Wash Day

Hola Chicas!

Some Tidbits: I rotated three new products in my regimen (Keeping up with my goals!) to test out and see if they have what it takes to be a "staple"! I also did a overnight airdry due to the time (I was sleepy!) and I realize that my hair does not dry as softly as I like when I just bun it and wrap it up for the night. I think for my hair, it has to air dry completely if I want to really see the softness....uhmmm. I shall be on watch lol

(1) Detangle with my magic comb (5600 Hercules Sagemann)!
(2) Prepoo with JBCO/My Essential Oil mix on my scalp, and Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Moisturizing Treatment on length of my hair. My oil mix has peppermint, rosemary, vitamin E, eucalyptus and EVOO...so it always feels extra tingly! :)
(3) I skipped out on a Tea Rinse this wash... I am looking to buy different teas that are beneficial for my hair so I rotate that into my regimen..Any ideas?
(4) Cowashed with Nexxus Hydra-Light Weightless Moisture Conditioner (NEW!! REVIEW COMING!)...I must say.. is this too good to be true!? I shall be using it again before my official review..but my hair felt soo soft and strong after using it..and the texture itself was light and not super thick..
(5) DC with CHI Deep Brilliance Moisture (New..Review Coming!) and sealed with grapeseed oil (Thanks! KLP!)...then waited............... lol. I am on the fence about this conditioner...I am not a fan of the smell and my hair didn't seem super soft but it did feel strong..idk..I will give it another go before fully reviewing!
(6) Leave-ins were Nexxus Hydra-light Weightless Moisture Root Lift Mist (NEW!! REVIEW COMING!) and sealed it with Chi Silk Infusion..

Hair Reality: My hair was soft and healthy..I am definitely 5 going on 6 weeks post-relaxer lol. I am so tempted to pull out the blow dryer but I shall stay no heat. However, I had no tangles/knots and avg. amount of shedding. My hair was very manageable while wet and as it air dried! I have been experimenting with some cute styles (post them soon!) so my concern is ensuring I have little to no breakage as I manipulate my hair. I want to make sure my products are strengthening my hair while moisturizing it! Oooo aren't we all... lol

This is how I styled my hair afterwards! I had it completely different...but through frustrated..I left it like this lol

Princess Leila-esque! lol

How have you styled your hair after a wash!?

Muahz
Keyda!

Your Hair On: Proper Detangling

Freshly conditioned texlaxed hair

I'm 13 weeks post relaxer and it seems that all I do is detangle my hair! Its the part of my day that I love to hate. I love it because I know that it means that my hair is growing. I hate it because the longer that my hair grows the longer that it takes to detangle! Here are a few tips on how detangle my hair.

1. Ten Paciencia Mamita (Have Patience).  Good things and less hair breakage comes to those who wait. If I don't have time to properly detangle my hair I just don't wash it that day. Experience has taught me that I'll do more harm than good if I'm in a rush.
2. Know your hair. I've found that detangling is are much easier on my air dried hair than on wet hair--simply because my wet hairs are far more prone to breakage. Then, I gently comb through the ends, uncoil/stretch my roots out then take the time to unravel the curls, and simply ditch the shed hairs.
3. Thorough Daily and Wash Day Detangling. A comb very rarely sees my hair during the week. I finger detangle to remove shed hairs then moisturize and seal my hair. On wash days, I detangle before and after the wash.
4. Everything in sections. I now know that everything works better in sections. During my first stretch, I had the unfortunate habit of rubbing shampoo into my hair. This was completely and utterly counterproductive. Why detangle before shampooing only to rub all the strands back together while trying to work the hair into a lather creating friction and you guessed it--more knots. Now I rub a quarter size amount of shampoo  between my hands to work into the thick later that I love. Then massage with as little focus on the length of my hair and concentrated cleansing on my scalp--where the shampoo is actually needed. I've also diluted shampoo in an applicator bottle then squeezed only on my scalp in sections.
5. Micro-trim if necessary. Rough, split, thin, and damaged ends easily attach themselves itself to other strands wrapping around and creating knots. Micro trimming with very sharp scissors to be rid of split ends then be sure to keep your hair especially the roots and ends moisturized, sealed and protected from the elements. 

