Castor Oil Challenge Fall 2012...

I'm joining Kinky Curly Coily Me's oil challenge

The challenge will begin on Sept 1, 2012 and end on Dec 1, 2012.

Check out the link for more information...

will you be joining?

Update [17] 2011 Hair Challenge-What My Hair Likes

I'm super duper excited to report what my hair likes. It's been a struggle for 9mos. with transitioning in the begging of this hair journey, to the big chop, to this hair challenge and being on my P's & Q's. I'm finally being rewarded with quit a few things. One being that my hair is actually working WITH me not AGAINST me!


I want to try to make this short as possible but specific as I can for me to be able to reflect back on later. As far as the different products/items I've noticed my hair loves are the following:


-Water is number 1


Oils:
-grapeseed oil
-Coconut oil
-EVOO


Shampoos:
Herbal Essence- Hello Hydration, the Strengthening one
Shea Moisture 
VO5 Milk Moisture- for detangling 
Creme of Nature Shampoo-Conditioner


Conditioner:
Mixed Silk leave in conditioner
Suave


Moisture/Moisturizer:
-Mixed Silk leave in conditioner


Protein:
Aussie leave in conditioner
APHogee: balancing moisturizer & leave in conditioner


Other:
Deep condtioning with:
ACV: Apple Cider Vinegar rinse (every 2 weeks)


We should really pay attention to what our hair likes the most, and not what's popular or what so-&-so is using. What does YOUR hair like/love?

Update [16] 2011 Hair Challenge-Lets Get This Straight

So it may seem like this is my second time straightening my hair, when in fact this is my  3rd time during this Hair Challenge...

[above are the tools i typically use when straightening my hair]

Why am I straightening my hair so much?

Because I'm trying to loosen my curl pattern. I kid you NOT! My hair is so difficult to detangle...so this process will help, plus I don't wear my hair naturally curly. So, it won't hurt nor harm the hair styles I wear.

Am I worried about heat damaged? 

No. 

But I don't plan on using heat on my hair THAT often. Once I straighten my hair for the week, I don't go back & flat iron it again.

Process:

-Wash/Detangle/Condition my hair

-Oil scalp

-apply a little of the Argan Oil

-Then the TRESemme heat tamer spray

-Blow Dry

Conair PRO Infiniti

-Flat iron

My hair challenge will be over next week :)

I hope this process doesn't hinder my healthy hair :-/

Update [14] 2011 Hair Challenge- Have I Fallen Off?

Okay, if you've been following me & my hair journey here, you maybe wondering where has the updates on my 6 months hair challenge been? Well I've been semi busy with work & projects, and when I do have a little time to update I'm lazy. I'm still going strong though! I'm still on the road to healthier, & which seems to be curlyer (Nope, not a word) hair. 


I was suppose to have BEEN posted a blog post about the different products that my hair loves!!! Haven't even gotten around to posting it. Shame on me right? Yes, I know. I'm really going to try my best to push out as many helpful, updated blog posts about my hair before this challenge ends.


Speaking of....I am currently in my 5th month which means next month I will be done (Nov. 6th). If you're into natural hair, check out my challenge/journey (links will be below). No I haven't posted pictures of my hair here. I was undecided, and as you can probably tell, I won't be really doing that. But I do have a picture or two of how curly/coil my hair is. It's stupid hard to detangle. I really don't see a point in detangling my hair because it just curls back in the position it was in...so defeated -_-


Links: to my hair journey:
Update [1] 2011 Hair Challenge-Brief

Share Your Hair Type: Simplicity

The BC (Big Chop)

Update [2] 2011 Hair Challenge-Concoction: Mint Spritz

10 months Being Natural

Update [3] 2011 Hair Challenge-Going On Two Months

Homemade Deep Conditioner [2]

Update [4] 2011 Hair Challenge- Products I'm Using

Update [5] 2011 Hair Challenge- June Hair Regime

Update [6] 2011 Hair Challenge- Length Check & Time To Get Straight

Homemade Deep Conditioner [3]

Update [7] 2011 Hair Challenge- Getting Back On Track

Update [8] 2011 Hair Challenge- Protective Hair Styles

Update [9] 2011 Hair Challenge-Protein Treatment

Update [10] 2011 Hair Challenge-Frizz Go AWAY!

1 Year Being Natural....Woot Woot!!!

Update [11] 2011 Hair Challenge-August Hair Regime

Update [12] 2011 Hair Challenge-The Benefits Of A Good Deep Cond.

