Happy Weekend!! 

Yup, that was me ↑

My hair was over-processed, limp, tangled, thin, fragile and damaged. I literally thought this was 'normal' until I came across ladies on the hair forums, back in the day, who had hair that was the TOTAL OPPOSITE of mine. Their hair was down their backs, thick, luscious and most importantly - HEALTHY!

At that moment, I knew everything I had been doing to my hair was completely wrong and change needed to take place asap. My hair demanded TLC and lotsss of it. I was a victim of over-processed hair for many many years and didn't even know it.

But what causes over-processed hair any way?

Over-processed hair can be the cause of frequent and misuse of relaxers, colour treatments, heat-styling tools, excessive manipulation etc. Your hair will feel weak, dry, brittle, stringy, and prone to breakage (basically damaged!). 

My hair fit this description perfectly. 

My frustration was at an all time high and tears were definitely shed! But my frustration led me to research, and my research revealed that there is light at the end of the tunnel!!

Here Are 7 Tips I Used To Help Repair My Over-Processed Hair:

1) Frequent Trims

The dead ends had to go! I got my hair trimmed immediately after making up my mind that I was going to take better care of my hair. My fresh ends gave me a clean slate to work with and automatically boosted my hair health! My ends were now even, appeared fuller and the breakage was minimized. Though, my thin ends were still present, they were no longer split. Instead of doing the big chop, I opted to trim my thin ends with each relaxer to eventually eliminate the over-processed scraggly ends overtime.

Scissors I use to Dust My Ends ↓ (Click Below):

Hair Shears

2) Spaced Out My Relaxers + Relax Correctly

Lets face it, doing a touch up every 6-8 weeks was the 'norm' for many of us relaxed hair ladies. This was my reality. Any time my new growth popped up, I relaxed my new growth like clockwork. Back then, it was basically that 'unwelcome guest' on my scalp that needed to bounce! LOL  

Too, relaxing all the way down to my ends was a regular thing. Processing already processed hair made zero sense, but it was common culture. I mean, I used to sit in relaxer as if it was conditioner not knowing the damage this was causing. No wonder I had thin, weak, over-processed hair!? I had to unlearn all of this. 

With time and research, I learned that spacing out my relaxers (every 10-12 weeks) and only processing my new growth (virgin hair), while coating the previously relaxed hair with hair grease, was the healthier way to go. My hair got a much needed break and instantly started to increase in fullness with each relaxer touch-up session. This was a game changer in my relaxer routine.

Relaxer I Use ↓ (Click Below) :

ORS Olive Oil Relaxer - Normal Strength

Dax Hair Grease

3)  Invest in Quality Treatments/Tools

What's the saying? Put your money where your mouth is...well I did just that! I took the time to research ingredients, go to the Beauty Supply Store and invest in products that I knew would help me in achieving my hair goals. 

Not only that, but I grabbed a hooded dryer, wide tooth comb, satin scarf/bonnet etc. to help promote healthier hair. I started using hair treatments, protein and moisture based products, leave-in conditioners which all contributed to the health of my hair. 

These products gave my hair the strength, hydration and nourishment it needed in order to combat all the damage over the years. Honestly, I wish Olaplex was around back when I first started my relaxed hair journey because this salon quality product line was everything my hair needed and more!! If you can invest in Olaplex No. 0 + No. 3, I highly recommend it. It certainly takes the guess work out!

Treatment/Tool Faves ↓ (Click Below):

Olaplex No. 0 & No.3

Joico K Pak Reconstructor Treatment

Joico Moisture Recovery Balm

Hooded Dryer

Widetooth Comb

4) Deep Conditioning

This literally became my hair's best friend! Remember, over-processed hair is hair that is  s t a r v e d  of all its nutrients. Deep conditioning is the best method to feed your strands the nourishment it requires. 

