Am I the only one who loves to dig up old hair photos to compare the past to the present? :)
Honestly, there's nothing like an old photo to show you how much your hair has transformed over the years! I was digging through my archive of photos and I came across this old photo of my bun back when I started my hair journey (on the left). This photo was taken approximately 1 year into my hair journey - so my hair was becoming healthier.
Seeing this photo, years later, brought back so many memories/thoughts/feelings I was experiencing with my hair, at the time. On many occasions "giving up" ran through my mind, but I'm glad I didn't. These "blast from the past" photos remind me that, I know it sounds cliche but, patience and consistency is everything!!
Never give up!
Just don't do it! Why you ask? Well...first off, scanning through old pictures of your hair allows you to see the rough beginnings of where your hair journey all began. You're able to stroll down memory lane and distinctively recall all the wrong things you were doing to your hair - I remember it like yesterday i.e. using heat on dirty hair, relaxing from root to tip, deep conditioning once in a blue moon..the list continues!
Second of all, and most importantly, being able to look back and see the transformation that took place, from then 'till now, truly allows you to understand and appreciate all that you've learned, including the struggles and the milestones. My mindset and perspective towards my hair was nothing compared to what it is now. Looking back, there's been a multitude of transformations.
Thirdly, you're able to encourage and inspire other people who are about to embark on a journey to pursue healthier hair. Your beginning may also be similar to someone elses beginning, allowing other people to relate to your journey. Little do you know, your trials and errors are resources!
From experience, I can't stress enough how vital it is to take hair pictures throughout your hair journey - I don't know what I would do if I didn't. Not only does it help with seeing how far you've come, in terms of length, but also how much knowledge you've gained to reach your goal length over the years.
I embrace my past and I'm not afraid to share it. I think it's liberating and if I'm able to help other people along the way, it's a blessing. A few Hairlistas have asked me to share more photos from the beginning of my hair journey and that's exactly what I'll do :)
What do you think about embracing your past and where you began in your hair journey? Do you often reflect on where you came from? Has it helped others along the way? Share :)
I happened to dig up an old photo of my hair prior to beginning my hair journey. On the left, you can see that my hair was thin, over-processed, just overall damaged! I was at a point in my life where I had to make a change! Boy, I'm happy I did :) I made the decision to stop living in weaves and wigs and to start taking better care of my neglected over-processed relaxed hair! My journey has not been smooth. I've experienced a major setback and several challenges along the way; however, because of those hard times, I've learned to understand and listen to my hair - which was not easy. Many times I felt to give up and just forget this whole "hair-journey-thing" and go back to what I was comfortable with! I had family members who spoke negatively about my hair while growing up to a point where I started to adapt to their beliefs during any setback I had. With time, I realized that my journey, is in fact a journey! It's not a race to the finish line, it's a personal relationship with me and my hair! With that mindset, I was better able to tackle my goals and achieve, as well as maintain, healthier hair.
Many believe there is a "secret" to growing kinky textured hair - I did too! In fact, there is no such thing! I believe there are 2 key factors that you must acquire in order to be successful in your journey i.e. Consistency and Patience! There's nothing else. By consistency, I'm referring to, i.e. moisturizing and sealing daily. I know there are nights where you just want to hit that pillow (trust me I know) but with a consistent moisturizing and sealing routine, your hair will turn around and thank you for it! As far as patience goes, remember; hair grows approximately 1/2 inch per month. Hair takes time to grow. I realized that it's important to set realistic goals based the average hair growth rate (or less) that way you don't drive yourself crazy! Also, give yourself enough time to try out a product and see how your hair responds before throwing it in the trash. It takes time to observe and assess whether your hair likes or dislikes a product. Patience is key!
Every now-and-then I believe it's important to pause! look back! And see where we all began and to see how far we've reached. Don't give up!! The moment you're ready to quit, is usually the moment right before you reach your breaking point/miracle. Though I've reached my goals, I'm still learning and I love it!
