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From this to this : fully natural

I finally did it. I big chopped on November 12th 2013. I am now ready to fully embrace my natural texture.Now i can learn how to work with my own natural texture. So far i love it! I believe  i have a mixture of 4a and 3c curls. Mostly 4a. I'll be watching youtube video to learn as much as i can about taking care of my curls. This time around i want to get to waist length with healthy natural hair!!!

My Cut : 4 inches on top

1 inch in the back.

texture shot :

My New Regimen :

Wash - every other day (co-wash with coconut cream deep conditioner or peppermint stimulating deep conditioner

finger detangle - apply creamy leave in

apply Kurl Pop for curl definition

air dry

massage scalp with grow potion or castor oil (inversion method)

This regimen is a work in progress!

Stay tunned and watch the fro grow. LOL

Curly Hair Growth Chart

Source : NaturallyCurly.com

FYI Shi-Naturals Sale

Hey Ladies this is an FYI notice. My fav products are on sale!!! I support small business!

SHI-NATURALS

Deep into this transition!!

Hey everyone! It's been a while since i last made a post. Yes ladies & gents. I have finally decided to commit to transitioning. It's been 8 months without relaxing and i am ready to fully embrace my natural hair. I've been learning so much about my natural hair. So far the journey has not been as easy as i expected. I've learned that i have 3 textures, mostly 4a. I'm still dealing with the relaxed texture also. I decided to do a long term transition. Meaning i will keep cutting the relaxed ends until i'm completely natural.

Here is my most recent trim:

notice the thin ends. Yuck!

Here is where i am in my transition:

See the remaining relaxed ends?

I also cut the relaxed ends in the middle to show my progress. The short hair is all natural about inches of new growth :)

Current protective style

These braids are 2 months old. As you can see. I have about 1' 1/2"  new growth. I plan on rotating protective styles until i comfortable with my length.

My braids regimen :

Wash 2x weekly : Shi-Naturals coconut cream shampoo

Oil scalp every other day with Shi-Naturals Grow Potion

Massage daily 4 minutes using the inversion method

Leave in spray every other day alternating with Shi-Naturals moisture balance leave-in or protein balance leave-in

Seal with any oil. My favorite is Almond oil.

Stretching Or Transitioning?

Hair stretched with Shi-Smooth Transitioning Kit

Hello everybody i know it's been a while since i last blogged. Once again i'm debating stretching or transitioning. I have not relaxed since July. I have about 3 inches of new growth. I don't plan to relax any time soon. Since July  i have been trying to deal with the new growth and the many textures of my hair. I have 4a, 4b and some 3a textures plus the relaxed texture. The one common thing about all the textures is that my hair is very dry and brittle, even more so stretching! I am at the point of being so tired of the relaxed ends breaking and shedding all the time. So, i'm leaning once again toward transitioning. I have been using the Shi-Smooth Transition Kit to help me along with this process, just in case i decide to transition. So far the kit is really helping with taming the new growth and helping with the dryness and breakage.

My new regimen

1. co-wash 2x weekly

2. deep condition 2x weekly

3. air dry

4. moisturize & seal

5. henna gloss 1x monthly

Technique

Braid hair in 8 sections

apply growth oil to scalp while in braids

moisture and seal daily while in braids

I will do everything to my hair while in braids/and only take down braids to wash

then re-braid.

Wear protective style ( wig, weave or braids all winter)

Products

Shi-Smooth Transition Kit

Moisture Balance Deep Conditioner

Apple Cider Balancing Kit

Mane & Tail Detangler

My moisture mix

Any oil  for sealing

 Henna gloss

any questions/suggestions?

Summer Hair Update

I have decided to keep my hair in protected styles for the rest of the summer in order to help with achieving my goal length. I installed these crochect braids. These crochet braids are 3 weeks old and holding up well. I plan on keep this style for 1 month. So far so good!!

The Maintaining the style

1. Wash every 2 weeks with diluted shampoo(Peppermint stimulating shampoo) in applicator bottle on the scalp only. Let the run-off from the shampoo clean the entire length.

