Fine Hair Sista

FYI : Shi-Naturals Black Friday Sale!!!

2011-11-22T07:27:00.000-08:00

Shi-Naturals Black Friday Sale

Starts: 10/23 through 10/25

Use promo code "SPECIAL" at checkout

click on the word Special to visit site

2011-10-01T06:33:00.000-07:00

ES Cosmetics Keratin Hair Treatment - provides essential nutrients for chemically treated hair, enriched with essential vitamins to help prevent hair breakage.

Enhances hair flexibility
Repairs hair damaged by heat and styling tools
Restores and detangles

How to Use:

After shampooing, apply a generous amount of Keratin Hair Treatmenton wet hair. Start at the roots and work to ends. Leave on for 5-6 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Ingredients:

Purified water, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, (and) PEG-40, Hydrogenated castor oil (and) stearalkonium chloirde, mineral oil, cetearyl (and) cetearerth-20, dimethicone, fragrance, methylparaben, hydolyzed keratin, tocopheryl acetate, polyquaternium-6, lanolin, potassium sorbate, DMDM hydanoin, propylparaben, methylchloroisothiazolinine, methylisothiazolinone, disodium EDTA, caramel color.

My Results :

My hair has a tendency to shed at this time of the year, and goes through a few changes along with the season. This time, i figured i would get a jump on the shedding with a garlic conditioner and a protein strengthening conditioner. Well, my Shi-Naturals Garlic Conditioner for Shedding really curbed my shedding a lot. Now for the protein conditioner. I wanted to try something different. Why? I don't know. The Shi-Naturals products work perfectly on my hair. But, being the product junkie that i am. I wanted to try something different. I saw the Every Strand Keratin Hair Treatment for Chemically Treated Hair conditioner. The price was right so why not give it a try. The conditioner is a thick formulation just the way i like my conditioners to be. It has a pleasant smell (i love a good smelling conditioner). So, i apply the conditioner in sections. Concentrating on the roots. I'm 13.5 weeks post with 2 inches of new growth (thanks Shi-Natural Grow Potion). I then put on my plastic cap, wrap a towel around my head. I let the conditioner sit for 1 hour without heat. I rinse. This is where the fun begins (*sarcastically*). As i'm rinsing, i can feel my hair clumping up. I keep rinsing, making sure all of this conditioner is out. I apply my leave in's, air dry about 80%. I was almost in tears!!! I could not get the comb thru my hair.It took me almost 4 hours to detangle, and i lost a lot of hair :o) This conditioner totally did not agree with my hair. How do i know it was this conditioner? Because it was the only thing i tried that was different. The moral of the story? If something works for you. Stick with it. I hope i've learned my lesson. Until i see something else, lol

Rating :

Sorry, but i gonna have to give this conditioner a big thumbs down. This is just my opinion :o)

FYI : For Shi-Naturals Fans!! Labor Day Sale!!!

2011-09-05T09:37:00.000-07:00

Shi-Naturals Labor Day Sale is live.15% off all products today! Stock up on your favorites! http://bit.ly/lNqyMZ Enter promo code "LABORDAY"

at checkout

Click here : Shi-Naturals

Visualizing Waistlength!!

2011-08-14T18:42:00.000-07:00


4 inches to waistlength

Here i go again. I'm 2 months post in the picture. I'm using conditioner to stretch the roots to see growth progress. This time my stretch will be 4 months. My last stretch was 6 months. I won't stretch that long again because my fine hair cannot take it. I made good progress with the last stretch, but had to cut most of the progress away. My ends looked terrible after the 6 month stretch.

For the next 2 months i will keep up with my regimen :

co-washing on dry hair 2x weekly (with Shi-Naturals moisture conditioner or protein conditioner)

air drying only

applying Shi-Naturals Grow Potion every day

scalp massages everyday when applying grow potion

applying Shi-Naturals Creamy Leave-In

sealing with almond oil or grapeseed oil

Henna 2x a month
Shi Naturals Herbal Tea Rinse Growth (whenever i have shedding issues)

29 Week Stretch!! It's Over!!

2011-06-27T15:49:00.000-07:00

Well ladies i decided to relax today! I just got tired of the two textures, and it's just too damn hot to fight this hair, lol. I had a very good relaxer experience this time. No burning at all. I used Organic Root Stimulator Relaxer (Normal) I relaxed in sections. This is the method i will be using from now on.

