2yrs 100% Natural

July 9^th marked my two nappiversary and the day came and went without me noticing which is why this post is late. These last few months have been loaded with “life” events that I missed the day. Yet, I’m excited to have reached 2years natural and 3.5 years relaxer free. As you know I transitioned for 16 months before cutting all the relaxed ends. Each of the last two years has been very different for my hair.

Year 1

During this year I was totally obsessed with length. Reaching APL was the highlight of my life, at the time, because my hair never grew passed my shoulders. Also during this year I had a strict, die hard regiment and wore protective styles 90% of the time. This is when the obsessions reared their evil heads. The first obsession started with length and having to keep up with length checks.

Year 2

This past year I was still a little obsessed with length BUT the obsession branched off to “desiring the perfect curl”. The perfect curl translates into the perfect braidout, twist out, wash n go, flat twist out, and any other curl defining method. Then the obsession started to transform into jumping on new product bandwagons.

Year 3

The goal for year 3 is to simply do less to my hair and enjoy the length accomplished thus far. No more length checks this year which is why the posts stopped. No more obsessing over having the perfect curl. Frizz was the enemy and I refused to embrace it not understanding that a little frizz can add character to your style. Now don’t get me wrong having a big frizz ball on top of my head is never the desired look. However, a little frizz on day 3 hair is not the end of the world; making it ok to stretch to day four and wear a pin up.



1wk post bc



As far as products, STOP JUMPING ON BANDWAGONS!! Water, conditioner, eco-style gel (Argon Oil) and cocoa nut oil are the only products that will penetrate my hair for now. The less I do the more my hair thrives and that’s what I have to constantly remind myself.

Last but definitely not least, I plan to enjoy my hair out in its full glory as often as I want.

For daily updates, please follow me on twitter and instagram (lakitiamarie).

Accidental Mini Twists…I’m in love

As you know with my busy lifestyle and workout regiment co-washing my hair and wearing twists and twist-outs have become a staple. After co-washing I twist my hair in medium/large twists to wear my hair in a ponytail to air dry. Within a day or two I take the twists down and wear a twist-out.

Well about a week ago rain was predicted for the entire week so I decided to wear my twists smaller. The smaller the twist the longer the twists will last and make for a better looking ponytail without all the parts. While twisting in smaller sections I ended up with mini twists that I absolutely love.

Unlike most naturals it took me only an hour and half to twist my whole head. Why, because I have naturally thin hair. My hair was divided into four sections and I started with the back and worked my way to the sides and front. Honestly, I never thought about wearing mini twists because of my hair’s thinness but I love them. To me my hair looks really nice and full, plus, the twists are very versatile.

This style is perfect for my workouts and wearing them in a pony tail helps to stretch them. Unless I just really want to wear my hair out, this will take the place as my staple style for the summer. So far it’s only been four days and I plan to see how long they will last. At this point I’ll settle for two weeks of wear out of them.

As far as maintenance, I will maintain my normal routine. However, I may alter how I co-wash in order to prevent the twists from unraveling. Despite what happens I will keep you guys posted.

Ciao for now!!

Quick Hair and Life update

These last couple of months has been really busy for me. Between my 9-5, my niece, my business, workouts, and balancing a healthy relationship my plate has been full. Despite being constantly on the go, I’m enjoying every minute of it. Taking care of two heads of hair hasn’t been easy because I’m dealing with my niece’s two textures. She arrived last year relaxed and I refused to give her a touch up. The plan is to slowly grow out her relaxer while she is here and my sister plans to keep her natural from there. In order to make sure both our heads are getting the proper attention I had to split up our wash days.

I must admit our wash days have not been consistent all the time and there were times I skipped a week but never to go beyond two weeks. My niece hair is thriving and growing beautifully; not to mention my hair which is doing quite well. This year I decided to switch up my routine and not focus so much on protective styling. About two maybe three months ago I gave myself a trim taking off at least an inch which setback my length goal. This doesn’t bother me because the health of my hair is the best it’s ever been. The two styles I love right now are two strand twists and twist outs.

Since I work out 5-6 days a week I have to wet my hair constantly. The two strand twists provides protection and an extra day for my hair to dry eliminating direct heat. Unfortunately, my hair does not dry over night unless I sit under the dryer for 20 minutes prior to going to bed. The next day I wear my twists in a side pony tail or bun with a headband or flower. Surprisingly, I love how my hair looks pull back and the twists are so convenient especially during my workouts. The day after I take the twists down for a twist out and it looks so pretty. So far this is my routine and it works for me which helps so much during my workouts. Soon I will post my daily upkeep of my twists and twists out while working out.

