For those of you that are members of KISS already know that my 9 year old that has asthma had a serious episode this past week....Thank you so much for all of your support and prayers..

Continue to pray for him and my Niece....

Matthew 18:19,20 Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

________________________________________________

Instead of focusing on whats wrong ...I'm going to move onto something more upbeat...

I don't really post any pics prior to my hair journey..So many of you don't know that from age 19 till 2006 ...I used to dye my hair a light honey blonde or a chestnut brown with light highlights...I always kept my hair very light...People that know me or people that haven't seen me in a while are still trying to adjust to me rocking my natural hair color..

You know a few months ago I was considering adding color in the red family which would be very different for me...

This long dark hair is really boring to me..Don't be shocked if color changes or a good hair cut is around the corner ....Just warning ya!!!

I don't have too many pictures of myself years prior...In the past I didn't have a love for the camera like I do now....I did go through some of my Mothers pics and found a few pics that I'm going to post for you guys tomorrow

My Trip To Sallys

I went to 3 different stores today trying to find the Lekair Cholesterol and couldn't find it...I went searching for that one because it won in my Poll.. Let me know where you guys purchase this ..

Next on the list was Silk Elements Mega Cholesterol..Which was easy to find of course it was at Sallys....I loved my relaxer results from using Silk Elements so I'm hoping I will like this as well..

I was very disappointed buying this when I noticed Mineral Oil is like the second ingredient listed...I'm thinking... how good can this stuff be if Mineral Oil is one of the main ingredients...I bought it anyways just to see what all the hype is about...I plan on trying it this weekend ..

Most of the Silk Elements line was on sell ..So I bought the Silk Elements Designing Silk Mousse ( For my Bantu Knots and sets) Silk Elements Soft Holding Spritz.

I bought a couple of the small bottles of the Roux Porosity Control ...

I'm actually excited about doing my hair this weekend...

I noticed in the comments from the last post a few of you wanted to know what is a cholesterol conditioner ...I'm going to do a whole post explaining it and its benefits tomorrow...Im just mentally drained tonight..

Never Can Say Goodbye

We will miss you Michael....

Whats Your Flavor ????

I want to purchase a cholesterol conditioner....Whats your favorite ????
Get your own Poll!

Work Out Hair

I did a high pony tail for the gym tonight...After working out ...I applied Jojoba Oil to my hair before going into the steam room...After I got home I added a little macadamia oil and now I'm sitting under a heating cap....I haven't done a hot oil treatment in a while so I thought why not tonight....After I'm done I'm going to jump in the shower and co wash with Mane n Tail Moistuizing/Texturizing Conditioner..

I have to say I'm still loving the results of my relaxer...I'm so happy I decided to make a switch...

Here are some pics of my Work Out Pony....Sorry they are a little crappy ..I took them with my cell phone



Not sure why I'm covering my face...Hahahahaha



I just got out the shower and I came back to update this post...My hair felt amazing when I rinsed...The only reason why I stopped doing hot oil treatments was pure lazyness...I'm going to start back doing them now ..Maybe mid week or something

Here is a link on how to do Hot Oil Treatments

Are You Getting Enough Protein ???

I have always believed that what you eat and how you take care of the inside reflects the outside... Not just your hair but your skin also..


I follow a high protein diet...Now I don't really know if you can consider my diet a high protein...But I make sure I have a small serving of protein with each meal..And if I can't I drink a light low carb Protein Shake in between meals...



Well most of you know your hair is made up from protein..


Not enough Protein Causes


When your diet does not have enough protein most people experience hair loss as the body tries to reserve protein for more important body functions such as muscle repair....( One of the main reasons why when people experience excessive shedding I tell them to check their diet.)

Also lack of protein can cause hair to go into what is called a resting phase....It stops growing or slows down completely. ( Important to the ladies that experience very slow growth or complain of no growth)..


Protein deficiency can make your hair dry and brittle also..
Vegetarians are most common to have protein deficiencies because of not eating meats


Too much protein ...

Too much protein can harm your kidneys and often times lead to kidney disease.... Eating a well-balanced diet is the best way to go..

How Much Protein Do We Need ?

