Showing posts with label relaxed hair. Show all posts
Showing posts with label relaxed hair. Show all posts
So, my cameras are en route as I went away and left them.  I miss writing here, it seems to alleviate the need to speak to a physical person.  I decided to create my photo for this post. 
Whilst visiting my friend in California, we got into the natural v. fake topic.  She's been relaxed, her sister natural.  Fortunately for her, she's not obsessed with beauty, fashion, makeup all of my downfalls.  She posed a question and I never realized some people don't know the difference between "transitioning" and "stretching."
Transitioning, simply put, is the process one takes before their "big chop" which begins the journey to going natural.  The term natural should be used with caution as there are few who agree on what defines natural (i.e. colouring, products, protective styles) so let's stick with the topic at hand.
Most people transition to avoid the shock of shaving all their hair off.  By allowing the hair to grow awhile, it's easier to accept the tiny Afro, than the shaved head.  To be honest, any drastic change is an initial shock, and I think there is a period after of mourning, fear, anxiety and regret.  For others, they are so happy to have healthy hair, it feels liberating. 
Stretching is the process of extending a relaxer for a prolonged period of time with the intent to decrease overlapping between touch ups.  By "stretching" the time between relaxers it also allows the length of the hair to be a bit more pronounced.  If you wait five months between relaxer touch ups, versus 4-6 weeks, the difference is impressive.
The downfall to the two is that the line of demarcation will literally make or break the results. The line of demarcation is the point where the hair's natural texture and the chemically treated area meet.  Because of the difference in texture, the hair can easily snap and break.  During the process of transitioning or stretching, many opt to wear their hair in protective styles.  It's also important to ensure hair is not manipulated without plenty of patience, care and gentleness.  The hair is very, VERY vulnerable so make sure if you are washing and conditioning you allow plenty of time to complete your regimen.  I also recommend researching hair forums, books, and any information pertaining to your hair's texture.  What works for some, will not work for others.  Make sure the hair has PLENTY of slip.  That coating will alleviate tangling and prevent that dreaded "snap" breaking the hair.

xoxo
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I wish I had a dollar for everytime I heard a person say that Afro textured hair doesn't grow.  It's 2010 and guess what?  Afro textured hair grows, and will continue to do so if you take proper care of it.  I have never had long hair.  My mum didn't really know how to care for my hair, and she didn't have the time to deal with it.  So, I thought I knew everything and took the wheel and anihiliated my hair for the longest.  The key to growing any texture of hair is knowing how to care for your own hair. I cannot tell you how many bandwagon products I jumped on.  They had great reviews, were all the talk on forums and/or YouTube but for me they were usually epic "fail" for me.  So, I have an arsenal of products I call my holy grails, a few essentials, and some items, I'm experimenting with.  The experiments are not because I don't have faith in my holy grails, but Creme of Nature was epic until I found KeraCare for dry itchy scalp (tingles) as was Motions CPR until Avlon and Nexxus had things which worked better.  It's difficult to let go, but the results have been learning to get products in the event my currents are either discontinued or reformulated or simply because the type of products on the market are improving (i.e. sulphate free).  In addition, don't think people who are not your ethnicity can't have products that will suit you.  Products marketed for Afro textured hair don't always equal success for me, just as many products for European/Caucasian hair work quite well.  It's all about trial and error.  Support helps also.  I am in a hide your locks, no trim in 2010 but I may have to quit because I need to cut six inches of old tired relaxed ends off.  I did buy some products from a hair trade show, and will give my 2 cents.  I can usually tell first try how a product will work for me, but I try not to give a rave review until really testing a product for some time.  To be continued...















              (awaiting testing)
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I don't know what to think about this product, but I'm giving it a try.  Why?  Because I am a product junkie and I like to experiment with products. 
I first heard of this product on one of my hair boards several years ago, but I was really not interested.  First, I had tried the Mane n Tail product line, and it didn't impress me, and secondly, it's for horses!  I don't like to put things on my hair that I don't know how my body will react.  I have quite sensitive skin, and I've had my share of eczema and don't wish to revisit that. 
This product is sold near me for $37.00 USD!  If you are interested in the 16 oz bottle, I suggest trying here for a lot less.  The price has gone up over the past several years and it may be do to the huge market for hair products which will grow hair.
I'm on day one of this, and I have not cut my hair and it's approximately waist length.  I'm going to do journal the progress of this over the course of six months and review it for: amount of hair growth, shedding, strength, elasticity, thickness and texture. 
I have read some reviews by other users who have reported both good and not so good results.  I think it depends on everyone's individual hair and how it's taken care of.  I am going to remain with my current regimen of how I protect my hair, what I eat, my nutrition and supplements for accuracy.  I won't be adding anything different.  Can't wait to let you know what happens and post photos as I go.

