MoptopMaven's "Healthy Hair in 2011 Challenge": Update #3

Entering the 2nd month of the challenge, I finally feel like I've hit my groove and found a good routine.

Pre-Poo
I no longer am aiming to do the hour long deep conditioning sessions with heat, instead opting for overnight pre-poos. I am going to be cutting some castor oil with a bunch of coconut oil (absolutely hate castor oil alone... ranted about it in the video), applying to my hair, and allowing to soak overnight. To do this I apply the mixture to my hair, put into 4 flat twists, cover with a plastic cap, scarf, and go to sleep. I actually stumbled upon doing this treatment overnight and was shocked at how moisturized my hair was after washing the next morning. I also didn't have any issues with the oil all over the place in the shower (like last time) and I think this is because the oil had ample time to absorb into my hair.


Deep Conditioning
In place of the 45-60 min deep conditioning treatments I was doing before, I'll now be using treatments that can be applied for 5-10 minutes in the shower. My top pick is Garnier Fructis' 3min Undo Dryness Reversal Treatment. I've been using this product for over a year and must say that it's one of my staple deep conditioners. I like that it can be used in under 10 mins and seems to melt into my hair. You don't need to leave this on for an hour to get the results. This product is designed to yield great results within minutes.


DevaChan Cut
I have a consultation today with a DevaChan trained stylists. I'm on the fence about getting the signature curly cut because I do like to straighten my hair and am concerned about it looking lopsided. I'll see what he has to say, but at the very least I need to get a really good trim. I haven't had my ends trimmed in about 6 months. Since I wear my hair curly the majority of the time this hasn't been a real issue. I'm looking forward to getting rid of some of the splits and those damned fairy knots! Lord... I hate those knots.





For those of you participating in the challenge how is your progress thus far?

MoptopMaven's "Healthy Hair in 2011 Challenge": Update #2

I'm going into my 4th week of Moptop Maven's Healthy Hair in 2011 Challenge. I recorded a video giving an update on my progress thus far.

I've been incorporating deep conditioning treatments and working on tying my hair up every night... pretty basic stuff, but I set my goals realistic for this challenge... my main focus has been developing a basic routine that I can have consistency with.

Is anyone else doing the challenge?

MoptopMaven's "Healthy Hair in 2011 Challenge": Update #1

I'm participating in the Moptop Maven's "Healthy Hair in 2011" Challenge and wanted to share with everyone my progress thus far! It's only been a little over a week, but I already have some feedback on what I'm loving, loathing and need to work on.

Who all is participating in the challenge?

MoptopMaven's "Healthy Hair in 2011 Challenge"

The Moptop Maven is hosting a "Healthy Hair in 2011" challenge on her blog and while I was previously on the fence about participating, I've decided to take the plunge!

Since going natural in 2009 I've seen vast improvements in my hair... but I've never been one to have hair goals. Watching people obsess over length checks and protective styling made my head spin... and those bun challenges seemed more like torture to me than fun. The tone of Moptop Maven's blog is much lighter and open-minded than other natural hair blogs out there so I'm excited to see the spin she'll put on this challenge.

Currently my hair is about 2-3 inches past collarbone length, and while I don't have any major length goals I'd love to see how much I can improve on my consistency. I want to try adding weekly deep conditioning treatments, pre-pooing with coconut oil, and maybe even giving Henna a try. I've always thought that doing a Henna treatment would be too time consuming and messy... not to mention I didn't want to change my hair color too much or loosen the curl. Anyways, I'll be documenting my progress on my blog... Anyone else going to take the challenge?

On another note, looking back on past photos it's kinda crazy how much my hair has grown out this year... and I say OUT because it surely doesn't ever feel like it's growing down lol. I can't believe all of these pictures are from the last 10 months. I can definitely say that it never felt like my hair was growing so looking at these pictures really is encouraging for me. With the minor tweaks I'll be making to my routine I'm excited to see what 2011 has in store for me!

February 2010 -  My Big Chop

December 2010

June 2010

April 2010