By By Relaxed Hair - October 11, 2012

On September 28, 2012, I decided to remove my relaxed hair from my head. School has been driving me up the wall and I still have four boys who crave my attention. I needed a fresh new start, and this was it. I big chopped for the 5th time. No, I don't see it as some movement, or will I start bashing relaxed heads. Honestly, it isn't much behind me cutting my hair other then fitting my life style. It is hard to find a person to relax my hair that I like, I keep my hair under wraps of wigs for most of the time, and I was working out in the summer and spring to where I needed more access to my hair. Washing and heat usage after my work outs wasn't an option.

Now that we have the reality of the why's out the way.....

Let me tell you when I first Cut I was happy, it was cute. THEN.... I started trying all these curly Puddings and that is when JHERI came to visit. I have never used anything but gel in my hair in the past, so the curly puddings for me are new. I did enjoy Miss Jessies Sample of Curly Pudding but I hated Beautiful Textures Curl Defining Pudding. It is pure crap... I paid $6 for it, trust I wanted it to work. I tried Kinky Curly Not today and Kinky Curly Curling Custard and hated that as well. It felt like GUM base was in it. So once I use those two up, they won't be repurchased at all. I am still using WEN/613. I am incorporating AS I Am Coconut Cowash into the mix to have more of an affordable edge. Meaning I will cut down to one 32 oz of WEN a year and two 613's. Everything else will be AIA Coconut Cowash.

I also had the pleasure of using a Sample of Miss Jessies Baby Butter Cream. I will be making a purchase of two of these and 2-4 Curly Puddings, and believe it or not..... Her Slippery sudsy Shampoo too, I will be purchasing two of those. I am pretty impressed with her products and since I didn't expect them to do anything.

So Today I am getting my hair braided. This week I have washed with Miss Jessies Sudsy Shampoo and I clarified before hand with Ion Clarifying Shampoo finished it with WEN Vanilla Mint. I then Deep conditioning with Miss Jessies Sweet Back Treatment. I actually like that product too. Her line really impressed me. My hair was left soft, tangle free, felt strong and I'd purchase it again, during her sale of course. So once again today I am getting my hair braided up to wig it up for the next 3-6 weeks. I will spray it with my nugro or braid spray. I definitely won't be just letting it go bare. I spray after 2 weeks because for the first week it is still moisturized from my normal care routine. I honestly don't want to go past 3 weeks, but with school, I might....


SO here is a list of what worked for me:

Miss Jessies

Curly Pudding
Baby Butter Cream
Sweet Back Treatment
Alter Ego Garlic Treatment - Getting low

Here is a list of what didn't work for me:

Beautiful Textures - Curl Defining Pudding
Kinky Curling Curling Custard
OJON Damage Reverse Instant Restorative Hair serum

A list of products I use on a regular basis:

Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment - I use this with every wash possible, melts my tangles. I bought a small sample before splurging on this item. I now own the 14 oz. A must have for my hair.

WEN/613- I have praised the glory of these products to all with ears. I can not say enough about it and it's benefits it has brought my hair. I have less split ends, my hair is more moisturized, curls pop like nobodies business.

I am still using various deep conditioners trying to use them up. I have some that are on the verge of empty so I am super excited about that.


What Wig will I wear... I don't know just yet!!!

I am ready for Black Fridays Sales..... Wigs and Miss Jessies :)

I have a headband on, was chatting with my big sis!

Headbands My new Friend :)

Attempted and Loved COloredbeautiful's High PUFF!

 No Product but Wet and turbie Towel dried for 10 minutes :)

 Loving the look after hating the Jheri Curl LOOK!

Twas the night before Flat Ironing - August 8, 2012

And all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a .........(record scratches).... Conditioner!

I henna'd my hair today for 5 hours. I am going to sleep over night with a DC on my hair. Tonight I will be using Avon Advantage Techniques Intense Repair Moisture Mask. I will sleep in this over night. Tomorrow I will flat iron my hair and I would like it filled with moisture to avoid excess damage.

For tomorrows flat Iron products I am using CHI Keratin Mist, Redken Smooth Down Heat Glide and I am using for a moisturizing leave in Dudleys PCA. A little does it with my hair so all this is in low to medium moderation.

I will edit to post a pic if possible tomorrow to show my results :).

I haven't flat ironing in a long time so I am excited.


