How Does it Look ? My Protective Style Challenge - 09/25/11-9/30/11

Hi Everyone,

Here are some pictures of the different way I styled my twists this week.   I will be doing my hair this weekend and posting pictures when I decide the exciting next protective style.   Remember I am challenging myself to create new styles.

9/28/11 Front Rolled to Back

9/29/11

9/29/11  Back Rolled

Thurs 9/29/11

Friday 9/30/11

9/30/11 Twisted & tucked.... Great fully protective Style

How Does it Look ? My Protective Style Challenge - 09/25/11

Flat Twist to one side w/ Individual 2 strand twists set on Rod curlers

  Well I have decided that each week or two that I would chronicle my new Protective Style Challenge.   The official challenge is from October 1st- January 1, 2012.   This challenge came by way of a Blogger who at this time I can not remember which one...LOL.  Any Who, I did this challenge for 6 months last year but this year I feel I know even more about my hair and my tendencies.

Well I feel that this year I have damaged my hair with trying to highlight my hair twice by two different stylist and I can see (of course I hide it) the damage from the color and processing.   I however plan on trying to strengthen my hair with this challenge.   I want to color my hair BLACK again and began some Amla/Bramhi/Ayurvedic powder treatments and deep conditioning treatments to help my hair get stronger.   I may even cut it if it definitely warrants it to re-jump start my journey again.

BACK VIEW.... I DON'T KNOW WHY I BOTHER TO PAY A STYLIST

Well I did not wash my hair this weekend but I did this twist style that I only plan on wearing for one week.  I attempted this to see just how well I would be able to part and flat twist but I plan on creating lots of twist styles both flat and individual twists along with my hair care regimen of deep conditioning and major treatments to give my hair the break and special treatment it needs.    Stay tuned to see next week what my process will be.  I am going to be experimenting with some major deep treatments, prepoo and natural products that I already have in my Stash to create something that works for me.   I am due for a bit of a trim, so I may definitely incorporate a good trim in to this weeks Hair Day.

The plan is to chronicle my protective style challenge on my blog and to challenge my styling skills as well as to hold me to my challenge.   I will not have a particular wash schedule but:

1.  I will do deep conditioning treatment at least 3 times per month.
2.  Prepoo with Vatika Oil and Conditioner prior to using No Sulfate Shampoo.
3.  Deep condition with my Heat Therapy Wrap ( just bought)
4.  Keep my hair twisted, braided, bun, and my ends protected as much as possible with only 2 days loose hair. (if even that long, mostly prior to wash day).
5.  Moisturize and seal in the AM and the PM.


I will not indicate which products will be used but I will continue to use all natural products to prevent buildup.  I will do rinsing or co washing while in these styles only when necessary.  I may also utilize my steamer while in protective styles to add even more moisture if deemed necessary.  Yesterday when doing this style, my hair felt weak to me.   Although it may just have been because I was going from one style to another without washing but to me my hair felt fragile.  I did not like that feeling.  My hair deserves better and I am going to give it the Attention.

Some things I will be paying attention to:

1.  My diet
2.  My nails when styling.  Do not damage hair because of raggedy nails!
3.  Root to tip thickness, curl reaction and porosity.
4.  Protecting ends and special moisture and seal of last 1/2 of strands.  Extra moisture and care.
5.  My hair reaction to my regimen on a weekly basis.  updates, updates, and documenting.

Goal:  Healthy Body, Healthy Hair, Healthy Spirit, Healthy Mind = Happy Me!

UPDATES - Hair / Weight..... September....

Twist out after 8 day old twist/braid style

Hello Everyone,

At least it hasn't taken me as long to post something.  I have been doing my usual, working, bowling and supporting my wonderful College Sophomore Daughter.  My weight journey has not ended but I am beginning today to rededicate my focus on this because I want to have a healthy and long life for my Family.

