Wash Day 4

Well, this wash day ended up being an opporutnity to use some of the Bee Mine 'Try Me' sized products that arrived last week.  I have already used the Mango Serum and the Lucious hair moisturiser, both of which are proving to be so far, so good...

My HAIR Today:

My hair is still very straight and tangle free following my trim last week.  I wore my hair in two flat twists which I had to redo a couple of times today, so much for low manipulation!!!

Pre-Poo Routine:

I didn't pre-poo today as I was doing a clarifying shampoo wash with Bee Mine Bee Mine Purity Thassoul Clay Clarifying Bar which I will review in a month or so when I have had the chance to use it 2 or 3 times.  I sectioned my hair into four and detangled each section then sprayed the roots heavily with Mane 'n' Tail Detangler and left to soak into each section before detangling thoroughly.

 

Wash Routine:
I washed my hair with the Bee Mine shampoo bar which I will at this stage say made my hair feel strenghened.  I wasn't expecting that and it was a welcome surprise.

I then applied the Bee Mine Deep conditioner to each section and sat with my heated cap on my hair for about 45mins (I forgot to time it but I think it was between 35-45mins).  I then rinsed out the dc and followed up with a final rinse of aloe vera juice.

Final Steps:

I applied my usual leave-ins and moisturised my scalp and the lengths of my hair with Bee Mine Luscious, which I really like and will review in a week or so.  I sealed with JCBO and put my hair into twists whilst I air dried.

Clarifying Wash = 15mins

Deep Condition = 45mins

Products and detangling = 10mins

I won't be blow drying this week, but I may flat iron tomorrow, I'm not sure....depends on how my hair looks tomorrow.  I'm sure I'll be getting the Caruso Steam rollers out at some point in the next day or two (",)

Ciao 4 Now!!!

Bee Mine BEE•U•Ti•FUL Moisturizing Deep Conditioner

It Claims / The Hype:

BEE•U•Ti•FUL Moisturizing Deep Conditioner helps to detangle your hair and provide excellent manageability.  This deep conditioner is made with creamy and emollient. Cupuacu butter, to promote smooth and soft hair while boosting the rebirth of the hair's natural moisture and elasticity.

Results on My HAIR:

My hair felt amazing when I applied this.  Not alot of slip but wow did it feel soft.  It just seemed to soak into my hair which is a good sign, but not so great that I managed to use the full 2oz trial sized jar so I do not have any left to get a second opinion.

Would I Buy Again?:

I think so.  It's pretty pricey so it's typical that my hair likes this product.  To be honest it's worth it for the moisture this provides.  Plus and it's a big plus point, this is full of natural ingredients and has no nasties in there so that makes it a keeper although I'm not an ingredient nazi!!  Far from it.

My HAIR Rating:

♥♥♥♥
Ciao 4 Now!!!

My HAIR Wants: Elasta QP

Less than a week after the arrival of my longed for Bee Mine products, I am now lusting after some new additions!!! 

The products I covet are as follows:

Mango Butter
Creme Conditioning Shampoo
Soy Oyl Anti-Breakage Moisture-Rich Deep Conditioner
Soy Oyl Anti-Breakage Moisture-Rich Conditioner

I need to tame the PJ in me, but not just yet though!! (",)  I'll hold back on making this purchase for at least another month or two...

Ciao 4 Now!!!

I Self-Trimmed My HAIR Today

And it feels great!

Well, I was trying to put off trimming my hair, simply because I wanted to wait until my next relaxer.  Alas, by Monday those thin and whispy ends were driving me crazy- so I had to cut them off!!! 

I ususally use my Split-ender after every relaxer but I really needed to deal with the length issues and attempt to get a thicker appearance overall.

As the title states, I trimmed my hair myself with the help of a decent and sharp pair of hair scissors and a mirror so I could check whether everything was level at the back.  I think I did a good job and as a result, my hair looks and feels thicker and in much better condition.  I trimmed in small sections carefully trimming about 1cm off the length and more in places where my hair was slightly longer.  Now my hair is pretty much all one length at the back as I have trimmed up to the length of my nape area.

