APL To MBL and Beyond

Natural Journey Status Check

2011-12-01T23:01:00.000-08:00

Hola Chicas!

I know it's been quite some time but i'm back to give a quick update. It's officially 14 months since my last texlax and i'm loving it! Below is my hair in my very first twist out Sept 2010. It was the first time I had ever wore my hair out in such a big way. I've been addicted to big curly fros ever since :)

This is my hair just a week ago with 14 months worth of growth on 3rd day twist out. During my relaxed days I always dreaded seeing my new growth. The thought of dealing with my natural texture was something I never looked forward too. But with everything i've learned my journey has been a breeze and taking care of my new growth no issue at all. There are a few things my hair loves and that's natural cleansers, shea butter, oils and leave in conditioners. Low manipulation and deep conditioning on dry hair then detangling help with length retention.

About a month ago I tried flat ironing for the first time. The results weren't what I expected due to a bad product. But I noticed a difference in thickness, shine and over all health of my hair.

With all of the ups and downs throughout my journey I can honestly say that I truly appreciate my texture and look forward to this journey. My only regret is I didn't discover this knowledge earlier. :)

Happy Growing Ladies!!

My Regimen - Oct 2011

2011-10-18T22:13:00.000-07:00

I've updated my regimen yet again :) My goal is to post a YT video but for those interested here is a sneak peek at what i'm doing to care for my tresses.

Cleansing:
1x a week - using Terressentials Mud Wash in Lavender and/or Cool Mint.

How I use: Before I began washing I try to remove as much shed hair as possible. I go through smaller sections gently removing shed hair before water touches it. When no hair can be pulled out I begin to wet each section, separate and pull more shed hairs. I massage my scalp to remove excess dirt and oils from my scalp then apply the mud wash. I focus on my scalp massaging a nickel size amount of mud wash to cleanse. Once completed I bantu knot each section until all my hair has been saturated. The directions say to leave in as long as possible since it also acts as a deep conditioner. So I take my shower then rinse each section. The entire time I make sure to remove and finger comb each section.

Note: I haven't used a comb in almost 3 months. It started as a time restriction and now doesn't seem necessary.

Leave-Ins:

My favs are as follows but in no particular order ;)

How I use: After washing I typically apply shea butter to my sections then seal with coconut oil. In between washes I may use either an aloe vera or conditioner and water spritz for moisture. I always seal with an oil to ensure my hair holds the moisture.

Wash N' Gos:

I am all about my kinky curly. For those of you who don't know you better ask somebody lol. It makes my life so easy and carefree. I apply in the shower after I wash and then go. There are no extra steps involved. I use the Knot Today then follow up with the curling custard. I put this to the test and was able to stretch my wash n' go to 4 full days. And honestly I could have gone longer but was ready to wash. To have the ability to spritz a little water on your hair arrange and go is an answer to my prayers. I love wearing my hair in a big curly fro and this helps me achieve this.

Since my products haven't changed much there's no need for me to list all of my products again. It used to take me almost 2 hrs to detangle wash and style. Now I am down to 45 min flat start to finish which is a major accomplishment for me.

-Happy Growing Ladies!

Has it already been a year?!

2011-10-05T22:33:00.000-07:00

Time flies when your having fun :) I'm late on my 1 year transitioning update but trust it is on the way. I have totally revamped my regimen. Simplicity has been the key word when caring for me hair although it is my goal to attempt more hairstyles. I haven't done any length checks or flat ironing in quite some time so I have no idea what my hair looks like straight. And even though i'm in love with my texture i'm curious to see how my length is coming along. So in the meantime here are a few pics of my hair recently in wash n' go styles. My goal is to flat iron in the next few weeks so stay tuned for updates :)

My Fro :)

2011-08-31T23:17:00.000-07:00

Below are pics of a 2nd day twist out. I'm noticing my fro is getting bigger and thought I would share my excitement :)

Transitioning Regimen PT 1

2011-08-20T01:19:00.000-07:00

Bun tutorial on 10 months post hair.