For me, deep conditioning after every shampoo was (and still is) mandatory! My coarse dense 4c hair requires it - period! Applying a hair mask, deep conditioner or treatment for 20-30 mins with a heat source on a weekly basis was probably one of the best things I did for my over-processed hair. 

This routine not only kept my hair soft, smooth and manageable throughout the week but it helped to prevent breakage while increasing the thickness and overall health of my hair, overtime. 

Deep Conditioner Faves ↓ (Click Below):

Keracare Humecto

Silk Elements Megasilk Cholesterol

Aussie Moist

Shea Moisture Intensive Hydration Hair Masque

TGIN Honey Miracle Mask

5) Protein Will Be Your Friend 

Over-processed hair (especially fine hair) requires a dose of protein a little more frequently than hair that is healthier and balanced. My over-processed hair was always super fragile, dry and a tangled mess. Tangled hair and dryness is a common characteristic of over-processed hair as the cuticles have been lifted due to excessive heat styling, improper use of chemicals, etc. 

Protein treatments fill in the gaps and openings along the hair shaft while helping to close the cuticles, increasing moisture retention and reducing tangles. Protein increases the hair's ability to accept and hold on to moisture - yup, you read that correctly! Because the gaps along the hair shaft are filled, your hair is better able to preserve moisture assisting you in retaining length. Yes, protein tends to make the hair a bit ridged and rough (this is normal) but following up with a moisture based deep conditioner is a life saver as it will help soften, increase elasticity and make the strands more manageable. Don't forget this step but don't over do it!

Also, hydrolyzed proteins infuse strength into the hair while increasing the diameter of the hair strand. Essentially, protein makes your hair look and feel thicker/fuller with each use. My hair got thicker in just 3 short months of incorporating protein in my hair regimen. This was the boost my hair needed!

Protein Faves ↓ (Click Below) :

Aphogee 2 Minute Reconstructor

ORS Hair Mayo

ORS Replenishing Conditioner

Shea Moisture JBCO Hair Masque

6) Lay Off The Heat Tools

Using flat irons, blow dryers, curling irons, etc. can make over-processed hair much worse. I was the type of person to apply heat to dirty hair, day-after-day *rolls eyes* Of course I saw no issue with it, but eventually I noticed my hair getting shorter and shorter year after year. I stopped using these hot tools and soon enough I started to notice a positive difference in the health of my hair. 

I opted to air dry after each wash day and my hair has thanked me for it over and over. Giving your hair a much needed break from hot tools will give your strands a chance to rebuild, retain moisture and regain strength. I made a hard decision to save heat styling for special occasions or just relaxer day. Of course, I used it responsibly never forgetting my heat protectant but this sacrifice boosted the health of my hair, tremendously.

7) Pre-poo Before You Shampoo

It's so worth the extra effort!! Coating my hair with an oil/conditioner, or both, prior to shampooing was another small step in combating my over-processed hair. Pre-pooing made a difference because it provided an extra layer of conditioning benefits that my malnourished hair craved. 

Penetrating oils can repair dryness and damage caused by heat, chemicals and colouring. After wash day, my hair would always feel softer, smoother, detangled and more manageable when pre-pooing was part of my routine. 

Prepoo Oils ↓ (Click Below) :

Coconut Oil

Olive Oil

Avocado Oil

BONUS: Leave your hair alone. As hard as it may be, this is vital. Keep styling to a minimum to avoid unnecessary breakage. The less you do, the better! 

Understand that it will take time for your hair to be repaired to its healthiest state. By the 3rd month, you'll begin to notice more volume and fullness in your hair. However, it will take any where from 6 - 12 months to really get your hair back on track and in tip-top shape. 

Give yourself space and grace to grow and understand your hair and its needs. Patience and consistency will definitely be a prerequisite on the journey to rebuilding your hair.

Keep at it - you got this!!

Xo

Hey girl! Today, I'm trying out the 14”inch V-part Bob Wig from UNice Hair. I’d say it's more like a lob (long bob) since it’s 14” inches in length, but that’s the shortest I could go since my hair is pretty long. It’s extremely realistic and natural. Quickest install ever. As always, thanks for watching! 

