Wash Day | Post Relaxer - 2 week {Keyda}

Hola Chicas!


As you saw I had a two week show stint so I felt it was NECESSARY for a touch up.... I am not KLP hehe...I have so much love for how she can last so long ..Her texlaxed hair is what I strive for! Ahhhh every strand has their own journey! :P

My new growth this winter was thicker and curlier than ever. I do not remember another time my hair as been like this. This could be due to the consistency of my tea rinses or scalp massages with JBCO. I will have to see the next go-round with some tweaks (possibly) in my regimen. There were many tangles due to ... my laziness in the last two weeks...I also realize I was kinda lazy when it came to moisturizing and sealing at times. As expected, I had to cut a significant (1inch) amount of my ends. #bloop :(

I touched up my hair with Optimum and I only blow dried my hair on low after air drying about 85%. I wore my hair in low manipulation styles the entire week.

Now on to my wash day!

Wash Day:


[A] Detangled with my fingers.

[B] Prepoo with warm EVOO on length of my hair and my essential oil mix (with yummy argan oil) on scalp.

[C] Shampoo with KeraCare First Lather Shampoo... I skipped out on tea rinse, since I did not have black tea...I really want to mix that back in!

[D] DC with ORS HAIRepair Intense Moisture Crème (I have been trying it out the last month...meh...it does the job but it will be my go-to if I do not find my faves!) with CHI Silk Infusion as a sealant. It sat in my hair for roughly an hour under my heating cap!

[E] Leave-ins were Nexxus Root Lift Mist -- focus on my roots-- and Aphogee Keratin and Green Tea Spray --focus on length.


I actually air dried for roughly 80% then lightly blow dried my hair.

The Experience:

I have not been a huge fan of the ORS Moisture Crème, because it does not seem to give me that same softness that I love from my main DCs. However, my hair has felt strong! I may also just be picky...maybe. The main thing I realize my scalp misses, is the tea rinse! Obviously, I am a chica that needs to constantly have a tea rinse if I want a breathing scalp. My hair has a fullness and thickness about it that I am not used too recently. Normally, this close after a touch up, my hair still would not be as thick or full, however that is not the case now. I like this change in my hair....It is becoming more texlaxed! #Woot


xoxo

Keyda

**Length check in next post!

{Keyda} Wash Day - 5 weeks post

Hola Chicas!!
 
I am in awe of my new growth! I really want a touch-up but I shall try to hold out. As I walked through Safeway, there was a sale on Organix Moroccan Argan Creme Conditioner, and I could not resist! Lol! I love Organix products. They are extremely affordable yet awesome on your hair.

New Fave DC

(1) Detangled my hair with my Magic Rake comb
(2) Prepoo with my OddStrandOut Coffee Oil mix on my scalp and the As I Am: Hydration Elation Intensive Conditioner on the length of my hair. I heated up a wet towel to place over my hair then topped with a plastic cap as well. I really wanted the moisture and oil to absorb into my hair.
(3) Cowash with Moroccan Argan Creme Conditioner. I absolutely loved the smell of this product and my hair felt yummy!
(4) Tea rinse with CC's Naturals Happy Hair Tea. Yummy! :)
(5) Smoothing Treatment- I added Roux Porosity Control Conditioner over the tea in my hair and a cap. Then Faux steamed in the shower.
(6) Leave-ins: Unintentionally, I air dried 100%. #FTWNOHEAT I applied Aphogee Keratin & Green Tea Restructurizer on length of hair, Nexxus Hydralight lift on my roots and Organix Coconut Anti-Breakage Serum on my ends.

Front w/ accent

Back

Results: 
My hair felt very soft yet strong. My scalp looked FABULOUS again! :) woot! I just love a healthy looking scalp. I am really a fan of the new conditioner from Organix...as of now..I would love to try it as a prepoo. I style my hair very simply and plan on going no heat for the entire time till my next wash!


What you think chicas!? 


Muahzz

xoxo
Keyda
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Mini Wash Day - 4 weeks post

Pin Curls

Hola Chicas!

