My Skin Care

A lot of people comment on my skin and say how nice it its. I think its ok, it could always be better lol. Here are the items I use Morning and night.



I Start off with a cleanser: Ultra Glow Black Soap. This soap helps to control acne and is a natural exfoliate. I also use black soap for my body as well and I have seen a new glow in my skin. You can find this product at Walmart by the black hair care products, it is about $3.

Then I tone my face, using L'Oreals HydraFresh Toner. It is aways important to tone the face after cleaning it because it balances out the skin's pH levels, removes dirt, oil, and make up left behind, and shrinks pores. I enjoy the toner because it is alcohol free and does not dry my skin. I purchased this item at Walmart it is about $6.

Finally I moisturize. I don't use a regular "face" lotion a lot of those are on the pricey side and I'm doing everything I can to save money. So I use the Equate (Walmart brand) daily moisturizing oatmeal lotion. It's compared to Aveeno's oatmeal lotion. It has the same ingredients, is less than half the price and you get more product. I bought this at Walmart for about $4.

Hair Tips

Here are some hair tips that I have learned so far on my hair journey!

For Natural & Relaxed Hair:

1. Deep Conditioning Tip: When rinsing out your regular conditioner, rinse it out with warm-hot water. This allows the cuticle of the hair to open right before you apply your deep conditioner. When the cuticle is open it makes it easier for the deep conditioner to do its job and penetrate through the hair. When rinsing out the deep conditioner, rinse it out with cold to cool water. This seals the cuticle shut and locks in moisture.

2. Blow Drying  Tip: When blow drying the hair before flat ironing, you want to make the hair as straight as possible. Use a paddle brush to help straighten the hair when blow drying on high heat. Blow dry your hair in 4-6 sections depending on how thick your hair is. Make sure each section is dangled well! When each section is dry  instead of turning the blow dryer off, hit the COOL SHOCK button. Blow dry the section a few times on cool. Remember HEAT OPENS the hair cuticle causing FRIZZ , COOL AIR/ WATER CLOSES the hair cuticle leaving hair smooth. This makes it a lot easier to flat iron. Remember to use a heat protector whenever you put heat in your hair!

2. Dangling Tip: ALWAYS USE A WIDE TOOTH COMB! When using a small tooth comb like a "rat tail comb" the spacing between the teeth are way too small to get through the knots and tangles we have, resulting in a lot of unnecessary breakage and hair loss. When dangling, start from the ends  slowly and gently work your way up to the roots (Always be gentle to your hair never rough). Always comb or brush your hair in sections. Following this tip will save you a lot of hair!

Promote Hair Growth With Oils

We have learned that hair grease is like food to our hair! Well in most cases it not! Its filled with synthetic ingredients that clog our pore, make our hair feels greasy, and provides a thick layer of shine that sit on top of the hair making our hair appear to be moisturized but really its just sitting there! Now if hair grease is working for your hair, and you like the results, then by all means don't fix something that is not broken! But if you are not happy with your hair length and your still using products like grease that are not made by African Americans! You might want to try a natural alternative that will actually treat, nourish, and promote hair growth through oils.






Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This is a medium oil that conditions the hair and scalp. It works to prevent hair loss and is a great cure for dandruff.

Coconut Oil: This oil when massaged into the scalp promotes hair growth, conditions and blinds to the proteins on the hair shaft and ends to rebuild hair and make the hair even stronger. This is a light oil. This oil come in a solid form and when heated it turn into oil!

Jojoba (Ha-ho-ba) Oil: This is a great oil for hair that is prone to breakage. Jojoba oil is a great moisturizing oil, it penetrates into the hair cuticle to lock in moisture! ( Very light oil).

Castor Oil: This oil is very thick! This oil promotes THICK hair growth. Just add it to the scalp using a color applicator (you can find a Sally's Beauty Supply). Massage into scalp 2-3 time a week.

Sweet Almond Oil: Smells great! Also used for the skin great for massages ;). The fats and fatty acids in this oil nourishes any hair type.

