Castor Oil Challenge: Week Six

Day 35 (Nov 29, 2009)

Sitting here with some henna in my hair. I am trying to alternate between my henna treatments and the various other conditioners I have until they are gone....Anyway, my scalp itches a little, but I have yet to put my JBCO/EO blend on my scalp. I have noticed that my hair has been breaking a little bit and I've had a good amount of  shedding.

Day 36 (Nov 30, 2009)

I have noticed that my hair seems to be more substantial around my hairline. Nothing too major, but significant growth in that area. My hair itches here and there, but nothing too bad. I am noticing that my hair seems to retaining moisture a lot better than before. Before the challenge I noticed that my hair would be a little dry when I took down my twist. Now, my hair feels moist and strong. The henna treatment is the bomb! My hair feels so much stronger after a treatment. Very little to no breakage!. I will definitely say I have reached my second mini goal

Day 37 (Dec 1, 2009)

Going steady, doing the massage thing. My hair feels good.

Day 38 (Dec 2, 2009)

A lot more of the same from the past day

Day 39 (Dec 3, 2009)

I was going to pass on oiling my scalp today, but it itches too much. Noticing some blistering (or is it a pimple?) on my scalp as well...not quite sure why. Perhaps putting this on my scalp more than 3-4 times a week causes this. I've also noticed some growth, however I am not sure it is anymore than I would have accomplished on my own. I see all these women talking about how much growth they encountered--I don't see it....

Day 40 (Dec 4, 2009)

I oiled my scalp today with my pre-shampoo scalp blend. Reason for the change is my upcoming vacation . Little gift to myself, but I digress. I plan to prep my hair tonight and wash tomorrow because I won't have any time Sunday when I usually do it.

Day 41 (Dec 5, 2009)

Wash day: I have noticed that my new growth is very soft. Nice surprise. My hair is already pretty soft, but it seemed even softer making my new growth less noticeable. I wonder if that is why I haven't "seen" as much new growth as I expected. I mean I am use to have this very coarse tightly curled hair, and now it is some much softer and a bit smoother. I have noticed some length when I pulled out my twist, but the true gains I've achieved will reveal themselves on relaxer day. Truthfully at this rate I may even be able to stretch out my relaxers. That has been a issue in the past. I have made the dire mistake of stretching too long and setting myself back because I lost so much hair due to breakage at the line of demarcation. Anyway, I'll play it by ear.

                                 

Castor Oil Challenge: Week Five

Day 28 (Nov 22, 2009)

So it's the day after my third shampoo. I will say, my hair was a lot fuller and somewhat stronger--than it has been in the past, but I will say I would like it to be a bit stronger. Don't get me wrong I want to believe that the JBCO is to reason for these changes, but I can't. I mean true, my hair feels different than it has in the past, but I am only putting this oil on my scalp--not my hair, so how can that be explained? The new growth is minimal, although I will say my hairline seems to be filling in. All in all, not the results I expected at all, but it's not bad either. JBCO will probably be a staple.

Day 29 (Nov 23, 2009)

I oiled my scalp today. I plan to really try to follow my regimen to help me see results. I must say the only results I have seen has been the improvement in my scalp condition.

Day 30 (Nov 24, 2009)
Little to no itchiness. Let's keep it going... 


Day 31 (Nov 25, 2009)
Same as above...


Day 32 (Nov 26 2009)
I didn't get to oil my scalp today. My scalp seems fine.


Day 33 (Nov 27, 2009)
Same as yesterday...noticing some itching.


Day 34 (Nov 28, 2009)
Same as two previous days...noticing some more itching, especially in the front and middle.
                                 

