Update, Rollersetting, Wash Day Plans & April Goals

Relaxed with Optimum No-Lye (as usual!). Added some olive oil (about 3 tbspns) to the relaxer mixture and now I have texlaxed roots. I like the thickness but I think next relaxer I'll skip the oil and just relax close to bone straight. I'm still BSL/MBL...I trimmed my ends while flat ironing by trimming off an inch or so off the very ends of each section...which clearly resulted in my hair not being perfectly even but it's okay!


I'm still using the same products and techniques, for example here are my plans for this weekend's wash day:
1) Pre-poo/hot oil treat with oil (either evoo, evco or jbco)
2) Shampoo with Keracare Hydrating Detangling shampoo (sulfate free)
3) Deep condition w/ Optimum deep conditioning masque
4) Leave-in: Optimum Anti-breakage leave-in Strengthener (my Aphogee Green Tea Rstructurizer ran out so I'll be using this for now)
5) Moisturize and seal
6) Attempt a ponytail rollerset and bun all weekend

Speaking of rollersetting I can't believe the challenge is already halfway completed! I'm looking forward to continuing to set about 2x per month. My hair is definitely getting the benefits of rollersetting.

April is right around the corner. That means final exams! Please wish me luck. I've also been focused more on my overall health so I have some fitness goals for April as well. As for hair, I'm still aiming for waist length this year and if it takes me until December I don't mind :) To get there I'll focus on using heat less often and deep conditioning more.


Oh! And I've been taking vitamins pretty consistently lately!
- Nature's Bounty Adult multivitamin gummies
- Nature's Bounty Your Life Multi Prenatal w/ Omega 3
- "Genuine Health o3mega" Omega-3 supplement

Got the natures bounty from zellers (which is closing so get yourself some closing sales!).

I've been taking these consistently for over a month and I haven't noticed any changes in my hair but I'll keep you posted. (PS - I take these for the body benefits not just for hair). I also drink at least one cup of Green tea every single day...no particular reason I just like it! But I heard it's good for you so that's a bonus too :)


Here is one of my REAL LIFE HAIR INSPIRATIONS!! I'm soo excited to share this pic with you guys. She's a classmate I've known for 4yrs. She ALWAYS has her hair in a bun or twists when I saw her hair loose I had to snap a pic!

My real life hair-spiration! <3 A little past waist length stretched.

She used to be 100% natural 4a/b and I was shocked to find out that she texturized her hair recently! She doesn't have a regimen and is not even close to being hair obsessed. All she does is wear her hair in a bun like 95% of the time and uses Sulfur 8. I did a length check on her and it's past waist length stretched...gorgeous!

 Hope you all have a fabulous weekend :)

Relaxer Preparation

The relaxer I've been using since August 2008. My fav!

I'm currently 10 weeks post and planning to relax soon. The stretch has been pretty straightforward so far.

Last wash before relaxer:
1. Shampoo with a moisturizing shampoo
2. Condition with Aphogee 2 Minute Reconstructor (protein)
3. Follow up with Roux Moisturizing Conditioner (can't believe I found this at my local dollar store! Sally's sells it for at least $10).
4. Leave-in, moisturize and seal

Relaxer Day Steps:
A. Detangle hair and base scalp with Vaseline the night before and day of
B. Apply relaxer (with some EVOO mixed in) to new growth only
C. Rinse and do mid-relaxer protein step with Aphogee 2 Minute
D. Neutralize at least 5x, then deep condition
E. Apply leave-in and heat protectant (Nioxin Thermal Bliss)
F. Flat Iron with FHI ♥
G. Trim
H. ENJOY! :)
I. Preserve style at night by wrapping. No additional product to maintain body and bounce.

PS - Any idea for grad pic hair? Not the actual ceremony but just the picture that will forever be in the halls of my school. Post a comment below please

March 2012 Plans + Goals

March 2012 Plans + Goals: 

• Relax hair with Optimum No-Lye (Normal strength) and take update pics
• Continue taking Omega-3 Supplement + a multivitamin daily
• Finish 3 products in the stash
• Protective style every single day in March and no heat (2 passes) - this means a lot of rollerset/flexirod updos, ponytails, halfwigs etc;
• Deep condition once a week
•  Start back on Sulfur 8 when done "enjoying" freshly relaxed hair

What are your hair goals for March?