I already have at least half inch/possibly one inch of new growth!! WTH!! I am like geessshhh! I will be heading to Hawaii mid-December *WOOT* and the way my new growth is going, I may need/want to touch-up early December which was not planned until Jan!! Soooo it's up in the air. I am also testing out a new product from Danielle at OddStrandOut. She calls it "Coffee Oil." I'm thinking that it would be great as an oil treatment on my scalp the night before wash day. Here's how my wash day went:

1. Detangled with my Magic Rake comb.
2. Prepoo with Coffee Oil Mix/EVCO on my scalp and On dry hair, As I Am: Hydration Elation Intensive Conditioner on length of my hair, making sure I paid special attention to my ends and roots. Then I sealed it all in with grapeseed oil. I sat under the hooded dryer for about 30 minutes and sat around for about an hour! I am terrible with heat...
3. Tea Rinse with CC's Naturals Happy Hair Tea. and I love it! I think I am about ready to write a full review and share! :) 
4. Smoothing Treatment with Roux Moisture Recovery conditioner over the tea in my hair and a cap. I then faux steamed my hair for about 10 minute in shower.
5. Leave-ins: After my hair was about 85% air dry I applied  Aphogee Keratin & Green Tea Restructurizer and Organix Coconut Anti-Breakage Serum. 
6. Low Blow Dry & Flat Iron: I lightly blow dried my hair to fully straighten...then on low heat, I flat ironed my hair and pinned curled it for the night! 

Pin Curls

 

Results:

I love the results....and although, I was not on #teamnoheat wagon this week, I feel that I did my hair justice by air drying majority and using low/medium heat for everything!! :) That's my story and I'm sticking to it. Lol. My hair was felt super strong but soft. It felt so different compared to my other deep conditioners. I definitely would want to try more of this particular DC in the future. I bought it primarirly because of the smell (haha!) but I must say I like it so far. I also noticed my scalp looked so healthy compared to other times that I've used it. I am not sure if it is the Coffee Oil Mix but I did notice a difference. 

Results

Fingers crossed that I can get the pictures of this wash day posted. My computer is being wack and not allowing me to upload but I did tweet them! So follow SavingOurStrands on Twitter!

Luvs!
Keyda

Got Dry Roots? Try These Tips...

By: Divachyk of RelaxedThairapy

Dry matted and tangled roots is the stretchers worst enemy. Check out Divachyk's 8 tips to combat breakage:

1. Shed hair removal Allowing shed hairs to remain trapped within your roots can block the road to hydration. Think of it this way, removing shed hairs creates an open path for moisturizer to travel to all the right spots to penetrate down into every inch of your roots.
2. Hydrating spritz Spritzing your roots simply with your favorite water-based hydrating leave-in really kicks things up a notch. You are able to control the stream and get to those trouble spots that are easily missed.
3. Deliberate application Be deliberate and intentional about moisturizing your roots. I have attempted this method with my fingers and a applicator brush. Both methods work great.
4. Work in sections Tackling your entire head at once can be a bit overwhelming and increases the opportunity for uneven product application. Working in sections makes navigating through thick curly roots easier plus it ensures product application is maximized and reaches all areas.
5. Co-washing Hydration city. Co-washing is a creamy dreamy moment and literally softens hair on the spot. Check out My Faves for product ideas!
6. Avoid Shampoo You don't have to shampoo your hair with every wash. Some times, shampoo can be overly drying which leads to tangled, matted and unmanageable hair. Ain't no body got time for that! Opt for a cleansing conditioner as it gets the hair clean without robbing moisture and keeping tangles at bay. Check out My Faves for product ideas!
7. Baggying Simple yet effective. It involves using a plastic processing cap (or equivalent) to cover your head for several hours or even overnight. The process works by using your body heat to generate moisture. This is a great moisture boost throughout the week. The baggy method can be done with or without product. I prefer using product as the baggy magnifies the moisturizer and softens roots.
8. Steaming Steaming is accomplished by using moist heat to open the cuticle and allow better penetration of product. No hair steamer? Don't fret. Check out: How to Steam Hair Without a Steamer!

Suggested Technique:

1. Moisturize in sections--this separates the hair so that you can get into your roots and moisturize really well.
2. Applicator tip bottle--use an applicator tip bottle to apply a creamy, moisturizing product to your roots.
3. LOC method--product application order matters. Liquid, oil then creamy moisturizer. The oil seals in the liquid and the creamy product boosts hydration. Sounds weird but I promise it works.

Which of these tips would you try?

Mini Wash Day

*This mini wash occurred on Sunday 8/18.