Destructive Hair Myths

Over the last few months I have been on a mission to rid myself of all the products that have not been working on my hair despite the many promises of achieving "long, strong, beautiful moisturized hair". As I was going through a few bottles today I began to think about all of the crap I have plastered through my tresses day after day despite the obvious destruction it was doing to my hair. Why would you ask? Mostly because I did not know any better due to false information that was directly or indirectly passed onto me. I am wondering what hair myths you were led to believe and followed prior to your hair journey? Come on ladies, I know we all have them. Mine include:

1. Plastering tons of hair grease (Dax, Blue Magic) and Pink Oil Moisturizer on my hair and scalp would make my hair grow.
2. I only need to deep condition my hair every 4 weeks.
3. I must rack a comb through my hair EVERYDAY, otherwise I was just plain "nasty".
4. "White hair products" (e.g. Nexxus, Suave) were made for white people's hair.
5. I could sleep with rollers in your hair and sponge rollers were the way to go!

Needless to say, these myth have led me to struggle with my hair. It didn't help that I would see other women, including my sister follow some of these myths and do just fine. Given my hair type (super coiled, fine), it was a recipe for disaster. Shedding some of those beliefs has had a huge effect on my hair. Knowledge is power.   



                            

Aveda Dry Remedy Shampoo and Conditioner

For the last two to three years I have been on the hunt to find a great NATURAL moisturizing shampoo with no real luck. I have come across and used quite a few natural products only to find them really drying, which led to tangles--not something I want or need in my effort to grow my hair. When I was natural this wasn't a problem at all. My hair did fine regardless of the product--(my curls are made of good stuff don't you know), but with relaxed hair--it just wasn't hearing it. 

Anyway, I had pretty much given up on the "all natural" thang given my hair situation, contending with the idea that this type of product just doesn't exist. Given this depressing fact I had hoped that I could at least find a great poo that didn't contain SLS and had as few harsh chemicals as possible. The sad thing is I still ended up with mediocre "moisturizing" poos that continued to dry out my hair and scalp!

Now if you are an Aveda lover then you would already know that they have recently added some new products to their hair care line. Dry Remedy (DR) has really made me a believer in Aveda products. Truthfully, up to this point I thought Aveda products were just a lot of over priced pudding in a jar. Who am I kidding, I still think that--however I told myself I need to be willing to spend a little more on products that work well on my hair, rather than continue to buy bottles of crap that did nothing but keep my hair in the state it is currently in just to save a few bucks. The bet paid off because DR is doing a beautiful job! 

Now for years I have been using CON, which I have been happy with. However, my hairdresser has told me some scary stuff about my faithful CON, which has left me concerned. Not to mention that the major ingredient in CON is lye! Now DR is not chemical free. I looked up some of the products and truthfully, I am concerned about some of the ingredients in there as well, but considering my options it seems to be my best option so far, and it provides me with the results I am looking for (e.g. soft, moisturized hair). For that I give Aveda Dry Remedy Shampoo an .  I would have given it more, but the price tag--ouch! The DR conditioner wasn't bad, but it's nothing that worth while so I plan to stick to my faithful AO GPB and Honeysuckle Rose--(they do a great job and are 100% natural). The conditioner overall gave me some slip, but a little too runny for me. I like my conditioners to be thick. Overall fine, so for this it just gets a .

So as it stands I continue my quest for the perfect all natural shampoo. At least I have found some comfort in the fact that even though I may not be able to stay away from chemicals completely (I mean I still relax my hair*), I can minimize the use of these products on my hair and scalp where ever possible through other products (e.g. conditioners, styling products, growth aids).
                                 







- = not worth the money, don't waste your time.

- = neither hit or miss; just okay

- = good product; really worth trying.

= amazing product!

*As of 2012 I have decidced to wear my hair in its natural state.

Castor Oil Challenge: Week Four

Day 21 (Nov 15, 2009)
So I have some new growth--but nothing major. I mean after three weeks shouldn't I have something anyway?! Hmmm, I am beginning to question the "magic" of castor oil...

Day 22 (Nov 16, 2009)

I didn't oil my scalp ....I know, I know.... 

Day 23 (Nov 17, 2009)
Itch, itch, itch, itch, itch,  itch, itch, itch  itch, itch, itch, itch, itch,  itch, itch, itch....I thought I had this beat, geeze! Had to oil my scalp. 

Day 24 (Nov 18, 2009)
I think I can see some growth! I don't know if I can attribute the JBCO to the growth though because seriously as long as I am breathing I am going to have something come out of my head right? I guess it's just a matter of how much growth I have and if there is any change in the texture. I can only wait to see... 

