You must take one supplement of your choice. Acceptable supplements include:
Multivitamin, Bella Nutri, Vitamin E, MSM, L-Cysteine, Chlorophyll, Silica, Niacin, Biotin, Vitamin B-12, Cod Liver Oil, Provillus, and Nature’s Bounty, or any other Hair Skin & Nails supplements.
• You must apply a topical growth aid directly to your scalp. How often you do this depends on which growth aid you choose (Not less than 3 times a week) Acceptable growth aids are limited to:
Any combination of essential oils including (peppermint oil, jojoba, rosemary, lemongrass, coconut, carrot, tea tree, rice bran, avocado, aloe vera, Nettle, olive, safflower, sunflower, cayenne pepper, horsetail, grapeseed, shea, marula, eucalyptus)
Micanazole Nitrate
Wild Growth Hair Oil
Moe’s Growth Oil,
Nu Gro
[Jamaican Black] Castor Oil
M-T-G
Mega Tek
Ovation Cell Therapy
Jason Biotin Growth
Beemine Serum
Boundless Tresses
Sulfur 8
• Absolutely NO brushing on wet hair
• Absolutely NO fine tooth combing on dry hair
• Detangle on wet hair only. This may be difficult for some of you but it will pay off.
• You must post in the group at least once a week. There will be a weekly “Check up” discussion where you can discuss your progress, ask questions, cite any changes in your regimen, but more importantly let us know you are still a part of the challenge.
• You are allowed ONE direct heat pass a month only. Use it wisely. Direct heat includes the use of a non-hooded blow dryer, flat iron, curling iron, or hot comb. Hooded dryers and heating caps should be used at your discretion.
• You must pamper your hair with one homemade Hair treatment a month. This includes a protein treatment. We will be putting up a Hair Recipes Discussion board on the 1st of January and you are ALL required to post at least one recipe in it (Even if you have yet to try it out)

*Should you break any of the rules you will receive one strike (be honest people). Three strikes and you will be respectfully expelled. This includes the weekly check in rule. Only serious applicants need apply. Beauty is sacrifice and it must be earned.

So, if you have the discipline and you're determined to be the baddest chick in your neighborhood (provided you aren't already) invite your friends and let's all conquer the hair demon that's plagued black women for so long,
......

this is my new regimen until June.. pray for me

Peace
So much love
Erika

Updated Reggy...

Ok so the cold weather has been a real pain in my backside lately. I have finally grown my hair out from my stupid hair cut, and now this weather is drying my hair out like crazy. Since I am trying to avoid setbacks at all cost i've decided to be proactive. here's my new Winter Weather Regiment.. (oh and i really liked my hair cut, just not the fact that it was cut into 50 diffrentt lengths, it made the grow out longer than ir needed to be, plus the back is still shorter than the rest :/)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ok so I am switching to a no manipulation reg. I am going to wash once a week NO MORE CO WASHING.

on wash day i will pre poo, wash/dc sit under the dryer so my hair can dry to about 80% then do 10-12 small french braids.

Each night i will use my rose water, aloe vera jucie, peppermint oil spritz to moisturize my hair and scalp, and apply my MN in between each braid. then put my scarf on for bed

each morning I will re spritz if needed and put on my wig as usual.

THATS ALL SHE WROTE!!!!!

Peace
So much love
Erika

My Hair Regiment

My Hair Regimen

Ok so I am a proud member of KISS (keepitsimplesista.ning.com) so my hair regiment is fairly simple. I like to keep it simple mostly because if its too complicated/time consuming then i won't be motivated to continue doing it. So here is my nice and simple regiment:





Wash once a week-- Organix hydrating TeaTree Mint Shampoo(Sulfate Free)


co-wash once a week-- Mane n Tail(light protein) HE Hydralicous Reconditioning conditioner(moisture) Vo5(when i'm out of the other 2 or when I feel like changing it up)

DC one to 2 times a week-- I haven't found a staple DC, right now i'm using Queen Helene Cholesterol, Vo5, and my Oil Mix, Once i'm out of the Cholesterol i'm gonna try something new, but I'll do a review on whatever i get.

Moisturize and Seal atleat every night-- I use HE None of your frizzness, or a mix of rosewater, glycerin, and aloe vera jucie. I seal with my oil mix which is Castor oil, Coconut Oil, Peppermint Oil, Eucalyptus Oil and Rosemary Oil.( sometimes i moisturize in the morning because my mn dries my hair out, but thats only if my hair feels dry. Listen to what your hair is telling you)

MN every other night- My MN mix is 2 tubes of Target Brand MN, and a generous amount of my oil mix. I like it to be about the consistency of lotion. not too runny, but runny enough to slide out of my applicator bottle

Supplements every morning-- 2 1000mcg of Boitin 2 1500mg of MSM 2 Daily womens vitamins


Thats it! I do protective styles 100% of the time, Right now i'm wearing a Wig, and once my hair is long enough for a good bun I will be bunning. I wanna go hard for a year to get maximum results so until then...

peace

So Much Love

Erika