2. Oil scalp every other day (Grow Potion Light Formulation)

3. Seek out fuzzy areas and cut them off. This keep the style looking neat!!

4. Sleep with style clipped up or in a ponytail to keep from hair getting frizzy and not looking neat.

That's it. Any questions? I will keep you all updated on how it holds up in this New York heat wave we are having

Product Review

Shi-Naturals Coconut Creme Deep Conditioner

Coconut Creme Deep Conditioner

This creamy coconut conditioner coats your strands in moisture and strengthens with coconut oil.

How to use :
1. After washing or co-washing, apply generously from roots to ends.

2. Put on plastic cap and wrap a towel around head. Let your body heat process conditioner, or put on plastic cap and sit under a hooded dryer or steamer. Conditioner can also be applied on dry hair (then follow #2-3)

3. Process 15-30 minutes with heat (optional)
    Process 30-60 minutes without heat (optional)


Ingredients: Distilled water Coconut milk, coconut oil, btms, silk protein, coconut essential oil

ph balanced - 16 oz

My Hair With the conditioner 

This conditioner is so creamy and thick. Just the way i like conditioners to be. I applied generously starting from the roots first. I then applied to the length making sure i covered every strand with this thick, delicious mixture. I could feel the softness right away!!! This conditioner smells fantastic too!! After applying. I put on a plastic cap. Wrapped a towel around my head and processed for 1 hour. Without heat. It felt so good going on, so very creamy and i could feel the slip. When i rinsed the conditioner out!! OMG!! Talk about soft and strong.I had no problems with detangling and lost no hair. I am in love with this conditioner. I know i said that about the Moisture Balance Deep Conditioner, but that one is on the back burner now, LOL. This one is definitely a keeper and will be one of my staples.

The Result

I'm extremely happy with how my hair turned out. No drama, no stress. I have shine (I don't usually have any shine to my hair after air drying) I air dried with no product!! My hair came out straight, no heat.The best thing is. My hair feels strong, and as you can see it is really thickening up too.

Price : 18.00

16 oz

Rating :

 

 Henna for thicker hair?                                 

There has been so much debating about henna's ability to thicken hair. What's true and what's myth? I know my fine hair loves henna. Yes i do firmly believe henna does thicken hair. I've had fine hair all my life, so i know when there is a different feel to my hair, and also i can see the thickness. Although henna's thickening is temporary. You must continue to use henna to hold on to the thickness. I apply henna gloss 2x a month to keep my fine strands thicker.

What is henna?

Henna is a plant.  Its leaves contain a property called lawsone, a red-orange pigment.  The leaves are crushed into a powder. This powder can be used to color hair temporarily. It does not lighten, only deposits color.

How does henna work on the hair?

Henna: Think of Henna like a natural protein treatment. Henna works to stop breakage by strengthening the hair shaft and attaches itself to the keratin bonds of hair to thicken. Henna also works to seal and repair the cuticle which makes for more manageable hair, a plus when it comes to detangling. Although Henna is mainly known as a mega strengthener, Henna has conditioning properties as well, which leaves the hair shiny, soft and full of body.

Shi-Naturals Henna Gloss

How i apply the henna gloss

1. starting from the nape - part hair in 1 inch sections straight across
2. apply to roots (apply generous amount)
3. continue applying until all root areas are covered
4. apply generously to the length
5.put on a plastic cap
6. cover with a towel to trap body heat (i process for 1-2 hours)
7. Rinse
8. proceed to styling (this henna gloss has a moisturizing conditioner mixed in, so i do not use another conditioner after rinsing)

Results
Thicker, stronger hair with a touch of color :o)

Product Review

MEGA GROWTH ANTI-BREAKAGE STRENGTHENER GROWTH LOTION 

By PROFECTIV 

Product Features

• Light-weight daily moisturizer that smoothes and protects
• Guards against heat-styling damage
• Replenishing moisture and shine
• Restores vital nutrients
• Non-greasy formula

 

Product Description

Size: 8.0 oz 

Price : 4.99

7x Stronger Hair. Protects, restores, repairs & rebuilds fragile, damaged hair for healthier hair growth. Fortified with Pro-Growth Complex - a deep penetrating blend of natural minerals, oils & proteins MegaGrowth strengthens hair from the inside out to promote. Stronger, longer, healthier hair. Pro-Growth Complex: Strength +Growth - Wheat Protein, Oat Protein, Soy Protein, Horsetail Extract. Restore + Rebuild - Wheat Germ Oil, Olive Oil, Flax Seed Oil, Jojoba Oil. Hi-Shine + Heat Protection - Silk Amino Acids, Avocado Oil, Coconut Oil, Grape Seed Oil. Stops breakage. Promotes healthy growth. Boosts hi-shine.  

