2013 Hair Goals

I finally got it after 11 years of being natural! It doesn't matter how long you've been natural; what matters is learning how to care for your tresses in order for them to flourish. Although I've been natural for 11 years, my growth has never showed it. People would always think I put shears to my head, but NOPE, not the case. I instead operated in pure neglect when it came to matters of my hair. Maintaining natural hair and relaxed hair is not the same. One would think that "natural" hair is more pliable and strong; however, such is not the case. I need to be pimp slapped for abusing my hair the way I have over the course of the years I have been natural. I am going to share with you my mistakes in hopes that you new naturals will not lose strands like I did. There is a wealth of information on the Internet far more than when I went natural. You can really become engulfed in DOING so much to your hair that you have no hair. There are natural product bandwagons, natural hairstyle bandwagons, and natural routine bandwagons. For a person who is newly natural, this can become quite overwhelming to the point you really don't know what to do. I've learned the best lesson ever and that is KEEP IT SIMPLE CURLIES! There are three main things that I have learned over the course of the past five months that I feel will make my hair more healthy which in turn will add more growth. I am going to do better by listening to my hair and watching to see if benefits will yield from it. 2013 Hair Goals Gain and Retain Length - deep conditioning, and moisturizing. Drink more water - like plants, our hair needs the same nourishment only water can give. Take Daily Biotin - if you find something that works stick with it. This works for me. Eat more healthier foods - essentially hair growth starts within. Remember to do scalp massages - I just started this and must remind myself to follow through. Keep ends healthy - seal them. Wear more protective styles AND keep them in longer in order to see results.

p90x Day 1-3

DAY 1 -I sucked the first day only making it through 20 minutes. Day 2- Plyometrics the mother of all workouts I made it through 35 minutes, and I was sore from day 1. My pains in my chest were excruciating. My arms felt like dead weight. I literally was in so much pain but I knew that day 3 was coming and I am not a quitter, so I worked through the pain. Day 3- arms, shoulder and abs - funny thing is afer I finished the arms and shoulders, I thought I was done and then here comes ab ripper. I relished in joy that I completed an hour finally, but then ab ribber quickly caused sweat to pour from my body and again, I found myself having to push past the pain. Day 4

Twist and Shout!!

In July I set out to do a protective style challenge, wearing twist all month redoing once or biweekly. This was truly a challenge for me as I like to wear my hair out! However, once I started to see the length in as little as two weeks, I decided to stick it out. My hair has become noticeably fuller with the use of castor oil three or four times a week. I do infrequent scalp massages, and utilize the contents of my spray bottle for moisture! I have also been taking supplements to aid in the healthiness of my hair. I realize that everything starts internally. You can put on all the product that you want, but if you aren't healthy overall, the health of your hair is also compromised. So, I have taken pictures of my twists at various stages in this challenge. Although the challenge is over, I am still wearing twists. So the photo montage......... :)

Still wearing my hair in a bun; I am trying to achieve the length below. I may attempt some braids this weekend?!

I have a new protective style that is both cute, sassy and easy. Generally as a rule, I don't wear my hair up becuase I felt my head was too oblong shaped so I steer clear of doing that, but I created a faux bun and I love it. See pics below.

My Hair Regimen

Every Sunday

Pre Poo

Olive oil
Coconut Oil

Shampoo

Shea Moisture or Herbal Essence Hello Hydration

Condition

Cheap Conditioner with added oil i.e. olive or coconut

Deep Condition

Egg
Mayo
Olive Oil
Coconut Milk

Seal
Leave In
Oil

Protective Style

Thurday

No Poo
Moisturize
Seal
Restyle

UGH BACKSET!!!!

Me and this natural hair O mine!

Several months back I started on a grow out challenge, which for the most part was successful. HOWEVER as always when I see growth, I go bonkers!!! I become laxed and allow my bad habits to resurface. So, here I am back at square ONE!

Goal Reached and I am reaching further

BEFORE:



AFTER:



In August I set out to lose 15lbs - outside looking in one would automatically think I was crazy because I was not "big;" however, I had reached 157lbs and for me this was unacceptable. When I would go into the dressing room and try on clothes, I would notice my muffin top and this DISGUSTED me. I don't really care much about how other people see me as much as I care about how I see myself. So, I decided to buckle down and get moving. I started going to the gym and working out 3-5 days a week and cutting calories. Slowly but surely, I began to notice my body slimming down. Now that I've been working out since August, I can't miss an opportunity to go to the gym. I even go on weekends. I have reached my goal of losing weight, now I want to tone and sculpt my body, especially my calves and abs! I am excited about my transformation and would like to share my pictures!