Aunt Jackie's Curls & Coils In Control Anti-Poof Moisturizing & Softening Conditioner

I'm in love.

A few weeks ago I entered a giveaway, never expecting to win. Not only did I not expect to win, I did not expect to fall in love.

YouTuber LifeOfMula hosted this giveaway and one of the three gifts I won was Aunt Jackie's Curls & Coils In Control Anti-Poof Moisturizing & Softening Conditioner.

It is formulated for natural curls and wavy hair. I chemically straighten my hair to relax my natural curls, but since my hair is always thirsty for moisture I was excited to try this product.

This conditioner is baby blue in color and has a creamy consistency like yogurt or sour cream. The fragrance is light and pleasant.

Even better than it's physical appearance is what's inside. Or should I say, what is not inside. Aunt Jackie's Moisturizing & Softening Conditioner is free of sulfates, parabens, mineral oil, and petrolatum.

The top ingredients are Aqua (Water), Glycerin, PPG-1 Trideceth-6, Dicetyldimonium Chloride, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Fruit, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit The Oil, Polyquaternium-37, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Lanolin Oil, Parfum (Fragrance), Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol...

After two years of trying a multitude of products I really believe the products that are curly girl friendly can benefit my relaxed hair. I will be doing a massive curly girl product haul and products reviews over the next few months. Subscribe and stay tuned! ;)

What did I love best?

The texture of the conditioner is very smooth and glides over my hair strands. When I first started applying I thought that it would just sit on top of my hair, but by the time I allowed it to sit and rinsed the product out, my hair was transformed!

My normal deep conditioning regimen is to add a tablespoon of organic coconut oil to the conditioner, but this time I tried Aunt Jackie's In Control Anti-Poof Moisturizing & Softening Conditioner all by itself.

This conditioner performs well alone. I did get the proclaimed results of moisture and softness. My hair was as smooth and soft as a baby's bottom.

After air drying I did a braid out to style and did notice that I had no frizz the following morning.

The directions on this product implies that you can use this as a rinse conditioner, a co-wash, or a deep conditioning reconstructive treatment. It is safe for daily or frequent use.

As of this application I was four weeks post relaxer. I always like to continue using a product well into my stretch to see how it responds to my relaxed hair and my type 4C new growth. There is no doubt in my mind that this conditioner will be my go to product to keep both of my hair textures healthy.

Are you a relaxed lady that follows a curly girl routine? What are your thoughts on curly friendly products?

God bless and Happy Hair Journey!

~ Candra

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If you missed my Two Year Hair Journey Anniversary Video, watch here!



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Inquiries welcome:
candra.l.evans@gmail.com
P.O. Box 128787
Cincinnati, Ohio 45212

Shop with me...My Favorite Stores and Brands 
No More Rack - Incredible deals... Everything you love for less! 
Swanson Vitamins - Health Foods, Hair Care, Skin Care and More! 

My Hair Stats! 
Hair Texture? Texlaxed (Relaxed) 
Relaxer Brand - Design Essentials Natural 
Hair Type? 4b/4c 
Salon or Box Relaxer? Salon 
The start of my healthy hair journey? November 22nd, 2012 
Hair length at the start of my hair journey? Shoulder Length 
My current hair length? Grazing APL (arm pit length) 
Goal Length? Full APL

Second Year Relaxed Hair Journey Anniversary

It's my second year healthy hair anniversary!!! 

This journey so far has been blessed. There have been major setbacks but also major comebacks. Here's to many more years of health and wellness!



Thank you for watching!

~Candra

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here before you begin. 
 

candra.l.evans@gmail.com 

P.O. Box 128787 

Cincinnati, Ohio 45212 

Shop with me...My Favorite Stores and
Brands 

10 Dollar Mall -
Clothes, Shoes, Purses, Men's Clothing.. Under $10

No More Rack - Unbeatable deals... Everything you love for
less!

Swanson Vitamins - Health Foods, Hair Care, Skin Care and More!

My
Hair Stats!

Hair Texture? Texlaxed (Relaxed)

Relaxer Brand - Design Essentials

Natural Hair Type? 4b/4c

Salon or Box Relaxer? Salon

The start of my healthy hair journey? November 22nd, 2012

Hair length at the start of my hair journey? Shoulder Length

My current hair length? Grazing APL (arm pit length)

Goal Length? Full APL

DIY Scalp and Hair Growth Oil Week 3 Update

DIY Scalp and Hair Growth Oil Week 3 Update

Recap:

I created a blend of 4 carrier oils and 4 essential oils that will promote a healthy scalp and stimulate hair growth. 

