Moroccan Oil Products - Yay!!

Ok, so the thing I have really enjoyed out of my whole transitioning process is trying new products.

I was going to slow down a bit with the reviews because, really.... how many conditioners can one person try? But when I check my blog stats, everyone comes into my blog looking for product reviews!

Well, I was lucky enough to get my hands on a most raved about set of products; Moroccan Oil. Thank you Anne for sending these items to me to try out!

I have shampoo, conditioner, styling cream, deep conditioner oil treatment and shine spray.

I will be using all of these and letting you know how well they work on transitioning hair.

After washing my hair this weekend, I haven't done anything to it besides using a drop of olive oil and putting my hair in about 10 twists and wearing my silk scarf in the evening.

In the morning, I use a bit of shea butter (applied lightly on my hair) and lightly comb. That's it.

Since I just received the MO products, I've tried the Shine Spray and Styling Creme a couple of times. And I can't give a full review now, but I really like the way my hair feels.

I am not a product person. I don't like my hair to feel weighed down and heavy. I shouldn't have to touch my hair and feel like I want to shampoo it right then and there. I also like the scent, its smells nice and not overwhelming. Also, my hands weren't oily after applying to my hair.

These products seem to soften my hair and give it a bit of shine. So I already give the styling products a big thumbs up!!

I can't wait for the weekend to try the shampoo and conditioner!

Feel free to check out their site for details on ingredients, usage, etc.

http://www.moroccanoil.com/index.php

Hair Update - October 2009

well, i should really call this hair update... how my transition ended!!!

Now I haven't had a relaxer in my hair since June 2008. If anyone has followed my blog, I have am kinda lazy as far as hair care is concerned.

I really do not see myself spending hours on my hair. Now, I will run out and buy products to see how well they can get me into my transition.

Well, for the summer I've just had a hands off approach to my hair. Just conditioner, some deep conditioning, some color (temporary only) and just a bit of shampoo. This did my hair some good. I noticed such a difference in the feel and length of my hair.

I also had my hair blown out twice at the Dominican salon. I have always loved getting my hair done from the Dominicans. I love the way my hair would have body and bounce.

So, I go in September to get my blow out. I was trying to prepare myself to go once a month or so with the fall and winter months coming up. But as I am getting my hair done, I am not happy with the heat. I got a trim to even my ends and my hair looks good but I no longer feel the same way about straight hair. My funky looking wavy, kinky hair looks way more fun and different.

Now this weekend, I decide to wash my hair. My scalp was kinda gross. So I deep conditioned with a plastic cap for 2 hours and shampooed twice. To my surprise, what did I see in my hands as I was rinsing? MY HAIR!!

It looked as if someone pulled a lot of weave from my head!!

What was a switch, was although I was alarmed, I wasn't panicked. I looked in the mirror, grabbed my robe and ask my son did my hair look different. He said no. My hair looked like a cute short shaggy chin-length bob.

I looked at the hair and realized that this was all straight. It is my damaged permed hair from the midsection of my head. This was probably the oldest hair on my head. The weird thing about this... is that my hair looks better. Its even too, like I cut it.

My feelings are very different from last year this time.

Last year I was so tired of being a slave to my hair. Actually a slave to perming my hair fully knowing that my hair was being damaged more and more.

Today, I fully understand that my hair is fragile. It must be cared for. I must stay away from heat as much as possible. I must be patient if I want length and healthy hair.

And most of all I really love my new hair that is growing in. I have faith that I can take care of it without relaxers. And I am having fun with my hair. I really enjoy using new products to see how they work on my hair.

So here is to new hair, stronger hair, and not being a slave to straight hair!

Hair Update - August 2009

My visit last week to the Dominican salon has left me impressed with the condition of my hair. On my last hair update, I was really disappointed that I had been experimenting with many products, styling techniques, etc. And I hadn't felt like there was a huge improvement in the condition of my hair.

Well, I was wrong. My hair is now reaching my neck. Not yet shoulder length but definitely growing. At my visit in May, I had a dusting (light trim). My hair was chin length. So I can honestly say that I've had about 2-3 inches in 3 months. Now, the important part is... why?

First off, I want to say that although I do welcome the length, I am more than happy to have the thickness and health. I don't have a fading hairline. So everyday I look in the mirror and wish that I had gave up relaxers years ago.