Until next time… Ciao!!

Bonus**
Check out RJ

CG Method: The Handbook Review

New Year/New Hair Routine

Since November I’ve experimented with the “Curly Girl” method because my hair stayed dry and brittle for some reason. Before trying the method, I experimented with different sulfate free shampoos and still no change for some reason. In order to follow the method correctly I read the book by Lorraine Massey, “Curly Girl: The Handbook”. I will give a review and my thoughts on the book in a separate post.

Surprisingly, my hair has responded quite nicely to the method and it stays moisturized. From now on shampoo is no longer a part of my regimen including sulfate free shampoo. The one concern I had but did not experience was itchy scalp. Right before experimenting with the method my scalp was very itchy and dry but not since eliminating shampoo.

Another change in my regimen is how I detangle. Instead of four sections my hair is split down the middle and my fingers are used to remove tangles. Of course my hair is saturated with conditioner before detangling. When I jump in the shower to cleanse my scalp I continue to run my fingers downward to remove the rest of the shed hairs. At the same time, since I’m using a racking downward motion my curls are nice and define by the end.

This new method has shaved even more time off my wash day and it’s totally simple. After about a month and a half of this method, I was able to see a difference in the definition of my curls. Plus my twists out are starting to last longer. If you haven’t already try the method out or at least researched it to see if this is a possibility for you. Until next time…

To poo or not to poo??

For the last year or so Giovanni Smooth as Silk has been my go-to product line. As you know I use the shampoo, conditioner, and leave in conditioner and my hair loves it. Recently, I’ve noticed that the shampoo has left my hair very dry and brittle on several wash occasions. This is a total shocker because the shampoo has always left my hair very moisturized before. Now this change happened once the weather started to get cooler here in Texas. So I’m uncertain if the cooler weather is adding the harshness to my hair.

In an effort to remedy this issue I tried the Giovanni Tea Tree shampoo. After the first use my hair was very dry and brittle. Then the same results the next week which forced me to re-read the bottle. When I purchased the Tea Tree I didn’t realize it was more on the clarifying side than moisturizing. Well I decided to step out from the Giovanni line and try the Shikai Tea Tree shampoo and conditioner. The conditioner is ok but I do not like the shampoo. The shampoo made my hair very dry not brittle but dry. I’ve also used this product on Kiddie Kurls' hair and received ok results.

For the last 16 months my regimen consisted of a shampoo and conditioner. Maybe my hair is telling me it’s time for a change. Maybe it’s time to incorporate co-washing into my regimen and eliminate shampoo, for now. For the next 30 days I plan to put this little experiment to the test and see how my hair responds.

Kiddie Kurls Hair Regimen

As you know my 10 year old niece has come to live with me for two years. To my surprise she was relaxed after being natural for 9 years. At this time I have no plans to continue her relaxers even though my sister complains about the thickness and unruliness of her hair. For now I plan to mock my hair regimen for Kiddie Kurls and use the same products for awhile and assess the results.


The past year has been trial and error for me but I finally have a solid routine that is working so far. Every now and then I want to try a new product but the basics stay the same. Of course our regiment will have some differences because of our two textures. Again I plan to document her journey here so any and all advice is welcomed.

Weekly Routine (Basics)

Detangle (out the shower): Cheap conditioner wide tooth comb

Shampoo: Giovanni Smooth as Silk or Tea Tree Shampoo

Conditioner: Giovanni Smooth as Silk Conditioner

Leave in: Giovanni Direct Leave in (used for my conditioner mix)

Monthly Routine (Basic)

Deep moisturizing conditioning – ORS Replenishing Conditioner

Protein Conditioner - Aphogee

These are the basics that will happen every week and month. Right now I plan to experiment with current products to find the best daily moisturizer for her hair. Since I flat iron my hair once a year and air dry only, Kiddie Kurls' hair will not experience direct heat for a while. She loves to wear braid outs and rod sets so I plan to keep her hair in a textured state often. Once her new growth starts to come in I plan to use water and glycerin to manage it. This mix worked wonders for me during my transition. For now her wash day is Sunday and mine is Friday so both our strands can get the care it needs.

