What I Learned About Hurts, Hang ups, Habits, and Healthy Hair While Running

Once upon a time, circa 2000, I would avoid strenuous activity like the plague. Not only did I believe that I could sweat out a "perm" but so did all of my friends. Puffy roots were signs of defeat. We'd halt gym time if anyone dropped a bead of sweat and ditch the club early if it got to crowded and/or hot. It was a very serious matter! I'm not ashamed to admit it. Fast forward to the present--now I'm all about the sweat life. Now I adore running---not for its obvious cardiovascular benefits but for what its taught me about hurts, hang ups, (bad) habits, and claro que si, my hair.  

Running through the Rain into Rainbows| AIDS Run 2013 | My furry running partner |
Sunrise Run | Me and my superhero hubby | AIDS Run 2012

Hurts- There's a purpose for the pain; It may not be good to you but it's good for you: Running is fun---never have I ever said. Running is painful. Running is hard. Running is exhausting. But crossing the finish line--well that's... Amazing. Exhilarating. Accomplishing. The reward is always worth the pain. Not everything that we do---in the name of being the best that we can be--is supposed to be easy. Yet the pain is always worth the reward.   

Habits: Watching the clock is wastes time- I use RunDouble (yep its free!) to track my 5k time and distance. Its a pretty cool app that tells me when to start running, when I'm half way, and when to slow down to an easy pace. All of the time between, its silent. Sometimes too silent. I don't have good days every time that I run. And on those not so good days, I find myself habitually pulling my phone out to check my progress. Every time that I do, my stride suffers--my focus shifts---my overall pace slows. When life gets hard---how easy is it to want to countdown the hours, minutes, and seconds until its all over? But every time that you do---you're wasting time and giving discouragement a welcome home because it feels as if nothing's changed. 

Hang ups: Being thankful for success and setbacks- Setbacks suck. I try to avoid them like the plague. Yet one always has a way of creeping in where I least expect it. The good news: ain't it funny how setbacks often mold us more willingly than success can? Learning to have an attitude of gratitude, no matter what the circumstance will change the way that you view those pesky buggers. Setbacks are always set ups for success---ONLY when you make the choice to learn from them. 

Healthy Hair: My journey isn't the same as your journey- My superhero hubby agreed to help me train for my 5k. He's super athletic. He plays basketball, football, and softball. But there was one little problem. He hates running. With a passion. While I ran 3-4 times a week, working on my endurance, perfecting my stride, and focusing on my breathing---he was playing pick up games with his boys. Yet every time that he joined me---he flew right by me. I really wanted to complain, give up, and get nasty. But I remembered (and therefore painfully bit my tongue) that timing is everything. What I needed do was stay on my course. In due time, I'll be faster. In due time, I'll be better. In due time, I'll be stronger. My time just wasn't that day. How many of us have seen chicas who started their hhj around the same time that we did with pixie cuts who have MBL+ hair today? Yes its frustrating. Yes we want to find something wrong with her and her hair to validate our own insecurities (y'all know what I'm talking about---HATE is running rampant on blogs, forums, and YouTube) but at the end of the day, your hair isn't her hair. For one person, MBL takes one year. For others it might take 5+ years. Yet being faithful to your own journey is ever important. You will get there one day when you stay the course and that day will be great. Get your confetti ready chica!

Besitos!
KLP

Mini Wash

Last week, I kept it super simple-- I moisturized with my Aloe Tea Spray, Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner and Tangerine Vanilla Whipped Hair Butter daily. I co-washed after my 5k with a little Cibu Hi-Ya! Keratin Reconstructive Conditioner---a random salon buy from many moons ago. It left my hair less soft and more strong so I knew that a deep moisturizing treatment was due with this wash.

