Transition 101 and my Personal update

What is Transitioning:

Transitioning

is the process of growing out your natural hair while your hair mainly the shaft and ends are chemically processed. The roots will be your natural hair at this point you have made a decision NOT to “touch-up” anymore.

The difference between Transitioning and Stretching:

Transitioning is not ever going back for a touch up. While Stretching is not touching up for a while but then finally adding chemicals to the “new growth”.

my Personal update & thoughts:

Where am I personally on my transition journey: February 2009 was the last time I had a texturizer touch –up. It has been a long year for me in terms of working with both textures. Trying to find a way to wear my hair so it would not affect my daily routine. Mentally and emotionally I felt like I was ready to walk away from the chemicals. However, half way through this process like in August 2009, I began to grow frustration, resentment that I ever added chemicals. I think my mind began to play games. I had to separate myself from everyone and tell myself I was going to do this.. no matter what, I was not turning back, no matter what..

I happy to say I got over that battle.. I found that having my hair blow dried, flat ironed and keeping it straight for as long as I can..really helped me..

Products I use:

I am into the Raw Oils: -

Grape-seed oil - * my favorite right now- a very light oil

Coconut oil- * Love the smell- the one I use is 100% organic- www.mamasorganics.com

Lavender Jamaican Black Castor Oil- Awesome scalp oil

Hair Lotion- this adds a bit of softness, especially to the natural hair..

Mental and Emotional side of things:

Personally I think this is the roughest side to growing out your natural hair. Is the thoughts that run through your mind while you’re in this process. The images we are bombarded with in the media of what Beauty is.. You begin question yourself, your ethnicity, you begin to see how "black" you really are.. lol sad but True.. You are now forced to claim your identity... not so easy..

You begin to ask.. I'm I still beautiful? Wow, how do I take care of my hair? It’s so thick..

You begin to feel frustrated, annoyed and eventually you may give up and put the chemical back onto your “new growth”. Then you get.."Edward Scissors hand" and feel like chopping off the chemically treated portion- prematurely..
Really you just want to be freed.. It's an Amazing transformation of Self..

A few tips to follow is:-

Know to your self – You are BEAUTIFUL no matter what your hair looks like..

Your hair should not DEFINE your beauty!!! Your HEART defines you're True beauty...

Going natural can very healthy for your hair.. Your scalp, your skin and your overall health.. It may be the best move you have ever make when it comes to caring for your Hair.

Get a support team-surround yourself with people and things that will “Love” your decision to go natural. Have a close friend who you can call- you will have those days when you want to give in!!!

Lastly- Be patient with yourself.. Hair grows and it takes time so try not to focus on it too much as it will frustrate you..

Questions to ask- Before Transitioning?

Before you enter into the battle field of “going natural” you must ask yourself many questions. Get out your computer, note pad etc.. and answer these questions to yourself and out loud..

Is Transitioning for me?

Am I ready?

Is this a good time for me to Transition?

Can I wear my hair in a bun for almost a year or two?

What other styles will I wear while am getting use to my “new growth”

Why do I want to Transition?

Of course you can add or take away from this list..

These were some of things I experienced and I am still dealing with.. Personally I have maybe another year.. before I go 100% natural..

Happy Healthy Hair Growing.. xoxo Anaiyah~

2010 Hair Goals~

So officially 2010 is here.. wow another year is here already...
For all of us who are on our Hair Journey's we have to begin to realistically figure out; what would we like to accomplish in 2010!
One important thing to keep in mind is to set goals that are realistic...

If you have neck length hair it would be stressful for you to want waist length hair by the end of the year!!!
However, you may add more protective styles, or up your co-washing, or even trim your ends more!!!
Whatever you decide still have fun with it.. and take your time..

Here are some of my 2010 Hair Goals:-
Continue with my Transitioning Process a.k.a stay Chem free/Creamy Crack free
By August/Septmeber 2010 I want my hair to be at the top of my Waist..
I also, want to cut back on the heat so I plan a Summer 2010 Heat Free Stretch~
I also want to try some braid out styles.. hmmm
I may add or take away by the middle of year.. but the basis here is I have a good start .. :D

So Ladies and Gents what are some of your Hair Goals for 2010?
Please share.. Oh and All the best Happy Healthy Hair Growing.. no matter your goals.~

Remember patience is a virtue.. so take time with your self..

