This month I will just try to see if I can salvage my hair. This color has caused severe shedding and certain parts are shorter than others. Hopefully it can be saved or else there will be a BC in the near future. I will do daily or bi-daily co-washes with a leave-in, take vitamins, and minimize my routine and hopefully the growth will follow.

the near future. I will do daily or bi-daily co-washes with a leave-in, take vitamins, and minimize my routine and hopefully the growth will follow.

I have taken a step back in my journey. Due to a color mishap, I have a short patch of hair on the top that cannot be twisted. So sad. I had to have a slight trim. I will continue to nourish my hair and trim it every six to eight weeks until it catches up. Ladies....avoid bleach and ammonia at all costs. I will be using Aveda color in the future. It is 93% natural, earth friendly, and is a one-step process. I will reduce my co-washes, increase my scalp massages, continue my vitamins, and pray that God will heal my scalp and replenish my hair.

UPDATE: That "reduce co-washes" thing ain't workin' yall! I just can't do it. I just like that fresh feeling and it feels like my hair works better with products when it's clean. Somebody educate me. I'm trying to do right by my hair minus my color escapades.

hair and trim it every six to eight weeks until it catches up. Ladies....avoid bleach and ammonia at all costs. I will be using Aveda color in the future. It is 93% natural, earth friendly, and is a one-step process. I will reduce my co-washes, increase my scalp massages, continue my vitamins, and pray that God will heal my scalp and replenish my hair.

UPDATE: That "reduce co-washes" thing ain't workin' yall! I just can't do it. I just like that fresh feeling and it feels like my hair works better with products when it's clean. Somebody educate me. I'm trying to do right by my hair minus my color escapades.

Ok gals! As you all know I had a color mishap that caused hair breakage and other drama. I thank you all for your support and encouraging words. After three trims...the damage is gone and I can start over. I had to "back stroke" length-wise..but I'd rather have a head full of short healthy hair than long damaged hair. I found a stylist that specializes in Aveda hair color which is 93% natural. I also had a trim. I have invested in Kinky Curly Curling Custard and Knot Today. After one use...I'M HOOKED! I think my search is over. The remainder of this year will be spent focusing on healthy hair and length. With this Aveda color I have not experienced any breakage, dryness, or texture change. No more crunchy gels and greasy products. I'd like to become the advocate for KISS (keep it simple stupid). I want hair that my husband can touch, smells good, and is not greasy or oily. I co-wash with Aubrey Organics. Thank you all for your prayers and support. I will update you if anything changes with my thoughts on my new method.

UPDATE: I no longer co-wash with Aubrey's. I found that I'm protein sensitive and it was drying my hair. Although they have a variety of conditioners...I will stick with my Knot Today. I am very happy with the Kinky Curly line.

PRODUCTS: Kinky Curly Curling Custard and Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner

Pros: Fragrance, curl definition, softness, multiple use product

Cons: Price, availability, takes forever to dry, correct application

UPDATE: Price is no longer a "Con". This product is so concentrated...I can see that it will last for months. Also the ingredients are worth its weight in $$.

Recommend: Definitely!

start over. I had to "back stroke" length-wise..but I'd rather have a head full of short healthy hair than long damaged hair. I found a stylist that specializes in Aveda hair color which is 93% natural. I also had a trim. I have invested in Kinky Curly Curling Custard and Knot Today. After one use...I'M HOOKED! I think my search is over. The remainder of this year will be spent focusing on healthy hair and length. With this Aveda color I have not experienced any breakage, dryness, or texture change. No more crunchy gels and greasy products. I'd like to become the advocate for KISS (keep it simple stupid). I want hair that my husband can touch, smells good, and is not greasy or oily. I co-wash with Aubrey Organics. Thank you all for your prayers and support. I will update you if anything changes with my thoughts on my new method.

UPDATE: I no longer co-wash with Aubrey's. I found that I'm protein sensitive and it was drying my hair. Although they have a variety of conditioners...I will stick with my Knot Today. I am very happy with the Kinky Curly line.

PRODUCTS: Kinky Curly Curling Custard and Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner

Pros: Fragrance, curl definition, softness, multiple use product

Cons: Price, availability, takes forever to dry, correct application

UPDATE: Price is no longer a "Con". This product is so concentrated...I can see that it will last for months. Also the ingredients are worth its weight in $$.