Wash Day Products

1. Detangled- with my fingers.
2. Extreme deep condition- with JBCO and Philip Kingsley Flaky Itchy Scalp Toner on my scalp, spritzed my length with a little Aloe Tea Spray to dampen my hair then applied Jessicurl Deep Treatment. I covered with a plastic cap and relaxed under my heat cap for about 2 hours. 
3. Aloe Green Tea Rinse- After rinsing the conditioner, I applied 4oz of steeped green tea + 4oz of Aloe Vera Juice, using a narrow tip applicator to my strands. I let it sit for a few minutes then rinsed.
4. Smoothing Treatment- with a large dollop of Matrix Biolage Detangling Solution.
5. Air Dried- Applied Organix Anti-Breakage Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum then air dried 100% with silk scarf.
6. Leave-Ins- Aloe Tea Spray to moisturize, my kitchenista Tangerine Vanilla Whipped Hair Butter, and Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner

Results- 

My multi-textured hair's detangling sweet spot is at 75-85% dry. When it's drippy wet, I have a harder time identifying knots and removing shed hair. When it's completely dry, I have more breakage because my strands aren't as elastic and I don't get my hair to dry as smooth. Needless to day detangling today at 100% dry was a really bad idea. I wish that I had a better excuse for being so reckless---honestly, I just feel asleep. Ha-ha! I only had 3 hairs in the shower drain but a little more lost hair than usual during my detangling session. I stretched my 17 weeks post hair by faux banding and using the LOC method to moisturize. Then pulled it all back into a banana clip bun. 

What's your hair's air drying sweet spot?

Besitos!
KLP




 

Weekly Wishes

Whitman-Walker AIDS Walk 5K Timed Run 2013

"Don't sweat thinking about the run---just sweat during the run"--Weekly Wish 10.21.13

You guys don't know how totally stoked I felt when I crossed the finish line of the Whitman-Walker AIDS Walk 5K Timed Run on Saturday. Empowered. Excited. Exalted. Man, I was amped all weekend! The high that you get from giving your fears, insecurities, and doubts a swift kick in the butt is amazeballs! Whilst, I didn't stress or freakout all last week, I was so nervous the night before that I didn't get much sleep. Ha-ha! I ran a killer 28 minutes again. Pretty good for a kid that was sidelined for years with asthma and ridiculously gross allergies! Although my super hero hubby missed the run because he had to go off and save the world--such is the life of a military wife---luckily my sister-in-law stepped in and cheered for me when I crossed the finish line. Oh and how cool is this: we raised $800! Woop! 

This week my wish is not to come down from my fear butt-kicking high. Pluck doubt and frustration. To remind myself, I put a LIME green sticky on my computer monitor. "Dear Krystal, You're Awesome! Love, Krystal" Call me weird, call me vain. But today---and all week---I choose joy.


What's your forever wish that you're beginning this week? Be it big or small---speak it into existence!
 
Quieres Más? Melyssa sponsors this link up at TheNectarCollective

Mil Besitos! 
KLP

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Sunday Healthy Hairology Medley

It's that time again! Here is my list of the week’s best healthy hair related blogs, vlogs, and forum features that I've found about the web.

Totally Twisted (Part 1) | How To Prepare Your Hair For Braids courtnea2001: If I had more patience, wasn't so lazy, and didn't have a slightly obsessive need to be able to touch my hair---I'd totally follow Court's suggestions and get my hair braided up! 

Protective Lookbook ... and Some || 5 Simple Funky Updos hairandhealth: Loo is back again to prove that protective styling doesn't equal boring! Check out her showcase of Nyla K's gorgeous updos. 
 

Conditioning Heat Caps vs Steamers  justgrowalready: Is Jeni my hair's fairy godmother? I was just wondering which worked the best, steaming or heat caps. Have a look at her comprehensive comparison and verdict if you're wondering too.
 

5 Ways Coconut Oil Can Prevent Hair Damage kinkycurlycoilyme: Whatever I pre-poo with extra virgin coconut oil, my hair is always softer and less tangled regardless of what products follow behind. Read five more reasons why coconut oil rocks.

Straddling the Fence - Texlaxing belowthewaist: Have you been thinking about transitioning from bone straight relaxed to texlaxed or from texlaxed to natural? Abbi has you covered with all of the pros and cons.

Who made your list of the week's best healthy hair posts? Link up your run down below!
 