It depends on your age, size, and activity level...Nutritionists estimate your minimum daily protein requirement by multiplying the body weight in kilograms by .8, or weight in pounds by .37..... This number equals the amount grams of protein that should be your daily minimum...Example a person weighing 150 lbs should eat 55 grams of protein per day...

If you are more active or you exercise you need more protein ( Greatly debated) ....

One prominent researcher in the field recommends 1.2 to 1.4 grams per kilogram of body weight per day for endurance exercisers and 1.7 to 1.8 grams per kg per day for heavy strength training.

Protein For Hair Growth

The benefits are amazing for hair growth.... Protein can be found in meat, eggs, beans, yogurt and soy protein. Wheat germ and brewer's yeast are rich in protein and is known to grow hair stronger and faster...


Eating foods high in protein like lean meats such as chicken, turkey...Red meats are bad.. Just make sure that you avoid red meats. Red can cause certain hormones to build up in the body and trigger bad effects....

Almonds and peanuts are great protein snacks in between meals







My favorite is Sushi...I eat sushi a few times a week it extremely high in protein - being largely made of rice, seaweed, and raw fish ..



Common Causes of Hair Loss

I'm not saying that everyone that experiences hair loss is due to diet ...But if you know you don't eat right...Then that maybe the cause...Going to a doctor is always best..


Common causes hair loss are medication, radiation, chemotherapy, exposure to chemicals, hormonal and nutritional factors, thyroid disease, generalized or local skin disease, and stress.

My Summer Regimen

Clean hair & Scalp 1x a week with Hair One
Deep Condition 1x a week
Co-wash 2-4x after work outs
Always Airdry
Moisturize & Seal nightly
Clarify 1x monthly
Protein whenever needed



I plan to wear braid outs , bantu styles, wash n go's, and pony tails

What are your hair plans for the summer ???

Bantu Knots & Sunburn

I was truly excited about my length..But I have to be honest with you ...I was so bored with it...The long hair seemed homey and boring...And everywhere I went over the next few days..I noticed other women with waist length and beyond hair & it was boring to me too ....

The Bantu knots were heaven sent...It completely changed my mind about my hair being boring.
I loved it....My Husband loved it ...I got so many compliments...It really jazzed up my hair...I have come to the conclusion that Flat ironed straight hair is really not my favorite anymore..

I did the Bantu knots the day before on flat ironed hair...I'm going to post pics soon..
I took so many that day....Only thing was by the time the second graduation ended my curls had fell...Now its about finding the right products that will hold soft curls...

That night I put some Mane n Tail Carrot Creme and oil and redid Bantu knots....The next morning my Sister and I took all of our kids to Magic Mountain..To celebrate the graduations....I took a couple of pics in the truck on my way to the park...Instead of wearing it all down like the day before I pulled my hair into a loose low pony tail with a head band....

Here are pics of my hair for Six Flags ( Bantu Knots)







For the ones that have followed my blog from the beginning know that whenever I take my boys to amusement parks I always wear a large sun hat to protect my shoulders and hair from the sun...Well this time I skipped the hat...My hair was way too cute to cover it with a hat...

Well lets just say I have regrets...Very big regrets...I have sun burn all over my scalp...Its horrible and red...Its so painful ...I sun burn so easy I already know what to use....

I took a few leaves off my Aloe Vera Plant and put it in the fridge..Once cold I squeeze it into a small container and mixed in glycerin...Glycerin with the Aloe works every time.. My scalp will feel better in about a week

Tomorrows The Big Day

Graduation is tomorrow for my boys...I'm so tired and so are they...

I feel like I've been riding an emotional roller coaster...I'm excited , and nervous all at the same time...I am so very proud of the both of them...I'm going to do my best not to shed any tears ...I should just wear water proof mascara tomorrow and be on the safe side..You would think they were graduating from college the way I'm acting..Every parent understands how I feel though...I'm watching my boys grow up right before my eyes..I'm so proud of the both of them ...Equally proud of my Nieces who graduate with my oldest tomorrow ..

Can you guys believe that next school year I will have a son in High school and a son in Jr High..Yes I'm officially old...

I did break one major rule tonight ...That rule is never try a new hair style when you have somewhere to go...I tried my first Bantu knots tonight....Yes my first official Bantu Knots...Hopefully they will come out OK ..If not I will think of something...

