It's very rare that I do a blowout, but when I do, it's fun! I spend so much of my time in protective/low manipulation styles, sometimes I just gotta let it all hang out! Check out how I'm spending my weekend with big hair!
The Steps...
1. The night before, I detangled with Kinky Curly Knot Today, worked my coconut castor oil blend into my hair and scalp, rocked 4 chunky braids, and called it a night.
2. The next morning I section washed with Everyday Shea Vanilla Mint Shampoo, followed by some nice conditioning from Aussie Moist.
3. Once the conditioner was rinsed, I gently squeezed the excess water from each section. Before blow drying each section, I prepped it with my recession-proof spray, ApHogee Green Tea and Keratin Restructurizer, and TRESemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray.
4. To blow dry, I used my awesome buy -- Helen of Troy Professional Series Ceramic Ionic Dryer (this thing is AWESOME!), and the wide comb attachment. I made sure to blow dry each section on MEDIUM heat at the highest, to minimize the potential for heat damage and drying my hair out. So I didn't spend forever raking a comb through each section of my hair, I only dried each section about 75-80%, and let the rest air dry.
TIPS:
Whenever you anticipate a blow out, try to do an oil treatment beforehand. This will help offset any potential for drying out the hair.
ALWAYS use a heat protectant -- no matter how low or minimal your heat is.
To preserve a blowout, sleeping pineapple style is best. A high, loose ponytail (don't tighten or loop the scrunchie) and a satin pillowcase are your friend. I like my edges to be sleek, so I also folded a satin scarf and tied it around my edges. Tying your hair down in a satin scarf totally or a bonnet will lend itself to smooshing, and losing all of the awesome volume of a blowout.
As ya'll know, I'm heavy into the protective styling game right now. As a chronic hair twirler (I've had SEVERAL people pop my hands, as I absentmindedly twirled my strands), and president of the I-Cant-Stop-Touching-My-Hair-Because-It-Feels-So-Nice club, I thought I would NEVER be able to deal with protective styling on a regular basis. Me? No hair down? No way! Luckily, my hair journey has taught me a few things about loving my hair. You know the old adage, "absence makes the heart grow fonder"? Well my new slogan is, "protection makes the hair grow stronger". Corny, right?
You guys have seen my Big All-Day Bun, and my Messy Bun + Flat Twist Crown. This weekend, I wanted to incorporate a new type of "bun" into my repetoire for those days where I want to mix it up. I recently wore my hair in what I call a Curly Bun. It takes a little pre-planning (prep the night before), but the next morning payoff is super cute!
Here is what you'll need for the look:
My post-bantu curls
Your detangling, moisturizing and sealing products of choice
Goody Ouchless Gentle Elastics (thin/small)
Styling/edge holding product
Soft bristle brush
Small clip or bobby pins
First, I detangled my hair in chunky sections with Kinky Curly Knot Today and water, and followed it up with my recession-proof spray. I sealed my hair and ends with Shea Moisture Coconut Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie.
After detangling, mositurizing and sealing, I twisted each section and twirled it into a chunky and loose bantu knot. I secured each bantu knot with a thin Goody Ouchless Gentle Elastic (yeah, I'm off bobby pins right now). I ended up with 8 chunky twists.
I covered my hair with a satin bonnet and called it a night. You can also go without the bonnet or scarf, and sleep on a satin pillocase. Sometimes, I like to do both.
The next morning, I removed the scrunchies, untwisted my hair, and whipped it back and forth. Then, I prepped my edges (all around my head) with more recession-proof spray and coconut oil. I followed that up with a gentle application of EcoStyler gel, and some light soft-bristle brushing all the way around. I took one Goody Ouchless Gentle Elastic scrunchie, and made a loose "pineapple" on top of my head. You can fashion the curls to fall foward, sideways or whatever. I let mine do their thing at the front, because that's where my hair is the shortest (thank you growing-out bangs and layers!). I secured the longer hair at the back with a small clip.
Admittedly, this style is not 100% protective. There are some ends that will be out and about, which makes the moisturizing and sealing element so critical. However, for those concerned about keeping ends from snagging and rubbing against clothing, this is a cute and viable option.
