I'm inspired by Ebony's roller setting challenge. However, I try not to officially join challenges, because they make me put more pressure on myself than I already do, and usually I can't stick to them for the entire time of the challenge.
Rollersetting is my style of choice after a wash, but my sets haven't been coming out as good as they used to. I've been racking my brain to figure out why. I know I have changed products, but I also think that my hair has changed in the past couple of years. Ebony has done a lot of researching on rollersetting, and I've gotten some great tips from her.
The other day, I pre-poo'd with vatika oil. I used to worship this when I first started my hair journey, and I can't quite remember why I stopped. I would have loved to keep it in overnight, but since I had to work the next morning, I put on a plastic cap and left it on for a couple of hours while I worked out, cooked dinner and got my baby ready for bed. After he was asleep, I washed with Hair One cleansing conditioner. I decided to try a clear rinse to give me some more shine. I think the henna, along with the weather, has made my hair dry, so I needed a little boost. I left the clear rinse in my hair for about 20 minutes, rinsed it out, and applied Aubrey Organics White Camellia to my hair for a few minutes and rinsed. I used a dime-sized amount of Salerm 21 as my leave in and set my hair with Paul Mitchell Skinny Serum. I used to love this serum for setting, but when I ran out, I bought the Sally's generic version which did not yield the same results for me. I recently bought the PM serum with a coupon I got in the mail.
When I set my hair, I used smaller rollers than I usually do. I was trying to get more body, and I wanted my hair to hold onto the curl longer. I also rolled my hair differently. I usually do the mohawk method, but this time, I placed the rollers in different places in my head. I figured this way I wouldn't have parts where I don't want them, and that I could put in more rollers than I usually do. It took me a little longer to get all of the rollers in, but that's okay. After about 90 minutes, my hair was dry. I did the Saran Wrap wrap under the dryer for 15 minutes, flat ironed my roots, put on a scarf, and went to bed. The next morning, my hair was....okay. The good thing is that although it was still dry, my hair was not as dry as it has been in the past month. Also, after sleeping on it cross-wrapped for two nights, my hair looks and feels much better.
Here are my takeaways from this last setting experience:
1. I need a new dryer. I'm sick of sitting under the dryer for an hour and a half, but most importantly, I think if I had a better quality dryer, my sets would come out better and smoother. I'm currently using a Gold N Hot Jumbo Soft-Bonnet Hair Dryer. I loved this when my hair was short. My hair would dry fast, and I didn't have to worry about sitting uncomfortably, or not hearing what was going on around me. Now that my hair is longer, it's just not working for me.
2. I'm just about 8 weeks post relaxer. Post a relaxer that was purposely a little under processed so that my hair could gain some strength. My roots are thick. My hair is not going to do what I want. I will have more dryness. Every time I get frustrated with my hair, I have to remind myself of this. I just want to make it 2 more weeks to the 10 week point before I relax again.
3. I don't know how to wrap my hair. Why do I even keep trying? Unless I have a fresh relaxer, my wraps come out jacked up on one side. Always.
4. I need to pre-poo with vatika oil every wash. I think this will help me get more moisture. I may continue to do the clear rinses. I'm not sure if it helped my shine, but it did help my hair feel heavier, and I want heavy and moist hair!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Managing My Edges
I have always struggled with my edges. They’ve always been short and dry and fuzzy and the opposite of cute. I remember when I was young, maybe 10 or 11, and I shaved my edges off because they were too nappy and out of control. Crazy, right? My mom and aunts were so mad at me. I know many women have problems with thinning edges, so I really try not to complain. I feel blessed that I have edges at all. About 3 months after I gave birth, my edges fell out, but they grew back in immediately. I just haven’t taken care of them like I should.
I can’t remember when my edges laid flat. When I get a relaxer, my edges will lay smooth for a week or two, but that’s it. And it’s not just because my hair is kinky. They either don’t grow long, or they break off. Or both? When I had a tapered cut, my edges were okay, but I think it’s because I got relaxers more often, and the way I set my hair was molding it down with gel and a scarf so the damage was hidden. I honestly can’t remember when my edges were healthy and not breaking off. I’m not that concerned with them laying down flat, but I would like them to be healthy. I’m determined to make that happen this year. I want my whole head to be healthy. Also, since I’m trying to keep my hair in protective styles for most of the winter, I need my edges to look decent.