Ok, so what happened in the 3 months?

-- I stopped manipulating my hair. I only comb my hair in the shower with lots of conditioner. Then just style and go to work. At work, I added a bit of water and fluffed with fingers throughout the day. At night, I just put on a silk scarf to keep my hair from getting tangled while sleeping. Other than that I don't touch my hair anymore.

-- Daily use of conditioner. I jump in the shower and add conditioner. I leave the conditioner in. I think the water and conditioner added moisture to my hair. Because of this, I've had a less itchy scalp and had to shampoo less.

-- NO Heat. I didn't use any blow dryers or flat irons in the past 3 months. As a matter of fact, I was really bothered with all the heat at the salon - about 20 minutes under the hooded dryer and 15 after removing the rollers.

Now about the daily co-washing, I do get tired of this routine. It does add extra time in the morning but I cannot seem to get 2 or 3 day hair. So this is kind of how I stumbled into my daily routine. Also, with my new growth getting thicker by the day, I cannot comb or style my hair without water and conditioner. I also LOVE Hello Hydration and the smell keeps me going.

I am blessed to have a job where no one cares what my hair looks like. It takes me 5 minutes to get to work. When my hair is drippy at work, I just drape my sweater around me.

What is a concern is what am I going to do when it gets cold? But my husband will probably give me a ride to work so I can still get away with drippy hair.

Also, I think I am moving away from being a hair product junkie. My key products are olive oil which I use sparingly for my scalp and shine. Hello Hydration for a leave-in conditioner. For styling I use gel and I am experimenting with anything I can get in the store. I will have some reviews up shortly about this and other products. For shampoo, I have been using Everpure. I color my hair when I want to experiment with color and when my gray is really coming in heavy. I only use semi or temporary color. And since I have been staying away from the shampoo, my color has been lasting a long time.

I have promised myself that I will not buy another hair product until I get rid of what is in my basket. And I even have replacements already in my basket. When I am done with the olive oil (which stays in the kitchen, actually) I will use the coconut oil. When I use up the Hello Hydration I will try another Herbal Essence conditioner and gel. I actually like their products. I have other products I see online that I would like to try out by my finances are telling me to just experiment with making low end purchases.

And yes, my basket. I went from tossing everything under the sink to using a small basket to moving onto a big basket. My bathroom is less junky looking and my family can now navigate a bit better with my stuff in one area.

So my advice for anyone with a hair dilemma, try cutting back on the heat. It seemed to work for me.

Hair Update

I had my last relaxer in early October 2008.

Since then I've been on every possible blog regarding transitioning hair and natural hair care.

So how is my hair doing?

Its ok!

My hair isn't excessively shedding like before. Yes, my bathroom floor isn't covered with my hair anymore!

My hair does feel a bit stronger and looks healthy - another yay! Not sure if its the biotin, changing my eating habits, increase in water intake, various hair products or no relaxer.

I go for a wash, deep condition and occasional rinse (brown or black color) at the local Dominican salon every 2-3 weeks (as my time allows). I also don't want to get too addicted to them. So I make sure that these visits aren't a priority. I still need to relearn how to care for my own hair. I also don't want to rely so heavily on the heat.

Hair growth??

There has been some. My last salon trim was in June 2008. I did a light trim of my own hair in December. Just dusted off the ends. My hair is still chin length. So I am getting impatient! But I have to remind myself that when I check out everyone else's blogs and hair journeys - it really averages about 2 years of caring for the hair, laying off the chemicals and experimenting with styles and products.

I can see the growth in my kitchen (hair in the lower part of the head).

Transitioning?

My take is that its a great thing. I'm glad I'm doing it and wish that I had done it years ago. What a waste to be a slave to a chemical that ended up doing damage to my tresses.

I am not a style queen. I could never braid or really style hair. This was ok when I had long hair. The pony tail was my favorite and for special occasions just sleep on rollers. But I really love checking out the natural sisters with their very funky hair styles. If my head wasn't so big I would just chop my hair off and start from scratch.

So while I transition, I still wear a straight bob.

Now the thing I do find a bit disappointing - is that since I found a number of key products that I like and back up products to experiment with -- I can't justify trying anymore hair products.

Yep -- I don't see many new products ending up in my basket. At least not until I get rid these current products -- which isn't anytime soon.