Safflower Oil: This oil contains high levels of vitamin E, which hydrates the hair. Because of the high levels of fatty acids this oil is recommended for ppl with relaxed, color treated, and other chemically treat hair.

Peppermint Oil. This oil is lovely. I creates a soothing cool feeling on the scalp (great to use in the summer). This oil also stimulates hair growth and balances pH levels. When using this oil mixed it with another oil. Peppermint oil alone can BURN YOUR SCALP.





Grape Seed Oil. If you like the feeling of your hair not being weighed down, this oil is for you! Its a very light oil, it absorbs into the hair quickly, has vitamin E and reduces frizz.



Argan Oil:  Gets rid of frizz. Helps protect hair from split ends, prevents breakage, and is a natural heat protector when blow drying or flat ironing the hair. This is also a very light oil and can be pretty pricey.  If you find argan oil that's under $15 for a small bottle (this oil is always in small bottles) Its not really argan oil. Buy 100% argan oil for these benefits!






Lavender Oil: Can improve hair texture. Must be mixed with other oils to promote hair growth.




Rosemary Oil:  Promotes healthy hair growth, helps stimulate blood flow to the scalp. This oil is very light
and does not clog your pores.

An easy way to apply oils to the hair and scalp is to add them to a color applicator bottel. This way you can control how much is applied!

All this oils can be found at a grocery store in the cooking isle, except for Castor Oil (can be found in the pharmacy department, its used to a laxative), and 100% Argan Oil (can be found in some expensive hair salons or on line amazon.com) . You can also shop around online for all this oils for the cheapest price. I myself do not use all this oils right now. But I do plan on it once day lol! I hope this information was helpful happy growing!!!

My Personal Hair Growth Challenge

First before I introduce you to my hair growth challenge let me give you a little back ground on my hair history. I have always had long  and thick hair! For me it is mainly genetics, from both sides of my family. When I was in Elementary school of course my mom or cousin would braid my hair. Adding barrettes and beads to the ends I guess to make it look more festive LOL! My mother would press it with a hot comb only on special occasions. Even after pressing it she would braid it right back up. My hair grew very long wearing "braids" as a protective style for my hair. In Middle School my mother had enough she couldn't or didn't want to do my hair any more it got too long and thick for her to handle. She told my dad she was going to get me a relaxer. He told her not to " It's gone break her hair off." She asked me what I wanted. I wanted straight hair like her so I said I want a relaxer ( I should have listened to my dad!). Got my virgin relaxer done i was juiced! And surprisingly my hair thrived off of the relaxer my hair grew even longer. I remember getting picked on because I had long hair. People putting tape in my hair, pulling my hair, making nasty weave comments! HATERS!!! LOL By the time I got to high school my hair had broken off a lil but it was still well past my shoulders. I remember I cut my hair a lil pass my shoulder length,  it grow back so fast girls kept asking me how I did it. At the time I really couldn't answer them because I really didn't know! My senior yr I cut my hair again thinking it will grow back and longer by prom! I was SOOO wrong! my hair was dry and all senior yr it stay at the same length I was pissed I had to get extensions for prom! In college I decided that my hair was much thicker and longer before my relaxer so a lil over a yr ago I decided to transition from relaxer to natural. I grew my hair out to arm pit length (APL) the relaxer in the back of my head BROKE OFF I was so hurt! I thought i was doing good my hair was growing and keeping its length. I did research and found out why. All my research is in the "hair essentials for beautiful tresses" post. Dec 31, 2010 I cut off all my relaxed ends about 5 inches, which left me with a shoulder length fro! Its cute though I love it! I've never felt more liberated.

            From January 2011-April 2011 I have been wearing protective styles and taking vitamins. My hair has grown from shoulder length to right above arm pit length! It grew about 3 1/2 inches in 4 months. If I keep this up my hair should be really long in no time. My goal is not just to have long hair but also to have healthy hair, and to know how to take care of my hair myself and not pay someone else to do it and NOT get any length in the process. So this is going to be my photo diary of my hair growth I'll try to post photos every 2-3 months.