Here's the method :

1. Base scalp the night before being careful not to irrate scalp
2. I parted in 4 sections, then put a plastic conditioning cap over the bottom 2 sections. Then secured the bottom section with clips, so that section would not get wet.
3. On the two top sections. I divided those sections into smaller sections ( 5 on each side, with duckbill clips)
4. I proceeded to apply the relaxer to the sections, removing the clips then applying the relaxer to each section.
5. I smoothed the relaxer through the whole section, rinsed, neutralized. Proceeded to the next top half.
6. Repeated #5
7. I then moved to the bottom 2 sections
8. Repeated #5 for the bottom 2 sections
9. Rinse the whole head, then neutralized, rinsed and conditioned with protein reconsturor, the moisturizing conditioner.
10. Air-dried, applied leave-ins
11. Done, lol

Although the relaxer process went smoothly. I will not stretch as long again. I will stretch for 3-4 months. I think stretching that long is not good for my fine hair. I had a lot of new growth, but the ends were so thin. I had to cut away most of the progress :o(

Now that i'm relaxed. I will work harder to reach my goal of waistlength by Dec. 3rd 2011. I think i can reach my goal because i'm using Shi-Naturals Grow Potion and i got lots of growth from this product. If you want to join the Shi-Naturals Challenge click : Here

26.2 Weeks Post!!!

2011-06-07T11:32:00.000-07:00

26 weeks post

Hey Everyone. Can you believe i made to 26.2 weeks post? I do believe this is the longest stretch i've done. So let me update you ladies as to how i'm doing with this stretch. My hair is so weird, lol. It seems the longer i stretch the easier it's getting. I don't want to jinx myself, but with this stretch. I'm not having shedding issues or breakage (crossing fingers, eyes, legs and everything). All and all i can't really complain. My hair is being so cooperative, it's scary!! Anyhoo. I'm about 3 inches from my goal of waistlength. I've got about 2-1/2 inches of new growth or more. I'm usually an average to slow grower, but since i've add my new growth aid, my hair growth seems to be taking off. I have no problem with that, lol

Here's what i've been doing for this stretch:
Co-washing 2x weekly
Pre-poo with Shi-Natural pre-poo buttercreme
Deep conditioning with Shi-Naturals Moisture Balance Deep Conditioner 1 week
Deep conditioning with Shi-Naturals Protein Balance Deep Conditioner 1 week (alternating between the moisture & protein condish)

Daily : Applying Shi-Naturals Grow Potion Hair Growth Excelerator on my scalp. This product makes my new growth so soft. (Awesome product. I'm getting about an inch or more per month since i started using it)

Moisturizing 1x daily with Mirta de Perales keratin lotion
Sealing 1x daily with Mirta de Perales keratin & Argan oil

Monthly : Shi-Naturals Herbal Tea Rinse
Henna Gloss (Cassia or Henna 100% natural)

That's it!! Still not sure how long i will stretch?

Product Review - Mirta de Perales Keratin line

2011-05-22T15:54:00.000-07:00

Mirta de Perales - Keratin Line

Product Features

Mirta de Perales Hair Shampoo with Keratin 16oz
Mirta de Perales Hair Dressing with Keratin 8oz
Mirta de Perales Hair Conditioner with Keratin 6oz
Mirta de Perales Hair Serum with Keratin & Argan Oil 4oz

Product Description

Mirta de Perales Hair Shampoo with Keratin 16oz -Gently Cleanses while infusing hair with Keratin from Brazil. Sodium Sulfate free formula prolongs and improves results of Keratin Treatments, hair dyes and other chemical processes. Light lather. Repairs hair, leaving it soft and shiny.

DIRECTIONS: Pour an adequate amount on hands and apply to wet hair. Lather, rinse, repeat. Follow with Mirtha's Conditioner with Keratin

Mirta de Perales Hair Dressing with Keratin 8oz - Leaves hair shiny and silky. Strengthens and helps protect hair against heat from hair irons and blowers to prevent breakage, promoting healthy hair growth.

DIRECTIONS: Apply a small amount evenly to towel dried hair and leave it in, proceed with styling, may be used daily on dry hair. Concentrate on hair ends which tend to be the most vulnerable to damage.