    

Directions

Apply daily to dry hair & scalp before styling. Squeeze lotion into the palm of your hand. Rub hands together & run fingers through hair to evenly distribute from roots to ends. Tips: For deep moisture infusion & soft silky hair, apply Growth Lotion immediately before blow drying, using flat iron or other heat styling. For deeper penetration, apply overnight to dry hair.

                     Ingredients

Soybean Oil, water, Propylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Steareth-2, Steareth-20, Laneth-15, Lanolin, Dimethicone, Parfum (Fragrance), Hydrolysed Vegatable Protein, Amino Acids Various Oils (Fruit Derived)

(I think the formula has changed because my lotion has about 10 more ingredients, lol)

                  My Opinion 

I'm on a quest to find and use only natural products and ingredients. So last week i decided to clean out my stash of products i no longer wish to use. So i thought, lol. I saw some products that i haven't seen in years. Yes, i had products all piled up. While going through these old half used products (some were new too), i came across a product i had used a while ago. I remember having really good results with it. I threw everything else out but this product. Mega Growth Anti Breakage Strengthener Growth Lotion. So after washing and conditioning with my beloved Shi-Naturals products. I air dried and applied this lotion in sections. I didn't even seal with oil. I love this lotion. I don't have a clue as to why i stopped using it. Oh yeah. Not all the ingredients are natural, but i don't care. This is going back in staple products!! My hair felt moisturized and strong, and had lots of shine.

I give this product the big thumbs up!!!

 

FYI : Shi-Naturals Black Friday Sale!!!

Shi-Naturals Black Friday Sale 

Starts: 10/23 through 10/25

Use promo code "SPECIAL" at checkout

click on the word Special to visit site

ES Cosmetics Keratin Hair Treatment - provides essential nutrients for chemically treated hair, enriched with essential vitamins to help prevent hair breakage.

• Enhances hair flexibility
• Repairs hair damaged by heat and styling tools
• Restores and detangles

How to Use:

After shampooing, apply a generous amount of Keratin Hair Treatmenton wet hair. Start at the roots and work to ends. Leave on for 5-6 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

 

Ingredients:

Purified water, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, (and) PEG-40, Hydrogenated castor oil (and) stearalkonium chloirde, mineral oil, cetearyl (and) cetearerth-20, dimethicone, fragrance, methylparaben, hydolyzed keratin, tocopheryl acetate, polyquaternium-6, lanolin, potassium sorbate, DMDM hydanoin, propylparaben, methylchloroisothiazolinine, methylisothiazolinone, disodium EDTA, caramel color. 

 

My Results :   

My hair has a tendency to shed at this time of the year, and goes through a few changes along with the season. This time, i figured i would get a jump on the shedding with a garlic conditioner and a protein strengthening conditioner. Well, my Shi-Naturals Garlic Conditioner for Shedding really curbed my shedding a lot. Now for the protein conditioner. I wanted to try something different. Why? I don't know. The Shi-Naturals products work perfectly on my hair. But, being the product junkie that i am. I wanted to try something different. I saw the Every Strand Keratin Hair Treatment for Chemically Treated Hair conditioner. The price was right so why not give it a try. The conditioner is a thick formulation just the way i like my conditioners to be. It has a pleasant smell (i love a good smelling conditioner). So, i apply the conditioner in sections. Concentrating on the roots. I'm 13.5 weeks post with 2 inches of new growth (thanks Shi-Natural Grow Potion). I then put on my plastic cap, wrap a towel around my head. I let the conditioner sit for 1 hour without heat. I rinse. This is where the fun begins (*sarcastically*). As i'm rinsing, i can feel my hair clumping up. I keep rinsing, making sure all of this conditioner is out. I apply my leave in's, air dry about 80%. I was almost in tears!!! I could not get the comb thru my hair.It took me almost 4 hours to detangle, and i lost a lot of hair :o) This conditioner totally did not agree with my hair. How do i know it was this conditioner? Because it was the only thing i tried that was different. The moral of the story? If something works for you. Stick with it. I hope i've learned my lesson. Until i see something else, lol

 

Rating :

Sorry, but i gonna have to give this conditioner a big thumbs down. This is just my opinion :o)

FYI : For Shi-Naturals Fans!! Labor Day Sale!!!