Detangling can be a pain, but it puts you one step closer to reaching and EXCEEDING your hair goals. 

What other tips and tricks do you use to detangle your tresses?

Un mil besitos!
KLP  

Clean Hair... Clean Face

Hola Chicas!

As I sit and watch the new model series "The Face" (yesss... I got hooked lol), I started to think...Do I have the face!? lol Honestly, I just realized that I care about taking care of my face as much as I do with my hair. So, I am offering a few tidbits about my face regimen!

The FACE regimen:

A. NO Caffeine! I know..I know..for some of you coffee drinkers this maybe difficult..but I try my best to not drink any caffeine (aka soda!). I have noticed that when I slack off on this, I have A LOT more breakouts. So, stay away! And remember..WATER IS BETTER!

Clean face! Bye Winter!

B. Mindful of Hair Products! I pay attention to the oils and products that I place in my hair because they can run into my face. I have a sensitive face so certain products can break me out more easily than others. So, you must be mindful of the ingredients in your products.

C. Weekly Face Wash/Mask! I try my best to give myself a mask weekly (when necessary) and wash my face daily/every other day. My staple products come from the line of Neutrogena. My wash/mask comes in one.. Neutrogena Clear Pore! Believe me...you will notice a difference..I have been using this product forever!

D. Zap them! If you get a bump, try your best not to pick at it. You will leave blemishes on your face y no bueno! I personally use my ULTIMATE ZAPPER, Clean and Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment :D This is heaven sent...you literally, put a dab on and vaaalaaa, it's gone! You seriously, just can wipe it away!! But, if you must poke at it..WASH your hands,and once you zap it, clean your face immediately. Then place a dab of Clean and Clear Advantage Popped Pimple Relief on spot and boom! No blemish!

E. Dab it dry! Do not rub your face when getting out of the shower. Always pat your face dry with a towel.

I will definitely be sharing other ways I take care of my face and any natural remedies that I use as well in future. Remember, to pay attention to products you use on your face! I have learned that some products for a "clear" face actually break me out more. So, if you have a sensitive face you may want to try Aveeno or more natural products. Also, less is more, I do not wear make-up daily but I have to for dance performances wear pounds of it! If I do wear makeup, I focus on my eyes and always ALWAYS clean my face completely afterwards.

How do you take care of your face!?

Muahz!
Keyda

SOS Hair Heroes: Age in Atl

Have you ever seen a gorgeous head of hair out and about and wanted to just pick their brain about what they've done to grow it without being rude, obnoxious, or weird? *Looks around and timidly raises hand* That's how I felt when I first discovered Age in Atl's blog Loving MY Hair. She's so encouraging and helpful. Plus she graciously agreed to be featured in SOS Hair's first Hair Heroes Interview!

When and at what length did you start HHJ?
I started my HHJ in May of 2009 at full APL. I never had broken off or damaged hair. I was originally searching the internet for cures for a dry scalp and came across Traycee's  page. I. WAS. IN. AWE of her hair. I had never seen waist length hair on an African American woman (that wasn't weave). I knew right then and there that I wanted it too! I have reached WL three times but I was never in love with my ends. The first time I reached WL, I had to chop because of a bad haircut. The second time was due to transitioning to texlaxed hair. I wanted to get rid of the relaxed ends quicker. This past time, my ends were holding up well, but due to a scissor happy stylist, I am no longer WL.

Currently, how long is your hair and what's your goal length?

I am currently full BSL and transitioning. My goal length is WHIP length (between waist length and hip length) but right now, I am just trying to maintain the overall health of my hair as I transition long-term. My short term goal is to reach full MBL by the summer and maintain it until the end of the year. I want to trim about 3 inches each year until I am at a comfortable length to big chop. I am in no hurry to be fully natural nor do I hate my texlaxed hair, so I am fine with a long transition!

What's your hair regimen?