Update [13] 2011 Hair Challenge-A New Way To DC

Homemade Deep Conditioner [4]

Homemade Deep Conditioner [5]

Thanks for the encouraging words, & comments regarding my natural hair posts :)

Beauty Mixers/Meet ups: Hair, Bloggers, Makeup etc

I wanted to ask if anyone knew, or heard about any Southern Cali Mixers or Meets up regarding natural hair, beauty or bloggers in general the next coming months. If so please let me know. Leave a comment below. I'm thinking about having one next year. We'll see how that goes though :)

Ps.

I also have reviews, hauls, & more information about my hair journey coming soon. I've been slacking on those type of posts. Forgive me lol. I'm a working woman now. Thank you Jesus!!!

Update [13] 2011 Hair Challenge-A New Way To DC

Soo0o0 I've doing some research & checking out quit a few well known Youtuber's & the techniques they use on their natural hair. I've also ran across a few ladies that actually have MY hair texture. I could celebrate!!! It's hard finding Youtuber's that have coarse, thick, dry, at time unmanageable hair. I'll talk about that more in another post & leave the links of the ladies I've come across.


Okay, so yes we know Ashley likes to deep conditioner her hair & make her own concoctions. I am now trying out a new way that I came across:


You basically wet your hair, apply a really good moisturizing conditioner to your hair & leave it on for hours. Yes hours. They say its best to leave it on your hair as long as you can. It cant hurt just help. Plus it makes sense for me to leave it in MY hair for hours because I'm not adding the things (mixing) what my hair loves (Different oils, more than 2 conditioners, & other things). The extra TLC on your hair is important...no matter what hair texture you are or race. Anyways...so yes, what I did was:


-Wet hair (With my water bottle of EVOO, small amount of a cond, & bottle water)
-Took my bottle of oils (I mixed a few oils together) & applied it to my scalp *I'll post that in another blog post as well*
-Apply a conditioner of your choice
-Leave it in for as long as you can
-Rinse it out


I'll definitely be adding this into my routine when I don't feel like mixing things together to make a DC or just don't have the products to mix everything with.
Ps. I need to invest in a good deep conditioner. Any of you know of any that aren't too pricey?

Update [12] 2011 Hair Challenge-The Benefits Of A Good Deep Cond.

By now you should know I LOVE to make my own DC. I just thought I share the benefits of the different deep conditioners (I've made) has had on my hair. You can look back at the posts below, to see those recipes/concoctions I came up with. You can make your own as well. Find what works for your hair & whip it up.

1. Homemade Deep Conditioner [1]
2. Homemade Deep Conditioner [2]
3. Homemade Deep Conditioner [3]

Anywho, back to the REAL reason of this post...The benefits I've had are:


1. They make my curls/waves come back to life. They're more intense & deep/firm.
2. Leaves my hair soft
3. Helps moisturizes my hair
4. My hair looks/feels healthy


Do any of you make your own deep conditioners? If not, why not?

Update [11] 2011 Hair Challenge-August Hair Regime

Here I am...month numero tres (Number 3)! This challenge seems slow, but I'm actually seeing quick results! One being hair growth :)
As it's starting to get hotter here in the desert area in Cali (100s), I plan to switch up my regime for this month. 1 reason being is because of the not so pretty frizz/messy ends I was complaining about HERE in this post. And my hair has been REALLY dry lately.


Although I don't use many different products in my hair, it's time to change how often I shampoo.
This months regime will be:
1. Co-wash once or twice a week
2. Shampoo hair every two weeks
3. Mint spritz my hair throughout the day
4. Oil my scalp every two days (As needed)
7. Continue taking my One a day vitamins
8. Doing a DC (Deep conditioning) the days I shampoo (As needed)

1 Year Being Natural....Woot Woot!!!

Yesterday (8/6) marked 1 year being natural!!! It also marked month 3 of being on this hair challenge. As I stated in my 10 months being natural post HERE I had my last relaxer Spring 2010. Doesn't seem that long ago. I wish I knew the EXACT month. Anyways, I'm super happy with the progress I've been making with this challenge.


RANDOM: When I got a weave put in in August, the chick that did it, braided my hair entirely TOO freaking tight! So tight that at the time it left a bump & my hair broke off. Well today, my hair is good as new & as long as my hair. A few months ago it was real short. When I would try to do twists/braids I could never catch it. But now it's back to brand new. That's ONE way I know this hair challenge is working. From transitioning in Dec, to actually going through this hair challenge and chopping my hair off actually makes me happy that I went ahead & did it. As I'm slowly approaching the ending of this challenge (Nov) I'm thinking of doing another hair challenge. By that time, I'm sure my hair will 100% be in its natural state (curly/wavy), and I'll be able to focus on length and retaining it more.


