Be very careful !!!

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!!

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 !!

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!!!

 

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

Thanks to all the participants

Stay tuned for more giveaways!!!

Long, lovely hair can be yours in just a few weeks with our latest giveaway, the Longhairlovers 4-Product Healthy Hair Growth System! This powerful blend of natural & organic ingredients includes Longhairlovers' patent-pending formula that naturally encourages hair growth at the root for faster, healthier hair growth. Longhairlovers products are developed by a professional trichologist (hair and scalp expert) whose own hair reaches to her waist! Perfect for all hair types and ethnicities. If you never thought you could grow your hair before, enter our giveaway and you could be the lucky winner who will have longer, more beautiful hair by the holidays!

To Enter:

1. Add Longhairlovers on Facebook

2. sign up for the Longhairlovers monthly newsletter at www.longhairlovers.com

3. follow me (please comment with the words "i'm following)

Prize: 4 product Healthy Hair Growth System 

Value: $99.00

Start Date : 11-09-2010

End Date :  11-15-2010

That's It :o)

Good Luck!!

Winner will be announced : 11-16-2010

Purchase $50 or more in Longhairlovers products and automatically get entered for a chance to win the Fall Gift Basket (over $200 in value!)

Aussie Moist !!! Wow!!

Product Review

Product Features

• Conditions to quench dry, thirsty hair.
• Moist Conditioner, with splashes of natural Aloe, replenishes natural moisture for healthy locks worth gushing about.
• Contains Natural Australian Ingredients
• Made in USA of US and/or imported ingredients

Ingredients
Water, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Glutamic Acid, Fragrance, BIS Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Benzyl Alcohol, EDTA, Ecklonia Radiata Extract (Australian Sea Kelp), Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil (Jojoba), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Extract, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone.

Directions:

Work conditioner through clean, damp hair. Rinse.

My Results:

I am 20 weeks post. My new growth is almost impossible to comb. Detangling has been getting harder as the weeks go by. My strands are coiling and twisting around each other. Making detangling at least 2 hours long. I think i have gone thru just about every conditioner that there is. The two textures are battling each other. I get tired and don't have the patience to deal with my hair 2x a week. I asked Letha, the moderator on MyHairSistas what can i use on my new growth to soften it and make it easy to detangle. Letha is transitioning and has no problem with handling her new growth. Letha recommended i try the aussie moist. Since i tried everything else, lol. I said okay let me give it a try. I really wasn't expecting much. Girls, let me tell you!!! Aussie Moist is the business. I couldn't believe it. I slathered on this creamy, great smelling conditioner for 1 hour.  When i rinsed, the tangles just melted and the new growth was so soft. I had no problems detangling and lost only a few hairs. Why did i wait so long to try this conditioner. Really it works better than anything i've tried. It's now a staple. Thanks so very much Letha. This time i will make it to 6 months. The stretch continues :o)

 My Method :

Pre-poo with grapeseed oil (overnight)

Apply conditioner (roots first. Like when applying relaxer touch up)

Apply to length

put on plastic cap (condition on dry hair, no heat)

wrap hair in towel for 1 hour

rinse in shower 

detangled (my hair was so soft i didn't apply a leave-in)

air-dried

twisited up my hair with clips

I will add Chi keratin Mist later (leave-in) MN and grapeseed oil for growth, M&S

I love this conditioner!!

Frustration, Impatience = Setback

Today i started out wondering which conditioner i would use for my co-wash. I'm 19-1/2 weeks post, so i don't have to tell you how my new growth has taken over, but it has, lol. Everything was going pretty well. I detangled before applying my conditioner mix (tresemee re-moisture condish & grapeseed oil) I applied it heavy to the new growth first. I felt very nice and creamy. Then i applied the rest to the length. Let it sit with a plastic cap and towel for 1 hour. I rinsed in the shower and applied about a quater size of porosity control for about 1 minute (i'm trying to correct my porosity issues) My hair really felt so soft. I'm not sure if the porosity control did anything though, but i'll keep using it. Maybe i'll see some improvement. Okay, let me get to the frustrating part. Being in a hurry to get my hair done ( I have guests staying with me) before my guests returned. I tried to detangle very fast, that only made my hair tangle up more. I got so many knots. I just ripped through my hair. I should have waited until the next day when my guest are leaving. I lost a lot of hair because of impatience. When i finally finished with everything. I looked at my hair and was so disappointed with the feel, the new growth, the see thru ends. I got the scissors and cut 3 inches. On top of that i cut it uneven. So, here is my self induced setback! So Ladies, only do your hair when you have the time to devote to doing it right, and not when company is around, lol

Product Review-Grapeseed Oil Is Good

Grape seed oil is a lightweight, colorless and odorless oil that has a number of uses. It can be used as a health tonic, used as a used as a cooking oil or used to moisturize the skin and hair. Because it is lighter weight than many other oils, such as olive oil, it absorbs into the skin and hair much faster, and without weighing hair down. Here is how i use grape seed hot oil treatment that is sure to leave your hair moisturized, beautiful and luxurious..

great oil for finner hair textures, and this is also one of the oils that can penetrate the hair shaft.