My Personal Challenge: Using Minimal heat styling, Doing braid outs, moisturizing  and sealing, Taking multi vitamins, Washing my hair once a week. Doing mild protein treatments every other week, doing strong protein treatments every 6 weeks, and trimming/dusting my hair every 2 months. I plan on doing this challenge for six months it will end in OCTOBER. This challenge isn't just for natural hair you can be relaxed as well. If you want to do this challenge with me leave a comment below  and I will give the specifics. HAPPY GROWING!

VITAMINS I AM TAKING: Hairfinity. If you are interested in these multi vitamins check out there website hairfinity.com. Taking these helped my hair grow on average about an inch a month. Plus with all the B vitamins I had a lot more energy.

LENGTH CHECK PHOTOS!

April 22, 2011

Popular Hair Growth Terms

When Doing your own research for hair growth you will definitely find a lot of terms that describe hair length!
For Example:

SL (Shoulder Length) A lot of these are common sense. This is when the ends of the hair sit right on top of the shoulders.

APL (Arm Pit Length). When the ends of the hair reach to ones arm pits. I am between shoulder and arm pit length.

MBL (Mid Back Length). When the ends of the hair reaches the middle of the back pass bra strap. There is also BSL (Bra Strap Length). My goal is to reach MBL.

WL (Waist Length).  This is for the ladies and men who's hair reaches their waist!

Protein Treatments I Use

Some people have protein sensitive hair. When they put a strong protein alone in their hair the hair reacts by feeling really dry and brittle even after conditioning. For these people I suggest you use conditioners with light proteinn in them like my fav deep conditioner by ORS Replenishing Conditioner. This products has light proteins like silk amino acids the softly rebuild the hair structure by strengthening and conditioning the hair at the same time. Now ME on the other hand, a light protein is nice on my hair and the silk amino acids do make my hair silky but it does not put a stop to my breakage! I need stronger protein! My Favorite is ApHogee's Two Step Protein Treatment. This treatment is a salon treatment that can be done at home, just make sure you follow the directions to a "T." This treatment is for seriously damaged hair! Hair that is constantly breaking off and in need of extreme protein. This treatment should only be done every 6-8 week NO SOONER! This product really works! It smells HORRIBLE but it does the job! You apply it to the hair from root to ends make sure all of your hair gets the protein. Get a hand blow dryer and dry the hair. Now for ppl who do not do protein treatments this can get a lil scary lol! While you are drying the product on your hair, your hair is going to get EXTREMELY HARD literally you can knock on it and hear a sound lol! That's perfectly normal! when your hair is getting hair that just means the protein is working and rebuilding the hair. When the hair is in this state DO NOT comb or play with your hair. Too much movement to the hair when the hair is hard can litally snap off very easily. Even when rinsing the product out do not touch the hair just let the water run through it. No fear! When you wash the protein out your hair should not feel hard any more NOW REMEMBER! RIGHT AFTER YOU WASH THE PROTEIN OUT YOU MUST APPLY A BALANCING CONDITIONER!. You can USE the balancing conditioner that comes with the protein pack and/or deep conditioner after. I deep conditioner with ORS. After I do this I have NO BREAKAGE and I see my hair get longer as the weeks pass! Find out if your hair is protein sensitive before trying this product. This product is no joke!  You can find this product at Salley's Beauty Supply. I buy the packet because the bottle of this stuff is pretty pricey. The packets are only $3 and some change. I try to use it ever 6 weeks.