Hair Blabber

* I'm still on board with the rollersetting challenge! Rollersetting is an amazing way to style your hair and keep it moisturized without using heat. Just 2 nights ago I rolled my hair in flexi-rods after moisturizing and sealing, and left them in overnight for a curly updo the next morning. I've also been staying away from heat, and bunning a lot. Keeping it oh so simple.

* I can't help but feel like my retention needs to be kicked up a notch. I've been seeing great update posts lately from other bloggers and I must say that everyone is on the grow! Except me?! Still (quite happy) at MBL but still have a way to go until waist. maybe the new growth is hiding some length?

* Honeyfig Wishlist: Curl Junkie Hibiscus & Banana Deep Fix Conditioner, and/or Salerm Wheat Germ Conditioning Treatment.

* Sulfur 8: I purchased this product a few days ago to (hopefully) increase my hair growth. There are a ton of sulfur challenges on the hair boards and many people swear by sulfur or sulfur-containing products (ie. MTG, MSM supplements etc) to boost hair growth. So I though what the heck. I found this product at my local beauty supply for 5 dollars, and the sulfur content is 2%. Pretty low risk experiment.

Usually for me, grease/pomade on the scalp means my hair will get greasy and will definitely get itchy the next day. I've been using this product and haven't washed my hair in a couple days. While my scalp and new growth is an oil slick (I'm heavy handed), my scalp is NOT itchy in the least! Which is really strange! I did a little research and this product is supposed to help with dandruff too. Note that it smells absolutely horrendous. But it makes the length of my hair pretty soft. Did I mention the intense and refreshing tingle? Probably from the menthol content. Love it. Makes it feel like my hair is growing lol! I'll be using this until the jar finishes. If I see any results I'll post about it and repurchase. 


* Hairstyles: I've been wearing my hair in a bun an awful lot. Or under a wig. Last week I wore my hair straight to my aunt's birthday party but that's about it. Protective styling for the win! I need to buy more wigs though because it's getting to that point in my stretch when just can't be bothered to fuss with my hair. 


* Speaking of stretch I will be 9 weeks post as of next Wednesday. I have no ambition to relax any time soon. Especially Since I've been using the Sulfur 8. I can go to at least March, maybe even April. The idea of using a Just for Me texture softener instead of full-out relaxer is intriguing. Either that or my favourte Optimum No-Lye with EVOO mixed in. A local BSS started carrying the Optimum Smart-Lye relaxer which has caught my eye. 


* I want to wash my hair either tonight or tomorrow morning. The plan is to: 
1) Hot Oil treat, pre-poo and deep condition all at once with Coconut Oil and EVOO (both oils can penetrate the hair shaft)
2) Shampoo with a drugstore shampoo and 2nd lather with Keracare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo
3) Condition w/ a drugstore conditioner
4) Leave-in, moisturize and seal

TGIF!

Wash Day (6 Weeks Post)

Today's wash day was pretty uneventful. Right now my hair is 50% dry and I can't help but notice how soft it feels :) Here's how the wash went..

Step 1) Pre-poo. I mixed the following ingredients in a bowl:
- 1 tablespoon JBCO
- 2 tablespoons EVCO
- 2 tablespoons EVOO
- 12 drops peppermint oil
- Cheapie conditioner (I used Suave Tropical Coconut)

I left that mixture on for several hours. 30 mins with heat and the rest of the time just at room temp under a shower cap.


Step 2) Shampoo. I did the first lather with Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat shampoo, and second lather with Keracare Hydrating detangling shampoo. Both of these shampoos are sulfate-free.

Step 3) Condition. I used Roux Porosity Control Corrector and Conditioner in the shower for a few minutes. I don't use this product every wash but its a staple.

Step 4) Leave-in. Aphogee Green Tea & Keratin restructurizer. Another staple, I use this nearly every wash.

Step 5) Air dry. (currently doing this now)

Step 6) Will moisturize and seal tomorrow when my hair is fully dry.

I plan to wear my hair in a bun this whole week, moisturizing and sealing daily or as needed. No comb.

