1 Year Post Relaxer & Hair Product Favorites

Surprise!

It's been awhile since I've posted to my Blogger blog. I decided it was time for an update, name change, and new design. What do ya think?

A little over a year ago I decided to transition to natural hair. I will go into more details very soon as to why I decided to transition.

In this post I wanted to share with you my 1 year post relaxer video as well as share with you my current product favorites.

Managing both relaxed hair and natural hair has been challenging. Surprisingly, some of the products I used on my relaxed hair journey are still applicable today.

At the same time, the product junkie in my can't help but purchase and experiment with natural hair products too.

I hope you enjoy the video. You get a little glimpse of my current hair texture.

Follow me on Instagram as well for hair texture pics. https://www.instagram.com/candraevans/

I will be posting more frequently to this blog so if you have not subscribed, do so. ;)

Relaxer Update | Mixed Emotions | Texlaxed Chat

Here is my Relaxer Update #1 for 2016!


I discuss my mixed emotions, henna coloring and trimming ends. 



#RelaxedHair #HealthyHair #HealthySkin








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

Hair Texture? Relaxed
Relaxer Brand? - Design Essentials/Mizani 
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 arm pit length
Goal Length? BSL

#RelaxedHair #HealthyHair #HealthySkin

June Plans for Candra’s Hair

Hey everyone!

I decided that I wanted to post monthly plans for my hair.

At this stage of my hair journey I feel confident about my hair care regimen and even styling, believe it or not. Lol 

So I’m ready to take my hair journey to the next level.

The next level for me involves simplifying my regimen and making my wash day process flow more quickly. I’m getting too old for 8 hour wash days! J

So I’ll be trying out shorter deep conditioning times with heat. I want to nail down which deep conditioner or what combo of deep conditioning ingredients will effectively condition my hair in a shorter time! I’ll keep ya posted so make sure you subscribe to my YouTube channel.

Another plan for the month of June is to visit a new salon. I’m not sure just yet if I want to visit a small business or make a second trip to the Ulta Salon.

I’ve seen some not so good reviews of the Ulta Salon on YouTube, but I had a good experience a few years ago. I’m looking to do a blowout and flat iron for my trip to St. Louis in a few weeks.

My last major hair plan for the month is to take my love for coconut oil to another level. In the past I was not a fan of sealing my hair with coconut oil, but I want to give it another go.

My hair loves this oil so much, so I am going to modify the amount of oil I use for daily sealing. I’ll also be adding coconut oil into a few skin care products. Using coconut oil on my leaves my skin moisturized and soft but coconut oil alone gives me too much shine.

Sunday, June 7th I will be launching my new blog site! This blog site will remain up but again I'm ready to expand and grow on this journey. :) I'm super excited to make changes in my hair life and blogging world. So excited that I may not be able to wait until Sunday to launch!!!

So to recap….

June Plans

      Simplify Weekly Hair Routine
 Find best deep conditioning treatment for shorter conditioning times
Seal with coconut oil
Add coconut oil to skin care products (cleansers/moisturizers) 
Launch new blog combining my love for coconut oil and beauty ;)

Thanks for stopping by and catching up on what’s happening with my hair.

Love you to life! God bless!

~Candra

Elevate Styles It's A Wig Synthetic Cellia | I Cut Her!

Elevate Styles It's A Wig Synthetic Cellia | I Cut Her!

This is an update on my new synthetic wig purchased from Elevate Styles.

The brand is It's A Wig and the name of this unit is Cellia.
The color is a beautiful P1B/30. I don’t know if I’ll ever buy a color 1B again. I'd much rather incorporate my love for color into the purchase of a wig versus coloring my own hair and risking damage.

After thinning Cellia I decided I would prefer a shorter length for the summer. So while on vacation I grabbed some hair scissors and a big dose of bravery and trimmed her down to a curly shoulder
length.

I did not stretch the curls to cut but instead cut Cellia in its curly state. I cut in small sections starting with the left side, to the back, and around to the right side of the wig.

This process would have been a lot easier if I had a foam head to place it on, but we got through it.

If you missed my part 1 show and tell video of this unit from
Elevate Styles, take a look! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtQMJdo-77U

If you would like to see a simulation of this cut leave a comment below!

This unit is beautiful long or short! Purchased from Elevate Styles -
http://elevatestyles.com/p/synthetic-wig/5909-its-a-wig-synthetic-wig-cellia-0885259550144.html

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Starting a hair journey? Here are some tips as you get started! http://relaxedhairskincare.blogspot.com/2014/09/starting-healthy-hair-journey-seven.html



Visit my Christian Inspirational Blog for Women: http://www.abundantlyyou.org

Check out me and hubby's new apparel line business! - http://shop.oneloveunityapparel.com



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



My Relaxed 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? APL (arm pit length) 
Goal Length? Full APL


 My Running Blog http://www.2ndwindrunning.blogspot.com


 Thank you for watching and God bless!

