Progress Pics - 1yr

It seems I made the mistake that everyone on the hair boards and forums advise you NOT make;  I didn't take photos of my cut in Dec 08!!!  My 1st pic was in March 09 so I took some pics a couple of weeks ago and decided to post what a difference a yr makes;

The top left photo is March 09 an ear length bob.  And now for March 2010:

Outside of the "hole" where my alopecia patch lies underneath, I can't complain, but that "hole" is enough to make me go crazy trust me.  Don't worry, I have a quickie solution for when I want to wear my hair out b/c of course I can not let that show and look like a hot mess:

Just sew to mini comb-clips on a track of hair, measure and cut to suit your needs and voila!

HHG

HairVeda Whipped Cream - Ends Hydration Leave-In

You're  gonna def hear me talking a lot about going cone free for the next few posts b/c, well frankly since I have done so, some beautiful things have occured. The main and most important aspect since doing so is my hair is back to it's ability to retain moisture.  And so it begins!   I was eager to try HairVeda's Whipped Cream - Ends Hydration, but refused to purchase until I was close to running out of Jane Carter's Nourish & Shine (which btw is so worth the price b/c it's lasted me a couple of months for that small tube).  In  any event I received my HV WC in the mail about a month ago and washed my hair in order to test it out on a clean/fresh head of hair.  Boys & Girls - LEMME TELL YOU SOMETHING (of course in my fire marshall bill voice!), this stuff is ABSOLUTELY AWESOME !!!!!  I mean I just don't know what to say but after I moisturize w/this and seal w/extra virgin olive oil (evoo) (remember how my hair used to hate evoo?!, not anymore but we'll get into this in another post) and go to bed, I wake up in the morn with the softest hair ever.  The end result is as if every bit of every ingredient in this moisturizer has gracefully penetrated it's way past the cuticle layer and was welcomed w/open arms; and meanwhile as I rest at night, it  is carefully absorbed, so that I wake up w/the softest, most supple head of hair I've seen in a couple of years!  On top of that the smell is divine. You all know I have a penchant for tropical and fruity fragrances, so the fact that it fits the fragrance bill just puts this product over the top for me.  And no, the smell is not overbearing, the fragrance is lightly lingering if not gone by morning (I am a perfume wearing gal so I don't like too many fragrances intermingling, it makes me nauseous, no matter how good they all smell individually).  Although not an issue, my only con is that it's not as creamy as I anticipated but trust me it is not a problem at all. I do think I will, rather I know I will go through this 8 oz bottle much quicker than the Jane Carter N&S because of this. 


Overall, this is definitely a staple for me and it will be replacing my Jane Carter N&S (although I am proud that I used JC consistently for a couple of months w/o buying every moisturizing product in site). Hair's to my new victory in hair hydration!

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Whipped Cream - Ends Hydration
Leave In & Moisturizer 

Not too heavy, not too light! Whipped Cream has Just the right amount of moisture and oils to give you moisturized ends.

Whipped (Baggy) Cream was originally formulated to work with the baggie method. However our customers reported that they use it for roller setting, wash-and-go styles, sleek ponytails, and as a leave in conditioner.

Just a dime size amount will do! It softens your new growth, adds unbelievable shine and gives new life to your hair! Your ends will love HairVeda's Signature Whipped Cream. Product may settle. Just shake well before use.

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Ricinus Communis Oil, Beeswax, Lauryl Laurate, Copernicia Cerifera Wax, Cetyreal Alcohol, Proysorbate 60, Steryl Alcohol, Sunflower Oil, Allantoin, Isopropyl Palmitate, Germall Plus, Frangrance