TGIF!!! Hope you have a safe weekend :)

Haircare Ain't Easy | Hair Blogger Bloopers

I was tagged by the lovely Fiona at Love Your Tresses (check out her blog and follow if you haven't done so, it's very nice!)

I've been on my hair journey for YEARS and I haven't reached my final goal of waist length yet! That goes to show I am a very slow grower, and I've had some BLOOPERS along the way! Going to share them with you so we can both learn from my mistakes :)

5) Protective styling blooper: Last year when I detangled cornrows, I combed through my hair like it was a regular 2-minute detangling session. FAIL. In the end I had to cut out a small knot at the back. It just wouldn't budge!

4) Build-up Blooper: my skin broke out because of product build up. Now I make sure to clarify twice a month with Quantum Clarifying Shampoo to keep breakouts at bay.

3) Protective styling blooper 2: If you're going to protective style with halfwigs, make sure you're not wearing one while with your man, or make sure it's pinned really tight. That's all I'm gonna say for now!

2) Anyone who knows me knows I'm a total DIYer when it comes to hair. I style, treat and trim my own hair (with the help of my mom when it comes to relaxing). After finals I had the bright idea of getting my hair done at the salon. Long story short it was a bad experience...I learned the hard way that no one will ever be as gentle with my hair as me! Especially when I'm 12 weeks post!

1) Electricity fail: I rollerset my hair perfectly and it was ready to go. I was sitting under the dryer with my laptop handy. An hour into drying time, I heard a pop sound and my entire room went pitch black. My dryer blew a fuse! Smh!! I had to air dry the rest of the way.

What was your most recent hair care blooper? Comment below I'd love to read it!

EbonyCPrincess Rollersetting Challenge Update (month 1)

January was the first (of 6) months of the rollersetting challenge.

So far the purple Hot Tools rollabout dryer been a great investment. I use it for everything (DCing, rollersetting, air drying etc).

Revisited flexi-rods this month and I love 'em!!

Heat usage: Minimal. The flat iron has only been used on my leave-out hair when half-wigging...haven't even looked at my blow dryer, and gave away the curling iron this month :)

After a month of trial and error, here's the setting regimen:
1) Shampoo and deep condition
2) Leave-in Aphogee Green Tea and Keratin, Mosturize with Lacio Lacio
3) Rolletset using plain water
4) Sit under dryer for an hour
5) Apply serum and wrap

Been tweaking the products and techniques this month too!
Three January Favorites:

• Nioxin Thermal Bliss Heat protector
• Keracare Intensive Restorative Masque, Hydrating Detangling Shampoo, and edge tamer (I've liked every keracare product I've tried)
• Aveda Brilliant Emollient Finishing Gloss (My CHI SIlk Infusion ran out so I decided to give this a try)

Looking forward to more roller-setting and flexi-rodding in February. But most of the time I'll continue protective styling with a bun.

Inspiration

I found this video on YouTube and had to share! She is still on a hair journey to get rid of the V. Enjoy!

1st and 2nd Rollerset Ever

First Rollerset: JAN 4TH

STEPS
1) Pre-pooed with extra virgin olive oil with a plastic cap for 30 mins under the dryer
2) Washed with Dove Damage Therapy Intensive Repair shampoo and conditioned with the matching conditioner
3) Leave-in: I intended to apply my leave-in (Aphogee green tea keratin recon) to each section but I only applied it to the top and forgot to apply it anywhere else. SMH note to self don't do hair late at night. So this rollerset is basically on naked hair. While placing the rollers in my hair with a fine tooth comb, it wasn't as much manipulation as I thought it would be. There was barely had any shedding/breakage in the comb.

4) Sat under the dryer. After an hour my hair was almost dry! I did four ponytails (2 rollers on each) because I didn't have enough rollers. It was a bit damp in the sections where I did the ponytails. One thing I will say about this dryer is that it has 2 heat settings -- one setting is a bit too hot and the other is warm almost cool. I found myself switching between the two settings.

FAIL -- My hair was damp after removing the rollers...I should have waited some more

 

5) Results -- overall I am pleased with the softness from my very first rollerset but I know I can only get better with practice.

Second Rollerset: TODAY

STEPS

1) Lightly detangle hair
2) Wash with Dove Damage Therapy Intensive Repair shampoo 2x
3) Aphogee 2 Minute Protein Treatment (for 5 mins in the shower) then Porosity Control for 1 min. Towel dry.