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.savingourstrands.com/search/label/Sunday%20Healthy%20Hairology%20Medley" title="SavingOurStrands" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqB6kX7yrYrt6YDKoj_0BkM5LBgkLfL4x7kAMJJGmwowa15xiRHon9oTfw9Gc5KLo4sT6k8awYgtbgvyTPvBbsahXDE4Y4N3zoO_sIjXHzNA0d7vjGNFM-D9DIskJkhkjDOlSymlRdiLc/h120/HHMbadge.png" alt="SavingOurStrands" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Healthy Hairology Medley Linkup Rules:

1. Share your run down the week's best healthy hair related blog posts, YouTube clips, and forum features that you've found about the web this week. Be it relaxed&radiant tresses, big fluffy naturalidad curls, or anything else in between. (Entries completely unrelated to the theme or linked to your homepage will be deleted---we not about that life!)
2. Link back to this site so others see. Looky at this nifty button we made for you!
3. Muy Importante chicas: Visit the healthy hairology post of the person who linked up directly before you and leave the author an encouraging comment. This is the most important component of this linkup. We are each here to encourage each other and build a community of determined women and hair-friends.

Besitos!
KLP & Keyda

Workout Hairstyles For Relaxed and Natural Hair

While pregnant with my first child, I gained 53 lbs. I remember telling my husband, "I hope that this little girl is 50lbs when she's born." Ha-ha! She wasn't---she was 8lbs 3oz---and ALL the rest was me. *shudders* I thought that the weight would just fall off; it definitely didn't. I didn't recognize myself in mirror and decided that I wasn't going to complain about it anymore. I put in work; lost the weight plus some in about 10 months. Exercising became a way of life and you can catch me spinning at the gym, pounding the pavement, or mellowing out on the mat at least 3-4 times a week. Working out keeps my body healthy, my waistline in check, and I ignore the stares when while I go back for seconds on dessert. I totally believe that you can have bangin' hair and a bangin' body. Here's what I do with my hair when I get my sweat on: 

Double Time Goddess Braid

Yoga (Sweat Level- 5/10):  
Think meditation, learning to control your body for health and relaxation.

What to do with your hair: 
Say no to buns as there is a lot of floor work and inversions. Say yes to messy low ponys, twists or braids.

How to: 

1. Start with a deep side part. 
2. Then split hair in half.
3. Dutch braid each side and braid to the ends.
4. Wrap the ends of the two braids in the opposite direction and secure with pins.

Ol Faithful 30 Second Style

Pilates (Sweat Level: 7/10)
 
Think Yoga practice with intentional focus on sculpting, toning, and strengthening your torso, while increasing flexibility, circulation, and mental/physical well-being.

What to do with your hair:  
Say no to buns as there is a lot of floor work and inversions. Say yes to messy low ponies, twists or braids.

 
How To: 

1. Divide hair into two halves. 
2. Pull you hair to the front and braid to the ends.
3. Crisscross the ends in the back of your head and secure with hair pins.
   

Low Fluffy Bun

Spin - (Sweat Level- 10/10):

Think a gym room full of stationary bikes, low lights, loud high energy music, and an instructor pedaling like a mad person.

What to do with your hair: 
Say yes to buns and sweat bands. You'll totally need it.

How to: 

1. Gather and smooth the rest of your hair back.
2. Secure where comfortable with a banana clip horizontally. 
3. Take the ends and wrap around clip, securing with hair pins as necessary.

Double Dutch Braid into a bun

BodyCombat (Sweat Level- 10/10): 
Ridiculously energetic, adrenaline pumping, choreographed confusion. Mixes karate, boxing, tae-kwondo, tai chi and muay thai. Someone quirking your nerves? Imagine their face in your strike zone. By the end of class, trust me, you'll feel much better.


What to do with your hair: Say no to those cute loose messy styles. Say yes to a taut style to keep your hair out of your way while your jabbing, kicking, and punching.

How To:

1. Divide hair into two halves. 
2. Dutch braid each half. 
3. Pull the ends into a bun.

Classic High Bun

Running (Sweat Level: Varies)
Go outside. Start walking. When you're tired of walking, jog. Once you're tired of jogging. Run. Then run real fast. So simple, yet very complicated. The harder you push yourself, the more you'll sweat.