I will make sure I post plenty of pics...I will most likely post them Friday..

Mane n Tail Carrot Oil Creme Review

They Say:

Conditions, moisturizes and fortifies hair and scalp for healthy hair growth.

Rejuvenates hairs natural softness, manageability and shine.

Exclusive blend of Vitamins, Natural Herbs and Essential Oils.

Helps prevent hair breakage, split ends and dryness.

Great for relaxed and chemically treated hair.

Ingredients:

I couldn't find the ingredients on line ..And I don't have the energy to type it out ...I will update with the ingredients some time tomorrow..

I say:

It smelled like Carrot Spice...I really liked the soft scent...But this Creme threw me off a bit because its in a jar ..So I figured that it would be a thicker moisturizer or creme...But it was actually very thin and watery....

I have been using it to moisturize my ends and I am loving it...It didn't revert my flat ironed hair or did it wear it down...I actually love the thin texture..It will be perfect for the summer...When ever it gets here ( June gloom is really getting on my nerves)

Challenges I Experienced : Readers Mail

Reader Email:

Congrats on stretching for 6months!!! Please add a blog post of some challenges you may have experienced and if you would ever do it again.
What were some of the benefits from stretching for 6 months as opposed to 10-12 wks? Are you planning on doing another 6 mo stretch?
Best of luck and keep up the good work!

My Answer:

Thanks....I actually relaxed about 1 week and 1/2 before my 6 month mark.....

My biggest challenges were managing two textures without breakage, dealing with shedding , detangling wasn't easy , and styling options were a challenge..

I kept my new growth moisturized by lightly spritzing every night... Applying pure glycerin and Cantu Shea Butter Repair Cream a couple times a week kept my new growth moisturized, manageable, and breakage free...Co washing at least 1x a week helped keep my new growth stay moisturized too...Co washing worked up until I got till about 5 months and it was too much manipulation ...After that I would just clean my hair and leave it alone for a week or week and 1/2 till next wash.

I was able to slow down and basically stop shedding by upping my protein ...Co washing with Mane n Tail Moisturizer/Texturizing Conditioner really did the trick..Mane n Tail is a very light protein conditioner and co washing with it gave me just the right amount of moisture and protein my hair needed...

Most of my stretch I used Silken Child detangler and it did help..But it wasn't until I tried the Mane n Tail Detangler that detangling became a breeze ...No broken hairs and the Mane n Tail really just melted my detangles away..

Styling was easy the first 3 months..I rocked mostly braid outs and pony tails..Towards the end because of my work outs I was forced to wear buns all of the time...Elasta QP Mango Butter and Aloe Vera Gel kept my edges tamed...

I was able to conquer most of the challenges because each time I stretched I would stretch a little bit longer each time ..

"Stretching for 6 months as opposed to 10-12 wks" ..Well the whole purpose of stretching is to relax less...Less chemicals = Healthier Hair....The less chemicals you use allows your hair to thicken , become healthier, and lowers the chances of over lapping..So of course the longer your stretches last..The less relaxers you will use each year..It's really about doing what works for you..

I plan to only relax 3 times a year ..So I won't be relaxing every 6 months...It just wasn't fun... Even though I loved the results I'm going relax every 4 months and that = 3 times a year

June 09 Update and Relaxer Results

I relaxed today 1 1/2 weeks from making my 6 month mark

I'm so happy with my progress ...My V is leaving ...My sides are finally catching up with the rest of my hair...Oh my hair is much thicker...I love it...If you look at my comparison shots you will see I actually past my goal line by just a little...Guess who is grazing HL...Hopefully I can claim it offiicially by the end of the summer..


Thank you Ladies for all of your encouragement, and help...Thanks so much for the help !!!!

Silk Elements Mega Silk Relaxer Review & Steps

Over all I had a good experience I had a little burning toward the end ...Loved the relaxer...It left my hair so soft..But hated the Neutralizing Shampoo it was very stripping...I love the final results.Silk Elements Mega Silk left my hair super silky and soft...Its a keeper !!!!