Day 25 (Nov 19, 2009) 
I had little to no itching today, so that is still holding up, but I have seen a few scabs here and there.  I passed on oiling my scalp tonight, I figured if I do it at least three times a week I'm good.  

Day 26 (Nov 20, 2009) 
Wow! it seems I really need to oil my scalp on a daily basis otherwise it begins to itch like crazy. Now it may be itching because it's time for a shampoo, but geeze it's driving me crazy! 

Day 27 (Nov 21, 2009)
Took out my twist...a lot of shedded hair, but nothing alarming. Minimal breakage and my hair still feels strong. My hair was soft as well and still felt moisturized. Now, as I already stated before I don't know what I can attribute to the JBCO because this wasn't put on my hair. I'm not convinced that this is as great as everyone says it is....
                                 

Castor Oil Challenge: Week Three

Day 14 (Nov 8, 2009)

I complete a henna treatment yesterday and today I rinsed out my hair and it felt so strong, yet soft! I was pleasantly surprised. My hair also felt "heavy" and dense, which I have to say is due to the henna treatment I did yesterday. I did get a little overzealous with the Elixer and Break-Free, so it's a little oily now, but I'm okay with it; my hair will just be going back in twist. The itchiness seems to be completely gone. I am so excited , you have no idea. 

Day 15 (Nov 9, 2009)
Weirdest thing, my scalp is itching me like crazy again! I am still in the process of re-twisting my hair--I am slow when I do this--and I can go at a slower pace as it's my BIRTHDAY and I don't have any plans on going to work today. Anyway, because I don't like my hair to be too oily I usually oil my scalp after twisting to avoid getting it on my hair,  so right now there is nothing on my scalp and it is itching the hell out of me!
 
Day 16 (Nov 10, 2009)
Finally oiled my scalp, and the itchiness is gone..... 

Day 17 (Nov 11, 2009)

So there seems to be a real war going on with my scalp. It was itching something awful this morning-- oiled my scalp this evening, and the itchiness is gone.....Now this is new to me because yes I have always had an itcy scalp, but this feels more like irritation vs. just having a dry old scalp. I was reviewing some of my blog entries and it occurred to me that I did not oil my scalp before putting on the henna or deep conditioner, which may be the reason it feels like this. My scalp is just soooo damn sensitive.

Day 18 (Nov 12, 2009)

Oiled my scalp as scheduled....or perhaps it wasn't scheduled, but I have just decided I am going to listen to my scalp, and it is telling me--"who cares if it isn't Thursday, I'm itching"!

Day 19 (Nov 13, 2009)

 I didn't massage my scalp today, and it felt a little itchy. I am realizing that if I use castor oil straight with my EO blend then that is when I have this war going on on top of my head. I don't know why it didn't occur to me sooner. I mean I started off blending the castor oil with jojoba oil and had better results. I guess because I started using another brand of JBCO and had better results in term of smell and other oddities that I just forgot. I will need to go back to blending the oil and see if that gives me a different results in terms of relieving the itching next week.

Day 20 (Nov 14, 2009)
I am exhausted--but I can't allow that to prevent me from doing what I need to do with my hair. That is how it begins isn't it...you miss one day, then another. I mean it feels like I am already missing some steps with my castor oil experiment. I may need some inspirational pictures to help me along...

                                 

Aphogee Balancing Moisturizer

Okay, this product did not work for me AT ALL! I'm not sure what all the hype is all about regarding this product, but I'm not getting it. Yes, yes, yes I made the fatal mistake of running out and buying a product just because someone else said "hey this worked for me". But let me tell you...if you saw this woman's hair  you would have done the same thing. But I digress, ABM made my hair feeling so hard and left a weird film on it . Now I'm not surprised at all that this happened because the crap has mineral oil in it! I was hesitant about using it because evidence has shown me that my hair doesn't respond well to products that use mineral oil or/and petroleum. I came to this realization when I took a brief break from products that include these ingredients and then went back to them to get rid of all the product under my sink. It took me two years to get through all that crap, and now I have to contend with this! Ladies heed my word--if your hair is telling you something is not working for your hair, listen to your hair no matter what type of miracle it has created for someone else. Now the ABM is suppose to be used as a follow up product for the 2-Step Protein Treatment to help soften your hair. Yeah, right.  Now I am stuck with this bottle of conditioner wondering how am I gonna use this up? I think I will just use it as a pre-poo... Overall I have to give this product a .