Ps. I do not own the picture in this post. HERE is where I got it from.

Update [10] 2011 Hair Challenge-Frizz Go AWAY!

So0o0o, the ends of my hair is frizzy & bushy. My roots are curly. I'm thinking I need to trim my ends. I haven't done a trim in months. I've dusted my ends (taken off a little hair) every other week. I was going to wait till I was done with this challenge to really trim my ends the proper way, but I wanted to see how much my hair has grown since I've started this challenge. I don't think it'll be accurate once I'm in the last month die to the trimming I've been doing ::shrugs:: oh well!


The reason why I say this is because when I did my "BIG CHOP" in May, I didn't totally cut away all the perm. I did in fact cut like 80%. So that may have something to do with this current issue. I haven't been combing my hair (only when I need to detangle). I've been on top of my regimen game with moisture, deep conditioning, dusting the ends.


I'm going to treat my ends & be more cautious about them. I do try to pay enough attention to my ends as I do to the other parts of my hair. I know we tend to overlook our ends. Or maybe my hair is just like this naturally. I don't know. It's been something that's been bothering me.


Ps. the DC I've been doing has been great on my curls & moisture :) I'll be posting that soon!
Photo from: http://strawberricurls.tumblr.com

Update [9] 2011 Hair Challenge-Protein Treatment

Hey everyone!
So I'm going to keep this short...or try to at least. I'm trying to knock out as many posts as I can today. I haven't blogged since last week, so most of the up & coming posts will be hair related.


The day after I wrote the post Update [7] Hair Challenge- Getting Back on Track I decided to give my hair a protein treatment (TLC). Why? My ends weren't looking right, my hair seemed limp, and needed some strength to it. I did a little research to see if this was the right thing (Appropriate time to do this). 


Protein treatments can help or harm your hair. Some people don't need to do one as often than others. Sometimes you just need to need up your hair moisture game. I knew I had fallen off with being hands on with my hair.
Long story short, I tested a strain of my hair to see how strong (Elastic wise) and it seemed like I should go ahead and do it. I didn't have enough Aphogee products (A protein treatment product) so I did what my mom normally does (& use to do for my hair).

The following items I used were:
1. Proclaim Natural 7 oil
2. 1 medium sized egg *Not shown in picture*
3. Herbal Essence "Hello Hydration"
4. Honey
5. EVOO (Empy bottle, I had to add some into the bottle)
6. 1tsp of Mayo *Not shown in picture*
7. Grape seed oil *Blog Post: Where I purchased it from*


I applied it to my hair, then placed a shower cap on my head. I left the treatment on for an hour & 35mins. I let the warm water run threw my hair before touching my hair & rinsing/working the treatment out. I then turned the water to cool.This has been my first protein treatment this year. Heck, maybe in a year & some months. I find that my hair could use a one of these treatments every so often.


I then later made my own leave-in conditioner.

The following items I used were:
1. Doo Gro leave in cond.
2. Hawaiian Silky 14-n-1 *Review HERE*
3. Proclaim Natural 7 oil
4. Grape seed oil 

Yes, I use a lot of oil(s) on my hair. It helps to keep my hair soft :)
This WHOLE process made my hair come back to life. My curls were more defined :)

Update [8] 2011 Hair Challenge- Protective Hair Styles

Apart of being natural other than not using relaxers, retaining length, & just having healthy hair is the hair styles you're wearing during your journey. Although this is the first time I am mentioning this I have been wearing protective hair styles for awhile now. Even before I was fully natural. My take/definition of a protective hair style is a style where you're no really hands on, and trying to give your hair a rest. The more that hair tools/hands are in your hair the more tension & cause for breakage.


-My favorite protective hair style is wearing a full weave. All that is is getting tracks/extensions put in. I usually get my hair french braided (corn rows) and the hair sewed in. My other favorite protective style is...


-Half wigs. Yes! They are the best things next to wearing a weave to me. I can't do the full wig just because it looks too fake. That's my opinion. Many can pull it off. There's also...


-Two strand twists/braids (with your own hair). I'm not a big fan of these styles by themselves. They make you look like a little kid. I do wear my hair like this underneath my wigs. I usually put a wig cap on where I purchased/mentioned in my SamsBeauty Mini Haul.