The process took me about 45mins in total and I'm really pleased with the results.   I'm also impressed that this trim has helped me to get better results from my Caruso steam rollers which I used straight after trimming.

I ♥ it (",)

Ciao 4 Now!!!

I ♥ My New Shoes, First Addition

ZARA KNOTTED PEEP TOE

Okay, one month in I think it's only right to unleash my other passion - shoes and the purchasing of said items.  I have a rather large collection of footwear, most of which are killer heels of some sort. These knotted peep toe lovelies from Zara are the latest addition to my collection and I am in love!!!

I have long lusted after this pair of Christian Louboutin Lady Grey peep toe shoes but alas I was never able to treat myself to a pair as they were no longer being made when I looked for a pair in 2008.

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN LADY GREY

I'm impressed with the styling and fit of these from Zara and I feel that design wise they are a great substitute for the extremely more expensive Lady Grey.  I can't believe that this stunning pair of shoes only cost £29.99.

Hopefully I'll get to wear these at the weekend if it's not raining!!!

Ciao 4 Now!!!

My Products Have Arrived: Bee Mine

Wow, my Bee Mine products have arrived.  I ordered them on Friday lunchtime and they arrived first thing this morning!!! 
Thank you britishcurlies.co.uk.  Excellent service!

I can't wait to use these products!!!  I'll be writing my reviews next month.

Ciao 4 Now!!!

Wash Day 3

My Hair Today:
Well, to be honest, my hair feels like RATS!!!!  Well, it feels more like straw but rats is a tad more dramatic.  (",)  It was soooo bad I had to go home and wash my hair on Sunday instead of my usual wash day of Tuesday.  Before heading home, I applied lots of HE BE (HE LTR) leave in cream and sealed with avocado oil.  I then put my hair into two french braids. 

Pre-Poo Routine:
I sectioned my hair into 4 and applied some warmed coconut oil to the lengths of my hair and the ends.  I then left this in my hair for 30mins.

Wash Routine:

Today I cowashed with Treseme Thermal Recovery Replenishing Conditioner as I planned to blow dry and flat iron today due to time constraints (yet again)! 

I cowashed twice, then deep conditioned with Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing Conditioner Professional mixed with two teaspoons of Roux Porosity Control Conditioner Corrector and two teaspoons of Hemp Oil.  I love this mix, it never fails to make my hair feel amazingly soft yet strong and moisturised.  I left this on for 45mins with heat.

Final Steps:
After rinsing out the deep conditioner mix, I finished with a cool rinse and then left the towel on my hair for about 10 mins before applying my leave ins whilst still in 4 sections. 

I then blowdried lightly paying more attention to the roots.  I then flat ironed and was out the door!

Pre-poo = 30mins

Cowash = 10mins

Deep Condition = 45mins

Products and detangling = 10mins

Ciao 4 Now!!!

Aubrey Organic White Camellia Ultra-Smoothing Conditioner

It Claims / The Hype:
Extremely emollient anti-frizz formula. Tame unruly hair and replenish much-needed moisture with this intensive, ultra-smoothing conditioner. Vitamin-rich formula nourishes as it protects against heat styling damage and breakage, restoring manageability for the look you want—whether it's silky, shiny lengths or soft, controlled curls.

Results On My HAIR:
This stuff is BRILLIANT!!!  Pretty much as soon as I open the bottle, I can feel my regrowth quaking at the roots and laying down as if beaten into submission.  This stuff is so great!!!  It's quite a small bottle for £10 but is well worth it.  I now buy it in batches of two to save on P&P but I know this is a staple for me once I pass 6 weeks post.  This is the most important product in my arsenal for long term stretching as my hair is prone to dryness.

AO WC has a thick creamy texture which I love, and smells totally amazing. The scent literally lingers in your hair for a day or two and it is a beautiful fragrance indeed.

I love how this conditioner just soaks into my hair when I apply it, whether that be into dry or wet hair.  I cover with cling film, leave on for 1hr with heat and every time, I my hair looks like it has no conditioner on it, because it has literally been soaked into every strand of my hair. 

Would I Buy Again?:
I am a repeat offender for purchasing this product and have already 'pushed' it onto my sister to calm her unruly regrowth. 

