Hair Diary || Ombre Color for the Summer

The resulting hair color.

My red highlights from about 2.5 years ago had grown out and faded gradually and so I've been back to my natural beautiful black color (with a few faded sections) for some time.  With summer approaching and my itch for a change intensifying, I decided to dye my ends brown for an ombre effect.  The brown did not come out as light as I thought it would but it is growing on me.  I may or may not decide to go lighter in a few months.  We will see.

Circa January 2011.  My red highlights months were done circa November 2010.

Clairol Textures & Tones is a popular brand among naturals, largely because it does not dry out and damage our strands as other dyes can.  I don't know whether I like the product yet.  We'll see how the color fairs over the next few months.  (I let the color set for 35 minutes before rinsing.) 

This is how I achieved the ombre.
I figured it would be easiest to work from  eight big braids and apply the color to the ends (which I left unbraided).

The result.  It looks more subtle in person.

The result.  The flash enhances the color.  It looks more subtle and less red in person.

It looks more subtle in person.

It looks more subtle in person.

Hair Diary || Braid-Out to Stretched Bun

Chunky braid-out using eight braids on wet hair.

After some time wearing wash-n-gos, I decided to wear a braid-out for a few days and then a stretched bun for a day.  To go into the braid-out, I finger-combed on wet, conditioner-soaked hair and made eight braids.  Then I let my hair air-dry and undid the braids for the braid-out.

And now for more hair photos:

Bun on hair stretched from the braid-out.  No combs.  No brush.

Bun on hair stretched from the braid-out.  No combs.  No brush.

Bun on hair stretched from the braid-out.  No combs.  No brush.

Hair Diary || Summer Regimen of Wash-n-gos and Braid-outs

(LEFT) Wash-n-go puffs.  No gel.
(RIGHT) Braid-out on flat-ironed hair.

Alright, so I want to wear my hair out this summer (after years of protective styling ~99% of the time).  I will largely wear a mix of braid-outs on low-heat flat-ironed hair AND wash-n-gos.  Here are more details:

MY WASH-N-GOS (inspired by long-haired type 4 Cynthiarf):
So I first tried Cynthiarf's method a few months ago, and was surprised at how little my hair became tangled from daily wash-n-gos.  And to think that after my hair grew past shoulder-length (years ago), that that was the end of wash-n-gos for me.  Well, I was wrong after having tried this lady's technique.

Here's my wash-n-go regimen for the summer:
- Pre-poo overnight with Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (EVCO)
- Shampoo weekly (Desert Essence Tea Tree Shampoo) followed by quick conditioner
- Co-wash daily (Suave, Tresemme)
- Finger comb while co-washing (view Cynthiarf's tutorial of this process)
- Shake and go

MY BRAID-OUTS ON STRAIGHT HAIR (inspired by long-haired type 4 JoStylin):
Now, JoStylin does her braid-outs on blow-dried hair, but I am not a fan of blow drying on my hair (more on this another time).  Instead, I will do my braid-outs on lightly flat-ironed hair (i.e., 300 degrees F).  Other than this change, I love her simple routine as well as how she leaves a few braids in the back.  (Read my previous post about JoStylin.)

Here's my braid-out regimen for the summer:
- Pre-poo overnight with EVCO
- Shampoo then deep condition (ORS Replenishing Pak, Tresemme Split Ends)
- Moisturize/seal with Shea Butter Mixture
- Air-dry in big braids/twists
- Flat-iron on low heat (300 degrees F, Proclaim Heat Protectant though I prefer Carol's Daughter)
- Put in 6-8 big braids for braid-out
- Re-braid nightly; Rock hair for 2-3 weeks

And that's it!  Now for more hair photos:

Wash-n-go puff with flash.  Cottony. 

Wash-n-go after air-drying throughout the day.
I swear I can enter a shrinkage contest.  Where's the application?

Flat-iron (~340 F) before my previous braid-out.  Future flat-iron jobs will be 300 F max.  This is because I plan to flat-iron a little more frequently this summer (for the braid-out regimen).

Hair Diary || Scissor Happy and More ...

It has been a while since I posted a chapter in the "Hair Diary".  Well, up until recently, I had been wearing small twists (see the "Twist Series") for about 4 weeks.  Prior to that, I had another set of twists.  Now I'm taking a break and alternating between braid-outs and braided updos on straightened hair for the next three weeks.

LEFT: What I would I call an example of what healthy, layered ends look like.
RIGHT: An example of a blunt cut.  Even when our hair is cut in such a manner, it will gradually grow out of the blunt cut (and similar to what we see in the LEFT photo).

These ladies have some of the longest hair in the world, but what do you think about their ends?   (I leave it up to you to decide.)