New Vlog? Who dis?

I say this all the time, small healthy hair habits, overtime, will eventually add up resulting in healthier longer hair! But, let's go deeper. 

Happy Sunday! 

Ingredients: 

Shampoo: Aqua (water), Rosa centifolia (rose) flower extract, Euterpe oleracea (acai) fruit extract, Ginger root (ginger) extract, Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) flower extract, Calendula officinalis flower extract, Sclerocarya birrea (marula) seed oil, Saccharum officinarum (sugar cane) extract, Acer saccharum (sugar maple) extract, Citrus aurantium dulcis(orange) fruit extract, and Citrus medica limonum (lemon) fruit, Retinyl palmitate (vitamin a) and Niacinamide (vitamin b3), Pantothenic acid (pro-vitamin b5), Disodium cocoamphodipropionate, Sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate, Polysorbate 20, Cocamidopropyl betaine (derived from coconut), Sodium cocoyl isethionate, Decyl glucoside, Polyquaternium-10, Citric acid, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, Caprylyl glycol, EDTA, Sodium, Panthenol (pro vitamin b5), Tocopheryl acetate (vitamin e)

The Truth: 

Shampoo: I love how moisturizing and softening this shampoo is without it being super heavy on my strands. The consistency is thick and a little bit goes a long way. Not to mention, it gives the perfect amount of slip and detangles my knots and tangles easily. It's lightly scented so that's a plus. After shampooing, my hair feels smooth, softtt, and detangled!! The pump feature is the cherry on top making it super easy to get the product out and apply to the scalp. I lather twice with each use and my scalp feels clean but not stripped. I would say that the shampoo is a bit on the pricey side but a small amount stretches pretty far, so I think it will last for a while. Highly recommend this shampoo if you are in the market for a sulfate free hydrating and detangling shampoo for your Natural or Relaxed Hair. 

Hairlicious Rating:    (4/5) Very Good

Hey Girl! It’s been a minute but I’m back with a long overdue Relaxer Update/Hair Update. From experiencing under-processed hair + some breakage, switching from ORS Olive Oil Lye Relaxer to Affirm Conditioning Relaxer, Being Sick and then Shedding...its been A LOT! 

As always, thanks for watching! Be sure to LIKE & SUBSCRIBE:) 

Xoxo

Hey hun! 

I received this question from one of my Instagram followers this week and it's a great one to share here on my blog as I know many are probably wondering the same thing.

Finding your holy grail products can be an exhausting task! But only through the process of trial and error are we able to find our 'tried and true' products.

Now the question is, "how will you know when your hair likes a product?"

As simple as this question is, the answer is a little complex.

Sometimes, when we try new products for a few days, it can be hard to 'hear' what our hair is saying to us. But if you pay close attention to the appearance and feel of your hair, you will begin to 'listen' and act accordingly.

It really boils down to results! The results you receive when you try a particular hair product.

For instance, if you try a moisture based product that claims to 'hydrate, smooth and moisturize damaged strands' yet every time you use it your hair appears dull, dry, rough, and you notice breakage! Chances are your hair does NOT like that particular product. No need to repeat the process, sis.


Is this product doing what it's intended to do? How does my hair look after using this product? How does it feel? How does my scalp feel? Is it clean? Is there any product build up on my strands or scalp? Has my breakage decreased? Has my shedding decreased?

Mini hair assessments, pre and post product usage, will allow you to understand your hair better and what it likes! Below are the 5 signs to look out for when trying to figure out if your hair likes a product.

5 Signs Indicating Your Hair Likes A Product:

1. Increase In Moisture Levels - Soft moisturized hair is a big indicator that your hair has responded well to a product. An easy yet effective way to tell if your hair is 'moisturized' is by touching it. Your hair will feel much more manageable, soft and slightly cool-to-the-touch indicating that moisture has been locked in to the strands. Nothing like a product that effectively hydrates the hair!

