Hair-raising journey!

MY BC

2009-02-12T16:43:00.000-08:00

I guess my fustration took over the better part of me last night... as I sat watching tv I decided to two-strand twist my hair as I got down to the ends it was just thining out.. at that point I got out the sicssors and the ret is history...

Transitioning Fustration!!

2009-02-10T06:40:00.001-08:00

I am at my wits end with my hair.. I am seeing a lot of damage where the perm and new growth meets. I would like to BC but scared I won't have enough hair for a pony-tail or know how to style with this weather. I am very tender-headed and braids are not a good option for me - I would rather style my natural hair. If anyone has suggestions I am all ears... thanks.

coming soon.... a review on some products I have tried.

New Year - Next Chapter

2009-01-08T08:37:00.000-08:00

So I wanted a different look because I was going home for the holidays and with all the festivites, I would not have time to pre-poo or co-wash etc... Alrighty then.... I went to the Dominicans to get my hair blown out and flat ironed, asked the lady to trim my ends - she took about 5-6 inches off my hair. Needless to say I went from APL to SL, not too disappointed because eventually I would have to cut it off.

I recently started using Silk Elements products, so far so good - I will dedicated a full blog to the product review.

The Holidays

2008-11-13T12:08:00.001-08:00

I need your ladies advise, every 2 years my son and I take out christmas pictures together or not. Well this picture is 2006, now we are in 2008 and the time is approaching, but I have a problem I am transitioning and I need a nice hair-style other than the "BUN" I have been wearing it for 5 weeks now. YEAH me I am 5 weeks into my journey! anyhoo... and idea on something I can do different. I want to get our pictures taken Thanksgiving weekend - so any suggestions before that would help!

Also, I will be in NY for Christmas and my birthday - and I am going to hot iron my hair so my pictures come out good - so I am trying not to hot iron or blow dry now... so these suggestions are out the window.

I don't have everyday styling issues but when a special ocasion arises its hard to do something with my mane that says "SPECIAL". Do you guys find it hard around special ocasions to style... christmas parties, weddings, etc..

Choosing the right flat iron

2008-10-31T06:25:00.000-07:00

When it comes to hair styling tools, the flat iron deserves a post all it’s own. It’s confusing to the consumer to have so many choices of flat irons to choose from. When shopping for a flat iron you will come across descriptions such as, ceramic, goldtone, sapphire, tourmaline, ionic and traditional. The price of these flat irons can vary from $20.00 to $200.00. Now tell me, what do these descriptions mean to you???

These terms all have to do with the makeup of the surfaces of your flat iron.
“least amount of heat to get the job done”

Ceramic — plates are infused with a ceramic material which will distribute the heat evenly with no hotspots. It is said to preserve moisture by penetrating to the center of the hair shaft, exposing the hair to less heat and to eliminate frizz.

Goldtone — is simply a gold-tone metal plate

Sapphire — lower grade mineral than the gem, it is ground and infused onto the plate to distribute heat more evenly

Tourmaline — a mineral ground and infused into the plate. It is rated most effective because as it is heated, it creates more pressure to flatten the hair than other of the substances, therefore leaving shinier hair and making the hair style last longer. It creates negative ions which leave more moisture in the hair

Ionic — Negative ions eliminate frizz by leaving more moisture in the hair shaft.

Be careful, the potential for damage to the hair is big, some of these flat irons reach 450 degrees and more. Be good to your hair, use the least amount of heat to get the job done and maintain a good hair care routine . . . condition, condition, condition. Use a thermal active product for at least some protection. (I like Kenras, Thermal Styling Spray for one.)

Choose a flat iron size that is right for your length and type of hair. The width varies; thinner irons are easier to manage than the wider ones, but the wider ones will cover more hair for quicker results (long or thick hair) The 1″ to 2″ are the most popular sizes.

A good flat iron will:
Create a lasting style - till your next shampoo
Be more effective and save you time on styling your hair
Leave the hair silkier, shinier and healthier
Not pull or snag your hair
Have a variable temperature selection
Heat up quickly
A flat iron that is not so good will:
Be less effective in lasting results
Take too much time to create a hair style
Cause hair pulling, causing pain and breakage
Burn the hair easily
Have minimal heat control

So, if you are looking for a flat iron, or, if your flat iron just doesn’t do the job, take the time to read up on it . Be sure to spend some time reading their Customer Reviews, Q & A and Tips and Advice sections. They encourage lots of dialogue and you will get good advice from users with all hair types not to mention great before and after pictures.