Shi-Naturals Labor Day Sale is live.15% off all products today! Stock up on your favorites! http://bit.ly/lNqyMZ Enter promo code "LABORDAY"  

at checkout

Click here : Shi-Naturals

Visualizing Waistlength!!

4 inches to waistlength

Here i go again. I'm 2 months post in the picture. I'm using conditioner to stretch the roots to see growth progress. This time my stretch will be 4 months. My last stretch was 6 months. I won't stretch that long again because my fine hair cannot take it. I made good progress with the last stretch, but had to cut most of the progress away. My ends looked terrible after the 6 month stretch.

For the next 2 months i will keep up with my regimen :

co-washing on dry hair 2x weekly (with Shi-Naturals moisture conditioner or protein conditioner)

air drying only

applying Shi-Naturals Grow Potion every day

scalp massages everyday when applying grow potion

applying Shi-Naturals Creamy Leave-In

sealing with almond oil or grapeseed oil

Henna 2x a month
Shi Naturals Herbal Tea Rinse Growth (whenever i have shedding issues)

29 Week Stretch!! It's Over!!

Well ladies i decided to relax today! I just got tired of the two textures, and it's just too damn hot to fight this hair, lol. I had a very good relaxer experience this time. No burning at all. I used Organic Root Stimulator Relaxer (Normal) I relaxed in sections. This is the method i will be using from now on.

Here's the method :

1. Base scalp the night before being careful not to irrate scalp
2. I parted in 4 sections, then put a plastic conditioning cap over the bottom 2 sections. Then secured the bottom section with clips, so that section would not get wet.
3. On the two top sections. I  divided those sections into smaller sections ( 5 on each side, with duckbill clips)
4. I proceeded  to apply the relaxer to the sections, removing the clips then applying the relaxer to each section.
5. I smoothed the relaxer through the whole section, rinsed, neutralized. Proceeded to the next top half.
6. Repeated #5
7. I then moved to the bottom 2 sections
8. Repeated #5 for the bottom 2 sections
9. Rinse the whole head, then neutralized, rinsed and conditioned with protein reconsturor, the moisturizing conditioner.
10. Air-dried, applied leave-ins
11. Done, lol

Although the relaxer process went smoothly. I will not stretch as long again. I will stretch for 3-4 months. I think stretching that long is not good for my fine hair. I had a lot of new growth, but the ends were so thin. I had to cut away most of the progress :o(

Now that i'm relaxed. I will work harder to reach my goal of waistlength by Dec. 3rd 2011. I think i can reach my goal because i'm using Shi-Naturals Grow Potion and i got lots of growth from this product. If you want to join the Shi-Naturals Challenge click : Here

26.2 Weeks Post!!!

26 weeks post

Hey Everyone. Can you believe i made to 26.2 weeks post? I do believe this is the longest stretch i've done. So let me update you ladies as to how i'm doing with this stretch. My hair is so weird, lol. It seems the longer i stretch the easier it's getting. I don't want to jinx myself, but with this stretch. I'm not having shedding issues or breakage (crossing fingers, eyes, legs and everything). All and all i can't really complain. My hair is being so cooperative, it's scary!! Anyhoo. I'm about 3 inches from my goal of waistlength. I've got about 2-1/2 inches of new growth or more. I'm usually an average to slow grower, but since i've add my new growth aid, my hair growth seems to be taking off. I have no problem with that, lol

Here's what i've been doing for this stretch:
Co-washing 2x weekly
Pre-poo with Shi-Natural pre-poo buttercreme
Deep conditioning with Shi-Naturals Moisture Balance Deep Conditioner 1 week
Deep conditioning with Shi-Naturals Protein Balance Deep Conditioner 1 week (alternating between the moisture & protein condish)

Daily : Applying Shi-Naturals Grow Potion Hair Growth Excelerator on my scalp. This product makes my new growth so soft. (Awesome product. I'm getting about an inch or more per month since i started using it)

Moisturizing  1x daily with Mirta de Perales keratin lotion
Sealing 1x daily with Mirta de Perales keratin & Argan oil

Monthly : Shi-Naturals Herbal Tea Rinse
Henna Gloss (Cassia or Henna 100% natural)

That's it!! Still not sure how long i will stretch?