Oh, and what is this about being "scissor happy"?  Well, I cut (not trimmed) about 2+ inches off my hair.  The ends were not visibly damaged but they were thin to me, which naturally happens as our strands can longer and experience more wear.  Additionally, I have been desiring a short, blunt cut for some weeks now.  Thinking I'm just going through a phase, I decided to cut my hair somewhat blunt and a bit shorter rather than go all the way.  Now I'm officially MBL (mid-back length) again.  It was hard to stop cutting further so I had to really talk myself out it. :o)

And now for more hair pics:

Though split ends were minimal, I felt like the ends of my twists needed a good trim because they were thin.  I gave them one ... and some.  I cut 2+ inches total (maybe more, I don't know since I stopped measuring after a while).

(Twist shot from Aug. 2012.)  This gives an idea of the ends I have been holding onto for almost two years now (aside from a few dusting sessions). 

The final product.  (After a light flat-iron, braids, and another cut included in the 2+ inches.)  I had to talk myself out of cutting another couple of inches.

The final product.  (After a light flat-iron, braids, and another cut included in the 2+ inches.)  Tried to get a complete shot of the ends but after several attempts, I gave up for the day.  I'll try again in the near future.

Hair Diary || Oh Twists, How I've Missed Thee

It has been a long time - it has been months - since I've done a set of regular twists.  (My jumbo twists on flat ironed hair do not count for me.)  I must admit that the recent "Protective Style Lookbook" post initiated the twist nostalgia.

So on Friday evening, I spent a few hours twisting my hair after washing it the prior day.  I also dusted the ends of my twists to eliminate any split ends.  My aim is to keep this set in for about four weeks, but we will see.  Now for the twist shots (as well as a shrinkage shot):

Twisting on stretched hair.
Stretching twists to show length (just for this photo). 

Twisting on stretched hair.

Finished twisting!

Hair after washing.  Shrinkage!
(Hair actually stretches past what is seen in this pic.)

Hair Diary || From "Stunted" to Growth

For a long period of time (August 2010 through February 2012), my front hair was stunted.  It appeared as if it wasn't growing (though we all know hair is growing) or as if it had reached its terminal length. I just assumed that my years of relaxing had done a number on my follicles in that region.  After all, my front hair hardly ever grew past 6 inches while wearing a relaxer (except in my childhood years).

Note how my front hair did not retain length from February 2011 to February 2012.
(It actually had not retained length since August 2010, which is not pictured here.)
Note the length retention in February 2013 after cutting ~1-2 inches several months before to create bangs.

So, annoyed by my seemingly stunted growth, I decided to cut some bangs and forget about my growth in that region.  Then during my wash-n-go experiment a few weeks ago, as I was finger detangling in the shower, I noticed how far my bangs stretched.  No more "stunted", they had finally retained some length in the past year!  It made a lot of sense 1) considering Jc's article on "Trimming for Longer Hair" on The Natural Haven combined with me 2) practicing gentler detangling in that area. (I'm usually impatient by the time I get to the front of my hair for detangling.) So those two methods helped my bangs retain some length.  Do check out Jc's article for a thorough explanation of how trimming helps!  I think I might do another cut (about 1 inch) of the bangs.

Now for some random hair shots:

One week after flat iron.  Wore the straight hair for ~3 weeks.
Majority of the time, it was in jumbo twists and bunned.

February length check. ~3 weeks after flat iron.
For the next ~3 weeks I will wear wash-n-gos using Cyntriarf's method again.

Hair Diary || Final Thoughts on Wash-n-Go Experience

So a few weeks ago, I decided to experiment with Cynthiarf's method and wear my first wash-n-go in years!  Well, after having done it for about two weeks, I can finally share my thoughts on the experience:

How did it go?  I loved it and plan to incorporate it more regularly into my regimen this year.  The key to minimizing knots and tangles while wearing the wash-n-go is to finger comb and remove the shed hair daily and thoroughly.  I was able to go one to two days between wash-n-gos probably because I used a lot of gel for definition and hold.  Otherwise, I think I would've been asking for trouble by stretching the look.  

Did I notice increased knots and tangling?  To my surprise, not really except for "back there".  My back hair did tangle a little because, unlike the rest of my hair, it is very fine.  (Hence, if you have long, fine Type 4 strands, I personally would recommend that you be cautious when trying this method.)  Also, it is very important to use a conditioner to wash as opposed to a shampoo, which will contribute to tangling and matting of the loose hair.  However, since I believe in shampoos for cleansing, I did use one weekly followed by conditioner.  Lastly, over time my hair became easier to finger comb and softer.  I believe Cynthiarf alludes to why (as well as why this method works for our hair in general) in this comment to her youtube video.

For those who are interested in trying her method, here is the link to her video tutorial.  Also, feel free to ask me any questions in the comments section below!  Now for a few more wash-n-go photos. :o)

Wet.  No gel.  Day one.

Wet. Gel. Week two.

Dry.  Gel.  Week one.

Hair Diary || 5-Year Nappiversary!

I big chopped exactly five years ago today after a ten-month transition.  I will never regret going natural because my hair has never been healthier or longer.  Here are photos of my hair from these past couple of weeks.

Stay tuned for my wash-n-go conclusion in an upcoming post ...

Jan/Feb 2013: Wash-n-go with TONS of gel for hang (on left).  Flat ironed then braided (on right).