xoxo
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There is no one method for taming one's mane. What I have learned is that you have to really, I mean really know your hair. You have to know your hair like you know your skin.
Hair is made up of proteins (keratin) and it needs protein in conjunction with moisture in order to keep a balance of strength and elasticity. For me, I don't think my hair can ever have too much protein, but I know it doesn't get enough moisture. Unfortunately, I color the heck out of my hair. I don't do all the other rubbish, like heat, back combing etc, but when people ask me how I keep my hair looking so healthy or shiny, I have
to confess that if it were in it's natural color, it would look like a tumble weed. It's so bloomin dry! My niece, poor baby has the same problem. I tell her it's her father, my brother's, fault as her mother has thick, ridiculously long albeit straight hair. I love her mum's hair, but feel my niece's pain. Her hair is disgustingly thick, she has a lot of it, and it's so curly. She likes to wear it pulled back in a pony tail; however, it makes our hair draw up and turns into a "puff" if we don't plait it. It's quite curious since my boss has the same situation and what's more, we resemble each other when we both wear our hair down as we did today.
So, what I recommend is to experiment with your hair's texture and if you don't know what it is, ask! Alternate products and see how your hair responds. Conduct a test with your hair following the same regimen (wash, condition, style) but alternate products by ingredients. For instance, notice the difference in your hair when you use protein (usually reconstructors, or may indicate protein on the bottle), moisture, and so on. Be aware of your hair's growth to shed factor. Sometimes hair tends to grow faster in the summer due to warm climate, how you eat plays a vital role, as does your stress or any medications. Am I saying to change anything? No, I'm merely giving hints on what things may contribute to the dissatisfaction with your hair's current state.
Remember, whether you are natural, relaxed, texlaxed, extensions, color treated, etc. you must take care of your hair. There isn't an alternative other than going bald. You will have good days and bad days, but ultimately, your hair is a reflection of your genes and how you treat it.

xoxo
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Recently I had a discussion with a friend regarding natural versus relaxed hair.  I won't go into the debate, that would take another post; however, I can tell you how I care for my hair.  I've posted pics of the length ad nausea so, I'll just get to the details.
I wash and deep condition my hair once a week. 
I wear my hair in a protected style and only massage my scalp.  No other manipulations are done to my hair.
I use a set of products which has taken me more than twenty years to "discover."
I state I have relaxed hair, but I have to admit, I am one of the small percentage of women, whose hair does not completely straighten.  I have accepted this, and know a few others whose hair is the same.  I can put a relaxer on my head, comb it from root to tip (coarse/super) and it won't get my hair bone straight, I've even applied heat.
I have done EVERYTHING with my hair, blonde, black, blue, bald (yep), natural, braids, weaves, wigs, lace fronts, "natural relaxers" et al.
I think I've spent a fortune on hair products; however, as a child my mother didn't know how to care for my hair, I abused it, I had poor health for a good long time, and I truly believe God is taking care of my hair and I'm just the person physically taking care of it.  I have never had hair past my shoulders, I've had to get shots to stop stress induced hair loss and seen a dermatologist for alopecia.  I got shots in my scalp and if you are interested in what they were I would be happy to provide that information.  Currently, I use a bit of cinnamon and peppermint oil to stimulate the blood circulation in my scalp.  It's what works for me.
Of the six products, the most important for my is the Affirm Fiberguard Sustenance: it gives me the BEST slip ever, better than I received with Nexxus, which I have as a backup.  Aphogee has stopped the breakage, it is vital to my regimen, and I have to use it more than the recommended six week intervals.  Keracare shampoo for dry and itch scalp is the only shampoo which cleanses my hair and scalp without tangling it in the process.  There may be better, but I've used a lot and none work as well as this.  I depend on Joico for the Cuticle Sealer to seal and normalize the pH levels in my hair (apple cider vinegar smells too strong), the Kid's Organic Moisturizer is a back up detangler if when detangling, my hair is having a bad go.  I  will give reviews for each product, but this is my "arsenal" and it is possible to grow afro textured hair to your waist if you learn what works and how to care for your hair. 
For those who wonder about shedding, here is how much I lost this past week.

 
Also, I neglected to mention I also monitor the hair in the shower to gauge if there is an excess there as well.  I keep a journal in order to discern what's working, the amount of growth achieved, and the products used.
Hope this helped someone!
xoxo
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