The first thing I have to do is keep.my.edges.moist. Like the rest of my hair, I have not been consistent with moisturizing and sealing, but it’s been even worse for my edges. Lately, I’ve been making sure that my edges are the most moisturized part of my hair. I’ve even been using an additional moisturizer on my edges for the past few weeks. One of my girlfriends has had an edges problem worse than me. She came over my house the other day. It’s been a couple of months since I saw her last, and the first thing I noticed where how thick and nice her edges looked. She told me she has been using Jamaican Black Castor Oil! She even found a place in our neighborhood that sells it. She convinced me- I’m buying some Jamaican Black Castor Oil this week. I have a love/hate relationship with castor oil, but I think I haven’t been using the right kind or using too much. Castor oil is really heavy for my hair, so I’m going to only use it on my edges for a while.
I now need to find a good alcohol-free gel. My edges laugh at aloe vera gel. I’ve used the ORS Edge Control and it leaves way too much residue for me. I used to really like the Elasta QP Glaze when the back of my hair was tapered, but it doesn’t do much for my edges. I mentioned in my last post that I’ve been using the Ecostyler Gel Maximum hold formula. It’s been pretty good. It probably would do a better job if I put a scarf on after I apply it. I haven’t always been successful in the past doing the scarf method. Even if my edges lay down, they look so dry, and usually fuzz back up within a couple of hours. Last night, I did put a little Ecostyler on my edges before bed, and my edges didn’t look too bad this morning. It’s about 3pm now, and my edges haven’t up too much.
I do believe that I can make my edges healthy. I just have to give them a LOT more attention!
I can’t remember when my edges laid flat. When I get a relaxer, my edges will lay smooth for a week or two, but that’s it. And it’s not just because my hair is kinky. They either don’t grow long, or they break off. Or both? When I had a tapered cut, my edges were okay, but I think it’s because I got relaxers more often, and the way I set my hair was molding it down with gel and a scarf so the damage was hidden. I honestly can’t remember when my edges were healthy and not breaking off. I’m not that concerned with them laying down flat, but I would like them to be healthy. I’m determined to make that happen this year. I want my whole head to be healthy. Also, since I’m trying to keep my hair in protective styles for most of the winter, I need my edges to look decent.
The first thing I have to do is keep.my.edges.moist. Like the rest of my hair, I have not been consistent with moisturizing and sealing, but it’s been even worse for my edges. Lately, I’ve been making sure that my edges are the most moisturized part of my hair. I’ve even been using an additional moisturizer on my edges for the past few weeks. One of my girlfriends has had an edges problem worse than me. She came over my house the other day. It’s been a couple of months since I saw her last, and the first thing I noticed where how thick and nice her edges looked. She told me she has been using Jamaican Black Castor Oil! She even found a place in our neighborhood that sells it. She convinced me- I’m buying some Jamaican Black Castor Oil this week. I have a love/hate relationship with castor oil, but I think I haven’t been using the right kind or using too much. Castor oil is really heavy for my hair, so I’m going to only use it on my edges for a while.
I now need to find a good alcohol-free gel. My edges laugh at aloe vera gel. I’ve used the ORS Edge Control and it leaves way too much residue for me. I used to really like the Elasta QP Glaze when the back of my hair was tapered, but it doesn’t do much for my edges. I mentioned in my last post that I’ve been using the Ecostyler Gel Maximum hold formula. It’s been pretty good. It probably would do a better job if I put a scarf on after I apply it. I haven’t always been successful in the past doing the scarf method. Even if my edges lay down, they look so dry, and usually fuzz back up within a couple of hours. Last night, I did put a little Ecostyler on my edges before bed, and my edges didn’t look too bad this morning. It’s about 3pm now, and my edges haven’t up too much.
I do believe that I can make my edges healthy. I just have to give them a LOT more attention!
