CATCHING UP-MY UPDATE

SOOO it's been a long time, I really got busy with life and just neglected my Blog. Ridiculous I know, anyway update time.

The last time I posted was in 2013, (geez) and since then I have graduated with an undergraduate degree from the University of the Southern Caribbean :-), started a new job and guess what ..... I did the big chop. Well in July 2013 I started my new job (public servant yow) and on December 31st, 2013 I Chopped off my relaxed hair leaving my natural roots. In 2014 I graduated and I have been experimenting with my hair since. The experience has been a learning one and I feel like I am studying for a degree in MY HAIR (wish me luck).

What I have learned.

• Love your hair the way it grows out of your head.
• Moisture moisture moisture - Always moisturize your hair
• Use SULFATE FREE SHAMPOO
• Leave in conditioner is your friend
• Don't be afraid to mix it up- try different styles
• Drinking water is important
• There are others out there that are figuring this thing out too 
• Do research there is an answer for every question
• And much more (can't remember at the moment ) 

The most important thing is to love your hair just the way it is. Whether relaxed or natural what you have on your head is yours. It will not look like "her hair" no matter what you do, you would just be setting yourself up for failure and dissatisfaction. It is almost a spiritual journey, to accept yourself, the entire package.

P.S. The picture below is my hair currently. :-)

Thanks for reading 

I'm Still here!

Hey I’m still here, a little busy though. Well actually very busy with school and work. Anyway, I have not touched relaxer since my last post. That is about um 5 months now; I am (cream of crack) relaxer free!!! YAY

I did a boxed braid on July 20th and removed it in late August. Left that out for about a week and then returned to the boxed braids somewhere on the 6th of September. So I’m still braided now loving my new growth that peaks out. Have not yet formulated a regime per say, but I tried the protein treatment ( mayo) and also am using coconut, argon, eucalyptus oils with a few others. I have washed this set of braids (pre-shampoo oil treatment but just sealed with a mix of the oils after). Sigh, I am yet to get a moisturizer but I do sometimes put a small amount of pure Shea butter (my mother's) to add moisture. I think I will do a Shea butter whip recipe that I saw on one of the blogs. I will share that sometime later. 

This hair thing is still new to me but I’m trying. Oh and my new growth literally cries out for moisture. It is so obvious that sometimes I have to just get some in quickly because my head will literally feel dry. It’s so dry that I am uncomfortable. 

      The big news!  I have decided that I will do the BIG CHOP :-) and embrace my natural curls!

Thanks for reading 

Research Update

Hey guys found this wonderful advice on this blog Blackhair101 see the Ten Steps to grow waist length relaxed hair.

1. Cut your hair.   
2. Extend your relaxing session. 
3. Start going natural. 
4. Dump fine tooth combs and hard brushes. 
5. Use only those products that are proven to work for you. 
6. Deep condition hair with heat every week. 
7. Stop shampooing your hair with commercial shampoos.
8. Relax. 
9. Hair Food. 
10. Water. 

For more details visit the site :-)

Ok! So I have also discovered that it is good to create a hair care regime whether your hair is natural, relaxed or transitioning (the stage where you are letting your relaxer grow out before going natural). So that's my next task creating my own regime testing tools, home made recipes and commercial products to find whats best for me and my hair in its current state. Which by the way is four weeks in since my last relaxer.   

Researched a few already here is one from the blog Just Grow Already.  Any questions please go to the site. 

This is  Jen's Regime 

    Wash Days

Pre-poo (pre-shampoo treatment) by doing a hot oil treatment or using conditioner for at least 30 minutes.Shampoo*Protein treatment when needed after shampooing.*Tea rinse.Smoothing conditioner Deep condition with my heat cap or steamer for minimum 30 minutes.Apply leave in conditioner, then serum, detangleRoller set or air dry with scarf.Relaxers
I self-relax my hair ever 10-12 weeks.Maintenance and Styling
At 4-5 weeks post, I begin moisturizing my new growth every other day with Komaza Care Califia Moisturizing Spray or Darcy's Botanicals Transitioning CremeProtective styles 90% of the time (i.e. buns, faux bob)I apply a little Organix Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage or Organix Moroccan Argan Oil before I bun.At night, I moisturize, then seal with grapeseed oil or Hairitage Hydration Coconut Mango Hair Moisturizer, then cross wrap or loosely bun, and cover with silk or satin scarf.Click here for how I cross wrap my hair.I do not comb through my hair during the week, and detangle only on wash day.I trim .5" off  after every touch up.Scalp massages every other night.Vitamins (taken daily)
One-A-Day Women's MultivitaminGNC Ultra Nourish-HairFish oil

I also found some cool homemade recipes for moisturizers but I will hold back from posting until I have tested them. Look out for that !!:-)

Thanks for reading C.lena

Research

OK, guys I am currently gathering information to start to treat my hair better. I am researching products, tools and styling tips that I can start using while I am still in the valley of decision. Wish me Luck!

NB. If you have any suggestions on products or sites please comment.

Thanks for reading

C.lena

My Story

So the new in thing is natural hair. Personally I have been struggling with this idea for sometime now and my major set back is that don't remember what my natural hair is like. I have had relaxed hair since my primary school graduation (so about 11 years now). As a Caribbean Lady I am surrounding by all types of style from natural to relaxed to natural ras/locks and relaxed locks/ras.
Yesterday I was bored so I searched the internet for information on how to how to grow my hair, that I cannot comb myself. I found this site www.blackhairinformation.com and was amazed at how black women are growing their hair by taking care of it.  I was then led to http://www.myfroandi.com where I saw Aisha's wonderful story and progress and I am now inspired to at least maybe discover what my natural hair looks like. But I am still struggling with the idea of cutting of my hair.
I am a young University student in my early twenties working part time and struggling with my hair and I am inspired to blog about it.

Thanks for reading