Protective Styling

So...I guess it has been a while since I updated this blog. First of all, I have an essay due this week and exams coming up next month. And...that is part of the reason why I have decided to give in to protective styling for the next couple of months.

Back when I officially started my Healthy Hair Journey, I decided to take 3 months to fully treat my hair, and enable my hair take in all the yummy nutrients I had deprived it of for the past couple of years.   Well...April marks the end of my 3 month transition, and the beginning of my protective styling

I aim to avoid relaxers and go on a 6-month stretch. God willing it would work out. To achieve this, I would be protective styling, from braids to weaves (mainly braids though), and yes they are box braids. Not planning on losing the edges I have carefully groomed and pampered from January.

This is what I have on at the moment. Same colour. Same length. Everything. Loving it so far.

And...to make sure that my hair is not losing out on any nutrients, and to maintain length, I made my own spray bottle, made up of: glycerin, water, creme of nature leave in conditioner, olive oil, jamaican black castor oil, coconut oil and almond oil. Smells great and leaves my hair feeling moisturised. LOVE it!!!!!

Of course, I touch up my edges and my nape with JBCO every night. Still a must!!!



Happy Growing...


W.

10 weeks post-relaxer: Before and After...

Finally, after 10 weeks of restoration and repairing my formerly-damaged hair, I decided to relax my hair. To repair my hair, I incorporated hair regimens from other blogs such as hot oil treatments and deep conditioning a week before, and L.O.C every night (sometimes twice a day).

This is a picture of my hair at 10 weeks post relaxer:

A week ago, I deep conditioned my hair and scalp to prepare my hair for the chemical application.

Before relaxing, I based my scalp, edges and ears with hair cream (one with petroleum) and lightly coated my hair ends with coconut oil, and then applied the relaxer.

I use Organics Root Stimulator.



After washing off the relaxer with a neutralising shampoo, I did a final rinse with a mixture of apple cider and water (more water than the apple cider to neutralise the acidity of the apple cider).

Thereafter, I followed on with my normal regimen of deep conditioning with more oils this time, to restore the oils stripped off by the relaxer.

Applied the L.O.C method and air-dred my hair.

...and Voila!!!! The finished product:



Here is the end product:


I was actually amazed by the progress of my hair regimen. For one, my hair did not break. I saw little to no hair on the comb while relaxing.

Two, my hair did not burn. I know the usual way is not to wash your hair at least 2 weeks before relaxing, so the scalp is dirty enough not to be burned by the relaxer. However, I washed a week before, and still my hair did not burn.

Three, my hair felt silkier. It did not feel dry from the relaxer at all.

Four, my edges had grow out and even my hair. It is almost a mini bob now. Compared to my first post, of my hair cut in November, my hair can be packed. Woop woop! I would not pack it tho lool.

Guess that is all for now. At least I know that my hair regimen, all those hours of pampering my hair have not been in vain.


W.

                                                                                                                                                             

20 Tips to Grow Healthy Hair and Retain Length

These are tips I believe I have learned from other 'Healthy Hair Journey-ers', incorporated into my hair regimen, and I can vouch for positive changes. Enjoy...


1. Moisture! Moisture!! Moisture!!! : I cannot stress enough the effect this has had on my hair. The amount of hair I see on my comb after detangling has definitely reduced, and I seem to have retained a lot of length around my edges (still working on that by the way). This is my number 1 to retain length. It can be achieved with just water or a very good leave in conditioner, such as the one in this post.

2. It is not enough to ensure that the hair is moisturised. The moisture must be sealed in with a natural oil of your choice. I use coconut oil, because it is light and it combats dryness.

3. Condition with both a deep condition treatment (weekly) and a leave-in conditioner (daily) for moisture and strength. This has helped me stretch my relaxer successfully from the usual 6 weeks to 8 weeks. (2 more weeks to go)

4. A good way to make sure that the hair shaft absorbs the natural oils for hair growth is to do a hot oil treatment (weekly). It has been called the green house effect. After doing this, I notice that my ends are softer.

5. Usually when I seal daily using the L.O.C method, I massage the oil into my scalp using my fingertips for a few minutes. This is apparently meant to stimulate the scalp and enable hair growth.