My Rating:

♥♥♥♥♥

Ciao 4 Now!!!

Wave Noveau Moisturising Finishing Lotion

It Claims / The Hype:

Leightweight protein moisturiser.  This rich lotion contains a blend of silicone and humectants to provide shine, softening and moisture to natural and permanently waved hair.

Results On My HAIR:

I like this product, although I became aware of it quite late last year so didn't get to use it for very long before the weather turned cold for winter.  After researching products, blogs and YouTube I've opted to steer clear of glycerin and glycerin based products during the colder months as the lack of moisture in the air can cause humectants to sap the moisture in your hair instead.  You definitely don't want that happening.

Anyway, despite this, I think it is a good product.  I liked the fact that it moisturised my hair without making it feel greasy.  I was surprised that this product is usable for relaxed / texlaxed ladies as this is intended for people with chemically curled tresses.  That being said, it works a treat.  Roll on Summer, this product will definitely be accompanying my on my Summer holiday in 2011.

Would I Buy Again?:

Yes, I think so.  I will have to wait and see and reacces when I have finished my first bottle.

My HAIR Rating:
♥♥♥♥

Ciao 4 Now!!!

Roux Porosity Control Corrector & Conditioner

It Claims / The Hype:
Prepares hair for more uniform results when carrying out chemical processes on the hair.  Controls conidtiong as the hair absorbs maximum conditioning in porous or damaged areas, while normal hair absorbs less conditioning.  Dentangles and moisturises preventing hair from breaking as imparts good body and shine whilst correcting the porosity of your hair.

Results On My HAIR:
I can't complain about this product in the slightest.  I'm very impressed with the result this product has had on my hair since I started using it in November 2010.  My hair has always been very porous and I have noticed the difference.  I first started using this as my final condtioner just before deep conditioning.  Now, I add a couple of teaspoons to my deep conditioner so as to speed things up a little with my wash process. 

I like the scent of this product, although it's nothing to write home about in the fragrance department in my opinion.  But who cares right, so long as it's improving the quality of my hair and doing what it states on the packaging - right?

I use this product during the relaxer process, straight after neutralising and just before deep conditioning.  I have had good results all round with this product.

My Rating:
♥♥♥♥♥

Ciao 4 Now!!!






UPDATE - April 2011:   Well I never, looks like I should have read the instructions on this product.  Now that I have and seen that you should towel blot your hair 'prior' to adding this product, my results have been much better with this product and I like it all the more.  I also like adding this to my deep conditioner mixes.

Tangle Teezer

It Claims / The Hype:
As seen on Dragons Den - Tangle Teezer is a great brush for use on your hair to remove tangles without causing uncessary stress and breakage to your strands.

Results on My HAIR:
I used this styling tool whilst washing my hair at 4 weeks post.  It dealt easily with my new growth and didn't cause many strands to break.  Since starting my HHJ I have steered clear of brushes as a rule (except for when blowdrying my hair with a round ceramic brush), even recently I have stopped combing my hair between wash days, which I thought would be difficult but it's been a really easy length and thickness retaining habit to pick up!

This styling tool has very fine and flexible bristles which are made from a soft pliable plastic. It fits comfortably into the palm of your hand, although it may not fit as comfortably for people with hands on the smaller side.  It makes the wierdest sound when used in your hair, almost like someone dragging a brush along carpet!!!!  Despite the sound it does a great job on both wet and dry hair.

Overall, Am I Pleased With My Purchase?:
Yes.  I would recommend this as a styling tool for relaxed / texlaxed hair - but not necessarily a daily tool, only really for when detangling is required.

My HAIR Rating:
♥♥♥♥

Ciao 4 Now!!!

My HAIR ~ PRODUCT OF THE MONTH: Goody Spin Pin

PRODUCT OF THE MONTH:  FEBRUARY 2011

Goody Spin Pins

I love this fantastic little pin. So much so that I've converted my '20 x hair pins in her head' lil sis to the delights of the Goody Spin Pin.  I brought mine in November 2010 and used it continuously for my buns and updo's. 