I currently wash or cowash twice a week (on Sunday and Wednesday). I DC after every single wash for a minimum of an hour. I am now cowashing more often, so I may shampoo once every 3rd or 4th wash. I clarify once every 6-8 weeks. I damp bun after every wash unless I want to wear my hair out for a twist/plait/braid/bantu knot out (usually just on the weekends). I flat iron about 4 times a year, but I have cut that down since I started transitioning. I will flat iron in April but won't again until my birthday in September and maybe again for New Years. I leave my hair alone between wash days. I spray my hair with a moisturizing mix (distilled water, EVCO, and some camille rose hair milk) to keep it moist, but I do not manipulate it. It helps to keep breakage at bay. I keep it VERY simple. You can also check out my regimen for more details: http://wwwlovingmyhair.blogspot.com/p/current-regimen.html

If you could only give 3 pieces of advice, what are the things that have helped you achieve and maintain your hair the most?

1. Keeping my scalp clean has contributed to my growth. It allows the hair to grow uninhibited without your pores being clogged. 
2. Deep conditioning has definitely helped with my retention. It keeps my hair moisturized, strong and healthy.
3. Moisturizing and sealing. Even though I do not do this between wash days, I do it ON wash day. After I am done t-shirt drying, I apply my leave in and seal with an oil. Deep conditioning and moisturizing and sealing on wash day keeps my hair soft and hydrated for days. That is why I am able to just spray my hair down between wash days.

One tip has contributed to my growth while the other two have contributed to my retention. But, I have to add ONE more! Proper detangling. Improper detangling can cause thinned out ends and breakage. Use the right tool, work from the ends, and be gentle with your hair.

Oh, a chica after my own heart. I just love her tips: proper detangling, deep conditioning, and moisturizing/sealing #ftw.

Un mil besitos
KLP

"Loving My Hair" Giveaway Winner

LMH Giveaway contents!

I absolutely believe in supporting and uplifting those around you. I've been in love with Age in ATL from Loving MY Hair tresses for a while and naturally when she posted a giveaway, claro que si I applied and took a sec to tell her that she was simply awesome! Never in a million years did I think that I would win? Stuff like that just doesn't happen to me! *Throws Confetti* So you know that I was excited and a little extra when the delivery guy dropped off my giveaway goodies! It was like Christmas in March!

Here's what the box contained: 
(1) 2 oz bottles of the Bee Mine Bee Lovely Conditioner (sample size)
(1) 8 oz bottle of Jessicurl's Too Shea Conditioner (My staple leave in conditioner)
(1) sample of the Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Mask
(1) sample of Lustrasilk Hydrate Therapy Deep Conditioner
(1) sample of the Curls Unleashed Moisturizing Conditioner
(1) sample of the Carol's Daughter Monoi shampoo and conditioner
(1) Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Split End protector (old formula) 
(1) full-sized jar of Carol's Daughter Hair Milk Pudding. 
(1) Hercules Sagemann Contour Comb. 

The firs thing that I used was the Carol's Daughter Hair Milk Pudding for my Big Bad Braid Out a few days ago. Look at Miss Age in ATL already making my life and hair amazing!

Be sure to check her out on her blog and follow!

Un mil besitos!
KLP

My Big Bad Braid Out

Braid outs have seriously eluded me in the past. I've tried and failed. Many times. Thanks to some great guidance and a little product advice. I kinda think that I've got the hang of it! (Shout out to Miss Age in ATL for everything!) Kinda. Ha-ha! Here are the details on my mid-week braidout: 

How to: 

1. Detangle and moisturize hair. I started with air dried hair then I used It's a 10! to moisturize.
2. Divide hair from ear to ear. Then split the front section into a deep diagonal part. 
3. Separate the large section into two. Apply styling product. My product of choice was Carol's Daughter Hair Milk Pudding. Next, double strand flat twist (Its like a traditional cornrow but with two pieces of hair instead of 3). Add one double strand flat twist to the remaining section. Twist to the ends.
4. Split the back into 4 sections and double strand flat twist (with styling product).
5. Just to be on the safe side, I secured the ends of my braids with (red) flexirods.
6. Cover with a silk scarf overnight. Gently unravel en la manana and go on about your business!