I hope for my next update that I can really say that I've had MAJOR improvement in the hair department -- we'll see.

Check my next posting for my current routine and products that I like!

Ideas and thoughts are always welcome!

Biotin

I hate taking pills. The biotin I've been taking since late December is no exception. It is a capsule so it does make it easier to swallow. But for the past 3 weeks I've been slacking off. Just taking my pill a few times a week instead of daily.

Now, I started taking biotin because I've heard rave reviews about it. How everyone's hair is stronger, thicker and growing.

But for the month of March, I just felt that my hair isn't thriving. And I slacked off of my regular daily usage.

But as I am typing this, I am peeping at my nails and see the difference. I always keep my nails short and trimmed. But not only do I have some growth, my nails feel strong.

I'm not really a nail person but this is great. Maybe there is hope for my hair (yes, I'm feeling anxious again).

Also, I can't cop out now. I also have read that actually seeing biotin do its thing may take 3-4 months.

So I guess I'll be getting back to taking it daily.

Product Review - Carol's Daughter Hair Milk and Healthy Hair Butter - Part II

After first trying out Carol's Daughter hair milk and hair butter I wasn't too happy. I just kept reading all the positive reviews online and thought that - this is a must have product line. So I had to try something.

In my first few tries - I was disappointed. I was really expecting a moisturizing light product. Which these aren't. These products are clearly styling aids. Then I couldn't get over the smell. Also I was stuck on the price. I had never paid $25 for a total of 2 hair care products. So, yes, I was looking for immediate results...

Anyway, I've been looking in my hair product basket and wondering what am I going to do with these products.

So I started working with them again. I mostly use the hair milk as a finishing aid. After styling my hair it seems to keep it in place and I have less flyaway strands.

The hair butter I told my sons to use. And although they like the hair butter - they still prefer to use my other hair/scalp conditioner.

The hair butter does seem to stop my scalp itchies. I dab and rub a bit into certain areas of my scalp and it seems to do the trick.

And I am learning to deal with the smell.

I have even used the hair butter in the evening for a smooth over before putting on my scarf and was very pleased with the results in the morning. My hair stayed flat, styled and needed very little manipulation the next day.

So I guess instead of giving the products a thumbs down - I would give them a -- ok.

I think as more of my natural hair comes in I may find these to be more useful.

hair decision

I had my last relaxer the first week of October. So for the past few months, I've been reading everyone's hair blogs on how to care for hair - whether curly, natural, transitioning using heat or not using heat or just stretching their relaxers.

At one point I was ready to big chop then the next moment I was about to go back to relaxing. I didn't know if I was transitioning, stretching or what I was doing. This also goes back to the point that I cannot style my own hair. Never have! I grew up with pigtails, pony tails, and roller sets. So trying to figure out how to style my hair has a lot to do with my decision.

As an adult I relied on salons to care for my hair. When I couldn't go to the salon or a stylist moved - I was stuck!

Even now, I scour all the sites for styles and I'm still stuck, but I am no longer intimidated by my hair. I got rid of the fear and I get in the bathroom shampoo, condition, blow dry, sit under the dryer, etc.

I've reflected on how my mom cared for my hair growing up - when my hair was the healthiest, strongest, thicker and longer. And while her regimen is considered taboo these days (hot comb, plenty of grease) - it worked!

So, the decision I've come to... is that I will remain natural. I will not relax anymore. I will not big chop. I will work with my hair as much as I can. I will visit the new Dominican salon that I found right in my own neighborhood right in upstate NY. So I don't feel that I have to make a trip to Rosalina's in Harlem.

Now... have I had major growth or any hair breakthroughs? No. My kitchen (hair at the nape) is still not looking the way I want it which limits my styling choices. But I do have less breakage. My hair is still very dry.

My next step is to continue moisturizing my hair, continue to try new products as needed and make the occasional salon visit.

So far in my hair journey I've found a few products and regimens that have helped a bit.