Do you have any super cute buns or other protective styles? Submit them to The Mane Objective and you will be featured! E-mail tinapatrice@gmail.com for more details!!!
This post was also featured as my first article for Black Girl Long Hair. Check it out!
When
looking for products to preserve moisture, add shine, seal, or treat dry scalp,
we often hit the nearest Target or local beauty supply store in search of a
bottle of “Random Ingredients Moisturizing Spray”, or “Miracle Oil Mix”. Often
times, these products tout heavyweights like coconut, tea tree, olive, or
grapeseed oil on their labels. If you're lucky, you might even find some natural-based
fruit or tree pictured on the label that leads you to believe you're making a
quality purchase, and that featured ingredient is the star of the show.
Product Deception
Turn
that bottle over, scan all the way to the bottom and check out the ingredient
list. Where is your fancy oil on that list? Did it make the top 5? Chances are
if it didn't, you're wasting your time (and money). According to top
science-based blogger, JC of The Natural Haven (peep the article here), the first 5 ingredients in any product are the most potent, and will have the
most impact on your hair. So if you're looking for the miracle scalp clearing
qualities of tea tree oil, but your product has it listed 3rd from last, you're
probably not getting the most bang for your buck.
For
example: take Organic Root Stimulator's Olive Oil Moisturizing Hair Lotion,
available at Target, Sally's and most major retailers for about $6 for an 8.5oz
bottle.
You can clearly see OLIVE OIL
emblazoned across the front of the bottle. The manufacturers even give the hair
lotion a green tint, to seal the deal in convincing you that this is an olive
oil based product, and will therefore give you the lustrous benefits of olive
oil. Then, we turn the bottle over and take a gander at the list of
ingredients:
Olive
oil, olive oil...where for art thou olive oil? Oh wait, there you are! Coming
in at #11 on the ingredient list is "Olive
Oil - Olea Europaea". Let’s see here, coconut oil comes in at #2...there's
even more petrolatum (which is a concern in and of itself) in this bottle than
there is olive oil?! That seems a little misleading, to say the least.
What's A Girl
to Do?
In
this arena, conventional wisdom often holds true: it’s cheaper to do it
yourself. To save yourself some money, heartbreak, and possibly hair break,
here are some commonly used oils that can be acquired for cheaper (and often in
greater quantities), that will do what they're supposed to do. You can mix and
match, or use them straight (with the exception of tea tree oil) to achieve the
desired effect on your hair.
COCONUT
OIL -- Coconut oil is brandished across many product labels, but very few list
it high on the ingredient list. Instead of reaching for a coconut oil jar or
bottle that has a petroleum, mineral, or other oil base, head to your nearest
Whole Foods or Sprouts for a jar of Virgin Unrefined Coconut Oil on the cooking
aisle. A jar will run you from $7 to $10 dollars for a 16oz jar, depending upon
what brand you use. At all costs, try to avoid purchasing Coconut Oil in health
food stores like Vitamin Shoppe, or on the "health" aisle at other
stores. These jars are often overpriced, yet they are exactly the same as the
one on the cooking aisle.
OLIVE
OIL -- While you're grabbing some coconut oil on the cooking aisle, you might
as well swipe a bottle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, too. Bottles of Olive Oil
range from $4 to $10, depending on the size of the bottle and the brand you
buy. Once again, check for "Extra Virgin" status. Natural oils are
most effective and retain the most of their nutritive properties when they are
cold-pressed. Stop settling for 11th-listed, and go straight to the source!
TEA
TREE OIL -- Tea tree oil is generally more expensive than other oils, and you
tend to get a lot less of it. But fear not, tea tree oil is very potent. A few
drops in a couple of ounces of carrier oil (like coconut or olive) is more
than enough to treat your scalp with. When shopping for tea tree oil, be sure
to read the label carefully to ensure that it is 100% tea tree oil. You can
find tea tree oil at Whole Foods or Vitamin Shoppe, for $9 for a 1oz bottle. It
doesn't seem like much, but a little bit of tea tree goes a long way.
GRAPESEED
OIL -- Don't leave the cooking aisle just yet! Grapeseed oil, which is high in
Vitamin E and linoleic acid, sits right alongside your EVOO buddy. A bottle of
cold-pressed grapeseed oil costs between $5 and $10, depending on the size and
brand you select.