I loved the definition that Carol's Daughter Hair Milk Pudding gave this braid out. (Although I didn't care for it's scent) I was actually shocked at how much I liked the look. Because I'm so used to having my hair up, I ended up pinning up the ends into a faux bob to go on errands. And. Then. It. Rained. Ha-ha! I got caught in a soaking downpour. By the time that I got home, my hair was a big frizzy poof ball. *Kanye Shrug* So it is. The next time, I'm definitely going to check the weather before I walk out the door!

Any tips on perfecting braid outs?

Un mil besitos!
KLP

Are You Going Natural? *Insert Blank Stare*

Twisted bun on an old braidout

*Steps up on soap box*
*Checks to see if the mic is on*

Dear Pilates instructor, beauty supply cashier, random mom at the playground, and others whose names I didn't care enough to remember, 

No, I'm not "going natural." Yes, I have almost 3 inches of super curly roots. No, I don't want to be apart of anyone's movement. No, I'm not trying to get back to my roots. Yes, I do have a daughter with super curly hair. No, I don't have trouble doing her hair. Can I just be trying something different? Geez!

Thank you very much for your time and attention. 

Over the last week, I've had 11 people (no exaggeration here) ask me if I was natural or "going natural." I simply replied, "No." Then went to be about my business. But for some reason, they look at me as if to say there is more to the story. No. Actually there isn't anymore to the conversation. I have no qualms with chemical relaxers. I have no issues with those who choose not to chemically relax. If you like it then I love it. Here's what else I love: I love to wear it big. I love to wear it straight. I love to wear it pinned to the side to go on a date. (Ha-ha! Channeling my inner Dr. Suess. No judgement zone!) My hair is thick, happy and reasonably healthy. I've been "natural" before and I've relaxed bone straight before. Neither were because I wanted to make a statement or take a stand. I'm just being me: hair enchanted and fancifully indecisive. I love having a choice between the two and that's the best part.

I'm more than sure that these questions are because most people are used to seeing me with straight tresses but now that I'm detoxing from the flat iron they are just all kinds of confused. I get that. But seriously---Enough, Let's Move On...

What other kinds of hair questions grind your gears?

Un mil besitos!
KLP

SOS: Only Minutes to Win It Series --Braid it into a Updo!

So, I have been playing with the idea of doing an "upside" french braid. I have seen the style in several magazines and online soo I was like hey! that looks quick, simply and gorge! : D Now, I did this style super quick AT WORK lol (let's say I was late..hehe) and took pictures after working from 7am -7pm with some crazyyyy kidss! Anyhoo...here is the style!

Minute Style: Braid Updo

Directions: Bend down so all hair is upside down. Braid from center upward and bobby pin, when done with braid. Gather hair at front to place in ponytail. I actually wrapped my hair around into a bun (no hair tie or "bun helper" lol). Place cute hair accessories and vaalaa!

**I plan on really perfecting this style..and making a bigger bun at top.

Side/Front: Placed two bows on side of bun



Back

Let me know what you think! Have you ever came up with a style for work (while at work lol)?

Muahz!



Keyda 



Braid Out Preview

Here's a sneak peek at my braid out today! Enjoy! I'll be back with all the dets!

Un mil besitos
KLP

Mini Wash Day

I travel a couple times a month to visit my extended family. I'm so blessed that #1 I keep a well stocked hair travel bag in my suitcase and #2 my suegra and sister-in-law use most of the same products as I do! I had so much do this week, that there was no way that I would have been able to fit a mid-week wash day in. And then...this mess happened:

Pre-washed hair with huge sections of white flakes

 Have you ever found a product that you used long ago in the back of your stash and thought "hmm...I wonder why I stopped using this?" Well the next time that you do have that thought: just throw it in the trash. Period. Do not waster your time on it! Friday morning, I decided to use an old leave-in conditioner from long long ago to moisturize my hair. I sealed as usual then went about my day. Only to return to the mirror, 5 minutes before I'm about to leave my house for the weekend, to see that I had a head full of flakes! Nope--it wasn't coming from my scalp---it was the product flaking up! I'm not sure if I used too much or maybe the product was (super) old, but my hair was a hot mess. I tried using a different leave in to cover the flakes. That didn't work. I tried brushing the flakes away. That didn't work. Finally, I put my head under the faucet to rinse the product out. This helped but needless to say I was frustrated and just OVER my hair by that point. I pulled it back into a bun and prayed that no one would notice. ---Which was also a #fail! My family has no cut cards and if your hair is mess, they WILL call you out on it. Luckily I survived being the butt of the jokes for the night. Saturday morning, I woke up early put in a good run and got ready to tackle my mess. I quickly detangled, rinsed my hair well in the shower, massaged a bit of Halka Baba de Caracol through it and air dried. Yay! My hair was saved. Even though I co-washed 48 hours ago, I'm a creature of habit so I mini-washed again today.

Wash Day Products

(0) Detangled with my Magic Star Jumbo Rake in vertical sections. 
(1) Extreme Deep Condition: Applied Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Toner and my essential oil blend to my scalp, JBCO, and Mizani Moisturfusion Silk Cream Conditioner to the length of my hair. Then I coated my strands in extra virgin coconut oil covered with a plastic cap and sat under the heating cap for about two hours. 

(2) Green Tea Rinse with 1 black tea bag and 1 green tea bag and 2 cups of water in a narrow tip applicator bottle. I let the rinse sit on my hair for about 5 minutes.

(3) Smoothing Treatment- massaged Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Daily Treatment into my hair and let sit for about 7 minutes. I rinsed with cool water. (Even though I forgot to include it in my product pic) I expected my hair to be brittle or hard after with the addition of the black tea in my rinse, but it was very soft yet moisturized and strong.
(4) Air dry- I let my hair dry 95% in a cotton t-shirt, then I detangled and add my leave-ins.
(5) Leave-ins- It's a 10! and Chi Silk infusion. I found a couple (I didn't count) SSKs but they weren't a pain.


Results: Beautifully moisturized and soft, big fluffy hair and very little shed hair. AGAIN! So, that's three weeks in a row. Mini wash #ftw. After what felt like 3 days of washing my hair, all that I felt like doing was pulling it up into a bun and calling it a day. Then, of course my unruly edges decided to rebel. Dear 12 weeks post hair, why must you be so thick?

Is it just me or are some wash days just taxing? I'm thinking about getting on my braid out grind for the rest of the stretch. I need something different! How was your wash day?

Un mil besitos!
KLP

Wash Day

Hola Chicas!

I had a verryyyy loong week..ahh .. you know!? one of those weeks, you begin to see it in your face and feel it in your body. But I did not want to forget my goals, so I made sure to make time for my hair!

Pre-Shed

My tidbits: I really did a bad job of detangling throughout the week. So, I had a significant amount of shedding throughout my detangling process for my wash day compared to previous weeks. I have to remember (as many of us do) that just because your week is long or stressful, we can not forget to do some basic procedures for the care of our hair!

(1) Detangled with my mighty Magic Star Comb (5600 Hercules Sagemann)
(2) Prepooed with Essential Oil blend/JBCO on scalp and Emergencia Intensive Moisture Split Ends Conditioner on length of my hair
(3) Shampoo with Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Lather Shampoo (Check my review!)
(4) Black Tea Rinse with two bags and two cups of water. I placed it in a bottle with nozzle top so I can easily squeeze on my hair and scalp!
(5) Deep Conditioned with Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Intense Moisturizing Treatment for roughly 40 minutes (no heat).
(6) Leave-ins: Aphogee Keratin and Green Tea Restructurizer, and Organix Coconut Anti-breakage Serum 

Used 100% cotton shirt for excess water in hair and Air Dry 100%

NO HEAT! FTW! :D

Air Dry: Tie my ends down and Clipped Bun in back

My Hair Reality: My hair was silky soft and very manageable. I am 4 weeks post-relaxer and have not used heat since straightening my hair after my relaxer!! I am hoping to stretch with no heat until my next touch-up. Wish me luck!! So, keep checking for more Minute to Win It Style Posts!! I gotta get creative lol

How did your wash go this week!?