Naked hair after washing and conditioning. You can see my hair is relaxed bone straight

4) Apply leave-in (Aphogee Green Tea Keratin), and set hair on purple and yellow rollers. I should note that at this point my hair has very little slip. My last rollerset I had a lot more slip so I will go back to using the Dove shampoo and conditioner combo (thus making it way easier to detangle and rollerset). Note to self I also need to purchase another couple packs of yellow rollers.

EbonyCPrincess reccommends to keep your hair wet while rollersetting so I sprayed diluted Lottabody as I went along. I literally only put a capful of lottabody and filled the rest of the spray bottle with water (in hopes of avoiding crunchy curls due to the setting lotion).

I did the mohawk method of putting the rollers in (one strip the width of a roller down the center of the head). I put in the rollers on the sides in a kind of hap-hazard fashion.
5) Sat under dryer for 1 hour 30 mins

I peeked

6) Combed out curls. At this point my hair was very soft, flowy and bouncy. Not crunchy at all
7) I was planning to do the saran wrap method tomorrow but I figured since I'm blogging about it, might as well show it now :)

I wrapped my hair very tightly in saran wrap, and sat under the dryer for an additional 20 minutes.
8) Here are the final results. Not only is my hair bouncier and fuller, I used NO direct heat. Win win situation!

9) To maintain the look over the next week or two I plan to wrap my hair nightly and use a serum or moisturizer every couple of days (not every day). I may also experiment with flexi-rods and updo's closer to wash day. Even though I've only done a couple sets I can tell rollersetting is definitely for me!

Next set: I will definitely try using smaller rollers for the back and sides of my hair for some more curl definition. I really like the curl the yellow rollers gave, where as the purple gave more of just a "bump" at the ends.

I officially hit 200 followers on my blog! YAY!!! Thank you!

2012 Hair Regimen: Operation Waist Length

Here is the regimen I plan to follow in order to reach my ultimate goal of waist length this year. My hair loves protein and natural oils. It thrives with low heat and low manipulation. This year I plan to be consistent with this regimen because results won't happen with random and haphazard methods. Products will vary as I'm trying to use up my stash but I've mentioned some staples. Here's the plan:

My 2012 Hair Regimen

1) Detangle and pre-poo with oil (optional) 

2) Use a moisturizing or clarifying shampoo

3) Deep condition with heat or a protein treatment with every shampoo

4) Apply leave-ins and proceed to rollerset or airdry

5) Moisturize and/or oil hair daily

6) Stretch relaxers for 3+ months

 

Other info

- Protective style most of the time

- Limited heat: flat iron entire length of hair for length checks only

- Satin scarf used for air drying and protecting hair overnight

- Co-wash, trim and baggy/greenhouse effect as needed

Tried & True Staples

Clarifying Shampoo: Quantum Clarifying/Chelating Shampoo
Deep Conditioners: Keracare Humecto (tub), QH Cholesterol, One n Only Restorative Mask
Treatments: Aphogee 2 Minute Reconstructor, Roux Porosity Control
Leave-in: Aphogee Green Tea and Keratin Restructurizer
Oils: EVCO, JBCO, EVOO, One n Only Argan Oil
Styling: CHI Silk Infusion, Fantasia IC Styling Gel

~*2012 Challenges*~
- Rollerset, Keeping it Cool (no direct heat), Low Manipulation , Waist Length, Protective Styling

A Simple Keracare Wash Day in January

Yesterday I washed my hair, and today it's still feeling great. Here's how it went in detail...

1) Clarified with Quantum Clarifying Shampoo (lathered twice).

2) Deep conditioned for 20 mins with heat. This time I used two sample packs of KeraCare Intensive Restorative Masque that I got from my local BSS. First impression: it has pretty great slip for a strengthening treatment. I would purchase the full size if the price is right. Nice scent too. It is very thin but still creamy if that makes sense -- like cake batter. It very quickly absorbed into my hair, and even after rinsing my hair was very shiny. Little to no hair in the comb after detangling.