Daily, I apply the oil lightly to my fingertips and massage it into my scalp in sections.

{DIY Scalp and Hair Growth Oil Week 1}

In a nutshell, I am loving this oil! I initially made 2 ounces of my oil mix but it was good and gone by the end of week two. This time I made about 4 ounces and added a bit more of each of the essential oils.

My scalp is moisturized perfectly and I have no more dry scalp itching. My hair growth is definitely more than normal. Within two weeks I've measured almost 1 inch of hair growth. My normal growth rate is 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch for an entire month.

With that being said I am extremely tempted to end my relaxer stretch at 12 weeks post. I am currently 11 weeks post and detangling my 4C new growth is getting time consuming. I'm not home long enough these days to go through the process and I want to avoid breakage and matting.

I will be trying a new moisture shared by Buttrpecan9 on YouTube this weekend. If it works for me then I'll try to keep pressing on. My last relaxer stretch was 15 weeks.

And although hair tangles are occurring, my new growth is much softer than normal. I attribute that to the scalp and hair growth oil as well.

November 20th will be the last day of this oil challenge. I will do a full review and length check on my YouTube channel.

Thank you for stopping by and if you have a favorite oil mixture please share in the comments below!

God bless and Happy Hair Journey!
~Candra

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Candra.L.Evans@gmail.com
P.O. Box 128787
Cincinnati, Ohio 45212

Shop with me...My Favorite Stores and Brands
10 Dollar Mall - Clothes, Shoes, Purses, Men's Clothing.. Under $10
No More Rack - Unbeatable deals... Everything you love for less!
Swanson Vitamins - Health Foods, Hair Care, Skin Care and More!

30 Days of Water Challenge Continues

64 ounce monster mug!

{Note our new domain name! www.relaxedhairskincare.com}

Last month I joined You Tuber Kay Amoah on a 30 day water challenge. The challenge was simple...kind of. :)

The goal was to drink 3 liters of water each day. That is approximately 101 ounces of H2O!

My goal was to see if I could detect a significant difference in the health of my skin. Unfortunately I was unable to achieve 3 liters of water every day. Throughout the month of October I fell short about seven days. 

I still counted this challenge a success and my body, hair, and skin are reaping the benefits. The greatest benefit has been my energy level. I feel less tired than normal.

This month I get a re-do for the water challenge! RelaxedThairapy and Just Grow Already are hosting a 30 days of water challenge for November.

I'm all in and hope to be more consistent this time around. And even after this challenge is completed my plan is to continue to drink at least 80 ounces of water each day.

If you're skeptical of this challenge, it's better to try and fall short than not to try at all. Water promotes beautiful hair and younger looking skin. It also protects organs and tissues and carries oxygen and nutrients to our cells. It is recommended to drink at least 1/2 of your body weight per day.

For this challenge I am committed to at least 80 ounces of water per day. I'm off to a good start, so we'll see how this goes!

Blessings and Happy Hair Journey...

~Candra

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DIY Scalp and Hair Growth Oil Week 2 Update Length Check

Length Check Archive Photo - June 2014

Happy Monday! :D


Just a quickie update on the progress of my scalp and hair growth oil....

It's been two weeks and I have been consistent with lightly applying and massaging the oil into my scalp daily.



Scalp Health

I put my shampoo and conditioner for dry and itchy scalp on the shelf this month so I can test the strength of this oil alone. So far my scalp itch is minimal to non existent. The overall appearance of my scalp reflects excellent health! Speaking as someone who has had severe dry and flaky skin for over twenty years, I am super ecstatic! I would much rather combat dandruff naturally.


Hair Growth

As far as growth is concerned I have retained almost an inch of hair growth in two weeks. This isn't inversion method results but still much better than my normal hair growth rate which seems to be less than 1/2 inch per month.

I made a mix of 2 ounces and in two weeks I've used 1.5 ounces. I'll be making another 2 ounces this week to get me through the month. On wash days before I pre poo my hair with coconut oil, I apply a more generous amount of my growth oil to my scalp.

Stay tuned to my YouTube channel for my 30 day update video!