SALON STYLIST TWISTS/BRAID STYLE

My hair in the picture above is a well shrunken twist out because I moisturize and seal my twists every day.  I went to a stylist to have it done ($40) and I was pleased with the service but found myself splitting the twists in 1/2 to transform into mini twists which I prefer much better.  She used Design Essential Curly Cream on my my hair that was slightly blown dry.   While the stylist was washing my hair she noticed that I had some pieces of my hair that were straighter than normal and we both contributed that to Color Damage.   Although not totally straight, these sections are about 2.5 inches from the root which helped me to determine the cause.  I knew I was having a slight difficulty in keeping some of my twists more taut and opted for rope twisting when necessary (twist each strand before twisting together). Now that I know the culprit, I can try to pay close attention and baby my strands and make sure that I am doing the best to strengthen the weakened areas.

This past Saturday I dedicated my morning and afternoon to a hair day.  Here is what I did and the products that I used.

Pre-poo - Yes to Tomatoes/Vatika Oil  1hr pre-poo
Shampoo - Lush Curly Wurly
Masque - Butters n bars Original Hair Masque ( Boy did my curls Pop!)
Deep Conditioner - ORS Hair Mayonaise/ Olive Oil - Heat Cap for 30 mins/ Sit 30 mins.
Leave In Conditioner - Hairveda Whipped Creme  Ends Hydration
Styling: Oyin Whipped Pudding and Burnt Sugar Pomade
Oil:  Hairveda AvoSoya Oil with Neem
Moisture: Aloe Vera Gel/ Aloe Vera Juice/H20  ( to curl the ends)

My hair when finished was super moisturized, shiny, soft and NICE!  At night I usually twist all in 5 twists, 2 on each side and a big one in the back and put a scarf on and then a satan bonnet.  The ones in the back I try to band a little to delay the shrinkage after moisturizing at night.  I did my hair very similar to what the stylist did with basically a braided fan with twisted ends for 2 inches then individual twists all over.   This style keeps the twists out of my face when bowling and exercising and helps with my edges (growth and retention).  I pay special attention to the edges around the front of my head due to thin edges and fine strands.  With this style I am able to do several up do's because the majority of my hair is still mini twisted.

"Shrinkage is a Mutha tho".  The sides of my hair are Collar bone length and beyond but still shrinks to jaw length.  This is why I feel like my hair is not growing, although I know different truthfully.

As for my weight, I have gained 4 pounds and I am on a mission to lose those 4 plus more by the end of September.  My eating habits will be put back on track as well as I will be using a combination of Cardio (treadmill) as well as strengthening.

My lunch Thursday ( Jumbo Shrimp Salad/Jumbo lump Crab Meat Club

  

on Wheat Toast (LOL)

Pictured Above - You see how I gained that 4 pounds...LOL.  must be the Mayo and Old Bay Seasoning

I have been surprised by my ability to run on the treadmill whereas I cannot on the actual track/field.  Not as much pressure on  my knees.   I have cut back the amount of time on my cardio to 1 hour as oppose to 90 mins and are doing 2 30 minute sessions.  Once in the Morning and Once in the evening.  I need to get my butt in the gym that I am paying for because I have not gone once since paying the $150 to the campus gym.
I sure could do my strength training with weights at least 2 times a week if not more.

I do bicep curls, pushups, lunges and lots of stomach crunches while home but need to hit the gym because of the nice equipment and for what I paid for the membership.  I would like to get some weights for home but feel almost redundant in that I have paid for the gym with all its resources.

I had started to feel frumpy again as only a 5'9.5" girl could although no one could see those 4 pounds but me.  I have been finding it hard to wake in the morning due to the fact it is dark outside at 5 and decided to move my cardio in doors during the week at least 3-5 days or go out at 6am-7am or just go out on Weekends when I don't have as much time constraint.   On my treadmill I am able to incline and do interval training much easier without worrying about my pores opening and catching bronchitis or pneumonia.  Trying to get my body used to the treadmill for much more rough weather ahead.

Well I guess that is a lot for updating but I will try to be much better.  Please if your interested in logging a weight loss journey, seeking motivation and help or just logging your exercis and foods, I encourage everyone to use www.Myfitnesspal.com  It is a very useful tool and it is also helpful for all ages for reviews of all kinds of diets (discouraged)/lifestyle changes (preferred), Exercise Regimens (DVD's/Programs/Equipment) and a whole lot of good folks and great conversation of like minds.   Also I have met quite a few Naturals on there.   Healthy Living = Healthy Hair.... it all goes together.   Have a Blessed Day!