tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13387891427097390582024-03-04T23:36:06.753-05:00A Desired BeautyHealthy Hair, Body & SoulMelaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07356648261838610905noreply@blogger.comBlogger126125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1338789142709739058.post-27467078723157368522015-08-12T17:52:00.000-04:002015-08-12T17:52:20.373-04:00Wash Day | Braidout Bun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This was a simple wash day. Nothing fancy, which is probably why I didn't plan on posting about it. But I guess boring wash days matter, too, right?? I did love my bun at the end. I'm a sucker for a big, fluffy, high bun tho. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After dividing my hair into my usual 4 sections, here's what I did:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{1}</b> Pre-poo: <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/05/product-review-paul-mitchell-tea-tree.html">PM Tea Tree Moisiturizing</a> conditioner and safflower oil. I put on a plastic cap & scarf and left it on overnight.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{2}</b> Shampooed with <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2013/10/product-review-creme-of-nature-argan.html">CON Argan Oil Moisturizing</a> & ORS Creamy Aloe watered down in an applicator bottle. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{3}</b> Deep conditioned with CON Argan Oil Intense Moisturizing and <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/01/product-review-aubrey-organics-gpb.html">Aubrey Organics GPB</a> on my ends for about 30 minutes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{4}</b> Did an ACV and aloe rinse after rinsing the conditioner out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{5}</b> Detangled my hair section by section while applying my leave-ins: <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/02/product-review-shea-moisture-raw-shea.html">Shea Moisture Restorative Conditioner</a> and grapeseed oil</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I put my hair in 8 braids to air dry. I wanted to rock a big braid out, but then I wasn't really feeling it once I took the braids out. The texture was nice. I guess I just wasn't up for all my hair being out anymore. Who knows? Anyway, I went for my fave big bun. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I used a banana clip to secure my hair at the top. I love using banana clips for two reasons: 1) it has no problem holding alllll my hair securely without being too tight, and 2) it give me more freedom to create a huge bun. I just fluff my hair around the clip, pin down with bobby/hair pins and voila! A big braidout bun!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How was your wash day? Make sure you check out other wash day experiences over at <a href="http://www.savingourstrands.com/2015/08/wash-and-go-curly-pinup-washdayexperience.html">SavingOurStrands</a> and <a href="http://www.justgrowalready.com/">JustGrowAlready!</a></span></div>
Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136932449881592408noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1338789142709739058.post-75889658566108582262015-06-29T17:53:00.000-04:002015-06-29T17:53:32.299-04:00Perm Rod Set on Dry Hair<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have drooling over beautiful perm rod sets for awhile now. I've attempted them a couple times, and either given up or completely failed :) After <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2015/06/steam-rollers-vs-humidity-wash-day.html?showComment=1435610726047#c436920528217477002">losing my steam rolle</a></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2015/06/steam-rollers-vs-humidity-wash-day.html?showComment=1435610726047#c436920528217477002">rset</a>, I decided to go for it again. I figured I'd attempt it on dry hair to help me get the technique down and hopefully get better results this time. I was also hoping that actually setting my hair with mousse would help my curls combat the heat. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was a very simple process. I used the smaller pink rods, Shea Moisture Frizz-Free Curl Mousse, and Creme of Nature Repairing Oil. I only applied the mousse to the length of my hair, not my roots. I twisted my hair around the rod working downward instead of starting at the end of my hair and rolling upward. I let it air dry overnight. That's pretty much it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When I took it down the next day, I unraveled the rods from my hair in the same direction. I was so excited at how well the curls turned out! I didn't even separate them that day because I wanted to see how they behaved in the humidity. Of course, my hair swelled some because that's what it does best, but my curls were still yet holding on :)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcNoqYSOpEj7CacYPBNM6O0rdkibK-EQkMZoI-gZ2LbeoR-AcNB9wiCt6hCUA4XMBU29has9kGwdqRqQLOspq7VVLd8JYORoz1dx74OmAUCSuC4XLIPDbjr0mG5PTTkgJ1hizNpzDvIc_/s1600/permrodresults.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcNoqYSOpEj7CacYPBNM6O0rdkibK-EQkMZoI-gZ2LbeoR-AcNB9wiCt6hCUA4XMBU29has9kGwdqRqQLOspq7VVLd8JYORoz1dx74OmAUCSuC4XLIPDbjr0mG5PTTkgJ1hizNpzDvIc_/s1600/permrodresults.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So I guess this is the trick: if I want my curls to stay in the summer heat, I have to actually set my hair. Even as the rest of the humid, rainy week progressed, my hair stayed curled pretty tightly. It just got bigger lol typical. I think I'm going to practice a few more times with these on dry hair before attempting to do it wet again. But this is hands down the best way to "cheat" a perm rod set! Loved it!</span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136932449881592408noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1338789142709739058.post-1614079434497752352015-06-24T23:49:00.000-04:002015-06-25T00:59:27.314-04:00Steam Rollers vs. Humidity | Wash Day<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've had box braids in since close to the end of April. Pretty much installed them a week after my relaxer update. I almost can't believe I made it close to two months before I removed them! Of course, after taking them out, I was itching to play in my hair. So I decided to go for a roller set with my Caruso Steam Rollers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'll just go ahead and admit I didn't wash my hair the ENTIRE time my box braids were in. Ha! I'm not even ashamed either y'all. #nojudgmentzone Needless to say my hair was quite dirty. So, I knew this wash day was going to be serious. Here's how it went down:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{1}</b> I divided my hair into 4 sections and slathered (yes, slathered) coconut, safflower, peppermint & tea tree oils alllll over it. Finger detangled followed by a wide-tooth comb. Added <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2013/10/product-review-creme-of-nature-argan.html">Paul Mitchell Lavender Mint Moisturizing conditioner</a> and let it marinate under a plastic cap for awhile. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{2}</b> Shampooed my hair with a combo of ORS Creamy Aloe Shampoo and <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2013/10/product-review-creme-of-nature-argan.html">CON Argan Oil Moisturizing shampoo</a>. Lathered three times. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Towel wrapped my hair to soak up excess water.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{3}</b> Deep conditioned with ORS Replenishing Pak and <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/07/product-review-tresemme-naturals.html">TRESemme Naturals</a> conditioners. Sat under my bonnet dryer with a plastic cap for about 30 minutes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Time kinda escaped me at this point and I ended up deep conditioning overnight... and most of the next day (lol!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{4}</b> Rinsed the conditioner with cool water. Followed with an ACV rinse (didn't rinse that out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{5}</b> Towel wrapped hair then t-shirt dried. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{6}</b> Section by section applied leave-ins: Apogee Green Tea & Keratin, <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/02/product-review-shea-moisture-raw-shea.html">Shea Moisture Restorative conditioner</a>, and Creme of Nature Repairing Oil. Detangled. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{7}</b> Blew my hair dry on low heat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{8}</b> Set my hair using the Caruso Steam Rollers. I usually leave the rollers on for at least 45 minutes so my hair can dry. Sometimes, I will run the blow dryer around the rollers a little bit before I'm ready to take them out just to be sure they're dry. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After I took the rollers down, I was very pleased! My hair was so soft and shiny. The curls were pretty & bouncy. Yes! Seemed like a win in my book. And then... I went outside y'all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">*blank stare*</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ok, first of all, I hadn't even thought about how humid it was outside before I decided how I was going to style my hair. 2nd - this happened to me <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/07/wash-day-ponytail-rollerset.html">last year</a>, but I didn't think about that either. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHnqbyFLoWv-KANt5iDYJ026DAAcs-1AMb0TxzNu7EcPhSgEkTf5CEfAxu039EooC4SVfYAIn3xAJBJ1zCwbGoELJtn7NhAfdlFAaJhRb-tz1oHsCtb4_C3S87eEgGTqUlXpg-w5LHTHs/s1600/falling+curls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHnqbyFLoWv-KANt5iDYJ026DAAcs-1AMb0TxzNu7EcPhSgEkTf5CEfAxu039EooC4SVfYAIn3xAJBJ1zCwbGoELJtn7NhAfdlFAaJhRb-tz1oHsCtb4_C3S87eEgGTqUlXpg-w5LHTHs/s1600/falling+curls.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Basically, I left to go to an event and by the time I arrived my hair was so different. But at the very least, it was still curly. By the time I left though -_- it was pretty much completely straight. I wish I was exaggerating, but the pictures don't lie. Obviously, the humidity won this battle. And because it's not the first time, humidity wins the war. Steam rollers don't get to come out and play in the summer anymore y'all!! I'll see them in the fall. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How was your wash day this week?</span></div>
Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136932449881592408noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1338789142709739058.post-36748652553273855162015-04-15T02:38:00.002-04:002015-04-15T23:46:54.581-04:00Relaxer Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I finally relaxed my hair at about 18 weeks post! In my mind, I felt like relaxing my hair would renew my desire to spend time styling it... wrong. I knew I was tired of battling my new growth, but I could actually just be tired of doing my own hair. Haha! I'm so serious ladies! Does anyone else ever feel like this?! No? ...just me? Okay...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On to the details of relaxing, or texlaxing, whatever floats your boat. I used my fav Creme of Nature Straight From Eden Relaxer. If you've been following me long enough to know how I go about texlaxing my hair, you'll be shocked to hear I didn't add any oil to the relaxer this time. Why you ask? Because I completely forgot. I mean it didn't even cross my mind until I was starting to rinse it out. At which point I may or may not have freaked out a bit and contemplated shedding real tears at the thought of having bone straight hair again #Iwasntready</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #1a1a1a; line-height: 22px;">Prep - </b><br style="color: #1a1a1a; line-height: 22px;" /><span style="color: #1a1a1a; line-height: 22px;"><b>{1}</b> I thoroughly detangled my hair using my fingers followed by a wide tooth comb. Divided into four sections.</span><br style="color: #1a1a1a; line-height: 22px;" /><span style="color: #1a1a1a; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; line-height: 22px;"><b>{2}</b> Layered the length of my hair with my "triple threat" - safflower seed oil, <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/01/product-review-aubrey-organics-gpb.html" target="_blank">Aubrey Organics GPB conditioner</a>, and vaseline - to protect my previously relaxed hair.</span><br style="color: #1a1a1a; line-height: 22px;" /><span style="color: #1a1a1a; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; line-height: 22px;"><b>{3}</b> Parted my hair to base my scalp with vaseline. After applying vaseline to my scalp, I twisted the length of each section. </span><br style="color: #1a1a1a; line-height: 22px;" /><span style="color: #1a1a1a; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; line-height: 22px;"><b>{4} </b></span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; line-height: 22px;">Mixed the relaxer... this is the point when I usually add the oil to help slow down the relaxer process, but I forgot -_-</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9FxADnhJ8WCmE5dEtiYA3Mh_z7mE_BSgwU8DF9MwU6xg0GPbVY-lSjeY-DrAuTycdNgR95flRtl5FrQl9bS_AcwB__Y1nO4Gw-sk2wZYIpKzNoTNXPN0U7WL_ygRxYbLxKAmad57ci0O3/s1600/18+weeks+post+relaxer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9FxADnhJ8WCmE5dEtiYA3Mh_z7mE_BSgwU8DF9MwU6xg0GPbVY-lSjeY-DrAuTycdNgR95flRtl5FrQl9bS_AcwB__Y1nO4Gw-sk2wZYIpKzNoTNXPN0U7WL_ygRxYbLxKAmad57ci0O3/s1600/18+weeks+post+relaxer.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #1a1a1a; line-height: 22px;">Relaxer Process - </b><br style="color: #1a1a1a; line-height: 22px;" /><span style="color: #1a1a1a; line-height: 22px;"><b>{5}</b> I always start applying the relaxer at the crown of my head since it is my most coarse area and work my way down each section, saving my nape and edges for last. I love this twisting method because I can move through my whole head in about 5-6 minutes. I use the rest of the time to make sure I didn't miss any areas. I do not smooth the relaxer in my hair. Total time: 13 minutes.</span><br style="color: #1a1a1a; line-height: 22px;" /><span style="color: #1a1a1a; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; line-height: 22px;"><b>{6}</b> Rinsed the relaxer out and soaked up the excess water with a towel. As you can see my hair was still very textured after I rinsed!</span><br style="color: #1a1a1a; line-height: 22px;" /><span style="color: #1a1a1a; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><b style="color: #1a1a1a; line-height: 22px;">{7}</b><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"> Mid-step protein treatment with Umberto Beverly Hills Repair Treatment Masque and <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/01/product-review-loreal-total-repair-5.html" target="_blank">L'Oreal Damage Erasing Balm</a>. I put on a plastic cap and sat under the dryer for about 15 mins. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; line-height: 22px;"><b>{8}</b> Neutralized with the Straight From Eden Hydrating shampoo. I lathered three times, allowing the third to sit for a few minutes just to be sure.