Monday, January 9, 2012
New Year, New Hair Practices
It’s been about a week since I’ve been moisturizing and sealing on a regular basis, and 2 washes since I’ve been applying enough conditioner to all of my strands. So far, so good! No more parched-looking and feeling hair. No more snaps when I run a comb through it. My hair even looks a little thicker!
I’ve also been using the L’Oreal Everstrong Overnight Treatment. This is the first product from the line that I’ve used, and I think I love it! It has ceramides and I could tell a difference in the strength of my hair after just one night. I’m not sure how often or for how long you should us this, so I’ve decided to moisturize and seal for 3 nights, and then moisturize lightly and use the treatment for 3 nights.
I’m currently a little over 6 weeks since my last relaxer, and I’m pretty pleased with my new growth. I was worried because I went to a new salon for my last relaxer, and my stylist does not relax bone straight like my last stylist did. She also did not relax my edges much, which I wanted since I’m trying to bring them back to health. I thought that I would be begging for another relaxer by the time I was 6 weeks, but it’s really not that bad. My roots are a little thick, but they’re manageable, and I like how thick roots can make your hair look thicker. I’ve been better at moisturizing my edges. I also have been using Ecostyler Gel to lay them down. I’m using the maximum hold formula, and although it doesn’t make my edges lay down flat, it keeps my edges manageable. For real, I was looking a mess with no product on my edges! I definitely think I can make it to 10 weeks, maybe longer.
Although it’s last on my list, one of my goals this year is to make it to full bra strap length. I think I only have an inch or 2 to go, so if I keep up with my healthy practices, I should be at my goal length this summer. I don’t think I want my hair to get much longer than that. It might be too much for me to handle. Also, I am an executive and I don’t think super long hair looks very professional most of the time.
I’ve also been using the L’Oreal Everstrong Overnight Treatment. This is the first product from the line that I’ve used, and I think I love it! It has ceramides and I could tell a difference in the strength of my hair after just one night. I’m not sure how often or for how long you should us this, so I’ve decided to moisturize and seal for 3 nights, and then moisturize lightly and use the treatment for 3 nights.
I’m currently a little over 6 weeks since my last relaxer, and I’m pretty pleased with my new growth. I was worried because I went to a new salon for my last relaxer, and my stylist does not relax bone straight like my last stylist did. She also did not relax my edges much, which I wanted since I’m trying to bring them back to health. I thought that I would be begging for another relaxer by the time I was 6 weeks, but it’s really not that bad. My roots are a little thick, but they’re manageable, and I like how thick roots can make your hair look thicker. I’ve been better at moisturizing my edges. I also have been using Ecostyler Gel to lay them down. I’m using the maximum hold formula, and although it doesn’t make my edges lay down flat, it keeps my edges manageable. For real, I was looking a mess with no product on my edges! I definitely think I can make it to 10 weeks, maybe longer.
Although it’s last on my list, one of my goals this year is to make it to full bra strap length. I think I only have an inch or 2 to go, so if I keep up with my healthy practices, I should be at my goal length this summer. I don’t think I want my hair to get much longer than that. It might be too much for me to handle. Also, I am an executive and I don’t think super long hair looks very professional most of the time.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
2012 - Happy New Year!
One of the biggest things I realized is that I was in "denial" about having long hair. I've had short hair for most of my life, and pretty much my whole adult life, with the exception of the past couple of years. I should have been more diligent in conditioning and moisturizing my hair TWO years ago when my hair hit my shoulders. Instead, I've been using the same amount of product I did when my hair was short!
Another culprit- moisturizing and sealing. I've been really bad at moisturizing and sealing my hair on a regular basis. I still haven't found 'the' moisturizer, but something is better than nothing, right? Shame on me- I should know better! I live in the Northeast and it's winter. My hair is relaxed and naturally dry. Last night I moisturized my hair in 6 sections with ORS moisturizer and sealed with coconut oil. What a difference a day makes- today my hair is moist, shiny and smooth. Although my hair is a little heavy, I prefer this over dryness. I'm wearing a bun anyway!
Winter can wreak havoc on my hair, so I have to keep my head covered when I go outside. I recently sewed satin linings in all of our hats, so I have no excuse. I have already gotten a humidifier for my office at work, and I have "borrowed" the humidifier from son's room until I buy one for mine. I will continue drinking lots of water. I am also considering taking vitamins again.