2011-07-27T22:44:00.001-07:00

Here is my latest upload showing how I slick back my edges and create a pincurl bun.

Detangling Tutorial

2011-06-26T09:50:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

I know it's been a while since i've posted, but alas i've uploaded a detangling tutorial on Youtube last night. There have been lots of changes with my YT channel that I will be announcing soon! :)

So I tried my first updo....

2011-06-05T09:50:00.000-07:00

I just uploaded the pics on my Mac from my Memorial Day updo. It was done in a hurry and at the last minute on day 2 Mixed Chicks hair. My goal was to wear my hair in a curly fro my 3 day weekend but my kinks weren't behaving so I put it up lol.
I basically took one of those EZ combs and secured the sides of my hair then tucked my ends under. I used the scarf to control my edges without using product. Overall it was cute and my hair felt secure. Most of my attempted updo's always feel like my hair has no structure and will fall out. I will definitely try this again but would like to be more creative with the bottom of my hair.

Here are some pics of my somewhat successful updo :) And for those of you that must see the YT video here is the link.

Check out my New T-Shirts!!!

2011-06-01T23:20:00.000-07:00

HairSvolution

Here are a few pics of what you can find on my Cafepress.com Shop :)

Newly Naturals

2011-05-16T22:33:00.000-07:00

The decision to go natural can be a big step in some of our lives. And depending on your surroundings this can be an easy transition or one that is quite difficult. I live in an area where there aren't a whole lot of naturals walking around letting their fro blow in the wind. None of the women in my immediate family are natural. Relaxers, weaves and straight hair are still all the rave and natural hair is a rarity. So my decision to go natural was quite a shock and some of my family members still don't understand why i'm not wearing my hair long, flowy and straight.

One thing I learned on my journey is beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder. And going natural to me was more about seeing the beauty in textured hair. When I walk out of the house with my tightly coiled hair I feel unique and beautiful. My hair is my crown and glory that speaks volume about who I am without me having to say a word.

This has been a gradual learning experience and not one where I woke up one day loving my kinks lol. The longer I cared for my hair and wanted the best for it, the more I began to love it. Over time I realized it isn't something to be ashamed of or hidden by the use of harsh chemicals.
Transitioning was based solely on the fact that I love myself and this is another part of me. And that meant accepting myself means accepting others.

If you decide to go natural or make any major changes within your life the first thing you must remember is to love yourself, flaws and all. Only then will you have the confidence to see through any decision you make for yourself no matter what others around you may think. And that is really what it's all about. Going natural is my own personal HairEvolution. Happy Growing :)

Kinky Curly Revisited

2011-05-15T12:15:00.000-07:00

I applied Kinky Curly for the second time since my transition began. Here are pics of my first application about a month ago.

Top View of Wet Hair

Side View of Wet Hair

1st day result on Dry Hair

2nd Day Hair

I sprayed with a little water to loosen

Curl Definition still intact

And here is a video of my second Kinky Curly Curling Custard.

1st Day Damp Roots Results

2nd Day Results

Curl Definition

Top View

My Natural Hair Inspiration

2011-05-14T22:06:00.000-07:00

I'm updating my motivation list to reflect my natural hair goals. Enjoy :)

Staple Product

2011-05-14T00:33:00.000-07:00

I had to dedicate a post to product i've added to my regimen as a staple. I've been using it for about 2 months now and I looooooove it!

African Black Soap is my go to product for clean hair and face. When I received it in the mail it looked exactly like the above picture. I wasn't convinced it was going to do the job but did my research and thought i'd give it a try. Before I get to my review and why I love it let me give you some basic information about what it is and what it does.

Ingredients are mainly comprised of:

Oils such as Palm, coconut, cocoa butter, shea and palm kernel.
Ashes from various plants such as:
shea bark, banana trees, cocoa pods, plantain leaves and shea butter products.
Water.

Benefits:

Shiny
moisturized
clean hair that isn't stripped of it's natural oils.