My Method : I use this oil as a pre-poo before my co-wash

Warm 3 tablespoons of grapeseed oil

apply to scalp and hair (on damp hair)

apply plastic cap

wrap towel around head

let sit for 30-60 minutes

co-wash

Resutlts : Soft hair :o)

Other Uses :

Great oil for cooking 

Great for skincare (anti-aging)

Great for use when blowdrying or flat ironing 

Grapeseed extract accelerates hair growth 

Grape Seed Extract: 

Procyanidin oligomers are naturally derived ingredients from grape seeds that have been shown to stimulate hair growth similarly to Minoxidil (Rogaine®). Recent studies by Japanese scientists have shown that grape seed extracts possess growth stimulation activity toward hair cells. These studies suggest that the active components of grape seeds inhibit the destruction of collagen structures leading to greater overall health of the tiny capillaries that supply energy to the body’s tissues including hair.
Grape seed is available in capsules, tablets, and fluid extracts. Look for products that are standardized to 95% OPC content.

I Needed Some Motivation :o)

Today i removed my protective style (latch hook braids). I wore the style for 1 month as part of the Winter Grow Out Ultimate Challenge on MyHairSistas. I am 16-1/2 weeks post, so you know what i was about to encounter. Everything started out great. Removing the latch hook braids was very easy. I had continued to moisturize & seal between the braids. My hair was easy to comb and detangle or so i thought. I proceeded to deep condition on dry hair, parting and applying conditioner as i would do a relaxer touch up. I put on my plastic cap and wrapped a towel around my head for 1 hour (no heat). I used Nourish Spa. This was my first time using this conditioner. I went against one of my rules-never use a new conditioner when coming out of a protective style. Everything was fine while the conditioner was on my hair, it actually felt very good, being that the conditioner was very thick. I love thick conditioner. Okay fast forward to rinse time. Oh boy!!! While rinsing. I noticed my hair didn't feel as soft as with my staple condish. Long story short. My hair was so dry and tangled like crazy!!! It took me 5 hours to slowly untangle. When i was finally done with the long ordeal. I was very disappointed with how my hair looked, broken, uneven, dry. I thought, i'm never getting to waistlength if this keep up. Then i had a thought. Let me see how far i've come. The comparison picture above shows the progress from 2008-2010. With all the breakage, setback, cuts and all. I have made some progress. So, i will press on, continuing the stretch and hoping for the best :o)

Nominated for a Sunshine Award!

My humble little blog has been nominated for the Sunshine Award by Hair's Tha Thing & Just Grow Already!.  I so appreciate these fellow bloggers for the nomination. The Award :

Here are the rules:

• You must post the award's logo in a post or on your blog
• Nominate 10-12 other fabulous bloggers
• Link your nominees to the post and comment on their blogs, letting them know they've been nominated
• Share the love and link the person who nominated you.

Here are my nominees (all are blogs I love and have learned from):

 

  1.Anastasia's Secret Garden

  2.From Relaxed 2 Natural The Transistioning Story

  3.Ktani's Hair Sense

  4.Simplistic Chic

  5.Saving Your Cents

  6.Sheabutter Cottage

  7.blessednbeautiful1

  8.beautifulums

  9.Black Women In Europe

10.Diary of a Content Black Woman

Decisions, Decisions !!!

I'm 14 weeks post and this stretch has not been the easiest for me. Some weird tangling is happening and i don't know why. It's frustrating me to no end. I feel i'm doing everything right, but my hair feels all wrong. Detangling at this point seems to be a joke!! I'm getting some strange locking hairs that has never happened before. I see breakage, dryness and brittle hair, so i'm going to give my hair a rest and think about my next step. I will keep a protective style for at least 6 months. By then i will decide if i want to transition or not. I am doing a 6 month protective style challenge on MyHairSistas.

The above photos are of my protective style (latch hook braids) I plan to wear these for 2 months.

Join the : Winter Grow Out Ultimate Challenge

Stretch With Me Challenge - Part 3

I'm 12-1/2 weeks post. I have been on the MN challenge on MyHairSistas for 3 months and i have a lot of new growth because of the MN. Here are the results :

I can see progress in growth and thickness, but my ends continue to look chewed up, lol. Even though i trim regularly. I know some of the uneveness has to do with shrinkage from the new growth. I will trim after my touch up. Trying for 6 months this time !!!

