Eco Styler Braidout

My hair was long overdue for a wash after I took down that bun. So after I washed my hair and did a much needed deep conditioning, I decided to try something different. Usually when I braid my hair, I use a leave-in and an oil and call it a day. But I wanted to see how my hair would come out if I also used gel. So I put some Shea Moisture Curl Milk on my damp hair and used the pink Eco Styler gel with castor and olive oil as I braided it up. As usual, I only did about 10 braids. The braids stayed in for 3 days then I took them out.

It came out nice and shiny, feeling moisturized and looking very defined.

But I didn't like it that much :/

It seems as though when I have the most definition, I have the least amount of body. This is probably why I've enjoyed styling my hair dry a lot more lately. I guess I just prefer the fluff over the definition.

Stretched Hair Fun

Here's a couple of styles that were a result of my blowout last week.

Bantu knot out from about 30 twists:

 Bantu knot out from about 10 braids:

My second ever high bun. My first was last year.

Ok. It wasn't exactly a high bun. It started out high and ended up lower than expected.

It still came out cute though. Even though I thought I looked like a librarian. I've never been all that interested in buns or ponytails because I'd much rather wear my hair down. I'll try it again though, in a non-gradma way of course.

Oh yeah, I soooo cheated to make my bun. I have the length but no body. I probably could've made a bun without any help but I'm sure it looks waayyy better with my homemade bun enhancer.

Who knew how handy an old pair of tights could be? lol

Big Hair...I Guess

I don't like when people tell me that my hair is long or try to point out how much it has grown. As a matter of fact, that is my least favorite compliment to receive. And that is for two reasons:

1) Hair grows. That is what it is supposed to do. So telling someone that you've noticed growth isn't really a compliment. It is simply making an observation. Also, when I was younger and people would exclaim how long my hair was, I felt like what they really meant to say was that my hair was long for a Black girl. It is a quite widely accepted sentiment that Black women's hair just doesn't grow. This is simply not true. It's just that we do so much harm to our hair and neglect to take care of it properly, that many women simply don't retain any length.  When my hair was relaxed, it would grow really long, then I would eventually end up cutting off my raggedy ass ends. It was a cycle that I went through quite a few times.

Example:

That cycle that I had has continued into my natural hair journey and leads right into reason#2...

2) I am unhappy with the progress of my hair. While I can see obvious growth, I know that my hair is not where I'd like it to be. Of course my hair is growing, its just a matter of me keeping my length. Unfortunately, I haven't been the best at doing that.

Last night I did a roller set, just like last time. Then earlier today I blow dried my hair. And I gotta say, I lovesss me some big ass hair! lol

My blowout today:

A little bit tamed lol

My last blowout July 2011:

I can clearly see the growth but I don't like the fact that after 3 years, my hair has not made it past slightly longer than shoulder length. As a matter of fact, I think my hair is shorter now than a few months ago.

My hair in February:

See what I mean?

However, I know what the problem is. While away at school I was not taking good care of my hair. So whenever I came home for a break I would have the need to "trim" my ends. Buttttt I'd always end up cutting my hair, taking away any progress I've made with length. Simply because of my negligence. My hair is fragile as hell so it takes a bit of extra care, which I wasn't giving it. I know that I can't expect my hair to magically get longer overnight and I need to commit myself to improving its health (along with my overall health/well-being, but that's a discussion for another time lol).

Anyway, I spend so much time complaining about how my hair isn't where I want it to be, I've neglected to notice that I have made some progress. I may not be where I'd like to be, but hey, I'm getting there.

Pillow Soft Curls

Since I've been natural, I've heard tons of things about Miss Jessie's products. Some people hate them, some swear by them. Forty dollars for a jar of something for my hair just did not seem right and never fit into my budget so I never tried any of their products.

A few weeks ago I saw that Miss Jessie's had a new product called Pillow Soft Curls. I was immediately intrigued because I have yet to find a product that works well for my Wash & Goes. Since I wasn't planning on buying the product, I just added it to the list of things I'd like to eventually try. About a week later, I came across a site that compiles a bunch of places that offer free samples. I was immediately excited when I came across Miss Jessie's on this site. So I took advantage of their free samples and ordered the Pillow Soft Curls, Curly Pudding and Curly Meringue.

When I received the samples, I still had the mini twists in, which I ended up keeping in for 2 weeks. When I finally washed my hair, I figured it made perfect sense to try out some of my new stuff. So after washing and conditioning my hair I did like the directions said and raked the product through my hair. I used the product alone, just to see how it acts on its own. It felt ok in my hair and I felt like my curls would be sexy. About an hour later, I wanted to see how my hair was drying and saw a bunch of white spots. Grrrrr I hate when that happens. My sister suggested putting some olive oil in my hair and that did the trick. My curls were just popping all over the place and my hair dried soft with a little shine to it. Anddd every time I turned my head or the wind blew I got a whiff of a fabric softener scent. Yumm :)

As soon as I was done with my hair, I was out and about and didn't get a chance to snap a pic. Then that night I made a last minute decision to go out, so in my rush of getting ready I still didn't have a chance to take a pic. I wish I had a picture to share :(

The next day I ran to the store and randomly took a picture. Yes, I'm in my elevator...don't judge me!

Yup. That was my first time wearing a New Paltz shirt outside as an alumna. I felt old lmaoo. Anyway, I hope you can see my sexy curls popping all over the place.

The next day I wet my hair in the shower to refresh my curls and headed to the beach with my family.  

 There's a possibility that I might want to try this product again in the future, but we'll just have to see.


Oh yeah, go get your Miss Jessie's free samples!!! They are only allowing 2 now, but hey, who doesn't like free stuff?