When I do not what to do a strong protein treatment something like a medium protein treatment works for me. I make it myself! I use Two eggs ( if your hair is shorter than shoulder length you should just use 1), Mayo (regular mayo that you put on sandwiches), olive oil, and coconut oil I don't not measure i just add enough so when I mix it up its creamy texture( you can add whatever oils you like!). I use this mixture as a Pre-Poo protein conditioner. This Conditioner is safe to use once a week, Just to add shine, body, and strength to the hair. I put it all over my hair from root to ends, then I apply a plastic cap leaving it to sit for a hour then rinse it out and shampoo, condition, and deep condition my hair as normal. Now when washing out hair with egg in it, remember to wash your hair with cold water, if you u do not you'll find scrambled eggs left in your hair! Coconut oil also bindes to the protein in the hair to keep the hair strong.

My Favorite Hair Conditoners & Deep Conditioners

My first FAVORITE conditioner is Tresemme Vitamin E Moisture Rich Conditioner. This conditioner is salon quality. Very light weight but it is enough to penetrate through thick hair. It smell lovely and is only $3.28 at Walmart for a large bottle. I always use this conditioner after using my Nu-Gro shampoo, and also for my co washes. Dont know what CO-WASH means, look for my hair journey terms post!

My second favorite conditioner is a deep conditioner. It is very popular in the African American hair culture. It is the Organic Root Stimulator Deep Replenishing Conditioner. This Deep Conditioner will work magic on your hair I promise. I have never heard or seen a bad review on this particular product! This deep conditioner is a light protein conditioner. Since it is a condtioner with light protein and not just a protein treatment alone  it is safe to use on your hair on a regular bases. This conditioner smells like oranges its so nice and silky and has A LOT OF SLIP! Making it easier to detangle the hair when the hair is wet. This product is around  $6 dollars at Walmart for the bottle. If you do not want to buy the bottle, try the ORS Replenshing PAK its the same deep conditoner just in a packet and its only $1-$2. Make sure to follow directions on the back to get a good deep condition.

My Favorite Hair Pre-Poo and Shampoos

Pre-POO: A pre-poo is simply something that you add to your hair and scalp before shampooing. Now I know your wondering why would you add prodcut to your hair and then just wash it right out! Will I only use this step when washing my hair with a harsh shampoo. A shampoo that has sulfates in it really strip the hair of build up. I do a HOT OIL TREATMENT as my prepoo sometimes. I add the hot coconut oil or EVOO extra virgin oil ( yes the oil you cook with) to my scalp, hair shaft, and ends. I let if sit for about 20 min (dont forget to massage your scalp this promotes hair growth). When washing the hair always remember to shampoo your SCALP there is no need for you to shampoo you hair. WHY? The scalp is where most of the dirt and bulid up is. Hair grows better on a clean fungal free scalp. Plus when you are rinsing the shampoo out of your hair the shampoo will move from the scalp down the hair shaft to the ends. So all of your hair will get clean if you use this method. PLEASE DON'T! when washing your own hair DON'T massage the shampoo into your hair and at the same time ball your hair on top of your head! All this does is create tangles in the hair which will cause breakage. We HAVE to be gentle with our hair if we want it to grow!. Wash your hair in on directon forward in the stink on backwards in the shower. The prepoo protects the hair from the hair shampoo when rinsing the shampoo out.

Favorite PRE-POO hot evoo. Olive Oil is a great conditioner for the hair and scalp. Even leaves scalp moisturized for days after washing. This is great for you if you a have dandruff problem.

Clarifying/ Harsh Shampoo: Its best to uses shampoos with harsh sulfates once a month or every other month. Dont use these types of shampoos every week it will strip your hair of its natural goodness! Remember shampoo scalp not hair!


Favorite Calrifying/Harsh Shampoo: ApHogee's Shampoo for damaged Hair. This shampoo is targeted to people with relaxed hair, or hair that is  weak and damaged from heat. It does have karetin and amino acids which are light protein, so it helps to rebuild the hair.This shampoo also balence the pH levels of hair and scalp. You can find the whole ApHogee line at Sally's Beauty Supply if you are intrested.

All Natural Shampoo. Since I have been natural (4 months now) I have been searching for and all natural shampoo with no sulfates. I found it and it is my FAVORITE shampoo ever. I have to use it every week I love it!!!

