My Rechop: 7 months later

Never Have I Loved a TWA This Much!!

Oh how I love my hair! And as I have said on my IG and in past posts, I love my hair more now than I did when I did my first BC. As I have stated hair is very different futon pregnancy and most of he time grows at an accelerated rate. I can truly say in 7 months the growth is definitely visable. However, being that last time I didn't track the rate of my growth I can't say if the growth was accelerated or not. I can tell you that my rechop started at less than an inch (around 1/2 inch or less in some places). Currently the length is at an average of 3 inches varying by a 1/2 inch on the sides. I can flat twist, braid, two strand twist and more!

Do the Numbers Really Matter Though? 

Progress is determined by YOU! Yes some may read and say that my growth rate is moving like molasses..lol but the visual progress is more important to me than the numbers. Of course I'll periodically break out he ruler or measuring tape but pictures are the best way to track growth. Numbers can disappoint and make you feel like you're not doing as well as you think. Throw the numbers out and enjoy that hair, love! After all if YOU don't love your hair, no one else will. 

Embrace YOUR hair and where YOU'RE at in your journey!

All my love to you and Thanks for Reading! 

Product Review: VO5 Tea Therapy Clarifying Conditioner

So in my staple products post I mentioned how I LOVE Vo5 conditioners for their quality and affordability and when I decided to take out my box braids (impulse decision) I purchased a few new Vo5 conditioners to try. Among those conditioners was the Vo5 Tea Therapy Vanilla Mint Tea Clarifying Conditioner. So let's get started! What do most Curlies want to know about a product/conditioner?

What's a clarifying conditioner? 

Simply put, a clarifying conditioner can cleanse better then most because it has ingredients that naturally clarify or rid he hair/scalp of impurities, gunk etc. It can also condition and moisturize because after all it's a conditioner!

How did I use it? 

I used the product as a Co-wash/protectant with my clarifyng shampoo. This is something I only do if it's been a while since I washed/cleansed my hair and scalp, although I think the conditioner would have sufficed on it's own due to the very small amount of shampoo I used. Just so you know how I used it: 1. I wet my hair slightly. Not soaked but damp and then apply the conditioner to my entire head and work it in for good coverage. 2. I wet my hair again and work the conditioner on some more but not to rinse it out. 3. Put a pea size of my clarifying shampoo into my hands and start a latter in my hands. 4. Apply shampoo to my conditioner soaked hair and massage.

What does it smell like? 

It literally smells like vanilla and a sweet mint. I love the smell!! I mean I love anything vanilla but this scent is he bomb to me..lol. It's fresh and light and doesn't interfere with the other products I use which is important to me. For those that don't like tea it doesn't have a tea smell so no worries! 

Properties?

This conditioner is not a super thick creamy cream. I would say it's creamy enough and isn't thick but it's no super runny either. It had great slip for detangling and made my wash so easy! It left no residue in my hair which is always something to look for. It also left my hair super soft and curly (my 3c hair). And that was before my deep condition. 

The Wrap-Up

Overall, this conditioner looks like a GREAT option for a new co-wash!! With the price and results I experienced it just makes sense to stock up. Although I love the As I Am co-wash I love that Vo5 is in a bottle and cost anywhere from $.79 to $1.00!!!! More reviews on the Vo5 conditioners I'm trying and other products in the future! 

Thanks for reading and Stay Koily & Kute ;-*

My Staple Products List: March 2014

Hey Lovelies!! 

So to a lot of us naturals feel our products are EVERYTHING and honestly half the fun is trial and error. This is a list of products I currently love and have used for some time. I'll try not to make this a long read with a bunch of pros and cons so please if there is a specific product you'd like reviewed further or questions you have please email me. 

Cleansers

As I Am Coconut Cowash (around $8) - weekly cowash

Before my rechop I tried this product and I absolutely love it! The smell is amazing, it looks and feels creamy and rich and cleanses while moisturizing! The only negative thing I can say is that it needs a pump or change of packaging (to a squeeze bottle) to make cleansing easier. You can find the As I Am collection at some Walgreens, some Targets and some Walmarts. It all depends on the demographic unfortunately. There's always online purchase!







Elucence Volume Clarifying Shampoo* - once in a while to wash away product build up

This product was a shot in the dark for me. It was listed in The Science of Natural Hair book I talk about so much as a good clarifying shampoo. My choice came down to this and the Carol's Daughter. Ultimately I decided to purchase the Elucence because I had heard that the Carol's Daughter leaves hair too stripped and dry. I can't say so myself though since I haven't tried it. But as for THIS shampoo I have no negative comments. It lathers very well, cleans to a squeaky clean without over stripping and smells pretty good. It is also sulfate free from what I see on the label..lol though it doesn't advertise as a sulfate free shampoo (not sure why).





Leave-in Conditioner

Kinky Curly Knot Today (around $12) - my absolute FAVE leave-in

What can I say? What can I say? This stuff is heaven in a bottle!!! When doing the LOC or LCO or LOCS method (lol) this is my C! This leave-in is all natural and does wonders for all the hair types on my head (3c-4c). It keeps my cuticles smooth and hair feeling soft and happy. All I can say is this leave-in is a blessing. I personally might start buying in bulk from amazon, yep that's how much I love it!








All Purpose Conditioners (Natural on a budget)

Suave Professionals Shea + Almond Butter (around $3) 

This is my go to conditioner for a deep condition at the moment. I mix it with olive or castor oil for added moisture and shine. It smells great, makes my hair feel awesome and its affordable. But don't just stop there! You can use this conditioner as a co wash also! No complaints although it has dimethicone which I do try to stay away from but when you're on a budget it's a great alternative. This product is easily accessible at drugstores, supermarkets etc.