Bantu Knots on Relaxed Hair

It has been some time since I have published to the blog but stay tuned for a summer filled with hair and skin product reviews!

Until then, check out another requested video. Bantu Knots on Relaxed Hair!






God bless and happy hair journey!

~Candra

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here before you begin. 
 

Shop with me...My Favorite Stores and
Brands 

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

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

candra.l.evans@gmail.com 

P.O. Box 128787 

Cincinnati, Ohio 45212 

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? APL (arm pit length)

Goal Length? Full APL

Visit my Christian Blog for Women: http://www.abundantlyyou.org

My Running Blog http://www.2ndwindrunning.blogspot.com

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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Just starting a healthy hair journey? Click
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

Just starting a healthy hair journey? Click here before you begin.  

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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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candra.l.evans@gmail.com

P.O. Box 128787

Cincinnati, Ohio 45212

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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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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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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Rosewater Benefits on Relaxed Hair - Conditioning and Setting Lotion

Hello Ladies! It's Monday, but I pray your week is already starting off blessed and beautiful!

Just wanted to introduce you to my new love for my hair and skin...."rosewater". Rosewater is a natural product simply made with water and rose petals.

You can make rosewater yourself, purchase it online or find it in your local health food store. The rosewater I purchased online contains purified water and natural rose oil. Here is a quick rundown of some of the benefits of rosewater.

Hair

1. Conditions and Moisturizes Hair

2. Setting Lotion

3. Healing Properties for the Scalp

4. Sparks Hair Growth

Skin

1. Reduces Pore Size

2. Fights Acne

3. Skin Toner

4. Sets Makeup

5. Soothes Sunburn

Rosewater is beneficial for most hair and skin types. I say "most" because, for a variety of reasons, not every product works for everyone. I was very happy to see fast and beneficial results on my skin and relaxed hair!

Stay tuned for DIY beauty tips featuring rosewater!

Thank you as always for visiting and watching! If you have any comments or questions please leave them down below!

Blessings!

~Candra

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Stretching My Relaxers Comes With Its Struggles

As of July 31^st I am eleven weeks post relaxer. My goal is to reach a relaxer stretch mile stone and stretch for sixteen weeks. 

Before my hair journey I went to the salon to get my hair relaxed every six weeks. Now that I am relaxing my hair every three months or beyond, my hair has thickened up beautifully. No more over processing!

While relaxer stretching has been great for my hair, it comes with its struggles.

1. Detangling two different textures

2. The delicacy of the line of demarcation

3. Creating desired hairstyles

Extending my stretch from three months to four months may not seem like a big deal, but I know I need to be proactive and have a plan. After all, I have found that not every relaxer stretch is the same.

For example, I am currently eleven weeks post relaxer, but because of a change in my regimen my hair is a lot thicker and therefore more difficult to manage than during my previous stretches. 

My Plan For... Detangling Two Textures

• Deep condition twice a week. – This strategy is actually a part of my ongoing coconut oil challenge, but keeping my hair moisturized and soft helps with detangling. I plan to use my conditioners with the most slip.

• Finger detangle often. – The last few weeks of this stretch, I’m going to reach for my comb less and finger detangle more. I'm less likely to cause breakage. This includes finger detangling after each step of my wash day to prevent knots. I have experienced a few knots this stretch already! 

• Work with my hair in sections. – I’m going to take my time and prepoo, wash, deep condition, rinse, and style my hair section by section. 

My Plan For... Line of Demarcation (Where my relaxed hair and natural hair meet.)

• Protein treatments – Every other week I deep condition with a light protein treatment. My go to product is the ORS Replenishing Conditioner. The week before my relaxer I will apply a medium to hard protein treatment, most likely, the Aphogee Two Step treatment.

• Finger detangling – I can be more gentle using my fingers, preventing breakage at the line of demarcation. 

• Minimal heat usage – I do have plans to flat iron my hair this weekend but will use a heat protectant and the lowest setting possible on my flat iron. The line of demarcation is the weakest point of a two textured hair shaft and too much heat can cause breakage…which defeats the whole purpose of relaxer stretching.

My Plan For... Desired Hairstyling

To be honest the jury is still out on this one. “Doing” hair, as far as styling is concerned is a struggle for me on any day. So, I’ll stick with what I can do best. These styles are not always what I feel like wearing, but at least my hair looks presentable and there’s little manipulation.