"Skepticism"

2008-10-20T05:59:00.000-07:00

I know many people are skecptical about certain things, especially if it may be detrimental to your health and I totally understand that because in this day and age we should all be. But, for me to tell someone that I have started a new regimen with my hair care and for you to doubt that it will work because my hair does not require all this moisturizing - to me is really nieve. How can you believe that every other part of your wonderful body that god gave you requires attention but not your hair makes no sense. Oh well - that was just me venting a little..... now on to bigger and better things :)

My 2 week journey has been good - its slowly a work in progress but my regimen so far has been:

Saturday - prepoo with Suave professional Humectant and Hot six oil
Sunday - wash with Aphogee shampoo/Aphogee 2 min reconstructor (every other week)/Aphogee balancing mositurizure (every other week)/Aphogee conditioner or Elsta QP Intense conditioner
Leave-in treaments - Optimum care anti-breakage therapy & Elast QP H-Two.
Wednesdays - Co-wash with Suave Professional Humectant (plastic cap 1-2 hours prior to washing)
Tuesday & Friday - EVOO Extra conditioning for extra dry hair
Daily moisturizing with wave Nouveau & Optimum Oil Therapy with Hot Six Oil

New week

2008-10-13T12:19:00.000-07:00

hey guys! I am back - ok this weekend I pre-pooed before I washed, I must say I was a little scared and skeptical not knowing what my hair would look or feel like in the morning. So there I was Saturday night - excited but scared. I used Suave Professionals Humectant Shampoo restores moisture to dry or damaged hair. Humectant Formula generously replenishes moisture and nourishes hair as well as Nexxus Therappe Leaves hair soft and manageable.

Then I sealed it with coconut oil hair conditioner, I then tied my hair with a silk wrap and off to bed I went. I think I got up around 3 times during the night feeling my hair making sure it was all there (LOL). Sunday morning my hair was a little stiff not enough for concern but obvious for the conditionair. I then washed it out with Aphogee Primrose Shampoo - then I added the Aphogee 2 minute reconstructor for 10 - 15 mins with a plastic cap on. I rinsed that out and simply conditioner my hair with Elasta QP Intense fortifying treatment. I towel dried and then added my Optimum anti-breakage leave in treatment, Optimum Oil therapy (see previous entries for pictures of product) and pure coconut oil- and let my hair air dry for about 5-6 hours..... now the results.... drum roll!!!! Ok my hair looked very curly (I liked that - almost natual state) .. I didn't think it was mositurized enough after the air dry - it felt a little brittle and dry. (Last week - I had so much hair fall out in the comb after I DC but this week it was very little) I figure this is still a work in progress so I am not complaining. Anyhoo... the big final touch - I added palmer's EVOO formula and let us not forget Wave Nouveau Finishing lotion (thanks Sunshyne for the introduction on that) then I rodded my hair, this morning I sprayed some oil sheen Organics EVOO sheen. (LOVE THAT OIL SHEEN) - sorry I was running late for work this morning so I didn't get to take a picture. I have to work out today so if my hair is still in good standing order I will take a picture for show. I love the final product - my hair turned out sofe this morning, my curls are bouncey and tight... See you guys in a couple of days with some more up dates on my hair-rasing journey!! - I will be Co-washing on Wednesday night - I will put up my regimen the next time I speak to you guys..

Palmer's Olive Oil Formula Hair Conditioner
A rich, deeply penetrating conditioner loaded with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Vitamins A, B, and E. Leaves hair strong , shiny and sleek.

Palmer's Olive Oil Formula Gro Therapy
A therapeutic balm with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and essential vitamins that restores softness and manageability and leaves hair silky with a long lasting sheen. Formulated with Palmer's Organi-GRO™ (an exclusive blend of Nettle Extract, Sage, and Hyssop) along with Keratin and Soy Protein to strengthen hair's structure.

Organic ROOT Stimulator™ has taken hydrating botanicals and blended them with olive oil into a vitamin-rich crème that replenishes the "natural" moisture balance of the hair. Proclaimed as "liquid gold", olive oil has been used for over 5000 years as a healing elixir, restoring new life to anything it touches.

Silk Protein enriched for adding strength and elasticity
Natural olive oil-derived Squalane adds emoiliency and moisture
Perfect for chemically treated hair to replace strength and moisture
Integral part of hair maintenance system for all hair types

End of First week

2008-10-10T11:06:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this is the end of my first week. On Wednesday I did the baggy method, I must say my hair was very moist seems like I was in a room of steam. I use my Optimum oil therapy together with coconut oil, then I placed a shower cap on for about 45 mins. I will try to go longer the next time because I felt like I was cheating my hair. I then pin twisted my hair and tied with a durag - my twist came out nice but it dropped before I got to work - I guess the humidity.

Today my choice of protective hair style is up in one bun but I added a culy ponytail to the ends. I covered all my ends with the ponytails, love this style since I am not really using my real hair.

On Sunday I will do my protein treatment with Aphogee 2 min reconstructor, and don't worry I won't forget to moisturize. I am traveling back in time to figure out how my hair got this way and it dawned on me that back in May I colored my hair but I didn't take care of it or moisturize it the way I was warned, so 5 months later here I am on the verge on baldness :(

I will keep everyone posted as the days go by and as I test out different products and techniques. I do have a question for those who work out - How is your hair care different with sweating? Do you wash more than 1-2 times a week and also how often do you moisturize??