Product Review

Nature's Bounty
Hair, Skin and Nails Formula 60 Caplets

Our Hair, Skin and Nails caplets deliver a specialized combination of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients consistently found in healthy skin, hair and nails.* Featuring Vitamin C, Biotin and Zinc, this formula can truly help bring your internal radiance to the surface.*

* Provides vitamins and minerals for glowing skin, lustrous hair and strong, healthy nails*
* Nourishing formula contains 28 key ingredients, including antioxidants*
* Vitamin C contributes to collagen production, which is vital for hair, skin and nail health*

My Opinion :
There has been many questions as to whether or not vitamins for the hair work. I believe any nutritional supplement that supports the body will help the hair. Did you know that the body will utilize all vitamins & nutrients for organs and functioning of the body first, and hair & nails are the last to receive both !!!! From my experience, my hair and nails grow faster & longer with the vitamins than without, so do a little research to find the best combination for you.

Does Hair Need Oxygen To Grow?

For years my edges were gone, bald around the perimeter. I have worked hard on growing my hair back around the edges. I have tried every thing on the market. Some products produced some peach fuzz, only to fall out again and again. I was forced to wear any style that would hide my hairline. I finally researched every thing that had to do with thin edges, balding edges, alopecia, traction alopecia and hair loss. After much research, and many failed products, i finally decided to make my own concoctions for my hair loss problem. I'm happy to report my edges are almost full after 5 years. I thought i was doing well with my growing back the edges. I always made sure i wore protective styles and covered my hair with a satin scarf, 24/7, lol. One day my bf (i didn't know he was a genius, lol) just looked at me with my scarf on in the house and said "How do expect your hair to grow if you never let it get any oxygen?" Whoa, talk about a light bulb moment !!! Every cell in our body thrives off of oxygen. Why not your scalp which produces the hair? OMG, so now when i'm at home and just sitting around or on the computer. I don't cover my head, and since doing that. I can see my edges filling in more. So Sistas. Do you think we cover our hair too much and wear too many hairstyles that constrict hair growth?

Stretch With Me Challenge - Part 3

Okay ladies,

I'm on a new stretch challenge. This time i would like to make it to 6 months. I'm 8 weeks post and my new growth is like super afro right now. I have been using MN and an Indian growth oil and i have about 1 inch of new growth. Usually at 8 weeks i may have 1/2 inch of new growth, so it could be a combination of the heat (almost every day it's been 90 degrees and over in New York), the castor oil, the MN. I don't know but, it's good. I have a lot of shrinkage, so i look like i'm a little past apl. Waistlength where are you? Anyway, i'm not having too much trouble handling my hair right now. Even with the new growth the tangles are minimal. I think the heavy conditioner is keeping the new growth soft. I apply on dry hair, plastic cap, towel wrapped around my head, and leave on for 1 hour.

My deep conditioning mix :
Doo gro Thickening Conditioner
Tresemme Remoisture Conditioner with vitamin E
Vitale Olive Oil Hair Mayonnaise







Want to join the Stretch With Me Challenge

8 weeks down !!!
16 more to go !!!

Beautiful Grey Haired Woman

Yesterday on one of my many trips to the beauty supplies store. While looking for moisturizing conditioners, i happened to look up and see a tall woman. I was struck by her beauty. She had the most beautiful skin and her hair was long, thick and shiny. I guess i must have been staring, because she said "Hello young lady". I said "Hello". We struck up a conversation. Of course it was about hair.We got into regimens. She said she had been taking care of her own hair all her life. I have never seen grey hair so healthy looking. I was surprised when she said her hair was not thick at all, as a matter of fact it was quite fine (just like mine). Well i had to know what products she used to keep her hair in such great shape. She said she uses grey hair shampoo, twice a week. She alternates between Davines Alchemic Shampoo
and One 'n Only Shiny Silver Ultra Conditioning Shampoo
She conditions with keracare moisture conditioner and seals with coconut oil. She said, "Simple hair care is what keeps my hair healthy". "Regular trims, clean hair and diet, are all you need". Wow, unlike myself. When i leave the beauty supplies store. I am loaded down with product. "Fine hair cannot take too many products". "Simple is the way to go".  Thank you beautiful grey haired lady for that bit of wisdom.

Not hair related, Well sort of !!!

Doing research on healthy hair can take you to many places on the web.  I was pleasantly surprised when i stumble upon a website called Cafepress.com. I was actually looking for personalized t shirts  for hair. What i found was a lot more than just t shirts. There were all kinds of items related to hair. Me being the hair fanatic that i am, i wanted to see everything related to hair on the site. I looked through pages and pages of hair related items. One particular item caught my eye. The " Ma Locks" products bag. I thought this would be perfect for my friend with locs. We always go shopping for hair products together. I also saw some really great posters for my friends salon (the same friend with the locs) She has a natural hair salon in bklyn. I also checked out "Save the Gulf t-shirts" for my politically correct friend, lol

Split Ends !!!!