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3) Moisturized wet hair with Keracare Conditioning Creme Hairdress and went under the dryer (First impression: great shine. It doesn't smell good but doesn't smell bad either. Not very moisturizing but it left my hair pretty soft when used after the Masque. It does leave hair light and not weighed down at all. Did I mention the shine? I think this product would be used best on flat ironed or rollerset hair as a moisturizer because a little goes a long way and it doesn't weigh down the hair or drench it in moisture. I don't know yet if I would purchase the full size). 

If you know how to make a bun that doesn't give this crazy ponytail line...please let me know :)

* This wash I decided to skip my usual leave-in (Aphogee Green Tea Restructurizer)


4) This morning I applied more Keracare Creme Conditioning Hairdress. This stuff works better on dry hair. Today just wearing my hair in a bun

Messy Bun

New Year, Same me

I haven't made any new year's resolutions. I've tweaked my hair regimen and vowed to be healthier, but nothing set in stone. And I feel like I'm making better progress than when I used to set resolutions.

Hair:
I tried a rollerset for the first time ever on Wednesday and I must say I can see myself doing this every week or two. the process was smoother than I thought it would be. The results were a fail though because of several factors (me forgetting to apply a leave-in, taking out the rollers before hair was completely dry, not enough rollers for my whole head). I ended up salvaging my failed rollerset with a saran wrap and touching up with a flat iron. But overall I was pleased and I see potential once I get my technique down pat. I really liked the volume and body my hair had as opposed to the sleek, pin straight results from flat ironing.

Today I did my first co-wash of the year. First I deep conditioned with Keracare Humecto in the tub -- side note this conditioner reminds me an awful lot of Motions Moisture Plus conditioner (which I also love). I added JBCO and EVOO to the dc and left it on for a few hours. Rinsed it and co-washed with Herbal Essences Hello Hydration conditioner - my hair does NOT like this stuff! It never has in the past so I don't even know why I thought this time would be different. Anyway, I applied my leave-in (aphogee green tea & keratin) and moisturized with Elasta QP Mango Butter (the new formula with olive oil...I like this formula better than the original version plus it does not contain glycerin which is apparently good for combating dry winter air).

I need to purchase another halfwig or find time to wash one that I already have...I run through these things like mad! My mom, and everyone else really, always asks why I wear those things if I have a decent length of real hair. They will never understand!

Body:
I've been making an effort to be healthier. No particular reason. I've started drinking water and green tea daily. I purchased some multivitamins. Also did some work outs here and there. Nothing major but hey it's better than the absolutely nothing I've been doing. I'm sure this will also help my hair grow faster, healthier and thicker as well. Only thing left is to get this terrible sleep schedule of mine back on track...

School:
I'm starting my very last undergraduate semester on Monday. I have mixed emotions. Anyway this weekend will be devoted to preparing for the start of classes...my professors have already posted reading material and things to do before the first class. I'm so not ready to start classes on Monday but at the same time I'm glad to be busy again.

Love life:
Or lack there of one? It seems like everyone around me is hooking up, in a relationship or going through a break up. Then there's me -- a 21-year old just doing me. I met this guy on new year's and I'm attracted to him. We've been messaging eachother on BBM but he doesn't really make an effort to hold a convo. It drives me nuts -- I wonder what he's thinking. Then again, I can't really expect to have a real convo over texting right. Anyway, what does this have to do with hair? Absolutely nothing so I'll stop talking about it. But for 2012 I will continue to stick to the philosophy of not searching for the right one...he will come (and he can even take his sweet time because honestly I have other priorities lol)

Back to hair...I'm looking forward to where my hair will be at the end of the year. I'm still going for waist length this year. And getting close! As for my stash...I've finally invested in a storage thing for all my hair crap:

Storage thing for all my hair crap...and I still couldn't fit everything lol smh

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

Last Wash Day of the Year

Deep conditioning bun with KeraCare Humecto mixed with EVOO

Here's what I did for the last wash of 2011:

1. Pre-pooed with Jamaican Black Castor Oil
2. Shampooed twice (Quantum Clarifying shampoo then Dove Intensive Repair Shampoo)
3. Protein treatment with Aphogee 2 Minute
4. Deep conditioned for 45 mins with Keracare Humecto and Extra Virgin Olive Oil under the dryer. The Humecto in the tub is definitely thicker than the one in the bottle. I don't usually follow Aphogee 2 Minute with a moisturizing DC but my hair is feeling extra dry
5. Leave-in Aphogee Green Tea Restructurizer and go under the dryer