These are the basic steps I used...Amount of time Relaxer process on hair will very depending on texture, hair type , thickness and strength of relaxer..So you would need to learn how to look in the mirror and tell when hair is broken down...Every ones processing time will be different

Tools and Supplies

Towels

Plastic Caps

Comb

Hair clips

Applicator brush

Neutralizing Shampoo

Light Protein Conditioner

Moisturizing Conditioner Mix

Leave In Conditioner

Products

Vaseline (Base)

Silk Elements Mega Silk Regular Lye Relaxer

Silk Elements Mega Silk Neutralizing Shampoo

Aphogee 2 min Reconstructor

Proclaim Olive Glossing Conditioner mixed with Honey and my oil mix ( Avocado, Coconut, Macadamia Oils)

Redken smooth Down Butter Treat for a leave In

GVP Thermal Protectant Spray ( Sallys Generic Chi Iron Guard)

Steps:

Based scalp, hair line, and ears with Vaseline

Sectioned hair into four sections

To protect my already processed hair I applied Macadamia Oil and a drop of Mane n Tail to the length of my hair..Staying away from the new growth ( applying to new growth would slow down the processing time and cause under processing)

Next I made sure I had all of my tools together
Because my hair is coarser and a tighter texture in the middle..That is where I began the application of the relaxer

I started at the top of the back 2 sections and worked my way down ..

Next I did the top two sections working my way from the back to the front of hair...I always rotate where I start my application so one section won't always process longer that the rest....I never start application at my front edges because that is the most fragile area

Application Time 19mins

Let Relaxer stay on hair total of 20 mins

Next I completely rinsed out relaxer..Husband helped me make sure I had rinsed out all of the creme

I then applied Aphogee 2 min Reconstructor for about 4 mins no heat

Rinsed then Neutralized for about 10 mins...

Next I applied Proclaim Olive Conditioner mixed with Honey and Oil with a plastic cap and heating cap for 40 mins

Rinsed and detangled in shower

Toweled dried

Applied my Redken Smooth Down Butter Treat and a little Macadamia Oil as a leave In

Air dried for 30 mins then finished drying under hooded dry with hair hanging down
(35 mins)

When hair was dry I applied my heat protectant and flat ironed

My Hair Twin...Bob Marley

So I'm relaxing Friday or early Sat morning...My sister came over to base my scalp for my relaxer...Thank God for help...Hahahaha

Because my last wash was for preparation for my relaxer & I haven't been using much product...My natural hair texture was undeniable....Just around the edges I'm 4a...But in the center I don't even think I'm a 4b more like 4z...

My Sister wasn't happy about having to work through this...She said Traycee you know who your exact hair twin is...Bob Marley and to tell all of you the truth she was 100% right... Even though she didn't have to sing "Who shot the Sheriff" but she called it right...She even joked about something being able to live in that sponge (Her name for my new growth) ...I love the way my Sister always knows how to make me laugh...She is only kidding ..but it is so nice to have my family supporting me on my journey...

It is very funny and inspiring to us..Why??? Because we have the texture hair that people call BAD HAIR...Beautician's have always been unhappy about me sitting in their chair both natural or relaxed...

The hair type we have is not so supposed to be able to grow long ,strong, and healthy ...Guess what.. My Sister and I are both breaking all the rules and growing long healthy hair..

So all of my 4 family Sistas ....Yes We Can....Don't give up !!!

Oh and Derek Fisher...I love you ... You were the bomb tonight !!!

Summer Time

Well its time to redo our regimens..

Yes barbecues, amusement parks, sunshine, beach, out door concerts, and swimming is finally approaching

Summer is the perfect time to rock textured styles...Who wants to sit under a hot dryer or sweat out their hair in the summer heat ? Rocking your natural hair , braid outs, twist outs, or bantu knots are so much easier and makes a lot more since in the up coming months...Beach waves are always cute..Just air dry in 2 to 3 large braids (braid out) for the perfect loose beach waves..Also a perfect time to rock cute ponytails, headbands, hair candy, and updo's

Summer time is not always a naturally curly or tightly coiled hairs friend...Dry, split and frizzy ends is what some of us suffer from because of the sun, and humidity..