My boring weekday hair- a variety of buns: low, high, and pulled to the side. My sexy weekend hair- big bouncy curls courtesy of bantu knots. I haven't really fussed with my hair during the week because my weekends have been super busy. Last weekend, my hubby and I traveled to Atlantic City for a little fun in the sun. I was worried that my hair would become a big old fuzz ball from the humidity and wind, luckily my knot cocktail of Jessicurl Too Shea! Extra Moisturizing Conditioner + Shea Butter + Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie kept my curls looking amazing. 

I considered using a little shampoo this week because I wasn't sure if I would be able to get a good deep condition because of product build up---then the thought of jumping in and out of the shower made me shudder. I'll definitely shampoo next week. Here's how my wash day went:

Wash Day Products

1. Detangled- using my Magic Star Jumbo Rake seamless comb.
2. Extreme Deep Condition- with JBCO and my essential oil blend on my scalp and Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Conditioner on the length of my hair. Then I massaged coconut oil into my strands, covered with a plastic cap and relaxed under my heat cap for about 2 hours.
3. Tea Rinse- I rinsed the conditioner then with 2 green tea bags steeped in 2 cups of water. I applied my tea rinse using a narrow tip applicator. I let it sit for a few minutes and rinsed. 
4. Smoothing Treatment- Next, I applied a large dollop of Nexxus Hydralight Weightless Moisture Conditioner, massaged it in from root to tip for a minute or two then rinsed in sections. I probably manipulated my hair a little too much while rinsing because I noticed more tangles than usual post wash--Note to self not to do that again.
5. Air Dried- 90% with silk scarf.
6. Leave-Ins-  Herbal Essences Touchably Smooth Split End Protector and my kitchenista Tangerine Vanilla Whipped Hair Butter.

Results: 
Say it ain't so; Have I really found a product by Carol's Daughter that I like? Meh---I won't say it just yet. Ha-ha. But I do adore the soft, fluffy, strong hair that I was left with. My scalp felt clean in spite of not using shampoo and my ends look decent. After detangling and applying my leave-ins, I pulled my hair back into a low bun to finish drying. This week will be full of buns and of course my big curly hair will make an appearance this weekend! We'll be celebrating our anniversary in the city so y'all know that I gotta look cute! Ha-ha!

How was your last wash day?

Besitos!
KLP

Mini Wash

I'm so happy to be back to mini washing. Jumping in and out of the shower several times in one day is pure torture. This week, I moisturized with my Kitchenista Loco Leave in of Herbal Essences Hello Hydration thinned out with Aloe Vera Juice. Meh---I'm not sure how I feel about it yet. But it wasn't a disaster. Ha-ha. I'm going to try a few more weeks and report back my results.

This week, I pretty much alternated low, high, and side buns. Saturday I attempted a bantu knot out. It was gorgeous while en route to visit my sister-in-law. Then, after about 3 hours, I looked in the mirror. BIG HAIR CENTRAL. I gave in and just pulled it all up into a high bun messy style. Heat and humidity- 1. KLP- 0. Gracias a Dios por buns. Later that day, I got stuck in the rain at a baseball game so I was glad that my hair was already up and tucked away. Rain- 1 KLP- 0. When I got home, I rinsed my hair and applied a little Matrix Biolage Hydratherapie Detangling Solution once my hair was about 90% dry. Omgosh, this stuff has the most amazing slip. Even though the directions said that it was a rinse out detangler. I thought that it would be great as a leave in. And I was right---until my hair was completely dry and completely moisture-less. So, I re-read the ingredients: BOOM Isopropyl alcohol. Wack drying ingredients- 1 KLP- 0 <hangs head>. I'm so not #winning right now. Ha-ha. Luckily, wash day was the next day. Here's how my wash day went:

Wash Day Products

1. Detangled- using my Magic Star Jumbo Rake seamless comb.
2. Extreme Deep Condition- with JBCO and my essential oil blend on my scalp and Halka Baba de Caracol on the length of my hair. Then I massaged coconut oil into my strands, covered with a plastic cap and relaxed under my heat cap for about 2 hours.
3. Tea Rinse- I rinsed the conditioner then with 2 green tea bags steeped in 2 cups of water. I applied my tea rinse using a narrow tip applicator. I let it sit for a few minutes and rinsed. 
4. Smoothing Treatment- Next, I applied a large dollop of Nexxus Hydralight Weightless Moisture Conditioner, massaged it in from root to tip for a minute or two then rinsed. I love Nexxus products and I was super anxious to try this one, but my hair just isn't feeling the love; I'm forcing myself to use it up so that I can make room in my stash.
5. Air Dried- 90% with silk scarf.
6. Leave-Ins- Bee Mine Bee Lovely Moisturizing Daily Conditioner to moisturize and Almond Oil to seal.

