The Woes of an Itchy scalp

So I have ALWAYS had a dry itchy scalp. From my relaxed days and even throughout my natural hair journey after the first big chop. It's not til the end of my part 1 journey, prior to my second big chop that I experienced a complete change.

What helped?

I DO NOT use shampoo on a regular basis. Whether it be sulfate or sulfate free, I don't use it! I strictly co-wash on a weekly basis. I'll use a clarifying shampoo  MAYBE once in a two month period to keep my scalp healthy & free of build up. Overall I attribute my scalp success to that one habit. A virtually shampooless cleansing routine! 

That's what's helped me, hope it helps you! 

Happy Healthy Hair Journeys Ladies!!! 

IndigenousCurls : Anyone out there reaching for Knee Length?!

IndigenousCurls : Anyone out there reaching for Knee Length?!: Hair Goals I always wanted bouncing shoulder length hair. For years my relaxed hair would always seem to “stop” growing just b...

Hey Lovely Ladies,

Check out this link for an accurate length chart!! I'm going for that waist length. What about you?

LOCS Method?

Just saw this! It's new to me but a simple variation of the LOC Method. 

This weeks protective style!

The LOC method verses the LCO method

What are they?

LOC stands for liquid, oil, cream and LCO is simply in a different order, liquid, cream, oil. Both methods are used as a layering system to lock in moisture in various hair types. In most cases naturals define L as water, O as some kind of oil and C as a water based cream or conditioner. I have seen some naturals say the L-liquid is simply water while others apply another liquid to damp hair, either cold aloe vera juice or lemongrass. In this case I'd say neither is wrong or right as different strokes for different folks! 

My Thoughts/Experience

I have tried both the LOC and LCO methods on long and short natural hair and my 4b/4c hair reacts best to the LCO method. Usually when I do so I use a sealing oil that seals more than it penetrates unlike coconut oil which can moisturize due to it's penetrating properties. I have also used cold aloe vera juice as my L-liquid on damp hair. This step constricts the hair cuticles allowing my very dry hair to retain moisture for a shinier, softer finish for every style verses lifeless, dull tresses.

The Wrap-up

All in all these methods work! It's just about finding your perfect fit! Trial and error are the only ways we learn our hair after all.

Okay ladies,

Stay Koily and Kute! 

Length Goals!

So I'm on this journey once again, starting from scratch with the intention of stronger over all healthier hair but you can't ignore the elephant in the room...LENGTH! We all want that long hair, don't care moment where their natural hair is either reaching toward the sky big and beautiful or that stretched hair that hangs nicely. Either way length is always a goal we keep in mind. 

My length goal has always been was it length and though I was well on my way I want health as well as length. With a compromised curl pattern from hair color I would have been sacrificing health in order to achieve length. Hence, the second big chop.

Ultimately our goal should be health first. With health comes length and length retention! 

My new FAVE protein + moisture DC!!!!

So I posted last about my newest purchase, the Elasta QP Soy Oyl Deep Conditioner and well I LOVE IT!!  With my combo 4 hair type I was nervous because my hair is ALWAYS dry and moisture retention is the hardest thing I battle with BUT today was a slightly different story.

First: I did an overnight pre poo with wild growth light oil moisturizer & glycerin.

Second: I washed my hair in the shower applying my VO5 conditioner ( I'm out if As I Am Cowash) then applying a sulfate free shampoo, lathering, and washing both out. This is something I thought of in the moment and might try again! 

Third: I towel dried & applied the DC thoroughly (I saturate my hair). I then detangled which was so easy!! I was happy about that! Applied a plastic cap, heated my Hair Therapy Wrap and put that on top. The directions say to leave on for 15-25 minutes, longer for extremely damaged hair. I ended up leaving mine on for awhile while potty training my son..lol. Anyway when I felt my hair before washing the conditioner out it was smoother which was a good sign. After washing it out (thoroughly) my hair felt stronger but not exactly soft. I then applied a leave-in (Taliah Wajjid The Great Detangler), not my fave but it's what I have at the moment. Next I applied some of my own oil mix creating the LCO method. 

Now that my hair is air drying I can feel the effects of the DC. My hair is a lot better to manage, moisturized & softer! From the other reviews I heard I thought this DC wouldn't work for me but it's great! I will not use it frequently because of the protein but I will use it when needed. I think as naturals we must remember we have to make our hair the healthiest in it's type. Products aren't meant to change the type of hair you have, just improve the health & manageability. Remember that! 

New product Alert!!!!

Why haven't I been blogging??? Ughh I'm horrible. Anyway, purchased the Elasta QP Soy Oyl Ultra Hydration Deep Conditioner today!!! 

I'm super excited to use this. It DOES have some ingredients that I usually shy away from but I figured what the heck, it's 32 oz. for $7.89!!! Full review this week coming!! I'm going to pre-poo with Wild Growth oil (another product I purchased today) and cleanse with my As I Am Coconut Cowash. Stay Tuned!!! 

Check out my YT channel!!!

So it's way overdue that I take advantage of what I can say on Youtube! I've learned so many things about my hair and want to help those that would rather watch than read words..lol So head over to my YT channel to see what I'm talking about and up to when I'm not typing...

www.youtube.com/SAMMiiCHE

Peace & Love Always,

Sammii

The Second Big Chop!!!