• Buns

• Medium to Large Bantu Knot Outs

• Roller Sets
  

My ultimate goal is to get to the point where I only relax my hair three times per year. If I have issues or get too frustrated I will relax earlier than planned... But never again will I do the 6 to 8 week thing. It works for some, but it wasn't the healthiest time frame for my hair.

Thank you for reading and HHJ! Blessings! 

~Candra

Hannah Natural Henna and Indigo on Relaxed Hair ~ Review and Update

Hannah Natural Review and Update including before photo at 4:24.

The Hannah Natural brand worked amazing for my relaxed hair. After my wash day was complete, I did not have dry hair or any breakage. The color I was able to achieve was amazing!

The application of the henna also made my hair strong. Many ladies use henna on their hair as a light protein treatment.

I will be doing this process again very soon since my new growth is now salt and pepper. Oh the perils of getting older. Haha...

If you have any questions that I didn't cover in the videos please leave them below and I will be sure to answer!

Thank you for watching and God bless you abundantly!

~Candra

If you missed my post on how I naturally color my relaxed gray hair with Hannah Natural's henna and indigo, watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRoIqFDTxAA 

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Relaxed Hair Care and Running

Recent 5K race with my friend Ashley

My passion for road running and racing sparked in 2007. I was struggling with depression and I truly believe that God used running to help save my physical and emotional health.

In 2007 I ran nearly every day and it didn’t matter much what my hair was doing. I knew nothing about hair care or that it was possible for me to have healthier hair. 

My hair was shoulder length, dry, and my ends were always splitting. I thought that’s just the way my hair grew.

In 2009 I met the man of my dreams and running took a back seat. I didn’t abandon it totally, but my weekly mileage decreased over time. I was focused on dating and of course looking attractive. I fell into the trap that many black women have fallen into.

I can’t run or exercise because of my hair.

So I rekindled my visits to the hair salon, slept pretty, and jumped through hoops not to perspire so that my style would last from one salon visit to the next.

In 2012 my drive to run again was strong. I missed competing in races and I wanted to do another half marathon.

But then something else happened in 2012…I started a hair journey! So there I was with two desires that seem to conflict each other. I wanted to run again and I wanted healthy hair.

What’s a lady with relaxed hair to do?!

At first I thought my only alternative was to transition to natural hair. Why? Well, every other African American woman seemed to be doing it.

After marrying the man of my dreams, I joined a gym in my new hometown. Now that I was living in a predominantly African American community, it was hard not to notice the trend of natural hair. This was especially the case at the gym.

I saw women running hard, pumping iron, and aerobicizing it up in their natural curls. I was guessing that their routine was exercise, sweat, wash, and go. Natural hair and running sounded like a match made in Heaven. But there was one problem....

I really enjoy having relaxed hair. Right now I do not want to transition. That time will come, but it isn't now.

Today, I am happy to say that my hair is healthier than it has ever been before and I am running at least 50 miles a month. Yes, I ran more miles back in the day, but I’m a wife now and pursuing other passions as well. Thus, I am very happy with my 50 mile average.

Here is a short synopsis of my relaxed hair care regimen with regards to running.

~Before my run I apply a moisturizer to my hair. I then spray on a heat protectant and finger comb it into a high bun. The heat protectant protects my hair from the sun’s rays. This is only takes a few minutes for me to do.

~If I am away from home, I carry a separate small jar of my Elasta QP, the travel size of Silk Elements Olive Oil heat protectant, and hair ties in my gym bag.

~After my run I walk to cool down and loosen my bun. My hair is not dried out from the sun or my perspiration. Oh how I love Elasta QP!

~When I get home I completely take my bun down, apply coconut oil for my pre-poo, and start dinner. Lol

~ Next, I cleanse, deep condition, rinse, and air dry during dinner and family time. If it is a weekday wash I’ll proceed to do a protective or low manipulation style.

~A weekend day is usually my full wash day. I try to schedule my long runs on those days because I know I will have plenty of time to pamper my hair afterwards. Ninety percent of the time I roller set my hair and wear it out for the weekend.

~ On cold days or days I do a short run, I don’t perspire much. I take my bun down and let my scalp breathe. I then restyle my hair and tie it up for the evening.

I cleanse my hair 2 to 3 times a week and deep condition at least twice. It sounds like a lot but this routine is now just a part of my life. Also I choose styles that are easy to create and manage.

This running hair regimen is helping me keep my hair well conditioned and it is still getting thicker, which is my number one hair goal. Adding coconut oil to my prepoos and deep conditioners is aiding big time in making my hair strong and easy to manage.

I hope this helps anyone who feels that their relaxed hair is holding them back from being physically fit. To compromise health for a particular hairstyle of any kind is just crazy ladies. Let’s not go there. ;)

If you have any questions or comments, just leave them down below!

Blessings!

~Candra