What's
your recession-proof oil of choice?
Sidebar: Big Bang Theory is an awesome show.
All humor aside, does Sheldon have a point? A few weeks ago, my boyfriend and I engaged in a spirited debate about the necessity of vitamins and supplements. His take: they're overhyped, overpriced, and if you just eat right, you don't need them. My rebuttal: how many of us actually eat right?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Raise your hand if you regularly eat a balanced meal that gives your body every single nutritive substance that it requires for optimal performance. Yeah, that's what I thought. Last time I checked, none of us were the mood to gnosh on foliage and dirt. In this post, I'll be exploring some common conceptions about vitamins, and whether they are based in truth or not. Ready? Let's go!
Conception #1: I don't need vitamins. I eat fine.
The Reality: No you don't. Unless you live on a farm, grow your own fruits, veggies, grains and livestock, and harvest/prepare them all yourself with minimal processing -- you need a multivitamin, at least. Sadly, many of the foods we eat (even minimally processed ones) lose much of their nutritive value from the time they are harvested until they make it on our plates. If you're anything like the average American, you eat more fast and freezer-packaged food than you'd like to admit, and therefore are missing out on valuable nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that your body (and hair) need to function optimally.
Conception #2: Vitamins are an expensive form of urine (anything you take in, you'll pee it out).
The Reality: There is some truth to this statement. Vitamins come in two forms: water soluble (B and C vitamins) and fat soluble (A, D, E and K vitamins). Water soluble vitamins often require daily replenishment in your body. When ingested, your body uses up as much of these vitamins as you need, and expels the rest in your urine (thank you Sheldon). Because you don't have any water soluble reserves, taking a daily vitamin is a great way to ensure that your body is getting enough B and C vitamins regularly. Fat soluble vitamins operate a little differently. When ingested, your body uses what it needs of the fat soluble vitamins, and stores the rest in your liver and fatty tissues. Because fat soluble vitamins operate on what can best be described as a time-release schedule, they don't need to be replaced as often.
Conception #3: I can take a specific/targeted vitamin. I don't need a multivitamin.
The Reality: On many haircare websites, I see that a lot of folks are just taking biotin, or hair/nail/skin vitamins. That's cool and all, and more power to you. However, those limited vitamin complexes are only one part of the puzzle. For those of you that take a targeted, methodical approach to eating, I applaud you. Seriously. I would love to have your discipline one day. And in all honesty, you probably don't need a multivitamin. It's probably best that you take a targeted vitamin or supplement that hits areas you may be missing. Unfortunately, me, and a bunch of other folks don't have such a thorough approach to consuming the nutrients our bodies need, and in some cases, rely on vitamins to pick up the slack. While I will admit this is problematic (a magic bullet-esque solution, if you will), I cannot underscore how important it is that our bodies get some semblance of the vitamins and minerals it needs to function. Can you eat like crap and then take a few multis to balance it out? No. Can you take multivitamins and at the same time work on increasing your intake of fresh fruits, veggies, grains and healthy proteins? Absolutely.
Conception #4: Vitamins will accelerate my hair growth.
The Reality: Ehhh....yes and no. If you're looking for a mystical hair vitamin complex that is going to make your hair grow 4 inches a month, you're out of your mind. However, if you're tryin' to show your hair a little extra love and make sure it has the nutrients necessary for optimal growth/follicle stimulation, then vitamins may give you that extra oomph you've been missing. Hair is primarily composed of keratin, which on a molecular level exists as a long chain of amino acids. Those amino acid chains are made up of carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen and sulfur. Without delving too far into polypeptide chains (salt, hydrogen, disulfide... Christina, WHAT?! lol), let it just suffice to say that there are certain vitamins and supplements that are on the molecular level, beneficial to stimulating hair growth. Biotin is beneficial in not only follicular stimulation, but in strengthening the cortex of the hair (the part that is essentially keratin). MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane) is an organic sulfur compound (scroll up... sulfur is a building block for hair!) that is generally used for reducing inflammation in the body's tissues, particularly joints. MSM is really cool because in addition to easing joint inflammation, it has been proven to increase hair's growth (anagen) phase. In a future post, I will explore more in-depth what this means for your hair. But for now, just know MSM is an excellent addition to any vitamin or supplement regimen that will show your body and hair extra love.