I also need to finally figure out my moisture/protein balance. My hair is fine, which makes me think it needs more protein than I give it, but I'm also nervous about protein overload and making it drier than it already is.
There are products that I used at the beginning of my hair journey that helped my hair thrive, but for some reason, I stopped using them. My favorite product used to be coconut oil. I used it as a sealant, leave-in, and for hot oil treatments. Coconut oil is back in the rotation. Castor oil is out for a while. Another product that kept my hair moist and shiny was ORS Replenishing Pak. I just started using the KeraPro line, but I think I'll alternate deep conditioners with the ORS and KeraPro. I think my hair is becoming more porous, so I'm going to start back using the Roux Porosity Control treatment at least once a month.
I always plan to wear protective styles the majority of the time, but I haven't been doing it. I think I've finally figured out how to create a bun I like, so I think I can wear protective styles at least 4 days a week for the rest of the winter. I might even join Traycee's protective style challenge!
Tiffanita's 2012 Hair Goals:
- Maintain a good moisture level
- Improve the health and length of my edges
- Blog more to keep track of my progress and techniques and products
- Reach bra strap length
The new year is about making goals, but also reflecting on the past year. I'm glad I've taken some time to do that. I feel positive about my plan and about the year ahead. I'm not happy with my hair today, but I'm confident that I will be in the coming weeks, and that I will meet my goals.
I wish all of you a blessed, prosperous, and healthy 2012!
-Tif
Monday, December 5, 2011
Coconut Oil Pre-Poo
This weekend I pre-pooed overnight using coconut oil. I applied the oil to my dry hair in 4 sections, put a plastic cap and a scarf on and went to bed. In the morning, I shampooed with ORS Creamy Aloe Shampoo, and deep conditioned with an ORS Replenishing Pak. I set my hair on rollers using a little diluted setting lotion and water. When I took the rollers out, I really liked how thick and moist was. It felt a little weighed down- from the coconut oil, but as the day when on, it didn't feel so bad. I pin curled it over night, and in the morning it wasn't weighed down at all.
I used to use a coconut oil/water mix to set my hair, but I stopped when my hair got healthy, thinking I didn't need it. I guess I do need to either pre-poo with it or spray a little on my hair before it dries going forward because my hair is almost always dry after my rollersets. I know I need to be more consistent, and I definitely am not as consistent as I should be with coconut oil. My hair has always loved it, but for the past year or so, I've been using other oils. I'm going back to basics with my regimen because even though my hair isn't it bad shape, it isn't in the best shape. I'm using products that worked for me when I first started my hair journey- coconut oil, vatika oil, and ORS Replenishing.
I used to use a coconut oil/water mix to set my hair, but I stopped when my hair got healthy, thinking I didn't need it. I guess I do need to either pre-poo with it or spray a little on my hair before it dries going forward because my hair is almost always dry after my rollersets. I know I need to be more consistent, and I definitely am not as consistent as I should be with coconut oil. My hair has always loved it, but for the past year or so, I've been using other oils. I'm going back to basics with my regimen because even though my hair isn't it bad shape, it isn't in the best shape. I'm using products that worked for me when I first started my hair journey- coconut oil, vatika oil, and ORS Replenishing.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
November 2011 Relaxer- Nothing Like a Good Cut!
I was not getting along with my hair for the past few weeks. It was hard to style and seemed damaged and thin to me. Even my buns looked wack! I usually don't like my hair the week or 2 before a relaxer, but this time felt different. I was seriously thinking about transitioning to natural. I felt like my hair would be so much thicker and healthier without a relaxer. I even talked to some of my natural friends about transitioning.
I ended up getting a relaxer, but I'm still thinking about transitioning. It's such a huge commitment and a lot of work, and I don't know if I'm up for it right now. My life is really busy, and I give a lot of presentations at work, so I have to look polished and professional every day. I do believe that natural hair can look professional, but I also understand that there might be some "not-so-pretty" days while I transition! I would love to see what my natural texture is like since I've been getting relaxers since I was 13. My hair doesn't thrive with braids or weave, and I keep hearing about heat damage with too much flat ironing, so I just need to come up with a plan...