Split Ends

Did you know there were so many types of split ends? Splits can occur anywhere along the hair shaft, not just ends, but most splits do occur on the ends of the hair more frequently.

What are some of the causes?


1. Dryness- dryness is the enemy of all hair not only does it cause splits, it causes breakage as well

2. Weathering- the ends are the oldest part of the hair and overtime weathering causes ends to get thinner and weaker

3. Over manipulation- too much combing, brushing, overstyling will eventually weaken hair strands and may contribute to splitting.

4. Wrong comb/brush/utensils- combs that are not meant for textured hair snag, pull and tangle our delicate hair contributing to splits, also brushes and other hair utensils used inproperly all contribute to splits.

5. heat- Overuse of heat weakens and dries out hair also contribute to splits. Ex : flat irons, blowdryers and curling irons

6. wrong hair products/chemicals- products that do not provide slip or strength to the hair are potential contributors for splits. Improper use of chemicals will damage and weaken hair, eventually causing splits.

What Can Be Done? :
Unfortunately nothing can be done once a split has occurred. The split hair must be trimmed, or it will continue to split. Proper hair care will keep the splits at bay. Moisture & Protein balance and trimming splits will improve overall health of the hair, minimizing splits.

These are my opinions!!! What are yours?

Product Review

Motions Professional Protein Reconstructor

Strengthen, protect and hydrate to soften hair and to help guard against breakage using Motions Professional Protein Reconstructor.

How This Technology Works

• Collagen proteins helps repair the hair shaft, strengthening it from within.
• Silicones enhance shine while conditioner add moisture.

Why This Formula Is Better

• Increases hair’s suppleness and prevents breakage.
• Formulated for heat- and chemically-damaged hair.

How To Get The Most From This Product

• After Shampooing with CPR Treatment Shampoo, apply ample amount of Motions Professional Protein Reconstructor to hair. Saturate from root to end.
• For maximum conditioning benefits, cover hair with a plastic cap and place client under warm dryer for 5-10 minutes.
• Gently rinse hair with warm water, thoroughly removing treatment from the hair.
• Style as usual. Best if used with other CPR products.

My Results : After removing my latch hooks braids (i had them in for 4 weeks) i noticed lots of shedding. Even though throughout the 4 weeks the braids were done. I moisturized & sealed every other day to make sure i did not get the dryness and breakage you can get coming out of protective styles, lasting for 4 weeks or more. I also was using MN along with an Indian herbal oil. As i removed the braids, i noticed how soft and easy it was to comb, so i didn't expect what happened next. After detangling. I immediately did a henna gloss for strength. As i was rinsing, i noticed the softness had been replaced by hard hair (i tried a henna i never used before). As i started to air dry, my hair just did not feel right. When i applied my leave in, my hair just got harder!!! Okay, now i'm getting nervous, lol. As i was combing, strands of hair was just coming out. The more i combed the more hair came out. I moisturized and sealed again. Did not help. I have shedding every day for a week. I was so afraid of having a setback. My fine strands can't take all the shedding. Anyway, i looked into my stash to see what would help with this shedding thing. I decided to try the Motions CPR Protein Reconstructor. Turns out that's just what my hair needed. The shedding finally stopped with this product and my hair feel strong!!! This moderate protein product will be one of my new staples :o)

Conditioning, Wet or Dry?

There is a debate raging on how to condition hair. Should you condition on wet or dry hair? Well both sides have valid points as to why one is better than the other :

Pros of wet conditioning :

the claim is wet hair absorbs more of the conditioner, therefore hair is better conditioned

hair cuticles are open when wet allowing for deeper penetration of conditioner

applying conditioner to wet hair is quicker than applying to dry hair

applying conditioner to wet hair reduces breakage (less manipulation applying)

you use less product on wet hair

Pros of dry conditioning :

the claim is dry hair absorbs more of the conditioner, because the conditioner will wet the hair, so applying it on wet hair is not necessary.

applying conditioner on dry hair cuts out an extra step (jumping in and out of the shower)

applying conditioner on dry hair allows every strand to receive the conditioning benefits

applying conditioner on dry hair reduces breakage (because every strand is covered with conditioner)

My Opinion :

I love conditioning on dry hair. I feel that ever since i started conditioning on dry hair, my hair has benefited from less breakage, more moisture and less time in and out of the shower.

Stretch With Me Challenge-Part 2

My last stretch lasted for 5-1/2 months and i'm at it again. This time i'm gonna try my best to make it to a least 6 months. I'm almost 3 weeks post. I will be wearing mostly protective styles and moving to a more natural hair products regimen. I'm not sure if i should go back to texlaxing in order to eventually go natural. Aww, decisions, decisions.

Come join me on the new Stretch With Me Challenge

Rest In Peace MJ

How time flies!!! Gone but not forgotten !!!

