I remember when India Arie released “I Am Not My Hair” in 2006 and the popular phrase swept the hair care world by storm. Everywhere you turned, ladies were chanting this phrase to declare that they were more than just their hair journey. According to the song, whether it was a press and curl, jehri curl or a relaxer, India Arie stated that hair does not define nor consume her. She has encouraged women to look inside and go beyond that. While that is true, reality illustrates that women believe the opposite of the statement.

It’s easy to agree that our hair can depict how we feel; it’s an extension of our personality, even our spiritual beliefs. I think our hair is an accessory that can be manipulated to how we see fit. We use it to express ourselves in anyway we feel and chose. It’s possible that we are our hair only because our actions prove otherwise. Women spend countless amounts of money and energy in making sure their hair is looking top notch. We go through great lengths (pun intended) to obtain long hair, a certain hair style or product. At times, our self-esteem increases and decreases depending on how our hair is looking and feeling, according to our preferences.

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with one taking pride in making sure their hair is up to their standards. Healthy hair is beautiful and it can really transform the way you feel about yourself. Our hair is an extension of ourselves.

However, we must also understand that our hair should not be the sole deciding factor on how we are to be perceived by others and ourselves. Though our hair a part of us, it’s not all of us. As India Arie greatly put it, we are the souls that live within. At the end of the day, it’s just hair.

Share your thoughts! Do you agree or disagree with the “I am not my hair” statement and why?

Be sure to check out the original article over at ESSENCE.com | Straight Talk: Do You Agree With ‘I Am Not My Hair’ Statements?

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Late night🌙 deep conditioning!! What did you do to your hair today? #hairlista #hairlistacastoroilchallenge #healthyhaircare

A photo posted by Sunshyne☀️ (@hairlicious) on Mar 19, 2015 at 7:46pm PDT

If you follow me on Instagram (@hairlicious) then you already know what my wash day consisted of in terms of products. I brought out my trusty ol' Keracare humecto to maximize the hydration in my 12 week post new growth! It was heaven!!

Lets break it down:

Deep conditioner: Keracare Humecto Cream Conditioner
Oils: Extra virgin olive oil (1tsp), Jamaican Black Castor Oil (1tsp), Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (1tsp)
Co-wash conditioner: Aussie Moist Smooth
Leave-in: Scurl No Drip Activator

Lately, my new growth has been pretty much unbearable! Since I'm in the Castor Oil Challenge, my growth has been noticeably thicker, and stronger! It literally takes me longer to style my hair and my hair is drinking up my products like no other!!

I decided to apply my deep conditioner to dry hair (saturated from root to tip), leave it on with heat for 30 minutes then co-wash it out. I t-shirt dried for approximately 15-20 minutes.

As I was air drying,  my new growth and relaxed ends came out buttery smooth and moisturized! This is exactly what my hair needed. I applied my leave-in on damp hair and let my hair air dry in a middle part ponytail overnight to tame my new growth. My hair was secured with a satin scarf.

This is how it turned out in the morning. No gel, no edge control. Distinct line of demarcation! LOL


Simple yet effective!

Until next wash day....

So you’ve decided to grow your hair long and healthy and you’ve set your hair goals. Now what? In order to achieve those goals, a regimen needs to be set in place.

PROTEIN RECONSTRUCTORS 
Reconstructors are packed with proteins small enough to penetrate and repair the cracks and gaps along the hair shaft. During relaxers, protein is stripped from the hair making it weak and fragile. Reconstructors infuse protein back into the hair. Light reconstructors can be used weekly and heavy reconstrcutors can be used every 6-8 weeks. Start off by using a light protein reconstructor weekly for 15-20 minutes.

LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER
Using a leave-in conditioner, after a deep condition, is essential as it aids in closing the cuticles so that the nutrients stay inside of the hair shaft. Closed cuticles mean the hair remains smooth, tangle-free with shine. Most leave-in conditioners provide moisturizing and protein properties for added benefit. Use a leave-in conditioner after every deep condition.

MOISTURIZING DEEP CONDITIONER 
A moisturizing deep conditioner is an essential part of any regimen. Moisturizing deep conditioners are crucial in adding moisture, softness, and smoothness in the hair. It’s perfect to use after a protein reconstructor as it restores moisture and elasticity back into the hair. Use a moisturizing deep conditioner at least once a week under a heat source (i.e. hooded dryer, heat cap, steamer etc.) for 20-30 minutes.

DAILY MOISTURIZER
Moisture is the key! Using a daily moisturizer is the quickest way to replenish moisture in dry hair. The only way to effectively moisturize your hair is by using a water-based moisturizer (make sure water is the first ingredient on the list). Focus on moisturizing your ends first, then work your way up to your roots. Moisturize daily to increase elasticity and hydration. Above all, listen to your hair! If you notice excessive shedding and/or breakage, use the process of elimination and cut back on one product at a time to see what is causing the issue.

Be sure to check out the original article over at ESSENCE.com | Straight Talk: Tips On Creating A Regimen For Relaxed Hair

Introduce yourself! what's your name? where are you from? 
 My name is Rebecca, I was born in France from French West Indian (Caribbean) parents. And I live in France!