Anyway, because of my hair frustrations, I decided to try a new stylist. My stylist is good, but she insists on relaxing me bone straight and won't use a mild relaxer. She also is much better at styling shorter hair. When I started going to her, I had a tapered cut. As my hair got longer, she could only do a blunt cut. So I went to my girlfriend's salon. I went to this salon a couple of years ago, and didn't like the stylist I went to, but this time I went to another stylist. I was really impressed with my experience this time. Everyone was extremely professional- even the receptionist shook my hand, and they took me right away. I had to fill out a form about my hair, and the stylist talked to me about the kind of relaxer I wanted. We decided on Mizani Mild. I've been getting Mizani relaxers for a couple of years and she said that they are very conditioning. I noticed that almost all of the products in the salon were Mizani, Affirm and Paul Mitchell, which I thought was a good sign.
I got a little worried when the wash girl combed my hair out as she prepped my hair, because I felt like she was manipulating my scalp. It was fine though, because I didn't even burn. I noticed that my stylist relaxed my edges last, which is a good thing because I can't remember a time when my edges didn't have breakage. When I started "tingling," the wash girl immediately ran over and sprayed that area with oil sheen. She rinsed the relaxer out and added conditioner in my hair, which she let sit as a stayed over the sink for about 10 minutes. I'm not sure what kind of conditioner it was, or if it was a protein conditioner, but it felt and smelled really nice. After washing and conditioning, the stylist set my hair on plastic mesh rollers and I sat under the dryer for about an hour. I asked a lot of questions while she did my hair. She gave me some tips on maintaining my hair at night and when I work out. The receptionist also gave me a sheet with hair tips. I knew all of them already, but I thought it was a nice gesture, especially for people who don't know how to take care of their hair.
After my hair was dry, she asked me if I wanted a trim. I said yes, because 1) I knew I needed one, and 2) I wanted an actual hairstyle. I don't think I've had my hair cut into a style in a couple of years- that's the drawback of being so determined to grow your hair long! We decided to "trim" a few layers in my hair to make it look fuller. I also got a little side sweep in the front. She didn't wrap my hair after, which I like (my hair does not like a full wrap). She just massaged my scalp to loosen the curls, and lightly blow dried the top to smooth it out. I love how my hair came out! It looks so much thicker, which is incredible to me since my hair usually looks so flat after a relaxer. For the past few days, I've been alternating pin curling and cross-wrapping it at night. She recommended that I use Paul Mitchell Skinny Serum as a moisturizer and adding a little oil if I need it in the morning and before I work out. I will definitely visit her again!
It's amazing what a good trim/cut can do. I feel like my hair is so much easier to style and that products work so much better.
I ended up getting a relaxer, but I'm still thinking about transitioning. It's such a huge commitment and a lot of work, and I don't know if I'm up for it right now. My life is really busy, and I give a lot of presentations at work, so I have to look polished and professional every day. I do believe that natural hair can look professional, but I also understand that there might be some "not-so-pretty" days while I transition! I would love to see what my natural texture is like since I've been getting relaxers since I was 13. My hair doesn't thrive with braids or weave, and I keep hearing about heat damage with too much flat ironing, so I just need to come up with a plan...
Anyway, because of my hair frustrations, I decided to try a new stylist. My stylist is good, but she insists on relaxing me bone straight and won't use a mild relaxer. She also is much better at styling shorter hair. When I started going to her, I had a tapered cut. As my hair got longer, she could only do a blunt cut. So I went to my girlfriend's salon. I went to this salon a couple of years ago, and didn't like the stylist I went to, but this time I went to another stylist. I was really impressed with my experience this time. Everyone was extremely professional- even the receptionist shook my hand, and they took me right away. I had to fill out a form about my hair, and the stylist talked to me about the kind of relaxer I wanted. We decided on Mizani Mild. I've been getting Mizani relaxers for a couple of years and she said that they are very conditioning. I noticed that almost all of the products in the salon were Mizani, Affirm and Paul Mitchell, which I thought was a good sign.