Anaiyah~

Let's Talk Hair Routine....

Hi All,

First I want to Thank you ALL, for all the Love and Support…. You guys are Awesome!!!
After reading many of your comments and questions.. I realized I needed to make some things clearer for everyone. I have what you can call or should I say several routines; 2 or maybe 3 it depends on how am wearing my hair…

I am what you might call a LMD- Low Manipulation Diva…

Low Manipulation: - means not messing with your hair too much!!! This means you try not to blow dry, flat iron, sit under the dryer at all basically you stay away from all un-natural heat ....This is the time you try to up your co-washes, pre-poos and co-poos and you let your hair Air dry!!!! I know and Yes; I said to Leave your HAIR ALONE!!!!

The less you mess with your hair or manipulate your hair the more you will experience less shedding, breakage and split ends. How long you want to use the low manipulation technique is really all up too you. This can be from 2 weeks to as long as 6 months. It really depends on your lifestyle and what your hair needs at the time. I would suggest getting into a LM at least once or twice a year to start off.
This is the time you can rock the buns, twist outs, braids, braid outs, bantu-knots, wigs, afros and the list goes on... It is all up to you, the longer you can do this technique the healthier your hair will be.

As you have seen in my 2 videos on Co-washing 101 part 1 and 2 here I am showing you how to Co-wash so you can add it to your Low Manipulation Routine.

Personally this is working wonders for me and my hair as I have not been to my Salon since August of 09. Seeing that I am transitioning away from the texturizer chemical it makes even more sense for me to do this right now. I did however keep my routine trim; which I did myself easy peasy nice and cheesy :-D.. No, really it wasn't that difficult!

My hair right now is on what I like to call HCC ( hair cruise control)… I have taken a hiatus from the Salon, the dryer, the flat iron and any forms of heat just to give my hair some much needed breathing time and space..



My curly hair – Low Manipulation Routine is as follows:-

- Shampoo & DC 2x/month
- Light Protein 2x/week
- Co-wash 5x/week
- Moisturize & seal 5x/week
- 1 a month clarify shampoo
- Apply Mixed oil potion ( I created) to scalp 5x/week
- Pony tail braid or loose wild bun daily
- Trim ends every 6 to 8 weeks

However, when I do hit the salon which I try to do every 3-4 months; then my routine switches yet again!!! Wow, why you say 3-4 months because that sounds like a very long time..
Honestly, I really have come to the revelation that your hair needs to get a break from the heat and all the stuff we do to our hair….
Especially for me now that am I transitioning from the texturizer to my natural hair.. I am trying to challenge myself to stretch out going to the salon even more.

As far as my Salon Hair Routine it doesn’t matter the salon I always request the same treatment.. Trust me when I tell you I get a bit of a fight when I don’t use my own stylist..
But, I know what my hair likes and I make sure to give her what she needs..

****Side note.. Don’t let any stylist boss you around... You know your hair more than anyone else.. And if you don’t then you should get into a personal relationship with your Hair…. This rule should go for your entire being mind, body and soul but that's a whole other subject!

Trust me when I tell you I have had to learn this lesson the hard way and once I figured this out my hair began to flourish the way you see it now…
****Note: I also only let my trusted stylist or myself trim my ends as well.. I do this for my girls as well..


My Salon routine is simple as follows:-

- Shampoo
- Condition
- Deep Condition- (sit under the dryer for 15 minutes low heat)
- Rinse
- Blow dry
-Light scalp oil
-Flat iron
-Trim if needed and it falls with my 6 to 8 week time line

Now once my hair is in the straight style...I have to switch my routine yet again!!!!... So I take a break from the Co-washing and the curly hair routine with the buns and bantu-knots. This time frame I don’t wet my hair at all (while it’s straight) for as long as I can hold out which is usually around 2 1/2 weeks.

