Hair Update - Looking back a year ago

I started my blog last year with the idea of sharing my thoughts and ideas. I had hoped to not only write about my hair but to also bring up topics like politics, movies, etc.

But since I took on a new job as of early this year, I realized that I cannot discuss a lot of topics I would like. I am way too jaded, biased and leery to write about government and politics (at this time). As far as movies, I watch plenty and don't have the time to get my thoughts down.

So since I became really intrigued about my incoming natural hair, I thought I would focus on my hair and experience with transitioning. This was a huge step for me. I had my first relaxer at age 19, my last relaxer was at age 41. So I literally had to reacquaint myself to doing my own hair.

You see, even though I dont have pics up and post regularly, I am really trying to share my true honest opinion of what I am experiencing with my hair. If I get a product from a p.r. firm, I post that. If I make a purchase, I post that also.

I also do not post too often because I try to give products a chance to work. I don't want to share bad information. If I shampoo one evening and I didn't care for the shampoo, I can't share that right away. I may have been too tired to have really formed a decent opinion. So I really try to use a product a few times to get the best results and then I share.

I just looked at my earlier posts of my transitioning and saw how far I have come. Along with fighting off my urge to relax my hair, I did know to increase the conditioners but I still would sit under the dryer.

I now do things I never thought I would, like wash and go's. Although I loved the results of other sisters that would do this, I NEVER thought I would run out the door with drippy hair. I NEVER thought I would purchase something as pricey as KCCC, much less love it (I still like it but have found other products that get me satisfying results). I also NEVER thought I would find drugstore products that I LOVE.

Anyway, I realize that I am having a ball playing with my hair. It is not the length I would like it to be (past my shoulder would be desired). But I am glad that after a year, I am in the right direction. I am not afraid to try different products. Most importantly I am not a slave to my hair. I am letting it do its thing while I work on what I need to do (increase exercise, drink more water, vitamins, correct my diet).

What is up with my hair now? After having a lot of straight hair come out last month, I decided to go back to my wash and go's. I do it daily. I comb though my conditioner, use a shine spray and that's it. On the weekends, I shampoo, deep condition with a cap for about 10-30 minutes, rinse, apply my leave in conditioner and that's it. I no longer use a towel on my hair (except when coloring or when I was at the salon). I have also decided that I will be laying off of the salons. I don't mind spending $$ on products when I have cut back on spending $$ going to the salon.

I have a full and thick hairline, what a difference from my relaxed hair. My hair in the back is thick and growing. I still have straight ends from my last perm. But it all blends in after I style it. I've learned that the most growth I've had was when I stopped using heat. I use products that feel good and give me results. I don't pour over ingredients (not sure how wise that is). I think that most of the commercial products are much superior to the products of back in the day. I also think that depending on your hair and what you want to do, its really an individual choice. My mom used Prell, conditioner, hair grease and sponge rollers on me when growing up. Besides the conditioner, none of these items are recommended for healthy hair even though my hair was really healthy, thick, swinging and past my shoulders.

So whoever is reading this, enjoy, continue to stop by, contribute and share. I look forward to it. Also, do what works for you and don't stress. It is just hair. And to quote Chris Rock, "its whats inside your head that is important". And yes, I saw Good Hair and will write about it soon.

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 - July 2009

Well, I've been on a break. For some reason, I haven't been in the mood to write. I think because I had to refocus a bit.

I was thinking back to how frustrated I was last year at this time. My hair was relaxed at the time and breaking off. I kept thinking how many more haircuts and trims was I going to get to try to justify all the hair damage?

Well anyway, here I am now and.... I was again disappointed with my hair. I was thinking that I haven't made any progress. But I was wrong....

I bought a large basket for all my hair products. And I realized that my progress - although I originally thought was slow (length-wise).... was really coming along.

I had to break away from my bad hair habits. I also had to stop thinking that my hair would magically grow back and look like it did when I was a young girl (who was active, ate right and had a mom that took care of her hair).

My hair is growing slowly and its thicker and healthier. My husband has even started to call me 'kinky-curly' and assists me when I am applying my hair gels.

And speaking of gel, my favorite kinky-curly custard which love has run out. And I'm too cheap to buy more! I used up the jar in 2 months! I used to just use a bit of it but then I really got into styling my hair with it and would use it daily and get heavy handed with it.

I love the results and that it lasts all day... but I have moved onto using other drugstore hair gels. I will order some more or just look for it when I get to NYC.