</span><br style="color: #1a1a1a; line-height: 22px;" /><span style="color: #1a1a1a; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; line-height: 22px;"><b>{9}</b> Deep conditioned with CON Straight From Eden conditioning treatment and <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/07/product-review-tresemme-naturals.html" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.5s ease 0s; color: #ff8c94; outline: none; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.5s ease 0s;" target="_blank">TRESemmé Naturals</a>. Rinsed and did and ACV & aloe rinse. </span><br style="color: #1a1a1a; line-height: 22px;" /><span style="color: #1a1a1a; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><b style="color: #1a1a1a; line-height: 22px;">Styling - </b><br style="color: #1a1a1a; line-height: 22px;" /><span style="color: #1a1a1a; line-height: 22px;"><b>{10}</b> Applied my leave-ins - Elasta QP H2, <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/02/product-review-shea-moisture-raw-shea.html" target="_blank">Shea Moisture Restorative conditioner</a>, Straight From Eden Repairing Oil - and detangled my hair.</span><br style="color: #1a1a1a; line-height: 22px;" /><span style="color: #1a1a1a; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; line-height: 22px;"><b>{11}</b> Blew my hair dry on low heat.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{12}</b> Went for my Caruso steam rollers. They always make my hair look like I put a lot more effort into than I actually did :)</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">I was pleasantly surprised that my hair didn't over-process, retaining just as much texture as I wanted, despite the fact that I forgot to add any oil. That, of course, makes me wonder how much of a difference adding oil really makes when under-processing my hair. Perhaps my triple threat of protection is enough for keeping the length of my hair from over-processing along with my new growth. But it also makes me love this Creme of Nature relaxer even more. I definitely don't have to worry about it being too strong for my hair. The back of my hair is pretty much fully texlaxed now. The shrinkage is ridiculous. Cheers to a successful relaxer day!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">I'm happy to be back to linking up for the #WashDayExperience with <a href="http://www.savingourstrands.com/2015/04/mini-chop-its-my-birthday-washdayexperience.html" target="_blank">SavingOurStrands</a> and <a href="http://www.justgrowalready.com/" target="_blank">Just Grow Already!</a> Be sure to go check out other wash day experiences!</span></span></div>
<br />Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136932449881592408noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1338789142709739058.post-16531595133286830222015-04-11T02:14:00.000-04:002015-04-11T02:14:36.936-04:00Hair Update <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLEHwySznrZWJxP1bUWongAJAvPGtDLGP7zw93Ce4AL3aOWXBvZHXadu-lKLILLWGeY1HG9LG_k57BUQtUgmiYMX-iYgQ1aCb4GBDp3ECpNYLIgSWA269Fb7RbLmpfngWXUg8lpKud3-AV/s1600/curly+crochet+braids.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLEHwySznrZWJxP1bUWongAJAvPGtDLGP7zw93Ce4AL3aOWXBvZHXadu-lKLILLWGeY1HG9LG_k57BUQtUgmiYMX-iYgQ1aCb4GBDp3ECpNYLIgSWA269Fb7RbLmpfngWXUg8lpKud3-AV/s1600/curly+crochet+braids.JPG" height="340" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I cannot believe its April already! 2015 is flying by so quick. I realized I haven't done a full hair update at all yet. Eeek! Well you'll be happy to know that you haven't missed too much. My hair and I are not the best of friends right now. She's getting on my nerves a bit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am in a hair rut, ladies! I seriously don't know what's going on with it. I'm quickly approaching 18 weeks post aaaand I don't know what to do with myself. I want to relax my hair, but I haven't felt like it nor have I had the time to do it. My scalp has been oddly sore, too. Sometimes that happens when I start getting a lot of new growth, but it's never been this extreme. It's much better now, but that is something that has kept me from relaxing as well. I already bought my relaxer so it's just a matter of time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I started out the year with some crochet braids (pictured above). They were awesome and lasted much longer than most of my crochet sets. I think because I was so in love with the style and too busy to take it down to do something else. <em>Dont worry I'll be posting about them soon! </em> It wasn't until I took them out that I realized how much new growth I have. Needless to say, I haven't been doing ANYTHING with my hair. I even bought a wig! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I had my hair trimmed in January. I knew I had at least a couple inches of thin ends that needed to go and I did not want to do it myself. I went to Great Clips. It was quick, painless and she did a great job. I actually recorded the whole thing, too. I'm really quite over these bone straight ends! I thought they were going to be all gone after this trim because I gave her free reign. Surprising, I know. She was more conservative than I expected, which showed me I can trust her and she will be trimming my hair again. She complemented the health and thickness of my hair and said there wasn't much that really needed to be cut off. She also said I had little to no split ends! #winning She really just focused on getting rid of the thinner ends.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I want to keep up protective styling at least until the summer time. I think it's easiest for my life right now and it will help me finally get passed bra-strap length without having to cut it off again. So that's one of my main hair goals along with being fully texlaxed. Box braids are next up. I've thought about going to get them done somewhere, but the fact that my traumatic braiding experience still makes me shudder means that's probably not going to happen. I just have to find the time to do them myself I guess. We shall see!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hope you all have been well!</span></div>
<br />Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136932449881592408noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1338789142709739058.post-30391631786932753642015-02-16T19:09:00.000-05:002015-02-16T19:09:20.536-05:00My Sister BFFs | 52 Weeks of Gratitude<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Two of my sisters are two of my <b>BEST</b> friends!! They are there for me through the good, the bad, and the ugly. They're hands down two of my biggest supporters - I promise they tell more people about my blog than I do lol - but in any & every aspect of my life, they are constantly offering that kind of support. Words can't express how much they mean to me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Growing up, I never would have guessed that we would have such close relationships. We fought like honey badgers! </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But I guess that is pretty typical in a house full of girls. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm sure our age differences played a role in it, too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It didn't take us very long to go from roommates (yes, voluntarily, as adults) to living hundreds of miles away from each other, but I think my relationships with them are stronger than ever. I cherish the times we do get to spend together, and I know they do, too. Their names are Karla and Mariya, and they are six years older and two years younger than me, respectively. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Karla is a lawyer and Mariya is a chef. Understandably, Karla is my voice of reason, while Mariya is my partner in crime. Mariya would be sitting beside me in jail, while Karla would be bailing us out. Ha! Of course, I say that jokingly, but it is a good illustration of our relationships. We're there for each other. I have their backs and they have mine. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>"There is no problem that sisters cannot confront, combat, plot against, ignore, make fun of, drown in chocolate, or run over with the car." - </i>unknown</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That quote is so true and funny at the same time. My sisters and I are ride or die for each other just like that. I can call them for a good laugh or a good cry. If I need some good advice or if I just need to vent, I know they will be there for me. It's funny, too, because in that closeness, we can get under each other's skin better than anyone else. But it really doesn't matter how mad we make each other because there's nothing we can do about the fact that we're sisters. We'll inevitably get over it and keep moving like it didn't happen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">All sisters don't experience the luxury of the tight-knit relationships that we share with one another. We may not talk daily, but when we do talk, it's as if the distance between us doesn't exist. While my sisters can't physically be here </span><a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/12/my-dad-als-52-weeks-of-gratitude.html" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">to help with my dad</a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">, they are here in every other way they can be. I truly appreciate them for that. Sometimes, when difficult situations arise in a family, it can lead to division. But this has done nothing, if not bring us closer to each other. I'm extremely grateful for that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Do you have sisters or relationships like this that make you grateful?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136932449881592408noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1338789142709739058.post-49706545802100526612015-01-04T23:59:00.000-05:002015-01-20T16:50:04.796-05:00Best of 20142014 was definitely a good year for my hair. I hit my length goal (twice), gained so much thickness, and found some products & tools that my hair loves. These are things I want to make sure I keep up in 2015. As I was looking over last year's posts and pics, I came up with the top four things I loved about my hair care and the top 10 posts you loved in 2014.<br />
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<b>Protective Styling:</b> I made a serious commitment to long-term protective styling last year. I never thought I would like protective styling on a long-term basis, and by long-term, I mean 4-6 weeks. But, I was wrong. Not only did I start to truly enjoy it, but it was very beneficial to my hair. I tried crochet braids for the first time and they worked so well with my hair, I ended up installing them three times! I did <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/04/my-crochet-braids-using-braiding-hair.html" target="_blank">crochet braids with braiding hair</a>, <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/05/crochet-braids-2-box-braids.html" target="_blank">crochet braids with box braids</a>, and <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/08/my-senagalese-twistscrochet-braids.html" target="_blank">crochet braids with senagalese twists</a>. I also installed another set of <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/10/my-box-braid-installation-2.html" target="_blank">box braids</a> and even tried out <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/11/turning-my-box-braids-into-faux-locs.html" target="_blank">faux locs for the first time</a>. It spoiled me, ladies. After all that, I did not want to keep up with my hair daily. It makes life so much easier! I understand why some ladies live in protective styles now.<br />
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<b>Flexi-rods:</b> I tried flexi-rods for the first time (on wet hair) last year. The first time I tried to flexi-rod my hair, it did not turn out like I wanted. But the first time I had <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/02/co-wash-day-flexi-rod-set.html" target="_blank">a successful rod set</a>, I was hooked. At this point, I can achieve pretty consistent results. I am proud of that, too, because I never thought I would be good at any kind of roller set. The only thing that I do not like is sleeping in them. Yea... that's horrible.<br />
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<b>Henna:</b> This one is an oldie, but a goodie nonetheless. I just can't speak highly enough about my hair's relationship with henna. It's all love. Henna can be messy and I don't like the smell, but it's worth alllll of that and more for the results. New growth getting unruly, but not ready to relax? Henna. Detangling sessions getting out of hand? Henna. Want to strengthen my hair, but don't want to use hard protein? Yep, henna. It smooths my hair, loosens my new growth, and gives it great shine. Certified that it's something I can't go without in 2014.<br />
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<b>Caruso Steam Rollers:</b> Gaaah!! These things are Ah-Mazing. Like I'm not sure why I didn't make an effort to try them sooner. They can be my best friend, especially when I'm feeling lazy. Because they're so easy to use, too. If I've done nothing to my hair, I can throw them in an hour before I have to leave and achieve curl perfection. Without direct heat. Annnnd they always make my hair feel SO soft because of the steam. I got one of my sisters hooked, too :)<br />
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When I was figuring out which posts you all liked the most, I couldn't help but notice that about half of my most popular posts were about about protective styling. I'm so glad you ladies enjoy these posts since those styles have become such a significant part of my regimen. I can guarantee there will be more of those types of posts this year, as I am already planning my next protective style.<br />
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Here are my top 10 most popular posts of 2014:<br />
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<b>{10}</b> <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/04/wash-day-henna-flat-iron.html" target="_blank">Wash Day | Henna & Flat Iron</a><br />
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<b>{9}</b> <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/01/box-braidout-how-i-took-my-box-braids.html" target="_blank">How I Took My Box Braids Out</a><br />
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<b>{8}</b> <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/11/wash-day-21-weeks-post.html" target="_blank">Wash Day | 21 Weeks Post</a><br />
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<b>{7}</b> <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/07/length-nape-check-2-year-hair-update.html" target="_blank">Length & Nape Check - 2 Year Update</a><br />
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<b>{6}</b> <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/05/twisted-back-updo-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Twisted Back Updo | Tutorial</a><br />
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<b>{5}</b> <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/05/crochet-braids-2-box-braids.html" target="_blank">Crochet Braids #2 - Box Braids</a><br />