2011: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly, & The Sometimeish

The great thing about blogging is the ability to go back and see what worked and what didn't -- not just recently but overall in the last 12 months. Here's my recap of 2011:

The Good:

• Using halfwigs as a protective style. This will always be a win. Specifically Outre Tammy and Sensationnel 7047.
• (Recent purchase of a) professional hooded dryer! ♥
• Sally's One n Only products. I really loved these products in the Spring. The serum and the Restorative Mask (in the tube) are definite keepers.
• Extra virgin olive oil -- a great all-purpose hair oil used for anything from pre-pooing, diluting relaxers, to sealing. Definite keeper along with JBCOOptimum Care Relaxer. What I like most about this relaxer is very consistent results: smooth, shiny, silky results.
• Finally learned how to wrap my hair lol
• Diluting shampoo in an applicator bottle. Saves money, can get the shampoo directly to the scalp and makes thicker shampoos easier to spread and lather.
• Dark and Lovely Reviving Colors Semi-Permanent Haircolor in natural black
• Creme of Nature Argan Oil Shampoo. It's very comparable to the old shampoo.

The Bad:

• Ayurveda. I really wanted to use brahmi, Vatika and amla oil permanently in my regimen. Although I like the results I just can't bear the smell and the MESS of using the brahmi and amla oil. The Vatika is good but hard to find where I live so I'll settle with regular extra virgin coconut oil instead. Ayurveda was fun while it lasted but will not repurchase...trying to keep my regimen as simple as possible this year...
• Natural products. Don't get me wrong, some are very VERY good. But some (every one I've purchased) are the over-priced result of great marketing. For example, after I got over the honeymoon phase of Miss Jessie's Baby Buttercreme I realized that it was not moisturizing my hair at all but rather leaving a pretty layer of mineral oil over it, to give an illusion of softness. Donna Marie Baby Buttercreme was way to expensive to be seperating into oil and base when I got home. DB Transitioning Creme is decent -- but for $20 I want something a little better than decent! I didn't like the smell either so I gave it to my sister. Overall I won't continue to buy natural products regularly only because they're too expensive for my jobless student self to be trial-and-erroring with

The Ugly:

• I went to the salon ONCE this year to get my hair washed, flat ironed and blow dried. Two words: never again. I was left with burnt-smelling hair and mediocre results. Not to mention the price switch when I was ready to pay. Since I was 13 weeks post I apparently that counted as having to pay the "natural hair" price. WTF1! You can bet I only paid what was discussed over the phone. And at $35 for just a wash and set that's already overpriced. SMH.
• Cornrows give me a lot of retention and new growth. But cornrow removal wreaked havoc on my ends this year.

The Sometimeish:

• ORS Edge Control. Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't. Sometimeish. But will still repurchase.

What was your good, bad, ugly and sometimeish for 2011?

I Got a Dryer!!

I finally got a hooded dryer!!! I picked it up at a beauty supply store (Shades of Beauty on Orfus Road for the Toronto readers). The one I chose was the Hot Tools Tourmaline 1875 Watt Ionic Dryer. Even though it was pricey I figure that I would take several people's advice and make the investment. In terms of the physical dryer itself, I love the sleek design and it is very lightweight -- and it's purple! My very first dryer -- I'm so excited about this!! You know you're hair obsessed when you get excited about a piece of equiptment. Anyway I'll post a full review for those thinking of purchasing after I really get a chance to use it. For now here is the description and features:

Description (copied and pasted from folica.com)

Pro-Moisture System ^TM with Tourmaline and Ionic Nano Technologies changes dryings effect on hair, transforming heat and airflow into a moisture-enhancing spa treatment! Creates healthy, shiny, beautiful hair. Tourmaline Nano particles naturally generate far-infrared energy when heated. This penetrating form of heat passes through the hair cuticle, going directly to the cortex to dry it first. The cuticle is not over-dried and resists brittleness and cracking, helping hair maintain its shine and softness. Tourmaline also helps cleanse hair of odors and impurities.

