Update - Week 6

Things are coming along very nicely.  I came to the realization that I shouldn't oil my hair daily.  I had been using EVO daily but the buildup was getting horrible.  It has been about 2 weeks since my re-twist and wash and I'm seeing about a 1/4" of new growth. I'm starting to bud so that's a good thing!  This week I made my own EVO, water & rosemary mix and I'm loving that.  I sprayed pretty heavy last night and walked with a shower cap on for about 3 hours.  My hair feels so soft now.  Love it!


  

  

Long day at work!

First wash!!!

I had my first "real" wash this week.  I was using a lather less shampoo as needed but it didn't give the refresh you get from a real shampoo wash.  For pre-wash I coated my hair with a Motions brand conditioner mixed with EVOO, Aloe Vera gel, and Jojoba oil.  I covered it with a shower cap let sit in my hair for about 2 hours.  After the pretreatment I washed my hair with Palmers Olive Oil shampoo.  Not exactly what I "should" use but its what I have.  After washing I did an ACV rinse and let that sit for about 15 minutes.  After rinsing I immediately noticed my hair was refreshed and clean.  I had a lot of unraveling so re-twist was a definite yes.

Post Wash.  

 This is not lint, just the flash catching the oils.  

 I did some interlocking previously but found it too time consuming.  I was able to palm roll my entire head in about 2.5 hours.  I use Organic Root Stimulator's Twist & Lock Gel.  

I tend to do my hair in spurts and since today was a snow day I had more time than usual!  

Thursday's Giveaway!

Today's giveaway feature is from The Candy Shoppe.  Hop on over to her pages for your chance to win a delectable cupcake in a jar.

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Day 2 of giveaway!

Today's featured giveaway is from The Party Animal.  Visit the links below the photo for instructions.  Good luck!

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Product Spotlight - Jamaican Mango & Lime Island Oil

Jamaican Mango & Lime Island Oil I paid $4.99 as local hair care supplier

I started using this product once I heard all the claims of how great it is.   I'm still forming my opinion because I'm not sure if I'm using too little or too much.  I tend to have very dry hair and a very itchy scalp.  As I'm learning more about natural hair care I'm starting to think I may use too much product which is why my hair itches so much (dirty & build-up!).  The product smells great not too fragrant!  The consistency is definitely an oil but doesn't leave an oily mess everywhere.  But only time will tell me about that one!

Ingredients:
Mineral Oil - used for sealing in moisture & sealing the hair cuticle for a smoother look.
Castor Oil - coats the hair shaft & helps seal the cuticle retaining moisture
Carrot Oil - is an effective conditioner for your scalp, helps strengthen the roots, & helps smooth the shaft - contains natural vitamins (A & E + beta-keratin)
Jojoba Oil - conditions and helps return the hairs natural luster & sheen
Olive Oil - increases elasticity and flexibility, adds sheen, reduces split ends
Europea Oil - appears to be an olive oil derivative
Tea Tree Oil - has a lot of anti-fungal properties which assist in destroying bacterial build-up that can contribute to dandruff
Dyes & Fragrances - Not too many~

2-weeks in

Well I've been semi-locked for 2 weeks now.  Why do I say semi?  Well I didn't exactly read or learn about locks when I started twisting away at the mess I had on my head.  This process started about June 2010 when I decided to stop relaxing my hair.  Why did I decide to stop?  Well I was tired of the shop drama, the lengthy waits, gossiping, etc.  Not to mention the $80 bucks it costs me to get that toture treatment known as a relaxer. .

 From June - October I was wearing my hair in a blow-out w/ permed ends and it was a hot mess.  I decided in October to get some micros and they were nice.  I decided to wear braids during my transitioning stage.  They were nice.  Suddenly life became very busy for me and my microbraids were kept in wayyyyyy to long.  3 months to be exact.  Guess what happens to Type 4 hair when it is kept in a specific style toooooo long?  It locks!  I had hell removing the braids, and more hell was left behind.  I had this matted mess of hair.  Each individual micro had left a mini-lock ball on the ends.  I decided to make due with what was left of my hair and begin to twist it.  

This what I ended up with!

Well that was week 1.  Well I'm now rounding the end of week 2 and have been researching and watching tons of youtube videos on lock care and maintenance.  I decided tonight to retwist the front and a few in the back that have come down.  Here is what my hair looks like now.  

I like how the front is coming along, I will clean it up as they progress

Oh yeah, I have new glasses now :)

My edges look thin but actually my hair never grows out in that area, weird, I know!  

The products I used were Jamaican Mango & Lime oil for moisture & Organic root stimulator twisting Gel for holding.