Naked 90% Air dried hair

Results:
#WINNING! My big fluffy soft moisturized hair is back! Baba de Caracol always does the trick y'all! I will never doubt this conditioner. And you can win it in our Dominican Giveaway. There's only one day left to enter!

How was your latest wash day?

Besitos!




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Healthy Hair Insight: Should you detangle when wet or dry?

After detangling 70%-80% dry and adding leave ins

Simple question; complicated answer. I'll just tell you guys what works for me. 

Post wash, I detangle when my hair is 70-80% dry. How did I get this number? Trial and error. When I first started my journey, I always detangled my hair soaking wet. Why? Because that's what my favorite YouTube vlogger did. Y'all remember Ateeya? Throwback joint. Any who, it took me about a year to realize that my hair HATES being detangled soaking wet. However, when it's completely dry, it's not as easy to stretch my roots. By chance, I let my hair air dry for about 30 minutes then detangled and applied my leave-ins. My hair was smoother, I lost less hair in the process, and the single strand knots/tangles that I experienced prior were reduced.

Detangling is my least favorite part of wash day, but I know that its crucial if I want to retain length. 

I want to know what you do. Are you a wet or dry detangler and why?

Besitos!
KLP

Vacation Wash Day

With my sister-in-law in Florida

Hola Loves!

It's holiday vacation time! I've spent the last week or so shopping, relaxing, and kicking it with family. It really can't get any better than this! I've co-washed every three days, air drying then setting my hair with Bantu Knots. However, after a day at the pool and a few sweat drenching runs in 90+ degree weather, it was beyond time to give my tresses a good wash.

1. Detangled in the same sections that my hair was knotted in. Then added a little coconut oil to aid in detangling and moisturizing.
2. Shampoo- with my favorite clarifying product KeraCare 1st Lather Shampoo to clarify first and then Matrix Biolage Hydratherapie Hydrating Shampoo to give my back some moisture. Don't forget to enter the Matrix Giveaway so that you can win your very own bottle!
3. Extreme deep condition with Halka Baba de Caracol and a bit more coconut oil massaged into my hair. I really concentrated on my roots and ends. I covered with a plastic cap and relaxed under my heating cap for about an hour.
4. Air dried for about 30 minutes then speed detangled using It's a 10 Miracle Leave in.

I pulled my hair up into a high bun then bantu knotted my bangs for soft curls. This wash I skipped my tea rinse and I hope it wasn't a mistake. But I totally forgot my smoothing conditioner and I didn't want to deal with hard or brittle hair. My hair has been on its very best behavior especially considering that I'm 3 months post.

Hope you guys are having a great start to the summer!

Besitos!
KLP

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[Review] Matrix Biolage Hydratherapie Hydrating Shampoo

Price: $14.25 for 16.9oz
Purchased at: Amazon.com
Promises: Gently cleanses and moisturizes very dry, thick, coarse hair. Formulated with nurturing silk amino acids to help smooth and control unwanted volume, resulting in intesely soft, rich and sumptuous hair.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Cocamide MEA, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, Benzyl Alcohol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Citric Acid, Glycol Distearate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Tetrasodium EDTA, Polysorbate 20, Hexyl Cinnamal, Coumarin, Linalool, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Hydroxycitronellal, Amyl Cinnamal, Geraniol, Algae (Algae Extract), Pollen Extract, Saponaria Officinalis (Saponaria Officinalis Extract), Salvia Officinalis (Sage Leaf Extract), Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Extract), Triticum Vulgare (Wheat Germ Oil), Yellow 5 (CI 19140)

Directions: Apply to wet hair massage gently and well.  Rinse well.