Mirta de Perales Hair Conditioner with Keratin 6oz - Mirta De Perales Hair Conditioner with Keratin enriched formula helps prevent breakage before it starts. Improves strength and shine. Detangles and softens hair. Increases hair elasticity. Leaves hair silky smooth. Protects hair against heat and styling damage. DIRECTIONS: After rinsing shampoo apply ample amount of Mirta De Perales Hair Conditioner with Brazilian Keratin to wet hair. Start at hair ends and work to roots. Leave on 3 to 10 minutes. Rinse.

Mirta de Perales Hair Serum with Keratin & Argan Oil 4oz - Light formula rich in antioxidants, will instantly leave hair with a silky finish, style as usual. Reduces hair drying time.

DIRECTIONS: Apply a small amount to palm of hand, rub palms together then apply to towel dried hair, style as usual. Apply daily to dry hair.

My Opinion :

Since i don't use shampoo often. I decided not to use the shampoo just yet. I will use the shampoo at some point, so i cannot give a review. I am in love with the deep conditioner. It's thick like what i always want in a conditioner, the smell is delicious and my hair felt extremely soft yet strong.The conditioner was easy to rinse and my fine hair did not feel weighed down, just very conditioned. It's a winner!!! although not completely natural, so i won't use it regularly. I know it works to soften and detangle and i will keep it on hand in case of emergency, lol The hair lotion was a good surprise for me because it didn't think i would like it, but the hair lotion moisturized very well. I was also surprised that after sealing with the hair serum with keratin and argan oil (perfect blend) how soft and moisturized my hair felt. The only con about the hair serum is the smell. I'm big on smells and the serum was too strong smelling for my taste. Even with the strong smell and the products not being 100% natural. I must say. I was very impressed (i'm not easily impressed by products) So, ladies if you are looking for good products at a good price. I say give this line a try!!

Rating:

22 weeks post!!!

2011-05-05T18:17:00.000-07:00

Okay so i've made it to 22 weeks post. The longer i stretch the more the new growth seems to coil around each other. Even with the knotting and coiling this stretch has not been so bad. I have had some stretches that were so difficult to manage. Always though at this point i'm thinking about going natural and also completely using all natural products. I have experimented with many hair care products mostly commercial products with lots of chemicals, most of which i cannot pronounce. So i'm really trying to buy only natural hair products . I have some great natural hair products that seem to work better than the commercial products anyway. I'm dying to try Wen hair care products (if you've tried Wen please let me know what you think about the product). The thing is, now i have two or more textures to deal with, and i don't know which hair conditioner will work with all the different textures. My new growth (is about 2-1/2 inches) is very coily and dry. My relaxed ends are dry but get weighed down if i use a conditioner with lots of oil, that works on my new growth!! So, i have been experimenting with using two different conditioners. One for the new growth and a different conditioner for the relaxed ends.

Here's what i'm doing to get a balance with the different textures :

1. Co-washing with any cheapie conditioner
2. Applying moisturizing conditioner to new growth (softening dry new growth)
3. Applying protein conditioner to relaxed ends (strengthening relaxed ends)
4, Moisturizing & sealing entire new growth and relaxed ends

This seems to be working for now, lol

P.S. if you have any suggestions, let me know :o)

Product Review

2011-05-01T11:40:00.000-07:00

Mane-n-tail moisture Enriched Hair Strengthener

Product Features:

Daily Leave-In Conditioning Treatment for chemically and heat damaged hair.
Hair Strengthener is an advanced daily use protective formula that increases and maintains hair strength.
Micro-enriched conditioning treatment provides essential protection from excessive heat and chemical styling to help prevent split ends.
Hair Strengthener rejuvenates hairs natural elasticity and strength with proven results for healthier, stronger and longer hair.

Product Description :

Mane 'n tail hair strengthener leave-in is a conditioning treatment for chemically and heat damaged hair. It is an advanced daily use protective formula that increases and maintains hair strength. This micro-enriched conditioning treatment provides essential protection from excessive heat and chemical styling to help prevent split ends. It rejuvenates hair's natural elasticity and strength with proven results for healthier, stronger and longer hair.

