My new weekend regimen

So I think that I finally figured out a good routine for my hair on the weeks where I don't have an appointment at the salon. Here is what I did yesterday:

• Hot oil treatment - I covered my hair with ORS Olive Oil Replenishing Conditioner from root to ends, then applied oil. I used one part olive oil and one part coconut oil. I covered my hair in a plastic hair and let it sit for about two hours.
• I then rinsed it out and shampooed.
• Deep conditioner - I used Ion Effective Care Intensive Therapy. I have always used this even before I decided to go natural and it seems to work well with my transitioning hair as well. I applied it, let it sit while I took my shower, then then detangled.
• Towel dried my hair then applied Cantu Leave In Conditioner, and styled.

Today my hair feels great! Very soft and shiny!

I have a problem

What is all of this, you ask?

I took my sew-in out on October 10, and these are all the products I've bought since then. Back behind all the products on the other end of the counter is all the wine I've had to buy in order to deal with this natural hair, but that's neither here nor there.

I am so easy -- all it takes is me to read about some miracle product on a blog, or for a friend to mention she is using some great new conditioner, or trying one product in a line and then deciding I need to have the WHOLE line (Cantu I'm talking to you!) -- and I will be at the beauty supply store the next day. And think about it, this is not even including all the hair products that I already owned! I told a friend earlier this week that I have more hair products than the beauty supply store.

The good news is that I'm slowly but surely settling into my routine; learning what works on my hair and what doesn't work. And also, I can honestly say that I haven't ton of money on this new stuff. I almost fell into the trap of trying an expensive brand endorsed by a couple of celebrities. You know what brand I am talking about. I asked around about this brand and everyone hated it. Saved me $100! And one of the best products that I have found is something I already had in the kitchen, olive oil!

I'm making a vow to myself that I don't buy one more new thing until I have used up what I have here. I wonder if I'll be able to do it.

Today's Salon Visit

My stylist says it's growing but I can't tell!

Protective Style Pics

I have recently started wearing a phony pony to protect my ends during the hair challenge I am participating in. Check it out!

Here is a picture of it from the side. I got a lot of compliments on it from my coworkers and friends, and my hair stylist loved it when I saw her today!

Product Review: Denman Brush

Since I started this hair journey, I've been reading about the Denman hair brush on all the hair blogs. Supposedly, it is good for detangling, blow drying, elongating your hair, massaging your scalp, turning water to wine, etc etc. This afternoon I was telling my friend (who is also natural) about last night's hair debacle, and she suggested the brush to me. I love to spend money so it didn't take much convincing from her that I needed to buy it.

I found the brush at Sally's Beauty Supply, and it was around $10. The cashier said "Another Denman! There's a cult following for these things or something!"

Got home, and did my usual routine of co-washing and detangling with a wide tooth comb in the shower. Towel dried, moisturized, and sealed with oil.

I am going to wear a fake ponytail for awhile as my protective style, and therefore needed to gather my own hair into a high ponytail to attach the fake hair. The brush worked great for that. It also was a second opportunity to get rid of any tangles that the shower comb might have missed.

My favorite thing about this brush is the scalp massage. I love having my scalp massaged and this brush definitely did the trick. Another thing that was great about it is that it worked to distribute product throughout my hair. And, a lot of people on the blogs say the brush makes their curls look better... makes them pop. It might be all in my head but I think it made mine look better too!

All in all, I think this was a great purchase. I have only used it once and I am already raving about it, so I'm sure it will be a good investment. Get this brush!

One of those days....

I am having a blah hair day. Went to the gym last night and when I got home, I let it air dry, then I simply wore a satin bonnet to bed. FAIL! This morning I tried to moisturize it and re-fluff my knot-out but my hair was not having it. So I got my big elastic and just put it in a puff.

Got home from work today and knew I needed to re-twist my knots. I tried to wet my hair with my spray bottle and tried to detangle and I was just having a really hard time with it. I came *thisclose* to getting the scissors and doing the big chop. However, I got a hold of myself, got my ends moisturized, and my twists are done.

Man.... natural hair is a lot of work sometimes!

Great Video!

Check out this video. Lots of great information about taking care of your hair!