This has been the longest I have been able to stretch the straighten look out without wetting it the hair... wheeew.. The trick is I really try listen to my hair and see what it’s asking me for..
If its feeling dry then I know it’s time to stop the heat and get back onto the curly hair style routine this has been working for me for a few years now..



My Straight Hair Routine is as follows:- (more like maintenance)

- Comb thru daily (using a wide teeth comb)
- Light sleek and shine anti frizz serum (Fructis)
- Silk wrap every night
- Silk pillow case (for sleeping, just an extra added bonus of silkiness)
-Light scalp oil (if scalp is looking dry)
- Flat iron (if needed to smooth hair out a bit)

That is pretty much how it works for me.. It is not written in stone that we should have one routine or one way of maintaining our hair. Its hair if you’re like me you will get bored with the same old same. However, while you make the switch you have to ensure your hair is getting the love and attention is needs.

I hope this helps~
All the best and Happy Hair Growing…. Anaiyah~

One of many of My Hair Routines...

My curly Hair Routine is as follows:-


More than one routine is required..for more than one way of wearing your hair.. You got to be flexible and listen to what your hair is asking for..

More to come soon!!!

- Shampoo & DC 2x/month
- Light Protein 2x/week
- Co-wash 5x/week
- Moisturize & seal 5x/week
- 1 a month clarify shampoo
- Apply Mixed oil potion ( I created) to scalp 5x/week
- Pony tail braid or loose wild bun daily
- Trim ends every 6 to 8 weeks
- Post texturizer since February on 2009 ( I am transitioning- back to my roots.. lol)


Hope this helps..

Anaiyah~

Co-washing 101.. Pt.3 Final~

So as I close my week long discussion on the importance on Co-washing..

I do hope everyone was able to get a few more tips to help you along your Hair Journey...

The simple Truth is I have noticed a huge difference when my hair is washed with conditioners versus shampoos very often…

So to close out here are some instructions to Co-washing:-

Instructions to Co-washing:-

1^st wet hair really well get it nice and saturated. (to add extra softness you can use a pre-poo oil 45 minutes before co-washing)

2^nd use conditioner number 1 and begin rubbing it in at the roots. Slowly and gently use the ball of your fingers as massage scalp. This removes the dirt and the build-up. Do not use nails as this may irritate the scalp! Continue and wash the shaft (the length of the hair). The rinse the conditioner thoroughly!

3^rd use conditioner number 2 same process as step two; this time apply a generous amount of conditioner to the entire scalp and shaft. Use the hair clip and let it sit for 2 minutes or so.

Then use your wide teeth comb and gently comb and detangle the hair. Start at the ends and work the comb up to the roots. Rinse thoroughly!

4^th use conditioner number 3; apply to the entire scalp and hair shaft. Try not to tangle the hair up, since you just spent your time detangling it. Use clip and let sit for 1-2 minutes… Comb thru again to be sure you got all the tangles out! Rinse thoroughly!

5^th gently squeeze as much water out of the hair. Use a generous amount of leave-in-conditioner, applying to the scalp, hair shaft and the ends. Comb through hair one more time. Use hair clip and let sit. You’re all done!!!

Congratulations you just did your first successful Co-wash!!!

You can now whip the hair into a protective style... BAM..!!!

Leave comments and let us know how did you like your results..

Questions to ask your self and your hair:-

How does your hair feel?

How about the next day, how does your hair feel when it dries?

*Look out for my instructional video on Co-washing 101. - posted shortly*

Peace and Love

Anaiyah~

Co-washing 101.. Pt.2

The method behind the madness and this is my logic and crazy system.

I choose 3 conditioners (these can be changed up till you find the right combination) I place them in a what I call a “Co-wash Order”.

I use 2 or 3 because all conditioners are not created equal~ So here is the breakdown..

Conditioner number 1:

This is the conditioner that leaves my hair really dry; it almost feels like I shampooed my hair. So cool, I use this conditioner to act as a shampoo but not as harsh and it will remove dirt and build-up in the hair.

Conditioner number 2:

This conditioner acts as a replenishing conditioner. As it restores the softness and moisture that conditioner number 1 took out.

