Length Check-February 2011

Since I'm on a hair growth journey, I can get antsy sometimes because I don't always get to see my hair's true length under all this shrinkage.  Last month I decided to straighten my hair out to see where it's at right now lengthwise. 

Since I have layers and bangs, the longest part is in the back which is why I take pictures so I can see where it falls.  At first I didn't really think that it looked like much because I still have a ways to go before I reach my current goal of APL.  However, when I compared it to a picture that I took last year I actually saw how far I've come.  The other thing I noticed is that my hair isn't as short as I thought it was since my cut in January.  I was scared that maybe I cut a little too much since I did it on slightly stretched hair.  Am I going to make it to APL by May...my 2 year Nappiversary?  For me, it's still hard to say.  Either way, I can see that I am making progress.

YouTube Inspiration: Trimming Natural Hair

This is the video that inspired me to trim my hair in January.  Normally I just wait to do trims when my hair is straight.  This showed me that I can still get a nice even cut without using heat first to stretch my hair out.   When I straightened my hair out recently I checked to see if there were any long pieces that I missed but was surprised to find that my hair was pretty even.  This method definitely works so I thought I would share.




Video by  YAISnyc

Henna Gloss How To

I like to use Henna to blend in my grays and strengthen my hair but I don't always have time to do a full Henna application.  I read up on Henna glosses sometime last year and now I'll do that when I'm short on time or just want to stretch my Henna stash.  It's like doing a deep conditioning treatment with Henna added.  This way you get some of the benefits of Henna without the long, messy process.

Henna Gloss using
Henna, Conditioner and Natural Oils

Basically, instead of using enough Henna powder to cover all of your hair, you only need a couple of tablespoons.  You still mix it with water, green tea or lemon juice which will start the dye release process.  I add enough to make it into a pudding like consistency.  Then, when I'm ready to apply it, I add lots of my Suave Naturals Coconut Conditioner for a creamy base and then whatever natural oils I chose for deep conditioning.  Recently I even added plain yogurt to the mix and was really surprised by the results.  My hair felt so lush afterwards it wasn't even funny!

I like to dampen my hair before applying the Henna gloss because it seems to go on a bit easier that way.  After it's all in I sometimes sit under the dryer with a plastic baggie for maybe thirty minutes and then leave it on for awhile after that.  Rinsing it out is waaay easier than rinsing out a full henna treatment.  The conditioner gives a lot of slip so it comes right out.  Then I like to co-wash to make sure that I got it all.  It's easier but still helps to blend my gray strands...can't beat that.

Back to Basics: The Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

I was never really a big fan of doing Apple Cider Vinegar Rinses when I started out on my natural journey.  I kept reading how it worked as a clarifier.  I even watched (and understood) KimmayTube's videos on pH Balance and knew how it worked to close the hair cuticle.  Still, no matter how many times I tried, it just didn't seem to do anything for my hair.  Then I found out about the Organic Apple Cider Vinegar by Bragg's.  I thought maybe that would make a difference but it still seemed like nothing was happening.

My hair after an Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
(detangled with the Denman Brush)

Recently, I decided to get "back to basics" and start washing my hair more often.  I don't want to use shampoo everytime so I sometimes co-wash and then follow that with a vinegar rinse.  At first, I kept getting the same blah response.  Finally, by accident I think, I poured more vinegar into the container than usual.  Then, I filled it the rest of the way with water from the shower head like I always do.  I could tell right away that something was different.  I could feel the conditioner slipping down my strands.  It was actually removing all of the extra and giving me a clean feeling without leaving my hair stripped.  I left it in for a few minutes before doing a lukewarm rinse.  When I got out, I noticed how soft and fluffy my hair felt. 

I honestly couldn't believe how good my hair looked.  I didn't even want to put anything else in it because I was afraid to mess it up.  Now, whenever I do an Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse, I always make sure that I'm using enough vinegar.  I always eyeball it but I would say it's at least a 1/4 cup (at the bottom of a tall water bottle) and then I fill it to the top with regular water.  I'm so glad I decided to try it again.  It definitely works for me...finally.

The Puff-My New Favorite Style

Wash n' Go Puff Using
Suave Naturals Coconut Conditioner
and Eco Styler (Argan Oil) Gel

I remember looking through tons of photos and videos of natural hairstyles while I was transitioning.  I was always impressed with how big and fluffy natural hair can get. 

Now, nearly two years later (since the BC), I'm finally starting to see some big hair on my own head.  I just recently noticed that I actually have a decent size puff goin' on so it's my go-to style when I want something easy.  I have to be careful though because the headbands I use can be tight at first.  I really wish that I could wear the style everyday but I don't want to lose my edges or cause any breakage. 



Braid-out Pony Puff
Using a Banana Clip



What I find that works is I'll wash my hair (usually at night) and then prep it for a braid-out or wash n' go.  Then, I'll wear it down the following day.  The day after that, if the style is not as cute as the first day, I'll put it up in a puff.  When my hair is stretched from braids and twists, I can usually fit my hair into a banana clip that I place horizontally to make a full pony-puff.  After a wash n' go, I'll just re-wet my hair and then push it back with a headband until it stops (right at the crown).  I'm definitely looking forward to wearing my hair like this during the summertime. It's so easy and keeps my hair off of my shoulders.  I just hope that it will also help me get to APL.  Fingers crossed.