I truly want to see how my hair will stand up to the weather, heat and humidity. I also want to wear my hair straight, I haven't in so long. It is probably pointless to do since the humidity on Saturday will be 79%. Maybe I will opt for a ponytail instead and save the flat ironing for a less then humid day. I think the Ponytail wins.

Started this blog with intentions to flat iron. Even went to the closet to pull the products out. Oh, well all isn't forgotten. I will flat iron my hair when the humidity is much lower. :(

Sorry to get your all jazzed up for such a let down. I promise that it will be worth it when the time comes.

Babbles! and More Babbles - August 4, 2012

Transitioning hair 56 weeks -

I washed my hair last night it was what I called new night. I used fairly new hair products with some other products given. I washed my hair 2 weeks ago after I did a henna with As I Am - Coconut cowash. I truly didn't like it last week. Then again none of my products worked well last week. I am not loving KARISHMA Henna. I don't like it, I don't like it, I DON'T Like it. It left my normally soft hair hard as a Boars Head Brush. Not cool! So I won't review based on that.

I used Ojon last week, Can you SAY LOVE IT! I absolutely will be including this into my regimen. I was thinking about getting the 14.7 oz container, I am thinking to just do the 3.1 for now. I have a bad habit of OVER DOING things. Hey admitting is the first part of healing during rehab right. :D
So, I put it on as directed and my hair usually sheds a little ball. NOPE, Not this time I got about 20 strands of hair. Say what, my hair softened up after feeling a little brickish from the Henna. Amazing product.

I used my Beloved 613- what can I say. Amazing. This product does not fail me.

I used As I am Coconut Cowash - I am trying to minimize my bill some. This is a pretty good cowash. It isn't Wen. But..... It did well enough for me to keep using it. It isn't bad at all and the reviews it has gotten is well worth it. I think it is either 4.6 or 5 stars. I'd say 4 stars all the way. The value makes it great for me. I will get 2 bottles of the seasonals of Wen yearly and get 2-613's every year. I won't give up the 613 but the Wen is optional now.

AS I AM DOuble BUTTER - What can I say about this, but the more I used in my hair the better my hair felt. When combined with the As I am Moisture Milk, my hair was no longer dry in my kitchen area. NO way. It smells soft and shea buttery and the Double Butter is like thick yogurt. The MOisture Milk is like Creamy Milk. I have never tried a milk before so this was a great buy for me. I was not only excited to get it, but very pleased with the outcome. I will continue to get these both as well.

I don't remember if I did a blog on me clearing up my closet of hair supplies (I am doing pretty well). I am using up products and setting a budget from now on $500 a year. These monies will be placed on a GIFT CARD in NOvember so I can take advantage of the sales and deals for the end of the year.
I think by staying with in limits I am forced to make choices and changes.

What I used this week As I am coconut Cowash, Nexxus Emergencee, 613, and Avon Advantage Techniques Moisture Mask.

I am going to go into a product I have yet to talk about Avon Advantage Techniques Moisture Mask. I almost feel guilty going into details about it as it has been discontinued. WHY? I don't know. The product had a 4.8 star review. I'd think Avon would want to keep this around. Ladies and Gents, I wish I could tell you it sucked or that it was horrible and was a waste of money. (I was gifted this item) I wish I could.... but I can't. It is amazing.... My curls popped. I truly think all of the products I used this evening were the factor in it working to its ultimate most. I wanted to cut my hair right then and there. My hair was so defined and soft, soft, and soft. I feel the Nexxus gave my hair the protein it needed to accept the moisture and the moisture just did it's thang... My hair was just beyond amazing.

I did do a curlFormer set after and felt guilty disturbing my hair. Tsk, Tsk, Tsk

I have 17 months to go before I cut my hair :)
I do need to up my protein's. My lazy ways have taken a toll on my demarcation line of my relaxed and natural hair. While my Natural hair is thick, My relaxed hair is taking a hit. More on that to come. Any Questions and advice please feel free to let me know in a comment. Thanks :)

1 year post - June 30, 2012

I will be 52 weeks July 2, 2012. :) . While I am not totally amused or enthused by the progress I have made it is progress none the less so I can only be happy for that. In some sections I have 7 inches of new growth which is mainly around the sides. My crown is 5.5 inches and other areas are 6 inches. I am looking forward to what year two will bring. I really would love to blog on the styles that I am doing. I am mostly wigging it right now though. :)

I am also using up my stash, I know. Honestly folks I need to learn to live low in cash, in order to use up my stash. I have 66 products and that isn't including multiples. SO for 2012 - 2014 I will not be shopping for items that aren't staples. I also have to be on my LAST month of my staple before purchasing another. Unless on sale and I am on my last product, and the sale is outstanding. I am trying to limit my products honestly. Want to know what I like look below :)

What She likes?