I know you’re probably wondering why use conditioner number 1in the first place. The reason is you want to wash the dirt and build up, just not all your sebum as well and if you can get this done with minimum damage then awesome..

Conditioner number 3:

Has a nice smell and will leave my hair feeling super soft as it adds to the moisture left by conditioner number 2.

Instructions to Co-washing:-

1^st wet hair really well get it nice and saturated. (to add extra softness you can use a pre-poo oil 45 minutes before co-washing)

2^nd use conditioner number 1 and begin rubbing it in at the roots. Slowly and gently use the ball of your fingers as massage scalp. This removes the dirt and the build-up. Do not use nails as this may irritate the scalp! Continue and wash the shaft (the length of the hair). The rinse the conditioner thoroughly!

3^rd use conditioner number 2 same process as step two; this time apply a generous amount of conditioner to the entire scalp and shaft. Use the hair clip and let it sit for 2 minutes or so.

Then use your wide teeth comb and gently comb and detangle the hair. Start at the ends and work the comb up to the roots. Rinse thoroughly!

4^th use conditioner number 3; apply to the entire scalp and hair shaft. Try not to tangle the hair up, since you just spent your time detangling it. Use clip and let sit for 1-2 minutes… Comb thru again to be sure you got all the tangles out! Rinse thoroughly!

5^th gently squeeze as much water out of the hair. Use a generous amount of leave-in-conditioner, applying to the scalp, hair shaft and the ends. Comb through hair one more time. Use hair clip and let sit. You’re all done!!!

Congratulations you just did your first successful Co-wash!!!

You can now whip the hair into a protective style... BAM..!!! Your'e done...

From this step you can also t-shirt dry, then blow dry and style as usual as well~~~~

Try it out and let me know how did your hair respond...

You will notice less breakage and less shedding with a week.. I did..

* Note always moisturize and lock and seal.... details next blog!

Anaiyah~

What is Co-washing 101, Pt.1

I am a huge advocate when it comes to co- washing!!! It is one of my favorite hair routines. I have been using the co-washing technique for many years.

Co-washing - is simply “washing” your hair with conditioner instead of washing with shampoo.

Yes, you read that correctly! I know what you must be thinking because I thought the same thing when I started washing with conditioner during a routine hair washing.

I always felt by not using the shampoo I was cheating or skipping a step. Until I did some research and found out that there was actually a term for washing with conditioner only.

It was then I realized that I was actually doing a good thing for my hair all these years!

The Truth is washing your hair with conditioners once or twice a week is actually very good for the health and silky shine of your hair. Especially if your hair type falls into a 4 or 3 category.

The main benefit of co-washing is to lock moisture into the hair and not strip the hair of its natural sebum to often.

Sebum:- the natural oil your scalp produces

*Side Note:~

Hair types in the 4 and 3's already have a somewhat low production of this " golden sebum" and so Co-washing more than 1 a week may works wonders!!!

Shampooing strips your hair of dirt and build up which is a very good thing, since dirt and build up can clog pores, which can lead so very slow growth.

The challenge is that many shampoos are not ph balanced very well and contain evil sulfates that dry up your hair by stripping too much of the sebum.

Through trial and error I came to this realization and I choose to co-wash my lovely locks 5 times a week. (This works fantastic for my hair type am a 3c)

I love the super softness I get from this technique versus shampooing. ..

Many times people ask me how I get my hair to grow so long and so fast!!!

Well part of my secret is that I “listen to my hair”….

I know, I know this sounds crazy.. but it's not.. .. As a matter of fact it is crucial to get healthy hair..

I try to hear what it is asking me for… it’s like talking your dog, your plant, yourself

( yes I know you do :-) )

My hair tells me when it’s dry, when it needs a trim, when it wants to be straight and so on…

*Note if the hair feels mushy and limp then discontinue the co-washing. Revaluate your hair routine. * Listen and see what your hair is asking for....

Tools you need to conduct an Awesome Co-wash:-

- Get 2-3 of your favorite conditioners

- Wide teeth comb

- Hair thingy (clip)

- Leave-in-conditioner

Look out for Part 2 on the instructions to Co-wash…..

Anaiyah~