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<b>{4}</b> <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/01/wash-day-20-weeks-post.html" target="_blank">Wash Day | 20 Weeks Post</a><br />
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<b>{3}</b> <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/04/how-i-wash-my-crochet-braids.html" target="_blank">How I Wash My Crochet Braids</a><br />
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<b>{2}</b> <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/01/best-products-for-protective-styling.html" target="_blank">Best Products for Protective Styling</a><br />
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<b>{1}</b> <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/04/my-crochet-braids-using-braiding-hair.html" target="_blank">My Crochet Braids</a>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136932449881592408noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1338789142709739058.post-65018120898077398102015-01-01T23:13:00.000-05:002015-01-02T00:54:23.994-05:00Holiday Celebrations | 52 Weeks of Gratitude<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy New Year!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I <b>LOVE</b> the holidays!! Christmas is my favorite. With all the hustle, bustle & sheer enjoyment of them, I have <i>completely</i> slacked on my gratitude posts along with blogging overall. I have to take the time to thank all of you lovely ladies for your kind words and the stories you shared with my on my last gratitude post about my father. I <u>truly</u> appreciated it all!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This week, I found myself reflecting on how grateful I am for the way that the holidays bring all of my loved ones together for a significant period of time. I repeat, I LOVE it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Christmas was always my favorite time of the year growing up. My family always had big parties. I loved putting up decorations. I usually played some kind of dramatic role in the Christmas play at church every year. I'd make a plethora of cookies with my mom. There was so much yummy food every where. And, of course, there was the presents. Lol what kid wasn't excited about the presents y'all? </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">New Year's celebrating is more relaxed: watch night service at church, followed by a chill day of food and family. No better way to end one year and begin another than with Jesus. It's hands down my favorite time of the year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's like the holidays give all of us a chance to put the everyday demands of life on pause and just enjoy time spent with loved ones. I am certain I've taken this for granted in the past. Growing up, I didn't recognize that this is not necessarily the norm for everyone just because it was the norm for me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This year, it seemed my entire family was on the same page: grateful for each other and the opportunity to spend this time together. Creating memories with my family is something I greatly cherish, especially the little ones. I know it is a blessing and a privilege to be able to do so. Therefore, I am very thankful to God for each of these opportunities. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I hope that everyone has been enjoying their time with loved ones, as well!</span></div>
Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136932449881592408noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1338789142709739058.post-4311427344187422102014-12-10T02:48:00.000-05:002014-12-10T02:48:29.720-05:00My Dad & ALS | 52 Weeks of Gratitude<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYX80E4lV2qlRTvXbOuca3BiUXTwhYAohlHSMTWXWSajWanou2THzKim-gCV_-qTtO9WEjMz_4xYD0zdpQp6ZGbXNBT9jbg25QCJs2dD_4gKKFYYtDkV-IbKmfELE749MCGpjRlwAFgK9m/s1600/IMG_6046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYX80E4lV2qlRTvXbOuca3BiUXTwhYAohlHSMTWXWSajWanou2THzKim-gCV_-qTtO9WEjMz_4xYD0zdpQp6ZGbXNBT9jbg25QCJs2dD_4gKKFYYtDkV-IbKmfELE749MCGpjRlwAFgK9m/s1600/IMG_6046.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My dad has ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). He was diagnosed almost 2 years ago. If you don't know what ALS is, it's a terminal neurodegenerative disease that affects <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement. It eventually leaves a person paralyzed and unable to breathe on their own. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It probably seems weird for me to say I'm thankful for such a terrible disease, but it's not the disease itself for which I'm thankful. It's the lessons that it has taught me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was a daddy's girl up until I hit my teenage years. We butt heads A LOT </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">during those years </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">(<i>everyone says because we're so much alike</i>) and our relationship left much to be desired. Then I moved away for college leaving things as they were. As his health started declining, we lost several close family members, which taught me how much I should truly cherish my loved ones. I moved back home to be closer to my family and help out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That was before my dad was diagnosed, when we had no idea how serious his condition was. Now, I'm one of his primary caretakers, along with my mother. The opportunity to take care of my father full-time could be seen as a burden, but I choose to look at it as a blessing. The time I get to spend with my dad is something that can never be replaced, and it has brought us much closer than we were before I moved home. I know that regardless of the sacrifices I have to make to take care of him, I will never regret my decision to do so. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am not sure that I could list all the things I've learned (and am still learning) through this process, but these are a few that stand out the most at the moment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>We take small things for granted, and we shouldn't.</b> I'm talking about things as simple as brushing your own teeth. Things we don't even think about because they're just so normal they don't seem very relevant. It's easy to thank God for new jobs, new cars, and material things. However, when you watch someone lose their ability to be independent day-by-day, it really stresses how important these seemingly small things are. Before this, I never considered that there are people who wake up realizing they can no longer feed or dress themselves. I'm sure my dad would give almost anything to be able to do those things for himself again. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Life itself is a miracle.</b> I'm sure we've all heard "tomorrow is not promised" time and time again, but how many of us can really say that we live every day like we might not wake up tomorrow? I am certain most people don't, including myself. At least, I didn't before this experience. It wasn't until death visited my family multiple times that I truly started to recognize how fragile life is and how quickly it can be taken away. Elements of my father's life slip away on a regular basis. It not only makes me grateful for each day he's still living and able to laugh & talk with me, but it also makes me grateful for each day I am given to wake up - especially with my health and abilities. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Love is not always pretty or easy, but it is always a choice.</b> The world likes to portray love as this perfect, sweet feeling that just yields constant happiness. If something doesn't always make you happy or feel good, it's not really worth it, right? Wrong. Now, I can't say that I ever believed that lie, but I know I did not realize how hard truly loving someone can be either. Love is much more than a feeling, it's actions. It's charity. This is easily one of the most challenging situations I've ever faced. I believe it's worth it though. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My best example of love's ability to look like an ugly, painful choice would be Jesus choosing to die on the cross for his love for the world. I cannot truly claim to be Christian if I'm not willing to try to love like God loves me. I love people so much differently now. I'm less likely to get hung up on petty issues. I would rather cherish who I have, while I have them. And I would encourage you to do the same. Don't let tragic circumstances teach you that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thanks for reading & following along as I try to become a more grateful person. I hope each post isn't this hard to write, but I am certain that my readers will get to know me a lot better by the time this is over. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Is there anything you're grateful for that may seem unusual? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136932449881592408noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1338789142709739058.post-20496981432690889112014-12-06T02:00:00.000-05:002014-12-06T09:29:06.973-05:00Relaxer Update, Quick Length Check & Steam Rollers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I relaxed my hair at a little past 22 weeks post. I didn't plan to stretch that long this time and I don't plan to do it again, but who knows. I spent the majority of this stretch in protective styles so I didn't really struggle with battling my new growth. I think it was a pretty successful stretch. Protective styling has been treating me well. My goal was to finish the year with another style, but I think I may continue with it throughout the winter. Not sure yet, just thinking it may help keep me from having to figure to keep my hair moisturized all the time. My hair hates winter. I am certain I will need to trim soon, but I'm still playing keep away with my scissors so that will have to wait. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Anyways, my relaxer day went as smooth as I could have asked for. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Creme of Nature's Straight From Eden relaxer is definitely my staple now. I was able to repeat my desired results without any problems so that sealed the deal for me. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Here's the details:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Prep - </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{1}</b> I thoroughly detangled my hair using my fingers followed by a wide tooth comb. Divided into four sections.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{2}</b> Layered the length of my hair with my "triple threat" - grapeseed oil, <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/05/product-review-paul-mitchell-tea-tree.html" target="_blank">PM Tea Tree conditioner</a>, and vaseline - to protect my previously relaxed hair.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{3}</b> Parted my hair to base my scalp with vaseline. After applying vaseline to my scalp, I twisted the length of each section.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{4}</b> When I mixed the relaxer, I added about 2 tablespoons of grapeseed oil to the mixture to make sure my hair would not process faster than I wanted.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8MdcicqJEeOi05rCAxKTFOH0zJjoRz3MPCtDQlKWzdIi7K4ripO0ioNyhpScAbMjXqvbS3V7QVpVI6vKDcZVPj6r90y3RVNRr7QKpvYJ1UCWgaHmdqpgpWZ6eTe7uDfczMtiRhWIaz7c/s1600/22+weeks+post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8MdcicqJEeOi05rCAxKTFOH0zJjoRz3MPCtDQlKWzdIi7K4ripO0ioNyhpScAbMjXqvbS3V7QVpVI6vKDcZVPj6r90y3RVNRr7QKpvYJ1UCWgaHmdqpgpWZ6eTe7uDfczMtiRhWIaz7c/s1600/22+weeks+post.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Relaxer Process - </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{5}</b> I always start applying the relaxer at the crown of my head since it is my most coarse area and work my way down each section, saving my nape and edges for last. I love this twisting method because I can move through my whole head in about 5-6 minutes. I use the rest of the time to make sure I didn't miss any areas. I do not smooth the relaxer in my hair. Total time: 14 minutes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{6}</b> Rinsed the relaxer out and soaked up the excess water with a towel.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{7}</b> Mid-step protein treatment with Aphogee 2-step. I actually hate this stuff, but in an effort to pare down my ridiculous product stash, I decided to use it. It definitely does its job as far as the protein treating is concerned, which is what matters. Everything else about it sucks though.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{8}</b> Neutralized with the Straight From Eden Hydrating shampoo. I lathered three times, allowing the third to sit for a few minutes just to be sure.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{9}</b> Deep conditioned with Silk Dreams Soothing conditioner and <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/07/product-review-tresemme-naturals.html" target="_blank">TRESemmé Naturals</a>. Rinsed and did and ACV & aloe rinse. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Styling - </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{10}</b> Applied my leave-ins - Elasta QP H2 & Straight From Eden Repairing Oil - and detangled my hair.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{11}</b> Blew my hair dry on low heat and lightly flat ironed (1 heat pass).</span><br />
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<a href="https://instagram.com/p/v_ZY-LkCnh/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_top">Blew my hair out & lightly flat ironed it after my relaxer. Did a quick #lengthcheck (playing with my slo-mo 😂) I think I'm ready to claim #brastraplength!! #healthyhair #texlaxed #adesiredbeauty</a></div>
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A video posted by Melanie (@adesiredbeauty) on <time datetime="2014-11-29T16:36:34+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Nov 11, 2014 at 8:36am PST</time></div>