Blessings and Happy Hair Journey!!!

~Candra

Just starting a healthy hair journey? Click here before you begin. - http://relaxedhairskincare.blogspot.com/2014/09/starting-healthy-hair-journey-seven.html

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Scalp and Hair Growth Oil Week 1 Update

My DIY Scalp and Hair Growth Oil - Week 1 Update

I have two main goals for my hair as we transition from autumn to winter.

First, I want to retain at least two inches of hair growth by the holidays. I had a tremendous growth spurt over the spring and summer, partly due to Hairlista's coconut oil challenge.

Yet, because of "life", it's been tedious to keep up that challenge regimen. So although my hair is continuing to get thicker, my growth rate is back on tortoise speed.

My second goal is to relieve my scalp of dryness. With the change of weather, my scalp has been dry than normal. The crown of my head has felt very extremely dry and itchy.

So I composed a DIY scalp and hair growth oil made of the following eight essential and carrier oils that works well for all hair types. Watch the video below to see how I mix and apply the oils.

Carrier Oils

~ Coconut Oil {full of nutrients and anti-bacterial properties}

~ Almond Oil {high vitamin E content}

~ Jamaican Black Castor Oil {promotes rapid hair growth}

~ Hemp Seed Oil {contains essential fatty acid and strengthens hair}

Essential Oils

~ Rosemary Oil {stimulates hair follicles}

~ Cedarwood Oil {has anti-fungal properties and stimulates the scalp}

~ Lavender Oil {promotes hair growth and even regrowth}

~ Tea Tree Oil {soothes the scalp and prevents dandruff}

Application

I lightly apply my growth oil directly to my scalp every evening before bed. With my fingertips I gently massage the oil stimulating blood flow. On wash days I saturate my scalp with the oil, pre-poo the rest of my hair with coconut oil, put on a plastic cap and let it sit for at least an hour before cleansing.


Week 1 ~ First Impression


After the first application of the oil, I could feel the tingling of the essential oils, but not so much since then. So today, I will add a few extra drops of the tea tree, lavender, and rosemary oils.

On day five, the itchiness at the crown of my head has subsided.

The smell of the essential oils packs a punch, but I enjoy the aromatherapy of these oils. The fragrance lingers on the hair for a few hours. I am applying the oil lightly, so after a few hours the aroma fades away. My husband hasn't even noticed. ;)

After only 1 week it's difficult to track hair growth. This is especially the case for me because I am over 8 weeks post relaxer and my new growth is tightly coiled/curly.

Next Monday after week two I will measure my hair against my length check shirt. I started week one between lines 7 and 8. This is where I was on my last relaxer update video. Hence my perception of turtle like growth. If there is breakage going on in the back, I have not noticed.

Overall, I am very excited to have relief from the itching and dryness, and time will tell the story as to how the oil will help my hair growth. Patience is key!


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Co-Washing with Tresemme Platinum Strength Conditioner

Note our new domain name! www.relaxedhairskincare.com! 

Co-Washing with Tresemme Platinum Strength Conditioner

I am just about 7 weeks post relaxer so now is the time to focus on both strength and moisture for my hair.

This relaxer stretch I hope to avoid even more breakage than last time and I will have to be more proactive about preventing my new growth from matting in the back.

I'm back in search of the right products to help me achieve these goals.

I was officially on a no-buy for conditioners over the summer, or until I finished up at least five bottles of conditioner that I already owned. #ProductJunkieProblems ;)

Over the summer I finally finished up five different conditioners by Giovanni, Herbal Essence (2 each), ORS, and Tresemme Naturals. That meant, shopping time!

The Tresemme Platinum Strength conditioner was one that I picked up at my local drugstore. There was a $5 dollar off coupon in the paper that week, plus several of the Tresemme conditioners were on sale at CVS.

To strengthen my hair I was initially looking for the Tresemme Split End Remedy conditioner but it's been hard to find in my area. However, I read great reviews for the Platinum Strength and CVS had that stock.

The claim to fame for the Tresemme Platinum Strength is that it repairs up to 2 years of damage in just 5 washes and protects the hair from future damage. Since I have been on my hair journey for less than two years, the ends of my hair are always in need of TLC.

