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

                                 

Castor Oil Challenge: Week One

 Day 1 (Oct 26, 2009)

So I applied my first Castor oil "treatment" to my scalp for the week. Let me tell you that bottle really knocked me back when I first opened it. I wasn't expecting it to smell the way that it does. I am trying to put my finger on it, but if I had to identify what it smells like I would have to say it smells like roasted sesame. I'm not a fan at all. In the morning I could still smell it. It made me so self-conscious the whole day. I mean I am very big on hygiene, so needless to say I was concerned. The things we go through for our hair...

Day 2 (Oct 27, 2009)
The smell is not as intense. Perhaps my nose is just sensitive to this stuff.

Day 3 (Oct 28, 2009)
Okay, on the second try I attempted to reduce the smell and was somewhat successful at making it smell better by using equal parts castor oil and jojoba oil and adding a drop each of lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil and clary sage. Let's see, there is some itchiness after immediate use in some spots, which it's bearable, but I am noticing some scabbing on the scalp as well.

Day 4 (Oct 29, 2009)

The smell isn't as intense when I woke up this morning as it was the first morning; a definite plus. The itchiness is still there in spots and the scabs remain. I actually went by a store that Sunshyne over at Hairlista.com recommended to pick up a different brand of JBCO, so I will see if there is a difference in terms of smell and how my scalp feels. I will use the other CO I bought earlier for my pre-poos or something.

                                  
Day 5 (Oct 30, 2009)
So I tried the new JBCO and I must say it was much better. I only used it in my trouble spots though (e.g. temples and sides) because they are the slowest to grow. I must say I much prefer this brand. The smell was less intense and there was little to no itchiness. Getting a relaxer tomorrow, so I will  post some "before" pics. I know it is a week after I started the challenge, but really what difference will a week make? 

Day 6 (Oct 31, 2009) 
Got a relaxer. No burning, lost some length, but it was necessary to even out my ends. Despite losing some of my hair, the sides of my hair are still so short. It's always been that way,  but I am determined to get it growing. 

As far as the CO challenge is going, I did notice that my new growth was soft and my curls were more defined. Not sure if I can give credit to the CO for that one though. There was also little to no itchiness, which I will give CO props for--hey it may look like I have conquered my first mini goal . Well see. 

One week down, eleven more to go....

                                 

Castor Oil: Miracle Growth Serum?

Does Castor oil really encourage hair growth? A lot of people are asking this question especially among the ones who are facing hair loss and thinning problems. Apparently the answer is an astounding "YES"! Several women (including my sisters over at Hairlista.com--Holla!) relaxed and natural beauties alike, have been swearing by this miracle growth serum and they have the pictures to prove it. But you know me...I'm not convinced unless I see it (and feel it) with my own eyes. I mean maybe they all happen to be blessed with good genes. Eat a well balanced diet. Who knows , but I'm on the case.  So, yes I am going to jump on the castor oil challenge bandwagon to see if the stories are true. Truthfully, I have my own ulterior motives--listen I got a hair goal to reach!

Unfortunately, I missed the start date posted on Hairlista, but there's no reason why I can't create my own experiment. I'll post my results after my next relaxer*...

If anyone plans on jumping on the bandwagon with me tell me about it in addition to any issues or questions you may have along the way. I will try to get the information you require as soon as possible.

What I will be doing:

applying JBCO every other day following wash day

apply castor oil to my DC and henna treatment

Start date: October 26, 2009 (sorry I was a little late in posting this article)

End date: January 26, 2010

There are also several castor oil recipes that you can try as well.

                                 

*As of 2012 I have decided to wear my natural hair.