Nature's Gate Herbal Daily Conditioning Conditioner

So I finally found it!  Thanks to From Short to Long (FSTL) for hooking me up with Nature's Gate, my new cowash conditioner of the year.  Lemme tell you how it all begin.  You gals know last year I finally figured out that my hair hates cones. At 1st I couldn't figure out why my hair wouldn't fully absorb moisturizing products and always felt like it had build up and a stiff crunch.  I stopped the protein so I knew it wasn't that and that's when I realized it was cones.  I did my research for natural condishes/poos/moisturizes and that's how I came to build up my Hair Arsenal. My only prob was that I could NOT find a condish 2 cowash w/that was cone free, and honestly I was thinking about  not looking further b/c I absolutely loved my Aussie Moist and didn't think that nothing would compare.  I was willing to take the risk of having some cone some of the time w/my Aussie but lo and behold along came the good news!.... FSTL did a post on cones and I mentioned my dilemma about a cowash condish and she referred me to Nature's Gate.  I immediately ran out to purchase some for my next cowash and try it out.  Folks, I wasn't disappointed!  This stuff is the truth, it has an earthy, musky scent, it reminded me of the spa, my cousin said it reminded her of baby powder and mom says fruit ( I think she needs to be tested...lol).  Anyhoo, this stuff puts some serious moisture into your strands, it's definitely up there w/Aussie Moist. I've used a couple of x's, even after clarifying to test the moisture and ya'll it works.  It's brown, which I found weird, dont ask why.  It resembles apple pie filling sans the apple chunks with the viscosity of apple sauce sans the clumps and graininess (I think I need to stop eyeing this apple on my table!!!!)

 I can't wai to try other condishes from this line.  If I had to rank it, it would come a close 2nd ( I mean neck in neck close) to Aussie (the smell of Aussie by far, nothing can top, I'm in love with it and it's a tad, just a tad bit more moisturizing), but since it finally makes me 100% cone free, it's #1 to me!

Product Description: With herbal extracts to naturally fortify, smooth and detangle hair.
Our Original Herbal Conditioner is created from an exotic blend of unique botanicals that add intense shine and help smooth the hair shaft. Our rich brown conditioner works great on all types of hair leaving it soft, glossy and naturally radiant. Effectively conditions hair while helping to enhance texture, shine and radiance. Hair is revived with a unique blend of Water Lily, Lotus, and Oak Bark used for their amazing conditioning benefits. Soothing Chamomile, Lavender and Cherry Bark leave hair soft, silky and smooth, making this the perfect conditioner for everyday use.


Ingredients: Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Quaternium-87, Polysorbate 60, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, Prunus Serotina (Wild Cherry) Bark Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, Arctium Lappa (Burdock) Root Extract, Yucca Schidigera Root Extract, Lilium Candidum (White Lily) Bulb Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera (Sacred Lotus) Flower Extract, Quercus Alba (Oak) Bark Extract, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Undecylenate, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, Caramel.

11 1/2 Weeks

Yup, I did it.  Finally a 3 month stretch, one of my resolutions for better hair care in 2010.  Greatest part about is no shedding or breakage.  That's what's up!  It was a lot easier than I thought, which made me realize it's all about the products!  Folks, you need the RIGHT products for YOUR hair.  In the beginning I tried everything that worked for anybody who seemingly had healthy hair.  I thought it must work for me and my issue if its working for them, but that's so wrong.  Don't get me wrong it takes experimentation but the bandwagon can cause you more harm than good at times.

Learn to read ingredients and see the common denominator in different brands that make your hair feel a certain way after use i.e. silicones makes my hair stiff and tangly, I am VERY protein sensitive, olive oil is just too heavy for my hair (I don't my prepooing w/it though b/c of the fact it will get washed out), my hair loves coconut oil and the list can go on but the point is I had to pay attention to what works and what didn't in order to get the perfect regimen for MY hair.  So as I've stated before, I prefer the more natural, organic lines, doesn't mean I shun the rest, I still have a few in the stash, but you get the point.

I will relax this weekend.  I was thinking of going another 4-6 wks but its becoming a pain in the butt and I don't want to overdo it.  One week and one stretch at a time, right?

Happy New Year!

12 days late, I know but better late than never right?!  I always get so wrapped up in the holiday season and festivities that it can take me a while to get back in the swing of things when it's all done but I am back.

Lets see whats new: I am currently 8.5 weeks posts and there is no major news to it.  Usually I'm like whoa I can't take it anymore but so far so good.  I am moseying along with little to no breakage and/or shedding.  Can you believe it?  My original plan was to relax at 10 weeks post but b/c of the manageability I am going for 12.  Of course if I see too much breakage etc surface I wont push it.  Remember health 1st.  With this, my new goal will be Feb 15 which will put me at 3 months solid.  This will be my longest stretch ever, let's hope I can make it.

Now here are my goals for the new year:
Strengthening and lengthening my nape
Conquering this alopecia patch (once and for all!!!!!)
3 month stretching from hereon in
Consistency with the current products in my regimen (not promising I won't try anything new)
More photos

What are your goals?