My Products

2008-10-08T11:40:00.000-07:00

Optimum Oil Therapy 3-n-1 Creme Oil MoisturizerWith no greasy build-up
Restores essential oils
Prevents breakage
Protects against heatMicro-Oil Technology penetrates hair with micro-beads of natural oils to nourish, repair, strengthen and protect hair with no greasy build-up.Provides essential oils for moisture and shineHelps prevent dryness and breakageProtects hair from blow-drying and heat stylingDirections: Pour a small amount into palm, rub hands together and massage through hair. Style as desired on dry or wet hair.Caution: As with similar products, keep away from sparks and open flames at all times, keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes.

ApHOGEE products are scientifically formulated using the highest quality ingredients, to restore seriously damaged hair to healthy condition.

Note this product is the same as what was previously labeled as: ApHogee Intensive Keratin Reconstructor. (same upc, etc) Aphogee Products are pH optimized for maximum results and contain our exclusive PropHytamine Complex. Utilizing precise level of protein for strength emollients for shine and humectants for softness. Repair and protect your hair with apHogee.This blend of keratin amino acids. Botanical oils and vitamins restore elasticity and softness to dry.

Brittle hair. In minutes it penetrates and repairs damage caused by chemical services. Styling and heat. Dry. Itchy scalp is eliminated. Even bleached permed or relaxed hair feels healthy again Latin 2 minute Reconstructor helps displace mineral deposits from swimming pools and hard water. Recommended for weekly use util hair feels and appears healthy again.Directions: gently shampoo hair with ApHogee Shampoo. Rinse Throughtly and towel dry as usual. Squeeze 1/2 ounce into palm. Using figertips. work evernly throguth hair and intp scalp.Ingredients: water, Glycerin, Stearalkonium Chlprode, Cety alcohol, Mineral oil Mauritia flexuousa Ocelluoe and others

Strengthens InstantlyPrevents Breakage and split endsAdds body for easier stylingProtects haircolor and chemical servicesis the ultimate one-step strengthening treatment. Aphogee, the leader in hair protein restoration, has enhanced the benefits of keratin with the natural anti-oxidant, Green Tea. This gentle, Alcohol-free formula fuses into the hairshaft with natural body heat or that from styling tools.Regular use in salon, or at home, will help prevent breakage from chemical services and heat. Hair will exhibit more body for better styling and less frizz. Haircolor and chemical services will last longer.

DIRECTIONS: After shampooing, spray liberally onto towel dried hair. Comb hair gently with a wide tooth comb. Style as usual. Body or styling heat locks in treatment. Recommended after every chemical service.

SoftSheen Carson Optimum Care Anti-Breakage Therapy Leave-In StrengthenerProven More Than 100% Stronger Hair After Just 1 Use*8 FL OZ (250 ML)Optimum Care Anti-Breakage Thrapy features Oleo Ceramide Technology with reparative ceramide, strengthening panthenol and nurturing natrual oils. It's proven to penetrate chemically-relaxed, natural or color-treated hair instantly, rebuilding damaged internal structure for more than 100% stronger hair after just 1 use.*Leave-In Ultimate Strengthener mends and seals the weak broken areas on damaged hair and cuticles for long-lasting softness and shine.Directions: Spray sparingly onto clean, damp hair.

DO NOT RINSE OUT. Comb through hair for even distribution. Style as usual. Can be used to blow-dry hair.*When using the OptimumCare Anti-Breakage system of shampoo, conditioner plus leave in treatment product vs. untreated hair.

African Royale Hot Oil Hot Oil Hair Oil Body Oil Scalp Oil Bath Oil Nail Oil With 14 Natural Herbs This money saving large size bottle is equal to 16 .5 oz hot oil treatments. HOT SIX OIL is made from only all natural plant herbs and oils with absolutely no animal fat or animail oils. HOT SIX OIL's special light formula goes in hair, skin, scalp, and nail cuticles easily and without a heavy oil buildup. HOT SIX OIL leaves your hair light and well conditioned.

Let the natural power of virgin olive oil work wonders on your hair.

Bad hair days!!

2008-10-05T11:26:00.000-07:00

Last friday was a bad hair day for me - and I swore off on treating my hair anymore - because i have tried and nothing seemed to work. That is until I came across a blog by Sunshyne, which inspired me to treat my hair just like I treated the rest of my body... I shower daily X 2, I work out at the gym, I shop for nice clothes... soo why was I only washing my hair every 2 weeks with a roller set - and perm whenever I felt like anywhere from 1-3 months. I decided to treat my hair weekly.

Day 1 - Sunday Oct 5, 2008

Went hair shopping - bought lots of hair products. Did a DC (Deep conditioner) with egg & Tea tree hair chlosterol. But first I washed with Elasta QP (for permed hair). I left the egg w/TTC in for 30 mins (no heat/plastic cap) - rinse off with luke warm water - and hot oil with hot oil six (no heat/plastic cap) 15 mins. Rinsed off with Elasta QP Intense conditioner. I air dried with leave-in treatment - Optimum Oil therapy 3 in 1.

I didn't like the texture of my hair the first night but the following morning I added Wave Nouveau Finishing lotion. My hair was soft and well mostiurized, I am going to try a soft wash on Wednesday night - as I set a schedule for myself.