My Review:

Amazing. The first time I used it I was skeptical because it was a bar of soap. I broke off a little piece rubbed it in my hands to create suds and applied to my hair in sections. Immediately I noticed my hair had tons of slip. I was able to finger detangle with ease and my hair didn't feel dry. As soon as I rinsed my hair still felt moisturized. I thought it was fluke because I used Giovanni on my hair the night before in a twist out. Let me tell you it's been 2 months and I get the exact same results. The same super moisturized yet clean hair. It's bouncy, shiny and manageable even without detangling before washing.

Another benefit is using it as a facial cleanser and have noticed a difference in my skin as well. This is a great product and it will be a staple forever :)

I'm Baaaacck!

2011-05-11T20:10:00.000-07:00

It's been quite some time since my last post! So much has changed on my hair journey and for those following my Youtube Channel you already know :) Yes, i'm transitioning to Au Natural! It was a long time coming but the day is finally here. Something as small as another 6 month stretch led me to ask myself "Why do I need a relaxer?" That simple question made me realize that I don't need a relaxer to style my hair. However, being texlaxed has helped me prepare for the this journey. Since my texlaxed hair "acts" like natural hair it's been smooth sailing so far.

So here are my current stats:
Hair Type: 4a/4b (Oh yeah I found nice big patch of 4b at the crown)
Last Texlax: Sept 15, 2010
Length: Unstretched - Neck Length Stretched - Arm Pit Length

As you can tell twist outs are my style of choice for transitioning. I typically bun during the week and let it all hang out on the weekend. Okay enough talk....on to the pics! :)

1st Day Twist Out

2nd Day Twist Out

Twist Out using Flax Seed Gel

Can u tell I love twist Outs LOL

My last flat iron Feb 2011

Update!

2010-10-10T20:46:00.000-07:00

I uploaded a video on Youtube in Sept doing another show and tell about my hair. After doing a deep condition and flat iron I was initially going to cut another 1" off of my hair. When I turned around to see the condition of my ends I realized i've hit APL :) I am grazing the top of my arm pit. YAY! My hair was super shiny, bouncy, thicker and my ends are still blunt!

Here's my hair after a braidout. It was frizzy so I put it into a ponytail.

This is one of my everyday styles ends tucked under with an accessory. Keeps my ends very healthy.This is my hair after I flat ironed, touching the top of my arm pit :)

My regimen is still the same, i'm using baking soda to clarify, my Herbal Essence and V05 moisture milks conditioner. I've been a little lazy and have been clarifying once a week and doing co-washes instead. I still plan on trimming more off probably in December. My goal is to have my hair the same texture so I can achieve curly styles. I was shocked when I saw the length my hair retained and how healthy it was, so I declined to cut this time around. Here's a video of my results...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=810Azk4kDEM

Product of the Week

2010-09-19T21:23:00.000-07:00

I have incorporated a new product into my regimen that i'm completely in love with!!! Drum Roll Please...... :^D

Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Conditioner

First off the smell is amazing, coconuts and other exotic fruits are the aromas I get from this stylish bottle. I use this as a quick in the shower conditioner or i'll add a little honey and use it as a deep conditioner. The results are soft moisturized hair that smells great! -Correction, there are Cones in this product, even still I love the condition of my hair after each use! I will continue to use it as a staple in my regimen :)

-Happy Growing!

I just uploaded vids on Youtube :)

2010-08-21T11:59:00.000-07:00

I've been MIA due to a lot going on right now. I'm still responding to e-mails and comments. I just uploaded a couple of new vids on Youtube I recorded winter of 2009 regarding quick tips on growing long hair.

Don't worry I will be revisiting this topic and giving more in depth details regarding growing healthy hair. Check out PT 1 and PT is up on my youtube page :)

My Hairspirations

2010-08-02T20:49:00.000-07:00

Pictures that inspire me on my healthy hair journey :)

A few updos that I can't wait to try once my hair gets longer :)

And last but certainly not least the ultimate Bun

Product of the Week

2010-07-08T19:56:00.000-07:00

Yes Baking Soda :) for those of you not familiar on how to use this product for hair, your in for a treat. A little history on what got me started.