Patented direct ION TECHNOLOGY® is an "active" system. Hundreds of millions of negatively charged Nano ions are created by an electronic component inside the dryer and deposited directly onto wet hair. The ions separate water into smaller droplets which are easier for hair to absorb, increasing its moisture content and reducing frizz. Tourmaline, a natural source of ions, enhances ion output.

 Features:

• Pro-Moisture System with Tourmaline
• Direct ION TECHNOLOGY®
• FastDry 1875 Watts
• 2 speed / 4 heat options
• Ion on / off switch
• Large bonnet accommodates even the largest rollers
• Adjustable front visor
• Telescoping stand adjusts height
• Adjustable bonnet angle
• Lint filter removes for cleaning and extends they dryers life
• Two lockable wheels for stability
• 9-ft. cord
• Legs remove from base for compact storage
• One-year warranty

More info from the instruction manual:
Direct Ion Technology: The Ionic hair dryer dries hair faster. Negative ions reduce the size of water droplets on hair, allowing more water to be absorbed. This helps condition, soften, and make the hair shinier while adding volume. The Ion switch must be turned on to use the Ion Technology feature.

Tourmaline: Nano particles of tourmaline naturally emit far-infrared energy when heated. This penetrating form of heat passes through the hair cuticle, going directly to the cortex to dry it first. The cuticle is not over-dried and resists brittleness and cracking, helping hair maintain its shine and softness. Tourmaline also helps cleanse hair of odors and impurities.

Christmas Weekend Hair Plans

Yesterday was the usual routine...shampoo with Dove, condition with Aphogee 2 Minute Reconstructor, and  final rinse with Porosity Control. Leave-in was Aphogee 2 Minute Reconstructor and used One n' Only Argan Oil as a heat protectant (a la NinaPruitt). We're going to my grandmas for Christmas dinner and I plan to wear it straight.

Random Thoughts:

• I'm 13 weeks post. Originally I planned to relax in January but I might do it sooner because for the first time in forever I actually have plans for new years!!! So a fresh relaxer sounds like a good idea :)
• I'm less than thrilled with my winter progress. No setbacks thankfully, but I haven't retained as much length as I could have. For the new year I am putting my blow dryer, curling iron and flat iron to rest...they've gotten way to much face time for the past few months and my ends are letting me know it :(
• Still on the lookout for dryer. At first I was going for the tabletop but I may chalk up the guts to get a higher end one. But we'll see!
• I should have named this blog something different. I just realized how generic it is
• Last but not least HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!! Have a great one!! New year is around the corner :)

Choices...I just had to share this :)....It's Very True

It is better to be alone, than in the wrong company.

Tell me who your best friends are, and I will tell you who you are. If you run with wolves, you will learn how to howl. But, if you associate with eagles, you will learn how to soar to great heights. A mirror reflects a man's face, but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses. The simple but true fact of life is that you become like those with whom you closely associate for the good and the bad.

The less you associate with some people, the more your life will improve. Any time you tolerate mediocrity in others, it increases your mediocrity. AN IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTE IN SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE IS THEIR IMPATIENCE WITH NEGATIVE THINKING AND NEGATIVE ACTING PEOPLE. As you grow, your associates will change. Some of your friends will not want you to go on. They will want you to stay where they are.

Friends that don't help you climb will want you to crawl. YOUR FRIENDS WILL STRETCH YOUR VISION OR CHOKE YOUR DREAM. THOSE THAT DON'T INCREASE YOU WILL EVENTUALLY DECREASE YOU. Consider This: Never receive counsel from unproductive people. Never discuss your problems with someone incapable of contributing to the solution, because those who never succeed themselves are always first to tell you how.

NOT EVERYONE HAS A RIGHT TO SPEAK INTO YOUR LIFE. You are certain to get the worst of the bargain when you exchange ideas with the wrong person. Don't follow anyone who's not going anywhere. With some people you spend an evening: with others you invest it. Be careful where you stop to inquire for directions along the road of life. Wise is the person who fortifies his life with the right friendships.

Roller Wrap (Trial & Error)

I should preface this post with saying that I haven't done a flexi rod set in AGES. So when I saw this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_B1CY54RwI I decided to revisit it. My hair has been flat ironed since Friday (see length check in side bar) and I wanted a change. I did exactly what she did in the video. Put a little hairspray to hold the curls nothing else.