-Then there's corn rows/braids where there's hair added to your own hair. I haven't gotten something like this done in like ages. Nothing wrong with them, I myself have grown out of them. And plus those are styles I would get if I'm going on summer vacation somewhere where I'll be swimming.


Is there a protective style you're wearing now?

Update [7] 2011 Hair Challenge- Getting Back On Track

Okay, I've said this before and although I have gotten back on track with taking care of my hair, but I want to really get back into this hair challenge like I was when I started it. Plus, my hair needs the TLC it's been lacking.


How I'm going to do that is...for the rest of this month I must do:
- 2 Deep Cond. a week
-At least one Co-wash per week
-Mint Spritz my hair everyday
-Apply an oil/cream leave in to my protective hair style (braids) everyday

One of the reasons why I'm doing this other than the obvious, is because my journal speaks for itself. There are gaps where I don't do the necessary things to retain the length/moisture in my hair....I do see some progress in my hair. I do still have a little relaxer in my hair (the ends) from the time I did my BC (big chop) in May. I didn't want to rock a tiny fro, so I told myself as I go, I'll trim & dust my ends frequently (which I have) but I do see some great progress :)


Thank you for the well wishes on this journey, I do appreciate it. I'm totally in this alone which is fine. Just hearing from some of you is great. If you're documenting your natural hair journey drop the link below & I'll check you out.

Homemade Deep Conditioner [3]

So, by now...some of you may know I make my own deep conditioners. There's no real reason as to why I do this, I just love coming up with new things & making random recipes for my hair lol. I shampoo, conditioned, deep conditioned & moisturized my hair Monday...to below is the deep cond. recipe I used.


I've done a few past blogs on deep conditioners I've put together:
Homemade Deep Conditioner [1]
Homemade Deep Conditioner [2]
There's not a big difference as to the ingredients I've used in those posts & this one. I post about these for myself (keep track as to what I'm doing/using) although I do keep a journal. And if someone finds this interesting/helpful good :)

The following items I used were:
1. Proclaim Natural 7 oil
2. Motions Conditioner
3. Herbal Essence "Hello Hydration"
4. Honey
5. EVOO

This is what it looks like in my mixing container...

The white product is the Motions Cond.

The blue product is the Herbal Essence H.H.

The yellow products (light, darker) Proclaim oil & EVOO

Deep conditioning your hair after washing your hair is very important. I know it helps softens my hair, & gets it back on track with being moisturized.

Update [6] 2011 Hair Challenge- Length Check & Time To Get Straight

So, back in June (the 18th to be exact) I did a length check, straightened my hair & trimmed it (Important if you want to retain your length). I don't use heat on my hair on a regular basis (or any at all). I think the last time that I actually did was in Jan/Feb (not sure). I'm trying to keep track/document my journey the best that I can. But sometimes I get lazy. Writing down every little thing is boring.


Anyways, I've decided that I'll do a length check every two months (3-2 times during my 6 month hair challenge). I guess this makes month #2 on this challenge. I was more into the whole process in the beginning, now it just seems like a lot of work. Oh how fast my excitement has died.


Below are the tools/items that I used at the time to prepare this length check:

I Co-washed my hair (Washed my hair with conditioner).
Applied my Proclaim Natural 7

Tools- Wide tooth comb (Very important), Denman Brush (from Sally's Beauty store), & a small tooth comb (I didn't use this much).

Applied the Olive Oil heat protection serum by Organic Root Stimulator.

Blow dried it on Low-Cool. Trying to stay away from as much heat as I can.


Then flat ironed my hair [Picture not shown]


My hair lasted a week. It may have lasted longer if I wasn't so anxious to wash out that HORRIBLE heat protector on myhair. I swear I hate that product. I'm really going to look into purchasing a new one.
Also...I'm still undecided if I'm going to post pictures of this particular hair journey...


Anywho..if you're natural & have kinky, curly, wavy hair how do you do your length checks? How often?


Talk to you all soon...

Update [5] 2011 Hair Challenge- June Hair Regimen

My June hair routine was very simple. Months ago when I was transitioning, I spent a lot of time on my hair, now I can admit I've gotten lazy. I haven't been moisturizing my hair like I promised myself and like I use to. 