My Thoughts:
This is my all time favorite shampoo! It cleans my scalp whilst being very gentle and super moisturizing for my strands. I had religiously use KeraCare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo until my mother in law introduced me to this little gem earlier this year. I like it better than KeraCare because it just does a better job of cleansing my hair without stripping it. Plus the scent is better. It has the same light, fresh and clean scent that the Hydratherapie line is famous for. You don't have to use much to get a good lather, so the bottle lasts for months. It's paraben free but not sulfate free. If you're avoiding sulfates you'll want to avoid this one. 

Enter the Bun Effect Giveaway for a chance to win this product!
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Besitos!
KLP

Wash Day

Now that I've got my vacay hair style mastered---I'm so totally ready to be in the Florida sun! I've been working on the perfect Bantu knot cocktail for my hair. So far, the winner is Jessicurl's Too Shea Conditioner, a dab of grapeseed oil, plus a smidgen of Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie. Precise amounts right? Ha-ha. The best part is that my hair stays moisturized and detangling was actually a breeze this wash day. Here are the dets:

Wash Day Products

(0) Detangled with my magic rake in the same sections that my hair was knotted. I applied a little of my essential oil blend to my roots to aid in detangling.
(1) Shampooed with KeraCare 1st Lather Shampoo to clarify first and then Matrix Biolage Hydratherapie Hydrating Shampoo to give my back some moisture. I do declare that I love this shampoo! May it never be discontinued! Don't forget to enter the Matrix Giveaway so that you can win your very own bottle!
(2) Protein Treatment: I saturated my hair in Nexxus Emergencee then did some chores. It air dried for a few hours. Next, I stood under the spray of my shower for about 5 minutes to rinse the treatment completely.
(3) Extreme deep condition with  a 3-1 ratio of Joico Moisture Recovery and Roux Porosity Control Conditioner on the length of my hair. I massaged a little grapeseed oil through my strands, covered with a plastic cap and sat under my heat cap for an hour. (4) Green Tea Rinse with 2 green tea bags and 2 cups of water. Then applied the green tea rinse with a narrow tip applicator bottle and let it sit for another 5 minutes.  
(5) Smoothing treatment with Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Daily Treatment. I rinsed the tea and massage a dollop of conditioner to my strands.
(6) Air dried with a cotton t-shirt until my hair was about 80% dry.   
(7) Leave Ins- Never underestimate the power of a great pre-wash detangle. I didn't even need both combs for the 2 comb method today to detangle. I added a little Jessicurl's Too Shea Conditioner and Grapeseed oil to each section. Then I pulled my hair into a loose bun and tied it up with a satin scarf to get my roots to lay down. 
Results: 

Wash Day Shed Hair

Smooth? Check. Detangled? Check. A girl could really get used to worry free wash days. I've even considered extending this stretch a few more weeks beyond my vacay if I can fend off long strand breakage. I'm reserving full wash days for the weeks when I need a protein treatment. Why? Because I'm spoiled. Only having to get into the shower once is too awesome to pass up! Of course if my scalp disagrees, I'll shampoo. 

How was your wash day?

Besitos, 
KLP
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[Review] Philip Kingsley Flaky Itchy Scalp Toner (Final Thoughts)

Philip Kingsley Flaky Itchy Scalp Toner

Price: $30.00 for 250ml/8.45oz 

Purchased at: Amazon or PhilipKingsley.com

Promises: Soothing leave-in Scalp Toner with an anti-microbial and anti-flaking formula that provides immediate and long lasting relief from irritation. Clear and odorless.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Alchohol Denat, Benzalkonium Chloride, Camphor, Piroctone Olamine.

INGREDIENT	BENEFIT
Camphor	Cools & soothes
Piroctone Olamine Benzalkonium Chloride	Long lasting relief from flaking.   Helps to prevent recurrence of flaking.

Directions:
- Cleanse with Flaky Itchy Scalp Shampoo to increase effectiveness and follow conditioner.
- Lightly towel your dry hair and apply Flaky Itchy Scalp Toner directly to your scalp from nozzle in 3cm (1”) partings
- Distribute with your fingertips
- Do NOT rinse
- Comb through and style as usual
- Can be reapplied when required on your wet or dry scalp/hair
- Suitable for use on color treated hair

My Thoughts:
Late October, my partner in crime, Keyda, asked me what she could do about her itchy scalp and shedding. I recalled an awesome blurb I read in November 2012's Glamour mag about Philip Kingsley's Flaky Itchy Scalp Toner. The key to healthy hair is definitely a healthy scalp. Philip Kingsley is one of the world’s leading Trichologists; a hair doctor. Like a dentist, but for your hair. He has an amazing line of products, but at the core is his belief in the importance of scalp health. A few days afterwards, she bought it and now uses it faithfully. After 2 months, she told me that her scalp feels amazing and her shedding is under control.