I've also started using conditioner on a daily basis and I love it. I wish I had started this from the beginning. I'm really loving my soft, wavy, kinky, curly hair. As soon as my kitchen (back nape hair) grows in more, I will definitely big chop for an even defined look. I am tired of my relaxed ends trying to blend in with my natural hair.

Anyway, I see that I am still learning and growing with my hair. I am sticking with certain staple products that work for me. I still get excited going down the hair care aisle but I am sticking to a budget and waiting to rid my basket of some of its products first.

So please stick with me -- I have products that were sent to me that I will be giving away on here and still look forward to hearing from others about their hair and other topics - the good, bad and ugly!

Peace

Product Giveaway - African Pride Leave In Conditioner

Hello --

It has been a year since I started to really get disgusted with the ritual of relaxing my hair. I went for a touch-up last June and not only was I not please with the health of my hair but my stylist wasn't either.

I then started my internet search for healthy black hair and wound up with a ton of information from some very intelligent, courageous, devoted women on youtube, various hair care forums, blogs, etc.

I was motivated. I was afraid. I've had my hair relaxed since I was 19. Could I really give it up? My agonizing went on for some time. Did I really want to go through all of that hair shedding and experimenting with my hair? Even as a kid, I had my mother around to figure out what to do with my hair.

I also had damaged hair and was unsure if I would ever be able to grow healthy hair again.

So fast forward to today... these are my observations - my hair is healthier. Although I don't have much in length, I have a full growing hairline. Not that I really had an obvious problem but I guess I did because I haven't seen my hair grow so thick.

I am moving away from heat styling and salons.

I know that most products are hype.

I also realize that just because I don't relax my hair anymore doesn't mean I will instantly have longer hair. I stumbled across a comment someone had on their blog recently and I really appreciated their honesty. They said that their healthy bsl hair took about 10 years to get it to its peak, current condition.

So here I am a year later, still learning about my hair. I hope that although I don't have the prettiest blog, plenty of pics or have all the latest products that I can at least share some good information with others.

Well -- to celebrate a year of healthy thoughts and welcome the summer - here is my first giveaway.

I cannot keep products that I am not using. So I have a USED bottle of African Pride Herbal Healing Leave-In Conditioner. I've used this product a few times. More than half is left in the bottle. I haven't used it in a few months and hope someone else can use it.

So all I ask is the following - follow my blog, post a comment on how you feel about your own hair journey (happy, unhappy, still experimenting, etc.) and most of all I am paying for the shipping so please only participate if you are in the states!

You have until next Sunday, June 21st. I will select a winner on Monday, June 22nd. Good Luck!!

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.

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!

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!

growing....

When I was growing up my Mom would just hot comb my hair. She always told me never to be like my Auntie in Brooklyn and put chemicals in my hair. All chemicals pull your hair out, even dyes.

I questioned this because although my mom's hair was a bit longer then bsl and although she could rock her salt and pepper hair... I just couldn't stand the thickness of my hair, hated the hot comb and the thought of not ever coloring my hair.

My friends all got relaxers and could keep their styles all day long. Their hair looked great. They also didn't suffer under the hot comb. Because with thick hair, washing and hot combing was a lengthy process.

I though of my mom as boring. All she did was put her hair up in a bun - day in and day out.

So at 19, I had a friend put in a relaxer. Because like everyone told me... my hair would sit and lay down better. I've been a slave to the relaxer and hair stylists ever since.

Also, I was tired of ponytails. My hair was past my shoulders and I found the ponytail to be a way of keeping my beastly hair tame.

But I listened to everyone that said that i need to wear my hair out, stop being boring, etc.

Well, fast forward to now. I'm 41 and my hair is in bad shape. I have breakage and my hair hasn't grown past my chin since I was about 2002.

As of September, I been on the internet daily and am seeking some serious help for my damaged hair.

And on every message board/blog - everyone is proudly stating how they are lessening the chemicals, going natural, learning to style their own natural hair, how to free theirselves from the salons and how to keep your hair in protective styles, etc.

Mom was right to a certain extent. I should have listened to her more than anyone else because...I was a bald headed baby and by time I was 4 had shoulder length hair because of her.

So now since I've been seriously concentrating on my hair for the past few months - it has been a task. I feel a bit like I am obsessing but then again... it matters to me. I haven't had healthy hair for several years and it shows.

So hopefully, I can check back here frequently to see my growth... hair and otherwise.

Please feel free to share your stories and comments.