I will always love you Michael

Bigger & Blonder

I'm keeping my hair in protective styles for the summer!!! Here is my new latch hook install

I added some blond highlights

I will keep these in for 3 to 4 weeks

Maintainance

apply moisture lotion to scalp 2x week

apply my hot pepper growth creme to edges 1x day

clean scalp with witch hazel 2x week

Product Review

Vatika Hot Oil Treatment Intensive Nourishment

VATIKA NATURALS HOT OIL TREATMENT INTENSIVE NOURISHMENT FOR DAMAGED, WEAK AND FALLING HAIR
EGG, HONEY, CASTOR, MARROW - STRONG HAIR FROM THE ROOTS

• Egg - repairs and strenghtens hair from the roots
• Honey - coats and conditions hair
• Castor - propagates hair growth 
• Marrow - penetrates hair shaft to revitalise hair 

Directions:
After shampooing or normal wash apply cream on your hair. Massage your hair and scalp gently with your fingertips to ensure complete application on hair from root to tip.
Leave on for 10 - 15 minutes. For best results keep hair wrapped in a hot towel.
Rinse off as usual.

My Result: 
       I had been eyeballing this product for some time online, but when i saw the price $40.00 for the extra large size, i said not unless i can get it on sale. (i have since seen smaller sizes online) While on a trip to the Indian grocery store (looking for henna) they had just gotten in new supplies. Low & behold, what do i see? The large size of this conditioner. I checked the price and it was an unbelievable bargin for $18.95.  I had to have it, lol
      When i got it home. I took off the top and removed the seal. The first thing i noticed was the smell. It has a strong perfume smell. I don't really care for the smell, but it's not unbearable. The second thing i noticed was the consistency of the products. It's thick and creamy. 
      I applied the product on dry hair, from roots to tip, sectioning as if doing a relaxer touch-up. Let me tell you, i could feel the slip already!!! I left the product on for 1 hour with a plastic cap, and a towel wrapped around my head to keep in the heat. I rinsed in the shower. The creamy conditioner rinsed out completely and my hair felt moisturized and strong, no tangling whatsoever!!! I combed through my hair easily with no hair in the comb.  This is one of the best conditioners i have ever used, and i'm really hard on conditioners. I am not easily impressed.


Price: $18.95


Rating:

Stretch With Me Challenge 22-1/2 weeks post- The Stretch is over!!!

The stretch is over. I made it to 22-1/2 weeks post. I did not make it to 24 weeks because my new growth was out of control. I am happy that i made it this far. I relaxed on june 12th after experiencing a lot of shedding and not being able the get the comb thru my hair. After exhausting every method to tame the new growth i just couldn't take it any more. I gained about 2 inches in growth, and i'm satisfied for now, lol  I relaxed again with ORS lye relaxer. I experienced no burning at all. Some parts were underprocessed, but i can deal with it next touch up.

My Result :

Air-dried

leave in

applied MN to scalp

moisturized & sealed

Product Review

DOO GRO^® Mega Thick^® Intense Repair
Rebuilding Thickening Treatment

Helps promote thick, strong, healthy hair. Enriched with aloe vera, shea butter and botanical thickeners to provide hair with the necessary nutrients needed for deep intense conditioning, rebuilding and thickening! Moisturizes and strengthens weak, damaged hair. Great for the whole family and can be used on alll types of hair including color treated, bleached, weaved, braided and relaxed.

Directions:After shampooing, generously apply DOO GRO® Mega Thick® Intense Repair to wet, damp or towel dried hair. Gently finger comb or massage through hair. Leave on 1-3 minutes. For deeper conditioning, leave on 5-15 minutes (use of heat cap, plastic cap or hot towel will increase effectiveness but is not required). Rinse hair thoroughly. Style as usual. For best results, use the family of DOO GRO® Products. Warning: Keep hair away from open flames
and lit tobacco products. For external use only. Keep out of eyes.
If accidentally swallowed, consult physician immediately. Keep
out of the reach of children.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Stearalkonium Chloride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60, Parffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil), Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Limanthes Alba (Meadowfoam Seed) Oil , PEG-75 Lanolin, Silk Protein, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Acetamide MEA, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Sorbitol, Collagen Amino Acids, Cocoyl Sarcosinate, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat Germ) Acids, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat Germ) Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Linolenic Acid, Linoleic Acid, Sulfur, Polysorbate 80, Oleth-10, Buxus Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Gel, Lecithin, Tetrasodium EDTA, Benzophenone-4, Methylchloroisathiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Fragrance (Parfum), FD&C Blue 1 (CI 42090). 