Muahz
Keyda

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

Who Goin Check Me Boo?

KLP & Keyda Circa 2010

Revisiting 2013 Goals

Neither of us are monthly hair goal setters. I mean, we could, but I'm sure that we'd forget! However, we can (and do) set yearly goals and dreams for our hair. Even though our healthy hair journey is a revolving door of self monologues in front of your bathroom mirror (and via SOS Hair),  it's important to us that we hold ourselves accountable. After all, the choices and decisions that we make about our hair are ours alone. #Success or #Fail. It's really all in our hands.

KLP's 2013 Hair Goals:

1. Length. After my shedding fiasco last spring, I want to implement some products or techniques to prevent shedding this year and hopefully I'll be MBL by the end of the year. Check!
2. Trimming. I cut over 6 inches of my hair last year. This year, I hope to only micro-trim on relaxer days. In progress--I'll trim after my next relaxer
3. Relaxing. I'm about 90% tex-laxed now. Last year, I stretched for 16-20 weeks a time. But I think that these super lengthy stretches may have caused more breakage than I'm comfortable with. This year, I want to reduce the number of weeks between relaxers to 12 and a max of 16 weeks. In progress--I'm currently 11 weeks post and intend on relaxing at 14 weeks.
4. Moisture. Moisture. Moisture. I want to shop for a creamy moisturizing leave-in conditioner for daily moisturizing and sealing. Then I want to be sure to do an extreme deep condition at every wash day. (Extreme Deep conditioning layers an oil over the conditioner covered with a plastic cap and then under indirect heat for at least 30 minutes before rinsing with cool water) Check!
5. Journaling. I've maintained an offline healthy hair journal since 2010. I've considered blogging tons of times, but I'm a very private person. But I'm finally challenging myself to step outside of my comfort zone. (With the help of my hair bestie and co-author of SOS Hair Keyda) Check!
6. Styling. This year I'm going to be all about the protective styling. Although, I love feeling my hair flowing in the wind, running after two little ones, makes that simply impractical most days. I want to create tons of go to styles for when I'm short on time. Check! Thanks to the Minute to Win It Series
7. Sweating. I know. This sounds bizarre, but I noticed that when I was on my workout grind, my hair grew like a weed! Plus, my body benefited too! I want to commit to at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes. Double Check! I've been putting in sweat up to 5 times a week for 60 minutes. 

Keyda's 2013 Hair Goals:

1. Make Goals. Journaling. I know...I know..How can that be a goal!? Well, to be honest, I have always been so "wishy-washy" with direct goals! But with help of my HAIR MENTOR/Co-author KLP, I have realized that I can only see progress with my hair if I make goals like I do in every other aspect of my life! In progress --I write in my journal weekly and blog now!
2. Purchase Useful/Efficient Products. I do not want to become a product junky but I do need to increase my "supply cabinet". I want to shop for more helpful products that help growth and retain length for my hair. In progress--with research and trial/error, I have been purchasing more helpful items!
3. Self-Relaxing. I have been trying to master successfully relaxing my hair on my own without salon help. My hair is also texlaxed due to a long stretch but I will be also reducing my weeks in-between relaxers. In progress-- I went 10 weeks before my last relaxer (by myself) and plan on doing the same.
4. Trimming. I hope to successfully trim my ends on relaxer days. In progress--however, I plan on getting my hair professionally cut soon.
5. Moisture. Protein. Moisture. I want to develop and strengthen a good balance between protein and moisture treatments. I also want to truly do more Extreme Deep Conditions and find a solid 2nd deep conditioner. In progress!
6. Styling with less/no heat. I lived with my flat iron last year and those before. However, I plan on utilizing my flat iron less to not at all this year. In progress--Look at our Minute to Win it Series.
7. Length. I have not kept a keen eye on my length always. I have always just let my hair grow and then cut it really short, and do it all over again! However, I plan on growing my hair to BSB or close to it by end of year! In progress --I am currently just below shoulder length! 