* moisturizing my scalp
* deep conditioning every time I wash at home or at the salon
* occasional temporary color (i dont mind my grey but sometimes its a bit much)
* silk scarf and satin pillow
* taking biotin daily
* simple styles (i know... boring, but so am I)
* only experiment with hair on wash day
* wash hair every two weeks (I started this in February, before I washed weekly)
* more water, veggies and fruit and exercise daily
* not to measure growth or worry about my hair
* no more bad hair dressers (I will not tolerate any salon that is ghetto, makes me wait to long, is too pricey or the stylist is rude)

I was getting to the point where I was obsessing about my hair, products and growth. This was unhealthy. I reviewed many other hair blogs and realized that with care, gentleness, the right products and most importantly... time - which could be years - that hair will be healthy and grow. So for me to think that in a couple of months I could grow my hair... not happening (I was fooling myself). Now am I planting the seeds for future stronger hair - I hope so!

I have a few more product reviews and other ideas - so keep checking and feel free to comment on any of my postings. I welcome all ideas, thoughts, products and your experiences!

Product Review - Mashooq Hair Oil

The Mashooq people were really great in sending me their samples of hair oil. The products came from overseas and I got them within 2 weeks after my request. Customer service is a big thing with me.

I took my time in using this product so I could get a really good feel for how it works.

All in all the oil is great. Its a tad bit oily. But only lightly just like the scent. You can tell it is all natural.

My hair is very dry and I haven't relaxed my hair since October. I do believe the nearly daily use of this product has helped reduce breakage.

You can use this product in a variety of ways. You can add it to a conditioner, apply to scalp and ends, apply lightly to hair during and after styling for a nice sheen, add before using chemicals and even use as a body moisturizer.

I applied at night before putting on my scarf and in the morning I would have a nice sheen to my hair after styling.

Its not heavy at all and there is no buildup like with other oils or greases.

Even after applying to my scalp the oil would absorb into my hands - so I did get full use of this oil.

Mashooq comes highly recommended from me.

http://www.mashooqhair.com

i may be relaxing my hair real soon...

I've started to monitor what i was doing to my hair since June 2008.

My last relaxer was October 2008 and now its January 2009 - over 3 months. And guess what?

My hair looks terrible.

I had a lot of hair fall out over the past 2 years. This is the main reason why I decided to lay off the relaxers. But now I am miserable without it.... is this what withdrawals from drugs is like???

I've always had issues with the hair in the back of my head. So I really thought that this time i have to stick with the no relaxer route so i can get some healthy hair.

But I am so tired of looking in the mirror and seeing very little progress.

I was worried about my new job - but its a casual environment so I don't feel any pressure in that sense but I would still like to walk away from the mirror feeling confident.

I started taking biotin a few weeks ago. I will give it until my birthday in March to see if that made a difference. That will be 2.5 months.

I just ran out of deep conditioner so now I will allow myself to purchase another product - I will only buy new stuff when I use up or toss out something else.

I've added EVOO and I like it so far.

Also, I've bought a cheapie flat iron which I am only trying to use once a week.

Maybe since the weather is so cold here (upstate ny) - I will put off the decision until spring. That way it will be 6 months (in April) of transitioning/stretching and I can see if my hair has gotten any healthier and has grown.

if anyone has any ideas on what I should do or add to my routine let me know... I am desperate!

woo-hoo 2009 is almost upon us!!

Wow! 2008 is over!

With such a surprising great ending to the long election, I think that even with the recession (yeah, its a recession - time to face facts) we should all look toward the new year with hope.

This year I was kinda feeling old. I am in my early forties and although I feel good most days - my body seems to be sending me other signals. I get stiff, my skin stays dry, my hair is like straw and I can go on and on.

But instead of continuing to focus on the bad, I did what I usually tell my sons to do when they have questions about things (because my brain isn't what it used to be)- i say check online.

So here I go checking essence mag and somehow I stumbled upon some really great blogs discussing hair, health, dieting and all sorts of topics.

Now, I am informed and motivated.

What I will be continuing to do into the new year:

Continue with my doctor's appointments,
Continue to tackle my hair,
Move my ass off the couch a bit more,
Spend more time with my family,
Go take a few more school courses,
Take it easy on the junk food,
Travel
Get back to saving $$

Also, I'm not going to despair. If I fall off the wagon, I will get back on.

I realize too that we all have crap to go through in life and if all I'm worrying about is being in my forties and dealing with what goes along with it -- then I need to really get over myself.

Anyway, lets all stay healthy, wealthy and wise in the New Year. Also, lets continue to support our new Prez!

Peace and Blessings!!