Conception #5: In order for vitamins to work, they have to be the top of the line, most expensive 100% natural, organic, food-based, vegan vitamins. The Reality: I once fell prey to this one at Vitamin Shoppe. I got "suckered" into dropping damn near $50 on a month supply of RAW Vitamin Code multivitamins. I will NEVER do that again. The argument for raw food/whole food vitamins is that your body best recognizes and identifies the contents of these vitamins as food, and therefore can more readily absorb them to be used for their intended purposes. I get that. Totally makes sense. Our bodies were designed to run on food, not random synthetic chemical compounds. Your typical generic/store-brand/less-expensive multivitamin most likely is comprised majorly of synthetic, lab-derived compounds. You can identify synthetics on a vitamin label like this: when an ingredient has parenthesis next to it, for example: Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid), that is a general indicator that the vitamin is synthetically derived. So what's the deal with synthetics? Synthetic vitamins are cheaper. The downside is that as a synthetic compound, it can be hit or miss. Our bodies aren't necessarily adept at identifying synthetic compounds as nutrients necessary for optimal function. Therefore, there is the chance that you will just create fancy pee. Don't count them out yet, though. The success or failure of synthetic vitamins is solely individual. What works for me may not work for you. My suggestion is to start low on the financial totem pole, and work your way up.
I hope this helps someone! For those that may be wondering, I take the following vitamins daily:
Nature's Way Alive! Women's Ultra Potency Multi-Vitamin and Whole Food Energizer [$18 at Vitamin Shoppe]
Fatigued to Fantastic Daily Energy B Complex [$10 at Vitamin Shoppe], I have also taken Nature Made Super B-Complex [$6 at Target] which works just as well.
Vitamin Shoppe MSM 1000 [$10 at Vitamin Shoppe]
Country Life Hi-Potency Biotin, 1000mcg [$8 at Vitamin Shoppe]. Target also carries 1000mcg biotin under the Up & Up store brand for about $3 a bottle.
What vitamins and supplements are you currently taking?
Lately, I've been a little bored with my protective styling routine. To break out of my rut, I've decided to invest a little more time and creativity into my styles. First up is a remix to my big all-day bun, by adding a flat twist that curves around the front of the hairline like a crown.
Disclaimer: I'm a newbie to flat twisting...kinda. I tried to learn a while ago, gave up, and I came back determined to master it. Hopefully, they'll get better as I go along.
What you'll need to get the look:
banana clip
bobby pins
scrunchie or some sort of clip to separate your front hair
wide tooth-comb
soft-bristle brush
water (optional, just my preference)
your favorite detangling agent (if your hair isn't already detangled) [for me: Kinky Curly Knot Today]
your favorite edge slicking/holding product [for me: EcoStyler gel]
Step 1: Prep hair by spritzing it with water, light moisturizer [leave-in spray], and coconut oil. Step 2: Section off the front/center portion of hair with a wide toothed comb, and keep it separated with a scrunchie.
Step 3: Apply holding product [EcoStyler gel] around the edges of the hair, and slick with a soft-bristle brush. Step 4: Secure hair just as you would in a high ponytail, but using the banana clip instead. Step 5: Fold hair forward, tucking the ends and securing with bobby pins. Step 6: Take down the separated front hair, and ensure it is detangled. Apply a little bit of gel, and flat twist the hair, beginning the twist at the point closest to the bun. Ensure the flat twist comes forward, curves around the hairline, and ends back toward the bun. Secure ends of the flat twist with bobby pins.
Enjoy!
Normally, I don't dabble in products who's sole purpose is to make hair shine. In my eyes, there are plenty of products that nourish and moisturize hair, and the end result is brilliant shine -- due to improved hair health, not a synthetic derivative. However, I was asked to review this product by my Mommy (love you Rhonda!), and well... here we are.
Just so ya'll know, this Fresh Feature will be a little different. I have not, and will not try this product in my hair. Not that there's anything wrong with it per-se; I'm just honestly not interested in using it. Don't mistake this to mean I'm anti-silicone, either. I love silicones, and think they have their rightful place in the hair product lineup. Moving right along...