Price : 6.99

My Results : After removing my latch hook style (wore for 1 month) and carefully detangling, i had major shedding issues. Also being that i am 22 weeks post relaxer with crazy new growth. I definitely needed a heavy duty conditioner to not only stop the shedding, but also handle the new growth. When i'm stretching. I like to use a conditioner with a very thick consistency. When purchasing a conditioner. I always open the jar to smell the product and check out the thickness. I also read the ingredients (should be the first thing i do, lol) Although i'm trying to move on to more natural products, it was just something that i wanted to try because of the promises.........thicker, stronger, moisturized hair. Anyway. This product actually turned out to be just what i needed. My hair stopped shedding as much, it felt stronger, thicker & moisturized. My new growth was very easy to comb through, and i did not lose too much hair. Overall i would say it did it's job. I will re-purchase and try some of the other products in the line.

My Method

Apply on dry hair

Apply to the new growth first (like when doing a relaxer touch up)

Apply to remaining length

Put on plastic cap (1 hour minimum)

Rinse in shower

Air dry (80 % to avoid combing while wet)

Apply MN to scalp (Miconazole nitrate) mixed with almond oil & castor oil for MN challenge on MyHairSistas

Apply leave-in

Protective style

Rating :

Stretch With Me Challenge 20 weeks post

I made 20 weeks post today!!! Whoohoo. I think i can make it to 24 weeks, which will be 6 months. Since i have installed the latch hook braids 2 weeks ago, i'm not really worried about making it another 4 weeks. So far the style is holding up pretty well (even though i'm getting bored with it). It plan on wearing a protective style beyond my goal of stretching 6 months.  If all goes well, i don't know how long i will stretch. Here is a pic of how the style looks right now :

                Maintenance :

Every 2 days i look for fuzzy hair & i cut

the fuzzy ends out

Moisturize & seal between the tracks

Apply my homemade edge growth creme to 

edges 2x a day

This style should last at least 1 month if taken

care of

Join the Stretch With Me Challenge

Product Review

TRESemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture Conditioner

• 
  

  Attributes

• Natural: Yes
• 
  

  Manufacturer's Product Description

• Used by professionals, this exclusive, natural conditioner strengthens and protects all types of hair with an enriched formula of natural extracts and vitamins A, C, and E, while thoroughly and deeply conditioning hair.
• 
  

  Directions

• Shampoo, rinse out thoroughly, and apply TRESemme evenly throughout the hair, especially at the ends. Leave on for a few minutes, rinse thoroughly and dry. Use TRESemme mousse, gels, and hairsprays for best style results.
• 
  

  Ingredients

• Water, Cetrimonium Chloride, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Kelp Extract, Dandelion Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Extract, Nettle Extract, Sweet Almond Extract, Kiwi Fruit Extract, Raspberry Extract, Alfalfa Extract, Watercress Extract, Lemon Peel Extract, Orange Peel Extract, Dog Rose Hips Extract, Evening Primrose Extract, Panthenol, Corn Oil, Ascorbic Acid, Tocopherol, Retinyl Palmitate, Ergocalciferol, Sweet Almond Oil, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hydrolyzed Silk, Polysorbate-20, DMDM Hydantoin, Disodium EDTA, FD&C Yellow No. 5, FD&C Blue No. 1, Fragrance.

My Results : 
I love Tresemme conditioners. This one did not disappoint. I am moving towards using more natural products on my hair, not only is it better for my hair, i'm also thinking about what i put on my scalp. I must say i was pleasantly surprised how well this product soften and conditioned my hair (my hair is very picky, lol) the softness was amazing and my hair felt strong at the same time.  I was in love with the slip this product gave my hair. I could feel it immediately after applying the conditioner. I'm not saying the ingredients are 100% natural, but this conditioner worked better on my hair than some really high priced natural products. For extra dry hair, add your favorite oils!!!

Method :
Deep conditioned on dry hair, with plastic cap, towel wrapped around head (for 1 hour)


Price:
5.99

Rating :

Stretch With Me Challenge 18 weeks post

I made it to 18 weeks post!!! Amazing for me, lol  I didn't think i could do it. When i first decided to stretch, up until 13 weeks, it was a breeze. No tangles, no clumping or anything different from how i usually handle my hair. Then at 16 weeks all hell broke loose. My hair started sticking together, wrapping around each other, dryness, brittleness and breakage and trying detangle became a monster. I won't give up on stretch this time, so i installed these latch hook braids to help me get to at least 6 months.  Wish me luck !!!

The stretch continues !!!

Join the Stretch With Me Challenge

Stretch With Me Challenge 17 weeks post

I'm 17 weeks post!!! It makes me feel good to say that, but it ain't all good, lol  Something funny is starting to happen.  My hair is starting to stick together in some spots and seems to be dryer than usual. I haven't changed my regimen very much, so maybe it's time to kick up the moisture a notch? Should i incorporate more oils? More co-washes? IDK, but it's getting a little harder to control the new growth now. I didn't expect it to be easy, so i will teak my regimen a little to see if  that helps !!!