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<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">At this point, I started trying to take pictures for a length check, but ended up playing with the slo-mo video feature :) I posted that on my Instagram last week.</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{12}</b> Decided to use my Caruso Steam Rollers, hoping for <strike>better</strike> sleeker results than <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/09/co-wash-day-battling-dry-hair.html" target="_blank">the first time</a>. I used mainly the jumbo rollers and a few medium sized ones.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I totally fell in love with my steam rollers this time!! My hair was so soft and bouncy and I LOVED the curls. They gave me soft, loose curls. The curls fell into nice waves by the end of the day, too. Overall, this relaxer day went very well! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHdl-jkZYJvZy8_0Tdm-OpQUUeAJkCCEb8mY641Or6k9rsyn4Jd_9IPWp3pKgNLqopo4o8PHLOM-3rbANyzSUGuQFO8EwDZW2wQ2xttbIHc8zOeDKukpB9DGZ2KPaefPJFdon8Yl5Aiqoy/s1600/steam+rollers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHdl-jkZYJvZy8_0Tdm-OpQUUeAJkCCEb8mY641Or6k9rsyn4Jd_9IPWp3pKgNLqopo4o8PHLOM-3rbANyzSUGuQFO8EwDZW2wQ2xttbIHc8zOeDKukpB9DGZ2KPaefPJFdon8Yl5Aiqoy/s1600/steam+rollers.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136932449881592408noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1338789142709739058.post-73253682792262408662014-11-28T23:16:00.000-05:002015-01-24T10:41:10.479-05:0052 Weeks of Gratitude<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJlEau1vCpzg-fruOvClsFlFKTkxLUaoFNX6M6AyGsj1Fw5fWYkjNJsr00bPiOfZmZo5t4Fhpl9L6mCyA4oizy_AVqwBdZTDLNPJ8maGS-xsomPU_PKjHGXE7e0kyyrn0SdMP6EKrSBTDp/s1600/monday-quotes-gratitude-quotes21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJlEau1vCpzg-fruOvClsFlFKTkxLUaoFNX6M6AyGsj1Fw5fWYkjNJsr00bPiOfZmZo5t4Fhpl9L6mCyA4oizy_AVqwBdZTDLNPJ8maGS-xsomPU_PKjHGXE7e0kyyrn0SdMP6EKrSBTDp/s1600/monday-quotes-gratitude-quotes21.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A whole year of intentional gratefulness. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am challenging myself to this. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have seen this kind of challenge in many forms. From a few days or a week, to the whole month of November, the Thanksgiving season always brings it out of people. Which is great because we should all take the time to reflect on what we are grateful for in our lives. Recently, I have decided I need to make this more of a habit. Sometimes, in life, it's harder to find things to be grateful for than others. Especially when things aren't going as planned or as we think they should. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Currently, I am trying to learn how to "be content in whatsoever state I am" (Philippians 4:11) and that's definitely not the easiest thing to master. For me, at least. I know that being grateful is one of the best ways to achieve this. The thought of doing this challenge for a year makes me hopeful for change. I think that this intentional gratefulness has the power to completely change my perspective on life and that's what excites me about it. I found this quote and thought it just reinforced the idea behind why I want to do this challenge.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity... It makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow."</i> - Melody Beattie </span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I love the concept of that quote and I really believe in it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This week, I reflected on how extremely grateful I am for my family. My parents, sisters, brothers, cousins, aunts... all of them! I have a large family, which I recognize is a blessing in itself. But I don't just have a large family; I have one that is very close, sticks together and truly supports one another. In this day and age, that's rare. My family has changed a lot over the past few years - loss, sickness, relocations - so things definitely don't look like what they did before. Although that's hard, I'm still very thankful for the bonds we share. I recognize that many people don't have the loving support system that I do, which makes me more grateful for it. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTV3unEoFXCHRDkLO7i8Oi8GBxydW0GFIWmVJtykvv5JERIN_a9SBvR15g75W8c_sd201DgBWSW44YGcBOFPgLmsMFEFB6iU9rpditAA1pfJE60QCrwyMkoNNthen8iQgwTPJV3q20y8g_/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTV3unEoFXCHRDkLO7i8Oi8GBxydW0GFIWmVJtykvv5JERIN_a9SBvR15g75W8c_sd201DgBWSW44YGcBOFPgLmsMFEFB6iU9rpditAA1pfJE60QCrwyMkoNNthen8iQgwTPJV3q20y8g_/s1600/photo.JPG" height="291" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I realized in writing this that I've never shared a pic of my fam here before! </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This is a pic of me with my sisters and my parents.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With Thanksgiving having come and gone, I thought this was the perfect time for me to start this challenge. So, every week from now until next Thanksgiving I will be sharing something for which I am grateful. I did actually find some prompts for this challenge, but I d</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">on't think I'm going to stick too closely to them. I will probably use them when I'm needing some inspiration. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday with their loved ones! What were you grateful for this year? </span></div>
Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136932449881592408noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1338789142709739058.post-80201992754301838602014-11-21T18:00:00.000-05:002014-11-22T11:04:08.821-05:00Wash Day | 21 Weeks Post<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDrOHW-znP6nqXrBl3dXH4C-72ZMiGpMO3xLn7KcNuhfxO2M1xztbzZJxNTf70zhpdoD6U6MaupWZk-xzQkXrf3W2YfDh-2TIuijalQ3ocjgoYbfCPfcRCYOoX2ZgNtT_hulbZaGTnheG/s1600/IMG_0082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDrOHW-znP6nqXrBl3dXH4C-72ZMiGpMO3xLn7KcNuhfxO2M1xztbzZJxNTf70zhpdoD6U6MaupWZk-xzQkXrf3W2YfDh-2TIuijalQ3ocjgoYbfCPfcRCYOoX2ZgNtT_hulbZaGTnheG/s1600/IMG_0082.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Day 9 Flexi-rod set</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's my second time stretching to almost 6 months post relaxer, both times being unintentional. When I'm doing long-term protective styles, I don't like to relax my hair in the midst because it's best to give your hair a break both before and after relaxer. I usually don't feel like breaking from styling, so I continue to stretch. At this point, I miss my hair! My new growth is serious and I've been itching to play with some of my new rollers. I already picked up my relaxer kit :) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After I took my <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/11/turning-my-box-braids-into-faux-locs.html" target="_blank">faux locs</a> and <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/10/my-box-braid-installation-2.html" target="_blank">box braids</a> down, my hair was definitely in need of some pampering. I knew that my next wash day was going to be relaxer day so I wanted to do some protein treating as well. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Here's how my wash day went down:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{1}</b> Divided my hair into 4 sections and saturated it with oil. Covered with a plastic cap and scarf until the next morning. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{2}</b> Divided each section in half then began detangling: 1st with my fingers with a wide tooth comb. applied <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/05/product-review-paul-mitchell-tea-tree.html" target="_blank">PM Tea Tree Moisturizing conditioner</a> and braided each section. Put <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/01/product-review-aubrey-organics-gpb.html" target="_blank">Aubrey Organics GPB</a> on ends (protein layering). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{3}</b> Shampooed with a mix of ORS Creamy Aloe and <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2013/10/product-review-creme-of-nature-argan.html" target="_blank">CON Moisturizing Argan Oil</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{4}</b> Towel wrapped to soak up excess water.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{5}</b> Deep conditioned with Umberto Beverly Hills Repair Treatment Masque and <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/07/product-review-tresemme-naturals.html" target="_blank">TRESemme naturals</a> with a plastic cap for about an hour. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{6}</b> Apple cider vinegar and aloe vera juice rinse. I did not rinse this out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{7}</b> Towel wrapped to soak up excess water.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoxeqTcr8oiaZ_ZMXdC_NAC6OaXS3qvu-0E-Oowqfl_chBzMeGr1Uu87Aa4wK9Iea3LV4xL52xLCtoVVLjZej_EUuX_4bid_4NVoMzWj1wN3k_piPi5NyQtCh77bgpVn23F0of-w4Z7D6n/s1600/Desktop-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoxeqTcr8oiaZ_ZMXdC_NAC6OaXS3qvu-0E-Oowqfl_chBzMeGr1Uu87Aa4wK9Iea3LV4xL52xLCtoVVLjZej_EUuX_4bid_4NVoMzWj1wN3k_piPi5NyQtCh77bgpVn23F0of-w4Z7D6n/s1600/Desktop-003.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{8}</b> I let my hair air dry a little then I applied my leave-ins (Elasta QP H2 and <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/08/product-review-organix-ogx-nourishing.html" target="_blank">Organix Coconut Milk Serum</a>) section by section to get ready to flexi-rod set my hair.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{9}</b> I applied Shea Moisture Frizz-Free Curl Mousse (Coconut & Hibiscus line) to each piece of my hair before rolling it on the flex-rod. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{10}</b> Sat under my bonnet dryer for about an hour. Let it air dry the rest.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My roots were puffier that what I would have liked, but the curls were great. I wasn't too surprised because I'm def not the best at wrestling my new growth taut with flexi-rods. That automatically equals an updo for me (pictured below). So I pinned it up and to one side. These curls were so soft and lasted for so long! About 10 days to be exact. I give all the credit to the awesome Shea Moisture mousse. By the end, I was just wearing it big, fluffy with allll the frizz and loving it. I've become a sucker for big hair. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1OxN8dw2aGgxmhN9kQV-Pl0xNPITYXj0y77CAfhnBHQGfYfmCT9yJ4PD40fYqzJN5hFReCXpz7WI0MCwH0O5VFoPUmVeF3aMv60YjaTWWmg56Ep0NgYLKVUWzXOIdzRLtrpZ5nvuiUp5/s1600/Desktop-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1OxN8dw2aGgxmhN9kQV-Pl0xNPITYXj0y77CAfhnBHQGfYfmCT9yJ4PD40fYqzJN5hFReCXpz7WI0MCwH0O5VFoPUmVeF3aMv60YjaTWWmg56Ep0NgYLKVUWzXOIdzRLtrpZ5nvuiUp5/s1600/Desktop-002.jpg" /></a></div>
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136932449881592408noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1338789142709739058.post-80038985863125028882014-11-12T01:23:00.000-05:002014-11-12T01:23:31.806-05:00Turning My Box Braids into Faux Locs<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_LXwJ2YiUssdqT5BmHJt99dxcpqzuGhV04Nn9eKfLHbU1kXL50H12CQONngYi08kOK7sBu6TN8B6dfYrGcc4JxNjdb-UBhogbw6Y9AFbRUytWJ4BO5vnWOGRcj5zmzHQiE1qRxJ8QaQ6-/s1600/IMG_1080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_LXwJ2YiUssdqT5BmHJt99dxcpqzuGhV04Nn9eKfLHbU1kXL50H12CQONngYi08kOK7sBu6TN8B6dfYrGcc4JxNjdb-UBhogbw6Y9AFbRUytWJ4BO5vnWOGRcj5zmzHQiE1qRxJ8QaQ6-/s1600/IMG_1080.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Faux locs or loc extensions seem have become quite popular recently. So, of course, I have been wanting to try this style. (If you follow me on Instagram you saw these when I first did them a couple weeks ago) Especially since I've been on my long-term protective styling challenge. However, every single video I watched talked about how ridiculously long it takes to put them in. This style is basically two styles in one and that's why the installation can be so long. Because of that, I knew there was no way I was just going to up and do this style one day. But as my box braids grew out, I thought this might be the perfect opportunity for me to try the faux locs. I figured with about 4-5 weeks of new growth, my roots would blend perfectly with the locs. And turning my old style into a new one would hopefully help me hold onto it a couple extra weeks. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Another reason I decided to try faux locs this way is because I had a few concerns about them. A lot of ladies say they can be really heavy, which makes perfect sense since you are adding more hair to your head full of braids or twists. I've had a bad experience with too much hair on my head before... definitely don't want to repeat that. I also was concerned that this style might be "too protective", as in all the extra hair might make it hard to moisturize my own hair or even dry it out. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So, in putting these over my old box braids I wasn't going to be too invested in them, no matter the time comittment. I knew if I felt something was off about them or anything, I wouldn't hestitate or feel bad about taking them out. My hair had been put away from a month or so already. </span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JZgYZ6niDjotq77a3QkdOKJTf0zRLSHO3N9lmpOIlEro9lOAWAvwZaDBlZe5pmsiPOitGCD-ERY6-Ha1FEENC0BZuvNJbCtLLlAyAXzZOq21mTsSkQyvOXUjf9ElVVBTHoXDFAJK7b8M/s1600/Desktop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JZgYZ6niDjotq77a3QkdOKJTf0zRLSHO3N9lmpOIlEro9lOAWAvwZaDBlZe5pmsiPOitGCD-ERY6-Ha1FEENC0BZuvNJbCtLLlAyAXzZOq21mTsSkQyvOXUjf9ElVVBTHoXDFAJK7b8M/s1600/Desktop.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">There's two ways you can go about loc extensions: yarn or marley hair. I chose marley hair because I think it looks more natural and the thought of yarn wrapped around my hair just didn't sit right with me. This whole process is not difficult at all, just time consuming. I do not understand how anyone has the patience to install these from scratch all at once. I will never do that ya'll! Lol! I pretty much did it all in one day and my arms were so tired. I cannot imagine installing box braids or marley twists and then wrapping more hair around them straightaway to install the locs. Nope. My arms would just fall off I'm sure.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It might go without saying, but I do not like too much hair on my head ya'll. I always try to use the most minimal amount I can when doing these protective styles. With my box braids, I used about 2.5 packs of hair and I pretty much added the same amount of marley hair to complete the faux locs. As I watched videos of people completing this style, they were talking about using 7-8 packs of hair, which is just way too much for me. Wouldn't you just feel like your neck was going to snap from all that weight up there?! I can't. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">One thing I did to prevent having to use so much hair is cut my box braids. I knew that one reason ladies have to use as much hair as they do is to get long lengths. So, first I cut the braids to about mid-back length. Then I unbraided each one until I found my hair so I could be mindful of around where I needed to stop cutting. I was always pleasantly surprised at how quickly I found my hair, too, not having to unbraid very much. I left the back at the longer length and layered the top of my hair with shorter lengths. I wanted it to look natural, but have a style to it as far as its length. I knew since I was cutting it, I wasn't going to be able to do a lot of the updo type styles, I've seen done with faux locs so I wanted it to look nice just being worn down.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">People typically finish their locks by burning them to secure the ends, but I was kind of uncomfortable with that since the ends aren't too much longer than my real hair. So, initially, I did the typical wrap back up method, but just palm rolled the hair to get it to stay. The majority of my locs stayed perfectly with this method. There were, however, a few that just continued to unravel so I had to burn those. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Overall, I was really happy with the way this style turned out! It had to grow on me at first, I wasn't really sure how I felt about it. Probably because it's a very different look for me. But I ended up loving it. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Has anyone else tried faux locs before? Let me know about your experience!</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br /></span></span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136932449881592408noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1338789142709739058.post-4080612335444399802014-10-23T20:27:00.000-04:002014-10-23T20:27:19.628-04:00Braided Bun with Box Braids | Pictorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRDd9xj7Ad2XtvfJIqNsYMKRZ62VoMQ2CSzLp1bxMgq_4ZvUieixavlu94U3LAJmwcm_yPAzw31Rc6xiDZI_EXFhTOjge8cHDkAsfi4sDR6ndWBwDx95W1ySOVYhi7xX6iuk5fv2-vTya/s1024/Photo%25252020141023193449.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="400" id="blogsy-1414107377390.8445" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRDd9xj7Ad2XtvfJIqNsYMKRZ62VoMQ2CSzLp1bxMgq_4ZvUieixavlu94U3LAJmwcm_yPAzw31Rc6xiDZI_EXFhTOjge8cHDkAsfi4sDR6ndWBwDx95W1ySOVYhi7xX6iuk5fv2-vTya/s400/Photo%25252020141023193449.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">One thing I have been enjoying with my box braids is trying new styles. The last time I had box braids I only tried a few new styles. This braided bun is one I've seen different variations of and always liked so I decided to try my own. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's so easy, but looks very intricate. I love styles like that. Here's a quick and easy tutorial of how I created this style:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtPGjBIpbulOjFLfizlgajeQ-kwwQ_cJa0Eolc5ISNWu4O6xQW8avO1GjHkgh3xGTbYM7KsKRGN2sLxRsChPL8mwtzu8xQqgQqm21RSiXFjRvfoXeZxGjagJa1OuQty1wljiYRA59ZQ2M/s1024/Photo%25252020141023193449.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="400" id="blogsy-1414107377442.71" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtPGjBIpbulOjFLfizlgajeQ-kwwQ_cJa0Eolc5ISNWu4O6xQW8avO1GjHkgh3xGTbYM7KsKRGN2sLxRsChPL8mwtzu8xQqgQqm21RSiXFjRvfoXeZxGjagJa1OuQty1wljiYRA59ZQ2M/s400/Photo%25252020141023193449.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1. Pull braids into a high ponytail or wherever you would like your bun to be. With box braids and similar styles, it is easiest for me to turn my head upside down to make sure I get all the braids into the position I want them. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGCrZUf8pvhf58PIXqBIIxa7BvrV7nUP730kAGvJbZjAr3ZebKga5SMna8_pNuNa1nKj0TUhaGcUm9i4NQlJd2bXA5UQBvZLcQOy8fPpZ_R0KrNg6_jZVMqwkgHzK4jiEEzm48E3Q2jMX/s1024/Photo%25252020141023193449.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="400" id="blogsy-1414107377441.54" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGCrZUf8pvhf58PIXqBIIxa7BvrV7nUP730kAGvJbZjAr3ZebKga5SMna8_pNuNa1nKj0TUhaGcUm9i4NQlJd2bXA5UQBvZLcQOy8fPpZ_R0KrNg6_jZVMqwkgHzK4jiEEzm48E3Q2jMX/s400/Photo%25252020141023193449.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2. Spread the hair evenly around the ponytail. Like cover your face and head with it. You should look your whole head is covered once you've done this step. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">3. Divide the hair into 4 sections and braid each one. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnw67uEtq9-WL5vv5oe34ZpJrAO6nu7ZXJfqPAxFY-pvM4UpalyuGid6ngLHzPy5XzmE85lNmvuHF9QJFCB0LptfUBQ1ENbCU-ALwGjQdOGE1VQvz9goWyaKZvsCXETQbTGhlq1bDvSx0/s1024/Photo%25252020141023193450.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="400" id="blogsy-1414107377437.913" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnw67uEtq9-WL5vv5oe34ZpJrAO6nu7ZXJfqPAxFY-pvM4UpalyuGid6ngLHzPy5XzmE85lNmvuHF9QJFCB0LptfUBQ1ENbCU-ALwGjQdOGE1VQvz9goWyaKZvsCXETQbTGhlq1bDvSx0/s400/Photo%25252020141023193450.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">4. Moving in one direction, I chose clock-wise, begin pinning each braid around the ponytail until you have pinned each one. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">There you have it - a braided bun! I initially tried this style with 3 braids and it didn't work out as well because of the amount of hair I have in with these braids. So, if you try this style with 4 braids and you bun is too bulky or just not sitting right, try it with 5 instead. I also suggest adjusting the braids around your edges and nape before you start braiding, just to make sure they aren't too tight. My braids had grown out at this point, but I still found that the style could cause tension even when it doesn't feel tight. </span><br />
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136932449881592408noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1338789142709739058.post-60876877420430686382014-10-15T11:43:00.000-04:002014-10-15T11:43:05.652-04:00Box Braid Wash Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQXJxJU7We6WFF5RvF2qhKdYJdZrzqPZ-Yqp1hij6zil8zXiA5fcQ7p0P90kE1ORb9wkHrGd86owk9jSVZALMUvKsnlzt3HQurgNBZf_LkDbyzdt5iA-TnKOrbwPjWj1z-xlet14hXHXtZ/s1024/Photo%25252020141015113220.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignleft" height="434" id="blogsy-1413387151137.193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQXJxJU7We6WFF5RvF2qhKdYJdZrzqPZ-Yqp1hij6zil8zXiA5fcQ7p0P90kE1ORb9wkHrGd86owk9jSVZALMUvKsnlzt3HQurgNBZf_LkDbyzdt5iA-TnKOrbwPjWj1z-xlet14hXHXtZ/s500/Photo%25252020141015113220.jpg" width="325" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Wash days when protective styling are the easiest wash days ever! After about 3 weeks or so with my box braids, I decided it was time to wash them - more like my scalp decided it was time to be washed. I used my usual <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2013/12/how-i-wash-my-box-braids.html" target="_blank">method of washing box braids.</a> </span><span style="color: black;">Here's how the day went:</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><strong>{1}</strong> Divided my braids into 6 sections and braided each one. Secured each braid with a small rubber band.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><strong>{2}</strong> Cleansed with a mix of <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2013/10/product-review-creme-of-nature-argan.html" target="_blank">CON Moisturizing Argan Oil</a></span> and a small amount of ORS Creamy Aloe shampoos watered down in an applicator bottle. I focused on my scalp and the roots of the braids. Lathered twice. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><strong>{3}</strong> Watered down <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/07/product-review-tresemme-naturals.html" target="_blank">TRESemme Naturals</a></span> in an applicator bottle and applied that from the roots of the braids down the length to where I believed my hair ends. Massaged it in and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Rinsed with cool water. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><strong>{4}</strong> ACV and aloe vera juice rinsed spraying both my scalp and the length of my hair. I didn't rinse this out. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><strong>{5}</strong> Towel wrapped the braids to soak up excess water for about 20 minutes. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><strong>{6}</strong> Unbraided each section and applied some coconut oil to seal in the moisture. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><strong>{7}</strong> T-shirt wrapped the braids to let them finish air-drying. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Once the braids were completely dry, I decided to re-braid around the perimeter of my head to freshen them up a little. I felt like I had about half an inch of new growth with some of them. I didn't make them as tight as I did initially though. After that I put my hair in the big, high bun at the beginning of this post.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplGnK2XVW4Fpu3yabZXNCCRzv9x38TlYXDcWzReTBPrubQEyjyyVAuKZOr-ae0-_9wzYU8um1_rSlL3rac-DU6xokqUvzPsuAbYgBmYWL_hIK0s64JtjRedXciYrkMIRl7UQyol3GNja6/s1024/Photo%25252020141015113220.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Washing box braids" class="aligncenter" height="291" id="blogsy-1413387151053.2244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplGnK2XVW4Fpu3yabZXNCCRzv9x38TlYXDcWzReTBPrubQEyjyyVAuKZOr-ae0-_9wzYU8um1_rSlL3rac-DU6xokqUvzPsuAbYgBmYWL_hIK0s64JtjRedXciYrkMIRl7UQyol3GNja6/s500/Photo%25252020141015113220.jpg" width="625" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Braided sections</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 1.3em;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">4 weeks is usually my limit for these types of styles, but I've been trying to figure out a way to get a couple more weeks out of this style. My hair is doing well in them, it's easy, and I'm still not sure about what to do with my hair when I take these out. So, I figure keeping it put away for a little while longer will be good for me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">How was your wash day this week? Be sure to check out other Wash Day Experiences over at <a href="http://www.savingourstrands.com/2014/10/wash-day_15.html" target="_blank">SavingOurStrands</a> and <a href="http://www.justgrowalready.com/2014/10/wash-day-back-to-my-bun-life.html" target="_blank">JustGrowAlready!</a></span></div>
Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136932449881592408noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1338789142709739058.post-47368272471664362792014-10-05T01:35:00.000-04:002014-10-05T23:29:09.302-04:00My Box Braid Installation #2<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZoNPVXCkqF-kLc1qWE5mxyLMPzsopgNiyZUC4tlW0ncf1IODJe5bgsQY45jHGp00kBng7F2jifECh339WJfTFSdA2miwNXcFD7WH9BqOlGGFjD8qG-tWGC-mT7o_jMkguCW0VY2xBx0Y/s1600/IMG_1037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZoNPVXCkqF-kLc1qWE5mxyLMPzsopgNiyZUC4tlW0ncf1IODJe5bgsQY45jHGp00kBng7F2jifECh339WJfTFSdA2miwNXcFD7WH9BqOlGGFjD8qG-tWGC-mT7o_jMkguCW0VY2xBx0Y/s1600/IMG_1037.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm still on my protective styling til the end of the year challenge. So my hair was out for about a week or so before I started installing my box braids. Initially, I planned to do them crochet style, but that ended up not working out the way I wanted so I just did singles. When I was putting the braids in around the perimeter of my head, I had a moment where I felt like my hair is actually getting pretty long. Am I the only one whose definition of long hair has progressively changed during this hair journey? Yes? Oh... ok. Well most of the time, I don't think my hair is actually that long. However, when I was able to compare it to the braid I had just installed, which is clearly long, I was like wow! my hair IS getting long! :-D Of course I had to take a pic to share!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I used my usual X-Pression Braiding hair (some of which I used again from my twists) in 1B and 1B/33. After the perimeter of my hair was done, I started installing braids crochet style and I was just.not.feeling.it! I didn't get too far before I realized this either. So, I took them out and started putting singles in. It actually made for a really easy process since my hair was braided straight back. I would take out one cornrow, put all that hair into box braids, and then move onto the next cornrow. Not a lot of fighting with my huge hair for parts and such. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTetDq9qMjFgXZ9NdQHSVXtsL4vgq8pAb1ZbbmwzxRJqlPuVZlMFO44FyuLxc8MPQxGRS12kgZxpj3N73yklHKjY4p0RfR1rq9JmoOmx04IqC6A3bNowGK09pifzxo0gkghIEZtqFf6f7-/s1600/IMG_1038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTetDq9qMjFgXZ9NdQHSVXtsL4vgq8pAb1ZbbmwzxRJqlPuVZlMFO44FyuLxc8MPQxGRS12kgZxpj3N73yklHKjY4p0RfR1rq9JmoOmx04IqC6A3bNowGK09pifzxo0gkghIEZtqFf6f7-/s1600/IMG_1038.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">People always ask me how long it takes me to complete a style like this on myself and I can never give them a real answer. I don't like to sit and do my hair straight through for some reason. I'll do the perimeter of my hair first so that I can hide the unfinished part with a bun until I'm ready to finish. I would guess I spent 5-6 hours on it total? Who knows.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've had my braids in for a few weeks now. I actually don't remember when exactly in September I put them in. That's how I know I'm really enjoying them. I haven't been counting down the days til I meet a goal and can take them out or anything along those lines. I'm loving them! I think the ease of protective styling is allowing me to hold on to them for longer. It's so awesome when you don't have to worry about what you're going to do with your hair in the morning.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijoEgxQqfhvQG-McLt4Bdp4YFSaXdp7sqZGfE4l9mw4P47JVq8b1l22Lha377659RyTM1x_-3mitNdMhwDXEjfM_sFlAK4nPpwl2w2RWXBSMhXnVddMbD_OACy9vvyfC35BArV2F-D783b/s1600/IMG_1039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijoEgxQqfhvQG-McLt4Bdp4YFSaXdp7sqZGfE4l9mw4P47JVq8b1l22Lha377659RyTM1x_-3mitNdMhwDXEjfM_sFlAK4nPpwl2w2RWXBSMhXnVddMbD_OACy9vvyfC35BArV2F-D783b/s1600/IMG_1039.JPG" height="353" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before I gave up on the crochet idea</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When I put these in, I was coming up on 14 weeks post. I definitely could have relaxed my hair, but I chose not to because I knew I wanted to put another protective style in quickly. I would have had to wait some time after relaxing before I could put these braids in and I was not up for waiting. So, I'm thinking by the time I take these out and am ready to relax my hair I'll be around 20 weeks post. Eeek! I'm a little nervous about that. I've only stretched that long once before (25 weeks to be exact) and I really had no desire to ever do it again before transitioning. But I will be excited to see how much of a difference protective styling for the past few months has made. The comparison pic makes me feel like I've made some good progress!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> </span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136932449881592408noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1338789142709739058.post-18907171668795031882014-09-30T23:46:00.002-04:002014-10-01T10:14:45.721-04:00Co-Wash Day: Battling Dry Hair<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgna6jnHCn8z0np0ICHqADj2rjiF5XVj69Pe1aJQIVNPM_KsQCNAiWx7R_TUU3VCIIoK7_ZGwhJ328pkEcjwMWhGjaQVSArNjwo-QObBJ7IoVEXyclKYOn4isjffuGE7L4X3ABGSS3Opnul/s1600/otherAppsImage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgna6jnHCn8z0np0ICHqADj2rjiF5XVj69Pe1aJQIVNPM_KsQCNAiWx7R_TUU3VCIIoK7_ZGwhJ328pkEcjwMWhGjaQVSArNjwo-QObBJ7IoVEXyclKYOn4isjffuGE7L4X3ABGSS3Opnul/s1600/otherAppsImage.jpg" height="362" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After I took my Senagalese twists/crochet braids out, my hair became unhappy. It seemed fine at first, but by the end of the day, it was just SO thirsty!! It didn't matter what moisturizer I put in it either. The dryness was unreal. So I decided to co-wash just a few days after washing to try to infuse some moisture into my strands. I went straight for my moisturizing staples that never let me down, too. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{1}</b> Divided my hair into 8 sections.