PR- Jessicurl, Hairveda, Giovanni, Jane Carter Solution

I’ve realized over the past couple of months, my hair LOVES natural/organic products. Initially I was totally amped when I figured out it hates, rather is sensitive to protein and thought it was the end all be all to my dry, unable to retain moisture, brittle hair but nope; it didn’t stop there. My hair doesn’t care for cones either and by the time I figured this out most of my products at the time were packing a moderate, if not heavy cone punch. I immediately began a hunt for products that were cone and protein free and this was rather difficult as most had one or the other, if not both, but I was determined there had to be something out there. So you know I researched like a mutha, until I found what I needed and gave a few things a try. I was totally lucky b/c I got them all right on the first go round and am enjoying the new state of my hair. Check out the products below that have totally transformed my tresses from straw (okay I’m exaggerating) to silk in the past couple of months:


1. Jessicurl Weekly Deep Conditioning Treatment (Citrus Lavendar): Protein/Silicone/Paraben/Glycerin Free
Product Description: Weekly deep treatments with heat really moisturize and strengthen the hair, and they're just plain fun to do. This treatment works best with a plastic cap and left on for 20 minutes. This thick conditioner uses cocoa butter and shea butter to add some serious moisture to your hair.

Ingredients: Water infused with Lemongrass, Nettle, Burdock, Kelp, Marshmallow Root, Horsetail, Basil, Bay Leaf, Oregano, Rosemary, Peppermint, Sage and Thyme, Behentrimonium Methosulfate and Cetearyl Alcohol, Shea Butter, Avocado Oil,Cocoa Butter, Lecithin, Aloe Vera Powder, Diazolidinyl Urea (and) Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Fragrance

MY REVIEW: This product is absolutely amazing. My hair loves, loves, loves this stuff. Although the description says 20 minutes I leave it for up to an hour. I’ve only tried on wet hair after my poo or cowash and my hair is left feeling so ridiculously soft and moisturized w/o any build up or residual feel. It definitely gets 2 snaps up and a circle….(am I old school or what). I can’t wait to try the Island Fantasy fragrance.


2. SitriNillah Deep Conditioning Masque by HairVeda:
Product Description: Our ingredients are perfectly infused to bring the life back to your hair. Nourishing Orange oil penetrates deep down to treat lifeless and brittle hair.
Orange peel, used for centuries in Ayurveda hair and skin remedies is known for enhancing the hair's supple nature. SitriNillah contains no silicones.

Ingredients: Water, Coconut oil, Castor Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, SterylAlcohol, Stearakloniun Chloride, Dimethyl Stearamine, Orange oil, Orange Extract, Vanilla Extracts, Lactic Acid, Germall Plus, Fragrance. 16oz. jar.

MY REVIEW: Again, another absolutely amazing product. The smell is reminiscent of an orange cream popsicle or Stew Leonard’s orange cream soda and the plus, not only does it smell great it also works great….my hair absolutely adores this condish. Now I do get a bit of a residual feel when rinsing but it’s not necessarily negative. It’s not like a waxy or build up feel or anything but more like when you don’t rinse all the coconut oil from your hair. The best part about it is when I 1st ordered I was able to get the trial size which comes in a 2 oz jar. This stuff is thick so a little does a lot and being that I’m only SL I was able to use it twice and try it on the hubby. Needless to say I hurried and ordered the 16 0z b/c there was no question whether or not I was gonna use it again! Two thumbs up for this!

3. Giovanni Smooth as Silk Deep Moisture Shampoo with PureOrganic Technology (Certified Organic):
Product Description: PureOrganic Technology, For Damaged Hair, Contains Vegetable Protein to Soothe Dry or Damaged Hair, Control Frizz, Add Shine, Organic Hair Care -Luxurious lather soothes dry, chemically processed hair, Cleanses gently for manageable smoothness, Calms unruly hair to alleviate frizz, Increases shine while smoothing dry or damaged hair, Zero sulfates

Soft and smooth, sexy and sultry. It's how you feel when you have silk against your skin. Now imagine that same feel in your hair. Smooth As Silk Deep Moisture Shampoo has a pearlized formula that glistens in your hand and transforms your hair into a silky palette that's ready for anything. Lather and glow with the flow that begins your style. Smooth As Silk Shampoo wears beautifully on you. *Contains a blend of organic oils, ripe-harvested from renewable plants at the peak of their freshness, cold pressed and refrigerated immediately to ensure maximum purity. Infuses each individual strand of hair with vitamins, nutrients and protein from strength and vitality.