Jan 2013: Wash-n-go followed by gel galore.

Feb 1, 2013: Braided for a braid-out.  2013 is about having fun with my length!

February 2008.  The big chop.  (Shrunken wet fro.)

Hair Diary || First Wash-n-Go in Years!

Due to personal health reasons, I took down my jumbo twists and figured I would try Cynthiarf's daily wash-n-go regimen for kinky hair.  I will admit that I was extremely frightened (for knots and tangles) considering my length and shrinkage.  Exhibit A:

LEFT: Straight almost WSL hair (shot from July 2012). RIGHT: Shrunken, un-combed, damp hair (January 2013).  Shrinkage never ceases to amaze me.  Hair eventually shrinks to EL once dry.

To my surprise, the regimen has been working well, but it's only been a few days so far.  I have very little knotting and tangling due to her finger combing method (to remove shed hair).  It also helps that my hair was previously (and thoroughly) detangled prior to the jumbo twists (hence hardly any tangles when starting her routine).  Anyway, below are a few more photos.  I have to keep up this regimen for two more weeks before I can go back to my regular routine.  I'll certainly keep you all posted!

Slight coil definition after raking through with generous amounts of Eco Styler gel.  Otherwise, my hair doesn't really coil on it own.

Put into a puff.  Shrinkage.  :o)
My edges are shot from having not re-done them while in braid extensions.  They'll fill in again.

Hair Diary || Messy Jumbo Twists for January

Flat-ironed and in jumbo twists.  I didn't have my usual products so I had to make do with what was available.  On hiatus for the next couple of weeks.  Until next time, ladies!

Box Braid Takedown:
-Took down box braids
-Finger detangled each section (previously lubricated)
-Followed up with a wide-tooth comb
-Put hair in several big plaits
-Washed with Creme of Nature conditioning shampoo
-Conditioned with VO5 Strengthening Conditioner (hydrolyzed collagen)
-Detangled (wide tooth comb) hair while soaked with conditioner
-Re-plaited then rinsed out 95% of the conditioner
-Sealed damp hair with Pura Naturals Cupuacu Butter
-Air dried hair in big plaits

Hair Diary || The Many Facets of Natural

I was going through some photos to submit for a couple features when I was reminded of just how versatile natural hair is.  I pulled up an old collage of my hair back in 2009/2010.  The array of styles ranges from twistouts to coilouts to twists to more:

(Circa 2009/2010.)  From left to right, starting with the first row: 1. kinky ponytail extension,  2.  high afro puff with scarf, 3. afro puff with hairtie, 4. comb coils, 5. air dried rollerset pinned up, 6. mini twistout, 7. braidout with flower, 8. coilout, 9. air dried rollerset.

Then I decided to make a collage of my hair from this year.

(2012.)  From left to right, starting with the first row: 1. twistout,  2. flat-ironed twisted ponytail, 3. frizzy twists in high side bun, 4. flat twistout into twists ponytail, 5. twists pinned up, 6. twistout on straightened hair, 7. jumbo twists on straightened hair, 8. twistout into high bun, 9. twists rolled up into pompadour.

I will admit that I haven't been as creative as in my earlier years, but that's because, as my hair has grown, I've incorporated more protective styling.  However, it was pretty cool to see that I'm still taking advantage of the versatility of natural hair.  In a strange kind of way, these collages inspired me to stay out of the boring slump into which I was falling and continue to have fun with my hair (though, of course not as the expense of health and length).  Hopefully it inspires you too!

2012.  Hair in shrunken wet state (drenched in conditioner).  
No curl definition.  Clumping due to old twistout.

Hair Diary || Caring For My Braid Extensions

I self-installed box braid extensions to be worn for the first two months of the 1in3 challenge.  It took 5 packs of hair and about 9 hours for the install.  Prior to braiding, I washed, conditioned, moisturized, and air dried my hair as usual.  During these two months, my box braid care routine will be: 

-Weekly: Spritz hair with a mixture of water, glycerin, grapeseed oil, and grapefruit essential oil.
-Weekly: Spritz scalp with tea tree essential mixed with water (to keep scalp fresh).

-Every two to three weeks: Prepoo with coconut oil, Wash with diluted shampoo, Condition with diluted Suave, and seal with my shea mixture.

Depending on how well I maintain the braids, I might wear it for longer (i.e., three months).  We will see.  Other than the basic routine above, I will continue to sleep with a satin bonnet to protect my hair and keep the braids from frizzing.  I also plan to plait my braids prior to washing in order to keep the frizzies to a minimum.

Here are some sites to check out for braid or braid extension care:
Box braids only: http://minibraidmethod.com/
Braid extensions: http://www.growafrohairlong.com/braidreg.html

Here are two youtube videos with amazing braid extensions styles that I plan to try:

And here are a few more photos of my self-install, the packs of hair that I used, and the final look ...

100% Kanekalon.  Color: 4.  Each pack was about $2.

Braiding my hair.

Finito.  The braids are about hip-length / tailbone-length.