Favorite All Natural Shampoo: Nu-Gro Shampoo for thinning and balding. Now I am not close to thinning or balding but the natural ingrdients help promote hair growth so i'd thought I try it and I love it and YES i have seen growth. Some of the ingredients include; parsley, garlic, nettle, burdock, horsetail coltsfoot, rosemary leaf, jojoba oil, coconut oil, safflower oil..... the list goes on and on. Its some good stuff! It smells like almond oil and yes its does lather pretty well! You can purchase this product and the whole Nu-Gro line at http://www.texasbeautysupplies.com/

Look out for my Favorite conditioners and deep conditioners!

The Essentials To Having Strong Beautiful Tresses

1. Moisturize: Moisturizing the hair keeps it from becoming dry, brittle, and breaking off. You know your hair is breaking off when you see shorter pieces of hair in the sink, on the counter top, on the floor, or even on your clothes after styling your hair. Moisturizing with water, oils, hair lotions, conditioner and DEEP conditioners will help prevent breakage, and make your hair strong and grow to longer lengths.
    

      HOW TO: How to determine if you are suffering from breakage, or is it just shedding? Breakage and shedding are NOT the same thing! Shedding is a part of the hair growth cycle. We have to shed in order for new beautiful hair to grow. Breakage is what keeps US (including myself) from seeing longer length in our hair. In other words yes our hair grows! If our hair wasn't growing we wouldn't need to get "touch ups" using relaxers or color. So we do see new growth on the top of our heads BUT at the same rate the hair is growing our ends are breaking off making our hair appear to not grow and get any longer. (I hope I made that clear). You can determine if your hair is breaking 1) If the pieces of hair on the sink, floor, or on your clothes after combing is much shorter than the actual length of your hair. That is a sign of breage! 2) Look closely at those pieces of hair. If you see a WHITE blub on the end of the strand that is not breakage. That strand of hair came directly from the scalp, that is a shedded strand. If it does not have the blub it is breakage. Read more to find out how to stop breakage.

2. Protein Treatments: Adding protein such as karetin, amino acids, egg protein, wheat germ protein, etc. to the hair is EXTREMELY important to grow long strong and healthy tresses! Hair is made up of mostly protein. BUT our hair can become protein deficient do to the sun, heat styling, relaxing, perming, texturizing and color our hair.When protein levels are low the hair WILL be weak and break off. At the same time TOO MUCH protein will ALSO dry out the hair and cause it to break, this is called protein overload (SO BE CAREFUL). There are many protein treatment out there you can use to add strength back to your hair. I will list my fav when I list my favorite hair products at a later date.

              WARNING: Remember after giving yourself a protien treatment you must follow by doing sometype of deep condtioner! This will balance the drying affect of the protein ( yes protein makes your hair strong but it will also dry the hair) so that you have enjoy stronger longer hair!

3. Trimming and Dusting Ends: Everyone's ends split. That just a fact. Its due to the enviroment, wearing the hair down too ofter (the ends of the hair tend to rub against your clothing), heat styling etc. There is NO SUCH thing as a "split end mender." The only way to get rid of split ends is to trim of dust them. If you do not trim/dust your ends periodically the split end will work its way up the hair shaft until it breaks off. Leaving you with breakage, frizz, and hair that does not get longer in length.

WHAT IS?: Trimming and Dusting?

Trimming is when you know your ends are split and damage and they need to be removed. When trimming the hair to should cut 1/2 to 1 inch of hair off the ends depending on how much damage your ends have. If you are relaxed, texlaxed, texturized, or have color treated hair i recommend you trim your hair every 6 to 8 weeks. I also recommend this for my natural sistas who put heat in there hair often. If you are natural and do not do heat style often I recommend trimming every 3-4 months.

Dusting is something you can do instead of or between trimmings. To dust your ends u should only cut off 1/8 to1/4 of your ends. This is just to keep your ends looking neat, and to get rid of any baby split ends.