Just wanted to share :)
I've been on my hair journey for several years now and I still love going through my old photos of my hair just to visually see how my hair has transformed. I've always used it as motivation to meet my next goal. Nothing speaks louder than a photo! Sometimes we feel as though our hair isn't making any progress, but until we look at an old photo, that is when we really notice a difference :)
The photo on the left (APL - Arm Pit Length) was back in November 2008 when I went to a salon for a relaxer. They hacked off at least 4-6 inches of my thin ends when all I wanted was a trim. It was actually a blessing in disguise. From this beautiful disaster, I was able to really understand the needs, likes, dislikes etc. of my hair that I never understood before. The photo on the right (BSL - Bra Strap Length) was taken in October 2009. So technically speaking, I made BSL in 9 months (August 2009) but this photo was taken in October.
What I changed in my regimen to get to BSL?:
1. I consistently started using S-curl No Drip Activator daily. My ends were craving the extra moisture.
2. Increased my protein treatments to once a week (followed by a moisture deep condition) to ensure my hair remained moisturized yet strong & fortified at the same time.
3. Applied Jamaican Black Castor Oil to my scalp 2-3x/week. This helped to promote growth and thickness in my hair.
4. Protected my ends in wigs and buns 90% of the time. I left my hair alone!
5. Moisturized and sealed in sections (5-6) ensuring all of my ends were covered in my moisturizer preventing dryness!
That's it! All you need is consistency & patience :)
Since my shedding minimized significantly, due to the Black Tea Rinse (more details to come), I decided to relax my 3 months post new growth. After relaxing and thoroughly rinsing, I did a mid-protein step treatment with Affirm 5 in 1 Reconstructor (trying to use it up) for 3 minutes. I find that the mid-protein step somewhat reverted my new growth. My hair felt extremely strong and durable afterward. The only downside is that my new growth became more textured.
I rinsed and neutralized for 20 minutes in intervals (5, 5, 10). I always make sure the Neutralizing Shampoo sits in my hair (kinda like conditioner) to ensure all of the relaxer is out. I followed up with a 30 minute steam treatment using Keracare Humecto (mixed with Olive oil, Coconut oil and Avocado Oil). Above are pictures of my hair right after rinsing out the conditioner and air drying. I air dried with S-Curl No Drip and One and Only Argan oil over it to seal. One and Only Argan oil is my favourite heat protectant. Let me tell you... my hair felt overly soft and supple. I was in heaven. I absolutely love this combination!!!
Once my hair was completely dry, I flat ironed in sections with my Hana flat iron (around 300 degrees). Here are the results below:
I caved!
I couldn't stand the feel and texture of my ends since my last relaxer in July 2012... so I decided to get a trim. I still have length, which I'm happy about, and my ends look much healthier. In this photo, my hair was flat ironed with my "1 Hana Flat Iron. My hair feels much better overall.
Health first, always!
July Relaxer/Hair Update + Castor Oil Challenge Regimen
Castor Oil Challenge Monday, August 06, 2012
I'm officially 4 weeks post relaxer today! The last time I relaxed my hair was July 6th, 2012. I used the Sprush to apply and smooth my relaxer and it did an amazing job, again! My new growth was straight and sleek, however, there was a bit of texture (not under-processed hair) left over, which was perfect (I like to leave a bit of texture in my hair for strength).
I got a trim back in April 2012 (about an 1" off). Yet my hectic schedule, school, work etc., my ends took a slight beating. I failed to moisturize and seal nightly, wear my satin scarf to bed, deep condition twice a week etc....it just caught up to me. They are not entirely bad; however, I know my hair well enough to know when something feels "off" and it does :( My ends feel very tangle-y and thin. I'm contemplating whether or not I should trim my ends again. I mean my last trim was approx. 4 months ago, so in reality, I am overdue for one, but I'm not entirely sure if I should go head with it. At the end of the day, I'm all for healthy hair from root to tip, so if it means my "ends" must go, I have no problem letting go!
I'll sleep on it...LOL
Moving forward, the Castor Oil Challenge is LIVE (July 28th - October 28th, 2012) and I'm participating in this challenge. I've decided to join at the Advance level. The Advance level involves me applying Castor oil (I'll be using Jamaican Black Castor Oil) to my scalp every other day. I know that may seem like a lot of oil, however, I wash my hair quite frequently and I don't wear straight styles often (I flat iron maybe once every 2-3 months). I'm really excited to see what kind of results I achieve with it. Never have I used JBCO that often, I hope everything goes well...and if I decide to trim, by my next relaxer (sometime in October 2012) my hair will be an inch or two longer.