2. Less Breakage - It's important to know that breakage is inevitable, it will happen. However, the focus needs to shift to ensuring it doesn't go out of control or happen often - minimizing breakage is key! Wait a few days after using a product to see if you notice a change in the amount of breakage you receive. If you notice far less breakage, then you normally would experience, then you know that the product is working to restore balance in your strands. Less breakage equates to length retention over time!

3. Less Tangles - If you notice less tangles, knots and matting - after using a haircare product -  there's a 99% chance that your hair is responding positively and it's a keeper! Less tangles means less friction between your strands. The cuticles are laying flat as they should! Less friction leads to less breakage. 

4. Increase in Shine - Shine in the hair is a result of closed cuticles, which means your strands are sitting at the right pH level to effectively lock in moisture. Closed cuticles reflect light; therefore, your hair will give off a sheen/shine after using products that your hair loves. If you notice a subtle shine/sheen to your hair after using a certain product, it's a good thing!

5. Calm Scalp - Scalp irritation and sensitivity is no fun. Using a product that causes itchiness, dryness, flakes, soreness or even shedding is a big indicator that it's not for you. Your scalp is the foundation of your hair, so keeping it in tip-top shape is crucial for healthy hair growth. An easy way to assess if a product is working for you (and agrees with your scalp), is if your scalp is displaying the opposite of everything I mentioned above. No, honestly!  If a product is in fact working, your scalp will be calm, hydrated, clear of any flakes, no excessive itching, and free of build up etc.

Again, pay close attention to how your hair is looking and feeling after using new products. Don't ignore the signs and cues your hair gives you. Always listen to your hair!

New Year. New Hair Dryer.

Still in shock! 

Quick back story...

Late last year, my Gold N Hot hooded dryer of 10+ years cracked in half. It was done. The end. To Be honest, I sensed it was coming. It was pretty much on its last leg. It was such a chore to use on wash days. I would forever be struggling to open it and when it was open, I would fight to prevent it from collapsing. 

Hot-mess wasn't even the word - okayyy?!

Regardless of the antics I went through, it always had a special place in my heart. That dryer was one of the very first hair tools I purchased when I started my hair journey. It's been there since day ONE.  

So it's kinda bitter sweet.

Now, the hubs definitely had his eyes and ears open to the hair dryer tragedy that went down and surprised me with this beauty. Not only was I shocked that he picked out a professional dryer but when I asked him "how did you know to pick this particular dryer?" he said "I looked it up on Long Hair Care Forum". 

Sis. 

I was floored (it's the research, time and thought for me!).

Beyond gratefulll.

Alright, let's get into this dryer shall we...

This pro-1028 professional hair dryer from lclbeauty.com sits on wheels for mobility and is equipped with an adjustable height. It heats up to 165 degrees. There are 3 knobs at the top of the dryer that allow you to control the time, temperature, and speed of your drying/deep conditioning session. Not to mention, it was a simple set up. It literally took him less than 10 mins to put together.

One of the main features I already love about this dryer is the timer with automatic shut off. No more using the timer on my phone. I can sit back and relax without counting down the time or struggling to hear the timer go off because of the loud Gold N Hot vent. If you know, you know.

Of course, I had to turn on the dryer (just to see what it's like) and I must say it's MUCH quieter than the Gold N Hot hooded dryer - which is a huge plus. Also, the air flow is pretty powerful so the heat circulates very well. If I'm not mistaken, I think there's a 'cool air' setting too - perfect for heat free drying.

As you probably already know, I'm super excited for wash day! Who knows, I may even attempt a roller set someday with this kind of machinery. LOL. Who am I kidding though?! But at least the option is there *wink*.

So in terms of deep conditioning heat sources, I have: my steamer, heat cap and now my hair dryer.

Welcome to the fam♡