Ingredients: Aqua (Purified Water) With *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract, *Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Valencia Orange) Extract, *Mangifera Indica (Mango) Extract, *Cymbopogon Schoeanthus (Lemongrass) Extract, *Ginko Biloba Extract, *Echinacea Angustifolia Extract, *Salix Alba (Willow Bark), *Macrocystis Pyrifera (Sea Kelp) Extract, *Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Leaf Extract, *Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, *Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Extract, *Glycine Soja (Soybean) Extract, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamide MEA, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Acrylates Copolymer, Glycol Distearate, Amodimethicone, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Decyl Glucoside, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disteareth-75 IPDI, C11-15 Pareth-7,Citric Acid, C12-16 Pareth-9, Glycerin, Trideceth-12, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance with Essential Oils.
*Certified Organic by Guaranteed Certification Services

MY REVIEW: It’s just what the doctor ordered, not too moisturizing where it doesn’t feel clean. It actually felt like it stripped my hair a little more than I expected but nothing to be alarmed about. If I feel any build up outside of using this I will simply do a baking soda rinse before using it. Been loving the fact that it gets my hair feeling just a little more cleaner than a cowash w/o that clarifying feel. This will definitely remain in my arsenal since I have opted to poo once a week and cowash once a week. This combination has done justice for me esp. since it’s all about picking the right shampoo and zero sulfates is a major factor for me that figures in. A new staple.

4. Giovanni Direct Leave-In Weightless Moisture Conditioner
Product Description: PureOrganic Technology, For all hair types, Organic botanicals moisture and detangle hair while infusing weightless body for easy styling, Organic Hair Care, Restores strength, luster and nourishment to abused hair, Moisturizes and builds body, Detangles for easy comb-out, easy styling
To create condition and style, you need to go directly to the source. Direct Leave-In Weightless Moisture conditioner penetrates into each individual hair to provide exactly what's needed, every time. This leave-in treatment uses enriched proteins to repair hair as you go through the day. It also plumps hair so it feels thicker, more bodified. Styled. Weightlessly. By infusing each strand with proteins, hair goes directly to style.
* Contains a blend of organic oils, ripe-harvested from renewable plants at the peak of their freshness, cold pressed and refrigerated immediately to ensure maximum purity. Infuses each individual strand of hair with vitamins, nutrients and protein for strength and vitality.

Ingredients: Aqua (Purified Water) with *Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis) Oil, *Nettle (Urtica Dioica) Oil, *Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) Oil, Birch Leaf (Betula Alba) Oil, *Chamomile (Anthemis Nobilis Flower) Oil, *Clary (Salvia Sclarea), *Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia), *Coltsfoot Leaf (Tussilago Farfara), *Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium) Oil, *Mallow (Malva Sylvestris), *Horsetail (Equisetum Arvense) Oil, *Soybean Protein (Glycine Soja), Cetyl Alcohol (plant derived), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Trace Minerals, Citric Acid (corn), Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Grapefruit Seed (citrus derived), Fragrance with Essential Oils.
*Certified Organic by Guaranteed Certification Services.

MY REVIEW: Fantabulous! This stuff is so rich, thick, creamy and moisturizing all at the same time. You only need a nickel size amount on your hair and what’s crazy is every time I feel like awww shucks I done put too much on (even with applying such a small amount), it’s like it melts into your hair and like the title states, becomes weightless. Now I know this may scare some of you fine hair ladies b/c I talk about the thickness of my hair, but my mom has super fine hair that gets weighed down VERY easily and I’ve been using it when doing her weekly roller-sets and I’m tryna tell ya’ll, this stuff just vanishes into thin air! The plus is I prefer creamy leave-ins instead of the liquids b/c I air-dry 99% of the time and after I have sopped up most of the water in my t-shirt I hate always having to soak my hair again with liquid. It just makes for a longer air-drying process. Plus creamy works better for me when I’m a certain amount of wks post b/c at that point I find liquid leave-ins tend to cause more tangles and snagging no matter how well they detangle for me prior to 6 wks post. The verdict; do you really have to ask?! It’s magically delicious!!!!!