More Details :

Provides essential nutrients
Protects hair from heat styling
Conditions and prevents frizz
Helps prevent split ends
Improves hair texture
Alcohol Free

Mane 'n Tail Moisture Enriched Hair Strengthener for chemcially and heat damaged hair contains is an advanced daily use protective formula that increases hair strength. Stronger hair holds up better to the stress of daily styling, heat appliances and chemical treatments.
Mane 'n Tail Moisture Enriched Hair Strengthener provides essential protection to help prevent split ends and conditions and fortifies already damaged hair for a renewed, lustrous, healthy look. Helps prevent hair breakage which make hair look dull and frizzy.
Natural oils nourish and condition while essential moisturizing ingrediants corrects the drying caused by sun, wind and use of bleach and peroxide lighteners. Keeps hair tangle free, soft and manageable. The alcohol-free formula is safe and gentle for all hair types.

Ingredients :

Water Chaparral Qaternium-79 Hydrolyzed Silk Polyquaternium-11 Colts Foot Allantoin Propylene Glycol Horse Chestnut Retinyl Palmitate (Vit. A. Palmitate) Isostearamidopropylmorpholine Lactate Meadow Sweet Tocopherol (Vitamin E) Dimethicone Copolyol Red Clover Panthenol DMDM Hydantoin Polysorbate 20 Niacin Aloe Vera Polysorbate 80 Fragrance Horsetail Grass Quaternium-79 Hydrolyzed Keratin

My Opinion :

Once again pj-ism has kicked in. I knew it would. Whenever i see a new product (or an old product, lol) i just have to have it. I've been really good lately, sticking to my staple products, but i was just too curious to past this one by. Okay, the jury is still out on this one. The price is good, won't break the bank. I have used this product 4 times, so i could give an honest opinion about it. I'm not sure if it really strengthening my hair, but it isn't breaking it, and my hair doesn't feel the usual hardness of other strengtheners. I will continue to use this strengthener because my hair loves protein and needs it. I will alternate between this strengthener and my Shi-Naturals Herbal Tea Growth Tea.

Pros :

smells nice

good price

makes hair easy to comb (pleasant surprise! )

did not leave my hair crunchy!!

can be used daily

Cons :

Have not really noticed much strengthening yet

This is the only con i've noticed about the product, but it's supposed to mainly be about strengthening, lol

Anyway! I'll keep ya posted!

Price : 6.99

Transitioning?

2011-04-19T12:33:00.000-07:00

I'm at the point in my 6 month stretch when i wonder if i should continue to stretch, relax or transition!! This stretch so far has not been too bad. I am 19.5 weeks post. I'm not in a rush to do anything, lol, because i don't know what i'm gonna do. I do know that i seem to be stuck at this lenght (BSL) I have no idea how to pass it (any suggestions?) I'm not sure if the 6 month stretches are benefical to my hair's length or condition. When i stretch my hair gets so dry and moistuizing and sealing only help a little. Too much actually makes it hard and crunchy. I'm gonna stretch as long as i can before making a decision. Every stretch i really, really think about transitioning.

The stretch details :
pre-poo (Shi-Naturals buttercreme pre-poo)
co-washing 2x weekly (with Shi-Naturals moisture balance deep conditioner and Shi-Naturals protein deep conditioner)
moisturize ( my homemade moisture mix)
seal (grapeseed oil)

I detangle at least 3x a week because while stretching, my new growth gets really crazy!! (i use mane n tail detangler, this really helps)

I always air dry (i don't know if this contributes to my hair being extra dry) When i rollerset, my hair does not feel as dry.

I moisturize and seal at least 1x week or more (depends on how my hair feels)

I'm wearing all protective styles during this stretch.

Stay tunned! Transitioning is always on my mind :o)

Product Preview

2011-03-20T16:08:00.000-07:00

*9 Herbs* Godrej Nupur brings to you the best quality Rajasthani Mehendi with 9 carefully chosen natural herbs. The ingredients are added in perfect proportions to give your hair the fabulous shiny & silky feel that you desire every single day. Following are herbs used in Godrej Nupur Mehendi with their benefits. Brahmi - Promotes hair growth. Shikakai - Leaves hair clean & shining. Aloe Vera - Moisturizes hair & makes it silky. Methi - Conditions, nourishes & revitalizes hair. Bhringraj - Makes hair luxuriant. Amla - Darkens hair colours, adds shine & luster. Neem - Fights scalp infection & prevents dandruff. Hibiscus - Rejuvenates hair making it shiny & silky. Jatamansi - Prevents graying of hair.