Cyclomethicone: A conditioning agent, solvent, and humectant. It is easily spreadable on skin and hair, giving a very slippery feeling. It also serves as a mild water repellant/barrier, and can fill lines and spaces in hair and skin for a temporary plump look.
Dimethiconol: Silicone that coats the hair. Responsible for creating a silky feel, and assists in preventing split ends. It is important to note that dimethiconol is not water soluble.
Phenyl Trimethicone: Silicone that provides gloss and sheen. Also operates as a water repellant and heat protectant.
Octyl methoxycinnamate: Organic ester sunscreen agent that blocks UBV rays.
Availability: I've only seen the Wet n' Wavy line in certain beauty supply stores, not including Sally's. It is however, available online.
Affordability: 8oz for $5.99 (the price tag on my Mom's bottle). Not bad, but not that great either.
Product Claim/Description: Wet n Wavy Shimmer Shine Spray, with silicone, is an advanced shine formula, structured to provide the brightest shine possible, even for dry damaged and chemically treated hair. Helps repair split ends, helps seal and resurface cuticles, and provides sunscreen protection.
Benefits: The ingredient list appears to back the claims of the bottle. Comprised of pretty much all silicones, there is a specific ingredient that tackles each claim. And theoretically, the water repellant silicones serve as a pretty good sealant.
Drawbacks: The biggest drawback I forsee is the misleading notion of treating dry and chemically damaged hair. Dry and damaged hair needs moisture, not a surface-acting agent that masks the problem. On top of that, pretty much every ingredient is a water repellant. Translation: no moisture is getting in your hair, and to wash it out, you're pretty much setting yourself up for a sulfate shampoo.
Bottom Line: There are natural ways to achieve each quality that this product provides. However, if you're not into buying 5 or 6 different oils, making your own mixes, or trying to preserve a heat/straightened style, this may provide the shine and protection you're looking for. One word of advice: moisturize before applying this product, then use it to seal everything in.
Have you ever tried Wet n' Wavy products? What do you think?
A while ago, I did a Fresh Feature on Shea Moisture's Deep Treatment Masque. Click here for that post. It has taken me a cool minute, but I am finally getting around to the 2nd part of the Fresh Feature -- Kinky Curly Knot Today. This product caught my eye because it made everyone's top everything list, and has been heralded as the holy grail of detangling products.
After my detangle and co-wash, I set out to see what made this milky mixture such a miracle. I must say, I was impressed at first squeeze. The product was very light on my hair, definitely had mega slip (considering the dime-sized amount I used in each section), and it was scantily scented. Plus, the ingredient list made me curious. Here's the low-down on Kinky Curly Knot Today:
mango fruit extract: Rich in vitamins A, E, and iron, which nourish and fortify hair. Also contains fatty acids that support absorption of key vitamins and antioxidants into hair.
slippery elm: Extraction (when combined with water) that creates a mucous-like substance that can be ingested internally to relieve sore throats, cough, digestion issues; externally to reduce inflammation and heal cuts and abrasions. On the hair, it combats inflammation on the scalp, heals sores, and the slippery texture makes it an ideal detangling agent.
marshmallow root: Extraction that creates a slippery, mucous-like substance that adds incredible slip (translation: awesome detangling), and contains high amounts of plant proteins for strengthening and conditioning hair.
lemongrass: An essential oil with antibacterial properties. It also helps regulate oily scalp, and can aid in strengthening hair follicles.
cetyl alcohol: Lubricant, thickener, and
emollient. Gives conditioner its velvety feel without making hair
greasy. Also used to keep product ingredients from separating.
behentromonium methosulfate: Mild detangling ingredient made from the rapeseed (where your canola oil for cooking comes from). Known for great detangling without leaving product buildup on hair. It is so mild, that it is generally recommended for leave-in baby products.
citric acid: Mild preservative to increase shelf-life of product. It is also slightly acidic, which brings the pH of the product down (which in turn, causes hair cuticles to lay flat, producing a sleek look).
phenoxyethanol: A glycol ether preservative alternative to parabens. I'll be honest though, according to some sources I've read [See Here], it is a dangerous additive, with the potential to cause immune system, nervous system, and reproductive damage. Click the link above for more info, and make your own decisions.
natural fragrance: Their proprietary mixture of natural oils and ingredients to generate an enjoyable product scent.
