Hair We Grow

OMG! Mr. C makes me so gosh darn mad! I am trying to take out these daggone crochet braids and they are not as easy as you may think. I am getting pissed off! I am even more mad that he would not help me take out one braid! Ugh! He makes me sick! I am sweating trying to take these things out!

Anyway, I am trying to be positive! Today is takedown and wash day!!!!! YAAAAAAY! So so many of y'all have been asking about what I wash my hair with and my diet. Let me begin by saying I have yet to have a routine I am super comfortable with. As far as diet: I do not eat red meat. I have not since 1996. I do not eat pork either. I just eat good ol yard bird and fish. I eat veggies daily and I am trying to get back on my water kick. I used to drink a 1.5 liter plus more a day. DC water is so nasty so I bought the Brita pitcher.

I have my favorite, giant green cup I use daily.

 If I can just get back to drinking one full glass of that before bed and two in the morning, I will be in good position to build up to half my weight in oz. That is a TON of water! But y'all know how it is drinking a lot of water. I am no camel. I swear my bladder is the size of a pea! I know that once I begin drinking more water on a regular basis my body will get used to it. I also take powered fiber nightly. I use good ol Target brand or whatever is on sale. Mix with with some juice and you are good to go. Chug it baby!

 I think this helps flush the toxins. In any case, I like what it does and it is seemingly clearing my skin.

Okay, so we got water covered. I also take a prental vitiman daily ( I am supposed to do it daily but do not!). I HAVE noticed a growth spurt in my hair when once again I follow through and take something as scheduled- one a day. I sometimes take a Biotin pill too. I am not sure about the combination of the Pre natal and biotin. They are making my fingernails do something funny, so I may have to chill on the latter.

Cleansing: In 8 years of me being natural, I have yet to find a shampoo I LOVE. I have tried countless shampoos. I even washed my hair with dish detergent! I know, I know. All you new naturals are spoiled. There was no youtube or incredible internet access in 2003. Hell, I was living in NC in college and barely knew HOW to use a computer. Plus, like NO ONE was natural so I had to go this alone.

Shampoo I do like: Bed Head in the green bottle. I am usually against sulfates, but for some reason this shampoo left my hair feeling great! I need to try it again.
Conditioner: I tried Mixed Chicks before I put in these crochets (which by the way are already out. More on that later), no bueno. Suave humectant is okay. I find that my hair really like Oraganics Olive Oil stuff that comes in that small pack you can get at any hair store for like $1.99
                 HOMEMADE CONDITIONER: One egg yolk, olive oil, 1/2 an avacado, glop of REAL Mayonnaise. Mix well, apply, throw on a shower cap, let it sit for about an hour. It can smell terrible, but leaves my hair so soft. Rinse with COLD water to prevent cooking the eggs. I have done this the wrong way and had more scrambled eggs in my hair more times than I would like to admit.

Mositure: I use my own mix of Shea SewFly Whipped Body Balm for my hair. It is a mix of pure shea butter and oils. My hair LOVES it. I use that or Better Hair and Body. I have been using that for the last 6 years or so. I also use a hair oil at times. Once again all SewFly stuff.

Tools: WIDE TOOTH COMB! This is a must for anyone with kinky, coily, curly or in my case, nappy hair. This helps detangle with ease. How many combs have you broken using the wrong thing?! Shoot, I just broke my wedding veil comb fooling around with something rat tail sized!

            DENMAN BRUSH- I am not sure if this is the real deal holyfield, but I LOVE it. Perfect for detangling in the shower with conditioner in my hair. THIS IS A MUST!

            BOBBY PINS- for the rare chance I do an updo
            PLASTIC CLIPS/CLAW-thingies. Helps me section my hair when washing, styling, etc. Does not break hair like the metal ones

            SATIN BONNET- so dope, cheap, keeps in moisture, minimizes friction. Trick: use a child sized one to stay on better. My regular bonnet always seems to fall off or has slidden (no way is that a word, but you know) back to expose my edges. Always keep more than one. I keep one in my suitcase, bathroom and in PJ drawer.
            SATIN PILLOWCASE- as a backup for the bonnet. I am still out on that because my face is acne prone so I usually use a cotton case to soak up the oil.
            HAIR SHEARS- DO NOT use the same scissors as you use for cutting open mail, making arts and crafts projects, etc. I have an inexpensive pair ($5) of sharp hair shears I use for dusting or trimming my hair. I keep them in an extra sating bonnet I have lying around.
            PONYTAIL HOLDERS- the ones with the covered elastic. These will not pull your hair out.

                     SILK SCARVES- I get mine from the vintage store and I hang them on a tie holder. I have tons of these. I go through a cycle when I wear them all the time and then one where I don't touch them for a year. Not only do these dress up hair, but can add flair to an outfit. I sometimes wear one in place of a belt around a blazer.

MISC. ITEMS: Blow dryer, sit under dryer I rarely put heat on my hair. Even in the winter I just walk around the house with my jheri curl rollers in until my hair dries or I sleep in them. We women possess a talent unlike any other. Those rollers HURT!