Here's what my Summer/Fall Castor Oil Challenge Regimen will look like:
Monday: Protein treatment, shampoo, deep condition with moisture DC (with 3PO) for 30mins with heat, air dry. Apply JBCO to scalp, massage it in.
Tuesday: Moisturize and seal. Tie with satin scarf
Wednesday: Apply JBCO to scalp, massage it in. Moisturize and seal. Tie with satin scarf
Thursday: Moisture DC (with 3PO) on dry hair for 30mins, co-wash it out. Air dry. Moisturize and seal. Tie with satin scarf.
Friday: Apply JBCO to scalp, massage it in. Moisturize and seal. Tie with satin scarf
Saturday: Co-wash. Air Dry. Moisturize and seal. Tie with satin scarf.
I got a trim back in April 2012 (about an 1" off). Yet my hectic schedule, school, work etc., my ends took a slight beating. I failed to moisturize and seal nightly, wear my satin scarf to bed, deep condition twice a week etc....it just caught up to me. They are not entirely bad; however, I know my hair well enough to know when something feels "off" and it does :( My ends feel very tangle-y and thin. I'm contemplating whether or not I should trim my ends again. I mean my last trim was approx. 4 months ago, so in reality, I am overdue for one, but I'm not entirely sure if I should go head with it. At the end of the day, I'm all for healthy hair from root to tip, so if it means my "ends" must go, I have no problem letting go!
I'll sleep on it...LOL
Here's what my Summer/Fall Castor Oil Challenge Regimen will look like:
Monday: Protein treatment, shampoo, deep condition with moisture DC (with 3PO) for 30mins with heat, air dry. Apply JBCO to scalp, massage it in.
Tuesday: Moisturize and seal. Tie with satin scarf
Wednesday: Apply JBCO to scalp, massage it in. Moisturize and seal. Tie with satin scarf
Thursday: Moisture DC (with 3PO) on dry hair for 30mins, co-wash it out. Air dry. Moisturize and seal. Tie with satin scarf.
Friday: Apply JBCO to scalp, massage it in. Moisturize and seal. Tie with satin scarf
Saturday: Co-wash. Air Dry. Moisturize and seal. Tie with satin scarf.
Sunday: Apply JBCO to scalp, massage it in. Moisturize and seal. Tie with satin scarf.
- Skip Monday-
*The days I will be applying JBCO are not set in stone as I will be applying it every other day so the exact days will change.*
I relaxed May 18th with Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Normal Strength for 20 mins. Here are the results.
Wet Hair:
Air Dried Hair with Scurl No Drip Activator as Leave-in Conditioner:
I'm really pleased with how well this relaxer took. I was 3 months post and it was a task getting through all of my new growth. My hair is pretty straight this time but has some texture. I decided not to put heat in my hair as yet. Maybe in a couple weeks or so. I'm trying to maintain my goal length of MBL (Mid Back Length)...so far so good even though I got a trim back in March! My next trim will be in August 2011.
♥ Sunshyne
Wet Hair:
Air Dried Hair with Scurl No Drip Activator as Leave-in Conditioner:
I'm really pleased with how well this relaxer took. I was 3 months post and it was a task getting through all of my new growth. My hair is pretty straight this time but has some texture. I decided not to put heat in my hair as yet. Maybe in a couple weeks or so. I'm trying to maintain my goal length of MBL (Mid Back Length)...so far so good even though I got a trim back in March! My next trim will be in August 2011.
♥ Sunshyne
So I've officially reached my goal of Mid Back Length. Whoohoo!! I feel like I just graduated. LOL
My 3rd year anniversary passed Fall 2010, but I never had the chance to upload a comparison photo from start to finish. Just to re-cap, I've been on my hair journey since Fall 2007 and I reached Mid Back Length Summer 2010. Finally! Though I've experienced it all i.e. porosity issues, dryness, moisture overload, protein overload, chopped off 4'inches etc. it's been an amazing journey thus far. I've learned A TON of new things about hair, my hair and I'm truly proud of myself for being determined and dedicated. If you are unfamiliar with the drastic cut I got back in Fall 2008, you can read about it here.
Although I've reached my goal in length, that doesn't mean my hair journey is over, oh no no no. At this point in my journey, I will be exploring more products, making new goals and focusing on helping others rather than myself. I'll still be doing updates here and there but not as frequent as before since I'll just be maintaining MBL (cutting it to MBL each relaxer, no waist length for me..lol).