- = not worth the money, don't waste your time.

- = neither hit or miss; just okay

- = good product; really worth trying.

= amazing product!

Plaited Glory

As you know I am still on the for valuable information that I can use to encourage successful hair growth. I will often seek out books or articles posted on line, and I have found that there is a wealth of information that is out there (but not everything out there is gold--which I will get to later). So on my hunt for "gold" I came across this book by Lonnice Brittenum Bonner.

I would have to say I was very disappointed once again with Ms Bonner. Quick and simple: not only did it lack any substantial information, but it was a poor replication of her previous books! I kid you not this woman used the same words, for verbatim, from her previous works. For that it gets a ! Once again I am just grateful that I did not spend any money on this book, and if I have managed to save you from buying this book as well--you're welcome!

- = not worth the money, don't waste your time.

- = neither hit or miss; just okay

- = good product; really worth trying.

= amazing product!

The Power of Avocado Oil

Avocado (Persea americana) oil is usually categorized as a vegetable oil, despite the fact that, it is actually a fruit. Avocado trees were originally grown in Central America .  In the 21st century, this fruit was considered to be the "fruit of kings" and thus, meant to be consumed only by the royals. Avocado offers tremendous nutritional advantages, has healing and regenerating properties and therefore, it is regarded as one of the best fruits gifted to us by Mother Nature!

Avocado oil is rich in Vitamin A, B1, B2, D, and high levels of E, which are essentially required for proper hair growth. It also contains amino acids, lecithin, and other essential fatty acids. The oil also acts as a humectant which means that it adds moisture to the hair. Contrary to what is often being posted on hair sites and blogs, avocado oil is not a source of protein. The process of extracting the oil and separating the fats prevents protein from being present.

Despite it's absence of protein, avocado oil is a great way to nourish, moisturize, restores health and great shine to mistreated and dry hair because it has such a high vitamins and essential fatty acid content. It also helps to soothe dry, flaky scalp, stimulates the scalp and acts as a natural bactericidal. Finally, avocado oil is one of the few oils that is high in monounsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols and vitamins that will absorb into the hair shaft. This protects against and helps "repair" damage and stimulate new hair growth. What more can you ask for?!

How can you be sure you are getting the full benefits of avocado oil? Pure unrefined Avocado oil is deep olive green in colour as it still contains chlorophyll and has a very sweet and a bit nutty aroma, which is thick and heavy in texture and lends a waxy fatty feel to the hair. 

You can benefited from this amazing fruit by simply adding the oil to their favourite intense conditioner, as a hot oil treatment or mashing up a ripe avocado and applying it to the hair as a deep conditioner (see below for more instructions). Overtime you will see an improvement in your hair and its ability to retain moisture.  

Shelf Life: 12 Months.

How to Use:

Hot Oil Treatment:

2-3 tbsp Avocado oil*

2-3 tbsp EVCO*

few drops of beneficial EO  of choice (no more than 4 drops per tbsp)

1) Shampoo hair as usual
2) Gently heat up oil using a double boiling method

3) Apply oil to freshly washed towel dried hair then apply a plastic cap and let sit for 20-30 minutes (additional heat may be applied or simply wrap with a towel)

4) Rinse out and style as usual

Deep Conditioner Enhancer:

2-3 tbsp of your favourite deep conditioner. Ideally, you would like a DC that is as natural as possible (e.g. little to no chemicals) and silicon free.

