Hey Everyone!

Hope this blog post meets everyone healthy and full of the Easter spirit!

I was super excited to write this post as you can tell from my previous spike in hair related posts that I am so in love with my natural hair. For those who may be new to my blog, I describe my natural hair as free of chemicals, such as relaxer etc. In the past 3 months I have learnt so much about my hair and hair in general. Whether relaxed, transitioning or fully natural the science of hair is absolutely fascinating. Had I still been a ‘relaxed girl’ had I known what I do now then I would have taken better care of my hair.

Alas, one cannot live in the past and can only focus on the future and that future is bright. So wanna know what I have learnt and how my hair is doing 3 months in? Then read on…

Background:

Big Chop- 10th January 2014!

Why did I decide to do it? Check out my quick YouTube video for the lowdown behind my decision.

Signature Style Gallery:

It has taken a little time to get into a routine with styles. Because of the heat damage at the front of my hair (where I cut the most off) it seems like I have quite short bangs that don’t seem as in-sync with the rest of my hair. I am working on restoring my hair and correcting as much of the damage as possible but it is likely that I will have to cut some more off soon. For that reason I try and work with protective styles as much as possible. 

My go to styles have been: two strand twists, braid outs, bantu knots, wash and go’s, flat twists. I recently ventured into the world of ‘fro hawks and up-do’s but I seriously am no expert. They are in order of styles. The first picture is when I first big chopped and the last in the blues are just the other day- 3 months in!

Favourite Products:

There are quite a few I love and loathe so here are a few I love. I am gonna dedicate a post to products soon.

Fairtrade Organic Coconut Oil/ Extra Virgin Olive Oil / Almond Oil/ Castor Oil/ Cantu Leave in Repair Creme/ Aveda Anti-Humectant Pomade/ Blue Magic Olive Oil Leave in Styling Conditioner/ Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie/ Tresemme Vibrant Naturals Conditioner 

What I have learnt:

Going into this journey I watched a lot of videos and read a lot of blog posts about natural hair. As much research as I did I had to learn about my own hair and not someone else’s. Your first instinct is to look at videos where the person’s hair looks like yours. You then think ‘that is how my hair will look’ and from there you run out and buy the same products they’ve used. You then find they don’t  work for you as there are other factors to consider. I think I am now so better prepared as I have and still am taking the time to figure out my hair!

• I have high porosity hair at the front – loves moisture but has a difficult time retaining it and happily takes it from everywhere it can get it.
• I opt to use shampoo once a month with an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse
• Styling my hair when it is soaking wet is no longer an option as my hair struggles under the pressure.
• Dry detangling is amazing!
• I am not protein sensitive and balance protein and conditioning treatments every 2 weeks.
• I am not a product junkie. I am getting a real sense of achievement from making my own products.  
• I wash twice a week and deep condition once a week.
• I braid or pineapple my hair at night and sleep with a satin bonnet and on a satin pillowcase
• Many  stylists do not know how to deal with natural hair. Do not be afraid to get a consultation before you let them deal with your hair. You may be surprised at how much you know about your hair and how much they do not know. There are some good ones out there so do your research them and put them through the process. Plus think of the money saved!
• I have not been doing length checks as I am more concerned about healthy hair at the moment. 
• Heat applied the right way is good for the hair. At the moment though I am taking part in a no heat challenge for the year and am not applying heat whether from a dryer, flat iron- you get the gist!

Hair Goals:

As mentioned above I really want to focus on healthy hair and learning more about the science behind my hair. So I am going to work on a very specific regime of conditioning, moisturising, protective styles and stretching styles as much as possible. I want to relieve as much pressure as possible and keep my hands out of my hair!

Thank you and Shout-out’s!

Finally I have to shout out the ladies who have been making this journey enjoyable. The YouTubers and bloggers who have got this down and then some. If you are considering going natural or are natural but don’t know much about it all yet then these ladies are amazing. Check them out!

Mo Knows Hair

Naptural85

LifewithCoco2

ColouredBeautiful 

Curly Nikki

Black Girl Long Hair

Let me know if there is anyone else I should be checking out!

I am also really grateful to my everyday inspirations such as my friends Jade, Naomi of Naosheas, Glemma, Gizelle, Amanda and Taniesha for inspiring me with their natural locks!

Hope you enjoyed this post. I will be back with a couple of reviews and more. I also have something for my amazing male subscribers.

Have a blessed Easter!

Besos!

TBH! XOXO