Cherry Lola Treament

So this past weekend I tried the Cherry Lola Treatment.  I heard that it is supposed to help relax your curl and be a good protein treatment.  After all of my hair stresses I figured a good protein treatment was in order.  So I mixed it up.
The Cherry Lola calls for Liquid Aminos, orgranic plain yogurt, and baking soda.   I was a little skeptical about using the baking soda because I wasn't sure if it was what caused my hair to come out using the MHM but I figured the protein would be help balance the effects.

Product free hair

My hair felt strong which was what I wanted.  I was hoping some of the curl definition stayed from when I had applied the product but I guess you can't have everything you want. :-(









I did however may some really good chunky twists and then I roller set them.  The effect was really cute IMO.

Back to Basics Update

So I have really been sticking to my guns and really gone back to the basics.  I have been deep conditioning every two weeks and keeping protective style and my hair is very happy!  I have seen less tangles and I feel like it has started to grow again. 
I am going to be on the lookout for a few more protective styles to see if I can switch up my twists a little bit.  I love them but as my hair keeps growing mini-twists get harder and harder.  I love how long they last but sitting for 4 plus hours can be a turn off.  But they do make great twist outs!

Back to Basics Original Post

Back to Basics

So I'm starting to feel as if my hair has hit a road block, a stand still, no man's land....You get the idea.  So I am trying to think back and figure out what has changed.  When I first went natural my hair was growing like a weed.  Now I am almost 4 years in, I have learned a lot of things about my hair and I feel like it should still be on that growth pattern that I had when I first started.  Right?

Well, if I really think about it I haven't stayed true to the things that I believe gave me that super boost when I first went natural.  I think I need to go back to the basics.  The simple things I did when I first went natural that I have either neglected or just stopped doing.  Here's my 2014 run down.

• Stick to what works:  I have become a product junkie (admitting it is the first step).  I hear about a new product that is doing wonderful things for a fellow Naturalista and I automatically want to try it.  Usually, I don't get the same results that they did  (because no two heads are alike) and now I have just spent a whole lot of money unnecessarily.  When I first went natural I had a few staple products that I love and I stuck with them.  For instance, Qhemet biologics Alma & Olive Oil cream and Shea Moisture Shampoo and Giovanni Direct- leave in.  They worked so well and I swapped them for items I thought might work better....well no more~! Life got to me and I got busy, but don't worry hair I'm coming to get you.  No Child Left Behind.
• Star players:
• Aloe Vera Gel
• Amla and Olive Oil Heavy Cream by Qhemet Biologics
• Coconut and Castor Oil
• Shea Butter
• Deep Conditioning every week (or at least every other week):  I use to deep condition every week but as time went on I became lazy and I just didn't want to take the time and sit for 20-30min.  So I just conditioned in the shower and then styled.  However, I remember that my hair was more moisturized when I did the deep conditioning.
• Making my own deep conditioner: Also in my pursuit to cut corner I stopped making my own deep conditioner.  I am not saying that bought deep conditioners are bad or not as good but I think that my hair really responded to the all natural ingredients.  I am not sure it I will make conditioner every week but I think it should definitely be back in the rotation.
• Twist, Twist, and Twist some more: I started to wear my hair out more, the longer it got the more I wanted to see the length and I did styles that allowed my hair to look longer and fuller.  However, they styles usually require nightly manipulation such as re-twisting. combing or pineappling to maintain.  I don't the that my 4b tresses were happy with that.  My hair gets tangled very easily so I have discovered that medium sized twists that I can wear for a least a week or two worked better because it provided lower manipulation and therefore less tangles.

Hopefully going back to the basics of worked best for me will rejuvenate my hair and get it going again.  I'll keep you posted.

Hydration and Vitamins

Braid out

Ok, so I know I have been M.I.A. for awhile (sorry for that) but I had to show you my braid out. It came out so good! I applied shea moisture curl enhancing smoothie to large sections of my dry hair. I did it on dry hair so I would get more length because my shrinkage on wet hair is nuts! I the plated my hair in about seven big braids. I looked like Celie but it was night time so I didn't care. I took the out this morning and picked it out with my fingers and voila! The smoothie made my hair nice and moist so it wasn't hard to braid. Hope you like!
*Smooches*