1) Add 1-3 tsp of avocado oil to conditioner

2) Apply plastic cap and sit under hooded dryer and allow to sit for 20-30 minutes

3) Rinse and style hair as usual

                                 

Source

http://blackgirllonghair.com/2014/02/12-ways-to-use-avocado-oil-on-natural-hair/

http://superfoodprofiles.com/truth-avocado-oil-hair-growth
http://blackgirllonghair.com/2011/10/penetrating-oils-vs-coating-oils-which-are-better/
http://science-yhairblog.blogspot.ca/2013/06/oils-which-ones-soak-in-vs-coat-hair.html

                                 

Reflections of Hair that Use to Be...

So I was very troubled by the fact that in essence I manage to only grow 3 inches of hair since January!!!!!!!! That only works to be approx 1/4 and inch per month ! What is worse is that in the process of growing this hair I didn't manage to hold on the the hair I already had, so my hair is the same length. Needless to say I am and trying to figure out what I am doing wrong? I decided to look over the old journal that I kept over the last year and here are some of the things that stood out to me:

November 2008

• I came up with a few goals
• I was very vague about my routines
• I was using a variety of products, jumping from one to another in an effort to finish them off even if they didn't quite work for me (mistake #1)
• I often ran out and grabbed products just because someone suggested it
• I liked my hair!

December 2008

• I'm still liking my hair, washing it more frequently because I was working out. (mistake #2)
• I was roller setting my hair even though it may have been causing my hair to break just to avoid using the flat iron (which I still ended up using by the way). (mistake #3)
• My hair was beginning to break and my ends were becoming trashed, not sure why.
• I wasn't very knowledgeable about protein vs moisturizing products so I think I was overdoing the protein without really knowing it. (mistake #4)
• I was quite heavy handed with products (hair looks greasy and stiff)
• Never fully eliminated my itchy scalp and I was trying to reach all my mini goals at once.
• I was documenting my progress less frequently.

January 2009

• My hair was still breaking
• Made plans to trim every touch up vs. every other touch up
• Plan on using mild protein once a week
• Came to the realization I was still jumping from product to product but didn't stop not sure why.

February 2009

• I didn't document any of my progress!

March 2009

• My hair in the back completely broke off!
• I was not tracking my progress very much (only two entries!)
• I discovered that pre-pooing one hour before was better for my hair/scalp than overnight
• I began alternating between protein and moisturizing conditioners
• I tried my hand at homemade leave in conditioner (glycerin/rose water)
• I began sealing ends with avocado oil
• I noticed less itchiness on the scalp and less breakage
• I was still using too much heat

April 2009

• I  didn't document my progress.

May 2009

• Debating if I should go natural because my hair was completely destroyed.

June to October 2009

• I decided to put extensions in my hair (twist)
• I completely neglected my hair in the process (mistake #5)
• I wasn't documenting progress
• Itchy dry scalp is back

Products that just didn't work for me:

• Mizani Relaxer
• Mizani Hydrafuse (irritated the hell out of my scalp, cause scabs and flaking, but really moisturized my hair)
• Avocado oil (refined/cosmetic grade) seems to dry out my scalp unless mixed with jojoba oil
• AO Island Naturals stripped my hair, but seemed tolerable when I added oil
• Nothing with petroleum (but that shouldn't be a surprise)
• Shea butter on my scalp (made it itch initially)
• Protectiv Healthy Ends (too heavy and greasy)

Products that were just okay for me:

• AO Honeysucke Rose (not as moisturizing as I hoped)
• Safflower oil (made a little stiff if use too much)

Products that did work for me:

• Henna followed by a deep moisturizing conditioner and oils made my hair feel soft and strong
• AOGPB
• Jojoba was a God send to my hair
• Protectiv Break Free
• CON (green bottle), but my hairdresser advised against this product
• Aveda Dry Remedy Shampoo and Conditioner

So there you have it...how I destroyed my hair. I think by reflecting on what I was and wasn't doing over the last year has help me understand a little bit more about my hair, and has helped me push that nagging idea out of my head that I just won't have long beautiful hair. It will also keep me focused and remind me of why I need to stick to my routine once I've figured that out. Also I need to make sure I am eating the right types of food, because seriously, even if I was racking a flat iron through it everyday that shouldn't have had an impact on how much hair was coming out of my head. I mean only a 1/4 inch of growth a month! That isn't right at all. I may need to complete another challenge.