Stretch With Me Challenge

Product Preview

Organix Conditioner Grapefruit Mango Butter 13 oz. (Moisture)

Description
A tropical exotic blend of vitamin and nutrient rich organic grapefruit extract to nourish and hydrate, while organic mango butter and essential oils helps moisturize and enrich your hair, along with sunflower oil for added moisture and a shiny, silky and frizz free finish.

Ingredients
Aqua, Cetyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium, Methosulfate, Parfum, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, DMDM Hydantoin, Panthenol, Silk Amino Acids, Hydrolyzed Milk Protein, Organic Grapefruit, Organic Mango Butter Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Tetrasodium EDTA, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Coumarin.

Directions
After shampooing with Organix shampoo, apply Organix Conditioner generously to hair, working through ends. Wait 3-5 minutes. Rinse hair thoroughly. Warning: Avoid contact with eyes. For best results use in conjunction with other Organix Products.

My Opinion
I am moving towards using more natural products. Looking for products with 10 ingredients or less. I'm not saying these products are all natural, but it's a start in the right direction :o)

Stretch With Me Challenge 15 weeks post

Wow i can't believe i actually made it to 15 weeks post relaxer!!! and my new growth is crazy, but in a good way.  I have a lot of growth this time and it's been behaving. I think it's because of how i'm handling my hair. What am i doing you say?  Well here it goes :

1. No shampooing (only co-washing with cheapie moisturizing condish)
2. Henna glosses 2x month (the henna is making the length strong and thick enough to withstand the combing of the two textures without breakage)
3. Deep conditioning on dry hair (parting the hair and applying conditioner in sections, like applying relaxer)
4. Air drying (only detangling when hair is 80% dry)
5. Applying JBCO to scalp to soften new growth (apply after hair is air dried)
6. Applying leave-in after hair is air dried
7. Protective style

Come Join the Stretch With Me Challenge on MyHairSistas

We Have A Winner !!!

We Have A Winner!!!!

Our Lucky Winner Is Our Very Own MyHairSistas Member "V"

Misikko Hanna Elite Professional flat iron giveaway!!

Congrats V !!! Enjoy your flat iron, but not too much, lol

Misikko Flat Iron Review & Give-Away !!!

Today is not my usual wash day. My wash  days are on monday's and thursday's. I just couldn't wait for my usual day because i have so much product build up and i'm stretching. I'm 11 weeks post. I did not want to risk having a setback, so i washed today.  My roots felt so dry and brittle, and my hair was just sticking together. Sometimes you just can't stick to your usual wash routine because life happens, lol.  Since i'm stretching, i'm always trying to find that elusive protein moisture balance. You know trying to keep the roots moisturized and the length strong? So i deep conditioned on dry hair with my new favorite deep conditioner : Vitale Olive Oil Hair Mayonnaise. I then rinsed in the shower, then air dried without product preparing to

flat iron  my hair with my new hanna elite flat iron. I am so excited about flat ironing my hair because i have not used heat on my hair for about 2 years. My old flat iron did not give me the results i was looking for.  Since my hair is fine and easily damaged. I did not trust using it anymore. I knew that if i was going to use a flat iron it would have to be one that would not cause further damage or breakage.  I needed a top of the line Chi hair straightener or a FHI flat iron.  I was about to purchase a new flat iron and hair dryer, when the lovely people at Misikko offered me a flat iron for review & giveaway !!! Wow, just in time !!! When i received the package, there was this beautiful flat iron. OMG, it came with so many extra's and was beautifully packaged. They also have a great line of  Professional Hair Dryers  that i will purchase in the future.

My Results:

Amazing !!! After air drying, i parted my hair in small sections. I applied a small amount of the hanna ShineShield Thermal Protectant   (one of the extra's that came along with the flat iron) I ran the flat iron from roots to ends 2x, slightly bending at the ends. I was done in 20 minutes !!! My hair felt amazing, so shiny, bouncy and no breakage. I will always use my hanna elite flat iron for length checks and any time i want super straight hair.

Thanks Misikko !!!

• 100% Ceramic- Highest Density Solid Ceramic Plates provide superior results compared to regular ceramic coated and titanium irons
• 450 Degree Max Temperature- Adjustable Heat for Fine to Extremely Coarse Hair!
• Curved Edges- 1" Curved Design perfect for straightening, flipping, & curling
• Best Luxury Flat Iron- Unparalleled Performance and protection that only a Solid Ceramic iron can provide makes this the Best Flat Iron in the market today.

 

  Win The Hanna Elite Flat Iron 1" Professional (100% ceramic)

Enter:

Must be 18 to enter

*U.S. Residents Only

Mandatory Entry:

Visit Misikko and share another product you would love to try.