At the moment my hair is only just shoulder length so the Spin Pin works for pretty much any kind of protective style that I wear that keeps my hair off my shoulders so I can retain some length.  It's true what is claimed is true, these pins are equal to 20 x bobby pins.  I think they are more reliable and less likely to be lost or lose the delicate plastic tips like some cheaper hair pins.  Mine cost £4.98 from Asda which I thought was pretty expensive, until I actually tried the pin in my hair.  Definitely worth every penny! 

These pins come in blonde and brunette.  I use the brunette colour and they work fine with my hair.  They are comfortable and easy to put into my hair and take out again with no strands lost in the process.

If you wear your hair in buns or updo's I would definitely recommend purchasing this product.  It makes doing your hair so much easier.

Ciao 4 Now!!!

Caruso Molecular Steam Hair Styling System

It Claims / The Hype:
The Caruso Steam Rollers System helps you to achieve long-lasting curls and volume while keeping hair healthy, shiny and in great condition.

Results On My HAIR:
The first time I used this I was not too impressed. I have been used to years of using my Babyliss heated rollers on which I always got great results.  This was different.   I brought and used this for the first time in November 2010 from Ebay for about £16 which was a bargain.  My hair at that time was still quite fine at the ends which were relaxed and I didn't have much texlaxed hair as I had only done one or two texlaxes by this time.  As steam is used to set the curl, I feel that my hair absorbed too much water and took ages to dry and didn't hold the curls well.

This changed when I discovered (after trawling many blog and YouTube sites) the wonders of Roux Porosity Control.  When I next tried the Caruso Steam Rollers my hair set way better, I had more texlaxed hair to deal with, my relaxed strands had thickened up too which gave my hair a little more body and texture to play with.  This all helped my hair to hold the curls better.  Also, the tip I picked up from somewhere on YouTube to actually 'flick' each roller after it comes off the steamer helped so so much!  No more wet hair for me, just beautiful curls, although I can't say that they last any longer than when using normal heated rollers.

Overall, Am I Happy With My Purchase?
Yes.  I'm very happy with the Caruso Steam Roller set.  I love the fact that I can curl my hair quickly and simply without the use of harmful heat.  Infact, I feel that I am benefiting my hair in someway by the application of steam when I do choose to curl.  I really should use it more often.  That said, I do prefer the finish I achive from my Babyliss heated rollers, but I don't use these on my hair anymore....only on my clip in extensions!

My HAIR Rating:
♥♥♥♥

Ciao 4 Now!!!

CHI Silk Infusion

It Claims / The Hype:
CHI Silk Infusion Silk Reconstructing Complex with Cationic Hydration Interlink, is enriched with pure silk along with wheat and soy proteins that penetrate and help strengthen the hair while providing incredible softness, manageability and shine

Results on My HAIR:
My hair was banging the first time I used this.  Seriously, it was so lightweight and had great body to it.  It feels soft to the touch and smells wonderfully fresh.  I use this as a leave in conditioner straight after washing or cowashing, but I also use this during my daily or nightly moisturising and sealing regimen.  Whenever I feel that my hair needs a little extra softness I add this after using one of my leave ins as a daily moisturiser.  It's great and is definitely a keeper.  I brought five small tester bottles from Ebay and quickly followed up by buying a larger sized bottle.  A little goes a long way and it lasts and lasts.  Definitely a staple item in my regimen.
Would I Buy Again:
Sure will. This stuff is great when blowdrying and airdrying alike.  It smells lovely but in a kinds of 'mens aftershave' kinda way. 

My HAIR Rating:
♥♥♥♥♥

Ciao 4 Now!!!

Herbal Essence Beautiful Ends Leave In Cream

It Claims / The Hype:
This product is also known as Herbal Essesence Long Term Relationship (HE LTR) in the US.  The product formulas are almost identical.

Strong against split ends.  Strong on silkiness too.  Simply the V.I.P. treatment you need to pamper your hair all day long.

Results On My HAIR:
I love this leave in cream.  I use this as a daily moisturiser and seal with an oil.  I don't use this as a leave in conditioner.   I never thought I could love this product more but I do however, when I use it to make up batches of Kimmytube's leave in recipe .  When making the mix I the oils I add are JCBO and hemp oil.  This works wonders for My HAIR and I love love LOVE this product even more when in this guise.