Wash Day

1. Pre-Poo Treatment with Coconut Oil
2. Co-Wash (washing with conditioner only) with Tresemme Platinum Strength.
3. Deep Condition with Neutrogena Triple Moisture Daily Deep Conditioner and coconut oil
4. Rinse and Air Dry
5. Braid out to style

My wild untamed braid out! :)

To co-wash I applied the conditioner to my damp hair working from ends to mid-length first, and then working the conditioner to my roots. I gave myself a nice scalp massage and rinsed with warm water.

I've co-washed twice so far and my initial review is that this product is amazing. It feels more like a moisturizing conditioner than a strengthening conditioner and has a similar feel and fragrance like the Tresemme Naturals.

When I reach 5 washes I will take a closer look at my hair and see if I notice any damage repair or a just an overall increase in hair health.

The first five ingredients are water, cetearyl alcohol, dimethicone, stearamidopropyl, and dimethylamine. 

This product is not all natural but it does contain key ingredients that gives a really great slip, adds moisture, and gives the hair a smooth finish.

The Platinum Strength Conditioner runs anywhere between $5 and $6. If you are on a hair journey and a budget, this is an affordable product. There are 25 ounces in one bottle and unless you have a heavy hand, the conditioner should go a long way.

I truly love it and I am excited to try other Tresemme products that I have purchased.

My first braid out since 2013. 

What co-washing conditioners are you enjoying right now?

Blessings and Happy Hair Journey

~Candra

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Bobeam Natural Products Shampoo Bar Haul

Last week I received my first order from Bobeam Natural Products!

Stumbling across Bobeam's web site a few weeks sparked an interest in shampoo bars. I have seen many ladies on YouTube talk about them, but until finding this company, I was settled with the shampoos I currently use in my regimen.

Yet being the hair product junkie that I am and having a desire to use more natural products for my hair and skin, I thought why not try something new!

What I love about Bobeam Natural Products is that there are options to buy sample size sets of bars for around $5. You can just can't beat that deal! 

You can choose four different bars from a variety of many. The bars in the sample sets are 2 ounces and good for 3 to 4 washes. If you have shorter hair, you will get more washes out of one bar.

Here are the four I chose....starting with the first one I have in rotation.

Rootz Herbal Hair Grower Shampoo Bar

I am doing a personal hair growth challenge and would like to retain 2 to 3 inches in length by the end of December. This is a tall order for my hair, so I am taking advantage of all the aid I can get. 

I have used this bar twice and I love it! The smell is amazing and it lathers well. It is formulated to promote hair growth and thicken the hair. My hair and scalp gets squeaky clean with this soap but it didn't feel stripped. After conditioning, my hair felt amazing.

This soap can also be used as a body bar. 

Cocoa Rhassoul Shampoo Bar

This bar is made from real chocolate! Do I need to say anything more??? I'm a bit shocked I didn't jump in the shower with this one first! Lol

It is formulated to remove build up and toxins. An all natural clarifier that smells like chocolate....I'm going to love this!

Honey Hemp & Green Tea Shampoo Bar

Honey and Green Tea benefit the hair in so many ways. I think this will be a great shampoo to help condition my dry scalp. This bar is formulated to clarify the hair while adding in moisture.

As an alternative, this bar can be used as a body bar also.

Coco Honey & Amla Shampoo Bar

The ingredients in this shampoo really intrigued me. I'm not too familiar with Amla Oil, African Wild Honey, or Palm Oil. I do know that the oils are rich in vitamins that nourish the hair and promote growth.

Check back to the blog to see my first impressions of the remaining three shampoo bars I have yet to try.

I would love to transition to natural shampoos but I may have a hard time finding anything to replace my Kera Care Moisturizing Shampoo for Dry and Itching Scalp. That stuff is my holy grail of all shampoos! Still, I am looking forward to added more all natural hair products into wash day rotation!

To see the entire listing of available shampoo bars visit Bobeam Natural Products. 

{I have not been contacted by the owner to promote her products. All shampoo bars were purchased with my own money.}

Blessings and Happy Hair Journey Ladies!!!

~Candra

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30 Day Hair Health Challenges Endings and Beginnings

I participated in yet another challenge... hosted by Just Grow Already and RelaxedThairapy!

30 Days of Moisture Challenge (September 2014)

Dry hair used to be a consistent problem for me. In the past it hindered my hair from growing beyond shoulder length. Behind dryness follows split ends and breakage. All hair grows but if it is splitting and breaking at the same time, you will barely see a difference in the length of your hair.