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{2}</b> Applied Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose & Island Naturals Replenishing conditioners to my hair and braided each section. I also applied some Umberto Deep Treatment Masque to the last few inches of my braids. I want to start trying the protein layering technique on my ends. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{3}</b> Put on a plastic cap, scarf, and deep conditioned overnight.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{4}</b> Rinsed with cool water (still in braids), squeezed the excess water out and followed with an ACV and aloe vera juice rinse. I don't rinse this out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{5}</b> Towel wrapped my hair to soak up the excess. I could already tell how much better my hair was feeling at this point.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{6}</b> Doing one section at a time, I detangled, applied my leave-ins (Elasta QP H2, It's A 10 Miracle Leave in & Organix Coconut Milk Serum), and blew my hair dry on low. Didn't take very long at all and my hair felt great!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{7}</b> Set my hair using my new Caruso steam rollers! I got these to replace the terrible Con-air ones I was gifted awhile ago. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Honeysuckle rose to the rescue! That plus the ACV and Aloe vera juice rinse left my hair pillowy soft and moisturized. For days ya'll! Why I stray from my tried and true I'll never know. I promise next time my aloe vera juice runs low, I'll re-up before it empties. I can't go without it anymore. I love when my hair turns out so soft I can't stop touching it!! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0-jyCtKetH9uSCvHWjpq03anu8X71-8fk_841m_1DIW2bczOA1sSKD6JGh46hjcmmojPFtrEDsaQHQHnuOWMBE3rtx7xCXwUREDxUfKoUuSPEhapEwVgDhq2f98KTSZ71elYY5Dq_bhr/s1600/Bighair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0-jyCtKetH9uSCvHWjpq03anu8X71-8fk_841m_1DIW2bczOA1sSKD6JGh46hjcmmojPFtrEDsaQHQHnuOWMBE3rtx7xCXwUREDxUfKoUuSPEhapEwVgDhq2f98KTSZ71elYY5Dq_bhr/s1600/Bighair.jpg" height="336" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For my first time using the Caruso rollers, I really like them! I didn't try to blow dry my hair straight so, of course, it ended up </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">HUGE as the day went on! Lol I should be used to that by now, huh? But I still liked it! At first, I thought the process of steaming the rollers one at a time would take forever, but it definitely is an easy process. These are keepers for me! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Oh, and my MacBook is finally back up and running! Yaaay!! So, I'm glad to be officially back and linking up with the #washdayexperience this week. Be sure to check out other wash day experiences over at <a href="http://www.savingourstrands.com/2014/10/wash-day.html" target="_blank">SavingOurStrands</a> and <a href="http://www.justgrowalready.com/" target="_blank">JustGrowAlready!</a> How was your most recent wash day?</span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136932449881592408noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1338789142709739058.post-22060230389196011322014-09-25T20:10:00.001-04:002014-09-25T20:10:59.688-04:00Wash Day: Twist Take Down<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrxBhMt_TIaDp0M3HDrsBQq3J4BuM9eJXsIi2B8a7dJtwGPgVhBCxARdpFBL5x3IoqlYu4BIBoXjm5D-mNqPQHslziWwrXNPTwBOt1Nto3gT-WLy9YkexSefMQxnqJrlpJKGbhoc75Xjh/s1024/Photo%25252020140925120225.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignleft" height="434" id="blogsy-1411661066726.5518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrxBhMt_TIaDp0M3HDrsBQq3J4BuM9eJXsIi2B8a7dJtwGPgVhBCxARdpFBL5x3IoqlYu4BIBoXjm5D-mNqPQHslziWwrXNPTwBOt1Nto3gT-WLy9YkexSefMQxnqJrlpJKGbhoc75Xjh/s500/Photo%25252020140925120225.jpg" width="325" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New growth after 4 weeks</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By the time I took my twists down, I was 12 weeks post relaxer. Because of the fact that I was so lazy about taking care of them while I had them in, I really didn't know what to expect from my hair. Yet, I didn't experience a lot of breakage or anything along those lines so I was pleased. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>{1}</b> After removing all of the twists, I coated my braids with <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/05/product-review-paul-mitchell-tea-tree.html" target="_blank">PM Tea Tree Moisturizing conditioner</a> and <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/01/diy-garlic-infused-oil-for-shedding.html" target="_blank">my garlic oil mix</a>. I put on a plastic cap, scarf and left it on overnight. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>{2}</b> When I took the braids out my hair felt great. I finger detangled, but some how forgot to fully detangle before shampooing. Always a mistake after protective styling! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>{3}</b> Sectioned my hair into 4 and shampooed with ORS Creamy Aloe three times. My hair wasn't feeling the best at this point. I could tell detangling was not going to be good. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>{4}</b> Towel wrapped my hair to soak up excess water.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>{5}</b> Applied <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/01/product-review-loreal-total-repair-5.html" target="_blank">L'oreal Damage Erasing Balm</a> and Aubrey Organics Replenishing conditioner for several hours under a plastic cap.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>{6}</b>Rinsed with cool water followed by an ACV rinse. I did not rinse this out of my hair. I let it sit for a few minutes before squeezing out the excess. My hair was back to feeling pretty good, but still tangled. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>{7}</b>Towel wrapped my hair to soak up the excess liquid.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHeGFuhixASlXkPVOqEt_3xfe0WfD5hPARkN7noKw6yyCbAEPKewFtYkjf-mLfpdWkaK-u5YMgwtfupYImM1BU1bmPSVAg6SkHyVohFwfT-20LqqidEgppJmJXZcMD22NnRlhVCwh6-nF0/s1024/Photo%25252020140925120225.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="405" id="blogsy-1411661066671.9043" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHeGFuhixASlXkPVOqEt_3xfe0WfD5hPARkN7noKw6yyCbAEPKewFtYkjf-mLfpdWkaK-u5YMgwtfupYImM1BU1bmPSVAg6SkHyVohFwfT-20LqqidEgppJmJXZcMD22NnRlhVCwh6-nF0/s500/Photo%25252020140925120225.jpg" width="625" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>{8}</b> Section by section, I detangled and applied my leave-ins (Elasta QP H2, Shea Moisture Reconstructing conditioner and safflower oil). Detangling took about 45 minutes. It was definitely due to not thoroughly removing my shed hair in the beginning. A lesson I shouldn't have had to repeat. It could have been a lot worse though. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>{9}</b>Put some Eco-styler gel on my edges, brushed them smooth and put on a scarf. Let my hair continue to air dry. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5WvOM2U8j4noKR_vW9BKM5-8H8ga_T_4_h00Gjy1zV__JFfrpqV5wJg1x7eLe_uODWTnWUlahPud00MLSxZRvcS8j0ojIXJJl1zlWdru64Sj5x_1ebX6mM0h3bwDmrU3ptYoxuHnJOh1l/s1024/Photo%25252020140925120226.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="469" id="blogsy-1411661066658.5632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5WvOM2U8j4noKR_vW9BKM5-8H8ga_T_4_h00Gjy1zV__JFfrpqV5wJg1x7eLe_uODWTnWUlahPud00MLSxZRvcS8j0ojIXJJl1zlWdru64Sj5x_1ebX6mM0h3bwDmrU3ptYoxuHnJOh1l/s500/Photo%25252020140925120226.jpg" width="625" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, initially my hair felt great. But the more my hair dried, the more the moisturized feeling disappeared, which left my hair feeling so dry and crunchy. Ugh. I knew I was going to be co-washing pretty quickly. I moisturized it again to give myself a day before I had to wash it. I think protective styling spoiled me because I really was not thinking this wash day. I didn't detangle properly. I didn't think about how far into my stretch I was and how that changes things, i.e. I should've washed in braids and used more moisturizing products. Thankfully, my mistakes didn't leave me with any damage and I already know how to fix my dry hair issue.</span><br />
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136932449881592408noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1338789142709739058.post-8787182348967279572014-09-04T01:49:00.001-04:002014-09-04T01:49:48.420-04:00Hair {& Blog} Update<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgUyk6-gQhXDn4xvGutUenKoidEPSOzLcoO2KmLs_jkxF4-HWq-RX6le_XnuQteyXOScd7SG6pVvoFMZ8PGNLhFshLnxT3YHJSf1_dFAoq853w4GKI2RubEjZXl1vacVkYisXE8cfc305/s1600/Photo%25252020140904004418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="alignleft" height="436" id="blogsy-1409805929217.2559" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgUyk6-gQhXDn4xvGutUenKoidEPSOzLcoO2KmLs_jkxF4-HWq-RX6le_XnuQteyXOScd7SG6pVvoFMZ8PGNLhFshLnxT3YHJSf1_dFAoq853w4GKI2RubEjZXl1vacVkYisXE8cfc305/s500/Photo%25252020140904004418.jpg" width="327" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 1.3em;">First things first: I hit my 4 week goal for my protective styling!! *cheers!* It wasn't even as hard as I thought it was going to be. I wanted to take them out at after about two weeks because I had so much new growth, but it was easy once I got over that. I probably could have kept them in for a couple more weeks if it weren't for all the new growth. New growth is (almost) always the reason I want to take these styles out early. That, plus the fact that I get bored with my hair quickly. I think I had half an inch after two weeks. No exaggeration. Check the pic! The thing I always worry about with a lot of new growth is too much shed hair causing issues. So, I re-twisted the perimeter to make myself feel better.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have to admit... I was a complete slacker when it came to my hair this past month or so. I feel like I didn't moisturize as often as I should have. And... I did not wash my hair at all for the whole time I had in my twists ya'll! Lol I should be ashamed huh?! I didn't even use my dry shampoo! I am such a champion of keeping your scalp clean, but umm... yea it just didn't work out this time. Surprisingly, my scalp did not protest AT ALL so I dont actually feel too bad about it. Last week was the first time it started bothering me and itching. By then, it was time to take them out anyway. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Even though I didn't do the best job taking care of my hair in the twists, I am happy to report that my ends are still in good shape. My current goal is to keep my ends up by protective styling. I joined the 30 days without Split Ends challenge with Jeni of <a href="http://justgrowalready.com/" style="line-height: 1.3em;" target="_blank" title="">JustGrowAlready</a> and Divachyk of <a href="http://relaxedthairapy.com/" style="line-height: 1.3em;" target="_blank" title="">Relaxed Thairapy</a> and am so glad it was a success despite my bad behavior :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Because my hair seems to grow like weeds when I'm protective styling, I'm really motivated to try to keep it up for the rest of this year. I still find it unbelievable how much my cornrows grow out in such short periods of time when I have in crochet braids. In the picture below, it is hard to see where the braids even begin! You can <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/08/my-senagalese-twistscrochet-braids.html">check here</a> for what they looked like originally. This personal protective styling challenge is working out well because I currently do not feel like being patient or devoting the time it takes to do my hair like I usually enjoy. Next up is box braids. They will probably be done crochet style as well just because it's so much faster and easier for me. I'm going to wait about a week before installing them just to give my hair a little rest.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">New growth after a couple weeks</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Last, but certainly not least, my beloved Macbook Pro shut down on me!! I literally turned it off one day and it refused to boot back up. Major sadface. I still don't know if it can be revived, but the blog was way too quiet last month. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I don't know how much longer I'll be without it at this point so,</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> I guess for now I need to try to master blogging from my iPad? If any of you ladies know of some great apps for this, I'd love to hear your suggestions.</span><br />
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136932449881592408noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1338789142709739058.post-13025161131475162922014-08-24T03:12:00.001-04:002014-08-24T03:12:26.408-04:00Product Review: Organix (OGX) Nourishing Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6NBbRnEqDhQoSe4HQb5UOxZ58qOP3sWUWUnN-kY7PdyKYN-o8covLrxYVrWUO9YarCFMt0imlPmVHVXRrMkd5fU_i1D22G6fZN40mzkoYwOYc6idV_cxEz9W6VBPQndcq9bFiRl-cOsI/s1600/IMG_6534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6NBbRnEqDhQoSe4HQb5UOxZ58qOP3sWUWUnN-kY7PdyKYN-o8covLrxYVrWUO9YarCFMt0imlPmVHVXRrMkd5fU_i1D22G6fZN40mzkoYwOYc6idV_cxEz9W6VBPQndcq9bFiRl-cOsI/s1600/IMG_6534.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Price:</b> $4.99 for 4fl oz. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Purchased At:</b> Walgreens</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Product Claims:</b> <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">Indulge your senses with this exclusive blend of organic coconut milk to nourish your hair, while ultra whipped egg white proteins add strength and elasticity, along with weightless coconut oils to add hydration and balance. It's tropical, luxurious, silky and works to smooth, condition, strengthen and instantly repair your hair.</span></span><br />
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<li style="list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 5px 5px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Weightless coconut oils blended with silk and keratin proteins create a silk repair therapy</span></li>
<li style="list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 5px 5px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Instantly repairs dry, damaged, coarse and chemically treated hair.</span></li>
<li style="list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 5px 5px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It helps resurface the hair, repair damaged hair and cuticles, and mend split ends and frizziness</span></li>