Would  I Buy Again?
I have two bottles which I have been using regularly since the beginning of my HHJ.  Luckily this lasts for ages as you don't need to use alot. Truly a great product and again, it's alway on a Buy 1 Get 1 free offer somewhere so great value for money!  There is nothing wrong with this product, I can't fault it in anyway.  It even smells fabulous!  What more can you ask for...?

My HAIR Rating:
♥♥♥♥♥

Ciao 4 Now!!!

Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Conditioner

It Claims /  The Hype:
Deep drenching of quenching hydration in a rich formula containing orchid extracts, replenish your hairs moisturee needs.

Results On My HAIR:
WOW!!!!  I love this stuff.  It makes my hair feel like butter when I apply it.  It is my 'go to' conditioner for cowashing.   I also add this conditioner to my henna glosses and use it to cowash out the henna as it feels sooooo damn good!  Oh, did I mention the scent of this conditioner?  WOW!!!  It smells amazing, almost good enough to eat.  I love this conditioner.  I've even used it to deep condition with the addition of oils. It's brilliant and when going on holiday I would never ever leave home without this little beauty!  It's a keeper.

Would I Buy Again?
Errmmmmmm, yeah!!!!  Of course I would.  The great thing is this line is always on special offer somewhere so I always stock up and buy 2 or 4 bottles if it's on a buy 1 get 1 free offer somewhere.  You need to try this stuff for real!

My HAIR Rating:
♥♥♥♥♥

Ciao 4 Now!!!

Herbal Essence Beautiful Ends Conditioner

It Claims / The Hype:

This product is also known as Herbal Essence Long Term Relationship (HE LTR) in the US.  The formula/contents are pretty much the same.

Results on My HAIR:

I'm not really feeling this conditioner. I brought my first bottle at the beginning of my HHJ and I still have more than half of it left.  It's not that I hate this product, it's just that it's definitely not a go to for me when cowwashing my hair.  There are other conditioners that I prefer a whole lot more that this one.

Will I Buy It Again?:

No.  Probably not.  Although, you never know, this product may be just the thing for me when my hair has grown to APL.  If I ever go to the US again I will buy HE LTR just to see if it's better than it's UK counter-part.

My HAIR Rating:

♥

Ciao 4 Now!!!

Jamaican Black Castor Oil

It Claims / The Hype:
Jamaican Black Castor Oil is generally used as a hot oil treatment or used to combat dry damaged hair, hair growth issues, thinning hair and dry/split ends.

Black Castor Oil is a powerful all-purpose healing oil that came to Jamaica from West Africa where it was used in ancient times for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. Tropic Isle Living's all natural Jamaican Black Castor Oil is light to dark brown due to the tedious age old traditional process still used to make this brand.  For detailed information on the wonderful healing attributes of this product visit http://www.tropicisleliving.com/

Results on My HAIR:
Brilliant.  Every time I use this oil I am surprised at how soft if makes my relaxed / texlaxed hair and newgrowth feel.   I haven't used it for hot oil treatments yet but I do use it to seal in my moisturiser and on my scalp. It performs well and is worth the extra money in my opinion.  I have used normal West Indian Castor Oil which is good too, but this is better in my opinion.  I like the fact that it is not as thick as the WICO but I'm not to hot on the sent.  It kinda has a scent like burnt nuts or seeds but the smell doesn't linger for too long. The improvement in growth and thickness to my nape since using castor oil has been really impressive.

Will I Buy It Again?:
Definitely.  I love this stuff.  It took me a while into my HHJ to find a supplier in the UK that supplies this product at a reasonable price.  I purchased mine from Shea Butter Cottage and it was a surprise to me that they are not too far from where I live!!!  Great news after months of searching for this product online.

My HAIR Rating:

♥♥♥♥♥

Ciao 4 Now!!!

My HAIR Wants: Bee Mine

Well the product junkie in me is about to reer it's beautiful head!  I have been lusting after this product line for a few months now but living in the UK, it's not the easiet line to get hold of at reasonable prices and with the whole line available.  Eureeka!!!!  I have found an online company that sells this britishcurlies.co.uk so I need to set aside 20mins to get my order placed so I can try these products for myself. 

