So I had something slightly different planned for part three of my 2014 Year-end Hair Health Update, but was inspired by all of the posts in the Saving Our Strands 2014 Hits and Misses Linkup. Here are my top 10 hits and misses for 2014.
In addition to that, I also used a few new products. I took a trip to Sally Beauty to buy some SheaMoisture shampoo and left with several goodies. I used two of the products I purchased during this wash day. They are the SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo and Silk Elements Olive Glossing Polish.
In part one of my 2014 Year-end Update, I recapped the action items I laid out at the beginning of my hair journey to achieve healthy hair by year-end. I also shared a video showing how far I've come. Action items weren't the only things that I used. I had used the tools of the trade - a regimen and hair products.
After several good wash days, I was bound to have one not so good. I had started a battle with dry ends that just couldn't be quenched by moisturizing and sealing.
My first thought is I need to clarify. It had been at least four weeks since I shampooed and thought I may need to get rid of some product buildup. My second thought was it could be protein overload due to using a keratin oil conditioner for several weeks straight.
Here's where things started getting hairy (no pun intended). I went to the store to find my go-to clarifying shampoo SheaMoisture African Black Soap Deep Cleansing Shampoo. I went to about four stores, a couple twice in the week, and all of them were out. I didn't have time to keep driving all over Tampa so I decided to improvise.
My first thought is I need to clarify. It had been at least four weeks since I shampooed and thought I may need to get rid of some product buildup. My second thought was it could be protein overload due to using a keratin oil conditioner for several weeks straight.
Here's where things started getting hairy (no pun intended). I went to the store to find my go-to clarifying shampoo SheaMoisture African Black Soap Deep Cleansing Shampoo. I went to about four stores, a couple twice in the week, and all of them were out. I didn't have time to keep driving all over Tampa so I decided to improvise.
Wow! 2014 has been an interesting year for me. I started my hair journey, moved to a new state and started a new job just to name a few things. When I think about my hair journey I am amazed at how far I've come since my first post in April.
I have to say I was very excited about this wash day because I was going to try a new product. Sally Beauty was having a buy two get one free sale this month on some product lines including a line I use Eden BodyWorks. I needed to get some more of the deep conditioner and leave-in conditioner so for my free product I got the Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Cleansing CoWash.
As my time on my healthy hair journey has progressed I've found that deep conditioning is an important step that I was skipping before I started my journey and it was hurting my hair.
Now that I've been deep conditioning each week to great results but now I want to take it up a notch. And the Hot Head Microwavable Deep Conditioning Cap can help with that so I made the leap and bought one.
Now that I've been deep conditioning each week to great results but now I want to take it up a notch. And the Hot Head Microwavable Deep Conditioning Cap can help with that so I made the leap and bought one.
Changes, changes, changes. That's what my life has been full of lately - getting a haircut, moving to Florida, and starting a new job. I've been wondering when my relaxed hair would start reacting to the changes. I've been doing a shortened modified wash day regimen because I don't have all of my tools and products at my disposal. I think my hair, well my scalp, in particular, isn't liking it.
After going weeks without using a blow dryer on my hair, I now find myself using one more often. My household goods, including my hooded dryer, are in storage until I move into my new place after the new year so to get the last of the dampness out of my strands when air drying I've found myself pulling out my blow dryer.
Don't get me wrong, my Gold N Hot blow dryer is pretty good. It has done what it's supposed to do and has lasted me for several years with no issues; but...it doesn't have a true cool setting or a cold shot. So I set out to Sally's and Ulta to find a one that does.
Related read: 3 Weeks Post Relaxer: Using A New Hair Dryer
Don't get me wrong, my Gold N Hot blow dryer is pretty good. It has done what it's supposed to do and has lasted me for several years with no issues; but...it doesn't have a true cool setting or a cold shot. So I set out to Sally's and Ulta to find a one that does.
I decided to change it up a bit this wash day. I was getting a bit tired of the same old, same old and I think my hair was too. Some areas of my scalp were showing signs of flaking and my hair was a little on the dry side. To change things up I opted to co-wash and deep condition a little longer than normal.
Additionally, I got a new Hot Shot Tools blow dryer. My hooded dryer is in storage until I move into my new place and I'd been using an older Gold N Hot blow dryer which I think has been drying out my hair and scalp because it doesn't have true cool or low setting. More about the new blow dryer will come in a post later this week.
Additionally, I got a new Hot Shot Tools blow dryer. My hooded dryer is in storage until I move into my new place and I'd been using an older Gold N Hot blow dryer which I think has been drying out my hair and scalp because it doesn't have true cool or low setting. More about the new blow dryer will come in a post later this week.
ABOUT ME
Hi I'm Leah, the creator of A Relaxed Gal blog providing hair, beauty, and lifestyle inspiration and tips for women who want a simple way to look great, feel great, and live great.