6. Use castor oil for edges and napes for growth and thickness. It could also be applied to any other problem areas, or even as a scalp oil for maximum effect.

7. Shield hair and ends with silk or satin scarf at night, especially after the L.O.C method.

8. Try and stretch relaxers to a minimum of 10 weeks to about 12 weeks, when the hair is left out. However, the hair might be stretched longer if the hair is in a protective style.

9. When detangling, I would advise that a wide-toothed comb is used. It reduces the amount of hair you see on the comb. I have also found that detangling in the shower is easier and avoids the hair being pulled out too much.

10. Low manipulation is also important. This includes avoiding hairstyles that pull too much on the hair, or combing the hair strands as little as possible (maybe once a day or so). Finger combing is another example of low manipulation.

11. Take Vitamins. It could be anyone that has the essential vitamins for daily nutrition.

12. It is not just enough to make sure that the hair itself is moisturised. It is important as well to ensure that our liquid intake is enough. So, it is best to drink lots of water during the day.

13. Avoid direct heat on the hair, such as hair straighteners. I have not used any form of heat, except of course body heat, since I started my hair journey, and I have noticed a lot of changes. My hair is definitely not as dry as it used to be and the breakage has reduced a lot.

14. A healthy diet is also important. Especially one consisting more of Proteins, Fruits and Vegetables. Eliminate fast food, oily food and sweets.

15. Avoid using hair products containing petroleum. It only clogs the pores, preventing moisture and natural oils from being absorbed by the hair shaft. Besides, because it is heavy, it weighs the hair down and attracts a lot of dirt and dust to the hair.

16. Protective styling is advisable as well. This can range from box braids to weaves and buns. Anything as long as it protects the ends. I plan on getting box braids done in April. I decided to avoid this for a while, so I can focus on getting my hair back to shape by putting back moisture and oils that my hair had missed out on all these years.

17. You know the saying that goes: 'if you stand for nothing, you fall for anything'? This can also be applied to the hair. Using too many products or not being consistent with hair treaments can just be as hazardous as doing nothing at all. So I would advise that a healthy hair regimen be developed, and be consistent with it.

18. A trim every 6 months is a good way to retain length in the long run. It avoids any split ends running up the hair shaft, and you can eliminate any unhealthy old hair you might have started your hair  journey with.

19. It might help to record your hair progress in a hair diary or online as I have done. That way you can tell what products helped your hair, and those that did not, and also be proud of yourself of the progress made.

20. Be Patient. Its easy to become obsessive with hair length and all. But sometimes its best to do your best and watch your hair progress. Do not compare your hair length to others. We all have different hair textures, genes, regimens and so on.

Happy Hair Growth...

W.

Review of my Favourite Hair Care Products

Since I started my hair journey, I have dropped some products, picked some up, and continued with others. I felt I should give a review of the products I use now and their uses, and what I've noticed.

Here goes...

Yeah, yeah. I know it says best for cooking. But, I once read that the best hair products can be found in the comfort of your own home: your kitchen. Coconut oil is white, solidifies when cold and melts when warm.

I use it in my hot oil treatment, my deep conditioning weekly and as a sealant daily. As part of my treatment, about a tablespoon or so is enough, and as my sealant only a pea-seize amount is enough for each of the 4 sections of my hair.




Personally, I think shea butter is one hell of a butter.  Even adverts depict butter to be of a smooth nature. It works as a very good moisturiser and a good oil for the scalp, when melted. I use this in my deep conditioner, and boy did it do wonders for my previously dry hair. After styling, my hair literally feels like butter: silky and smooth.

It's not only a good hair product, but a remedy for dry skin.

To be honest, I can't say much about olive oil, except for the fact that it is quite light, so it penetrates the hair shaft fast.

I use this in my hot oil treatment and as part of my deep conditioner as well.

This by far is the best shampoo I have ever used, as it does more than clean my scalp. A pea-sized amount is all I need and its enough to lather.

I love the fact that it is non-sulphate. Rather than strip off the oils needed for my hair (as sulphate shampoos do), it puts back natural oils such as shea butter and olive oil, leaving my hair fully moisturised.

Plus it smells yummy. Sort of a fruity scent.