5. Jane Carter Solution Hair Nourishing Cream ( All Natural/Ultra Light Hairdress):

Product Description: Can be used on hair and skin, leaves everything it touches feeling renewed and moisturized. This product is perfect for adding shine and repairing dry hair. This product can be used on all textures of hair.

Ingredients : Purified Water, Shea Butter, Kokum Butter, Illippe Butter, Mango Butter, Vtamins A, D, & E Orange, Grapefruit, Palmarosa, Cedarwood, Geranium, Ylang Ylang, Geranium, Bergamot, Rosemary Essential Oils, Jojoba, Glycerin, Polysorbate 80, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl acrylate Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sorbic Acid.

MY REVIEW: Okay, so don’t be fooled by the Ultra Light title description on the tube b/c I actually find this stuff to be kinda heavy. Now for me it isn’t a bad thing b/c I just use a pea size amount for each section when moisturizing and sealing and voila, the job is done, so I guess it’s actually a good thing b/c that tube lasts forever. It’s thick, creamy, smells like a grapefruit and to reiterate a little goes a heckuva long way. This stuff has been doing just what it says, nourishing my hair for the past month or so and I haven’t picked up anything else from my hair moisture past. When I want the job done I seek JC Solution which means my other moisturizing products will more than likely get the boot.

Okay so now that I’ve done all my reviews have you noticed a pattern here? Thick, rich, creamy and natural seem to be the name of the game for my latest hair arsenal and regimen. My 4a coarse, kinky hair has changed in look, feel, softness and manageability and when you are striving for hair health before anything else, then you’ve simply had your hair dreams answered. So now that I’ve introduced, informed and reviewed my Hit Squad for you I hope this can help at least one of you reach the health goals you’ve been longing for with your hair. If you’ve already reached them and are looking to incorporate anything new you should definitely give these products a shot. I strongly suggest these for those of you who are suffering from especially dry and brittle strands that are lacking moisture. They all simply worked wonders for me and what's even better is with the exception of the 1st two you can buy these products at Whole Foods and/or the Vitamin Shoppe. Try ‘em out and lemme know how you like ‘em.

HHG

NuGro Leave in Spray w/Moisturizer

Hey Gang, Hope you all had a lovely holiday. I know I did and I'm still pooped but I need to seriously do my hair. So a couple of months ago I ordered a NuGro kit out of desperation in this battle with my alopecia. That spot was the worst I've seen it ever in all my years and this time it seemed like NOTHING helped. I read rave reviews on the forums and then saw they had Ateeyah on their page and checked out some of her videos. I was convinced and if I wasn't, like I said I was desperate to try anything. I ordered the kit with the shampoo, deep condish and leave in spray. What I can tell you is I love, love, love this leave-in. It is truly moisturizing and I don't have to moisturize and seal everyday when using it. Let me tell you something else, I have yet to discover another product that makes my new growth (ng) so soft manageable and able to be tamed. I actually prefer using it from 6 wks post on b/c of this effect. It's like it takes it from a coarse brillo texture to a cottony soft field of fluff. I just got a new bottle in the mail about a week and a half ago and believe you me this is a new staple. Oh and lets not talk about how I can run my finger pads across my alopecia patch with out needing a bandaid. The hair has finally softened up and this product helped loosen up my tight scalp in the area. Now the shampoo and deep condish are good as well but have protein so I stay away from they and use once in a blue. If you have had some serious alopecia issues and are at your wits end, or are simply suffering from dry parched hair or unmanageable new growth, I suggest you check this out. I felt like I was at the point of no return but guess who's back!

Product Description: "Mild Scent" spray helps grow, thicken, heal hair. Can Stop shedding in days. Moisturizes. Normally, see good hair growth results in 2-3 weeks. (For best results, use 1 - 3 months).Adds Body, Bounce and Shine!
Normally, stops shedding in days, see hair growth improvement in 2 - 3 weeks. For those with hair loss, thinning, balding or shedding. Also those who have lost hair due to medical treatment (chemotherapy etc.). And those who s hair has been damaged by chemicals. A very effective spray. MONEY-BACK guarantee!

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Parsley, Garlic, Nettle, Burdock, Horsetail Coltsfoot, Rosemary Leaf, Jojoba Oil, Olive Oil, Safflower Oil, Castor Oil, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Fragrance, Paba Panthenol (B-5), Vitamin E and D, Aloe Vera.