Availability: Raise your hand if there isn't a Target within 10 miles of your house. If there's no Target near you, that probably means you don't have internet access, either.
Affordability: Tipping the scales at a little over $10 for an 8oz bottle, I can't say this would become an automatic staple. There are products that I use to detangle that work *almost* just as well, that contain 2, 3 or 4 times as much product, and cost less money.
Product Claim/Description: [Taken from the bottle] Can't get that comb to glide through your hair? Well KNOT TODAY! This creamy herbal conditioner is enriched with botanical extracts and is designed to smooth the cuticle and to remove knots, snarls and tangles from thick curly hair.
Performance/Delivery: Many products make lofty claims, but only few can actually follow through. Congratulations, KCNT! You're one of the chosen few. I had my doubts, especially about a product that does not have water listed as an ingredient.
Bonuses: It works incredibly well on freshly shampooed or co-washed damp hair. Even better, a little bit goes a long way. I use smaller than a dime-sized amount on each section of hair. Ok, so that offsets the point I made about the small bottle size in affordability....maybe.
Drawbacks: It does not play nicely with other products. The key to success with this product is detangling post-cleansing. It does no good in a mid-week detangling session where you have reminants of other products on your hair. Trust me, I tried. All it does is make your hair feel awkwardly dry, with a strange filmy feeling. Also, don't depend on this product to do any moisturizing. There is no water, nor any penetrable oils that can moisturize your hair. All the action in this product happens on the surface.
Bottom Line:If you're a post-wash detangler, or considering detangling post-wash, you'll love KCNT. If not, you're better off with whatever you're currently using.
If you troll the blogs like I do, you're sure to come across products, practices, regimens, rituals, ans routines that can be as diverse as they are insane. For a while I thought that without a solid weekly routine, my hair would suffer. And dammit, I tried. I tried real hard. Henna at the top of every month. Co-wash or shampoo and detangle Sundays. Re-moisturize and seal by Wednesday. Oil scalp and massage every other day. Protective Monday thru Friday, let it all hang out on the weekends. Or at least that's what I thought I was doing. But life got in the way. I work a full time job that has a propensity to infringe upon my personal time. I work out 5 days a week. I have a relationship to attend to, hot dates to go on. Family to see, nephews to play with. Yadda yadda yadda.
Translation: I don't have time for the complexities and intricacies of a routine. So much of my life is scheduled down to the letter, I'd rather relish those opportunities to go out on a whim than be saddled at home with a jar of coconut oil and an applicator bottle because it's routine oil day. In all honesty, I find it much more practical to just listen to my hair (lol...as if it talks). If my scalp feels dry or sore, I moisturize and massage it. If my hair seems dry, I'll do a quick spray, or go all out with the oils. I try to remember my vitamins and MSM every day. I detangle and shampoo as needed. The frequency depends on how I've been styling that week. I try to henna monthly. Sometimes it's at the top of the month, more recently it seems to happen in the middle. The honesty is, henna is messy, takes a LONG time (hours!), and I have to feel up to doing it.
Also on the outskirts for me is investing SO much time and energy into trying to ensure I look "cute". Not saying I'm on the bummy swag bandwagon, but there are just some things I just had to give up the ghost on. Flexi rods was one of them. They're expensive, a pain in the @$$ to sleep in, and even more cumbersome to actually put in your hair. If I really want some curl uniformity, I'll do bantu knots. The truth is, as long as I look presentable at work, and my boyfriend thinks I look good (translation: don't have a weave or didnt chop 90% of my hair off), I'm good. No need to impress ya'll with the cutesy-poo styles and whatnot. Sure, maybe I'll mix it up on a given week or weekend, but overall, I ain't got time for that.
At the end of the day, I feel like so many women (natural and non) spend SO much time being slaves to their hair (irony...). Hours on end in the beauty shop. Blowing perfectly beautiful days and afternoons under a baggy and dryer in the name of "deep conditioning". Dodging water as if your hair is made of sugar and will melt. I have evolved to a point where I believe that every second, life is happening. I can either spend it handling the necessities and enjoying free time with the ones I love, or I can spend it holed up in my room as a victim of a stringent regimen.