How are you accomplishing your 2013 Hair goals?

Un mil besitos!

KLP & Keyda 

Our Regimen Section Added!

Finally, we have Our Regimens listed in detail just for you! We'll review all of the products listed in the coming weeks. So, if you have any questions, just send them our way. 

Un mil besitos
KLP & Keyda

Inspiration

SOS: Overprocessed Relaxed Hair

The number tip, trick, or inside scoop that I give to growing and maintaining hair length is simple--and yet very complicated--Stop over-processing your hair. Relaxing chemically breaks down the structure of your hair to permanently straighten it. If you relax the same parts of your hair strand over and over, it will cause damage, breakage and even hair loss.

Is My Hair Over-processed?

• Do you have extremely thin or split ends?
• When you manipulate your hair in even the gentlest ways--do you have a lot of broken hairs?
• Do you apply the relaxer to your previously relaxed hair?
• Do use heat everyday?

Before I started my healthy hair journey, I was guilty of  all of these relaxing sins. My ends were jagged. My hair broke off if you looked at it wrong. I siempre self-relaxed from root to tip. The flat iron was my BBF! Over-processed wouldn't grow past my shoulders hair was what I had to show for it. I knew that I wanted thick blunt ends and a healthy head of hair, but I wasn't quite sure where to start. After some research, it hit me that first, I needed to change my relaxing ways. Here's what I did: 

1. Stopped applying relaxer to previously processed hair. I grew up relaxing from root to tip. It never entered my realm of thought that I only needed to "touch up" my roots. By applying the relaxer to previously processed hair, I was further breaking down my hair, and causing my ends to grow thinner and thinner. There was no way that I could continue to do that and expect to retain length. 
2. Stopped guessing and started reading. I actually sat down and read the instructions for my relaxer kit (in English, then in Spanish too). Every kit is different so you can't assume that you know until you read it's manual.
3. Stopped using relaxers that were too strong. I did a strand test to see if the relaxer strength was appropriate for my hair and to verify which processing timing was right for me.
4. Stopped relaxing and applying direct heat. This was the hardest sin to break. Until I found heat free ways to straighten my hair. Although I still love my flat iron, I know that absence does make the heart grow fonder and in this particular case--the hair grown longer.

Eventually, I decided that bone straight relaxed hair wasn't for me and I transitioned to texlaxing in 2010. (purposefully under-processing your hair during a relaxer). The scary/yet rewarding part about using chemicals like relaxers to straighten your hair is that its permanent. Get it right, and you're golden. Slip up and you're stuck with it. So if you're going to do it, do it right. Arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible and when in doubt, find a trusted experienced licensed professional salon to apply your relaxer.

Have you ever had over-processed hair? How did you save it?


Un mil besitos!

KLP

[Review] Matrix Biolage Ultra-Hydrating Balm

Price: 19.99 for 16.9 fl oz. (500ml)

Purchased at: Amazon (also available in smaller sizes at most grocery stores)

Promises: For very dry, thick and coarse hair. Deeply moisturizes while controlling unwanted volume. As it helps seals the cuticle, it locks out humidity and eases away frizzes.

Ingredients: Water/Aqua, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride Glycerin, Amodimethicone, Cetyl Esters, Lanolin, Fragrance, Methylparaben, Cetrimonium Chloride, Tricontanyl PVP, Chlorhexidine Dihydrochloride, Propylene Glycol, Polysorbate-20, Shea Butter 

Directions: After Biolage Hydrating Shampoo, massage into wet hair. Leave in 1-3 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. 

How I use it: Deep Conditioner

My Thoughts: This is my #2 staple deep conditioner. I love it so much that when it's on sale, I will not hesitate to buy every. single. one. on. the. shelf. After the Christmas holiday, a local salon that my suegra frequents had a gift sets of the Hydrating shampoo (which I will review in a few weeks) and this conditioner on sale for $10. She called me to see if I was interested. I told her to buy every one that they had. This conditioner is just that good. If you love thick, rich, and creamy conditioners---this one is your friend. The smell is heavenly. Not to strong yet distinct. When I apply it to my hair, I feel like it melts into my strands. Then after a deep condition with heat, my hair feels like butter. Incredibly soft, smooth, frizz free and happy hair with every use. I also noticed that my hair seems to stay moisturized longer when I use it. This is one product who's promises are legit. 