This is the essence of my deep conditioning treatment. Stated using this in January with my hair journey, and my hair has become softer, more manageable, I comb my hair without any hassle and most of all,  it has helped me stretch my relaxer time frame from the usual 5/6 weeks to about 8 weeks (2 more weeks to go).

It is a moisturising conditioner, so it makes my hair soft and stretchy almost, which is good, and it is best for relaxed, colour-treated and heat-damaged hair (the properties of my hair at the moment).

As another addition to my deep conditioner, it acts as protein to strengthen and vitalise my hair.

Honey acts as a humectant. This means that it helps to retain moisture, and in extension, retain length. So, I add this to my deep conditioning treatment to keep all the moisture in under my conditioning cap.

Plus, it makes my hair smell all yummy and delicious.





This product wow's me! It is by far my favourite product. Does so much for my hair, especially my under-growth. It's a leave-in conditioner and it has 2 important products for the hair: aqua for moisture and keratin which the hair is mostly composed of. So one can imagine how much this does for my hair.

Furthermore, when I apply this to my under-growth every night and massage in, its almost like it stretches out my thick under-growth by conditioning it and makes it easier for me to comb through. In other words, it also acts as a detangler.

As a heat protectant, it can be applied to the ends of the hair, if heat must be used, and it is wonderful for chemically-treated hair. In addition, it contains Argan oil, which is wonderful for the hair because it contains Vitamin E.

In summary, this product is a moisturiser, a heat protectant, a detangler, a conditioner, has a protein complex, contains essential oils and vitamins, and it smells great too.  What more can my hair ask for?

I use this moisturiser for my ends, seeing as the ends too require some moisture, being the oldest part of the hair. I noticed that my hair stays moisturised for the whole day, sometimes even 2 days. It leaves my hair feeling softer, maybe because it has major ingredients, such as aqua, coconut oil and castor oil. Sounds good right?

All I need is a pea-sized amount for each section of my hair and I'm good to go. 

This could ultimately be the best oil and hair product hands down. I use this in my hot oil, my deep conditioning treatment, my scalp oil and to grow my egdes and nape out. Basically, it can be used to grow thick and long hair anywhere. I've seen reviews on it, challenges have been done with it, makeup and fashion blogs have said it is also good for growing the eyebrows and lashes. Not going to lie. I am a believer of the above.

It has a thick consistency, so I do not use it on my ends, to avoid my hair being weighed down. As a scalp oil, I use it to combat dryness and an itchy scalp. I use it every night on my edges and my nape. Wonderful!



It is quite possible to miss out on a number of important vitamins and minerals, especially with a busy schedule. As a result, I have decided to implement this brand of vitamins to supplement what I may be missing. Got this from Holland & Barrett, so you can bet that this is also natural and healthy.

It contains a lot of vitamins that are not just important for hair growth, but for every young lady, such as Iron, Biotin, Vitamin E, Vitamin C and so on.





As moisture is one of the most important elements of my hair journey to prevent breakage, it only seems right that I implement a source of heat to retain moisture when conducting any of my hair treatments, such as the hot oil or the deep conditioning.

Most people use steamers and dryers to conduct heat faster. But I do my treatments at home, where there is obviously no dryer or steamer. To conduct heat, I purchased a conditioning cap which basically uses my body heat to lock in the moisture needed for my treatments.

I find that it works better than a shower cap also. For more effect, I wrap a scarf around my head, to lock the moisture in more, or use a hot towel round the cap for more heat.

The Little Black Scarf

Many blogs have stated that cotton scarves 'suck' out the moisture needed for the hair. Especially if left for long, for example, all through the night. They recommend satin or silk scarves instead.

I can definitely attest to this. Ever since I started usin my black satin scarf, the L.O.C method lasts longer and even until the next day (can be seen here ), my edges, ends and napes are smoother, and it literally glides off my hair when I take it off in the morning. It also works as my 'protective style' at night. 

For less manipulation on my hair, and to avoid my hair from being pulled out, I have resorted to using a wide-toothed comb for detangling. I see less hair on the comb afterwards and it feels less like my hair is being pulled out from the roots.



So those are my essential 14 products. Never guessed I used these many products. Oh well...all for the greater good.  In due time, I would be posting tips needed for hair growth...