I got a little worried when the wash girl combed my hair out as she prepped my hair, because I felt like she was manipulating my scalp. It was fine though, because I didn't even burn. I noticed that my stylist relaxed my edges last, which is a good thing because I can't remember a time when my edges didn't have breakage. When I started "tingling," the wash girl immediately ran over and sprayed that area with oil sheen. She rinsed the relaxer out and added conditioner in my hair, which she let sit as a stayed over the sink for about 10 minutes. I'm not sure what kind of conditioner it was, or if it was a protein conditioner, but it felt and smelled really nice. After washing and conditioning, the stylist set my hair on plastic mesh rollers and I sat under the dryer for about an hour. I asked a lot of questions while she did my hair. She gave me some tips on maintaining my hair at night and when I work out. The receptionist also gave me a sheet with hair tips. I knew all of them already, but I thought it was a nice gesture, especially for people who don't know how to take care of their hair.
After my hair was dry, she asked me if I wanted a trim. I said yes, because 1) I knew I needed one, and 2) I wanted an actual hairstyle. I don't think I've had my hair cut into a style in a couple of years- that's the drawback of being so determined to grow your hair long! We decided to "trim" a few layers in my hair to make it look fuller. I also got a little side sweep in the front. She didn't wrap my hair after, which I like (my hair does not like a full wrap). She just massaged my scalp to loosen the curls, and lightly blow dried the top to smooth it out. I love how my hair came out! It looks so much thicker, which is incredible to me since my hair usually looks so flat after a relaxer. For the past few days, I've been alternating pin curling and cross-wrapping it at night. She recommended that I use Paul Mitchell Skinny Serum as a moisturizer and adding a little oil if I need it in the morning and before I work out. I will definitely visit her again!
It's amazing what a good trim/cut can do. I feel like my hair is so much easier to style and that products work so much better.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Satin BraidOut
I decided to try another braidout last night. I think this was only the second or third time ever doing a braidout. The last time, my hair was dry, frizzy and looked really short. This time, I did the satin braid out method, inspired by ZanAndRob.
I put some castor oil on my roots and ends and went to a Zumba and Pilates class. When I came home, I co-washed with Tresemme conditioner (my first time using it- I love that stuff!). I applied Aveeno leave-in and a little Morrocan oil, tied down my edges with a satin scarf and let my hair air dry. When it was just about dry, I divided my hair in 4 sections and applied Hollywood Beauty Castor Oil and Silk Elements Mousse to each section. I did twist at the top and braided the rest with the satin strips. I made my four strips out of the fabric I had left over from lining my, my son's and my man's hats last weekend. Then I tied my hair down with a satin scarf and went to bed.
This is how I looked this morning:
I really like it, although I don't really like how the top of my hair came out. Maybe next time I'll cornrow it instead of twisting it, which is why I wore the front up in a clip. It was a challenge to flat twist my hair like that. I really like how this method stretched the hair more, so my hair looked much longer than my last braidout. I am also very pleased with how moisturized my hair feels. I was prepared to add something to it, but I didn't need to.
Now let's see if I can get it like this again tomorrow, lol!
I put some castor oil on my roots and ends and went to a Zumba and Pilates class. When I came home, I co-washed with Tresemme conditioner (my first time using it- I love that stuff!). I applied Aveeno leave-in and a little Morrocan oil, tied down my edges with a satin scarf and let my hair air dry. When it was just about dry, I divided my hair in 4 sections and applied Hollywood Beauty Castor Oil and Silk Elements Mousse to each section. I did twist at the top and braided the rest with the satin strips. I made my four strips out of the fabric I had left over from lining my, my son's and my man's hats last weekend. Then I tied my hair down with a satin scarf and went to bed.
This is how I looked this morning:
I really like it, although I don't really like how the top of my hair came out. Maybe next time I'll cornrow it instead of twisting it, which is why I wore the front up in a clip. It was a challenge to flat twist my hair like that. I really like how this method stretched the hair more, so my hair looked much longer than my last braidout. I am also very pleased with how moisturized my hair feels. I was prepared to add something to it, but I didn't need to.
Now let's see if I can get it like this again tomorrow, lol!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)