Are you a mom? If so please feel free to share your tips!!

Confessions – Tangled and Knotted Hair

Between the massive heat wave, exercise routines, work, and business my hair has taken the back burner. For the last couple of weeks I’ve washed and conditioned in the shower or co-washed without properly detangling or deep conditioning. The result after weeks of this and sporting my favorite protective style was massive tangles and knotted hair.


Luckily the tangles and knots did not lead to massive hair loss but I did lose more than normal. Even though I co-washed mid week to add moisture my hair was still dry. Last wash day I decided to give my hair some much needed attention. For detangling my hair is divided up into four sections. In each section I took smaller sections detangled, moisturized and twisted. That night I slept with my silk bonnet with hopes to a decent twist out the next day.

Normally flat twists give me the desired look since my hair is on the thin side. To my surprise I had the best and biggest twist out ever. Amazingly, soft moisturized tangle free hair over night that I absolutely love. Every night I re-moisturized, twisted my hair up, and slept with my bonnet. Since my workouts are in the mornings after untwisting my hair is pinned up in a protective style. The twists give my protective style texture which is adorable to me.

In order to reach my end of the year goal I have to get back on track. This is my new routine until the end of the year.

My Netted Bun

Today I received many compliments on my hair in its simplicity. Just a simple high bun I created using my hair net and banana clip. Since I received so many compliments I took pictures to share. For this style nothing special was used but I received a lot of compliments that my hair looks really shiney.

Products:
Giovanni 50/50 Moisturizing Shampoo
Giovanni 50/50 Conditioner (left in hair until finished bathing, cool water rinse)
Givoanni - Direct Leave in Conditioneer (leave in conditioner)
Eco Styler Gel

Tools:
Banana clip
Hair Net
2 Goody bobby pins

Hope you are having a Wonderful Hump Day!!



First Wash-n-Go - KCCC

The forecasted weather this past weekend was mid 70s – lower 80s and cloudy. I decided to experiment with a wash –n-go since the weather is semi perfect and humidity is very low. Since Sundays are my normal wash day I was going to co-wash before applying the Kinky Curly products. After watching several videos on how to apply the products correctly I decided to shampoo instead. The previous week I wore flat twists and used Shea butter to twist my hair. In order to guarantee there was no Shea butter residue I decide to shampoo.

Detangled – Herbal Essence Totally Twisted
Shampoo – Giovanni Smooth as Silk
Leave in conditioner – Knot Today (KT)
Gel product – Kinky Curly Curling Custard (KCCC)

For each section of my hair I added the Knot Today then the KCCC. My hair was dripping wet before applying the products with a water bottle in reach for re-wetting. For each section I applied a small amount of KCCC and racked my hair with my fingers in a downward motion for definition.

Hair w/o product

Hair w/KT and KCCC

Finished Application

The KT made my hair feel like silk. When I applied the KCCC on top of it the silky feeling went away temporarily. The KCCC really defined my curls I was amazed. Actually, my hair started to curl up after the KT application. Afterwards I really loved my results shrinkage and all. Next time I’ll experiment with the curly girl method because I think that process will take less time.

Heat damage??

In different sections my curl pattern is looser. When I seen the front section my first thought was heat damage. But when I examined my ends they were curly and healthy so heat damage was definitely ruled out.

Windblown hair

As you can see my hair still has a lot of movement. This picture was taken two hours after I finished applying the products. The KCCC gave a firm hold and shine but my hair did not feel crunchy.

Giovanni Smooth as Silk Products – First Impression

Normal wash day was last weekend and I used the Giovanni (GSS) shampoo and conditioner. The reason for switching up my shampoo and conditioner is to rid the dryness from my hair after shampooing. Well I must say that these products fulfilled my desire.


After using a dime size of shampoo for each section of hair, my hair felt very soft and moisturized. Following my shampoo I dc’d for 30 minutes using my heat therapy wrap and followed up with the direct leave in conditioner. To air dry I simply twisted my hair in sections after applying the direct leave in. My hair loved these products and I’m impressed. This morning my hair felt so soft and moisturized to the touch. All I added was cocoanut oil and styled, that’s it. Even now five hours later my hair still feels soft and moisturized.