So in a nutshell, 2011 is all about maintaining this length, thickness and experimenting with other products, items and tools. Just keeping it very simple...I guess :)
What is your main focus for 2011?
Do you have new goals?
Or are you just keeping it simple with no expectations?
Do you have new goals?
Or are you just keeping it simple with no expectations?
Relaxer took place: August 7th 2010
How Many Weeks Post: Relaxed at 11-12 weeks post (A little before the Castor Oil Challenge ended..I did the Ultimate level & it works!!)
Relaxer Used: Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Lye Normal Strength
Other tools: 2 Rat-tail combs, 2 pairs of tight latex gloves (very easy to feel new growth with), towels, timer.
Prep:
Method/Technique: Relaxed at home with the help of my sister. We parted the hair in 4 quadrants (2 in the front and 2 in the back). I took over the front portion and she relaxed the back portion. I pre-parted the hair in the front vertically and 2 strand twisted each section to make the process go faster. My sister pre-parted & 2 strand twisted the hair in the back section horizontally for fast and easy access. I went through the front 2-3 times (relaxing only the new growth) and she went over the back twice with smoothing (relaxing only the new growth).
I neutralized approx. 5 times with ORS Neutralizing shampoo then shampoo'd with Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo. I did a deep treatment with ORS Replenishing Conditioner mixed with JBCO, EVOO, Avocado and EVCO left it on for 30mins with heat. Rinsed and applied Scurl No Drip Activator as a leave-in and One n Only Argan Oil as a heat protectant/serum on damp hair. I air dried then proceeded to flat iron with my CHI camo flat iron. No trim.
How Many Weeks Post: Relaxed at 11-12 weeks post (A little before the Castor Oil Challenge ended..I did the Ultimate level & it works!!)
Relaxer Used: Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Lye Normal Strength
Other tools: 2 Rat-tail combs, 2 pairs of tight latex gloves (very easy to feel new growth with), towels, timer.
Prep:
- Detangled with Mane N Tail Detangler the day before
- Put JBCO on scalp the day of relaxer
- Put Coconut Oil and Vaseline on previously relaxed hair on day of relaxer
Method/Technique: Relaxed at home with the help of my sister. We parted the hair in 4 quadrants (2 in the front and 2 in the back). I took over the front portion and she relaxed the back portion. I pre-parted the hair in the front vertically and 2 strand twisted each section to make the process go faster. My sister pre-parted & 2 strand twisted the hair in the back section horizontally for fast and easy access. I went through the front 2-3 times (relaxing only the new growth) and she went over the back twice with smoothing (relaxing only the new growth).
I neutralized approx. 5 times with ORS Neutralizing shampoo then shampoo'd with Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo. I did a deep treatment with ORS Replenishing Conditioner mixed with JBCO, EVOO, Avocado and EVCO left it on for 30mins with heat. Rinsed and applied Scurl No Drip Activator as a leave-in and One n Only Argan Oil as a heat protectant/serum on damp hair. I air dried then proceeded to flat iron with my CHI camo flat iron. No trim.
Front view of air dried hair. Relaxer really took in the front. I'm happy!
After flat ironing. All Done.
♥ Sunshyne
How I Went From SL to APL in 7 months - My Old Regimen!
Hair Comparisons Thursday, December 24, 2009
Hair Question:
"What was your regimen that made you get from shoulder length to arm pit length?"Answer:
I get this question frequently so it's better that I answer it in a blog post. It took me 7 months (October 2007 - May 2008) to get from shoulder length to arm pit length. My regimen was pretty simple, however I used way more products back then.
Here's what I use to do:
I shampooed and deep conditioned with heat & oils every 3-4 days (Mondays and Thursdays). My deep conditioners were always moisture based mixed with oils & honey since my hair was moisture deprived at the time. I did my protein treatments 1x/month. I air dried 99% of the time, moisturized & sealed twice a day, put my hair in a bun daily, and co-washed maybe once a week. Overall, I did more moisture over protein, which helped me retain a lot of length and prevent breakage.