EXTRA ENTRIES : (Available after mandatory entry above is completed)

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Retail Value : $229.00

Giveaway ends on April 8th at 11:59 EST.

The winner will be chosen via random number generator the next day and notified by email. If I don't hear back from the winner within 48 hours of sending the winning email, I'll pick another.

Disclaimer: I received a flat iron for free for this review. No other compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own.

Stretch With Me Challenge - 11 weeks post

Wow, i'm 11 weeks post now !!! So far it's been pretty easy dealing with the new growth.  I expected to really be struggling with my new growth now, because in the past, by the time i was 8 weeks my new growth would be so hard to manage.  I have about 1 inch of growth and that's pretty good for me. I'm a slow grower.

This is what i've been doing on my stretch :
1. Co-washing/deep conditioning in sections on dry hair (Mondays & Thursdays)
2. Air-drying
3. Applying JBCO to scalp (on wash days)
4. Applying Chi Keratin Mist (as a leave-in)
5. Applying a dime size of coconut oil to length

Extra :
moisturizing & sealing in sections (Wed, fri & Sun) 1x day

I will keep up with this regimen for as long as it works for my stretching

Come join MyHairSistas-Stretch With Me Group

Product Prewiew

Eco Styler Olive Oil Styling Gel

Eco Styler Olive Oil Styling Gel. For all hair types, alcohol free. Made with 100% Pure Olive Oil. Maximum Hold. Helps your scalp regulate its own natural moisturizing system. No Flakes. No Tack. Anti-itch. Contains UV Protection. EcoStyler Olive Oil Styling Gel.

ECO STYLER OLIVE OIL STYLING GEL

Product Description

FOR ALL HAIR TYPES USED BY PROFESSIONALS ALCOHOL FREE MADE WITH 100% PURE OLIVE OIL MAXIMUM HOLD HELPS YOUR SCALP REGULATE ITS OWN NATURAL MOISTURIZING SYSTEM NO FLAKES NO TACK ANTI ITCH CONTAINS UV PROTECTION ECOSTYLER OLIVE OIL STYLING GEL is made with 100% pure olive oil. Olive oil helps our scalp naturally regulate its own moisturizing system. Olive oil helps attract moisture to the scalp, and holds it in. Like all our styling gels, it is weightless and will leave your hair with a healthy shine and superior hold.

DIRECTIONS:

Apply to dry or wet hair. Work desired amount through hair and style.

This is a must try item for holding down my edges when stretching and unlike a lot of gels, there is no alcohol to dry out hair. Another added benefit is that it contains olive oil.

MyHairSistas Book Give-away Winner !!!

The MyHairSistas Book Give-Away Winner Is :

Joanita

(girl, claim your prize,lol)

Thanks to all who entered

Stay tuned for more contests & give-away's

Product Review

Product : Vitale Olive Oil Hair Mayonnaise

• Enriched with natural botanical extracts
• Repairs damage
• Rejuvenates fragile hair
• Moisturizes and conditions

Enriched with Natural Botanical extract, Oat Protein, Vitamins, Egg Proteins and Olive Oil to intensively conditions , moisturizes and strengthens damaged and over processed hair. It renews weak fragile hair, leaving it healthy looking with shine, elasticity and moisture.

 Directions :
After shampooing, rub ample amount of Vitale Olive Oil Mayonnaise into palms and spread evenly from root to tip of hair. Massage hair and scalp gently for even distribution. For excellent results cover hair in a warm towel or plastic cap for 10 minutes. Rinse hair thoroughly with warm water and style as desired. 

Results: I ordered this deep conditioner from Sally Beauty Supplies because i could not find it at any of the beauty supplies stores in my neighborhood.  I had seen this many times on blogs & hair boards.  Some of the reviews were very good and some not so good, but i think my hair does well with mayonaise  type of conditioners, so i was dying to try it. When it came in the mail, i was so excited about trying it, i couldn't even wait until my wash day. When i opened the jar, i immediately know i was gonna like it.  It looked thick (i love thick deep conditioner) The smell was kinda strong, but not unpleasant, and i have a thing for smelly anything. I don't really like some scents of some conditioners. I always like to feel the conditioner with my fingers, for slip.  This conditioner felt very moisturizing to the touch. I applied  this conditioner to dry hair (in sections) and i loved the way it felt as i was applying. I put on my plastic cap and wrapped a towel around my head. I left the conditioner on for 1 hour and rinsed.  So that i could see how my hair felt after air-drying. I did not use any product. Okay girls, let me tell you !!! My hair felt fantastic. It felt strong, moisturized & had shine. I didn't even add my usual leave-in, it felt so good.  I love this deep conditioning mayonaise.

Pros :
Inexpensive- 6.99
Huge jar - 20 oz.
moisturizing & strengthening

Cons :
Strong smell
may leave green flecks on hair

Rating :