About 2 months ago I ran out of my Wen Cleansing Conditioner I thought i'd give the Baking Soda a try. I mixed 2 tablespooons in 2 cups of distilled water. After rinsing my hair thoroughly I applied half of the mixture on each side. I leave it in for the duration of my shower and rinse. I love how clean yet soft my hair is everytime. It removes dirt and product from your hair without stripping like most clarifying shampoos. Since i'm accustomed to not using sulfates this is right up my alley not to mention affordable. I pay about $1 for Baking Soda and $1 for a gallon of Distilled water. And my hair feels better than most shampoos. I've found a lot of different recipies on how others use baking soda, I recommend researching for yourself to find a balance that works for you. :)

-Happy Growing Ladies

Product of the Week

2010-06-28T20:36:00.000-07:00

I've decided to begin posting a product of the week. I will talk about different products, their benefits and how I use them.

The product of week is:

COCONUT OIL

I absolutely love coconut oil for my hair. This is a staple product of mine that helps to moisturize and keep my hair healthy.

Here are few benefits of coconut oil:

-The best natural nutrition for healthy hair

-Massaging into the scalp can help free you hair of dandruff.

-Great to moisturize dry scalp and hair.

-Aides in healthy hair growth and makes hair shiny

How I incorporate coconut oil into my regimen:

Conditioning

-I add it to various conditioners to boost moisturizing properties

-I heat it up and apply to damp hair as a hot oil treatment to help penetrate

-Between washes I apply generously to my hair in sections. Then loosely pin my hair up and take a hot shower. I allow the heat and steam of the shower to help moisturize. Once out of the shower my hair is very soft and manageable.

Leave-in

-I apply to my hair after washing as a leave in by itself or mix with other leave-ins

-I massage into my scalp daily.

-It is light to use daily and is absorbed into the hair; so it will not leave your hair feeling greasy and weighed down.

I have been using coconut oil for almost a year now. I purchase at Whole Foods and I love this stuff. When you open the container it looks almost like a white grease. Once you put some in your hands and rub together your own body heat melts and turn it into an oil. Make sure you apply it in oil form to your hair for better absorbtion. Try different methods on how you want to use coconut oil and let me know what you think :)

-Happy Growing Ladies!

What's in a name?

2010-06-19T11:06:00.000-07:00

I'm sure there are some looking at the title of my blog thinking "What in the world is APL and MBL?" I know it sounds technical and or scientific LOL. This is the same thing I thought when I saw these acronyms for the first time.
To the left is a chart giving the definitions for different lengths measured against the body. I like to stick with this chart instead of the inches since it's easier for me to get a visual of where I want to be and where Iam. Depending on your height and body proportions inches can vary from one to the other. But this chart is consistant with all. My current length is just above armpit length (APL) with my goal being middle back length (MBL). My short term goal is to be about bra strap length (BSL) by December. Take time to check out the chart and see where your length is and where you would like to set your hair length goal. :)

Summer Regimen

2010-06-16T20:05:00.000-07:00

I try to keep my regimens as "no fuss" as possible. During the summer months my hair can get pretty dry. My goal is to cleanse, condition and fortify to protect my hair from the elements.

Cleansing

2x a week- Co-Wash (condition wash) V05 Moisture Milks Strawberries N' Cream

2x as week- Clarify Mix 3 cups of distilled water mixed with 2 Tablespoons of Baking Soda. I normally use my Wen Cleansing Conditioner in Lavender which would delete these extra steps, I'm running low and must stretch what I have left. I use it as a conditioner leave in my hair for 5 min detangle then rinse. Doing this gives me the same results as before without having to use a sulfate shampoo.

Deep Conditioning

1x a week- I use 1 cup of Nexxus Humectress and mix with 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon EVOO(extra virgin olive oil) and 2 tablespoons of pure Aloe Vera Gel. I use this as a pre-poo (pre-shampoo) for 15-20 min. I usually work out at home with a plastic cap on my head to help penetrate. Then rinse and begin to clarify.

Protein

1x a week- I use two raw eggs and apply to sections on my wet hair. Leave in for 10 min then rinse with cool water thoroughly. Then clarify and use my leave-ins.