Here are a few tips:

Always use a leave in ( Some leave ins have sun screen)

Use plenty of moisturizing conditioners

Use lighter oils and conditioners for hair with lots of bounce and body

Deep condition at least 1x a week

Skip blow drying ..Take advantage of the heat and air dry instead

Use a light oil like Avocado, Coconut Oil , Jojoba Oil to help protect strands from the sun

Wear a cute hat when your spending the day in the sun

Work with the humidity and wear textured styles and use GLYCERIN or products that contain GLYCERIN

Doing a lot of chlorine swimming make sure to do a light protein treatment weekly ( Chlorine damages proteins in the cuticle)

Wet hair and cover strands with conditioner before jumping in pool or beach ( Hair is like a sponge once full it doesn't leave much room to absorb the chlorine or salt water)

Rinse hair as soon as possible after swimming

Swimmers should also use a non drying clarifying or chelating shampoo 1x a week

When using bands to keep hair off of face avoid bands that have metal clasp

Correct sun damage by deep conditioning overnight with a moisturizing conditioner under a plastic cap

I will be posting my summer regimen soon...

Went 2 Sallys Today

I stopped at Sallys today and picked up a few of the things I will need to do my hair next week .

I bought a cheapie flat iron...I know like I really need another flat iron ..But all the ones I have are 1 inch or 1 and something...I really needed a larger flat iron and a flat iron with temp. control..

The flat iron is Helen of Troy Ceramic Series

2 1/4" Ceramic Titanium Flat Iron with Floating Plaits..I didn't think it looked to bad for a cheapie

Reaches up to 450

Pulse Auto Heat Control provides consistent temps

Fast Heat and Instant Heat Recovery

Pilot light

On/off switch

Variable Heat Settings

Rounded plate edges to curl hair under or flip

8ft power cord

Floating Plates eliminate gaps ( gaps that snap and pull hair)

If you haven't noticed that's not my Just for Me Relaxer...I decided to switch to something different...Thanks to the convincing of a close friend

After Swimming

This Shampoo helps removes chlorine and minerals from your hair..You only need to lather once...I usually follow up behind this with a thick moisturizing conditioner..

Before getting in the water I rinse my hair then apply a moisturizing conditioner then pin it up before swimming

They Say:

Helps repair brittle hair
Restore strength and shine
Sulfate-free
Safe for color-treated hair
Gentle for everyday use
Paba-free
Ion Anti-Chlorine Swimmer's Shampoo is safe for color-treated hair and safe to use everyday. Keep your hair healthy while enjoying the water, sand and sun

Ingredients:

WATER ,SODIUM C14-16 OLEFIN SULFONATE ,COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE ,COCAMIDE MEA ,GLYCERIN ,PROPYLENE GLYCOL ,SODIUM LAURYL SULFOACETATE ,PEG-120 METHYL GLUCOSE DIOLEATE ,SODIUM CHLORIDE ,FRAGRANCE ,DISODIUM EDTA ,ISOSTEARAMIDOPROPYL MORPHOLINE LACTATE ,DISODIUM LAURETH SULFOSUCCINATE ,PANTHENOL ,PHENOXYETHANOL ,POLYQUATERNIUM-10 ,CITRIC ACID ,MALIC ACID ,SODIUM GLUCONATE ,HYDROLYZED WHEAT PROTEIN ,METHYLPARABEN ,ALLANTOIN ,MAGNESIUM ASCORBYL PHOSPHATE ,GLUCOSE ,PROPYLPARABEN ,TOCOPHERYL ACETATE ,ASCORBIC ACID ,CI 42090 ,PEG/PPG-6/2 GLYCERYL COCOATE

Serious Vent

This is a continuation of my last post..


Last night I oiled my ends and redid my bun ...I woke up this morning and went straight to the sink to wash my face and brush my teeth and I noticed that my bun and pony was completely loose..My hair was hanging out of an opening of my scarf in the back ....And was a tangled mess..DANG IT !!!!


I took a deep breath and removed my scarf and tried to de tangle my hair a little with my fingers but my hair was so over moisturized and soft ...It was way too fragile for any de tangling ...Having two textures right now only makes this moment more frustrating...My hair was so fragile it was scary...Waiting a couple of more days to do my protein was not a option at this point..

I went looking for my Aphogee 2 min Reconstructor and remembered I gave it to one of my girlfriends who desperately needed it...Ugh !!!