Glamour November 2012

I usually massage an essential oil blend every wash day into my scalp to simulate and prevent flakes, but I wondered---could PK's toner be my key to a shed free Spring? (I usually shed in the fall and spring) Instead of being reactive this year, I decided to be proactive and ordered a bottle for myself. My first use was awkward. The toner concoction is very watery, yet has a pleasant underwhelming scent. Its nozzle opening is entirely too large unless you want to soak your head with the product. Of course with water as the first ingredient, I knew that it would revert my new growth--so I applied to my scalp on dry hair about 8 hours before I washed. I'm going to use the product for a few weeks to decide how I like it and if it prevents another Spring Shed Situation.

Final Thoughts: 
I applied the treatment at least once a week for almost 6 months. I ended up replacing the giant nozzle applicator with a fine mist spray top to prevent myself from wasting the product. No allergic reactions or adverse effects to report. I haven't had one incident of shedding like crazy, the way that I did last year and my shed hair on wash days has been smaller in diameter than a penny. Whilst, I can't say that PK's Toner is the only reason that I've avoided a shedding fiasco this Spring, I think that it has definitely helped. De-stressing, PK Toner, and green tea rinses #ftw! All four are in my regimen for the long haul.

This one is definitely a keeper! If you've tired it, let us know!

Besitos!
KLP

[Review] Tropic Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil

Price: 15.09 for 8oz

Purchased at: Amazon

Promises: Topic Isle Jamaican Black Castor oil is made the traditional hand processed way. Use in hair, skin moisturizer, and massage oil for aces and pains.

Ingredients: 100% Natural Jamaican Black Castor Oil

Directions: Apply to hair like hair grease for moisturizing purposes Massage into scalp for healthy hair growth and scalp problems. If you have dry, perm and colored hair, add 3 tablespoon black castor oil to your favorite conditioner. It adds extra moisture to your hair and seals it in. Use for hot oil treatments: warm three tablespoon castor oil and massage into hair then put on heating cap for half hour. Or massage 3 table spoons of black castor oil into hair, put on heating cap then go under dryer for 10 minutes. 

My Thoughts: In 2010, after struggling with scalp irritation after my relaxers, I started using regular castor oil to base my scalp. The results were great; the itchy, tight, and flaky scalp that I has come to associate with the days following a relaxer was gone. I researched other ways to use it in my hair regimen, but I found it too greasy to use daily with my sleek, straighten hair. Most hair boards and blogs are run a muck with Castor Oil challenges and have advertised its benefits for years. I just couldn't convince myself to buy into the hype. That is until last September. Whilst chatting with my good friend (a natural diva who runs I DO Wedding Connection in Maryland), she mentioned the growth that her sister-in-law saw with she committed to daily JBCO scalp massages. That's when I said, "Self: YOU need to get on this." That night I ordered my first bottle. 
After almost 7 months of using JBCO weekly, I'm just running out of my 8oz bottle. This product is very very thick and a little goes a long way. Once I realized how little I needed to use, I was able to avoid that greasy feeling that had turned me off in the past. My nose is easily offended by smells; I actually don't care for the scent at all. It's that same earthy/burnt scent that accompanies a lot natural products. When I first started to use it, I swear that it felt like my scalp couldn't breathe. I guess that I just needed some time to adjust to the tingly feeling on my scalp and the scent. Now, I don't notice either.

How I've used it:
(1) Pre-poo: I'll massage in my essential oil blend then top it with a little JBCO and conditioner. 
(2) Mid Week Scalp Massage: Once a week I'd use a tiny amount to massage into my scalp whilst moisturizing and sealing. I just couldn't convince myself to do it and more than that. 
(3) Sealer: When I went on my heat detox, I didn't have to fret over weighing down my straight hair with oil. I would moisturize, seal with JBCO, then pin my hair into whatever style I fancied. 