Recommend: Definitely!

My hair is growing, growing, growing! I thank God. As you all know...I had to start over due to a color mishap. I think I can definitely contribute some of my growth to Kinky Curly products. An organic wash-n-go line. I find the shampoo hard to use...but I only shampoo once per week and haven't had any problems. I pray that by the end of this month I will be able to twist my hair again. So I continue to hope for growth. I have just been rockin' da fro and enjoying the freedom and love.

UPDATE: Still using Kinky Curly. My hair is extra healthy and I have noticed some growth. I don't plan to change up unless I have to. If it ain't broke don't fix it....I used to be a product junkie...but I have finally come to the conclusion that simple is best....if you find something that works for you...stick with it...no matter how expensive...my crown is definitely worth the investment. I find Kinky Curly to be very cost effective. The only BAD thing is that my hair takes a while to dry....so I invested in the Spiral Spritz for those days when I don't want to completely wet my hair...it has worked for me. Please feel free to leave any comments or suggestions.

Stay beautiful y'all.

organic wash-n-go line. I find the shampoo hard to use...but I only shampoo once per week and haven't had any problems. I pray that by the end of this month I will be able to twist my hair again. So I continue to hope for growth. I have just been rockin' da fro and enjoying the freedom and love.

UPDATE: Still using Kinky Curly. My hair is extra healthy and I have noticed some growth. I don't plan to change up unless I have to. If it ain't broke don't fix it....I used to be a product junkie...but I have finally come to the conclusion that simple is best....if you find something that works for you...stick with it...no matter how expensive...my crown is definitely worth the investment. I find Kinky Curly to be very cost effective. The only BAD thing is that my hair takes a while to dry....so I invested in the Spiral Spritz for those days when I don't want to completely wet my hair...it has worked for me. Please feel free to leave any comments or suggestions.

Stay beautiful y'all.

MONTH NINE! Although I am into month nine of my grow out process....I was forced to shed some ends due to color. For the past three months I have been growing strong. Also this month my color is reflective of the fall and winter season. I'm still using Aveda color and have darkend to a hot chocolate brown.

I am simply a wash-n-go girl. Aside from color I have a very simple routine that I feel has contributed to my recent growth spurt.

Products: Kinky Curly Curling Custard, Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner, Come Clean Shampoo, Spiral Spritz, and water

reflective of the fall and winter season. I'm still using Aveda color and have darkend to a hot chocolate brown.

I am simply a wash-n-go girl. Aside from color I have a very simple routine that I feel has contributed to my recent growth spurt.

Products: Kinky Curly Curling Custard, Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner, Come Clean Shampoo, Spiral Spritz, and water

What a blessed month indeed! I was selected as Motown Girl's Spotlight for December 08. For those of you who don't know....her site is a road that you must travel on your natural hair journey. Her site is a plethra of knowledge. Whether you are transitioning, natural, or just looking for some inspiration; this is the site for you. Not only does she share her journey, she does product reviews, consultations, provides recipes, and offers nutritional information.

It is truly an honor that she has selected me to represent in this movement of self-love and appreciation. I pray that God blesses her and that she continues to inspire. I also hope that I can encourage someone who is seeking and searching for someone who can be an example of where they'd like to be. I remember when I began my journey...I was inspired by the journeys of other women. I was in awe at their courage and confidence to wear their God given crown. What better way to inspire others than to have pictures that you can share with others?

Stay beautiful and remember that knowledge is power. Let us continue to build each other up and appreciate that God made each and every one of us unique and beautiful in our own way.

http://motowngirl.com/content/

Products for this month:
Kinky Curly Curling Custard
Knot Today Conditioner
Come Clean Shampoo
Spiral Spritz
Gloss Pomade
water
Skin Care: Ida's Homemade Soap and shea butter
*I'd like to try coconut oil soon

site is a plethra of knowledge. Whether you are transitioning, natural, or just looking for some inspiration; this is the site for you. Not only does she share her journey, she does product reviews, consultations, provides recipes, and offers nutritional information.