<li style="list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 5px 5px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Promotes longer hair by helping reduce everyday damage</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients:</b> <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">Cyclomethicone , Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane , C12 15 Alcohol Benzoate , Silk Amino Complex , Shea Butter , Coconut Milk , Coconut Oil , Egg White Protein , Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) , Fragrance</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Directions:</b> <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">Apply a small amount of Organix Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum to palm, rub hands together, then apply evenly to surface of damp, towel dried, hair working through ends. For best results use in conjunction with other Organix Coconut Milk products.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>My Experience:</b> I LOVE this stuff! I don't know if I'll be able to find a con about it. I use this serum to seal my hair regularly. I'll use it on wash days as a leave-in, as a sealant when moisturizing my hair throughout the week, and even as a heat protectant - even though that is not a listed use for it. I think it has enough cones in it to do the trick for me. I especially love using it on my heat-styled hair. I notice a significant difference in little broken hairs when I use this vs. when I don't. So the proteins, silk amino complex and egg white protein, that are contained in this serum pack a powerful punch. That fact alone is enough to make this a staple for me. But wait, there's more! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">This serum is sooo light! I can use it repeatedly on my flat ironed hair and it will not weigh it down at all. And by repeatedly, I mean daily. Using this has never given me that gross, greasy feeling which other serums can produce. That is another thing I love about this product. A little goes a long way, too. So if you're noticing that you do get that feeling, you are probably using too much. With that being said, this bottle lasts me for months even with my very regular use of it. I just love how soft my hair feels when I use it. It's like it revives and gives my hair life over and over. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This serum has a light coconut scent to it. It's smooth and slippery like most serums. Now let me just say - I do not like coconuts; not the flavor, not the smell, I don't like anything outside of the oil that they produce. However, this scent does not bother me one bit. I actually like it. I think it's because it's just not strong enough to cause the usual adverse reaction I have to the smell of coconut. Even if you pretty much hate coconut like I do, you can still love this product. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Moral of the Story:</b> If you need a (light) protein pick me up, buy this stuff! $5-6 for a quality product that lasts for months can't be beat!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Have you ever tried this product before? Love it, hate it, never want to use it again??</span></div>
Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136932449881592408noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1338789142709739058.post-475527312584332972014-08-12T15:10:00.000-04:002014-08-12T15:10:56.117-04:00Product Junkie Rehab<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixowN6zTsFhYDeOOdmm728a9pTTBI9x2ywhN4V_GVqze7EnXOGJc5m07EXHJJGu51pR-Tu7HF3WShHXrJmcbM-IJZMKL6vTgu1jhGrCzF3Kb8R3ZL-8gAhuOSp-PI59Q1NR2QTJhgUogGj/s1600/product+junkie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixowN6zTsFhYDeOOdmm728a9pTTBI9x2ywhN4V_GVqze7EnXOGJc5m07EXHJJGu51pR-Tu7HF3WShHXrJmcbM-IJZMKL6vTgu1jhGrCzF3Kb8R3ZL-8gAhuOSp-PI59Q1NR2QTJhgUogGj/s1600/product+junkie.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I have a problem y'all. I don't think I've ever denied the fact that I'm a product junkie. In fact, I think I've kinda embraced it, which might be why it's become such a problem. Haha! So, in the process of trying to organize my stash (which lives in 3 different places around my house), I realized how out of control it had gotten. I found more products after I took this picture, too. What to do? What to do?!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I've been on a product buying ban for 3-4 months, and I'm not sure that it helped. I've only managed to start running out of my favorites, which I have to repurchase. What I should have done was force myself to start going through some of the old favorites while not buying anything else. At this point, I'm not sure how much "don't buy any hair products... don't even go down that aisle... you don't need that" I have left in me, honestly. I have to be realistic with myself. I enjoy buying hair stuff period and I really like trying new things. So, I've come up with some new rules:</span><br />
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<ul><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">
<li>I can repurchase staples when they run out.</li>
<li>I have to evaulate at least 2 products at a time and</li>
<ul>
<li>decide if my hair loves or hates it</li>
<li>use it up or give/throw it away</li>
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<li>Only when I've done that am I allowed I buy one product I've never tried before</li>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I know, looking at the picture, it's probably like 2-for-1 that's it?! Yes! I recognize it should probably be more like 5-for-1 to really cut that stash down quickly, but I'd rather start with baby steps first and see how well I do. I don't want to use too many new things at once and then not be able to tell which one caused my results. Plus I'm not going to be washing my hair weekly while I'm protective styling so I won't be able to use up things as fast as I normally would. That's also why it's not at least two products a month or any other time period on it. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">At this point I've had my twists in for around two weeks and have yet to wash them. So, I can't really depend on regular wash days to cut my stash down. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">What do you ladies think? Is anyone else trying to cut down on their product stash or struggling to get their product buying addiction under control? Help me out! :)</span></div>
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136932449881592408noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1338789142709739058.post-85828386481380842882014-08-03T02:00:00.001-04:002014-08-03T02:00:33.636-04:00My Senagalese Twists/Crochet Braids<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj432B_fBSME_E06cz6SjGylDIVeijqUpRuuQ5mneaR8igWGD18S8btmIkiKpWFppAraHNiPwC0uB1fC_wGmo3i3gnPKz8dh46_noSfScka9yYfrlMgPLN_04BA7sDDpyk7ZDCT4JRxR8I9/s1600/DSC00781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj432B_fBSME_E06cz6SjGylDIVeijqUpRuuQ5mneaR8igWGD18S8btmIkiKpWFppAraHNiPwC0uB1fC_wGmo3i3gnPKz8dh46_noSfScka9yYfrlMgPLN_04BA7sDDpyk7ZDCT4JRxR8I9/s1600/DSC00781.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I finished my twists! I LOVE them, too. I'm so surprised at how they turned out since it was my first time doing them. I keep getting asked where I get my hair done as if it were done professionally, which makes me feel really good. Yay! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I am so indecisive ya'll. I tried two other ways, got half of my head finished, and then completely took it out before I settled on this way of doing it. Originally, I was going to do single twists all over my head, but I was not really feeling the way it was turning out so I decided to leave the perimeter of my hair that way and do the middle crochet style. It would have all been done in one day if it wasn't for me running out of hair. Fortunately, it did not end up taking as long as I thought it would. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I used the same kind of hair I did for my <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/05/crochet-braids-2-box-braids.html">last set of crochet braids</a>, </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sensationnel X-Pression Braiding Hair<span style="color: #222222; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> I had 3 packs of 1B and a little more than a pack of 1B/33 total. I cut the hair in half. My braiding pattern was simple, but not straight back. I wanted it at a slight angle so the twists would hang the way I wanted. I did not think about combining the braids near the bottom until it was too late - probably because I had already been in my hair for too long. So I just flipped each end up and sewed it on top of the braid. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">When crocheting the hair in, I would pull half of the hair to the other side of the braid and tie it instead of pulling all of the hair through the loop and knotting it. I hope that makes sense. This technique allows the hair to completely surround the braid and eliminates the "knotty" look that a lot of ladies find unattractive with crochet braids. You can see in the picture about how the twists covered up the braids as I began filling them in the top section. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Once I was done twisting a section, I would wrap the ends around a flexi-rod to help keep the twists tight until I was ready to seal them and because I wanted my ends to be curly. This also made sealing them really easy. When I was done, I just dipped each rod in extremely hot water, leaving it for a couple minutes. After soaking up most of the excess water with a towel, I let my hair air-dry overnight with the rods. I had great results in the morning. The curls, of course, loosened up pretty quickly. So the longest lengths are grazing my waist. I didn't think I would like it that long, but I actually do. It'll be pretty versatile to style, too. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_mOQA9KFLpRfc5rDYOS9dvDrJd7NeK7r63XJfCTFP3-GjNPhDYIGdgvQlZ2r7McvVqCruUvfR-dAIK0znBY5he2mbaYLyRnHWAcziuRZIrIpTi32rvMZfkdy1nlagplfEcSZ_FeaYDJO/s1600/curling+senagalese+twists.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_mOQA9KFLpRfc5rDYOS9dvDrJd7NeK7r63XJfCTFP3-GjNPhDYIGdgvQlZ2r7McvVqCruUvfR-dAIK0znBY5he2mbaYLyRnHWAcziuRZIrIpTi32rvMZfkdy1nlagplfEcSZ_FeaYDJO/s1600/curling+senagalese+twists.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My goal is to leave this style in for a month. Just four weeks! It shouldn't be as hard as it is for me to leave a style in for just a month. I can always find a seemingly good reason to take them out early. I really want to be very mindful of protecting my ends in hopes that it will help me stop feeling like my hair "needs" to be trimmed. Hopefully, that will be enough motivation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136932449881592408noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1338789142709739058.post-5240330044953362822014-07-29T23:38:00.002-04:002014-07-30T08:52:20.419-04:00Wash Day - Henna!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcpX0vnKtVK4dL37sMY903vpKMdqZNGDvCPk3TlHKdogai_MO-EAHUVygq3uaqFCRuFcuUYLiXqL3f9w8yhKHg2ROvFRIAQ_FJofFnCmIHGdEGdW7IMK8lh6ajWqC2PdcdMpBONRz7Ws_/s1600/henna+gloss.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcpX0vnKtVK4dL37sMY903vpKMdqZNGDvCPk3TlHKdogai_MO-EAHUVygq3uaqFCRuFcuUYLiXqL3f9w8yhKHg2ROvFRIAQ_FJofFnCmIHGdEGdW7IMK8lh6ajWqC2PdcdMpBONRz7Ws_/s1600/henna+gloss.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/07/wash-day-ponytail-rollerset.html">my last roller set</a> got completely destroyed by the humidity, I decided I was going to go ahead and put my hair away in a protective style for awhile. I knew I wanted twists, but I wasn't sure what kind. Anyway, I like to henna my hair right before I install a long-term protective style to give it an extra boost of strength and deep conditioning. I have been doing these treatment about every two months, but decided to push this one back some because I wanted some more new growth. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{1}</b> I used the same steps from my <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/04/wash-day-henna-flat-iron.html">last henna treatment</a></span> to prepare the mix. (Here's <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2013/11/henna-gloss-treatment.html">my henna gloss recipe</a></span>) I did this first to give it some time to marinate before I was ready to use it, although I wasn't very concerned about dye release this time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{2}</b> Finger-detangled and divided my hair into three sections.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{3}</b> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Pre-poo with </span><span style="color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/05/product-review-paul-mitchell-tea-tree.html">PM Tea Tree Moisturizing Conditioner</a></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> and a mix of safflower & grapeseed oils. I put on a plastic cap and a scarf for a couple hours while I did things around the house. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{4}</b> Towel wrapped my hair for about 20 minutes to soak up the excess water. This is also the step I added the extras (honey and <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/07/product-review-tresemme-naturals.html">Tresemme Naturals conditioner</a>) to my henna mixture. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{5}</b> Applied the henna to my hair, section by section, from root-to-tip. I apply my henna standing in the bathtub for easy clean up if I make a mess. I put on two plastic caps once I was done. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{6}</b> I left the henna in my hair for about an hour - 20 minutes of that was spent under my bonnet dryer on low. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{7}</b> Rinsed thoroughly in the shower. Once the water started running close to clear, I added a very generous amount of Tresemme Naturals to my hair with a plastic cap. This helps get any leftover henna rinsed out. I rinsed after around 10 minutes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My hair felt so mmm mmm good at this point I didn't want to deep condition. I told myself to just do it anyway to ensure I didn't experience any drying effects from the henna so I got out the shower at this point. However, my hair made me change my mind back to the original thought. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{8}</b> Towel wrapped my hair to soak up excess water. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{9}</b> My hair still felt so good that I decided to forgo my usual moisturizing deep condition and ACV rinse. My compromise was using <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/02/product-review-shea-moisture-raw-shea.html">Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative conditioner</a></span> as my leave-in. I used this with Elasta QP H2 leave-in, grapeseed oil and my shea butter mix. Detangling was a breeze like it always is on henna wash days and my hair felt ah-mazing!! I hope my love affair with henna never ends. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZ7bArDwhdBqXN2wsElLkKaRojnZ2nrD15pIArNLemh2bhOWQKs8ZcBJ0Dth79QvwuNaRHGtnJLNMR44uod6uXfgenovr68o2zp4zDqMMt6wJEa-t7UwhnOTqgc-rLh2C1JechpQ4FGsO/s1600/Desktop23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZ7bArDwhdBqXN2wsElLkKaRojnZ2nrD15pIArNLemh2bhOWQKs8ZcBJ0Dth79QvwuNaRHGtnJLNMR44uod6uXfgenovr68o2zp4zDqMMt6wJEa-t7UwhnOTqgc-rLh2C1JechpQ4FGsO/s1600/Desktop23.