She loves Chaz Deans 613. I don't even think my reveiw did this product any justice. My hair was cleaned with it today and it feels so soft, that hair right up there, was washed with 613, do you see how my curls are popping, they don't pop like this without 613, it is okay, but not like this. I need this SUPERSIZED MR.DEAN!!!!

I also love Wen FIg. I have used Sweet Almond Mint and like Chaz said it is a wonderful place to start, but I needed more.

Wen FIg OIL - AMAZING Grace, how sweet the sun. Who shed it's oil on meeeee! I once was lost, and then I found, Wen Fig Oil so heavenly! this is beyond amazing and I am so sad it is DISCONTINUED!!!!! Yes ladies it is discontinued so sorry.

Hairitage Hydration products, Castor infusion, Silk N Aloe, & Happy Hemp are great for greasing my scalp when I get braids for my wig outs.

NuGro - yes it isn't spelled properly and so what--- The moisturizing spray with oil is AMAZING! for your braids as well. It is a great braid spray and the ingredients are natural just like the other products above that I love.

I seem to see a pattern I love natural products.

I still use One and ONly Argan oil, and why not.... It isn't 100% natural but works for me. :)

Aphogee Leave in - I love this stuff, it works and keeps my relaxed hair strong, what can I say!!!!

Dudleys PCA - a dime to nickel size amount of this is all you need for amazing moisture :)

Dudleys DRC 28 - The strongest and best protein on the market, yet it is so hard to over protein with.

ALTER EGO Garlic COnditioner - Another great product I can't say enough, you want silk, and perfect hair, start here for a deep conditioner. You have shedding here... Here is the stopping point.

Turby Towel --- I love this towel, I wrap my hair up and let it air dry/towel dry a little in there. I can get my hair at least 80% and I actually need to buy another because I love it so.

Magic Star Comb - MUST have, amazing comb

Tangle Teezer - SOme have reported Breakage, 2 years strong now and guess what. NO breakage due to this item. But... Because my hair isn't yours, please use at your own discretion I don't want you to experience any damage.

This is just a briefing of what I use. My Natural and relaxed hair are healthy. I have learned to limit the heat better then I though. I will only use the blow dryer when I want to flat iron, half wig or phony pony my hair, Guess what, I don't do those often. When I wig it, I do that at 3 week intervals, no blow dry necessary. I use curlformers and as you know NO heat necessary :)

I am learning different styles that use limited heat so my hair does not get heat damage.

So ladies the weather is hotttttt, What are you doing to your hair in this extreme heat?

 

 

613 By Chaz Dean - June 4, 2012

Chaz Deans 613

What is 613?

613 is a Hair Cleansing Treatment by Chaz Dean the founder of Wen

What the bottle says or the product claim it can do:

Nourishment in numbers. Powered with a blend of eleven amino acids, this daily cleansing treatment revitalizes all types of hair--including damaged locks--by helping to add strength and elasticity. To use, simply rinse hair with cool water, then thoroughly coat hair from scalp to ends with the treatment. From WEN by Chaz Dean.

What are people saying:

This is a major hit being a 4.75 star product on QVC out of 725 reviews.  Even the negatives are positive. Saying the product is too rich and way too moisturizing, that this must for people with damaged or very dry hair. The positive reviews rave of the moisturizing effects and that they can’t ever be without 613 again. That this is the best thing since sliced cheese. After years of damaged hair this is the only Cleansing Treatment that is going to now touch their heads.