On to the pics!

Flexi's on top, the rest wrapped around (just like in the video). Did it on dry hair and let it set overnight

After taking down the flexi's. 12 weeks post.

Before combing out the curls

After combing out the curls

Will wear it half up half down

Thoughts

Next time I'm not doing the wrap part because the bottom half came out bone straight & long, and was hard to blend with the upper half. I do love how the curls came out!! And I like that there are no harsh parts and my hair is flowy and bouncy due to minimal product use. Next set I'll do my entire head with flexi's for a more uniform look.

Wash Day (11.5 weeks post)

Yes I count half weeks during my stretch lol! Today was my first wash day since removing my braids. Last night I detangled with Aloe Vera juice (this stuff is an awesome all natural detangler), put a plastic cap on and went to bed. So I guess it counts as a pre-poo too. When I woke up my hair was very damp and....MUSHY. Automatically I knew its moisture overload, which is expected because I've only been using moisturizing products only for the past 2 weeks on my cornrows. Whoever created that "protein once a month max" rule needs to speak for themselves because my hair needs it more often than that. Anyway this morning here's how the wash went:

1. Lightly detangled and put a middle part...splitting my hair in two makes the whole wash day easier
2. Clarified with Quantum Clarifying/Chelating Shampoo
3. Aphogee 2 Minute Reconstructor ♥ (my hair adores this stuff...need to repurchase b/c bottles running low)
4. After I rinsed that, I applied Roux Porosity Control and let it sit for 30 seconds
5. Towel dried (simply squeeze the excess water out with a towel or t-shirt)
6. Applied leave-in (Aphogee Green Tea & Keratin Restructurizer)
7. I had somewhere to be so I threw on my Sensationnel 7047 halfwig and put a little Isoplus oil sheen on the leave out
8. When I got back I moisturized and sealed in sections (Giovanni Direct Leave-in and sealed with EVOO)...then lightly flat twisted 4 twists and put on a satin scarf)

Today I also got my nails done (acrylic with white tips...terrible for my nails but hey I haven't gotten them since summer and I deserved some pampering after a hectic semester at school).  Also got my eyebrows waxed too. So today was a true "hair done nails done everything did" type of day.

Rollerset update: So as you know I'm on the market for a hooded dryer right. Well everyone recommended sallys and OF COURSE the sally's in my area doesn't have  hooded dryers! Not to mention it doesn't carry any of the infamous generic value products. Sighh. I know for sure my local BSS's have hooded dryers so I'll check there next. Just hope I don't have to pay an arm and a leg

6-Month Rollersetting Challenge

I'm ecstatic to be part of Ebony's 6 Month Rollerset Challenge!

Even Beyonce knows the benefits of rollersetting....lol!

Ebony swears by rollersetting to retain length and keep her hair healthy (as opposed to using direct heat). I'm ready to follow suit! Rollersetting is one of those things I've never done and I feel like I'm the only person who doesn't own a hooded dryer LOL. But that will change because I'm planning to buy myself a hooded dryer + rollers for Christmas, so I can get started on this challenge :)

Now, I'm not completely BRAND NEW to rollersetting. I own a Caruso Steam hairsetter (which I really like and will also be using for the challenge...great investment). However I'm also really interested in rollersetting the "traditional" way. I see the results that it gives people and I'm really interested in trying it out. Coupled with a silk wrap afterwards, this seems like a great way to get straight, silky hair sans-flat iron. Or I could leave the curls in for a curly look.

My goals for the 6-Month Rollerset Challenge: 

1. First off learn how to rollerset....LOL. I plan to do lots of youtube and hairboard research.
2. Only use direct heat twice.
3. Reach waist length!
4. Finish a full bottle of Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum...I've had this product for ages and not quite sure how to use it. It's is supposed to reduce drying time.

Ebony has listed very detailed rules for the challenge, so check them out if you're interested (link is at the beginning of this post) and let her know if you want to join! I'm definitely in!! The challenge is from January to June. Basically you must rollerset at least once a month and direct heat is to be used only twice for the entire challenge (it's OK to flat iron roots only). Sounds very do-able!