Growing My Mane

Hello Doves,
It's been long. Please forgive me. My life has gotten busier and this is affecting my blog. But anyways, I will try and post twice a month.
Now to my hair. I am currently 22 weeks and 5 days post relaxer. My last relaxer was on May 9th 2015.
I left my hair alone for about four weeks and then started protective styling(PS). My first protective style was twists. I believe I kept them for about 4 weeks. I took them down and did a protein treatment and routine washing and deep conditioning. While in the my twists, I used Dark and Lovely Hair Refresher on my hair, oiled and massaged my scalp and edges with Jamaican Black Castor Oil mixed with essential oils. I also took Good N Natural Skin, Hair and Nails Vitamins. Sorry, I have no pics of the twists.

My second protective style was jumbo braids.
I used the same procedure to maintain these style as well. Moisturising with the hair refresher, oiling scalp etc. I also washed my braids whenever I felt there was a build up. This style lasted for three weeks.

I gave my hair a one week break after I uninstalled the braids and got another protective style. My intention was actually to relax my hair in September just in time for my wedding anniversary but I was so busy that I had no choice than to do another PS.

And I have been rocking my Afro Kinky Twists since August 25. Sorry, I did not take initial photos and currently, the braids are sevens old. I want to push it till the end of the month. I started this relaxer stretch by accident but it's been good so far. For this 'new' protective style I am using Wild Growth Oil on my scalp and edges. I started taking Nature's Bounty Hair Nails and Skin Vitamins too. 3 capsules a day. But I had to stop for two reasons. a) I was getting headaches even though I took 2.5 litres of water a day. b) I wanted to see if the Wild Growth Hair Oil alone would work. I would go back to it starting November. But will start a pill a day and then increase the dosage as time goes on. Below are pics of how my hair looks currently at 7 weeks of braids installation.


For this PS, I am using Dark and Lovely Hair Refresher and Amla Legend Billion Potion and Wild Growth Hair Oil.
I hardly do any fanciful hairstyles with the braids. It's either loose or held up in a pony especially when I am busy. I have also washed it twice. So that's it. Waiting to hear about your hair and progress. Leave your comments below.

And as usual,

Stay Hairbulous xxx

Protective Styling is simply styling your in such a way that it is prevents damage from everyday elements such as  sun, wind and extreme temperatures. These styles are in  the form of wigs, weaves, braids, cornrows and twists with extensions. Your hair is hidden for a period of time until you take down the style. The intention is for you to avoid manipulating your own hair and thus help in length retention.

Before you do any kind of protective styling especially for weaves and braids, it is best to do a protein treatment and make sure your hair is in good condition.

Do take care of your own hair whilst its still in a protective style. Moisturise your hair and oil your scalp.

Do wash weekly or bi-weekly depending on the style.

If you have braids installed, make sure the size of the braid is from medium to large. Small or micro braids pull on hair and cause breakage.

Protect your hair line... Do not allow the stylist to include every tiny piece of hair on your hairline.

If the braids or corn roll are too tight let them know. Don't be QUIET.

Remember every protective style has an expiry date. Do not keep your styles longer than necessary. 8 weeks max for braids and weaves, wigs and  for weeks for corn roll. This is because after a while dirt, sweat and shed hair all  start forming a knot where your hair meets the extensions. And this leads to breakage..

I  installed twists a week ago and  plan on keeping  in for 8 weeks.

My Hair Care Schedule for my Twists

1. Moisturise every morning and evening with Sta Sof Fro Hi Sheen Hair Polish. I love this product. Its very moisturising and smells good too.
        
2. Oil and massage my scalp daily with ORS HAirepair Oil. This is also another amazing oil. Its non-greasy, light, moisturisng and smells good too.
                     

3.Massage my edges with T444Z daily. Doing an edge challenge with the ladies over at  Hairlista Gh Whats app group.
                   

4. Wash weekly with Tresemme Naturals Shampoo.
                      
5. Tie braids up in a bun and wear my scarf every night to prevent hair from frizzing.

                                                        Pictures of my Twists

Length of Twist

    

Size of Braid Up Close

Scalp Pic

With ♥♥♥
 Nitty