So I have done it. Big chopped for the second time. Why? I've learned things that I want to implement with a fresh head to see how of improves the health of my hair this time around. I now know what hair types are on my head & how I can maintain things like moisture and retain length in the best way for my head. It's all about growth, discovery & achieving healthy & essentially lengthy hair. I'm ready!! The journey begins..again..NOW!

The Natural Hair Bandwagon

So natural hair is what seems to be the new "in" thing in the African American community. Along with stiletto nails and retro/throwback styles of course. But in this thought I ask how many of us are actually doing this to see results and have healthy hair. How many of us go into depth other than looking for products that will make our hair look like and do what other naturals' hair is doing. 

For those who have joined the bandwagon and are truly looking to have healthy, strong, manageable hair you're going to want to learn about the Science of Black Hair. Learning the science of black hair will help you to know exactly what you're doing to your hair when handling, brushing, combing, washing or even using products. 

If it ain't Broke Don't Fix it!

Isn't this exactly what I was saying? How funny. What worked for Ms. Alicia James? Two-Strand twists. If it works, it works..keep it basic! =)

Sammii

Summer Care: Know your scalp, Know your hair!

In my most recent attempt at protective styling I tried Senegalese twists. They looked great (in my opinion) I put them in myself and made it work...for a week. What went wrong? What could I have done better? Where was the problem?

Always, Always, Always do your research

So prior to my experiment with Senegalese twists a did a very LITTLE bit of research on how to do them. Looked and pictures, watched videos on YT, the usual. But my research did not answer the questions I should have been asking. What hair to use? How to maintain/ keep the scalp from drying? How to thoroughly prepare my hair for the style?

So what was I thinking? "I can do this!" Not knowing a thing, honestly, I decided to wing it. NOT, I repeat, NOT a good idea! I already knew I had a dry, itchy scalp that I'm still trying to figure out how to regulate. Instead of continuing my best practices, I decided to go with what I "wanted" rather than "need to keep my scalp and hair healthy and to retain as much length as possible.

Use What you Know Works for YOU to Your Advantage

I knew I had a dry, itchy scalp so my summer regimen/ style should have been one that allowed me to keep my hair/ scalp free of build up or anything that could weigh down or cause the itching or dryness to get worse while not having to put up with excessive daily maintenance. Clearly I did the opposite. 

I knew my go-to protective hair style was mini/small two strand twists. They allowed my to retain moisture, keep my hair tangle free and free up my scalp and yet I chose "something new".

In my case, I decided to abandon the practices that I knew worked for my hair for something new. Something new that lasted about a week before my scalp was on fire. It looked great while it lasted but it wasn't for me. Like they say, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!" 

Peace N Blessings,

Sammii

Summer is here, Now what?

So lately I've been trying to figure out WHAT I'm going to do with my hair for the summer. I want it put away for sure but how? I know with the heat I want to maximize my moisture retention but what should I use to do so? Questions, questions, questions. Seasonal regimen changes are a must! Summer is a frat time for braided & wrapped & "put away" hairstyles. Now moisture? Sealing is always key as well as a great leave in. look for one that is water based but also has an agent to close cuticles like aloe vera juice or lemongrass. A blog with my summer choices soon to come!

Love & Light,

Sammii 

Shea Butter Baby!!!

As if we don't already know this...haha!
Shea Butter is like wonder crack for our skin & hair but I've noticed more & more companies "infusing" & incorporating Shea butter as a KEY ingredient. Why is that? Simple. It WORKS & when knowledge spreads we capitalize on it. Of course if you're a pure Naturalista in all areas you'll want fair trade, REAL Shea butter in your products but above all I've noticed big companies taking notice!

That is all!

Love & Light,

Sammii

Style Results

SO! here are the results of my style after using the As I Am cowash and twisting with my whipped Shea Butter mix!

Tried this lovely stuff yesterday and it is AMAZING! Looks like it will be a regular part of my regimen! It's affordable and now sold at my local Walgreens! I wash my hair in 4 sections and my washing steps were as follows:

• wet hair thoroughly under water (in shower)
• distribute cowash in hair from scalp to ends in a donward motion
• massage scalp with fingertips NOT nails
• finger detangle under running water while rinsing cowash out
• two strand twist rinsed section while under running water
• (repeat on each section)

After washing I deep conditioned and styled with bantu knots and my whipped shea butter mix. Result photos forthcoming!

Why I went Natural...

It all started with damaged hair and a fed up attitude. But many of us have been there. Hair like straw, chemically processed and broken. I had my hair styled in that trendy Rihanna cut that everybody was trying. I started to change it up little by little, cutting more hair off and coloring. What a mess I had on my head?! Finally I shaved the sides down to my natural hair and cut the remainder of the colored/processed hair off of the top. I had big chopped and began my journey. My only problem was "staying liberated" from my perm box. That was December 2010 and two months later I was pregnant with my son which MADE me refrain from re-perming my hair and forced me to research. YT made me look into so many different things about natural hair from pH to proper tools and protective styles. I'm still searching and looking and I guess that's why I decided to blog it out!