*How to use* Soak Nupur Mehendi in water for 2-3 hours. You may add curd/oil for extra softness. Apply paste evenly from root to tip of the hair. Leave for 3-4 hours. Rinse thoroughly with water.

I have been eyeballing this product for over a year!! I have tried most of the henna out there. What i like about this henna is that it contains 9 herbs!! Naturalista, Relaxed, texlaxed and the straight hair community have had nothing but great things to say about this henna. Now it's my turn. I'll keep ya posted :o)

It's not easy!

2011-03-11T07:25:00.000-08:00

14 week post ponytail with lots of shrinkage

Well, i'm at the point in my stretch where i have lots of new growth. Lots of tangles and breakage. I've been here before so, this time i put into practice everything i've learned from my past stretches, plus some new techniques that i'm mixing with the old. So far so good.

Here's what i'm doing :

1. co-washing - 3x week (more co-washing need as stretch continues)
i'm using my new favorite conditioners for co-washing (Shi-Naturals-Moisture Balance Deep Conditioner & Protein Balance Deep conditioner)

2. Herbal Tea Rinse (Shi-Naturals - Herbal Growth Rinse to detangle and promote growth)

3. Moisturize & Seal (homemade moisture mix) in sections. Seal with almond oil, or grapeseed oil, or castor oil

4. Protective style (wig, braids, weave or bun)

If you are interested in the Shi-Natural Products. Here is the link : Shi-Naturals

The Winner Is!!!

2011-02-26T04:24:00.000-08:00

The Winner of the Shi-Naturals 5 piece Collection Kit Is :

Katina Woodard

Congratulations Katina

You have 48 hrs to claim

your prize

Please leave you email address in the comment box

Enjoy these great products!!!

Thanks everyone for your participation. Stay tunned for more giveaways!!

Shi-Naturals Collection Kit Giveaway!!!

2011-02-16T11:06:00.000-08:00

I think it is so very important to support small business it not only does it strengthen our economy, but also helps those businesses to grow! Shia is the creator of a new line of handmade natural and organic products for hair and body. Her struggles with sensitivity to chemicals prompted her to make her own natural and organic products for herself and family and friends. The products became a huge success, so she began creating all kinds of hair and beauty products.She uses all-natural ingredients and ensures that each of her suppliers abide by the Fair Trade Practices. Soon, her business was taking off she is able to do what she truly loves.You have a choice to make with every dollar you spend…give it to a big-box retailer, or support a small business entrepreneur like Shia!

Shi-Naturals Collection Kit Giveaway!!

CLOSED

To Enter :

Complete required entries

1." Like" Shi-Naturals on facebook *(required)

2. Leave a comment on Shi-Naturals facebook page *(required)

*those not completing required entries will be disqualified

Extra Entries :

1x entry for following finehairsistas (leave comment-I'm following)

1x entry for following Shi-Naturals (leave comment-I'm following)

Start Date: Feb. 16th 2011

End Date: Feb. 25th 2011

Everyone is welcome to enter

Winner will be announced on Feb. 26 th 2011

Shi-Naturals Collection Kit:

52.00 value

Good Luck Everyone!!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!i

2011-02-14T06:58:00.000-08:00

Thanks everyone for supporting me on this hair care journey :o)

Have a wonderful Valentine's Day!!

Kitchen Technician?

2011-02-08T08:34:00.000-08:00

I have come to the conclusion that natural products will be my staples from now on. Healthy tresses will be my top priority. I have also decided to use some of the stuff i already have in my kitchen cabinet to make some homemade hair conditioners, shampoos, moisturizers, etc. I will be experimenting and creating products that are good for hair health. I'm only keeping 1 commerical product. Mane & Tail Detangler. Becoming a kitchen technician i will know exactly what ingredients are in my concotions (unlike some commericals products that contain ingredients i have no idea what it is or can't pronounce)

You may now call me The Mixtress, lol

Here are some ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen :

Avocado
Honey
Almond oil
Essential oils such as peppermint, rosemary and tea tree
Grapeseed oil
Aloe vera gel
Whole milk yogurt
Olive oil
Glycerin
Castor oil
Shea butter
Extra virgin coconut oil
Water

If you know of any natural, handmade products for curly, textured, natural, relaxed, texlaxed hair. Please leave the link in the comment box.