Luckily, (or should that be cleverly!) Bee Mine has Try Me sizes so you don't need to buy the product in a large size, you can try them out first.  Great News!!!  Another plus point is the containers from the trial size can be used if you like the products and buy them in the larger size you can then fill up the Try Me bottles if you are going on holiday and don't want to lug the large bottles around in your suitcase.

I've placed my order for the items below and can't wait for them to arrive, in particular the curly butter and the deep conditioner.  I will do reviews on all the products purchased:

Bee Mine Mango Serum with Sulfur

Bee Mine Bee Hold Curly Butter

Bee Mine Deja's Hair Milk

Bee Mine Juicy Daily Spritz

Bee Mine Luscious Balanced Cream Moisturiser

Bee Mine Bee Nourished Shampoo Bar

Bee Mine BEE•U•Ti•FUL Moisturizing Deep Conditioner

See, told you I'm a PJ!!!

Ciao 4 Now!!!

Henna & My HAIR

Today is my usual wash day but I realised late last week that I am well overdue a henna treatment.  I use henna to strengthen my hair, but I also love the subtle colour it gives to my hair.

Personally, I have been trying to incorporate the henna treatment into my regimen on a regular basis but as yet, have been unable to plan it in on a 6 week basis.  I'll get there as I have the motivation that this is always makes my hair feel great - it's just difficult to fit in a process where the product needs to be made the day beforehand and then needs to sit on my hair for 2-3hrs minimum.  It's a long slog doing this process, but well worth it.  I will be trying way harder to do this.  I love how this makes every strand feel reinforced.

I did my first henna gloss on 29th October 2010, my next was done on 25th November and I think I completely missed both December and January, I really need to step it up on this one and set a reminder or something.

My HAIR Today:

I blow dried and flat ironed on my last wash day so I have been wearing various styles this week, prodominently pin curl sets worn as protective styles, culminating in two loose French braids today.  I have not combed my hair since Thursday.

Pre-Poo Routine:

I sectioned my hair into 4 and I applied a warmed coconut oil and EVOO mix thoroughly to each section.   I then left this on my hair for 30mins.

Henna Gloss Treatment:

I mixed almost a full 100g box of Ayuuri mehandi henna powder (which I purchase from Tesco for £1.29) with warm water in a plastic bowl and mix it until it resembles a smooth consistency similar to cake batter.  I then cover and leave overnight for the colour to release.  The next day I add the following to the henna to make up the henna gloss:

2 x tbsp of Ayuuri amla powder

2 x tbsp of Ayuuri henna power

I then mix this paste which should be pretty dry consistency.  I add more henna as I like my paste to be really thick as I can't stand 'the drippies' for 3hrs, on my neck, clothes, in my ears ewwwww!!!

After mixing the powder into the henna mixture I add the following:

2 x tbsp HEHH conditioner

2 x tsp EV coconut oil

2 x tsp EVOO

The finished product:  My Henna Gloss mix

I mix this throughly and then apply to my hair in sections, then cover with cling film and let it sit on my hair for 3 hours.

Henna Gloss applied to my hair in 4 x sections

After the time has passed, I cowash the henna out of my hair being really careful not to aggitate the hair too much as it can be quite compacted in some areas and dry.  I cowash this out like forever  and then do one wash with shampoo whilst my hair is still in sections, depending on how well cowashing the product out is going.

Next I deep conditioned with a mixture of the following:

Aubrey Organics White Camelia Smoothing Conditioner

Elasta QP DPR 11+

2 x tbsp Hemp Oil

1 x tsp Roux Porosity Control Conditioner

I then let this sit on my hair for 30mins with heat then rinsed out throughly with my hair still in sections to reduce the possibility of tangles.  I then did a final rinse of fridge temperature aloe vera juice brrrrrrrr!!!!

Next I applied my leave ins as I have for previous wash days then air dried lightly before putting my hair in 6 x bantu knots as I will be rocking a bantu knot out this week as I don't want to overdo the heat.  It was tempting to blow dry my hair today, especially as I brought I brand new ceramic blow-drying brush today.  Never mind, there's always next week - right?!  Nite nite xx


Ciao 4 Now!!!