Product Review - Mirta de Perales Keratin line

Mirta de Perales - Keratin Line

Product Features

• Mirta de Perales Hair Shampoo with Keratin 16oz
• Mirta de Perales Hair Dressing with Keratin 8oz
• Mirta de Perales Hair Conditioner with Keratin 6oz
• Mirta de Perales Hair Serum with Keratin & Argan Oil 4oz

Product Description

Mirta de Perales Hair Shampoo with Keratin 16oz -Gently Cleanses while infusing hair with Keratin from Brazil.  Sodium Sulfate free formula prolongs and improves results of Keratin Treatments, hair dyes and other chemical processes.  Light lather.  Repairs hair, leaving it soft and shiny.  

DIRECTIONS:  Pour an adequate amount on hands and apply to wet hair.  Lather, rinse, repeat.  Follow with Mirtha's Conditioner with Keratin

 Mirta de Perales Hair Dressing with Keratin 8oz - Leaves hair shiny and silky.  Strengthens and helps protect hair against heat from hair irons and blowers to prevent breakage, promoting healthy hair growth.  

DIRECTIONS:  Apply a small amount evenly to towel dried hair and leave it in, proceed with styling, may be used daily on dry hair.  Concentrate on hair ends which tend to be the most vulnerable to damage. 

Mirta de Perales Hair Conditioner with Keratin 6oz - Mirta De Perales Hair Conditioner with Keratin enriched formula helps prevent breakage before it starts. Improves strength and shine.  Detangles and softens hair.  Increases hair elasticity.  Leaves hair silky smooth.  Protects hair against heat and styling damage.  DIRECTIONS:  After rinsing shampoo apply ample amount of Mirta De Perales Hair Conditioner with Brazilian Keratin to wet hair.  Start at hair ends and work to roots.  Leave on 3 to 10 minutes.  Rinse.

Mirta de Perales Hair Serum with Keratin & Argan Oil 4oz - Light formula rich in antioxidants, will instantly leave hair with a silky finish, style as usual.  Reduces hair drying time.  

DIRECTIONS:  Apply a small amount to palm of hand, rub palms together then apply to towel dried hair, style as usual.  Apply daily to dry hair. 

My Opinion :

Since i don't use shampoo often. I decided not to use the shampoo just yet. I will use the shampoo at some point, so i cannot give a review. I am in love with the deep conditioner. It's thick like what i always want in a conditioner, the smell is delicious  and my hair felt extremely soft yet strong.The conditioner was easy to rinse and my fine hair did not feel weighed down, just very conditioned. It's a winner!!! although not completely natural, so i won't use it regularly. I know it works to soften and detangle and i will keep it on hand in case of emergency, lol  The hair lotion was a good surprise for me because it didn't think i would like it, but the hair lotion moisturized very well. I was also surprised that after sealing with the hair serum with keratin and argan oil (perfect blend) how soft and moisturized my hair felt. The only con about the hair serum is the smell. I'm big on smells and the serum was too strong smelling for my taste. Even with the strong smell and the products not being 100% natural. I must say. I was very impressed (i'm not easily impressed by products) So, ladies if you are looking for good products at a good price. I say give this line a try!!

Rating:

22 weeks post!!!