Suave Naturals Tropical Coconut (around $2) 

This creamy conditioner is GREAT for co-washing! I love the coconut scent, the creamy consistency and the slip. My only warning would be to those who are protein sensitive, this conditioner does have proteins in it.

Vo5 conditioners (under $1) 

Work great for co-washing as well. I absolutely love Vo5 conditioners for their simple ingredients, cheap prices, and quality! They smell yummy, have good consistency, slip and are great when finger detangling. I still use these from time to time when I want to cut back and save. I can get 8 of these for around the price of the As I Am Coconut Cowash. Sounds like a save to me!







Protein Treatment/Conditioner

Elucence Extended Moisture Repair Treatment* - used once in a while (every 2 months)

This treatment is awesome! It doesn't have slip however so if you're looking for a creamy protein conditioner this is not it. As for my process in using this, I mix it with a little olive or castor oil and sit with my heat therapy wrap for about 15 minutes. Immediately after, I deep condition.


Note: A few months ago I mentioned the Elasta QP Soy Oyl protein + moisture conditioner that I loved. I've stopped using that product due to the mineral oil in it. Mineral oil is one of the first three ingredients of the product and is a byproduct of gasoline! (google it) So that's why that lovely tub got two uses and will not be used again.







All Purpose Butter

Jane Carter Nourish & Shine ($22)

I recently started using this product and OMG it's already a must have for me. Looking at the price you might be saying, "No ma'am!" but this product is worth it and a little goes a long way! It's a mix of butters and vitamins. It works great and a sealant during these winter months and has changed my LOC method to LOC(B)utter! I use it for my mini twists, flat twists, braids, just about every style. The smell reminds me of sunshine. Like if sunshine could have a scent this would be it! Lol. It's a refreshing, wake me up citrus that makes my hair smell lovely!!! One of the great things about this product is it says you can use it on your skin as well and being the curious person I am, I have been using it on my belly to keep my skin moisturized. No complaints there either. I even use it on my son's hair! Overall, the product does what it says, nourish and shine. If you're one who doesn't care to find 100% unrefined Shea Butter or doesn't like to mix your own butters, this product is definitely for you!



*Note: My Elucence products were ordered online at CurlMart.com. I do not recall what I paid for them at the time of purchase but they are currently $6 for the shampoo and $16 for the repair/protein treatment. The As I Am, Kinky Curly Knot Today and Jane Carter products can also be purchase on the CurlMart website.

All opinions in this post are all my own. They are not coerced or sponsored by any company.

Dry Hair, Breakage/Damage & pH

Back with another one!

I trust and pray all is well with all of you naturalistas!! This installment in the Dry Hair series talks about pH and how the products that we use can make or break our hair...literally! 

What is pH?

The term pH stands for potenz hydrogen and translates from Danish as hydrogen strength. A pH level signifies the amount of positive hydrogen cations or negative hydrogen anions a solution contains. 


Acidic Substances and Hair

On a pH scale if the substance has a lower number (0-6.9), it is considered acidic. When hair and skin is healthy its acidic mantle has a pH of 4.5-5.5. What does this mean? Our hair reacts and is healthier in a more acidic state and substances that are around the pH or slightly more acidic than healthy hair tend to constrict and close the cuticle for increased shine and decreased porosity! So what are some examples? Aloe Vera & Hair Conditioners (4), Apple Cider Vinegar (3), Lemon Juice (2). Now these numbers are about an average, the only way to know if you're products or substances have a suitable pH is to test them with pH strips. Take a small amount and dip the pH strip into the substance the color of the pH strip after contact with the substance can be compared to the chart on the pH strip container and will tell you the pH level of that substance.


Basic Substances and Hair

On a pH scale if the substance has a higher number (7.1-14), it is considered basic or alkaline. High pH can have adverse effects on hair cuticles causing the scales to lift and the hair to swell an open. An example of this effect is the interaction between water and hair. Water although neutral is still more basic than hair (about 100 times more at a pH of 7). As a result, the hair cuticle scales slightly lift. Other examples of alkaline or basic substances include relaxers and permanent hair colors ranging from 10-13 on the pH scale! The key to avoiding breakage, dull/dry hair, the inability to hold moisture/highly porous hair is returning the hair to its normal pH range or normalizing to close or tighten the cuticles. If the cuticles are not closed or tightened breakage, damage, tangles and unnecessary headaches are inevitable. 


For more understanding...

Looking at the scale the ranges are logarithmic and therefore though it looks like an increase from 4 to 5 is an increase of one, it is not, instead it is and increase of ten times the strength. (a pH level of 4 is ten times as acidic as a pH level of 5)


The Wrap-Up

It is very important to remember pH as a direct link to porosity. To keep your hair from being overly porous you must tighten the cuticles using higher pH products or substances. This process however should not be done drastically (from a relaxer or permanent color to normal) frequently because of the weathering it can cause. The proper use of pH can change your hair regimen for sure. It can keep porosity well balanced minimizing breakage, increasing manageability, shine and moisture retention. On my rechop journey I hope to work on pH balancing and having correct porosity. Though my plan is NOT to use permanent color in my hair AT ALL, I think if I perfect my regimen using pH balance I might be able to color my hair in the future. Who knows?!

Once again I thank you for reading and all information was found in my NATURAL HAIR BIBLE, The Science of Black Hair by Audrey Davis-Sivasothy. I urge you to check it out. It can be purchased on Amazon or on her website. Click the previous link to visit!

Stay Koily and Kute! ;-)