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!

Weight Loss

I set out to lose 15lbs a month ago by committing to working out 5-6 days a week and also tightening up on my diet. I am proud to say that to date I have almost met my goal. I started out at 157 and am currently 145. Going to the gym has become a habit. I went from hating to go to hating not to go. I have seen my body transform and my energy level increase and am truly excited for my next goal - toning! Below are before and after pics.




Before


After

09/22/11

I am currently on day twelve of my mini two strand twists. They are itching and I want to take them down; however, I am going to wear them for three weeks as planned. I can do this! Below are pictures on various days.



Day 7


Day 12 of two strand



Day 2 of two strand

Day Three of Challenge

Okay, I am on day three & with this working out daily, my hair sweats, so needless to say, my twists have shrunken. I don't care for it, but I will make the best of it. I use a method to maintain my twists that I saw on facebook wrapping it as if I would if I had a relaxer. I use bobby pins to secure it and when I wake up I unwrap and it does add some depth. So far, so good. I am going to try to maintain!

My Mini Twists

Hopefully I can keep these up for at "least" three weeks. I plan to implement various styles as not to become bored too easily and follow a strict night time routine as to keep them up as long as possible. This will be a REAL CHALLENGE for me and I am interested to see how long I can keep them.

Hand in fro still....

Hair challenges are extremely hard for me as I don't like wearing my hair up all the time. I find it still challenging to keep my hands out of my hair. After all this time of being natural, I've not found a cure for Hand In Fro disease. Everytime I look in the mirror, I find myself wanting to caress my strands with my hands. It is completely irresistable to look at the lusciousness without sneaking a feel. I love how curvy and shapely an unraveled twist looks. I find myself unraveling and raveling just to admire my strands. I must find a way to resist the urge to play with my hair because it is in need of a rest... sigh!

Lord help me to hold out.

Protective Style Challenge

Okay, I am going to buckle down and do this challenge until October 22nd I will be wearing my hair in protective styles. I have experienced some breakage and it is due in part to too much manipulation. When I did notice that growth spurt and recieved compliments, I felt it necessary to flaunt my hair and this resulted in breakage in the front and throughout my crown area. So, for the next two months, I am going to buckle down and cater to my hair.

How to meet that goal:


NO HEAT
NO cutting (unless you have to eliminate single strand knots)
NO dry brushing/combing
Handle your hair with care
Wash when NECESSARY (I will be washing my hair in between protective styles, about once ever 2.5 weeks)
Deep conditioning 2x a month
Sealing moisture into the hair to eliminate breakage and dryness
Keeping ends tucked and in styles that are low maintenance
Taking vitamins and drinking ample amounts of water

Setback

After getting my hair to a point of steady growth, I got lazy and my hair start shedding again, particuarly in my crown area. I am not back on this growth challenge again only wearing protective styles and hoping to replenish the health of my hair. I am sad, but I acknowledge it is my fault.

Day 4

I had a successful day four on the cleanse. I feel like I am over that hump. For the first time, I did not experience any hunger pains. I think drinking the tea prior to becoming hungry and also drinking the peppermint tea long with has helped a great deal. I realized I was having headaches because I was about to start my period, which I did yesterday. I was a bit concerned that this would be detrimental to my cleanse; however, I am going to press through. Usually I present with cravings when it is time for me to come on, but oddly enough, I did not crave the usual junk foods that I do. The only annoying thing is the smell of my breath and the white coating on my tongue. I am coughing up mucus in the morning so I figure this is all part of the cleansing process and my nose is a bit runny. GOOD THING TO REPORT. I've not taken blood pressure meds since last Thursday morning per doctor's orders and my blood pressure is as low as it has been ever. I will contribute this to the cayenne pepper; I read yesterday that it is a natural remedy for heart issues and also BP issues. So, even after the cleanse is complete, I will continue using this in my drinks, or when I cook. I don't mind the heat as long as I don't have to take medications. I eliminated quite a bit yesterday too. That cayenne pepper is no joke in that area. I am now on day 5!!! Go ME!

Master Cleanse Days 1, 2, & 3

I kicked off the Master Cleanse Diet officially July 1st by taking a Smooth Laxative. When I awake on Saturday morning, things were moving as they should have *no details will be given* other than, it works. The first day of the cleanse was uneventful; of course, I was very hungry as expected. I only drank five glasses of the tea. I daydreamed of hot dogs for some reason and I don't even eat hot dogs. I could taste the relish, and mustard in my mouth as if I was "actually" eating on one. It was weird, gross and satisfying all at the same time. I really didn't present with any physical challenges. On day two, Sunday, I was really irritable in that sound was very annoying to me. Every sound seemed to be magnified, and seemed to be loud. The t.v. had to be on a very low volume otherwise, it drived me insane. The fireworks being popped got on my nerves to no end. I did have some hunger pains but not as intense as the first day. I had probably two eliminations the second day. On Monday, day 3, it was a breeze. I went and bought some peppermint tea to help curb my hunger. Drinking something warm always seem to do the trick for me. I just imagine I am drinking warm broth. THe only thing is my breath is YUCKY despite the number of times I brush and I am experiencing frequent urination, which is inconvenient especially during my sleep. On Tuesday, Day 3 today, I have a headache as like day 1 and 2; and also the morning of day 3. I have opted to let it pass and not take any medication. I am at work and just drank my first glass of tea at 11 ish. I will not drink any tea after 7:00; I am trying to discipline myself not to have any food after 7 even after I complete the cleanse. So far so good.

Master Cleanse Prelude

Today, I will go and return the Organic Total Body Cleanse that I purchased from Whole Foods yesterday in lieu of the items for the Master Cleanse. I really need to commit to something in my life and not only am I benefitting from this cleanse, but it will help me to follow through. I am at a time in my life where I am questioning a lot of things and I need my clarity to be on point. By eliminating people and food from my life, I will pretty much eliminate distractions. I forgot to add to my list that I am having issues with sleeping. The hours I sleep are pretty sporadic. I am lethargic mostly and have a lack of energy. Tonight I intend to start the tea and in the a.m. the salt water flush. Yes, it is a holiday weekend, but I have no plans! I guess by choice... I will clean my body and my loft :)