It is truly an honor that she has selected me to represent in this movement of self-love and appreciation. I pray that God blesses her and that she continues to inspire. I also hope that I can encourage someone who is seeking and searching for someone who can be an example of where they'd like to be. I remember when I began my journey...I was inspired by the journeys of other women. I was in awe at their courage and confidence to wear their God given crown. What better way to inspire others than to have pictures that you can share with others?

Stay beautiful and remember that knowledge is power. Let us continue to build each other up and appreciate that God made each and every one of us unique and beautiful in our own way.

http://motowngirl.com/content/

Products for this month:
Kinky Curly Curling Custard
Knot Today Conditioner
Come Clean Shampoo
Spiral Spritz
Gloss Pomade
water
Skin Care: Ida's Homemade Soap and shea butter
*I'd like to try coconut oil soon

Not very much to update this month. I purchased one gallon of coconut oil. I plan to co-wash less now that the weather is cold and I'm hoping for a softer fro. I have added coconut oil to my spritz and apply it daily as a moisturizer. So far the results are positive. I still enjoy the Kinky Curly product line but have found that as my hair grows it is literally taking all day to dry. I am also military so I must consider that I have to wear a wool beret or hat while outdoors in my uniform which wrecks havoc on my hair especially when its wet or damp. I exercise 5+ days per week so I may rinse my scalp a few times during the week.

My new daily regime consists of:
1. Spritz with water/coconut oil mix or Spiral Spritz (Kinky Curly)
2. Add Kinky Curly Curling Custard only to areas I wish to slick down or add definition to

Weekly regime:
1. Shampoo with Come Clean (Kinky Curly) or one of Ida's Homemade Soaps
2. Condition with Knot Today (Kinky Curly)
3. Apply Knot Today as leave-in
4. Apply KCCC

RESULTS: Fluffier fro, softer hair, nice coconut fragrance, and an easier daily routine without dripping damp hair at work. My hair is not as sleek and a little more frizzy now that I am not rinsing or co-washing daily but still very attractive. I am learning to love a more natural look and embrace my hair with what it does naturally....fluff and frizz : )

One thing that I will try to improve is educating my stylist. I enjoy going to the Aveda Salon to get a scalp massage, shampoo, condition, and color rinse every two months; but I am not happy with the way my stylist combs through my dry fro. I will bring my own combs and or detangle my hair prior to going to the salon.

and apply it daily as a moisturizer. So far the results are positive. I still enjoy the Kinky Curly product line but have found that as my hair grows it is literally taking all day to dry. I am also military so I must consider that I have to wear a wool beret or hat while outdoors in my uniform which wrecks havoc on my hair especially when its wet or damp. I exercise 5+ days per week so I may rinse my scalp a few times during the week.

My new daily regime consists of:
1. Spritz with water/coconut oil mix or Spiral Spritz (Kinky Curly)
2. Add Kinky Curly Curling Custard only to areas I wish to slick down or add definition to

Weekly regime:
1. Shampoo with Come Clean (Kinky Curly) or one of Ida's Homemade Soaps
2. Condition with Knot Today (Kinky Curly)
3. Apply Knot Today as leave-in
4. Apply KCCC

RESULTS: Fluffier fro, softer hair, nice coconut fragrance, and an easier daily routine without dripping damp hair at work. My hair is not as sleek and a little more frizzy now that I am not rinsing or co-washing daily but still very attractive. I am learning to love a more natural look and embrace my hair with what it does naturally....fluff and frizz : )

One thing that I will try to improve is educating my stylist. I enjoy going to the Aveda Salon to get a scalp massage, shampoo, condition, and color rinse every two months; but I am not happy with the way my stylist combs through my dry fro. I will bring my own combs and or detangle my hair prior to going to the salon.

It has been one year. Growing out has been more difficult than my decision to go natural. My hair has gone through so many phases this year and it is constantly changing with length. I am so thankful to have all of you. Sometimes I just look at your photos to keep myself encouraged....not to relax but to keep from cutting it all off ha ha. I hope that this year will bring more length, health, and beauty.