What to do with your hair: Say yes to high buns and tucked ends. Never go with that cute swinging ponytail. Trust me---I regret it every time.

How to:

1. Create a high ponytail and secure with a Goody Ouchless Barrette. 
2. Pull ponytail through the mesh doughnut and fan hair evenly around.
3. Roll (or tuck) hair around the holder. Ensure that the holder is completely covered.

Viola! Fit body; healthy hair. They can coincide. My hair does get frizzy at the gym and I'll take pride in pulling it up into a big 'ol messy bun! Plus sweat isn't the enemy. Check out our Your Hair On Series: Sweat edition for 3 reasons why yoga pants aren't for running errands.

Mil Besitos! 
KLP
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How to Stretch Natural, Transitioning and TexlaxedHair Without Heat

Faux Banding

I'm 4 months (eek!) into this stretch and I don't see it ending before the ball drops on 2014. I've been using banding for about a month to stretch my stretch. (Say that 10 times fast. Ha-ha!) Here's a breakdown on how I get my big fluffy "straightened" air dried hair.

1. Start with damp hair: If I've just finished washing, I wait until it's anywhere from 75-90% dry before trying to do anything to it. Why? Wet dangling is the devil--to me. If you prefer to detangle while soaking wet--use caution. Wet chemically treated hair is weaker when wet and can break even with lower force.

2. Everything in sections: My hair laughs at me when I try to comb through it all at once. The smaller the sections, the more "straightened" your hair will be. I usually end up with 12 sections. 

3. Cocktail: Detangler + Creamy Moisturizer + Oil/Butter. Use whatever your hair likes. Today, I'm crushing on this combo: Aloe Tea Spray + Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner + my kitchenista Tangerine Vanilla Whipped Hair Butter. Whether you LOC or LCO or ABCD---it really doesn't matter. As long as you've equipped yourself with products that will detangle your super curly roots, that don't leave an icky residue, and that play well together you'll be fine. Gently finger detangle removing your shed hairs working from the ends up then comb through. If you need a good wide tooth comb try my fave-- Magic Star Jumbo Rake

4. How to: Everyone and their mama has a different---yet totally the same---hair banding technique. Whoissugar is my all time fave YouTube "personality" and her technique is on point. If you need a few laughs--just listen to her video without watching it. *Hilarious honey*

 
Real Banding- Take your detangled, moisturized, and sealed section then secure a hair band at the base of your hair. Grab another hair band and secure it about an inch or so below the first continue adding bands until you reach the end of your hair. Repeat on each section until complete. Let dry for a few hours to overnight.

"Faux" Banding on Texlaxed Hair

My "Faux" Banding- Instead of using a hair tie (who can find that many hair ties anyway?!?), I secure the detangled section with two Colortrak Safari Croc Clips on each side at the base of my hair. I usually add another set on each side about 2 inches down and then just one clip to tuck my ends under. Once I finish detangling the next section, I gently add it to the previous banded section and repeat until complete. Total amount of clips: 5. My hair dries in about an hour or two.  

5. Troubleshooting: I started "Faux Banding" before I even knew what real banding was as a way to stretch my roots because shrinkage ain't no joke! I'm BSL in the shower then neck length within an hour if I let my hair dry without assistance. I noticed that if I secured the clips with a little tension at the base of my hair I could get voluminous fluffy air dried hair, keep tangles at bay, and stretch my hair. But I had a few epic fails in the process:

• Poor product selection- I can not stress this point enough. Use what works for your hair. While choosing your products think about your desired results and what you hair needs at the moment. Notice some breakage? Spritz a little Chi Keratin Mist in with your detangler. Did your hair feel too heavy or coated in the end? Ease up on the amount of product that you use in each section. Were your ends not smooth enough? Roll them like you would do a pin curl next time.
• Fuzzy Roots- When you're done, slap some Aloe vera gel on those edges and get your silk scarf to lay it all down. This should smooth down your edges and take a little volume out of the crown of your head.
• Used sucky clips- So you tried to use those metal prong clips and poked yourself. Or better yet they were sliding all over the place and didn't provide enough tension. Yep. That's why I use croc clips. No slip. No tangles. And super cute. Be careful. Friends, cousins, and children will try to steal them. Ha-ha.