I used the following techniques to achieve ultimate moisture during the 30 moisture day challenge. One or two of them are a bit out of the ordinary and probably #teamtoomuch. Haha…

1. Bunning

I did more protective styling the last 30 days which allowed me to moisturize and seal my hair daily without worry of having weighed down hair. When my hair is in an updo, I can be liberal with product without compromising style. My moisturizers of choice were rosewater, Elasta QP Olive Oil and Mango Butter, and Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In.

2. Deep Conditioning with Coconut Oil

I implemented this into my regimen during Hairlista’s coconut oil challenge. Coconut oil added to my deep conditioners makes my hair incredibly soft and eliminated brittle hair.

3. Hydrating throughout the day with water

On the days I wore my hair down and straight, I frequently hydrated my hair with water. Every few hours I’d go to the sink (at home or work), place my hands under running water, rub the water in my hands (shaking off access H2O) and apply to my hair like a product. It was just enough hydration to soften up hair and keep my ends moisturized. #TeamTooMuch ;)

4. Moisturizing and Green House Effect Under My Hats

Last winter I did a video on how I moisturize, seal, and wrap my hair under hats. I leave a little bang out in the front, but the rest of my hair is hid away. We had a few cool days here in Ohio, so this worked perfect! 

This was a great way lock in moisture and even do the green house effect (GHE) during day while running errands. I GHE by sealing with either sunflower oil, almond oil, JBCO, or hemp seed oil to my hair. I then place a shower cap over my hair to trap in heat. You can do all of this under an amazingly cute hat and the world will never know! :) 

So what challenges am I beginning and continuing in October?

• 30 Days Without Direct Heat Challenge... Hosted by Just Grow Already, Relaxed Thairapy, and Grow It Girl.
• 30 Day Water Challenge... Hosted by hair vlogger, Kay Amoah
• Thickness Challenge... Hosted by Amanda on Hairlista (Ends in December)
• Healthy Ends Challenge... Hosted by Amanda on Hairlista (Ends in December)

Over all, I am beyond satisfied with all the challenges I have participated in thus far in 2014. My hair has grown like never before! 

Blessings and Happy Hair Journey!

~Candra

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Moisturizing Roller Wrap Setting Lotion And Leave In Mix

Some of you know that all summer I have been experimenting with various mixes to create the perfect roller setting lotion for my relaxed hair...that tends to get very dry. Traditional setting lotions make my hair a bit too hard and brittle.

One of my go-to styles is the roller wrap. To achieve this look, roller setting my relaxed hair is a great alternative to flat ironing. In a nut shell, I roller set my hair with large rollers, sit under a warm hooded dryer, remove the rollers, and wrap my hair.

The mix I feature in the video below is an affordable and perfect setting lotion for my hair. I call it a leave in as well because after washing (except for using the Aphogee Keratin and Green Tea Restructurizer) this is the only product I leave in my hair.

If I want to achieve tight curls with a lot of hold, I substitute the rosewater ingredient for some Lottabody setting lotion.

After removing my rollers, I wrap my hair and go to bed. The next morning when I comb my hair down, I have a straight wrapped style with a lot of body, softness, and moisture!

Watch this short video for my updated semi DIY roller setting lotion recipe!




If you have roller setting tips, questions or comments leave them down below!

Blessings and Happy Hair Journey Ladies! 

~Candra

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Amika Digital Titanium Glide Styler 1" Review

This is my video review of the Amika Digital 1" Titanium Glide Styler.

I won this styler in a giveaway earlier this year…hosted by Monae Everett.

I love this flat iron. The mirror finish titanium plates means no snagging. The iron literally glides down my hair.

The plates generate ionic, far-infrared heat. I flat iron my hair no more than once a month, but still I have not experienced any damage or setbacks!

Watch my short video below for more details!


Blessings and Happy Hair Journey!!

~Candra






Amika Digital Titanium Glide Styler - Obliphica 1" inch

Starting a Healthy Hair Journey. Seven Tips To Get You Started.

Starting a healthy hair journey? Here are seven tips to get you started!

1. Assess your current hair health.

This will help you know where to begin. Not everyone begins their hair journey from the same starting point.

Is your hair brittle, different lengths, thinning, do you have severe split ends, struggling with itchy scalp and dandruff? Day one of your hair journey may need to begin with a protein treatment, scalp treatment, or a good hair cut.