My regime: Co-wash as needed
Shampoo weekly
Coconut oil on 2nd day hair and beyond
Kinky Curly Curling Custard for wash-n-gos, twists, and puffs
Knot Today as a moisturizer and co-wash conditioner


REVELATION: Coconut oil is the bomb! It has become my new body lotion. I am saving a ton$$ since I started using organic and natural products. Also, puffs are cute but they hurt. I'm sure you ladies can help me out.

thankful to have all of you. Sometimes I just look at your photos to keep myself encouraged....not to relax but to keep from cutting it all off ha ha. I hope that this year will bring more length, health, and beauty.

My regime: Co-wash as needed
Shampoo weekly
Coconut oil on 2nd day hair and beyond
Kinky Curly Curling Custard for wash-n-gos, twists, and puffs
Knot Today as a moisturizer and co-wash conditioner


REVELATION: Coconut oil is the bomb! It has become my new body lotion. I am saving a ton$$ since I started using organic and natural products. Also, puffs are cute but they hurt. I'm sure you ladies can help me out.

It's my birthday! Ah, July is a wonderful month.

UPDATE: I can clearly say that my hair and oils don't really mix well. I add a little to remove 2nd day crunch or as a layer under a hair gel.

My favorite oil combo consists of coconut oil, shea butter, sunflower oil, castor oil, olive oil, vitamin E, essential lavender, and sweet orange oil. This mixture can be used as a hair, skin, and nail oil as well as a lip moisturizer/gloss. I have even used this mixture to remove stubborn eye makeup.

I have finally mastered the art of 2nd day and beyond hair. The secret: spritz with water and lightly rub (not pick or pull) hair.

The more frizzy and old my hair style the more compliments.

CURRENT ROUTINE:
Shampoo weekly (co-wash as often as needed)
Knot Today Conditioner as leave-in
Shingle with Kinky Curly Curling Custard
Air dry
Spritz daily with plain water (or lavender water)
add a small amount of Aveda Brilliance for shine
add IC Fantasia gel to slick hairline as needed

I only comb my hair every few months. My fingers are my primary styling tool, however, I am excited to report that Kinky Curly has created a detangling comb and brush set that I can't wait to try out (my set is on the way).

UPDATE: After numerous Denman uses I can clearly report that it feels good to my scalp and is a good detangler. I just like my fingers better...they're cheaper and can catch any knot without snagging. Thank God for fingers...don't forget to use them often.

Last but not least--I would like to thank God for each and every last beautiful woman that has visited my FOTKI and left a guestbook message, comment , or has offered suggestions. I feel at home and comforted by you all. There have been times where I have felt like giving in but instead have been encouraged. It is amazing that when we free our hair we free our minds by embracing our true, God-given beauty. I can only pray that I have been a source of encouragement for someone.

My favorite oil combo consists of coconut oil, shea butter, sunflower oil, castor oil, olive oil, vitamin E, essential lavender, and sweet orange oil. This mixture can be used as a hair, skin, and nail oil as well as a lip moisturizer/gloss. I have even used this mixture to remove stubborn eye makeup.

I have finally mastered the art of 2nd day and beyond hair. The secret: spritz with water and lightly rub (not pick or pull) hair.

The more frizzy and old my hair style the more compliments.

CURRENT ROUTINE:
Shampoo weekly (co-wash as often as needed)
Knot Today Conditioner as leave-in
Shingle with Kinky Curly Curling Custard
Air dry
Spritz daily with plain water (or lavender water)
add a small amount of Aveda Brilliance for shine
add IC Fantasia gel to slick hairline as needed

I only comb my hair every few months. My fingers are my primary styling tool, however, I am excited to report that Kinky Curly has created a detangling comb and brush set that I can't wait to try out (my set is on the way).

UPDATE: After numerous Denman uses I can clearly report that it feels good to my scalp and is a good detangler. I just like my fingers better...they're cheaper and can catch any knot without snagging. Thank God for fingers...don't forget to use them often.

Last but not least--I would like to thank God for each and every last beautiful woman that has visited my FOTKI and left a guestbook message, comment , or has offered suggestions. I feel at home and comforted by you all. There have been times where I have felt like giving in but instead have been encouraged. It is amazing that when we free our hair we free our minds by embracing our true, God-given beauty. I can only pray that I have been a source of encouragement for someone.

I have tried just about everything and narrowed my product list down to a few.