My Blowout at 18months natural!

Last night after washing my hair I decided I didn't want to go to bed with wet hair then I thought why not blow dry my hair out. After applying my leave-in Creme I put my hair in 4 big sections and blow dried on a low setting. It took me 30 minutes and I realize I'm going to need a blow dryer with a comb attachment next time which will be 6 months from now. I'm also going to buy a hair diffuser for my wash and go. The blow out lasted all day. My head was hot with all my hair out. I also realized how much my hair has grown too. If you would like to see my first length check on my blown out hair watch below:

2nd and 3rd day wash and go hair

I decided to do a wash and go experiment to see how long it would last. I used the shea moisture curl enhancing smoothie and the eco styler gel to do my wash and go. I didn't re-apply any products but just refreshed with a spritz of water. At night I wore my satin scarf. By the 3rd day the gel became hard so I pulled my bangs back with a headband. I could have stretched it longer if I would have used a light hold gel instead of a strong hold.

My Wash and Go Results

Yesterday I did a quick wash and go. My hair was very soft from a cowash I did on Sunday. It was in 4 sections and because I was so busy I left it in 4 sections all day until the night time, that when I dampened my hair with water, applied the shea moisture curl enhancing smoothie, and eco styler olive oil gel. I did a smoothing technique to save time. I finished in 30 minutes and here are the results.

My Wash and Deep Conditioning Hair Day

First, I used the chamomile and citrus shampoo bar from www.chagrinvalley.com, and it gave me a good lather. I massaged it into my scalp, and rinse it out with warm water. After getting out of the shower I applied the deep conditioner, the hydra cap with the heat from the blow dryer, and my hair turban. I left it on until night time and rinse it out. My hair felt refreshed and moisturized. The only change I will make is to comb the deep conditioner through my hair, putting my hair in four chunky twist and then put the cap on. Because I had a few tangles. Overall, I enjoyed the combination. Have you used any of these products? If you would like to watch my wash regimen watch the video below:

My nightime hair routine

Before going to bed I follow a simple hair routine. I do the same thing whether I have twists or my hair out first I spritz my hair with water, then I apply either a dab of coconut oil or the shea moisture curl enhancing smoothie.Next, I wrap it with my silk du-rag or satin bonnet. That's it I don't spend too much time unless its wash day because in the morning I'll refresh it. I use a old scurl bottle to put water in. If you would like to see my nighttime hair regimen watch below:

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My hair can fit in a pony puff now without bobby pins!

Today I am feeling great. My hair is growing when I big chopped in November my hair could only fit in a pony puff on the top with the bottom out as you see in the picture. Last night I was about to grab my bobby pins to see if I could make a loose pony puff and low and behold all my hair fit without the bobby pins. I had to put my daughter to sleep so I couldn't get too excited in the bathroom. So today I gave myself a pat on the back for the protective styling, weekly deep conditioning treatments and changing my eating habit during lunch I eat lettuce and fruit with my lunch. I also take prenatal vitamins still because I am breast feeding. That could also be why my hair is growing fast despite my hair shedding. You can't even tell I have a bald spot next to my bangs. I remember when I was wishing my hair would fit in a pony puff and now it does without me forcing my hair in scrunchie.

My Jbco Scalp Treatment

As I mentioned earlier I apply Jamaican black castor oil to my scalp and spread it through my hair. I massage it for a few minutes. Since I'm going through postpartum hair shedding this helps thicken my hair, and allow my hair to grow back where there is hair loss. I use this at least 3x a week.

Morning Hair Refresh Routine

Each morning if I don't use water on my hair I use this moisturizing spray. It's feel so good because of the peppermint oil and coconut oil. On my scalp the night before, I massaged Jamaican black castor oil in to my scalp and twisted my hair not focusing on the hair mainly because its late at night. Today, I used this spray and it moisturized my hair instantly.

Wash Items

What I use for this particular wash is a carrot & milk with honey shampoo bar from www.chagrinvalley.com, tangle teezer, banana clips, Tresseme Naturals conditioner, comb, hair turban and shea moisture curl enhancing smoothie, and a hair stopper plug.

Late Night Hair Wash

I have scheduled my weekly washes/co-washes for late at night after I put my kids to sleep. I do it this way so I can have a peace of mind when doing my washing routine. First, I gather all my hair products and tools. Then I put my hair in sections with clips. This makes it easier for me to wash. Then I spend 30-45 minutes cleansing my hair in the shower and put my conditioner on the hair strands and ends. Rinse it with cool water and blot dry. Lightly moisturize and put my hair wrap on and go to sleep. It's a hair towel that absorbs the water from your hair. It's after 12am when I'm done so I go to bed, and do the moisturizing the next day. Pictures of process from bottom to top.

My Top Five Natural Hairstyles

Since becoming natural I have tried many different styles so far I have 5 favorite styles that I change weekly.Its been fun learning how my hair responds to the different styles and techniques. I have been on YouTube for hair tips, and at first I was overwhelmed because I was learning too much information. I had to slow down and focus on a little bit at a time and not try too many products either. Once I master the 5 favorites then I will try more. Here are my five favorite hairstyles so far on my natural hair journey.
Wash and Go, Twist-out, Classic Afro, Fluffy Braid out , and Natural Hair Puff

The Big Chop Day

There are a few reasons why I'm just starting this blog. One being while in preparation for my big chop I was very busy with my newborn son. I only had time to take photos let alone write. On top of that I also had two other children, my oldest daughter is turning 4 soon, and my son will be 2 this week. So it's been super busy. I transitioned while I was pregnant with my son , and for most of the transition it was simple. I transitioned for 14 months. I planned to go longer but I was so excited with my natural texture I big chopped on November 4, 2012. Talk about excitement. I waited until my kids were sleep and I went in the bathroom with my scissor, music and conditioner and clipped away. The whole process for me took two hours it was long but well worth the time.