My review: My review is based off of 3 weeks of using 613

I paid about $72 dollars with tax and S/H. It comes in a 32 oz. black and white bottle at QVC. It arrived quickly to my door. I waited at least 4-5 months before using the 613. I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t have high expectations to do this product being compared to the Ginger Pumpkin Wen also made by Chaz Dean. So I grabbed the bottle of 613, I peeled off the top tab and smelled it, Yummy was my first thought, and second. I squeezed some into my hand, which hurt my hands. I lost the pump that came with it. The top pops up in order to squeeze out product. It came out thick and toothpaste like. I felt like this was going to be a bummer. I automatically felt, this is going to be like the Wen GP. OH, boy what a waste. I wet my hair down for a minute. When my hair was thoroughly wet, I rubbed my hands together and put on the 613. The feeling of my hair melting and feeling softer than ever before and heaven is all I can remember. I splashed a little water on my head and then rubbed it. No foam, no lather, just softness, and the feeling of silky and sultry tresses. Tangles were non-existent, my strands felt unbelievable and full of moisture. Chaz Dean I thought, this is the one, this is the one that is going to forever be in my rotation. I was excited that I put myself on auto ship, another was recently mailed out. I feel the 613 surpasses any of the Wen’s I have tried. I have several I have in my possession, but yet to try, so my review is based on Wen Sweet Almond Mint, Ginger Pumpkin and FIG.

I rinsed and DC’ed styling my hair as usual. My natural curls and waves were well formed. I'd recommend this product to anyone.

MY RATING: 5 STARS out of 5 STARS – With five being the best and 1 being the lowest.

May 6, 2012 - Styles for a while

I must first apologize for abandoning my blog for over a month. So much is going on. I am starting school, again. :-) I will definitely be finishing this time.

I am 10 months post relaxer. I was still doing my curlformers hair styles up until 3 weeks ago when I started wigging it again. I personally don't have enough growth to where I would cut. I have had a TWA several times in my life so this/that is nothing new to me.

I have been natural for years out of life, more then relaxed but..... I never had an abundance of hair styles. I wore twist, Weave, Braids, & Twist outs similar to Maxell the singer. LOL You have to keep an open mind. I never straightended my hair or figured I could as an adult. DUH! I know.

So here is what I did. I made a list out of styles I could do as a Natural gal again.

1- 2  weekers

1.  Curl Formers
2.  Twist Outs
3.  High Puffs (very Classy see colouredbeautiful on youtube)
4.  Wash and Goes
5.  Braid Outs
6.  Bun
7.  Blow Dry and Flat Iron ( 1-2 Weeks)

2-6 weekers

1.  wigs/Half Wigs
2.  Flat Twist
3.  Weave
4.  Crochet BRaids
5.  Bantu Knots / Bantu knot outs
6.  Corn Rows
7.  Fro-Hawk (if I like it)

So this week I will try my hand at Crochet Braids to get my hair School Ready. My first set of classes are 4 weeks long so I will leave this in for 4 weeks. :)

My hair is doing well. NO breakage issues. I am honestly looking to do the CB for the rest of the summer so that I don't really have to focus on doing anything to it. I am going on vacation in July and want a low maintenance hair style that doesn't require a lot. That can get wet and won't look a mess and that is not to hot where I will be dying of thirst. LOL

I think Crochet Braids (CB) fits the bill :)
Not to mention it is CHEAP and it is the perfect style for a Student paying as she goes!

March 1, 2012 - Thursday Hair Wash day - :)

Today I washed my hair twice with Motions Luxury Shampoo ---- I haven't used sulphates in a while, I could tell, the muck from my hair was like Ewwww! LOL

I then used the Wen Fig/Pumpkin combo and left it on for about 5 minutes.
Rinsed extra well and put in Nexxus Emergencee for 3 mintues.
Rinsed and put Alter Ego Garlic Conditioner on my roots and Proclaim Hydrating Masque on the rest of my hair as you would a relaxer. Meaning I didn't skimp on my product at all. I put a cap on and Went old school under my dryer for 20 minutes let it sit for 10 and rinsed it out well. I added my Aphogee leave in conditioner and Aphogee Green Tea, Put 4 pumps of buriti oil through out my hair.

I set it in Curlformers (took an hour to do this and 3 hours from start to finish) I used 1:5 ratio of Lottabody and water. I got under my dryer for 30 minutes then let it sit for 5 hours.

When I removed them my hair was bouncey & shiney and very soft. I sprayed Pantene Fine Hair Style Hair Spray on so it can hold my style for the week. :)

I am still holding out on using heat and have not used any of my 2 heat passes yet :)

Next week I will wash all the same but blow dry to prepare for my braiding that will be done so I can wear my wigs for 2 weeks. :) I miss wigging it. Doing my hair takes work LOL. I need more options. I love my curlformers, and pillow soft rollers, but I know I want atleast 2 more options other then BUNS. LOL I bun to death sometimes.

Looking forward to my next update :) yay!