If banding doesn't work the first time, know that you're totally not alone. One of those metal clips got lost in my roots once. I found it--2 days later. Smh. But when you're rocking that giant doughy bun or using your stretched hair as a base for bantu knots---You'll be happy that you gave it another try. 

Besitos!
KLP

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Mini Wash

One of my goals for 2013 was not to stretch beyond 12-16 weeks. Yet, here I am, 16 weeks post with no time, energy or desire to relax. (Does anyone else get tired just thinking about what a chore relaxer day or is it just me?) My hair has been ridiculously manageable, my shedding has decreased, and I feel like I'm keeping breakage at bay. My hair loved Jessicurl Deep Treatment so much last week, that I felt a protein wash was in order this week to keep my line of demarcation/ends resilient and strong.

1. Detangled- with my fingers.
2. Extreme deep condition- with JBCO and Philip Kingsley Flaky Itchy Scalp Toner on my scalp, Jessicurl Deep Treatment on my unprocessed hair and then a 3-1 ratio of Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Conditioner: Roux Porosity Control Conditioner on the length of my hair. Then I covered with a plastic cap and relaxed under my heat cap for about 2 hours. 
3. (Aloe) Green Tea Rinse- After rinsing the conditioner, I applied 4oz of steeped green tea + 4oz of Aloe Vera Juice, using a narrow tip applicator to my strands. I let it sit for a few minutes then rinsed. 
4. Smoothing Treatment- with a large dollop of Matrix Biolage Detangling Solution.
5. Air Dried- 90% with silk scarf.
6. Leave-Ins- Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner and my kitchenista Tangerine Vanilla Whipped Hair Butter.

Results:

What a giant fluffy bun like this? Air dry!

I lost about 5 strands pre-wash, none during the wash, and a pea sized amount during post-wash detangling. Who's a happy chica?!? >>>This chica!<<< I only used the Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Conditioner mix on the processed section of my hair because it's the most susceptible to breakage and the more porous. The bottle is finally finished, so I guess that I owe you guys a review. I'm really digging this idea of layering the strength of your protein conditioner as a way to reinforce weak ends. I probably won't know if it's helping until I straighten again. But what I do know is that so far, it's not hurting. 

I have a 5k on Saturday, so my hair has another simple but sassy week ahead. A parade of fluffy buns are in order. Starting with this giant doughy air drying one. Look Ma! No mesh donut for me! 

Mil Besitos!
KLP

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Weekly Wishes

She stole my camera, my cocoa, and my heart.

Weekly Wish Winning!!

I'm so glad that I stole used Brittany's idea to break up my weekly wish of not constantly running in 5th gear into mini goals. This week was definitely a bigger success than my previous attempts at this:

1. Go to bed on time and wake up on time no matter what. kinda-DONE
2. Set your to-do list every night for the next day. Do not add anything to this list without removing another item. kinda-DONE
3. Start each week by writing down the 3 biggest problems that I faced last week. NO NOT PANIC. Pray on it. Remember to trust God. Then let Him work it out. DONE
4. Reward yourself every morning with a cup of pumpkin spice Spanish hot cocoa just for being awesome. totally-DONE and it was delicious!
   

This week I have the same goals except I'm having a pumpkin spice cappuccino yum!

I'm also adding "Don't sweat thinking about the run---just sweat during the run" to the mix. Saturday I'm running in the Whitman-Walker AIDS Walk 5K Timed Run for the second year. Last year, I ran a killer 28 minutes (did I mention that it was my first 5k?) and I'm hoping that all of the training that I've done over the last year will help me shave a minute or two off my time. I'm uber excited that not only will I not be running alone---my super hero hubby is joining me---but together we've raised $650. Woop!