Thanks everyone :o)

Stretch With Me (4)

2011-01-29T17:49:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!! I'm at it again. I'm into my 8th week of stretching and so far so good. I planning another 6 month stretch. I have 93 day left for this stretch. My new growth is about 1/2 inch, so i'm guessing it's a little bit slow growing this time. Since i'm only 8 weeks post, no major problems. I hoping this stretch will be easier than the last. Let's hope! I have changed a few things in my regimen. I am now using mostly natural products. My new love is the Shi-Naturals line. I'm using their Moisture Balance Deep Conditioner & the Edge Growth Formula for my edges. I hoping that these product will take smoothly through my stretch.

Join the Stretch With Me Group on MyHairSistas

My New Regimen for 2011

2011-01-25T18:09:00.000-08:00

Last year was a year of setbacks and comebacks!! I had taken 2 steps forward and 2 steps backwards!!

This year i plan to step up my game in all areas. My new regimen will re-introduce some techniques that has worked for me in the past. I have gotten most of the experimenting out of my system. This year's regimen will go back to simplicity. I was spending way too much time on my hair an not getting results.

The new simplified Regimen :

Wash days-Mondays & Thursdays (conditioner only)

Apply castor oil to scalp on wash days

air dry

apply leave-in

moisturize & seal 2x day

protective style (wig, weave, braids)

Extas:

MN in between wash days

Henna or Cassia 2x month

Edge grow formula 2x day

I'm gonna work hard to reach my goal of 3 inches in 6 months for this stretch!!

Wish me luck :o)

Product Review

2011-01-16T20:27:00.000-08:00

African Royall
Hot Six Oil

Equal to 16 .5 oz hot oil treatments
Made from only all natural plant herbs and oils
No animal fat or animal oils
Special light formula
Six Oils In One: Hot Oil, Hair Oil, Body Oil, Scalp Oil, Bath Oil, Nail Oil

Hot Six Oil is made from only all natural plant herbs and oils with no animal fat or animal oils. This oil's special light formula goes in hair, skin, scalp, and nail cuticles easily and without a heavy oil buildup. Hot Six Oil leaves your hair light and well conditioned.

Ingredients :

Olive Oil , Canola Oil , Wheat Germ Oil , Sweet Almond Oil , Safflower Oil , Castor Oil , Sesame Oil , Vitamin E , Vitamin A , Vitamin D , Cyclomethicone , Sheep Sorrell , Yarrow , Slippery Elm Bark , Sage , Henna , Comfrey , Burdock Root , Ginseng , Goldenseal , Cherry Bark , Black Walnut , Chamomile , Alfalfa , Hyssop , Wheat Germ , Fragrance

Directions :

To Use as a Hot Oil: Shampoo hair, then towel dry. Place Hot Six Oil in a container of hot - not boiling, water until hot. Massage Hot Six Oil evenly into hair and scalp, then cover with warm moist towel for 3-5 minutes. Rinse with warm water then style. To use as a hair, body, or nail oil - rub Hot Six Oil in hands then massage into hair, skin, cuticles where needed.

My Opinion :
I love this oil!!! Okay, i know everybody and their cousin has used this oil. As usual, i am the last one to catch on, lol. I had seen this oil on every hair board. I just never remembered to pick it up when i went shopping at the BBS. I love the fact that this oil is all natural (except for the fragrance) I have vowed to phasing out commerical products or at least purchase products with natural ingredients.

How i use this oil :
I like to use this oil as a pre-poo, overnight before my co-wash the next day
I also like to seal with this oil. My hair feels very moisturized, but not weighed down. Which is great for my fine hair.
Lastly, i sometimes add this oil to conditioners that i know are not very moisturizing, or if i just need some extra moisture.

Price :

$4.99 (prices may vary)

Rate:

My Hair Goals For 2011

2011-01-04T19:04:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Everyone!!! Last year has been a year of ups and downs as far as my hair goals were concerned. Now i'm back with a renewed focus. I am determined to make it to waistlength this year!!