Okay so i've made it to 22 weeks post. The longer i stretch the more the new growth seems to coil around each other. Even with the knotting and coiling this stretch has not been so bad. I have had some stretches that were so difficult to manage.  Always though at this point i'm thinking about going natural and also completely using all natural products. I have experimented with many hair care products mostly commercial products with lots of chemicals, most of which i cannot pronounce. So i'm really trying to buy only natural hair products . I have some great natural hair products that seem to work better than the commercial products anyway. I'm dying to try Wen hair care products (if you've tried Wen please let me know what you think about the product). The thing is, now i have two or more textures to deal with, and i don't know which hair conditioner will work with all the different textures. My new growth (is about 2-1/2 inches) is very coily and dry. My relaxed ends are dry but get weighed down if i use a conditioner with lots of oil, that works on my new growth!! So, i have been experimenting with using two different conditioners. One for the new growth and a different conditioner for the relaxed ends.

Here's what i'm doing to get a balance with the different textures :

1. Co-washing with any cheapie conditioner
2. Applying moisturizing conditioner to new growth (softening dry new growth)
3. Applying protein conditioner to relaxed ends (strengthening relaxed ends)
4, Moisturizing & sealing entire new growth and relaxed ends

This seems to be working for now, lol

P.S. if you have any suggestions, let me know :o)

Product Review

Mane-n-tail moisture Enriched Hair Strengthener

Product Features:

• Daily Leave-In Conditioning Treatment for chemically and heat damaged hair.
• Hair Strengthener is an advanced daily use protective formula that increases and maintains hair strength.
• Micro-enriched conditioning treatment provides essential protection from excessive heat and chemical styling to help prevent split ends.
• Hair Strengthener rejuvenates hairs natural elasticity and strength with proven results for healthier, stronger and longer hair.

Product Description :

Mane 'n tail hair strengthener leave-in is a conditioning treatment for chemically and heat damaged hair. It is an advanced daily use protective formula that increases and maintains hair strength. This micro-enriched conditioning treatment provides essential protection from excessive heat and chemical styling to help prevent split ends. It rejuvenates hair's natural elasticity and strength with proven results for healthier, stronger and longer hair. 

More Details :

• Provides essential nutrients
• Protects hair from heat styling
• Conditions and prevents frizz
• Helps prevent split ends
• Improves hair texture
• Alcohol Free

Mane 'n Tail Moisture Enriched Hair Strengthener for chemcially and heat damaged hair contains is an advanced daily use protective formula that increases hair strength. Stronger hair holds up better to the stress of daily styling, heat appliances and chemical treatments.
Mane 'n Tail Moisture Enriched Hair Strengthener provides essential protection to help prevent split ends and conditions and fortifies already damaged hair for a renewed, lustrous, healthy look. Helps prevent hair breakage which make hair look dull and frizzy.
Natural oils nourish and condition while essential moisturizing ingrediants corrects the drying caused by sun, wind and use of bleach and peroxide lighteners. Keeps hair tangle free, soft and manageable. The alcohol-free formula is safe and gentle for all hair types.

Ingredients :

Water Chaparral Qaternium-79 Hydrolyzed Silk Polyquaternium-11 Colts Foot Allantoin Propylene Glycol Horse Chestnut Retinyl Palmitate (Vit. A. Palmitate) Isostearamidopropylmorpholine Lactate Meadow Sweet Tocopherol (Vitamin E) Dimethicone Copolyol Red Clover Panthenol DMDM Hydantoin Polysorbate 20 Niacin Aloe Vera Polysorbate 80 Fragrance Horsetail Grass Quaternium-79 Hydrolyzed Keratin 

My Opinion :

Once again pj-ism has kicked in. I knew it would. Whenever i see a new product (or an old product, lol) i just have to have it. I've been really good lately, sticking to my staple products, but i was just too curious to past this one by. Okay, the jury is still out on this one. The price is good, won't break the bank. I have used this product 4 times, so i could give an honest opinion about it. I'm not sure if it really strengthening my hair, but it isn't breaking it, and my hair doesn't feel the usual hardness of other strengtheners. I will continue to use this strengthener because my hair loves protein and needs it. I will alternate between this strengthener and my Shi-Naturals Herbal Tea Growth Tea.

Pros : 

smells nice

good price

makes hair easy to comb (pleasant surprise! )

did not leave my hair crunchy!!

can be used daily

Cons :

Have not really noticed much strengthening yet

This is the only con i've noticed about the product, but it's supposed to mainly be about strengthening, lol

Anyway! I'll keep ya posted!

Price : 6.99