With my hair & goals, it's a must that I spritz, or use one of my water/oils concoctions to moisturize my hair. One natural hair Youtuber by the name of UTubeHairCare that I'm subscribed to mentioned in her video how important it is that we do this. Especially if you're trying to retain length & healthy hair. So, I thanked her for that friendly reminder in her video.
Regime-
-Co-wash once or twice a week
-Shampoo my hair twice a month instead of once a month
-Mint spritz my hair just about every day.
-Use EVOO or my Proclaim Natural 7 Oils more often
-Braid hair in 8 braids. Use: a mixture of Patene Pro V's conditioner for women of color relax/natural, oils, & water.
-I'm back to taking my One a day vitamins. Something very important that US women need to take.


Anywho, check out UTubeHairCare's video below. Very informative...

Let me know what you think...

Update [4] 2011 Hair Challenge- Products I'm Using

What products are you currently using?
**=Products I use often

Shea Moisture-Organic Raw Shea [Review Coming Soon) Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo [Review Coming Soon]

**ECO Styler Gel-Olive Oil
Cantu-Shea Butter (Leave in conditioner) [Review Coming Soon]

Procalim Natural 7 oils

**EVOO

**My mint spritz..you can check that out HERE

**Aussie-Hair Insurance (Leave in conditioner)

Herbal Essence (Shampoo)

**Hello Hydration ...& conditioners

**VO5 Milk Moisture-passion fruit

...last & most important Water!

Homemade Deep Conditioner [2]

This deep conditioner is very similar to the last one I posted about HERE


I just used:
-Garnier Fructis conditioner
-Honey
-Proclaim Natural 7 Oil

Left to right: Garnier Fructis conditioner, Proclaim's Natural 7 Oils (love this stuff), & Honey

I used an empty container of my Procalim's gel to mix this concoction together

I love this one compared to the other deep conditioners I have made. It's simple, easy & my hair loved it. I allowed the DC to stay on my hair for about an hour. I've noticed when I add a lot of oil in my deep conditioner concoctions my hair is much more soft.


My next posts should consist of:
-My fave gel
-Product review June's Hair routine
-Update on my hair

Update [3] 2011 Hair Challenge-Going On Two Months

Yesterday (6/6/2011)  was the start of my second month of this hair challenge. I won't lie, after the big chop HERE I was discouraged. But my hair is making some great changes. I have been slacking on moisturizing my hair daily like I had promised. I guess I can state my goals here, but I'll post the products I've been using in another post.

So "Ashley what are your hair goals for the hair challenge?"

Hair goals:
-retain length
-shoulder length hair
-healthy
-maintain my curl pattern
-Use heat once a month/every other month (To check length)
-Keep my hair moisturized


I have yet to decide if I'll be posting pictures on what my hair looks like. I don't know. 

Update [2] 2011 Hair Challenge-Concoction: Mint Spritz

Okay. So I said in my last hair challenge update I said & I quote "Update #2 will be geared towards my HAIR goals & the products I'm currently using". Well FAIL!!! I've been busy...okay no. I've been too lazy to really break everything down & post pictures over here. It takes time to upload, & edit photos. But I promise I will share all that with those that care in my next update which I'm hoping for this week. I've made changes in how often I co-wash & wash my hair. So yes, I'll share.


THIS post is about a random concoction I myself made, & it's simple. My mom has mint growing all over our yard like crazy. It grows so quick & nice. But it smells even better! typically people use mint in their teas. Well, I am the QUEEN for making something up. I thought hey, we have all this mint, and although I LOVE tea, I don't always like to add mint in it. So what else can I use it for?


Oh my hair! It's a natural. Why not?  So the pictures below our pictures I took last week of me cooking up this Mint Spritz for my hair. It's simple and easy. & get this, it may do wonders for our natural hair. 

Freshly picked Miny. Rinsed them off with warm water. I only used the leaves.

Put them in a pot of boiling water

This is what it looks like after it's been simmering for 10mins

I covered the pot for 3-5mins

Trying to see if the leaves are simmering in the water well

I strained it, and then put it in a cup

I then later put it in my empty S-Curl activator bottle (Yes I honey I use it to detangle my hair without having to Co-wash my hair. It does wonders. Mop top Maven shared that on her blog).

I use this spritz as my daily moisturizer. It smells bomb.com

So, I did my research (a little), because I know it's good to know some type of facts about the Pros of mint :)

-I read that MINT shampoo helps with growth (I don't know how true that is)

-MINT conditioners are good for our scalp

-You can check out this Citrus & Mint Cooling Hair Conditioner Recipe HERE

I plan to try this recipe out, sometime soon. If you do, LET ME KNOW :)