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">left: attempt at capturing the color; right: air-drying method</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{10}</b> I wanted my hair to be stretched to make it easier for me to twist it up. I ended up just letting it air-dry ponytailed in the same three sections, which worked surprisingly well for me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Even though it was more work than my typical wash days, it was such a great one! I cannot boast of my love of henna enough. My hair seriously thanks me every. single. time. It just feels so good that it's worth the work <strike>the smell</strike> and the mess to me. I got a slight brown tint to my naturally black hair this time. I'm not even sure how noticeable it is. After much indecision and trial & error, I went for Senagalese Twist/crochet braids. I ended up running out of hair at the the very end so I will be finishing it tomorrow and then posting about the style. Here's a blurry sneak peek until then! :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How was your wash day this week? Be sure to check out other wash day experiences over at <a href="http://www.savingourstrands.com/2014/07/wash-day_30.html">SavingOurStrands</a> and <a href="http://www.justgrowalready.com/">JustGrowAlready!</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136932449881592408noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1338789142709739058.post-7851669064117587422014-07-20T01:00:00.000-04:002014-07-21T13:55:56.048-04:00Length & Nape Check - 2 Year Hair Update<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am like SO overdue on posting this, but my camera took a lovely nose dive to its death around the time I flat ironed my hair which ruined things for awhile. I mean what's a length check posts without pictures?! I still have yet to replace it, but I did manage to recover my pics. I hit my 2 year of mark of being on a hair journey while I had in my last set of crochet braids so I was anxious to see the progress I'd made once I relaxed. So, I have 3 areas I'd like to focus on for this update: my nape, the thickness of my hair, and my length, of course. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5WOuDgL1tEGAoQHK5x2daKXTrGKIfadvuGMV52QcE5ul8SWRqiLoKOw46GyEfCO9v5QWhuZM3AE4RQHH9BTlZXv3WFi-_eQlvwhqNLDZTNtYxLuR2zy86i4x04Ql6R5y7fK8AbcvGC9X/s1600/nape+check.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5WOuDgL1tEGAoQHK5x2daKXTrGKIfadvuGMV52QcE5ul8SWRqiLoKOw46GyEfCO9v5QWhuZM3AE4RQHH9BTlZXv3WFi-_eQlvwhqNLDZTNtYxLuR2zy86i4x04Ql6R5y7fK8AbcvGC9X/s1600/nape+check.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>My Nape</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Without a doubt, I am most excited about the progress I have made with these 2 layers of my nape. If you follow me on Instagram then you probably saw my progress pics earlier this week. Aaahhh!! I seriously do not remember the last time my nape was this healthy and thick/full. And I don't know if it's ever been this long. I talked about the <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2013/11/improving-state-of-my-nape.html">issues I've had with my nape</a>, discussed <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/02/hair-assessment-plans-to-relax.html">the progress I started to see with my nape</a> once I was challenged to consistently take care of it, and now, I am pleased to say it is in a completely different state than it was just seven or so months ago!! Did I say how excited I am about it!?!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was initially <a href="http://www.justgrowalready.com/2014/01/final-nape-challenge-check-in.html">Jen's 6 Month Nape Challenge</a> that truly inspired me to assess my own nape and intentionally do something to change it. I don't think I ever expected it to change as much as it did so quickly.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It is close to being the same length as the rest of my hair now.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> In my opinion, my nape improving this way was a major improvement in the overall health of my hair. Like I actually feel I have a head full of healthy hair at this point. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGcSPuyFeshyphenhyphenhVvU9-s1YuGpE9CuLTEJ0hqwtpVLLsobCk-GPKWMYHTd-DvH9he49hyURiq6d45nxVh_OYgwfyzKJMfe1vfwmvuH-40mbnuFmBjKRD8b3wFDphJ5TOJdmc8DWd2U8MJdqT/s1600/thickness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGcSPuyFeshyphenhyphenhVvU9-s1YuGpE9CuLTEJ0hqwtpVLLsobCk-GPKWMYHTd-DvH9he49hyURiq6d45nxVh_OYgwfyzKJMfe1vfwmvuH-40mbnuFmBjKRD8b3wFDphJ5TOJdmc8DWd2U8MJdqT/s1600/thickness.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Thickness</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Next we have my lion's mane! Lol! This stuff speaks for itself. My hair has gotten so thick that sometimes I don't even know what to do with it. I love it though. Even when I'm deep in a stretch, haven't sectioned my hair enough when washing it and realize some of my hair is still completely dry because the thickness is protecting it from the water - yea I still love it during those times. I am learning to whole-heartedly embrace its bigness, too. When I style my hair big, it's great. But when I style my hair one way and then it chooses to get big... yea that's #thestruggle I have right now. I feel like it's disrespecting me, but really it's just doing what it does best. I need to learn to use it to my advantage more. I remember having very thick hair when I was a kid, but I wasn't the one taking care of it back then. So, I'm learning what it is to tame this beast. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>My Length</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Last, but certainly not least, we have my length. My strands hit bra strap length (again!) and then I <strike>trimmed</strike> cut them (again!). Whyyyy?? Well even though I don't really struggle with split ends or anything like that, I just hate thin ends y'all! Like HATE. I am a reformed I-need-a-trim-every-8-weeks-girl so be patient with me please. I try to tell myself they're not that bad and convince myself to just hold off, but I can't get over them. It's like they're constantly taunting me until I'm forced to remove them with my scissors. If they're see through, they've gotsta go. My <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2013/10/length-check-trim-hair-assessment_1.html">last length check & trim</a> had a lot more thin/see thru ends than this one, which I think really speaks to the improving health of my hair. My goal was to grow my hair to my desired length and then trim away the bone straight ends, but apparently I couldn't deal long enough to let that happen. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmLnP9QKtH_26PxQtJlbtAt7-fmnkoDlDW8Mj5PLWkrShfCmDtCL5ph4N6EEw93RaK52hmTX1jTCVtm2pv1ytfAZzOYSPFvFpXxLh-E9GnHq0av6ScG4pNOEB6MixjJI3P14WZB2J4-B9/s1600/2+yr+length+check+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmLnP9QKtH_26PxQtJlbtAt7-fmnkoDlDW8Mj5PLWkrShfCmDtCL5ph4N6EEw93RaK52hmTX1jTCVtm2pv1ytfAZzOYSPFvFpXxLh-E9GnHq0av6ScG4pNOEB6MixjJI3P14WZB2J4-B9/s1600/2+yr+length+check+.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I cut about two inches off, pretty much removing the tip of this cute little v-shape tail that I haven't seen my hair grow into before. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Since I want all my bone straight ends gone anyway, </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm never really upset with myself for these cuts. I didn't flat iron my hair bone straight and the humidity was already working on my roots, but hopefully you get the idea of its length. So I'm still hovering right above my bra-strap. My goal is not to cut or trim my ends until the end of the year. Next time I relax, I'll flat iron my hair bone straight for a better pic, too. Even though I'm still around the same length, the fullness of my length has changed so much. I'm quite happy about that since my goal is to have full, thick hair from root to tip. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Once you decide to go on these health hair journeys, or lifestyle changes as I like to say, you make a list and have all these goals & ideas in you mind about how it's going to go. Two years later, I can confidently say that that is probably not going to be the case and that's totally okay. I thought for sure my hair would be my goal length by now, but it's not and I'm genuinely happy with it anyway. We all say "health before length, health before length" and I'm certain we all really do want healthier hair. But let's be real y'all, we WANT the length, too!! I started this solely with length goals, and I could chose to be disappointed because I've basically been chillin at the same length for a year. But I'm not. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I feel like that would completely negate all of the rest of the awesome progress I've made. I have definitely achieved health before length and I feel accomplished about it. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am so in LOVE with my hair! Especially its health! And I'm actually quite proud of it, too.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Someone please hide my scissors though!! :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">*cheers to another year!*</span></div>
Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136932449881592408noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1338789142709739058.post-61973093316055816902014-07-17T16:22:00.001-04:002014-07-17T16:22:19.165-04:00Wash Day - Ponytail Rollerset<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbJqRRJZbPNgA1Sx6u3LWSoUNuCExlwYQ9NPR13HxCqXqBq49SzxHSE6sFqgB81PEuh_OtoYcfc-wsJfghdVURLWgwqlN6sPYICGBH_qC93gwcazN7rqXb_QyhWRX6wcwKmoguE0pGJip7/s1600/DSC00680_Fotor_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbJqRRJZbPNgA1Sx6u3LWSoUNuCExlwYQ9NPR13HxCqXqBq49SzxHSE6sFqgB81PEuh_OtoYcfc-wsJfghdVURLWgwqlN6sPYICGBH_qC93gwcazN7rqXb_QyhWRX6wcwKmoguE0pGJip7/s1600/DSC00680_Fotor_Fotor.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have been on this quest for big, bouncy curls lately and I finally moved in the right direction this wash day. When I realized I should probably just give my flexi-rods a break and </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">try </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">using my bigger magnetic rollers, I knew I was gonna go for a ponytail rollerset. I haven't done a ponytail roller set in awhile. This technique is how I originally started teaching myself to roller set my hair. I think it's great for beginners. I sectioned my hair and got started.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{1}</b> Pre-poo: hot oil treatment with safflower, grapeseed, and some of my <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/01/diy-garlic-infused-oil-for-shedding.html">DIY garlic oil</a> and <a href="http://www.adesiredbeauty.com/2014/05/product-review-paul-mitchell-tea-tree.html">PM Tea Tree Moisturizing conditioner</a>. I put on a plastic cap and sat under my bonnet dryer for about 20 minutes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{2}</b> Shampooed with Creme of Nature Straight From Eden.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{3}</b> Wrapped my hair in a towel to soak up the excess water for about 10 minutes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{4}</b> Deep conditioned with ORS Olive Oil Replenishing Pak. Put on a plastic cap and sat under the dryer for about 30 minutes. It was another 10 before I went to rinse. Can someone tell me why my hair felt like a pillowy cloud?! Is that why people love this conditioner or what? I'm mad I used the whole pak so I can't see if it was a fluke or not. Somebody please tell me if this protein pak has given them dreamy results, too? I got caught up just touching my hair before I even rinsed it out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{5}</b> Hair still felt great after I rinsed it. Towel wrapped for about 30 mins</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{6}</b> Section by section, I applied my leave-ins (Elasta QP H2 & Organix Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage serum), detangled, and started putting it in ponytails. I couldn't remember if I usually put all the ponytails in and then roll or roll as I went so I just went with the former.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZlvWMUcrTKuvE8-1NsoKSNTctI73tYtwpaet927rksioEMBYugJDVoNBsDDVCyw3ND9R-owOY6_ogzSU8ArZP_fRJB08LpWJclOpxYAVzZma06OPzdQnJrp7_TptgeZVLiApWmgQ0vQi-/s1600/Desktop23-001_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZlvWMUcrTKuvE8-1NsoKSNTctI73tYtwpaet927rksioEMBYugJDVoNBsDDVCyw3ND9R-owOY6_ogzSU8ArZP_fRJB08LpWJclOpxYAVzZma06OPzdQnJrp7_TptgeZVLiApWmgQ0vQi-/s1600/Desktop23-001_Fotor.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{7}</b> Once all the ponytails were in, I started rolling it up with magnetic rollers. I applied some Shea Moisture Frizz-Free Curl Mousse before putting in each roller. Ponytails make rolling your hair SO easy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{8}</b> I put on my bonnet dryer for about 30 minutes or so just to help get the drying process started before I went to sleep. My hair was pretty dry by the morning. Only one section was slightly damp.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{9}</b> I removed the rollers and used a nail clip to cut all the rubber bands off the ponytails.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>{10}</b> Lightly flat-ironed my roots to remove the creases from the ponytails.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJseIw6KUEbZ5fS-lKR1Lko3XNVITLdO8f1ORLgWFpO5tVmBtroSoX3stkWJRyHRBSfsBu2SG8G2T1HoqZzL26vYhsBY5QG5EfRTwYraIxM7jO4MEuWYkEB0vbadsaczvACzRUuDfGwk4J/s1600/Desktop23_Fotor_Fotor_Collage_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJseIw6KUEbZ5fS-lKR1Lko3XNVITLdO8f1ORLgWFpO5tVmBtroSoX3stkWJRyHRBSfsBu2SG8G2T1HoqZzL26vYhsBY5QG5EfRTwYraIxM7jO4MEuWYkEB0vbadsaczvACzRUuDfGwk4J/s1600/Desktop23_Fotor_Fotor_Collage_Fotor.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yesss! My curls were big, bouncy and full of volume! Which is exactly what I was going for. However, the summer humidity had a completely different plan for me y'all. LOL! At this point, all I can do is laugh. I was not outside very much at all, but the few trips I took between the car and my destinations ruined me! My hair didn't get wet, I wasn't sweating, most of the day I was in cold air conditioning, but by the end of the day my hair was huge. I mean I love my big hair, but I would prefer it be as big as I direct it to be and not take on its own life. Haha! Whatever, I think this is my cue to go ahead and put my hair away in some kind of protective style for the rest of this stretch. This happened to me the last time I roller set my hair, too. At least it was still nice and soft, but I was mad I only got one day of curls! Look at the comparison below! Oh, and don't mind my I-cant-believe-this-happened-again face please :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: start;">Hope you all had lovely wash days this week! If you haven't already, be sure to check out this week's Wash Day Experience over at <a href="http://www.savingourstrands.com/2014/07/wash-day_16.html">SavingOurStrands</a> and <a href="http://www.justgrowalready.com/2014/07/wash-day_16.html">JustGrowAlready!</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136932449881592408noreply@blogger.com16