How would you describe your hair? What's your hair type?
My hair is mostly type 4 although it is coarser in some places like at the back (4b) and looser in the middle (3c).  In its natural state, my hair is thick yet fairly supple and I would say I have high hair density (loads of hair follicles so loads of hair).  At the moment, I would describe my hair as healthy... although it can always be better :-) The length is currently at bra strap after having cut a few inches back in September last year. I have no specific length goal.

When did you start your relaxed hair journey? What is your hair regimen? Share a few of your "go-to" hair products. 
I first relaxed my hair when I was 13 or 14 years old and have not stopped since. My mum would take good care of my hair and she would spend hours each week doing my hair. There came a point when we both felt that relaxing my hair was probably a good idea, giving us much needed 'help'.

I have experimented quite a bit over the years with products, techniques etc. and it all helped me understand how to handle my hair.

When it comes to my hair routine, I try to keep it very simple, although I am always keen to try out new products. I wash my hair every couple of weeks and on wash days (usually Saturdays or Sundays), I typically wash my detangled hair with a gentle shampoo, I deep condition with my favorite conditioner mixed with oils for at least 2 hours. I air dry as much a possible. I dry my hair with a leave-in until almost dry (using a comb attachment). I then follow with the hair straighteners for a smooth effect.

When I feel my scalp and hair are a little bit on the dry side, I will pre-poo with a combination of oils and conditioners and leave it on overnight or for a few hours.

I relax my hair only twice a year and in between I tame my new growth with oils and loads of moisture. I trim as needed (or after my relaxers).

In terms of products, my 'staples' of the moment are the Yucca & Baobab thickening moisture mist from Shea Moisture - I use it as a leave-in: it smells sooo good and leaves my hair moisturized and flawless without feeling weighed down.

Here are my go-to products for my hair routine:

Shampoo: Palmer’s Olive Oil formula with Vitamin E
Deep conditioner: Organic Roots Stimulator Replenishing Conditioner (also used for hair detangling) and Organic Roots Stimulator Hair mayonnaise.

What #1 hair tip you would pass on to other relaxed haired ladies who are starting their hair journey? 
My #1 advice is patience, patience and more patience. You will need loads of it to get to know your hair, what products and routine work best for it.

Nowadays it's becoming more uncommon to see relaxed hair or products geared towards relaxed hair. Do you feel a 'pressure' to go natural? Why or why not? What are your thoughts on the natural hair movement? 
I don't feel pressure to go natural. My sister went natural 4 or 5 years ago. She had had longer hair than me; she’s very passionate and dedicated to her natural hair and I admire her for that! To me, it's not about being in 'team natural' or 'team relaxed' but more about having a healthy head of hair you feel good about. We need to do what makes us happy!

Why do you choose to remain relaxed while many are transitioning back to their natural hair? 
Today, this is not my personal aspiration, but I do respect all women who decided to transition. I choose to stay relaxed because I love my relaxed hair. I feel completely at ease with it.  I am able to understand it, manage and take care of it. Maybe in 5/10 years, I will change my decision, you never know!

What do you absolutely love about your relaxed tresses? And why?
I love my silky lengths, the sleekness and the fact that my hair is very very easy to maintain. I also like the versatility; I’m able to move from a sexy voluminous hairstyle to a strict bun or braids.

Put It Up! 
The best thing to do while working out is to pull all of your hair off of your shoulders whether that’s in a ponytail, high bun or low bun. Protective styling the hair is best while keeping it wrapped with a silk or satin scarf. Tying the hair down helps keep the hair controlled, smooth and sleek during your exercise. Quick tip: do not take down your hair until it completely dries! This will help lessen the chance of your hair texture reverting.

Be Smart About Drying 
Ditch the flat irons and blow dryers for a healthier option. Try air-drying your hair while it’s in loose braids or a low bun overnight or grab the blow dryer and dry your hair on the cool setting. Cool air helps to close the hair cuticles encouraging them to lay flat and smooth resulting in healthier hair.




Ditch Itchy Scalp 
Those who sweat a lot in their scalp tend to experience excessive itching and overall discomfort in their scalp. Applying Coconut oil to the scalp 2-3x/week along with frequent Apple Cider Vinegar rinses in the scalp can help to eliminate the itching and remove dirt.


Less Shampooing is Better 
Using shampoo in the scalp is a great way to remove excess dirt, build up and sweat; however, using it after each workout can cause excessive dryness. Washing the hair with shampoo daily or every other day can strip the hair of natural oils and moisture. Eventually this can cause damage to the hair. If you must cleanse your scalp with shampoo, use one without sulfates for added hydration.

Be sure to check out the original article over at ESSENCE.com | Straight Talk: On Maintaining Relaxed Hair While Working Out

As part of my nightly maintenance while my hair is flat ironed, I like to wrap my hair to ensure it stays smooth and frizz-free. Wrapping my flat ironed hair prevents me from using additional heat throughout the week. By wrapping nightly my new growth remains straight and I can stretch my flat ironed style for over 1 week.  Here are the tools I used:  - Wide-tooth comb - Boar Bristle Brush - Satin Scarf - Satin Bonnet Thanks for watching!

Oh, for more pictures and info on my Top Knot Styles visit these links:

1. Top Knot Bun
2. Half Up Half Down Top Knot

Thanks for watching!