Here's the new simplified regimen:

Co-wash 2x week
shampoo 1x month (i will start using shampoo again to clarify) new
always air-dry (even when rollersetting)
leave-in after wash (sometimes in between wash when hair needs strength)
moisturize & seal 2x day (i was very lax at moisturizing & sealing)

Extras:
castor oil on wash days
MN with grapseed oil 3x week
Shi-Naturals Edge Grow Formula (2x every day on edges)

Daily:
no combing (use fingers)
Protective styles (ponytail, wig, braid or weave)

Goal #1 - MBL by June 3rd 2011
Goal #2 - Waistlength by December 3rd 2011(crossing fingers & eyes, lol)

Hair photo@ 6 weeks post, stretching for 6 months :o)

Aloe Vera Juice & hair care

2010-12-27T13:44:00.000-08:00

Aloe Vera Juice
has been used for hair for a long time. It has been used in many formulations in hair care products.with its excellent moisturizing properties can serve as a natural conditioner to deeply moisturize the hair strands. So, if you are struggling with dry, damaged and unmanageable frizzy hair, then aloe vera juice is the answer. You can use aloe vera juice to replace of your regular conditioner to make your hair silky, soft and smooth. It works as an excellent hair conditioner for dry and damaged hair.

Apart from moisturizing your hair, aloe vera can help to prevent hair loss. In fact, one of the most important benefits of aloe vera juice on hair is prevention of hair loss and stimulation of hair growth. The enzymes found in aloe vera gel and juice may act as hair growth stimulators. So, you can use aloe vera to promote hair growth. Along with promoting hair growth, it can help to control one of the most common scalp problems, known as dandruff. To get healthy hair and dandruff free scalp, you can apply the gel or juice of aloe vera on your scalp before taking shower, and keep it for about half an hour.

Benefits of Aloe Vera Juice:

This makes aloe vera very useful for various treatments and cures. From stomach to hair or even the skin problems, aloe vera juice proves to be a very useful cure for many. It is very useful to treat digestive system conditions such as candida, colitis, acid indigestion, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Aloe vera juice is known to be very effective when it comes to fighting the infections of the skin. This is especially useful when it comes to fighting the bacteria and the fungi that may occur in case of wounds. The juice contains powerful compounds that help to reduce the inflammation and the swelling. It also reduces the redness of the skin and the burning sensation.
The aloe vera juice has proven to very useful for enhancing the skin as well. This can be applied to the face in its natural form or if you do not have the plant at home, you can go in for skin products that contain the aloe vera juice. Products that are made from the aloe vera juice are useful for the scalp and hair as it helps to prevent dandruff and also keeps the hair silky and smooth. You can find many lotions and creams that use aloe vera juice to reduce the number of wrinkles on the skin and also as a protective measure against body odor. Aloe vera juice if applied to the face can reduce the pigmentation or the dark spots on the face.
Drinking aloe vera juice is also beneficial to our systems as it is a kind of a detoxification of the body. Aloe vera juice is rich in vitamins and minerals and helps to strengthen our immune system.
It is also known to be beneficial when it comes to maintaining the weight of the body. This is because it acts as a natural cleanser of the system.
The application of the aloe vera juice or gels is also very useful when it comes to muscle pain and joint pain. If used on a daily basis it is known to reduce pain caused by arthritis.
Aloe vera juice contains 19 amino acids. There are at least 7 of these that are useful for the body, which is required to build up the daily supply of the body

Aloe vera juice contains the following
Minerals
Polysaccharides
Enzymes
Vitamins
Amino Acids
Biological Stimulators
Proteins

How i use Aloe Vera juice :
I add aloe vera juice to my moisturizing conditioners

source

Be very careful !!!

2010-12-11T17:51:00.000-08:00

I managed to stretch for 6 months. I feel great about making it 24.5 weeks. The only thing is, i got some really bad chemical scalp burns!!! I had been complaining about an itchy scalp through the last 2 months of the stretch. I had no idea why my scalp had been constantly itching. I tried to put off relaxing until my scalp calmed down. The week before i relaxed the itching had gotten a little less, but i still had some tingling. I did my usual co-wash, deep condition and moisturize & seal, and i thought enough time had passed. I was so anxious to my touch up, the day i relaxed my new growth that i just ignored the slight tingling. Ladies, make sure you have absolutely no irritation on the scalp whatsoever!!! My burns are pretty bad :o( I have 2 really big nasty burns and some not so bad burns, lol

Here's what to do if this should ever happen to you (Let's hope it doesn't) :

The first thing you need to do in order to aid in the healing process of chemical relaxer burns is to ignore the compulsion to scratch and/or pick at your scab. This will usually be your first reaction due to the constant itching or odd "presence" on your scalp.