Here are the products I used to use:
Shampoo:
Creme of Nature Detangling Shampoo (green label)
Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo
Moisturizing Deep Conditioners:
Elasta QP DPR-11
AtOne Botanical Reconstructor with Moisture Recovery
Creme of Nature Nourishing Conditioner
Herbal Essences Replenishing Conditioner
Protein Conditioner:
Mane N Tail Original Conditioner
Aussie Moist mixed with 1-2eggs and EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
Leave-in Conditioner:
Elasta QP HTWO Leave-in
Elasta QP Oil Recovery
Neutrogena Triple Moisture Silk Touch Leave-in Creme
Moisturizer:
Wave Nouveau Moisturizing Finishing Lotion sealed with Safflower Oil or Hollywood Beauty Castor Oil
Co-wash Conditioners:
Neutrogena Triple Moisture Daily Deep Conditioner
Herbal Essences Replenishing Conditioner
Herbal Essences None Of Your Frizzness
Suave Tropical Coconut
Pantene Fortifying Conditioner
Aussie Moist
Some Techniques That Helped Me:
1. Baggying overnight
2. Damp Bunning daily
3. Doing the scarf method to lay down my new growth in the front while stretching.
Tip: As you carry on in your journey, your hair needs will begin to change. What worked back then wasn't going to get me to BSL because the extra moisture was thinning out my ends - so changes had to be made. Going from APL to BSL, my hair required more protein, less shampoo and less products. Be open to making changes in your hair regimen so that your hair will continue to progress allowing you to reach your hair goals quicker.
♥ Sunshyne
I've officially hit another milestone in my hair journey and I can honestly say that I've made Bra Strap Length!
♥ Sunshyne
♥ Sunshyne
No growth, but the thickness is there :) I gotta up my game "go hard or go home" is what its all about right now - and I will.
♥ Sunshyne
(click photo to enlarge)
The Castor Oil Challenge on Hairlista.com began Feb 7th 2009 - April 7th 2009. I ended the challenge a bit early (March 31st 2009) because I had to relax April 1st. I have to admit the challenge went really well. The pictures and growth speak for itself. I didn't face any adversities along the way, which is a plus.I applied Jamaican Black Castor Oil to my scalp every wash day (twice a week). I immediately noticed more growth, softer new growth, thicker roots, and an increase in moisture. I even notice the hair around my nape is much longer and thicker than before, which is a huge plus. This challenge came in at the right time.
I desire to be BSL by summer 2009 and I think I'm very close to my goal. Jamaican Black Castor Oil is now a staple of mine, well let's just say Castor Oil period!
I highly recommend Castor oil to be a part of your regimen if you desire more hair growth.
Tip: Try not to stretch your relaxers out too long when applying Castor oil to your scalp. Once you reach 10 weeks post or so, you have more than enough new growth to relax. Anything longer than 10 weeks would be quite difficult to manage.
♥ Sunshyne
I'm finally relaxed and it feels good. I did a quick video showing my hair and the final result. I had a better than expected time at the Salon. My hair grew a good amount. I was pretty shocked at how my ends held up. I didn't trim and I was soooo excited to not have to go through that again! The Bun Challenge on Hairlista Inc. is really working as well as moisturizing and sealing in sections. My ends did not CHANGE at ALL.
Since I had a good amount of growth in just 10 weeks, I think I'll be consistent and officially start relaxing every 10 weeks. No need to go beyond that. Check out my video if you haven't already.
My stylist also recommended AG Products, specifically the conditioner & Jamaican Black Castor Oil as a pre-poo the night before I shampoo. He said I'd love it. Have you ladies tried AG Products? If so, how did you like/dislike it?
♥ Sunshyne
One year ago today, marks the day that I decided "enough is enough" and started to take care of my hair. I've had a couple struggles yet gained a lot of knowledge throughout my journey. My hair idols, BabygurlNC, SistaSlick, Sylver2, Loveya4eva, and Traycee kept me motivated. I`m so grateful. APL is where I am right now, BSL is where I plan on being Early 2009. I have 1 more relaxer to go for the year, YAY!
Here is a comparison shot:
♥ Sunshyne
Here is a comparison shot:
♥ Sunshyne
Just thought I'd share with you some hair comparisons photos. These photos were taken through-out my hair journey. I'm happy with how much the front of my hair has grown. That area of my hair grows the slowest!! Why, I don't know?! Check 'em Out (click the pics to enlarge):
♥ Sunshyne
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