Will I replace my bottle? Yep. Here's why:
- I can't say that my hair is thicker, because it is naturally very thick.
- I can't say that my hair grew any faster, I experienced the same 2 1/2 - 3" of new growth that I see every 12-16 week stretch. 
- My ends fared much better this stretch than ever before during my HHJ. This just be because they were more moisturized and I was participated in the L4LPSC for the last 3 months. 
- My roots well much more manageable during my most recent stretch. They felt more moisturized and seemed to retain moisture better throughout the week.

So, If I can protect and nourish my roots plus maintain my ends with JBCO--then it is definitely a winner in my book!

How do you use JBCO in your regimen?

Un mil besitos!
KLP 

On Deck: Bad Habit Detox

Bad Habit Detoxing
If you are looking for long-term dramatic results in your healthy hair journey, a little (or a lot of) sacrifice is required. To get the results that you want, its no secret that you have to put in work. It's not supposed to be easy, but it is possible. With that said, I have a terrible awful secret to share.

Flat Iron Addiction
Whilst digging around for photo for video that I'm putting together for my grandparent's 50th anniversary, I found a few pictures from the beginning of my HHJ. I was excited to see the progess but I realized I've hovered in BSL land for entirely too long now. And I've decided that I'm officially I'm over it. Yes, I started with over-processed thin ends. I gradually trimmed away at those. Yes, I had a terrible setback last year with shedding. I gradually trimmed away at that. However, I don't think those issues are the real problem. Up until a few weeks ago, I had a secret love affair with my flat iron Robby. (Yes, my flat iron has a name. We in a judgement free zone chicas!) More often than not, I would flat iron once a week only on wash day. Almost. every. wash. Eek! I actually felt like it was an accomplishment because before I started my journey I would flat iron once a day; sometimes more if I wanted to touch up my roots before an event or outing. (Which is why my hair was a mess to begin with!) 
  

November 2010

July 2011

November 2011

Whilst, ignorance was bliss, knowing that you are doing something to undermine your long-term goals just seems--well---loca! I want MBL this year. Therefore, I need to want to: freeze, put down Robby, and back away slowly with my hands in the air.

Bad Habit Detox
With all that said, I've gotta detox this bad habit. I really want to see how long I can go without whipping the flat iron out. For the last few weeks, I've ditched sleek tresses for fluffy air dried hair and it wasn't that bad. No seriously--It really wasn't! I hope to start detoxing after my next relaxer at the end of March. Can I go a full stretch (12-16 weeks) without using the flat iron? *Sigh*...I sure hope so. So here's the catch, I can't do this detox alone. I'd go mad! Please send all the air drying tips, detangling tricks, and styling tutorials that you got my way! I'm totally gonna need it!


You in?

Un mil besitos
KLP

Your Hair On: Sweat

Sweat isn't the enemy

AIDS Run 2k12

Don't pretend like you've never heard this one before. (Ha-ha!) 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. I adore my 60 minute spin classes twice a week and live for Pilates and cardio-kick boxing once a week. I trained for almost 6 months in 2012 for my first 5K and I'm counting down the days until I can get more daylight so that I can get to pounding the pavement again. When I don't work out, my brain feels congested and my body balance feels out of lined. I get tons of questions on how to keep your hair smooth and sleek while working out. My answer is super simple: pull your hair back into a bun and put on an elastic head band. Post workout, smooth your hair back and tie down. Boom. When I go heat free, it's even easier--my hair can frizz up all it wants to. When you can't beat 'em--join 'em.

Why I'm On Team Sweat

1. Healthy Body: Sweating helps prevent sickness. According to the the Office of Minority Health Services, in the U.S. about four out of every five African-American women are overweight or obese. Obesity can lead to serious health problems like heart attack, stroke and diabetes. I love my hair--but I love my body just a tad bit more.
2. Healthy Skin: Sweating detoxifies skin releasing build up in pores. Frequent, sweat sessions help maintain clean and clear skin.
3. Healthy Hair: Ay, You've been waiting for this one. How can having puffy roots be good for the hair you ask? Exercise increases blood circulation all over. Including to your brain and to your scalp. And increased blood circulation can equal faster growth. Need.I.Say.More.

So when I sweat, I actually don't think about my puffy roots or a "ruined style." I think about getting fit, entrenching in my little ones that being healthy is cool and claro que si growing long flowing tresses. Keep sweating. *in Dos Equis guy voice* (don't judge me!)


Un mil besitos

KLP