Tag Archives: growth challenge

NATURAL HAIR

Growth Challenge Bale Out

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So I’m sure some of your are thinking that I’ve completely bailed out on my 6 month growth challenge, which I’m sorry to say isn’t completely wrong!

I’ve been really busy with a great new initiative I can’t wait to share with you all and it’s been consuming a bunch of my time. And while I’ve still been sticking with a lot of the core elements of my growth challenge like no heat, wash & deep condition once a week and wearing protective styles, I have become a bit of a slacker when it comes to moisturizing and sealing my ends 3x a week, taking my vitamins and drinking enough water.

Now that I’m approaching the end of the challenge and my 3 year natural hair anniversary I’m not too sure that I will have reached my mid-back goal. The last time I did a random length check I was at BSL, so I guess we’ll see! Stay tuned!

If you’re in the middle of a growth challenge, do better than I did! Don’t get distracted! And well, if you do it’s not the end of the world :o)

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BEAUTY, NATURAL HAIR

Texture Texture Oh How I Love Thee

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This weekend I decided that I wanted to rock some twists one more time for my growth challenge grind which ends in April. Unfortunately I’ve been so busy preparing for the awesomeness God is about to manifest in my life that after doing my deep conditioning regimen I only had time to do some medium to large size twits. Of course those only lasted me a day BUT it actually worked out perfect because the texture I was able to achieve today has me hair crushing on myself!!

Soooo here are the details:

Deep conditioned with Creme of Nature’s Intensive Conditioning Treatment

Twisted with Eco Styler gel with Olive Oil and wore twists for one day

Unravelled twists on day 2 finger combed the roots and applied a light layer of Eco styler

Finished off by applying a light coating of Olive Oil Moisturizing Shine Serum

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BEAUTY, NATURAL HAIR

New Product Fun

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It’s been a while since I tried any new products so I decided to stop and picked up a few newbies.

As most of you know I am in love with almost all of the Cantu products I’ve tried, so when I spotted the new Coconut Curling Creme and Daily Oil Moisturizer I had to scoop those up.

I also spotted a new product from the Dark and Lovely Au Naturale line called Anti-breakage Super Softening Hair Butter. However, after researching it a bit further it’s actually more ideal for transitioning hair. So, I think I’ll pass it along to my sister who I’m super excited to say has decided to start her transition to the world of kinks and curls!

Stay tuned to see how these guys work out!

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NATURAL HAIR

Fun Buns!

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Soooo, I’ve been having way too much fun with my buns this week. I’m beginning to realized that the opportunities are endless for the different looks you can create.

This natural hair growth challenge truly has enlightened me. Before I started this challenge I would have never been as cognisant about hair health as I am now. Protective styles have become one of my most favorite ways to get creative with my tresses. Loving them!

Here’s a look at some of my styles this week

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BEAUTY, NATURAL HAIR

Think I’m done combing my hair…ever

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At one of the Natural Hair Small Group meetings I help lead for my church, the conversation of using or not using a comb came up. Some believed that combing natural hair can contribute significantly to breakage, even with a wide tooth comb. I had previously never thought twice about combing my natural hair. I would typically comb it as I co-washed in the shower or immediately after as I applied my leave-in conditioner. Frankly, not combing my hair seemed pretty crazy to me.

After that meeting I decided to try out this not combing my hair nonsense. Turns out, I love it! Since chucking up the deuces to my wide tooth comb I’ve noticed a few things. 1. My curl pattern is more defined without applying any product to it. 2. My everyday texture is incredible and 3. I seem to have retained more length than usual.

Instead of using a comb, now I just use my fingers. Finger combing, what a brilliant concept. I’m still able to detangle my hair effectively without losing the benefits of not using a comb. So, outside of using a rat tail comb for precision parting for various styles, I think I’m pretty much done combing my natural hair…ever.

BEAUTY, FASHION, NATURAL HAIR

Undercover Deep Condition & Baggy

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I have never been one to leave the house in a shower cap or bonnet. It’s just not my style.  Part of my 6 month natural hair growth challenge is to deep condition once a week .  This tends to be a bit of a challenge with my schedule.  Fortunately, I can still get it done and go about my day without worrying about having to complete the entire  process before going out in public, because I’ve found a simple way to get my weekly deep condition and baggy done undercover!

Yesterday I deep conditioned with Creme of Nature’s Intensive Conditioning Treatment for several hours after co-washing .  I was able to baggy my hair after applying the deep conditioner and topped it off with a beanie for a suitable daytime look.  My hair was able to get the treatment it needed while I did what I needed to do for the day.  A face beat and casual chic outfit helped to complete the day’s style and I was more than satisfied with the overall look.

After my deep condition process was complete I finished the night off with one of my go to protective styles, small twists.  They came out extremely moisturized!

So naturalistas…no more putting off your deep condition routine because you’re too busy.  Just deep condition, baggy, beanie and be you beauties!

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BEAUTY, NATURAL HAIR

My natural hair growth challenge regimen

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While I thoroughly enjoyed the versatility, after just a week I decided to chuck up the deuces to my straight hair. I am now happy to say the curls are back and I am back to my growth challenge regimen.  Speaking of my regimen, I’ve gotten some questions as to what my regimen has been since I started the growth challenge.  So, here’s a look at what I’ve been doing to promote hair growth during this 6 month challenge.

  • Co-wash with Tresemme Flawless Curls 2x/week

  • Use the LOC method to seal my ends with water, olive oil and the Cantu Grow Strong Strengthening Treatment at least 3x/week

  • Deep condition and baggy with Creme of Nature Intensive Conditioning Treatment with Moroccan Aragan Oil 1x/week

  • Wear protective styles at least 3 to 4x/week
  • Protect my hair at night with a silk scarf or bonnet
  • Use Bioinfusion Olive Oil Shine Serum to help protect my hair when it’s out and not in a protective style

  • Take multivitamins every day
  • Drink at least 8 cups of water every day
  • Exercise 2 to 3x/week

That’s pretty much it!  I try to stay as consistent as possible. Although I’ve fallen short on a couple of these items I’m really proud of my dedication and progress.  Looking forward to the next 4 1/2 months of awesome hair growth! Stay tuned for updates!

Click here to check out my original blog entry about my growth challenge.

BEAUTY, NATURAL HAIR

Growth Challenge Update

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It’s been a little over a month since I decided to go hard with a 6 month growth challenge.  Since then I’ve been pretty consistent with the rules I set in place for myself.  Lots of protective styling, H2O, vitamins, etc. and so far it definitely seems to be paying off.

The weather here in Florida has been in the low 70s, perfect for straight hair.  And so, I couldn’t help myself.  I tried a new product from the Cantu line (stay tuned for a review) and decided to straighten my hair.  I was extremely happy with the results.  Although there was heat application, I took care of my hair during the process and my straight hair has offered me some incredible motivation to continue the challenge.  Check out the comparison from when I first started the challenge to now. My hair is noticeably longer and more healthy after only 1 month!   I’m definitely feeling encouraged!

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