Since my first impression was a great one I will continue to use this product line. At the end of the month I’ll give a follow up review. If you are looking for a natural/sulfate free product line then I recommend Giovanni. These products are found at your local Whole Foods store retailing $7.99 per bottle.

Until next time…chao!

Giovanni Hair Products

The first step to BSL hair this year is changing out my hair products. Currently, I’m using Kera Care ph balanced moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Now I love Kera Care products but I wanted to use a non-sulfate shampoo. Lately, I’ve noticed that my hair is really dry even after using a moisturizing shampoo. Now Kera Care does have a sulfate free line but I wanted to try something new. So I opted for Giovanni smooth as silk deep moisture shampoo and conditioner.


My first encounter with Giovanni’s products was with the direct leave in conditioner. This conditioner is amazing for my hair and it spiked my interest into other Giovanni’s products. This weekend is wash day so I will use the shampoo and conditioner for the first time. Next week I’ll give my first impression on the products.

Just a side note, I had to order a new digital camera and hopefully it arrives tomorrow. Once I received my new camera I’ll post my starting point for my growth challenge. Please share your hair goals or any goals you have for the year. Also, if you have used Giovanni’s hair products please share your opinion.

Chao for now!

KCCC Update-Braid out

Last weekend I used the KCCC for my braid out. After my normal wash routine and braiding my hair all over I sat under the dryer for an hour. The braids were left in overnight as well. The next morning I used cocoa nut oil on my hands to take down the braids. The braids felt hard so I used the cocoa nut oil to soften up my hair. Also, I used Kinky Curly Knot Today as my leave in because it works best with the KCCC.


The results were beautiful and I was pleased. The KCCC gave me the definition I desired. In order to fight off humidity I used Kera Care Humidity Blocker Hair Spray. Unfortunately, my hair fell victim to the humidity anyway. By the time I reached the airport my hair started to fro and shrink. Instead of whimpering I decided to rock it and be fierce anyway.

Here is my hair before I left the house.

This is what my hair looked like by the time I arrived in Phoenix.

In order to protect my hair from the sun I wore my cute hat from Target while I sat by the pool.

KCCC Teaser 2

Here is a picture of my bangs this morning after using Kinky Curly Curling Custard.

Kinky Curly Curling Custard Teaser

The hunt for the perfect product for a braid out on my hair has initiated. Before, my Shea butter used to do the trick on my relaxed and transitioning hair. Shea butter gave me the most defined curl pattern and left my hair very moisturized and shiny. Now, my natural hair just laughs when it comes to curl definition. After watching a few you tube videos I decided to splurge on Kinky Curly Curling Custard.


Tonight is wash night and my weekend hair is a braid out. The anticipation was overwhelming so I decided to take it for a test run last night.

This section of hair has a very loose curl pattern than other areas of my hair.

First I washed with Kera Care moisturizing shampoo

This is the texture of my hair without product

Used KCKT leave in conditioner (plain)

Wet hair and applied the KCCC

Here is my hair 2 hours later

As you can see the KCCC really defined my curls so I'm looking forward to my braid out results. My hair felt kind of crunchy but hopefully cocoa nut oil can fixed that. All in all, I loved the results and full review coming soon!

Adding a little Honey to my Wash Routine

Last weekend I experimented with honey. There are many videos on you tube stating that honey is a perfect moisturizer for the hair. Honey is known to add shine and moisture so I decided to give it a try. Any type of honey is ok but I used raw honey because this is what I have. Since the honey is in a raw state I heated it for 5 secs in the microwave. This step is not necessary.




Here is a picture of my hair after taking down my Janelle M. inspired style.

Next I divided my hair into 4 sections for detangling. Each section was sprayed with water and lightly combed from ends to roots gently with my shower comb.



After detangling I applied a small of amount of honey to each section. A little goes a long way because too much can cause stickiness. Surprisingly the honey was easy to apply to my hair.



As soon as the honey hit my hair my curls started to pop (see picture above). My hair immediately looked shiner than the other sections of my hair. Plus my hair immediately started to shrink as well. LOL!

After applying the honey to all sections I used my heat therapy wrap for 30 minutes. Then, I followed my normal wash and deep condition routine. My hair felt oh so soft and moisturized without the greasy feeling. The honey washed out easily and did not feel sticky. The results were amazing and I plan to prepoo with honey for now on.


**Bonus pictures**
Impromptu length check:

BC-July 2010

2 months post BC-September 2010