It's been a long time!!!!

I shouldn't have left you. LOL.

Seriously folks, a lot has happened since I last blogged. I gave birth to a precious little boy named Adam on March 25th, 2010 and life hasn't been the same since. But since I'm getting back in the swing of things I decided to start blogging again.

As far as my hair is concerned, I have been checking for any signs of post-partum shedding but so far it has been minimal. To ensure that I do not become a victim of this, I have been washing with Garlic shampoo, doing my Aphogee Protein Treatments, Clarifying (I will do a separate post later on what this means) monthly, and Deep Conditioning weekly.

I don't have any recent pics because I have decided for the summer it will be back to co-washing again on a regular basis. Thursday, I am going out after work so I decided I will do a Bantu Knot set the night before. If it comes out decent, I will post a pic.

Remember my goal for this time was bra-strap length but I will not be doing any length checks until mid-August around the time of our annual BBQ.

Until then......

God Bless,

D AKA

Announcement!

OK, since I am past my first Trimester (14 weeks to be exact) I think it's time to make the announcement that I am PREGNANT!!! I know this is a hair blog, but I thought I'd share this piece of information with you guys.

I had to purchase a few maternity pieces (my job has a dress code) and it has become a challenge trying to still look cute. As far as my hair is concerned, I am stretching my relaxer to almost 3 months. I know some people who don't relax at all while pregnant, but at least I waited until my 2nd Trimester!

I have been rocking alot of braidouts and ponytails lately but I think I will be getting a Dominican blowout Monday because I have an interview for a promotion on Tuesday. I will keep you guys posted.

FULL ARM-PIT LENGTH

This is a pic that was inadvertently taken of my hair at a wedding reception. I don't always get a chance to take pics of my hair and rarely do I ever "really" see the back to know the true length so I am glad my soror took this pic of the back of my head. (Thanks K !)

I think I reached a milestone. I was aiming for full arm-pit length by about this time (Summer 2009) Hurraayyy!!!!

The next milestone is bra-strap length. Touching the very top of my bra clasp. I give myself by next summer. Do you think I can do it? Only time will tell.

Miami Braidout

It's been "braid out" city so far for me this summer. I wish I had a closeup pic of this braidout done while I was in Miami. I have been stretching my relaxer trying to go to 3 months. I have a wedding to go to in August and we are having our annual BBQ so I want my hair to be in "full force" by then.

Let's get it!

Dee

I'M BACK

Hey guys, I am back from my little hiatus. I have gotten into sort of a rut as far as my hair is concerned. I am trying to stretch my relaxer three months this go round. Nothing in my regimen has really changed. I still conditioner-wash once a week and do a braid-out or bun and wash/deep condition and roller-set once a week. When it gets hotter I may increase the conditioner washes to 2 times per week. We'll see how that goes. My goal is to have my hair touching my bra-strap by the fall. I will be posting pics soon when I do a braidout.

Smooches,

Dee AKA

Salon-Style products vs. "Cheapies"

There is an ongoing debate regarding the effectiveness of expensive salon-style products vs. cheap "drug-store" products. I use both for different things.

In my stash, I have both V05 and Suave conditioners. I use these mostly for "conditioner washes" Occasionally, I have also been known to use Pantene, Sunsilk, and Garner Fructis. I am happy with all of these products.

For my deep conditioner, as stated before, Nexxus Humectress is my staple. This conditioner has never steered me wrong. I also often purchase conditioner packs such as Organic Root Stimulator from the Beauty Supply Store.

Aphogee is also a staple for Protein Treatments. This should be done at least once a month to curb breakage. This can also be done with eggs or mayonnaise. (More on that later)

Often, I add honey, salt or oils to my deep conditioners.

In my opinion, because Afro-textured hair is so delicate, it should be treated like a delicate flower. It needs water (moisture) in order to thrive. I currently conditioner wash my hair once a week and wash with shampoo and deep condition once a week.

I would've never though for a minute that I would ever let water touch my hair more than once a week but my hair has thanked me for it. I would recommend anyone to try it. You might like it.

Winterize your hair!

I have noticed in the Winter time my hair is so much drier. I never thought that I'd be doing braid-outs in the winter, but since I am nearing relaxer time I have been doing them at least twice a week. If I am not doing braidouts I am using rocking a bun or some sort of twisted updo.

It is important to spray your hair at least once a day to add in moisture. Cathy Howse has a good one named "The Dew". I also use Frederic Fekkai, or Care Free Curl Gold. Or, you can make your own. Here is a sample list of ingredients:

Water (of course)

Glycerin or Aloe Vera Gel

Jojoba or Coconut Oil

You can also use these products while baggying. More on that method in a later post.