Product Review - Organics by Africa's Best Olive Oil Deep Conditioner

My product review is on Organics by Africa's Best Olive Oil Deep Conditioner. I purchased this product primarily because of its price which was about $3.99. Also, I was lured by the Olive Oil on the label.

I've been using this deep conditioner for about 6 weeks. I use this weekly and pre-condition my hair before shampooing.

How I used this conditioner was to apply the cream throughout my hair from roots to ends and walk around with a plastic cap for about 30 minutes. I then rinse it out, shampoo, use a rinse out conditioner, then a leave in conditioner and then either air dry or sit under my dryer.

Most deep conditioners that I've used in the past have made some difference. My hair would feel softer or more manageable.

To me, this conditioner didn't do much of anything. As a matter of fact, I've been just using it steady to see if there would be some improvement.

Right now I am 2+ months post relaxer, so I am doing a lot of playing around and experimenting with my hair.

But as with anything in life, you learn to enhance on what you have. So this is the product that I was able to mix my molasses with and apply to my hair.

Since this is a cream, the molasses mixed well and wasn't a mess or sticky.

The molasses definitely made a difference in my hair. As I rinse this mix from my hair, my hair feels smooth and soft.

So I would not recommend this product but if you need an inexpensive deep conditioning creme to mix another product - then this would help.

my new conditioner

well for the past few months, I've been experimenting with my hair. i have not been relaxing it every 6-8 weeks as recommended. so i just shampoo, deep condition and use a leave in condition. i then sit under the dryer for about 30 minutes and thats it.

my last relaxer was the beginning of October. only problem is my hair is short in the back and even shorter without straightening it. styling options are limited and my styling skills are lacking. but whatever, i'm trying to go the healthy route.

so in my online research, i stumble upon a few sites that are raving about molasses. first i see posts that say you should have some daily in tea or coffee. then i see the ones that say if you put it on topically it decreases breakage and leaves hair soft.

i decided to mix the molasses with my current deep conditioner. i apply all through my hair. to my surprise mixing it with the creme conditioner and applying wasnt messy at all.

also, to my surprise, my hair was softer and more manageable.

this will definitely be my new hair conditioner.

i've decided that instead of becoming a product junkie - i will be using what is in my cabinets. so at least my current some what dull current conditioner will not go to waste.

Peace

my hair, my life...

When I relaxed my hair in June 2008, although my hair looked good - it wasn't. I knew my kitchen (hair at the back of my head) was a mess. my ends were raggedy and i was really ready to just chop my hair off. The stylist even suggested that I lay off the relaxers a bit.

So i started to just let my hair go. Yes, I am a mess like that. I have a job in a casual environment - so I thought - let me just leave my hair alone.

Well, of course as things would have it... I get called for a job interview. Its more $, growth and I do need to get away from the people I work with before.... well, moving on...

So early October, I head into Manhattan to my favorite salon, Rosalina's. Its on Amsterdam Avenue in Harlem.

I got the works - relaxer, deep conditioner, some color and my eyebrows done! Yes, when I am able to get to NYC - I take full advantage!

I looked great and yes the hair was in a bit more better shape.

So I think that I may be onto something.... I neglect my hair but once relaxed I could see it struggling to get healthy.

So I get to work online - researching, checking everyone's website, blogs, pics, hair diaries. This helps in one aspect. I realize that we all want beautiful hair. I realize it can be done. Even relaxed african-american hair. I also realize that I have to work at it.

I have to eat better, exercise, take better care of my hair, relearn how to do my hair and experiment. And this is what i plan to do. I also learned that I do not have to relax my hair as often.

So just as I've decided that I will let my hair be - meaning chemical free and the above regimen.... I may have a job offer.

Now what to do? Just as I've accepted my transitioning hair and am still struggling to style it, I still havent been able to manage my hair. Although I am a huge fan of all hairstyles - particularly natural. I am not a fan of walking around a professional setting with messy hair - no matter what the length, texture, etc.

So until i get final word on this job or unless my kitchen grows in rapidly and stronger, I guess I will be returning to the salons. Which I must add, I hate the salons in my current area (upstate NY).

But I too will continue the active process of growing my hair - healthy!

I will wrap in my silk scarf. I will shampoo, deep condition weekly and use very little heat.

So if you see me in the streets, try no to laugh too hard! I'm just trying to grow out my hair!!

Peace