                                 

Castor Oil Challenge: Week Two

Day 7 (Nov 1, 2009)

So I was reviewing the challenge guidelines on HI and I'm not allowed to use any other growth aids. I guess it's a good thing I found that other bottle of JBCO, because the smell on the first one was killing me ! I'm not sure if using EO is allowed, but I feel I have to. So note to any of follower hoping to replicate my experiment--please see Week One for more details. 


Day 8 (Nov 2, 2009)
So my scalp was itching a little bit--a little too much for my liking, but nothing too serious. I applied some more Castor oil with my EO blend.

Day 9 (Nov 3, 2009) 
So I had some itching prior to going to bed, and a bit this morning, but nothing too serious. 

Day 10 (Nov 4, 2009)
Scabs and itching.... so I applied some more Castor oil with my EO blend in the evening to see if that would alleviate the issue. Okay, so I'm clearly not following my own guidelines, but technically I'm not breaking any rules either. Apparently as long as I am not using any other growth aids--(still not sure if EOs counts) and I use castor oil a minimum of two times a week, then I am within the guidelines set by Sunshyne.  As an aside, I think the scabbing is occurring because I am allergic to the castor oil. It looks like I may need to blend it with jojoba oil, but I am hearing great things about avocado oil ...

Day 11 (Nov 5, 2009)

Less itching today YAY!

Day 12 (Nov 6, 2009)
 Itching is becoming less noticeable. I notices a few scabs, but hair seems really moisturized! I don't even notice the smell anymore.

Day 13 (Nov 7, 2009)
No itching ! Happy day, happy day, ooooh happy day! It's wash day tomorrow, but I had to make some quick modifications (e.g. wash today instead) due to the fact that it is my birthday in a few days and I have plans with a few people tomorrow. There was some shedding, not too much though. I was very close to skipping my henna until next wash day, but I promised myself that I'd stick with my routine---trying to work for SL here. So here I am sitting with henna in my hair, will wash it out soon (2.5 hours later). I'll see how it works after I wash it out. 

                                 

Relaxer Day

So I got a relaxer today, and I must say I was little disappointed with my progress. I know I shouldn't be too surprised because I have been neglecting my hair big time, which was why I started this blog in the first place . However, I sort of hoped I would see some progress in terms of growth. Alas, there was none! I've posted a picture of my hair below.

As usual, once I returned from the hairdresser I re-washed my hair with Motions neutralizing shampoo, a practice I adopted a few years ago.I will usually let the lather from the shampoo sit on my hair while I take a shower. I do this because I really don't want to take any chances with the relaxer, as many scalp disorders (namely baldness) can occur when the relaxer is not washed out properly. Any woman that self-relaxes her hair will tell you that you need to wash your hair at least 3 times, in which the last wash is done for a minimum of 5 minute to truly neutralize the relaxer. Now ladies, when was the last time a hairdresser neutralized your hair for 5 minutes? Time it and see, I'll bet you it's under 45 seconds! Your probably asking "well why don't I just tell my hairdresser to wash my hair for a longer period of time?" Eh, I'm a control freak and just like to play it safe.

Following my shampoo I proceed with a deep conditioner, utilizing a recipe I got from my girl Sunshyne over at HI, which I use to replenish the lost moisture and proteins that was stripped from my hair during the relaxing process and the multiple washes. For this I applied:

2 tbsp Aphogee Keratin 2 min reconstructor

3 tsp avocado oil

3 tsp castor oil

3 tsp coconut oil

I am going to have to modify this recipe a bit. I found it way too "soupy" with the oil to conditioner ratio way too high. I will update the changes I plan to make.

Following this process I noticed that my scalp didn't feel as tight (irritated) and my hair felt strong. Shoulder-length here I come!

ETA: New post relaxer treatment recipe

3 tbsp Aphogee Keratin 2 min reconstructor

1 tsp avocado oil

1 tsp castor oil

1 tsp coconut oil