If you have undergone a chemical relaxer burn, you will feel a patchy, scaly, gritty or bumpy substance on your scalp. This is actually a scab from the chemical burn your scalp has suffered. Your scalp is just like any other piece of skin on your body. It will scab

Next, you will need to somewhat detangle the hair that is surrounding and within the scalp burn.

Take a wide-tooth comb and start combing from the ends of the hair, and get as close as you can to your scalp without aggravating the scalp burn. In all honesty, the scalp burn will heal regardless, but your hair strands will break off rather than give way to the pull and tug between the comb and the scab from the scalp burn.

Apply an antibacterial ointment to a clean cotton swab, and gently apply it directly to the chemical scalp burns.

Any kind of disinfecting, skin healing ointment will do the trick (Neosporin, Burt's Bees Res-Q Ointment, etc.). But, nothing trumps natural and free, so your best bet would be to opt for a broken leaf from an aloe vera plant.

Continue with your regular hair care regimen, but use caution.

Be gentle when combing and brushing your hair for the next week or so. Also, make sure to shampoo your hair as you normally would, but be careful not to disturb the area with scalp burns. Do not use hair care products containing alcohol as they may burn and cause further irritation to the scalp burns.

After a few shampoos you will notice that the scab from chemical relaxer burn has fallen off, and your scalp can return to its healthy status.

Source

6 months Stretch Touch up results!!

2010-12-03T11:44:00.000-08:00

Well ladies, i finally relaxed. After 6 months of stretching. I just could not take it any longer. This morning my hair was so dry and tangled, no matter what i did the comb just would not budge. I reached my goal of stretching 6 months. I wasn't trying to go longer. I'm very happy with the results. Yaaaa, i can feel my scalp again, lol. Looks like i'm back at BSL, but this time i feel encouraged. This time i'm gonna make waistlength. The 6 months of stretching helped me gain 3 inches. Which means i'm an average grower (1/2 inch per month) The difference is this time my hair is thicker and stronger. I will try for 6 month stretches for as long as i relax (maybe,lol) Although the relaxer touch up was not without some drama (as soon as i applied the relaxer my scalp began to burn) so, i'm texlaxed in some areas, but that's okay. I lost no hair, but i have a bad burn at my hairline (the worse place, i already have issues with my hairline!!) I will revamp my regimen and today starts my new 6 month stretch!!!

Thanks everyone for the encouragement. The 6 month stretch is a Muther :o)

Stretch With Me (3) The Realization !!

2010-12-01T09:35:00.000-08:00

I am 24.5 weeks post. Yes that's 6months and 5 days, WoW!! During this stretch i have learned a lot.

1. I can stretch for longer than i thought
2. I can stretch without adding extensions (never stretched this long without extensions before
3. I can make waistlength !!!

The last statement is a realization that waistlength is possible, because i now know what i've been doing wrong. I've had waistlength hair before, so i should be able to achieve it again, right :o) This stretch has showed me that my hair is growing at the normal rate, but i have not been retaining the length. I now know that i must go back to some of the things that got me to waistlength before. I know that hair can and does change over time, but some things remain the same. I am encouraged because i see a lot of growth and i am determined to keep it. How?

The biggest change is gonna be protecting my ends and moisturizing & sealing. In the past moisturizing and sealing was not consistently done because i have fine hair, but i now know it is what i really need to get me to my goal !!!

I don't know how much longer i will stretch. I've had a very itchy scalp from a reaction to a conditioner, but i'll update when i can safely relax.

Join the Stretch With Me (3)

Give-Away!!! Give-Away!!!

2010-11-16T11:18:00.000-08:00


Please claim your prize within 48 hrs. (if not claimed another will be chosen)

Thanks to all the participants

Stay tuned for more giveaways!!!

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Prize: 4 product Healthy Hair Growth System

Value: $99.00

Start Date : 11-09-2010

End Date : 11-15-2010

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