Have you ever tried any products from Matrix Biolage's Hydratherapie line?

Un mil besitos!

KLP

SOS: Flaky/Itchy Scalp

Hola Chicas!

 I hope you SOS DIVAS had a wonderful weekend! I realized after my wash this weekend that I have a scalp issue! :( Honestly, I have been realized this for a while now and have been trying to figure out ways to combat this issue. It is soooooo toturing to itch like crazyyyy or to feel like others can see these huge flakes just pouring out of my head! Through research, I realize that my eczema maybe the leading culprit in my dry/itchy scalp. However, I have been lucky to have mildly eczema outbreaks every so often due to stress.

I will not allow my scalp to be the reason for bad hair care or hair breakage. I want to stimulate my scalp positively! hehe So, if you are like me, I have a few tips that have been working for me and I have been progressing. I realize naturally, I have a dry scalp but I can maintain it and "tame" it!

SOS Tips:

1. Drink Water! I know.. I know.. but KLP is soo right about water. I have realized that when I drink more water, overall my skin does ten times better! So, drink up!

2. Wash hair consistently! I realize, finally, that I must wash my hair 1-2 times a week. I can not wait every two weeks or even past 4 days sometimes. You have to listen to your hair. I realize I have retained more healthy hair also once I started to wash better! (sounds kinda bad lol) 

3. Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Toner has been soooo awesome to me. I have noticed a tremendous change in my scalp. I use it after my wash and at least once/twice before next wash day for scalp massage. Now, you must always try something out before making it a staple..so I bought a small bottle just to see but now I am sold! It is one of my staples.

4. Essential Oil Mix: I realize that you need the natural stuff lol also! I have made my own blend with EVOO, Peppermint oil, Rosemary oil, Eucylatus oil and Vitamin E oil. I plan on adding EVCO to my mixture as well possibly. However, I have felt that tingly sensation and have seen a difference in my scalp. I utilize mine in my prepoo and every other day at times with a scalp massage.

5. Black/Green Tea Rinses! I personally primarirly do Black Tea Rinses and I have noticed less shedding and a healthier scalp when this is within my regimen. When I was not doing rinses consistently, but everything else, my scalp was still semi-bothersome. However, I feel complete no matter what with black tea rinse in the equation! Every hair is different, for example, KLP does green tea and uses smoothing treatment after...so you should really pay attention to your scalp!

These tips have been my saving grace! I itch rarely in between washes and my scalp feels so clean. I have also noticed little to no flakes in my hair after washes and in between them. So, I would advise to rotate in different methods that are beneficial if your experiencing the same issue. I definitely say doing scalp massages is a huge plus!


How have you dealt with your flaky/itchy scalp!?

Muahz
Keyda

L4LPSC: 2nd Check In!

Protective Style Challenge @ www.longing4length.com

SOS Hair isn't officially in the Longing 4 Length Protective Style Challenge, but I just have to show Miss Ebony some love and a sincere (and sisterly) thank you for hosting this challenge! I've followed L4L for almost 2 years and watched her grow, mature and just do all kinds of big things while being classy! *tear*

Back to all things protective styled: I'm sure that once length check at the end of this challenge, I would have retained a little length plus I think that my hair's overall health will be better because I've been rolling direct heat free going on 5 weeks! I guess that's what a good up-do can do for you!

Here's a recap of the styles Keyda and I dawned in February:

Only Minutes to Win it Series

Braiding it up!

Elegant but playful

Fluffy Air Dried Bun

Flat Twists with Bun

Minute to Win It Series: Deep Side Part Twisted Bun

Minute to Win It Series: Jazzy Faux Bob

Un mil besitos!

KLP