L4L Proctective Styling 2nd Update

The second month of this protective styling challenge has come and gone, and I am still going strong! However, I definitely don't have as exciting of an update as I did the last time. Because I have been crazy busy, I've just been sticking to what I know works for my hair. Everything that worked the first month of the challenge, worked this past month of the challenge as well. Buns, twisted & tucked styles, along with my u-part wig, have been my best friends.

Last month, my biggest problem was keeping my hair, especially my new growth, moisturized. I am happy to report that I seemed to have solved that issue! When I created this twisted updo, I used a couple of my mother's Shea Moisture hair products: the Curling Souffle and Curl Enhancing Smoothie. My hair stayed soft for daysssss after I used that stuff!! I couldn't believe it. So, I continued using the Curl Enhancing Smoothie even after I took that style down and it did not disappoint. My new growth was so soft and manageable that I wasn't even concerned about relaxing until I was about 11 weeks post. I had my mom check out my new growth and even she was impressed, saying "Wow! It's so soft!". Inevitably, I will be buying some of my own soon so I can stop using hers up. 

I think after two months of protective styling, it has become my normal. I'm used to it and not in a bad way either. Of course, I totally miss wearing my hair out and CANNOT wait to see how much progress I've made, but I also think I've done a pretty good job keeping my hair styled in non-boring ways. It makes me think a little differently about protective styling and want to continue experimenting with hair that I didn't grow out of my own head. I've had fun with my piece and even finally wore it all out to work. Everyone thought it was allll mine, almost fooled myself. Ha! So, if Ebony decides to have a "Hiding My Hair" challenge, I will most likely jump on board. I've already made a second (beautiful!) one for my cousin, and am planning to make another for myself, too.

one of the days I wore my u-part out

That's pretty much it for me and February. I haven't had any down days or used any heat yet. Since I've made it this far without them, my goal is to finish that way. I relaxed my hair this past weekend at 12 weeks post. Woohoo! New accomplishment for me. I've also learned that my life is not likely to slow down any time soon. Just like I've learned how to make time to keep my hair healthy, I am also going to have to learn how to make time to keep my blog updated. It's important! Being busy can no longer be an excuse :)

 
Oh, I'm currently rocking this chunky twisted bun. Just tried it out last night for the first time. I'm really pleased with the results! Posting about it soon.

4 comments hair challenge, longing4length protective styling challenge, protective styles

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L4L Protective Styling Update!

So, it's time for the first check-in for the protective styling challenge I'm participating in! I think this past month has flown by, which is a good thing, in my opinion. The challenge is going very well for me, so far. I'm actually enjoying it! With the nasty winter weather, I don't think it could've came at a more perfect time. 

my 3/4 part wig

 For the most part, my hair has been covered by my new 3/4 part wig I made! *pats self on back* I've never been one to wear any kind of extensions, but after hearing more and more about it then watching a ton of YouTube videos, I decided to go for it. Glad I did too, because it's made things pretty easy. Other than that, I've spent about a week in buns and a week all twisted up.  



I'm still washing, deep conditioning and air drying my hair weekly. That's going well. I'm about 9 weeks post, but my hair's not acting like it. I think my biggest struggle has been keeping my hair moisturized (of course!), sealed and soft. I put my hair in several braids that I pinned together under my wig. The idea was they would be easy to moisturize, yet those were what I had the biggest struggle keeping moisturized. Haven't figured the reason for that issue. This past week with my hair twisted up, it was easy to keep soft and full of moisture. I'm planning on doing it that way for a few more weeks so hopefully I'll continue to have that result.

twisted up style I did this week

a couple accessorized buns

I'm loving Ebony's tutorials! I've tried one of them, but failed to take pics. Loved it though so I'm sure I'll be doing it again. I'm just now getting in to instagram, but I'm planning on joining in on the fun there too!

Update: you can check out more about my 3/4 part wig here and my all twisted up style here!

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Longing4Length Protective Styling Challenge

So, Ebony @ Longing4Length.com is hosting a protective styling challenge and I have decided to join! I briefly talked about it and my take on protective styling in this post a few weeks ago. Because of the progress I've made with little to no protective styling, I am excited about how much will come from doing this. It will last for three months, from January 7th - April 15th. Here are the rules of the challenge:

• A protective style for purposes of this challenge is defined as any style in which your ends are not exposed or touching your clothing.  Buns, updos, french braids, french rolls, etc all count.
• You may only wear your hair down for 7 days throughout the entire three months total!  Whether you choose to do one week, a couple of weekends or not at all – you only have a 7 day allowance.
• Only one direct heat pass but try not to use it at all!
• Protective styles means your ends must be hidden, so half up/half down ‘dos don’t count!
• Must deep condition your hair at least two times per month.
• You are not excluding from using fake hair – wigs, weaves, extensions, crochet braids, etc.

I've just been bunning so far this week, but I am planning on doing my first DIY 3/4 wig to try out soon. While I'm sure the YouTubers I've been watching make it look easier than it actually is, I'm pretty crafty so I think (hope) I can make it happen. Other than that, I'm just hoping to find some more creativity for styling. Here are some protective styles I've tried out in the past:

Aside from my hair goals for this challenge, since I am SO very new to blogging, I am hoping it helps me post more frequently as well as venture out more in the blogsphere. We will see what happens!

Here is my starting length pic:

pic from the day after Christmas

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