Back with a quick Relaxer Update while dealing with my Over-processed #relaxedhair!! 

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! 

Hey girl hey!

I'm back with another relaxer update! I know, it's been a while but here we are so...let's get to it!

HA I R   S T A T S:

Relaxer: ORS Olive Oil Lye Relaxer Normal Strength

Relaxer Stretch Ended: 13 Weeks Post Relaxer

Trim: Cut ends to Maintain APL/BSL Length - still in love!

Relaxer Results: Slightly under processed in the middle and nape area

Relaxer day went fine, nothing out of the ordinary to report really - I did my same routine that you see here on my blog & YouTube.  However, by the 2-3 week, I noticed waves at my roots in various sections in my hair. This was a bit alarming as nothing changed in my relaxer application routine (we smoothed, combed through the roots etc.) yet there's still lots of texture at my roots. Don't get me wrong, I'm all about leaving SOME texture behind in the hair for extra strength and elasticity - plus it gives the hair a fuller appearance - but this is definitely more than I typically experience.

It's hard to tell from the photo above that I have several under processed areas - my hair was flat ironed - but my roots are very wavy in an air dried state. It feels like I ended my relaxer stretch just to start another one *sigh*.

So my plan moving forward is to NOT do a corrective relaxer now, or in the next 6 weeks, but to just wait it out for a little and relax no later than 10 weeks post relaxer. I would rather wait and do my touch up earlier (as opposed to 12/13 weeks) while correcting the under processed areas. 

In the meantime, I'm keeping my roots extra moisturized to prevent any unnecessary breakage between the various textures, sticking to my usual wash day regimen and I'll most likely maximize my fave low manipulation styles i.e. braid outs to help blend the textures together.

F A L L ' I N G   B A C K   I N T O   P R O T E C T I V E   S T Y L E S

Now that Fall is here and my roots are slightly under-processed, I've been thinking of implementing some protective styles just to help keep my hands out of my hair. The way I see it, the less manipulation the better right now. Also, in my "10 Things I Don't Do To My Relaxed Hair" YouTube video, I expressed that I'm leaning towards experimenting with headband wigs. I know, I'm late to the whole "headband wig scene" - but I'm curious to see if it's something that I will enjoy as I used to wear wigs throughout my hair journey with no issues.

Straight Headband Wig

In my mind, this style would be reserved for times when I just don't feel like styling my hair, towards the end of my relaxer stretch or when I need to run out of the house in a hurry for whatever reason (typical mom-of-two-type-behaviour right?! lol). Honestly, I haven't worn a wig in yearsssss! I think 2010 was the last time I wore one. I love wigs for the versatility and the ease in which I can remove it nightly to tend to my hair and stick to my hair routine. I'm a little nervous to jump back in the wig game..just baby steps... so headband wigs it is!!

Stay tuned for that...

V I T A M I N   U P D A T E

I will admit, being consistent with my vitamins was a chore over the Summer. Being out and about with the family, out of town, camping, doing activities and just enjoying ourselves kinda threw my vitamin routine off. Now that it's September and we're back into a routine, I find myself getting right back on track. 

In addition to that, I've now included iron in my vitamin regimen to increase my ferritin levels (found out during my yearly check up). I wasn't diagnosed with Anemia (never been either) nor did I have the symptoms of someone who is anemic but an iron treatment was suggested by my doctor to boost my ferritin back to where it used to be (I think this played a role in the shedding that I was complaining about). Part of me wishes I caught this sooner, but I'm glad that I'm taking measures to improve my health.

With that being said, let this be a lesson and reminder to you, get your blood work done, sis! It's so easy to place emphasis on the external but our internal health is equally important, if not more! Other than that, I'm still taking my usuals: Multi's, Vitamin D, Biotin, Omega 3's and Vitamin C.

H A I R   P L A N S

I've been really enjoying and maintaining my new length - just above BSL. I love the ease in taking care of my hair at this length. I don't know what it is, but this length is just really attractive to me. It catches my eye every time I see ladies with this length either on Instagram or Pinterest. I guess since I've had long hair for a very longggg time, it's just something new and different for me - bare with me during my little phase y'all lol. 

I remember mentioning in my previous relaxer update, on my Youtube Channel, that my plan was to maintain this length for the Summer and possibly grow it out toward the end of the year. For now, I think I'm going to stick to this length maybe until the end of the year and then go back to my usual "happy place" - mid back length or longer...*wink*

That's it, sis!

Xoxo

♥ Items Mentioned

Plant Based Protein Powder - https://amzn.to/30Vk10A
Hemp Hearts - https://amzn.to/38WCoH4
Chia Seeds - https://amzn.to/3eVREHZ
Vitamin Organizer - https://amzn.to/3lt45w4
Multivitamin - Dr. Tobias Multivitamin (source of Antioxidants)
Biotin - https://amzn.to/38XGVc0
Omega 3’s - https://amzn.to/3tBrRZt
Vitamin C - https://amzn.to/3cSLntI
Vitamin D - https://amzn.to/38WZOfm
Water Bottle - https://amzn.to/3c0lCZi
Affirm Moisture Right Leave-in Detangler - https://amzn.to/3vHig5o
Affirm Moisture Style Right Light Headdress Cream - https://amzn.to/3cOgEOr
Affirm Moisture Style Right Laminate Spray

Lima’s Care Shower Filter - https://amzn.to/3eVHWoN (removes hard water from your hair and more gentle than using Chelating Shampoo)

Hey sis,