Do I stand alone in feeling this way?
As you guys may or may not know, back in the beginning March I began the first leg of my No Heat Challenge. For the months of March, April, and 3/4 of May (tee hee hee), I ditched the flat irons, blow dryers, and curling iron in an attempt to refresh, rejuvenate, and restore my hair's health. As promised, here are the results!
Before:
Prior to March, I wasn't fully aware of how deep down the drain my hair had fallen. Yes, it was still growing, but split ends ran rampant, and every time I straightened my hair (monthly), I ended up snipping away at any growth progress I had made. Even with constant snipping, my ends never remained strong, chipping away little by little. Even worse, I felt like one day I woke up and my hair was thin. I have never had thin hair -- (and admittedly, my definition of thin is not everyone else's) and I didn't want this downward trend to continue. I realized my hair was suffering greatly from heat damage. In all actuality, my cuticles were melted. I was straightening my hair at temperatures upward of 430F... Yeaaaaaah. Not my proudest moment.
During:
No heat. All natural hair. Lots of deep conditioning, co-washing, protective styling, henna, and protein.
Product Hits:
Aussie Moist: Excellent for regular conditioning, co-washing, leave-in sprays, detangling, and henna mix-ins.
Shea Moisture Coconut Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie: Great moisturizing, sealing and styling product. Plus, who can deny that heavenly scent?
Eco Styler Gel: My protective style saving grace. Great for taming edges.
Henna: No elusive, fancy online-only, can't pronounce the source's name henna. Just a regular ol' box of red Light Mountain Henna, purchased at Sprouts or Whole Foods for about $7. Smelly, yes. Messy, absolutely. But I am SO willing to pay the price for the strength, shine, thickness, and cute color. (If all goes well, I will be doing a henna video soon!)
"Meh" Products:
Aussie 3 Minute Miracle: I compared the ingredient list to that of my regular bottle of Aussie Moist Conditioner...and it was pretty much the same. Sus. It didn't wow me, but it wasn't bad either.
Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque: Definitely provided deep conditioning and moisture, but didn't work any miracles. Plus, the scent was way too strong.
Giovanni 2Chic Brazilian Keratin & Argan Oil Ultra Sleek Conditioner:Cool conditioner, yes. Miracle worker, no. Does it hold a candle to Aussie Moist? Not really. (Fresh Feature coming soon).
Complete and Utter Misses:
Curls Defining Momemnts Curl Release (Curl Defining) Serum: I had always been curious about this product, but at $10 bucks a pop, I wasn't ready to make that product plunge. Luckily, I found some on clearance at Target for under $5 bucks. Good think I kept the receipt, because I completely and utterly hated the product. Yes, my curls were friz-free and defined. But at what cost? A sticky, goopy mess, that never really dried up. (Fresh Feature coming soon).
After:
Despite the setbacks, frustration, and mental overhaul I endured, I can honestly say I LOVE everything that the no heat challenge has done for my hair. The thickness that had disappeared is returning. I can honestly see the difference between my new, thick and thriving hair and that old stuff that I jacked up. I cannot WAIT until it all grows out. I think I did fairly well, in terms of retaining length. I will be posting comparative side-by-side pictures as I go along in this journey. My hair is pretty much the same length as before I begun the challenge, but much thicker. I am not disappointed though -- because if ya'll recall, I snipped about 2 inches from my head somewhere in the middle of this challenge.I am super excited to begin the second leg of this journey to healthy hair. I won't be touching heat again until August, just in time for me and my babe's 2 year anniversary :-)
As I look back on how I spent the first three months, I can't believe how big of a fuss I made over certain things, like protective styling. It's almost like second nature now. Tuck it away during the week, and let it come out to play on weekends , if so inclined. Oh, and I'm learning how to braid and flat twist! Yee!
Before I check out, here's a side-by-side comparison of my hair From January 2012 to May 2012:
Highlights:
My hair is thicker overall
My ends are in 137% better condition
Check out that SHINE!
My hair is pretty much the same length (pretty neat, considering my two-inch chop!)
I'm the owner of this lil' slice of internet at the intersection of natural hair and healthy living. I'm obsessed with hair products, natural skincare, heavy lifting, kitchen experiments, and sneakers.