W.

Hair Regimen

Basically, a healthy hair regimen should consist of products and hair practices to be used to grow hair and retain length. It should also be a combination of protein for strength, moisture and natural oils to combat dryness. Mine consists mostly of  moisturising products and natural oils.

It could be strict or flexible. However, I feel that a strict regimen would help attain goals faster.

Here goes...

WEEKLY

• Hot oil treatment with a mixture of castor oil, coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil. I apply this to dry hair, that is, hair that hasn't been washed, cover with my conditioning cap and leave for about 2 hours.
• Moisturise and Clean scalp with a sulphate-free shampoo, to remove any build-up that might have accumulated during the week.
• Deep condition with a moisturising and protein conditioner, with a mixture of shea butter, honey, coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil. I apply this to washed hair, making sure hair is not dripping wet, cover with a conditioning cap leave for about 6 hours or keep in overnight. After this, I rinse off with cold water, to seal in all the yummy oils, moisture and protein. 

DAILY

• Use the L.O.C method, at night, before bedtime:

- apply a Liquid moisturiser to my undergrowth, and this works perfectly.

- seal with Oil. I use coconut oil to seal, because its lighter and seals the moisture in well.

- seal the above with a Cream-based moisturiser. 

• Massage Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO) into my edges and my nape, for growth. 
• Drink lots of water, to keep body hydrated. 
• Take my Vitamins
• Use a black satin scarf over my hair, to straighten edges and protect ends at night.

W.

Hair-story...Better Late than Never

Okay! Where do I begin? I felt it would be right to give a background as to the reason why I decided to start this hair journey in the first place.

So...when I was really young. Let's say age 5/6, my mum got my hair relaxed because apparently my hair was too tough to be handled, and I would cry and make a fuss everytime I went to the salon. My hair here was about shoulder-length and thick. *sorry I don't have any pictures*

Fast-forward to the downfall of my hair growth. Back in 2009/2010 when Rihanna became one of the most fashionable celebrities out there, hitting us with different short hairstyles from all angles, I decided to try out what short hair would look like on me. 

Something sorta like this. Notice how unlike my previous picture, my ends here are healthy, my edges are fuller and thicker. I wish I knew all I know now, then. Oh well...c'est la vie.

I noticed my hair shrink and lose ends and break, but I thought the best solution was to keep cutting it and it would grow healthy. As if... When that didn't work, I worked on weaves....weaves on end...no break..my hair grew, but was practically useless, no body, no weight and it constantly BROKE!!! Urgh! The most annoying thing ever...

Oh well...finally late 2012, I remembered how a close friend of mine told me how she wanted to start a healthy hair regimen in May 2011, and I saw the differences it made to her hair. Her hair went from shoulder length almost to mid-back length in about 2 years. And boy did that motivate me...

As the saying goes, better late than never, so I did a big chop finally to about nape length in Nov 2012, and started my healthy hair regimen Jan 5th 2013.

Back to the present....I am currently involved in 2 Challenges to aid in my hair growth: Dabs' 6inches in 12months challenge as can be seen here and a Castor oil challenge too.

Let's see how this goes... *fingers crossed*

W.

Introduction to my Healthy Hair Journey

Wow! Can't believe I am actually starting my own very blog. Guess I never had the inspiration for it anyway. 

But for some reason, of late I have become sort of hair obssessed. I have read so many blogs on retention and hair growth. It seemed right that I start my own healthy and long hair journey and also start my own blog for people like me. By people like me, I mean people starting their hair journey from as low as nape length or ear length basically. 

Funny enough, most HHJ seem to start from shoulder length (SL). I decided to do a big chop and start from about nape lenth.

Excuse the confused look. It was a candid picture taken at my friend's birthday dinner. 

This was the state of my hair as at December 2012. The worst! It has all the qualities of over-processed, bleached, dry, malnourished hair. And I thought I was doing well. *smh*. I would constantly cut my hair thinking it would result in longer hair, but it will continue to get dry and break regardless. 

Anyway, don't want to keep ranting on and on about my hair. I'm sure you all want to see progress.

Stay tuned for more pictures and posts of my hair regimen. 

W.