Any one else totally stoked for this week---or did I just have too much cafe this morning? Ha-ha!

What's your forever wish that you're beginning this week? Be it big or small---speak it into existence!
Quieres Más? Melyssa sponsors this link up at TheNectarCollective

Mil Besitos! 
KLP

Wash Day - 10/11 weeks post (Late Post)/ Touch up!

Hola Chicas!!

Yesssss! I actually wash my hair still... I had a lovely wash day on last week..concluding with a braid out! ( I will tweet out pic of my braidout :P)

Notes: I decided to do a braidout as I stretch through the week before my touch up! I am sure there will be tangles galore eeekkkk...but I really wanted a cute no heat style. I will be getting my touch up this Friday at the salon! Yes, after my last experience it is very shocking I would but I am going back to my main squeeze who hates the thought of cutting my hair :)  She used Affirm for my touch up and I LOVED it!! I actually stayed for the entire time! Woot Woot!

Products

Wash Day

(1) Detangled/Pre-poo: I combed through my hair with my lovely MAGIC COMB! (s/n: I plan on getting another comb to really help at my roots) with my Essential Oil Mix/Philip Kingsley Scalp Toner on my scalp and EVCO/Chi Moisture Brillance on length of my hair. I literally cleaned my place for about 1 hr and half. haha

(2) Being a little different, I did a tea rinse with my new CC's naturals Happy Hair Tea right away. I placed Roux Moisture Recovery over it before rinsing out of my hair.

All my shedding :D

(3) DC with AS I AM Hydration Elation Intensive Conditioner.... smelled like cake! yummyy...must say my first impressions were good but I shall have a full review after a few more uses. I sat under some heat (my bf calls it a UFO shield lol) for about 40 mins. :D

(4) KLP gave me some goodies last time I saw her...so I let my hair dry for a bit then used a sample size of Taliah Waajid Curly Curl Cream to moisturize my hair as I braided it up then went to sleep!!

Results: Look at the tweet! But I loved it!! The curls actually held mainly due to the cream Im sure! It was just a KILLER detangling for my touch up ekkk! I also used Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Leave In as well, first impressions I like it a lot! 

October 2013 After Touch up

June/July 2013

Touch up results: After waiting what felt like forever, I finally got a touch up using Affirm. I like to interchange between doing my own touch up and the salon! Although, many around me having been saying/asking me about transitioning to natural...I am not there yet personally. Due to my time, I just need my hair manageable for me... I totally can/will in future but for now I am happy! :D Anywayss, I loved the results and am really pleased with my growth/trim.

I am heading out to LA this Thursday!! Visiting my one of my besties!! Look out for my Travel Hair :P via tweets and I shall post when I get back!

Muahzzzz
xoxox

Keyda

Did you know that you can enter to win the Taliah Waajid Sample Pack Giveaway daily? 

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Sunday Healthy Hairology Medley

Bantu Knots

Last week’s best healthy hair related blogs, vlogs, and forum features that I've found about the web.
 

1. My Night Hair Routine freshlengths: What's the key to Lesley's super long low maintenance healthy hair? Smooth those edges, moisturize, and wrap it up.
2. Detangling Impossible dailycurlz: Daily is my all time favorite brown skin latina curly superhero and if you've been shedding like crazy for the last few weeks---relax. You're not the only one and it doesn't matter if you're relaxed, natural or somewhere in between. Read up on Daily's take on seasonal shedding and how you can deal.
3. Grow Hair Fast Using The New Moon Phase coilyqueens: I'm not sure if this is the most brilliant hair care post that I've read in forever, or if its the most ridiculous. What I do know is that the proof is in the pictures. Check out  Vee Mack's extreme growth results from trimming her hair using the phases of the moon.
4. Mixing your own products is easy-ish odd strand out: Want to let your inner Kitchenista out? Start with these tips and tricks from DM of Odd Strand out.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar and Your [Relaxed] Hair adesiredbeauty: ACV rinses are staple techniques in hundreds of relaxed and natural hhj---Melanie explains why.
6. How To | Create a Smooth Ponytail When Deep Into A Stretch fancyflairlady: Dear Kim, Can you come to my house and smooth my unruly misbehaving disrespectful edges? Please, prettyyyy please?