Texlaxing

1x every 16 weeks- I use Precise Relaxer in regular/mild. I protect my previously texlaxed hair with a petroleum based product. I only apply to my new growth and leave it in for 8 min total for my entire head. I rinse, neutralize, follow-up with Porosity control then deep condition.

I almost always sleep with a satin cap and have satin pillow cases as back-up just in case. There will be no trimming or cutting my hair for the remainder of this year. And length checks will be every 3-6 months or whenever I texlax.

-Happy Growing Ladies!!

Favorite Moisturizer

2010-06-15T11:20:00.000-07:00

I'm completely head over heels for two products!

I put a nickel size amount of castor oil in my palm and mix with a quarter size amount of my Wave Nouveau an apply to my slighty damp hair in between washes. My hair loves this stuff especially during this hot dry weather. It keeps my soft and supple without feel extremely greasy. :)

Hair Haters Vlog PT 1

2010-06-14T20:16:00.000-07:00

Recent Hair Cut/ Starting Point

2010-06-14T19:45:00.000-07:00

This is my official starting point. After attempting a 6 month relaxer stretch I suffered some breakage due to improper detangling methods. Over time I trimmed and trimmed until one night I decided to cut it off. It took my hair from about 2 inches past bra strap to above arm pit length. I feel good about my cut and how my hair will look onceI reach my goal.

The video below is also on my youtube channel:http://www.youtube.com/aquajoyice

Hair Haters Vlog PT 2

2010-06-13T20:03:00.000-07:00

Hello my bloggers ;) I did this video a while back and cut it into 4 parts for your enjoyment. I had an experiance earlier that day and decided to do a video about it, Enjoy!

Introduction

2010-06-13T11:47:00.000-07:00

Hello All! I've finally created a blog to track my journey from above arm pit length to middle back length and possibly beyond :) For those of you not subscribed to my Youtube channel http://www.youtube.com/aquajoyice

here is a quick run down of my hair story.

My hair type is 4a meaning: Tightly coiled/curled hair creating an "S" pattern when stretched. Since getting a relaxer between the ages of 8/9 my hairs length remained between neck and shoulder. I never understood why my hair would begin breaking after hitting shoulder length. I thought my hair practices where okay and shouldn't have hindered my hair growth. But like most African American girls growing up it was instilled in my mind that black hair doesn't grow. So I never realized all of the heat from styling and bad relaxing practices were indeed the culprit. Here's my hair prior to the knowledge.

I struggled with this idea that my hair was destined to be short and a part of me knew better than to believe such things. It wasn't until 2004 when I came across a book by Cathy Howse called Ultra Black Hair Growth II. Her simple ideas about "our" hair made sense so my journey to healthy hair began. I purchased a few of her products and realized it wasn't the products that help your hair grow it was all about technique and care.

From 2004 - 2006 may hair grew to arm pit length. I cut some bangs and had my hair trimmed at the two year mark.

My staple products were Creme of Nature Shampoo (Green label), Smooth N Shine Hair Polisher, Precise Relaxer and Jam pomade to slick down edges. I relaxed every 8 weeks still leaving a slight texture to my own hair. My protective styles included braid outs, buns and various up do's to protect my ends. I washed almost everyday to prove that black hair isn't "allergic" to water lol. My hair thrived in length but I needed a good conditioner and moisturizer which I lacked.

From 2004-2008 my hair was growing and I was happily proving that black hair is like any other hair type. Care = Growth no matter the texture or type of hair you have. I didn't use any growth aides or vitamins and my hair was finally at bra strap length.

In the beginning I kept everything simple all the while buying lots of products to find a good conditioner and moisturizer. I had become a product junkie in an attempt to better care for my hair. This angered me becuase with all of the advances in technology I still couldn't find a good moisturizer. I set out researching to find something that worked Since then I have learned lots and know more now than ever. One thing i've learned is never allow others to convince you that something is impossible for you. Set your own expectations and never give up. Love God and love yourself you will see that anything is possible!

-Be Good to Yourself :-)