Thickness & Length Check #1

My HAIR February 2011

Well, well, well!!!  It seems my barnet has grown some and thickend up a treat.  I accredit the thickness to texlaxing which I love and the use of castor oil both normal and JBCO.  The introduction of both of these have given my hair more volume however, as soon as I put a hairdryer and hot iron anywhere near it, it's pretty much as straight as when I've relaxed bone straight in the past! Best of both worlds, I couldn't be happier - well, I could if it was longer but that will come in time I'm sure....! Wishing I had started doing all this HHJ years ago.

5 Months into HHJ:  Nape area in January '11

I am so encouraged by my progress.  My main achievements have been in the overall condition of my hair , the shine and the thickness.  Oh, and my nape - my nape is no longer Missing In Action!!!  I can hardly believe the length of it.  I think my recent 13wk stretch really helped to grow this troubled part of my hair.






The overall length and appearance of my hair is much better than it was 6 months ago.  I'm really excited for my next relaxer/texlax as I will be getting my hair trimmed which means I will be able to wear my hair out more during Spring and Summer as it will all be level at the back then as I will be getting it cut to the same length as the nape.  It will mean cutting about 1-1½ inches off.  I don't mind at all because it will improve the appearance of my hair overall.

Ciao 4 Now!!!

Wash Day 2

My Hair Today:  

After wearing my hair in a pinned up bantu knot out, I wore my hair in two French braids today.  This style took me approx 5mins to complete this morning.  I have not combed my hair since last Thursday although I did detangle throughly on Monday night.

Pre-Poo Routine: 

I then parted my hair into 4 x sections and detangled slightly then I sprayed a little Mane 'n' Tail Detangler into each section and detangled fully.  This method is great for me and I lose hardly any strands this way.  Next I applied warmed coconut oil and warmed Dabur Amla Oil to each section, paying particular attention to my ends and then twisted each section into a bantu knot and secured with a  bobby piin in each bantu knot.  I left the oils on my hair for about 30mins.

Wash Routine:

Today I cowashed my hair in the 4 x sections using Herbal Essence Hello Hydration.  I cowashed my hair twice and then did a quick protein treatment using Aphogee 2 Minute Reconstructor.  I then applied my deep conditioner (which I had to make twice today as stupid me, I dropped the first batch all over the floor - meh!!!).  Today my DC consisted of Keracare Humecto (I think I've brought a dodgy bottle as it is soooo watery, I'm really not feeling this conditioner at the moment, although I have used it before and liked it much more!), 2 x teaspoons Roux Porosity Control Conditioner/Corrector, 2 x teaspoons of organic Hemp Oil and 6 x drops of Rosemary essential oils.  I then covered my hair with cling film and then let the DC sit on my hair for 30mins under my heated conditioning cap, still in 4 sections.

I'm really not feeling doing my hair today so all my steps will be quicker - apart from my detangling, I always take my time with that regardless!!! 

Final Steps:

After rinsing out the deep conditioner I left the towel on my hair for 5mins and then applied my leave in's in the same order as in Wash Day 1 making sure to keep my hair in the same 4 sections:

1. Aphogee Green Tea & Keratin
2. Aphogee Provitamin Leave In Conditioner
3. Chi Keratin Mist
4. Kimmytube's Leave-In (I tweaked the recipe an by using Herbal Essence Beautiful Ends Cream,  JBCO, emp Oil & 1 Macadamia oil) check out Kimmytube here.  This girl REALLY knows her stuff and is really lovely!!! 
5. CHI Silk Infusion

I then sealed with Argan oil and applied a little Jamaican Black Castor Oil to my scalp to soften my regrowth.  I then let my hair air dry slightly in 4 sections then applied CHI Iron Guard as I plan to go out this weekend and wear my clip-in extensions so I blowdried slightly using a wide tooth comb (mainly at the roots to tame my regrowth and texlaxed hair) then flat ironed.

This whole process through to this stage took me all evening, but is broken down as follows:

Pre-poo = 30mins

Cowash = 10mins

Deep Condition = 30mins with heat

Products & Detangling = 10mins

I also did a quick length check and took some photos. Nite Nite x

Ciao 4 Now!!!