Bloggers: What's on your list of the week's best healthy hair posts? Link up your run down post from last week below!

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.savingourstrands.com/search/label/Sunday%20Healthy%20Hairology%20Medley" title="SavingOurStrands" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqB6kX7yrYrt6YDKoj_0BkM5LBgkLfL4x7kAMJJGmwowa15xiRHon9oTfw9Gc5KLo4sT6k8awYgtbgvyTPvBbsahXDE4Y4N3zoO_sIjXHzNA0d7vjGNFM-D9DIskJkhkjDOlSymlRdiLc/h120/HHMbadge.png" alt="SavingOurStrands" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Healthy Hairology Medley Linkup Rules:

1. Share your run down the week's best healthy hair related blog posts, YouTube clips, and forum features that you've found about the web this week. Be it relaxed&radiant tresses, big fluffy naturalidad curls, or anything else in between. (Entries completely unrelated to the theme or linked to your homepage will be deleted---we not about that life!)
2. Link back to this site so others see. Looky at this nifty button we made for you! --->
3. Muy Importante chicas: Visit the healthy hairology post of the person who linked up directly before you and leave the author an encouraging comment. This is the most important component of this linkup. We are each here to encourage each other and build a community of determined women and hair-friends.

Besitos Chicas!
KLP & Kedya

Accidental Hair Steaming

Curly Banana Clip Bun

Dear co-washing, I love you but Winter's not in love with you...

I don't know about you, but A little wet hair during the summer's scorching temps is totally welcome. In 50° or less weather---not so much. I love my mid week co-washing sessions, but I want to be extra careful about allocating enough air drying time so I don't die from pneumonia. (I'm not this dramatic in real life---no wait---who am I kidding?). Okay, there's the thing---I actually really enjoy co-washing. I know, I know---SHOCKER. I haven't raved about it here or here or here enough. Especially considering that I wasn't about that multiple washes in one week life months ago. I've found that it actually takes me less time to detangle, my hair's moisture is replenished before it gets completely dried out, and it's absolutely more manageable. Plus, after my not so surprising discovery about my hair's DNA---conditioning and moisturizing is crucial if I want to living in MBL la-la land soon. 

A few weeks ago, I had a run in with accidental steaming. I'm at my suegra's house, I go to turn on the water in the shower of in this tiny washroom, only to realize that a co-wash was in order if I wanted to look presentable--but didn't have enough time to dry. After making silly faces in the mirror for a while, I pulled out my trusty Jessicurl Too Shea! Extra Moisturizing Conditioner and hair butter so that I could get to detangling. Then I stated to notice all of the steam in the washroom AND how awesome it was making my hair was feel. Detangling took less than 10 minutes, my hair never actually got soaking wet, and I made it out the door in record time. Could this be the start of something awesome?

*Shrugs* I won't pretend to know. What I do know is that I'm curious and I'll be sleeping with my warm heat humidifier on for the next few weeks to see how my hair responds to more accidental steaming. 

Do you steam your hair? How does it rate against simply co-washing?

Besitos!
KLP


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Healthy Hair Insight: Hair Porosity, Elasticity, and Texture

 

Y'all know that I love hair science, but I swear that sometimes I struggle with the terminology. I understand what porosity (how much moisture it can hold), elasticity (how easily it breaks), and texture (how thick it is) are, but navigating how they work together can be confusing. That is---until I discovered this hair DNA road map published in Women's Health Mag a few months ago.

All I needed was one wash day to figure my hair out. I can wrap my hair tie around my hair 3+ times, religiously co-wash every 3-4 days, my hair lacks natural shine, but stretches more than 50% when wet. The result: Thick + Healthy. WH suggestion: CONDITION. *surprised face* "Hydrated thick hair is easier to style and less poufy" Makes total sense!

Take the test and tell me what's your hair's DNA!

Besitos!
KLP

Oh yeah---don't forget to enter the Taliah Waajid Sample Pack Giveaway

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