This was not how I wanted to start my day....I went and got one egg and whipped it ....I mixed in Garnier Fructis Fortifying Deep Conditioner 3 min Masque ( A protein conditioner I tried a while back and my hair hated it) ...Then mixed in Mane n Tail Deep Moisturizing Conditioner( light protein) ..Hoping this mix would be enough protein ...

I applied my mix to my whole head...Root to Tip...Put on my heating cap for 15 mins ...Jumped in the shower and rinsed.... My hair felt like its normal self ...Thank GOD !!! I then cleaned my hair and scalp with Hair One..I let that sit on my hair while I showered

After I got out the shower ...I now was facing the challenge of detangling this madness..I used Aphogee Pro Vitamin Leave In ( I only use this when I need protein) and Cantu Shea Butter Leave In on top of that ...

Next I grabbed my Mane n Tail Detangler, Wide Tooth Comb and found a comfortable spot on the floor and turned on a good movie...I knew I would be down there for a while..

In small sections ...I sprayed my hair with my detangler and went to work...Patience was key at this point....This was really one of those moments where I questioned myself for wanting such long hair....Middle Back hair was so much easier to take care of..Right now with six months new growth...I didn't feel like this was simple (KISS) ...I felt like this was way too much work....If you think I never get frustrated with my hair ...Someone lied to you...

Finally I was done de tangling...Aching shoulders and back..I was finally done....I added some Macadamia Oil to my hair ...Then took my Conair Paddle Brush and made sure I got most of my shedded hair out when I detangled...I braided my hair in two side loose french braids...Put some QP Mango Butter on the ends ....

I shedded more hair than I usually do...But not enough to be concerned...Just enough to make me happy that in less than 10 days I will be relaxing..

The only reason why this did not turn out a disaster was I took my time and detangled in small sections even though I was tired and my arms ached...Patience is key

Cause of my over moisturizing situation ???

To be honest the only thing I switch up on was..I was using Holly Beauty Olive Oil Creme Daily after I spritzed....I'm going to use this a couple of times of week instead of daily from here on out..

Ughhhhhhh

My hair is so OVER MOISTURIZED....Its just gross..Its overly soft, mushy and yucky feeling..Its so overly soft that my hair keeps creeping out of my bun...

This Sat. makes me one week away from my next relaxer..So I had planned to clarify and do a protein treatment in prep for my relaxer already...

I have skipped my spritzing and moisturizing for the last few days and just applying oil to my ends ....I'm skipping my mid week co-wash and my trips to the steam room this week...I don't need any extra moisture at this point...I can't afford any breakage..

Because my hair is so over moisturized I'm just leaving it alone until I do my protein treatment this weekend...

My Bangs

I get a lot of emails asking how I take care of my bangs.....

To be honest my bangs is the only part of my hair that is subject to regular abuse...I cut them every other week because they grow out so fast....Lately my bangs are brushed back into a bun with the rest of my hair...But when I'm dressing to go somewhere other than playing Taxi for the boys ...I usually just part my bangs forward...Style the rest of my hair in a bun ....Tie on a scarf leaving just my bangs out....

I then take my bangs and wet them ...I use Hair One to clean just that section....Rinse..Then add a really small amount maybe a dime size drop on Cantu Shea Butter Leave In ...I take a soft bristle brush and brush the product through my bangs ...Brushing my hair straight down in the direction I want my bangs to hang...

About 15 mins later my bangs are left slightly damp and I run the flat iron through them to style them and finish drying them...I would never do this to the rest of my hair ...

This works well for my bangs because I'm not growing them out . I already have to trim them every other week to keep them short....So they stay healthy because of the constant trimming...My poor bangs takes this abuse maybe 1 to 2x a week at the most...

Guessing Game

So have been playing the guessing game ....Staring at this chart and my growth hoping I'm Hip length when I relax or close enough to it to reach it by the end of the summer ....I need to stop...A watched pot never boils is what they say...


So play the guessing game with me...Here is a pic of my hair unstretched and nappy hair at the roots..And here are some pics of my new growth...All pics are on dry hair that is buttery with Shea Butter

Unstretched Dry Hair...Just taken out of my bun

Here are Pics of my New Growth ( At This Point I can no longer part my hair)

Do You Ladies Think I made it ???? Oh I measured the new growth and its about 5 inches