On your hair journey keep the focus on “your” hair and not someone you’re watching on YouTube. Look to YouTube and hair forums for support, direction and even inspiration, but at the end of the day you have to do what is best for “your” hair.

2. Read “The Science of Black Hair” or equivalent.

There are many books and online articles that will help you understand the science behind black hair and black hair care. Knowing the basics of hair porosity, hair structure, hair growth phases, and the importance of moisture and protein will help you start your journey off right.

(See helpful links to The Science of Black Hair blog below)

Keep in mind that as you do your research you may find conflicting views when it comes to products and techniques, but understanding the science behind our hair will help you make informed decisions when shopping for products and putting your hair regimen together.

3. Identity your goals (Keep a hair journal).

This will help you to be consistent with your hair journey and better track your progress. Before you start any journey you want to identity what the end will be. Otherwise you’ll be wandering aimlessly buying a ton of products you may not need and never reaching any mile stones, because… well... you didn’t set any.

Keep a hair journal so you can track what products and techniques work for you and what doesn’t. After a wash day it helps me to write down what products I used and how my hair felt afterwards. I had to tweak my hair care routine a lot in the beginning so my journal helped me to remember what I tried weeks or months earlier.

4. Start with staple products (Keep it simple).

Depending on your starting point or personal preference, your product staples may differ. It is good to start simple and purchase one brand of each product.

Disclaimer: Product Junkyism is a real thing. Ask anyone who has ten different brands of conditioners that basically does the same thing. Oh wait, that would be me. Lol

Here are my hair care must haves.

• Sulfate shampoo for clarifying (removing heavy build up)
• Sulfate-free shampoo for cleansing without stripping moisture
• Rinse out conditioner for short time conditioning and co-washing (cleansing hair with a conditioner)
• Moisturizing Deep Conditioner to prevent dry brittle hair
• Protein Deep Conditioner to strengthen hair
• Leave in Conditioner
• Moisturizer
• A carrier oil for sealing, pre-shampoo treatments, and/or hot oil treatments
• Styling products (setting lotion, gel, oil sheen, etc.)

5. Put a regimen together that will realistically fit in with your schedule and life in general.

If you set a routine to wash your hair twice a week and you’re a student, have a family and two jobs; this may not be the best regimen for you. Many get discouraged when unable to follow through with their regimen and they give it up altogether.

A hair journey can be a long journey.  You don’t want to burn out early in the game. Set realistic routines and reachable goals.

6. Adjust your regimen as necessary and then be consistent with it.

Once you’ve purchased your staple products and established a weekly schedule of washing, deep conditioning, etc., give your regimen time. Some products and techniques take time to work.

However, if after awhile you are not seeing results, don’t be afraid to make some adjustments. For example, some ladies moisturize their hair every day, but if your hair is thin or less dense, it may leave your hair heavy. You may need to adjust it to every other day.

Have patience as you structure your routine. It will come together in time.

7. Join Hairlista. Network with Others.

Okay, so you don’t “have to” join Hairlista to have a successful hair journey (Hairlista just happens to be my favorite.) J, but find a place where you can network and ask questions.

Trust me, you will have a lot of questions when you’re just starting out and it’s best to ask someone who’s been there and done that versus trying to go about it on your own.

I could go on and on with tips but hopefully these seven will get you off to a good start! I pray you have or are having a successful hair journey and reaching your healthy hair goals! Got questions? Leave them down below I will be sure to answer.

Was this post helpful? If so please subscribe to Relaxed Hair and Skin Care and share with your friends!

Blessings and Happy Hair Journey

~Candra

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The Science of Black Hair Links

Understanding Hair Porosity

Regimen Building Basics

Scalp Care

Relaxed Hair

Moisturize & Seal Hair with Rosewater & Coconut Oil. Misto Olive Oil Sprayer.

This moisture and seal technique features the Misto Olive Oil Sprayer, rosewater and coconut oil. Moisturizing and sealing my relaxed hair often is a must. It shields my hair from dryness and breakage. Sealing with a natural carrier oil locks in the moisture.

This technique may not work for everyone depending on your hair and how you plan to style it. It works great for me when I am wearing my up in protective styles and not concerned about my hair being weighed down. Although, just a little bit of rosewater and coconut oil go a long way.

In the morning my hair is soft and ready for an up-do!

