Sunday, April 23, 2006

Nappturality Con't

So Its 2AM and I can’t sleep. I don’t want to watch TV, nor do I feel like studying anymore, so I did something much more relaxing: I measured my new growth in the mirror. I have 1.75 inches of nappy hair! YAY!!! It seems to be in good condition, well moisturized, no breakage, growing at a good rate.

I haven’t had a perm in six months! WHOA! I didn’t think that I would be able to go with out a perm for this long. This is so serious! I am so excited about going natural and am impressed with my dedication. I viewed a friend for HS’s photo journey of her process on thefacebook.com and read a few other people’s process on blogs about transition from perms to natural hair. I am happy that I have been taking pictures along the way and keeping a written journal about this part of my life as well. Minimally, I am going to publish my journal online, so it can serve as a reference/encouragement to other people. I may even black out my face and put my pictures online.

February Con’t & March-
That product I ordered in February never came. DO NOT ORDER THE NATURALAXER KIT IN A JAR! Something is very wrong with that company. I sent numerous emails and left multiple voicemails, but none were returned. Luckily, my credit card wasn’t charged.

In the interim, I have been working the straw set. It isn’t looking quite as crisp as it used to because my new growth is visible. I still wear it though because it looks better than my “homely looking” twisties.

Searching for something new to try, I went to Visions Hair Studio (located at: Visions Hair Studio, 2318 18th St NW, Washington, DC, (202) 797-9898) for my birthday in February. MY HAIR LOOKED WONDERFUL!!!! It was bouncing and behaving! It looked like I had a perm. The woman didn’t even flatiron my hair. She worked her magic with a blow dryer. I received a much needed trim. One of the beauticians was in the process of going natural herself and she game me tips on keeping it in good condition as my two textures battle it out. Now I get my hair pressed once a month and get one in trimmed off each time. So far, I have lost 2 inches…PROGRESS!!!

April-
Itching for a BIG change and tired of dealing with two textures, I was TEMPTED to go to the salon this Wednesday and do the big chop (getting rid of my permed ends). I decided against it after doing some careful thought and research. Trimming (which is usually ½ of an inch) once every eight months would drastically increase the amount of time it would take for me to reach my desired natural hair length (approximately 4-6 inches.) Hair only grows ¼ of an inch every month, on average. I’d be trimming my new growth and thus never experience my true growth potential.

In tune with my borderline- A-Type personality, I have mapped out a hair plan. It’s late, and I have nothing better to do, so I thought I would share it with you:

April-
v Get a press and trim for a graduation at Visions Hair Studio, 2318 18th St NW, Washington, DC, (202) 797-9898


May-
v Get a press and trim for another graduation at Visions Hair Studio, 2318 18th St NW, Washington, DC, (202) 797-9898
v Get Microbraids done by Ms. Danielle in Milwaukee, WI
o Maintenance
§ Weekly-
· Organic Root Stimulator-Herbal Cleanse
· Organic Root Stimulator- Olive Oil Hair Sheen
· Doo Gro- Mega Thick Anti Itch Oil
§ Monthly-
· African Hair Wonders-Foaming Braid Shampoo

July-
v Take microbraids down
v Get a press and trim for NAACP National Convention
v Institute “Cornrow Regimen”
o Get Cornrows done at Elle Braiding Salon,1935 11th St NW, Washington, DC, (202) 667-0404
§ Maintenance
· Weekly-
o Organic Root Stimulator-Herbal Cleanse
o Organic Root Stimulator- Olive Oil Hair Sheen
o Doo Gro- Mega Thick Anti Itch Oil
o When braids look tired, after approximately 2-4 weeks, take them down
o Wash hair
§ Soft Sheen Carson Optimum Care- Super Protecting Shampoo
§ Soft Sheen Carson Optimum Care- Stay Strong Conditioner Shampoo
§ Pantene Pro-V Relaxed and Natural- Breakage Defense Mask
o Repeat


August
v Get Microbraids done by Ms. Danielle in Milwaukee, WI (or at Elle Braiding Salon,1935 11th St NW, Washington, DC, (202) 667-0404)
o Maintenance
§ Weekly-
· Organic Root Stimulator-Herbal Cleanse
· Organic Root Stimulator- Olive Oil Hair Sheen
· Doo Gro- Mega Thick Anti Itch Oil
§ Monthly-
· African Hair Wonders-Foaming Braid Shampoo

October-
v Take braids down
v Get a press and trim for HU’s Homecoming

My hair should be completely natural by now. If it is not, I will continue the “cornrow regimen” until all of the permed ends are gone and my hair is all natural.

The hair plan for after going natural:
Daily:
Morning-
v Pantene Pro-V 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner (Hydrating Curls)
o Comb hair in shower every few days
v IMAGE-Jumping Curl Mist
v Organic Root Stimulator- Nature’s Shine
o Finger style

Evening-
v Fantasia-PM Night Spray
v Doo Gro- Mega Thick Growth Oil
o Plait hair into sections
o Sleep with a silk scarf

Every two weeks-
v Soft Sheen Carson Optimum Care- Super Protecting Shampoo
v Soft Sheen Carson Optimum Care- Stay Strong Conditioner Shampoo
v Pantene Pro-V Relaxed and Natural- Breakage Defense Mask

Every two months-
v Schedule a trim at Oliver Natural Hair Salon, 5225 Connecticut Ave. N.W. Suite 210, Washington DC , (202) 686-9714

I got the products and salons from the word of mouth directory. People who are natural have told me what has worked for them and where they have gone. These products and salons come highly recommended. If you are in a position to take advantage of them, please do! I backed this information up with what I have read in magazines and online.

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