You can find the Misto Olive Oil Sprayer on Amazon or Bed Bath and Beyond. I found it a bit cheaper at my local Marshalls' for $7.99. The Misto Olive Oil Sprayer is perfect for applying a light application of oil to your hair and it is less messy than applying oil with your hands.

This is a very quick process and my "go to" when I need to moisturize and seal my hair quickly. Most days I still moisturize my hair with the Elasta QP Olive Oil Mango Butter Moisturizer and alternate between almond oil, sunflower oil and hemp seed oil for sealing.

The Misto Olive Oil Sprayer is also great for applying coconut oil to your skin. Coconut oil softens the skin and has anti-aging properties! And keep in mind that coconut oil turns to a solid state when temperatures reach below 76 degrees farenheight. If storing coconut oil in your Misto Sprayer, keep in a warm place.

Watch this short video to see this technique and view the benefits of using rosewater and coconut oil! Thank you for watching!






Blessings and Happy Hair Journey!

~Candra

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Relaxer Update 3. Hair Growth. Hair Health Challenges.

Relaxer Update

August 29th, 2014 I relaxed my hair at 15 weeks post. Overall I had a successful stretch and my visit to the salon was wonderful. Primarily because I got to rest and let someone else tackle this hair. (Smile)

My stylist uses the Design Essentials relaxer. She moves quickly with the application leaving my scalp in good shape and my hair with some texture (texlaxed).

Hair Growth Goals

View my video below to review my current hair length (starting at 5:04). I retained more length on the sides than in the back, but this is no surprise. I wore my hair out a lot this stretch and my ends were well exposed to the sun, wind, and my clothing.

My new hair growth goal is to retain two inches of growth between now and the Christmas holiday. This means more hair challenges and more protective styling (wearing my hair in styles that does not expose my ends).

Gaining two inches also means that the back of my hair will be BSL (Bra strap length)! I can't even believe I just typed those words! Haha!

Upcoming Hair Health Challenges

There is a "Thickness" challenge coming up on Hairlista and a "30 Days of Moisture" challenge with Relaxed Thairapy and Just Grow Already. You ladies know that I am all in!

There are more challenges out there but I will focus on these two to start.

Join, subscribe, and stay tuned to my blog for updates!





Blessings and Happy Hair Journey!


Love,

~Candra

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13 Weeks Post Relaxer Mid Week Wash Day

I honestly have to say that as much as I love wash days, there are some days when it is simply a chore. On these days it's tempting to take short cuts, but I try to overcome the urge as much as possible. :D

Pre-Poo - Coconut Oil

When I got home from work I took my hair down (was wearing a halo flat twist protective style), and applied coconut oil to my hair with my new Misto Oil Sprayer. (The jury is still out on how I like using the sprayer.) I then twisted my hair back up and went for a run.


Shampoo - Nutress Hair Stop Break Sulfate Free Shampoo

This is my all time favorite sulfate free shampoo. It contains protein and aloe. It has an incredible amount of slip and leaves my hair soft. I'll do a more detailed review in a later post.


Deep Condition - Giovanni 2Chic Ultra-Moist Deep Deep Moisture Hair Mask and Coconut Oil

The Giovanni moisture mask contains avocado and olive oil. I blended the mask with 1 1/2 tablespoons of coconut oil and wore a heat cap for about 45 minutes.

Leave-Ins - Rosewater, Aphogee Keratin and Green Tea Restructurizer, and Elasta QP Olive Oil and Mango Leave in Conditioner

I applied my leave-ins in the above order. I targeted the rosewater to my scalp and did a mini massage in an effort to stimulate hair growth.

After this I knew I wanted to air dry but was at a loss on how I wanted to proceed with styling. Don't you hate those days?


Style

I air dried and after my hair was about 80% dry I applied some Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Serum made by Spring Valley. I did four Bantu knots (1 on each side and 2 in the back) and went to bed.

The next morning I took my Bantu knots out and the results were so-so.

However, my curls were more defined than I thought considering I didn't use a styling custard or pudding of any kind. I did have a bit of frizz.

Overall this wash day was fairly successful. My new growth at 13 weeks post relaxer is definitely something to contend with, but the continued use of coconut oil and product favorites makes it bearable.

Thanks so much for reading and if you believe this article may help someone, please share! If you any questions please leave them below.

Blessings and Happy Hair Journey!

~Candra